for Job 34.19 it is onely true piety which maketh us dear and pretious in God's eies which moveth God to fasten his affection upon us and to delight himself in us men may bee admired by men for their endowments because men judg according to external appearance as 1 Sam. 16.6 but as vers 7. so God looketh not on men because tall in honors high in external callings great through a worldly abundance but the holy man is the object of God's affection Psal 146.8 these are God's chois Jam. 2.5 these are God's delight Pro. 11.20 these are a diademe and a crown of glory in God's hand Isa 62.3 to these doth hee look with these doth hee delight to dwell Isa 57.15 Joh. 14 23 24. these are unto Christ in stead of all others Mat. 12.50 And indeed upon whom hath the cloud of God's love distilled on whom hath the light of his countenance shined towards whom have the infallible testimonies of God's favor been manifested but onely to such as are endued with the saving gifts and graces of his Spirit to whom hath hee vouchsafed his presence as a father among his children as a shepherd among his flock as the sun among the stars in the firmament surely onely to such as fear him Psal 46.5 Zeph. 3.15 Gen. 28.12 upon whom doth hee cast forth the light of his countenanee whose soul doth hee affect with the sens of his love but onely such as by a lively faith imbrace his promises and keep their feet within the way of his commandements Psal 11.7 Rom. 5.5 to whom doth hee make his Word a joifull tidings a healing salve a sweet savour but onely to such as pass their time in his fear order their conversation in a holy manner to them the meditation thereof is sweet Psal 104.34 common favors indeed are vouchsafed to the bad as the rain falleth on the bad ground as well as the good Mat. 5.45 but the special pledges of God's love are conferred onely upon the righteous Psal 50.16 But it may bee you will say That riches and honors and these external favors that they are also blessings they are water out of God's well rain out of God's cloud a gift from his hand 2. They are therefore very much deceived who bless themselvs as being God's dearest favorites the choisest of his beloved because they are most plenteously enriched with these common endowments because their houses are fairer their possessions larger their dignities greater their earthly delights pleasures and comforts far excelling other this is a sandy foundation to build upon a deceitfull balance to weigh themselvs in a fals rule whereby to judg of God's love who had more pleasure than the glutton faring deliciously and wearing fine apparell every day yet a fire brand of hell Luke 16. who richer than hee that builded his barns greater cheared up his soul with the thought of his great abundance yet who at the last were his attendants but the devils Luke 12. where was his dwelling but in everlasting darkness who perished in the red sea was it not Pharaoh king of Egypt Exod. 14. who was eaten up of lice was it not Herod that sate upon the throne Act. 12.22 On whom came sorrow widowed and loss of children in one day was it not upon the Babylonish Queen that lived in pleasures Isa 47.7 8. Who stand in slipery places but they who have more than heart can desire Psal 73.18 Who perish like their beasts but they that boasted of their wealth Psal 14.49 on the other side Who poorer than Lazarus who had resting place in Abraham's bosom Luke 16.8 Who had no other cradle but a manger Luke 2. Who had not where to lay his head but the Son of man Christ Jesus who of all others was most dear to God Who were in sheeps skins and goats skins in the wilderness in caves destitute afflicted tormented but the good people of God of whom the world was not worthy Who were accounted as the dung and of-scouring of the earth but the Apostles of the Lord Jesus the transgressors they have grown as the grass overtopt the righteous as the tares the corn advanced themselvs in the world like the cedars in Lebanon they have been among men as the Leviathan among the fishes of the sea as the lion buls bears among the beasts of the field as the eagle among the birds of the aër as the tree by the great waters among the trees of the forrest the most unholy have many times the greatest abundance of outward favors and therefore wee cannot but falsly conclude them to bee most happy who have most earthly plenty fatness and prosperity for having nothing but this 1. they are dead in sin and whom judg wee most happy the dead with a goodly tomb or the living that hath life in him the widow living in pleasures was very wretched because dead in sin while shee lived 2. these are destitute of God's image it is not the adorning of the body with gold and silver but the adorning of the soul with grace which is in the sight of God of great price 3. these have no communion with God it is not by wealth but by faith and holy life that wee have fellowship with God 1 Joh. 1.6 4. these are strangers to true peace it is not wordly riches but true grace that bringeth peace unto the conscience riches usually breed many troubles they have unability to appeas a stormy tempest of a troubled conscience Ez. 19.7 But it may bee you will say that riches honors and external favors are blessings also that these are waters of God's well rain out of God's cloud a gift from God's hand and therfore also a testimony of God's love to which I answer it is true they are blessings in themselvs for every creature of God in it's own kind is good Gen. 1.31 they are all from the Lord the giver of every good gift Isa 1.17 for the earth is the Lord 's Psal 24.1 riches and honor come from him 1 Chro. 29.12 the Lord setteth one and pulleth down another 1 Sam. 2.7 all cometh from God's providence but all cometh not from God's mercy and love to them who are possessors of it it is one thing to have a thing by the cours of God's Providence another thing to have it from God in love and in favor for God giveth in wrath as well as in mercy as Hos 13.11 so God giveth wealth and riches in his wrath and taketh it away in his displeasure thus Israel had quails given but it was in wrath Numb 11.33 better they had been without them Thus Solomon saw this evil under the sun riches kept for the owners thereof to their own hurt Ecles 5.13 when Absalon made a feast hee invited all his brethren prepared dainties for them som hee invited in love but Amon in hatred for hee gave charge to his servants when they should see him merry with wine that then they should fall upon him and
in causing a light to shine to them who sat in darknes Mat. 4.16 In opening the eyes of the spiritually blind as it is in Isa 35.5 6. In turning men from iniquity as it is in Acts the 3. verse 26. In teaching them to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts Tit. 2.12 13 14. In making us the Sons and Daughters of God as you have it in 1. Iohn 3.1 In washing us from the spirituall filthyness of sin Eze. 6.7 9 10. And in this manner must we shew our love towards our bretheren that it may appear we love the Jewel and not the casket the soul and not the carkase that our love may be fastned on Gods image and not on that which is but dust and ashes that the fruit of our love may be everlasting Prov. 13.24 What Solomon speaks there he that spareth his rod hateth his son but he that loveth him chastneth him betimes So in this case he that loveth his field manureth it he that loveth his tree pruneth it 3. That we have not unfained love to God No better argument of love to God than in seeking to take from men that sin which God doth hate to restore them to holiness wherein God doth delight and therefore this is made an argument to demonstrate Peters love to Christ his feeding his sheep Iohn 21.17 by this we shall gather them home to Gods fold make them Members of Christs body heires of Gods Kingdom servants in Gods family Trees in Gods Orchard souldiers fighting Gods battles and so shall shew our love to God by being a means of bringing much honour to him and to them that seek not the good of there bretherens Souls I may say as in the 1. Joh. 3.17 How dwelleth the love of God in him 4. That we have no feeling of the goodness of God in our Souls of the lively opperation of his word of our happiness in being in Christ had we the sence of this we would with David in Psa 66.16 Invite men to us and say Come and hear all ye that fear God and we will tell you what he hath done for our Souls and we would being converted strengthen our bretheren as you have it in Luk. 22.32 Wee would say as the Samaritan Woman Ioh. 4.29 come see a man which told me all things that ever I did is not this the Christ and as they that were sent to spye out the Land when they saw it and how good it was incouraged the rest to go to it saying in Iud. 18.9 Arise that we may go up against them for we have seen the Land and behold it is very good and are ye still be not sloathfull to go and to enter to possess the Land Even so those that have felt and seene the goodness of the Lord are ready to incourage others Saying to those that stand still arise why ly ye still why are ye slothfull come into the way of God that is so good so pleasant 5. That we have no feeling of their misery did we feel there sin as a heavy burden upon our Souls as a thorne in our sides as a burning fire in our own bowels it would make us mightily to awaken them out of sin as the Woman of Canaan having her Daughter vexed with a divell cryed out have mercy on me O Lord thou Son of David for my Daughter is grevously vexed with a devill Math. 15.22 So will it be with a soul that hath had any feeling of the misery of sin it will cry out in the behalf of poor sinners have mercy O Lord for we have bretheren greivously vexed with sinnes and devills 6. That we are not greived to see Gods Law transgressed as David was in Psal 119.136 rivers of tears run down my eyes because they keep not thy law the wayes of God neglected as Lam. 1.4 that the name of God is dishonoured 7. That we are not troubled at the beholding of their sinfull conversation as 2. Pet. 2.8 That they are not as Cananites to Israel Iud. 2.2 3. as the men of Mesech to David Psal 120.4 as the Daughters of Heth to Sara Gen. 27.46 Were they such a grief we would pray to God to convert them as we would to cure a man of the plague in our Families to roote thornes and bryars out of our vineyard 8. That we do not fear the provocations of the Lords wrath against the place where the Kingdom and Church wherein we live by their sin did we consider how for the adultery of one Zimri and Cosby the plague might fall on all the people Num. 25.8 9. How for the disobedience of one Ionah the whole ship might be in danger of miscarrying Ionah 1. How for the theft of one Achan the whole army might be defeated Ios 7. did we consider and lay to heart how many evils may befull us for the sin of them that dwell about us we would do as Ezra did Exra 10.1 and according to our best abilities by prayers teares intreaties endevour their reformation Vse 2 Therefore let us all humble our selves for our past default in this behalf and for the time to to me let us labour to do more good let us in all places in all companies so manage all occasions so dispatch all busines so husband our time that we do some good if it be possible to the Souls of our bretheren that we help them a little forward in the way to heaven As Iron sharpens Iron as it is in Prov. 27.17 So let us sharpen the Souls of our bretheren Let us be to them as the rock to Peter Math. 26.75 as Philip to Nathaniel Iohn 1.45 let us be to them as Horse men and Chariots to stirre them up to drive and draw them forward as bellows to kindle and blow up the gifts of Gods Spirit within them let us communicate what we have received like good stewards feeding Gods family like fruitfull trees yeilding some fruit like shining stars casting out some light As Mary opened her box of alabaster and perfumed the house therewith Luk. 7.37 So let us with our gracious speeches holy instructions and pious discourse leave a gracious savour behind us and impresse some good in them that are with us As wicked men sleep not untill they do some mischief Prov. 4.16 No more let us take rest unles we do some good as Iacob would not let the Angel go till he blessed him Gen. No more let us depart from our bretheren without leaving some blessing behind us And to the end we may do good in all places companies consider these things 1. Let us make a spirituall use of earthly things As our Saviour by the water which the Samaritan Woman drew took occasion to speak of the water of life by fishing with nets in the Sea took occasion to speak of catching and drawing out of the Sea of sin by the draw-net of the Gospell by the pearle took occasion to speak of the pretious pearle of the Gospell by sowing of
