The Method of Grace, Sermon 29
The Twenty ninth SERMON.Sermon 29.
1 JOHN 2. 6.Text.
He that saith he abideth in him, ought himself also so Of the Imitation of Christ in holiness of his life, and the necessity of it in all believers.to walk, even as he walked.
THe express and principal design of the Apostle in this Chapter, is to propound marks and signs both Negative and Positive, for the trial and examination of mens claims to Christ; amongst which (not to spend time about the Coherence) my Text is a principal one: a trial of mens interest in Christ by their imitation of Christ. It is supposed by some Expositors that the Apostle in laying down this mark had a special design to overthrow the wicked Doctrine of the Carpocratians … taught (as Epiphanius relates it) that men might have as much Communion with God in sin, as in duty. In full opposition to which the Apostle lays down this Proposition, wherein he asserts the necessity of a Christ-like conversation in all that claim Union with him or interest in him. The words resolve themselves into two parts.
Viz.
1. A Claim to Christ supposed.
2. The only way to have our claim warranted.
First, We have here a claim to Christ supposed; if any 1.man say he abideth in him: abiding in Christ is an expression denoting proper and real interest in Christ, and communion with him: for it is put in opposition to those temporary, light and transient effects of the Gospel, which are called a morning dew, or an early cloud: such a receiving of Christ as that, Mat. 13. 21. which is but a present flash, a sudden vanishing pang: abiding in Christ notes a solid, durable and effectual work of the Spirit, throughly and everlastingly joyning the soul to Christ. Now, if any man whosoever he be (for this indefinite is equivalent to an universal term) let him never think his claim to be good and valid, except he take this course to adjust it.
Secondly, The only way to have this claim warranted, 2.and that must be by so walking even as he walked: which words carry in them the necessity of our imitation of Christ. But it is not to be understood indifferently and universally of all the works or actions of Christ, some of which were extraordinary and miraculous; some purely mediatory and not imitable by us: in these paths no Christian can follow Christ; nor may so much as attempt to walk as he walked. But the words point at the ordinary and imitable ways and works of Christ: therein it must be the care of all to follow him, that profess and claim interest in him: they must so walk as he walked: this [so] is a very bearing word in this place; the emphasis of the Text seems to lie in it: however, certain it is that this so walking doth not imply an equality with Christ in holiness and obedience: for as he was filled with the spirit without measure, and anointed with that oyl of gladness above his fellows, so the purity, holiness and obedience of his life is never to be matched and equallized by any of the Saints. But this so walking only notes a sincere intention, design and endeavour to imitate and follow him in all the paths of holiness and obedience according to the different measures of grace received. The life of Christ is the Believers copy, and though the Believer cannot draw one line or letter exact as his copy is, yet his eye is still upon it, he is looking unto Jesus, Heb. 12. 2. and labouring to draw all the lines of his life as agreeably as he is able unto Christ his pattern.
Hence the Observation is,
DOCT.
That every man is bound to the imitation of Christ under penalty Doct.of forfeiting his claim to Christ.
The Saints imitation of Christ is solemnly enjoined by many Christiani … Christo nomen acceperunt, & operae pretium est, ut sicut sunt …eraedes nominis, ita sint imitatores sanctitatis. Bern. sent. lib. p. 436.great and express commands of the Gospel: so you find it, 1 Pet. 1. 15. But as he that hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation: So Eph. 5. 1, 2. Be ye therefore followers of God as dear Children, and walk in love as Christ also hath loved us. Christians (saith Bernard) receive this name from Christ: and it is very meet that as they inherit his name, so they should also imitate his holiness. Now to state the method of this Discourse, it will be needful to discuss and open three things in the doctrinal part.
1. What the Saints imitation of Christ supposes and comprizes.
2. In what particulars they are especially bound to imitate Christ.
3. Why no claim to Christ is valid without this imitation of him.
And then apply the whole in divers Uses.
First, What the Saints imitation of Christ supposeth and comprizeth. Now there are divers great and weighty truths 1.supposed and implyed in this imitation of Christ; or walking as he walked, viz.
First, It supposes that no Christian is or may pretend to be a rule to himself, to act according to the dictates of his own will and pleasure: for as no man hath wisdom enough to direct and govern himself; so if his own will were made the rule of his own actions, it would be the highest invasion of the divine prerogative that could be imagined: I know, O Lord, (saith Jeremy) that the way of man is not in himself, it is not in him that walketh to direct his own steps, Jer. 10. 23. We may as well pretend to be our own makers as our own guides. It is a pretty observation of Aquinas, that if the workmans hand were the rule of his work, it were impossible he should ever err in working: and if the will of man were the only law and guide of his way, we might then say no man would sin in his walking. The Apostle indeed saith of the Heathens, Rom. 2. 14. that they are a law to themselves; but it is not his meaning that their will is their law, but the law of God engraven upon their hearts: the light and dictates of their own Consciences, did oblige and bind them as a law.
