The Bruised Reed, Text (2 of 2)

The Bruised Reed · Text (2 of 2)

p. 172The sighes of a bruised heart, carry in them some report, as of our affection to CHRIST, so of his care to us. The eyes of our soules cannot be towards him, but that he hath cast a gracious looke upon us first; The least love wee have to him, is but a re…ion of his love first p. 173shining upon us. As Christ did in his example whatsoever hee gives us in charge to doe, so he suffered in his owne person whatsoever hee calleth us to suffer, that he might the better learne to relieve and pitty us in our sufferings. In his desertion in the Garden, and upon the Crosse, he was content to want that unspeakable solace in the presence of his father, both to beare the wrath of the Lord for a time for us, and likewise to know the better how to comfort us in our greatest extremities; GOD seeth it fit we should taste p. 174of that cup of which his Sonne dranke so deepe, that we should feele a little what sinne is, and what his Sonnes love was; but our comfort is, that Christ dranke the dreggs of the cup for us, and will succour us, that our spirits utterly faile not under that little taste of his displeasure which wee may feele. He became not onelyonly a man, but a curse, a man of sorrowes for us. Hee was broken, that wee should not be broken; he was troubled, that wee should not be desperately troubled: he became a curse, that wee should not p. 175be accursed. Whatsoever may bee wished for in an all-sufficient Comforter is all to be found in Christ. 1, Authoritie, from the Father all power was given him: 2, Strength in himselfe, as having his name The mighty GOD: Esay 9.Isa 93, Wisedome, and that from his owne experience how and when to helpe: 4, Willingnesse, as being flesh of our flesh, & bone Es. 9. 6.Isa 9:6of our bone.

Wee are now to take notice of diuers sorts of men that offend deeply against this mercifull disposition of Christ: As, 1. Such as goe on in ill p. 176courses of life upon this conceit, as if it were in vaine to goe to CHRIST their lives have beene so ill; when as so soone, as wee looke to heaven, all incouragements are ready to meet us, and draw us forward. Amongst others this is one allurement, that CHRIST is ready to welcome us, and leade us further. None are damned in the Church, but those that will. Such as either enforce upon themselves hard conceits of CHRIST, that they may have some shew of reason to fetch contentment from other things: as that unprofitable p. 177servant, that would needs take up a conceit, that his Master was a hard man; hereby to flatter himselfe in his unfruitfull courses, in not improving that talent which he had.

2. Such as take up a hope of their owne, that Christ will suffer them to walke in the wayes to hell, & yet bring them to heaven: whereas all cōsort should draw us nearer to Christ, else it is a lying comfort, eyther in it selfe, or in our application of it.

And 3. those that will east water themselves upon those sparkes, which Christ labours to kindle p. 178in them; because they will not be troubled with the light of them.

Such must know, that the Lambe can be angry, and they that will not come under his Scepter of Mercy, shall be crushed in pieces by his Scepter of Power. Psal. 2. 9.Ps 2:9Though he will gratiously tender, and maintaine the least sparke of true grace, yet where hee findeth not a sparke of Grace, but opposition to his Spirit striving with them, his wrath once kindled shall burne to hell. There is no juster provocation, then when kindnesse is churlishly refused.

p. 179When God would have cured Babylon, and she would Ier. 51. 9.Jer 51:9not be cured, then, she was given up to destruction.

When Ierusalem would not bee gathered under the Matth. 23.Matt 23wing of Christ, then their habitation is left desolate.

When Wisedome stretcheth Prov. 16.Prov 16out her hand and men refuse, then Wisedome will laugh at mens destruction. Salvation it selfe will not save those that spill the potion, and cast away the plaister. A pitifull case, when this mercifull Saviour shall delight in Destruction: when hee that made men, shall have no Es. 17. 11.Isa 17:11mercy on them.

p. 180Oh say the Rebels of the time, God hath not made usto damne us. Yes, if you will not meet Christ in the wayes of his mercy, it is fit you should eate the fruit of your owne wayes, and Pro. 1. 3.Prov 1:3be filled with your owne devices.

This wil be the hel of hel whén men shal thinke that they have loved their sins, more then their soules: when they shall thinke, what love and mercy hath beene almost inforced upon them, and yet they would perish. The more accessory wee are in pulling a judgment upon our selves, the more the conscience p. 181wil be confounded in it selfe, when they shall acknowledge Christ to be without all blame, themselves without excuse.

If men appeale to their owne consciences, they will tell them, the Holy Spirit hath often knockt at their hearts, as willing to have kindled some holy desires in them. How else can they be said to resist the Holy Ghost, but that the Spirit was readier to draw them to a further degree of goodnes, then stood with their owne wills? whereupon those in the Church that are damned, are selfe-condemned p. 182before. So that here we need not to rise to higher causes, when men carry sufficient cause of their owne damnation in their owne bosomes.

4 And the best of us all may offend against this mercifull disposition, if wee bee not watchfull against that liberty our carnall dispositions will bee ready to take frō it. Thus we reason. If Christ will not quench the smoaking Flax, what need we feare that any neglect of our part can bring us under a comfortlesse condition? If Christ will not doe it, what can?

p. 183Ans. You know the Apostles prohibition notwithstanding 1 Thess. 5. quench not the Spirit. These cautions of not quenching are sanctified by the Spirit as meanes of not quenching. CHRIST performeth his office in not quenching, by stirring up sutable endeavours in us, and none more sollicitous in the use of the meanes, than those that are most certaine of the good successe: the ground is this, the meanes that GOD hath set apart for the effecting of any thing, fall under the same purpose that he hath to bring that p. 184thing to passe; and this is a principle taken for granted even in civill matters: as who if he knew before it would bee a fruitfull yeare, would therefore hang up his plough and neglect tillage.

Hence the Apostle stirres up from the certain 1 Cor. 15. …1 Cor 15expectation of a blessing, and this incouragement here from the good issue of finall victory is intended to stirre us up, and not to take us off, if we bee negligent in the exercise of grace received, and use of meanes prescribed, suffering our spirits to bee oppressed with multitudes p. 185and variety of cares of this life, and take not heed of the damps of the times, for such miscariage GOD in his wise care suffereth us oft to fall into a worse condition for feeling, than those that were never so much inlightned. Yet in mercy hee will not suffer us to be so farre enemies to our selves, as wholly to neglect these sparkes once kindled, were it possible that wee should be given up to give over all endeavour wholy, then wee could looke for no other issue but quenching. But CHRIST will tend this sparke, and cherish p. 186this small seed so as hee will preserve in the soule alwayes some degree of care. If we would make a comfortable use of this, we must consider all those Helps of not quenching.meanes whereby CHRIST doth preserve grace begun, as first, holy communion 1.whereby one Christian heateth another: Two are better than one, &c. Did not our hearts burne, said the Disciples? Secondly, Much more communion 2.with GOD in holy duties, as Meditation and Prayer, which doth not onelyonly kindle, but addeth a lustre to the soule. Thirdly, wee feele by experience p. 1873.the breath of the spirit to goe along with the ministeriall breath, whereupon the Apostle knits these two together, Quench not the Spirit, Despise not Prophesies. Nathan by a few words blew up the decaying sparkes in David. Rather than God will suffer his fire in us to dye, hee will send some Nathan or other, and some thing alwayes is left in us to joyne with the word, as connaturall to it as a coale that hath fire in it will quickly catch more to it: smoaking flaxe will easily take fire. Fourthly, grace 4.is strengthned by the exercise p. 186duplicate page p. 189duplicate page p. 188of it, Vp and be doing, and the Lord bee with thee, saith David to his son Salomon. Stirre up the grace that is in thee, for so holy motions turne to resolutions, resolutions to practice, and practice to a prepared readinesse to every good worke.

Yet let us know that grace is increased in the Caution.exercise of it, not by vertue of the exercise it selfe, but as CHRIST by his Spirit floweth into the soule, and bringeth us nearer unto himselfe the fountaine, and in…illeth such comfort in the act whereby the heart is further p. 189inlarged. The heart of a Christian is Christs Garden, and his Graces are as so many sweet spices and flowers, which his Spirit blowing upon maketh them to send forth a sweet savour: therefore keepe the soule open for entertainment of the Holy Ghost, for he will bring in continually fresh forces to subdue corruption, and this most of all on the Lords day. Iohn was in Revel. 1.Rev 1the Spirit on the Lords day, even in Pathmos, the place of his banishment, then the gales of the Spirit blow more strongly and sweetly. As we looke p. 190therefore for the comfort of this doctrine, let us not favour our naturall sloth, but exercise our selves to god linesse, and labour to keep 1 Tim. 4 7.1 Tim 4:7this fire alwayes burning upon the Altar of our hearts, and dresse our Lamps daily, and put in fresh oyle; and winde up our soules higher and higher still: resting in a good condition, is contrary to grace, which cannot but promote it selfe to a further measure: Let none turne this grace into wantonnesse. Infirmities Iud. 4.Judg 4are a ground of humility, not a plea for negligence, not an incouragement to presumption. We should bee so farre from being ill, because CHRIST is good, as that those coales of love should melt us, therefore those may well suspect themselves in whom the consideratiō of this mildnesse of CHRIST doth not work that way. Surely where grace is, corruption is as Smoake to their eies, and vineger to their teeth. And therefore they will labour in regard of their owne comfort, as likewise for the credit of Religion, and the glory of GOD, that their light may break forth. If a sparke of faith or love bee so precious, p. 190duplicate page duplicate page what an honour will it be to be rich in faith! Who would not rather wa…e in the light, and in the comforts of the Holy Ghost, than to live in a darke perplexed estate? and not rather bee caried with full saile to heaven, than bee tossed alwayes with feares and doubts? The present trouble in conflict against a sinne is not so much as that disquiet which any corruption favoured, will bring upon us afterwards: True peace is in conquering, not in yeelding. The comfort in this Text intended is for those that would faine doe better, but sinde their corruptiōs clog them, that are in such a mist, that oft times they cannot tell what to thinke of themselves; that faine would beleeve, and yet oft feare they doe not beleeve, and thinke that it cannot bee that GOD should be so good to such sinfull wretches as they are, and yet they allow not themselves in these feares and doubts.