seed took occasion to speak of the word sown in the hearts of men This is a blessed use of things earthly it sweetneth our Meditation it plainly informeth the weakest understanding it strongly convinceth it deeply in presseth upon the memory we find like Sampson a hony combe in the Lyon and fetch water from the rock 2. Let us be well acquainted with the sacred Scriptures let us get the word of God to dwell with in us plenteously Coll. 3.16 and then as a full fountaine sendeth forth waters a full cloud poureth out the raine so shall our lips drop down knowledge when there is much fewel in the fire it giveth heat to al that come nigh to it if the Word of God be as a fire in our bones it will make us that we shall not be silent see it in Iob in Iob 32.18 19 20. in Jeremiah Ier. 20.8 in David Psal 40.10 11. 3. Let us get our hearts inflamed with love to God his word his wayes we easily break forth into a large and full discourse of the persons and things we entirely love the worldly man of his wealth the voluptuous man of his pleasures the ambitions man of his honour every mans tongue is ready to discourse of the object of his love so David the commandments being his love see what he saith Psa 119.46 47. I will speak of thy testimonies also before Kings and will not be ashamed and I will delight my self in thy commandments which I have loved This will make us with the spouse to enter into a large discourse of the diety of her Saviour Cant. 5.11 of his judgement and understanding in all things vers 12. of the sweet manifestation of himself in his ordinance vers 13. of the excellency of his actions depth of his councels vers 14. of the stability of his proceedings of the amiablenesse and uprightness of his carriage towards his chosen vers 15. of the sweetnes of his voyce and the singular comforts which flow from him reside in him vers 16. 4. Let us get our Souls filled with the knowledge of the Lord and of his wayes We must first inform our selves before we can well inform others the Lamp can give no light unless it self be first filled with Oile the blinde man is not fit for a guide therefore David prayes Make me to understand the way of thy precepts so shall I talk of thy wondrous works and that of the Prophet in Isa 50.4 The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary c. We must be skilfull like Physicians to apply our exhortation aright it is not enough to speak but it must be to edifying to good purpose so as it may minister grace to the hearers therefore Prov. 15.2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright c. 5. Let us labour to be thoroughly affected with the goodness of God towards our Soul to be assured of the forgiveness of all our sins to have a lively feeling of Gods love and the joyes of his spirit and this will make us ready and cheerfull in teaching others as we have mentioned in that of David Psal 51.12.13.14.15 Restore me to the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with thy free spirit Then will I teach transgressours thy wayes and sinners shall be converted unto thee c. And that Psal 66.16 6. Let us strive to be truely good and gracious sanctified throughout both in our Souls and also in our bodies let grace be as a fountain of living water in the heart and the speech shall be as many gracious streams issuing from it As waters to the citie as silver to the needy as food to the hungry so shall be the speech of a gracious man Prov. 10.11 20 21 32. If these things be in us we shall not be idle nor unprofitable but we shall communicate of what we have received impart what we know stirre up others to attain the like measure of grace and assurance with us And let not any say like the sluggard there is a Lyon in the way if we seek the good of mens Souls we shall be hated reproached say not they are dissolute or wordly businesses shall be hinderers for as Solomon saith Eccl. 11.4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap But look upon Christ the Prophets Apostles Gods precept bretherens wants Gods blessing Gods acceptance clearing of thy owne conscience joy which will accompany the due performance and so go forward in it without fainting So much for the first point We have seen the connexion next we are to take notice of the words and therein first of all the place whereunto he journied namely into the Land of Judea that is into that part thereof which was nigh unto the city Aenon a city situate in the Tribe of Manasses thither he came to shew himself a Saviour to them to tender life and salvation to declare Gods counsell he did not stay altogether in one place but went from place to place to publish the tidings of life Thereby shewing thus much Doct. That some of all places and of all nations are appointed to eternall life by Christ Jesus As the Sun in the Firmanent though not all at once yet by succession doth cast his light and heat upon all the parts of the earth more or lesse So the Son of righteousnes sooner or later bringeth some out of all places and nations from darknes to light from death to life from ignorance to the knowledge of the truth This was shadowed as some conceive by the four corners of the Altar and sprinkling of blood round about it Exod. 27.6 7 8. nothing the all-sufficiency of Christ's death the plenty of his bloodshed the manifestation of him to the four corners of the world by the ministry of the Gospell This was Prophesied Zzech 14.8 And it shall be in that day that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem half of them towards the former sea and half of them towards the hinder sea in Summer and in Winter shall it be As the sea sendeth her streams to all the corners of the earth as the King swaying over the parts of his Kingdom Psal 72.6 7 8. He shall come down like rain upon the mowen grasse as showers that water the earth In his dayes shall the righteous flourish and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth he shall also have Dominion from Sea to Sea and from the river unto the ends of the earth Therefore he gave his Apostles a large commission Math. 28.19 Go teach all nations c. and long before he told the people Math. 8.11 I say unto you that many shall come from the East and West and shal sit down with Abraham Isaac and Iacob in the Kingdom of God and this was the tenure of their song Rev. 5.9 And they sung a new song saying thou
Reas 4 Because it is a singular Ornament to any nation or particular people As the Sun is an Ornament to the heavens the flower an Ornament to the garden the shining Lamp an Ornament to the house the eye an Ornament to the body So is the light and burning Lampe of the Gospell a singular honour to the people a greater honour to enjoy the light of Gods truth than the light of the Kings face the earth among all her store hath not such a pearle as the Gospell all the trees of the earth are but brambles to this vine thornes to this lilley Cant. 2.2 all their fruit is but like sower to this sweet and pleasant grape all treasure is but like drosse to this gold Philip. 3.8 strip them but of this Robe and all their Ornaments are but as rags therefore 1 Sam. 4.42 Phyneas wife said when the Arke was taken away by the Philistines the glory is departed from Israel Reas 5 Because it is of the greatest necessity As needfull as the Sun to give light to the World for this they are called the light of the World Math. 5.14 and that passage of Solomon Prov. 6.23 the commandement is a Lamp and the Law is light and reproofs of instruction are the way of life As food is to the body without which it must needs languish 1 Pet. 2.2 Iob 23.12 As a Shepheard is to the flock Eze. 34.8 As a nurse is to the child 1 Thes 2.7 As dewes are to the ground Dutr. 32.2 As a weapon to the Souldier Eph. 6.17 As Physick to the diseased Psal 107.20 Isa 57.19 As the Samaritan to him that lay wounded between Jericho and Jerusalem So is the Gospell to the Lords people As Moses Rod to Israel to open the rock to divide the waters So is the Gospell to make way through trouble to give comfort in the midst of all affliction As the continuance of things so needfull is a great temporall blessing So is the continuance of the Gospell a singular mercy to any people Reas 6 Because the fruits of the Gospell are very excellent of singular choise farre surpassing the fruit growing on any tree of mans planting By this the understanding is enlightned and we are acquainted with Gods counsell Christ walked in the midst of the golden Candlestick when he revealed himself unto John the Evangelist Rev. 1.13 20. Here is the Schoole wherein we learne true wisedome 2 Tim. 3.16 This is the fountaine the Jordan wherein we may wash and be cleane John 17.17 This is the river whose waters will make our hearts rejoyce Ps 46.4 This is the pure gold which will enrich us Rev. 3.18 This is the warlike weapon which like Davids sling and stone will give us conquest over our enemies These are the waters which will cause us like trees planted by the waters side to encrease and fructify in great abundance of a little one to become a thousand and of a small one a strong Nation Isa 60.22 all these seriously considered we shall plainely see that the continuance of the Gospell is a singular blessing Use This giveth us occasion to take thorow notice of and to get our hearts soundly affected with the goodnes of God towards us in generall especially towards many places in particular he hath not passed by us as a stranger but hath taken up his dwelling amongst us and communicated his counsell as to the friends of his bosome broaken the bread of life as the father to the children drawn out the breasts as the loving mother to the tender infant he hath not taken away our Candlestick nor doth withhold Oile from the Lamp he hath not caused the tongue of the reprover to cleave unto his mouth he hath not caused the Sun to go down over our Prophets Ezek. 1.26 he hath not left them without vision Mic. 3.6 they have not been as clouds without raine as wels without water as dogs without tongues as eyes without sight God hath not suffered the Philistines to stop up Abrahams wells nor surprise Israels Arke the Lord hath not dealt with us as he threatned to do with them in another case Hos 13.15 To dry up our Springs and our fountaines and to spoile our treasury of all her pleasant vessels but rather on the contrary as Isa 41.17 18. They that sate in darkenes have seen a great light Isa 9.3 The barren womb is become mother of many Children the Candlestick which had none have had shining lights erected in them the breasts which have been dry have been filled with milke the pits which were empty have been replenished with water The fathers have seene the rising and the children have not God grant they never may see the setting of this Sun the Fathers have been fed with this Manna and the children have not through any spiritual famine been constrained to go from Sea to Sea to seek this bread Amos 8.11 12. It hath not vanished like a vapour but like the cloud which Eliahs servant saw it was little as a mans hand in the beginning 1 King 18.44 45. yet through his blessing who is the Ocean of all goodnes it hath overspread even the whole Land and watered many places thereof it hath not been as a tree of dry rootes but from a little plant it hath growne to a great tree like the tree in Nebuchadnezars vision Dan. 4.11 12. It hath not like the waters of Teman been soone dryed up but like the waters of the sanctuary Ezek. 47.3 4 5. Though the wild boare of the forrest hath often endevoured to roote up this vine though the Antichristian Locusts with the smoake of Popish Doctrine have sought to put out this light though the spirituall Philistines have laboured to Damme up this well though they plotted devised and combined the accomplishment thereof with their confederates as much as ever the Philistines did the taking away of Sampsons locks the putting out of Sampsons eyes by corrupting their Dalila that all like Sampson might be constrained to grind to their mill and to dance to their Pipe Iud. 16.21 25. Though the great Dragon hath striven with his taile flattering and fawning on some like a Dog that moveth his taile persecuting others as a Serpent beateth and woundeth with his taile to draw the starres from heaven teachers and professours from the Gospel Yet hitherto hath the Lord amongst us caused this vine to flourish this fountaine to send forth refreshing waters this starre to shine Many years hath he digged and cast soile about the rootes of this tree Luk. 13.7 Long hath he endeavoured like a Hen to gather us as Chickens under his wings Math. 23.37 Often hath he sent his messengers to wo us to reconcile us So that we may say as God himselfe doth what could he have done more then he hath done for us Isa 5.2 Treason Power Malice hath been discovered defeated false Doctrines trees which were not of Gods planting have hitherto been plucked up the Lyons coming in
