An Exposition Upon Colossians, Biblical commentary 1 · Chapter 1 · Verse 10

An Exposition Upon Colossians · Biblical commentary 1 · Chapter 1 · Verse 10

p. 78Verse 10.

That yee might walke worthy of the Lord in all pleasing, being fruitfull in all good workes, and increasing in the knowledge of God.

IN these words the end of Knowledge is at large set downe: to this end wee should fill our selues with the knowledge of Gods will, that our conuersations might be rightly ordered, to the glory of God, the profitable pleasing of others, and the stirring vp of good fruits vntounto eternall life, in the saluation of our owne soules. Neyther doth hee thinke it enough (for those that hauehave by the Gospell gayned much knowledge) to doe good, or liue well, but they must rayse their endeauours to an eminencie, and this he expresseth in three formes of speech.

First, they must walke worthy of the Lord.

Secondly, they must walke in all pleasing.

Thirdly, they must be fruitfull in all good workes.

And if any should aske how all this can be attayned, hee answeres in the end of the Verse, when hee saith, increasing in the knowledge of God.

The generall Doctrine.The Doctrine out of the whole Verse is, that the life of Christians ought to answere their profession, knowledge, and the meanes they inioy. In the inlarging hereof I consider foure things. 1. The Motiues to excite vsus to an holy endeauour after innocencie. 2. The Reasons why so many men in the visible Church, inioying the meanes, hauehave attayned to so little innocencie. 3. What we must doe that wee may thus walke. 4. The Benefits would be gotten by a holy care of Christian Innocencie.

Motiues to holy life.The Motiues are such as these:

1. Wee are not in our owne power, to liue to our selues, but are tyed to liue to him that dyed for vsus aa2 Cor. 5.15.2 Cor 5:15.

2 Our soules and bodyes are destinate to incorruption in the Heauens: and therefore wee should set our selues so to liue, for this short space in this world, as wee might deliuer them vp vndefiled in the day of the Lord.

3 HaueHave wee euer found vnrighteousnesse in God bbIer. 2.8.Jer 2:8? shall wee then serue Sathan, that neuer did vsus good, and forsake the Lord our God? When our hearts are tempted to sinne, wee should say: Shall I thus requite the Lord for the innumerable benefits hee hath bestowed vponupon me?

4 The long night of sinne and ignorance and hellish darknesse and danger (by the light of the Gospell, by the meanes of Christ our Sauiour) is past, and a short season remaines vntounto vsus, to glorifie God, and worke out the assurance and fruition of our owne saluation. Shall wee not then arise from the sleepe of sinne, and now cast away the workes of darknesse? Is it not now time to arme our selues against the sluggishnes of our owne Natures, and the corruptions that are in the World; to walke honestly, as becomes this day of grace and fauour ccRom. 13.11.12Rom 13:11Rom 13:12?

5 The miserable euents of seruing the flesh might moue vsus. If wee hauehave the meanes, and make a shew, and yet liue carnally and scandalously, vvee may deceiue our selues, but God will not be mocked: wee shall reape as wee sow; if wee sow to the flesh, wee shall of the flesh reape corruption ddGal. 6.7.8.Gal 6:7Gal 6:8. And for these things the wrath of God commeth vponupon the Children of disobedience eeEphes. 5.6.Eph 5:6. And therefore p. 79let no man deceiue vsus with vaine words: and if Ierusalem will not be instructed, my soule (saith the Lord) shall depart from her, and shee shall be desolate, as a Land that no man inhabiteth ffIer. 6.8.Jer 6:8. And contrariwise, if wee would sow to the spirit ▪ and neuer be weary of well doing, nor faint or faile, in due season wee should reape: reape I say of the Spirit, euen life euerlasting ggGal. 6.7.8.Gal 6:7Gal 6:8.

6 We should be much moued by the dreadfull relation wee stand in, to God, to Christ, to the holy Ghost, and to the Church: to God; for wee are his Seruants, and therefore ought to be holy, as hee is holy hh1 Pet. 1.1 Pet 1: we are his Children and therefore ought to proue it by our obedience iiMal. 1.Mal 1. To Christ; for he hath washed vsus in his bloud, and shall wee pollute our selues againe? hee was in his owne practise a perfect patterne of innocencie, and shall wee not learne of him kkMat. 11.28.Matt 11:28? wee are his Members, shall wee shame and dishonour our Head? our Sauiour is in Heauen, and shall we be buryed, like Moles, in the louelove of sensuall and earthly things? or rather, ought not our affections and conuersations to be where Christ is, euen in heauen, at the right hand of the Father llCol. 3.1. Phil. 3.21.Col 3:1Phil 3:21? To the holy Ghost; wee are his Temple, and shall wee defile Gods holy place? To the Church; which is the Citie of the holy God, which hee hath consecrated to himselfe: and therefore were it not wickednesse to prophane it with impuritie? Let vsus liue as the Citizens of God mmEphes. 2.20.Eph 2:20.

Lastly, in the 1 Thes. 4. I finde an Exhortation to holinesse, and it is inforced by fiue reasons: first, it is the will of God, Vers. 3. Secondly, a holy life is an honorable life, Vers. 4. Thirdly, they are Gentiles, not Christians, that liue prophanely, Vers. 5. Fourthly, God is a certaine auenger of all vnrighteousnesse, Vers. 6. And finally, we are called vntounto holinesse, Vers. 7.

Secondly,How it comes to passe, that such multitudes liue without holinesse. if it be asked, how it comes to passe that such multitudes of people, liuing in the bosome of the Church, are touched with so little care of holinesse of life? I may answere, diuers things.

1 The Vayle of Ignorance lyeth vponupon their hearts nnEsay 25.8.Isa 25:8, and grosse darknesse still couers those people ooEsay 60.2.3.Isa 60:2Isa 60:3. Though the light be come, and the glory of the Lord; Yet for the most part these men abhorre the light ppIob 24.13.Job 24:13, and therefore are their wayes darke and slippery qqPsal. 36.6.Ps 36:6.

