The Parable of the Ten Virgins, Part 2 · Chapter 15
CHAP. XV.
Of the plentiful dispensing of Grace in the Gospel Ministry.
SECT. I.
Now follows secondly, their Counsel and Advice, [Go to them that sell and buy, &c.
THem that sell] Some there be that make this an Irony, or a plain mock of the foolish Virgins for their folly; as if they should say, You have lived like Hypocrites hitherto before the Lord among us, and deceived us and your own souls; now you would have out Grace to help you; no, get you gone to Mass-Priests, and Pardon-sellers, and Merit-mongers, and buy for your selves, they have merit enough, &c. But this meaning as it cannot be evinced necessarily from the words▪ so such an answer cannot stand with that sad and gracious compassionate spirit which is in every holy Virgin; for suppose God should break open the conscience of any in these days, and they opening their hearts to others, they should receive this answer [Nay seeing you have neglected your season so long, get you gone to Mass-Priests, let them help you;] would any of common honesty in like manner mock? much less a gracious heart; no, but if any have a true sence of their misery for sleeping out their season of Grace, their bowels will melt over them.
Those that sell] These are the Ministers of the Lord Jesus.
For 1. 'Tis manifest it is not a mock.
And 2. Those that sell are not ordinary Christians; though they may and do convey the Spirit, yet not in this case so powerfully; and hence they do send them from themselves.
3. They do send them to those means which do most abundantly convey the Spirit; now the Word and the Spirit are united, as shall be proved; the cheif dispensers of which word, are the Ministers of the Gospel.
4. Because Ministers are called such as sell, Prov. 23. 23. Buy the truth and sell it not; now where is the truth cheifly sold, but by the prime publishers of it? Mal. 2. 6, 7. Not that the Holy Ghost is to be sold for money; but to buy it there, as it is to be sold without money, Is. 55. 1, 2, 3. Come and buy wine and milk, that is in the ministry of the Gospel, which calls all that thirst to come, Rev. 3. 18. not that they should fix their eyes upon them, as upon the cheif means to convey it, for the Lord Jesus fells, and we are to buy of him; only these are servants under him, and appointed as an Ordinance of his for this end; the Apostle conveys his ministry, 2 Cor. 2. ult. sincerely and gloriously.
Buy for your selves] that is, seek for it there, though you lay out never so much of your money, your time, and thoughts, and affections for it, and receive it there when it is offered upon any terms, though you part with all you have, that so you may make it your own, and so have of your own, and so may with comfort meet the Lord; and this suits with the custom of the Saints, to send them there where they got theirs.
SECT. II.
THat the Spirit of Grace is principally and most abundantly dispensed in the ministry of the Gospel by the Ministers thereof; Observation 3.That is, they are those that sell; this is their business, and trade, and work, like the Olive-tree to the Candlestick, Zach. 4. 5, 6. which take rooting in the Courts of God to this end, to drop in their golden oyl; but still observe it is as servants under the Lord Jesus, who gives what and when he will by them.
You know the famous expressions of the Apostle, How can they hear unless they have a preacher? Rom. 10. 14.
2 Cor. 3. 7. The Gospel is called The ministration of the Spirit in the mouthes of the Apostles and their Successors; by which it is made more glorious than the Law delivered in tables of stone, though less outwrd glory, for we have it but in earthen vessels.
Gal. 3. 2. By whom received you the Spirit? by hearing of the Law? no, but by the hearing of Faith; thereby is the Spirit revealed and dispensed.
SECT. III.
BEcause they are set apart principally by the Lord for this end;Reason 1. for Gods separation of any thing for an end, though the thing be unlike to bring that end about, yet by this it hath a strange power accompanying it; as the Brazen serpent, how comes it to heal? It was set a part for that end, and sanctified of God; and hence God setting apart an Ordinance, is present with his Ordinance; as Aaron and his Sons were sanctified for the service of the Tabernacle: and this is done two ways.
