Lectures Upon Philippians, Lectures · Chapter 2 · Lecture 37
LECTƲRE XXXVII.
PHILIP. 2. Verſe 15.
Among whom ye ſhine, as lights in the world, holding foorth the word of life.
AMong whom ye ſhine, &c.] In this laſt clauſe of the Apoſtles former reaſon we hauehave a notable commendation of the Philippians, which the Apoſtle ſo truely giueth vntounto them that withall in the wiſdome of God giuen vntounto him hee doth implie a duty, or an exhortation that they ſhew themſelues to be ſuch as hee commendeth them to be: inſomuch that ſome read theſe words thus, among whom do yee ſhine, as lights &c. Their commendation ye ſee is, that they ſhine amongſt that naughty and crooked people with whom they liue, euen as lights which ſhine in darknes, and which hold forth the word of life to giuegive light to them that ſit in darknes: they are called lights, ſhining lights, lights ſhining in the midſt of a naughty and crooked nation, lights holding forth the word of life vntounto others. The whole forme of ſpeach ſeemeth to be drawne from thoſe high places by the ſea-coaſt, whence continually lights and fires are ſet out for the direction of ſea-men into the hauen, and ſafeſt entrance. For euen ſuch the Apoſtle here commendeth the Philippians to be, lights which ſhined in holineſſe of life vntounto them that ſate in darkneſſe round about them, by the direction of which their light they might come into the hauen of euerlaſting reſt, where they might find reſt for their ſoules. Now let vsus ſee what we may obſerue hence for our vſe.
1. In that the Apoſtle calleth the Philippians light, I note the ſingular prerogatiue and honour of all the faithfull members of Chriſt Ieſus. For that which the Apoſtle here giueth to the Philippians, belongeth to all the faithfull. All the faithfull children of Chriſt are called lights, ſhining lights, lights ſhining in the world. Now for our better inſtruction how they are called lights, we are to vnderſtand that there are foure ſpeciall lights mentioned in the holy Scriptures. The 1. is that light, Chriſt Ieſus, the light of the world, and the brightneſſe of his father. This light by a principall prerogatiue is called that light, that true light which lighteth eueryevery man that commeth into the world, that ſonne of righteouſneſſe, that ſtarre of Iacob, that day ſpring from an high, that brightneſſe of his fathers perſon. 2. The word of God in many places of the Scriptures is tearmed a light, as where it is ſaid, Thy word ô Lord is a lanthorne vntounto my feete, Pſal. 119.105. 2 Pet. 1.19.and a light vntounto my pathes: As alſo where the godly are commended by the Apoſtle Peter, for that they attend vntounto the ſure word of the Prophets, as vntounto a light that ſhineth in a darke place. By this light the holy Ghoſt illuminateth the blindneſſe and darkneſſe of our groſſe vnderſtandings, and directeth vsus in the waies of God which leade vntounto ſaluation. 3. The Apoſtles and Miniſters of Chriſt Ieſus are called lights, as where our Sauiour ſaith vntounto them, yee are the light of the world. Mat. 5.14.Which glorious title is giuen vntounto them, both becauſe of that teſtimonie which they giuegive vntounto that true light, the euerlaſting ſonne of God Chriſt Ieſus, and becauſe of the Goſpell of Chriſt Ieſus which they preach vntounto vsus. 4. All the faithfull members of Chriſt Ieſus, all Chriſtians are called lights: as where the Apoſtle telleth the Epheſians, that they were once darkenes,Eph. 5.8. but are now light in the Lord, and therefore exhorteth them to walke as chrildren of the light; and in this place of our Apoſtle, where they are called lights in the world, ſhining among the ſonnes of darkneſſe, and holding forth the word of life. Now the faithfull are called lights in theſe reſpects: 1. In reſpect of Chriſt Ieſus that true light which lighteneth eueryevery man that commeth into the world, inaſmuch as he hath vouchſafed to communicate his light vntounto vsus, and by the bright beames of his holy Spirit ſhining into our hearts to expell thence the thicke miſts of