And among others. 5.How doe they wrong themselves and him, that will have other Mediators to GOD for them than he: are any more pitifull than he, who became man to that end, that hee might be pitifull to his owne flesh? let all at all times repaire to this meek Saviour, and put up al our suits in his prevailing name. What need wee knock at any other doore? can any bee more tender over us than CHRIST? What incouragement have we to commend the state of the Church in generall, or of any broken hearted Christian, unto him by our prayers? Of whom we may speake unto CHRIST as they of Lazarus, Lord, the Church which thou lovest, and gavest thy selfe for, is in distresse: p. 195Lord, this poore Christian for whom thou Esay 53.Isa 53wert bruised, is bruised and brought very low. It cannot but touch his bowells when the misery of his owne deare bowells is spred before him.

Againe, considering 6.this gracious nature in CHRIST, let us thinke with our selves thus, when he is so kinde unto us, shall we be cruell against him, in his name, in his truth, in his children? how shall those that delight to be so terrible to the meeke of the earth, hope to looke so gracious a Saviour in the face: they that are so boysterous p. 196towards his Spouse, shall know one day they had to deale with himselfe in his Church. So it cannot but cut the heart of those that have felt this love of CHRIST, to heare him wounded who is the life of their lives, and the foule of their soules: this maketh those that have selt mercy weepe over CHRIST whom they have pierced with their finnes; there cannot but be a mutuall and quicke sympathie betweene the Head and the Members. When wee are tempted to any sinne, if we will not pitie our selves, yet we should p. 197spare CHRIST in not putting him to new torments. The Apostle could not finde out a more heartbreaking argument to ensorce a sacrificing our selves to GOD, than to conjure us by the mercies Rom. 12, 1.Rom 12:1of GOD in CHRIST. This mercy of CHRIST likewise should moove us to 7.commiserate the estate of the poore Church torne by enemies without, and renting it selfe by divisions at home. It cānot but work upon any soule that ever felt cōfort frō Christ, to consider what an affectionate intreaty the Apostle useth to mutuall agreement p. 198in judgement & affection, If any consolation Philip. 2. 1.Phil 2:1in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, any bowells and mercies, fulfill my joy, be like minded. As if he should say, unlesse you will disclaime all consolation in Christ, &c. labour to maintaine the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace: What a joyfull spectacle is this to Satan and his faction, to see those that are separated from the world, fall in pieces among themselves. Our discord is our enemies melody.

The more to blame those that for private aims p. 199affect differences from others, and will not suffer the wounds of the Church to close and meet together. Which must not be understood as if men should dissemble their judgement in any truth, where there is just cause of expressing themselves, for the least truth is Christs and not ours, and therefore we are not to take liberty to affirme or deny at our pleasures: there is a due in a peny, as well as in a pound, therefore wee must bee faithfull in the least truth, when season calleth for it, then our words are like Apples of gold p. 200with pictures of silver. One word spoken in season will doe more good, than a thousand out of season. In some cases peace by keeping our faith to our selves, is Rom. 14. 22Rom 14:22of more consequence, than the open discovery of some things we take to be true, considering the weaknesse of mans nature is such that there can hardly be a discovery of any difference in opinion, without some estrangement of affection. So farre as men are not of one minde, they will hardly be of one heart, except where grace and the peace of God beare great rule in c…loss. 3. 15.the heart, therefore open p. 201shew of difference is never good but when it is necessary; howsoever some from a desire to bee some body, turne into by-waies, and yeeld to a spirit of cō tradiction in themselves; yet if Saint Paul may bee Iudge, Are they not carnall? if it bee wisedome, it is 1 Cor. 3. 3.1 Cor 3:3wisedome from beneath; for the wisedome from above, as it is pure, so it is Iam. 3. 17Jas 3:17peaceable. Our blessed Saviour when hee was to leave the world, what doth hee presse upon his Disciples more than peace and love. And in his last prayer with what earnestnesse did he beg of his Father p. 202that They might be one as he and the Father were Iohn 17.John 17one. But what hee prayed for on earth, we shall onelyonly enjoy perfectly in heaven. Let this make the meditation of that time the more sweet unto us.

And further to lay open 8.offenders in this kinde, what spirit shall we think them to be of, that take advantages of the bruisednesse and infirmities of mens spirits, to relieve them with false peace for their owne worldly ends. A wounded spirit will part with any thing. Most of the gainfull points of Popery, as confession, sasatisfaction, p. 203merit, Purgatory, &c. spring from hence, but they are Physitians of no value, or rather tormentors than Physitians at all. It is a greater blessing to bee delivered from the sting of these Revel. 9. 5.Rev 9:5Scorpions, then wee are thankfull for. Spirituall tyranny is the greatest tyranny, and then especially when it is where most mercy should be shewed, yet even there some like cruell surgeons, delight in making long cures, to serve themselves upon the misery of others. It bringeth men under a terrible curse: When they will not p. 204remember to shew mercy, but persecute the poore and needy Ps. 109. 16.Ps 109:16man, that they might even slay the broken in heart.

Likewise to such as raise temporall advantage to thēselves out of the spirituall misery of others, join such as raise estates by betraying the Church, and are unfaithfull in the trust committed unto them: when the children shall cry for the bread of life, and there is none to give them, bringing thus upon the people of GOD that heavie judgement of a spirituall famine, starving CHRIST in his members. Shall we so requite so p. 205good a Savior, who counteth the love and merciemercy shewed in feeding his Lambs, as shewed to himselfe.

Last of all, they carie themselves very unkindly towards CHRIST, who …umble at this his low stooping unto us in his government and ordinances, that are ashamed of the simplicity of the Gospell, that count Preaching foolishness. They out of the pride of their heart thinke they may do well enough without the helpe of the Word and Sacraments; and think CHRIST tooke not state enough upon him, and p. 206therefore they will mend the matter with their own devises, whereby they may give the better content to flesh and blood, as in Popery. What greater unthankfulnesse can there bee, then to dispise any helpe that CHRIST in mercy hath provided for us. In the dayes of his flesh, the proud Pharisees tooke offence at his familiar conversing with sinfull men, who onelyonly did so, as a Physitian to heale their soules. What defences was Saint Paul driven to make for himselfe, for his plainnesse in unfolding the Gospell? The more p. 207CHRIST in himselfe, and in his servants shall descēd to exalt us, the more we should with all humility and readinesse entertaine that love, and magnifie the goodnesse of GOD that hath put the great worke of our salvation, and laid the government upon so gentle a Saviour, that will carry himselfe so mildely in all things wherein hee is to deale betwixt GOD and us, and us and GOD; The lower CHRIST comes downe to us, the higher let us lift him up in our harts: so will all those doe that have ever found the experience p. 208of CHRISTS work in their heart.

We come to the third part, the constant progress The third part. Iudgements Victorie.of CHRISTS gracious power, untill hee hath set up such an absolute government in us, which shal prevaile over all corruption. It is said here, he will cherish his Beginnings of Grace in us, untill he bring forth judgement unto victorie. By judgement here is meant the Kingdome of Grace in us; that Government, whereby CHRIST sets up a Throne in our hearts. Governors among p. 209the Iewes were first called Iudges, then Kings, whence this inward rule is called Iudgement: as likewise, because it agrees unto the judgement of the word, which the Psalmi…ft calleth Psal. 72. 7.Ps 72:7judgement, because it agreeth to Gods judgement: Men may read their doome in GODS: word, what it judgeth of them, GOD judgeth of them. By this judgement set up in us, good is discerned, allowed, and performed; sinne is judged, condemned and e…ecuted. O… spirit being under the Spirit of CHRIST, is governed by him, and so far p. 210as it is governed by Christ it governes us graciously. CHRIST and wee are of one judgement, and of one will, he hath his will in us, and his judgmēts are so invested into us, as that they are turned into our judgement, we carrying his Law in our hearts, written by his Spirit: and the law in the inner man, and the law written answer as counter pa…es each other.

The meaning then is, that the gracious frame of holines set up in our hearts by the Spirit of CHRIST shall goe forward untill all contrary power …ee brought under. The spirit p. 211of judgement will be a spirit of burning, to consume Es…y 4. 4.whatsoever opposed corruption like rust eats into the soule. If GODS builders fall into errors and build stubble upon 1 Cor. 3. 13.1 Cor 3:13a good foundation, GODS Spirit as a spirituall fire will reveale this in time, and wast it: they shall by a spirit of judgement condemne their owne errours and courses.

The whole worke of grace in us is set out under the name of judgement, and somtimes wisedome, because judgement is the chiefe and leading part in grace; whereupon that p. 212gracious worke of repentance is called a change of the minde, and an after▪ wisedome. As on the other foreignside in the learned languages, the words that expresse wisdome, implie likewise the generall relish and savour of the foreign. …pere.whole soule: and rather more the judgement of taste, then of …ight, or any other sense, because Taste is the most necessary sense, and requireth the neerest application of the obiect of all other▪ senses. So in spirituall life, it is most necessary that the spirit should alter the taste of the soule, so as that it p. 213might savour the things of the spirit so deepely, that all other things shold be out of rellish.

And as it is true of every particular Christian, that CHRISTS judgement in him shall be victorious, so likewise of the whole body of Christians, the Church. The government of CHRIST and his truth whereby hee ruleth as by a Scepter, shall at length bee victorious in spight of Satan, Antichrist, and all Enemies. CHRIST ryding on his white horse, hath a Bow and goeth forth conquering Revel. 6. 2. Rev. 19. 11.Rev 6:2Rev 19:11in the ministery, that p. 214hee may overcome either to conversion or to confusion. But yet I take Iudgement, for CHRISTS Kingdome and governement within us, principallie. 1, Because GOD especially requireth the subjection of the soule and conscience as his proper Throne. 2, Because if judgment should prevaile in all others about us, and not in our owne hearts it would not yeeld comfort to us; hereupon, it is the first thing that wee desire when we pray, Thy Kingdome come, that CHRIST would come and rule in our hearts: The Kingdome of CHRIST in his ordinances p. 215serve but to bring CHRIST home into his owne place, our hearts.

The words being thus explained, that judgement here includeth the governmēt of both mind, will, and affections, there are divers conclusions that naturally doe spring from them.