First, By the Church, according to the will of God, they are set apart from all other employments, unless those which other relations bind them too, that so they may dedicate their time, their strength, their private studies, their selves, their prayers, and tears, and all for them; and this ought so to be unless necessity compels, Act. 6. 4. The Disciples would give themselves to the word and prayer, and would not be cumbred about the Deacons office; and so their studies; Paul exhorts Timothy to give himself to reading, to think on these things, 1 Tim. 4. 13, 15.
Secondly, By the Lord himself, Gal. 2. 15, 16. What is true of Gods separating Paul to an extraordinary, is true in a measure of all his servants set apart for ordinary work, Mal. 2. 7. For the Church sometimes may not set a man apart, yet the Lord may and doth; and hence (by these sometimes he sends to call a Church before there is a Church to call) and how is such a one set apart? not as an ordinary Christian, but as an extraordinary Ambassador, as it were in the room of the Lord Jesus himself; For Christ being Mediator of his Church, two things are required to make peace. 1. To speak to God for us. 2. To speak from God to us; The first he doth by his intercession. But we hear not from him? Yes, for he sets these in his room, and by them he speaks as Mediator to our ears and hearts, 2 Cor. 5. 20. so that if Christ was here present to speak, we would look for the Spirit by him and his Ministry; Now all Messengers of the Lord Jesus are in the room of the Lord Jesus, &c. Nay, if Christ was here, the Spirit would not come but by this means; and hence Christ converts not so many as the Apostles by their Ministry within Iudea.
Because the Lord hath furnished them with special abilities to dispense the Grace of Christ for the Churches sake;Reason 2. 2 Cor. 3. 6. Christ ascended on high to give gifts for edifying the body; if a man should have an Apprentice set apart to sell, but his shop is not furnished, how could he then sell, and how should men in wisdom expect to buy? I will not speak of what is required to make men able; Christ not only as a free agent sets them apart, but as a wise agent furnisheth them with abilities for that end. There must be that knowledge which may make the man of God wise to salvation from the Scriptures, which cannot be without knowledge of Tongues and Arts in some competency and study about both.
1. They cannot think a thought; Christ furnisheth them with thoughts; the Minister knows not what to say, yet his thoughts are from him.
2. They cannot speak; hence Ephes. 6. 19. the Lord opens their mouth; Ezekiel must be dumb for a time.
3. Have they therefore any knowledge of the mysteries of Christ? it is to teach the Church, 2 Cor. 4. 5, 6. all their gifts and spiritual abilities, though never so great, and peculiarly sanctified, but it is for them, 2 Cor. 2. ult. have they any temptations, tribulations, and gain by them, viz. spiritual consolations? it is for them that are sad, that want it, 2 Cor. 1. 4, 5. (and though it is true, there is in other Christians Christian abilities to help and comfort others, yet not ministerial in every Christian (the whole body is not an eye) nor which hath a special presence of the Spirit of God in it and with it) which they should never have received but for the necessities of some in the Church; there is good to be had by watering-pots, when grass and herbs are dying; but yet sometimes the rain falls, and that hath a peculiar vertue in it, as being fitted for that end; and hence Ministers are compared to clouds; and hence men will pray especially when many clouds are, the Lord grant these bottles may drop; so hither you are to look; dish-milk and flit-milk may convey some nourishment, but brest-milk hath spirit going with it; good books may be blest, but there is not that spirit in them as in lively dispensations of the Gospel by Ministers themselves.
Because the Lord hath given them hearts enlarged to dispense the Gospel, that so the Spirit may be conveyed;Reason 3. we preach not our selves, but the Lord Iesus, and our selves your servants, &c. 2 Cor. 4. 5. 1 Thess. 2. 8. If one be appointed and furnished but hath no mind to sell, they have other trades to follow, little help is to be expected there; take a Minister of large abilities, if once he comes to have some other penny in his eye, besides the souls of people, seldom shall it be seen that the Lord is present there; Satan doth not cast out Satan, neither is his Kingdom divided; when Peter fisheth for himself, all night he catcheth nothing, but when the Lord comes, and for his sake he casts out the net, then the net is full; and for to be a means to convey the spirit to any, it is their life; as in others, when gain comes in, they could not live without it; Now we live, saith Paul, if you stand, 1 Thess. 3. 8. This is their glory, You are our joy and glory, 1 Thess. …. 20. this is their gain though it be by loss of all; life is not dear to finish their Ministry, I suffer all things for the elects sake, they are willing to spend and to be spent, 2 Cor. 1…. 15. Paul wisheth himself anath…, amor divin…s est exst…cus, … carries; out of self, Rom. …. 1, 2, 3. though it is true the Ministry was not blest to all, yet the election obtained it, Rom. 11. 7. hence the ministry is from men not Angels, that there might be the more pity, and so the more help, Heb. 4. 2.