blindnes, darkneſſe, and ignorance. For whatſoeuer light the faithfull hauehave they hauehave it from him, who hath light in himſelfe, and of himſelfe, and in whom is no darkneſſe. They borrow their light from him, euen as the Moone, and the ſtarres doe borrow their light from the Sunne in the firmament. For hee is the ſonne of righteouſneſſe which ſpringing from an high hath through the tender mercy of our God viſited vsus, to giuegive light to them that ſit in darkneſſe, and in the ſhadow of death, and to guide our feete into the way of peace, and ſo farre as this light ſhineth vntounto them their darknes is turned into light, and they are tearmed lights of that light which they hauehave from this ſonne of righteouſneſſe. So that when the holy Ghoſt calleth the faithfull, lights, hee noteth therein the fellowſhip which they hauehave with Chriſt Ieſus, from whoſe moſt cleare light they borrow their light. 2. The faithfull are called lights in reſpect of the word, inaſmuch as they beleeue, and embrace, and profeſſe the holy word of God which hee hath ordained to be a lanthorne vntounto our feete, and a light vntounto our ſteps. For albeit it be the ſon of righteouſneſſe alone, by the bright ſhining beames of whoſe holy Spirit our darkeneſſe is turned into light, and we made lights in the world; yet becauſe we receiue this light by the miniſterie of the word therefore both the word itſelfe is called light, and they likewiſe that receiue the word with gladneſſe, and walke in the light thereof are called lights. For as much then as the faithfull profeſſe the holy word of God, ordained to bee the rule of our life, and our direction in matters of religion, in reſpect of this profeſſion they are called lights. 3. They are called lights in reſpect of their life and conuerſation, inaſmuch as by the holineſſe of their life, and integritie of their conuerſation they ſhew themſelues to be exempted and deliuered from the power of darkneſſe. Both their workes in reſpect of the vnfruitfull workes of darkneſſe are called lights, and themſelues glorifying God by theſe workes are called lights. Now ſee what inſtructions theſe things may miniſter vntounto vsus.
1. In that the faithfull are called lights, not from any light in themſelues as of themſelues, but from that light which they hauehave and borrow from Chriſt Ieſus that ſonne of righteouſneſſe, this may teach vsus what we are without Chriſt Ieſus, euen darkneſſe without light, men ſitting in darkneſſe and in the ſhadow of death. For looke into the beſt things that wee hauehave. Our reaſon what is it but groſſe darkneſſe? our wiſedome what is it but meere fooliſhneſſe? Our vnderſtanding what is it but blinde ignorance? for the naturall man, 1. Hee on whom this ſonne of righteouſneſſe hath not yet ſhined, perceiueth not,1 Cor. 2.14. nay he cannot perceiue by all the reaſon, wiſdome, and vnderſtanding that he hath, the things of the ſpirit of God.Eph. 5.8. And therefore the Apoſtle writing to the Epheſians telleth them thus, yee were once darkneſſe, to wit, before the ſonne of righteouſneſſe had ſhined vponupon them, but are now light in the world, now that the ſonne of righteouſneſſe had ſhined vponupon them their darkneſſe was turned into light. Where he moſt plainely ſheweth what is the ſtate of all men both before and after that the ſonne of righteouſneſſe hauehave ſhined vponupon them: before, they are darkneſſe, after they are light. O what a good and gracious God then hauehave we, who when we ſate in darkneſſe, and in the ſhadow of death gaue vsus this light, and ſo tranſlated vsus out of darkneſſe into light. Not vntounto vsus ô Lord, not vntounto vsus but vntounto thy name giuegive the praiſe, for that thou haſt called vsus out of darkneſſe into thy maruellous light. When we walked in darkeneſſe thou madeſt vsus to ſee a great light, and when we dwelled in the land of the ſhadow of death, thou diddeſt cauſe the light to ſhine vponupon vsus. We were once darkneſſe, but now we are light. Bleſſed bee thy name ô Lord which haſt changed our darkeneſſe into light.
