The Intercourses of Divine Love Betwixt Christ and His Church, Sermon 46
Sermon XLVI.
Cant. 1. 8.
If thou knoweſt not (O thou faireſt amongſt Women) Go thy way forth by the footſteps of the Flock, and feed thy Kids by the Shepher ds Tents.
I am now come to the laſt part of the Text; The Beloved's Direction, What to do, that ſhe might find where her beloved fed his flocks, where he made them to reſt at Noon. It is expreſſed in theſe words, Go thy way forth by the footſteps of the flock, and ſeed thy kids by the Shepherds tents. By the flocks when I opened the words more largely, I told you was meant, the Church, the People of God, often in Scripture compared to a flock, I will gather the remnant of the flock, Jer. 23. 2. The Lord hath viſited his flock, Zech. 10. 3. Fear not little flock it is your Fathers will to give you a Kingdom, Luke. 12. 32. Feed the flock of God, 1 Pet. 5, 2. So in many other Texts. The word in the Hebrew foreign, indifferently ſignifieth any company of leſſer Cattel, whether Sheep, or Goats, though it be moſt ordinarily applied to ſheep, as in 1 Sam. 15. 2. Jer, 50. 6. Jer. 31. 19, &c. The People of God are ordinarily the leſſer ſort of men, and women in the world. Not many noble, not many wiſe, but the poor of the World hath the Lord Choſen. The great ones of the World for the moſt part are of the Herd, not of the flock.
1 A flock is a term of multitude. Gods People are not the greateſt number of the World, but yet they are a great number, God in the worſt times (which were thoſe of Ahab had 7000 in Iſrael who had not bowed the knee to Baal, nor kiſſed him, with their lips. St. John ſaw 144000 ſealed, Rev. 7. 4. There were two great breeders of Gods antient Flock. Leah, and Rachel, theſe two did build up the houſe of God, from theſe came threeſcore and ten Souls whom God ſent to paſture in Egypt, there they were killed up apace, yet they multiplyed to an exceeding great number; from thence they were led like a Flock through the Wilderneſs by the conduct of Moſes, and Aaron; in Canaan they alſo increaſed, till for their ſins God let in Wolves upon them to deſtroy them. It is true all were not Iſrael, that were of Iſrael, but yet they all conſtituted the viſible Church of the Jews, and doubtleſs there were a great number of them who were of the inviſible Church, of that little Flock to whom it was the Fathers will to give a Kingdom. In Chriſts time, the flock of God began to be gathered together in one, and ſoon after his aſcenſion into Heaven, thoſe other ſheep, mentioned, John 10. who were not of the Jewiſh fold began to be added, by vertue of his commiſſion granted to 12 principal Shepherds, under the great Shepherd, and multitudes were added to this flock; ſince that time the wild beaſts of the field, and forreſt, have broken in upon it, ſeeding in ſeveral Countries and places; But yet they are many.
2. A flock is a term of unity. The Church of Chriſt is many, yet but one body, united by one common faith, and under on head, All the true Members of it, have one Shepherd, one law, and rule. The true Church therefore is doubtleſs the flock which is here mentioned.
By the footſteps of the flock.] The footſteps you all know is the Print of the feet. The courſe of bolineſs is in Scripture called, The way of the Righteous. The footſteps of the flock, can ſignify nothing but the Examples of the holy Servants of God which have gone before us, in the way of holineſs.
And feed thy Kids by the Shepherds tents.] Kids as you know are young Goats. Once in Scripture Goats are put in oppoſition to ſheep, Math. 25. to ſignify the wicked of the Earth, which hath given Interpreters occaſion to interpret this phraſe [thy filt by and unclean thoughts.] But it is obſervable that though Goats be a term once uſed in Scripture in that ſenſe, yet Goats are not alwaies mentioned in holy writ in an ill…ſenſe. In this very Song the Spouſes hair is compared to a flock of Goats, Ch. 4. v. 1. The Goat to the Jews was not an unclean beaſt, the hair of it was much uſed about the Tabernacle, and the body of it was often uſed in Sacrifice. Their interpretation therefore is doubtleſs to be preferred, who interpret it, 1. Either of the weak Members of Chriſt, o… 2. of the infirm faculties of the Soul.