SECT. IV.
2. BUt why by the Ministry of the Gospel?Reason 1.
Because the Law cannot give life, Gal. 3. 21. Now the Lord cannot make him that hath sinned not to have sinned, that would be a contradiction; and he that hath sinned must dye; and hence there is no possibility for the Spirit to give life here; hence the Spirit takes another instrument, the Gospel can perswade to believe, and bring to Christ, where life is feared.
Because there is more of Christs blood here,Reason 2. and hence more Spirit; for they are all one to be cleansed with Blood and Spirit; for the Lord Jesus did not by his blood purchase the unsealing of the Law; but the Gospel is a secret, and not known but by this means; it is the New Testament which ariseth from the death of the Testator; to have the ne… of the Gospel printed, it is by means of Christ blood; but to have men sent to open it, there is more of his blood therein; and hence more Spirit.
Because there is more of Christ's love in the Gospel;Reason 3. and where most of his love goes, there his Spirit goes most; it is love to make us know the Law, though it be a hand-wr…ing against us; but now (when we see death) to bring the Gospel and therein to entreat and wait, there is great love; and hence it is called the Ministry of R…conciliation. Oh it is infinite pity to offer to take a dead …artion up under his wings; here he lo…gs for the salvation of a si… ner most: if we were fallen Angels, he would never send the Ministry of the Gospel to us; but so it is now, that he hath taken the seed of Abraham.
SECT. V.
OF Instruction.Use. 1. Hence we may see the glory of the Gospel, in that it is the Ministry of the Spirit of God; this the Apostle professeth it exceeds in glory; glorious light it scatters, that which hath been hid from the wise, nay, from Prophets, and Abraham who desired to see this day, and saw it but … far off; hence it is called marvellous light, which brings the foul to the light of that blessed face of Jesus, and his glorious love, which never shal be sounded to the bottom of it, which damps the glory of all other things; and although many great and wise despise it, yet if they did know they would not despise the Lord of glory, nor crucifie him; but their eyes shall never see those glorious consolations and comforts promised to the people of God; I will send the …, saith Christ, which … can be taken … from Beleivers, which in midst of all miserie comforts; it is a great mercy when a man sees his sin, else he would never seek for remedy; but the Law canot do any thing but arrest, and imprison; it cannot get sin removed; yet the Gospel can set at liberty, which … prisoners; Ioh 8. 32. You shall know the truth, and that shall make you free. I can through Christ, &c. Phil. 4. 13. It is a marvellous mercy to tremble before God, and see, and know, and be affected with Gods wrath; but yet if this be all, the heart will sink and flye from God; now the Gospel reveals Christ, and so Ioh. 10. 16. his sheep he ar and follow him; and the Gospel comes to hell with the Spirit, to a poor sinner when he is blind, captive, broken, mourning, never so miserable; now the Gospel penetrates thus low, and brings the Spirit with it; it makes the soul not only to see Christ, but gives it him, and now it is safe. Oh (beloved!) if the Spirit be glorious, then is the Gospel glorious; if the Ministry of men could bring in, and draw with them the Princes of this world, and all their wealth to serve you, Angels and their Ministry, nay, bring Christ himself bodily to you, how glorious were this? but what is this to bring the Spirit into a Sty, into thy Soul! Oh therefore take heed of a light esteem of the Gospel, as those Matth. 22. 3. which were shut out: Men must speak something; take heed you that have once esteemed it, of accounting it a common thing (it is next to the unpardonable sin) of accounting the Gospel, Ministers, Truths, Justification by Faith, &c. common things; but see them glorious; the greatest glory that ever was in the world, did once lye hid under the meanest outside, viz. Jesus Christ, and yet the Apostles beheld his glory; so the Gospel is most glorious now, as being his glass, and this notwithstanding is most mean in the account of many; Paul is in the eyes of the Corinthian Doctors a mean man, his presence was contemptible, his words mean also; men despised them.