2. In that the faithfull are called lights in reſpect of the word which they profeſſe, and in the light whereof they walk, this may teach vsus how precious the holy word of God ought to be vntounto vsus. If walking after the direction of the word wee onelyonly walke in the light, then iudge ye how we walke without the word. Surely without it we walke in darkneſſe, and know not whether we go, no more then the blinde or blind-folded man, who not diſcerning his way quickely wandereth out of his right path, and walketh into eueryevery by-path, and runneth himſelfe vponupon eueryevery danger. For by the word alone we deſcry eueryevery by-path, we ſee eueryevery danger that is to be auoided, and vnderſtand the glory that is prepared for vsus at the end of our iourney. And yet as if their we loued darkneſſe better then light, or elſe know not that by the miniſterie of the word of darkneſſe we are made light in the Lord, wee care not for the word, we regard it not, wee let it paſſe as a tale that is told. A hard ſaying truely: but yet as true as hard. For if we ſhall conſider our great ſlackneſſe in comming, or our great negligence in hearing, or our great careleſneſſe to lay vp in our hearts the things that we hauehave heard, all theſe will witneſſe what account we make of the word, euen no more then of a tale that is told. Otherwiſe how ſhould it be, which hath beene obſerued, that ſince this exerciſe begunne not halfe of that congregation which ſhould be here preſent hauehave beene aſſembled in this houſe of the Lord at any one Sermon. Againe, a great ſlackneſſe in comming of thoſe that doe come, howſoeuer they may be obſerued which either come too late, or depart too quickly from this holie exerciſe, yet who knoweth how many depart hence as little edified and inſtructed as when they came hither? A great negligence in hearing. Againe, who is he that hauing heard the word, doth afterward thinke or meditate with himſelfe of the things that he hath heard, and laieth them vp in his heart to make them the rule and direction of his life? A great careleſneſſe to make that vſe we ſhould of that wee hauehave heard. And what elſe doe all theſe argue, but that we make no more account of the word than of a tale that is told? Well, whatſoeuer account we make of it, either we muſt walke in the light of this word, or elſe we cannot be ſuch lights as here the faithfull members of Chriſt Ieſus are ſaid to be: either this word muſt be a light vntounto our paths, or elſe we can be no light in the Lord; either the Lord muſt goe before vsus in this word, as in a pillar of fire, or elſe wee ſhall be made a prey vntounto our enemies, the world, the fleſh, and the deuill, who ſeeketh continually like a roaring Lion whom hee may deuoure.
Thirdly, in that the faithfull are called lights in reſpect of their holy life and conuerſation, this may teach vsus what manner of conuerſation will beſt become vsus if wee will be lights in the world. The light of our holineſſe of life and integritie of conuerſation muſt ſo ſhine before men, that they may ſee our good workes, and glorifie our Father which is in heauen Yee were once darkneſſe (ſaith the Apoſtle to the Epheſians) but are now light in the Lord; Epheſ. 5.8.walke as children of the light. In which words the Apoſtle plainly ſheweth, that being made lights, wee ought to walke as children of the light, approuing that which is pleaſing vntounto the Lord, hauing no fellowſhip with the vnfruitfull workes of darkneſſe, but reprouing them, if not by word, for that wee cannot all at all times doe, yet at leaſt by the example of our holy and vnblameable life. But of this wee ſhall hauehave more occaſion anon to ſpeake. Let this ſuffice to be ſpoken generally why the faithfull children of God are called lights, and of the inſtructions which the reaſons thereof may miniſter vntounto vsus.