By the Shepherds tents.] It is all along a Metaphor, The flock is the Church. The true Sheep of this Flock are thoſe who hear the voice of Chriſt, and follow him, as himſelf tells us, My Sheep hear my voice, and follow me. The Principal Shepherd is Chriſt, John. 20. 1, I am the true Shepherd. He adminiſtreth this great charge committed to him by his Father by inferiour Shepherds. He led his ancient People the Jews like a Flock by the hands of Moſes and Aaron, and afterwards made uſe of ſeveral Shepherds to feed them. Chriſt committed his Flock to the 12 Apoſtles, with power to ordain Paſtors and Teachers. The Shepherds tents ſignify the places, where they feed the Flock of Chriſt. Shepherds in thoſe countries had no fixed houſes, but moveable tents which they carried about with them, and pitched now here, now there, as was moſt convenient for the feeding of their Flocks. If any ask me, where we ſhall find theſe footſteps of the Flook? I anſwer in the Word of God, we have no other infallible record of them that I know, ſo that by the footſteps of the Flock, and the Shepherds tents, two things are clearly to be underſtood. 1. The Examples of Gods Saints recorded in Scripture. 2. The Ordinances of God diſpenſed by his faithful Miniſters.
Hither doth Chriſt ſend his Spouſe, inquiring where he fed, where he made his Flocks to reſt at Noon You ſee whither my Text would lead me, viz. To a diſcourſe concerning the Word of God …s the Rule of Chriſtians, the certain footſteps of the Flock are to be found there. 2. To a diſcourſe concerning our duty to imitate the Saints of God. Something I muſt touch upon as to both theſe, but I ſhall diſcourſe neither of them in their latitude, having fully done it lately in ſet Diſcourſes upon thoſe Arguments; I ſhall now ſpeak to neither of them further than they relate to the direction of the Text: Being both the ſureſt compaſs for a Chriſtian when he is at loſs, to direct his courſe by, when he is in diſtreſs, and knows not what to do.
Hence the Doctrine is;
Prop. The ſureſt way for Chriſtians to ſupport and maintain their communion with Chriſt, under any doubts or dark diſpenſations of God to them, is for them to keep to the examples of the Saints of God under ſuch diſpenſations, and to keep themſelves cloſe to Divine Inſtitutions.
The Propoſition you ſee is concerning Chriſtians injoying and upholding their communion with Chriſt in a day of darkeſt diſpenſations, in the Noon of Trials and Afflictions. 2. It directeth a double means in order to this end. 1. A keeping to the footſteps of the Flock. 2. Feeding by the Shepherds Tents. I ſhall ſpeak to this by way of Explication, Confirmation, and Application. By way of Explication; the only Queſtion is, What Flock, what Shepherds are here ſpoken of?
1. It muſt be Chriſt's Flock; that is plain. There are other Flocks in the World, but the Text is doubtleſs to be underſtood of the Flock of Chriſt, which I before ſhewed you was the Church of Chriſt.
2. I think it reaſonable alſo to determine, That that Flock is here meant, for whoſe feet we have the beſt aſſurance that they were guided and upheld by the unerring Spirit of God. The Papiſts call to us for this, to keep to the footſteps of the Flock: But when we come to ask them where that Flock is, they will tell us, it is at Rome, where it hath been kept and fed by a lineal Succeſſion of Biſhops from the Apoſtles times. The name of the Church of Chriſt is an honourable name; this maketh every Party cry out (as the Jews of old) The Temple of the Lord, The Temple of the Lord are we. There is ſcarce any company of Hereticks and Sectaries, but lays claim to this name. Neither can this Text be underſtood of all thoſe that are within the Pale of the Viſible Church, which hath in it bad as well as good, but of that little Flock only, who hear Chriſt, and follow him, and thoſe to whom it is our heavenly Father's will to give a Kingdom, the footſteps of thoſe who have made the Word a light to their ſeet, and a lamp to their paths; for none can be ſo abſurd as to think, that Chriſt here directeth his Spouſe to go her way by the footſteps of thoſe who walk contrary to the will of his Father. Now, where ſhall we find, where can we find thoſe of whom we are ſure they were of this little Flock? or, where ſhall we find the certain practice of ſuch, but in the Records of holy Writ? For the preſent Church of Rome, thoſe that know the ſecond Commandment, or any of the Revelations of the Divine Will againſt Idolatry, muſt know this Flock is not to be found there. For the Primitive Church, if they mean the Apoſtolick Church, the Church in their Age, whoſe Story we have Recorded in the Acts of the Apoſtles, we agree with them, that this is the Flock whoſe footſteps we are to follow, yet no further than they followed Chriſt. Be