The Conversion of the Soul, Discourse 1 (5 of 5)

The Conversion of the Soul · Discourse 1 (5 of 5)

p. 2765. Laſtly, Would you have the Word effectual unto your Converſion; Pray that God would open your Hearts to attend to what is ſpoken. We read of Lydia, that her Heart was opened: Naturally it was ſhut, and it would have remained ſhut ſtill, notwithſtanding all the skill and Endeavours of the Miniſter: The Text plainly tells us, that it was the Lord that did open the heart of Lydia, Acts 16. 14. And as the Lord did open hers, ſo it is the Lord alone that can open yours. Upon the hearing of this, one ſhould ſigh and ſay, Lord open mine! Another ſhould groan, and ſay, Lord, open mine! And a third ſhould burst out into tears, and ſay, Lord, open mine! And this ſhould be the general request of all, That God would immediately open the Hearts of all; and if once your hearts are opened, then the Word of God will enter, and the Spirit of Grace will enter, and all will turn p. 277to? God that are before him.

Thus have I finiſhed the third Doctrine that I raiſed from the Text, That the Word of God is the great means of Converſion.

Doct. 4. I come to the fourth and last Doctrine, that I raiſed from the words, and that is this. That in the VVord of God, which is the means of Converſion, there is a Perfection and Sufficiency.

The Law of the Lord is perfect, Converting the Soul: I wiſh that the Power of this Word upon your Hearts and Conſciences this day, may be a ſenſible Demonstration of this Words perfection. There are ſeveral properties of this Word, that do commend it, and render it much more deſirable than all the Worldly wealth and greatneſs that the Children of Men do ſo much admire. It is of Heavenly Original; it is true, it is neceſſary, it is pure, it is powerful, it is perſpicuous and plain; and among other properties of the Word, this is one, it is perfect. The Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the Soul: The Hebrew word ſignifies pure, without mixture, whole and compleat, having nothing wanting. There is no defect in this Word of God of any thing that ought to be there, and it cannot p. 278be charged with any thing that ought not to be there; or that doth unbecome that God, whoſe Word it is.

In the handling of this Doctrine, I ſhall proceed in this Method.

1. I ſhall ſhew you in what ſence the Word of God is perfect: And,

2. By Arguments I ſhall prove the Perfection and Sufficiency of the Word of God.

3. I ſhall give you the Reaſons why the Perfection and Sufficiency of the Word of God is mentioned, when Converſion is ſpoken of.

And then in the laſt place, I ſhall conclude with the Application.

1. I am to ſtate this Perfection of the Word of God, and to ſhew you in what ſence the Word of God is perfect. By his Word you are to underſtand, that which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Teſtament; the Penmen of theſe Scriptures, were the Amanuenſes of the Spirit, and whatever they wrote, they wrote what was by him dictated. Holy Men of God ſpake as they were moved by the Holy Ghoſt, 2 Pet. 1. ult. And they have given us a Teſtimony of the Will of God upon record; a full and compleat Declaration of his Mind.

Now concerning this Perfection of the p. 279Word of God, I ſhall ſpeak,

1. By way of Negation.

2. By way of Poſition.

1. I am to ſpeak by way of Negation, and that in theſe following particulars.

1. You muſt not underſtand that the Word is ſo perfect, as that by it ſelf without the concurrence of the Spirit it can give either Grace or Life to any. The moſt ſaithful and skilful Preachers of the Word as to ſucceſs, have many times laboured in vain: That Evangelical Prophet Iſaiah, who ſpake ſo much, and ſo plainly concerning Chriſt, you have him crying out, Lord, who hath believed our report? Iſa. 53. 1. Weeping Jeremiah, you may hear him complaining after this manner, Jer. 6. 10. To whom ſhall I ſpeak and give warning that they may hear? Behold, their ears are uncircumciſed, and they can't hearken; the Word of the Lord is a reproach to them, and they have no delight in it. The Word of God in the mouth of the Apoſtle Paul that great Preacher of the Goſpel, it found, ay, and it left many a hearer in their Infidelity: The hearers of the Apoſtle Paul, it is ſaid that divers of them believed not, Acts 28. 24. Nay our Lord Jeſus Chriſt himſelf, the Prince of Preachers, the greateſt that ever was, that ever will be, he thunders out a Wo againſt Corazin p. 280and Bethſaida, and Capernaum; becauſe the Word that ſounded from his lips, did not perſwade them unto Repentance: So that the Word alone is not ſo perfect, as to give Grace, as to give Life to any. There is need, that the Spirit of God ſhould work along with it; until He doth open the eyes of the underſtanding, the Soul ſtill remains under darkneſs; till he doth renew the Heart, the Will will never yield nor ſubmit to God; till he doth put the Laws of God in the mind, and write them in the Heart, they will never be believed, they will never be liked nor obeyed.

2. You muſt not think that the Word is ſo perfect, as to give a knowledge here on Earth as is equal to the knowledge that is in Heaven: The Apoſtle Paul himſelf profeſſes, we know but in part, and we propheſie in part; but when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part ſhall be done away, 1 Cor. 13. 9. And in 12. ver. of the ſame Chapter he ſays, We ſee through a glaſs darkly. The Greek word it is remarkable, We ſee through a Glaſs in a Riddle; foreign. Truly Heaven is but a Riddle at preſent unto the beſt of Saints here on Earth. They are no more able to comprehend the joys, the Glory that is there, they are no more able to comprehend what it is to ſee p. 281God face to face; than an Infant in the womb can imagine what Light is, than an Infant in the womb can comprehend what Philoſophy is, or the myſteries of State policy: here is no Theologia meridiana viſionis, perfect day, here is no beatifical viſion.

I grant indeed the Saints are ſometimes brought into the Suburbs of Heaven, and when they are there, Oh! what do they ſee! They ſee and taſt that in God, that does make the greateſt ſweetneſs of earthly Enjoyments deſpicable; and that doth obſcure all Worldly Glory; but yet the Suburbs are not the Heavenly City, but infinitely below it. Hark to the Apoſtle, 1 John 3. 2. Beloved, now are we the Sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we ſhall be, but we know that when he ſhall appear we ſhall be like him, for we ſhall ſee him as he is. Wicked Men think nothing of what the Saints ſhall be: and truly the Saints themſelves, when their minds are moſt elevated, and raiſed, and enabled to to ſee moſt, they apprehend but little what themſelves ſhall be hereafter. That Glory is too great a thing for ſuch minds as ours at preſent to take in: It hath not entred into the Heart of Man, to conceive what God hath prepared for them that love him, 1 Cor. 2. 9.

p. 2823. You muſt not think that the VVord is ſo perfect as that the hearing of that is enough, and is to exclude all other Ordinances. Indeed thoſe Ceremonial Ordinances that were impoſed only for a time, that are called Carnal, and that were to laſt only till the evangelical Reformation, as the Apoſtle ſpeaks, Heb. 9. 10. theſe Ceremonial Ordinances are aboliſhed under the Goſpel Adminiſtration, Col. 2. 20, 21. If you be dead with Chriſt from the rudiments of the World, why as though living in the World, are ye ſubject to Ordinances? touch not, taſt not, handle not, which all are to periſh with the uſeing, after the Commandments and doctrines of Men. But though theſe Ceremonial Ordinances are aboliſhed, there are other Ordinances that God hath Inſtituted, that are ſtill ſtanding, and will remain and be in force till our Lords ſecond coming.

Theſe Ordinances have a warrant from this perfect Word it ſelf; and there is a Promiſe made, of a divine, ſpecial, powerful, gracious preſence with them.

As you are to have an Ear to hear the VVord, ſo you are to have a Tongue to pray to God, and praiſe him; and your Hearts and Tongues ſhould joyn together in ſupplications and thankſgivings: Ay, and you are to have an Eye to behold the Seals p. 283of the Covenant, that ſo your Hearts may be more affected, and your Faith by things ſenſible may be ſtrengthned in God, who hath made and confirmed this Covenant, and will keep it everlaſtingly. Zachary and Elizabeth were a noble Pair indeed; excellent patterns of uprightneſs before God; for they walked in all the Commands, and in all the Ordinances of the Lord blameleſs, Luke 1. 6. It is a great Affront unto the Authority of Chriſt the Law-giver, when we ſhall give our ſelves a Diſpenſation as to ſome Ordinances that he hath appointed. There is no Ordinance of God to be neglected; and I am ſure, if any of the Ordinances are neglected through the prevalency of Temptation, the inward Man by its weakneſs, and by its trouble, will quickly find the want of theſe Ordinances.

O! prize the Ordinances of God, that you may ſtill enjoy them; theſe are the vehicles of Grace: Spiritual ſtrength, and ſpiritual comforts are conveyed in the uſe of them: And thoſe that are the moſt experienced Saints, do perceive moſt reaſon to eſteem them.

4. You muſt not think that the explaining of the Scripture by it ſelf, is excluded by the perfection of it; but rather included. Expounding of Scripture is not an Argument of Scriptures imperfection, for Scripture if rightly p. 284expounded, is expounded by it ſelf. To impoſe that as Gods which is none of his; to ſay this and that is the mind of God, which indeed is not; this is a daring, this is a wicked addition unto the VVord of God; but to expound the Scripture by it ſelf, to compare the VVord of God with it ſelf, that ſo we may attain to the better underſtanding of it; this is very allowable, nay it is a very needful Duty.

