A Commentary on 1 Peter 1-3, Exposition of chapter 2 · Exposition of verse 5
Verse 5.
Ye also, as lively stones, bee made a spirituall house, an holy Priesthood, to offer up spirituall sacrifices, acceptable to God by Iosus Christ.
As lively stones.]
IT is not unusuall in Scripture, to compare men to stones: and so both wicked men and godly men.
Wicked men are likened to stones, first, for their insensiblenesse: and so the heart of Nabal was like a stone. Secondly, for their silent amazement, when iniquity shall stop their mouth: thus they were still as a stone, Exod. 15.16. Thirdly, for their sinking downe under Gods judgements: so the Egyptians sunk into the Sea like a stone, Ex. 15.6. And thus the wicked sinke into hell like a stone. But chiefly in the first sense, for hardnesse of heart: their hearts by nature are like a stone. And in the comparison of a building, if they be in the Church, they are like the stones of the house that had the leprosie, or like Jerusalem when it was made a heap of stone.
Godly men are like stones too: they are like the stones of Bethel that were anointed. God is the God of Bethel: and the godly are as those annointed pillars, consecrated to God, and qualified with the gifts of the holy Ghost. They are like the Onyx stones given by the Princes, and set on the brest of the High-Priest, in the Ephod. The High-Priest is Christ. The Onyx stones are Christians. The Princes of the Congregation, are the Ministers that consecrate the soules of men which they have converted to Christ, who weares them on his brest, and hath them alwaies in his heart and eye. They are like to the rich stones of a Crowne lifted up, Zach. 9.16. They are like the stone with the Booke bound to it, Ier. 51.63. They are never without of the Word God. But in this place they are likened to the stones of the T…mple, which in the Letter are described, 1 Kings 6.7, 36. and 7.9, 10. and in the Allegorie, Esay 54.11, 12, 13. Sure it is, that the stones of this spirituall Temple, are the pla…e of Saphires, as is said in Iob in another sense, 28.6.
In what respects the godly are likened to stones.Now the godly are likened to stones in divers respects. First, they are like stones to grave upon, and so they are like those stones, which must have the Law graved upon, set up in mount Ebal, Deut. 27.2, 3, 4. What is the mount, but the world! and what is E…l, but vanity, or sorrow? and what are those graved stones, but the godly vvith the Lavv of God vvritten in their hearts, the light vvhereof shineth on the hill of the vanity of this vvorld, and … in the midst of all the so…rovves of this vvorld? Secondly… they are likestones for strength and unmovednesse in all the stormes of life. The raine pierceth not the stones, nor doe afflictions batter the hearts of Gods servants: strength is attributed to stones in that speech of Iob. 6.12. Thirdly, They are like stones for continuance and durablenesse, they will last for ever: so will their persons, and so ought the affections of their hearts. Lastly, they are like stones for a building, and that in two respects.
First if you consider the manner of their calling into the Church: they are digged out of the quarry of mankinde, as stones digged out of the earth, being in themselves by nature but stones of darknesse, such as might never have seene the light.
Secondly, if you consider their union with Christ, and Christians in one body, they are like the stone of the house compact in themselves, and upon the foundation.
Vse. The use may bee briefly: First, for information: Here is come to passe that saying that is written, God is able of stones to raise up children unto Abraham. Secondly, let all the servants of God take pleasure in the stones of this spirituall Sion, Psalm 102, 15. and let us all learne to bee like stones in the former senses, for the receiving the impression of the law, and for constancy and durablenesse, and for care to keepe our communion with Christ, and Christians.
Lastly; woe to the multitudes of wicked men, whom God neglects with that heavy curse, so as a stone is not taken of them to make a stone for the building, Ierem. 50.26.
Thus they are stones: It is added, they must bee lively stones, to signifie wherein they must not be like unto stones: they must not be dull, and insensible, they must be lively and cheerefull, and that for divers reasons.
First, Because the second Adam is a quickning spirit,Reasons why we ought to be lively stones. and they dishonor the workmanship of Christ, if they be not lively, 1 Cor. 15.
Secondly, Because one end of the offring, up of Christ, was, that their consciences might be purged from dead workes, Heb. 9.14.
Thirdly, they are therefore condemned, according to men in the flesh, that they might live according to God in the Spirit, 1 Pet. 4.6.
Fourthly, Because we have beene alive to sinne, and it is a shame to expresse lesse life in the service of God, then wee have done in the service of sinne.
Fiftly, Because we have lively meanes, we are fed with living bread, Ioh. 6. and we live by the power of God, 2 Cor. 13.4. and we have the Spirit of Christ in us, which is the fountaine of life, and hath springs of joy in him, Rom. 8.9. Ioh. 6. and the Word of God is lively and mighty in operation, Heb. 4.12. and Christ himselfe lives in us, Gal. 2.20.
Sixtly, because we professe our selves to be consecrate to God as living sacrifices, Rom. 12.1.
Seventhly, because we have such excellent priviledges: wee partake of the divine Nature, and God is a living God; and we have precious promises, 2 Pet. 1.4. and we have plentifull adoption in Christ, and we have a hope of a most glorious inheritance, which should alway put life into us, … Pet. 1.3, 4. and wee have a secure estate in the meane time. For to live, is Christ: and to die, is gaine; and whether we live or die, we are Christs, Rom. 14.8. Phil. 1.21.
Vse. The use should be therefore for instruction: We should stirre up our s…lves, and strive after this livelinesse, and that for the two reasons imported in this text to omit the rest. For without a ready heart, wee shall make no riddance in matter of sanctification, and holy life, and besides, wee shall extract but a small deale of influence from Christ. For it is here required, that we should be lively, when we come unto him.