waters under thy feet if thou feed not on the one if thou drinke not of the other dost not thou starve between both What is a faire and stately building to thee if thou take up thy abode in the open field doth not dewes fall upon thee doth not the Sun scorch thee doth not the cold pierce thee What is remission of sin what is resurrection to a new life represented in Baptisme what is it to thee if thy lusts be not mortified if thou rise not by vertue of it to a new life What is it to thee that the word is a Lamp if thou apply it not to thy feet that it is as milk in the breast if thou suck it not that it is a spirituall weapon if thou gird it not about thee that it is a seed if not sown if not hidden in the field of thy heart Say not then as he did Iud. 17.13 Now I know the Lord will be good unto me seeing I have a Levite to be my Priest But if thou wilt have Gods Ordinance prove a blessing if thou wilt know thy self blessed in the having of them cease not till thou find it as a shining Starre a burning Lamp enlightning thy understanding filling thee with knowledge of Gods love to thy Soul in Christ as the candle filleth the house with light the waters the Sea till they wash thy sin from thy Soul as waters wash dirt from the body as the fan driveth chaffe from the corne as Jordan washed away Naamans Leprosy Till they stablish thy saith as a strong foundation supporteth the building as firm rootes sustaine the tree a strong hand upholdeth him that is led by it Till they warme thy heart inflame thy affections as the fire warmeth the house as the Summer Sun doth warm the aire Till it make thy love to God and his wayes as a vehement flame as coales of much fire Till it make thy peace as deep as the rivers even a peace passing all understāding 4. This must teach men to seek to God for the efficacy of his Ordinances desire him to make them as a launcing knife in the hand of the Physician as a Sword in the hand of the Spirit Desire him that when Moses strikes with the Rod upon the Rock when the Minister doth press the Word upon our stony hearts that he will stand before shew his powerfull and gracious presence there in making them to melt in causing them to become contrite and broken for as Psal 33.16 17. There is no King saved by the multitude of an hoast a mighty man is not delivered by much strength c. So without Gods blessing unlesse he put his hand to it it is but vaine as Psal 127.1 2. Except the Lord build the house they labour but in vain c. For as Prov. 10.12 The blessing of the Lord it maketh rich and he addeth no sorrow with it so in this case Therefore as the Daughter of Caleb desired her father having given her south Land that he would also give her springs of water Iud. 15.19 So God having given us his Ordinances let us desire him with all to give us his Spirit As his ministers like seeds men sow the seed of his word so we must desire God to joyne therewith the dewes of heaven that it may not lye like seed in dry ground withering for want of moysture That the Messenger of the Lord may not stand knocking in vaine at the iron gates of our unregenerate hearts but that the Lord will open our eare and heart our eyes to see our hearts to attend believe obey as he opened the heart of Lydia that he will make his Ordinances as seed sowne in good ground as the bow of Jonathan which turned not back and the sword of Saul which returned not empty 2 Sam. 1.22 As the cake and cruse of water whereof the Prophet did eate and drinke and went in the strength thereof to Horeb the mount of God 2 King 19.8 That we may be so refreshed replenished herewith that we may thereby go from strength to strength till we appeare before God in Sion Psal 84.7 5. As the efficacy is the Lords so let the praise be Gods let the hand which doth the worke receive the honour the faithfull instrument which God useth is worthy of double honour of singular love for his works sake David may have the praise for giving Goliah the overthrow The wise men may rejoyce to see the Starre leading unto Christ Iesus The feet of the messenger must be beautifull in the eyes of the people as one of a thousand to them but yet still as he is Gods instrument as a Lamp that hath received his Oile from Gods Olive as a vessel filled with water flowing from the Ocean of all goodnes as a starre held in the hand and receiving all his light from the Sunne of righteousnes the Ministers must be so respected as that God must in and above all be honoured loved praised and rejoyced in If Iosua smite the countrey of the hils Ios 10.40 41. It is because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel vers 42. So if any or all the Lords Iosuahs the spirituall leaders of Gods Armies smite the sinnes of men which were high as the mountains or deep as the vale which were for Dominion like Kings for continuance like a living spring for extent like the deluge overflowing the whole man if these be beaten if their life be taken away it is because the Lord God of Israel hath fought for Israel If any tree of Pauls planting do grow if any field do flourish by the watering of Apollos it is because the Lord hath given the increase If any man learne wisedom if any man be presented perfect in Christ Iesus by Pauls labour in the ministrey it is thorough the working of God who worketh mightly in him Coll. 1.28 29. If David have escaped the Lion and the beare conquered slaine them delivered the lamb from them it is because God was with him wrought for him 1 Sam. 17.34 35 36. If any Shepheard of Gods flock have delivered any of Gods Lambs out of the jawes of the roaring Lion it is the Lords doing and as the Psalmist touching Israel deliverance from Aegypt So may we all say touching the deliverance of Gods Israel from their spirituall bondage Psal 44.1 2 3 4 5. We have heard with our ears O God! our Fathers have told us what works thou didst in their dayes in the times of old how thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand and plantedst them how thou didst afflict the people and cast them out c. Therefore let every Soul that hath tasted of Gods goodnes say in this kind that hath felt the mighty arme of God in the weilding of this weapon that hath had any comfortable experience of the moving of Gods Angle in this poole Let him blesse the Lord that hath given him counsell that hath caused his reines to instruct him in the
accidentally an occasion of disturbance increase of sin and condemnation an unsavory food 2 Cor. 5.15 a wounding arrow Psalm 45.5 a killing Letter no healing medicine 2 Cor. 3.6 Like soile to some grounds making them more full of weeds like the Sun to some eyes making them more dark but shall we therefore say it were better the Sun did never shine because it is offence to diseased eyes that there were no Physicke because it maketh some diseased patients more sicke that it were good that no dewes did distill that no soile were cast upō the ground because some fields grow the more full of weeds shall we condemne the use of swords because Saul fell on his sword and killed himselfe the use of fire because children instead of warming do burne their fingers in it the use of water because Pharaoh was drowned in the red Sea Vse This must teach us not to take offence at the Gospel the preaching thereof because many strifes do arise much discord is accidentally occasioned it cannot be avoided the Gospel is no way to be blamed the fault is in our selves the corruption the rebellion of mans heart the disorderly lives of mans life is the proper cause of all this trouble If the Kings of Canaan with the people thereof rise in armes at Josuas coming into the countrey Israel must not be offended Josua must not go back If Pharaoh rage thereaten lay heavy burthens upon Israel when they set their faces towards Canaan turne their peace into trouble set the whole Kingdome in a combustion yet they must not accompt it strange nor foolishly charge Moses their leader therewith It is not Eliahs Prophecy Exhortation Doctrine but the sin of Ahab and his Fathers house that troubled Israel it is not Davids fault but Saul's envy that breedeth the quarell between them It is not the Gospel but our corruption not the preaching but our transgressing of the word breedeth all the dissension It is 1. The strength of our love unto sin that causeth so much enmity against the Gospel and the preachers thereof It is Herods love to Herodias that maketh enmity between him and the Baptist Mar. 6.2 21. It is not so much the Womans song that Saul had slaine his thousand and David his ten thousand as Sauls pride love of honour did occasion the contention between him and David 1 Sam. 18. It was Mica his love to his Idoll that made him stirre up the men of Dan to run after him Iud. 18.23 24. 2. The guiltines of our conscience Were our faces cleane the looking glasse would never trouble us Were we good graine currant silver the fanne the touch-stone could not disquiet us Da. 5.5 Had Baltazars heart been sound the handwritting on the wall could not have filled him with such shakeing had not Adam eaten of the forboden fruit the voyce of God walking in the garden could not have been such an offence unto him 3. Sathan hath such sway in the hearts of wicked people they are under his command so obsequious unto his beck Eph. 2.3 so carefull to support his Kingdome so devoted to his service that they will beare armes against all his enemies cast in prison such as seek the ruinating of his Kingdome Rev. 2.10 4. The dissimilitude and discord between wicked men and Gods Children is so great that they can no more agree than fire and water than the Lamb and the Lion the Dove and the Raven the malignity of sinfull mens hearts not the Gospel and power of Religion is so great that the Father becometh a stranger to the Sonne the Mother a stepdame to the Daughter naturall friends accusers executioners of them that are in the bond of nature most strictly tied to them it turneth smiling into frowning faces Math. 10.21 pleasant tongues into quivers sēding out venomous arrowes bowels of compassion into bowells of iron helping into destroying hands as Saul maligned reviled threatned Jonathan for affecting David 1 Sam. As Esau hated Iacob because he had obtained the blessing so do sinfull men maligne the people of God because they love the truth because they shine in the grace of the Spirit This is the fountaine whence the bitter waters of strife do flow the roote whence all the branches of discord do spring as in another case Hos 13.9 so in this thy contention thy quarelling is of thy selfe a fire of thine owne kindling a seed of thine owne sowing but to me in the Gospel is true peace therefore they are much to blame that blame the preaching of the Gospel because accompanied with contention that like the Philistines will needs have it removed because it cannot agree with Dagon 1 Sam. 5.4 6. Like Demetrius accuse Paul because his Doctrine standeth not with his gaine and the honour of Diana Acts 7. They are silly travellers that are offended refuse to go forward that will have the horse legs cut off because the beating of their hoofe upon the pavement doth make the Dogs to barke cowardly souldiers that will not follow the Drum because the sounding thereof doth awaken the enemy Fond men that will have the light hidden under a bushell because diseased eyes take offence at it because wicked men rebell against it Job 24.13 Was it ever otherwise was not Christ a strumbling block a stone of offence 1 Pet. 2.7 Was not Herod troubled to hear of his birth Mat. 2.2 Did not Adam run when he heard the Lords voyce Gen. 3. Was not Ieremy a man of strife and of contention to the whole earth Ier. 15. Was not Amos accused for speaking of hard words Acts 24. The Apostels for seedsmen of seditions it is the power of the Gospel to awaken the consciences to shake the hearts of the wicked it is the honour of the Gospel a seal of our Mynistry to be opposed by them the are unsanctified the fruit of the Gospel to make a separation between the reprobate and Gods chosen Ier. 15.19 20 21. Use 2 2. Is the preaching of the Gospel usually attended with contention strife and discord then let them that professe the Gospel take heed they give not any just occasion hereof for Sathan will most diligently endeavour it he will take hold of any thing that may stirre up this fire take all occasion to sow this seed do his utmost to make these cleare waters foule that he may take the fish living in the same and therefore to frustrate Sathans policie in their behalfe we must study to be quiet and to have our hearts knit together in love to joyne as stones in one building as souldiers in one army as marriners in one Ship to help forward the cause and Gospel of God against all furious oppositions to defend the Gospel and maintaine the honour of it against all spirituall pyrats that seek to rob us either of the being or well being of the same and that we may continue and enjoy this peace we must labour 1. To be truely humble and meek and of