The Apoſtle Paul doth deliver to us an excellent Rule of Propheſie, Rom. 12. 6. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether propheſie, let us propheſie according to the proportion of Faith, foreign. In our expounding of Scripture, this Analogy and proportion of Faith, is very much to be obſerved. Now this Analogy, or proportion of Faith, doth imply the constant mind of God in the more plain parts of the Scripture; and therefore contrary unto this, a ſence of the more obſcure parts, is in no wiſe to be admitted. The Apoſtle Peter tells us, 2 Pet. 1. 20. That no propheſie of Scripture is foreign, of private interpretation, or of Mens own interpretation, which I think it had better have been tranſlated.

This interpretation, it may have a double reference; either to the inſpired Pen-men of p. 285Scripture themſelves, who were the Interpreters of the Mind of God unto the Church, and unto the World; and they ſpake nothing that was private, they ſpake nothing that was their own, but all that VVord delivered in inſpired Scripture, it was from God.

Or Secondly, This Interpretation may have a reference unto the Expounders of Scripture: and whoſoever they are at this day, that do expound the Scripture, that Expoſition it muſt not be their own. Suppoſe there was never ſo great a Council aſſembled together; ſuppoſe it was a General Council; yet if they deliver any thing that is their own, it would be a private Interpretation, and it is in no wiſe to be admitted. The VVord of God is a perfect VVord, and by it ſelf alone it is to be Interpreted.

Shall I give you three Rules? I wiſh they were obſerved! The Rules are theſe. In Mans corrupt and fallen state, Sin is all in all. In Mans renewed state, Christ with his Grace and Spirit is all in all. And hereafter in Glory, God will be all in all. If theſe three Rules were obſerved, it would help you the better to underſtand the whole Word of God. Thus much be ſpoken by way of Negation.

p. 2862. I am to ſpeak by way of Poſition, and in ſeveral Propoſitions I ſhall tell you in what ſence the VVotd of God is perfect.

1. The VVord of God is perfect as a Moans, and therefore in the uſing of it, your Eye muſt be unto him who is the Fountain and principal …ficient of all that is truely good. Natural means, as Food to ſuſtain Nature, Phyſick to recover it when it is decayed, have their Efficacy from God; therefore you read, Mat. 4. 4. That man doth not live by Bread alone: But now the VVord is a Moral means, and conſequently the Efficacy of it is not ſo common and ordinary as the Efficacy of Natural means. Nature doth like that which is for its own Preſervation, but the Souls of men are ſo corrupted and beſotted by ſin, that they utterly diſlike what is for their own benefit. Therefore God is ſeriouſly to be ſought unto, that he would bleſs this Means with ſucceſs, that of his own will he would accompany his VVord, and make it effectual to Regeneration. James 1. 18. Of his own will begat he us by the Word of Truth.

Brethren, the Means of Grace are to be uſed as Means, and in no wiſe are they to be advanced higher, as if their Efficacy was p. 287of themſelves. Being ſatisfied in the work done, O how many thouſands hath it hindered from working out their own Salvation! and they have periſhed for ever, becauſe they have thought that bare uſing of the Means of Grace was ſufficient to ſave them. God is very much provoked to Jealouſie, when we place confidence in our own Endeavours, or in the Means of Grace which he hath inſtituted. You are forward to hear the Word of God, but you muſt remember, that the Word of God will never be effectual unto your enlivening, unto your eternal Happineſs, unleſs God work like himſelf, along with it. You muſt hear, but your Hope muſt not be in the Word it ſelf, conſider'd alone by it ſelf; but your Hope muſt be in God, whoſe Word it is: For he hath ſaid, Look unto me and be ſaved, all ye ends of the Earth.

2. When the firſt Part of this Word of God was written, and given as a Rule of Faith, and Worſhip, and Life, it was perfect conſidering the Churches preſent State. When Iſrael had no more than Moſes's writings, that Revelation was perfect and ſufficient, concerning the will of the God of Iſrael, conſidering the preſent ſtate of Iſrael; therefore you read, Num. 10. 7. That Moſes was faithful in all the Houſe of God. God himſelf p. 288gives him this Teſtimony: He ſet before Iſrael, life and death; and told them the way, how the one might be eſcaped, and how the other might be obtained, Deut. 30. 19. Moſes did faithfully deliver the Moral Law, that was firſt ſpoken by Gods own Voice, and afterwards writ with his own Finger, and which is indeed of perpetual Obligation. He likewiſe did faithfully deliver the Ceremonial Law, and the Ordinances of it, which was a Pre-ſignification of Jeſus Chriſt, what he was to doe, how he was to ſuffer and to dye, that he might make an Atonement for Sin, and that he might ſanctifie and cleanſe his Church and People. The Apoſtle, Gal. 3. 24. ſayes, That the Law was our School-maſter, to bring us unto Chriſt. The Moral Law doth force ſenſible Sinners unto Chriſt; becauſe from the Curſe of it they can be delivered no other way but by a Mediator: But the Ceremonial Law doth inſtruct concerning Chriſt, and doth notably diſplay his Sufferings, his Satisfaction that he made to the Juſtice of God, and the Benefits of his Crucifixion; and ſo it is our School-maſter to bring us unto Chriſt: And Moſes added the Judicial Law, which concerned Iſrael as they were a Theocracy, as they were a Common-wealth of Gods own Ordination and p. 289contrivance. Thus the Word as a Rule of Faith and Life was perfect; and by this Word of God the Elect were inſtructed to turn to God, and at laſt brought ſafe to Glory.

3. When the New Teſtament was added to the Old, then the Church had the moſt perfect, the moſt large and compleat Edition of the Word of God. And this was ſuited unto the Churches Age of greater maturity, Heb. 1. 1. God who at ſundry times and in divers manners ſpake aforetime unto our Fathers by the Prophets, hath in theſe laſt days ſpoken unto us by his Son. And truly the Son, who is in the boſom of the Father, hath made the fulleſt Declaration of the Father, and of his Will, unto the Children of men. Chriſt telleth his Diſciples how they were Priviledged in ſeeing him the Meſſias, and in hearing the Goſpel from his Mouth, Matth. 13. 17. Many Prophets and righteous men of old deſired to ſee the things which ye ſee, and have not ſeen them; and to hear the things which ye hear, and have not heard them. Indeed that Light that did ſhine in the days of Moſes, was a perfect Light in a ſence; that is, it was a Light converting and ſaving thoſe that did receive it, and that did walk according to it: but yet you muſt underſtand that ſince the Sun of righteouſneſs is actually p. 290riſen; there is a greater light that ſhines now, than ever ſhined before ſince the Fall of Man. Thoſe things that were hid from Ages and Generations, are revealed by the Goſpel. That vail that was upon the face of Moſes, ſignifying the obſcurity of the Moſaick Diſpenſation, that vail is done away in Chriſt, 2 Cor. 3. 12, 13. And in this Word, conſiſting of the Old and New Teſtament, the Lord Jeſus Chriſt is ſet forth before you all, as full of Grace and Truth, and as the only Hope of Glory. Underſtand your Priviledge; it is ſuch a Priviledge that you enjoy this day, that was not afforded to the World till it was about four thouſand years old.

4. The Word of God is ſo perfect, that a further Revelation is needleſs, and not to be expected: That Faith that was once delivered unto the Saints, it is to be held faſt by Saints in all ſubſequent Ages. That you earneſtly contend, ſaith the Apoſtle Jude, ver. 3. of his Epiſtle, for the Faith which was once delivered to the Saints. This Doctrine of Faith ought to be held faſt, and it is a compleat Doctrine. Let this go, and really you are without God, without Chriſt, without well grounded hopes of Heaven. Look into the Second Epiſtle of John, ver. 9. Whoſoever tranſgreſſeth, and abideth not in the p. 291Doctrine of Chriſt, hath not God; he that abideth in the Doctrine of Chriſt, he hath both the Father and the Son. This Word that you find in the Bible, containing the Old Teſtament and the New, doth deliver all to you that God requires you to believe in order to your Salvation; and nothing is to be received as an Article of Faith, but what the written Word of God doth propound to you. And as it informs concerning myſteries of Faith, ſo concerning Duties that are to be practiſed; and …he Rule is ſo compleat, that whoſoever walk according to it, Peace and Mercy ſhall …e upon him, Gal. 6. 16. In the Word of God are the Credenda, Agenda, Petenda; Truths to be Believed, Commands to be Obeyed, and Bleſſings to be Deſired: Ni…il debet addi verbo quoad quantitatem, nihil …eprehendi quoad qualitatem. Nothing is to …e added, as to quantity; nothing to be …eprehended or found fault with, as to …uality.