2 Mens hearts goe after their eyes, and mens senses are made Maisters of their liues rrIob 31.7.Job 31:7, and therefore are their affections onelyonly stirred with carnall things, they take their directions from their owne flesh, and walke in the way of their owne lusts ssEccles. 11.9.Eccl 11:9.

3 Many times their brethren deceiue them ttIob 6.13.Job 6:13: I meane, they are misled sometimes, by their owne mistaking and misapplying of Gods promises, and sometimes by the sinfull dawbing of wicked Teachers, that set themselues to strengthen the hands of the wicked, and discourage the hearts of the righteous; crying, Peace, and safetie, where there is no peace. Vngodly men these are, that gainesay the doctrine of those faithfull men, that would cure this sinfull generation, by a meete seueritie of doctrine.

4 The most men see no necessitie of the restoring of their soules: they cannot be perswaded of the necessitie of Regeneration and conuersion by the Word, and when they come to the meanes they seeke not to God to lead them uuPsal. 23.3.Ps 23:3.

5 Men are double-hearted, and diuide one part to the flesh and the world, and another to God; the more open part of their liues, some pretend to direct, with some respect of holinesse, but the secret and inward part is full of all rottennesse: and yet men will not see, that God and Sinne, God and Riches, God and the Flesh, cannot be serued both of one man, at one time.

6 They are incorrigible, will neyther be heal'd by the word, nor be forced by the workes of God, They will not vnderstand, though all the foundations of the earth be moued xxPsal. 82.5.Ps 82:5.

p. 80What we must doe that wee might be holy.Thirdly, that wee might attayne vntounto this holinesse of Conuersation:

1 Wee must grow out of liking with our owne wayes, and our present carnall course, and forsake that way, and returne from it xxProu. 9.6. Ezech. 18.Prov 9:6Ezek 18.

2 Wee must get out of the way of sinners, for hee that walketh with the vngodly will be like them yyPsal. 1.1.Ps 1:1.

3 Wee must mightily labour for knowledge, and be much in contemplation: and to this end exercise our selues in Gods word day and night, and dwell in Gods house. Coherence with Verse before, and Psal. 1.2. Prou. 8.20. and 2.11.12. Psal. 84.4.5. Esay 2.3. yea, wee should by conference aske the way one of another zzIer. 51.4.Jer 51:4.

4 Wee must get into Christ; for hee is the way, and till wee labour our ingrafting into Christ, and settle our selues to seeke a Sauiour, euen vntounto vsus by faith, all our workes are in vaine.

5 That our conuersations might be more holy, and vnrebukeable, wee should first labour to get holinesse into our hearts; for if grace be within, duties will be without; if corruption be mortified in the Soule, which is the fountaine, it will hauehave no great sinne in the life, which is the streame which flowes from the heart: first, we should guide our hearts into the way aaProu. 23.19.Prov 23:19, for thereout commeth life bbProu. 4.23.Prov 4:23.

6 Wee must submit our selues to Gods corrections: learne obedience by the things we suffer ccHeb. 5.8.Heb 5:8, obey the checkes of our conscience, and be contented to eate the bread of affliction ddEsay 30.20.Isa 30:20: beare the words of rebuke and admonition ee1 Thes. 5.13.1 Thess 5:13: for he that refuseth correction will certainely goe out of the way of life ffProu. 10.17.Prov 10:17.

Lastly, we should commit our way to God, and by constant and daily prayer beseech him that hee would shew vsus the way, and lead vsus forth ggPsal. 25.4.Ps 25:4; and then, that hee would stay our steps in his pathes, that our feete doe not slide hhPsal. 17.5.Ps 17:5: and to this end, that he would remoue out of our way, all impediments, and eueryevery lying way iiPsal. 119.29.Ps 119:29: and that he would daily quicken vsus in the way, against the sluggishnesse of our owne Natures kkPsal. 119.37.Ps 119:37: and bend our hearts to his holy feare, but especially eueryevery morning we should beseech God so to assist vsus, and guide, and strengthen vsus, to doe the duties of the day, and that he would see to and defend the thing of the day in his day ll1 Kings 8.58.59.1 Kgs 8:581 Kgs 8:59, by the vertue of Christs intercession, and his words, which are neare vntounto God day and night.

The gaine of godlinesse.Fourthly, thus doing, and endeauouring our selues to know and doe Gods will.

1 The Lord would know vsus by name, and take notice of our wayes, euen with the knowledge of approbation mmPsal. 1. vlt.Ps 1.

2 Our liues would be full of Ioy and chearfulnesse nnPsal. 138.5.Ps 138:5: yea, they that hauehave tasted of the ioyes of a Crowne, shall leaue the Throne and Pallace, to seeke the sweet delights of the faithfull, and to sing their songs.

3 God would walke in the middest of vsus ooLeuit. 26.11.Lev 26:11.

4 Yea, hee would keepe his Couenant and Mercy with vsus pp1 Kings 8.23.1 Kgs 8:23.

5 Wee should be protected against all hurtfull troubles, being eyther preserued from them, or in them: if wee walke in the day we shall not stumble qqIohn 11.8 9.John 11:8; yea, though we went through fire and water, yet Gods holy presence and strong arme would be with vsus rrEsay 43.3. Psal. 23.3.Isa 43:3Ps 23:3: yea, wee might dwell with euerlasting burnings, that is, within the knowledge of Gods terrible presence, and sight of his great iudgements, when the hypocrites of the world would be afraid ssEsay 33.14.16Isa 33:14Isa 33:16.

6 Or if there were sorrowes and griefes vponupon vsus in this world, yet heauen shall come, and wee shall rest in the beds of eternall ease, whatsoeuer betides vsus, wee shall not lye downe in sorrow ttEsay 57.2. & 50. vlt.Isa 57:2Isa 57:50.