difficult the change of the heart how hardly the image of God is restored the light of Gods face peace of conscience assurance of the forgiveness of sin is gotten had they ever known this they would never presume upon their owne strength but would with Paul Rom. 4.27 Had they beheld the deep dye filthy spots of sin they would with David Psa 51.1 2. Had they been in this storme they would with the Disciples Mat. 8.25 26. Had they ever felt this burden they should have found it more easy to shake off a mountaine from their backs to pull their skin over their heads as to cast away there sin as easy to withstand a deluge of water or a furious Horse rushing into the battle as to withstand their lusts they should have found that all the water in the bucket of their humane abilities would not quench one spark of this fire that all the arrowes in their quiver would not make this enemy remove one foot that all the ingredients in their shop all the herbs in their garden would do nothing towards the cure of his wound But they should find as Matth. 17.10 the woman spent all upon Physicians and could not be cured so they Mar. 5.26 Vse 2 This must therefore humble us and make us all looke upon our selves as upon gardens wherein groweth not one wholesome Herb not one savoury flower as on trees bearing no good fruit as on wells void of water on dead men void of strength as on beggers having nothing of our owne but the menstruous garments of sinne confessing our selves with Iacob to be lesse than the least of Gods Mercies to be altogether unfit for any good duty unable to performe any worke pleasing in the sight of God Isa 64.6 Gen. 32.10 Not boasting of our owne abilities as once Goliah did of his strength least the Lord overthrow us as he overthrew him 1 Sam. 17.10 Not presuming like the Sonnes of Sheva to cast out Satan by humane art and the powers of nature least he leape on us as he did on them Acts 19.15 19. Not striving with the builders of Babel to ascend the glorious rest of heaven by a Babel of our owne building least the Lord confound us as he did them Gen. 14.4 8. Let us not glory with the Pharisee that we are not as the Publican Luc 18.11 Let us not grow insolent of a few morall endowments a little gilded brasse a few painted flowers as once Rabseca boasted of his Masters victories having overcome a few nations whose God were stocks and stones least as the Lord gave him and his Master so he give us a shamefull overthrow at the last 2 King 18.33 34 35. But let us seriously consider how we have no beauty in us for which the Lord should set his love upon us Ezek. 16.6 No strength whereby to vanquish the enemies that rise against us Rom. 5.8 No understanding to discerne the things which differ Prov. 30.2 3. No ability to comprehend the deep things of God more than a blind eye to discerne colours 1 Cor. 2.14 No quickness of sight to discry the snares of Satan to find out the corruption of our hearts but that as Agar said Prov. 30.18 19. So may I say of him that we have no aptness in our selves to any good duty more than the thorne to beare figs the bitter fountaine to send forth sweet waters Mat. 7.17 And when we are thus low in our owne eyes then we shall be capable of matter of the highest and most eminent nature Acts 9.3 When Paul was cast from his Horse brought low made blind then he was fit to receive instruction then we shall long after the light of Gods face Luc. 15. the dewes of Gods grace when the prodigall saw himselfe a companion of swine then a place in his fathers house was much desired then we shall complaine with much feeling of the sin of our Souls of the iniquity of our hearts as Isa 6.5 Then we shall be to pour out our Souls feelingly and cry mightily to the Lord as Ionah did Ion 2.1 He slept while he was above the water then the Lord will be favourable unto us Isa 57.15 and shall vouchsafe salvation unto us Iob 22.29 Iob 33.19 to 28. Vse 3 Therefore this must cause us so much the more carefully to use all holy and sanctified means for the supplying of our wants the filling of our emptiness the fitting of us for all good duties the more we see our owne weakeness the more let us seek to be made strong by Christ Iesus the lesse we have in our selves the more earnestly let us beg to partake of his abundance let the sence of our hunger cause us to feed the more frequently with the milk which cometh from the breast of the Scriptures let our dulnes cause us the more carefully to apply this light to our feet and this Lanterne to our paths Let our barrenness cause us with Hanna to pray with teares for grace as she did for a Child let our inability to resist the enemies of our Souls cause us to pray for Gods presence and assistance as Moses did for Gods assistance with Israel in their journey to Canaan the greater stormes of affliction do arise the more strongly let us fasten the anchor of our faith upon the Rock Christ Jesus let our nakednes cause us to long the more to be apparelled with the royall robes of Christs righteousness Let our uncleanness make us desire the more earnestly to be washed in the Jordan of Christs blood the heavy burthen of our sin cause us the more to desire to be unloaden the more the hart is chased the more the water brooks are desired the more the torment of the disease is felt the more the healing Medicine is longed for the more the force fury and near approach of the enemy is beheld the more aid is desired so the more sence we have of our owne weakenes unmorthines the more feeling we have of our sin of the arrows of Gods displeasure wounding our consciences the strength of our corruption and the violence of Satan the more earnestly humbly feelingly let us addresse our selves unto God and so the Lord of his fulness will supply our wants communicate the riches of his grace his goodnes is the Fountaine whence we must draw the treasure whence we must fetch all spirituall riches as the next thing to be observed plainely teacheth Doctr. That whatsoever good blessing is enjoyed by any person or people is the free gift of God as all the waters come from the Sea and all the branches receive nourishment from the roote so all the favours which like streams flow down for the watering of our Souls or bodies have their originall from the Ocean of Gods goodness they are all as beames issueing from the Sun of Gods Love Iac. 1.17 No Merchandise sold at so easy a rate as that which after Solomons estimate is more precious than Rubies and Prov. 3.14
before the Lord with sincere and unpright hearts and then Ps 145.18 19. Let us have no more to do with sin but say as Ephraim to his Idols Hos 14.8 let us take us Words vers 2.3 and then vers 4.5 6 7. Let us win on God with patience and constancy and the Lord at length will look upon us in mercy Heb. 10 35. Whatsoever be our want in the Lord is all fullnes all readiness to supply us therefore as Ia. 1.5 So if thou want faith knowledge patience if thou want tendrings of heart peace of conscience sence of Gods love or any other good blessing aske it the Lord will surely bestow it on thee Hanna was troubled with her barrenness cryed to the Lord he opened her womb Solomon considered the weightines of his calling sought wisedome and the Lord gave him wisedome Sampson was much oppressed with thirst called on the Lord and the Lord gave him water Iud. 15.18 19. In like manner when the barrenness of grace want of knowledge doth afflict thee seek it at the hands of the Lord and the Lord shall grant the supplication of thy Soul unto thee had we but hearts to seek we might enjoy what now we want the ignorant might be full of knowledge the empty Lamp might be full of oile the weake faith which shaketh like a withered reed might be like a Cedar of deep and strong roots the Soul which is like a barren vineyard might be full of grace like the valleys overspread with Corn and good pasture the naked Soul might be well armed richly apparelled the dejected Spirit might be full of comfort the mind that is pressed down with worldly cares like a cart with sheaves might soar aloft as on eagles wings unto the heavens the unstable Soul might be as well fastned the wilderness of the life might be made a Paradise a sweet Communion with God a holy fellow ship with the saints might be maintained much delight might be found in Gods Ordinances Isa 41.17 18 19. Isa 44.3 This must teach us to receive all as from God whatsoever our care labour industry hath been yet let us not look upon what we possesse as upon yarne of our owne weaving fish of our owne taking Hab. 1.16 Upon a house of our owne building as Dan. 4.30 But let us looke on all we have as on Gods blessing a gift from Gods hand a light shining from the sun of Gods bounty though Paul plant and Apollo water the encrease is Gods though Israel fight the victory is the Lords whatsoever evill is in us whatsoever evill is committed by us is the seed of our owne sowing whatsoever evill is inflicted on us is a wages of our owne deserving whatsoever good we work it is the labour of Gods finger whatsoever good we receive it is of the fulnes and freedome of Gods bounty therefore we must all say as 1 Cor. 29 11 12 13.14.15 16. for Prov. 21.31 Therefore let us fasten our eyes on all both internall and externall endowments as on shewers falling from the cloud of Gods love as on gifts given by the Lords hand even the least the meanest as well as upon the fairest of our possessions this will make us the more sensible of Gods love the more ashamed of our ingratitude and disobedience this will the more endeare and oblige our hearts to God this will make us the more thankfull the more circumspect and heavenly minded in the use of them nothing doth more occasion the abuse of Gods blessing than forgetfulnes of the hand whence they have there originall and beginning Ps 78.10 11. 4. This may acquaint us with a sure way how to be provided for in all estates to find a supply in all our wants to have some liccour alwayes in our vessel to refresh us some fruit upon the barrenest tree to relieve us God you see is the giver of every good blessing all cometh from him therefore get into his favour and you shall want no good thing be regenerate become a new creature make God your Father and your wants shall be supplied let the prodigall returne and in his Fathers house there is all manner of provision his Father kindly entertaining him Luc. 15. So let us do c. for as Mat. 7.11 this hath the promise Psal 84. â—â— Used as a motive to stirre up men to feare God Psal 34.10 to follow Christ Matth 19.29.30 This will bring us within the Covenant giveth us interest in all Gods blessings we shall be in league and Job 5.23 24 25 26. We shall enjoy security boldnes towards God tranquility and cheerfulnes in our hearts Job 11.13 14 15 16 17 18. It is not a carnall vexing care a greedy heaping up of things of the earth that will be sufficient defence a never setting light a never failing streame but the fruition of Gods love is the way to win it Mat. 6.33 this Psal 23. â— If God be Shepheard he will provide pasture and Ps 37.25 it is iniquity an ungracious conversation that bringeth want Pro. 13.25 Eccles 5.13.14 5. Is every good gift from God cometh it all from him then let us remember that we must give an accompt of all we do enjoy we are not Lords but stewards of Gods blessings such as must yield accompt to God of all our abilities though it be long before the Lord call us yet he will at length require a strict accompt of all our doings how we spent our time our strength our temporall blessing our spirituall graces how they have been improved what increase hath been made therefore as the Apostle said in another case 2 Cor. 1.24 1 Pet. 5.2 3. So in this case use what you have received not as Lords to do with it what you list but as they who must be accountable to the Lord that not onely for the greatest but also for the least blessings as our Saviour said we must render accompt of every idle Word so we must render accompt of every little favour which God hath bestowed on us the time will come Luc. 16.2 Therefore we should think of this that we might be able to do it with joy Heb. 13.16 6. As it is all from God so let us be carefull to imploy it to the honour of God his good ground receiving good seed yieldeth a good increase as the good servant Mat. 25.20 as it cometh from heaven so let us use it in a heavenly manner to the praise of him whose dwelling is in the heavens this their very originall doth challenge Ro. 11.36 This the Dominion that God hath over all doth claime this the end which God proposeth to himselfe in all his works doth require Prov. 16.4 Rev. 4.11 Ephes 1.5 6. and it is the charge 1 Cor. 6.20 and if we neglect this we abuse the gift we have received it is a wrong to the creature to restraine it from the service of the Creator I. It is a wrong to the light
