The Buddings and Blossomings of Old Truths, Commentary · Verse 23
Verſ. 23.
And John alſo was Baptizing in Aenon neer to Salim, becauſe their was much water there, and they came and were Baptized.
FRom the practice of our Saviour deſcend we to the labour of the Baptiſt, wherein we may take notice of.
1. His conſtant practice in his calling, notwithſtanding Chriſt had now manifeſted himſelf.
2. The quality of his imployment.
3. The place where.
4. The reaſon why.
5. The concourſe of the people to him.
1. Chriſt began publickly to teach, to ſhine like a glorious Sun, yet the Baptiſt did not therefore ceaſe from his calling, but continued conſtant, not ſaying that Chriſt is come, therefore I may be ſilent: hence marke.
Doctr. That we may not at our owne pleaſure leave our callings, but follow them while God doth give us ability to performe them. Like Noah, who as he went in, ſo he would not come forth againe but by the Lords commandement.
Ʋſe. A ſharpe taxation for ſuch as take every occaſion to neglect their calling: But I paſſe by this and come to the ſecond, namely.
2. The quality of the Baptiſts worke, he baptized. This baptiſme adminiſtred by Iohn, and that adminiſtred by our Saviour was the ſame.
In regard of the Author & authority, Iohn 2.33.
2. In regard of ſubſtance and thing ſignified, Remiſſion of ſin in Chriſt.
3. In regard of the ſigne, Water.
4. In regard of the Ceremony, Waſhing the body.
5. Inregard of the efficacy and effect, Offering forgivenes of ſin to all true believers, Acts 19.4. thus they agree.
They differ:
In regard of time, the Baptiſme of John was before Chriſts Baptiſme. The Baptiſme of John ſealed up remiſſion of ſinnes to beleevers in Chriſt to come. The Baptiſme of Chriſt is extended to all people, Johns Baptiſme extended onelyonly to the Iſraelites; The Baptiſme of our Saviour hath greater meaſure of efficacy, than the Baptiſme of the Baptiſt, becauſe the Spirit after Chriſts paſſion and aſcenſion was more plenteouſly given.
Bellarmine contendeth that the Baptiſme of the Baptiſt was not the ſame with Chriſts, that ſuch as were baptized by him, were againe to be baptized by Chriſts Baptiſme. But this is not ſo, for otherwiſe we ſhould not have the ſame baptiſme with Chriſt, for he was baptiſed by Iohn. And as by his circumciſion he ſanctified the circumciſion of the Fathers, ſo by his baptiſme, he ſanctified ours; otherwiſe their ſhould be two baptiſmes, which the Scripture contradicts, Eph. 4.5. One baptiſme.
Baptiſme thus adminiſtred by our Saviour, by the Baptiſt, it ſheweth.
Doctr. That the Sacrament of Baptiſme muſt be carefully adminiſtred to ſuch as are capable of it.
This is the firſt Sacrament of the new Teſtament by the waſhing of water, repreſenting the powerfull waſhing of the blood and Spirit of Chriſt, and ſo fealing our new birth, and enterance into the Covenant of grace; read theſe places, Epheſ. 5.26. 1. Cor. 6.11. Heb. 10.22. Iohn 3.5. Tit. 3.5.
As the benefit repreſented, and ſealed by it to the faithfull is great: So the authority of it is not humane but divine, it was brought into the church by the commandement of God, by the Miniſtry, firſt of Iohn; therefore called the Baptiſt, after ſanctified and confirmed by our Saviour himſelf, being baptized of Iohn, and giving commiſſion to his Apoſtles, and Miniſters, to continue the ſame in his Church unto the end. In this Sacrament there are two parts.
The outward Element of Water, Iohn 1.31. With the action of waſhing, Eph. 5.26. In the name of the Father, Sonne, and Holy Ghoſt. That which is ſignified by this is the blood and Spirit of Chriſt, Heb. 9.14. 1 Cor. 6.11. Waſhing away both the guilt, and filthines of ſin, Acts 2.38. Ezek. 36.25. Yet this ſpirituall and inward doth not alwayes accompany the outward waſhing for how ever God by his Miniſter offer unto all, yet the elect onelyonly are effectually partakers of the benefit thereof, and that not alwayes as ſoone as they be baptized; but after they be once converted and ingraffed into Chriſt, Gal. 3.27. Then Baptiſme doth ever after become a fountaine for ſin, and for uncleanenes, Zach. 13.1. And this doth waſh from all ſin, originall, actuall, ſinnes before & ſinnes after Baptiſme, and that perfectly in reſpect of the guilt, Iſa. 1.18. Though inperfectly and by degrees, in regard of the pollution, and power of ſin, Iohn 13.10. Pſal. 51.
Thus you ſee the authority and benefit of the Sacrament. Let therefore every one that hath participated of it, be carefull, as he is thereby received into the number of Gods people, brought within the Covenant of God, So
1. Let him live as one of Gods Family, and not as a ſtranger, as a friend and not as an enemy.
2. Let him ſtrive to find that Union wrought between him and Chriſt, which is repreſented by Baptiſme, Gal. 3.27.
3. Let him be ſure, that as his body, ſo his conſcience be baptized, the inward man be renewed, Tit. 3.5. 1 Pet. 3.21.
4. Let him get the aſſurance of the pardon of his ſinnes, Acts 2.38. Ceaſe not till by the beſt teſtimony of Gods Spirit, the witnes of thy own conſcience, and the ſaving fruit hereof thou be aſſured of the ſame.
