Christs Love and Affection Towards Jerusalem — Richard Maden

Christs Love and Affection Towards Jerusalem · Richard Maden

A Table of the Contents in the ſeverall Treatiſes which are here handled.

In the firſt obſervation touching Chriſts teares.

1 CHriſt had the ſame affections with other men, but with a twofold difference. pag. 4

2 Jeruſalem was beſieged at that time of the yeare, and in that place where Chriſt begun to weepe for it. p. 5

3 Foure remarkeable circumſtances in the weeping of Chriſt. 6

4 The reaſons why Chriſt wept for Jeruſalem. 8, 9

1 To demonſtrate the truth and ſincerity of his love and affection towards her. 10

2 To ſhew the ſerious wiſhes and deſires hee had of her welfare. 12

3 To let her ſee how unwilling hee was to bring upon her the deſerved puniſhment of her diſobedience. 14

4 To ſhew the hainouſneſſe of her ſinne, and the greatneſſe of her miſery. 16

5 To teach Jeruſalem what ſhee ought to doe for her ſelfe. 18

The Vſes to be made of the former point.

Vſe 1. To weep for the ſins of others, as Chriſt here did. 20

1 Motives perſwading every one ſo to doe.

1 Becauſe God is much diſhonoured by them. 20, 21

2 Becauſe it hath beene the generall practiſe of the Saints and ſervants of God. pag. 21, 22

3 Becauſe the condition of ſuch as are in their ſins is worthily to be lamented. 24

4 Becauſe it is a meanes to procure a place of refuge, and a ſanctuary for a mans ſelfe. 25

Vſe 2. To weepe for the miſeries of others, after the example of Chriſt here. 27

It more concernes every one to weepe for the miſery of others, than it did Chriſt; in foure reſpects. 27

Inducements to move every one to weepe for the miſeries of others, drawne,

1 From the Commandement of God requiring the ſame. 29

2 From the ſympathy and fellow-feeling that each one ſhould have of anothers miſery. 29, 32

3 From the example of others both good and bad. 30, 31

Vſe 3. To reprove every one that doth not lay to heart, and weepe for his owne ſinnes. 33

1 Amplified and preſſed,

1 From the hainouſneſſe of ſinne, and that,

1 In regard of the matter of it. 34

2 In regard of the object or perſon againſt whom it is committed. 35

3 In regard of the helps and meanes afforded to the contrary. 36

2 From the example of the ſervants of God in former time. 36

3 From the carriage of men in matters of the world. 37

4 From the end for which teares were made, and whereunto they ſerve. 37

2 Helpes to further a man in this duty of weeping for his ſinnes.

1 To get a broken heart. 39

2 Often to look on ſuch objects as are apt to beget penitentiall teares. pag. 39

3 To take the hint and occaſion, when God makes the heart in a weeping caſe, and then to cloſe with him. 41

3. Motives inducing every one to weepe for his ſinnes,

1 Becauſe Chriſt here is ſo plentifull,

1 In ſhedding teares for the ſinnes of others. 42

2 Becauſe God takes ſpeciall notice of every teare that fals upon this occaſion. 42

3 Becauſe God takes pleaſure and delight in ſuch teares.

4 Becauſe God will recompence and reward all ſuch teares as are ſhed for ſinne.

5 Becauſe it is better to weepe for ſinne here than hereafter.

In the ſecond obſervation touching the will of God in the matter of mans Salvation.

1 Chriſt did ſeriouſly will the ſalvation of Jeruſalem, even of that part that periſhed. 47

1 Proved,

1 By reaſons out of the Text.

2 By teſtimonies of other Scriptures.

2 God doth ſeriouſly will the ſalvation of all thoſe to whom it is offered. 50

1 Proved,

1 By Scripture.

2 By reaſon.

1 From the generality of the offer, which appeares, 60

1 Becauſe none but may claime ſalvation, if hee performe the condition. 63

2 Becauſe no other ground of faith but the generall offer 65

3 Becauſe elſe none ſhould be guilty of refuſing grace. 69

2 From the ſinceritie of Gods meaning in it, which appeares,

1 Becauſe he appoints meanes for the obtaining of it. 72

2 Becauſe the meanes appointed are ſuch as in their native tendency lead unto it. 76

3 Becauſe he is ſo earneſt in preſſing men to the acceptance of it. 79

4 Becauſe the offer is backed with a promiſe of good ſucceſſe to ſuch as ſeeke for it. 83

3 From humane authority and teſtimony of the learned. 87

The Vſes to be made of this Doctrine.

