The Buddings and Blossomings of Old Truths, Commentary · Verse 31

The Buddings and Blossomings of Old Truths · Commentary · Verse 31

p. 234VERS 31.

THe Baptiſt having endevoured to remove from himſelfe the ſiniſter opinion which the Diſciples conceived of him, now he plainely delivereth his opinion of Christ, ſheweth by another compariſon how farre he excelleth all others, how much he is ſuperiour to all others, likening Christ to a King or ſupream Commander, who ſpeaking p. 235from his throne or tribunall is to be hearkned unto with all reverence, but likeneth himſelfe to one whoſe ſeate is in the duſt, infimetily inferiour unto Christ, he who cometh from above, who is not onelyonly God-man, but alſo God, who teacheth divine and heavenly things, in whom is nothing but that which is heavenly and full of Majeſty, he is above all in the excellency of his nature, authority, power, wiſedome and ability to unfold Gods counſell, being the onelyonly begotten of the Father, in the boſome of the Father; no creature, man nor Angel being any thing in compariſon of him; but he who is of the earth, even every man, who hath an earthly originall and beginning, is earthly, ignorant carnall, weake, ſavouring of the things of the earth, and can no further ſavour, perceive, or ſpeake of the things of God, than as they are revealed to him, by him, who is from above. The Words ſet before us. 1. Chriſts excellency. 2. Mans indignity. Chriſts excellency is ſet forth. 1. By his originall he cometh from above. 2. By his Dominion, he is above all. Mans, indignity is ſet forth. 1. By his originall or from whence he is, from the earth. 2. By his quality or diſpoſition, earthly. 3. By his practiſe; ſpeaketh of the earth: firſt of Chriſts originall he cometh from above, that is uſually in Scripture ſaid to be from above, which is from heaven, Acts 2.19. which is excellent and of great accompt, of a ſpirituall and heavenly nature, Gal. 4.26. or doth belong to a heavenly life, Col. 3.1. The Sonne of God is ſaid to be from above, becauſe he is God coequall with the Father according to his divine nature; from p. 236the Father by eternall generation, as he is the ſecond perſon in the Trinity, he is ſaid to come from above, in that he aſſumed our nature into the unity of his perſon, dwelt in our fleſh, appeared in the forme of a ſervant to work out our redemption.

Doctr. That Chriſt Jeſus, who came to work out our redemption with a divine, and heavenly originall and is even the Son of God by eternall generation, Prov. 8.22, 23, 24, 25, 30. Pſal. 2.7. Phil. 2.7, 8. Mat. 3.17. and this it behoved him to bee.

Reaſ. 1 For the full expreſſion of Gods unſpeakeable love to his choſen: had God ſent a man, an Angell, a meere creature, his love had not beene ſo great, ſo excellent, ſo worthy of admiration, but now when he ſent his owne Sonne, his onelyonly Sonne, this did wonderfully diſcloſe his love unto his people. If a King ſend not a common man, a counſellour, a favourite, but his owne Sonne to be a ranſome to redeeme the captived, a Phyſician to heale the diſeaſed, a teacher to inſtruct his ignorant ſubjects, it is an argument of ſingular love, ſo Ioh. 3.16. 1 Ioh. 4.16.

Reaſ. 2 For the ſuſtaining of his Fathers wrath; a burthen, which would have ground the rocks to powder, and the mountaines to duſt, a fire, whoſe heate would have dried up the deep waters of the Sea; a wind which would have overturned all the Cedars of Lebanon, and removed the pillars of the earth out of their places; an arrow, that would have drunk up the Spirits of all the mighty men of the earth, a Wine-preſſe which neither man nor Angell was p. 237able to tread; a cup, which our Saviour himſelfe prayed might paſſe from him; a paſſion which made him ſweat drops of blood, which conſtrained him to complaine of deſertion, Pſal. 22.1.

Reaſ. 3 For the ſatisfying of his Fathers juſtice, it was in vaine, Mic. 6.6, 7. Iſa. 40.16. the debt was ſo great that all the World was too little to make ſatisfaction, Iſa. 53.10, 11. as Pſal. 49.6, 7.

Reaſ. 4 For the revealing of his Fathers will and counſell, a ſealed booke which none can open, Rev. 5.3, 4, 5. therefore Ia. 1.18. Col. 2.3. Matth. 11.27.

Reaſ. 5 For the making of us to be the Sonnes of God by adoption, Gal. 4.4, 5. He, that was the Sonne of God, became a Servant to make us the Sonnes of God by grace, who were the Servants of ſin by corruption, he emptied himſelfe that we might be filled.

Reaſ. 6 For the ſanctifying and waſhing away the ſin of our Souls, no nitre could cleanſe us, Ier. 2.22. Abanah and Pherphar could not waſh away the Leproſy of our Souls, nothing but the Jordan of Chriſts blood could doe it, 1 Ioh. 1.7. This quencheth our burning luſts, extinguiſheth our carnall and worldly thirſt, as Chriſt came by blood to juſtify us, ſo he came by water to ſanctify us, 1 Ioh. 5.6, 8. theſe things he could not work for us, were he not omnipotent, alſufficient and from above.

Ʋſe. This teacheth us whence our ſalvation and externall happines cometh, not from beneath, not from ſheep, oxen, gold, ſilver, wordly friends, theſe are empty veſſels, withered armes, broken ciſternes, Phyſitians of no value, unable to give ſalvation, p. 238to lead to life eternall, as King. 6.26. ſo may all the creatures in the World ſay in this behalfe, and as Pſal. 33.16, 17. ſo much more in this caſe, therefore it is in vaine to build on this; for theſe are as God ſaid of Aegypt, Iſai. 31.3. It is to no purpoſe to cry to them for they will be as deaf as Baal, 1 King. 18.26. as the Pſalmiſt ſaid of promotion, Pſal. 75.6. ſo it is alſo true of this ſpirituall promotion, it cometh neither from the Sea, nor from the Land, it cannot be gotten by ſtrength, bought for money, wonne by policy, but as Solomon ſaid Eccleſ. 9.11. ſo in this caſe, and as Iob 28.12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. ſo of ſalvation, for Ioh. 1.13. it is Chriſt, that is made unto us of God, 1 Cor. 1.30. earthly abilities have no power hereunto, theſe are a weapon too weake to throw downe the holds of ſin, Satan will ſay to theſe as to the Sonnes of Sheva, Acts 19.15. theſe have no power to enlighten the underſtanding, 1 Cor. 2.10. no ability to purify the conſcience, Dan. 5.5, 6, 7. to cleanſe the affections, it is the word and ſpirit that maketh wiſe unto ſalvation, 2 Tim. 3.17. that giveth peace, Iſa. 57.19. reconcileth to God, 2 Cor. 5.19. our ſalvation is wholly from the Lord, Ier. 3.29. and therefore let us regard and faſten our eyes upon the meanes, which is from above, more than on the means which is here beneath, let us ſeek for happines from above where it may be had, and not here below where it cannot be found, let us not ſeek for grapes on thornes, and for figs upon thiſtles, like them Luk. 24.5.

Ʋſe 2 This diſcovereth the cauſe why Chriſt, and his Ordinances have ſuch ſlender entertainement, why p. 239they are no more reſpected among the men of the World, they are from above, they are not of the earth but from a forreigne countrey, as the Sodomites reſolved to deale hardly with Lot, becauſe he was a ſtranger, Gen. 19.9. ſo doth the Sodomitiſh World with Chriſt, Ioh. 15.19. Joh. 9.29. 2 Pet. 2.12. theſe things are above their earth, 1 Cor. 2.14. as Joh. 4.11. they have no bucket to draw, theſe things have no ſavour in their noſtrils, 2 Cor. 2.16. as Job 24.17. ſo Ioh. 3.20. the head ſtone of the corner is a ſtone of offence, the way to life is become a ſtumbling block, 1 Pet. 2.7. Ioh. 8.22, 23.

Ʋſe. 3 Is Chriſt Jeſus from above, is his originall divine and heavenly? then we muſt alſo labour to be borne againe from above; to be endued with divine and heavenly wiſedome, that we may know him, ſo the many bleſſings which come by him, a carnall, an unſanctified knowledge cannot conceive him, an unregenerate, a profane heart hath no ſence and feeling of theſe things, the carnall palate cannot reliſh theſe dainties, the unſanctified eye cannot behold this light, the profane heart cannot intertaine theſe miſteries, Iſa. 29.11. Chriſt appeareth as a worme and no man, Pſa. 22.6. as a face wherein is no beauty, Iſa. 52.14. as a ſtore-houſe having no treaſure, things heavenly muſt be looked on with a heavenly eye, holy matters muſt be diſcerned by a holy underſtanding, intertained with ſanctified affections, therefore we muſt pray with the Apoſtle, Epheſ. 1.18, 19. with the Pſalmiſt, Pſal. 119.33. and when our underſtandings are thus inlightned from above, then ſhall Ieſus Chriſt p. 240be glorious in our eyes, Cant. 5.10. as the appletree among the thornes and briars, Cant. 2.3. as the Sun among the clouds, as King David in the eyes of his ſubjects, more worth than ten thouſand of the common people,2 Sam. 13.3.2 Sam 13:3 like Saul the head above all the reſidue of the people, beyond meaſure more beautifull, more excellent than all the World. II. Then ſhall we behold in him all fulneſs, all ſufficiency of all good things, ſuch as eye hath not ſeene, nor eare heard of ſhall we find in him, 1 Cor. 2.9. we ſhall find him to be a living fountaine, whoſe waters never faile, Joh. 4.14. to be a tree never barren but alway bearing, Rev. 22.10. a ſure rock never ſinking, Iſai. 32.2. a Sun yeelding all fulnes of contentement to his ſervants, Pſa. 84.11. ſo that they ſhall ſay as Elkanah to Anna, 1 Sam. 1.8. and upon better ground than Eſau, they ſhall ſay they have mongh. III. Then they ſhall caſt themſelves and their burthen upon Chriſt, as upon a never failing friend, a ſure foundation, a ſtrong Pillar, a Sepheard able to deliver the flock out of the pawes of the beare, and the jawes of the Lion like David, a wall of fire able to defend his Servants and conſume their enemies, for Pſal 9.10. IV. Then ſhall they have a low eſtimation of the things of the earth, look upon them as on waters, that paſſe away, as on empty veſſels, as on cobwebs ſoone ſweept down, Job 8.14. as on a ſlippery place where is no ſtanding, Pſal. 73.18. as on dung and droſſe of little value, Phil. 3.8. as on things yeelding no true contentment, no ſound comfort, no ſure defence, but are as chaungable as the wind, as a garment, Pſal. 102.26. and therefore p. 241they faſten not affections on things here below, but on things above.

