Soul-Prosperity in Several Sermons, Sermon 9
SERMON IX.
A Third thing which I ſhall take notice of, as neceſſary for the health and well-fare of the Body, which I intend now (as the Lord ſhall aſſiſt) to apply to the Point in hand, is this; That we be well clothed. God hath given to every living Creature ſome kind of clothing, or other: Even to the Birds of the Air, and the Beaſts of the Field. They could not endure the extremity either of heat, or cold without it. Adam and Eve when they were at firſt created, needed no clothing, but their own innocency; when they needed it, God provided it for them, before they did for themſelves, Gen. 3.22. Cold, if extream, is very prejudicial to Man's health, and may be ſo to his life. Paul reckoneth it among his great ſufferings, 2 Cor. 11.27, —in cold, and nakedneſs. Therefore up and down in the Scripture, we find it ſpoken of, as a commendable act of charity, To cloth the naked, Iſa. 58.7. Act. 9.30.
This is one thing then we ought ſpecially to mind, as ever we deſire our Souls ſhould proſper, that (as the Apoſtle ſaith, 2 Cor. 5.3.) we may not be found naked. Now, the Scripture tells us, what the Garment is, wherewith the Soul that proſpers, muſt be clothed, Rev. 19.8, And it was granted unto her (the Bride, the Lamb's Wife) that ſhe ſhould be arrayed in fine linnen, clean and white: for the fine linnen is the righteouſneſs of the Saints. This fine Linnen, this Righteouſneſs (foreign) comes under a double conſideration.
1. The Righteouſneſs which is wrought for the Soul by Jeſus Chriſt himſelf, in his own Perſon, and is imputed to every Believer.
2. The Righteouſneſs that is wrought in the Soul, by the Spirit of Chriſt, and is inherent in every new Creature. The one may be called, The outer garment, the other, The inner garment of the heart. So far as the Soul is clothed with this double garment of Righteouſneſs, ſo far it proſpers, and no farther.
Something muſt be ſaid to each of theſe.
1. Of that garment of Righteouſneſs, which Chriſt hath wrought for the Soul. This is that White garment Rev. 3.18. I counſel thee to buy of me,—white raiment, that thou mayeſt be clothed. This is the only garment that gives a title to Heaven, Iſa. 61.10, I will greatly rejoyce in the Lord, my Soul ſhall be joyful in my God, for he hath clothed me with the garments of ſalvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteouſneſs. This is not like Saul's Armour, that was not fit for David; it will fit every Soul, that really feels the want of it, and indeed, and in truth, is willing to put it on; and therefore, we are exhorted, Rom. 13.14, To put on the Lord Jeſus Chriſt.
In proſecuting of this Point, a few words to each of theſe Particulars.
1. Conſider the materials whereof this garment is made.
2. That it is of abſolute neceſſity that it be put on, elſe the Soul cannot proſper.
3. How it is to be put on.
4. What influence it hath into Soul-proſperity, when it is put on.
(1.) For the firſt of theſe, the materials whereof it is made, briefly thus. It is the Obedience of Chriſt, as Mediatour, in doing, and ſuffering what God the Father appointed, and which he accepts in the behalf of all thoſe, who are clothed with it; ſo as, upon that account, they are delivered from the ſentence of Eternal Death, which they had righteouſly deſerved; and are accepted as righteous, unto Eternal Life, of which they were utterly unworthy.
Obſerve then theſe two things.
1. That God the Father accepts it, as full and perfect ſatisfaction to his Juſtice, for what ever was appointed for them to ſuffer by way of puniſhment, and curſe for ſin. It is ſaid, 1 Pet. 2.24. That Chriſt his own ſelf bare our ſins in his Body, on the Tree. i.e. The puniſhment and curſe due for ſin. With this God the Father is well pleaſed, ſo that the Sentence of Condemnation ſhall never be executed upon the Soul that is clothed with it. And this he accepteth as a valuable conſideration for all the wrong that their ſins have done him, Eph. 4.32,—forgiving one another, even as God, for Chriſt's ſake, hath forgiven you. It is ſaid, 1 Pet. 4.8. that love to our Brethren covers a multitude of ſins. i.e. It doth not ſtrictly take notice of, but in ſilence paſſeth by many failings of others; eſpecially thoſe that concern our ſelves. But this covers All, ſo that no notice is taken of them, ſo as (according to the ſentence of the Law) to curſe, and condemn ſuch a Soul, Jer. 50.20, In thoſe days, and at that time, ſaith the Lord, ſhall the iniquity of Iſrael be ſought for, and there ſhall be none, and the ſins of Judah, and they ſhall not be found; for I will pardon them whom I reſerve. The book is croſs'd, all the black bill, that otherwiſe would have been brought in againſt it, whereof it could not have anſwered one of a thouſand (i.e. none at all) is croſſed. Well then might David ſay, Pſal. 32.1, Bleſſed is the Man whoſe iniquity is covered.