Now this livelinesse we should shew: First, by contentation in our estate: Secondly,How vve … our livelinesse. by patience and cheerefulnesse in afflictions, Rom. 5.2, 3. Thirdly, in the performance of holy duties with power and life: Thus we should be lively in praier, such as will bestirre themselves, and take no deniall, as, Philip. 4.5, 6.
Quest. Now if any aske, what is good to quicken us against the deadnes of our hearts?
What vve must doe to quicken our hearts.Answ. I answer: First, faith and assurance makes a mans heart alive, wee live by faith. Secondly, wee must goe still to Christ, who is the life, and by praier still draw the water of life out of his wells of salvation. Thirdly, the word of God is lively, Heb. 4.12. Fourthly, godly society, and a profitable fellowship in the Gospell puts life into men, there is a great deale of provocation to good workes in it. Fiftly, wee should often meditate of the gaine of godlinesse, and of the privileges of the promises belonging to the godly.
Vse. This doctrine implies a great deale of reproofe also: First, to Hypocrites, that have a name, that they live, but they are dead, Revel. 3.…. Secondly, to deelining Christians, that suffer their first love to abate in them, and can bee contented to lose sensibly the power of affections, which formerly they had. Thirdly, to many drooping Christians, which out of melancholy, and unbeliefe, affect a kind of wilfull sadnes, and heartlesues, hindring thereby their own assurance, and causing the easie yoak of Christ to be ill thought of, besides many other inconveniences.
Thus of the second thing.
Be yee built up.]
It may be read either in the Imperative mood, or in the indicative. I think, the imperative answers more to the scope here, it being the drift to shew, what we must doe when we come to Christ.
The third thing then we must doe, that wee might extract vertue out of Christ for holinesse of life, is, we must be built up; which imports two things. First, progression in faith: and secondly, repentance. Wee must not beging only, … say the foundation, but we must still labour to be built up further, we … be …ill edified in our most holy faith, Iude 20. verse.
Now, that this may be attainted unto, that we may be built up, the fimilitude imports divers things.
Means to build up a Christian.First, preparation. A man, that will goe about the worke of godlinesse, … think he goes about the building of a town, and therefore must cast up his … for … charge of it, and get his stuffe prepared before hand.
Prov. 24.17. Luke 14. 23.Secondly, a constant relying upon Christ: if we build, we must build upon the rock, and not on the sands, Mat. 7. and 16.
Thirdly, the warrant of … our actions out of the word of God. VVhen Moses was to build the tabernacle, he made it just according to the patterne in all things about it, &c.
Fourthly, a respect of things necessary: w…e must not be intangled with … and doubtfull disputations. The building of a Christian must be a … palace. He must build gold, silver, precious stones, be must keep his … choice and necessary things, …. 8.9. 1 Cor. 3.1 Timoth. 1.4.
Fiftly, Counsell and Direction. Men must endure the hewing, and squar…, … 5.17, 18. To this end are Ministers given. Eph. 4. 12. The world …, A… 20. 32. and so good conference may edi…ie, or …, Eph. 4. 29.
Sixtly, … building must have her distractions cast out, … Cor. 7. 52. David could not build … Temple, because of his warres, and his …rest on every side.
Seventhly, Order and distinction. Men must not take together a great deale of stuffe, without order, confusedly: This is to build Babel, and not Sion.
Eighthly, Unity with the godly. The building must hold proportion with the walls, as well as with the foundation, Psal. 122. 3. 1 Cor. 8. …. and 13. Rom. 15.2. Eph. 4.12, 16.
Ninthly, Sobriety in the use of lawfull things: All things are lawfull, but all things edifie not, 1 Cor. 10.23.
Tenthly, Prayer: for except the Lord build the house, in vaine doe they labour that build it, Psal. 127.1.
Out of all this wee may informe our selves concerning the causes of not profiting in many. The reason why many Christians are not built up, or why they encrease not in godlinesse, is, that they are guilty of these; or some of these things implied in these directions.
First,Causes why many are so little edified. some profit not by reason of their irresolution about the taking up of their crosse in following Christ: They thrust into the profession of Religion, before they have sitten downe to c…st what this profession may cost them, and so in the evill day fall away, Luk. 14.28.
Secondly, some can never thrive, because they place their godlinesse onelyonly in the frequencie of hearing the Word, and the outward observance of Gods ordinances: These build in the sands, they lay no sure foundation, Math. 7. 26.
Thirdly, others faile through unbeliefe, and so either by neglecting the assurance of Gods savour in Christ, or by misplacing their confidence, trusting upon their owne works, or Saints, or Angels, or the pardo…s, or penances granted or enjoyned them. These are not built upon the rock, Mat. 16.
Fourthly, others prosper not, because they come not to the light of the Scriptures, to set whether their works be wrought in God, or no.Ioh. 13. 21.
Fifthly, others are distracted either with unnecessary disputations, Rom. 14.1. or with excessive cares of life, Luke 21.34.
Sixthly, others are undone with selfe-conceitednesse, they are stubborne, and will not be advised, or directed, or reproved.
Seventhly, disorder, or confusednesse in matters of Religion is the cause in others: This is a wonderfull common defect: men doe not goe to worke distinctly to see their works finished one after another.
Eighthly, others are kept back with personall discords, and jangling. Envie, or malice, or contention, or misrule, ea… out the very heart of godlinesse.
Ninthly, others are letted by intemperancie, in being drowned in the love of pleasures: They build, they sowe, they eat, and drink, and follow pastines, neglecting the care of better things.
Lastly, neglect of prayer is an usuall let and grievous impediment.
A spirituall house.]
