Lectures Upon Philippians, Lectures · Chapter 1 · Lecture 7
LECTƲRE VII.
PHILIP. 1.
Verſe 7. Becauſe I hauehave you in remembrance that both in my bands, and in my defence, and confirmation of the Goſpell you all were partakers of my grace.
8. For God is my record, how I long after you all from the very heart roote in Ieſus Chriſt.
THe ſecond thing which here I note, is the teſtimonie which the Apoſtle giues vntounto the Philippians of their zeale for the goſpell, of their louelove of him, and of their growth in godlineſſe, through the effectuall preaching of the goſpell amongſt them, in that he ſaith, that both in his bands, and in his defence, and confirmation of the goſpell they all were partakers of his grace. This was a ſure token that they had well profited in the ſchoole of Chriſt, in that whether the Apoſtle were bound for the goſpell, or defended the goſpell, or confirmed the goſpell, ſtill they ſtucke cloſe to him, and tooke part with him, and were, though they were abſent from him, yet in zeale and in an holy affection, in ſome ſort in bands with him, and in defence and confirmation of the goſpell with him. Hence then I obſerue a notable argument how we may hauehave proofe vntounto our ſelues, and giuegive alſo proofe vntounto others of our zeale for the goſpell, of our louelove of the Miniſters of the goſpell, by whom we hauehave been taught in the word, of the power of the word in our hearts and ſoules, and of our growth in godlines through the preaching of the word. Is there any perſecution of the goſpell of Ieſus Chriſt by any cruell tyrants, Pope, Turke, or Spaniard, or any other? Are your Miniſters and Teachers attached, and brought before any bloudy inquiſition for the goſpels ſake of Chriſt Ieſus? Are they brought vntounto the barre there, as felons or traitors to defend that truth, which in all ſimplicitie and ſinceritie they hauehave taught amongſt you? Are they beaten and ſcourged, and caſt into priſon, and bound with bands, and their feete made faſt in the ſtocks for the defence of the goſpell? Are they brought to the fire and fagot, to the rope and hatchet, to Lyons and wilde beaſts by their bloud to confirme the goſpell of Chriſt Ieſus? Such times and tyrannies, beloued, our forefathers hauehave ſeene, and it may be that ſome of you hauehave ſeene them: but ô Lord, let neuer our eyes ſee ſuch times and tyrannies againe, neither let our ſeede ſee them, nor our ſeedes ſeede from henceforth for euer. But put caſe it were thus as hath beene ſaid. Doe yee thinke yee ſhould ſtand cloſe to the truth in ſuch time of trouble, and not ſtart aſide like a broken bow? Could yee finde in your hearts to vndergo with your Miniſters and Teachers, the mercileſſe cruelty of any bloudy inquiſition? to ſtand with them at the barre in defence of that truth, which they hauehave taught you? To be tried with them by mockings and ſcourgings, by bonds and impriſonment? to goe to fire and fagot with them, and with your bloud to ſeale that truth which they hauehave taught you? Here were zeale for the goſpell in deed, here were louelove of your Miniſters, here were a proofe of the power of the word in you, here were an argument of the effectuall preaching of the goſpell vntounto you. And ſuch proofes and arguments, many in the primitiue Church both had vntounto themſelues, and gaue vntounto others, as the Apoſtle witneſſeth to the Hebrewes, where he ſaith,Heb. 11.36, 37, 38. that ſome were racked and would not be deliuered, that they might receiue a better reſurrection; others were tried by mockings and ſcourgings, yea moreouer by bands and impriſonment; others were ſtoned &c. So powerfully had the word wrought vponupon them, that nothing could daunt them, but through perſecution, and anguiſh, and tribulation, and famine, and nakednes, and perill, and ſword, and all they went.