2. God accepts it, in the behalf of all thoſe that are clothed with it, for all that is required by way of perfect obedience to the Moral Law. It is ſaid, Rom. 10.4, Chriſt is the end of the Law, for righteouſneſs. Chriſt, i.e. Chriſt, and his Righteouſneſs is the end of the Law, i. e. the perfection of the Law. Now the end of the Law was, to inveſt thoſe that perfectly fulfilled it, with a Righteouſneſs that would give a true right, and title to Eternal Life. But this the Law cannot do, by reaſon of Man's weakneſs, being utterly unable to fulfil it; ſo that it is become a killing Letter, the miniſtration of death, and condemnation, 2 Cor. 3.6, 7. Now Jeſus Chriſt by his obedience, hath brought about this perfection of the Law, perfectly fulfilling the Righteouſneſs, which the Law required; for love is the fulfilling of the Law. Now Jeſus Chriſt loved the Lord with all his heart, and with all his might, and his neighbour as himſelf. He failed not in the leaſt of what was due either to the one, or the other. This he did, and none but he could do it; For though one ſinful act in thought, in word, or deed, did break the Law, yet it is not fulfilled, but by perfect conformity unto it; and ſuch a conformity there was in the obedience of Chriſt, Joh. duplicate page duplicate page duplicate page duplicate page duplicate page duplicate page 8.29,—I do always thoſe things that pleaſe him.
This is the firſt Particular. The Materials whereof this garment of Righteouſneſs is made; with which, if the Soul be not clothed, it cannot proſper, as we ſhall ſee by and by.
2. The Soul that is not clothed with this Righteouſneſs, cannot, while it remains ſo, poſſibly ever be in a capacity of proſpering. For ſin hath made ſuch a dreadful breach between God and Sinners, that he ſtands upon this: That though he will have mercy upon whom he will have mercy; the motive is only from the good pleaſure of his own Will. Eternal Life, with all that is antecedent to it, and preparative for it, is his own gift: Yet, I ſay, God is abſolutely reſolved upon this, that he will have his Juſtice ſatisfied for all the wrong that ſin hath done him. He hath alſo magnified his Law, and made it honourable, Iſa. 42.21. Therefore he will have all the demands of the Law fully anſwered; and obedience thereunto perfectly fulfilled; elſe no ſpiritual good ſhall be given forth to any Soul, ſo as to make it live, much leſs to proſper, Iſa. 59.2, Your iniquities have ſeparated between you, and your God. Jer. 5.25,—your ſins have with-holden good things from you. Now this is done, by Chriſt's Righteouſneſs alone. Therefore, it is of abſolute neceſſity that it be put on, elſe the Soul cannot proſper.
3. The Garment of Righteouſneſs is put on, only by a believing Soul, Rom. 3.22, Even the righteouſneſs of God, which is by faith of Jeſus Chriſt, unto all, and upon all them that believe.
(1.) Upon every believing Soul, that being acquainted with the way of God, in bringing Sinners into a ſtate of grace, and mercy; and knowing that God is juſt, and Righteous, as well as Merciful; knows that he cannot find acceptance with God, but he muſt be righteous, Hab. 1.13, Thou art of purer eyes then to behold evil—
(2.) Upon every Soul that knows, that every righteouſneſs will not ſerve the turn, but it muſt be ſuch, as the pure eyes of the glorious Majeſty of God can ſee no defect in, Gal. 3.11, That no man is juſtified by the Law, in the ſight of God, it is evident.