7 Thus to liue, is, to rule with God, and to be faithfull with his Saints vvHos. 11.12.Hos 11:12.

8 Thus shall wee scape the vigor of the Law xxGal. 5.18.Gal 5:18, and the flames of Hell yyRom. 8.1.Rom 8:1.

Lastly, if we continue faithfull to the death, there is laid vp for vsus a crowne of life zzReuel. 2.10.Rev 2:10.

p. 81Thus of walking, or holy conuersation in the generall: now in particular, that wee might walke in an holy eminencie, three things (as is before noted) are here vrged.

First, that wee should walke worthy of the Lord.] That is, so to know and consider the singular mercies of God in Christ, as to endeauour to expresse our thankefulnesse in the obedience of our liues, in such a measure as might become the mercies of God. Before I open the words further, I consider in the generall, two things.

1 That the obedience of the faithfull is raysed by the contemplation of the mercies of God:22Generall obseruations. which should teach vsus, as we desire more to abound in good fruits, so to be more in the assurance, and often meditation of Gods louelove to vsus: more knowledge of this kinde would worke more obedience; and a confused knowledge of Gods mercy is vsually accompanied with an vnconstant obedience. Besides, this reproues the dangerous and sinfull abuse of Gods mercies in the common people, that vse to pleade their safetie (notwithstanding their sinnes) by the alledging of the mercy of God to sinners: whereas it is most certaine, that the right knowledge of Gods mercy would make men afraid to sinne; There is mercy with thee that thou maist be feared, saith the Psalmist aaPsal. 130.4.Ps 130:4: and it is the infallible signe of a true conuert, that hee doth feare God and his goodnesse bbHos. 3.5.Hos 3:5: eueryevery man can feare God and his Iustice, especially in some kindes of iudgements; but a childe of God doth neuer more tenderly feare God, then when he hath greatest taste of Gods mercies.

2 The Papists would finde merit of workes in this Verse: both because holinesse of life is so much vrged, as also because here is the word [worthy] vsed, as if the Apostle should grant, that they might be worthy of, and merit the blessings of God.

My answere is,Against merit of workes. First, that merit cannot be founded vponupon Scripture; and secondly, it cannot be founded vponupon this Scripture. For the first, we cannot merit for many reasons in Scripture: first, we are not our owne men, we are so tyed vntounto God that gaue vsus beeing in Nature and Grace, that when wee hauehave done all wee can doe, our owne mouthes must say wee are but vnprofitable Seruants ccLuke 17.Luke 17. Secondly, all our sufficiencie to doe any good is of God, not from our selues dd2 Cor. 3.5. Phil 2.13.2 Cor 3:5Phil 2:13. Thirdly, God gaines nothing by vsus, If thou be righteous, what giuest thou to him? or, what receiueth he at thy hands eeIob 35.7.Job 35:7? Fourthly, men talke of their well-doing, but what shall become of their sinnes? If the Papists will first goe to hell for their sinnes, and stay all that eternitie there, then afterwards if God create another eternitie, they may hauehave hearing to relate what good they hauehave done: the curse of the Law will be first serued; the punishment of Adams one sinne barred the plea for any reward for former righteousnesse. Fiftly, what comparison can there be betweene the glory of heauen and our workes on earth ffRom. 8.18.Rom 8:18? Sixtly, it is worthy to be obserued, that it is mercy in God to set his louelove vponupon them that keepe his Commandements, Ezod. 20. Command. 2. Seauenthly, we are so farre from meriting, that wee are taught to pray God to giuegive vsus our daily bread; we hauehave not a bit of bread of our owne earning. Eightly, the Sanctification of the most righteous is but begunne in this life. Lastly, vntounto all these Reasons adde the further Testimonie of these Scriptures, Dan. 9 9. Rom. 4.5. and 11.9. 1 Cor. 4.4. Phil. 3.8.9.

Secondly, this place hath no colour for merit: for (to passe ouer that reason, that the Scripture requireth good workes, therefore our workes merit, as a most false and absurd argument:) the words [worthy of the Lord] cannot be applyed to merit by any meanes: for in as much as the Lord had bestowed many of his fauours already vponupon them, and giuing his hand p. 82and writing, and seale for the rest, they cannot by any workes afterwards be said in any colour to merit what is past. They are vrged, Mat. 3. to bring forth fruits worthy repentance: now it were absurd to thinke that the fruits afterwards borne, should merit repentance, which God gaue before; for that is to affirme that not onelyonly a wicked man might merit his owne conuersion, but that hee might merit it by the workes hee would doe after his conuersion, which I know not that any Papist will affirme: and the like reason is there of the phrase here vsed.

Quest.Quest. But, letting the Papist goe, what is it to walke worthy of the Lord?]

Ans.Ans. It is so to cleaue vntounto God, that we refuse not (out of the holy estimation of Gods free mercies) to forsake our selues and the world, and to testifie our obedience to the Law and Spirit of God, in vprightnesse with all thankefulnesse. But that this may appeare more plainely, if wee would walke worthy of the Lord.

In generall our righteousnesse must exceede the righteousnesse of the Scribes and Pharisees; we must be so farre from resting in the custome and practise of the vile sinnes that abound in the world, that we must not be satisfied, with this, that wee be ciuill honest men, and well thought of in the world: for Gods mercies challenge more at our hands then ciuill honesty ggMat. 5.20.Matt 5:20.

If wee would walke worthy o… the Lord we must doe sixe things.In particular, if wee would walke worthy of God:

1 Wee must walke with God in the sence of Gods presence, and in the light of his countenance; so knowing his louelove as wee forget not his presence hhGen. 17.1.Gen 17:1. And because the wandring and vnmortified heart of man is not easily brought to this, therefore we must humble our selues to gaine a better abilitie to walke with our God iiMich. 6.8.Mic 6:8.