of the honour of Christ that seeketh its owne applause Joh. 5.44 1. Pet. 5.5 6. The last thing in this Verse was the manner of manifesting Christ Jesus he must increase Doctr. CHrist Jesus is not fully and at once but by degrees revealed unto his Servants the Sun appeareth by degrees so doth the sun of righteousnes by degrees manifest himselfe unto his people the blind man in the Gospel saw men as trees first he saw obscurely afterwards he saw more plainely thus Cant. 2.8 he was seen as on the mountaines a farre of then vers 9. he came nigher Joh. 16.29 Luc. 24.31 And our Saviour doth after this manner reveale himselfe unto his people I. Because of their infirmity as we reveale things to Children teach them a little and things easy at the first giving them milk and not strong meate Iac. 16.12 Mat. 9.16 17. II. Because they shall be sensible of the difficulty of obtaining it they shall be inforced to seek Prov. 2.2 3. search Ioh. 5.39 to waite Prov. 8.34 III. This he doth to humble us for our ignorance and removing corruption Use Therefore we must strive to grow in the knowledge of Christ as Schollers in learning apprentices in their trades we are not perfect 1 Cor. 13.9 12. therefore with Mary Luk. 10 39. with the lame man Joh. 5.5 we must not set still but 2 Pet. 3.18 we must not cease but strive to be filled Col. 1.10 Vse 2 This will teach us that all such as are Gods Servants do find Christ Jesus revealing himselfe unto them more graciously his Kingdome doth increase within them the longer they are in Christ the more clearly they understand his will the more sensibly they are affected with his love the more glorious he is in their eyes the more firmely they cleave to him the more strongly they build upon him the more abundance of contentement they find in him the more cheerefully they follow him VERS 31. THe Baptist having endevoured to remove from himselfe the sinister opinion which the Disciples conceived of him now he plainely delivereth his opinion of Christ sheweth by another comparison how farre he excelleth all others how much he is superiour to all others likening Christ to a King or supream Commander who speaking from his throne or tribunall is to be hearkned unto with all reverence but likeneth himselfe to one whose seate is in the dust infimetily inferiour unto Christ he who cometh from above who is not onely God-man but also God who teacheth divine and heavenly things in whom is nothing but that which is heavenly and full of Majesty he is above all in the excellency of his nature authority power wisedome and ability to unfold Gods counsell being the onely begotten of the Father in the bosome of the Father no creature man nor Angel being any thing in comparison of him but he who is of the earth even every man who hath an earthly originall and beginning is earthly ignorant carnall weake savouring of the things of the earth and can no further savour perceive or speake of the things of God than as they are revealed to him by him who is from above The Words set before us 1. Christs excellency 2. Mans indignity Christs excellency is set forth 1. By his originall he cometh from above 2. By his Dominion he is above all Man 's indignity is set forth 1. By his originall or from whence he is from the earth 2. By his quality or disposition earthly 3. By his practise speaketh of the earth first of Christs originall he cometh from above that is usually in Scripture said to be from above which is from heaven Acts 2.19 which is excellent and of great accompt of a spirituall and heavenly nature Gal. 4.26 or doth belong to a heavenly life Col. 3.1 The Sonne of God is said to be from above because he is God coequall with the Father according to his divine nature from the Father by eternall generation as he is the second person in the Trinity he is said to come from above in that he assumed our nature into the unity of his person dwelt in our flesh appeared in the forme of a servant to work out our redemption Doctr. That Christ Jesus who came to work out our redemption with a divine and heavenly originall and is even the Son of God by eternall generation Prov. 8.22 23 24 25 30. Psal 2.7 Phil. 2.7 8. Mat. 3.17 and this it behoved him to bee Reas 1 For the full expression of Gods unspeakeable love to his chosen had God sent a man an Angell a meere creature his love had not beene so great so excellent so worthy of admiration but now when he sent his owne Sonne his onely Sonne this did wonderfully disclose his love unto his people If a King send not a common man a counsellour a favourite but his owne Sonne to be a ransome to redeeme the captived a Physician to heale the diseased a teacher to instruct his ignorant subjects it is an argument of singular love so Ioh. 3.16 1 Ioh. 4.16 Reas 2 For the sustaining of his Fathers wrath a burthen which would have ground the rocks to powder and the mountaines to dust a fire whose heate would have dried up the deep waters of the Sea a wind which would have overturned all the Cedars of Lebanon and removed the pillars of the earth out of their places an arrow that would have drunk up the Spirits of all the mighty men of the earth a Wine-presse which neither man nor Angell was able to tread a cup which our Saviour himselfe prayed might passe from him a passion which made him sweat drops of blood which constrained him to complaine of desertion Psal 22.1 Reas 3 For the satisfying of his Fathers justice it was in vaine Mic. 6.6 7. Isa 40.16 the debt was so great that all the World was too little to make satisfaction Isa 53.10 11. as Psal 49.6 7. Reas 4 For the revealing of his Fathers will and counsell a sealed booke which none can open Rev. 5.3 4 5. therefore Ia. 1.18 Col. 2.3 Matth. 11.27 Reas 5 For the making of us to be the Sonnes of God by adoption Gal. 4.4 5. He that was the Sonne of God became a Servant to make us the Sonnes of God by grace who were the Servants of sin by corruption he emptied himselfe that we might be filled Reas 6 For the sanctifying and washing away the sin of our Souls no nitre could cleanse us Ier. 2.22 Abanah and Pherphar could not wash away the Leprosy of our Souls nothing but the Jordan of Christs blood could doe it 1 Ioh. 1.7 This quencheth our burning lusts extinguisheth our carnall and worldly thirst as Christ came by blood to justify us so he came by water to sanctify us 1 Ioh. 5.6 8. these things he could not work for us were he not omnipotent alsufficient and from above Vse This teacheth us whence our salvation and externall happines cometh not from beneath not from
an enemy by their evill works cause him in steed of being a comfortable and shining Sun to be a consuming and burning fire needs must their estate be dangerous for Christ whom they dishonour whom they provoke is above all none is able by his strength to make his part good against him no wicked man shall by any device be able to escape from him he will not be born down with might he will not be appeased with money he will not let any man escape for his nobility or place of eminency though your estate were as glorious rich strong as the image in Nebuchadnezzars vision Da. 12.32 yet vers 34.35 none can exalt himselfe against him but to his owne destruction Mat. 21.44 there will be no hiding place from his wrath he is above all all the creatures are at his command like the Centurious servant Mat. 8.9 They are his armies to execute his wrath upon his enemies he is above all there is no hiding of our selves from him Psal 139.5 6 7. Amos 9.1 2 3 4. The strongest shoulder is too weake to beare the burthen of his indignation the frownings of his face will make the stoutest heart to stoope all the nations of the World are in his hand but as the drop of a bucket Isai 40.15 as chaffe before the wind as stubble before the fire Nah. 1.4 5 6. Iniquity is so repugnant to his nature to his honour to his office so advantagious to Satan so averse to this Kingdome that it shall not escape without punishment where it is found without repentance no hiding no vailing no vaine and frivolous pretences shall excuse or patronize us but as the arrow smote Ahab though he disguised himselfe in the battel so will the arrow of Gods judignation smite all ungodly men notwithstanding all their disguisements for Prov. 21.30 though they be never so high God will bring them down Obad vers 4. he will tread them as the dust under his feet Psal 110.1 If they want their garment Mat. 22.13 If they refuse to be subject to his governement Luk. 19.27 As it was with Sodome that would not have Lot to rule over them they were burned with fire and brimstone so will it be with such as will not suffer Christ to rule over them however they may flourish for a time like the old World promise themselves great things like the rich man Luk. 12.19 yet 2 Thes 1.8 Psal 2.9 2. This setteth before us their folly who neglect and leave Christ Jesus and pursuing and following other things turne their backs on him who is from above and turne their faces on the things which are here below leaving the living fountaine and digging to themselves broken cisternes a folly very manifest I. Because Christ is above all in power none so able to deliver out of danger to preserve in safety he is a sure rocke they who are builded on him shall not sinke he hath a strong arme there is none shall plucke his people out of his hand he is a faithfull keeper Psal 32.7 He is a Lion at whose roaring all the beasts of the forrest shall tremble Deut. 32.11 he is an Eagle bearing his people upon his wings an Arke sustaining them in the deluge of trouble he hath power to restraine the fire that it burne not the winds that they blow not the Seas that they be not boisterous all creatures are in his hands and he can turne them for us or against us Luk. 11.21 Ioh. 11.44 Gen. 18.14 Now is it not great folly to forsake this rocke and build upon the sand like the men of Shechem to leave the shadow of this tree and to hide our selves under the bramble to leave this shield and to arme our selves with browne paper to forsake Christ and trust to the World which will prove a leaking ship in the stormy day a broken bow in the battel able to do nothing 2. Because Christ is above all in wisedome all treasures of wisedome are hid in him as in a store-house Col. 2.3 as light in the Sun as waters in the Sea he is able to endue us to fill us with the truest the sweetest and most usefull knowledge he is able to frustrate the policy of all our adversaries discover and defeate all the stratagems of the old Serpent he knoweth how to heale all the diseases of our Souls he can teach us how to get the favour of God Ephes 4.20 how to become the Sonnes and daughters of God how to find sweetness in his Ordinances Isai 48.17 18. how to attaine peace in our consciences contentment in all estates and conditions how to make a healing Medicine of very poyson how to use an enemies sword as a launcing knife now what folly is it to leave him to reject his counsell and follow them who cannot teach us the Lords way open Gods counsell make us wise unto salvation that cannot shew us how to win the favour of God how to get freedome from Satan this is a wisdome which the World doth not know which her Schooles cannot teach which her treasure cannot buy Job 28.12 13 14 15. 1 Cor. 2.7 8. 3. Because Christ is above all in love all the love of the Creature is but a sparkle to that flame which is in Christ but a shadow to the substance of his love Jacobs love to Rahel causing him to serve for her seaven yeeres in the heate and in the cold was much Jonathans love to David was wonderfull but Christs love doth farre excell them Joh. 15.13 never such love manifested a love so strong that like a mighty streame it did beat down all the banks of opposition Cant. 2.8 a love like an ever living Fountaine alwayes yeelding waters of refreshment like the fire on the Altar alwayes burning Jo. 13.1 A Sun that never setteth though sometime for a moment eclipsed Isai 54.7 This is a love as high above the love of men as the Heaven is above the Earth as the Sea in deepth doth excell the shallow brooke a love so deep so wonderfull that the line of our reason cannot fathome it Eph. 3.19 A love so sweet so pleasant so full of contentement that it beareth a man out against all the hatred of the World it maketh a man cheerefull in the deepest affliction Rom. 5.5 Confident in the strongest opposition constant in the duties of Religion full of inward rejoycing heavenly meditations holy and gracious desires Cant. 1.2 better than Wine Wine is one of the most comfortable Creatures rejoycing the heart of man Psal 104.15 maketh the life joyfull Eccles 10.19 causeth to forget affliction poverty misery Psal 31.6 7. but the love of Christ sensibly felt in the hearts of his Servants doth farre excell all worldly pleasure and causeth such as drinke thereof to forget their bitterness poverty and sorrowes Now is it not great folly to leave this love of Christ so farre above all love for the love of the World which like a shallow brooke is