(3.) Upon every Soul that knows and bewails the imperfection of his own righteouſneſs; and knows he hath reaſon to do ſo; though he were ſure he had as much of all the graces that accompany Salvation, as ever Abraham, or Iſaac, or Jacob had. If this were all, this Soul knows, it would not avail him to ſtand before the Righteous God. No, his infinite wrath would come upon him, for all that, and confume him, Job 15.14, What is Man, that he ſhould be clean, or he that is born of a Woman, that he ſhould be righteous? 1 Sam. 6.20. Who is able to ſtand before this holy Lord God?
(4.) A Soul that knows all this in ſome meaſure, and that the Righteouſneſ is ſuch a Righteouſneſs as God will accept of, and ſo adventures his Eternal ſtate upon the merits thereof; reſolving, however Chriſt deal with him, in his ſtrength, to keep faſt his hold there, and to live and dye adhering unto, and depending upon him. This Righteouſneſs is upon every ſuch a believing Soul. This Faith (though it may be more then a believing Soul knows) hath put on this righteouſneſs, therefore it is called. The righteouſneſs of faith, Phil. 3.9. The ſins of a Believer are put upon Chriſt's account, and Chriſt's righteouſneſs upon his, 2 Cor. 5.21. Faith being the only grace that receives it, as being peculiarly fitted for it; for no Man was ever accepted as righteous before God for that, which he did himſelf; but by receiving that which Chriſt did for him. And Faith is the only receiving grace. Love lays out, but Faith receives, Joh. 1.12, To as many as received him, &c.
4. The clothing of the Soul with this Righteouſneſs, hath a great influence into Soul proſperity. For conſider,
1. This is that Righteouſneſs alone, that anſwers all doubts, and fears, for want of ſuch a righteouſneſs, as might give acceptance with God, as to Eternal Life, ſo as to that, how vile ſoever they have judged themſelves, yet being clothed with it, they ſtand without blame before God, Col. 1.22, In the Body of his fleſh through death, to preſent you holy, and unblameable, and unreprovable in his ſight. This alone ſatisfies Conſcience; and well it may, for it ſatisfies God himſelf. In this, all the Scripture-Saints, in all Ages, have reſted, being clothed with it. Abraham before the Law, Rom. 4. David, under the Law, Pſal. 32. And Paul under the Goſpel, Phil. 3.9.
2. This is that garment alone, in which there may be acceſs with boldneſs, into the preſence of God, even at the laſt day, 1 Joh. 2.28, And now, little Children, abide in him, that when he ſhall appear, we may have confidence, and not be aſhamed before him, at his coming. Therefore much more in this day, Eph. 3.12, In whom we have boldneſs, and acceſs with confidence, by the faith of him. For this is a Righteouſneſs wherewith (we may warrantably ſay ſo) God is more highly pleaſed, and which (of the two) finds more acceptance in Heaven, then the righteouſneſs of the bleſſed Angels, that never ſinned. For their's is but the righteouſneſs of a Creature; This is the Righteouſneſs of God, Jer. 23.6,—This is his Name whereby he ſhall be called, The Lord our Righteouſneſs.
3. This is Everlaſting righteouſneſs, Dan. 9.24. In this, Chriſt ever hath appeared, and ever will appear in Heaven, in behalf of all thoſe, that come to God by him; and remains ſtill of the ſame Eternal efficacy, for the applying, and forth-giving of all the price of his Blood, all that thereby is purchaſed, for the health, well-fare, perfect and Eternal proſperity of the Soul, 1 Joh. 2.2. And he is the propitiation for our ſins, &c.
Now lay all theſe together, and let them be well weighed, and it will be granted, becauſe it will be found, that when once the Soul comes to have any degree of good hope, through grace, of its intereſt in it, and that it is clothed with it, that Soul will experimentally find, that this, above all things elſe, hath a powerful influence into its ſpiritual well-fare, and proſperity. For this keeps life in faith, and heart in hope; and enables the Soul to live in the exerciſe of them both, and in the exerciſe of Repentance, and keeps the heart warm with love to Chriſt. In the exerciſe of which graces (as hath been ſhewed) Soul-proſperity doth conſiſt, and is much promoted, 1 Joh. 3.3, And every one that hath this hope, purifieth himſelf, as he is pure. Zech. 12.10, I will powre—the ſpirit of grace, and ſupplication, and they ſhall look on him, whom they have pierced, and they ſhall mourn for him.—Luk. 7.47,—Her ſins, which are many, are forgiven, for ſhe loved much. 2 Cor. 5.14, 15, For the love of Chriſt conſtraineth us, &c.
