The Scripture Directory for Church Officers and People, Exposition 1 · Verse 11
Verſe 11. For other foundation can no man lay, then that is laid, which is Jeſus Chriſt.
THis Text is a Reaſon of that Caution delivered in the verſe before, Every man muſt take heed how he buil…eth: Why? Becauſe there is no other foundation but Chriſt. To ſet up any thing in Chriſts ſtead, or to deliver any thing contrary unto Chriſt; this is here reproved. So that in the words, Chriſt is deſcribed; ſecondly, the Miniſters duty about him declared.
Chriſt is deſcribed: 1. By his proper Name Jeſus, a Saviour of his people. 2. By his Office, Chriſt the Meſſiah, the anointed one. 3. Metaphorically, the foundation, ſometimes Chriſt is called the foundation; and ſometimes the corner ſtone; and all is to one ſenſe, to ſhew that he only ſupports the ſpiritual building, whether we mean the Church in general, or every ſoul in particular. Now, it's true, the Apoſtles Epheſ. 2. and Rev. 21. are called the foundation alſo, but theirs is Fundamentum fundam…ntorum, as Auſtin; or fundamentum fundans, and fundamentum fundatum: The Apoſtles are only foundations that are built upon another foundation, viz. Chriſt. Or elſe the Apoſtles might be called a foundation, becauſe of their Doctrine; in which ſenſe Peter is called a rock: And Chriſt ſaith, he would build his Church on him, viz. upon that Doctrine confeſſed by him, Mat. 16.18. Though Cameron underſtandeth it of the perſon of Peter, yet not in the Popiſh ſenſe, but becauſe Peter was to be uſed as the firſt Perſon, who ſhould preach the Goſpel to the Gentiles: ſo that he is the rock of the Church, becauſe on his preaching firſt was built, the declaration of the Goſpel to the Gentiles: But this I affirm not. For, you ſee here, he is not only the foundation, but the ſolitary foundation; No other.
Secondly, Their is the duty of the Miniſter, Any other can no man lay. Can none; that is, none ought. Illud poſſumus, quod jure poſſumus. Obſerve,
That the Miniſters of God ought to lay no other Foundation then Chriſt.Obſerv. Of preaching Jeſus Chriſt as the foundation.
They are to build their people upon no other rock. All is to referre to Chriſt: All Threatnings, all Promiſes, all Commands, all Duties; they are to bring to Chriſt As every thing in the Temple was covered with gold, ſo Chriſt is to cover all things: To be in all things. But how is this to be unnderſtood? We ſhall ſhew how many waies Chriſt is to be preached as a Foundation, How many waies Chriſt is to be preached as a foundation.and you the Hearers are to make uſe of him in that ſenſe.
Firſt therefore, He is to be laid down as the only foundation, in reſpect of knowledge and inſtruction. We are to preach and ſet up him, as the great Prophet and Teacher of his Church. He cals himſelf the light that came into the world, Joh. 8.12. The Miniſters, they are light, but as the Starres do lucere luce alienâ, with a borrowed light from the Sunne; ſo neither do the Miniſters of the Goſpel enlighten any other way but by light from Chriſt. Hence he was propheſied of betimes, as the great Prophet whom God would raiſe up for his Church; and for this end he is ſo often called the Word, becauſe he doth reveal unto us Gods will, and God from Heaven commanded all to hear him, Mat. 17.5. All the Prophets were the Prophets of Chriſt; all the Officers in the new Teſtament, are the Officers of Chriſt. So that we are to declare that all people, who expect Inſtruction, Reformation, and any profit by the Miniſtry, muſt not build on man, but Chriſt. And this is the chief ſcope here. No man may lay any other foundation: No man may ſet up any other Doctor or Teacher, viz. principal, but him; as is to be ſeen in the former Chapter. And that is the reaſon (ſay ſome) why Paul doth ſo often name Jeſus Chriſt in that Chapter. And no marvell if he be the foundation, for none Teacheth as he, both objectively and ſubjectively. We all reveal the Object, and propound the Doctrine to your ears, though none did ſo objectively as he did; but ſubjectively none can teach as he: He giveth the underſtanding heart; he opens the eyes to ſee, and the ears to hear. Never therefore expect the powerfull effect of the Miniſtry, unleſs thou build on Chriſt more then the parts of a man. The abilities of the man, theſe are but like Gehazi with the Prophets ſtaff, they will not raiſe the dead Child, unleſs Chriſt come himſelf. It's true, we muſt not ſet up a teaching of Chriſt, in oppoſition to the Miniſtry, as ſome did: They would have no Miniſtry at all, but expect to be taught by him; yet as we muſt neceſſarily uſe it, ſo it muſt be ſubordinate to Chriſt.
Secondly, We muſt preach Chriſt the foundation of all ſtrength and power, from whom we receive all ability to do any thing that is good. To lay free-will for a foundation; to preach up mans power, for Chriſts power, will be found ſt…uſtble and hay, if not worſe, when the fiery tryal ſhall come Thus Joh. 15. Without me ye can do nothing. O there he doth excellently ſhew! As the branch, unleſs it be in the Vine, muſt wither, and can bring forth no fruit; ſo unleſs a man be in Chriſt, and abide in him, he is not able ſpiritually to live or move. And this is a neceſſary and excellent way of preaching Chriſt, when he is ſet up as the only fountain of all our ſpiritual abilities, when the humane ſtrength of man is debaſed, and contemned; yea, diſcovered to be not only impotent, but abhominable and contrary unto God. Hence Chriſt is compared to the Olive-tree, from whence we have all our fatneſs, Rom. 11. And he cals himſelf the life and the way, Joh. 11.25. The way, that is a Prophet: The life, that is a foundation of all ſpiritual ſtrength. Now in Popery, when there was ſo much advancing of free-will, and magn…fying the merit and worth of the good works we did, Chriſt was much obſ…ured. Therefore …e are not only to exhort you to pray, to repent, to reform, but to preach Chriſt as him by whom you muſt have power to do thoſe things. People generally make little, or no uſe of Chriſt in this reſpect, when yet thou needeſt him all the day long. I can do all things, through Chriſt that ſtrengthens me, Phil. 4.13.