Yea, but you will ſay, there was no ſuch matter with the Philippians, whoſe example I vrge, they gaue no ſuch proofe of their zeale, or louelove, or growth in godlines thorow the preaching of the goſpell, as now we ſpeake of. Well then, could yee willingly be partakers with your Miniſters and Teachers in their bands, and in their defence and confirmation of the goſpell in ſuch ſort as the Philippians were with Paul? Would yee not be aſhamed of their chaines? Would yee communicate to their affliction, and ſupply that which they lacked? Would yee be carefull, that ſome might miniſter vntounto them ſuch things as they wanted? Would their bands ſo affect you as if yee were bound with them? Would yee count their ſufferings for the defence and confirmation of the goſpell, as common to you with them? Would yee in heart & ſoule be ioyned vntounto them, both in their bands, and in their defence, and confirmation of the goſpell? This alſo ſhould be a notable proof both vntounto your ſelues, and others of your holy zeale for the truth, of your godly increaſe in all ſpirituall vnderſtanding through the word, and of the effectuall power of the ſpirit in you, through the miniſterie of the word. Such a proofe Oneſiphorus had vntounto himſelfe, and gaue vntounto others, as appeareth by that teſtimonie which the Apoſtle giueth to him, when he ſaith, that he often refreſhed him, and was not aſhamed of his chaine; 2 Tim. 1.16, 17, 18.that at Rome hee ſought him very diligently, and found him; and that in many things he miniſtred vntounto him at Epheſus. Not once, but often he refreſhed him, he ſhunned him not, nor was aſhamed of him becauſe of his bands, but comming to Rome, and vnderſtanding that Nero had caſt him into priſon, hee ſought him very diligently, and would not reſt till he had found him, and before at Epheſus, hee had in bountifull ſort cared for him. Here the word had taken roote downeward, and brought forth fruit vpward, and powerfully wrought on him. And ſo the bleſſing that followed hervpon.2. Tim. 1.18. The Apoſt. prayed for him, ſaying, the Lord grant vntounto him that he may find mercy with the Lord at that day; nor for him onelyonly, but for his whole houſe,16. ſaying, The Lord giuegive merciemercy vntounto the houſe of Oneſiphorus; and in that the Apoſtle prayed for him and for his houſe,1 Theſſ. 1.6. it was in effect a promiſe of bleſſing and merciemercy vntounto him and to his houſe. The like teſtimonie the Apoſtle giueth vntounto the Theſſalonians, where hee ſaith, that they receaued the word in much affliction, with ioy of the holy Ghoſt. When there was much affliction, when there was great tribulation and perſecution, becauſe of the word, yet they receiued the word willingly and ioyfully. Which the Apoſtle, bringeth as a plaine proofe vntounto them of their ſpirituall coniunction with Chriſt, and election vntounto life. So that when the word hath wrought thus vponupon vsus, that in much affliction wee can delight in it, that wee gladly cheriſh and refreſh them that ſuffer trouble, euen vntounto bands for the Goſpels ſake, that we are ſo affected therewith, as if we alſo were in bands with them, that we count their ſufferings for the defence and confirmation of the Goſpell, our ſufferings, it is a notable argument that the word hath had great power in vsus, and that we hauehave well profited in the Schoole of Chriſt.
But, if many in theſe our daies ſhould examine themſelues, by this rule of what power the word is in them, and vntounto what growth in godlyneſſe they are come, it is to be feared that their triall would not be much to their comfort. Our bleſſed Sauiour expounding the parable of the Sower, ſaith, That he that receaued ſeed in the ſtonie ground, is he which heareth the word, and incontinently with ioy receiueth it: Yet hath he no roote in himſelfe, Mat. 13 12.and endureth but a ſeaſon: for as ſoone as tribulation or perſecution commeth becauſe of the word, by and by hee is offended. And our Apoſtle complained,2 Tim. 4.16. that at his firſt anſwering no man aſſiſted him, but all forſooke him. Not to ſpeake of thoſe which refuſe to hearken to inſtruction, and to preſent themſelues in our aſſemblies, is not much ſeede now ſowen in ſtonie ground, if tribulation and perſecution ſhould come, becauſe of the word, would not many of vsus be offended, and rather turne, as they ſay, then burne? If our Paules and Preachers ſhould bee brought to their anſwere in the defence of the Goſpell, would they bee much aſſiſted, or would they not be vtterly forſakē? Yes, beloued, a great many of vsus that now giuegive them reaſonable good countenance, would bee aſhamed of their chaines: a great many of vsus that now heare them patiently, would feare or diſdaine to looke on them in their trouble. We think our ſelues now reaſonable good fauorers of the Word, and of the