2 We must set the Law of God (as the onelyonly rule of our actions) alwayes before vsus kkPsal. 119.1.Ps 119:1; and by all meanes be carefull to obey the motions of Gods Spirit, euen the Law in our mindes, that is, to walke after the Spirit llGal. 5.21.Gal 5:21, and according to the Spirit mmRom. 8.1.Rom 8:1.

3 Wee must labour to glorifie God, by endeauouring by an open light, to approue our selues to the world, in shewing the power of Gods grace in our workes, and the newnes of our liues nnIames 3.15. Math. 5. Rom. 6.Jas 3:15Matt 5Rom 6.

4 Wee must be contented to deny our owne reason, wit, desires, delights, and profits, and to take vp any crosse God shall lay vponupon vsus ooLuke 9.24.Luke 9:24.

5 Wee should goe beyond all ciuill honest men in this, that wee would respect all Gods Commandements, and make conscience of eueryevery sinne, by Prayer and endeauour to auoid it, and to obey God both in our soules and bodies; and in eueryevery part of both.

Lastly, we should so admire Gods louelove, in deliuering our soules from death, and our feete from falling, &c. that wee should seeke Gods face in the light of the liuing, and neuer to come empty handed, but Gods vowes should be vponupon vsus, and we should euer be rendring praise. Thankefulnesse is all wee can giuegive to God ppPsal. 56.12.13.Ps 56:12Ps 56:13.

In all pleasing.] This is the second thing required in our conuersation: we should not thinke it enough to liue iustly and religiously, but wee must liue pleasingly also, and this is true: 1. In respect of God: Let vsus hauehave grace that wee may so serue God, that wee may please him qqHeb. 12.28. 1 Cor. 7.31.Heb 12:281 Cor 7:31. 2. In respect of our owne Conscience, preseruing the rest and goodnesse of the conscience. 3. In respect of men: thus the wise careth to please her husband, and the husband to please his wife rr1 Cor. 7.34. What wee should do that we mig…t not onelyonly serue God but please him to.1 Cor 7:34. It is not enough to be perswaded that that wee doe, be good; but wee ought to looke to it, that it be pleasing. So, in all duties to God, and in our carriage to men.

Quest. But what should wee doe, that wee might so serue God, as please him to? Ans. This is answered in diuers Scriptures.

p. 831 Be sure thou be not in the flesh; for no such can please God ssRom. 8.8.Rom 8:8: and they are in the flesh that can relish nothing but fleshly things; that take no care to prouide for the life of Grace and peace of Conscience; vers. 6. that will not be subiect to the Law of God; vers. 7. that hauehave not the Spirit of Christ, vers. 9. and that dye not to sinne, vers. 10.

Obiect. Obiect.But there are many wise men, to whom those signes agree, and may not they for their good parts otherwayes be pleasing to God?Solut. Sol. No; so long as they are fleshly persons, their wisedome, bread in the flesh, is so farre from pleasing God, that it is enmitie to God.

2 Thou must let the will of God reuealed in this word, be the rule of all thy actions, a light to thy feete, and a lanthorne to thy pathes; for in the Word is contayned both what he requires, and what will please him.

3 Thou must make conscience of little sinnes as well as great sinnes▪ if a man breake the least Commandement, and then by doctrine or defence maintaine it to be a small matter, our Sauiour Christ shewes that this is not onelyonly displeasing to God, but it will cause God to cast men out of heauen with indignation: on the other side, whosoeuer shall make conscience to obserue Gods Commandements in the things the world counts lesse matters, and shall constantly by doctrine or profession declare his sinceritie herein, hee shall be exceeding pleasing to God; and God will shew it, by making him great in the Kingdome of Heauen ttMat. 5.19.Matt 5:19. What commandement could be lesse then the commandement about the not eating of bloud, and yet with many words, their obedience herein was vrged, and that with this reason; as they would hauehave all things goe well with them and theirs, and doe that which is pleasing or right in Gods sight uuDeut. 12.24.26.Deut 12:24Deut 12:26.

4 Thou must desire and pray for the best things; thou must so thinke of profits and pleasures of the world, as especially thy heart must desire, and thy lips request of God, the wisedome and grace that is from aboue. It did exceedingly please God that Solomon asked wisedome and not riches, or long life xx1 King. 10.3.1 Kgs 10:3.

5 Thou must get an humble and contrite spirit; a heart able to see and hate sinne, and mourne ouer it; and with a tender sence of thine owne wants and vnworthinesse, to implore Gods fauour, and the renuing of his mercies.

6 Thou must so professe respect of pietie, as thou be carefull in all things to deale iustly and truely with men, delighting in all the occasions and meanes to shew mercy: he cannot please God that doth not endeauour to please men; Sacrifice is an abhomination, when men doe not iudgement and Iustice yyProu. 21.3.Prov 21:3: and God delights in men that will deale truely zzProu. 12.22.Prov 12:22. If a man will deale iustly, and louelove mercy (not be mercifull onelyonly,) and when hee hath occasion to come to God in the duties of pietie and worship, will come in all humilitie and contrition of heart, this is that (saith the Prophet Micah) that is required; yea, that is good, that is exceeding pleasing and acceptable to God **Mich. 6.5.6.7.Mic 6:5Mic 6:6Mic 6:7.

7 Thou must be tender-hearted and mercifull, to supply the necessities of the Saints: for workes of mercy are Odours of smeet swell, Sacrifices acceptable, well pleasing to God aaPhil. 4.18.Phil 4:18.