Thirdly, Chriſt is preached as a foundation, when he is exalted in our Mi…iſtry, to be the head of the Church, and he that governeth all things. The head is for direction and government, and alſo for lively influence and nouriſhment. And thus Chriſt is 1 Col. 1. to the 15. What divine and admirable exaltations are there of Chriſt, ſetting him up above all things, and making him the head of the Church, which is his body? Oh, the preaching of Chriſts Head-ſhip and ſupremacy is of great conſequence! There had never been ſuch bold preſumption, to be an univerſal head in the Church; never ſuch tyranical government therein; never ſuch Angel-worſhip, and invocation of Saints, and a thouſand of thoſe derrogatory Doctrines, had Chriſt been exalted as Head. Paul ſaith, They brought in worſhip of Angels, becauſe they held not the Head, Col. 3.19 And that blaſphemous Doctrine, of making the Pope an head of the Church, though they would extenuate it, by calling him a miniſterial head, is a groſs invaſion of Chriſts right. Though Chriſt thought it no robbery to be equall with God, yet the Pope ought to think it robbery to be equall with Chriſt. Who then can excuſe Bellarmine from blaſphemy, who is not afraid to apply that promſe of Eſay, Behold I lay in Zion a foundation ſtone, to the Pope, though ſecondarily? Look we then, that are Miniſters, and you that are people, To keep this Doctrine pure. Chriſt is the head of the Church: All direction and government muſt be from him: All vivificall influence into the Churches is by his ſpirit. So that as the body cannot live or move without the ſoul, ſo neither can the Churches of Chriſt ſpiritually move, without life received from him. The Scripture doth often delight to uſe this ſimilitude.
Fourthly, Chriſt is to be ſet up the only foundation, in reſpect of mediation and interceſſion with God. We can have no approach to God without him, becauſe of the great gulf ſin hath raiſed between him and us. He is a conſuming fire, and we are ſtubble, without Chriſt. Concerning Deus Abſolutus, as Luther would ſay, The ſoul of a man may not think of him without horrour, or deſpair; but as he is Deus relatus, related to us in Chriſt. And this is (indeed) the primary, and the moſt noble ſetting up of Chriſt as the foundation, when we again and again inſtruct you of what diſtance and contrariety there is between God and a ſinner; and that only by his mediation there can be an agreement. There is one Mediator, (ſaith the Apoſtle) 1 Tim. 2.5. No man may, can, dare, to draw nigh to God, or think of him, without this Mediatour. Oh, but how practically ignorant are people of Chriſt herein! They do not go to God in Chriſts Name: They do not deſire, by Faith to bring Chriſt (as it were) into Gods preſence, that he may behold us in him; that we may be Jacobs in our eldeſt Brothers cloaths. As Joah bid the Meſſenger tell David, when his anger ſhould riſe, becauſe they had the worſe in battell, that Ʋriah is ſlain; and this quieted David. So it's here: When the wrath of God ſhall be ready to ariſe againſt thee, Why haſt thou b…oken this Command? Why haſt thou traſgreſſed this Law? Then ſay, Chriſt was killed: Chriſt was the Lamb ſlain. And this will appeaſe the wrath of God. Rev. 10.1. Chriſt is there deſcribed with a rainbow upon his head, very fitly. As God ſaid, He would not drown the world any more, but look upon the rainbow, and remember that Covenant of mercy: So it's here; God will not damn the poor ſinner repenting and believing, but he will remember this rainbow; he will look on Chriſt. Now this preaching of Chriſt, hath been wonderfully obſcured in ſetting up other Mediatours, other Interceſſours; ſo that Chriſt was ſeldom ſpoken of, but the Virgin Mary, St Francis, and others. And this very point was the firſt occaſion of coming out of Popery, The obſcuring of Chriſts Mediatourſhip. They equalized St Francis to Chriſt: They (indeed) ſaid, the way to Heaven was by Chriſt, but it was eaſier by St Francis. So that if you look upon the Doctrine of other Mediatours, about the Virgin Mary; about their Canonized Saints; about Images; about Indulgences Oh, the black clouds that were drawn over that glorious Sunne of righteouſneſs! Let then Miniſters and people keep to this; look to this: For without it, all the marrow of Religion is loſt. Only by Chriſt his mediation with God. God is an enemy to me, and I to God. And for this end were all thoſe Sacrifices appointed in the old adminiſtration, to ſhew, that by Chriſt was all reconcilement and atonement. Do not thou then think thy teares muſt do that, which belongs to Chriſts blood. Thy teares, thy humiliation, thy broken heart for ſinne, is indeed neceſſary; but to think by theſe to have a mediation with God, is to build another foundation then what the Apoſtles laid. And truly, if ſinne be rightly conſidered, in the infinite aggravation of it, we we muſt quickly yeeld, none but who is an infinite perſon, can be our Mediatour.