This is the fourth thing required of Christians. They must be as a spirituall house unto Christ: they must be that to Christ, that was signified by the Tabernacle or the Temple. For, every Christian is the substance of that which was signified by the Tabernacle.
Christ hath a five-fold Tabernacle. For, first, in the Letter,Christ hath a five-fold Tabernacle. the Tabernacle or Temple at Ierusalem, was the House of God and Christ. Secondly, the whole world is but the Tent of Christ, who hath spred out the heavens like a curtaine, &c. Thirdly,Esay 40. 22. the heaven of the Blessed is the Tabernacle of Christ, the place where God and Christ dwell with the Saints, Revel. …. …. and 13.6. Fourthly, the body of Christ is a Tabernacle for the Godhead, Col. 2.9. And so it is, that the Word is said to become flesh, and dwelt amongst us, viz. in his body, as in a Tabernacle, Iohn 1.14. And thus Christ calleth his owne body a Temple, Iohn 2.21. Fifthly, the heart of man is the Tabernacle of Christ: and so both the whole Catholique Church is his Tabernacle, Eph. 2.21. or the publick assembly of the Saints, Psalm. 15.1. or else the heart of every particular beleever: and so the power of Christ did rest upon Paul, as in a Tabernacle, 2. Cor. 12.9. so are we said to be the Temple of God, 2 Cor. 6.17. I take it in the last sense here.
Every particular beleever is like the Tabernacle in divers respects.
A godly man, like the Tabernacle in divers respects.First, in respect of the efficient causes: and so there are divers similitudes. For, as the Tabernacle did not build it selfe, but was the worke of cunning men: so is it with us: our hearts naturally are not Temples of Christ, but are made so. Secondly, as God raised up skilfull men for the building of the Temple or Tabernacle; so doth God raise up Ministers for the erecting of the Frame of this spirituall House to Christ. Hence they are called Builders, 1. Cor. 3. And thirdly, as there was difference of degrees, and Bezaleel and Aholiab were specially inspired of God with skill above the rest: so hath Christ given some to be Apostles, Master-builders; and some Evangelists and Pastors, and Teachers, for the building up of the Church, till hee come againe.
Secondly, in respect of the adjuncts of the Tabernacle: and those were two. First, moveablenesse: secondly, furniture.
For the first. The Tabernacle, though it were Gods House, had no constant or certaine resting-place, till Salomon, at the building of the Temple, tooke it into the most holy place; and was taken asunder, and easily dissolved; such are we: though honoured with the presence of Christ, yet our Tabernacle must be dissolved, and we shall never be at rest, till we be setled in the most holy place in heaven. 2 Cor. 5.1, 7.
For the second, which is the furniture of the Tabernacle, it must be considered two wayes: either on the in-side, or on the out-side. First, for the in-side: there were curtaines of fine linnen, and blue silk, and scarlet, &c. and it, was furnisht with admirable houshold-stuffe, as I may, so call it. Within it was the Mercy-feat, the Table of shew-bread, the Manna, the Altar of incense, and for burnt offrings, the Candlestick, and such like. Secondly, without, it was all covered with Ramms-skins died red, and Badgers skins upon them: and what dothall this signifie in generall, but that the Godly, though they be outwardly black and tanned with sinne and affliction, yet they are glorious within, and have curtains like the curtains of Salomon; all richly hanged, as the chambers of Princes, with spirituall tapestry? Cavt. 1.5. And in particular, for the in-side of Christians, how glorious is the place of Christs Tabernacle in them: There is the Propitiate, Gods true feat of mercy: whence also he uttereth his Oracles, even his divine answers. There is the heavenly Manna that is hid, Revel. 2. There doth Christ spiritually feast it: there hee dines and sups on the table of their hearts: and upon that table stands the shew-bread, inasmuch as the heart of a Christian doth preserve a standing manner of affection to the Saints. There are also both sorts of Al… accordingly; as, faith offereth up to God either the redemption or th^ intercession of Christ. There also is the great Laver to wash-in, called the S…, because in the heart of every Christian, is opened the fountaine of grace; able, like the Sea, to wash them from all their filthinesse. There are the golden Candlesticks, with the lamps of saving knowledge continually … in them… and upon the Altar of Christ crucified, and now making intercession, doe they daily sacrifice their owne affections; which resemble those sweet odo… with which the Tabernacle was perfumed.
The outward coverings of the Tabernacle doe assure safety and preservation to the Godly; and the rather, because the cloud rested upon them, as is affirmed, Esay 4.5, 6. Besides, the double covering of slaine beasts may signifie, that God hath two wayes to provide for the Church. The red skins of Ramms may note Christ crucified, which is that which on the in-side of the Tabernacle was onelyonly sewed. The covering of Badgers skins may note, that God will serve himselfe of the wicked: their skinnes shall protect the Church. If Israel want roome, Canaan must die for it.
Now thirdly, the Tabernacle was a type of every beleever, if we respect the end of it. For, the Tabernacle was erected of purpose, as the place of the presence of God, God's visible House: such are the hearts of Christians: they are prepared of purpose for the entertainment of Iesus Christ, that by his Spirit he may live and dwell therein, Galath. 2.20. Col. 1.27. 2 Corin. 12.9. 2 Cor. 13.5.
Vse. The use of all may be both for instruction, and consolation.
For instruction; and so it should teach us divers things.
First, to abhorre fornication, seeing our bodies are the temples of the holy Ghost, 1 Cor. 6. 21.
Secondly, to keepe our selves for being unequally yoked: Because there can be no communion betweene light and darknesse, the Temple of God, and Idols.