We are not to look for a further Re…elation from Heaven it ſelf. If an Angel …om Heaven ſhould preach another Goſpel, …e were bound to conclude he were turned Apoſtate from the Truth, and were to call …im accurſed, Gal. 1. 8. To talk of Evan…elium Spiritus, the Goſpel of the Spirit, p. 292which is to juſtle out the Goſpel of Chriſt, and the Ordinances of it; is to talk of a pernicious deluſion: The true Spirit glorifies Chriſt, inſpired the Apoſtles infallibly to deliver the Doctrine and Ordinances of the Goſpel. Therefore ſays the Apoſtle John, 1 Joh. 4. 6. He that knoweth God heareth us, he that is not of God heareth not us; hereby know we the Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Errour. The Ceremonial Law was abrogated, the Jewiſh Church State was ſhaken and broken; but the Goſpel Church-ſtate, is to remain unalterable unto the very end of the World, Heb. 12. 27. and ſhall continue in deſpight of all Enemies and Oppoſition.

5. The Word of God is ſo perfect, as t… bring Man home to God, though by Si… and Unbelief he is departed, and run fa… away from Him. God calls in his Word to this very end, that Man might hear an… turn to Him. And as to thouſands an… millions of Souls, this Word has a prob… tum eſt: Teſtimony that it has been trie… and found an effectual means of Converſion. If we were caught up to the thir… Heaven, and could converſe with the glorified Spirits of the Juſt; they would as knowledge they were redeemed unto God … the Blood of Chriſt, and that they we… p. 293drawn to Chriſt by the Word of the Goſpel; while they were hearing this, the Spirit entred into them, and made them true believing Converts. How many whoſe caſe ſeemed deſperate, has this Word been a means to cure! Although the Miracles in Nature are ceaſed, which were neceſſary at firſt, that the Goſpel might take root in the World, yet Miracles of Grace are ſtill produced. The Spiritually Blind are made to ſee the things that concern their Peace. The Spiritually Deaf are made to hear the Voice of the Lord Jeſus. The Spiritually Lame are made to walk, nay to run the ways of Gods Commandments. Nay the Dead in Sin are made to riſe with Chriſt, and to live to Righteouſneſs. How perfect is the Word, which Works ſuch notable effects as theſe!

Chriſt tells his Diſciples, whom he had impower'd to work Miracles, that in time they ſhould do greater works than thoſe, Joh. 14. 12. By theſe greater Works, Origen, and the Fathers, underſtand the Converſion of Kingdoms and Nations to the Chriſtian Faith, to the true and living God. To raiſe a World that had been ſo long dead in wickedneſs, to caſt Sathan, in ſo many places, out of his Temples, and …hrow down his Worſhip; to bring thoſe p. 294Souls to the Knowledge and Love of God. that were ſo groſly ignorant, and utterly eſtranged from him; this was a wonderful work indeed. Thoſe that are far from God ſhall periſh, Pſal. 73. 27. to be brought near to Him, is good; for 'tis to be ſecured from ruine, and to have the Lord to be our God and Bleſſedneſs; that's a perfect Word indeed, which brings us home to Him.

6. The Word is ſo perfect, that it directs us how to walk with God, and to keep our ſelves in his Love. To obtain the favour of God is much, to continue in his favour is more deſirable. The Word both brings and keeps man near to God: This Word does very much preſs Perſeverance, and ſhews the way how we may continue in well doing to the end. It requires us to be ſtedfaſt, unmoveable, and always to abound in the Work of the Lord, 1 Cor. 15. 58. It bids us to look to our ſelves, that we loſ… not the things we have wrought, that we may receive a full reward, 2 Joh. v. 8. It commands us to hold faſt that which we have that no man take our Crown, Rev. 3. 11. The Apoſtle propounds himſelf as an example to be followed; and tells us, Phil. 3. 13. 14. This one thing I do, forgetting the things that are behind, and reaching forth to thoſe p. 295things that are before: I preſs towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God. Here is an alluſion to them that run in a race, who do not look back to ſee how much they have already run, but ſtill look and run forward, that they may not miſs the prize: Things behind may take in earthly things; which the Apoſtle had totally caſt behind his back, ſo as never principally to regard them any more. Things behind may alſo take in his paſt obedience, which he does not conſider and remember ſo as to reſt in it, and leave off running and labouring.

And as the Word requires us to abide and walk with God, ſo it informs us how we may be ſure to do it. It tells us of his own right hand which is ready to uphold us, that we may follow hard after God, Pſal. 63. 8. It tells us, that the Lord is of Power to eſtabliſh us, and to keep us from falling; and that if He does hold us up, we ſhall be ſafe, and ſhall have reſpect unto his precepts continually, Pſal. 119. 117. The Word directs us to be ſtrong in the Grace that is in Chriſt Jeſus, 2 Tim. 2. 1. who is the Author and Finiſher of our Faith, the ſame yeſterday, and to day, and for ever. The Word of God ſhews a greater ſecurity than Adam found in Paradice, or many p. 296of the Angels found in Heaven it ſelf. There is a New Covenant made, and is to be laid hold upon. This Covenant is everlaſting, ſure, and admirably well ordered; 'tis eſtabliſhed by the Death and Blood of Chriſt the Mediator of it; 'tis confirmed by the Oath of God, and by the Sacraments, which are as it were two broad Seals of Heaven annexed to it. The faithful God will keep Covenant on his part, and he engages for his People that they on their part ſhall keep his Covenant and his Teſtimonies, Jer. 32. 40. I will not turn away from them to do them good, and I will put my fear in their Hearts, that they ſhall not depart from me.

7. The Word of God is ſo perfect, as to guide and bring us ſafe to Glory. Pſal. 73. 23, 24. Nevertheleſs I am continually with thee, thou haſt holden me by my right hand; thou ſhalt guide me with thy Counſel, and afterwards receive to Glory. This Word ſhews the path of Life, the way Everlaſting, that leads unto the Lords glorious Preſence, where there is fulneſs of Joy, and Pleaſures for evermore. None ever miſcarried, that follow'd this Words conduct. It came from Heaven, and it guides ſafely thither. All fleſh is graſs, and all the Glory of man as the flower of the Field; but p. 297the Word of God is incorruptible, and abides for ever; 'tis by this that Believers are wrought upon and raiſed, and fitted for a bleſſed Immortality. Their Treaſure, Hearts, and Converſations are in Heaven now, while themſelves are here on Earth, and they are growing more meet to be partakers of the Inheritance of the Saints in Light. Admirable is the Perfection of the Word, that will infallibly bring all that Believe, and Love, and walk according to it, unto that bleſſed place and State; where there will be a Perfection of Light and of Delight, a perfection of Righteouſneſs and Holineſs, a perfection of Happineſs and Joy; and all this will laſt in the higheſt perfection to Eternity. The Apoſtle commends thoſe of Epheſus, of whom he takes his laſt leave, unto the Grace and to the Word of God: he knew very well that this was the way to be built up to Glory. Act. 20. 32. And now Brethren, I commend you to God, and to the Word of his Grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an Inheritance among all them that are ſanctified. You ſee in what ſenſe the Word of God is perfect.

In the ſecond place, I am to prove by Arguments, the Perfection and Sufficiency of this Word of God.

1. The Perfection of the Word is very p. 298plainly aſſerted in Scripture: and if God himſelf affirms his Word to be perfect, that Man muſt needs be very bold and a great Lyar, who ſhall charge it with imperfection; my Text is an evident Teſtimony: The Law of the Lord is perfect, it makes the ſimple wiſe; and Converts ſinful Souls to God. The Pſalmiſt tells us, He had ſeen an end of all Perfection; and then adds, but thy Commandment is exceeding broad, Pſal. 119. 96. The greatneſs of the Greateſt, the riches of the Richeſt, the wiſdom of the Wiſeſt, he had lookt through, and lookt beyond; but the perfect Word of God was a Direction, a Support and a Satisfaction to Him, when every thing elſe failed. In this Word there is Wiſdom, and Mercy, and Grace without bounds or limits. It cleanſes the Hearts and Hands of Sinners; and is uſeful to Saints to the very end of their days, and makes their end Peace. Nay 'tis the Churches Heritage, which ſhe lives Holily and well upon in all Generations.

The Apoſtle calls the VVord of God, a perfect Law of Liberty, Jam. 1. 25. But whoſo looketh into this perfect Law of Liberty▪ and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the Work; this man ſhall be bleſſed in his deed. 'Tis called a Law of Liberty, becauſe the commands of p. 299the Word, ſo far as they are obeyed, do make the Obedient free from ſin; whoſe ſervice is indeed ſlavery, and being free from ſins ſervitude, they are no longer under guilt, the curſe, or wrath; but they have the liberty, the Priviledges of the Children of God. 'Tis called a perfect Law of Liberty, becauſe the Doer of it, that perſeveres in his Obedience, ſhall certainly be bleſſed in his deed. This Law does not only command, but Grace and Strength from the Spirit goes along with it, which cauſes it to be kept; and the fruit being unto Holineſs, the End will be Life eternal.