5. Ever remember the obligation wherein thou art hereby bound to believe and obey, Rom. 6.34.
6. Ever keep thy conſcience ſincere and unſpotted, 1 Pet. 3.21. And then in the deepeſt affliction thou maiſt find much comfort, for as the riſing out of the water of Baptiſme may aſſure thee of the comfortable paſſage, thorough the waters of all afflictions, & of a future reſurrection to glory, and happines.
2. Since the authority and benefit is ſo great, we are much to blame that deny our preſence at this Ordinance, for
1. It is a parcell of Gods worſhip.
2. We ſhould pray for a member more received into the Church.
3. Give thanks that God vouchſafes this grace and favour to him.
4. We might be put in mind of our owne covenant. A ſhame it is that we cannot a little while afford our preſence, to a duty ſo behoofull; ſo comfortable.
3. The place where the Baptiſt did Baptice was in Aenon a city neer unto Salim, whereof is mention, 1 Sam. 4. Two cities nigh unto Jordan. The Baptiſt remained not ſtill in one place, he baptized our Saviour in Jordan, now he Baptizeth in Aenon, hence learne.
Doct. That we muſt according to the utmoſt of our abilities, communicate the means of ſalvation to the people of all places.
The more largely the meanes of ſalvation are divulged. 1. The more the goodnes of God is commended. 2. The more the name of God is honoured. 3. The more Souls are converted. 4. The more Sathans Kingdom is weakned. 5. The more excuſeles men will be in the day of judgement.
Ʋſe. A great incouragement to all Gods people ſpecially to Gods Miniſters, to be induſtrious in all places; not at any time hiding their light under a buſhell, but ſetting it upon the Candleſtick, that all that will not ſhut their eyes may ſee by it: not being as a ſealed fountaine, but as a flowing ſtreame to refreſh the thirſty Souls of our bretheren. Learning by our Saviours Example to do good in all places where we come, going up and down ſeeking whom to ſave, as Sathan compaſſeth the earth ſeeking whom he may devour, compaſſing Sea and Land to turne men to God, as the Phariſes did to make a proſylite; an embracer of their ſuperſtition.
Were our care and diligence thus manifeſted, were our time thus redeemed, our abilities thus exerciſed, then.
1. We ſhould leave in all places a ſweet ſavour behind us.
2. We ſhould prevent the commiſſion of many evills.
3. We ſhould take from Sathan much advantage which he now hath againſt us.
4. We ſhould enlighten many blind underſtandings.
5. We ſhould revive many dejected Spirits.
6. We ſhould make fruitfull many barren Souls.
7. We ſhould reclaime many wandering ſheep.
8. We ſhould repleniſh the fold of Chriſt Jeſus.
9. We ſhould make the Goſpel glorious.
10. We ſhould multiply our owne graces.
11. We ſhould make our appearance at laſt very comfortable before Chriſt Jeſus.
Thus of the place.
4. The reaſon why he baptized there: becauſe their was much water there; other places afforded not ſo much water as this place did; therefore he made choiſe of this where you may ſee.
1. That the Sacrament of Baptiſme ought to be adminiſtred in pure water without any mixture.
2. That in antient time the whole body of the baptized did uſe to be waſhed.
3. That Miniſters ought to make choiſe of the moſt convenient places for the execution of their office: of each of theſe a word or two.
Doctr. 1 The Sacrament of baptiſme, muſt be adminiſtred in pure water without any mixture.
As Naaman waſhed in the River of Jordan without any thing mingled with it and was healed. So muſt we in this Jordan. For ſo was Chriſt himſelf baptized, Math. 3.16. So was the Eunuch baptized, Acts 8.38, 39. Therefore called waſhing, Eph. 5.26. Acts 8.36. Acts 2.41. Math. 28.19. Thus they, 1 Cor. 10.2.
This anſwereth the water flowing from our Saviours ſide, as the Wine in the Lords ſupper doth anſwer the blood, which our Saviour ſhed, and this doth repreſent the thing thereby ſignified the waſhing away of our ſinnes. Therefore Auguſtine: Auguſt. haereſ. 46 cont. Maniches.Tolle aquam & baptiſmus non erit.
Where by the way we may ſee the Manichees refuted, refuſing to uſe water in baptiſme, becauſe as they fondly conceived the devill and not God had made the water.
Their errour diſcovered, who would not baptize with water? becauſe Iohn baptized with water, but Chriſt baptized with the Holy Ghoſt.
Their practice confuted, who inſteed of ſprinkling water did impreſſe the forme of a croſſe with a hot Iron in the forehead of their children, becauſe it is ſaid that Chriſt did baptize with the Holy Ghoſt and with fire, underſtanding that literally which was ment Spiritually.
The weak conceipt of ſuch overturned, as think the child may be baptized in Wine, Oile, or other liquour, whereas, Acts 8.36. Eph. 5.26. Water is the onelyonly ſanctified and appointed Element.