Secondly, hence see what cause they have to sit, and go home to their houses lamenting, that never found the Spirit conveyed by the ministry of the Gospel in life and power. Lam. 1. 16. Oh the comforter that should refresh my soul is far from me; if there be any hope of help, it is by the Spirit; and if the Spirit, it is by the Ministry where the Gospel is published and the Spirit conveyed: Oh thinks many a one in himself, I find no such good! thus long have I heard, and thus oft do I hear, but I come, and go away as I came, my heart never shaken, my soul never broken, my spirit never humbled, nor comforted, &c. and therefore what care I for Ministers or Gospel? it is true, it is hid, 2 Cor. 4. 3. but then it is from them that be lost only, whom Satan hath blinded; it may be the last medicine is now using; as it is with many that have the last remedy applied when they be sick to death; truly so it is here.
Heb. 6. 8. The tree or ground that brings forth bryars, is nigh to cursing; the condition is sad, as it is there exprest, it shall never see good when good comes, Ier. 17. 6. Oh it was a sad complaint of Saul, Oh the Lord answers me not! and of the people of God, Wee see no vision; but you have none, and lament it not; if men in the old Law did not meet with the Lord in their Tent doors, it was no wonder, it was not usual so to do; but when at the Tabernacle, if they met not there with him, it was sad then; so here; if you meet not the Lord there where he dwells, it is strange; not but that Saints may find the Lord absent; but I speak to them that find it not, and mourn not for it; others shall rejoyce when they mourn for the absence of the Lord.
SECT. VI.
OF Confutation of those that think there is not that necessity of the MinistryVse 2. to convey the Spirit;
But First, think good Books may do the deed, and hence can profit as much at home as thereby; but these Virgins are not directed to books, but persons, (though there is a good use of Books also) Books are but a carkass of the living Word.
Secondly, They that would have it by immediate revelation, by elevations of the Soul to God, a Familistical principle collected from the Apocrypha speculations of devout Monks, received in G…many when the Gospel was preached to overthrow it, and entertained by the deceitful experiences of some (as in London, &c.) she that was con…erted by dreams, &c. indeed we are to look for the Spirit; but to look for it without the Word is vile; if the Apostles were living, these would overthrow their doctrine.
Object. What can man do? (say many) you must look for the living voice of Christ; the Word is but a dead letter, and will only make you a Iew in letter.
Answ. If indeed we had only souls, and no bodies, then we might lay aside our Bibles; but seeing it is not so, look to the Word thus dispensed; hence the Lord saith, Hear and your souls shall live; these say, Hear not, &c.
SECT. VII.
OF Terror to all them that oppose the Ministry of the Lord Jesus,Use 3. and resist it; the Holy Ghost being in it, you resist the Holy Ghost himself, and that not only where he is dropt, but most abundantly poured out, Acts 7 51, 52. How did they resist the Holy Ghost? they did but resist men; No, it was the Holy Ghost there, for so he spake those words, and the Spirit had some operation upon their hearts by those words, Zach. 7. 12. Neh. 9. 30.
Sometimes the Spirit puts forth its prerogative power; then it is not overcome; sometimes words without power, and then men resist and overcome it, (for that is the meaning, because all men resist, more on less) and this is enmity against the Spirit, Act. 5. 39. Fighters against God, which is a most sad and heavy evil, for to be left to that evil to overcome the Comforter himself; as he said, Is it not enough to grieve man, but you must grieve my God also? Isa. 7. 13.
SECT. VIII.
Quest. BVt who doth resist thus?