Fifthly, From this floweth another neceſſary way of preaching Chriſt a foundation, viz. Of acceptation of our perſons and duties. Our Juſtification is built only on him, and all the ſweet ſavour that our duties have, is through him. Thus Paul doth frequently make Chriſt the P…llar and foundation of all his boldneſſe and acceptance of grace through him. Eph. 3.12. In whom we have boldneſs and free acceſs. We cannot inherit or obtain a bleſſing, unleſs we come in our elder Brothers cloaths, as was even now ſaid before. He is made unto us wiſdom, righteouſneſſe, and ſactification; yea, we are made the righteouſneſſe of God through him, 2 Cor. 4. ult. Which expreſſion firſt uſed by Ambroſe, but found in Cal…in by Pigh…u…, was a means to bring him off to imputed righteouſneſſe. And Paul throweth away all his own works as d…g, in compariſon of the righteouſneſs through faith in Chriſt, Phil. 3. Thi… i… a ſpecial foundation; few are acquainted with this Goſpel foundation. The… build on their works, on their duties; they reſt on them as a foundation, nor making Chriſt all in all. He is the Altar from whom the incenſe of the Prayers of the Saints is accepted. As Jacob ſaid, Let not me ſee your face, unleſs you bring Benjamin. Thus God ſaith, Pray not, but in the name of Chriſt: Give not thanks, but through Chriſt. What a Myſtery was this to the ſeduced Belivers, even in the Apoſtles times? The Epiſtle of the Romanes, and eſpecially to the Galathians, is wholly to ſettle this foundation: That it was not the righteouſ…eſs of the Law i… their own perſons, or …f works they were to ſeek after, but a righteouſneſs of Faith through Chriſt. Yet where is the Chriſtian to ſpiritual, ſo Goſpelized, as to go out of all his duties, reſting on Chriſt only? He is diligent and carefull in the uſe of them, but leaneth on Chriſt only. We are the circumciſion, who worſhip God in the ſpirit, and rejoyce in Chriſt Jeſus only, Phil. 3.3.
Sixthly, Chriſt is to be preached as the foundation of all fulneſſe, for all our neceſſities and ſpiritual wants. The people of God, they ſit dejected through the…r nakedneſſe and poverty. Oh, they would have better hearts, more fruitfull lives! and they complain and complain, but they do not make uſe of Chriſts fulneſſe, for all their wants. He is the fountain, their ſtreams are to be repleniſhed by him. Of his fulneſs, we all receive grace for grace, Joh. 1.16 That is, aboundance of grace, as ſome; or grace, anſwering the grace in Chriſt. And Col. 1. It pleaſed God, that in him ſhould all fulneſs dwell. So that the ſoul cannot be caſt into ſuch ſtraights, as not to know where to be ſupplied. There is the fulneſs of the fountain, and therefore the veſſel may well be filled: This is the fulneſs in the Head, therefore the members may thrive and flouriſh It's a ſad thing to conſider how unacquainted even the godly are in this point. They do not improve Chriſt: They do not go to his fulneſs. As the Mothers breaſts are filled for the Child, and it's an eaſe to the Mother to have the Child to ſuck them: Thus Chriſt received the fulneſs of grace, as an Head for us, and by Faith we ſucking of it, do exceedingly pleaſe and honour Chriſt.
Ʋſe of Inſtruction. What it is to preach Chriſt, even to ſet him up in all this glorious fulneſſe; To repreſent him in all theſe Offices and Perfections for us. It's true (indeed) there are few people that can prize him, that can ſee the glory of theſe Properties. They admire nothing but the pleaſure of ſi…ne, and the glory of the world. Therefore our work is not ſo often to ſet forth the beauty of Chriſt, as the foulneſs of ſinne, and the torments of Hell. We like John P…p…iſt, are to prepare a people for Chriſt; to caſt down high mountains; to wound and break the heart of ſinners; to take them off from all falſe foundations. The ignorance, ſtubbornneſſe, and ſtupidity of moſt hearers, do call for the two-edged ſword to wound and cut, not for balm and oyl to be poured in their wounds. But yet certainly, this is our main work, to preach Chriſt in this his heavenly glory. Although, to ſpeak properly, (as is to be ſhewed in time) to preach Chriſt, is to preach alſo all the duties, all the threatnings, all the Commands Chriſt required. To preach Repentance, is to preach Chriſt; but we take it moſt ſtrictly in this place. Oh then, that our Auditories were ſuch, to whom Chriſt in all his glory might be diſplayed; ſuch as we might have into this Wine-celler every day; ſuch as might be invited to this Banquet, and heavenly Feaſt that the Goſpel hath provided. A people that know the the need of Chriſt; that deſire and thirſt after Chriſt: That ſay with the Church, I will hold him, and will not let him go. Bernard did not like to read Tully's Works in all his eloquence, becauſe he did not find Chriſt there. How ſhouldſt thou in all prayers, duties, conference, ſtill deſire to enjoy Chriſt? Saying with the Church, I am ſick of love.
The Miniſters of the Goſpel are to lay no other foundation but Chriſt Jeſus. If ye are branches, he is the Vine: If ye are the body, he is the Head: If ye the building, he the Foundation. He is the Rock, He is the Root. Heb. 1.3. He upholdeth all things by the Word of his power in Creation, much more in Redemption.
Two or three Particulars more we are to inſtance in, by which it may appear in what Chriſt is laid a foundation. And
Seventhly, He is to be preached as the Fountain of all the happineſs, joy, and ſpiritual content the godly hearer can have. We are to preach Chriſt as the center in whom all the lines of your hope, love, and deſire are to meet. Thus Paul himſelf, I determined to know nothing but Chriſt crucified, 1 Cor. 2.2. The Greek words are comparative, Chriſt crucified rather then any thing elſe. There is no Doctrine, no Opinion; there is no outward or earthly advantage that I deſire to know, but Chriſt. And in many other places, you have Paul deſpiſing and renouncing all priviledges: To be a Jew, was nothing; Circumciſion, was nothing: To be an Apoſtle, to be a pure Roman; all theſe were nothing with Paul, in reſpect of the excellency of the knowledge of Chriſt. Therefore it is, that Chriſt is compared to our King, to our Husband, to our Head; becauſe all our affections, deſires, and inclinations, ſhould be towards him. And this is ſo neceſſary a foundation, that no man can be Christs Diſciple, that doth not attain to this; that doth not hate Father, and Mother, and Children, for his ſake. Oh then, conſider, Where is thy joy, thy love? Upon whom is thy heart ſet? If it be on any thing but Chriſt, thou erreſt in the Foundation. Oh, but how hard a thing is it, thus to Diſciple our Auditours! Some have the world for Chriſt, ſome their luſt for Chriſt; and thus inſtead of building gold and precious Stones, they build dung and ſilth.