First, that CHRISTS 1. Conclusiō. It hath 2. Bra…ches.government in his Church and in his children, is a wise and well ordered government, because it is called Iudgement, and Iudgment is the life and soule of wisedome. Of this Conclusion there are two branches; 1, that the spirituall p. 216government of CHRIST in us is joyned with judgement and wisedome. 2, Wheresoever true …spirituall wisedome and judgment is, there likewise the Spirit of CHRIST bringeth in his gracious government. For the first, a well guided life by the rules of 1.CHRIST, standeth with the strongest and highest reason of all; and therfore holy men are called the children of wisedome, and are able to justifie both by reason and experience all the wayes of wisedome. Opposite courses are solly and madnesse. Hereupon Saint Paul saith, that a spiritual p. 217man judgeth all things 1 Cor. 2. 15.1 Cor 2:15that appertaine to him, & i… judged of none that are of an inferiour ranke, because they want spirituall light and sight to judge; yet this sort of men will bee judging, and speaking ill of what they know not, they steppe from ignorance to prejudice and rash censure, without taking right judgement in their way, and therefore their judgement comes to nothing. But the judgement of a spirituall man, so far forth as he is spirituall shal stād, because it is agreeable to the nature of things: as things are in themselves, p. 216duplicate page p. 217duplicate page p. 218so they are in his judgement. As GOD is in himselfe infinite in goodnesse and majesty, &c. so he is to him, he ascribes to GOD in his heart his divinity and all his excellencies. As CHRIST is in himselfe the onelyonly mediatour, and All in All in the Church, so he is to him, by making CHRIST so in his heart. As all things are dung Philip 3.Phil 3in comparison of CHRIST, so they are to Paul a sanctified man. As the very worst thing in religion, the reproch of Christ is better Heb. 11.Heb 11then the pleasure of sin for a season, so it is to Moses a man of a right esteeme, A… p. 219one day in the Courts of God is better then a thousand elsewhere, so it is to David a man of a reformed judgement. There is a conformity of a good mans judgment to things as they are in themselves, and according to the difference, or agreement put by GOD in things, so doth his judgment differ or agree.

Truth is truth, and error error, and that which is unlawfull, is unlawfull whether men thinke so or no. GOD hath put an eternall difference betwixt light and darknesse, good and ill, which no creatures conceipt can alter, and p. 220therefore no mans judgement is the measure of things further then it agrees to truth stamped upon things themselves by GOD. Hereupon because a wise mans judgement agrees to the truth of things, a wise man may in some sense bee said to bee the measure of things; and the judgement of one holy wise man, to bee preferred before a thousand others. Such men usually are immoveable as the Sun in its course, because they thinke, and speake, and live by rule. A Iosuah and his house will serve God whatsoever others doe, p. 221and will run a course contrary to the world, because their judgements leads them a contrary way. Hence it is that Sathan hath a spite at the eye of the soule, the judgement, to put out that by ignorance and false reason, for he cannot rule in any, untill either hee hath taken away or perverted judgement: he is a Prince of darknesse, and ruleth in darkeness of the understanding. Therefore he must first be cast out of the understanding by the prevailing of truth, and planting it in the soule. Those therefore … … ledge, p. 222helpe Sathan and Antichrist (whose Kingdome like Satans is a kingdome of darkness) to erect their throne. Hence it is promised by CHRIST that the holy Ghost shall convince the world of judgment, that is, that he is resolved to set up a Throne of governmēt, because the great lord of misrule Sathan the Prince of the world is judged by the Gospel, and the Spirit accompanying it, his impostures are discovered, his enterprizes layd open; therefore when the Gospel was spred, the Oracles ceased. Sathan fell fr…m heaven like lig…g, p. 223men were translated out of his Kingdome into Christs. Where prevailing is by lyes, there discovery is victory: they shall proceed no further, for their …lly shall 2 Tim. 3. 9.2 Tim 3:9be manifest to all. So that manifestation of error giveth a stop to it, for none wil willingly be deceived▪ Let truth have full soope without check or restraint, and let sathan & his instruments do their worst, they shall not prevaile; as Ierom Sententi… vestras pr… didisse, … perasse est. Hier. i… Epist. ad Tessep…. primae f…nte apparent blasphemi….saith of the Pelagians in his time, The discovery of your opinions is the vanquishing of them, your basphemies appeare at the first blush.

p. 224Hence we learne the necessity that the understanding Vse. The necessity of knowledgebee principled with supernaturall knowledge for the well managing of a Christian conversation.

There must bee light to discover a further end then nature, for which wee are Christians, and a rule sutable directing to that end, which is the will of GOD in CHRIST, discovering his good pleasure towards us, and our duty towards him, and in vertue of this discovery, we doe all that we doe that any way may further our reckoning: the eye must first be single, and then the whole body and p. 225frame of our conversation will bee light: otherwise both we and our course of life are nothing but darknesse; The whole conversation of a Christian is nothing else but knowledge digested into will, affection, and practice. If the first … in the stomach be not good, that in the liver cannot be good: so if there bee errour in the judgement it marres the whole practice, as an error in the foundation doth the building: GOD will have no blind sacrifices, no unreasonable services, but will have us to love him with all our minde, that is, with our p. 226understanding part, as well as with all our hearts, that is, the affecting part of the soule.

This order of Christs government by judgment, is agreeable unto the soule, and GOD delighteth to preserve the manner of working peculiar unto man, that is, to doe what he doth out of judgemente as grace supposeth nature as founded upon it, so the frame of grace preserveth the frame of nature in man. And therfore Christ bringeth all that is good in the soule through judgment, and that so sweetly that many out of a dangerous p. 227error thinke, that that good which is in them and issueth from them, is from thēselves, & not from the powerfull worke of grace. As in evill the devill so subtlely leadeth us according to the streame of our owne nature, that men thinke that Sathan had no hand in their sinne: but here a mistake is with little perill, because wee are il of ourselves, & the devil doth but promote what ill he findeth in us. But there are no seeds of supernaturall goodnesse at all in us, GOD findeth nothing in us but enmity, onelyonly hee hath ingraven this in our p. 228nature to incline in generall to that which we judge to be good. Now when he shall cleerly discover what is good in particular, wee are caried to it, and when convincingly he shal discover that which is ill, we abhorre it as freely as we imbraced it before.

From whence we may know when we worke as we should doe or no, that is, when we doe what we doe, out of inward principles, when we fall not upon that which is good only because we are so bred, or because such; or such whom we respect doe so; or because wee will maintaine p. 205a side, so making religion a faction: but out of judgement, when what wee doe that is good, wee first judge it in our selves so to be: and what wee abstaine from that is ill, we first judge it to bee ill from an inward judgement. A sound Christian as hee injoyeth the better part, so hath first made choice of it with Mary, he establisheth all his thoughts by counsell. GOD indeed useth carnall men to very good service, but w^thout a thorow altering, & conviction of their judgements. He worketh by them, but not in them, therefore p. 230they doe neither approve the good they doe, nor hate the evill they abstaine from.

The 2 branch, is that 2. Branch.wheresoever true wisdom and judgement is, there Christ sets up his government, because where wisedome is, it directs us not only to understand, but to order our waies aright; where Christ by his Spirit as a Prophet teacheth, he like wise as a King by his Spirit subdueth the heart to obedience of what is taught. This is that teaching which is promised of GOD, when not onelyonly the braine, but the heart it p. 231selfe is taught. When men doe not onelyonly know what they should doe, but are taught the very doing of it, they are not only taught that they should love, feare, and obey, but they are taught, love it selfe, and feare, and obedience it selfe. CHRIST sets up his chaire in the very heart and alters the frame of that, and makes his subjects good, together with teaching of them to bee good. Other Princes can make good Lawes, but they cannot write them in their peoples hearts. This is CHRISTS Prerogative; He infuseth into his subjects p. 232his owne Spirit, upon him there doth not onelyonly rest the spirit of wisedome and Esay 11. 2, 3Isa 11:2Isa 11:3understanding, but likewise the spirit of the feare of the Lord. The knowledge which wee have of him frō himselfe is a transforming knowledge. The same spirit that inlighteneth the mind, inspireth gracious inclinations into the will and affections, and infuseth strength into the whole man. As a gracious man judgeth as he should, so he affecteth and doth as hee judgeth, his life is a commentary of his inward man; there is a sweet harmony betwixt GODS p. 233truth, his judgment, and his whole conversation. The heart of a Christian is like Ierusalem when it was at the best, a City compact Psal. 122. 3.Ps 122:3within it selfe; where are set up the thrones of judgement. Iudgement should have a throne in the heart of every Christian. Not that judgement alone will work a change, there must be grace to alter the bent and sway of the will before it will yeeld to bee wrought upon by the understanding; GOD hath so joyned these together as that whēsoeuer he doth savingly shine upon the understanding, he giveth a p. 234soft and plyable heart, for without a worke upon the hart by the Spirit of God, it will follow its owne inclination to that which it affecteth whatsoever the judgement shall say to the contrary: there is no connaturall proportion betwixt an unsanctified hart and a sanctified judgment. For the heart unaltered will not give leave to the judgement, coldly and so berly to conclude what is best, as the sick man whilst his aguish distemper corrupteth his taste, he is rather desirous to please that, then to hearken what the Physitian shall speake. p. 235judgment hath not power over it selfe, where the wil is unsubdued, for the will and affections bribe it to give sentence for them when any profit or pleasure shall come in competition with that which the judgement in generall only shall thinke to be good, and therefore it is for the most part in the power of the heart, what the understanding shall judge and determine in particular things. Where grace hath brought the heart under, there unruly passions doe not cast such a mist before the understanding but that in particular it seeth p. 236that which is best; and base respects, springing from selfe-love doe not alter the case and byas the judgment into a contrary way, but that which is good in it selfe, shall be good unto us, although it crosse our particular worldly interests.

The right conceiving of this hath an influence into Vse.practice, which hath drawne me to a more full explanation: this will teach us the right method of godlinesse, to begin with judgement, and then to begge of GOD together with illumination, holy inclinations of our p. 237will and affections, that so a perfect government may be set up in our hearts, and that our knowledge may bee Phil. 1. 9.Phil 1:9with al judgment, that is, w^th experience and feeling: when the judgement of CHRIST is set up in our judgements, and thence by the Spirit of CHRIST brought into our hearts, then it is in its proper place and throne, and untill then truth doth us no good, but helpeth to condemne us. The life of a… Christiā is a regular life, &. he that walketh by the rule Gal. 6.Gal 6of the new creature, peace shall be upon him, he that despiseth his way, & loveth to p. 238Pro. 19: 16.Prov 19:16live at large seeking all liberty to the flesh shall dye. And it is made good by Saint Paul, If we live after Rom. 8. 13.Rom 8:13the flesh we shall dye.