2. By the Perfection of the Word in the Scriptures, the end of committing it to writing is obtained. I grant there was a Church and the Word of God in it, before there was a Scripture; and then the Lord conveyed his Mind from Father to Son by Tradition; and this was more eaſie to be done when men were ſo very long lived, as to continue upon Earth very near a thouſand years. Methuſelah lived in the days of Adam, Shem in the days of Methuſelah; and Iſaac is obſerved to have been born, and grown up to be a man, before Shem was taken out of the World. But afterwards it pleaſed the Lord that Tradition ſhould be no longer truſted; but to prevent Corruption in Religion, we have a written Word, which all p. 300are to give diligent heed to. The Word was written that God might not be forgotten; the Scripture being conſulted, is the means to keep up the remembrance of him in all ages. The Apoſtle Peter tells us, he therefore ſet Pen to Paper, that after his deceaſe the things of God might be had always in remembrance, 2 Pet. 1. 15. The Word was written, that Men might not corrupt themſelves. Moſes knew how prone the Children of Iſrael were to do thus, therefore he wrote the Words of the Law in a Book, that they might be a witneſs againſt them; and hinder their growing ſtiff-necked, and rebellious againſt the Lord, Deut. 31. 24, 26, 27.

Finally, the Word was written that Religion it ſelf might not be corrupted, nor that go under Gods name which is none of his: Were it not for the Holy Scriptures, how eaſily might falſhoods and fables and humane inventions be impoſed upon us, and called the Mind of Chriſt by men of corrupt minds and doſtitute of the Truth! Now certainly, the Lord has cauſed ſo much to be written that may be ſufficient to attain his end in writing; and if ſo, then it follows, that all Doctrines of Faith, and Precepts both for the ordering of our Hearts and Lives, are ſufficiently declared in the Scripture. If the Scripture is given to prevent Corruption in Religion, the Scripture is perfect; that, p. 301that Corruption may be prevented. If we ſhould ſuppoſe part of the Doctrines and Precepts of the Goſpel never to have been written; why was leſs care taken of theſe than of the other? How eaſily would theſe be forgotten and corrupted? and how could we be ſatisfied in their being truly and ſincerely conveyed to us?

3. Adding to the VVord of God is moſt ſevereby forbidden; therefore the VVord is perfect, Prov. 30. 6. Add thou not unto his VVord, leaſt he reprove thee and thou be found a liar. Thoſe that are thus preſumptuous to add, are liars, and therefore not to be believed by others; and they have reaſon to be afraid themſelves; for the Reproof and Rebukes of the Almighty are terrible. To inſtamp the Kings Head upon counterfeit Coyn, is no leſs than Treaſon. VVhen Doctrines and Ceremonies, which make gain to be godlineſs, and are inventions of Men, ſhall have Divinity ſtampt upon them, and pretend to be from Heaven; this is a daring Treaſon againſt the higheſt Potentate, the great Lawgiver, who has Power to ſave and to deſtroy. In the laſt book of Canonical Scripture, juſt at the cloſe, plagues are threatned to be added to any man who ſhall add thereto: and he that ſhall take away from it, God ſays he will take away his part out of the Book of Life, Rev. 22. 18, 19.

p. 3024. It is another proof of the VVords perfection, that all Spirits are to be tried by it. Satan himſelf can transform himſelf into … Angel of light, and his Miniſters can look like the Miniſters of Righteouſneſs: There is great need then of Caution, 1 Joh. 4. 1. Beloved, believe not every Spirit, but try the Spirits whether they are of God. Now 'tis the VVord they are to be tried by. The Spirit of Truth and this VVord always agree; 'tis not a ſubjecting the Holy Ghoſt to the Scripture, when we obſerve the agreement between his Inſtructions, his Motions, and the Scripture, but we follow his own Direction in the caſe. It would not be a ſubjecting a Prince unto thoſe general Inſtructions which he himſelf has given, whereby his mind might be known: but to examine meſſages even from the Prince, by thoſe Inſtructions, would be VViſdom and Obedience in the Subject: The Spirit of errour and falſhood may ſeem to agree with the VVord, but if the VVord be diligently heeded, the difference will be apparent. If the VVord were not perfect, but much of the Mind of God were really unwritten, the written VVord would be inſufficient to be a trial and ſtandard of right Doctrine; and it would not have been ſaid, To the Law and to the Teſtimony, if they ſpe… not according to this VVord it is becauſe there is no light in them, Iſa. 8. 20.

p. 3035. The Word of God is perfect, for wiſdom to eternal Salvation is derived from it. Indeed the Wiſdom is from the Father of Lights, but the written Word is the Means of conveying it, 2 Tim. 3. 14, 15. But continue thou in the things which thou haſt learned, and haſt been aſſured of, knowing of whom thou haſt learned them; And that from a child thou haſt known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wiſe unto Salvation, through faith which is in Chriſt Jeſus. What the Apoſtles taught, was committed to writing; the great Doctrine of Faith in Chriſt Jeſus, is here mention'd: and this written Word muſt needs be perfect, which was able to make thoſe that received it, wiſe unto Salvation. The Wiſdom in the Goſpel, is ſo accounted by them that are perfect; for this VViſdom excells the policy of Princes, that come to nought; and is ordained unto the Glory of Believers, 1 Cor. 2. 6, 7. Howbeit we ſpeak wiſdom among them that are perfect; yet not the wiſdom of this World, nor of the princes of this World, which come to nought; but we ſpeak the wiſdom of God in a mystery; even the hidden wiſdom, which God ordained before the VVorld to our Glory.

6. The Effect of the VVord of God proves its perfection, for it makes us perfect, throughly furniſhed unto all good works; here is right Doctrine, to inform the Judgment of what p. 304is true; here is reproof and conviction of what is errour and falſhood: Here is correction for miſcarriages in practice; and instruction in the way of righteouſneſs, 2 Tim. 3. 16, 17. All Scripture is given by Inſpiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteouſneſs: That the Man of God may be perfect, throughly furniſhed unto all good works. If by the Man of God, you mean the godly Man, the Scriptures Perfection is evident, in being a Means ſo throughly to furniſh him with Light and Grace, to do all the good works his Lord requires. If by the Man of God, you underſtand the Minister of Christ; the Perfection of the Scripture is the more evident. For thoſe that are called Stars in Chriſts hand, Angels of the Churches, Labourers in the Lords Vineyard, may from the written word be throughly furniſhed, both to teach and to do what is required to ſave themſelves and thoſe that hear them.

In the third place, I am to give you the Reaſons why the Perfection of the Word is mentioned, when Converſion is ſpoken of.

1. To intimate the Imperfection of the Light of Nature. This Light diſcovers many p. 305things; and to do thoſe things which are contrary to the Light of Nature, is to do very wickedly: but can it be ſaid, that this Light of Nature is perfect, working Grace, and converting the Soul? The Heathens that had onelyonly this Light, and were without Supernatural Revelation; did ſpeak ſeveral things excellently concerning God; they had a Notion of another World, of the Souls Immortality, and of Rewards and Puniſhments hereafter; and they give remarkable Counſels as to Wiſdom and Folly, Vice and Vertue. But thoſe of them that had the greateſt Parts and Learning, the ſharpeſt and moſt piercing eyes to ſee moſt, they ſaw nothing of God manifeſted in the Fleſh; they underſtood nothing of Redemption by Price; of Gods purchaſing his Church with his own Blood, Act. 20. 28.

The Light of Nature is inſufficient to ſhew the way to Heaven. How God will deal with theſe Heathens, 'tis hard to determine. Zuinglius indeed aſſerts, That when we come to Heaven, we ſhall ſee utrumque Adamum, Redemptum & Redemptorem; both the Adams, the Redeemer, and him that was redeemed; the Prophets, the Apoſtles: And then he adds, That Aristides, the Cato's, and the Scipio's, and ſuch vertuous Men among the Heathen, will be p. 306found in Heaven alſo. Calvin calls this pr… poſterum miſericordiam, a prepoſterous Mercy: becauſe the Apoſtle tells us, thoſe who have ſinn'd without Law, ſhall alſo periſh without Law, Rom. 2. 12. What is to be ſaid in this caſe? To affirm, that any of them are ſaved, who never heard of a Saviour; is to affirm what is hard to prove: to ſay that they are all damned, will be a bold Sentence: The Apoſtle tells us, that thoſe who are without, God judges, 1 Cor. 5. 13. and to Gods Judgment we muſt leave them.

2. The Perfection of the Word is mentioned in the work of Converſion, to ſhew that the Works of God do need his Words expoſition upon them. 'Tis the Word which rightly diſcovers God in the Works of Creation, Heb. 11. 3. Through Faith we underſtand that the Worlds were framed by the Word of God; ſo that things which are ſeen, were not made of things which do appear. The Scripture ſhews how the Lord is the Alpha and the Omega, The whole Volume of Nature, would ſignifie little to Man; were it not for the Scriptures commentary upon it.the Beginning and the End of all things; that per ſcala… creaturarum, by the Ladder of the Creatures we may aſcend unto the Gracions and Alſufficient Creator. The Word expound… p. 307the Works of Providence; it puts ſuch a Language into Mercies, that theſe Demonſtrations of divine goodneſs lead unto Repentance. And the Word makes the Rod to utter ſuch a voice, that the Ʋncircumciſed heart is humbled, the Sinner accepts of the puniſhment of his Iniquity, Lev. 26. 41. and turns unto that God that ſmites him.