Eighthly, Chriſt is to be preached as the perſon with whom we are to cloſe in all Ordinances. We are to look for Chriſt, and enjoy him in every Prayer, in every Ordinance. Any duty without Chriſt, is like the body without the ſoul; the ſhadow without the ſubſtance. Truly (ſaith the Apoſtle) our Communion and fellowſhip is with the Father, and his Son Jeſus Chriſt, 1 Joh. 1.3. Thus Chriſt is ſaid to come to us, and ſup with us: By which phraſes is implyed, that the heart of a man ſhould not reſt in any duty, and ſtay there, but go to Chriſt in it. As they that looked for Chriſts body, were not content to ſee the linen where his body lay, but did ſtill ſeek after him: It was not enough for the Church to be in the Garden where the Spices and Flowers did ſmell, unleſs ſhe found her Beloved there. And thus it's not enough to come to any duty, to pray, to hear, to draw nigh in any Ordinance, unleſs we meet with Chriſt himſelf. But to whom are theſe things known? Is it not with us as with little Children, they can take a Book, they look on it, turn over the leaves, but know not any of the ſenſe of it? Thus it is with many people, they come to pray, to hear, to the Ordinances; but to ſpeak of Chriſt enjoyed by them, to have ſpiritual Communion with Chriſt in them, is ſuch ſpiritual ſenſe, they underſtand not. That was the great ſinne of the Jews, they reſted in the Ordinances and duties of the Law, and never looked out to Chriſt: And againſt this the Apoſtle doth ſo vehemently diſpute. And thus we do with Ordinances of the Goſpel, people generally reſt in the external performance of them, and not on Chriſt in them; a… if the Wiſe ſhould be content with the Picture of her Husband, not cari…g for the Husband himſelf. The preaching of Chriſt as a foundation in this reſpect, …s of ſuch practical neceſſity, that all true godlineſſe lyeth in this. The Apoſtle ſpeaking the quinteſſence of all godlineſſe ſaith, We are the Circumciſion, who have no confidence in the fleſh, but rejoyce in Chriſt Jeſus, Phil. 3.3. This is praying; this is hearing; this is the true performance of any religious duty, when we have no confidence in them, but rejoyce in Chriſt Jeſus only.
Laſtly, We are to preach Chriſt, not only as the foundation of our approaches to God, but of all Gods gracious actions and viſitations to us. We are not only to come to God in Chriſts name, but to expect that God will come to us through Chriſt. God is in Chriſt, reconciling the world to himſelf, 2 Cor. 1.19. We are juſtified in Chriſt, and ſaved in Chriſt. All Gods gracious actions vouchſafed to us, are founded upon Chriſt as the meritorious cauſe of them. It's rue the indeed, predeſtination, though it be in Chriſt, for the accompliſhment of all our ſpiritual mercies, yet it was not for Chriſt. This the Orthodox do well maintain by Scripture, that Gods predeſtinating of us in the Original of it, is wholly from the ſovereign power, and good counſel of God; yea, that Chriſt himſelf is the effect of Predeſtination, from that good pleaſure of his, he gave his Sonne for us. But then all the eff…cts of Predeſtination, Juſtification, Adoption, Remiſſion, Sanctification, Salvation, theſe all are beſtowed for Chriſts ſake. They coſt blood, even the blood of his only Sonne, ere we could be partakers of them. Thus Chriſt joyneth Heaven and Earth together; makes a Reconciliation between a provoked God and a ſinfull ſinner. And this the Apoſtle conſiders, when …e ſaith, That by him all things are reconciled in Heaven and in Earth, Col▪ 1.20. Thus you ſee, Chriſt is a Fountain alwaies running: We Miniſters, and you people, may alwaies draw out there, and yet the Fountain be never dry. He is like thoſe waters of Ezekiel, that ariſe higher and higher: In theſe an Elephant may ſwimme. We may ſtill diſcover more excellency, more fulneſſe in him. The Queen of Sheba had no ſpirit to ſee Solomon in all his glory; but behold a greater then Solomon here.
Reaſons why Miniſters are to lay no other foundation but Chriſt.In the next place, let us conſider the Reaſons why we Miniſters are to lay no other foundation but Chriſt: To make him all in all.
Firſt, It's the main end and ſcope of the Scriptures only to exalt Chriſt, and the end of the Miniſtry ſhould be the ſame with the end of the Scripture. All the Prophets before Chriſt, they witneſſed of the Meſſiah; ſtill they comforted the people with promiſes of his coming. Abraham, though ſo long before Chriſts Incarnation, yet it's ſaid, He ſaw Chriſts day, and rejoyced, Joh. 8.56. All thoſe Sacrifices which were immediately …t the beginning of the world did look to Chriſt, they typified him. Noah offered a Sacrifice, and God did ſmell a ſweet ſavour of reſt, Gen. 8.…1. Alas, Could the material Sacrifice do that? God careth not for the Rammes and Bullocks upon the hils, it ſmels there offenſive; but it was becauſe of Chriſt. Burnt Offerings and Sacrifices thou wouldst not have, then ſaid I, Lord I come, Heb▪ 10.9. All thoſe Rammes, thoſe Bullocks, thoſe Goats, they all did typifie a Chriſt. The people that then lived, ought not to think, that pardon of ſin could be had by ſhedding of their blood. Eſpecially, the Covenant of grace that God made with Abraham, and renewed ſo many times, did relate to Chriſt, the ſeed in whom all Nations were to be made bleſſed. And it's good to conſider how, when the Church was in any great extremity, the Prophets would then comfort it about Chriſt. Iſa. 9. To us a Sonne is born. And Iſaiah 53. he doth as plainly propheſie Chriſts ſufferings, as the Evangeliſts relate it; inſomuch, that ſome have called Iſaiah the fifth Evangeliſt. And the Prophet Micha, He ſhall be our peace, when the Aſſyrian ſhall come into our land, Mich. 5.5. Thus then you ſee, that all the Old Teſtament doth wholly tend to magnifie Chriſt; and as for the New Teſtament, that is wholly ſpent, either in relating the Hiſtory, or the gracious Effects of Chriſt; condemning all Doctrines and Opinions that would ſet up any thing in Chriſts room.