VVe learne likewise that men of an ill governed life have no true judgement: no wicked man can bee a wise man. And that without CHRISTS Spirit the soule is in confusion, without beauty and form, as all things were in the Chaos before the creatiō. The whole soule is out of joynt till it be set in againe by him whose office is to restore all things. The baser part of the soule which should bee subject, ruleth p. 239all, and keepeth under that little truth that is in the understanding, holding it captive to base affections, and Sathan by corruption getteth al the holds of the soule, till CHRIST stronger then he commeth, and driveth him out, and taketh possession of all the powers and parts of soule and body, to be weapons of righteousnes, to serve him, and then, new Lords, new Lawes, CHRIST as a new Conquerour changeth the fundamentall lawes of old Adam, and establisheth a government of his owne.

The second Conclusion 2. Conclu….is, that this government is p. 238duplicate page p. 239duplicate page p. 240victorious. The reasons are:The reasons why Christs government in victorious.

1, Because CHRIST hath conquered all in his owne person first, and hee is GOD over all blessed for evermore; and therefore over Sinne, Death, Hell, Sathan, 1. Rom. 9. 5.Rom 9:5the world, &c. And as he hath overcome them in himselfe, so he overcomes them in our hearts and consciences. Wee use to say, Conscience maketh a man a King or a caitife, because it is planted in us to judge for GOD, either with us, or against us. Now if naturall conscience bee so forcible, what will it be when besides it owne light it hath the light of divine p. 241truth put into it? It will undoubtedly prevaile, either to make us hold up our heads with boldnesse, or abase us beneath our selves. If it subject it selfe by grace to CHRISTS truth, then it boldly overlookes Death, Hell, Iudgement, and all spirituall enemies, because then Christ sets up his Kingdome in the conscience, and makes it a kind of Paradise.

The sharpest conflict which the soule hath is betweene the conscience and GODS Iustice: now if the conscience sprinkled with the blood of Christ hath prevailed over assaults p. 242fetcht from the justice of GOD as now satisfied by CHRIST, it will prevaile over al other opposition whatsoever.

2 We are to encounter 2.with accursed and damned enemies; therefore if they begin to fall before the spirit in us, they shall fall: if they rise up againe, it is to have the greater fall.

3 The spirit of truth to whose tuition CHRIST 3.hath cōmitted his Church: and the truth of the spirit which is the Scepter of CHRIST, abide for ever; therefore the soule begotten by the immortal 1 Pet. 1. 23.1 Pet 1:23feed of this spirit, and this p. 243truth, must not onelyonly live for ever, but likewise prevaile over all that oppose it, for both the word and spirit are mighty in operation; Heb. 4. 12.Heb 4:12and if the ill spirit be never idle in those whom GOD delivereth up to him, we cannot thinke that the Holy Spirit will bee idle in those whose leading and government is committed to him. No, as he dwelleth in them, so he will drive out all that rise up against him, untill hee be all in all.

What is spirituall is eternall; truth is a beame of CHRISTS Spirit both in it selfe, and as it is ingrafted p. 244into the soule, there fore it, and the grace (though little) wrought by it, will prevaile; a little thing in the hand of a Gyant will do great matters. A little faith strengthned by CHRIST will worke wonders.

4 To him that hath shall be given, the victory over any 4. Mat. 25. 29.Matt 25:29corruption or temptation is a pledge of finall victory. As Ioshua said when he set his foot upon the five Kings which hee conquered; Thus God shall Jos. 10. 25:Josh 10:25doe with all our enemies; heaven is ours already, onelyonly we strive till we have full possession.

p. 2455 CHRIST as King, 5.brings in a commanding light into the soule, and bowes the necke, and softens the Iron sinew of the inner man, and where he begins to rule, he rules for ever, his Kingdome hath Luk. 1. 33.Luke 1:33no end.

6 The end of CHRISTS, 6. 1 Iohn 3. 8.1 John 3:8comming was to destroy the workes of the Devill, both for us and in us. And the end of the resurrection, was as to seale unto us the assurance of his victorie; So I, to quicken our soules from death in sinne, 2, to free our soules from such snares and sorrowes of spirituall death as accompany p. 246the guilt of sin, 3, to raise them up more comfortable, as the Sunne breakes forth more gloriously out of a thick cloud, 4, to raise us out of particular slippes, and failings, stronger; 5, to raise us out of all troublesome and darke conditions of this life: And 6, at length to raise our bodies out of the dust. For the same power that the Spirit shewed in raising CHRIST our Head, from the sorrowes of death, and the lowest degree of his abasement; The same power obtained by the death of CHRIST from GOD now appeased p. 247by that sacrifice, will the Spirit shew in the Church which is his body, and in every particular member thereof.

And this power is conveyed by faith, whereby after union with CHRIST in both his estates of humiliation and exaltation, we see our selves not only dead with Christ, but risen and sitting together with him in heavenly places. Now we apprehending our selves to be dead, and risen, and thereupon victorious over all our enemies in our Head. And apprehending that his scope in all this is to conforme us to himself, p. 248wee are by this faith changed into his likenesse, and so become conquerors over all our spirituall enemies as he is, by that power w^ch we derive frō him who is the storehouse of all spirituall strength for all his. CHRIST at length will have his end in us, and faith resteth assured of it, and this assurance is very operative, stirring us up to joyne with CHRIST in his ends.

And so for the Church in generall, by CHRIST it will have its victorie: CHRIST is that little stone cut out of the mountaine Da…. 2, 35.without hands, that breaketh p. 249in peeces that goodly Image, that is, all opposite government; untill it become a great mountaine, and filleth the whole earth. So that the stone that was cut out of the mountaine; becomes a mountaine it selfe at length; who art thou then O mountaine, that thinkest to stand up against this mountaine: all shall lie flat and levell before it. Hee will bring downe all mountainous high-exalted thoughts and lay the pride of all flesh low. When chaffe strives against the winde, stubble against the fire, when the heele kickes against the p. 250prickes, when the potsheard strives with the potter; when man strives against GOD, it is easie to know on which side the victorie will goe. The winds may tosse the ship wherin CHRIST is, but not overturne it. The waves may dash against the rock, but they doe but breake themselves against it.

If this bee so, why is it thus with the Church of Object.GOD, and with many a gracious Christian: the victorie seemeth to goe with the enemie.

For answer, remember, Answ. 1.I, GODS children usually in their troubles overcome by suffering, here p. 251Lambes overcome Lyons, & Doves Eagles by suffering, that herein they may be conformable to Christ, who conquered most, whē he suffered most, together with Christs kingdome of patience, there was a Kingdome of power.

2 This victory is by degrees, and therefore they 2.are too hasty spirited, that would conquer so soone as they strike the first stroke, and be at the end of their race at the first setting forth: the Isra…ites were sure of victory in their voyage to Canaan, yet they must fight it out. GOD would not have us p. 252presently forget what cruell enemies CHRIST hath overcome for us, destory them not, lest the people forget it (saith the Psalmist) Psal. 59. 11.Ps 59:11That so by the experience of that anoyance wee have by them, we might be kept in feare to come under the power of them.

3 That GOD often worketh by contraries, 3.when hee meanes to give victory, he will suffer us to bee foyled first, when hee meanes to comfort, he wil terrifie first, when hee meanes to justifie, hee will condemne us first, whom he meanes to make glorious, he will a base first. A Christian conquers even p. 253when hee is conquered; when hee is conquered by some sins, he gets victory over others more dangerous, as spirituall Pride, security, &c.

4, That CHRISTS 4.worke both in the Church and in the hearts of Christians often goeth backward, that it may goe the better forward: As seed rotts in the ground in the Winter time, but after comes better up, and the harder the Winter, the more flourishing the Spring, so wee learne to stand by falls, and get Virtutis custos infirmitas.strength by weaknesse discovered, we take deeper p. 254root by shaking; and as torches, flame brighter by mooving. Thus it pleaseth CHRIST out of his freedome, in this manner to maintaine his government in us. Let us herein labour to exercise our Faith, that it may answer Christs manner of cariage towards us, when we are foyled, let us beleeve wee shall overcome, when wee are fallen let us beleeve we shall rise againe. Iacob after he had a blow upon which he halted, yet would not give over wrastling till hee had gotten the blessing, so let us never give over, but in our thoughts knitt the beginning, p. 255progress, and end together, and then we shal see our selves in, heaven out of the reach of all enemies. Let us assure our selves that GODS grace even in this imperfect estate, is stronger then mans free will in the state of first perfectiō, and it is founded now in CHRIST, who as he is the author, so will be the finisher of our faith, we are under a more gracious covenant.

Here upon it followeth, that weaknesse may stand with the assurance of salvation; the disciples notwithstanding, all their weaknesses, are bidden to p. 256rejoyce that their names are Luke 10. 20Luke 10:20written in heaven. Failings (with conflict) in sanctification should not weaken the peace of our justification and assurance of salvation. It mattereth not so much, what ill is in us, as what good, not what corruptions, but how we stād affected to them: not what our particular failings bee so much, as what is the thred and tenor of our lives: for CHRISTS mislike of that which is ami…e in us redounds not to the hatred of our person, but to the victorious subduing of al our infirmities.

Some have after conflict p. 257wondered at the goodnesse of GOD, that so little and shaking faith should have upheld them in so great Combats, when Sathan had almost catched them. And indeed it is to be wondred, how much a little grace will prevaile with GOD for acceptance, and over our enemies for victory, if the heart be upright. Such is the goodness of our sweet Saviour, that hee delighteth still to shew his strēgth in our weaknesse.

First therefore for the Vse 1.great consolatiō of poore and weake Christians, let them know, that a sparke p. 258frō heavē though kindled under greene wood that sobbes and smoakes, yet it will consume all at last, Love once kindled is strong as death, much water cannot Cant. 8. 6.Song 8:6quench it, and therefore it is called a vehemēt flame, or flame of GOD, kindled in the heart by the Holy Ghost. That little that is in us, is fed w^th an everlasting spring. As the fire that came downe from heaven in Elias his time, licked up all the water, to shew that it came from GOD, so will this fire spend all our corruption, no afflictiō without, or corruption within shall quench it. In the p. 259morning we see oft clouds gather about the Sun, as if they would hide it, but the Sunne wasteth them by little and little, till it come to its full strength. At the first, feares and doubts hinder the breaking out of this fire, untill at length it gets above them all, and CHRIST prevailes; and then hee backes his owne graces in us. Grace conquers us first, and we by it conquer all things else, whether it be corruptions within us, or temptations without us.