3. The Perfection of the Word is mentioned in the Work of Converſion, that Sinners may uſe and value the Word as a Means ſufficient. He that is ſick of the Plague, how willingly does he uſe a Remedy that is ſufficient for the cure of the Peſtilence; and which has cured thouſands, and that never failed to heal any that would but take it. Never was there a Plague in the World, ſo univerſal, ſo contagious, ſo deadly as Sin is: O all ye ſinful, diſeaſed and loſt Souls! hear, and with all ſeriouſneſs apply the Word of God, that ye may be healed, and that being healed ye may live and not dye for ever! The remedy is perfect, it certainly, works for life, if it be but received; he that believes, and yields ſubjection to the Goſpel, ſhall be ſaved, Mar. 16. 16. I confeſs, the refuſing of the remedy, will highten the diſeaſe, and make the death more dreadful: He that believes not, ſhall receive the greater damnation.

p. 3084. The Perfection of the Word is mentioned in the work of Converſion, that the Preachers of the Word may be encouraged. Were this Word a weak imperfect thing, the Diſpencers of it would have the leſs heart to labour; but they have no reaſon to be aſhamed or diſcouraged, but to glory in the Goſpel of Chriſt, ſince 'tis the Power of God to Salvation: And let him be Jew or Gentile, high or low, a leſs Sinner or the greateſt; if he receives the Word with Faith, the Preachers pains will be to good purpoſe. The Apoſtle inſults over all the VViſdom of this VVorld, as that which is poor, and fooliſh, and helpleſs as to a better World, 1 Cor. 1. 20. Where is the wiſe? where is the Scribe? where is the diſputer of this world? The Jewiſh Synagogue, where Moſes was trusted in, and Christ rejected; the Greek Academy; could neither of them ſhew the way of Salvation: hath not God made fooliſh the VViſdom of this VVorld? But then he magnifies the Word of God, that reveals Chriſt Jeſus; becauſe herein the Power and VViſdom of God were ſavingly made manifeſt, 1 Cor. 1. 23, 24. VVe preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling-block, and unto the Greeks fooliſhneſs; but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wiſdom of God.

5. The Perfection of the Word is mentioned p. 309in the Work of Converſion, that Saints may still be improving it unto a further turning: Where's the Convert, in whom, and for whom, the Word of God has wrought ſo much, that it can work no more? You that have moſt experienced its power and goodneſs, may ſtill feel a further efficacy. The Word is perfect, and you ſhould be preſſing forward to be perfected by it; ſtill your Light ſhould grow clearer, your Faith stronger, your love more abundant, and patience ſhould have a more perfect work in you, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing, Jam. 1. 4. Still you ſhould be more low in your own ſight, the Grace of Chriſt more glorious in your eyes; the World ſhould be more under your feet, and Heaven be the matter of your thoughts, and hopes, and joy. You that are weak ſhould reſemble David, you that are ſtrong as David, ſhould be like the Angels of God, aſpiring unto, not only Evangelical, but an Angelical and heavenly Perfection.

I come in the laſt place to the Application, The Uſes are theſe following.

ƲSE. I. Of Caution. The Perfection of the Word of God, ſhould make you,

1. To take heed of that Enthuſiaſtick Spirit, that pretends not to need this VVord: That Light within which makes the Light p. 310of the VVord to be contemned, is certainly Darkneſs; and if the Light within you be darkneſs, how great is that darkneſs! Mat. 6. 23. Solomon tells us plainly, that the Commandment is a Lamp, and the Law is Light, and the reproofs of instruction are the way of Life, Prov. 6. 23. You will miſs the way of Life, unleſs this Light be followed. He is moſt unreaſonably wiſe in his own eyes, who imagines he knows ſo much, that God himſelf by his Word can teach him no more: the truth is, he knows nothing as he ought to know, his Knowledg is but a deluſive dream, his ignorance real and deſtructive.

Heed not, but reſiſt the Spirit that injects undervaluing thoughts of the Word of God; for that cannot be the true Spirit which did endite it. If once you reject the VVord of the Lord, alas, what understanding is in you? Jer. 1. 9. The groſſeſt and moſt damnable errours will impoſe upon you as truths; the moſt carnal licentiousneſs, which is the bondage of corruption, will call it ſelf Christian liberty; Sins will be made no Sins, and Duties no Duties; you will allow your ſelves in the omiſſion of Gods Ordinances, as things below Saints of ſo high a Stature as you will deem your ſelves; you will be …oſt about with every wind of Doctrine; your p. 311Heads and Hearts too will be ſtrongly poſſeſt by the evil Spirit; and having run through all Forms of Religion, you may at length caſt off the very Profeſſion and Form of Godlineſs, and degenerate even into the rankeſt Atheiſm, living; and, oh dreadful, dying alſo without God!

2. Take heed of thoſe who charge the written Word of God with Imperſection: whatever pains ſuch may take to make Proſelytes of you, certainly they are not likely to turn you to God, who endeavour to inſtill a prejudice into you againſt his Word: They that diſparage the Holy Scripture as unneceſſary, as obſcure, as onelyonly occaſionally written, and not fully declaring the Mind of God, whatever they pretend, really the Scripture is againſt them, and their falſe Opinions and carnal Intereſt; and that's the true ground of their quarrel with it. Open the door for unwritten Traditions, and at that Door the fouleſt Hereſies will preſently enter, and pretend to great Antiquity, nay to Divine Authority. St. Cyprian, Epiſt. 74.Ʋnde eſt iſta Traditio? utrum de dominica & evangelica auctoritate deſcendens, an de Apoſtolorum mandatis atque epiſtolia …eniens? E… …nim facienda quae ſcrip… …, D… teſtatur. Si ergo in Evangelio praecipitur, aut in Apoſtolorum … Actibus conti…tur, obſervetur hac divina … ſanctae traditio. Cyprian, Epiſt. 74. Pompeio fratri. tells us plainly, That that is to be allowed as an holy and divine tradition, that is commanded in the Goſpel, or contained in the Epiſtles or Acts of the Apoſtles. This Man was a Father p. 312very Ancient, and a Martyr too for the Faith of Chriſt. Keep ſtedfaſt and attentive to the Word of God. They who would lead you into Paths no where in Scripture to be found, would miſlead you. Christ is to be heard, and 'tis in his Word that his voice ſounds; his own ſheep know his voice, and follow him; but a Stranger they will not follow, but will flee from him, for they know not the voice of Strangers, Joh. 10. 4, 5. The Apoſtle ſignifies, that they who teach a voluntary humility, the worſhipping of Angels, the neglect of the body; or any other Will-worſhip, though there be never ſo great a ſhew of wiſdom in it, they do but go about to beguile others, and are vainly puft up with a fleſhly mind themſelves, becauſe theſe things have no warrant from the Word of God, Col. 2. 18. 23.

3. Take heed of of a profane contempt of this Word of God, which is ſuch a perfect Remedy, and which you all do ſo much need. What are you more afraid of the Medicine than the Malady? More afraid of that VVord which is ſuch a means to turn you, than of Sin which is ready to ruine you? To throw your Silver and Gold about the Streets, to burn your Houſes down to the ground, ſetting Fire to them with your own hands, to caſt your Food which you ſhould live upon, unto the Dogs, is nothing neer ſo pernicious a madneſs, as to contemn the Word of God, the great Means p. 313of Converſion and Salvation. Preferr not the Curſe before the Bleſſing, when both are ſet before you: Chuſe not death, when if you are but willing to live Holily and Happily, Eternal Life will be your own. Eſau is branded as a profane and fooliſh Wretch; who for one morfel of Meat, ſold his Birth-right: Heb. 12. 16. And what folly and profaneneſs will you diſcover, if you mind only the vanities of this World, the faſhion of which paſſes away; and neglect all that Grace and Glory, whereof in the Word of God you have ſo full and compleat a diſcovery? Where is the Faith, where is the Reaſon, where is the Self-love of that Man, who deſpiſeth a perfect Word, which perfectly ſhewes the way to an everlaſting Kingdom? Conſider this, and ſhew your ſelves Men, O ye Tranſgreſſors.

ƲSE. II. Of Counſel, and that in ſeveral particulars.

1. Take notice of the Divinity of the Word in its Perfection. God himſelf is Perfect, his works are perfect, and ſo is his VVord: The Words Perfection ſhews its Original: Divine Wiſdom, Holineſs, Grace, and Mercy, how illuſtrious are they in the Scripture! The Laws from Mount Sinai are ſuch, in both the Tables, as ſpeak more than what is Humane, more than the diſpoſition of Angels; and evidently ſhew that the Wiſe, the Good, the Righteous p. 314Jehovah was the Legiſlator: The Myſteries of the Goſpel are the deep things of God, 1 Cor. 10. 11. which could never have entred into Mans Heart and Underſtanding, if the Spirit of God had not revealed them. Here is a Depth of counſel and knowledg; an highth of Love which was from Eternity, which ſhall never change in time, and which will continue unalterable to Eternity: Precepts are plain and full, Promiſes precious, threats though ſevere, yet needful. One God is made known, and one Mediator between God and Men, the Man Chriſt Jeſus, 1 Tim. 2. 5. Diſtinctions, ubi lex non distinguit, where the Word diſtinguiſhes not, are in no wiſe to be admitted. It is through the Son, not by Angels and Saints in Heaven, that we have acceſs, by one Spirit unto the Father, Eph. 2. 18. This is the true Worſhip, this is the right way, keep in it and be ſafe. There are ſeveral external motives of credibility, and there are intrinſick evidences in the word it ſelf, that 'tis of God, and among the reſt, its Perfection is a great one. And 'tis obſervable, that they who deny its Perfection, do make its Authority to be dependent and precarious.