Secondly, As the Scripture, ſo Gods great purpoſe and counſell from all eternity, was, to ſet up Chriſt, and to have him glorified. Therefore would God take ſuch a way, as that by his Sonne all mercy ſhould be obtained, that ſo all honour, glory, and praiſe, might be for ever given to him. Hence it is, that we read of God the Father ſometimes appearing in a glorious manner, and owning of him. This is my beloved Sonne, in whom I am well pleaſed, viz. with man kind, (Mat. 3.17.) hear him. It's diſputed among Divines, whether there could be any other way for our Redemption and Salvation, but by him; but who can tell, what God abſolutely may do, or not do? To be ſure, God hath determined on this way, as that wherein the glory of the Father, and of the Sonne, may be more magnified. If then God was pleaſed to have all glory given to Chriſt, and to have him ſet up in all things, it's a great Reaſon we ſhould honour him, whom God would have us honour.
Thirdly, We muſt preach Chriſt the foundation, becauſe in him there is ſuch a Treaſure of the riches of Gods Grace, and Gods Love; that the Angels, they were never ſatisfied with this point. How greatly the Angels were affected when Chriſt came into the world, there Hymne ſignifieth: As alſo how ſpeedy they were to be Evangeliſts, to bring glad tydings of a Chriſt. Glory be to God on high, in earth peace, and good will to men, Luke 2.14. This Song is the foundation of all Religion and Comfort. Yea, The Angels (ſaith Peter, 1 Pet. 1.12.) deſire to ſearch into this Myſtery: foreign, to ſtoop down, as they did to look into the Sepulchre, or as men do to behold themſelves in a Glaſs. If therefore the Angels, ſuch pure and heavenly ſubſtances, be ſo affected with this way and Doctrine of Chriſt, how much more we? For we need him more then they. Some Divines indeed, ſay, The Angels needed Chriſt to confirm them: And in this ſenſe, he is their Head; but a Mediatour of an atonement, he was not unto them as he is to us. Conſider that place, Epheſ. 3.10. By the Church and the Miniſtery thereof, the manifold wiſdome and riches of Gods grace in Chriſt, are made known. So that the very Angels are glad to hear, and know this Doctrine about Chriſt.
Fourthly, Therefore are we to exalt Chriſt in our Miniſtry, to lay him the foundation, becauſe in Heaven, though Chriſt will then lay down the exerciſe of his Mediatory Kingdom, yet the glory and honour muſt be given unto him for ever. The Saints in Heaven, will for ever acknowledge the glory, the happineſs, the bleſſedneſſe they have to be by Chriſt. Is it not neceſſary therefore to inſtruct you in that work, which we are to do to all eternity? Chriſt is not to be laid aſide in Heaven. His blood, his ſufferings, his atonement will never be forgotten: For, only by Chriſt, is their ſuch a place as an Heaven; only by him is ſalvation poſſible. Why then ſhould not that truth fill our mouths and our hearts here, which will poſſeſſe our ſouls to all eternity?
Fifthly, The neceſſity of preaching Chriſt the foundation, ariſeth from the ignorance of people, who do groſſely erre about Chriſt, both Doctrinally and Practically.
Doctrinally: For though Chriſt be in every mans mouth, yet few have knowledge of his Perſon and his Offices. Though they be called Chriſtians from Chriſt, yet they can give no good account of their knowledge of him. And if this be eternal life to know Jeſus Chriſt, John 17.2. certainly the groſſe and notorious ignorance in many, proclaimeth them farre off from the Kingdom of Heaven. How canſt thou hope in Chriſt, and believe in Chriſt, who knoweſt not what Chriſt was, and for what end he came into the world?
And then Practically many are ignorant of him. They feel not the neceſſity of him as a Phyſician, as a Mediatour: They perceive not at what a diſtance ſinne hath caſt them from all hopes: They feel not the arrows of the Almighty darted into them: They feel no l…ad or burden of ſinne upon them, and therefore the Name and Office of Chriſt, is not welcome to them.
Sixthly, The neceſſity appeareth, becauſe of the ſubtilty and emnity of Satan; who hath continually ſet himſelf againſt Chriſt and his Church. I hat as at the firſt ingreſſe into Chriſts Miniſtry, he violently aſſaulted him, and never left oppoſing his perſon, ſo ever ſince he hath laboured to obſcure Chriſt, and traduce his way. In the firſt age of the Church, then he ſet againſt the Perſon of Chriſt: Hence came up thoſe many Heretiques, ſome denying he was God, ſaying, He was only man; Others, Only God, and not a man, but in the appearance of a man. Some confounded his Natures, ſome multiplied his Perſonality; ſo that all the ſubtile power of the Devil, was, to overthrow the Perſon of Chriſt. But in this latter age, he ſet againſt the Offices of Chriſt. And thus in Popery (though Socinians revive thoſe old blaſphemies) his Prieſtly Office, his Prophetical, his Kingly; all thoſe were quite darkned by their Maſſe and Indulgences: and many ſuch abhominable derogations from Chriſt.