8 Thou must take heed of such sinnes as God hates with a speciall hatred; for there are some euils, which a man being guiltie of, God will at no hand be pleased with him: as first, the sinnes of the third Commandement, swearing and cursing, and the like; for God hath told vsus before, that what sinnes soeuer hee will beare with, yet hee will not hold vsus guiltlesse if wee take his Name in vaine bbCommand. 3. Deut. 28.58.Deut 28:58. Secondly, luke-warmnesse in Religion, when men are neyther hot nor cold; this is so exceeding loathsome vponupon Gods stomach, he cannot be at rest till he hauehave spued such persons out. Thirdly, for a p. 84man to blesse his heart when God curseth, and to pleade his hopes, when God threatneth ccDeut. 29.19.Deut 29:19. Fourthly, to feare God by mens traditions ddEsay 29.13.Isa 29:13. Fiftly, presumptuously to breake Gods Sabaoth eeIer. 17. vlt.Jer 17. Sixtly, through impatience or vnbeliefe in aduersitie, to with-draw our selues ffHeb. 10.35.36. &c.Heb 10:35Heb 10:36&c. and without faith it is vnpossible to please God. Seauenthly, to offer vntounto God the blinde, the lame, and the sicke, the torne and the corrupt thing ggMal. 1.8.9.10.13.14.Mal 1:8Mal 1:9Mal 1:10Mal 1:13Mal 1:14. Eightly, to be found in the fashions of the world, eyther in life or attyre hhRom. 12.2.Rom 12:2. Ninthly, out of frowardnesse and malice, to crosse and persecute such as feare God; God these please not ii1 Thes. 2.15.161 Thess 2:151 Thess 2:16.

Thus of walking in all pleasing, in respect of God.

What we must doe that wee may please men.Quest. 2. What must we doe that we may walke pleasingly amongst men? Ans. I consider of this first generally, then more particularly. That wee may please men we must obserue these Rules: 1. Wee must be carefull to please God, else it is iust with God, that though we striue to please men, yet we should not attaine to it, because we are not in the first place carefull to please God. 2. We must get that Philanthropian, louelove of men into our hearts, but especially Philadelphian, the louelove of the Brethren, for this ingenders care and diligence to please, and makes the labour thereunto seeme no basenesse or burthen. 3. In the generall corruption of our callings wee must liue innocently. Samuel is much set by, and pleaseth the people, when hee stands by Hophni and Phinehas, men so egregiously corrupt. 4. If wee would please in conuersing, wee must learne to beare infirmities kkRom. 15.2.Rom 15:2. 5. Wee must practise those vertues that especially win fauour: as curtesie, meekenesse, candor, faithfull dealing, (though it be to our hinderance) wee must giuegive soft answeres, ouercome euill with goodnesse, be slow to wrath, and forgiue, and not reuenge. 6. Wee must hate those vices, and auoid them, which in conuersation appeare hatefull amongst men; as back-biting llRom. 1.29. 1 Tim. 5.13. Prou. 26.20.Rom 1:291 Tim 5:13Prov 26:20, discouery of secrets mmProu. 11.13.Prov 11:13, bitter words nnEphes. 5.3.4.Eph 5:3Eph 5:4, boasting ooProu. 27.1.2.Prov 27:1Prov 27:2, suspiciousnesse pp1 Cor. 13.1 Cor 13, rashnesse in reproofes and admonition, offensiue carriage qq1 Cor. 10.32.1 Cor 10:32, and the stirring of the infirmities of others rrGen. 13.8.Gen 13:8.

In particular, we must be carefull to please, in the Familie, in the Church, in the Common-wealth. In the Familie: 1. The Gouernours must labour to walke in all pleasing; and to this end, they must gouerne in the Lord, and cast the impression of Religion vponupon the soules of their people, that the reason of their obedience may be the will of God;How gouernours in families may walke pleasingly. they must retayne wisely their authoritie: it is not the way to please, to loose the reynes, and lose their authoritie: they must take notice of vertues as well as vices, and reproue in louelove, not in passion, and auoid that behauiour that irritates and prouokes to wrath.

How Inferiours in the familie may please their Superiours.2. Inferiours, if euer they would please GOD, must be carefull to please their Masters, Parents, and Husbands, as bearing the Image of God: and to this end, they must pray God to make them able, both to obey and please, they must be teachable, and not such as must be continually told of the same fault: they must auoyd answearing againe; for, as a sullen silence is hatefull, so prating, and hast to answere doth prouoke ssTit. 2.9.10.Titus 2:9Titus 2:10. Lastly, they must auoyd such sinnes as proue in their places: specially hatefull; as pride, lying, vnfaithfulnesse, (viz.) to be such as cannot be trusted in any thing; stubbornnesse, slownesse, especially when they are sent vponupon busines.

How Ministers may walke in all pleasing.As in the Familie, so in the Church, Ministers must walke in all pleasing; and to this end they must practise what they preach, and auoyd enuy, passion, contention, and partialitie; they must be wise and gentle, apt to teach and instruct in meekenesse, though they be opposed tt2 Tim. 2.24.252 Tim 2:242 Tim 2:25; they must be vigilant, sober, of good behauiour, giuen to hospitalitie; they must not be pot-companions, or quarrelsome, or couetous, more desiring and delighting in the p. 85the gaine of the Benefice, then the profit of the peoples soules: they must order their families as well as themselues, and keepe their children in subiection and grauitie uu1 Tim 3.….3.4.1 Tim 3. Peace, peace, and dawbing with vntempered morter, will not make them pleasing, though many striue to win applause by such daubing: for the conscience of the men that are so soothed doth secretly contemne these plausible seers.

The Hearers also must striue to please their Teachers,How the hearers may please their Teachers. and that they may doe so, they must yeeld them meete honour, and sufficient maintenance, but especially they must labour, from the heart, to yeeld obedience to the doctrine of their Teachers: for that pleaseth a faithfull Minister more then all dignities or riches.