The Church of CHRIST begotten by the word of truth, hath the doctrine of p. 260the Apostles for her crowne, and tramples the Rev. 12. 1.Rev 12:1Moone, that is, the world, and all worldly things under her feet; Every one that is borne of God overcomes 1 Joh. 5. 4.1 John 5:4the world. Faith whereby especially CHRIST rules, sets the soule so high, that it overlookes all other things as farre below, as having represented to it, by the Spirit of CHRIST, riches, honour, beauty, pleasures of a higher nature.

Now that we may not come short of the comfort intended; there are two things especially to bee taken notice of by p. 261us, I, whether there bee such a judgement, or government set up in us, to which this promise of victory is made. 2, Some rules or directions how we are to cary our selves, that the judgement of Christ in us may indeed bee victorious.

The evidences whereby Triall to know whether this judgement in us is such as will be victorious.wee may come to know, that CHRISTS judgement in us, is such as will be victorious, are, 1, If we bee able from experience to justifie all CHRISTS 1.wayes; let flesh and bloud say what it can to the contrary; and can willingly subscribe to that course p. 262which GOD hath taken in CHRIST, to bring us to heaven, and still approve a further measure of grace then we have attained unto, and project and forecast for it. No other men can justifie their courses when their conscience is awaked. 2, When reasons of religion, be the strongest 2.reasons with us, and prevaile more▪ then rea: sons fetcht from worldly policy. 3. When wee are so true to our ends and fast 3.to our rule, as no hopes or feares can sway us anothe… way, but still we are looking what agrees, or differs from our rule. 4, When p. 2634.wee can doe nothing against 2 Cor. 13. 8.2 Cor 13:8the truth, but for the truth, as being dearer to us then our lives, truth hath not this soveraignty: in the heart of any carnall man. 5, When, if we had libertie 5.to choose under whose Government wee would live, yet out of a delight in the inner man to Christs government, wee would make choyce of him only, to rule us before any other, for this argues that wee are like minded to CHRIST. A free and a voluntarie people, and not compelled unto Christs service, otherwise then by the sweet constraint of p. 264love. When we are so far in liking with the government of CHRISTS Spirit, that wee are willing to resigne up our selves to him in all things, for then his kingdome is come into us, when our wills are brought to his will; it is the bent of our wils that maketh us good or ill. 6, A well ordered uniforme 6.life, not by sits or starts, shewes a well ordered heart, as in a clocke when the hammer strikes well, and the hand of the Dyall points well, it is a signe that the wheeles are right set. 7, When Christs 7.will commeth in competition p. 265with any earthly losse or gaine, yet if then in that particular case the heart will stoope to CHRIST, it is a true signe; for… the truest tryall of the power of grace is in such particular cases which …ch us neerest, for there our corruption maketh the greatest head; when CHRIST came neere home to the yong man in the Gospell, hee lost a disciple of him. 8, When we can practise 8.duties pleasing to Christ, though contrary to flesh, and the course of the world. And when we can overcome our selves in that evill, to which our nature p. 266is proane, and standeth so much inclined unto, and which agreeth to the sway of the times, and which others lie inthralled under, as desire of revenge, hatred of enemies private ends, &c. then it appeares that grace is in us above nature, heaven above earth, and will have the victory.

For the further clearing of this, and helping of us in our tryall; wee must know there bee three degrees of victory. 1, When we resist though we bee foyled. 2, When Grace gets the better though with conflict. 3, When all corruption p. 267is perfectly subdued. Now when wee have strength but onelyonly to resist, yet wee may know CHRISTS government in us will bee victorious, because what is said of the Devill, is said of all our spirituall enemies; If we resist, Iames 47.they shall in time flye from us: because stronger is hee that is in us, that taketh Iohn 4. 4.John 4:4part with his owne Grace, than hee that is in the world. And if wee may hope for victory upon bare resistance, what may wee not hope for when the Spirit hath gotten the upper hand?

p. 268For the second, that is, directions.

Wee must know, though Christ hath under-taken Directionsthis victorie, yet hee accomplisheth it by training us up to fight his battells; hee overcommeth in us, by making us wise to salvation: and in what degree we beleeve Christ will conquer, in that degree wee will endevour by his grace that wee may conquer: for Faith is an obedient and a wise grace: Christ maketh us wise to ponder & weigh things, and thereupon to ranke and order them so, as we may make the fitter choise of what is best. p. 269Some Rules to helpe us in judging are these.

To judge of things as Rules whereby we may better judge.they help or hinder the maine: as they surther or hinder our reckoning: as they make us more or lesse 1.spirituall, and so bring us 2.neerer to the fountaine of Goodnes, GOD himselfe: 3.as they bring us peace or sorrow at the last: as they 4.commend us more or lesse 5.to GOD, and wherein we shall approve our selves to him most: Likewise to 6.judge of things now, as we shall doe hereafter, when the soule shall be best able to judge, as when wee are under any publike calamitie, p. 270or at the houre of death, when the soule gathereth it selfe from all other things to it self. Looke backe to former experience, 7.see what is most agreeable unto it; what was best in our worst times. If Grace is or was best then, it is best now. And labour to judge of things as hee 8.doth, who must judge us, & as holy men judge, who are led by his Spirit: more particularly, what those judge, that have no interest 9.in any benefit that may come by the thing which is in question: for outward things blinde the eies even of the wise; we see Papists p. 271are most corrupt in those things, where their honor, ease or profit is ingaged, but in the doctrine of the Trinitie, which doth not touch upon these things, they are found. But it is not sufficient that judgment be right, but likewise readie and strong.Further directions for judgement.

Where Christ establisheth this government, he inspireth care to keepe the Iudgement cleare & fresh, 1.for whilst the Iudgement standeth straight & firme, the whole frame of the soule continueth strong & impregnable. True Iudgement in us advancet… Christ, and Christ will p. 272advance it. All sinne is eyther from false principles or ignorance, or mindlesnesse, or unbeleefe of true. By inconsideration, and weaknesse of assent Eve lost her hold at first. It is good therefore to store up true principles in our harts, and to refresh them often, that in vertue of them our affections and actions may be more vigorous. When Iudgement is fortified, evill findes no entrance, but good things have a side within us, to entertaine them. Whilest true convincing light continueth, wee will not doe the least ill of sinne, for the greatest p. 273ill of punishment. In vaine Prov. 1. 17.Prov 1:17is the …et spread in the eyes of that which hath wings. Whilest the soule is kept aloft, there is little danger of snares below: we lose our high estimation of things, before wee can be drawne to any sinne.

And because knowledge 2.and affection mutually helpe one another▪ it is good to keepe up our affections of love and delight by all sweet inducements, & divine incouragements, for what the heart liketh best, the minde studyeth most. Those that can bring their hearts to delight in Christ, know most p. 274of his wayes. Wisedome loveth them that love her. Prov. 8. 27.Prov 8:27Love is the best entertainer of truth, and when it is not entertained in the love of it, (being so lovely as it is) 2 Thess. 2.2 Thess 2it leaveth the heart, and will stay no longer. It hath beene a prevailing way to beginne by with-drawing the love, to corrupt the Iudgement; because as we love so wee use to judge: and therefore it is hard to be affectionate and wise in earthly things, but in heavenly things, where there hath been a right information of the judgement before, the more our affections grow, the better and p. 275clearer our judgement^s will be, because our affections though strong, can never rise high enough to the excellencie of the things. Wee see in the Martyrs, when the sweet doctrine of Christ had once gotten their hearts, it could not be gotten out againe by all the torments the wit of crueltie could devise. If Christ hath once possessed the affections, there is no dispossessing of him again. A fire in the heart overcommeth all fires without.

3, Wisedome likewise 3.teacheth us, wherein our weaknesse lyeth, and our p. 276enemies strength, wherby a jealous feare is stirred up in us, whereby we are preserved. For out of this godly jealousie wee keepe those provocations which are active and working from that w^ch is passive & catching in us, as we keep fire from powder. They that will hinder the generation of noysome creatures, will hinder the conception first, by keeping male and female asunder. This jealousie wil be much furthered by observing strictly what hath helped or hindered a gratious tē per in us: and it will make us take heed that wee consult p. 277not with flesh and blood in our selves or others. How else can wee thinke that Christ will lead us out to victorie, when we take counsell of his and our enemies.

4, Christ maketh us likewise 4.carefull to attend all meanes, whereby fresh thoughts and affections may be stirred up and preserved in us. Christ so honoureth the use of meanes, and the care he putteth into us, that hee ascribeth both preservation and victory unto our care of keeping our selves. Hee that is begotten of God, keepeth himselfe; 1 Iohn 3. 1….1 John 3:1but not by himselfe, p. 276duplicate page p. 277duplicate page p. 287but by the Lord, in dependance: on him in the use of meanes. We are no longer safe, then wife to present our selves to all good advantages of acquaintance, &c. By going out of Gods walkes, we goe out of his government, and so lose our frame, and finde our selves over-spread quickly with a cōtráry disposition. When wee draw neere to Christ in his ordinances, he drawes neere to us.

5 Keepe grace in exercise: it is not sleepy habits 5.but Gracein exercise that preserveth us. Whilest the soule is in some civill or sacred imployment, corruptions p. 279within us, are much suppressed, and Sathans passages stopped, and the spirit hath a way open to inlarge… it selfe in us, and likewise the guard of Angells then most neerly attend us; which course often prevailes more against our spirituall enemies then direct oppo sition. It stands upon Christs honor to maintaine those that are in his worke.

Sixthly, in all directiōs 6.we must look up to Christ the quickning spirit, and resolve in his strength, though wee are exhorted to cleave to the Lord with Act. 11. 23Acts 11:23full purpose of heart, yet we p. 280must pray▪ with David, Lord for ever keepe it in the thoughts of our hearts, and prepare our hearts unto thee: 1 Chron. 29. 1….1 Chr 29:1our hearts are of themselves very loose and unsetled, Lord unite our hearts unto thee to feare thy name, or else without him our Ps 86. 11.Ps 86:11best purposes will fall to the ground. It is a pleasing request out of love to GOD, to beg such a frame of soule from him, wherein hee may take delight; and therefore in the use of all the meanes, wee must send up our desires and complaints to heaven to him for strength and help, and then we may bee sure, p. 281that he will bring forth judgment into victory.