Seventhly, We have the more need to exalt Chriſt, becauſe there is pro…eneſſe in every man to truſt in his own works; To reſt upon his own righteouſneſs; To advance and ſet up nature. Now, ſo much as theſe are exalted, ſo much is Chriſt debaſed. We ſee our own natures in the Jews, though it was in thoſe glorious times, wherein Chriſt, and the Apoſtles manifeſted themſelves, yet men did ſtill ſeek to be juſtified by the works they had done: Their endeavour was to eſtabliſh their own righteouſneſſe, though that, like Dagon before the Ark, did fall to the ground before Chriſt; and truly, ſuch were greater enemies to Chriſt, more then prophane Publicans and ſinners. So that the Scripture preaching of Chriſt, will drive men out of their civil righteouſneſs, out of their formality, and confidence in themſelves, which is the ſtrongeſt hold that the Miniſtry hath to batter. We may ſooner diſſolve thoſe groſſe acts of wickedneſſe, then remove this mountain of ſelf-righteouſneſſe. Yet, if Chriſts Righteouſneſſe, his worth be all, why wilt thou be a Chriſt to thy ſelf?
Ʋſe of Inſtruction. What matter of wo and lamentation it is, to ſee ſo few build upon this foundation? Some put their truſt in riches, in charriots and horſes; ſome in the works they do; and thus Chriſt, whom God deſigned to be all over glorious, is not glorified by us. Examine your ſelves in this one thing among others, Is Chriſt the bottom and foundation of all thy love, joy, and delight? Art thou affected with him in a ſpiritual manner, as the Church is? Is he the chiefeſt of ten thouſands? Do men of the world come and ask thee, What is thy beloved more then others? What is there in Chriſt, more then any thing elſe? Canſt thou ſay, as Aristotle to him who asked why ſuch colours refreſh ſight, It was a blind mans queſtion? So, this is a natural mans, an earthly mans queſtion. It's a ſign thou never didſt taſte of his goodneſſe, of his power: It's a ſign thou haſt not eaten of his Honey-combes, or wert fed on his ſpiritual dainties, that doeſt make ſuch queſtions. Never lay claim to Chriſt, if Father, Mother, Riches, Honours, and thy own life be dearer to thee then Chriſt is.
For no other foundation can any man lay, but Chriſt Jeſus.
In how many particulars Chriſt is to be preached as a foundation, and the reaſons thereof, you have heard. I ſhall now remove ſome Objections, that ſo the truth may be more cleared, and then give you the Properties and Incouragements or Priviledges thoſe people have, who are built on Chriſt this foundation. And
Firſt, It may be objected, How can Chriſt only be preached as a foundation? Object.For is not the Doctrine about a God, that there is a God, and but one God; Is not this a foundation? Doth not the Apoſtle ſay, He that would come to God, muſt believe that he is, and a rewarder of thoſe that ſeek him? So that this foundation muſt be laid, as well as about Chriſt. And it's made eternal life, to know God the Father, the only true God, as well as Chriſt, John 17.12. Where the object of our faith, that is fundamental, is divided into that of God, and of Chriſt, the foreign, and the foreign. Thus alſo the Doctrine of the Trinity, That there are three, and theſe one God, is a foundation, becauſe we are baptized into the Name of theſe three, and the knowledge of them muſt needs be fundamental.
To anſwer this. When we ſay, Chriſt is to be laid as the only foundation,Anſw. that is excluſive of all humane foundations, it doth not exclude God the Father, or God the holy Ghoſt, but inclu…es them rather. So then, we are not to preach Jeſus Chriſt, as the foundation of all our comfort, peace and ſalvation, as that God the Father, and the holy Ghoſt are to be ſhut out of this. No, they had all their appropriated working in this great Redemption of mankind. And therefore as in thoſe places, where God the Father is ſaid to be the only God, and one God, that is not excluſive of the other perſons, but of made and feigned gods, of Idols made gods by men: So it's here, Chriſt Jeſus is preached as the foundation, yet God the Father, and the holy Ghoſt, have their peculiar workings alſo, though only the ſecond Perſon is the Mediator.
And therefore ſecondly, Chriſt Jeſus cannot be preached as the foundation, unleſs the Doctrine of God the Father, and the holy Ghoſt be alſo made known. Hence are thoſe expreſſions, He that knoweth the Sonne, knoweth the Father alſo. And, He that denieth the Sonne, denieth the Father; And he that honoureth the Sonne, honoureth the Father, John 8.19. John 5.23. The Doctrine of Chriſt as Mediatour, cannot be laid down without the Doctrine of God the Father, giving his Sonne to be thus a Mediatour for us, and the Spirit of God, as applying, working, and ſealing all thoſe benefits, that Chriſt hath purchaſed. Hence Chriſt doth often acknowledge the Father in that work he came to do for mankind. So that Chriſt Jeſus is the foundation; but there may be a more explicite revealing of what is neceſſarily implied in this foundation.
A ſecond Objection is, Is Chriſt only to be preached as the foundation? Object.And are people to be built upon him? Then what need Miniſters preach of any thing elſe but Chriſt? What need they preach of faith and repentance? Eſpecially, Why ſhould they preach of the threatnings, and the curſe of the Law, of the torments of Hell? Doth it become the Miniſters of the Goſpel to be ſonnes of thunder? Have they any work to do, but to offer Chriſt to every one? Every Sermon, ſhould it not be an Ho to every one that is thirſty, naked, or miſerable, that is burdened and laden to come to Chriſt?