It alſo overthroweth the errour and preſumtuous practice of the Papiſts in adding Salt, Oile, Spittle, &c. to the Element of Water, a practice ſavouring of no leſſe pride than ignorance. For it is not in the power of any man or Angel, but onelyonly of God to appoint the matter of a Sacrament; No man muſt dare to add to any of Gods Ordinances, no creature can make them more compleat and perfect, Dutr. 12.32. Whatſoever is by nams invention annexed to it is will-worſhip, which God abhorreth, Coll. 2.24. Such as hath neither precept or example in Scripture to warrant it, but are taken partly from Iudaiſme as Salt,Partly from Iudaiſme. Partly from blind zeale. Partly the abuſe of the Churchs practiſe. Ʋſe. and Oile, partly from their one blind zeale as ſpittle, and partly from the abuſe of the practiſe of the Church in the time of perſecution, uſed to preach and baptize in the night by candle light, and hence the Papiſts will have their candles burning in the day.
But to leave theſe cold and comfortles diſcourſes, let us returne to our ſelves, and as the water is the Element in Baptiſme, ſo let us labour to ſee that Baptiſme in us produce ſuch effects, as the water uſeth to do in things ſubject to the operation thereof: and,
1. As the water doth waſh the body, ſo let us be ſtirred up to get our Souls waſhed from ſinne, and uncleanenes, this is the worſt dirt, a filthines which doth moſt defile, a Leproſie which doth moſt deforme, no ſpot ſo ſordid, no blemiſh ſo uneaſily removed, no deformity but this cauſeth us to be refuſed of God, it is not unwaſhen hands, a polluted face, but an unwaſhed Soule which the Lord doth hate, this is that the Lord would have us put away, Jer. 4.14. All other waſhings are nothing worth, the heart remaining uncleane, unwaſht; it is not ſo much the outſide, as the inſide of the platter doth defile the meat, therefore the Lord will have both to be waſhed, Iames 4.8. And this Davids Prayer, Pſal. 51.2, 7. This is Gods promiſe, and the work of his Spirit upon all his choſen children, Ezek. 36.26. This is a teſtimony of his ſureſt love, Ezek. 16.9. The ſweeteſt favour that he beſtowes on any of his ſervants: to waſh away their ſin is a greater mercy and higher honour, than to cloath them with the richeſt raiment, and ſeate them in the moſt eminent places of dignity, for as, Exod. 29.4. Aaron and his ſonnes were waſhed with water before they miniſtred in the tabernacle, ſo muſt we waſh, before ever we can Miniſter unto God in any acceptable manner; as, Iohn 13.8. Chriſt waſhed Peters feet, elſe he could not have part in him, ſo unleſs we be inwardly waſhed, we can have no part in Chriſt, as Levit. 1.9. The inwards and the leggs of the burnt offering was to be waſhed in water: So muſt our inward parts be waſhed before we can offer our ſelves to God.
Therefore as Naomi adviſed Ruth intending to, joyne herſelf in wedlock with Boas, Ruth 3.3. Waſh thy ſelfe therefore and anoint thee, &c. So let me adviſe as many of you as intend to joyne vour ſelves in this holy wedlock with Ieſus Chriſt waſh your ſelves from your iniquities, anoint your ſelves with the Oile of grace, be cloathed with the garment of true holines, that ſo God may delight in you.
2. As the water doth ſupply, and make ſoft and tender the grounds whereon it falleth, things caſt into it: So muſt we labour to find our hearts (by vertue of the grace of the Spirit repreſented and comunicated to us in baptiſme) made ſoft and tender, flexible and obedient to the will of God. This is Gods worke in the heart of his people, Ezek. 16.4. Turning the hearts, which were as hard as ſtones, into hearts as tender as fleſh, Ezek. 36.26. This is a ſweet and delightfull Sacrifice unto him, Pſal. 51.17. This is a ſubject capable of Gods Word, as the broken and tender ground is capable of the ſeed, Ier. 4.3, 4. Gods eyes are mercifully bent towards them, he will communicate his comforts in a plentifull manner to them, he will not behave himſelfe as a ſtranger, but as a moſt loving friend towards them, Iſa. 57.15. A contrite heart is a loadſtone, of more force to draw the love of God to us, than all worldly Ornaments, Iſa. 66.2. A jewell of more price with God than many rubies, 1 Pet. 3.34. To whom will God be a Phyſitian to to heal the wounds of the Soul, but to the broken heart? Pſal. 147.3. With whom will he be preſent? to whom will he be a ſure defence but the contrite heart? Pſal. 34.18. To whom will he make his Goſpel a joyfull tidings but the broaken? Iſa. 61.1, 2. Who will have a joyfull harveſt? they that ſow in tears, Pſal. 126.5, 6. That goeth forth weeping: This is one end of our baptiſme, one fruit thereof in all Gods people, Luk. 3.5. And therefore let us all ſtrive to be made partakers of it.
3. As the water doth quench the flaming and burning fire, ſo let us ſtrive to feel the vertue of our baptiſme in extinguiſhing all the fiery luſts that are within us, in quenching all ſinfull and libidinous and diſorderly affections, as a man caſt into a deep water will feel his body cooled, burning heats removed: ſo muſt we ſtrive to feel all unlawfull heats in our Souls, by vertue of this water extinguiſhed; therefore reſembled to a grave, wherein all our luſts are buried, and how ſtrong ſoever before, yet now they are as a dead body, which doth every day more and more conſume, Rom. 6.3, 4, 5, 6.