Vſe 1. To reprove ſuch as charge God fooliſhly to bee the cauſe of their deſtruction. 90

2. To ſhew the the extreame folly of ſuch as are unwilling to have life, when God is willing to give it. 97

Amplified,

1 From the generality of the fault. 97

2 The ſtrangeneſſe of it. 98

3 The hainouſneſſe of it, being highly diſpleaſing to God. 99

4 The conſequent of it, becauſe it leaves a man without excuſe. 100

3 To encourage every one to ſeeke for life, and ſalvation. 104

And that,

1 By laying this foundation, that God is both able and willing to give him life. 106

2 By building wiſely upon it, and applying himſelfe to God in the uſe of the meanes. 107

And here a double care is required,

1 To pitch upon the right meanes. 108

2 So to uſe them as that they may be availeable for the obtaining of a bleſſing. pag. 110

In the right uſe of the meanes it is required,

1 To uſe them as means, with ſubordination to God.

1 Upon whoſe bleſſing the vertue and efficacie of all meanes doth depend. 110

2 To uſe them diligently, which is ſeene

1 In the frequency of the act. 111

2 The fervency and intention of ſoule in doing of it. 112

3 To uſe them entirely, ſo as no meanes appointed by God, be neglected. 113

4 To uſe them ſeaſonably, then eſpecially when God goes before and makes way. 114

5 To uſe them ſincerely in obedience to God, and conſcience of his duty. 115

6 To uſe them conſtantly, not giving over before the bleſſing bee obtained. 116

In the third Obſervation touching the ſinne, and miſery of Ieruſalem, in that ſhee did not know the things of Chriſt and the Goſpell.

1 Jeruſalem did not know the things of the Goſpell. 121

Amplified by ſhewing,

1 Who they were that did not know, not all the inhabitants, but the greateſt part. 122

2 What knowledge it was they wanted,

1 Not ſo much a litterall, and notionall knowledge. 122

2 As a lively, effectual, & actual knowledge. 123

2 It was a great fault in Jeruſalem, that ſhee did not know. 124

Amplified,

1 Becauſe ſhe had more helps, and means of knowledge. 125

2 Becauſe ſhee was more bound to know. 126

3 Becauſe both knowledge, and want of knowledge in her, was of great conſequence. pag. 127

3 It was a great part of Jeruſalems miſery that ſhee did not know. 128

1 Becauſe it opened a gap to her future ſinne, and further puniſhment. 128

2 Becauſe it made her ſenſleſſe of her owne danger. 129

3 Becauſe it makes her abuſe the patience of God, which ever breaks out into greater wrath afterward. 130

The Vſes to be made of this Doctrine.

Vſe 1. To reprove all thoſe who are guilty of the ſame fault. 132

Such are thoſe who refuſe Chriſt when hee comes unto them,

1 In the Miniſtery of the Word. 133

2 In the motions of his Spirit. ibid.

3 In the workes of his Providence in mercies, and judgements. ibid.

4 In his poore members. 134

2 To ſhew that the circumſtance of the perſon doth much aggravate the quality of the offence. 134

1 In regard of the place he ſuſtaines 135

2 In regard of the parts and abilities wherewith he is indued. ibid.

3 In regard of the relation hee hath to others. ibid. & 136

3 What to thinke of thoſe who know as little of their miſery, as Jeruſalem did. 137

1 They are more ſecure and ſenſleſſe of danger.

1 Than any Creature upon earth. 138

2 Than the Devils and damned ſpirits. 140

2 Their danger neareſt, when they are moſt ſecure. 141

Proved by the time when they doe moſt ſecurely give themſelves to ſinfull pleaſures.

1 When God is ſilent, and ſeemes to winke at their ſinnes. pag. 142

2 When the world ſmiles upon them, and fils their lap with all ſecular contentments. 144

In the fourth Obſervation touching the day of grace.

1 What the day of grace is, and why every one muſt account it for his day. 148, 149

2 What be the particulars which are comprehended under this day. 150

3 The Lords day how that is to be husbanded and improved. 151

4 Seaſons and occaſions of doing and receiving good, how to be layd for, and laid out. 152

5 In the day of health and proſperity proviſion is to be made againſt the time of need. 154

Urged from the examples,

1 Of the Piſmire, that prepareth her meat in ſummer. 154

2 Of men who mend the high wayes in Summer. 155

3 Of Joſeph who laid up ſtore of proviſion in the yeares of plenty. 155

6 The day of youth being well ordered, hath a great influence into the whole converſation. 156

Amplified by the ſimilitude,

1 Of a veſſell that long taſteth of the firſt liquor it receives. ibid.

2 Of an arrow that flies as it is directed at firſt. ibid.

3 Of a bowle or ſtone whoſe motion muſt bee ordered while it is in the hand. ibid. 157

4 Of a tree which is dead in winter, if it doe not bud in the ſpring. ibid. 157

Motives to perſwade every one to lay out himſelfe in the day of youth.