Uſe. 4 Is Chriſt from above? is his originall divine and heavenly, then this may comfort all the Children of God. I. In regard of their emptineſs, he hath all fulneſs, he can abundantly ſupply our wants, Ioh. 1.14, 16. as the Sea and full clouds fill the chanels. II. In regard of our ignorance, he is full of knowledge, as the Sun of light, able to make us wiſe unto ſalvation. III. In regard of unrighteouſnes, he is from above, he is full, & altogether righteouſnes; he hath long Roabs to cover us, Ier. 23.6. IV. In regard of trouble of conſcience, he is a Prince of peace, Iſa. 9.6. Epheſ. 2.14. Mat. 8.26.

Thus of Chriſts originall, next of his Dominion.

Doctr. CHriſt Jeſus hath preheminence above, and Dominion over all creatures; therefore called the King of Kings, Rev. 1.5. the great King, Rev. 12.5. Phil. 2.9, 10. and Dominion he hath. I. In regard of creation, Col. 1.16, 17. II. In regard of gubernation, Ioh. 13.3. the very devils are ſubject to his command, Mar. 5.8. III. In regard of ſubjugation, 1 Cor. 15.25. IV. In regard of his office, for the executing of Gods judgment upon all men and evill Angels, Ioh. 5.22. Dominion he hath over his owne people. I. As head of that body whereof they are members, 1 Co. 11.3. II. As a redeemer having firſt bought us, 1 Cor. 6.26. III. In regard of conqueſt, having obtained victory over ſin and Satan, Col. 2.15. IV. In regard of poſſeſſion, having erected his p. 242Kingdome within them. V. In regard of protection being a continuall defence unto them, Iſa. 32.2.

Uſe. This acquainteth us with the dangerous eſtate of ſuch as diſobey Chriſt, caſt his precepts behind their backs, make him an enemy by their evill works, cauſe him, in ſteed of being a comfortable and ſhining Sun, to be a conſuming and burning fire; needs muſt their eſtate be dangerous for Chriſt whom they diſhonour, whom they provoke, is above all, none is able by his ſtrength to make his part good againſt him, no wicked man ſhall by any device be able to eſcape from him, he will not be born down with might, he will not be appeaſed with money, he will not let any man eſcape for his nobility, or place of eminency, though your eſtate were as glorious, rich, ſtrong as the image in Nebuchadnezzars viſion, Da. 12.32. yet verſ. 34.35. none can exalt himſelfe againſt him, but to his owne deſtruction, Mat. 21.44. there will be no hiding place from his wrath, he is above all, all the creatures are at his command, like the Centurious ſervant, Mat. 8.9. They are his armies to execute his wrath upon his enemies, he is above all, there is no hiding of our ſelves from him, Pſal. 139.5, 6, 7. Amos 9.1, 2, 3, 4. The ſtrongeſt ſhoulder is too weake to beare the burthen of his indignation, the frownings of his face will make the ſtouteſt heart to ſtoope, all the nations of the World are in his hand but as the drop of a bucket, Iſai. 40.15. as chaffe before the wind, as ſtubble before the fire, Nah. 1.4, 5, 6. Iniquity is ſo repugnant to his nature, to his honour, to his office, ſo advantagious p. 243to Satan, ſo averſe to this Kingdome, that it ſhall not eſcape without puniſhment, where it is found without repentance: no hiding, no vailing, no vaine and frivolous pretences ſhall excuſe or patronize us, but as the arrow ſmote Ahab, 1 King. 22 34.1 Kgs 22:34though he diſguiſed himſelfe in the battel, ſo will the arrow of Gods judignation ſmite all ungodly men, notwithſtanding all their diſguiſements; for Prov. 21.30. though they be never ſo high, God will bring them down, Obad verſ. 4. he will tread them as the duſt under his feet, Pſal. 110.1. If they want their garment, Mat. 22.13. If they refuſe to be ſubject to his governement, Luk. 19.27. As it was with Sodome, that would not have Lot to rule over them, they were burned with fire and brimſtone, ſo will it be with ſuch as will not ſuffer Christ to rule over them, however they may flouriſh for a time like the old World, promiſe themſelves great things like the rich man, Luk. 12.19. yet 2 Theſ. 1.8. Pſal. 2.9.

2. This ſetteth before us their folly, who neglect and leave Chriſt Jeſus, and purſuing and following other things, turne their backs on him, who is from above, and turne their faces on the things which are here below: leaving the living fountaine, and digging to themſelves broken ciſternes, a folly very manifeſt. I.Mat. 16 18. Ioh. 10.28.Matt 16:18John 10:28 Becauſe Chriſt is above all in power; none ſo able to deliver out of danger to preſerve in ſafety, he is a ſure rocke, they who are builded on him ſhall not ſinke, he hath a ſtrong arme, there is none ſhall plucke his people out of his hand, he is a faithfull keeper, Pſal. 32.7. He is a Lion, at whoſe roaring all the beaſts of the forreſt p. 244ſhall tremble; Deut. 32.11. he is an Eagle bearing his people upon his wings, an Arke ſuſtaining them in the deluge of trouble: he hath power to reſtraine the fire that it burne not, the winds that they blow not, the Seas that they be not boiſterous, all creatures are in his hands, and he can turne them for us or againſt us, Luk. 11.21. Ioh. 11.44. Gen. 18.14. Now is it not great folly to forſake this rocke, and build upon the ſand, like the men of Shechem, to leave the ſhadow of this tree, and to hide our ſelves under the bramble, to leave this ſhield and to arme our ſelves with browne paper, to forſake Chriſt, and truſt to the World which will prove a leaking ſhip in the ſtormy day, a broken bow in the battel, able to do nothing.

2. Becauſe Chriſt is above all in wiſedome, all treaſures of wiſedome are hid in him, as in a ſtore-houſe, Col. 2.3. as light in the Sun, as waters in the Sea, he is able to endue us, to fill us with the trueſt, the ſweeteſt, and moſt uſefull knowledge, he is able to fruſtrate the policy of all our adverſaries, diſcover and defeate all the ſtratagems of the old Serpent, he knoweth how to heale all the diſeaſes of our Souls, he can teach us how to get the favour of God, Epheſ. 4.20. how to become the Sonnes and daughters of God, how to find ſweetneſs in his Ordinances, Iſai. 48.17, 18. how to attaine peace in our conſciences, contentment in all eſtates and conditions, how to make a healing Medicine of very poyſon, how to uſe an enemies ſword as a launcing knife: now what folly is it to leave him, to reject his counſell, and follow them who cannot teach us the Lords way, open Gods counſell, make p. 245us wiſe unto ſalvation, that cannot ſhew us how to win the favour of God, how to get freedome from Satan, this is a wiſdome which the World doth not know, which her Schooles cannot teach, which her treaſure cannot buy, Job 28.12, 13, 14, 15. 1 Cor. 2.7, 8.

3. Becauſe Chriſt is above all in love, all the love of the Creature is but a ſparkle to that flame which is in Christ, but a ſhadow to the ſubſtance of his love: Jacobs love to Rahel, cauſing him to ſerve for her ſeaven yeeres in the heate, and in the cold was much: Jonathans love to David was wonderfull, but Chriſts love doth farre excell them, Joh. 15.13. never ſuch love manifeſted, a love ſo ſtrong, that like a mighty ſtreame it did beat down all the banks of oppoſition, Cant. 2.8. a love like an ever living Fountaine alwayes yeelding waters of refreſhment, like the fire on the Altar alwayes burning, Jo. 13.1. A Sun that never ſetteth, though ſometime for a moment eclipſed, Iſai. 54.7. This is a love as high above the love of men, as the Heaven is above the Earth, as the Sea in deepth doth excell the ſhallow brooke; a love ſo deep, ſo wonderfull, that the line of our reaſon cannot fathome it, Eph. 3.19. A love ſo ſweet, ſo pleaſant, ſo full of contentement, that it beareth a man out againſt all the hatred of the World, it maketh a man cheerefull in the deepeſt affliction, Rom. 5.5. Confident in the ſtrongeſt oppoſition, conſtant in the duties of Religion, full of inward rejoycing, heavenly meditations, holy and gracious deſires, Cant. 1.2. better than Wine: Wine is one of the moſt comfortable Creatures, rejoycing the heart of man, Pſal. 104.15. maketh p. 246the life joyfull, Eccleſ. 10.19. cauſeth to forget affliction, poverty miſery, Pſal. 31.6, 7. but the love of Chriſt ſenſibly felt in the hearts of his Servants, doth farre excell all worldly pleaſure, and cauſeth ſuch as drinke thereof to forget their bitterneſs, poverty and ſorrowes: Now is it not great folly to leave this love of Chriſt, ſo farre above all love, for the love of the World, which like a ſhallow brooke is ſoone dryed up; like a tree of rotten roots is ſoone withered; like a morning dew ſoone gone, many times ſoone changed into deadly hatred; like Amos love to Thamar, many times full of fraud; like Dalilahs love to Sampſon; like Judaſſes kiſſe to our Saviour.