Thirdly, to looke to our hearts in respect of inward sinnes, and to keepe the roome cleane for the Lord to dwell in, 2 Cor. 7.1.
Fourthly, to stir up our selves to much prayer: if our hearts be the house of God, let them be a house of prayer also.
Fifthly, let us still lift up our hearts, as everlasting doores for the Lord of Glory to come in, Psal. 24.7.
For consolation. Shall we not say as Paul doth, Wee will rejoyce in our infirmities, that the power of Christ may dwell in us? How should wee hold up our head against all tentations and afflictions? Is not the grace of Christ sufficient for us, 2 Cor. 12.9? And shall wee not be confident, that through Christ we can do all things? Will he forsake the house, upon which his Name is called? Will hee not perfect his owne worke, and repaire his owne dwelling place? Was the Tabernacle safe in the wildernesse, while the cloud was upon it? and are not our hearts safe, while Christ is in them? How are the abject Gentiles honored, Col. 1.27. whose hearts are so enriched by Christ, that dwels in them! If the outward Sanctuary were like high Palaces, Psal. 78.69. what is the heart of man, the true Tabernacle? and if he established it as the earth, how much more hath hee established us in his favour and grace? so that it may comfort us in respect of honor done to our hearts, and against tentations and afflictions; and in respect of hope of perseverance, and also in respect of encrease of power and well-doing. He wil work our works for us. And it shewes us also the honor cast upon our good works: they have a noble beginning in respect of Christ, and as they come from him. Howsoever, wee ought to be abased for our owne corruptions, that cleave unto them: Yea, how should it wonderfully establish our hearts in all estates, to think, that Christ is with us wheresoever we goe, not onelyonly as our witnesse, but as our guide and our protector. If God be with us, who can be against us? As also it is comfortable, if wee consider the comparisons imported in the furniture of the outward Tabernacle.
And thus much of the fourth thing.
The fifth thing is, Wee must be a holy Priest-heed unto Christ: which is amplified both by the labour of it. To offer sacrifice, and by the honour of it, acceptable to God through Iesus Christ.
Here are many things to be noted.
The first is, that Christians are Priests before God, and Iesus Christ: This is acknowledged in other Scriptures, Revel. 1.5. Exod. 19.6. The meaning is, that they are like to the Leviticall Priests, and that in many things.
Godly men are Priests in many respects.First, in respect of separation: they are Gods portion given him out of all the people: so are the godly all the portion God hath in the world. They are said to be the ransome of the children of Israel, Numbers 8.9.
Secondly, in respect of cōsecration. The oile of God is upon the godly: and as it was powred out upon Aaron & his Sons: The oile of grace and gladnes powred out upon Christ, our true Aaron, hath runne downe upon his garments, so as all his members are Christians, that is, anointed with him, Psal. 133. 2 Cor. 1.22. 1 Ioh. 2. The holy Ghost is called the anointing in this respect.
Thirdly, in respect of the substance of the ceremonies in their consecration: for,
First, as it was required in the Law, that the Priests should be without blemish, Levit. 21.17. so is it required of Christians, Col. 1.22.
Secondly, as the Priests were washed in the great laver of water, Exod. 29.4. Levit. 8.5, 6. so must Christians be washed in the laver of Regeneration. Eph. 5.23. Titus 3.5.
Thirdly, as the Priests had their holy garments, beautifull, and goodly ones, which they called their Ephods: so doth the Queene the Church stand at Christs right hand in a Vesture of Ophir, Psalm. 45. Thus Iosuah hath change of garments mystically given him, Zach. 3.4. Those garments are promised to such as have had a spirit of heavinesse, Isaiah 61.3. called garments of salvation, verse 10. and royall garments, and like the new wedding garments of the Bride, Isaiah 62.5, 7. Those garments signified either the singular glory, and joy of Christians, Esaiah 61.3. or the righteousnesse of Christ imputed, Revel. 19. or the excellent divine gifts and graces bestowed upon them.
Exod. 29.21.Fourthly, The Priest must have blood sprinkled upon his eare, and upon his thumb, and upon his toe, to signifie, that our hearing, practice, and progresse, must be all sanctified to us by Christ, and that the maine thing Christians should expresse and attend to, should be Christ crucified, and that Christ by his blood hath consecrated them in all these respects, so as their hearing, and practice, and progresse, shall all be blessed unto them.
And thus of the ceremonies of their consecration.
Fourthly, Wee should be like the Leviticall Priests for knowledge: the Priests lips should preserve knowledge, and they should seeke the Law at his mouth, Malac. 2. And it is true of Christians, that they are a people, in whose heart is Gods law, Esay 57.7. Hebr. 8. Ierem. 31.
Fifthly, Wee should be like the Priests in respect of the worke they did. For,
First, It was the Priests office to carry about the Arke of the Lord, when it was removed, upon their shoulders. What is the Arke to be carried, but the doctrine of Christ and the Church? Christians must carry about the Word of God, and hold it forth, in the light, and life of it, as lights that shine in the dark places of the wildernesse of this world, Philip. 2.15.