3 The Magistrate must striue to be pleasing to the people,How the Magistrate may please the people. and for that purpose, they must be men fearing God xxExod. 18.Exod 18, studious of the Scriptures yyIosh. 1.9.Josh 1:9, louers of the good zzMich. 2.3.Mic 2:3, iust, hating couetousnesse **Exod. 18.Exod 18, louers of the Common-wealth, industrious to acquaint themselues with the estate of their flockes, walking in and out before the people, with all wisedome, courage, and grauitie, carefull to purge out those vices, which as euill humours, disease the publike body, for this easeth and pleaseth the body afterwards: such as will charge and remunerate, as well as punish; countenance the good as well as restraine the euill: such as in factions and emulations will cleaue to neyther side: men that conceiue a generall care for the persons, goods, and good name of the Subiect: guiding them to holinesse as well as happinesse, to sanctitie as well as safetie.

The people againe must striue to please their Rulers,How the people may please their Rulers. by reuerencing them, and obeying them, though against their profit, with constancy and for conscience sake: they must pray for them, and speake well of them. It was without doubt a great contentment to Dauid that whatsoeuer hee did pleased the people aa2 Sam. 3.36.2 Sam 3:36.

Thus of walking in all pleasing in respect of others.How we may walke …n all pleasing towards our owne Consciences.

Thirdly, wee must walke in all pleasing towards our owne Consciences, prouiding by all meanes for the rest, peace and contentment of our owne hearts within, and that this inward peace and pleasing may be had, many things are profitable and auayleable: 1. Sorrow for our sinnes; for this sorrow will be turned into ioy bbIohn 16.20.John 16:20; whereas the end of all carnall laughter will be sorrow and vnquietnesse of heart ccLuke 6.25.Luke 6:25: and there is no peace to the wicked, and he is wicked that is not contrite in heart ddEsay 57. vlt.Isa 57. 2. The Faith or beliefe of our Iustification in Christ; for, being iustified by faith, our soules hauehave peace eeRom. 5.1.Rom 5:1: we must seeke the rest of our hearts in Gods fauour in Christ, for hee is the Prince of Peace ffEsay 9 6.Isa 9:6. 3. The louelove of Gods Law; for great peace and rest hauehave they that louelove Gods Law ggPsal. 119.165.Ps 119:165; yea; it is added, and nothing shall offend them. 4. Diligence and constancy in the vse of Gods ordinances: it is a secret ioy to the heart of eueryevery one that is a friend to the Bridegroome, to heare the Bridegroomes voyce hhIohn 3.29.John 3:29; and to be much in prayers is a way to be much in ioy iiIohn 16.24.John 16:24. 5. Meekenesse; while angry and wrathfull persons fret themselues, to their owne singular euill, meeke men shall delight themselues in abundance of peace kkPsal 37.8.11Ps 37:8Ps 37:11. 6. Iust dealing in all businesses with all men: for, the worke of righteousnesse is peace, and the effect of righteousnesse is quietnesse and assurance for euer llEsay 32.17.Isa 32:17. Lastly, would wee attaine that peace and pleasing contentment that passeth all the vnderstanding of the carnall man, we must take heede of worldly cares. In nothing be carefull.

Obiect. Obiect. 2.But wee hauehave so many crosses, how can wee but care? Sol. Let your request be knowne to God.Solut.

Obiect. Obiect. 3.Wee hauehave prayed, and are not rid out of them. Sol. Adde supplication to your prayers.Solut.

p. 86Obiect.Obiect. We hauehave prayed, and that earnestly, and daily, and with much importunitie,Solut. and yet are disquieted still. Sol. Be thankefull for the mercies thou hast; vnthankefulnesse hinders the restfull successe of prayer mmPhil. 4.6.7.Phil 4:6Phil 4:7.

Fruitfull in all good workes.] The Sonne of man is ascended, and hath giuen authority and gifts vntounto men, and vntounto eueryevery Seruant his worke: hee cals for obedience, and detests sleeping, and requires all watchfulnesse to the speeding of all his workes, and what hee saith to one, hee saith to all, Watch nnMar. 13.34.36Mark 13:34Mark 13:36: This is shewed vntounto all that turne vntounto God, that they must doe workes meete for repentance ooActs 26.20.Acts 26:20; considering the season, that it is now high time to awake out of sleepe: the night is farre spent, and the day at hand, and therefore wee should arme and addresse our selues, to cast away the workes of darknesse, and to labour in the light ppRom. 13.12.13.Rom 13:12Rom 13:13, Good workes are the best apparrell of Christians, professing godlinesse qq1 Tim. 2.10.1 Tim 2:10. and their most durable riches and treasures rr1 Tim. 6.18.191 Tim 6:181 Tim 6:19. To this end hath the light of the gracious and sauing Doctrine of God shined, that men might be familiarly instructed to conceiue the necessitie of doing all the workes, both of pietie, righteousnesse and sobrietie ssTit. 2.12.Titus 2:12. Yea, to this end did Christ giuegive himselfe for vsus, and redeeme vsus at so high a rate, that hee might purifie a peculiar people to himselfe, zealous of good workes ttTit. 2.14.Titus 2:14. Wee are the workemanship of God, created in Christ Iesus vntounto good workes, which God hath ordayned that we should walke in them uuEphes 2.10.Eph 2:10: and it shall be to vsus according to our workes xxRom. 2.6.Rom 2:6: and therefore it should be our Wisedome, to shew by good conuersation our workes yyIames 3.13.Jas 3:13, and our LoueLove, to prouoke others vntounto good workes zzHeb. 10.24.Heb 10:24.

Concerning good Workes, I propound three things:

1 What workes are not good workes.

2 What rules must be obserued to make our workes good workes.

3 What workes are good in particular.

11What workes are good workes.For the first: the workes that are done to be seene of men are not good works aaMat. 23.5.Matt 23:5. The workes of persecutors are all nought bbIohn 8.39.40.John 8:39John 8:40: all workes are nought that hauehave not repentance going before; for good workes are the workes of the penitent ccActs 26.20.Acts 26:20: all the workes that are done too late are thrust out of the Catalogue of good workes; as to cry to God after a man hath stood out all the opportunities and seasons of grace ddProu. 1.28.Prov 1:28. It is a signe mens workes are not good, when they hate the light, and cannot abide to be reproued eeIohn 3.19.20John 3:19John 3:20. And of the like nature are those workes that are guided after the example of the multitude, of which men say, they doe as the most doe ffExod. 22.Exod 22. Lastly, doth not the world hate them?ggIohn 7.7.John 7:7 then suspect thy workes.