4. Becauſe Chriſt is above all in Care: No Watchman ſo vigilant, no Keeper ſo carefull as Chriſt is over his people, he keepeth them as a man will keep the apple of his eye, Zach. 28. he maketh them up as a man will make up his Jewells, Mal. 3.17. he leadeth them like a carefull guide in a deſolate way, Deut. 32.12. becometh with them as a Shepheard with his flocke, Iſai. 40.11. As Jacob dealt with his Sheep, Gen. 33.14. ſo doth Chriſt with the Sheep of his paſture, Iſai. 42.3. he dealeth with them as a Phyſitian with his patient, Iſa. 61.1. as a vine-dreſſer with his vine, Iſai. 27.3. as Phil. 2.20. So it is much more true of Christ: and therefore it is great folly to neglect him, who is ſo carefull for us, and to ſet our hearts on that, which hath no reſpect unto us, no care for us, no thought if wee periſh.

5. Becauſe Christ is above all in goodneſs and ſufficiency; in him is all fulnes, Rev. 22.1. he is a p. 247tree of life loaden with twelve ſorts of fruite, whatſoever good thing the Souls of man can deſire,Rev. 22 1.Rev 22:1 it is fully in him above meaſure John 3.33. ſo fully, that we ſhall be able to deſire no more in him, ſo much that he can quench our thirſt, John 4.14. he will fill us with good things, Luc. 11.1, 52. he will ſatiate our Souls with fatneſs, and fill us with goodneſs, Ier. 31.14. He can fill the underſtanding with knowledge, the heart with faith, love, zeale, and every good gift, in proſperity he can fill us with meeknes, in adverſity with patience, in a low eſtate with contentedneſs, in every condition, he will be enough unto us; If we do but imbrace him, turne our hearts to him, ſettle our affections upon him, then as Solomon gave charge in another caſe, Prov. 5.18, 19. ſo ſhall we find in this, for they who convert unto Chriſt, have the promiſe, Ier. 50.19, 20. His Ordinances are the breaſts, which yeeld the milke that ſatisfieth, Iſa. 66.11, 12. The River that refreſheth, Pſal. 36.8. Is it not now exceeding folly to leave Chriſt in whom is ſuch and ſo great fulneſs?

3. Hath Chriſt preheminence and dominion over all creatures, then this muſt teach us to give Chriſt preheminence.

1. In our knowledge, if we know nothing elſe, let us not be ignorant of him, who ever be a ſtranger to us; let us get and maintaine an holy intire, and gracious acquaintance with the Lord Ieſus, for he is our portion, Pſal. 16.5, 6. and therefore as a man will know his owne Lands, and revenewes, though he remaine ignorant of all other mens poſſeſſions; ſo muſt we know Chriſt Ieſus, and our p. 248intereſt in him, of whatſoever beſide we are ignorant of, he is our Husband, our beloved, Can. 2.16. he is our Shepheard, Iſai. 40.11. he is our Prophet, our teacher, Acts 10.38. he is our Phyſician, Iſai. 61.1. he is our Friend, Iohn 15.13. and therefore as a Woman knoweth her Husband above all other men, the Sheep know the voyce of a Shepheard, and will not hearken to the voyce of a ſtranger, as the Scholler knoweth his teacher above all other inſtructours, the ſicke man his Phyſician, and a friendly and loving man knoweth his friend which is to him as his owne ſoule; Deut. 13.6. So muſt we know Chriſt Ieſus above all others, with a more cleare, familiar, affectionate and delightfull knowledge, than we know any other, we muſt ſtudy to excell in this knowledge, this muſt be the firſt leſſon we learne, the art we ſhould every day ſtudy, we muſt cry after this, Prov. 2.2, 3. ſtrive to be filled therewith, as the aire with light, Col. 1.10. to grow herein as good Schollers in learning, 2 Pet. 3.18. eſteeme all knowledge as vaine without this, 1 Cor. 2.2. and accompt this our beſt gaine, Prov. 4.7, 8. a tree bearing the ſweeteſt fruit, Prov. 3.16, 17. a knowledge ſurpaſſing all other knowledge for profoundnes, pleaſantnes, profitablenes, holineſs, as farre as the Heavens are above the Earth, Epheſ. 3.18, 19. therefore reſt not till you are better experienced in this knowledge, than in any other knowledge.

2 Let us give him preheminence in our feare: fear him above all creatures, feare to offend him rather than any other whatſoever beſide him, feare the loſſe of his favour, the frowne of his diſpleaſure; p. 249rather, as the Wife fears the Husband more than the handmaid, the ſubject the King more than his fellow ſubjects, the Servant his Lord and Maſter, more than his fellow Servants: Christ is the Husband of his Church; the King of his people, the Lord and Maſter of his Family, all creatures are his ſubjects and Servants, yea, the very Angels are fellow-ſervants with us, Rev. 22.9. therefore let him have the preheminence in our feare, none ſo well able to recompence our obedience, none ſo powerfull to revenge our diſobedience, the loſſe we ſuſtaine for him turneth to our beſt advantage, Mat. 19.28, 29. the ſervice, we performe unto him hath the beſt wages, Rom. 2.10. the headſhip which he hath over us, the price which he hath paid for us, the intereſt, which he hath in us, the great things he hath done for us, the good things he hath beſtowed on us, the glorious things he hath provided in the Heavens, his ability to ſupport us in all aſſaults, to comfort us in all afflictions, to deliver us out of all troubles, the many relations which are between us do challenge preheminence in our obedience, and bind us to exalt him in our feare, as God hath exalted him in his place, Acts 5.29, 30, 31, 32. Mat. 10.28. thus Heb. 11.26, 27. Pet. 3.13, 14, 15. all creatures are nothing in his hand, none can hurt us when he is pleaſed with us, none can defend or comfort us, when his indignation is kindled againſt us, therefore Rev. 14.6, 7. he giveth victory to ſuch as feare him over their enemies, therefore Rev. 15.3, 4. and it is the charge, 2 King. 17.36. to 39.

p. 2503. Let us give him the preheminence in our thoughts: as he is above all, ſo he ought to be thought upon before all, his owne worthines, his goodneſs, compaſſion & love to us doth challeng: and the love which we ſhould beare to him, ought to enforce us to yeeld him precedency in our thoughts, and the firſt fruits of our meditations, he ſhould be the laſt we think on in the evening, the firſt we think upon in the morning, the companion of our thoughts in the whole dayes travell, as the Wife thinketh on her Husband with more frequency, with more delight, with more ſeriouſnes, and affection, than on any ſtranger: ſo muſt we thinke of Christ the Husband of our Souls; this is the charge, Mat. 6.39. thus the ſpouſe, Cant. 3.1. the Pſalmiſt, Pſal. 77.6, 12. We muſt think upon his loving kindnes in the morning, as David did, Pſal. 59.16. Meditate upon him and his works in the evening, as Iſaac did, Gen. 24.65. yea Pſ. 55.17. He muſt be alwayes in our thoughts as the perſon whom we muſt fervently affect, the treaſure wherein we principally delight, Mat. 6 21. The fountaine whence we draw the waters of ſweeteſt conſolation, thus Pſal. 119.97. we muſt thinke upon him in proſperity that we be not lifted up in adverſity, that we be not overmuch dejected, that we run not to forbidden meanes for deliverances, in peace as on the authour of our welfare, in ſicknes as on the Phyſician that can heale us, in heavines as on the friend that can ſpeake comfortably to us, in trouble as on him that hath authority to appeaſe the ſtormy tempeſt, as on the eagle that hath wings to cover us, as on the rock that can caſt a comfortable p. 251ſhadow to refreſh us: in time of diſtraction and doubtfulneſs, as on the Counſellour which alone is able to adviſe us, in time of temptation as on the ſhield which alone is able to defend us from all the fiery darts of Satan, under the ſence of ſin as on the Jordan, which alone is able to waſh and ſanctify us in all wants, as on him that can give all fulnes of contentement to us in the middeſt of our poſſeſſions; as on him, whom we muſt honour with all our abilities, we muſt thinke upon him, how to pleaſe him in every eſtate, in every undertaking: all our thoughts muſt be towards him as the ſtreames to the Sea; as Moſes charged Iſrael touching the Word, Deut. 6.6, 7, 8. the like charge let me give to you touching Chriſt, it ſhall not be in vaine, for Mal. 3.16.