Secondly, It was their office to blow in the silver trumpets, and that upon foure occasions, as you may see, Num. 10. First, The one was to assemble the congregation, or the Princes to the tabernacle. Secondly, The other was to give an ala…n, when there was any remove of the campe. Thirdly, The third was in the time of Warre, when they mustred to battaile. Fourthly, The fourth was for joyes sake at the time of solemne feasts, and for thanksgiving to God: and in all these we should be like the Priests: Wee should be as trumpets to call one upon another to goe up to the house of the Lord, Esay 1.2. Secondly, We should every where proclaime mortality, and signifie that the whole hoast must remove: wee must cry, All flesh is grasse, 1 Pet. 1.23. Thirdly, Wee should also blow the trumpet of defence, and arme our selves in the spirituall warfare, and call upon God to save us from our enemies, and stirre up one another provoking to love, and good works, 1 Pet. 4.1, 2. 2 Tim. 2.3, 4. 2 Cor. 10.4, 5. We should cry alowd like a trumpet, in reproving the transgressions of men, and opposing the sinnes of the time, Esay 58. 1. Ephes. 5. Lastly, We should trumpet out the praises of God for all the goodnesse he hath shewed unto us, we should blow as in the new Moone, Psal. 81.3. But then in all this we must remember, that wee blow with a silver trumpet, that is, with all discretion and sincerity, &c.
Thirdly, A speciall worke of the Priests was to blesse the people, and to put the name of God upon them. The former whereof is prescribed. Numb. 6.22, 23, 24. and so should we all learne the language of Canaan, or the language of blessing: we must blesse and not curse, for we are thereunto called. 1 Pet. 3.9.
Lastly, Their principall worke was, to offer sacrifices: of which in the next words.
The Uses follow.Vses.
First, For reproofe: For there are many faults in Christians, whereby they transgresse against their spirituall Priest-hood: as,
1. When men are yoaked with unnecessary society with the wicked: for hereby they forget their separation to God, &c.
2. When men neglect the finishing of their repentance and assurance, they looke not to their anointing.
3. When men are scandalous of their indiscretions, and faults: they forget, that such as have any blemish, must not offer the bread of their God, and forget their washing from their old sinnes, 2 Pet. 1.7.
4. When men are barren of good works, or are uncheerfull and dull: they leave off the Priests garments of innocency and gladnesse.
5. When the lives and behaviours of men savour of vanity and worldlinesse: they remember not the blood of sprinkling.
6. When men are ignorant and idle, seeke not knowledge, or doe not teach, and instruct, and admonish; How doe the Priests lips preserve knowledge? or how doe they beare about the Arke of the Lord?
7. VVhen Christians are fearefull, and irresolute, and colde, and not frequent in the praises of God, how doe they blowe in the silver trumpet?
8. VVhen Christians are bitter-hearted, and accustomed to evill-speaking, how doe they forget their duty of blessing!
To omit the neglect of sanctifying, till I come to handle it in the next place.
Vse. 2. Secondly, For consolation to all godly, and mortified, and inoffensive Christians: they should be wonderfull thankfull to God, that hath made them partners of this holy Calling, howsoever the world conceives of it. God promiseth it as a great mercy to his children, that they shall be called the Priests of the Lord, Esay 61.6. and the Church is thankfull for it to God, Revel. 2.6. and 5.10. And the rather should we rejoyce in it, because God hath promised to take us to himselfe, as his portion and peculiar treasure, Exod. 19. 6. And it is his promise also to satiate the soules of his Priests with fatnesse, Ierem. 31.14. And what a priviledge is it to have accesse unto the Lord, and to stand before God daily? which the Priests not onelyonly might, but were tyed to it by their office. But then, for conclusion of this point, let us all be sure we have our part in the first resurrection, Revel. 20.6. and be carefull to be like the Priests for obedience and sanctity, Exod. 19.5.6. and to get knowledge plentifully into our hearts, Col. 3.16. and in the cause of God to blowe the trumpets of zeale and resolution, carrying our selves with all humility and readinesse to doe good, and so becomming instruments of blessing to the people. And, which I had almost forgotten, we must remember to be like the Priests for teaching, and confuting, and reproving, and informing our Familiars and friends, as we have fitnesse and occasion.
Thus of the Priest-hood of Christians in generall. In particular, hence is further to be considered; first, their worke; secondly, their honour. Their work is, To offer up spirituall sacrifices: their honour is, Acceptation and high account with God through Iesus Christ.
First, then, of the work of Christian Priests, which is, To offer: secondly, what they must offer, viz. sacrifices: thirdly, the difference of those sacrifices from those in the Law of Moses: they are spirituall; which word notes both the substance of Christian sacrifices, viz. that they are such sacrifices as were not according to the letter, but according to the mysticall significations of the sacrifices of Moses Law; and withall, the manner how they must be offered up, viz. spiritually, or after a spirituall manner.
The maine thing here intended, then, is, To avouch, that Christians have their sacrifices which they must offer, and that in a spirituall manner. Now, for the clearer opening of this doctrine, two things must be distinctly considered of. First, what sacrifices can remaine to Christians, since the Law of Moses is abrogated: and secondly, what things are requisite to the offering up of these sacrifices.
Divers sorts of sacrifices for Christians.For the first. There are divers sorts of sacrifices among Christians. Some are proper to some Christians onelyonly: some are generall to all.
The sacrifices that are proper to some Christians, are such as three sorts of men must offer. First, Ministers: secondly, Martyrs: thirdly, rich men.
First▪ Ministers have their sacrifices, which they must with all care offer to God: and their sacrifice is the soules of the hearers. Thus Paul was to offer up the Gentiles to God, Rom. 15.16. And thus it was prophecied, that, in the time of the Christian Church, the Elect should be brought in as an offering to God out of all Nations, Esay 66.20. Ministers sacrifice their people either in this life, or at the day of …udgement. In this life in generall, when they perswade them to their attendance upon the House of God, and breed in them a care to come before the Lord in …erusalem, Esay 66.20. In particular, when they work repentance and true conversion in their hearts, and when they make them goe home, and mortifie their sinnes, and tender their vowed service to God.