1 Becauſe this is the time of ſowing that ſeed, that muſt yeeld a crop afterward. pag. 157

2 Becauſe age is not a time of ſeeking, but of enjoying comfort. ibid.

3 Becauſe God requires it, as hee did the firſt borne under the law. 158

4 Becauſe it is as the firſt fruits, procuring a bleſſing upon all the reſt. ibid.

7 Every one ſhould lay out himſelfe while it is called to day. 158

1 Becauſe the preſent day is the day of ſalvation. 159

2 Becauſe many good purpoſes are loſt, for that they are not preſently followed. ibid.

3 Becauſe juſt with God to cut thee ſhort of thy expectation of a future day, when thou neglecteſt the preſent. ibid.

4 Becauſe it is Sathans policie, under the pretence of the preſent day, to rob thee of thy whole time. 160

5 Becauſe if the preſent day bee neglected, the next is uncertain. ibid.

8 The day of grace reacheth not beyond the time of this preſent life. 160

If mercy be not ſought and obtained in this life, it is loſt for ever. 161

As Commodities that muſt bee taken in, before the faire be ended. 161

As Manna that was to bee gathered onelyonly on the ſixe dayes. 161

As the tree yeelds no more fruit after it be cut downe. ibid.

The Vſes to be made of the former Doctrine.

Vſe 1. To exhort every one to lay out himſelfe in this day. 163

Amplified,

1 By examples, ſacred and prophane. ib.

2 By reaſon.

1 Becauſe account muſt bee given for every houre ſpent idlely. 164

2 Becauſe as every one deales with God in this day, ſo will God deale with him in his day. ibid.

Motives to perſwade every one to lay out himſelfe in this day. 164

1 Becauſe the day is not yet paſt, and therefore it is a thing poſſible to bee done. 165

2 Becauſe it is no long time of ſeeking that is required, onelyonly for a day. ibid.

Amplified,

1 By the damned ſpirits, what they would doe if they were alive againe. 166

2 By the devill, who beſtirres himſelfe the more, becauſe his time is ſhort. ibid.

3 Becauſe an eternall weight of weale or woe lies upon it.

4 Becauſe one day well ſpent, hath more ſweetneſſe in it, than a thouſand dayes that are conſumed in the pleaſure of ſinne. 167

1 Becauſe there is ſweetneſſe in the action of well doing, 168.

2 Becauſe he reapes the crop and harveſt of it in ſweet meditations afterward. ibid.

5 Becauſe it is the wiſeſt courſe, that any one can take for himſelfe. 168

1 Becauſe the chiefeſt commoditities in which a Chriſtian deales, are currant onelyonly in this day. ibid.

2 Becauſe it brings with it preſent profit, and future income. 169

Vſe 2. To exhort every one to ſet forward betimes before the day of grace be too farre ſpent. 170

Preſſed,

1 By examples of ſuch as have done it. ibid.

2 By reaſons.

1 In regard of the ſhortneſſe of the day, and the length of the journey. pag. 171

2 In regard of the nature of the day. 173

For,

1 It is of a fluent nature, alwayes paſſing and flitting away. ibid.

As the Oyle in the Lampe continually waſting. ibid.

As the ſand in the houre-glaſſe, continually running. ibid.

2 It is carried with ſo ſwift a ſayle, that it ſeemes rather to flie, than runne. 174

3 It paſſeth away inſenſibly, whether it be diſcerned or no. 174

4 The beſt part of it goeth away ſooneſt, as in wine. 175

5 None can tel how much of it is yet to come, or how ſoone it will end. 176

6 If this day bee once ended, there never comes a new day for the finding of mercy. 178

3 In regard of the danger which doth accompapany the delay hereof.

1 Becauſe there is an uncertainty of the day, and meanes of grace, how long they will continue. 179

2 Becauſe there is an uncertainty of the time to come, upon which hee dependeth. 181

3 An uncertainty of thoſe good motions and gracious helpes which now hee hath. 183

1 Becauſe the ſpirit will not alwayes ſtrive with man. ibid.

2 Becauſe delay in this kinde, it makes every one a loſer. ibid.

For, 1 It may be he ſhall never have ſuch a kindy impreſſion and motion of the ſpirit any more. pag. 183