4. Let us give him preheminence in our ſpeeches, let him be the choiſeſt and chiefeſt matter of our language, let our tongues become trumpets ſounding his praiſes, and clouds plenteouſly dropping downe the knowledge of Chriſt to others, as a man ſpeaketh freely, frequently, fully, unweariedly of the beloved of his heart, ſo muſt we of Chriſt the beloved of our Souls, thus the ſpouſe ſpeaketh of him, when ſhe had loſt him, ſhe ſpeaketh to the watchmen, enquired for him, ſhe ſpake of him to the forreigne congregations, maketh a large relation of his excellencies, Cant. 5.10, 11, 12. this is the charge given, 1 Pet. 4.11. Epheſ. 4.29. this was Davids promiſe, Pſ. 119.46. this is a ſingular fruit of Gods grace, and work of Gods Spirit in the heart of his Servants, Iſai. 19.18. a property of their converſion, as every man ſpeaketh the language p. 252of his owne countrey, he may now and then ſpeake in another tongue, but this hath the preheminence above all others. This language is moſt ſeemely, moſt holy, moſt pleaſant, moſt profitable, this like light ſheweth the way of life by informing the judgement, this like fire doth warme the affections, this like water doth waſh away ſpirituall filthines, this like dew doth make men fruitfull in the grace of the Spirit, this like the crowing of the cock to Peter doth make men go out and weep bitterly for their ſin, Matth. 26.75. This like the boxe of ointment caſteth a ſweet ſavour in the noſtrils of Gods people, Joh. 12.3. This like a goade driveth them forward in the wayes of God, Eccl. 12.11. This diſcovereth our love of Chriſt, or delight in Chriſt; for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth ſpeaketh, therefore renomce all profane, and abridge all worldy, language, and let Chriſt have the preheminence in your ſpeeches.

5. Let Chriſt have the preheminence in your choiſe; as he is above all, ſo doe you choſe him before all, it is uſuall with men to choſe what is in it ſelfe moſt excellent, what will prove moſt beneficiall, what will exalt to the higheſt honour, endow them with the greateſt riches, give them the ſweeteſt pleaſures, now there is no creature in it ſelfe ſo excellent as Chriſt, for he is as the apple tree among the trees of the wood, Cant. 2.3. as the Prince among the creatures, Rev. 1.5. as the Sun among the Planets, Mal. 4.2. above all principalities and powers, Epheſ. 1.21. he is the brightneſs of his Fathers glory, and the expreſſe image of his perſon, and hath a more excellent name than the Angels, p. 253Heb. 1.3, 4. He can advance us to the higheſt honour, make us conquerours over all oppoſers, Rom. 8.37. make us Sonnes, Gal. 4.5. yea, Kings and Prieſts to God, Rev. 1.6. a choſen generation, a peculiar people, 1 Pet. 2.9. He can endow us with the beſt riches, he can beſtow thoſe gifts upon us, which are not to be found in the bowels of the earth, nor to be bought with the wealth thereof, Iob 28.12, 13, 14, 15. riches, which the World doth not know, 1 Cor. 2 9. Ioh. 14.16, 17. riches which the theeves cannot ſteale, which death cannot take away, Mat. 6.20. Rev. 14.13. an abiding ſubſtance, Heb. 19.34. the unſearchable and glorious riches, Epheſ. 1.5. and 3.8. the very reproach of Christ is greater riches than the treaſures of Aegypt: to be ſcandalized, traduced, perſecuted, caſt out as vile for the cauſe of Chriſt, is better and more gainefull in the judgement of Gods people, than to win the World with the deniall of Chriſt: he can bring us in to the Paradiſe of the choiſeſt pleaſures, make our Soules as a watered garden, ſatiate us with fatneſs, Ier. 31.14. make us drinke abundantly out of the rivers of his pleaſures, Pſal. 38.6. every way repleniſh and content us, ſo fill us with his preſence, favour, goodnes, that we ſhall have no cauſe to complaine of any emptines, but whatſoever we want, wee ſhall ſee it all in him. Therefore let us chooſe him above all others, as Moſes did, Heb. 11.25, 26. as Paul did, Mat. 4.20. Pſal. 119.30. Phil. 3.8, 9. Let him be in our eye the faireſt of all perſons, Cant. 5.10. let us joyne our ſelves in wedlocke to him before all others, for as Prov. 16.16. ſo it is much more true of Chriſt the giver of wiſedome, p. 254the authour of every good bleſſing, and Pſal. 33.12. for as Jud. 8.2.

6. Let us give him the preheminence in our faith, as he is above all, ſo let us truſt him, and rely upon him above all; He is not ſand, but a ſure foundation, Matth. 7.24, 25. It is our beſt wiſedome to build upon him; Let us not truſt upon any arme of fleſh, any created abilities, for theſe can do nothing without him, if he put not a fulneſs into them, they are an empty veſſel, a dry breaſt, a fruit tree like that in the Goſpel, Mat. 21.19. a rotten ſhip that breaketh aſunder in the ſterne, a Ionahs gourd that is ſoone withered, Io. 4.8. there is no truſt to be put in it, Pſ. 62.9, 10. Iob 8.14 Iud. 9.15. Pſ. 78.22. Let us truſt in the Lord Ieſus, draw nigh unto him with our hearts, caſt our ſelves and our burthens upon him, put our ſelfe into his hand, truſt him with our Soules, with our bodies, with our credits, with our poſſeſſions, truſt him in proſperity, when we have the abundance of all things, rely on him alone as if we had nothing, truſt him in adverſity when we have nothing being as confident, as if we had all things, as the Apoſtle ſaith of patience, Ia. 1.4. So let me ſay of faith, let faith have his perfect worke, truſt the Lord in every eſtate, in every undertaking, in every affliction, truſt him in health, in ſicknes, in liberty, in bondage, in riches, in poverty, in temptation, in peace, truſt him in ſix and be not doubtfull of him in ſeaven trouble, for he is above all, he can doe all, nothing is impoſſible, if we can beleeve. Mar. 9.23. all things ſhall be according to our faith, Mat. 9.29. there is water enough in this Well, if we have faith like a p. 255bucket to draw, there is riches enough in this ſtore-houſe, if we have faith, like a key to open, there is ſtedfaſtnes enough in this rocke, if we have faith like a ſure anchor to lay faſt hold upon it, there is no danger ſo great, but if we have faith in him, we ſhall paſſe thorough it, Matth. 17.20. by faith we ſhall do as they did, Heb. 11.29, 30, 31, 32, 33. By faith Chriſt dwelleth in us, is become ours, and then nothing can be too hard for us, when he is omnipotent who is within us, 1 Sam. 17.45. Goliah was better armed, but by faith the Lord was with David, by faith the Lord is our ſtrength, Pſal. 37.39. and Marc. 5.26, 29, 34. this is Gods precept, 1 Ioh. 3.23. this is the way to proſper, Ier. 15.5. therefore as 2 Cro. 20.30.

7. Let Chriſt have preheminence in our love, as he is above all, ſo we muſt love him above all creatures, the choiſe, the ſtrength of our affection muſt be beſtowed upon him, Deut. 6.4. We muſt love him with all manner of love, as the work the of his hand that framed it, the creature the Creator, for we are the work of his hands, Col. 1.16. as the ſubject loveth his gracious Soveraigne, for he is the Prince of our peace, Iſa. 9.6. as the ranſomed loveth him that redeemed him, for he is our Redeemer, 1 Tim. 2.6. as the Diſciple loveth the teacher, for he is our Maſter, Mat. 10.24. as one friend doth love another, for he is our choiſeſt friend, Iohn 15.13. as the Wife the Husband; for he hath joyned himſelfe in wedlocke to us, ſo we muſt love him with creatures love, a ſubjects love, a ranſomed mans love af, a true love, &c. Hoſ. 2.19. none in himſelfe ſo worthy to be beloved, none p. 256ever can ſo well deſerve our love, none will, none is able ſo abundantly to requite our love, none doth or can ſo well entertaine our love, none can yeeld ſuch abundant ſatisfaction to our affection; therefore let us give him the chiefeſt roome in our affections, let us have our hearts ſo wrought upon, that with the ſpouſe we be even ſicke of love, Cant. 2.4. that Pſal. 73.25. that 2 Cor. 5.14.

8. Let Chriſt have the preheminence in our joy, as he is above all, ſo let us rejoyce in him more than in Father, Mother, Child, Wife, or any other endowment, as Paul ſaid of the Theſſalonians, ſo let us ſay of Chriſt, 1 Theſ. 2.19, 20. this was the Apoſtles charge, Phil. 4.4. and his reſolution, Gal. 6.14. Gods people can ſee nothing but Chriſt, worthy to be rejoyced in, the men of the World do hate them, Ioh. 15.19. the ſtrength & riches of the world have vanity and changeablenes in them, Pſa. 33.17. Pſal. 60.11. 1 Cor. 3.20, 21. the peace and pleaſures of the World are great ſtrangers to them, their way is full of thornes, their day full of clouds, their habitation is like a houſe in the wildernes, their condition like the condition of Pilgrimes, Pſa. 34.19. 1 Pet. 2.11. onelyonly Chriſt is their comfort, Phil 3.3. He bringeth remiſſion of ſin, reconcileth them to God, and therefore in him they rejoyce, Rom. 5.11. He maketh peace for them, worketh peace in them, he revealeth Gods counſell to them, 1 Cor. 1.30. therefore verſ. 31. they have nothing whereof to rejoyce but it cometh from him, therefore behoofull they ſhould rejoyce principally in him, and turne all matter and occaſion of rejoycing to rejoycing in Chriſt.

p. 2579. Let us give him preheminence of Dominion in our hearts, in our lives above all others, above the World, above Satan, above our own corruption; Let Christ have the whole poſſeſſion of the heart, let ſin like Dagon be caſt to the ground,1 Sam. 4.5.1 Sam 4:5 and the Kingdome of Chriſt like the Arke erected: let the whole man be made univerſally ſubject to him, let the eye in ſeeing, the ear in hearing, the tongue in ſpeaking, the hand in working, the foot in walking, the heart in thinking, the underſtanding in judging, the will in choſing, the affections in imbracing or refuſing, ſhew their ſubjection, yeeld unto Christ the chief Dominion: every Member, every faculty muſt be ſo ſerviceable, that Chriſt may be able to ſay of it, as the Centurion of his Servants, Mat. 8.9. They muſt all wait like Ahimaaz for their commiſſion, & run as ſoon as Chriſt ſhall give their charge unto them; This is the Apoſtles charge, Rom. 6.13. his commendation of the Romans, verſ. 17. Chriſt muſt have no corrivals, he muſt raigne as King alone, he will not live as a Servant, it muſt not be in this as Solomon ſaw it ſometimes in another caſe, Eccleſ. 10.7. Chriſt will not walk on foot, and the World, Sin and Satan on horſ-back, no neither will he ride in the ſame Chariot with them, 2 Cor. 6.14.15. as he is above all, ſo he will rule over all.