And thus two things are implyed for our information. The one concernes Ministers: the other concernes the hearers. First, Ministers may hence take notice of it, that there can never be hope they should perswade with all their hearers: for, sacrifices were here and there once taken out of the whole Herd. And besides, the hearers may hence see, that they are never so effectually wrought upon, till they can give themselves over to their Teachers and to God, to obey in all things, though they perswade them to leave the world, and binde them to the cords of restraint in many liberties they tooke to themselves before▪ yea, though they let their hearts blood, by piercing their soules with sorrow for their sinnes, even to the death of their sinnes, 2 Cor. 8.5. and 7.15. Secondly, At the day of …udgement also, Ministers shall offer up their hearers to God, so many of them as are found chaste virgins unto Christ, to whom they had espoused them before in this life, 2 Cor. 11.3. And thus Ministers, before they dye, must make ready their accounts for the soules of their people. Heb. 13.7.
And thus of the sacrifices of Ministers.
Ministers have another sacrifice too, viz. the particular texts or portions of Scripture, which they chuse out and divide to the people, as consecrated for their use. For, divers think, that that phrase of cutting the Word of God aright, is borrowed from the Priests manner of dividing the sacrifices; and especially, from the Priests manner of cutting the little birds. The little birds is his text chosen out of the rest, and separated for a sacrifice: which he must so divide, as that the wings be not cut asunder from the body, that is, he must so divide his text, that no part be separate from a meet respect of the whole, Levi…. 1.17. and 5.8. 2 Tim. 1.15.
Secondly, The Martyrs likewise have their sacrifices; and that is, a drinkoffering to the Lord, even their owne bloud: this part is ready to be powred out as a drink-offering to the Lord for the Church, Phil. 2.17. 2 Tim. 4.6. and though wee cannot be all Martyrs, yet wee should all denie our owne lives in the vowes of our hearts, to performe our covenant with God, if ever we be called to die for Christs sake and the Gospel.Mark. 8.34.35.
Thirdly, The sacrifice of rich men is almes, and well-doing, and those sacrifices they are bound unto, to offer them continually, Heb. 13.16. Phil. 4.18. Pro. 3.9. Almes is as it were the first fruits of all our encrease. But then we must remember that our almes be of goods well gotten: For else God hates robbery for burnt offering, Isaiah 61.8. And in giving, wee must denie our selves, and not seeke our owne praises, or plenary merit in it: for it is a sacrifice cleane given …way from us, and consecrated onelyonly to God, and the use of his spirituall house the Church.
And thus of the sacrifice proper to some Christians.
There are other sacrifices in the Gospel now, that are common to all Christians. And these are divers.
For first, Christ is to be offered up daily to God, as the propitiation for our sinnes: God hath set him forth of purpose in the Gospel, that so many as beleeve, may daily runne unto him, and in their prayers offer him up to God, as the reconciliation for all their sinnes:1 Ioh. 2.2. and this is the continuall sacrifice of all Christians: Without this,Rom. 3.25. there is the abomination of desolation in the temple of our hearts: This is the end of all the ceremonious sacrifices; the substance of those shadowes.
Those sacrifices served but as rudiments to instruct men, how to lay hold upon Christ, and to carrie him into the presence of God, and laying hands upon his head to plead their interest in his death; who was offered up, as a whole burnt sacrifice for their sinnes. Wee are Christs, and Christ is given unto us as our ransome: we must every day then lay hold upon him, and see him bleed to death for our sinnes, and be consumed in the fire of Gods wrath for our sinnes.
Secondly, A broken and contrite heart is a sacrifice God will not despise, yea such hearts are the sacrifices God especially calls for from men: He ever loved them better, then all the outward sacrifices in the Law, Psal. 51.17. It is the heart God calls for: and yet not every heart,Prov. 23.26. but a heart wounded with the knife of mortification, that is, cut, and bleedeth in it selfe with godly sorrow for sinne, and is broken and contrite with the daily confession of sin: This is required of all Christians, and this very thing makes a great deale of difference betweene Christian and Christian.
Thirdly, Prayer and thanksgiving to God, are Christian and holy Sacrifices, as many Scriptures shew, Psal. 141.2. Heb. 13.15. Hos. 14.4. Psal. 51.21.
Fourthly, We must offer our selves, our soules and bodies as a living sacrifice to God, Rom. 12.2. 2 Cor. 8.5. and that,
First, in respect of obedience, devoting our selves unto God, living to him, and wholly resolved to be at his appointment, Psal. 40.6. Loe, I come to doe thy will: this is instead of all burnt offerings.
Secondly, in respect of willingnes to suffer affliction of what kind soever, as resolving, that through many afflictions, as through so many flames, wee must ascend up to heaven, as the smoake of the incense, or sacrifice on the Altar, Acts 14.21. Hence are tryals called fiery tryals, 1 Pet. 4.12.
Speciall la…es to be observed in offering up our sacrifices.Thus of the kinds of sacrifices, which remain unto Christians: The lawes about those sacrifices follow: For there bee many things to bee observed by Christians in their sacrifices if they would euer have them acceptable to God, which the shadowes in the old law did evidently signifie, as,
First, the sacrifice must be without blemish, Malach. 1.7. which the same Prophet expounds, Mala…h. 3.11. Our offrings must bee pure offrings, wee must tender them in the sincerity of our hearts: Our sacrifices are without fault, when we judge our selves for the faultinesse of them, and desire they might have no fault.
Secondly, it must be presented before the Lord, and consecrated to h…m: which signified, that we must walk in Gods presence, and do all in the sight of God, devoting all to his glory, Gen. 17.1. Mic. 6.8.
Thirdly, our sacrifices must be daily, some kindes of them: There were Sacrifices every day in the Temple, and it was an extreme desol…tion, when the sacrifices ceased: so it must be our every daies work to imploy ourselves in some of those spirituall sacrifices, Heb. 13.15.