4. As the waters doth cauſe the herbes, graſſe, trees, and plants ariſing out of the earth to grow, and flouriſh: So muſt theſe waters of baptiſme cauſe us to grow in Sanctification, to be like the willowes, Iſa. 44.3. Like the tree, Pſal. 1.3. This is that God requireth, 2 Pet. 3.18. This is the property of all the trees in Gods Orchard of Gods Planting, Pſal. 92.13, 14. We muſt imitate our Saviour, Luk. 2.52. As the children in the family grow, ſo muſt we, as many as are children in Gods family, grow to further perfection in the grace of Gods Spirit. Like good Schollers in the Schoole of Chriſt; Like Iſraelites moving after the fiery Pillar; Like Jacobs driving his flocks, though ſlowly, like Joſuah more and more ſubduing the Cananites which oppoſed; Like David in his warres againſt Saul, growing ſtronger, and Saul weaker, this will make us able:
1. To diſcerne the things that differ, Heb. 5.14.
2. To take the opportunities God affordeth for the welfare of our Souls.
3. To run with chearfullnes the race which God hath ſet before us.
4. To conquer with facility all oppoſitions.
5. To depend on God with much aſſurance.
6. To appeare before him, with much boldnes, confidence, and gladneſs. Thus of the firſt point, the ſecond was this.
Doctr. 2 That in antient times, the whole body of the Baptized did uſe to be waſhed.
Chriſt went downe into Jordan, Math. 3.16. The Eunuch and Philip went into the water, Acts 8.38.
Reſembled to a buriall, wherein not one part, but every member is buried, Rom. 6.4. Wherein the Apoſtle ſetteth forth three degrees of our Sanctification.
1. The firſt Mortification, whereby the power of ſin is deſtroyed; reſembled by the putting into the Water, and expreſſed by a death of ſin.
2. The progreſſe of our Mortification, reſembled by the reſting of the body under the water, and expreſſed by a buriall with Chriſt, becauſe as the body buried doth continually moulder, ſo doth ſin in them that are Gods Children.
3. Vivification, Newnes of heart & life, reſembled by the riſing of the body out of the water, and expreſſed by a reſurrection out of the grave;See Perkines 1 volume Page 74. Thus the whole body was then dipped or dived into the water, as divers Councels teſtifie.
Yet not of abſolute neceſſity it ſhould be now,In former times men of age were baptized. There countrey was hot. Few of ripe years baptized with us, our countrey cold. as it was then. For then they were for the moſt part of mature age before they were baptized, being ſuch as were converted from Paganiſme, they were, inſtructed in the Chriſtian faith, and deſired Baptiſme before they did participate thereof. And beſides their countrey was very hot.
But now few of ripe years are Baptized, our countries are cold, and therefore the ſprinkling of water upon the child is uſed, and that without any injury unto or violation of the Sacrament, and that for theſe reaſons.
1. Becauſe Baptiſme doth ſignify a ſprinkling, as well as a dipping into the water.
2. The thing ſignified, the ſprinkling of Chriſts blood upon our conſciences, is ſignified by the ſprinkling of the water upon the Child, as well as by dipping it into the water: The Analogie between the ſigne and the thing ſignified remaineth.
3. The weaknes of the Children requiring it. The Ceremoniall, muſt give place to the Morall Law, charity and neceſſity may diſpence with ceremonies, and in equity mitigate their ſharpneſs, they being ordained for man, and not man for them.
OnelyOnly that which was thereby in baptiſme repreſented unto them, and unto us, and which we are to learne from it is this.
That as the whole body was dipped in the water, ſo the whole man muſt be renewed, every ſin muſt be renounced, every good duty practiſed, every faculty of the Soul, every member of the body muſt be ſanctified, graciouſly exerciſed in the duties of Godlines. As the floore of the houſe was overlaid with gold within and without, 1 King. 6.30. So muſt we have the inward and the outward man adorned with the grace of the Spirit, we muſt like the ſpouſe be glorious within, and richly arrayed without, Pſal. 45.13. Thus Pſ. 119.128. and Luk. 1.6. To the end we may ſo do conſider: That,
1. By this we ſhall reſemble God, as the aire thoroughly inlightned doth reſemble the Sun in brightnes; hence the change wrought in Gods Servants, the reſtoring of Gods image, is likened, not to the putting off of a glove from the hand, or a ſhoe from the foot, but the putting off of the whole raiment, Eph. 4.22, 23, 24.
2. Hereby we ſhall ſhew the truth of repentance, which like Noahs flood drowneth hills and valleys, all ſinnes: like a faithfull Phyſician letteth out the corruption out of every wound.
Counterfeit repentance. True repentance. Ʋnſound repentance.Counterfeit repentance like Saul ſpareth Agag and the beſt of the beaſts: But true repentance like Samuel ſheatheth the ſword in Agag too, even in the deareſt ſin. Unſound repentance like Pharaoh will let the aged men go, ſome old ſinnes wherein the ſinner hath now no more pleaſure; But Pharaoh will not ſuffer the younger ones to depart, no more will the unſound heart ſuffer his new ſinnes to depart; wherein for the preſent he taketh delight. But ſound repentance like Moſes will carry away all; not leave ſo much as a hoof behind, even the deareſt ſinnes, as deare as an Idoll to the Idolater ſhall be removed, Iſa. 30.22. Sinnes as pleaſant as the body ſhall be rejected, Math. 5. verſ. 29.