they will go weeping after it as Phaltiel after Michall so great is their love to it that no persuasions no threatnings shall breed a rejection of it 4. The tendernes of it therefore likened to the eye it is grievousnes to put out the eye a man will endure any member to be wounded any injury to be offered to any part of the body rather than to his eye Mat. 18.1 for this also it is likened to the mortifying of the members making the members of the body dead by giving them many blowes by piercing them with many wounds Col. 3.5 the naturall man will not have his sin his beloved one to be touched Amos 7.10 the Baptist must not meddle with Herodias Ahab will not be crossed in his journey to Ramoth Gilead they will not have the Hemme of this Garment touched 2 Sam. 18.5 5. The inherency and thorough mixture of sin with the soul and deep dy of it upon the heart as water and wine are so mingled that the skilfullest hand cannot make a separation the Ivy and the stones so combined that unles the Wall be thrown down it can not be removed so is sin and the soul so mixed that no skill of man or Angell can divide them it is as the marrow in the bones as the juyce in the root as the roots infolded wrapped up in the earth the bones must be broken Psal 51.8 the fallow ground must be plowed up Ier. 4.3 before sin can be plucked up it is a deep staine water cannot wash it nitre cannot purge it the best humane abilities have no power to remove it Ier. 2.22 it is a Leprosy of that calour depth and strength that the Water of Damascus cannot purge it no River but Jordan can heal it Isai 26.10 Prov. 27.22 Amos 4.6 7 8. Pharaoh Exod. 5.6 7 8. Ahas 2 Cro. 28.22 Isai 1.5 6. I might add many more but by these things it is sufficiently manifest what strangers we are to all abilities of turning our selves to God and working out our salvation before the Lord do put the life of grace into us and by his Word and Spirit as by his Horsmen and Chariots do draw us forward in the way of life and happiness 4. This will teach us not to ascribe too much to any man of themselves they are earth and earthly disposed even the very best among all men the excellency wherewith they are endowed is not of themselves but of God it is the dew from his cloud that doth make them fat the treasure of his store-house that doth make them rich the work of his finger that doth make them differ we are all empty vessels the fulness which we enjoy cometh from above barren fields till the Lord doth water and dresse us therefore as we admire not the vessel which holdeth good liquour but rather the Tree which bare the Grape that made the liquor so let us not so much admire the Creature the woodden vessel that hath the excellent Treasury as the Creator that gave the Treasure to him 2 Cor. 4.6.7 we are but the Casket the Jewel is the Lords we are but the Lamp it is the Lord doth give the Oile without him we can do nothing we are altogether dependant upon him all our abilities are the Lords talent we are but stewards thorough Christ inabling we can do all things but if Christ do not inable man can do nothing God is the Alpha and the Omega of all the good we enjoy or do therefore as Mar. 2.11 12. Acts 3.11 12. I Gideon overthrow the Midianitish army it is not so much Gideon as the Lord hath done it therefore first they cry the Sword of the Lord and then Gideon the Rod was used in dividing the waters of the red Sea yet Moses and Israel give the praise unto God Exod. 15.6 therefore Col. 1.29 Paul laboured not of himself but more or lesse according to the measure of Gods working in him so 1 Cor. 3.5 intimating that they were but instruments God was the chief Agent that if they brought any to the knowledge of the truth it was the Lord that did open the understanding if they turned any man to the faith it was the Lord did open the heart if they brought comfort to any mans Soul it was the Lord that spake peace unto the conscience teaching them whosoever were the instrument yet to give the whole praise to God the chief Agent to have God and not the persons of men in admiration 5. Let therefore our own worthiwess our own indisposednesse unto any good cause us to give the praise of our whole salvation unto God acknowledging him to be the soul and onely fountain whence all water which giveth refreshment to our Souls have their Original the more we see our own emptinesse the more feelingly let us acknowledge the Lords fulnesse the more we look upon our own poverty the more let us magnifie the full and open hand of God towards us the more let us laud him rejoyce in him for his abundant goodnesse the more let us study to please him to honour him to walk in all sincerity before him striving in all things to make him glorious utterly denying our selves saying as the Psalmist Psal 44.3 for as we are earth and earthly so we speak of the earth which is the third thing here noted their practise they speak of the earth their imployments are earthly their actions are carnal 9. The whole labour and practise of un-regenerate people is earthly and carnall as the whole fruit of a corrupt Tree is so Matth. 7.18 men are all like Travellers out of the way every foot they step is awry Psal 58.3 our whole work is but a Spiders Web and increases no better than a Cockatrice Egge Isa 59 56. Reas Because the Root and Original is evil and as men speak of the Countrey and parentage whereof they are so men being of the World of the flesh speak and do the works thereof 1 Ioh. 4.5 2. Because the whole man is full of sin as the Sea full of waters a dead body of rotteness an undrest Garden of weeds the eyes are full of vanity the tongue full of evil communication the hands full of idlenesse full of bloud of unrighteous dealings the heart full of uncleannesse and hence stream all kinde of abominations Matth. 15.19 Use We have no cause to glorie of our works as long as we are carnal they are nothing but the fruit of the flesh Gal. 5.19 Brasse Tin Iron base Metal Ier. 6.28.30 as the Psalmist saith of men Ps 62.9 so may the natural man say of all his works whither of piety or common equity of his way towards God or towards man they are altogether vanity surely if God should lay our deeds in the ballance as Baltazar was that would be found of us which was written of him mene mene tekel upharsin you are laid in the ballance your works are weighed which are found too light
the Kingdom of glory is departed from you 2. We may behold here the recompence due to our works as they are the work of sin so death is the wages due to the same an evil race a dishonourable price a bad seed an uncomfortable Harvest an evil ground burning will be the issue of it 3. Therefore since our Original is earth our disposition earthly our talk of the earth our whole practise carnal worldly things tending to the irrecoverable ruins both of soul body let us strive to get forth of this miserable and uncomfortable estate to finde a gracious change and alteration wrought in our hearts let us get the fallow ground of our hearts to be broken up that we may sow no more among Thorns that we way no more conceive Chaffe and bring forth stubble Isa 33.11 that we may be made free from sin and become the servants of God Rom. 6.22 that the old man with all his lusts like a menstruous garment may be put off and the new man like a rich and royal roabe put on that we may no longer sit in darknesse and in the shadow of death but that we may behold the glorious light of the truth and the comfortable light of Gods face and that our feet may be guided into the way of peace that all old things may be put off and all things become new 2 Cor. 5.17 that we may lead a new life speak a new language love with new affections discern with new judgements and be made partakers of new favours receive a new name Rev. 2.17 let it be the choise of our cares the strongest of our desires the first of our labours the chief of all our endeavours to put off sin to put on the Lord Jesus to make no more provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof but provide for the welfare of the Soul 1 Pet. 4.3 4. but 2 Cor. 5.15 as David Psal 132.2 3 4 5. so let us enter into Covenant with our God not to take any rest any pleasure not to seek any worldly store any earthly contentment till our souls of a den of thieves of a lodge of unclean spirits be made a habitation for the Lord to dwell in as Gen. 8.9 as Ruth 3.18 so let there be no rest till you are returned unto your God till you have made your peace with him till you finde in your selves a sanctified and holy alteration and to the end we may no longer continue in this corrupt and sinfull estate let us 1. Be sensible of our sin as a Thorn in our side a prick in our eyes as sensible as Israel of the Cananites as the chased Hart of the wounding Arrow and then as the Hart goeth to the water brooks Psal 42.1 2. as the Traveller of a heavy burthen and then as Israel groaned under the burthens Pharaoh imposed and sought freedom so shall we as a woman of her travell and then as she hath no rest till delivered of her burthen so shall we take no rest till delivered of the burthen of our corruption by regeneration the sence which David had of his sin made him earnest to be washed Psal 51.2 this made him pray Ps 38.1 2 3. thus Acts. 2.37 2. Be throughly affected with the vilenesse the dishonourablenesse the dangerousnesse and uncomfortable issue of sin 1 Be affected with the vilenesse of it as the eye with an ugly spectacle the nostril with an ill savour the palate with unsavoury food the stomack with meat repugnant to it there the Psalmist was affected with his sin as with a loathsom disease Ps 38.5.7 thus Iob 42.6 as Iobs friends beholding the loathsome disease how it disfigured him how deformed and unpleasant it had made him to the eye then they sate down and wept so shall we do when we are throughly afflicted with the vilenesse of our sin 2. with the dishonorablenesse of it it leadeth into bondage 2 Tim. 2.26 into poverty strippeth the Soul naked Rev. 3.17 it casteth into a ditch of spiritual filthinesse Ezek. 16.3 4 5. it cloatheth the Soul with menstrous rags Isa 30.22 Isa 64.6 as Isa 20.4 5. so sin leadeth us away prisoners and captives not onely the buttocks but the shoulders also even the whole man uncovered and were we throughly affected with this we could not but be afraid and ashamed Rom. 6.21 3. with the dangerousnesse of it how as long as this is not repented of renounced your Souls are as a bird in the snare as a condemned malefactor every day looking for execution as bad ground nigh to burning as a woman with Childe whose travel is neer as a rotten ship in a stormy tempest every moment ready to sink never able to return to the Haven as Cattle in fat pasture Jer. 12.3 2 Pet. 2.3 an estate wherein is no escaping 1 Thes 5.3 Jer. 11.11 4. The uncomfortable issue of sin how the Honey will turn to Gal the wine into water of Marah the manchet into Gravel Jer. 2.19 their Paradice into a Thorny wildernesse their pleasant stream into a tempestuous Sea Amos 8.9.10 however with Agag 1 Sam. 15 32. yet vers 33. as Dalilab to Sampson as Jael to Sisera Isa 24.6.7 were the hearts of men throughly affected with this did this sink deep into their Souls then surely they would never rest in that estate but with the Jaylor Acts 16.29.30 as the Disciples in the storm Mat. 8.25 this will make them run as the men of Gibeon Ios 10.6 3. Be carefull and willing to be instructed shut not the eye against the light stop not thy ear against the voice of the truth withdraw not thy shoulder make not thy heart as an Adamant stone Zach. 7.11.12 but wait upon the posts of Gods house Prov. 8.34 lye as the lame man for an Almes dayly at the Gate of the Temple Acts 3.2 fasten thine eyes on this Sun be thou constant in Christs School behold view thy self throughly in this looking glasse Rom. 7.8.9 Ier. 31.18.19 let thine ear be open to the crowing of this Cock Matt. 26.75 let thy heart imbrace this as the ground doth the seed and thereby thou shalt be new born Ia. 1.18 4. Come unto Christ by fervent prayer as the blinde men by the high-way side as the Centurion for his servant the ruler for his daughter open thy estate discover the condition of thy Soul unto the Lord pray with Ephraim Ier. 31.18 Psal 80.7 as Solomon asked neither riches nor long life nor the life of his enemies but onely wisdom 1 King 3.9 so do you ask neither wealth nor honour prosperity nor pleasure but above all things ask for the saving grace of the spirit pray for the dews of grace as Eliah for rain upon the earth and as the Lord caused a cloud to appear which though little at first yet at length it covered the whole heavens so shall God cause the power of his spirit so to distill into thy Soul that