2. Admire the Perfection and fulneſs of the written Word. It was a noble ſaying of **Scriptu… eſſe doceat Hermogenis officina, ſi non eſt ſcriptum, timeat. Vae illud adjicientibus, aut detrahentibus deſtitiatum. Tertul. lib. adverſus Hermog. cap. 22.Tertullian, Adoro Scripturae plenitudinem: I adore the fulneſs of p. 315the Scripture. We need no more than what is there upon record, to bring us to the true knowledg of God, and to make us increaſe in ſpiritual underſtanding; and the more we look into the Scripture, we ſhall ſtill ſee more and more in it, to raiſe our admiration, to take our Hearts and our Affections. The Scripture is a Mine, out of which comes nothing but what is Sound and Pure; helps to underſtand it, are to be valued: But by theſe helps we muſt take heed of being drawn off from it ſelf. This Mine is farther and farther to be ſearched into, for we are to be growing in Grace and Knowledge all our days, 2 Pet. 3. ult. And Solomon tells us, that this ſearching will not be loſt labour, Prov. 2. 4, 5, 6, 7. If thou ſeekeſt her as Silver, and ſearcheſt for her as for hid treaſure; then ſhalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the Knowledg of God; for the Lord giveth wiſdom, out of his Mouth cometh Knowledge and Ʋnderstanding; he layeth up ſound wiſdom for the righteous, he is a Buckler to them that walk uprightly.

3. You that live under the New Teſtament Diſpenſation, be very thankful that the written Word is ſo very copious and ſo large. To have ſuch a compleat Declaration of the Mind of God by his own Son, was a Priviledge which the Old Teſtament Believers wiſht for, but did not enjoy. What Moles are they who are onelyonly buſie and working in the Earth, and for Earthly p. 316things, and regard not the clear ſhining of the Sun of Righteouſneſs! To be deaf and regardleſs when God ſpeaks ſo much to us; not to underſtand when he ſpeaks ſo fully and ſo plainly, is inexcuſable; but to have Knowledg and to ſin againſt it, and to detain the truth in unrighteouſneſs, is inexcuſable much more; here is Ingratitude and Preſumption together, and the more ſtripes are threatned and deſerved, Luke 12. 47. And that Servant that kn…w his Lords will, and prepared not himſelf, neither did according to his will, ſhall be beat… … many ſtripes.

Search the VVord of God, be much, that you may be mighty in the Scriptures. By this weapon you may defend your ſelves againſt the ſubtileſt Enemies of the truth, nay againſt the old ſubtle Serpent himſelf. It was not an unwritten, but a written word that Chriſt produced, when he was aſſaulted by the Tempter, Mat. 4. 4, 7, 10. It was an Injunction of our Lord himſelf, Joh. 5. 39. Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal Life. It was a right thought that the Scriptures direct unto Life Eternal, but it was a preſumptuous thought in the Phariſees, to imagine Eternal Life was theirs; ſince inſtead of building upon the Foundation Stone in Sion, they ſtumbled at it. But the Injunction it ſelf is of great Moment.

The Scriptures are Gods own Books, and the p. 317onelyonly Books he has in the World.Longâ & aſſi…uâ meditatione Scripturaram, pr…tus ſuun fecerat Bibliothicam Chri…. Hyeronym. de Nepotiano. Every ones Breaſt ſhould be like Nepotian's, Bibliotheca Chriſti, A Library in which theſe Books ſhould be kept ſafely. To be acquainted more intimately with the Word, is the way to be better acquainted with God; and the conſequent of this acquaintance, is Peace. Job. 22. 21. Acquaint now thy ſelf with him, and be at peace, thereby good ſhall come to thee. By Searching of the Scriptures, the Underſtanding is improved, the Heart is purified, the Life is regulated. This Book is indeed the thankful Glaſs, that mends the Eyes of all that rightly look into it. It was an honeſt Diſtich of one:

Ex aliis paleae viles, hinc grana leguntur

Aurea, tu paleas linquito grana lege.

Which another thus Engliſhes.

Mens Books with worthleſs chaff are ſtor'd,

Gods Scripture Golden grains afford:

Reject the chaff, and ſpend thy pains

In gleaning up theſe golden Grains.

5. Pray for the Spirit who endited the Word, that he may interpret it, and lead you into the underſtanding of it. He is called the Spirit of wiſdom and Revelation, Eph. 1. 17. He reveals the Goſpel, he enlightens the eyes of the Underſtanding. True Wiſdom is the ſpecial Gift of the Holy Ghoſt. It is an encouragement in Prayer, that the beſt things may be asked p. 318with the greateſt confidence. The Gift of the Spirit comprehends the beſt things of all; doubt not of Gods willingneſs to beſtow it, Luk. 11. 13. If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts to your Children, how much more ſhall your heavenly Father gave the holy Spirit unto them that ask him? It is not a notional Knowledge, which many Hypocrites excell in, that you ſhould content your ſelves with. Such Knowledge being alone, puffs up him that has it, 1 Cor. 8. 1. and diſturbing Strife and contention follows upon Pride and High-mindedneſs: ſuch Knowledge aggravates Sin in the careleſs and carnal Profeſſor, and will exceedingly inflame his Reckoning in the day he muſt give account of himſelf to God.

It is true wiſdom, a Spiritual underſtanding of the Scriptures, that you ſhould cry for. When the Spirit of God diſcovers a truth to you, with what Satisfaction will your Mind receive it! When the Spirit ſhews you your Duty, how Righteous, how reaſonable, and what a Priviledge does it appear? The Spirits Light and Strength go together, ſo that the Will is inclined to a compliance, when the enlightned Soul does underſtand the Will of God. When the Spirit applies a Promiſe to you, how will your Faith be confirmed! how will you abound in Hope! and how full of ſweeteſt peace will your hearts be, while you ſecurely reſt on the God of Truth, whoſe VVord will endure when p. 319Heaven and Earth ſhall paſs away, Iſa. 26. 3, 4. Thou wilt keep him in perfect Peace, whoſe mind is ſtayed on thee, becauſe he truſteth in thee. Truſt ye in the Lord for ever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting Strength.

6. Let your Knowledge of the Word of God be more perfect. Alas how little do we know, of what may be known! and what we do know, how much better may we know it! Though the Children of God, are Children of Light, and Children of the Day; yet there are great remainders of darkneſs in ſome of them, and ſome remainders in all. This remaining Ignorance is both their Sin and Miſery, by reaſon of which, Satan their ſubtle enemy has many times great advantage againſt them. Labour after a more perfect Knowledge of God, his Son, his Truth, his Will; his Word informs you of all. If the Happineſs of Heaven lies ſo much in a beatifical ſeeing, Oh uſe all poſſible intention of mind, that you may ſee more and more, even while you are here on Earth! True Knowledge will debaſe the idolized World, and make it nothing in your eyes; and it wil humble you, and make you perceive that really you are worſe than nothing. How does a clearer Knowledge of God make holy Job, much more humble than ever, Job 42. 5, 6. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the Ear, but now mine Eye ſeeth thee, wherefore I abhorr my ſelf, and repent in Duſt and Aſhes.

p. 320The better you know the Lord, the more you will Love, and Fear, and Praiſe him. The better you know his Chriſt, you cannot chuſe but ſtill more highly prize him, and your Hearts will cleave to him with the fuller purpoſe. The …er you know his Commands, the more they … be your Counſellours, your longing, your delight, and your Songs in the houſe of your Pilgrimage: The better you know the Croſs of Chriſt, you will be the leſs offended … heavieſt Afflictions will be made light of, … compared with a far more exceeding and eternal weight of Glory, 2 Cor. 4. 17.

7. Let your Love be greater and more perfect, to this perfect VVord of God. The World indeed hates this VVord, becauſe it teſtifies againſt them, that their works are evil, and will have an ill end. True love to it will argue ſpiritual Life by it, and that it has been effectual to turn and change our very Hearts. Love to the Word, diſtinguiſhes the true Church from the Antichriſtian Society. Of theſe 'tis ſaid, becauſe they received not the love of the Truth, that they might be ſaved; God ſhall ſend them ſtrong deluſion, that they ſhould believe a lye, that they all might be damned, who believed not the Truth, but had Pleaſure in Ʋnrighteouſneſs, 2 Theſ. 2. 10, 11, 12. All the excellent properties of the Word, and the wonderful effects of it ſhould take your Hearts, and ſtill be increaſing your affection to it, and the ſtronger p. 321your love is, the greater will be your care to keep it, Pſal. 119. 167. My Soul hath kept thy Teſtimonies, and I love them exceedingly. Love will make you labour hard in the work which the Word commands, and yet it will ſo overcome the difficulty, that hard labour ſhall become eaſie.