Answ. 1. Some do it by filencing and persecuting of the Ministry of the Spirit, which is most grievous: When Amos preached against Bethel, up steps Amaziah the Priest of Bethel, Amos 7. 10. and first makes complaint of him to the King; First, that he was factious, and conspired against the King: And secondly, That the Land was not able to bea… his words; that he troubled the Country and Kingdom with his Doctrine, viz. That we shall all dye if we receive not his Doctrine; and hence he commands him to depart and flee from thence, and prophesie no more there; but you see what he answers, I was a Herdsma…, and the Lord called me; think not that you oppose a private spirit, but the Lord's that called me: And hence see because he did but say so, what his sentence is, upon his Wife, Children, himself and upon all Israel: Are there not many Amaziah's in these days? do they not take the same course? is not the same spirit working against the Spirit of God now? what will their end be? Let a man be never so peaceable in his place, blessed in his work, if he doth but reach Bethel, nay, if only the judgements of them, the Altars there, and Idols there; Amos may prophesie in another Land, but no more there; but what will be the end of this? see vers. 17. it is a sad speech 1 Thess. 2. 16. Forbiding …s to preach to the Gentiles that they may be saved; for the wrath of God is come upon them to the utmost: You know the Jews raised up persecution against them where ever they came, but wrath is upon them for it ev…n to the utmost; why, look as it is in hell, to resist the Gospel ones self is heavy; but when in hell there they wish that no others might receive it, or that it might not be preached to any other, that none might ever know the Lord: So it is here, it is greater wrath to oppose God in hell, than to be opposed of God; and the first they are come to: Oh but they garnish the Sepulchres of the Prophets, and beautifie their Temples, and if they had lived in the days of the Prophets, they would never oppose them.
Object. But these are other kind of Hot-…purs, and Novices.
Answ. Matth. 23. 30, 35. You shall have Scribes and Wise men, and you shall kill them, that upon you may come all the blood that ever was spilt; and blood they must have who are the open persecutors of the Prophets and Saints of God first or last; certainly God is remembring the tears and troubles of his banished distressed Seers.
2. Some others by reviling and reproaching of the Ministry; for Satan in the hearts of the wicked, if he cannot hurt it with his teeth, he will seek to destroy it by his tongue; how was Paul censured by a company of proud Corinthians, that when they had nothing against him almost, yet they censure him for his manner of speaking and carriage! 2 Cor. 10. 10. His l…tters are mighty, but his presence base; how was Iohn, though for a time, flock'd after! and Christ Jesus himself was thus evilly reputed; this was that which brought the total ruine of the Jews, viz. mocking at the messengers of God, 2 Chron. ult. 16. When Paul had perswaded Sergius Paulus, and Elymas gainsaid, saith Paul Acts 13. 10. Oh full of sub…ilty, and child of the devil, enemy to all righteousness (why to all? because all Grace comes to be wrought here by the Word) thou shall be blind.
How have the Messengers and Ministers in this Country been trampled upon by some, who though they have not yet been able to reach them by their power, yet by vile reproaches so pursuing most of them, that one would stand and wonder at the blindness and boldness, not of moral men, but Church-members and Professors, and at the wrath of God upon them, that ever they should be left to be scorners of them, of whom the consciences of the vilest cannot but sometime say, verily God is with you! Yea, Grace it s…lf hath been pretended to be the weapon, by which the Ministers of the Gospel of Christ have been fought against; and indeed the vilest opinions usually have been sheltered under Grace; that hath been the Kings colours, which the enemies of the Kingdom of Christ have lifted up to deceive▪ for in places of profession, not merit and works, old shooes, &c. but Grace and Christ, Matth. 24. 24. are most fit to deceive.
And hence if Ministers have perswaded men to believe, and receive the Gospel, what can we do (say many?) God must do all; if evidences and signs of a good estate be called for out of the Word; it is a way of works, almost flat Popery in their books: If Ministers have had the Spirit burning within them, seeing people led from the truth, and so speak against them that deceive them, 'tis passion and bitterness; if they have sought to keep the hearts of Gods people close one to another, the strong man then keeps the palace: What should I name all?
Quest. But for what is it that they are thus s…andalized?