Secondly, This imitation of Christ implies, that as no man is or may pretend to be his own guide, so no meer man how wise or holy soever he be, may pretend to be a rule to other men: but Christ is the rule of every mans way and walking. 'Tis true indeed, the Apostle saith, We should be followers of them, who through faith and patience inherit the promises, Heb. 6. 12. And again, James 5. 10. Take my Brethren the Prophets who have spoken in the name of the Lord for an example of suffering affliction and of patience: but you must always remember that there is a twofold rule.
1. Regula regulans, the rule, ruling.
2. Regula regulata, the rule ruled.
The wisest and holiest among men may pretend no higher than a ruled rule. The great Apostle, though filled with as great a measure of the spirit of wisdom and holiness as ever was possessed by any meer man; yet goes no higher than this, 1 Cor. 11. 1. Be ye followers of me, as I also am of Christ. The best of men are but men at best: they have their errors and defects which they freely acknowledge: and where they differ from Christ, 'tis our duty to differ from them: we may not pin our faith upon any mans sleeve, for we know not where he will carry it. It was the commendation which Paul gave of the Thessalonians, 1 Thes. 1. 6. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord. The noble Bereans were also commended for searching the Scriptures and examining the Nec ego te, nec t… me, sed am…o audiemu… Christum. Aug.Apostles doctrine by it: and it was a good reply of the Eather, to a clamorous disputant crying hear me, hear me, I will neither hear thee, nor do thou hear me; but let us both hear Christ.
Thirdly, The imitation of Christ implies the necessity of sanctification in all his followers: for as much as it is impossible there should be a practical conformity in point of obedience, where there is not a conformity in spirit and principle; all external conformity to Christs practice, depends upon an internal conformity to Christ in the principle and spirit of holiness. 'Tis very plain from Ezek. 11. 19, 20. that a new heart must be given us, and a new spirit put into us, before we can walk in Gods statutes: we must first live in the spirit, before we can walk in the spirit, Gal. 5. 25.
Fourthly, The imitation of Christ plainly holds forth this, that Christian religion is a very precise and strict religion; no way countenancing licentiousness, or indulging men in their lusts: it allows no man to walk loosely and inordinately; but rejects every mans claim to Christ who studies and labours not to tread exactly in the footsteps of his holy and heavenly example. Prophaneness and licentiousness therefore can find no shelter or protection under the wing of the Gospel: this is the universal rule laid upon all the professors of the Christian Religion: Let every one that nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity, 2 Tim. 2. 19. (i. e.) let him either put on the life of Christ, or put off the name of Christ: let him shew the hand of a Christian in works of holiness and obedience, or else the tongue and language of a Christian must gain no belief or credit.
Fifthly, The imitation of Christ necessarily implies the defectiveness and imperfection of the best men in this life: for if the life of Christ be our pattern; the best and holiest of men must confess they come short in every thing of the rule of their duty. Our pattern is still above us; the best of men are ashamed when they compare their lives with the life of Christ. 'Tis true, a vain heart may swell with pride when a man compares himself with other men: thus measuring our selves by our selves, and comparing our selves among our selves we shew our folly, and nourish our pride: but if any man will compare his own life with Christs, he will find abundant cause at every time, and in every thing to be humbled. Paul was a great proficient in holiness and obedience; he had been long striving to come up to the top of holiness; yet when he looks up and sees the life of Christ, and rule of duty so far above him, he reckons himself still but at the foot of the Hill, Phil. 3. 12. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect, but I follow after, if that I may apprehend, that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. q. d. Alas I am not come up to my duty; I am a a great way behind, but I am following after, if at last I may attain it: perfection is in my expectation and hope at last, not in my attainment here.
Sixthly, The imitation of Christ as our general rule and pattern, necessarily implies the transcending holiness of Primum & optimum in unoquoque genere est regula & mensura caeterorum.the Lord Jesus. His holiness is greater than the holiness of all creatures: for only that which is first and best in every kind, is the rule and measure of all the rest. 'Tis the height of Saints ambition to be made conformable to Christ, Phil. 3. 10. Christ hath a double perfection, a perfection of being, and a perfection of working: his life was a perfect rule, no blot or error could be found therein; for he was holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners: and such an High-Priest became us as the Apostle speaks, Heb. 7. 26. The conformity of professors to Christs example is the test and measure of all their graces: the nearer any man comes to this pattern, the nearer he approaches towards perfection.