you followers of me (ſaith the Apoſtle) as I am of Chriſt; but for the following Church after their Age, we are ſo much at loſs to know what they did, Antichriſt hath ſo trodden out their footſteps, ſo purged and corrupted all Writings that ſhould give us any true account of what the Church did, that we can by no means allow the Record of their practice to be a ſufficient Guide to us. We have no ſufficient Evidence of the prints of their feet, in matters wherein the Eternal Salvation of our Souls are concerned. We have a more ſure word of Prophecy, and we are ſure we are not to follow them in any thing wherein they did not follow Chriſt. We conclude then as to this matter, that Chriſt in theſe words intended to give his Spouſe a certain Rule, to follow the ſteps of thoſe whom they might be ſure it was Chriſt's Flock, and whoſe footſteps might be ſeen. This Flock can be only that, the print of whoſe feet we have in the unerring Word of God. We believe that in all Ages of the World Chriſt hath had a Flock, a number that have heard his voice, and followed him, to whom he hath given, and will give Eternal Life, but they have been under various diſpenſations, ſometimes more, and ſometimes leſs perſpicuous to the World. We believe that it hath been the deſign of Rome ever ſince the Myſtery of Iniquity began to work in it, to blot out the prints of the feet of the Flock of Chriſt in former times; we therefore reaſonably in purſuit of this Direction of Chriſt's, overlook the Churches of this, and former Ages. The practice of thoſe of Rome in this and late ages we know to be directly contrary to the Word of God. The practice of the Primitive Church in former ages we are incertain of, further then what is contained in holy writ, we know that it hath been the policy of the Papiſts, to blot out all the records of thoſe times which might make againſt them, any thing that might ſhew us that the Doctrine, Worſhip & Diſcipline of the Church in thoſe ages was different from their preſent practices, we know that the records of the Primitive Churches practice (excepting that in the Apoſtles time recorded in Scripture) have been moſtly in their hands and they have blotted out, and put in what they pleaſed, to juſtify their Idolatry and Superſtitions, we therefore call to the Law and to the Teſtimony; to the holy Scriptures; we are ſure they have not been kept in their hands onelyonly, we believe them the pure Word of God. We ſay there is no other certain rule, no other unqueſtionable record of the footſteps of the flock: We know they are able to make the man of God wiſe to ſalvation. thoroughly furniſhed to every good work. All Proteſtants acknowledg them a perfect rule as to matter of Doctrine, we ſay they alſo are ſo as to Worſhip and Diſcipline, and as to all our converſation. We know the practice of the Saints, and Servants of God in holy Writ (not reproved by it) are the footſteps of Chriſts flock, for others we know not, we are ſure if they were contrary to the footſteps of the Servants of God in holy Writ, they are no footſteps of the flock of Chriſt, which hears his voice, and owneth that only, and will not follow ſtrangers.
2. As to the Shepherds mentioned in the Text, We know Chriſt is the true Shepherd, the chief Shepherd. He feedeth his Flock like a Shepherd. He aſcending up into Heaven, hath betruſted his Flock to Paſtors and Teachers, to Under-Shepherds, we know that if theſe be Chriſts Shepherds, they muſt take, and follow Chriſt's directions, and they are no further Shepherds then they do ſo. He hath indeed betruſted to ſome his Goſpel, the Miniſtration both of the Doctrine, and the Ordinances of the Goſpel; As they are to publiſh no other Doctrine, ſo they are to preſcribe no other Rules of life, either for the Worſhip of God, or government of the Church, they have no legiſlative power in the Church committed to them; only an executive power, to execute thoſe Laws, thoſe Ordinances, which Chriſt the Supreme Shepherd, and his Apoſtles, which were his firſt Commiſſioners have left. This is the truſt which Chriſt hath committed to them, in the diſcharge of which alone, they can be faithful, they are not the Miniſters of men, but the Miniſters of Chriſt. By the Tents of thoſe Shepherds who do this all Chriſtians are bound to ab de, and to feed themſelves, neither caſting off Divine inſtitutions, nor ſubmitting to humane inſtitutions contrary to the Divine rule; and if the Divine rule be a perfect rule, whatſoever is beſides it is contrary to it, for it reproacheth it with imperfection, or elſe is meerly, idle, and Superfluous.
That this is the duty of Chriſtians, will appear both from the the conſideration of the end for which God hath left us the footſteps of the flock in holy Writ, and alſo from comparing this with other courſes.