10. Let Chriſt have the preheminence in all our undertakings, as he is above all, ſo let us above all things ſeek his glory; let us as it were ſet Chriſt upon our ſhoulders, that he onelyonly may be preheminent, that he onelyonly may be ſeen, and we like men ſtand in the croud not taken notice of: if p. 258Chriſt may be honoured, let us be content to be reproach'd, if be may be enriched, let us be willingly made poor; thus the Baptiſt was content to be as a tree that withereth, that the beauty of Chriſt, the tree of righteouſneſs might be the more glorious, to loſe his honour, if thereby the honour of Chriſt might increaſe: ſo Paul 2 Cor. 4.3. he exalted Chriſt, did not preach himſelf, did not ſet forth himſelf, ſhew his wit, learning, eloquence, hunt applauſe, but ſought onelyonly how to make Chriſt glorious, as a man that carrieth a light to direct others, doth not put forth himſelf, but putteth forth his light that all may ſee by it; a man that goeth to take fowl putteth forth his bait, but hideth himſelf, ſo Gal. 1.10. Acts 20.24. 1 Cor. 10.31, 33. Acts 3.12. In all theſe things we muſt ſtudy to give Chriſt the preheminence.

This ſerveth for the ſingular comfort of all Gods Servants, who by a lively faith are ingrafted into Christ, and have imbraced him as their Husband, their portion, and the onelyonly beloved of their ſouls, there is no cauſe of repentance, of going back, of leaving Chriſt, though Chriſt be alone as Naomi was, in much affliction, in much reproach, poverty, envy, trouble, yet they may well ſay to him, as Ruth to Naomi, Ruth. 1.16. and to all that ſhall queſtion with them hereabout as Pilate anſwered them, Ioh. 19.22. what I have choſen, I have choſen, I will not reverſe it, and to all you that have laid hold on him, that have entred into Covenant with him, let me ſay as Paul in another caſe to the Galatians, Gal. 5.1. ſtand faſt in the choiſe you have made, ſuffer not your hearts to be p. 259divorced from Chriſt, to be brought again in bondage to the World; let not honours, pleaſures on the one ſide, nor taunts, reproaches, perſecutions, loſſes on the other ſide divide your hearts from Chriſt, as once the evill ſpirit made a breach between Abimelech and the men of Sechem. Iud. 9.23.Judg 9:23But ever remember whatſoever the World proffer, or threaten; Chriſt is above all, he will make a large ſatisfaction for all, and therefore having Christ, comfort your ſelves.

1. Againſt adverſaries, be they never ſo powerfull, ſubtile, violent, full of fury and indignation, Chriſt is above all, above all in wiſedom, turning all the devices of the crafty Achitophels of the earth into fooliſhnes,2 Sa. 1…, 31.2 Sam 1:31 and Iſa. 44.25. he taketh them in the ſnares of their own ſpreading, in the pits of their own digging; there is, Prov. 21.30, 31. for he can do great things, Iob 5.9, 10, 11, 12, 13. he is above all in power, he can open the priſon; Acts 12.7, 8. he can divide the Sea, Exod. 14.30, 31. he is a man of warre, Exod. 15.3. he is a valiant Captain, Ioſ. 5.14. he can make us valiant, Pſal. 60.12. he can make one of us chaſe a thouſand, Ioſ. 23.10. If he be the leader of the army, he can overthrow the Wals of Jericho with the ſound of a Rams horne,Ioſ 6.20. Jud. 7.13.21.Josh 6:20Judg 7:13Judg 7:21 he can ſmite our enemies with blindneſs, ſend a trembling into their hearts, overturn them with a barley cake, and make their bowels ſheaths for their own ſwords; it is all one to overcome with few or with many, to caſt down with a ſtone or with a ſword, with a Jaw bone or with a thouſand men, with a goade or with a multitude of Canon ſhot.

p. 2602. Againſt the ſtrength of ſin, the mighty power of Satan, though our luſts be as untamable as the wilds beaſts in the forreſt, yet he can put a bridle into their lips, though they be like the bloudy iſſue, which no Phyſician could cure;Ier. 2.24 Mar. 5.26.Jer 2:24Mark 5:26 yet Chriſt is above all, he can dry them up, though they be like a deep, a ſtrong, and ſwift runing ſtream, he can ſtay them, though they be like Trees of a deep Root, of a mighty growth, yet he can pluck them up, though they be ſtrong holds, yet he can caſt them down, as David took the fort of Syon notwithſtanding all the ſtrength thereof,2 Sam 5.2 Sam 5 ſo 2 Cor. 10.5. he can tame the Lion, Iſai. 11.6, 7. the vertue of his death can make iniquity to moulder like a tree, whoſe roots are rotten, like a houſe, whoſe foundation is decayed, like a body which hath received a deaths wound, though it be as ſtrong as the buildings of the Temple,Ro. 6 4. Mat. 24.1, 2.Rom 6:4Matt 24:1Matt 24:2 yet as that was caſt to the ground, not one ſtone left upon another, ſo can Chriſt caſt down our ſins, that not one luſt ſhall remain upon another: as David overthrew Goliah, and made all the Philiſtines fly:1 Sa. 17.1 Sam 17 So will Chriſt overthrow Satan and put all our luſts to flight, the ſame power that opened the eyes of the blind, that healed the lame, that raiſed the dead, can and will do the like for us. He is above all, who is our Saviour, our Phyſician, our Husband, our Friend, the beloved of our Souls; therefore think of this and be comforted,

3. Againſt ſpiritual aſſaults and grievous temptations, perplexity and anguiſh of conſcience, though no bed can give us reſt, no Sun can give us delight, no Fountain afford refreſhment, no Muſick can give any comfort, no friend, no earthly p. 261treaſure, no tidings give contentment, but all paths are paths of Thorns,Exo. 15.25. 2 King. 4 40.Exod 15:252 Kgs 4:40 every ſpeech dreadfull as Thunder, every Fountain as the waters of Marah, all manner of comfort that can be preſented, like the Prophets pottage, whereof they cried there was death in the pot, yet the Lord Jeſus is above all, he is the Prince of peace, Iſa. 9.6. he he can ſtill the ſtormy Tempeſt, Math. 8.26. he can caſt out the unclean ſpirit that caſteth men into the fire and into the water,Mark 9.22.Mark 9:22 into manifold troubles and perplexities, he can cure the ſtinging of the fiery Serpent, Math. 21.6, 7. he can binde up the broken heart, and heal the wounded ſpirit,Iſa. 61.1.Isa 61:1 though it be a burden in ſupportable, yet he can give us eaſe, Matth. 11.28. he can make our peace like a River, turn the winter of our ſorrow into a pleaſant ſpring,Iſa. 48.18.Isa 48:18 the Hail and Thunder of trouble into the Sun-ſhine of ſweet and pleaſant reſt.

4. Againſt all reproches & contumelies. Chriſt our head, our ſoveraign, our husband is above all,Iſa. 53.2.14.Isa 53:2Isa 53:14 therefore though for the preſent we are in the eye of the world as our Saviour was, a face wherein was no beauty, a dry Tree without leaves,Iſa. 8.18. 1 Cor. 4.9. Heb. 10.36. Joh 7.47. Jer. 30.17. 1 Cor. 15.19. 1 Cor. 1.26.Isa 8:181 Cor 4:9Heb 10:36John 7:47Jer 30:171 Cor 15:191 Cor 1:26 without fruits, ſigns, wonders, ſpectacles, gazing ſtocks, a curſed people, out-caſts, the worſt of all ſinners, the moſt miſerable of all baſe things, and things which are not; yet let us remember that Chriſt is above all, and that we are Members of the body whereof he, who is the head, is above all the ſpouſe of that husband, who is the Prince of all Kings: let us remember whatſoever we are in the eye of the world, yet in, and through Chriſt we are, Exod. 19.5. as the Sun, Phil. 2.15. Jewels, Mal. 3.17. p. 262Kings, 1 Pet. 2.9. the moſt honourable and glorious people in the world, therefore Cant. 1.9, 10, 11. Cant. 6.10.

5. Againſt all wants. Chriſt Jeſus, who is ours; is above all, in him there is all fulneſſe: Therefore let us comfort & aſſure our ſelves in all our neceſſities, there ſhall no good thing be wanting, for all things are in Chriſt in a tranſcendent manner, after a more full & larger ſort than in the creature, as light is in the Sun after a fuller manner than in the Gloe-worm, he, who hath him, if he be well experienced in him, ſhall find enough to ſupply himſelf; if a man want love from the world, the love of the Lord Jeſus will abundantly recompence it, as the love of the King, of the Maſter, will abundantly recompence the want of the love of the begger, of the ſervant: if a man want honour, eſtimation, reſpect among men, to be honourable in the ſight of God, to have ſonſhip with God, heirſhip with Christ will largely anſwer it: if a man want fellowſhip with men, fellowſhip with God, Chriſt ſufciently countervaileth it: if a man want rich and glorious apparel, the royal roabs of Chriſts righteouſneſſe, the Needle-wrought Garment of ſanctification will abundantly ſupply that want: if a man want dainty food, have nothing but the bread of adverſity, and the water of affliction, the ſpiritual dainties which God affordeth his ſervants will be ſufficient, he who hath Chriſt hath all things, hath him, who is above all things, he hath Lands, Gold, Silver, honour, peace, pleaſure, & more than all this, as he who hath the Sun hath the light which is in many Torches, and more: again if a man want an p. 263earthly object whereon to faſten his love, his truſt, whereon to expreſſe his joy, whereto to reveal his minde; yet Chriſt is above all, and on him, and about him, he may with more delight and fulneſſe of contentment expreſſe his love, his joy, his truſt, deſire & ſpeech, than to any creature in the world, ſo that this ſhould exceedingly comfort us in all our wants, for Epheſ. 1.21.22.