Ans. 1. For preaching that we are justified by Faith, and that Faith is required to the entertainment of Christ as a condition of the Gospel; here is not bread (say men.)
2. For preaching that Sanctification is an evidence of Justification; and though it be granted the Lord never justified any without a work of vocation at least, and this is not against Gods Grace to justifie by Faith; yet it is against Grace, and 'tis a way of works, say some, to see my self justified by Faith. If the Word did reveal a second Justification by Faith, and a first Justification without Faith, then our first evidence might be without sight of Faith, because there is some word which reveals our being Justified without it; But the Word reveals all our Justification to be by Faith; and thus for preaching the Gospel of Christ have the Servants of the Lord been reproached. And though they keep it in, yet how many are there whose hearts go after these detestable things!
3. Some resist the Spirit by despising inwardly, and so casting off the Word of the Lord, Heb. 2. 2, 3. if we neglect or slight so great salvation; and when was the Gospel more slighted by many? every thing we say is dear but Gospel, which should make us mourn that ever it should be said so in this Country; you despise the Spirit of God; a man of greatness suffers by nothing so much as by contempt; so it is with the Spirit of Grace: And it is a thousand to one but that there will be something to make them despise at last the Lord himself: But the Word comes thus to be despised and cast off
SECT. IX.
First, PArtly by the false reports of others, as if they were factious disturbers of peace, men under a Covenant of Works, &c. It is the Jesuites policy to raise up lyes; and though all will not beleive them, yet some will stick.
Secondly, Partly by covetousness; the glory of the things of this world is greater than the glory of the Gospel; tell them of living by Faith and Promises, they deride you in their hearts; tell them of a Kingdom, and the excellency of holiness, they slight them; to be so rich and honored, it is glorious indeed, Luke 16. 14. The Pharisees scorned him because they were covetous.
Thirdly, Sometime because Ministers and Ministry are Bills of charges to a congregation, and are too costly inhabitants among them.
Fourthly, Partly because of ignorance of the truth; why was Paul's Ministry foolishness? it was a mystery; so many come and understand not the truths preached; they be too high points for them to conceive of; let truth be never so precious, they esteem it not, because they know it not.
Fifthly, Partly because they have known all that our Ministers do preach before, which is now like flowers and roses withering, which were flourishing heretofore; Capernaum despiseth that which Sodom would not, and Tyre… and Sidon would have repented at; and say, They can do as well themselves as this, and better.
Sixthly, Partly because Ministers are so long at it; and that may be delivered in one hour which is stood upon an hour and half; and they wonder men preach so little, and yet so long; which argues contempt, and that every truth is not precious. Men cry not out of men when they are telling money to them many hours; and yet this is more precious; Eutychus grows sleepy; thank Paul for preaching so long; and falls down; thank long Sermons for that: This is the sinful language of some.
Seventhly, Because they cannot profit by them; hence when they should mourn for themselves they despise the truth of the Lord, Mic. 2. 7. are not my words good to him that walks uprightly.
Eighthly, Because some have weaker gifts than others: And thus I say, the Ministry of the Lord and his Spirit is despised, Mat. 18. 8. Take heed you despise not little ones, for Angels behold them: Oh what is it then to despise the Spirit himself? And thus I say the Spirit of God is res…sted; go home therefore and mourn, and consider, 1. The time is already set; the Spirit will not alway strive; and time may come that it will go from you and never return to you more. 2. Fire will come out of their mouthes, Rev. 11. 5. 3. The Ministry shall be taken from you and your children, Act. 13. 46. 4. The Spirit it self shall torment you, Isa. 63. 10.
SECT. X.
OF Exhortation; Oh therefore if ever you would have the Spirit dispensed to you,Use 4. wait here upon the Ministry of the Gospel for it; neglect not private helps, books and meditations, &c. but know if ever you have it dispensed, here it is chiefly to be had; buy at this shop.
Do you not find parched, dryed up hearts? the Spirit of God is gone from men; and this verily is the cause of it; what consolations, what peace, what glory from the Spirit of all comfort, of peace and glory might men have, but for this?