3. Hereby we ſhall ſhew the life and power of our obedience, and ſubjection to the will of God,The life of obedience. when we ſubject our ſelves to him in all things: When with Abraham we put our knife to the throat of our onelyonly Iſack, if God command it; that obedience is true which is univerſall.True obedience An obedient ſervant obſerveth every Lawfull precept, a loyall ſubject conformeth to every Lawfull injunction of his Soveraign. Jeſurod will doe many things; Jehu will kill Baals Prieſts, and overthrow his idols, but he will ſtill adore the Calfe in Dan and Bethel. It is Aſa that putteth away the idols of all the Land; that removeth his owne mother becauſe an Idolater, 2 Cron. 15.8, 12, 15, 16.
4. Hereby we ſhall diſcover the ſtrength of our love to God, when no ſin is ſo deare,Strength of love. but our love to Gods will conſtraine us to renounce it as dung; When no duty is ſo irkſome to fleſh and blood but we will gladly do it. Therefore, Iohn 14.23. Chriſt ſets it downe as a note of love, the keeping his Words. You may remember what Dalilah ſaid to Sampſon, Iudg. 16.15. So how canſt thou ſay thou loveſt God, if thy heart be not with him, if thou reſerve any ſin which God hateth, if thou turne thy feet from any duty which God commandeth.
5. Hereby we ſhall give God occaſion to take much delight in us, as a Maſter in a Servant,Occaſion of Gods love. obſerving all his precepts, as a Gardner in a tree whereof every limbe is richly loaden, a Generall in an army whereof every ſouldier is wel armed, experienced, ready, and ſuccesfull in the battell. This univerſall Reformation and obedience is a very ſweet Sacrifice to God, 1 Sam. 15. To obey is better than Sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rammes, Prov. 11.20, Such as are upright in their way are his delight.
The way to find delight in Ordinances.6. Hereby we ſhall find much delight in Gods Ordinances: as a healthy ſtomack in food, as a ſound body in a warme garment, as David in the Arke, 2 Sam. 6.16. As the Wiſemen in the ſtarre, Math. 2.10. Then their feet indeed will be beautifull, Rom. 10.15. Then Christs mouth will be lovely indeed, Cant. 5.16. Then they will be well able to ſay as Saul did, 1 Sam. 15.13. Bleſſed be thou of the Lord, I have performed the commandement of the Lord.
7. Hereby we ſhall have much peace in our conſciences, they ſhall be as an eye that hath no mote to trouble it, as a Kingdom that hath no rebell to annoy it, as a Ship that hath no leake to diſturbe it, Pſalm 119.165. Great peace have they that keep thy Law,Hebr: They ſhall have no ſtumbling block. and nothing ſhall offend them; as in Exod. 11.7. Not a Dog moved his tongue againſt them. So what barking ſoever their be without, their ſhall be tranquility within, and that not a little but much, Iſa. 48.18. as 2 Cron. 15.15.
Therefore be diligent, be vigilant, be carefull, get the whole man to be Baptized, get thy heart Baptized, that, Math. 5.19. it may be no more the fountain of murders, adulteries, falſe witneſſes, blaſphemies; Get thy tongue Baptized, that it may be no more, as a fire of iniquity, a defiler of the whole body, a ſetter on fire of the courſe of nature, &c. Iames 3.6, 8. Get thy hands Baptized, that they may labour working the things that are good, Eph. 4.28. Pſalm 26.6. Get all the faculties of thy Soul Baptized, that thou maiſt ſee the things belonging to thy peace, that Eph. 3.18. Thou mayſt be able to comprehend with all Saints, what is the height, breadth, length, depth, and to know the love of Chriſt, &c. That thou mayſt love, Dutr. 6.5, 6. the Lord with all thy heart, &c. That thou mayſt choſe the good, and hate the evill, that Rom. 6.13. thou yeild not thy members as inſtruments of unrighteouſnes unto ſin, but yeild your ſelves to God, &c. That thou mayſt deale with thy ſin as Ioſuah with the men of Ai, Joſ. 8.26. Draw not back thy hand till all thy ſins be deſtroyed: Doe as Caleb did, Ioſ. 14.9. Wholly follow the Lord thy God, follow him fully, and then as Moſes promiſeth him, ſurely the Land, wherein thy feet hath trodden, ſhall be thine inheritance, and thy childrens for ever: So in the name of the Lord Ieſus will I promiſe thee, that all the great and glorious things whereof thou haſt heard, all the peace, joy, glory, whereof the Word of the Lord doth make relation, it ſhall be all thine for ever and ever.
5. The laſt thing herein noted was the wiſedome of the Baptiſt in making choiſe of the moſt convenient place for his purpoſe, ſuch a place where was much water; a place commodious for Baptiſme: Teaching us.
Doctr. That Miniſters ought to make choiſe of the moſt convenient places for the execution of their office. Where their is hope of doing moſt good, of bringing moſt glory unto God.