Fourthly, There must bee an Altar to consecrate the gifts, Matth. 23.19. This Altar is Christ, who is the onelyonly Altar of Christians, Heb. 13.1…. Rev. 8.3. No service can be acceptable, to God, but as the Apostle here faith, by Jesus Christ: We must doe all in the name of Christ, Col. 3.17.
Fiftly, there must be fire to burne the sacrifice: This fire is holy zeale, and the power and fervencie of the spirit in doing good duties: The fire on the Altar, first came downe from heaven, to signifie, that true zeale is kindled in heaven, and comes downe from above: It is no ordinarie humor nor a rash fury: It is no wilde fire: And it was required about this fire, that they should preserve it, and never let it goe out, but put fuell still to it; and so it was kept for many yeares: so must wee doe with our zeale, wee must labour by all meanes to preserve the fervencie of our hearts, that wee never want fire to burne our sacrifices: Our zeale should be, as the love mentioned, C…t. 7.10. that much water could not quench it: Every sacrifice must have fire, Mark 9.
Sixtly, the sacrifices must be salted with salt: so must our Christian sacrifices, as our Saviour Christ shewes, Mark 9.49, 50. And thus we must have the salt of mortification, and the salt of discretion, and we must looke to it, that our salt lose no his faltnes, but that it have a draining power in it, to extract corruption out of our sacrifices: our words to God and men must bee powdred with salt. Col. 4.6. and so must all our actions.
Seventhly, the Sacrifices must bee without leaven, Levit. 2.1…. Leaven in wickednes, or malice, or sowrenes, or deadnes of heart, or worldly griefe: even whatsoever leaveneth, that is, infecteth or maketh the meat offring to be heavie, or sow…e, 1 Cor. 5.8.
Eighthly, in the same place of Leviticus 2.12. Hony likewise is forbidden to be mingled with their sacrifices: and by bony may be meant, our beloved sinnes, or particular corruptions: wee should especially watch against them in the time of … of holy duties, that they mi…gle not themselves with our sacrifices, by infecting our …gitations.
Ninthly, the offring must be waved, and shaken to and fro before the Lord, Levit. 7.3. And this signified the waving of our lips in praier to God for his acceptation: our sacrifices should be soundly tossed to and fro in praier before the Lord: Iob praied before he sacrificed, Iob 42.
Tenthly, on the Sabbath the sacrifices were to be doubled, to signify, that in a special manner wee should consecrate our selves to piety and mercy on the Sabbath day.
Eleventhly, our sacrifices must be offred upwith all gladnes of heart, and spirituall delight. Thus Gods people were said to bee a free-hearted, and willing people, Psal. 47.9. & 110.3. And this was shadowed out, partly by the oil… that was poured into the meat offrings, which is expounded to be the oile of gladnes, and partly by the feast they made at the end of their solemne sacrifices, unto which they invited their friends, to joine with them in rejoicing before the Lord: and it is likely David alludes to this feast, when hee faith, hee would take the cup of salvation, and praise the name of the Lord: For as yet the Lords Supper was not instituted, nor do we read of any use of a cup in the sacrifices, or Sacraments themselves, Ex. 18.12. 1 Chron. 16.1, 2, 3, 4. Psal. 116.13.
Twelfthly, if we be called to it, we must not deny unto God th…fat of the kidneis, and the inwards. By the fat was meant the things which are dearest to us, most beloved, and that most delight us: and if the service of God, and the Church, and the poore require it, we must deny our selves, and sacrifice what is most deare to us.
Thirteenthly, the Apostle to the Hebrewes, Chap. 13.13. addes, that wee must not leave off well-doing for reproach sake, but be contented to be like Christ, who suffered without the gate, as scorned of men, and like the sacrifice was burnt without the campe. Though all men hate us, and speak evill of us, and cast us out of their companies, yet we must persist in our intention to sacrifice still to God.
Fourteenthly, in the Sacrifices God had a great respect of mercy, that cruelty were not shewed, as Levit. 22.27. When he enjoined, that the creature must be seven daies under the damme, and that no damme with the young one was to be slaine the same day: Certainly, God abhorreth, that cruelty should bee exercised under pretence of piety. Cursed be those long praiers, that will devoure widdowes houses, Matth. 23.
In one thing we differ from the sacrifices: For the sacrifices were dead, or consisted of things without life; but we must be living sacrifices; we must doe what we will doe while we are alive, and must do it lively, with the affections that belong to the duties to be done.
Vse. The use may be briefly twofold: for partly it should humble us for our neglect of praiers & thanksgiving, & almes & contrition: We omit the maine duties of our general calling, when we omit these: It was the abomination of desolation, when the temple was without sacrifices: & how can it but be exceeding uncomely with Gods spirituall house that hath not sacrifices in it? We are Christians but in name, when pietie and mercy is neglected. But especially we should be instructed from hence to mind our work, & to strive to answer our high calling, by a continual care day & night to exercise our selves herein: the smoak of our incense should daily ascend unto God. The Apostle Pa…l beseecheth the Romans by the mercies of God, to looke to their sanctifying, Rom. 12.1. Which shewes; it is of wonderfull necessity, and would make us in some measure walk worthy of the Lord. And to the…Hebrewes he bids them take heed of forgetting these sacrifices, importing that usually our deficiency in these services, are from forgetfulnes: we forget to pray, and forget to shew mercy, even after we have purposed both.
And thus much of the worke of a Christian.
Now his honour followes.
Acceptable to God by Iesus Christ.]
VVherein three things may be noted.