It was a ſaying of Bernard, Is rectè divinas Scripturas legit, qui verba v…rtit in opera. He rightly reads the Holy Scriptures, who turns VVords into VVorks. Love will mightily conſtrain you to this, 'twill make you doers and bleſſed in your deed: Love the Word of God, as a Malefactour would love to read his pardon, after the Sentence of Death has been paſt upon him. Love the Word, as a Debtour would love to read his general and full diſcharge, which delivers him out of Priſon, and ſecures him from the danger of being arreſted any more. Love the Word, as a Sick man would love to read a Receipt, preſcribing a medicine that would certainly cure his diſtemper and ſave his Life. Finally, love the Word, as an Heir would love to read over a Teſtament in which is left him a rich Eſtate, a moſt plentiful Inheritance. In the VVord of God, you find a pardon, a diſcharge from all debts, by your great, your ſufficient Surety; here is foreign, the Souls univerſal remedy. And the Pſalmiſt ſays, Pſal. 119. 111. Thy Teſtimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever, for they are the rejoycing of my Heart.

p. 3268. Never be aſhamed of this Word of God, which is ſo perfect, and worthy to be owned. VVith your Hearts believe it unto Righteouſneſs, with your Mouths Confeſs it to Salvation. Be not concerned that the VVorld accounts the VVord fooliſhneſs, fear not either their reviling or their rage; their hands are weak conſidering how ſtrong your helper is, and their Judgments weaker. Stand faſt in the Faith, and quit you like men, be ſtrong, 1 Cor. 16. 13. Your Lord will be much pleaſed to ſee you valiant for the Truth, and no leſs than a Crown of Life ſhall be the reward of Faithfulneſs unto the Death. But if you are aſhamed of Chriſt and of his word before Men; he will be aſhamed of you before his Father and all his Holy Angels, Mar. 8. 38. And how great and everlaſting then will your ſhame and confuſion be!

ƲSE III. Of Exhortation. Since the VVord is perfect, let me exhort you all unto Perfection. The legal Perfection of Adam in Innocency, you cannot reach, ſince the fall keeps all his Poſterity ſhort of it: hear the Apoſtle confeſſing and bewailing; Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect, Phil. 3. 12. But evangelical Perfection is poſſible, 'tis neceſſary, 'tis actually found in all true Converts. In legal Perfection it may be ſaid foreign there is no Sin. In evangelical Perfection it may be ſaid foreign, there is no predominant p. 327Hypocriſie. In the former there is no ſin at all, in the latter there is no Sin loved and allowed. In the one every command is kept, in the other there is grief when any command is broke, and a true Deſire after Grace to keep every Commandment better. When I exhort you to Perfection, I mean three things. That you would be of a perfect Heart. That you would walk in a perfect way. That you would ſtand perfect and compleat in all the will of God.

1. Let your Hearts be perfect. The Heart is the very Seat of Sincerity, if it be not here, 'tis no where; 'tis not in the eye, or tongue, or hands, or feet; if the Heart remain as it was by Nature without a change, and is ſtill wicked, ſenſual and earthly; the VVords and actions though never ſo good, ſignifie and avail nothing; nay the better the VVords and Actions are, the greater is the Hypocriſie and Diſſimulation. There are ſeveral excellent ingredients in this Perfection of Heart, which I would preſs upon the Hearts and Conſciences of All.

1. Let your Hearts ſhew themſelves perfect by ſetting God alwaies before them. Walk before me, ſays God to Abraham, and be perfect, Gen. 17. 1. The perfect Heart is ſenſible that Gods eye looks into it, and ſees all that is in it; therefore its eye is alſo upon God, and as there is an holy awe of God upon it, ſo 'tis not ſatisfied without his approbation. Upright David cryes, out, O Lord; thou haſt ſearched me and known me, p. 324thou underſtandeſt my thoughts afar off, Pſal. 139: 1, 2. Thoughts include all the affections, workings and inclinations of the Heart, all theſe were open and naked unto the Eye of Gad. And David looks to his Heart accordingly, and he begs that the evil of his Heart might be more plainly diſcover'd to him, that his Heart might be more throughly cleanſed.

2. Let your Hearts be perfect, in being truely willing and very ſtudious to pleaſe that God with whom you have to do. The perfect Heart ſees 'tis highly reaſonable that Mans Will in all things ſhould be obedient unto Gods, ſince the VVill of God is ſo righteous, good and holy; ſince He cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth h… any man, to any thing that is hurtful, Jam. 1. 13. to pleaſe the Lord ſhould be the Pleaſure of your very Souls. You ſhould hate every abominable thing which he hates, and what he delights in ſhould always be choſen.

3. Let your Hearts be perfect, in refuſing to have a liking, reſpect and regard to any iniquity. David manifeſted his uprightneſs, and as a perfect man he was regarded, and his Prayer heard, becauſe he did not regard iniquity in his Heart; Pſal. 66. 18, 19. Iniquity in the Heart is to be regarded, ſo as to be humbled for it, weary of it, and bewail it, and to endeavour by all means to mortifie and purge it away; 'tis not to be regarded, ſo as to cover and excuſe it, ſo as ſecretly to delight in it, and reſolve to ſpare i… p. 325Eſpecially let your Hearts ſet themſelves with full bent againſt that which may be called foreign, the Sin that does moſt eaſily be ſet you, Heb. 12. 1. from hence is the greateſt guilt, defilement, danger; the Sin that by reaſon of your Conſtitutions, Callings, Age, and the bad Cuſtoms of the Places where you live, have been moſt inſinuating into your Affection, and apteſt to prevail; ſhould be abandon'd with a ſpecial and peculiar Deteſtation and abhorrency. I was upright before thee, ſays David, and I kept my ſelf from mine iniquity, Pſal. 18. 23. poſſibly he may mean revenge upon Saul, which he had again and again opportunity to take, which not only thoſe that were with him, but Corruption of Nature might prompt him to; but the true Grace which was in him, was peremptory against.

4. Let your Hearts be perfect, in being ſound in Gods Statutes. Let them all be approved, for all are the Lords, and all are worthy. This argues a rectified Judgment indeed, when every Precept is lookt on as right, and that the keeping of it, is not only a Duty, but a kindneſs to him that keeps it. I esteem all thy Commandments, ſays the Pſalmiſt, concerning all things to be right, and I hate every falſe way, Pſal. 119. 128. Though there be an Election of ſome, yet if there be a Reprobation of other Commandments; the Heart is not ſound. It cannot have a right reſpect to any unleſs it have a general reſpect p. 330to all. The Apoſtle tells us, that par…i… obedience will not paſs, Jam. 2. 10. VVhoſoever ſhall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. An allowed neglect o… one command, argues that none are kept becauſe they are Gods, and that he may be pleaſed, becauſe he has been pleaſed to injoyn one as well as another.

5. Let your Hearts be perfect, in conſenting to the Sanctification of all your Faculties and Powers: Deſire that your whole Souls ſhould be renewed by the Grace of God, and highly value every Grace of the Spirit. Every Power i… you needs Renovation, and every Grace of th… Holy Ghoſt excells in worth all things that ar… Temporal. Faith, Love, Fear, Hope, Meekneſs, Patience, Temperance, Humility and the reſt▪ how much better are they than the beſt thing… of this preſent evil VVorld! And when any new degrees are added to the Grace you have, conclude that you are very highly favoured.

6. Let your Hearts be perfect, in havin… right deſigns, and making God your end. He … his own end, and with good reaſon, for the… is nothing ſo good, ſo high as He. Let hi… be your end in all you do. Still let your H…a… deſigning to extol him, by more high a… ſuitable apprehenſions, by more enlarged … raiſed affections; by a more profound Submi… ſion to him. Deſign that others may be broug… to Honour him, and deſire his Name may be … lowed p. 331all the Earth over, and that his Kingdom may be advanced above all other Monarchies whatſoever. Thus your hearts ſhould be perfect.

2. I exhort you to walk in a perfect way. Walk not according to the courſe of this World, after the Prince of the Power of the Air, the Spirit that works in the Children of diſobedience; Eph. 2. 2. Walk not as thoſe Profeſſors did, of whom the Apoſtle ſpeaks with Weeping, Phil. 3. 18, 19. Many walk of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even Weeping, that they are the Enemies of the Croſs of Chriſt; whoſe end is deſtruction, whoſe God is their belly, whoſe glory is in their ſhame, and who mind earthly things. But do you take heed of imitating ſuch patterns, be ſure to ſhun their pernicious paths: Follow better examples, walk in a perfect way: Thus to walk implys three things.

1. Walk humbly with God; break not the first Table of the Law; let not onelyonly the Lord himſelf, but his Worſhip, his Ordinances, his Name, his Sabbaths be dear unto you. Neglect not publick Ordinances in the Sanctuary, private in the Family, ſecret in the Cloſet: Perform every Duty as before God; Perform every Duty as to Him.

2. Make great Conſcience alſo of doing your Duty towards Men. Be perfectly true and juſt in all your dealings with all. To defraud, to deceive, to overreach, any way to be unjuſt to your Neighbour, is to injure and engage the Juſtice of God againſt you. …e very merciful to thoſe that are in diſtreſs and …iſery; and if your Souls are drawn out towards …hem, indeed to compaſſionate their caſe, purſes and …ands will be open for their relief: Eſpecially pr…y thoſe that are in Sin as well as Miſery; and are …n the worſe condition, becauſe neither Sin nor Mi…ery are perceived. I beſeech you alſo be very exact p. 332in doing the Duties of your places and relations; that you may glorifie the Perfect Word of God, the perfect rule you walk by; in being Parents, Children, Subjects, Husbands, Wives, Maſters, Servants, with a Non…-ſuch; none that are without the Word being in any of theſe relations comparable to you.