As Fiſher men make choiſe of ſuch places in the water where in all probability their is moſt fiſh to be taken; ſo muſt theſe Fiſhers of men, Math. 4.19. Caſt in the draw-net of the Goſpel, where there is hope of drawing moſt Souls unto God, out of the gulph of ſin. The Husbandman ſoweth his ſeed in the ſoile, which is likely to bring forth the beſt crop, ſo muſt theſe ſpirituall Husbandmen, 1 Cor. 3.9. Sow the ſeed of Gods Word among ſuch people, as like good ground will receive it, and bring forth the fruits of it, Math. 13.24. Hence Prov. 9.34, 5. Wiſedome is ſaid to ſend forth her maidens to cry upon the higheſt places of the city, &c. They went not into blind corners where was little or no people, but on high places, therfore are thoſe places, Acts 18.10. Acts 13.46, 47. Iohn 7.37. Pſalm 40.9, 10. The grounds of the point are theſe.
Reaſ. 1 Becauſe they are the light of the world, Math. 5.14. John 5.35. The light is not ſet under a buſhell, or in an obſcure corner of the houſe; but on high in an eminent place, Math. 5.15.
Reaſ. 2 Becauſe hereby they ſhall make it appeare that they ſeek not their owne caſe or private comodity, but the honour of God, the good of mens Souls, the increaſe of Chriſts Kingdome, according to the generall charge, 1 Cor. 10.24. The Apoſtles practiſe, verſ. 33. The contrary whereto is generally practiſed, Philip. 2.21.
Reaſ. 3 Becauſe hereby they ſhall make the Goſpel more glorious, the more eyes behold the light, the more it is eſteemed, the more largely the Sea doth convey her ſtreams, the more her fullnes is commended, the more heare it, the more the goodnes of God, and riches of his grace is commended, the more men are convinced, made excuſeleſs, and if they convert not, God in their condemnation ſhall be more glorious.
Reaſ. 4 Hereby they ſhall have the more comfort in their owne hearts, he that doth good to many hath more joy, then he that doth good to a few; The Shepheard that gathereth home many a wandring Sheep to Gods fold, the Embaſſadour that perſwadeth many to peace, the Phyſitian that healeth many diſeaſed, hath much cauſe of rejoycing: So the Miniſter, whoſe lips feed many hungry and thirſting Souls, whoſe Doctrine like a cloud of much raine watereth a large field, and like a painfull Husband-man gathereth many ſheafs into Gods Garner, hath cauſe of much joy, and may ſay as Paul, 1 Theſ. 2.19, 20. For what is our hope, our joy, our crowne of rejoycing, are not even ye, &c.
Reaſ. 5 Hereby they ſhall appear before the Lord at the laſt day with much comfort, with the more boldnes; It is a ſingular honour, & comfort to a Miniſter to be the inſtrument of many Souls ſalvation, to be able to ſay, as Iſa. 8.18. Behold I and the Children, whom the Lord hath given me, are for ſignes and for wonders in Iſrael, &c.
None hath a better recompence, Dan. 12.2. Wealth and honour will not comfort a Miniſter at the laſt day, but the faithfull diſcharge of their calling, the gaining of many Souls to God.
Uſe: 1 This therefore condemneth them that have more regard to choſe ſuch places, as will yeild moſt benefit to them, not reſpecting what good may be done to the Church: As in marriage the common quere is, what portion, not what piety, what birth, not what new birth, what kinred on earth, not what kinred with God, what riches, not what goodnes: So it is often in Miniſters choiſe of places, what value is the benefice, to what Summe amounteth the ſtipend, not what people, what number, what quality, what hope of doing good, what hope of bringing honour unto God.
Making it manifeſt, that they came into the Miniſtrey to live, rather than to teach other men a new life; to fatten themſelves, not to feed others, to cloath themſelves with the fleece, though the devill take the fleſh, contrary to the charge of the Apoſtle, 1 Pet. 5.2. Many men that would be loath to marry to an old wife of a barren wombe, that would be loath to hew timber wherein is nothing but knobs, to ſowe in a field wherein is nothing; but thornes bryars, rocks, quagmires, yet if the maintenance be large will adventure upon a barren, ſtoney-hearted, untractable, and unteachable people, which in all probability will never hear, and obey the Goſpel.
1. If the Miniſter muſt make ſuch choiſe of the people, it is behoofefull, that the people ſhould alſo be circumſpect in their choiſe of their teachers: They will not have their meate dreſt by a Leprous cooke, they will not have their bodies cured by an unskillfull Phyſitian, they will not be led in an earthly joruney by a blind guid, they will not put their flock in his hands, that cannot ſee the Lion when he cometh, that cannot diſcerne the Sheepe from the goates. And yet is it not ſtraunge they will commit their Souls into the cuſtody of one, that is as the Prophet deſcribes, Iſa. 56.10, 11. Blind guides, dry breaſts, &c. that take up their habitation under ſuch, as are clouds carried away with every tempeſt; wells without water, as it is in 2 Pet. 2.17. Or elſe commit their Souls to men of leud life, whoſe Doctrine hath no authority in the peoples conſciences; God in his juſt judgment caſting dung in their faces, Mal. 2.3, 9. Making their perſons as unſavoury ſalt to be trodden under foot of men, Matth. 5.13.