Seventhly, The Christians imitation of Christ, under penalty of losing his claim to Christ, necessarily implies sanctification and obedience to be the evidences of our justification and interest in Christ: assurance is unattainable without obedience, we can never be comfortable Christians except we be strict and regular Christians, Gal. 6. 16. As many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy; and upon the Israel of God. A loose and careless conversation can never be productive of true peace and consolation, 2 Cor. 1. 12. This is our rejoicing, the testimony of our Conscience; that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God; we have had our conversation in the world. Let men talk what they will of the immediate sealings and comforts of the spirit without any regard to holiness, or respect to obedience; Sure I am, whatever delusion they meet with in that way; true peace and consolation is only to be expected and found here: The fruit of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness quietness, and assurance for ever: We have it not for our holiness, but we always have it in the way of holiness. And so much of the first particular, namely, what the imitation of Christ implies and comprizes in it.
Secondly, In the next place we are to enquire in what 2.things all that profess Christ are obliged to the imitation of him; or what those excellent graces in the life of Christ were, which are propounded as patterns to the Saints.
The life of Christ was a living law; all the graces and Quid vobis cum virtutibus qui virtutem Christi ignoratis? Ubinam, quaeso, vera prudentia, nisi in Christi doctrina? Ubi vera temperantia, nisi in Christi vita? Ubi vera fortitudo, nisi in Christi passione? Bernard.vertues of the Spirit were represented in their glory, and brightest luster in his conversation upon earth: never man spake as he spake; never any lived as he lived: we beheld his glory (saith the Evangelist) as the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, John 1. 14. But to descend to the particular imitable excellencies in the life of Christ, which are high patterns and excellent rules for the conversations of his people, we shall from among many others single out the ten following Particulars which we are obliged to imitate.
Pattern 1.
And first of all, the purity and holiness of the life of Christ is proposed as a glorious pattern for the Saints imitation, 1 Pet. 1. 15. As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation: foreign, in every creek and turning of your lives. There is a twofold holiness in Christ; the holiness of his nature and the holiness of his practice; his holy being, and his holy working: this obligeth all that profess interest in him, to a twofold holiness, viz. holiness in actu primo, in the principles of it in their hearts; and holiness in actu secundo, in the practice and exercise of it in their conversations: 'tis very true, we cannot in all respects imitate the holiness of Christ; for he is essentially holy; proceeding by nature, as a pure beam of holiness from the Father: and when he was incarnate he came into the world immaculate, and pure from the least stain of pollution; therefore it was said, Luke 1. 25. That holy thing which shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God: in this we can never be like Christ in the way of our production: for who can bring a clean thing out of that which is unclean? not one. The Lord Jesus was also efficiently holy, (i. e.) he makes others holy: therefore his sufferings and blood are called a fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness, (i. e.) to cleanse other mens souls, Zech. 13. 1. in this Christ also is inimitable: no man can make himself or others holy. That's a great truth though it will hardly go down with proud nature, minus est te fecisse hominem, quam sanctum, we may sooner make our selves to be men than to be Saints. Beside, Christ is infinitely holy as he is God, and there are no stints or measures set to his holiness as Mediator, John 3. 34. for God giveth not the spirit by measure unto him. But notwithstanding these excepted respects, the holiness of Christ is propounded as a pattern for our imitation six ways.
First, He was truly and sincerely holy, without fiction or simulation: and this appeared in the greatest trial of the truth of holiness that ever was made in this world, John 14. 30. The Prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me: when he was agitated and shaken with the greatest temptations, no Galaxia est maxima frequentia minimarum stellarum, quae prae exiguitate ad nostrum aspectum distinctè pervenire nequ…unt, ut caeterae stellae, atque ita inter se lumen commiscent, & confundunt, Conimb. de Meteor. cap 2.dregs appeared; he was like pure fountain-water in a Crystal Glass. The hypocrite makes shew of more holiness than he hath▪ but there was more holiness in Christ, than ever appeared to the view of men. We may say of the way of Christ, what the Philosopher saith of the milky way in the Heavens; that those faint streams of light which we see there, are nothing else but the reflection of innumerable Stars which shine there, though they be invisible to us: there was much inward beauty in him, and so there ought to be in all his followers; our holiness, like Christs, must be sincere and real, Eph. 4. 24. shining with inward beauty towards God rather than towards men.