Thus indeed ſome have runne into extremity,Anſw. and thought Chriſt was not preached, becauſe he is not alwayes proffered as a Saviour to ſinners, but the Law and Duties, and Hell torments are preached. Now to this we ſay many things:
Firſt, When the Miniſters of God preach duties, the work of repentance, or mortification; they preach them not as foundations, They do not lay them in Chriſts room, and therefore they do not croſſe this Text. Doth not this Paul, who is ſo carefull to lay no other foundation but Chriſt, diligently exhort in other places to avoid ſinne, to live in the fervent practice of holy duties? Who is more zealous in this way than Paul? Paul to theſe very Corinthians, hath many ſevere admonitions, to make them humble and ſorrowfull for their ſinnes, yet he did not lay another foundation, becauſe theſe are preached only as the way whereby Chriſt may be obtained. We do not then tranſgreſſe this Text, when we preach repentance to the ſinner, humility to the proud man, heavenly-mindedneſs to the earthly man, righteouſnneſſe to the unjuſt man, chaſtity to the unclean man. We do not forget our Office, we do not runne from our Text, becauſe we preach them not as a foundation. Indeed if any preach them ſo as to reſt on them, to put confidence in them, this man layeth another foundation; but ſo do not the Orthodox, we preach Chriſt the meritorious cauſe, duties are the way, not the cauſe. And although Chriſt be ſaid to be in a different ſenſe the way, yet duties are the way, Chriſt is the way effectively and meritorious; but ſo are not duties.
Secondly, Though the Miniſters are to lay no other foundation, yet they are to build upon this; they muſt enlarge themſelves in the explication of this foundation. They muſt not build hay or ſtubble, but gold and precious ſtone: So that we are not only to lay the foundation, but to adde all other things that may make us a comely building upon Chriſt.
Thirdly, To preach Chriſt, is not only to preach Chriſt as the Object matter, but all the things Chriſt would have us to preach. That is to be obſerved, we preach Chriſt when we preach all thoſe things he hath commanded, as well as when he is the ſubject matter of our Sermons. When Paul about the Lords Supper ſaid, I delivered unto you, that alſo which I received of the Lord Chriſt. Here he preached Chriſt, as well as when he ſaid, This is a faithfull ſaying, Chriſt came into the world to ſave ſinners. So that here may be a great miſtake, thou thinkeſt Chriſt is never preached, but when he is named, when he is the matter of the Doctrine and Uſe: Yet, when we preach the whole counſel of God, and deliver what ever he hath commanded us to reveal to our people, then we preach Chriſt. Thus the Apoſtles in their voyages and journeys where they went, are ſaid to preach Chriſt; and in thoſe Sermons, they did not onelyonly preach Jeſus to be the Meſſias, but alſo commanded all other duties of faith, repentance, love, as the Auditories did require.
Fourthly, We are to preach duties, but in reference to Chriſt. Take any particular grace, that the Miniſters of the Goſpel provoke men to; this cannot be done without bringing the ſoul to Chriſt; and therefore though the Miniſters of the Goſpel do not in every Sermon name it, yet it is to be ſuppoſed: As for example, take repentance; we ſay, every ungodly ſinner, unleſſe he repent, unleſſe ſinne be a burden, an heavy bitterneſſe to him, and he fully forſake it, he muſt neceſſarily periſh. Now many wayes Chriſt is concerned in this. For,
1. He cannot repent and be humbled for ſinne, unleſſe Chriſt give him ſtrength. Without me ye can do nothing. The branch ſeparated from the tree hath no moiſture, no juyce in it, John 15. Thus a man without Chriſt hath foreign, an hard heart, a withered heart, an heart without any moiſture, any ſoftneſſe, ſo then Chriſt is here implied.
2. Repentance cannot be Evangelical and filial, without Gods love in Chriſt. Judas did repent, the Scripture cals it ſo, but becauſe there was only gall in it, and no honey, only horrour and terrours, and no faith to allay thoſe waves; Therefore his very repenting and deſpairing was a grievous ſinne. So then to preach ſuch a repentance as driveth from God, filleth the heart with curſed horrours, and hated of God, and thereby to runne to hils and mountains to cover us from God: Or to put a man upon ſuch penal and afflicting labours to the fleſh, that may ſatisfie and appeaſe God: This is to bid men bring wild and ſour grapes for ſweet: This is to preach from Chriſt, not to preach Chriſt. But repentance truly preached is to have our ſorrow for ſinne, accompanied with faith in the promiſes, and a reſting upon tht bloud of Chriſt. Thus as it is in repentance, ſo in every grace. When we preach it, we preach Chriſt, becauſe by him we only have ability to do it, and through him only have acceptation, and as we ſaid, though the Miniſters in every exhortation do not thus name Chriſt, yet this is to be ſuppoſed.
Laſtly, We do not tranſgreſſe this Text, no not when we preach the Law, the threatnings, the torments of hell, becauſe theſe are to drive us out of our ſelves, to make us ſee our own poverty and wickedneſſe, that ſo Chriſt may be the more welcome. Chriſt himſelf, though ſometimes he cals the heavy loaden to him in a meek way; yet when he hath to do with ſuch as truſted in their own righteouſneſſe, and found no need of his Mediatorſhip, he cals them Hypocrites, he bids a woe to them, he threatens them with hell. And Paul tels you in his own experience, he had never come to prize Chriſt, to eſteem him, had not the Law diſcovered ſinne to be out of meaſure ſinfull; then he died, then he was undone, then, Oh miſerable man that I am, who ſhall deliver me? What ſhall I doe? And thus Peter converted three thouſand by conviction of a particular ſinne they had committed, viz. the murder of Chriſt, and the aggravation of it, and this pricked them at heart. And ſo Paul being called to preach of faith in Chriſt to Felix, he preſently preacheth about righteouſneſſe and temperance, becauſe Felix lived in the two contrary vices; and alſo of the Judgement to come. Thus he would have brought Felix to the eſteem of Chriſt. So that to preach the Law in the purity of it, in the curſing nature of it; to preach hell, and the eternal torments thereof, is neceſſary, becauſe this is to make way for Chriſt. This is to put iron in the fire, that ſo being ſoftened, it may be put into any faſhion.