Therefore, as ever we deſire that our Souls ſhould proſper, let us be much in the meditation of the Materials whereof the garment of this Righteouſneſs is made, that we may diſtinctly underſtand it; and let every humbled Sinner, wreſtling againſt the workings of his unbelief, and making out after an intereſt in Chriſt, adventure to apply it, and to receive it, as that which is freely offered unto him, Rev. 22.17, And the Spirit, and the Bride ſay, Come: and let him that heareth, ſay, Come. And let him that is athirſt, Come; and whoſoever will, let him take the Water of life freely. And ſo put it on, though by a weak and trembling faith; and continue ſtill to do it, that ſo in due time, when the only-wiſe God ſees it beſt for us, we may know we have it. This is the way to find reſt to our Souls.
For conſider but theſe two things.
(1.) That as the imputation of Adam's ſin, was the original of all ungodlineſs, and the undoing of all our Souls; ſo the imputation of this Righteouſneſs to the Soul, and the clothing of the Soul with it, is the original of all the principles of godlineſs, which are the life, and proſperity of the Soul; for by the merit of his death, Chriſt purchaſed them all; and by his interceſſion, and pleading this, he applyeth them all.
(2.) Conſider this: That it is as great, yea and greater ſatisfaction to Chriſt himſelf, to ſee an humbled, conflicting Soul receive it, put it on, apply it, and plead it, for what grace and mercy ſoever it ſtands in need of; I ſay it is a greater ſatisfaction to Chriſt himſelf to ſee ſuch a Soul do it, then it is to the Soul it ſelf, that doth it; though he know he hath done it, ſo as is accepted, Iſa. 53.11, He ſhall ſee of the travail of his Soul, and be ſatisfied. He accounts all the travails of his Soul, all his ſufferings, all his obedience to the Law ſatisfied for, in this.
And thus much of that Garment of Righteouſneſs which is wrought for the Soul, by Chriſt himſelf.
2. The Soul that proſpers muſt be clothed with the Garment of Righteouſneſs, wrought in the Soul, by the Spirit of Chriſt. The righteouſneſs wrought in the Soul, is the ſame with that which is called Saving grace, and true holineſs. It is called Righteouſneſs, becauſe it is the impreſſion of God's Righteouſneſs upon the Soul, in the exerciſe whereof, the Soul works unto God, as the chiefeſt good, and utmoſt end, by a right rule ſet in the Word: and therefore often expreſſed by Ʋprightneſs, and Sincerity. Every Soul that is clothed with the outward garment, the Garment of Righteouſneſs wrought for him; is alſo clothed with the inward Garment of Righteouſneſs wrought in him; though all are not ſo well clothed with it, as ſome are; but in ſome meaſure All are. For theſe two garments though they are diſtinguiſhed, yet they are always worn together, and never divided. Where Chriſt is Righteouſneſs to the Soul, he hath wrought this Righteouſneſs in the Soul. He that puts on Chriſt, puts on The New Man, which after God, is created in righteouſneſs, and true holineſs, Eph. 4.24. Hence it is, that when thoſe, whoſe Souls did proſper, are ſaid to be righteous Perſons, as Noah, Gen. 7.1. Abel, Matth. 23.35. Abraham, Iſa. 41.2. Zachary and Elizabeth, Luk. 1.6. And Lot, 2 Pet. 2.8. his Soul is ſaid to be a righteous Soul. And when it is ſaid, That the righteous ſhall ſhine as the Sun in the firmament, Matth. 13.43. And enter into Eternal Life, Matth. 25.46. We muſt underſtand it, that they were clothed with both theſe Garments, both that of Righteouſneſs wrought for them, and that of Righteouſneſs wrought in them. And whereas it is ſaid, 1 Cor. 6.9, That no unrighteous perſon can enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. We muſt underſtand it of thoſe, who have not the double clothing of Righteouſneſs: He that hath not both, hath neither: And he that hath the one, hath the other. And ſo far as a Man knows, that he is clothed with the One, ſo far he knows that he is clothed with the Other: and he that queſtions either, will queſtion both. He that is in doubt that he hath not the One, is in doubt that he hath not the Other.
In the proſecuting of this point, ſomething had need to be ſaid to each of the four Particulars.