Secondly, here I note two qualities attributed to theſe lights mentioned by the Apoſtle: The firſt, they ſhine in the middeſt of darkneſſe, in the middeſt of a naughtie and crooked nation: Secondly, they hold out vntounto others the light that is in them, euen the word of life, ſhewing it ſelfe in the integritie of their conuerſation. Whence I note two properties neceſſarily requiſite in all the faithfull children of God: the one is, that they hauehave light in themſelues, the other is, that they communicate it to others. Touching the firſt, light yee know is not called light, vnleſſe it hauehave light in it ſelfe, in whatſoeuer darkneſſe it ſhine. The faithfull children of God then, if they will be, as here they are called, lights, they muſt ſtill ſo looke vntounto themſelues and their owne wayes, that howſoeuer they walke amongſt the children of darkneſſe, yet they ſuffer not that light which is in them to be darkened, but that they ſhine as lights in the world amongſt them whoſe hearts are ſet on miſchiefe. The Sunne when it ſetteth forth as a Giant to runne his courſe, caſteth forth his beames, and they are diſperſed throughout all places of the earth. And albeit often times it light and ſhine vponupon moſt loathſome and filthy places, yet ſtill doth it remaine in his owne puritie, not at all defiled therewith. Herein theſe lights (I meane the faithfull children of God) muſt reſemble this light of the Sunne. It cannot be that they ſhould not at all conuerſe with wicked and vngodly men, for then they muſt goe out of the world,1 Cor. 5.10. as the Apoſtle ſaith: but herein they muſt be as lights; though they liue amongſt wicked and vngodly men, yet muſt they keepe themſelues vnſtained of the corruptions which are in the world through luſts; though they hauehave to doe with prophane and impure men, yet muſt they retaine ſtill within themſelues the puritie of the ſonnes of God. And therefore the Apoſtle in the place before alleadged thus exhorteth, HaueHave no fellowſhip with the vnfruitfull workes of darkneſſe. Hee doth not ſimply forbid all fellowſhip with the children of darkneſſe, but with the vnfruitfull workes of darkneſſe, ſuch as are gluttonie and drunkenneſſe, chambering and wantonneſſe, ſtrife and enuying, and the like: with the filthineſſe of theſe and the like fruits of ſinne hee would hauehave vsus not to defile our ſelues. For what fellowſhip (as ſaith the Apoſtle) hath light with darkneſſe? Surely no more than hath righteouſneſſe with vnrighteouſneſſe, the beleeuer with the Infidell, or Chriſt with Belial. If then we be ſuch lights as here the faithfull children of God are tearmed, no queſtion wee hate all fellowſhip with the vnfruitfull workes of darkneſſe: and if we hauehave fellowſhip with the vnfruitfull workes of darkneſſe, then wee are no ſuch lights. A rule whereby yee may quickly trie and examine whether ye hauehave that light in your ſelues which yee heare the faithfull children of God ſhould hauehave in themſelues. Light where it is, expelleth all darkneſſe. If then yee hauehave the light of the ſonnes of God within your ſelues, yee hauehave no delight in the workes of darkneſſe. Now what the workes of darkneſſe are yee know out of the Apoſtle, euen gluttonie and drunkenneſſe, chambering and wantonneſſe, ſtrife and enuying, and generally all the workes of the fleſh, euen whatſoeuer things are ſuch as the doing whereof may not well abide the light. Examine your ſelues of theſe things, and condemne your ſelues, that ye be not condemned of the Lord. If any of you be tainted with any of theſe things, purge out this old leauen, that ye may be a new lumpe; cleanſe your veſſels from theſe filthy dregges, I meane, your ſelues from theſe pollutions of ſinne, that ye may be an holy Temple vntounto the Lord. True it is, God alone is light without any darkneſſe, and there is no childe of God whoſe light is not dimmed with ſome darkneſſe. But this is no ground for thee, that therefore thou maiſt wallow in wickedneſſe and maiſt delight thy ſelfe in the workes of darkneſſe. Thou if thou wilt be the childe of God, thou muſt come as neere vntounto God as thou canſt: as hee is light without darkneſſe, ſo thou muſt ſtriue thereunto. And therefore thou muſt ſtriue to abandon all ſinne and wickedneſſe, thou muſt be carefull to walke honeſtly as in the day, thou muſt approue in thine heart, and in thy word, and in thy workes, that which is pleaſing to the Lord. And this if thou doeſt, whatſoeuer is wanting ſhall be imputed vntounto thee, and the light that is in Chriſt Ieſus ſhall be thine, and expell whatſoeuer darkneſſe is in thee. Suffer therefore the ſame words of exhortation that the Apoſtle vſeth to the Epheſians, Eph. 4.17.Walke not henceforth as others doe, in vanitie of their minde, &c. And againe with the ſame Apoſtle I ſay vntounto you,Rom. 13.12. The night is paſt, the day is at hand, let vsus therefore caſt away the workes of darkneſſe, &c. HaueHave light in your ſelues, and communicate the light that is in you vntounto others: which is the ſecond qualitie mentioned here by the Apoſtle.