accord This you may descerne 1. By the soundnesse the fulnesse holiness of their knowledge in the matter of life and salvation for as the Sun ruling the world is full of light the Sea watring the earth is full of Waters so must the Ministers of God be full of knowledge therefore called starres Rev. 1.16 And light Mat. 5.14 Guides Acts. 8.31 Shepheards Ephes 4.11 Captaines 2 Tim. 2.3 Stewards Lu. 13.52 And it is Gods ordinance Mal. 2.7 Gods promise Jer. 3.15 The contrary to this is an argument men are not sent Hos 4.6 Jer. 2.8 2. By the holinesse and integrity of their conversations Kings send not rebels to reclaim others they who are tainted with the Plague themselves are very dangerous Physitians no man will willingly take Physick from them but Lu. 4.23 therefore God doth purify and cleanse his Messengers from iniquity Mal. 2.5 6. And 1 Tim. 4.12 And therefore our Saviour Matth. 5.16 and Isaiah was cleansed Isa 6.5 And Paul proposeth himselfe and the rest for an example Phil. 3.17 The contrary to this argueth want of commission Jer. 23.14 1 Sam 2.17 Mat. 5.3 3. By the fervency of their Zeal affections they must be full of courage comming forth as it is said of the Sun like Bridegrooms out of their Chamber rejoycing like mighty men to run the race which God hath set them being like burning iron warming them that are about them thus the word as fire shut up in Jeremy his bones Jer. 20.9 Examples hereof wee have in Eliah 1 Kings 18.21 Zacharias 2 Chron. 24 20. In the Baptist Mat. 3.7 In Stephen Acts. 7.51 In Paul Acts. 34 20. The want of this is taxed Matth. 7.29 and Rev. 3.16 4. By their sincere and Heavenly Doctrine such as God sendeth delivereth Gods message good nurses give wholesome milke to the children good Stewards give not gravell but good bread to the family thus 2 Tim. 2.15 They give every man his portion out of Gods word knowledge to the ignorant reproofe to the obstinate comfort to the afflicted encouragement to the opposed and 1 Pet. 4.11 Tit. 1.9 And then Jer. 23.22 But the contrary hereunto Mica 2.11 Lam. 2.24 5. By their industry in their calling expressed by the similitudes of Husband-men builders 1 Cor. 3.6 9. Souldiers 2 Tim. 2.3 It was prophesied Isa 62.5 Charged 2 Tim. 4.2 1 Tim. 4.15 Practised 1 Cor. 15.10 But the want of this discovereth want of commission Isa 56.10 6. By their griefe to see men sinfull as a good Physitian to see his patient diseased a loving Nurse to see her childe sick thus 2 Pet. 2.8 Jer. 9.1 Jer. 13.17 Psa 119.136 But Acts. 4.2 7. By their seeking of the Glory of God and the good of his Church more then themselves or their owne good 2 Cor. 4.5 2 Cor. 12.14 1 Cor. 10.33 1 Thes 2.19 But 2. Pet. 2.3 These meeting together in a Minister are assured evidence that God hath sent such one in mercy to his servants 8. By their constancy in their calling and religious and holy conversation such as God sendeth are not like a broken Bow that starteth back in the day of battle like the sluggard that would not walke because there was a Lion in the Street like the sloathfull man that would not sow because it was cold they grow not weary of the work of the Lord their calling is a delight no trouble their work is pleasant no iron yoke to them and therefore as Eccles 11.6 So they sow in the morning in the Evening are constant in imbracing every occasion looking unto God for a blessing though they fish long with Peter catched nothing yet at Christs command they cast forth the net in hope of a good draught at last they know that God hath severall houres for mens conversion some at the third some at the sixth hour some at the ninth hour some at the last hour of the day so must they continue constant to the last hour in their calling and if none convert by their labours yet they know that their endeavours shall not be altogether fruitlesse Jsa 49 4 And therefore they are not like Meteors and blazing starrs shining for a season and then fall to ground but like the sun they are constant in their care this was Gods charge to Jeremy Jer. 15.19 20 21. And it was his practise Jer. 20.9.10 This was Pauls resolution Acts. 20.24 And this he verified 2 Tim. 4.7 This the Apostles also manifested it was within them as a fire not to be quenched as a streame not to be stopped Acts. 4.19.20 But Apostacy from God either in doctrine or conversation may justly call into question their commission Demas once accounted a fellow-labourer Philimon verse 24. afterward proved an Apostaticall lover of the world 2 Tim. 4.10 And Rev. 12.4 Faithfulnesse to the end in the Ministeriall calling is a gracious testimony that God hath given them a commission and that hee hath sent them for the good of his people Thus of his authority Next let us looke upon his Alsufficiency Authority without ability is like a sword without a hand ability without authority is like a hand without a sword both insufficient both of little use but where both concurre they make a man compleat to fulfill the calling hee hath undertaken therefore that the Baptist might the better move the more effectually perswade the hearts of his disciples to imbrace beleeve and build upon Christ he commendeth him not onely by his authority whom God hath sent he speaketh the word of God but also by his Alsufficiency for God hath not given the spirit by measure Some extend these words to Gods abundant common dispensation of all good things why being the fountaine of all goodnesse doth largely poure out his blessings and yet is not emptied any more then the Sun of his light by Shining or the sea of water by sending forth many streams to water the earth he that draweth out of a vessel what he giveth commeth at length to the bottome but he that dippeth out of the Sea never commeth to the bottome the abilities of the creatures are soone like a little vessell drawne dry but God never giveth so much but there is a great fulnes in him at the last as there was at the first his hand is never short that it cannot help his arme is never weary that it cannot give assistance it is never low water but alwaies full Sea with this goodnesse a singular expression of the transcendency of God beyond and above all creatures a powerfull load-stone to draw men to God from the world a singular encouragement to men to relye upon God as on a sure foundation which will never sinke to draw nigh to God as to the fountaine of living waters which will most certainely refresh us as to a tree loaden with all forts of fruit bearing new fruit every month an admirable comfort to Gods children that their God is their stay and their
strength hath such fulnesse in him but they who interpret these words to be spoken of Christ give the best and most proper enterpretation for the purpose of the Baptist was not so much to commend and set forth the fulnesse and excellency of God whereof there was not then any question but of Christ of whose Alsufficiency the disciples of the Baptist were both ignorant doubtful therfore he setteth before them the full treasury of all goodnesse which was in Christ intimateth to them that in Christ alone was that sufficiency to be found which would make them wise holy just free happy from him they should derive and draw that which the world could not afford them for God had given him the spirit not by measure Christ and God the Father are one in regard of Divine Essence 1 Jo. 5.7 that is incommunicable and cannot be given but God the Father gave the Sonne his personal subsistance as a Sonne as a second Person whereof David speakes Psa 2.7 And also Solomon Pro 8.24 25 29.30 And God hath also given the Spirit that is the Grace of the Spirit unto Christ as man as Mediatour above measure in a most abundant and large measure as he is the Sonne of God by eternall generation so he hath infinite power Wisedome justice Holinesse Goodnesse as he is the Sonne of God by Grace of Hypostaticall Vnion so hee hath also all the former vertues but not in that measure as they are in him as he is God but yet in such measure as they doe wonderfully excell all the excellencies in men and Angels as the Sun doth the Starres in brightnesse Col. 1.19 Others received and do receive the Spirit in measure 1 Cor. 12.7 That is slenderly and this from Christ Ephes 4.7 as wee receive water from the Sisterne but to Christ as man it is given above measure that is largely abundantly farre more then to any creature In the words we have 1. a Giver God 2 The gift with the equality of it the Spirit 3. The measure or how much is givers not sparingly not nigardly but plentiously above measure 4. The receiver the party to whom it is given to Christ From the first wee may learne Doct. That God is the Authour giver of every blessing enjoyed by any person or people the royall robes where-with Christ as man was apparelled came out of Gods Wardrobe the singular Jewels where-with he was adorned came out of Gods Store-house therefore much more the blessings and endowments conferred upon people of inferiour condition as all the light in the Aire commeth from the Sun so James 1.17 As the Raine commeth from the cloud upon the earth so doth every good thing come unto us from the Lord nothing is due nothing is merited all is given Jo. 3.17 Therefore God is by the Apostle stiled the God of all grace 1 Pet. 5.10 The God in whom all goodnesse resideth as water in the fountaine from whom all goodnesse is derived all blessings Issue as waters from the fountaine as branches from the roote a God giving both spirituall and corporall temporall and eternall favours all that wee possesse is fruit from his Tree graine out of his Garner liquor out of his vessel the Lords hand maketh all Eccles 11.5 Wee cannot gather if God doe not scatter wee cannot receive if God doth not open his hand wee cannot be satisfied if God doth not fill us Psa 104.28 Reason Because God hath in himselfe all goodnesse originally independantly compleately and others have it by the communication as God will work it in them give it to them as all nourishment is in the roote and from thence sent up into the branch all waters are in the Sea and from thence sent in the chanels of the earth beneath and in the clouds above as in so many bottles for the watering of the earth so all goodnesse in God he deriveth to us as he pleaseth therefore the Psalmist ascribeth all to the Goodnesse of the Lord. Psa 68.9.10 And Psa 65.8.9.10.11.12.13 And 2. Because God hath Soveraignty and dominion over all right and interest into all he is the Lord the creature the servant he is the Work-man the world with all the fulnesse thereof his workmanship hee is the King all the creatures his subjects the servant can have nothing but what his Lord will allow him all tallents are in Gods hand hee hath both the dominion and the disposition of them he may doe with his owne what pleaseth him and hence 1 Chro. 29.11 12. Deut. 8.18 3. Because all second causes are no further helpfull comfortable and beneficiall to us then as God is pleased to put an ability and fulnesse into them as God is pleased to cause his blessing to accompany and go together with them as Jo. 15.5 So without God all that wee have can doe nothing and as Jsa 30.7 So all abilities without God will help in vaine their strength will be to set still as Jer. 10 5. So it will be in these to doe neither good nor harme men may glory of their abilities as Israel of the Arke but if God be not there the Arke will doe no good· 4. Because wee are altogether empty in and of ourselves dry trees barren fields bearing no fruit and empty Vessels without any licquor of grace wee are Rev. 3.17 desolate houses in whom dwelleth no good thing Ro. 7.18 Hos 10.1 Nineveh Nah. 3.10 And therefore well might the Apostle say what hast thou that thou hast not received 5. Because wee are able to discerne nothing wee are all gone astray Psa 14.3 Wee are like a wildernesse like the sluggards field as full of sinne as that of thornes and briars Pro. 24.30 After our conversion when wee have done our best we doe but that like Jacob in the way of Gods commandements our best apparell is very menstruous best grain hath much chaffe and our best coyne hath much drosse mingled with it Jsa 64.6 So that when wee have done all wee can doe we are unprofitable servants wee have deserved nothing and therefore whatsoever wee enjoy it must needs be Gods gift 6. Because all doe exspect and looke for every behoofull gift at the hands of God as the eye waiteth on the Sun for light the sucking child on the breasts for milke the providence of God extendeth it selfe to all creatures to all persons to all seasons occasions and conditions he doth not like the Carpenter build a house and then forsake it like a carelesse Pilote leaving his ship in the stormy tempest but God guideth preserveth feedeth and sustaineth all that hee hath made in him Acts. 17.28 From him Psa 104.27 Vse Is all we enjoy all that doth relieve us Gods gift is it he is the Authour and the giver of all then let us seeke to God for every good gift whereof we stand in need as Ja. 1.5 So if any man want grace to subdue his corruption let him aske of God for hee giveth