Lastly, it furthers the state of the soule, to know 7.what frame it should bee in, that so wee may order our soules accordingly; we should alwayes bee fit for communion with GOD, and bee heavenly minded in earthly busines, and be willing to be taken off from them, to redeem time for better things; we should bee ready at all times to depart hence, and to live in such a condition, as we would be content to dye in: wee should have hearts prepared for every good duty, open to all p. 282good occasions, and shut to al temptations, keeping our watch, and being alwayes ready armed: so farre as we come short of these things, so farre wee have just cause to be humbled, and yet presse forward that wee may gaine more upon our selves, and make these things more familiar and lovely unto us, and when wee finde our soules any wayes falling downewards, it is best to raise them up presently by some waking meditatiōs; as of the presence of God, of the strict reckoning we are to make, of the infinite love of GOD in CHRIST, p. 283and the fruits of it, of the excellency of a Christians calling, of the short and uncertaine time of this life: how little good all those things that steale away our hearts, will doe us ere long; and how it shall bee for ever with us thereafter as we spend this little time well, or ill, &c. the more we give way for such consideratiōs to sink into our hearts, the more we shall rise neerer to that state of soule which wee shall enjoy in Heaven. When wee grow regardlesse of keeping our soules, then GOD recovers our taste of good things again, p. 284by sharpe crosses, thus David, Salomon, Sampson, &c. were recovered: it is much easier kept then recovered.

But notwithstanding Object.my striving, I seeme to stand at a stay.

Grace (as the seed in the Answ. 1.Parable) growes we know not how, yet at length when GOD seeth fittest wee shall see that all our indeavour hath not beene in vaine, the tree falleth upon the last stroke, yet all the former strokes help it forward.

Sometimes victory is suspended, Ans. 2because some Achan is not found out, or p. 285because wee are not humble enough: as Israel had Iudg. 20. 26.Judg 20:26the worst against the Benjamites till they fasted and prayed, or because wee betray our helps, & stand not upon our guard, and yeeld not presently to the motions of the Spirit, which mindeth us alwayes of the best things, if wee would regard it. Our owne consciences will tell us, if wee give them leave to speake, that some sinfull favouring of our selves is the cause. The way in this case to prevaile, is I, to get the victory over the pride of our owne nature, by taking shame to our selves, p. 286in humble confession … GOD; and then …23 to overcome the unbeliefe of our hearts by yeelding to the promise of pardon, and then 3, in confidence of CHRISTS assistance to set our selves against those sins which have prevailed over us; and then prevailing over our selves we shall easily prevhile over all other enemies, and conquer all conditions we shall be brought into.

If Christ will have the Vse 2.victory, then it is the best way for Nations & States to kisse the Sonne, and to imbrace Christ & his religiō; to side with Christ, and to own his cause in the world, p. 287his side wil prove the strō gest side at last, happy are we if Christ honour us so much as to use our helpe to fight his battell against the mighty. True religion in a State, is as the maine piller of a house, & staffe of a tēt that upholds all: 2 so for families let CHRIST be the chiefe Governor of the family; & 3, let cuery one be as a house for CHRIST to dwell familiarly in, and to rule; where CHRIST is, all happinesse must follow. If Christ goeth, all will goe; where Christs governmēt in his ordinances, and his spirit is, there all subordinate government wil prosper: p. 288Religiō inspireth life & grace into al other things, all other vertues without it are but as a faire picture without a head. Where Christs lawes are writtē in the heart, there all other good lawes are best obeyed, none despise mās law, but those that despise Christs Nemo huma…m authoritatem …, nisi qui divinam pri…s contemps….first. Of all persons a man guided by Christ is the best, and of all creatures in the world, a man guided by will & affection (next the devil) is the worst. The happiness of weaker things stands in being ruled by stronger: it is best for a blind man to bee guided by him that hath sight; it it best for sheepe and such like shiftlesse p. 289creatures to bee guided by mā; & it is happiest for man to be guided by CHRIST, because his government is so victorious that it frees us from the feare and danger of our greatest enemies, and tends to bring us to the greatest happinesse that our nature is capable of. This should make us to joy when CHRIST reigneth in us. When Salomon was crowned the people shouted, so that the earth rang; much more should we rejoyce in CHRIST our King. And likewise for those, whose soules are deere unto us, that Christ p. 290may raigne in them also, that they may bee baptized Mat. 3. 11.Matt 3:11by CHRIST with this fire, that these sparkes may be kindled in them. Men labour to cherish: the spirit and metall (as they terme it) of those they traine up, because they thinke they wil have use of it in the manifold affaires and troubles of this life. Oh, but let us cherish the▪ sparkes of Grace in them: sor a naturall spirit in great troubles will faile, but these sparkes will make them conquerors over the greatest evills.

If CHRISTS, judgement sall bee victorious, p. 291Vse. 3.then Popery being an opposite frame, set up by the wit of man… maintaine stately …enesse, must fall. And it is falne already in the hearts of those upon whom CHRIST. hath shined. It is a lye, and founded upon a lye, upon the infallible judgement of a man subject to sin and error: When that whi…h is taken for a principle of truth, becomes a principle of error, the more relying upon it, the more danger.

It is not only said, judgment 6 Corclusiō.shall bee victorious, but that CHRIST will bring it openly forth to victorie. Whence we observe p. 292that Grace shall bee glory, and runne into the eyes of all. Now CHRIST doth conquer and hath his owne ends, but it is in some sort invisibly: his enemies within and without us seeme to have the better. But he will bring forth judgement into victory, to the view of all. The wicked that now shut their eyes shall see it to their torment. It shall not be in the power of subtile men to see or not see what they would, CHRIST will have power over their hearts, and as his wrath shall immediately seize upon their soules against p. 293their wills; so will he have power over the eyes of their soules to see and know what will increase their misery; Griefe shall be fastned to all their senses, and their senses to griefe.

Then all the false glosses which they put upon things shall bee wiped away. Men are desirous to have the reputation of good, and yet the sweetnesse of ill; nothing so cordially opposed by them, as that truth which layeth them open to themselves, and to the eyes of others; their chiefe care being how to daube with the p. 294world and their owne consciences. But the time will come when they shall be driven out of this fooles paradise, and the more subtile their conveyance of things hath beene, the more shall be their shame. CHRIST whom GOD hath chosen to set forth the chiefe glory of his excellencies, is now veyled in regard of his body the Church, but will come ere long to bee glorious in his Saints; and not lose the cleere manifestation of any ofhis attributes, and will declare to all the world what he is. When there shall be no glory but p. 295that of CHRIST and his Spouse, Those that are as smoaking flaxe now, shall then shine as the Sun in the firmament, and their righteousnesse breake forth as the noone day.

Th… Image of GOD in Adam had a commanding majestie in it, so that all creatures r…vereneed him, much mo…e shall the Image of GOD in the perfection of it; command respectin all. Even now there is a … awe put into the hoasts of the greatest, towards those in whō they▪ see any grace to shine▪ from whence it was that Herod …eared …ohn Baptist, p. 296but what will this bee in their day of bringing forth, which is called the day of the revelation of the son…es of God.

There will bee more glorious times, when the Rev. 11.Rev 11Kingdomes of the earth shall be the Lord Iesus Christs; and hee shall raigne for ever: then shall judgment and truth have its victory: Then CHRIST will plead his owne cause, truth shall no longer bee called heresie, and schisme, nor heresie catholike doctrine, wickednesse shall no longer goe masqued and disguised, goodnesse shall appeare in its owne lustre, p. 297and shine in its owne beames, things shall bee what they are, nothing is hidden but shall be laid open. Iniquity shall not be caried in a mystery any longer. Deepe dissemblers that thinke to hide their counsells from the Lord shall walke no longer invisible as in the clouds.

If this were beleeved, Vse.men would make more account of sincerity, which will onelyonly give us boldnesse, and not seeke for covershames; the confidence whereof as it maketh men now more presumptuous, so it wil expose them hereafter to the greater shame.

p. 298If judgement shall bee brought forth to victory, then those that have been ruled by their own deceitfull hearts, and a spirit of errour, shall bee brought forth to disgrace: That GOD that hath joyned grace and truth with honour, hath joyned sin and shame together at the last; all the wit and power of man can never bee able to sever what God hath coupled. Truth and piety may bee trampled upon for a time, but as the two witnesses after they were slaine rose againe and stood upon their feet; so whatsoever is of GOD shall at length p. 299stand upon its owne bottome. There shall bee a resurrection not onelyonly of bodies but of credits. Can wee thinke that hee that throw the Angells out of heaven, will suffer dust and wormes meat to runne a contrary course, and to cary it alwayes so; No, as verily as CHRIST is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, so will hee dash all those peeces of earth which rise up against him, as a p…tters Psal. 2.Ps 2vessell. Was there ever any fierce against God and, prospered? No doubtlesse, I…b 9. 4.the rage of man shall turne to CHRISTS praise: Psa. 76. 10.Ps 76:10What was said of Pharaoh p. 300shall bee said of all headdy enemies, who had rather lose their soules, then their wills, that they are but raised up for CHRIST to get himselfe glory in their confusion.

Let us then take heed that wee follow not the wayes of those men, whose ends we shall tremble at: There is not a more fearefull judgement can befall the nature of man, then to bee given up to a reprobate judgement of persons and things, because it commeth under a w…e, to call ill good, and good ill.

How will they be laden with curses another day p. 301that abuse the judgement of others by sophistry and flattery, deceivers, and being deceived? Then the complaint of our first mother Eve will be taken up, but fruitlesly; The serpent hath deceived me, Sathan in such and such hath deceived me. Sinne hath deceived me, a foolish heart hath deceived mee. It is one of the highest points of wisedome, to consider upon what grounds wee venture our soules. Happy men will they bee who have by CHRISTS light, a right judgement of things, and suffer that judgement to prevaile over p. 302their hearts.

The soule of most men is drowned in their senses, and caried away with weake opinions, raysed from vulgar mistakes and shadowes of things. And Satan is ready to inlarge the imagination of outward good, and outward ill, and make it greater then it is, and spirituall things lesse, presenting them through false glasses. And so men trusting in vanity, vanish themselves in their owne apprehensions. A wofull condition, when both wee and that which wee highly esteeme shall vanish together, which p. 303will be as truly as Christs judgement shall come to victory; and in what measure the vaine heart of man hath beene inlarged to conceive a greater good in things of this world then there is, by so much the soule shall be inlarged or be more sensible of misery when it sees its error. This is the difference betwixt a godly wise man, and a deluded worldling; that which the one doth more judge to be vain, the other shal hereafter feel to be so, when it is too late. But this is the vanity of our natures, that though we shun above all p. 304things to be deceived and mistakē in present things; yet in the greatest matters of all we are willingly ignorant and mis-led.