The ſecond qualitie which I noted here in theſe lights, in the Philippians, is that they held forth the word of life vntounto others. How? Not ſo much in word, and talke, as that by the example of their life they gaue plaine proofe that the word of life dwelt in them plenteouſly. Whence I noted another qualitie neceſſarily requiſite in all the children of God, which is, that they hauehave not only light in themſelues, but they alſo communicate the ſame vntounto others. The children of God muſt not thinke it enough to keepe themſelues vnſpotted of the world, but they muſt by word, and deed, and example of life, helpe to pull others out of the fire. The Prophet deſcribing the wicked man by certaine fruits of the fleſh, amongſt other things ſaith he, When thou ſaweſt a theefe, Pſ. 50.18.thou runneſt with him, and haſt beene partaker with the adulterers. But the faithfull ſeruant of God muſt not only be no ſuch man as will runne with others vntounto miſchiefe, but hee muſt reproue the ſinnes of vnfaithfulneſſe, either by word, or at leaſt by example of life, that either by word, or by example of life hee may reclaime the wicked from the wickedneſſe of his wayes. The Sunne (yee know) keepeth not his light vntounto it ſelfe, but communicateth it to the benefit of all creatures vnderunder heauen. The Moone and the ſtarres likewiſe, which hauehave their light from the Sunne, doe the like. The like alſo muſt the ſonnes of God doe. That light which they hauehave by their fellowſhip with Chriſt Ieſus the Sunne of righteouſneſſe, whether it bee the light of the knowledge of Gods will reuealed in his word, or the light of the ſpirit of ſanctification, all the light that is in them they muſt communicate to the benefit of their brethren, doing good vntounto all, and turning many vntounto righteouſneſſe. And albeit the Miniſters of Chriſt, and diſpenſers of Gods holy myſteries, ought eſpecially to be ſuch lights as now wee ſpeake of, holding out the word of life vntounto others, and turning many vntounto righteouſneſſe, both by word, and by example of life; yet wee ſee that alſo all the faithfull children of God ought to be ſuch lights, as hauing the word of life in them, ſhew plainly that they hauehave it, in that the fruit thereof breaketh forth in them, ſometimes in word, and alwayes in example of life, vntounto the benefit of their brethren. The word of life muſt be hid euen in the hearts of all the ſonnes of God, and it they muſt hold out in holineſſe of life, and good example vntounto their brethren. Yea, what ſo generall? No exception of country-men, of artificers, of ſimple women, of poore labourers? Muſt all be lights holding forth the word of life? This ſurely is rather for ſcholars, and Miniſters, and learned men, whoſe imployment is in that ſtudie, and who make that their profeſſion. Belike then the Apoſtle was deceiued: for by the Apoſtle it doth plainly appeare, that all the ſonnes of God ſhould be lights holding forth the word of life: ſo that from the word of life hid in their hearts, as from the root, ſhould ſpring all the fruits of that light which they ſhould communicate vntounto the benefit of others. True it is, that as one ſtarre differeth from another in glory, ſo amongſt the ſonnes of God, ſome are more cleare and bright ſhining lights than others, ſome better inſtructed and taught in the word of life than others: for ſome are ordained to teach, ſome to be taught; ſome by hearing only, ſome both by hearing and reading, grow vp in the knowledge of the word of life. Yet ſtill this is true, that in all the ſonnes of God there ſhould be ſome meaſure of the knowledge of the word of life whereof they ſhould make ſhew at leaſt in holineſſe of their life, and integritie of their conuerſation, whereby they might draw others vntounto God. And as it ſhould be, ſo it were to be wiſhed it were. But ſo farre are we from holding out the word of life in holineſſe of life vntounto others, that by our prophaneneſſe and wickedneſſe a great many of vsus ſhew plainly that the word of life is not in vsus. How ready wee are eueryevery one of vsus to runne with another vntounto miſchiefe, to ſpend