Yet ſuch men, though they ſtrengthen the hands of the wicked, Ier. 23.14. Cauſe the Sacrifice to be abhorred, 1 Sam. 2.17. Are a remarkable ſigne of Gods indignation, Mic. 2.11. A curſe to the people, Mic. 3.6. Yet into the hands of ſuch they commit their Souls, their onelyonly jewell,The right and left hand of Miniſters. Sound Doctrine and a holy life compares to wind and tide carrying the Souls to the haven of peace. Doctr. whereas this ſhould be their choiſeſt care; to ſettle themſelves where the light of the Goſpel ſhineth moſt clearely; where this ſeed is ſown moſt plentifully, where the Miniſter buildeth with the right hand of ſound Doctrine, and with the left hand of a good Converſation, where Life and Doctrine go together, like fire and heate, like oxen drawing well in one yoke, like wind and tide carrying the Souls of the people ſpeedily to the haven of eternall peace, this was the care of the people here. They came to the Baptiſt and were Baptized of him: whence learne.
That it is the duty of the people carefully to frequent ſuch places, where they may moſt plenteouſly and effectually enjoy Gods Ordinances.
The people came here to the Baptiſt where was much water.
As the Eagles go farre for their prey, Mat. 24.28. The Queen of the South came from farre to hear Solomon, Math. 12.42. So muſt we to hear that wiſedom of God, which will make us wiſe unto ſalvation: When we want it we muſt run to and fro to ſeek the Word, Amos 8.12. As Jacobs ſonnes went to Aegypt for corne, Gen. 42.1, 2. So muſt we for bread for our Souls, Math. 3.5. Mark. 8.1, 2, 3. It is Gods precept that men ſhould ſeek the food of our Souls, Iſa. 55.1, 2, 3.
Reaſ. 1 Becauſe this is the means which God hath ſanctified and ordained for the ſaving of their Souls, the inſtrument by which he conveyeth into the hearts of his people the grace, which doth accompany ſalvation. This is the Jordan by which he waſheth away the Leproſy of the people, the waters of Abana and Pharphar have no power to doe it, Eph. 5.26. This is the warlike weapon, 2 Cor. 10.5. The Sounding Trumpet, John 5.25. and 1 Cor. 3.5. 1 Tim. 4.16.
Reaſ. 2 Becauſe theſe are the food of their Souls, as the Manna to Iſrael, as the milk to the child, 1 Pet. 2.2. As the dewes to the ground, Iſa. 55.10. As the water out of the rock to the thirſtly people in the Wilderneſs, as the cake & cruſe of water to the Prophet, in the ſtrength whereof he went to Horeb, 1 King. 19.
And therefore as men frequent the market, where is ſtore of bodily proviſion, ſo muſt we the ſpirituall market, where is ſpirituall proviſion for the Soul.
Becauſe they are very dull and need after to be put in mind, 2 Pet. 1.12. Their hearts are hard and have need of frequent dewes, their Souls are filthy, and have need of much waſhing; the droſs of iniquity ſticketh very faſt in them, and they have need of much fire to purge them, our underſtandings are blind, and we have need of much light to ſhine into them, we are apt to forget God, and have need of often remembrancing.
Reaſ. 4 Becauſe we are prone to revolt, and go back, to looſe our firſt love, to forſake God and follow the Counſell of our owne hearts. As Iſrael fell to Idols, when Moſes was in the Mount; as the wiſe men knew not how to go forward when the light of the ſtarr failed, Joaſh fell to Idols as ſoone as Jehojada was dead, as Iud. 2.19.
Reaſ. 5 Becauſe ſpirituall and heavenly things, are difficultly underſtood, as Sampſons riddle, a hidden myſterie, a ſealed book, a ſtrange thing, hardly wrought in our hearts, as Characters in a hard ſtone, and therefore have need often to be urged, repeated, preſſed, as an unknowne language muſt be often ſpoken before we can underſtand it, Iſa. 28.10. An unknowne way often travelled, a fountaine of that depth that we cannot draw forth the water of it.
Reaſ. 6 Becauſe there is ſtrong, violent, ſubtle, and conſtant oppoſition againſt us, there are many ſtumbling blocks in the way, the World like the Father in Law of the Levite will perſwade us to ſtay, Iudg. 19.9. Like the Harlot it will allure us from going our right way, Prov. 7.13. Like Dalilah ſhee will cauſe us to ſleep upon her lap, and cut of our locks. The devill like Pharaoh will lay heavy burdens upon us to ſtop us, and therefore we have need of very much incouragement to ſet us forward.
Uſe. Becauſe our hearts are naturally averſe from all holines, it is an irkſome path, an iron yoke; a pricking thorne, there is in our heart a deadly antipathy againſt it, as between fire and water; Eſau and Jacob, Cain and Abel, Saul and David, and therefore there is need of much labour, often inſtruction, powerfull preaching to winne us to love that which we naturally hate, to practiſe that which we doe now abhorre.
This diſcovereth the folly, and prophaneneſs, and condemneth the practice of ſuch, as, content themſelves without the powerfull, and plenteous Uſe of Gods Ordinances. That come not to the Baptiſt, reſort not to the places where God hath ſet up the light of his truth.
Many will travell far & neer to the Counſellour for adviſe about their earthly eſtate, to the Phyſitian for the health of the body, to forrein countries for ſilke, ſpices, gold, ſilver, and ſuch like Merchandiſe, that will not ſtep out of dores, at leaſt not out of their owne pariſhes, for the food of their Souls, having none at home. As if men had more liberty allowed them to provide for their bodies, than for their Souls; as if that might be done to preſerve the casket, which may not be done for the preſervation of the jewell: that done for the preſervation of the houſe, which may not be done for the preſervation of the inhabitant; as if God had confined men within the precincts of a pariſh, to be damned for want of inſtruction; when we may have enough abroad for the fetching.