Secondly, Christ was uniformly holy, at one time as well as another; in one place and company as well as another; he was still like himself, an holy Christ: one and the same tenour of holiness ran thoughout his whole life, from first to last: so must it be with all his people: holy in all manner of conversation. Christians, look to your copy, and be sure to imitate Christ in this; write fair after your Copy; let there not be here a word and there a blot; one part of your life heavenly, and pure, and another earthly, and dreggy: or (as one expresses it) now an heavenly rapture, and by and by a fleshly frolick.
Thirdly, Christ was exemplarily holy: a pattern of holiness to all that came nigh him, and conversed with him. O imitate Christ in this. It was the commendation of the Thessalonians that they were ensamples to all that believed in Macedonia, and Achaia, and that in every place their faith to God-ward was spread abroad, 1 Thes. 1. 7, 8. Let no man go out of your company without conviction or edification; so exemplary were the primitive Christians, Phil. 3. 17.
Fourthly, Christ was strictly and precisely holy; which of you convinceth me of sin? The most envious and observing eyes of his greatest enemies could not pick a hole, or find a flaw in any of his words or actions: 'tis our duty to imitate Christ in this, Phil. 2. 15. That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine (or as the word may be rendred imperatively, among whom shine ye,) as lights in the world. Thus foreign.it becomes the followers of Christ to walk circumspectly or precisely, for so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men, 1 Pet. 2. 15.
Fifthly, Christ was perseveringly holy, holy to the last breath; as he began, so he finished his whole life in a constant course of holiness: in this also he is our great pattern: it becomes not any of his people to begin in the spirit, and end in the flesh: but on the contrary, their last works should be more than their first; let him that is holy be holy still, Rev. 22. 11.
Sixthly, In a word, the delight of Christ was only in holy things and holy persons; they were his chosen companions: even so it becometh his people to have all their delights in the saints and in the excellent of the earth, Psal. 16. 3. Thus Christians, be ye followers of Christ in his holiness: God hath decreed this conformity to Christ in all that shall be saved, Rom. 8. 29. he banisheth all unholy ones from his gracious presence for ever, 1 Cor. 6. 9. Heb. 12. 14. The design of Christ in dying for you was to make you pure and holy, Eph. 5. 25, 26. O then study holiness; eye your pattern; and as dear Children be ye followers of your most holy Lord Jesus Christ.
Pattern 2.
The obedience of Christ to his Fathers will is a pattern for the imitation of all Christians: 'tis said of Christ, Heb. 5. 8. that he learned obedience by the things which he suffered; a Text which labours under some difficulties: Christ learned obedience, and yet was not ignorant before of what he learned afterward: he was perfect in knowledge; and yet the Apostle speaks of him as a proficient in the School of Wisdom. But we must consider there are two ways of learning, viz.
By
1. The comprehension of the mind.
2. By the experience of the sense.
Christ as God was perfect in knowledge; nothing could be added to him: but when he became man, then he came to understand or learn by sufferings as the Apostle here speaks; which though it added nothing to his knowledge, yet it was a new method and way of knowing. Now the obedience of Christ is our pattern whereunto we are obliged (as ever we will warrant our claim of interest in him) to conform our selves in the following properties of it.
First, Christs obedience was free and voluntary, not forced or compulsory: it was so from the very first undertakement of the work of our redemption, Prov. 8. 30, 31. Then was I by him as one brought up with him, and I was daily his delight, rejoycing always before him: rejoycing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men. And when the fulness of time was come for executing that blessed design which had been in prospect from all eternity, how chearfully did the will of Christ echo to his Fathers call, Psal. 40. 7. Then said I, Loe I come, in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God, yea, thy Law is within my heart. Nor was this a flourish before he came into the field, and saw the enemy; for he laid down his life with the greatest chearfulness and spontaneity that could be, John 10. 17, 18. Therefore doth my father love me, because I lay down my life that I might take it again; no man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of my self: and indeed the voluntariness of Christ in his obedience unto death gave his death the nature and sormality of a sacrifice, for so all sacrifices ought to be offered, Lev. 1. 3. and so Christs sacrifice was offered unto God, Eph. 5. 2. It was as grateful a work to Christ to dye for us, as it was to Moses his mother to take him to nurse from the hand of Pharaohs daughter. O Christians, tread in the steps of Christs example: do nothing grudgingly for God, let not his commands be grievous, 1 John 5. 3. If you do any thing for God willingly, you have a reward; if otherwise, a dispensation only is committed to you, 1 Cor. 9. 7. Obedience in Christ was an abasement to him, but in you a very great honour and advancement, you have reason therefore to obey with cheerfulness.