Miniſters thereof, if we be not enemies vntounto them. But if we come vntounto them, and countenance them, then wee thinke our ſelues very forward indeede, and that the word hath much preuailed with vsus. And it were to be wiſhed, that the number of ſuch were farre greater then it is. But if a tempeſt ſhould ariſe, ſo that our ſhip ſhould bee couered with waues, would not a great many of vsus wiſh our ſelues out of that ſhip wherein we ſaile, and in another that ſailed in a more calme ſea? If our Miniſters & teachers ſhould be carried vntounto the Guild-hal, there to anſwer in the defence of the goſpell, would we not as Chriſt his Diſciples did forſake them & flie; & as Peter did forſweare them? Here would be indeed a triall of the power of the word in vsus. And how we would ſtand in this triall, may in part be coniectured by ſome preſent experience. For where the word & the Miniſters therof are fauoured, if the painful Miniſter be poore and bare, becauſe of his ſmall portion and and maintenance, how many of vsus will yeeld vp our impropriations vntounto him, which properly belonge vntounto him? Or, if wee hauehave no ſuch, how many of vsus will yeeld vp vntounto him our couenant with him for our tithes? Or, if wee hauehave no ſuch, how many of vsus will take care that by our defrauding him of any due, he be not poore or bare? Or, if we be not guiltie herein, how many of vsus will ioyne our heads & our purſes together to encreaſe his maintenance for his encouragement, & bettering of his eſtate? Likewiſe, if ſome popiſhly or naughtily affected, bring him vniuſtly into trouble, how many of vsus will aſſiſt him? how many of vsus will goe to the high Commiſſion with him? how many of vsus will doe our whole endeauour for him? how many of vsus will communicate vntounto his charges in ſuch trouble? Doe wee faile in theſe leſſe things, and would wee hold in greater things? Will we not part with ſome of our liuing to him, and would we hazard our life with him? Will wee not now aſſiſt him, and communicate to his charges in trouble, and would we then cleaue cloſe vntounto him, and communicate to his affliction? I leaue it vntounto eueryevery man to thinke of it. For concluſion of this note, we ſee how wee may hauehave proofe vntounto our ſelues, and giuegive proofe vntounto others of our zeale for the Goſpell, of our louelove of the Miniſters of the Goſpell, of the power of the word in vsus, and of our growth in godlineſſe through the preaching of the word. Let vsus therefore willingly and gladly take part, if neede be, with our miniſters and teachers in their bands, and in their defence and confirmation of the goſpell; and in the meane time let vsus giuegive them what countenance and encouragement, what helpe and aſſiſtance we can, that ſo the power of the word in vsus, and our profiting thereby, may be teſtified both vntounto our ſelues and to others.
The third thing which here I note, is that the Apoſtle ſaith that all the Philipp. were pertakers of his grace, both in his bands, &c. They onelyonly relieued him, & refreſhed him, and were carefull for him being in bands, and were in their ſoules and affections knit vntounto him, both in his …ands, and in his defence and confirmation of the goſpell, and for this cauſe he ſaith, they were pertakers of his grace in his bands, &c. Whence I obſerue a good note of ſuch as are ioyned in the communion of Saints, and that is this, howſoeuer they abound in the meaſure of grace aboue others, yet in the grace they preferre not themſelues before others. So we ſee the Apoſtle Peter writeth to them that had obtained like precious faith with him, ſaying, Simon Peter a ſeruant and an Apoſtle of Ieſus Chriſt, 2. Pet. 1.1.to you which hauehave obtained like precious faith with vsus, &c. In the meaſure of faith no doubt he excelled all them to whom he wrote, yet in the grace it ſelfe of faith, ye ſee, he equalled them vntounto himſelfe. So wee ſee the Apoſtle to the Hebr. ſaith vntounto them, Holy brethren, Hebr. 3.1.pertakers of the heauenly calling, &c. In meaſure of gifts by the heauenly calling, no doubt, he was farre before them to whom he wrote, yet touching the grace it ſelfe, he counteth thē pertakers with him of the heauenly vocation. And ſo our Apoſtle in the meaſure of ſufferings, excelled not not the Philippians onelyonly, but all others, yet in the grace it ſelfe he ſaith, that they were pertakers of his grace both in his bands, &c. And this is the bleſſing of the holy Communion of Saints, that they which are ioyned in this holy fellowſhip, willingly equall themſelues vntounto them that are of meaner gifts, and doe not ſtand vponupon their prerogatiues, either in bleſſings or in ſufferings, but as they that hauehave one God, and one Lord, and one Baptiſme, and one hope of their calling, ſo they eſteeme of others graces as of their owne.