The people in the dayes of the Baptiſt were not of theſe mens mindes, if they had, they would never have gone out of the Region of Judea to him, they would never have come to Aenon to be Baptized of him, becauſe there was much water there; But it is plaine, that ſuch men, as are ſo careleſs of frequenting the means, never knew
1. The neceſſity of them, they knew not that theſe are as needfull to their regeneration, as ſeed to the bringing forth of corne, as light to diſcover the path wherein we muſt walk, as eyes to the body, as dewes to the ground, without which the one is in darkenes, the other withereth.
2. That they never felt the comfort of them; had they felt how good the Word of the Lord is, had they felt them as a River, Pſalm 44.1. As Noahs Dove bringing an Olive branch, as the meſſage of life, as Rom. 10.15. Pſ. 19.20.
Doctr. 3. That they never had experience of the change, which theſe worke, never felt them as a fan driving away the chaff from the corne, as a burning Lamp, enlightning their underſtanding, as a Key opening the priſon Dores of ſin, making them the Lords Free men, of barren fields made fruitfull vineyards, of ſtrangers made Sonnes and Daughters of the Lord, had they ever felt theſe things, they would have ſaid, as Iohn 6.34. As Ruth to Naomi, Ruth 1.26. As Jonathans Soul clave to David, no coſt, paine, reproach among men ſhould withhold you from it; but as Iohn continued till he was caſt in priſon, ſo would you as long as you had any liberty, which is the next thing here noted, and from whence we may collect.
That Gods Miniſters muſt be diligent in their callings as long as God doth give them ability and freedome to performe the ſame.
This is Pauls charge to Timothy, 2. Tim. 4.2. It is Gods Mercy to vouchſafe ſuch, Iſa. 66.1. It was the Apoſtles reſolution, Acts 20.24. Peter thought it behoofefull▪ 2 Pet. 1.12. This Paul practiſed, 2 Tim. 29. and Ier. 36.5, 6.
Becauſe Sathan is never weary of hunting the overthrow of Chriſts Kingdome, of ſeeking the ruine of Gods people, 1 Pet. 5.8. His inſtruments, Math. 23.15. Theſe are alwayes ſowing their tares, therefore we muſt be as diligent in ſeeking the welfare of the people, we muſt keep watch as long as the enemy doth lay ſeidge, we muſt looke to the flock as long as the roaring Lion ſeeketh to ſpoile them, Acts 20.28.
Becauſe the worke is not yet brought to perfection; the conqueſt is not yet fully obtained, therefore the Souldiers muſt ſtill fight, the houſe is not yet finiſhed, therefore the builders muſt ſtill worke, the ſheaves are not yet brought into the garner, therefore the Husbandman may not ſleepe, the journey is not yet ended, therefore the guide muſt ſtill go forward, the Amalekites are not wholly ſubdued, therefore Moſes muſt ſtill lift up his hands.
The Cananites are not fully overcome, therefore Joſuah muſt continually wage warr againſt them.
Corruption will gather ſtrength if it be not ſubdued.3. Corruption will ſtill gather ſtrength if it be not continually ſubdued by the Miniſtrey of the Word, diſeaſed bodies will ſoone corrupt, over-run with corrupt humours, if they be not daily phyſicked; the cleareſt garden will be full of weeds, if the gardners hand be not continually imployed about it, the pureſt garment will gather duſt, if it be not bruſhed, the beſt veſſell will contract ſome filth, if it be not cleanſed.
4. Received gifts and graces will decay, if holy meanes be not uſed; if the dewes diſtill not, the corne in the field withereth, if the breaſts ſend not forth milk, the child languiſheth; the fire will go out, if fuell be not ſtill adminiſtred.
Ʋſe. This exceedingly condemneth the idleneſs of many Miniſters, who are as ſealed fountains, ſeldome watering the Souls of the people, as Mercileſs Stewards ſhutting up all their ſtore from Gods Family, cruell and careles Phyſitians, Ezek. 34.3, 4. ſlothfull and ſluggiſh Husbandmen, who can ſee Gods vineyard, like the ſluggards vineyard, overgrown with thornes and bryars, and not reach out the hand to purge it, who can ſee the Dogs and Lions devour the flock, and yet ſleepe and ſecurely, never ſeeking the ſafety of the flock.
5. This muſt therefore occaſion both Miniſter and people to be conſtant in their callings, never weary in the duties of Godlines; but ſtill with Paul preſſing forward, Phil. 3.13. Still following the fiery Pillar like Iſrael out of Aegypt, redeeming the time, uſing well all the opportunities God affordeth, delighting to run the race he hath ſet before us, ſtriving to draw near to him, to walk more worthy of his favour vouchſafed to us, of the calling wherein he hath ſet us, not looking back with Lots wife, not luſting with Iſrael, but as Noah continued conſtant in the building the Arke, ſo let us be conſtant to the end, in the duties God hath enjoyned us, and ſo like Noah we ſhall eſcpe the deluge of deſtruction, which will overtake other people.