2 The oftner that grace is refuſed, the more difficultie wil there be in the obtaining of it. 184

3 The more that the ſpirit is reſiſted, the more weakly and ſparingly doth it worke. 184

4 The longer a man delayes, the more hard and obdurate will his heart grow. ibid.

4 In regard of the folly and impiety that accompanies this delay. 184

1 Folly.

1 Becauſe he had rather continue ſick, than be preſently healed. 185

2 Becauſe it provokes God to cut him ſhort of his expectation. 186

3 Becauſe the longer it is delayed, the more labour and paines it will require. ibid.

2 Impiety.

1 Becauſe in ſo doing he ſhewes leſſe care for his ſoule, than for his body. 187

2 Becauſe he makes God waite upon his leiſure. ibid.

Vſe 3. An exhortation to redeeme the time out of the hands of uſurping tyrants. 188

Likewiſe merchants, who are ſparing and provident in hard times. ibid.

1 What time it is that muſt bee redeemed, and how. 189

1 Time paſt redeemed by repentance, for the ill peny-worths that have beene made of it. ibid.

2 Time to come redeemed, by laying in for it before hand, that it may come to his hands. ib.

3 Time preſent redeemed.

1 By ſetting it at liberty from thoſe uſurping tyrants, 1. that eate up all the good hours of moſt men. 190

2 By laying it out upon thoſe occaſions for which it was given. ibid.

2 Motives to redeeme the time.

1 Becauſe what ever hee lay out for it, hee ſhall bee no looſer, but an infinite gainer. 191

2 Becauſe time is precious.

1 Becauſe a little time is worth eternity. ibid.

2 Becauſe none can have more than one minute of time at once. ibid.

Vſe 4. To reprove ſuch as loſe and laviſh out the time and day of grace. 192

Amplified,

1 From the worth of this day, which appeares.

1 By the example of the damned ſpirits. ibid.

2 By the teares of Chriſt. 193

3 By the damage that inſues upon the neglect of it. ibid.

4 By the rareneſſe of it, becauſe it is not to bee repurchaſed with all the Jewels under heaven. ibid.

5 By the infinite gain and advantage that might be made of it. ibid.

6 By the nature of the loſſe, which is an irrecoverable loſſe. 194

2 From the ſhortneſſe of it, becauſe it is not ſo long, that any part of it need to bee loſt. 194

Which is further inlarged.

1 From the greatneſſe of the worke to be done in it. 195

2 From the practiſe of ſome heathen and others, who have beene ſparing and provident herein, and are ſtill in matters of leſſe worth. ib. & 196

3 From the practiſe of thoſe who are moſt ſaving and thrifty in the husbanding of it, and yet loſe a great part of it. 197

1 In meere idleneſſe, and doing nothing. ibid.

2 In doing that which is evill, and worſe than nothing. ib.

3 In matters impertinent, and upon the by. ib.

1 In wandring and roving thoughts. ib.

2 In idle words and vaine ſpeeches. ib.

3 In needleſſe and unprofitable actions. 198

3 From arguments diſſwading from the prodigall expence of time, and motives inducing to prevent this loſſe. 198

1 Becauſe time is all that can bee properly termed a mans owne, and therefore by loſing that, he loſeth all that he hath. 198

2 Becauſe there are many incidentall occaſions that take away much of it, even from thoſe that are moſt carefull in looking to it. ib.

3 Becauſe God takes a courſe to make men aſhamed of this loſſe. ib.

1 By the example of heathens, who would not loſe ſo much time from the ſervice of their Idols. 200

2 By the bruite beaſts, which know and obſerve their appointed times. ib.

In the fifth Obſervation, touching the things that belong to every mans peace.

1 What is meant by peace. pag. 204

2 What be the things that belong to a mans peace. ibid.

3 How Chriſt and the Goſpell procure and further a mans peace. 205

4 There is a threefold peace that comes with Chriſt and the Goſpell. ib.

Touching peace with God.