the time one with another in exceſſe, and riot, and vnthriftineſſe, to deceiue, oppreſſe, wrong, reuile, and ſhame one another if wee can, hee ſeeth little that ſeeth not. Againe, how ſlow wee are to prouoke one another to godlineſſe and good workes, to draw one another out of the ſnares of the deuill, that wee be not taken and holden therewith, to ſtirre vp one another vntounto peace, and louelove, and meekneſſe, and temperance, and patience, and almes-deeds, and brotherly kindneſſe, and other ſuch like fruits of the ſpirit, who ſeeth not that ſeeth ought? And if theſe things be ſo, how can wee thinke that the word of life is in vsus? Certainly where it is, it maketh the man of God ſo to abound in eueryevery good worke, and ſo to hate eueryevery worke of the fleſh, ſo to ſhine in himſelfe, and likewiſe to giuegive light vntounto others, that it doth eaſily appeare that God is in him indeed. Take heed therefore leſt the light which ſeemeth to be in you be indeed darkneſſe. HaueHave light in your ſelues, and communicate the light that is in you one with another. Hate the ſins of vnfaithfulneſſe, and the workes of darkneſſe, both in your ſelues, and in others. Prouoke one another to godlineſſe, and to good workes, and hold forth the word of life in all holineſſe of life one vntounto another. Remember that yee are lights; walke therefore as children of the light. It is a title wherein the miniſters of Chriſt Ieſus doe worthily glorie, that they are the lights of the world. Yee ſee that not they alone, but yee alſo are lights of the world, if yee bee the faithfull children of God. Striue herein to bee as neere vntounto thy God as thou canſt, that ſo thy light may ſhine, that there bee no darkneſſe at all in thee: and make it a great part of thy ſtudie and delight by the light that is in thee to bring others out of darkneſſe into light. And let this ſuffice to bee ſpoken touching this honor giuen to the ſaints of God, that they are called lights, and touching the qualities required in theſe lights, namely that they hauehave light in themſelues, and that they communicate it vntounto others.
The laſt thing which I note in theſe words is the glorious title giuen vntounto the word of God. The word of God, and the Goſpell of Ieſus Chriſt ye ſee is heere caled the word of life. So likewiſe Peter calleth it when he ſaith vntounto Chriſt, Maſter, Ioh 6.68.to whom ſhall wee goe? Thou haſt the words of eternall life. So likewiſe the Angell calleth it where hauing brought the Apoſtles out of priſon, hee ſaith vntounto them, Goe your way, Act. 5.20.and ſtand in the Temple, and ſpeake to the people all the words of this life. Now the reaſons why the word of God and the Goſpell of Chriſt Ieſus is called the word of life, are many: As firſt it is called the word of life, becauſe by it wee are begotten and borne againe vntounto a new life, euen a ſpirituall life in Chriſt Ieſus, as the Apoſtle Peter witneſſeth, ſaying,1 Pet. 1.23 LoueLove one another with a pure heart feruently, being borne anew, not of mortall ſeede, but of immortall, by the word of God. Secondly, it is called the word of life,Rom. 1.16. 2 Cor. 2.16. becauſe it is the power of God vntounto ſaluation vntounto all them that beleeue, and the ſauour of life vntounto life in them that are ſaued, as witneſſeth the Apoſtle. Thirdly, it is ſo called, becauſe therein Chriſt which is our life, and who is properly called the word of life, is preached and offered vntounto vsus, together with all the benefits of his bleſſed death and paſſion. Laſtly it is ſo called, becauſe it is the lanterne vntounto our feet, and the light vntounto our ſteps, to direct vsus in the right way that leadeth to eternall life and ſaluation. Here muſt all other writings in the world whatſoeuer ſtand backe. No word of life but this: nay indeed no word but this; for no mans writing whatſoeuer was euer called the word. Only the word of God that is the word, and that is the word of life. I meddle not now with thoſe other glorious titles giuen to the word in holy Scriptures, as that it is called the word of God, the wholeſome word of truth, the Goſpell of ſaluation, &c.