Thus we have removed the Objections, and ſhewed you, That though other things are to be preached beſides Chriſt, yet reductively all things are brought to him at laſt. They are but as the rivers that come from the Sea, and empty themſelves therein.
I ſhall conclude thi… Text, with ſhewing you,The great advantages which thoſe people have, who are built on Chriſt. The great advantages that people have who are built on Chriſt.
Firſt, They are a ſound ſtedfaſt people, not carried away as the chaff, and ſtraw is with every wind of Doctrine, Heb. 13. Jeſus Chriſt the ſame yeſterday, and for ever; and then followeth, Be not carried about with divers and ſtrange Doctrines. The Connexion is thus made by ſome, The truth of Chriſt, the Doctrine of Chriſt is ſtill the ſame. And therefore do you retain the ſame ſtedfaſt faith. Oh when men are not built on Chriſts Doctrine, but their own opinions, their own conceits, they have Reubens curſe, Ʋnſtable like water! Col 2. They that fell to the worſhipping of Angels and Saints did not hold the head; Look then to what thy faith, thy ſoul is bottomed upon, whether Chriſt be thy teacher, or thou be thy own teacher. Now this ſtedfaſtneſſe and immoveableneſſe of thoſe that are founded on Chriſt, appeareth in their reſiſting of the violence of perſecution, and the ſubtilty of hereſies. In the one, the Devil is a roaring Lion: In the other, he is a gliſtring, ſliding Serpent. The one is like the violent wind to the traveller, that by force would pull off his garments: The other like the hot Sunne-beams, that by degrees maketh him throw them away. Oh this is excellent comfort, in the winnowing to be found wheat and not chaff; in the fire to be gold, and not droſſe! God you hear in this Text, will have a fire, to try all mens doctrines, and if it be ſtubble and hay, it will quickly be conſumed. My ſheep hear my voice, and a ſtranger they will not hear, or follow, John 10.5.
Secondly, A people built on Chriſt, will not be formal and customary in religious duties, resting upon the performance of them, but carried out to Chriſt himſelf. Oh who can bewail this enough! How are all duties of Religion, but as the picture without a ſubſtance, as a body without the ſoul? They pray, and hear, and hear, and pray, but cloſe not with Chriſt in theſe things. Thus as Rehoboam for the golden veſſels that were in the Temple, put in materials of braſſe. So whereas the people of God in their ſpirituality, fervency and heavenly mindedneſſe had their hearts up to Chriſt; Now they think all is done with the external labour of the lips, or bowing of the body. We may ſay to you thus affected in your duties, as they that were looking for Chriſt in the Sepulchre, He is riſen, he is not here. As falſe teachers, that brought in the works of the Law, and the duties of the Law, did put theſe in ſtead of a Chriſt; ſo do Chriſtians make their Duties, their Ordinances, their Performances a very Idol-Chriſt to ſave them, but thoſe that are built on Chriſt know better.
Thirdly, Thoſe that are ſetled and founded on Chriſt, they have ſpiritual ſtrength, and holy vigour communicated to them in the wayes of godlineſſe. For though Chriſt be here called a foundation, and that giveth only ſupport, yet in other places he is the root of the Vine; the Head, which denotes more than a meer foundation, viz not only ſupporting, but conveying all grace, and lively nouriſhment to the godly heart, whereby they grow up and increaſe to more degrees of holineſſe. Now this is a wofull ſpectacle to ſee a people the ſame, both for knowledge and life, they were many years ago; no more underſtanding in heavenly things, no more growth in faith, in zeal, in communion with God. Even as the picture on the wall that is ſtill the ſame, not one cubit is ever made to the ſtature thereof.
Laſtly, Thoſe that are built on Chriſt, receive of the Spirit of Chriſt, in all the works of it. A ſpirit making thee pray with groans unutterable, a convincing, a ſanctifying ſpirit, or ſealing and aſſuring ſpirit. An auditory deſtitute of Gods Spirit, is like a Golgotha, a place of dead mens skuls, or rather dead hearts: They ſavour no ſpiriual duty, priviledge, or motive. The Corinthians are ſaid to have Chriſt amongſt them, becauſe they had the Spirit of God in the gifts and operations thereof.
Ʋſe of Inſtruction. What manner of perſons ye ought to be; ſuch who have a ſure, and a good foundation both for faith and godlineſſe. Look to what bottome you ſtand upon. The reaſon given, why ſtormes and tempeſts could not beat down that houſe is, Becauſe it was built upon a Rock ▪ Mat. 7.25. Eſpecially try your ſelves by thoſe fore-going properties, do you under all temptations of troubles or errours ſtand like the rock in the midſt of the waves, whereas Chriſt ſaid, We muſt leave father, and wife, and children, and houſes, and life to follow Chriſt? Do ye not leave Chriſt to follow theſe? Are you like the green leaves in the river? The Locuſts did not eat or conſume, and not the dried ones prepared for any falling off? Doe ye ſhew the efficacy and lively power of Chriſt in your ſelves? Oh if ye were branches in him, how could ſuch ignorance and prophaneneſſe be in many mens lives? Eph. 4. The Apoſtle ſpeaketh of knowing the truth as it is in Jeſus; How is that? When the truths we believe make us put off the Old-man, and put on the new, when they are like coals of fire in your breſt; but the impiety and formality of moſt people proclaim they have not this foundation.