6. Againſt the fierceneſſe of Gods anger, the mighty force of Gods diſpleaſure,Iſa 33.14.Isa 33:14 though it be a fire which all the water in the world cannot quench, as the roaring of a Lion that maketh all the beaſts in the forreſt to tremble,Amos 3.8.Amos 3:8 like a mighty wind rending the rocks. Nah. 4.5. like that 1 Kings 19.11. an Arrow that drieth up the ſpirits, Job 6.4. a burthen which no created ſhoulder can bear, a Sword whoſe prickings, a Scorpion whoſe ſlingings, a rod whoſe laſhings none can without deſperation endure, though it makes profane men at laſt ſay as once Job in the extremities of his anguiſh did, Job 3.3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. that Rev. 6.16. though like the appearing of the hand-writing, Dan. 5.4, 5. like the tidings, Joſ. 5.1. though it be of all terribles the moſt terrible, of all noiſes the moſt hideous, of all fires the moſt hot the moſt fervent, of all Arrows the moſt ſharp, of all Gall the moſt bitter, of all Clouds the moſt dark, of all wayes the moſt Thorny, of all burthens the moſt heavy, of all tidings the moſt diſmall; yet fear not, the Lord Ieſus is above all,Rom. 8.34. Heb. 12.24.Rom 8:34Heb 12:24 he is at the right hand of his Father interceding for us, he will ſtand between us, and his fathers indignations, his bloud ſpeaketh better things than p. 264the bloud of Abel, Rom. 5.9, 10. 1 Theſ. 1.10. by him we have acceſſe to God, Rom. 5.1. Eph. 2.17. he will turn the conſuming fire into a warm and ſhining Sun, the exceeding winde into a ſtill voice, the ſtormy Tempeſt into a calm, the dreadfull voice into a joyfull ſound, Mount Synai into Mount Syon, he will bring us from Mount Ebal to Mount Gerizim, Deut. 11.29.

7. Againſt the difficulty of attaining grace, working, perfecting true holineſſe, though it be a work of the higheſt tranſcendency, a work not to be wrought by the finger of men, or any angel: not ſound in any earthly Mine, a flower not growing in our Gardens, a Tree not to be planted by the Art of the choiſeſt husband-men, though Iob 15.14. though 2 Cor. 3.5. though Ier. 13.23. though Mat. 7.15, 16. though Iſa. 11.6. though Ier. 2.24. Ier. 17, 9. though as Martha told Chriſt, Ioh. 11.39. ſo we ſtink in the grave of ſin, yet Chriſt is above all, though Abana and Pharpar cannot waſh away Naamans Leproſy, yet Jordan can, though the Diſciple cannot caſt out the unclean Spirit, yet Chriſt is able, he can turn the Lion into a lamb, the thorne into a vine, as he turned water into Wine, he can open the eyes of the blind, the ears of the deaf, heal the hands that are withered, the feet that are lame, he can ſtop the bloudy iſſue, cure all diſeaſes, he can ſend his Spirit into our hearts, 1 Ioh. 1.7. Ioh. 1.29. Ioh. 8.36: 1 Pet. 2.9. 1 Theſ. 5.23. Epheſ. 5.26, 27. therefore think on this and be comforted.

p. 265Thus of Chriſts excellency: next let us look upon mans indignity,

deſcribed by his originall of the earth; Man is reſembled to the earth; in regard of the bodily part whereof he conſiſteth; he was made of the duſt, and in regard of the corruption he hath contracted, diſhonorable condition whereinto his ſin hath brought him; for as the earth of all the other Elements is moſt ſubject to mens feet, tendeth downward, is ful of ſlime, corruption, and the receptacle of worms, vermines and many noiſome creatures, ſo are the bodies of men brought into a low eſtate, even as low as hell thorough ſin: the minds of men are altogether downward upon the things of the earth; dens of all uncleaneſs: ſuch doth the Baptiſt ſhew mans originall to be to his Diſciples, to teach them not to magnify man, nor to think over highly of him, but to aſcribe all honour unto God and the Lord Jeſus, who is from above: whence learne,

Doctr. THat Man is of a very low and weak, originall and beginning: duſt and aſhes, Gen. 18.27. compoſed of the duſt in regard of his bodily, & viſible parts, Gen. 2.7. his foundation is ſaid to be laid in the duſt, to note his frailty, eaſily caſt down as a houſe builded on no better foundation than the duſt, Iob 4.19.

Uſe 1 This muſt teach us humility, we are but earth, duſt, weak, poor, frail veſſels, of a very baſe beginning, the earth which our eyes always behold, whereon our feet continually tread ſhould teach us this leſſon, this earthly garment of the fleſh p. 266which covereth us by day, and is not put off by night, ſhould always minde us hereof, be as water to quench, as a warlike inſtrument to throw down all high thoughts which exalt themſelves, the flowers have beauty, the trees have bloſſoms, leaves, fruit, the Cattle have ſtrength, the ſtarres have brightneſs and glory, but what hath the duſt whereof to glory; no Creature hath leſſe cauſe of glorying, than man hath of himſelf, if we look either upon his earthly originall or corrupt condition, ſince the fall of Adam; therefore as the blackneſs of the Peacocks feet take away the pride he would otherwiſe take in his feathers, ſo muſt the duſty condition of man take away all occaſion of glorying, which may ariſe from the other endowments God hath beſtowed on him.

Uſe 2 This teacheth us to acknowledge the freedom of God in the Donation of his favours, it is earth and duſt that God hath advanced, therefore let us not dream of any worthineſs in our ſelves, of any thing in us that might move God hereunto, but 1 Cor. 1.20. Ioh. 3.8. Exod. 3.2, 3. Zeph. 3.12.

Uſe 3 This muſt teach us ſo much the more to admire the goodneſs, and the ſingular love of God in advancing us into ſo high eſtate, as to have ſonſhip with him, herſhip with Chriſt, David, thought it much, that he having ſtood behinde the Ewes, ſhould be advanced in marriage with an earthly Kings Son, how much more ſhould we magnify the Lord for advancing us to Wed-lock with Christ the Sonne of a Heavenly King, ſo did the Pſalmiſt, Pſal. 8.3, 4. Oh! let this till our hearts with love to God, with joy and confidence in God; p. 267let this cauſe us to ſtudy how to walk worthy of the loving kindneſs and mercy of the Lord, let us in nothing provoke him.

Thus of his originall, next of his diſpoſition, earthly: before we proced any further in it, how the Baptiſt could ſay he was of the earth and earthly, whether in ſaying ſo he did not offer wrong, and injury to his Doctrine in ſo ſaying, ſince it is ſaid, Ioh. 1.6. and Mat. 21.25. alſo Luc. 7.30. Reſp. this is a comparative ſpeech, between the Baptiſt and our Saviour in regard of whom he was as nothing, no more than, no, nor ſo much as the Earth to Heaven, the Servant to his Lord, the Candle to the Sun. 2. the Baptiſt ſheweth what man is being once ſet in oppoſition againſt Chriſt, 1 Cor. 3.6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Heb. 12.20.1 Cor 3:61 Cor 3:71 Cor 3:81 Cor 3:91 Cor 3:10Heb 12:20even the moſt excellent, then he becometh earth, duſt, corrupt, unprofitable, intimating plainly that if his Diſciples did ſo faſten their eyes on him as thereby to neglect Chriſt, then how holy, how Heavenly, how excellent ſoever, yet he ſhould be to them as an earthly and a carnall man. 3. He ſheweth what man is being conſidered in himſelf, and of himſelf, nothing but earth, and earthly diſpoſed. 4. Though his Doctrine and commiſſion were from heaven; yet this was not a ſtream from his own fountaine, a light of his own kindling; but he had it from above, it was the Lords and not his, thus you ſee how and why the Baptiſt ſaid he was of the earth and earthly, thereby teaching,

Doctr. That mans naturall diſpoſition is altogether earthly and carnall, Exo. 15.28. 2 Kin. 4.49.Exod 15:282 Kgs 4:49a ſtream whoſe waters are altogether ſlimy, bitter, unſavoury, like the waters of Mara, unwholeſome, like the pottage in the p. 268Prophets pot till grace be infuſed; as the tree was caſt into the water by Moſes, and the meal into the pot by the Prophet, therefore likened to a corrupt tree whoſe nature and fruit are both naught, Mat. 7.17. to a vine bearing no other but ſower grapes, Iſai. 5.4. to evill ground bearing thornes and briars, Heb. 6.8. to ſwine wallowing in the mire of ſin, trampling the precious pearles of the Goſpel and ſanctification under their feet, Math. 7.6. to a ſick man whoſe Palate is altogether diſordered, Rom. 8.7. 2 Cor. 2.14. to a dead man, whoſe inclination is wholy to the earth, Epheſ. 2.1. and therefore Pſal. 14.3. Gen. 6.5, 5. and this is moreover manifeſt,

1. By the abſence of all true & ſaving grace, there is nothing of heaven remaining in him, their ſouls like the pit, whereinto Joſeph was caſt, are empty, having no water of grace in them, Gen. 37.24. like a barren wombe that hath neither birth nor conception, a barren Tree that beareth no fruit Hoſea 10.1. like a man fallen into the hands of thieves, like him, Luk. 10.30. ſtript of all the apparell which ſhould cover his ſoul, robbed of all the jewels of grace, wounded and half dead in his very naturall abiliaments, of whom that may be verified which the Prophet ſpeaketh of Niniveh, Nah. 2.10. the naturall man is empty and void, and waſt, blackneſs covereth his ſoul, he is full of uncleanneſs, there is no heart nor courage for God remaining in him; and which the Prophet ſaid of Nebuchadnezar, Jer. 51.34. the naturall man may much more ſay of ſin, and Satan, the great Nebuchadnezar, the great Babyloniſh Prince of darkneſs: p. 269He hath cruſhed them, and made them empty veſſels, taken away their heavenly riches, and hath caſt them out of Gods favour and gracious preſence, made him as a naked houſe, wherein is no inhabitant, no houſhold implement, Rom. 7.18. all their abilities to good are now become like Jeroboams withered hand, which he could neither put forth nor take in, ſo they are neither able to reach forth to any good, nor take their hands in from any evill.