Secondly, The obedience of Christ was universal and compleat, he was obedient to all the will of God, making no demur to the hardest service imposed by the will of God upon him, Phil. 2. 8. He became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross: and though it's true the humanity of Christ recoyled and staggered when that bitter cup of the wrath of God was given him to drink; yet how soon was that innocent aversation overcome in him by a perfect submission? nevertheless not my will, but thine be done, Mat. 26. 39. Christians here is your pattern: happy art thou Reader, if thou canst say when God calls thee to suffering, and self denying work, I am filled with the will of God. Such was Pauls obedience. Acts 21. 13. I am ready not only to be bound, but to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
Thirdly, The obedience of Christ was sincere and pure, without any base or by end, purely aiming at the glory of God. Joh. 17. 4. I have glorified thee on earth, I have finished the work thou gavest me to do. He sought not honour of men. This was the great desire of his soul, John 12. 28. Father glorifie thy name: and truly the choicest part of your obedience consists in the purity of your ends, and in this Christ is propounded as your pattern, Phil. 2. 3, 4, 5.
Fourthly, The streams of Christs obedience flowed from the spring and fountain of ardent love to God. Joh. 14. 31. But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do: Thus let all your obedience to God turn upon the hinge of love. For love is the fulfilling of the law, Rom. 13. 10. Not as if no other duty but love were required in the law; but because no act of obedience is acceptable to God, but that which is performed in love.
Fifthly, In a word, The obedience of Christ was constant, he was obedient unto the death, he was not weary of his work to the last. Such a patient continuance in well doing is one part of your conformity to Christ, Rom. 2. 7. 'tis laid upon you by his own express command, and a command back'd with the most incouraging promise, Rev. 2. 10. Be thou faithful unto the death, and I will give thee the crown of life.
Pattern 3.
The self-denial of Christ is the pattern of believers, and their Conformity unto it is their indispensable duty. Phil. 2. Vulpibus in saltu rupes excisa latebr as Praebet & aereis avibus dat sylva quietem: Ast hominis nato nullis succedere tectis Est licitum. Heinsius.4, 5, 6. 2 Cor. 8. 9. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. Jesus Christ for the glory of God, and the love he bare to the elect, denied himself all the delights and pleasures of this world, Mat. 20. 28. The Son of man came not to be ministred unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many, he was all his life long in the world a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, Isa. 53. 3. more unprovided of comfortable accommodations, than the birds of the air, or beasts of the earth. Luke 9. 58. The Foxes have holes, and the Birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. Yet this was the least part of Christs self-denial: what did he not deny when he left the bosom of his Father with the ineffable delights and pleasures he there enjoyed from Eternity, and instead thereof to drink the cup, the bitter cup of his Fathers wrath for our sakes? O Christians, look to your pattern; and imitate your self-denying Saviour. There is a threesold self you are to deny for Christ.
First, Deny your natural self for him, Luke 14. 26. Hate your own life in competition with his glory as well as your natural lusts, Titus 2. 12.
Secondly, Deny your Civil self for Christ: whether they be gifts of the mind, Phil. 3. 8. or your dearest relations in the world, Luke 14. 26.
Thirdly, deny your moral and religious self for Christ, your own righteousness, Phil. 3. 10. deny sinful self absolutely, Col. 3. 4, 5. Deny natural self conditionally (i. e.) be ready to forsake its interests at the call of God. Deny your religious self, even your own graces comparatively, not in the notion of duties, but in the notion of righteousness: and to encourage you in this difficult work consider,
First, what great things Christ denied for you, and w…at small matters you have to deny for him.
Secondly, how readily he denied all for your sakes, making no objections against the difficultest commands.
Thirdly, How uncapable you are to put any obligation upon Christ to deny himself in the least for you, and what strong obligations Christ hath put you under to deny your selves in your greatest interests upon earth for him.
Fourthly, Remember that your self-denial is a condition consented to, and subscribed by your selves, if ever you received Christ aright.
Fifthly, In a word, Consider how much your self-denial for Christ makes for your advantage in both worlds, Luke 18. 29. O therefore look not every man upon his own things, but upon the things that are of Christ, let not that be justly charged upon you which was charged upon them, Phil. 2. 21. All seek their own, not the things which are Christs.
Pattern 4.