3. Do not injury, but your duty towards your ſelves. Employ not your Eyes, your Tongues, your Hands, or any of your Members, to your own hurt, and defiling. Do not by uncleanneſs, ſin against your own bodies, 1 Cor. 6. 18. Do not by Surfeiting and Drunkenneſs, load them with diſeaſes, and haſten them to the Grave. Let not Covetouſneſs and carking care make you to …iſe up early and ſit up late, and eat the Bread of ſorrows; nor cauſe you to be uncharitable to the needy, and to grudg what is convenient to your ſelves. Thus walk in a perfect way.

3. In the third and laſt place, I exhort you to stand perfect and compleat in all the Will of God, Col. 4. 12. His Perfect Word ſhould alwaies be heeded▪ The good and honest Heart, receives this Word, underſtands it, and how ſafe 'tis to be guided by it eve… unto death; and therefore brings forth fruit with patience▪ Luke 8. 15. Why with patience? Becauſe patience is very requiſite, to overcome both the difficulty of duty, and trouble, and Perſecution upon the account of duty. Heb▪ 10. 36. Ye have need of patience, that after ye have do… the Will of God ye might receive the Promiſe. Perſever… in the Perfect Word, in the good, the acceptable the perfect Will and Work of God, unto th… end; hereby manifeſt you are Diſciples and Servants indeed. And an happy Eternity will ſatisfie you; that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

p. 333ƲSE. IV. Of Conſolation. The Perfection of the Word of God, ſerves for much comfort to the Church of Chriſt, and all Converts the true Members of it. The Grounds of Conſolation are theſe.

1. Wherever this Church is, this perfect Word of God ſhall certainly be. The Word may ſometimes be Eclipſed in a Church, but never quite extinguiſhed. Indeed when a Church is unchurched, the Word goes. When the Candleſtick is removed, the light in that place is put out. But ſuppoſe a Church to remain, there will be the Word, by which 'twas gather'd, and which is a means alſo to govern and preſerve it, in ſpight of all oppoſite Policy and Power. Spiritual hunger is a bleſſed thing, it never ends in Starving, but in Satisfaction, Mat. 5. 6. The ſincere Members of the true Church, have this hunger; therefore they ſhall more or leſs have the food of the Word to ſuſtain and ſtrengthen them. The Great and Good Shepherd will ſome way or other provide for the Sheep of his Paſture.

2. This Church ſhall have the Spirit along with the Word. We may as well ſuppoſe a living Body without a Soul, as a true Church of Chriſt without his Spirit: The Spirit is promiſed and given to the Church to abide there for ever, Joh. 14. 16, 17. I will pray the Father and he ſhall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth, whom the World cannot receive, becauſe it ſeeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him, for he dwelleth with you, and ſhall be in you. Now where the Spirit of the Lord is, how effectual is the Word! what Light, what Liberty, what Power, what Peace is there! The Spirit makes the Means of Grace to attain their end: He fills Ordinances with an Heavenly vertue; he quickens the Dead, enlarges the ſtraitned p. 334Heart, cauſes fruit to be brought forth plentifully; he comforts the true Converts, and ſtabliſhes them in every good word and work.

3. It's matter of Conſolation, that in this perfect Word of God, there is wiſeſt and ſafeſt counſel given, Prov. 6. 22. When thou goeſt it ſhall lead thee, when thou ſleepeſt it ſhall keep thee, when thou awakeſt it ſhall talk with thee. So Prov. 3. 23. Thou ſhalt walk in thy way ſafely, and thy foot ſhall not ſtumble. This Word counſels Converts againſt evil Men, evil Women, evil Angels, an evil World, and againſt every evil work: It never gave bad counſel unto any. The Counſels of the Word are beſt with reference to Eternity; and with reference to Time alſo: It bids us paſs the time of our ſojourning here in fear; to live as Strangers and Pilgrims on the Earth, that we may be leſs concerned and diſturbed, and keep more unſpotted from the World. It bids us to walk uprightly, that we may walk ſurely. It informs us that all carnal Policy which is joyned with a contempt of God and Religion, is onelyonly a cunning contrivance to undo our ſelves; but 'tis the fear of the Lord that is the beginning of Wiſdom, and the Knowledge of the Holy is underſtanding.

4. In this Perfect Word of God, a compleat Armour is found to ſecure Converts againſt the Enemies of their Salvation; Eph. 6. 13. Wherefore take unto you the whole Armour of God, that ye may be able to withſtand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. This Armour is to be valued indeed, which is Armour of proof, which ſecures us againſt the worſt and moſt powerful Adverſaries; which certainly defends and makes us victorious, when ſighting for Eternal life; when thoſe againſt whom theſe Enemies prevail, will ſurely dy the everlaſting Death. The Apoſtle ſpeaks at large p. 335of the pieces of this Armour: We are furniſhed with the Girdle of Truth; ſound Doctrine muſt be held faſt, our Judgments well ſettled againſt errour. Here is the Breaſt-plate of Righteouſneſs: Sincere Holineſs muſt be in the Heart; if the Spirit be not right, if the Heart be not clean, there can be no ſafety. Here the feet are ſhod with the preparation of the Goſpel of Peace: The Goſpel, that is the Word of Reconciliation with God, and that ſpeaks Peace to the Conſcience, does prepare and fit us to walk in the way of Holineſs; and the difficulties of that way are endured with patience. Here is the ſhield of Faith: Believing on Jeſus, reſting on the Promiſes, that in in Him are Yea and Amen; quenches the Fiery Darts of Satan, ſo that true Converts are not ſunk into an Hell of Deſpair by the remembrance of their paſt Sins, which the Blood of Jeſus has made an atonement for; neither are they diſcouraged by fiery Trials, by the ſierceſt Perſecutions. Here is the Helmet of Salvation; that is, the Hope of Salvation. This Hope is lively, well grounded, will never make aſhamed, and cauſes the Convert to lift up his head with courage, becauſe Redemption and Glory are aproaching. Here is the Sword of the Spi…it, the Word of God rightly uſed and applyed. And unto theſe pieces of Armour, Preces & Lacrymae arma Eccleſiae, Prayers and Tears which are the Churches Weapons, muſt be added, becauſe we need, not onelyonly Armour but skill and ſtrength to uſe it, from above; then we ſhall prevail indeed, when we are ſtrong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. How ſtrong may be the Conſolation, conſidering how compleat and ſtrong the Armour is; how ſtrong the Helper of a Chriſtian! Eph. 6. 10.-18.

5. In this Perfect Word of God, the Convert finds p. 336Promiſes that may ſerve to ſupport and encourage him in every condition. Is he afflicted? 'tis in faithfulneſs, and love; not in wrath and hatred, Prov. 3. 12. Whom the Lord loveth he correcteth, even as a Father the Son in whom he delighteth. And affliction ſhall be profitable, becauſe it ſhall be purifying, Heb. 12: 10. He, that is the Father of Spirits, chaſtizeth for our profit, that we may be partakers of his Holineſs. Is the Convert poor and deſtitute? He may caſt all his care on God, who cares for him, 1 Pet. 5. 7. The young Lions lack and ſuffer hunger; but thoſe that ſeek the Lord, have him to be their Shepheard, and ſhall not want any good thing, Pſal. 34. 10. Is the Convert tempted? His merciful and faithful High-Prieſt was tempted before him; and knowes how to ſuccour him, Heb. 2. ult. When the Apoſtle was ſorely buffered by Satan, and cries for help; what anſwer has he? See, be encouraged when you ſee 2 Cor. 12. 9. And the Lord ſaid unto me, My Grace is ſufficient for thee, for my ſtrength is made perfect in weakneſs. Is the Convert deſerted, and troubled, becauſe God hides his face? He has the Name of God, and his everlaſting Covenant to truſt in; and the Face that is now hidden, will be ſhewn again, and dry up the Tears of the deſerted, Iſa. 54. 7, 8. For a ſmall moment have I forſaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee: in a little wrath hid I my Face from thee for a Moment; but with everlaſting kindneſs will I have mercy upon thee, ſaith the Lord thy Redeemer.

6. 'Tis matter of Comfort unto Converts, that this Perfect word endures for ever, 1 Pet. 1. 24, 25. All Fleſh is graſs, and all the glory of Man as the Flower of the field; the Graſs withereth, and the Flower thereof falleth away; but the Word of the Lord endureth for ever, and this is the Word which by the Goſpel is preached unto you. The Word is an everlaſting truth, never did any, never ſhall any find it falſe. 'Tis a means to Convert the Soul, to make the Heart new, and 'tis written in the new heart in Characters that are indelible, and abiding: 'tis a Suſtentation to the New Creature, and cheriſhes it unto that Life which is Eternal. The New nature is Immortal, true Grace never dies; but at Death is perfected in Glory that fadeth not away.