Which may ſerue for a bridle vntounto ſuch ouerweaning ſpirits, as too haſtily and ſharpely cenſure them that come ſhort of themſelues in the meaſure either of other bleſſings, or of ſufferings. For, to ſpeake onelyonly of the latter ſort, are not there ſome that ſo brag of their ſufferings, that if others of their brethren come ſomewhat ſhort of them, they condemne them for white-liuered ſouldiers, and faint-hearted brethren? And tell them that you were affected with their ſufferings, as if ye had ſuffered with them, that yee were not vnmindfull of them, but cōmunicated vntounto their afflictions, will they count you partakers of their grace in their bands? or rather would they not tell you, that this is but cold charity in regard of that zealous courage wch ſhould be in you, & that this is nothing in compariſon of their ſufferings? So vaine a thing is man, as to eſteeme beſt of other his owne graces, ſo moſt of his owne ſufferings, and ſo to ſtand vponupon his owne meaſure of grace, that he makes little reckoning of the ſame grace in meaner meaſure in others of his brethren. But we ſee the practiſe both of our Apoſtle, and of other of the Apoſtles, which may ſerue for our inſtruction in this point. Let vsus therefore after their example, howſoeuer we abound in the meaſure of any grace, make reckoning of them in whom that grace is, as partakers of the ſame grace with vsus: for it is the ſame ſpirit that giueth the ſame grace both vntounto vsus and others, and the ſame ſpirit diſtributeth to eueryevery man ſeuerally the meaſure of grace as he will. Let vsus not therefore for our meaſure of grace whatſoeuer it be, be it in wiſdome, learning, patience, ſuffering, or any other, exalt our ſelues aboue our brethren, but let vsus make much of the grace of the ſpirit in them, and let vsus reioyce ouer them, as hauing obteined the like precious grace with vsus.
The laſt thing which here I note is, that the Apoſtle calleth his bands for the defence and confirmation of the Goſpell, a grace: for ſo we vnderſtand that they were partakers of his grace, in that they were partakers of his bands for the defence and confirmation &c. Whence I obſerue, that to ſuffer bands, impriſonment, perſecution, and the like, for the Goſpels ſake, is a ſpeciall grace and gift of God. So the Apoſtle againe in the latter end of this chapter affirmeth, ſaying, VntoUnto you it is giuen for Chriſt, Phil. 1.29.that not onelyonly yee ſhould beleeue in him, but alſo ſuffer for his ſake. Whence it is plaine, that as faith in Chriſt Ieſus, ſo to ſuffer for his ſake is a ſpeciall gift of God. And herevpon the Apoſtles reioyced when they were beaten,Act. 5.41. that they were counted worthy to ſuffer rebuke for Chriſt his name. 2 Cor. 11.And our Apoſtle reioyced aſmuch in his ſufferings as in any thing. And why, but becauſe they counted their ſufferings as ſpeciall gifts and graces vponupon them?