1 Chriſt layes the foundation of this peace, and how. pag. 206

2 The Goſpell is a Charter of this peace, and the Covenant of grace, a covenant of peace. 207

1 Becauſe it declares the foundation of peace that Chriſt hath laid. ibid.

2 Becauſe it offers conditions of peace to men. ibid.

3 Becauſe it guides their feet in the way of peace. ib.

4 Becauſe it keepes the heart and minde in a peaceable eſtate with God. pag. 208

5 It brings a man to the full fruition of everlaſting peace. ibid.

Touching peace within, in a mans owne ſoule.

1 Chriſt ſettleth peace in the Conſcience. 209

1 By opening the eye of the ſoule to ſee that God is reconciled. 209

2 By giving a ſenſe and feeling of that inward ſweetneſſe that accompanies the eſtate of peace, and reconciliation. ibid.

2 The Goſpell workes this peace of conſcience, and how. 210

3 Chriſt and the Goſpell worke peace of contentment. 211

1 By teaching a man throughly to deny himſelfe. 212

2 By an orderly reducing of all the powers of the ſoule into their right place. ib.

3 By pitching the whole bent of the ſoule upon God. 213

4 By becalming the windes of diſtempered paſſions within. 214

Touching peace with others.

1 A generall peace through all the world at the birth of Chriſt. 215

2 Peace on earth, a bleſſed fruit of Chriſts birth. pag. 216

3 The Goſpell is the ſtrongeſt tie and obligation for peace amongſt men. 217

Like Morter which makes the ſtones lie firme in the building. 218

4 None more peaceable than true Chriſtians. 218

Vſe 1. To ingratiate the things of Chriſt and the Goſpell to every one. 219

For peace,

1 It ſweetens all other bleſſings. ib.

2 All a man hath is unbleſſed without it. 220

3 It is a bleſſing deſired of all. ib.

4 God is ſtiled the God of peace, and Chriſt the Prince of peace. 221

5 It is a bleſſing of an unknowne worth. 222

Vſe 2. A rule of direction how to get peace. 224

That is, to ſeeke it,

1 In the right place, that is, in the houſe of God. 224

2 In the right way, that is, the way of obedience. 225

3 Of the right owner, aske it of God by prayer. ib.

Vſe 3. A touchſtone of tryall, whether his peace bee of a right ſtampe or no. 229

Signes of it.

1 If he have been firſt humbled with the Law. 230

2 If the Word ſpeake peace unto him, as well as God. 231

3 If it be wrought leiſurely, and by degrees. 234

4 If it bee accompanied with theſe fruits and effects. 236

1 A greater care to pleaſe God, and feare to offend him. ibid.

2 A loving and peaceable carriage towards men. 237

3 An irreconcileable warre with all ſinfull luſts. 238

Vſe 4. To ſhew the woefull condition of ſuch as are enemies to Chriſt and the Goſpell. 240

1 Becauſe they are at warre with heaven. ib.

2 Becauſe if they have any peace, it is a falſe peace, of their owne making. ib.

For,

1 It will awaken into horror and amazment. 241

2 It is a ſigne that Sathan hath quiet poſſeſſion of all. ib.

Vſe 5. To ſhew the happy eſtate and condition of thoſe that imbrace Chriſt and the Goſpell. 243

For the peace which they have with it brings foure ſingular priviledges to them. ib.

1 Boldneſſe and confidence in their approaches unto God. 243

2 Freedome from armies of feares and doubts. 244

3 A ſweetning of all conditions to them. 245

4 A willingneſſe to leave the world, and imbrace death. ib.

In the laſt obſervation, touching the miſery of thoſe who have the things of Chriſt and the Goſpell hid from them.

1 From whom they are hid. 246

2 How, and in what reſpect they are hid. 247

1 By the naturall blindneſſe and ignorance that is in them. ib.

2 By a voluntary neglect of their owne. ib.

3 By the juſt judgement of God. pag. 248

3 By whom they are hid. 249

1 By Sathan, who blindeth their eyes. 249

2 By themſelves, who winke with their eyes. 250

3 By God, who as a juſt Judge, gives them up to it. 250

4 The reaſons why they are hid. 251

1 By their naturall blindneſſe, becauſe they wholly depend upon divine and ſupernaturall revelation. 251

2 By a voluntary act of their owne, becauſe they will not ſee them. 252

3 By God, becauſe they are worthy of that puniſhment. 252

Vſe. A glaſſe to ſhew the men of the world the miſerable face of their eſtate. 252

1 Becauſe theſe are the only things that can make them happy. 253

2 Becauſe they are uncapable of better things, while they are hid. 253

3 Becauſe if they be now hid, they ſhall be hid for ever. 254