1. I ſhall ſhew what the garment of Righteouſneſs wrought in us, is; The materials whereof it is made.
2. I ſhall ſhew, that without this garment, whatever profeſſion is made of intereſt in that other Garment of Righteouſneſs, which is wrought for us, the Soul cannot proſper.
3. That the better the Soul is clothed with this garment, the more it doth, and the better it will proſper.
4. Some Directions in reference to the clothing our ſelves with, and well uſing of this Garment.
(1.) What this Garment of Righteouſneſs wrought in us is, or the Materials whereof it is made. Ye may take this brief deſcription of it.
It is that Heaven-born Principle of ſpiritual life, which contains in it, the whole ſeed of God, the univerſal principle of godlineſs, enclining the heart ſeriouſly to endeavour, that every known truth may be heartily ſubmitted unto; every gracious principle exerciſed, every corruption mortified, every duty performed, every infirmity bewailed, the converſation in all things rightly ordered, every Providence improved, and all as in the ſight of God.
Ye ſee this garment is made up of ſeveral pieces, I can do no leſs, and I ſhall do more then ſpeak a little to each of them.
(1.) It is that Heaven-born principle of ſpiritual life, which contains in it the univerſal principle of godlineſs. As Original ſin is a univerſal principle of Corruption, levening throughout the whole lump of Man's nature: So this principle of Righteouſneſs wrought in the Soul, graciouſly renews the whole Man, though not wholly. The new Creature is born at once, though it grows by ſteps and degrees: Therefore every one that thinks, or deſires to be clothed with it, muſt put on the whole Armour of God, Eph. 6.10. 2 Pet. 1.5, 6, 7, Giving all diligence, add to your faith, vertue, &c. Col. 3.12, 13, Put on as the elect of God,—bowels of mercies, kindneſs, humbleneſs of mind, meekneſs, long-ſuffering, &c. That's health, when the whole Body thrives.
2. It is ſuch a principle, as inclines the heart ſeriouſly to endeavour to ſubmit to every known truth, though contrary to former apprehenſions, Act. 11.18, When they heard theſe things, they held their peace, and glorified God, &c. Joh. 1.47,—Behold an Iſraelite indeed, in whom is no guile. Weigh it well, and I ſuppoſe you will find the reaſon of it to be this, why Chriſt ſo highly honours him. Philip came and told him, We have found the Meſſiah. Nathaniel being poſſeſſed with prejudice, argues againſt it: Can any good thing come out of Galilee? Come, and ſee, ſaith Philip; and he did ſo. He took the right way to be informed: And notwithſtanding his prejudice, is glad to find out the truth; and accordingly acknowledged it. That Chriſt indeed was the Meſſiah. This was a Man in whom the Heaven-born principle wrought according to its nature, endeavouring to ſubmit to every known truth.
(3.) That every grace may be exerciſed in its ſeaſon. Herein, as in all things elſe, it willingly complies with the whole Will of God, which when the principle is infuſed, commands the exerciſe, 1 Joh. 3.23, And this is his commandment, that we ſhould believe on the Name of his Son Jeſus Chriſt, and love one another. It is the exerciſe of faith, and love that is there enjoyned.
(4.) Every Corruption mortified, Gal. 5.24, They that are Chriſt's, have crucified the fleſh, with the affection, and lusts. They are ſaid, To have done it, becauſe it is part of their every days work.
(5.) Duties performed: Of our general Calling, what relates to the worſhip of God, ſo as God may be ſerved acceptably, Heb. 12.28,—Let us have grace, whereby we may ſerve God acceptably, with reverence, and godly fear. And Duties of our particular Calling, and that with diligence. The ſame principle that inclines, To be fervent in Spirit, (in duties of worſhip) inclines not to be ſlothful in the buſineſs of our Calling, Rom. 12.11. And not only with diligence, as ſome are; They work hard, but do not pray hard. This is not diligence upon principles of Conſcience. But this Heaven-born principle we are ſpeaking of, inclines to diligence, upon a Religious account, that we may abide with God, in our Calling, 1 Cor. 7.24, Doing the work thereof heartily, as unto the Lord, Col. 3.23.