1. Let us firſt conſider the end for which God hath leſt us the footſteps of his flock in holy Writ, and when he aſcended up on high, gave gifts unto men, and amongſt others Paſtors and Teachers. The footſteps of the flock of Chriſt are to be found in the Word of God, you have in Scripture not onelyonly the inſtructions of David, the words of the man according to Gods own heart, but the practice of David recorded under ſeveral circumſtances: Not onelyonly the Doctrine, and inſtructions of the Apoſtles in their Sermons, and Epiſtles, but the Acts of the Apoſtles teaching us their practice. Now though it be true, that their examples oblige us in nothing wherein they did not follow the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, nor in any thing which they did in conformity to the Ceremonial law, wherein they uſed a liberty (that law being dead with Chriſt, but through a gracious indulgence, allowed, for a time, till the believing Jews could be Satisfied concerning the abolition of it, in order to the gaining the Jews, and walking towards them without offence, upon which account Paul both circumciſed Timothy and purified himſelf. Nor are their examples our rules, in what they did as Apoſtles or as men indued with the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghoſt, working miracles or ſpeaking with tongues; for as we cannot do the latter, ſo we want their miſſion and more extraordinary commiſſion to do the former. Hence Miniſters are under no obligation to do as they did, fixing no where, but going up and down preaching the Goſpel, and ſettling Churches: yet in other things, wherein they acted as Miniſters of the Goſpel, or private Chriſtians, we are bound to the imitation of them, and God hath left us their actions upon ſacred record for our inſtruction. For whatſoever is written aforetime is written for our learning, Rom. 15. 4. The Apoſtle telleth us, That all Scripture is given by inſpiration of God and is profitable for Doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for inſtruction in righteouſneſs. This is the end for which God hath given us the Scripture, and all the Scripture, 2 Tim, 3. 16.
2. It is the moſt ſafe and certain rule. The two great things that commend a rule given with reference to any end is the ſecurity of it, and the certainty of it. To walk by the footſteps of Chriſts flock recorded in Scripture muſt be a ſafe rule, no man needeth fear ſinning againſt God, by obeying his Word, and living up to the rule, direction, and preſcription of it, ſin muſt be ſomething contrary to the Divine Rule. In following other rules men may err, in following of this rule they cannot err. The certainty, of a rule much commends it. If the Trumpet give an incertain ſound who ſhall prepare himſelf for the battel? If there be no certainty in a rule who can follow the direction of it? Let us now compare this rule as to this caſe what a Chriſtian is to do, eſpecially in a time of affliction and diſtreſs, to maintain and uphold his communion with Chriſt.
1. Some will pretend to the Spirit as their rule. They have an anointing (they tell us) which teacheth them all things, and ſo pretend to follow the motions, and impreſſions of the holy Spirit. But there is no certainty in this pretended Rule for all Spirits are not of God. The Spirit hath given us the Rule of the word, for you heard before, That all Scripture is given us by divine inſpiration, and that it is able to make the man of God wiſe to Salvation. The Spirit teacheth nothing contrary to the Word. The Word directs us to follow the footſteps of the Flock. There can be no certainty in pretended impreſſions from the Spirit which are contrary to the Word of God, no nor any ſecurity. For all ſuch pretences muſt Iſſue in the deceit of our own hearts, we following our own luſts, and imaginations in ſtead of the holy Spirit, or (which is worſe) the impreſſions of the evil Spirit. Yet this is the rule of all Enthuſiaſts.
2. Others call out to us to follow the Church, the practice of the Church in all ages. And indeed if they could make appear to us what that was, they would ſay ſomething, but what certainty can there be in this rule while they that talk of it, can neither make that Church appear to us, nor yet what their practice was; we know who were the Church, in the Apoſtles age, and we know what their practice was, by the records of holy Writ, but who the Church were, and what their practice was in latter ages we cannot tell, and by conſequence there is no certainty in this rule, we may follow the ſteps of the Synagogue of Sat an inſtead of the ſteps of the flock of Chriſt.
3. The Papiſts call to us to follow Traditions, and indeed for the Traditions delivered us by the Apoſtles we ſee reaſon to follow them, and if they could by an unqueſtionable record make out any thing to us, which had been received as an Ʋniverſal Tradition of the Ʋniverſal Church, we ſhould have a great reſpect and reverence for it, but for unwritten Traditions, which the Papiſts put into an equal ballance with the Word of God for Chriſtians rule, being (as they pretend) delivered as rules by the Apoſtles to the Church of God, as we know no need we have of ſuch, ſo we have no certainty that any ſuch things were ever ſo delivered and therefore can ſee no ſecurity in receiving them, or giving any ear unto them.