2. By the preſence and the fulneſſe of all ſin,Pſ. 140.3. Pſ. 5.9. Iſa. 11.6Ps 140:3Ps 5:9Isa 11:6 being full of uncleanneſſe, as pits in a rainy day of water, as an Adder of poyſon, as a grave of rotteneſſe, as a Lion of fierceneſſe, as a Cage of unclean Birds, as the ſluggards field of thorns and bryars; as the Prophet ſaid of the people, Ezek. 7.23. the Land is full of bloudy crimes, the City is full of violence, ſo is the body of man full of iniquity, and the Soul is full of uncleanneſſe, as the waters in Aegypt, which were clear, were turned into bloud, ſo that the fiſh died, and the Rivers ſtunk, ſo that all the faculties in the Soul and Members of the body are corrupted, perverted, and the grace, which once was in them, is utterly dead, and man is now become as an unſavoury carkaſſe in the noſtrils of God.

3. By the Dominion and ſway of Satan, he rules like a King Eph. 2.3. leads like a Tyrant, 2 Tim. 2.26. works like a Black-ſmith upon his Anvill, Eph. 2.2. is worſhipped like a God, 2 Cor. 4.4. affected, reverenced, obeyed like a father, Ioh. 8 44. as ready to execute his commands, as the ſervants of Abſolon were to accompliſh his, 2 Sam. 13.28. p. 27029. If he bid then wait an opportunity to do miſchief, they waite, bid them open their mouths to revile, blaſpheme, uſe filthy communication, preſently they ſwear, reproach, and utter unſeemly, and corrupt language, &c.

4. By the wonderfull agreement which is between the carnal heart and ſin, and the world, theſe like Simeon and Levi they are brethren in evil, like Herod and Pilate they conſpire againſt Chriſt, the truth, the life, the power of Godlineſſe: like Jehu & Jehonadab they give the right hand of fellowſhip one to another, and ride both in one Chariot, and what combates ſoever may ſeem to be between them: however, ſin may ſometime trouble the natural mans conſcience, how ſick ſoever it may make him for the preſent, yet with the Dog he will eat up again his vomit, he will never ſo fall out with ſin, but he will ſoon be friends, he will be able ſtill to call it brother, as Ahab after his wars with Benhadad could ask, is my brother Benhadad yet alive, and though the Lord command him to deſtroy his ſin, give it into his hand, gave him all advantage over it; yet as Ahab made a Covenant with Benhadad, and let him goe; ſo will the natural man with his ſin: ſin is the natural mans Abſolon, David warred againſt Abſolon, but hath had no purpoſe to deſtroy him, ſo the natural man (when his ſin doth ſometime diſturb him) begins to make a little war againſt it, but never means to ſet himſelf ſo to work as to deſtroy it: ſin is the natural mans Paradiſe wherein he doth deſire to live, his path wherein he would alwayes walk; the companion, with whom he delighteth to p. 271communicate, the forbidden Tree of whoſe fruit he delighteth to eat, the fountains of whoſe waters he thirſteth to drink, the onelyonly recreation wherewith they deſire to be refreſhed, Prov. 14.9. they can ſay of ſin and the world, as Ruth of Naomi, Ruth. 1.15, 6. they will not be intreated to leave it, but when it goeth they will go with it, if it go into captivity, into priſon, into noyſom diſeaſes, into poverty, reproach; nay, though they are ſurerely and infallibly ſhewed that it goeth to Hell, yet they will go with it.

5. By their diſlike of holineſſe, and all the means teaching man to lead a holy life, this is like fetters to the man poſſeſſed with an unclean ſpirit,Mark. 5. Pſal. 2.Mark 5Ps 2 they break theſe cords as he brake them, like the Sun to diſeaſed eyes, Job 24.13. like a Candle to him that hath ſtolne goods, Ioh. 3.19.20. like the handwriting to Baltazzar, Dan. 5.5. no weed ſo unſavory to their Noſtrils,Dan. 5.5.Dan 5:5 no Gall ſo diſtaſtefull to their Palates, no noiſe ſo terrible to their Ears: this is a ſtranger, they will give it no entertainment, an enemy they will make war againſt it, Rom. 8.7. they watch an opportunity as Iudas to betray Chriſt, as Eſau to murder Iacob, ſo they to betray to deſtroy this if poſſible they might, it is as offenſive to them as Mordecai to Haman, Heſt. 5.13.nothing can give them contentment as long as this proſpereth, by which it is apparent that the natural mans diſpoſition is altogether carnal.

Ʋſe. This may teach us not to wonder, be aſtoniſh'd, or diſmayed to ſee the whole world lie in wickedneſs, the greateſt number of men carnally diſpoſed, their affections tending downward to things here p. 272below, as the ſtreams go down the Channel, or the earth moveth down towards the Center; not think it ſtrange that the carnal world wonders after her own luſts,Rev. 13.3. Jude 18.24.Rev 13:3 as the Popiſh idolatrous world after their beaſt, that they purſue the earth and the vanities of the ſame as Micah purſued his Idol, that they lye overwhelmed in ſin as once the world was overwhelmed with the deluge, that Hill and vale, high and low, rich and poor, learned and ignorant, even all (a few poor deſpiſed, yet ſanctified Souls excepted) given unto covetouſneſſe and carnal luſts, as the Prophet long ſince complained, Ier. 6.14.Matt. 7.13. 2 Chron. 10.21. 1 Sam. 20.27.Matt 7:132 Chr 10:211 Sam 20:27 that the broad way is full, the narrow way hath few travellers, that Baals houſe is full, the ſeats in Gods houſe, like the ſeats in Sauls houſe in the new Moon, were empty, yeſterday and to day, Sabbath after Sabbath, that the world, the earth, riches, honours, pleaſures are in great requeſt: heaven, religion, holineſſe, duties of ſanctification in little, or none at all. Marvel not I ſay at this, ſhrink not back from God, leave not the Lord Ieſus, for this the three hundred Souldiers left not Gideon, though many thouſands went back from him,Jud. 7.6.7.Judg 7:6Judg 7:7 Ioſhua and Caleb turned not back from following the Lord, though Iſrael beſides did, and periſhed: let Peters reſolution be your practiſe, though all men forſake him, yet go not you back from him, be not moved, be not ſhaken at the ſight of the multitude of prophane perſons, for all men are earth and earthly, and 1. They are ignorant and ſee no beauty, no benefit, no pleaſure in the way of Godlineſſe, it is to them as a light under a buſhel, a fountain ſhut up, Luke 19.42. theſe p. 273are like the Gods, of whom Daniel ſpake, Dan. 5.23. theſe are, as Ier. 5.4. Pſal. 82.5.2. they are ſick and cannot relliſh the good things of God; their Palate hath loſt its taſte; bread is as gravell, Wine as Gall, a feaſt of the choiſeſt heavenly delicates, as the white of an Egg which hath no taſte, or unſavoury meat which cannot be eaten without ſalt, Iob 6.6. what our Saviour ſaid to Peter in one particular, may be univerſally verified of every carnall man, thou ſavoureſt not the things of God,2 Sam. 19.36, 37.2 Sam 19:362 Sam 19:37 but of men, and what Barzillai ſaid to David in another caſe, every carnall man may ſay of himſelf unto God, I am old in ſin, and cannot taſte the Word of the Lord, and let not me be preſſed to this, and that duty of holines to follow the Lord with ſuch preciſeneſs, but let me return to mine own way, faſhion delights, &c. 3.Epheſ. 4.18, 19. 1 Tim. 4.Eph 4:18Eph 4:191 Tim 4 They are dead in ſins and treſpaſſes, no more feeling of ſin than a dead man of the diſeaſe, no more ſence of the working of Gods Word, then feared fleſh of the prickings of a needle, as Pſal. 6.5. ſo there is no thought, no remembrance of God among carnall men, they have no thought of Heaven, life eternall, the way and means tending thereunto. 4. They know not things of any better nature than the earth, the Cattle know not any better thing than paſture in the field, water in the brook, and therefore never look after wine and other delicates: ſo the naturall man knoweth nothing but this World, not knowing the comforts of the Goſpel, the ſweetneſs of Gods love, the pleaſantneſs of the peace of a good conſcience, think there is no clearer nor warmer ſun, no more pure nor pleaſant p. 274ſtreame, no ſweeter muſick than peace and proſperity in this World;Ioh 4.10 Ioh. 6.26.John 4:10John 6:26 the Woman of Samaria knowing no other water than ſuch, as was in Jacobs Well, asked not water of life from Chriſt, knew not what he meant when he ſpake of it, the unſound Diſciples knowing no other bread than that which nouriſheth the body, thought not upon the bread which nouriſheth the ſoul unto life eternall. 5. They are inconſiderate, haſty, and violent in the purſuite of their own projects, in accompliſhing their own purpoſes, in running their own way, in following their own counſell, in fulfilling their own luſts, therefore likened to the Adder, Pſal. 58.5. the wild aſſe, Ier. 2.24. mad men, Jerem. 17.9 they have in heart to conſider what the iſſue will be of all their evill doings, though they ſet thornes, yet they think they ſhall gather grapes,Deut. 29.19.Deut 29:19 though they ſerve ſin, yet they think the wages ſhall be eternall life, though they ſow to the fleſh, yet they hope to reap life everlaſting, thus Pſal. 36.1. and though they be like them, Iſa. 65.4. like him, Mar. 5.4. 5. Though they have fellowſhip with the workers of the works of darkneſs, though they be men of ſwiniſh condition and converſation, though there ſouls be full of the breath of abominable things, though they break the ſtrongeſt bonds of Gods precepts, wound themſelves with many luſts as with ſwords and ſpeares, yet like them, Iſai. 65.5. they ſpare not to think to ſay they are better than the deareſt of Gods Children, ſo highly are they opinionated of their own goodneſs, ſo ſtrongly are they wedded to their own afflections, that all admonition is but as water p. 275upon a black Moor, dew upon a rock, it maketh no impreſſion, but as Solomon ſaith, Prov. 27.22. Now this being the qualification, order, diſpoſition, bent and courſe of every naturall mans heart and life, it is no marvell that the World is generally profane, nor let any go back, becauſe there are ſo few, that ſet and keep their feet conſtant in the way to life.