(6.) Converſation rightly ordered. When the root of it is in the heart, but the fruits of it are to be expreſſed in our converſation, Phil. 1.11, Being filled with the fruits of Righteouſneſs, which are by Jeſus Christ, &c. Thoſe that have this principle within, have this character, That they are upright in their converſation, Pſal. 37.14,—to ſlay ſuch as be of upright converſation. This is that which the Apoſtle means, by walking with a right foot, Gal. 2.14. Ordering our ſteps aright, Prov. 4.26, Making even paths for our feet, Heb. 12.13. That is, that one action bear proportion to another, and all good, according to the rule, Gal. 6.16. Not turning aſide to any crooked path. Pſal. 125.4, 5. In order to this, thoſe that do indeed mind their Soul-proſperity will, or ſhould propound to themſelves theſe three queſtions.
1. An liceat? May I do this, and not ſin?
2. An deceat? Is this becoming a Chriſtian? May I do this, and not wrong my profeſſion?
3. An Expediat? May I do this, and not give offence to others?
This Heaven-born principle, let it have its full liberty of working, it will incline the heart to this. And this is the way to order the converſation aright: So as to inherit that promiſe, Pſal. 50.23, To him that ordereth his converſation aright, will I ſhew the ſalvation of God.
(7.) Providences improved. Pſal. 107.43, Whoſo is wiſe, and will obſerve theſe things, even they ſhall underſtand the loving kindneſs of the Lord. Puzled, and aſtoniſhed ſuch a Soul may be ſometimes, at the ſtrange diſpenſations of God, but not offended, ſo as to face about. Still he holds on his way, in the paths of Righteouſneſs, Mic. 6.9, The Lord's voice cryeth unto the City; and the Man of wiſdom ſhall ſee thy Name; hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.
(8) All this in the ſight of God, 2 Cor. 2.17, But as of ſincerity, but as of God, in the ſight of God, ſpeak we in Chriſt. That God may be pleaſed, 1 Theſ. 4.1. And we approve our ſelves to God, 2 Cor. 5.9.
2. It is impoſſible the Soul ſhould proſper, or be indeed in any capacity of proſpering that is not clothed with it: For where this Inner is not, the other Outer garment is not. It is ſo, as I told you, that this Garment of Righteouſneſs wrought in us, and that the Righteouſneſs wrought for us, are never ſeparated the one from the other, ſo that the Soul that is altogether deſtitute of it, is in a Chriſtleſs ſtate, naked, and deſtitute of all ſpiritual clothing, Rev. 3.17. God, at firſt, ſent forth Man into the World compleatly apparelled with it, being created in righteouſneſs and true holineſs: but Satan, by his ſubtilty, ſtript him of it, and he became naked, Gen. 3.7. And thus he continues, till by the powerful Word and Spirit of Chriſt, his heart is made willing to come unto Chriſt, to receive him, reſt upon him, and abide in him. Till then, he is utterly deſtitute of all the materials of this garment. Some indeed, of whom there may be ſome hopes that they have obeyed the Call, and are come to Chriſt, are but poorly clad, even half naked, which is a ſad ſight. But theſe have none at all, they are naked all over, though inſenſible of it. They have no life at all, nothing of this principle, 1 Joh. 5.12, He that hath not the Son, hath not life.
3. The better the Soul is clothed with this garment, the more it doth, and the better it will proſper. For conſider.
(1.) The more we have of this Garment of Righteouſneſs, the more the Soul is brought into and preſerved in its right temper: The health of the Body conſiſts much in its right conſtitution, when it is not ſo oppreſſed with corrupt humours, but that it can reliſh its ordinary food, and can do that work that is to be done, by God's appointment, wherein it is ſet, and is not indiſpoſed, by ſickneſs, or weakneſs. Into ſuch a right temper, this righteouſneſs, when the principles of it are exerciſed, doth bring the Soul. This prevails againſt the ill humours the Soul is ſubject unto. It prevails againſt thoſe noiſom luſts that war againſt the Soul, as the Apoſtle ſpeaks, 1 Pet. 2.11. It is compared Eph. 6.14. to a Breaſt-plate, which if it be good, preſerves the principal parts of the Body; the Breaſt, wherein the vital parts of Man are cloſely coucht together. So this righteouſneſs preſerves the principal part of a Chriſtian, it keeps the Conſcience pure, the Soul undefiled; ſo far as it is exerciſed, it will keep a Man from his own iniquity, Pſal. 18.23. That which by nature he was more prone unto, then to others.