4. There is a 4th ſort, that in diſtreſſes are much for ſeeking God, and walking according to the impreſſions we have upon ſuch ſeeking; this practice is founded upon an excellent bottom: 1. A Precept for the owning, and acknowledging of God in all our ways. 2. A Promiſe that he will direct our ſteps, Prov. 3. v. 6. Seeking of God at all times, (at ſuch times eſpecially) is the great duty of Chriſtians, and if rightly done, cannot be in vain, but for the right performance of it, a Chriſtian muſt have reſpect both to the matter of his Prayer, and alſo to the manner of it. It is to the matter of our Prayers onelyonly that I am here concerned to ſpeak. As to this our rule is, that it muſt be ſomething conſonant to the will of God. I mean his will revealed in his Word. Hence it followeth,
1. That when God hath revealed his will in his Word for, or againſt a thing which we are about to do, for us to ſeek God, whether we ſhould do it or no, forbear it or no, is to tempt and provoke God. This is like Balaams going to inquire of God whether he ſhould go with the Meſſengers of Balak, after that God had plainly told him he ſhould not go. We ought to acquieſce in the determination of Gods will in his Word, whether in the Precepts or the examples of the Servants of God recorded there, and for things forbidden to avoid them, for things commanded to do them; here's no place for ſeeking God as to the doing or forbearing; ſo that although for things of this nature, as to what God hath commanded us to do, we may, and ought to ſeek God for direction, help, and aſſiſtance in the doing of them: And as to things forbidden we may ſeek God for ſtrength to avoid them, and all temptations to them, yet we may not ſeek God whether we ſhould do the things ſo commanded, and forbear the things ſo forbidden yea or no. Such ſeeking of God is but asking leave to ſin againſt him.
2. In particular actions as to which Gods Word hath not particularly directed us, it is our duty to ſeek God for direction, and having firſt well conſidered the general rules of the Word of God, if we find the action neither commanded nor forbidden, according to them we may, for ought I know, attend the impreſſions we find upon our Spirits, after ſuch ſincere and ſerious ſeeking of God. And take them to be the will of God concerning us as to ſuch actions. But this is but a digreſſion from my ſubject. This is enough to ſhew you, there is no ſuch ſecurity, or certainty in any direction we can have, as in following the footſteps of the flock of Chriſt, the prints of whoſe feet we find in the Word of God.
2. It is as reaſonable that we ſhould feed by the Shepherds Tents, that is, attend upon Divine inſtitutions, if we would enjoy any fellowſhip, and communion with God; for it is unreaſonable to expect the influences of Divine Grace in any way, but ſuch only as God hath promiſed he will give them in, much leſs in the neglect, or contempt of any ſuch means as he hath appointed. The promiſe is, Exod. 20. 24. In all places where I record my name, I will come unto thee, and bleſs thee. Our communion with God depends upon his coming to us, and bleſſing us. Where God will come unto us, and bleſs us, there we may, there we ſhall have communion with him. Now where will God come unto us, and bleſs us? In all places where he recordeth his Name to dwell; what doth that ſignify but in all his ſacred ordinances, and inſtitutions? Conformable to this is his promiſe in the New Teſtament, Mat. 18. 20. Where two or three are gathered together in my name (that is, at my command, or by my order) there am I in the midſt amongſt them, and to his Miniſters his promiſe is made, Mat. 28. 19▪ Go you therefore, and teach all Nations, Baptizing them in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghoſt, teaching them to obſerve all things whatſoever I have commanded you, and loe I am with you alway, to the end of the world. Where can we expect communion with God, but where he hath promiſed to be with his People, to meet them, and to bleſs them?
Uſe 1.Obſerve from hence how unreaſonable they are that talk of a communion with God, or expect any ſuch thing, who make not the Word of God a light to their Feet, who go not forth by the footſteps of the flock, who feed not their Souls by the Shepherds Tents: under this condemnation fall,
1. All ſuch who having no regard to the Word as their rule, walk according to the imaginations of their own hearts, which you ſhall find to be the conſtant Character of wicked Men in Scripture.
2. Such as follow the incertain examples, and traditions of men.
3. Laſtly, Such as caſt off ordinances under a pretence of a more immediate fellowſhip, and communion with God. There is a middle way betwixt reſting in, and taking up with mere external performances, and caſting them off. It is true, a Soul may wait upon God in ordinances, and have no communion with God in them. Communion with God lies in more then meer lending an Ear to God, and allowing him our bodily preſence, in more then a communication of the will of God to our external ſenſes: but this is to be had by the Shepherds Tents, in places where God hath recorded his Name to dwell, and the performance of ſuch external acts, as God hath required, and made his promiſes of that nature unto. To look for a preſence of God with us in a neglect, or contempt of theſe inſtitutions, is to look for what we have no reaſon to expect to find.
Uſe 2.Let me only further perſuade you that hear me this day, to follow the counſel given you in the Text. To go your ways by the footſteps of Chriſts flock; to feed your Souls by his Shepherds Tents.