Euen this, that it is called the word of life, may teach vsus how precious the miniſterie and preaching thereof ought to be vntounto vsus, euen more precious than thouſands of gold and ſiluer, and as wee deſire to be ſaued in the day of Chriſt, ſo ſhould wee thirſt after theſe moſt ſweet waters of life. But what thirſting is there after them? They are brought vntounto vsus in conduits euen vntounto our doores, and yet wee will ſcarce ſtep out of our doores to drinke of them: nay wee will ſit in our doores, and in our houſes, talking and ſleeping, rather than wee will come into the houſe of God, and drinke of theſe waters. EueryEvery light excuſe and eueryevery ſmall buſineſſe will ſerue to ſtay vsus from comming to heare the word read and preached. I told you euen now of our ſlackneſſe in comming, of our negligence in hearing, of our careleſneſſe to meditate after we hauehave heard of the holy word of life. If I ſhould adde vntounto that complaint another of prophaning the Lords day, which ſhould be wholly ſpent in hearing, and reading, and meditating of the holy word of life, of prophaning it, I ſay, with dancing, and drinking, and playing at this or that game, or keeping this or that vnprofitable and vnneceſſary obſeruation and cuſtome, ſhould I iuſtly be reproued? Yea but this yee doe in the morning, or in the euening, not in ſeruice-time of day: Yea but this yee doe on the Lords day, which the Lord hath commanded to be kept holy, not only in ſeruice-time of day, but Remember (ſaith he) that thou keepe holy the Sabboth day. Hee doth not limit it to this or that part of the day, but keepe the day holy, by hearing, and reading, and meditating in the holy word of life. Yea but this is too preciſe, and ſtrait, and ſauours too much of Puritaniſme. Well, be it as it will, thou muſt either be a Puritan in obſeruation of the commandement, or elſe thou bringeſt vponupon thy ſelfe iudgement. O conſider this, men and brethren, what it is that wee call you vntounto. It is the word of life, by which you muſt be begotten vntounto eternall life, or elſe you cannot be ſaued, by the direction and guidance whereof you muſt enter into reſt, or elſe you ſhall neuer finde reſt vntounto your ſoules. Dauid when he could not be preſent in the aſſemblie of Gods people, to praiſe his God, & heare his word, becauſe of his perſecutors, he thought the ſparrowes and the ſwallowes happy, that might neſtle themſelues in the houſe of God. Inſomuch that he brake out, as Pſal. 42.1.2.84.1.2.3.4 10. Our caſe is not as Dauids was: wee may come. We ſhould ſay therefore with Dauid in another place, I was glad, &c. Yea we ſhould call one vntounto another, and ſay as it is in Eſay, Come and let vsus goe vp, &c. Pſal. 122.1 Eſa. 2.3. Col. 3.16.Scrutamini Scripturas, &c. Ioh. 5.39. Let the word of Chriſt dwell in you plenteouſly, &c. In a famine of bread yee need no exhortation to ſeeke for bread to refreſh and ſuſtaine your bodies. Your ſoules farre more precious than your bodies; and your ſoules hunger-ſtarued, and yet what care for your ſoules? The ſickneſſe is moſt dangerous when it is leaſt felt.