(2.) The more we have of it, and the better we are clothed with it, the more the Soul will be carried after God. It raiſeth the heart above all worldly enjoyments, ſo that it cannot ſettle upon them, as others do, Pſal. 4.6, 7, There be many that ſay, who will ſhew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. When David's heart was brought into its right temper, he could really, and truly, and …th much warmth, and ſtrength of affection, ſay, Whom have I in Heaven but thee? And there is none upon Earth, that I deſire beſides thee, Pſal. 73.25, 26.
(3.) The more we have of it, the more the Soul is fitted for Communion with God. By the firſt principles of it, a man is brought into a ſaving relation to God: but by their exerciſe and increaſe of it, it is fitted for a more ſenſible Communion with God. There muſt be a ſuitableneſs between neighbours that enjoy Communion together. Now the more we have of this, the more ſuitableneſs there is in us, to the holy nature of God, 1 Joh. 1.7, But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowſhip one with another.
(4.) The more we are clothed with it, the greater worth and excellency is put upon all natural, and civil righteouſneſs. Every action, ſo much as of this principle is exerciſed in it, ſo much it turns to the wellfare, and proſperity of the Soul. Duties of the ſecond Table are turned, as it were, into duties of the firſt, as Heb. 13.16. To do good, is a duty of the Second Table; and Sacrifice (whileſt it was a part of God's worſhip) a duty of the Firſt. But when in doing good to others, we act upon principles of Religion, and what we do to Man, is out of …ve to God, and out of reſpect to his authority over us, and to teſtifie our thankfulneſs for his goodneſs unto us; it is through Chriſt, acceptable to God, as an act of Religion, and ſo as advantageous to keep the Soul, in a thriving, proſpering frame, Jam. 1.27, Pure Religion before God and the Father is this, to viſit the Fatherleſs, and Widows in their affliction—
(5.) The more we have of it, the better evidence we have for Heaven; True, though we had as much as any Man living, it could not be our Plea for Heaven. The honour of that is reſerved to the righteouſneſs which Chriſt hath wrought for us: But it is our evidence, 2 Tim. 4.7, 8, I have fought a good fight, I have finiſhed my courſe, I have kept the faith. Henceforth is laid up for me a Crown of Righteouſneſs. And when we are under the apprehenſions of death, next unto the Righteouſneſs of Chriſt; this will be of greateſt uſe unto us, when all things elſe fail us, Iſa. 38.3, Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before thee in truth, and with a perfect heart—
4. A few words of the laſt part. Some Directions in reference to the well-clothing of our ſelves with, and well uſing of this garment. Conſider:
1. The deſires of our Souls ſhould be working ſtill after this clothing. There is a bleſſing promiſed to them that hunger, and thirſt after Righteouſneſs, Matth. 5.6.
(1.) Theſe deſires ought to be unlimited. Our deſires ſhould be ſtinted as to what is neceſſary and comely for the clothing of our Bodies, but not ſo, after this clothing for our Souls, we ſhould be filled with the fruits of righteouſneſs, as the phraſe is, Phil. 1.11. This is the moſt genuine property of this principle, To deſire (as we are ſtill under the command) to grow, 1 Pet. 2.1, 2,—That ye may grow thereby.
(2.) Theſe deſires ought to be ruling deſires. Whatever in the World the Soul deſires with greateſt earneſtneſs, our deſires after this Righteouſneſs muſt rule it. If deſires after any thing elſe be prejudicial to theſe deſires, they ought to be mortified, as irregular deſires. Yea a gracious heart will bleſs God, if he croſs them in it, as heartily as ever David did, 1 Sam. 25.32, 33, Bleſſed be the Lord—which hath ſent thee this day to meet me: And bleſſed be thy advice, and bleſſed be thou, which haſt kept me this day from coming to ſhed blood—Still maintaining that reſolution, that we ought not, we cannot, we dare not do any thing againſt this Righteouſneſs; but for it, 2 Cor. 13.8.
(3.) Theſe deſires ought to be conſtant, and not as ſome (as we ſay) when they are in a good mood; but as David ſaith, Pſal. 119.20, My Soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments, at all times. The righteouſneſs of many is but like the morning dew, Hoſ. 6.4.