Where yet firſt we muſt note, that ſimply to ſuffer bands and impriſonment, perſecution and trouble is no grace or gift of God, but to ſuffer theſe things for Chriſt his ſake, for the Goſpels ſake, for righteouſnes ſake. And therefore Peter ſaith, Let no man ſuffer as a murtherer, 1 Pet. 4.15,or as a theefe, or as an euill doer, or as a buſie-body in other mens matters: But if any man ſuffer as a Chriſtian, 16..i. for Chriſt his ſake and the goſpels, let him not be aſhamed, but let him glorifie God on this behalfe. Secondly, that to ſuffer bands and perſecution for Chriſt his ſake and the goſpels, is no grace or gift of God in it ſelfe, and in the nature of the thing, but onelyonly by way of conſequent: for if to ſuffer bands or affliction for the goſpels ſake were in it ſelfe, and in the nature of the thing a grace and gift of God, then were we to pray for affliction and trouble for the Goſpels ſake, as we doe for other graces of the ſpirit. But now no man doth pray to be tried and troubled, to be perſecuted and impriſoned for the Goſpells ſake; neither is any man ſo to pray, becauſe this were in deede to tempt God. But our praier is for ſtrength, and patience, and helpe in trouble, whenſoeuer it ſhall pleaſe the Lord by troubles for the Goſpels ſake to try vsus, as the praiers of the godly at all times doe ſhew. To ſuffer bands then and trouble for the Goſpels ſake, is no grace of God in it ſelfe, but onelyonly in euent and by conſequent. For what is the euent, fruit, and conſequent of ſuffering for the Goſpels ſake? Firſt in reſpect of our ſelues, it bringeth forth the fruits of patience, experience, and hope, as it is written, We reioyce in tribulation, knowing that tribulation bringeth forth patience, Rom. 5.3.and patience experience, and experience hope, and hope maketh not aſhamed. It is the meanes to make vsus like vntounto the Sonne of God, as it is written,8.29. Whom God knew before he predeſtinate to be made like to the image of his Sonne. Where by the order of our election hee ſheweth that afflictions in generall are the meanes to make vsus like vntounto the Sonne of God. And it cauſeth vntounto vsus eternall glory in the heauens, as it is written,Matth. 5.10. Bleſſed are they which ſuffer perſecution for righteouſnes ſake, 11▪for theirs is the kingdome of heauen. Bleſſed are yee when men reuile and perſecute you, and ſay all manner of euill againſt you for my ſake, 12.falſly; reioyce and be glad for great is your reward in heauen. Againe, in reſpect of God, by ſuffering trouble, bands, and death for the goſpels ſake God is glorified, as it is written, This ſpake Ieſus vntounto Peter, Joh. 21.19.ſignifying by what death he ſhould glorifie God. And thereby alſo the power of Chriſt dwelleth in vsus, as it is written,2 Cor. 12. Very gladly will I reioyce in mine infirmities, that the power of Chriſt may dwell in me, becauſe the power of Chriſt is moſt ſeene in helping our infirmities, in looſing our bands, and deliuering vsus out of troubles. And againe in reſpect of the Church, by the ſufferings of the Saints for the Goſpell, many children are ſtrengthned, and many begotten vntounto the Church, as it is written in this chapter afterward, Many of the brethren in the Lord are boldened through my bands, Phil. 1.14.and dare more frankly ſpeake the word. To which purpoſe alſo it is ſaid, that the blood of the Martirs is the ſeede of the Church. Becauſe then of the grace which followeth our bands and troubles for the Goſpels ſake, both in reſpect of God, and of his Church, and of our ſelues, therefore it is that they are called a grace and gift of God. So that to ſuffer bands and troubles for Chriſt his ſake, and the Goſpels, is a grace and gift of God, nor in the nature of the thing, but becauſe of the grace giuen vsus conſtantly and patiently to endure thoſe troubles, and becauſe of the grace which iſſueth thence for the good of our ſelues, for the glory of God, and for the benefit of his Church.
Yea but if to ſuffer bands, and affliction, and trouble for Chriſt his ſake and the Goſpels were a grace and gift of God any way, why ſhould the children of God be often ſo much perplexed thereat as they are? why ſhould they not alwaies be more welcome vntounto them then they are? For anſwer whereunto we muſt vnderſtand, that in the children of God there is the fleſh and the ſpirit, an outward man, and an inward man. Are then the children of God often perplexed at their bands and ſufferings for Chriſt his ſake, and the Goſpels? It may be in their fleſh and outward man, but in their ſpirit and inward man they are alwaies welcome vntounto them; as our Apoſtle ſaith, though our outward man periſh, 2 Cor. 4.16.and euen ſinke vnderunder the burthen of our afflictions, yet the inward man is renued daily, and made ſtronger and ſtronger through afflictions. And ſo we muſt vnderſtand all the places of ſcripture where the Saints ſeeme to faint vnderunder their afflictions. Dauid in his Pſalmes often complaineth of his troubles, no doubt becauſe they were heauy vntounto his outward man: but vntounto his inward man they were ſo welcome, that he ſaith,Pſal. 119.71. It is good for me that I hauehave beene afflicted, that I may learne thy ſtatutes: and againe, Before I was afflicted I went aſtray, 67.but now I keepe thy word. So our Apoſtle ſaith, that he was preſſed out of meaſure paſſing ſtrength through affliction, 2 Cor. 1.8.ſo that his outward man no doubt was not able to ſuſteine them; yet in his inward man he reioyced in them, and boaſted of them, and fainted not vnderunder them. So our bleſſed Sauiour himſelfe ſaith,Mat. 26.38. My ſoule is very heauy euen vntounto the death, ſo that by his owne will he would hauehave had that cup to paſſe from him: but knowing his Fathers will immediatly he addeth, neuertheles not as I will, but as thou wilt. So that howſoeuer by our owne wills we would auoide bands and troubles for the goſpels ſake, as heauy and greeuous vntounto our outward man, yet as our wills are ſanctified by Gods ſpirit and conformed vntounto Gods will, ſo they are welcome vntounto vsus, and acknowledged by vsus to be a grace of God, giuen vntounto his children for their good, and his glory.