First, That howsoever piety, and mercy, and well-doing, finde little acceptation in the world, yet it shall never want honour and great esteeme with God. Pions and mercifull Christians shall never faile of the love and favour of God: Their works are accepted. It is true, that God may change his minde concerning the Ceremoniall Sacrifices: but the acceptation of Christian Sacrifices is a thing established with God, Heb. 10.9. These offerings shall be pleasant unto the Lord, Malach. 3.4. Th…y are well-pleasing in his sight, Heb. 13.16. They are a sweet savour unto the Lord, Phil. 4.18. God hath a booke of remembrance, Mal. 3.17. And our fruit shall certainly remaine, Ioh. 15.16. And thus Cornelius his prayers and almes came up before the Lord, Acts 10.
Secondly, That it is not enough to doe good duties but we must strive so to doe them, that God may accept them, Heb. 12.28. Esay 1.11, 12.13.14.
Thirdly, That now our best works are made acceptable to God onelyonly by Iesus Christ, Revel. 8.3, 4. It is from the presenting of Christ, that wee are found holy and without blame in Gods sight, Col. 1.22. Therefore we must doe all in the name of the Lord Iesus, Col. 3.17.
VsUs…. The use of all should be to teach us, with all care to devote our selves unto godlinesse, that thereby we may prove, what this good and acceptable will of God is. Let us try Gods acceptation; and we shall certainly finde, it shall goe well with the just, Rom. 12.1, 2. Yea, wee should from he…ce gather much encouragement to imploy our selves in piety and mercy. It is enough if God accept of us.
Quest. But what should wee doe, that wee may be sure our sacrifices be accepted of God? How shall we know, when God doth accept our service in any holy duty?
Ans. That a mans conscience may be soundly established in this point of God's acceptation, we must looke to three things.
What we must doe, to get our works acceptable to God.First, that the person be sanctified. None but Priests must approach to offer sacrifice to God. They that are in the flesh, cannot please God. Rom. 8.8. The sonnes of Levi must be purified and refined, as the silver is refined, before their offering will be pleasing, Mal. 3.3, 4. When the Lord rejected, with so much disdaine, the sacrifices of the Iewes, he shewes what they should have done to please him: they should have washed themselves by true repentance, and put away the evill of their works, Esay 1.11, 16. OnelyOnly the works of the penitent cannot be accepted: if the person be not in favour, the works are hated. For, they are sanctified by the holy Ghost, Rom. 15.16.
Secondly, That the manner of performing our service be right: there are divers things in the manner are hatefull; and divers things pleasing. The things specially hatefull, are; first, beloved sinnes: secondly, hypocrisie: thirdly, malice: and fourthly, luke-warmnesse. The sacrifice is lothsome, if it be blinde, or lame, or blemished: that is, if men bring to Gods service the love of any soule sinne, the service is lothsome, Malach. 1. So, if mens hearts be carried away with continuall distractions, that service is lost: this is, To come neere to God with our lips, when our hearts are farre from him. Hypocrisie is leaven, as beloved sinne is bony; both forbidden. Againe, when a man comes to God's works, and hath not forgiven his brother, hee keepes the Feast with some leaven: his Passeover is defiled; nor can his owne sinnes be forgiven, b…c…use he forgives not, Math. 6. 1 Cor. 5.8. Finally, luke-warmnesse is like a vomit to God, when we are neither hot nor cold. They are lothed like the Laodiceans, Revel. 3.
There are other things wonderfull pleasing to God… as,
First, When a man doth whatsoever he doth, in the Name of Christ: this is the Altar that sanctifieth the gift, and the sacrifices are here acceptable through Iesus Christ, Heb. 13.15. Col. 3.17.
Secondly, When our works are soundly powdered with salt, that is, when we soundly confesse our owne unworthinesse, and give all glory to God in Iesus Christ.
Thirdly, When wee love mercy and piety, accounting it our delight to doe God▪s will, and thinking our selves gr…atly honoured, to be admitted to doe this service, Mich. 6.8. 2 Cor. 8.5.
Fourthly, When wee can bring faith, that is, a heart well perswaded of God, so as we can beleeve all good of him and his mercy. Without faith no man can please God, Heb. 11.6. and God takes no delight in him that withdraweth himselfe through unbeliefe, Heb. 10.36, 37.
Fifthly, When it is our every-dayes worke. Sacrifice will please God, if it be continuall, Heb. 13.15.
Thus of the second thing.
Thirdly, We may know, that our sacrifice is accepted, if the Lord burne it to ashes with fire from heaven. Thus God did put a difference betweene the sacrifice of Cain and Abel, by some visible signe: and though wee may not limit God, and expect hee should answer us by visible signes, yet God hath not left us without testimony of his favour. For, by his word of promise, and by his Spirit bearing witnesse to our spirits, hath hee manifested even from heaven his acceptation: and in particular, when the beleever stands before the Lord with his sacrifice duly offered; when the Lord doth suddenly fill his heart with the cloud of his presence; or warme his soule with the joyes of the holy Ghost; what is this but the signe of his acceptation?
Quest. VVhat if we be accepted in our service of God? what great thing is that to us?
Answ. VVhen God accepts thine offerings, thou maist be assured of three things.
First, Tha… all thy sinnes be forgiven thee. God hath purged away thine iniquity: he hath received an atonement in Iesus Christ, Psal 65.2, 3.
Secondly, God is exceedingly delighted in them. Thy sacrifice is a sweet smell unto God: he rejoyceth over thee with joy, Phil. 4.18.
Thirdly, It is a pledge unto thee, that God will supply all thy necessities out of the riches of his glory, in Iesus Christ our Saviour. Phil. 4.19.