The activity and diligence of Christ in finishing the work of God which was committed to him as a pattern for all believers to imitate. 'Tis said of him, Acts 10. 38. He went about doing good. O what a great and glorious work did Christ finish in a little time! a work to be celebrated to all Eternity by the praises of the redeemed. Six things were very remarkable in the diligence of Christ about his Fathers work.
First, That his heart was intently set upon it. Psal. 4. 8. Thy Law is in the midst of my heart, or bowels.
Secondly, That he never sainted under the many great discouragements he frequently met withal in that work. Isa. 42. 4. He shall not fail, nor be discouraged.
Thirdly, That the shortness of his time provoked him to the greatest diligence. John 9. 4. I must work the work of him that sent me while it is day, for the night cometh when no man can work.
Fourthly, That he improved all opportunities, companies, and occurrences to further the great work which was under his hand. John 4. 6, 10.
Fifthly, nothing more displeased him than when he met with disswasions, and discouragements in his work; upon that acc…t it was that he gave Peter so sharp a check, Mat. 8. 33. Get thee behind me Satan.
Sixthly, Nothing rejoyced his soul more than the prosperity and success of his work. Luke 10. 20, 21. When the Disciples made the report of the success of their Ministry, it is said, in that hour Jesus rejoyced in spirit. And O what a triumphant shout was that upon the cross at the accomplishment of his work, John 19. 30. It is finished.
Now Christians, eye your Pattern, look unto Jesus, trifle not away your lives in vanity. Christ was diligent, be not you slothful. And to encourage you in your imitation of Christ in labour, and diligence, consider,
First, How great an honour God puts upon you in employing you for his service: Every vessel of service is a vessel of honour, 2 Tim. 2. 21. The Apostle was very ambitious of that honour, Rom. 15. 20. It was the glory of Eliakim to foreign, ambio, dictum verbum ab amore honoris. Zanch.be fastned as a nail in a sure place, and to have many people hang upon him, Isa. 22. 33.
Secondly, Your diligence in the work of God will be your great security in the hour of temptation, for the Lord is with you, while you are with him, 2 Chron. 15. 2. The Schoolmen put the question: How the saints in heaven become impeccable? and resolve it thus, that they are therefore freed from sin, because they are continually employed and swallowed up in the blessed visions of God.
Thirdly, Diligence in the work of God is an excellent help to the improvement of grace. For though gracious habits are not acquired, yet they are greatly improved by frequent acts. To him that hath shall be given, Mat. 25. 29. It is a good note of Luther, Fides pinguescit oper…us, Faith is made fat by obedience.
Fourthly, Diligence in the work of God is the direct way to the assurance of the love of God, 2 Pet. 15. 10. This path leads you into heaven upon earth.
Fifthly, Diligence in obedience is a great security against backsliding: Small remissions in duty, and little neglects increase by degrees unto great Apostasies, you may see how that disease is bred, by the method prescribed for its cure, Rev. 2. 5. Do thy first works.
Sixthly, In a word, laborious diligence in the day of life will be your singular comfort when the night of death over takes you. 2 Pet. 1. 11. 2 Kings 20. 3.
Pattern 5.
Delight in God and in his service was eminently conspicuous in the life of Christ, and is a rare pattern for believers imitation. John 4. 32, 34. But he said unto them I have meat to eat that ye know not of, my meat is to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work. The delights of Christ were all in heaven. The Son of man was in heaven in respect of delight in God, while he conversed here among men. And if you be Christs, heavenly things will be the delight of your souls also. Now spiritual delight is nothing else but the complacency, and well-pleasedness of a renewed heart in conversing with God, and the things of God: resulting from the agreeableness of them to the spiritual temper of his mind. Four things are considerable about spiritual delights.
First, The nature of it, which consisteth in the complacency, rest, and satisfaction of the mind in God, and spiritual things. The heart of a Christian is centred, it is where it would be; it is gratified in the highest in the actings forth of faith and love upon God; as the tast is gratified with a suitable delicious relish, Psal. 63. 5, 6. Psal. 119. 14, 24. Psal. 17. 18.
Secondly, The object of spiritual delight which is God himself and the things which relate to him. He is the blessed Ocean into which all the streams of spiritual delight do pour themselves, Psal. 73. 25. Whom have I in heaven but thee, and on earth there is none that I desire incomparison of thee.
Thirdly, The subject of spiritual delight, which is a renewed heart, and that only so far as it is renewed, Rom. 7. 22. I delight in the Law of God after the inward man.