1. In all your actions go forth by the footſteps of the flock. Do what you have found the Servants of God have done, whoſe names and practices you have upon a ſure record in Holy Writ. As it was prophecied of old, that there ſhould come times when many ſhould ſay, Lo here is Chriſt, or lo there is Chriſt, to amuſe Souls, and make their way incertain to them. So the times are come. when many ſay, Lo here is the Church, others ſay, lo it is there, the Papiſts ſay it is with them, and other parties ſay it is with them, in this incertain cry we have a certain rule. In the Holy Scripture we have a certain record of the flock of Chriſt, we have certain prints of their feet, peace ſhall be upon thoſe who walk according to that rule, you may be deceived as to other ſcocks, as to that you cannot be deceived. The practice of the Primitive Church not recorded in Holy Writ, the pretended Traditions of the Primitive Church, of which the Scripture maketh no mention, are very incertain things, the Word of God that is a ſure rule, let none leave that which is certain, for thoſe things that are incertain, if you cannot find in the Holy Scriptures a ſufficiency to make you wiſe to Salvation, both as to what you are to do in the Worſhip of God, and in the whole of your converſation, then there may be ſome reaſon for you to hear what others ſay, and to liſten to your own reaſon, but there is a ſufficieney there.
Obj.Some will tell us, That Scripture is obſcure, and who ſhall interpret it to us but the Church.
Sol.If there be any thing in Scripture neceſſary for us to know, that is obſcure, I am ſure the practice of the Church after the Apoſtles times, is much more obſcure; who ſhall vouch the Authority of any one Book that pretendeth to give us any ſuch account? There is a great deal of fault found with that principle, that we ought to do nothing but what we have a Warrant for from the Word of God. If it be rightly underſtood, I know no fault that is to be found with it, not that we muſt have a particular Warrant from the Word of God, for every action that we do, none ever aſſerted any ſuch thing. But we ought to do nothing for which we have not a particular, or general Warrant from the Word of God. In fome actions (thoſe eſpecially which relate to the Worſhip of God) the Word of God is a particular rule in all things. No act of Worſhip, no mean of Worſhip is to be uſed, but what we have a particular Warrant in Gods Word; the reaſon is, becauſe there is all the reaſon in the World God ſhould preſcribe his own Homage, and becauſe it is a ſufficient rule, he that worſhippeth God according to the rules of the Word, neither adding thereto, nor diminiſhing therefrom, ſhall worſhip God acceptably. As to particular, natural, and civil actions, the word is not a particular ſufficient rule, but it is a general rule; it is impoſſible that the Word of God ſhould particularly direct all the civil actions of a mans life, it hath left a thouſand things of that nature to our own liberty and wiſdom, only hath given us ſome general rules, which we are to obſerve in them; in theſe things a Chriſtian hath not ſuch a liberty, but that he ought to obey the Ordinances, and laws of men, ſo far as they reſpect the order and government of Nations and Kingdoms, and that out of conſcience to the Commandment of God, requiring ſuch obedience to men in their Spheres, and the capacities which God hath ſet them in.
Secondly, Feed your Kids by the Shepherds Tents. Keep to the Ordinances, and Inſtitutions of Chriſt, adminiſtred by thoſe whom he hath ſet over his flock as Shepherds. That is the ſenſe of that part of the direction, and by the way this ſheweth us a neceſſity, and uſefulneſs of a Goſpel Miniſtry. It is the deſign of Jeſuites, and Romiſh Prieſts to take you off from your Miniſters. The Socinian complaineth, that the world hath been a long time troubled with an idle ſort of Perſons called Miniſters, Quakers, and other Enthuſiaſts, all ſing the ſame Song, yet there is none of theſe but have their Heads, their Guides, and Teachers, only poſſibly ſome of them would have none who ſhould wholly ſet themſelves apart, and give up themſelves to this work, others would only bring you off the true Miniſters of the Goſpel, to put you under Idol Shepherds. Certain it is that the Shepherds mentioned in the Text are ſuch as are ſent by the great Shepherd, and can truly derive from the Lord Jeſus Chriſt. Here is the queſtion how ſhall we know which be the Shepherds tents, our reaſon will direct us not to give credit to thoſe who only bear witneſs of themſelves, Chriſt ſaith, John. 5. 31. If I bear witneſs of my ſelf my witneſs is not true: That is, if I alone bear witneſs of my ſelf. Such a Teſtimony is alſo more to be ſuſpected when it is arrogant, when men challenge to themſelves to be alone the true Shepherds. But for your direction I ſhall lay down a few concluſions.