The fourth conclusion is, Conclusi… 4.That this government is set up and advanced by Christ alone. He bringeth judgement to victory. We both fight & prevail in the power of his might, we overcome by the Spirit obtained by the blood of the Lambe.

It is he alone that teacheth our hands to warre, and Ps…l. 144 1.Ps 50:144fingers to fight. Nature (as corrupted) favors its owne being, and will maintaine it selfe against CHRISTS government. Nature (simply p. 305considered) cannot raise it selfe above it selfe to actions spirituall of a higher order and nature, therfore the divine power of CHRIST is necessary to cary us above all our own strength, especially in duties wherin we meet with greater opposition; for there, not onelyonly nature will faile us, but ordinarie grace, unlesse there bee a stronger and a new supply. In taking up a burthen that is waightier then ordinary, if there bee not a greater proportion of strength then weight, the undertaker will lye under it. So to every strong encounter p. 306there must bee a new supply of strength: as in Peter when he was assaulted with a stronger temptation, being not upheld and shored up with a mightier hand, notwithstanding former strength foully fell. And being falne, in our raisings up againe it is CHRIST that must doe the worke, 1, by removing, or 2, weakning, or 3, suspending opposite hindrances, 4, & by advancing the power of his grace in us to a further degree then wee had before wee fell; therefore when we are fallen, and by falls have gotten a bruise, let us p. 307goe to Christ presently to binde us up againe.

Let us know therefore Vse.that it is dangerous to look for that from our selves, which we must have …om CHRIST. Since the fall, all our strength lyes in him as Sampsons in his haire, we are but subordinate agents moving as we are moved, and working as we are first wrought upon, free so far forth as wee are freed, no wiser nor stronger then he makes us to be for the present Sic s… …: …ortalium cord a quae scimus, … necesse non est, in necessitate … mus. Ber… ▪ de cons….in any thing wee undertake. It is his Spirit that actuates and inliveneth and applyeth that knowledge and strength p. 308we have, or else it saileth and lyeth as uselesse in us; we worke when we worke upon a present strength. therefore dependant spirits, are the wisest and the ablest. Nothing is stronger … …ititur qui non ….then humility, that goeth out of it selfe; or weaker then pride that resteth upon its owne bottome: and this should the rather bee observed, because naturally we affect a kinde of Divinity, Ass…llalie di…initatis.in setting upon actions in the strength of our owne parts; whereas CHRIST saith, without me you can doe nothing, he doth not say you can doe a little, Iob. 15.Job 15but nothing; therefore p. 309in all (especially difficult encounters) let us lift up our hearts to CHRIST, who hath spirit enough for us all, in all our exigences; and say with good Iehosaphat, Lord wee know 2 Chro…. 20▪ 2.not what to doe, but our eyes are towards thee; The battell we fight is thine, and the strength whereby wee fight must be thine. If thou goest not out with us, wee are sure to be foiled. Sathan knowes nothing can prevaile against CHRIST, or those that relye upon his power; therefore his study is, how to keepe us in our selves, and in the creature: but we must cary p. 310alwayes in our minds, that that which is begun in selfconfidence will end in shame.

The manner of Christs bringing forth judgement to victory, is by letting us see a necessity of dependance upon him: hence proceed those spirituall desertions, wherein he often leaveth us to our selves, both in regard of grace and comfort, that we may know the Springhead of these to be out of our selves. Hence it is that in the Mount, that is, in extremities, Gen. 22. 13.Gen 22:13God is most seen. Hence it is that we are saved by the grace of faith, p. 311that carieth us out of our selves to relye upon another; and that faith worketh best alone, when it hath least outward support. Hence it is that wee often faile in lesser conflicts, and stand out in greater, because in lesse we rest more in our selves; in greater wee fly to the rock of our salvation which is Psal. 61. ….Ps 61higher then we. Hence likewise it is, that wee are stronger after foyles, because hidden corruption undiscerned before, is now discovered, and thence wee are brought to make use of mercy pardoning, and power supporting: p. 312One maine ground of this dispensation, is, that wee should know it is Christ that giveth both the will, and the deed: and that as a voluntary worker, according to his owne good pleasure. And therefore we should workout our salvation in a jealous feare and trembling, lost by unreverent Phil. 2. …Phil 2and presumptuous walking, wee give him cause to suspend his gracious influence, and to leave us to the darknesse of our owne heart.

Those that are under CHRISTS governmēt, have the spirit of Revelation whereby they see and p. 313feel a divine power sweetly & strongly inabling thē for to preserve faith when they feele the contrary, & hope in a state hopelesse, and love to GOD under signes of his displeasure, and heavenly mindedness in the midst of worldly affaires & alluremets drawing a contrary way; they feel a power preserving patience, nay joy in the midst of causes of mourning, inward peace in the midst of assaults. To make so little grace so victorious over so great a masse of corruption, this requireth a spirit more then humane; this is as to preserve fire▪ in the p. 314sea, and a part of heaven even as it were in hell. Here wee know where to have this power, and to whom to returne the praise of it. And it is our happinesse, that it is so safely hid in CHRIST for us, in one so neere unto GOD and us. Since the fall, GOD will not trust us with our owne salvation, but it is both purchased and kept by CHRIST for us, & we for it through faith, wrought by the power of GOD, and laying hold of the same: which power is gloriously set forth by Saint Paul, I, to be a great power, 2, an p. 315Ephes 5. 19.Eph 5:19exceeding power, 3, a working and a mighty power, 4, such a power as was wrought in raising Christ from the dead. That grace which is but a perswasive offer, and in our pleasure to receive or refuse, is not that grace which brings us to heaven; but Gods people feel a powerfull work of the Spirit not onelyonly revealing unto us our misery, and deliverance through Christ, but emptying us of our selves as being redeemed from our selves, and infusing new life into us, and after strengthning us and quickning of us when we droop p. 316and hang the wing, and never leaving us till perfect conquest.

The fift conclusion is, that this prevailing Government 5 Conclusion.shall not bee without fighting; there can be no victory where there is no combate; in Esay it is said, hee shall bring Esay 42. 3.Isa 42:3judgment in truth: here it is said, he shall send forth judgment into victory. The word send forth hath a stronger sense in the originall, to send forth with force, to shew, that where his government is in truth, it will be opposed, untill he getteth the upper hand. Nothing is so opposed, as p. 317CHRIST and his government both with in us, and without us. And within us most in our first conversion, though corruptiō prevailes not so farre as to make voyd the powerfull worke of grace, yet there is not onelyonly a possibility of opposing, but a proannesse to oppose, and not onelyonly a proanness, but an actuall withstanding the working of CHRISTS Spirit, and that in every action, but yet no prevailing resistance, so far as to make void the worke of grace, but corruption in the issue yeelds to grace.

There is much: adoc to p. 318bring CHRIST into the heart, and to settle a Tribunall for him to judge there, there is an army of lusts mutiny against him. The utmost strength of most mens indeavours and parts, is to keepe CHRIST from ruling in the soule, the flesh still laboureth to maintaine its owne regency, and therefore it cryes downe the credit of whatsoever crosseth it, as Gods blessed ordinances, &c. and highly prizeth any thing, though never so dead and empty, if it give way to the liberty of the flesh.

And no marvaile if the p. 319spirituall government of CHRIST be so opposed, Reasons why Christs government is opposed.1, because it is governmēt, & that limits the course of the will, and casteth a bridle upon its wanderings, 1.every thing naturally resists what opposeth it; so corrupt will labours to beare downe all Lawes, and counteth it a generous thing not to be awed, and an argument of a low spirit to feare any, even GOD himselfe, untill unavoydable danger seizeth on men, and then those that feared least out of danger, feare most in danger, as we see in Balthazar.Dan 5. 6.Dan 5:6

2, It is spiritual government, p. 3202.and therefore the lesse will flesh indure it: Christs government bringeth the very thoughts & desires which are the most immediate and free issue of the soule into obedience, though a man were of so composed a cariage that his whole life were free from outward offensive breaches, yet with Christ, to bee carnally or Rom 8 6 G…atius est, peccatum diligere quā perpetrare &c. Greg. Moral lib. 25. cap. 11. Object.Rom 8:6worldly mindeded is death, he looketh on a worldly mind with greater detestation then any one particular offence.

But Christs Spirit is in those who are in some degree earthly minded?

p. 321True it is, but not as an Ans.allower and maintainer, but as an opposer, subduer, and in the end as a Conquerour: Carnall men would faine bring Christ and the flesh together and could bee content with some reservation to submit to Christ, but Christ will be no underling to any base affection; and therfore where there is allowance of our selves in any sinsull lust, it is a signe the Keyes were never given up to Christ to rule us.

3, Because it is judgement, 3.and men love not to be judged and censured. Now Christ in his truth p. 322arraigneth them, giveth sentence against them, and bindeth them over to the latter judgement of the great day. And therefore they take upon them to judge that truth that must judge them, but truth will bee too good for them; Man hath a day now, which Saint Paul calls mans day, wherein hee getteth upon 1 Cor. 4. 3.1 Cor 4:3his bench, and usurpeth a judgement over Christ and his wayes; but GOD hath a day, wherein he will set all straight, and his judgement shall stand. And the Saints shall have their time, when they shall sit in judgment upon them p. 2231 Cor. …. 2.that judge them now. In the meane time CHRIST will rule in the middest of Psal. 110.Ps 110his enemies, in the midst of our hearts.

It is therefore no signe Vse.of a good condition, to …nde all quiet and nothing at oddes. For can we think that corruption w^ch is the elder in us, and sathan the strong man, that keepeth many holds in us, will yeeld possession quietly: No, there is not so much as a thought of goodnesse discovered by him, but he joyneth with corruption to kill it in the birth. And as Pharaohs cruelty was especially against the male p. 324children; so Sathans malice is especially against the most religious and manly resolutions.

This then wee are alwayes to expect, that wheresoever Christ commeth, there will be opposition: when Christ was borne all Ierusalem was troubled; so when Christ is borne in any man, the soule is in an uproare, and all because the heart is unwilling to yeeld up it selfe to Christ to rule it.

Wheresoever Christ commeth, he breedeth division, not only I, between man and himselfe, but 2, betweene man and man, p. 325and 3, betweene Church and Church: Of which disturbance Christ is no more the cause, they Physicke is of trouble in a distempered body, of which noysome humors are the proper cause, for the end of Physicke is the peace of humors. But Christ thinketh it fit that the thoughts of mens hearts should bee discovered: and hee is as well for the falling, as the rising of many in Israel.