Fourthly, The principle and spring of this delight which is the agreeable ess of spiritual things to the temper and frame of a renewed mind. A sensitive pleasure arises from the suitableness of the faculty, and object. So it is here, no delicious sweetness can be so pleasant to the taste, or beautiful colours to the eye, or melodious sounds to the ear, as spiritual things to the renewed souls, because spiritual senses are delicate, and the objects more excellent.
But my business here is not so much to open its nature, as press you to the practice thereof in conformity to your great pattern, whose life was a life of delight in God, and whose work was performed with the greatest delight for God. I delight to do thy will O my God. O Christians strive to imitate your pattern in this; and to encourage you, I will briefly hint a few things.
First, Scarce any thing can be more evidential of sincerity than a heart delighting in God, and the will of God. Hypocrites go as far as others in the material part of duties, but here they are defective, they have no delight in God and things spiritual; but do whatsoever they do in Religion from the compulsions of conscience, or accommodations of self ends.
Secondly, An heart delighting in God will be a choice help and means to perseverance. The reason why many so easily part with Religion is, because their souls never tasted the sweetness of it: they never delighted in it, but the Christian who delights in the Law of God, will be meditating day and night, and shall be like a tree planted by a river of water whose leaf fadeth not, Psal. 1. 2, 3.
Thirdly, This will represent Religion very beautifully, and takingly to such as are yet strangers to it: you will then be able to invite them to Christ by your example, the language whereof will be like that, Psal. 34. 8. O taste and see that God is good.
Fourthly, This will make all your services to God very pleasing and acceptable through Christ, you will now begin to do the will of God on earth, as it is done in heaven, your duties are so far Angelical as they are performed in the strength of delight in God.
But may not a sincere Christian act in duty without delight? Obj.yea, may he not feel some kind of weariness in duties?
Yes, doubtless he may, but then we must distinguish betwixt the Temper and Distemper of a renewed heart, the best hearts Sol.are not always in their right frame.
Pattern 6.
The inoffensiveness of the life of Christ upon earth is an excellent pattern to all his people: he injured none, offended none, but was holy and harmless, as the Apostle speaks, Heb. 7. 26. He denied his own liberty to avoid occasion of offence; as in the case of the Tribute Mony, Mat. 19. 27. The children are free, notwithstanding lest we should offend them go, &c. So circumspect was Christ, and inoffensive among all men, that though his enemies sought occasion against him, yet could they find none, Luke 6. 7. Look unto Jesus, O ye professors of Religion, imitate him in this gracious excellency of his life according to his command, Phil. 2. 15. That ye may be harmless and blameless, the Sons of God without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation. You are indeed allowed the exercise of your prudence, but not a jot farther than will consist with your innocence. Be ye wise as Serpents, and harmless as Doves. 'Tis the rule of Christ that you offend none, 1 Cor. 10. 32. 2 Cor. 6. 3. And to engage you to the imitation of Christ in this I will briefly press it with a few encouragements, which methinks should prevail with any heart that's truly gracious.
First, For the honour of Jesus Christ be you inoffensive, his name is called upon you, his honour is concerned in your deportment: if your carriage in the world give just matter of offence, Christs worthy name will be blasphemed thereby, James 2. 7. Your inoffensive carriage is the only means to stop the mouths of detractours, 1 Pet. 2. 15.
Secondly, For the sake of souls, the precious immortal souls of others be wary that you give no offence: wo to the world saith Christ because of offences, Mat. 13. 7. Nothing was more commonly objected against Christ and religion by the heathen in Cyprians time, than the loose and scandalous lives of professors: Behold say they, these are the men who Ecce qui jactant se redemptosà tyranni. de Satanae, qui praedicant se mortuos esse mundo, nibi lominus vincuntur cu…iditatibus s…is. Cyprian.boast themselves to be redeemed from the tyranny of Satan, to be dead to the world: nevertheless see how they are overcome by their own lusts. And much after the same rate Salvian brings in the wicked of his time, stumbling at the looseness of professors, and saying, Where is that Catholick Law which they believe? where are the examples of piety, and chastity which they have learned, &c. O Christians, draw not the guilt of other mens eternal ruine upon your souls.
Thirdly, In a word, answer the ends of God in your sanctification, and providential dispose in the world this way; by the holiness and harmlesness of your lives, many may be won to Christ. 1 Pet. 3. 1. What the heathens said of moral vertue (which they called verticordia turn-heart) that if it were but visible to mortal eyes, all men would be enamoured upon it, will be much more true of Religion when you shall represent the beauty of it in your conversations.
Pattern 7.