Here then is a notable comfort, for all ſuch of Gods children as ſuffer bands and affliction for Chriſt his ſake and the goſpels. For what are their bands? They are the grace of God; and in ſuffering bands for the defence and confirmation of the Goſpell, they are partakers with the Saints of their grace. And as here they are called the grace of God, ſo elſewhere they are called the marks of the Lord Ieſus. Gal. 6.17.Now may it not be a great comfort vntounto vsus, to beare in our bodies the marks of the Lord Ieſus? Yet generally wee auoide bands and affliction, nay we murmure at them, nay we mocke at them, and hold them for ſimple men, that will not rather turne then burne, that will not rather renounce the truth, then endure ſuch ſufferings for the truth. But tell me, ſhould not he be iudged fooliſh and ignorant, that ſhould auoid the gift of any grace? Should he not be thought ridiculous, that ſhould murmure or ſcorne to be marked with the marks of the Lord Ieſus? And how then ſhall wee thinke of him, that refuſeth or murmureth at bands and afflictions for Chriſt his ſake, or that maketh a mocke at them which doe ſuffer afflictions for Chriſt his ſake, which are the grace of God, and the marks of the Lord Ieſus? Beloued, we know not what bands and afflictions bide vsus for the Goſpels ſake. Surely for our ſinnes we hauehave deſerued to be deliuered vp into the will of our enemies, that they that hate vsus euen with a perfit hatred ſhould rule ouer vsus. And if it ſhall pleaſe the Lord herein to deale with vsus according to our deſeruings, yet let this be our comfort, that in our bands for the defence and confirmation of the Goſpell, we are partakers with many of the Saints of their grace, and that the life of Ieſus is made manifeſt as by moſt plaine tokens, in our bodies,2 Cor. 4.10. when we beare about in our bodies the dying of the Lord Ieſus. And in the meane time let vsus giuegive all diligence that the word of Chriſt may dwell in vsus plenteouſly, that the effectuall power thereof may be manifeſted in vsus, through our patient and conſtant ſuffering for Chriſt his ſake and the Goſpels, if the will of the Lord be ſuch.
Now followeth the Apoſtles earneſt proteſtation of his louelove towards the Philippians, which was the third thing which I noted in this ſecond branch of the Apoſtles exordium, in theſe words, For God is my record &c. that ſo, they might the rather both aſſure themſelues that ſuch was his perſwaſion of them, as hath beene ſaid, and likewiſe the more willingly hearken vntounto the things that hee wrote vntounto them. In the words I note a vehement proteſtation, and the thing whereof he maketh ſuch proteſtation. His proteſtation is a calling of God to witnes that hee lieth not in this that now ſpeaketh, in theſe words, For God is my record. The thing whereof he maketh ſuch proteſtation is of his hearty louelove of them, ſaying, God is my record how I long after you all, .i. with what a longing deſire to ſee you, I louelove you all from the very heart roote,foreign. for ſo the word here vſed is very ſignificantly tranſlated, not after the fleſh, but in Ieſus Chriſt, of whom yee are loued, and from whom this my louelove proceedeth. Where firſt I note the Apoſtles vehement proteſtation, not of a vaine and idle toy, but of his louelove towards the Philippians, not for any light or fooliſh matter, but for their great good, that they might hearken to the word of their ſaluation more gladly. Whence I obſerue, that a proteſtation, or an oath to witnes a truth, when the glory of God, or the good of our neighbour doth require it, may lawfully be made.