Obj. But I may never get this Spirit!
Ans. Yes, Hea… and your souls shall live, Isa. 55. 3. (for to reprobates the Lord never gives an ear) what a comfort is this? you cannot help your selves to look to Christ, to come to Christ; hear him then when he is come to thee, Rom. 11. 7, 8. he hath given them ears not to hear; and usually the first work of the Spirit in the soul is to give an ear; the Lord awakens that to …, that never regarded any thing before; and then something enters first or …ast.
SECT. XI.
Quest. HOw shall I so hear as to receive the Spirit?
Answ. 1. Get a deep sence of your wants particularly and distinctly before you come; if a man comes to the Market, and … his Family wants, he will never come and buy of them that sell; a poor man if he comes into a rich shop, hath a mind to buy all the commodities he sees if he had money; but if it may be had without money he will take them gladly, Matth. 11. The poor receive the Gospel; I am perswaded that this is the great cause why scarce any buy here; they know not their need of every truth; hence Isa. 50. 4. He hath given me the tongue of the learned to preach a Word in season to the weary; the Lord will do it in season; when the heart is weary of its own deceit and ignorance, and all carnal contents, and blessings, and sins, now the Lord Jesus must speak at last; let a people be more weary of outward miseries than of inward, they will not regard Moses by reason of anguish of spirit; this keeps off many a man; either he feels only outward miseries; his mind is broken with cares, how shall I live? with losses and crosses, Family is sick, Cattel die, Servants are untoward and unfaithful; his drink is turned to water, and the English flower is gone; his Friends respect him not, his acquaintance grow strange; these things lie more heavy than sin.
2. Pray before you come; for as it is in men that trade, their Servants are ready to let out their commodities, but ask the Master first whether he will sell them or no to you; so ask the Lord first. Ministers are but Servants under the Lord, it is not as they will, but as the Lord will dispence, Matth. 11. 25. I thank thee that thou …ast hid these things from the wise and prudent, though Christ himself preached: Oh therefore loo… up to the Lord; Oh Lord let not thy Gospel be a hidden thing from mine eyes. I am perswaded you should see strange things, and grow up more and more if thus you did: When Christ told them that the Spirit should come, he bids them wait for it, and they continued instant in …, Act. 1. 4. and then the Spirit of God came upon them, though ex…raordinarily, yet here ordinarily; Psal. 51. Lord cause me to hear the voyce of joy and gladness, that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoyce; and hence the Lord complains, Isa. 50. 3. Why, when I came was their no intercessor? as if he should say, he would have given them help else; Oh therefore before you come, and when you come, pray, Lord speak; pray all the week long that there may be some Sabbath mercies for you.
3. Give the Lord the price of his Gospel; men that come to buy must give the price Zach. 11. 12. And God will not let you have any thing without price; give away all thou hast (when thou comest to hear) to the Lord, let him pluck or take any thing from thee, only let him not take away himself, and his Spirit; prize the least truth above all the world, as indeed it is better, the Lord may else deny these pearls to you, Heb. 4. 2. The word did not profit because not mixt with faith; and …hat is the property of that? vide 1 Per. 2. 5, 6. To him that believes the Lord is precious; it makes Christ precious, and every truth precious; and when the Lord himself is precious, the Spirit is sent, Joh. 14. 17. whom the world cannot receive, because they know him not. Oh he is not sweet not precious to them.
Three things are here to be laid out and given to God at the hearing of the Word:
1. Thy Thoughts; let a man have never so much meat, if he feed not upon it, never will he have spirits thereby; therefore while hearing time lasts, be taken up with those things you hear; be in them, that your profiting may appear to all; you know not so much, but that there is more yet to be known.
2. Thy Heart; Love it; Christs love was so great as to shed his blood, that he might purchase this Word of his Gospel for thee; and wilt not thou let thy love out of thy heart to it, when it is for thee?
3. Labor; labor for the Spirit here, as for the meat that endures for ever, Ioh. 6. …7. Christ will give it you, spare no pains and labor upon it, to enjoy, and be eternally advantaged by it.