The humility and lowliness of Christ is propounded by himself as a pattern for his peoples imitation. Mat. 11. 29. Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly. He could abase and empty himself of all his glory, Phil. 2. 5, 6, 7. He could stoop to the meanest office, even to wash the disciples feet. We read but of one triumph in all the life of Christ upon earth, when he rode to Jerusalem, the people strewing branches in the way, and the very children in the streets of Jerusalem crying Hosanna to the Son of David, Hosanna in the highest; and yet with what lowliness and humility was it performed by Christ, Mat. 21. 5. Behold thy King cometh unto thee meek and lowly. The humility of Christ appeared in every thing he spake, or did. Humility discovered it self in his language, Psal. 22. 6. I am a wor… and no man. In his actions, not refusing the meanest office, Joh. 13. 14. In his condescensions to the worst of men, upon which ground they called him a friend of Publicans and sinners, Mat. 11. 19. But especially and above all, in stooping down from all his glory to a state of deepest contempt for the glory of God, and oursalvation. Christians, here is your pattern, look to your meek and humble Saviour, and tread in his steps, be you clothed with humility, 1 Pet. 5. 5. Whoever are ambitious to be the worlds great ones, let it be enough for you to be Christs little ones. Convince the world that since you knew God, and your selves, your pride hath been dying from that day. Shew your humility in your habits, 1 Pet. 3. 3. 1 Tim. 2. 9, 10. In your company, not contemning the meanest and poorest that fear the Lord, Psal. 15. 4. Rom. 12. 16. In your language, that dialect befits your lips, Eph. 3. 8. less than the least of all Saints; but especially in the low value, and humble thoughts you have of your selves, 1 Tim. 1. 15. And to press this I beseech you to consider,
First, From how vile a root pride springs. Ignorance of God and of your selves gives rise and being to this sin: they that know God will be humble, Isa. 6. 5. and they that know themselves cannot be proud, Rom. 7. 9.
Secondly, Consider the mischievous effects it produces: it estrangeth the soul from God, Psal. 138. 6. it provokes God to lay you low, Job 40. 11, 12. it goes before destruction, and a dreadful fall, Prov. 10. 18.
Thirdly, As it is a great sin, so it is a bad sign, Hab. 2. 4. Behold his heart which is lifted up, is not upright in him.
Fourthly, how unsuitable it is to the sense you have, and the complaints you make of your own corruptions, and spiritual wants, and above all, how contrary it is to your pattern, and example; did Christ speak, act, or think as you do? O learn humility from Jesus Christ; it will make you precious in the eyes of God, Isa. 57. 15.
Pattern 8.
The Contentation of Christ in a low and mean condition in the world is an excellent pattern for his peoples imitation. His lot in this world fell upon a condition of deepest poverty and contempt, yet how well was he satisfied and contented with it! hear him expressing himself about it, Psal. 16. 6. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. The contentation of his heart with a suffering condition evidenced it self in his silence under the greatest sufferings, Isa. 53. 7. He was oppressed and he was afflicted; yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before the shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. O that in this also the poorest Christians would imitate their Saviour, and learn to manage an afflicted condition with a contented spirit: let there be no murmurs, complaints or foolish charges of God heard from you, whatever straits and troubles he bring you into: For
First, The meanest and most afflicted Christian is owner of many rich invaluable mercies, Eph. 1. 3. 1. Cor. 3. ult. Is sin pardoned and God reconciled? then never open your mouths any more, Ezek. 16. 63.
Secondly, You have many precious promises that God will not forsake you in your straits, Heb. 13. 5. Isa. 41. 17. and your whole life hath been a life of experiences of the faithfulness of God in his promises. Which of you cannot say with the Church, Lam. 3. 23. His mercies are new every morning, and great is his faithfulness.
Thirdly, How useful, and beneficial are all your afflictions to you! they purge your sins, prevent your temptations, wean you from the world, and turn to your salvation: and how unreasonable then must your discontentedness at them be?
Fourthly, The time of your relief, and full deliverance from all your troubles is at hand: the time is but short that you shall have any concernment about these things, 1 Cor. 7. 29. If the candle of your earthly comfort be blown out, yet remember it is but a little while to the break of day, and then there will be no need of candles. Besides,
Fifthly, Your lot falls by Divine direction upon you, and as bad as it is, it is much easier and sweeter than the condition of Christ in this world was. Yet he was contented, and why cannot you? O that we could learn contentment from Christ in every condition. And thus I have laid before you some excellent patterns in the life of Christ, for your Imitation.