Thus the desperate madnesse of men is layd open, that they had rather bee under the guidance of their owne lusts, and by consequent of Satan himselfe p. 326to their endlesse destruction, then put their feet into Christs setters, and their neckes under his yoake; whereas indeed Christs service is the only true libertie, his yoake an easie yoake, his burden but as the burden of wings to a bird, that maketh her flie the higher. Sathans government is rather a bondage then a government, unto which Christ giveth up those that shake off his owne, for then hee giveth Sathan and his factors power over them, since they will not receive the 2 Thes 2. 20.2 Thess 2:20truth in love, take him Iesuite, take him Sathan, p. 327blind him, and binde him, & lead him to perdition. Those that take the most liberty to sinne, are the most perfect slaves, because most voluntarie slaves, the will in everie thing is either the best or the worst, the further men goe on in a wilfull course, the deeper they sincke in rebellion; and the more they crosse CHRIST, doing what they will, the more they shall one day suffer what they would not. In the meane time they are prisoners in their owne soules, bound over in their consciences to the judgement of him after p. 328death, whose judgement they would none of in their lives. And is it not equall that they should feele him a severe Iudge to condemne them, whom they would not have a milde Iudge to rule them.

For Conclusion and generall application of all that hath beene spoken, unto our selves. We see the conflicting, but yet sure and hopefull state of Gods people. The victory lyeth not upon us, but upon CHRIST who hath taken upon him as to conquer for us, so to conquer in us. The victory lyeth neither in our own strēgth p. 329to get, nor in our enemies to defeat it. If it lay upon us wee might justly feare. But CHRIST will maintaine his owne government in us, and take our part against our corruptions; they are his Enemies as well as ours. Let us Eph. 6. 10.Eph 6:10therefore bee strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might; Let us not looke so much who are our enemies, as who is our Iudge, and Captaine; not what they threaten, but what he promiseth; wee have more for us, then against us. What coward would not fight, when he is sure of victory; none are here overcome, p. 330but he that will not sight. Therefore, when any base fainting seizeth upon us, let us lay the blame where it is to bee layd. Wee see here what wee may looke for from heaven. O beloved it is a comfortable thing to conceive of CHRIST aright, to know what love, mercy, strength we have layed up for us in the brest of CHRIST. A good conceit of the Physitian (we say) is halfe the cure; Let us not suffer Sathan to transforme Christ unto us, to bee otherwise then he is to those that are his. Let us make use of this p. 331his mercy and power everie day, in our daily combats: CHRIST will not leave us, till he hath made us like himselfe, all glorious within and without, and presented us blamelesse before his Father. What a comfort is this in our conflicts with our unruly hearts, that it shall not alwaies be thus; let us strive a little while, and we shall bee happy for ever. Let us thinke when wee are troubled with our sinnes, that CHRIST hath this in charge of his Father, That he shall not quench the smoaking slaxe, untill hee hath subdued all. This putteth p. 332a sheild into our hands to beat backe all the fiery darts of Sathan: he will object, …hes. 6 16.thou art a great sinner; we may answer, CHRIST 1.is a strong Saviour: but he will object, thou hast no faith, no love? Yes a 2.sparke of faith and love: but CHRIST will not regard that? Yes, he will not quench the smoaking flaxe. 3.But this is so little and weake, that it will vanish, and come to nought? Nay, but CHRIST will cherish 4.it untill hee hath brought judgment to victory. And thus much for our comfort we have already, that even when we first beleeved we p. 333overcame God himself (as it were) by beleeving the pardon of all our sinnes; notwithstanding the guilt of our owne consciences, and his absolute justice. Now having beene prevailers with GOD, what shall stand against us if we can learne to make use of our faith?

O what a confusion is this to Sathan, that hee should labour to blow out a poore sparke, and yet should not bee able to quench it; that a graine of Mustard seed should bee stronger then the gates of Hell; that it should be able to remove mountaines of oppositions p. 334and temptations cast up by Sathan and our rebellious hearts between GOD and us. Abimelech could not indure that it should bee said a Woman Iudg. 9. 54.Judg 9:54had slaine him, and it must needs be a Torment to Sathan, that a weake childe, a woman, and decrepit old man should by a spirit of faith put him to flight.

Since there is such comfort, where there is a little truth of grace, that it will be so victorious, Let us oft try what: GOD hath wrought in us, search our good, as well as our ill, and be thankfull to GOD for the least measure of p. 335grace, more then for any outward thing, it wil be of more use and comfort then al this world which passeth away & comes to nothing. Yea let us be thankfull sor that promised and assured victory, which we may relie on without presumption, as Saint Paul doth; Thankes bee to GOD, 1 C…. 25. 57.that hath given us victorie in Iesu Christ. See a slame in a spark, a tree in a seed; see great things in little beginnings; Looke not so much to the beginning, as to the perfection, and so we shall bee in some degree joyfull in our selves, and thankfull unto Christ.

p. 336And let all this that hath beene spoken, allure those that are not yet in state of grace, to come under CHRISTS sweet and victorious government, for though wee shall have much opposition, yet if we strive, hee will helpe us, if we faile, he wil cherish us, if wee bee guided by him, we shall overcome, If we overcome, wee are sure to be crowned. And for the presēt state of the Church we see now how forlorne it is, yet let us comfort our selves, that CHRISTS cause shall prevaile, Christ will rule, till he hath made …. 110. 1.his enemies his footstoole, p. 337not onelyonly to trample up on: but to helpe him up to mount higher in glory. Babylon shall fall, for strong is the Lord who hath condemned her, Rev. 18. 8. Christs judgement not onelyonly in his children, but also against his enemies shall be victorious, for hee is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. GOD will not suffer Antichrist and his supports to revell and ruffle in the Church as they doe.

If we looke to the present state of the Church of CHRIST, it is as Daniel in the midst of Lyons, as a Lilly amongst thornes. As a ship not onelyonly tossed, p. 338but almost covered, with waves. It is so low, that the enemies thinke they have buried CHRIST in regard of his Gospel, in the grave, and there they thinke to keepe him from rising: but CHRIST as he rose in his person, so hee will roule away all stones, & rise again in his church: how little support hath the Church and cause of CHRIST at this day▪ how strong a conspiracie is against it. The spirit of Antichrist is now lifted up, and marcheth furiously; things seeme to hang on a small and invisible thread. But our comfort p. 339is that CHRIST liveth and raigneth, and standeth on Mount Sion in defence of Re…. 1 4. 1.them that stand for him; and when States and Kingdomes shall dash one against another; CHRIST will have care of his owne Children and cause, seeing there is nothing else in the world that he much esteemeth. At this very time the delivery of his Church, and the ruine of his enemies is in working: we see not things in motion till CHRIST hath done his worke, and then wee shall see that the Lord raigneth. CHRIST and his Church when they are at the lowest, p. 340are neerest rising: his enemies at the highest are neerest a downefall.

The Iewes are not yet come in under CHRISTS banner, but GOD that hath perswaded Iaphet to come into the Tents of Shem, will perswade Shem to come into the Tents of Gen. 9. 27.Gen 9:27Iaphet. The fulnesse of the Gentiles is not yet come in, Rom. 11. 25.Rom 11:25but CHRIST that hath the utmost parts of the earth given him for his possession, will gather all Psal. 2. 8.Ps 2:8the sheepe his Father hath given him into one fold, that there may bee one sheepfold, and one shepheard.Ioh. 10. 16.John 10:16

p. 341The faithfull Iewes rejoyced to thinke of the calling of the Gentiles: and why should not we joy to thinke of the calling of the Iewes?

The Gospels course hath hitherto been as that of the Sun from East to West, and so in GODS time may proceed yet further West. No creature can hinder the course of the Sun, nor stop the influence of heaven, nor hinder the blowing of the winde, much lesse hinder the prevailing power of divine truth, untill CHRIST hath brought all under one head, and then he will present p. 342all to his Father; these are they thou hast given unto me; these are they that have taken mee for their Lord and King, that have suffered with mee. My will is that they bee where I am, and raigne with mee. And then hee will deliver up the Kingdome even to his Father, and put downe all other rule, and authority, and 1 C…. 15. 14.power.

Let us then bring our hearts to holy resolutions, and set our selves upon that which is good, and against that which is ill, in our selves or others, according to our callings: p. 343upon this incouragement, that CHRISTS grace and power shall goe along with us. What had become of that great worke of Reformation of Religion in the latter Spring of the Gospel, if men had not beene armed with invincible courage to outstride all lets, upon this faith that the cause was CHRISTS, and that he would not be wanting to his owne cause. Luther ingenuosly confessed, that he caried matters often inconsiderately, and with mixture of passion, but upon acknowledgement, GOD tooke not advantage p. 344of his errors, but the cause being GODS, and his aymes being holy, to promote the truth, and being a mighty man in prayer, and strong in faith, GOD by him kindled that fire, which all the world shall never bee able to quench. According to our faith so is our incouragement to all duties, therefore let us strengthen faith that it may strengthen all other graces. This very beliefe, that faith shall bee victorious, is a meanes to make it so indeed. Beleeve it therefore, that though it bee often as smoaking flax, yet it shall p. 345preuaile. If it prevaile with GOD himselfe in tryalls, shall it not prevaile over all other opposition? Let us waite a while, and we shall see the salvation of the Lord.

The Lord reveale himselfe more and more unto us in the face of his Sonne Iesus CHRIST, and magnifie the power of his grace in cherishing those beginnings of grace in the middest of our corruptions; and sanctifie the consideration of our owne infirmities to humble us, and of his tender mercy to incourage us: And perswade us that since he hath p. 346taken us into the covenant of grace, hee will not cast us off for those corruptions; which as they grieve his Spirit; so they make us vile in our owne eyes. And because Sathan labours to obscure the glory… of his mercy, and hinder our comfort by discouragements. The Lord adde this to the rest of his mercies, that since he is so gracious to those that yeeld to his goverment, we may make the right use of this grace, and not lose any portion of comfort that is layd up for us in CHRIST. And hee vouchsafe to let the prevailing power of p. 347his Spirit in us, bee an evidence of the truth of grace begun, and a pledge of finall victory, at that time when he will be all in all, in all his for all eternity.

Amen.

FINIS.

End of the text · Richard Sibbes, The Bruised Reed (1630)