throne of grace in his name wee shall finde acceptance for his sake Hebr. 10.22 Rom. 5.1 2. though Jonathan could not appeas the anger of his father Saul against David yet our Jonathan will surely prevail with our God for us though wee are unworthy yet as the man of God looked on Jeboram for Jehoshaphat's sake 2 King 3.14 so will our God look favorably on us for Christ's sake 3 This must quicken and stirr up us to love the Lord Jesus the children use to love where the father doth the servants use to affect where their Lord God the Father loveth the Son therefore let us also get our hearts inflamed with love to him to them that love him all felicity is wished Eph. 6 24. to them that love him not all evils are denounced 1 Cor. 16.22 and many inducements there are to move us to set our affection upon 1. the dignity beauty majesty glory and excellency of his person Isa 45.3 Cant. 5.10 2. The love that hee hath shewed to us Joh. 15.13 Rom. 5.8 Jonathan's love to David caused David again to love him fire begetteth fire 3. The great afflictions hee hath suffered for us 4. The great endowments hee hath bestowed upon us 5. The many enemies hee hath conquered for us 6. The great things hee hath purchased for us in the heavens these are as so many load-stones to draw our hearts unto Christ Jesus as so many bellows to blow up the fire of our affections to inflame or hearts with fervent sacred and constant love unto the Lord Jesus and that so much the more because wee have hence seen Doctr. That the love of God to Christ Jesus is the fountain of all the happiness which cometh to God's servants as the waters come to us from the fountain by and thorow the cistern the light cometh from the sun to the eie by and thorow the aër so is Christ the medium whereby all the goodness of God cometh unto us and God's love to Christ is the original and prime cause hereof as Gen. 45.17 18. the love of King Pharaoh to Joseph was the moving caus of all the favor and kindness hee shewed to his father and brethren when they were in great distress by reason of the famine so the love of God the King of kings viz. Christ Jesus is the fountain of all the happiness peace comfort which is derived and communicated to the brethren of Christ Jesus as the Ark was the caus of the wellfare of Obed-Edom's house so is God's love to Christ the caus of all our welfare this was shadowed out by the ladder in Jacob's vision Genes 28.11 12. reaching from heaven to earth the Angels ascending and descending to shew how all the goodness of God descendeth unto us by and thorow Christ this was also prophecied as the Lord hath put the grace of his spirit upon the son of righteousness to enlighten them that sit in darkness and why hath hee done so but because hee delighted in him and the Apostle speaketh plainly that wee are accepted in the beloved Ephes 1.6 Acts 2.33 Reas 1. Because wee are from all eternity elected in Christ as the Apostle witnesseth Eph. 1.4 saying wee are chosen in him before the foundation of the world in him noting the order in which wee are elected not the cause of election the grace of election beginneth first with Christ our head and descendeth to us in him wee are not first elected and then Christ is chosen by reason of our fall but God out of his love did first chuse him to bee the head of the body mystical and then are wee chosen to bee his members as the head corner stone in the building is first chosen Psa 116.22 and then the other stones which are to bee put into the building hence hee is said to bee the first begotten amongst his brethren Col. 1.18 to have the preheminence to bee sealed John 6.27 set apart to be the prince of our salvation to be fore-ordained before the foundations of the world 1 Pet. 1.20 by how much more excellent things are by so much more timely and principally they bee in God's decree hee doth not think of electing and predestinating us first as a body and then come afterward by occasion to think of a him who is the head hee is the first pattern and wee are predestinated to bee like him Rom. 8.29 and as the master-picture and pattern is first and then the thing which is to bee drawn by it as in a naturall birth the head cometh first and then the feet after it so first was Christ chosen then as the head or the elect and fountain of grace and then are wee chosen in him things in their material existing have one order in their intentional another as for example a man that maketh a house intendeth to dwell under some covering 2 hee intendeth to build a house 3. to hire workmen 4. to prepare matter but in the execution hee 1. setteth stone and wood in place 2 hee hireth workmen then raiseth the frame and lastly entreth in and dwelleth there In order of materiall existing Christ is revealed promised exhibited after sin but intended before sin 1 Cor. 3.22 23. The Apostle reckoning the order in which things exist mentions 1. the world 2 the elect 3 Christ then God but giveth us to understand in order of intention that God intendeth first his own glory then Christ then the Church then the world out of which hee intended to gather such as should bee saved by Christ and thus Christ is the head of the elect and the fountain of grace 2. Because all the promises of God are to us in Christ 2 Cor. 1.20 hee is the cistern by which God hath promised to convey the waters of life to our souls It is hee who of God is made unto us all things behooffull to our salvation 1 Cor. 1.30 it is in him that God hath promised audience and acceptance to our persons Gen. 3.15 it is in him that the blessing was promised to all nations Gen. 12.34 it is in his dayes that all peace and felicity was promised to the Church Jer. 23.5 6. it is hee that brought good and joyfull tidings Micah 4.4 5. 3 Because God hath put all fulness in him for the good of his Church as hee hath put all fulness of light into the sun for the giving of light to the world all fulness of water into the sea for the watering of the earth so hath God put all fulness into him for our behoof that are in him that wee might receive grace needfull to salvation Col. 1.19 John 1.16 Isa 61.1 2. as all Aegypt fetched out of Joseph's store as the ointment on Aaron's head ran down to the beard even the skirts of his garment Psalm 133.1 2. 4. Because our life the life of grace is hidden in Christ even when wee were dead in sin Col. 3.3 as the life of the tree in the winter is in the root the
make us to bee in the waies of God as it was said in another case of Saul and Jonathan lovely in our lives aimiable in our conversations strong as the lion swift as the hinde full of courage swift speedy and cheerfull in the waies of God's commandements whose bow returned not back nor sword returned empty whose holy labors are not in vain who faint not in the waie of God's precepts but move as water to the ocean and eagles to the carkass And thus of the first part the love of God to Christ the sequel of the Father's love to Christ followeth and hath given all things into his hands The ability of the Physitian to heal of the Pilot to guide of the General to rule the army to conquer the enemy of the friend to supply in time of need causeth the sick the passenger the souldier the poor man to bee much the more confident so the ability fulness and alsufficiency of Christ causeth all his servants to rely upon him with so much the more firm dependance therefore the Baptist the more effectually to perswade his disciples to believ rely and rest upon Christ the more strongly to entertain his doctrine the more reverently to value him the more highly to rejoyce in him the more abundantly to devote and resign themselves into his hands the more thoroughly doth not only acquaint them with the love of the father unto Christ which is the well-spring whence all the waters of salvation flow but also acquainteth them with the authority soveraignty and kingdom wherewith hee hath endowed him hee hath given all things into his hand all things visible and invisible all things without exception are made his hee hath full and free power and possession over all and rule and administration of all this hee took not by force hee bought not with money but received from his father as the only begotten son of the father places of government and jurisdiction must bee neither bought nor injuriously usurped but given freely to the best deservers the father gave all into his hand John 17.5 not that hee ever was without them as hee is God or that hee was unequal to the Father but as in fulness of time hee was incarnate Phil. 2.8 so his assumed nature received many singular gifts and priviledges and this not of that which was anothers but that which was his own as hee was God and this hee received not as a sealed fountain to reserve all unto himself but hee received it for us to bestow it freely on us for our salvation Math. 11.27 Math. 28.23 therefore the Apostle testifieth that all is ours 1 Cor. 3.22 and thus the Father hath put all things into Christ's hands whence learn Doctrine That God hath put all creatures in subjection to Christ Jesus and hath endowed him with all fulness to save his chosen servants As Pharaoh made all his people subject to Joseph Gen. 41.44 and Joseph was endowed with wisdom how to govern them and had plenty of Provision to preserve them so hath God put all creatures in subjection unto Christ and hee hath all fulness of wisdom power goodness to rule govern and supply the wants of his people hee hath the preheminence above all as the lord over the servant as the head over the body Col. 1.18 Ephes 1.22 as the Conqueror over the captived This the Apostle doth abundantly prove Heb. 1.2 3 4 5 6 7 8. by the interest Christ hath in all by the beeing hee hath given to all by his his equality with God by his sustentation of all by the purgation of sin by the dignity and authority vouchsafed to him by his preheminence above Angels by the religious worship given to him by the Angels by the eternity of his kingdome by the measure of grace bestowed on him by the subjection of all that rise against him And this truth is moreover clearly evidenced 1. Reason By the Offices which hee was to execute 1. the office of a king and therefore hee must have preheminence above all as the king above the subjects Psal 2.6 therefore hee is called a king set upon a holy hill Psal 45.6 an everlasting king king of Jews Math. 2.2 king of righteousness Heb. 7.2 king of peace and king of kings Rev. 1.5 2. The office of a prophet Luke 4.18 and all are to wait on him as scholars on their teacher as sheep on their shepherd Isa 40.11 as the eie waiteth on the sun for light Mat. 11.29 as the offender on the Embassadour of peace Zech. 9.10 what Job said of himself Job 39.21 23 must be much more verified of Christ unto him men must give ear and wait and keep silence at his counsel they must wait for him as for the rain and open their mouth wide as for the latter rain 3. the Office of a priest Heb. 3.1 6. and on him must they wait as sick men on the physician as captived men on him that doth ransom them 1 Tim. 2.6 2 By the preheminence given to him the head the husband the prince the first fruits of his people as the head is above the members the husband above the wife the prince above the subjects the first fruits before the residue of the residue of the lump so is Christ above the rest of the people 3. By the miraculous works which hee wrought hee turned water into wine John 2. 8. walked upon the sea Mat. 14.25 healed all manner of diseases which no physician could cure Mark 5.25 opened the eyes of men born blind John 9.31 a work exceeding the abilities both of art and nature raised the dead stilled the raging tempest Mat. 8.26 cast out devils an evident argument of his dominion over all creatures 4. By the potent enemies which hee overcame Goliah the Philistine the Midianitish armies Sennacherib's forces were no more to the enemies subdued by Christ then a molehil to a mountain then a child to a gyant then the shadow to the body then rotten reeds to bands of brass and iron Col. 2.15 Ephes 4.8 5. By the blessed change which hee wrought in the hearts of men of fierce as lions hee maketh men gentle as the lamb Isaiah 11.6 of unclean as the leper hee maketh clean as Naaman coming out of Jordan 2 Kings 5. of dead in sin hee raiseth to a new life of dens of devils hee maketh them temples for the holy spirit of a barren wilderness hee maketh them as a fertile soil of a field like the sluggards field full of thorns and briars hee maketh them a very fruitfull orchard Quest How could the Father put all things into the hands of the Son since hee hath the same fulness majesty and power hee ever had and is no way emptied by any thing the sun hath received Reas As a fountain filleth the cistern and is no way thereby emptied a king sendeth forth his son to a rebellious people to reclaim reconcile subdue them giveth him authority hereunto yet his own authority is