22What rules must be obserued to make our workes good workes.For the second: that wee may hauehave comfort, that God will account our workes good workes: 1. They must be warranted by the word of God: if wee doe truth, wee must goe to the light that our deedes may be manifest, that they are wrought in God hhIohn 3.21.John 3:21. 2. Our persons must be made good by Iustification, we must be created in Christ Iesus iiEphes. 2.10.Eph 2:10. Would wee worke the workes of God, we must beleeue in him that God hath sent kkIohn 6.28.29.John 6:28John 6:29. 3. Our workes must be finished llIohn 4.34.John 4:34. 4. By mortification wee must purge ourselues, that we may be mee…e for the Masters vse, and prepared for eueryevery worke wee would hauehave accepted as good mm2 Tim. 2.21.2 Tim 2:21. Lastly, the ends must be good: and the ends of all good workes are, 1. The glory of God: 2. The discharge of our obedience: 3. The edification of our neighbours: 4. The testification of our Faith and Thankefulnesse: 5. The escaping of the punishment of sinne, and the destruction of the wicked: 6. The answering of our high calling in Iesus Christ: 7. The obtayning of the glory of Heauen.

33What workes are good works in particular.For the third: in our conuersation with men there are diuers kindes of good workes; some spirituall, some corporall: they are good workes to instruct, admonish, incourage, reproue, and pray for others; to pull an infant, or weake man out of a flaming fire, is a good worke, and such is it to recouer p. 87a sinner, by admonition, counsell, &c. It is a good worke to couer infirmities; yea, a multitude of them: and to forgiue trespasses, and to ouercome euill with goodnes: so also they are good workes to grieue with them that grieue, in giuing honour to goe one before another, to lift vp the iust praises of others, to lend to the needy, and to giuegive liberally and chearefully towards the relieuing of the necessities of the poore, especially them of the houshold of Faith.

To conclude, from the manner of phrase, [bearing fruit in eueryevery good worke] these things may be obserued: First, that good workes are fruits: for they are such things as shew our Faith, proue our planting, and yeeld vsus comfort in Gods acceptation of them. Secondly, that a religious minde will labour to get fruit of eueryevery sort; hee will not know a good worke, but hee will desire to carry some fruit of it. Thirdly, a Christian man carries his fruit, both because hee carries the blessing of his well-doing, and because he is neuer without some fruit, as also he shall be sure his workes will goe with him, when all things else shall leaue him.

Thus farre of the eminencie of Christians in holy conuersation.

Increasing in the knowledge of God.] Whereas a Question might be asked what should wee doe that wee might attaine to the holinesse of life before described? These words containe an answere to it, that they must increase in the knowledge of God.

The words in themselues stand of three parts: First, the Grace, Knowledge: Secondly, the Measure of it, increase: Thirdly, the Obiect, of God. Of the Grace it selfe I hauehave intreated before, onelyonly from the repetition two things may be obserued.

First,22Obseruation from the repetition. We need to be often stirred vp to seeke knowledge. wee had neede to be often vrged, and put in minde, and stirred vp to seeke knowledge, wee are naturally so vnapt to spirituall things, that line must be vponupon line, and precept vponupon precept nnEsay 29.Isa 29. Of our selues there is none of vsus hauehave any great minde to vnderstand or seeke after God ooPsal. 14.2.Ps 14:2: or if wee begin we soone leaue off to vnderstand to doe good ppPsal. 36.3.Ps 36:3; and some of vsus are so wayward and wilfull, that wee know not, nor will not know, but walke on in darkenesse, though all the foundations of the earth be moued qqPsal. 82.7.Ps 82:7.

Secondly, men are not onelyonly to seeke knowledge, that they may be conuerted and sanctified, and liue a righteous life; but euen after all these are attayned,We must still seeke to get more knowledge. wee must still be industrious to get more knowledge: because knowledge inlarged giues the comfort and sence of grace receiued: else a man may hauehave Faith, and yet for want of knowledge liue without the comforts of it. Besides, it furthers the sanctification of our callings, and the Creatures wee vse rr1 Tim. 4.3.1 Tim 4:3. Further, it makes vsus able to discerne things that differ, and in matters of saluation to trust our owne Faith ssPhil. 1.10. 1 Iohn 4.1.Phil 1:101 John 4:1; and it keepes downe corrupt affections tt…say 11.7.9.: and in what measure we retayne our ignorance, we retayne feare, and the spirit of bondage.

Increasing. Doct. 1.] The adiunct increase followes. Here are two Doctrines.

First, that wee must increase in knowledge; else that wee hauehave, will decay, and knowledge is giuen but in part, and not all at once. Besides, it is a speciall part of Gods Image; and therefore of great both necessitie and honour. If men be neuer weary of seeking for wealth and riches, why should a Christian be weary of seeking Wisedome, which is better then all treasures.

Secondly,Doct. 2. that increase of knowledge is a great furtherance of holy life: the preuayling of sinne in the life of the Iewes, was caused by the preuayling of ignorance uuEsay 1.3.Isa 1:3. Therefore there is no mercy, nor pietie in the Land, because there is no knowledge of God in the land xxHos. 4.1.2.Hos 4:1Hos 4:2. God shewes his righteousnesse to them that know him yyPsal. 36.10.Ps 36:10. And therefore neyther the Papists must tell p. 88men that Ignorance is the Mother of Deuotion: nor the common Protestant so idly aske, what needes all this Knowledge?