1. It is both impoſſible for any to know them by their lineal ſucceſſion from the Apoſtles, who were the firſt deputed by Chriſt to feed his flock, and needleſs to make ſuch an inquiry for them. The former aſſertion proveth the latter, for it is doubtleſs needleſs to look for what is impoſſible to be found. This is the great thing which the Papiſts boaſt of, the great thing which they contend for, That thoſe can be no true Miniſters who are not ordained by Biſhops in a lineal ſucceſſion or a perſonal ſucceſſion from the Apoſtles, & Rome hath only had ſuch a ſucceſſion, therefore the Shepherds Tents, are only to be found amongſt them. I am ſorry to find any Proteſtants liſping this language of Aſhdod; Proteſtant Divines in former ages have thought it enough to prove ſucceſſion in Doctrine. The truth is a ſucceſſion of Perſons is a thing impoſſible to be proved, if we muſt own no Miniſters, but ſuch as can prove they are made ſo by Biſhops, in a true ſucceſſion from the Apoſtles, I am ſure they muſt own none at all, for how is it poſſible think you that after near 1700 years, any Miniſters ſhould be able to prove ſuch a ſucceſſion. All the Iſſue of this conteſt muſt be either to bring us all again to Rome, which indeed vainly boaſteth of ſuch a ſucceſſion, or elſe to Atheiſm, to the owning of no true Miniſtry at all, and conſequently to no Ordinances. Nor is any ſuch inquiry neceſſary, for certainly Chriſt hath clothed his Church with a power to reſtore his inſtitutions if they were loſt, or the exerciſe of them for any ſpace of time were interrupted.
2. Secondly, The true Shepherds are to be known by their miſſion. Chriſt is agreed to be the true Shepherd, the principal Shepherd. All true Under-Shepherds muſt have their miſſion from him. He certainly ſendeth none but, 1. Such as are by him fitted and qualified for all parts of their work. 2. Such as are diſpoſed, & inclined to their work. Conſider but what the work of the Shepherd is, viz. to ſeed the flock of Chriſt, to watch over them, &c. And this is one way for you to know Chriſts Shepherds, they are by him qualified for their work with gifts and abilities to pray, and Preach, to open, and to apply the Scriptures, they are alſo by him inclined and diſpoſed to it, deſiring the Office of a Biſhop, and to give up themſelves to it. Where this is found, there's Chriſts Miſſion. They are alſo called by the Church, proved, ſet apart to the work by faſting and Prayer, but this is onelyonly their external miſſion. A Church may be ſo corrupted as to ſend out men who were never ſent of Chriſt, neither having any internal qualifications to fit them for it, nor any inclinations, and heart unto it, only deſiring to be put into the Prieſts Office for a morſel of bread. No good Chriſtian can judg theſe Chriſts Shepherds, for though he hath given a power to his Church to ſend out Miniſters, yet they are limited to ſuch as are able and faithful, nor ought any to be look'd upon as a true Shepherd or Miniſter of Chriſt, who apparently hath no inward qualifications for the work of the Miniſtry nor any heart faithfully to diſcharge it.
3. Thirdly, You ſhall know them by their Doctrine, Gal. 1. 8. Though we or an Angel from Heaven Preach any other Goſpel unto you, then that which we have Preached unto you, let him be accurſed, v. 9. As we ſaid before ſo now I ſay again, If any man Preach any other Goſpel unto you, then that you have received, let him be accurſed. He that is accurſed, or to be accurſed, is none of thoſe Shepherds, by whoſe Tents Chriſtians are to feed their Souls, but thoſe who bring any Doctrine to Peoples Ears, that is contrary to the Doctrine delivered by Chriſt and his Apoſtles, or other then that, is accurſed, and by the Judgment of the Apoſtles to be accounted accurſed; ſuch a one therefore, can be no ſuch Perſon as Chriſtians are bound to hear, or to feed their Souls by their Tents. But you will ſay, what if they be not declared ſo or adjudged ſo, by the Church. This is the Churches ſin and neglect of their duty. The Church by its judgments cannot make one hair of truth white or black, ſhe is only to declare and adjudg that to be the Doctrine of Chriſt which is ſo: And to declare and adjudg that which is not ſo to be what it is. If the Church will neglect her duty I am not to neglect mine. If the Major part of the Church be ſo corrupted, that they will call evil good, and good evil, determine Error to be truth, and truth to be Error, their Error cannot conclude me. If it could, we had long ſince been Arrians, and in later times been Papiſts. Proteſtants have therefore rightly determined that every true Chriſtian hath a judgment of diſcretion in this caſe. The ſole judgment of truth & Error is in Chriſt and his Word. A declarative judgment is in the Church, but a judgment of diſcretion, ſo far as to guide a Chriſtians particular practice, is in every Chriſtian, who is to prove all things, and to hold faſt that only which is good. I cannot, I ought not to feed my Soul by the Tents of thoſe Shepherds, who bring me other Doctrine then what they can prove from the Word of God. If the Church will ſuffer ſuch, I am not bound by their ſins. Gods Paſtors feed his People with wiſdom and underſtanding, Jer. 3. 15. Not with meet high-ſwelling Words of vanity, much leſs with lies and Erronious Doctrine contrary to Chriſts and the Apoſtles Doctrine.