2. This garment ſhould be put on, and worn every day; otherwiſe, the moths will eat it; the corruption that is in the heart, will ſpoil the beauty, comelineſs, and uſefulneſs of it. Therefore, though it was a vanity in that rich Man to cloth himſelf in Purple and fine Linnen every day; yet it is our duty, that our Souls be clothed every day, with the beſt garments we have, Luk. 1.75. That we ſhould ſerve God, In holineſs and righteouſneſs, all the days of our life: And then, every day to our dying day; that ſo they may be beſt at laſt: For this garment is like the garments of the Children of Iſrael in the Wilderneſs, which were never the worſe for wearing; no more is this: For to him that uſeth well that which he hath, more ſhall be given, Matth. 25.29.
3. If at any time there be any rent made in this garment, it muſt be immediately ſtitcht up, and mended, elſe the rent will be made worſe. Thus underſtand me. If there be any rent made in our humility by pride; in our meekneſs by our paſſionate Diſtempers; the like may be ſaid of every piece of this garment, of every particular grace; this muſt be made up, by humbling our ſelves before God; applying our ſelves to Chriſt both for pardon, and more ſupplies from his fullneſs. So David, when his faith failed in the exerciſe, as he confeſſeth, Pſal 73.2, My feet were almoſt gone, my ſteps had well-nigh ſlipt. He had loſt his ſtanding by faith, and judged by ſenſe, ver. 2. For this, (immediately upon the diſcovery) he humbles himſelf, ver. 21.22, Thus my heart was grieved— ſo fooliſh was I—And this made up the rent, and then his heart was carried out, as ſtrongly after God, as ever, verſ. 25.26, Whom have I in Heaven but thee, &c.
4. By way of encouragement, To get all we can, and to preſerve all we get, and to make the beſt uſe of it, every day, conſider,
(1.) Though this garment be not ſuch a covering, as that garment of righteouſneſs, which Chriſt hath wrought for us, for that covers from the guilt of ſin, yet this is a covering garment too.
(1.) From that diſ-reſpect, which meanneſs of Birth, or breeding, which deformity of Body, or a poor, and low condition in the World, may, and often doth, expoſe a Man unto, eſpecially with thoſe that value Men by the outſide. See what a covering this is, Prov. 12.26, The righteous is more excellent then his neighbour. Heb. 11.38, Of whom the World was not worthy; though they were worth little, or nothing in the World.
(2.) Though this garment covers not the guilt of ſin before God, yet it covers the nakedneſs cauſed by ſin, before Men. Sin makes a Man naked to his ſhame, in the eyes of Men: as Exod. 32.25, And when Moſes ſaw the people that they were naked (for Aaron had made them naked unto their ſhame, before their Enemies.) As whatever deformity there is in a Man's Body is ſeen by thoſe that ſee him naked. This garment when it is worn, as it ought to be every day, covers this nakedneſs. As Humility covers the nakedneſs of Pride; Meekneſs, the nakedneſs of raſh, and unadviſed Anger, ſtirred up, either without cauſe, or when there is cauſe, without meaſure. Sobriety, the nakedneſs of Intemperance; A free, and liberal diſpoſition, the nakedneſs of Earthlyly-mindedneſs, and Covetouſneſs. Self-denial the nakedneſs, of Self ſeeking, &c. Rev. 16.15, Bleſſed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, leſt he walk naked, and Men ſee his ſhame.
(3.) In ſome ſenſe, it covers the nakedneſs cauſed by ſin, from the eyes of God; ſo far, that though he hates the ſin, and often corrects ſeverely for it, yet when he ſees this garment, he is not extreme to mark againſt ſuch, Pſal. 130.3, The moſt righteous Soul ſins in many things. Yet, If any Man ſin, we have an advocate with the Father, even Jeſus Chriſt the Righteous, 1 Joh. 2.1. It is this righteous Soul, clothed with the garment of this Righteouſneſs wrought in us, over which Chriſt will caſt the Garment of that Righteouſneſs, which he hath wrought for the Soul, Pſal. 32.2, Bleſſed is the Man, to whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity. But, who is this Man? The next words tell us, In whoſe ſpirit there is no guile. i. e. That hath this righteouſneſs, which Chriſt works in the Soul. Therefore as we deſire, that our Souls ſhould proſper, let us gird this garment cloſe about us; and follow after this righteouſneſs while we live, and we ſhall be able to lay hold upon Eternal Life, when we dye, 1 Tim. 6.11, 12. And then Soul-proſperity will be perfected.