More particularly, three Questions may be here resolued.

What are the letts of increasing.Quest. 1. What are the letts of increase? Ans. There are many letts. 1. Ill opinions about knowledge: as that it is vnprofitable, vnnecessarie, &c. 2. Abuse of our Callings. 3. The louelove of other things zzIer. 9.23.24.Jer 9:23Jer 9:24. 4. The smothering of doubts, difficulties, and preiudice in the vse of the meanes. 5. Securitie; when a man growes proud of what hee doth know, and presumes of Gods mercy for what hee wants. 6. Presumptuous sinne, as it hinders other graces, so it casts men behinde-hand in knowledge. 7. Resisting of Gods Spirit, pricking the conscience to get it awake, and smothering of terrours **Hos. 6.1.2.3.Hos 6:1Hos 6:2Hos 6:3. 8. Internall euils nourished, as lust aaTim. 3.7., euill thoughts bbProu. 14.22.Prov 14:22, passion ccProu. 14.29.Prov 14:29, &c.

Quest. 2. How may we know when wee increase in knowledge. Ans. We increase in knowledge. 1. If wee increase in the affection to any vse of the meanes:How we may know when we increase with knowledge. for God is neuer wanting in the successe. 2. If we increase in the power of godlinesse: it is certaine, wee grow in knowledge if wee grow in grace. 3. If we grow stayed, and setled, and more resolued in the doctrine of Gods grace, and practise of holy life.

What we must doe that wee may increase in knowledge.Quest. 3. What must we doe that wee may increase? Ans. Wee must obserue these Rules. 1. We must practise what we doe already know ddIohn 7.17.John 7:17. 2. We must not be ouer-curious, or suffer our selues to be drawne aside with fond questions, controuersies and speculations, but be wise to sobrietie eeRom. 12.13.Rom 12:13. 3. We must redeeme the time, and watch to all the opportunities, for the vse of the meanes ffEphes. 5.16.Eph 5:16. 4. Wee must vse the world as if wee vsed it not. 5. Wee must acknowledge, that is, confesse and professe what we know, least God by our vnthankefulnesse and fearefulnesse, be prouoked to scourge our spirits with a slumber or reprobate sence ggRom. 1.28.Rom 1:28. 6. We must minde our owne way hhProu. 14.8.Prov 14:8. Lastly, wee must vse Gods ordinances, and all of them, and without interruption, constantly and chearefully.

Thus of the Grace it selfe, and the Measure of it: the Obiect followes.

Our knowledge must be of God foure wayes.Of God.] Our knowledge must be of God foure wayes: for the first, it must be spirituall and diuine knowledge, not humane, naturall, and earthly. 2. It must be of God; as hee is the author of it, we must seeke it from aboue, by prayer. 3. It must be of God, as he is the end of it, it must draw vsus nearer to God. Lastly, God must be the obiect of it, we must know Gods Name. In this last sence here are two things imported.

First, that euen after regeneration there may be sometimes some working of the seedes of Atheisme. So wretched is the euill nature of man, that in this respect there is cause many times to hang downe the head with horror, shame, and bitter mourning of heart, and confusion of face.

Secondly, that increase in holy conuersation doth abate the mouings of Atheisme: as any be more holy, so they are more freed from the trouble of them. Be first holy, and then be an Atheist, professed or resolued, if thou canst.

Concerning the knowledge of God foure things are to be considered: 1. How hee is made knowne: 2. Who they are that God chargeth with this, that they know him not: 3. How it comes to passe that man knowes not his God: 4. What wee must doe, that wee may know God.

How God is made knowneGod is made knowne, 1. in his Sonne: in Christ, God is as it were visible iiIohn 14.9.John 14:9. 2. By his Spirit kk1 Cor. 2.10.111 Cor 2:101 Cor 2:11. 3. By his word; both by the testimonie it giues of God, and by the relation of Prophesies accomplished, and Miracles wonderfully wrought; it shewes a God, as it is a sacred treasury preseruing the memory of wonderfull things. 4. By his workes; and that either in generall, as God hath stamped vponupon them some markes of his invisible things llRom. 1.Rom 1; or in his p. 89particular workes, as the founding of the Earth, the hanging of the Clouds, the spreading out of the Heauens, the recoyling of the Waters, leauing an habitation for man; terrours of Conscience, Plagues vponupon wicked men at their wish, answearing of Prayers, Miracles, the Soule of Man, and state of Diuels.

2 There are many sorts of men;Who they are that know not God. yea, euen in the Church, besides professed Atheists, that are hated of God, and charged with this, that they know not God: as, 1. All that keepe not his Commandements mmEsay 1.5. 1 Iohn 2.4.Isa 1:51 John 2:4: 2. All that heare not vsus nn1 Iohn 4.6.1 John 4:6: 3. All Persecutors ooIohn 16.3.John 16:3: 4. All that honour not such as feare God pp1 Iohn 3.1.1 John 3:1: 5. All that deny the Natures or Offices of the Sonne of God qq1 Iohn 2.23.1 John 2:23.

3 This wretched Atheisme and Ignorance of God, and euill thoughts of his Nature, Presence, Attributes, &c. is caused: first, by corruption of our natures in the Fall:The causes of this ignorance of God. 2. It is increased by the custome of all sorts of sinnes: 3. If it preuayle, it may come by some speciall iudgement of God, who being prouoked by other sinnes, doth leaue men to a spirit of slumber, or eternally reiecting them, doth leaue them to a reprobate sence, or in the power of the sinne against the holy Ghost.

4 That we may know God and increase in it,What we must doe that wee may know God. we must view his workes, search his Booke, obey the motions of his Spirit, humble our selues to seeke the signes of his presence; and for the better successe in all, labour for a pure heart rrMat. 5.6.Matt 5:6.

Hitherto of the Obiect, Parts, and End of Knowledge: the Cause followeth in these words.