4. Fourthly, Chriſt tells us that to the true Shepherd, the Porter openeth, John 10. v. 3. And the Sheep hear his voice. God opens the hearts of his People to ſuch as are his Shepherds. The Apoſtle tells the Corinthians, they were the ſeal of his Apoſtleſhips, 1 Cor. 9. 2. And again, 2 Cor. 3. 2, 3. Ye are our Epiſtle, Written in our hearts, and known, and read of all men, for as much as you are manifeſtly declared to be the Epiſtle of Chriſt Miniſtered by us, Written, not with Ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not in tables of ſtone, but in the fleſhly tables of the heart. God hath ſealed the miniſtry of thoſe Miniſtersto be from him, whoſe miniſtry he hath bleſſed, by opening the hearts of People to it, and by it; there needs no further evidence, this is a ſufficient letter of recommendation of them to all that own the name of Chriſt. I ſpeak not here for that inſignificant converſion of men to an opinion, without a turning of their heart from ſin unto God, but of the real converſion or change of mens hearts. This is a proof Sirs, of true Shepherds a proof of a true miniſtry, 2 Cor: 13. 3. I will never queſtion the truth of that mans miniſtry, with whoſe miniſtry I ſee God going along. So that their miniſtry opens the Eyes of the blind, and turns men from darkneſs to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveneſs of ſins, and an inheritance amongſt them that are Sanctified. Which were the ends for which God ſent out Paul, Acts 26. 18. Let ſuch men as theſe be ordained by whom they will, Biſhops or Preſbyters, or only ſent out by the Church, let them be ordained by what Rites and in what manner they will, it is plain they are Chriſts Shepherds. Let there have been defects in their entrance, and admiſſion by the Church into the miniſtry. God hath now ſealed their miniſtry, all defects are taken away.
5. Our Saviour hath given us another note of a true Shepherd, John 10. 4. When he putteth forth his Sheep he goeth before them, he doth not only lead them by his voice but by his feet. I ſhall never believe that Chriſt ſent an open Drunkard to perſuade men not to be drunk with wine wherein is exceſs, nor a Scandalous and unclean Perſon to tell men that Whoremongers and Adulterers God will judge. Nor a profane Swearer to Preach to men, Swear not at all. Chriſt indeed did ſend out Judas, but he was under no Scandalous Character till he betrayed his Maſter. A ſecret Hypocrite, whom we do not diſcern may be judged by us ſent of Chriſt. But a Scandalous profane Perſon cannot. The Church ought to caſt out ſuch unſavoury ſalt; if ſhe neglects her duty, I ought not to neglect mine: I am bound to feed by no ſuch Shepherds Tents.
6. The true Shepherds of Chriſt will not traduce, and revile one another, the falſe Apoſtles traduced Paul to the Corinthians, as an hireling, and a weak man, &c. you read not that Paul and Peter, &c. ever did ſo, there was ſome hot Conteſts betwixt Paul and Barnabas, and Paul and Peter, but they never ended in revilings, and ſeeking of a proof of Chriſt one in another. In ſhort, if you ſee any Miniſters who are able to Pray and Preach, and faithful in doing it, and who in Preaching mind the Souls of the People, and feed them not with the air of a few fine Words: Nor with rotten, and corrupt Doctrines. Any whom the Lord owneth, making them bleſſed inſtruments to turn Souls to God, any who walk before their flock, who live up to what they Preach in all holineſs of life, conclude theſe are the Shepherds Tents by which Chriſt hath commanded you to feed, if you would have any communion with him. Regard not what Romiſh Prieſts ſay, that they have no Apoſtolical Succeſſion; no what Enthuſiaſts ſay, that they are wirelings, therefore none of Chriſts Shepherds. He is no hireling that receiveth wages, for the labourer is by God determined worthy of his hire. He is an hireling in the ſenſe of Chriſt, John 10. that regards not the Souls of People, and looks at nothing but his hire. I ſhall only preſs your feeding by the Shepherds Tents,
1. From the former advantages you have had from your Souls feeding there. I ſhall allude to that of the Apoſtle, Galat. 3. 2, 3. This only would I know of you, were not you converted from ſin unto God by the Miniſters of Chriſt, by ſuch Shepherds, as I have been deſcribing to you? Were your hearts firſt changed, by thoſe that declaim againſt Miniſters and Ordinances, &c.
2. Conſider the moful Examples of thoſe who have caſt off the Miniſtry and Ordinances of God. What horrors have filled the Souls of ſome? What ſtupid blindneſs have others fallen into? How many of them are delivered up by God to ſtrong deluſions to believe lies, or to a looſneſs of life and converſation, to commit iniquity with greedineſs, and that without any apparent ſenſe or feeling. I could give you ſeveral, ſtrange inſtances, but I ſhall rather chuſe to leave you to be informed by your own Obſervation.