2. Is this the condition of corrupt man ſince the fall of our firſt parents, are they all earthly, carnall, full of ſin; then this may aſſure us, that in this eſtate there is no ſalvation, the naturall mans way will never lead him to Heaven, Rom. 6.23. 1. His work is evill, his wages will be death eternall, his ſeed is naught his harneſt cannot be good, Gal. 6.3. 2. There is nothing in him, but earth, and therefore Heaven cannot be his habitation,Ier. 4 14 Mat. 15 19. Iſai. 5.4. Deut. 32 32. Ri. 30.6 33. Then. 3.17. Iſai. 5.20, 21. Act. 12.7.Jer 4:14Matt 15:19Isa 5:4Deut 32:32Isa 5:20Isa 5:21Acts 12:7 his ſoul is a veſſell full of uncleane waters, his heart is a fountaine of all abominations, the beſt of his fruit is, but ſower grapes, Sodomitiſh Apples, guilded braſſe, fair without, ſoul, baſe, rotten within. 3. When he thinketh himſelf moſt rich, he is poor and blind, and naked, when he thinketh himſelf moſt wiſe, beſt ſighted, he knoweth not light from darkneſs, ſweet from ſower, good from evill; when he thinketh himſelf moſt free, then he is as faſt fettered as ever Peter was, when he lay bound between the two Souldiers, for ſo do they between the World & Devill in the Chaines of their corruption, when he thinketh himſelf moſt ſecure, then he is nigheſt to diſtruction, 1 Theſ. 5.3. like him, Luc. 12.19. that naturall man is a ſtranger to God, Chriſt, the Covenant, Eph. 2.12. an enemy by his evill works, Col. 1.21. a habitation for the uncleane Spirit, p. 276Luc. 11.20, 21. a Servant of iniquity, Rom. 6.17. a Souldier in Satans army, a branch in the wild Olive, a goate and no Sheep, a thorne and no Apple-tree, a Lion, a Bear, a Swine, a Vulture; no Lamb, no Deer, and therefore in that eſtate muſt look to drink of no cup, but of the cup of Gods wrath, to have no companions, but the Devill and his Angels, no lodging but eternall darknes, that is his portion, the Lord will ſurely give it him, there is no way, no hope of eſcaping, for Luc. 13.3. Unleſſe you turn from the way of ſin to the way of life you muſt periſh, Ioh. 3.3. Heb. 12.14. no man ſhall ſee him here in his word revealing himſelf to be a gracious father to him, in his holineſs ſanctifying him, in his love affecting him with his ſavours, in his preſence preſenting himſelf in a loving manner to him, nor ſhall ever be filled with his glorious preſence hereafter, therefore be not deceived, dream not of mercy before there be a deſertion of all iniquity, of Gods goodnes before you be lead to true repentance, Pſal. 104.4.

3. This will meet with and diſcover their folly who boaſt of their naturall abilities, inclination, and freedome to God, to renounce ſin, to imbrace ſalvation; to follow the call of God when they pleaſe, as if they had as ready a diſpoſition to execute the Lords command, as ever the Centurions Servants had to do his, of whom he ſaid, Math. 8.8, 9. As if they were as ſtrong in grace as Sampſon in bodily ſtrength, able to break the cords of iniquity,Jud. 16.9. Jon. 1.6.Judg 16:9Jonah 1:6 as if they were but reeds and ruſhes, as if they were but fallen a little aſleep in ſin, like Jonah in the bottome of the ſhip, the voyce of the Miniſter p. 277was preſently able to awaken them, as if ſin were not like the skin to the fleſh hardly pulled of, like the marrow to the bone uneaſily gotten out, but an old outer garment upon the back eaſily caſt off: But here we ſee that the Baptiſt doth not ſay we are fire whoſe ſparks naturally fly upward, nor watery vapours, which are eaſily exalted by the influence and attractive power of the Sun, but earth and earthly, whoſe nature is ponderous, heavy and altogether tending downward, no more able, no more inclinable to any thing ſavingly good, than the earth is able of itſelf to aſcend upward, or to ſpeak in the language of the Prophet, then a black-Moor can make himſelf white, or a Leopard change his ſpots, Ier. 13.23. and ſurely theſe mens errour might eaſily be diſcerned, if they did but well weigh, and throughly conſider.

1. Their indiſpoſedneſs to all good, yea, their averſneſs from it, their enmity againſt it, their indiſpoſedneſs to it expreſſed by a bullock unaccuſtomed to the yoke, Ier. 31.18. by a wild aſſe running over hedge & ditch, refuſing to be taken, Ier. 2.24. by a dead man that hath no diſpoſition to riſe out of the grave, Epheſ. 2.1. by a Lion and a Leopard which are altogether fierce, Iſai. 11.6. by evil ground which naturally beareth nothing; but Thornes and Bryars, Heb. 6.8. by ſtones and Rocks which have no diſpoſition, to turne into water or ſoft ground, Exek. 36.26. their enmity againſt all good is expreſſed by a Serpent refuſing to hear the voyce of the charmer, Pſ. 58.50. by a theef ſtriving againſt the light, Iob 24.13. an unruly ſubject breaking all the bounds, which are ſet p. 278him by his Soveraigne, Pſal. 2.2. an implacable enemy that will not, that cannot be reconciled, Rom. 8.7. and ſurely if we well weigh, if we have any true experience of the violence and mighty force of our corruption, we may ſay of that as St. James doth of the tongue, Iac. 3.7, 8. ſo in this caſe, we may ſay of our corruption, all other fierce beaſts have been tamed, but who can rule this, this is a horſe of that force, that man cannot bridle it, a fire of that ſtrength, man cannot quench it, a Lion of that fierceneſs man cannot tame it, a Sea of that force that man cannot ſtop it; none, but he that put a bridle into the noſtrils of Senacharib can bridle this unruly monſter.

2. The power of ſin, reſembled to a conquerour leading captives, Rom. 7.23. to a Maſter whom we ſerve, at whoſe beck we move, Tit. 3.3. to a King raigning over the whole man, as a King over the people, Rom. 6.12. to a death which hath the whole command of the body; there is nothing remaineth to reſiſt it, Col. 2.12. ſuch a forcible diſeaſe it is, that as no Phyſician could heal the bloody iſſue, Marc. 5.25, 29. ſo none can cure this, but onelyonly he that cured that.

3. The dearneſs of ſin, it is tenderly beloved, the palace wherein the naturall man delighteth to dwell, the pleaſant wine which he drinketh, the onelyonly manchet whereof he deſireth to feed, Prov. 9.17. the onelyonly Companion wherein he taketh comfort;Jud. 18. Gen. 24. Mat. 27. Pſal. 7.Judg 18Gen 24Matt 27Ps 7 this is to him as the Idoll to Micah, as the meſſe of pottage to Eſau, as the forbidden fruit to our firſt parents, as the pieces of money to Judas, as the golden wedge and Babyloniſh garment to p. 279Achan, this is the Dalilah whereon they doat, the Child which they feed, the infant whereunto they draw out both their breaſts, the game which they purſue, the Muſick whereat they dance, the treaſure for which they ſearch, they love ſin as Jonathan David, they will ſtrip themſelves of their beſt garments to apparell it. 2 Sam. 18.1, 2. as Jacob loved Rahel, they will ſerve in the heat, and in the cold, in all eſtates, endure all miſeries for it, this is pleaſant to their eyes, Gen. 3.6. delightfull to their Palates, Job 20.12 a precious pearle in their hands, as the ſignets on their finger, the miſtris of their affections, they will ſpend all in the ſervice of it, Prov. 23.21. they will ſuffer all miſeries rather than forſake it, Prov. 23.34, 35. they will go weeping after it, as Phaltiel after Michall, ſo great is their love to it, that no perſuaſions, no threatnings, ſhall breed a rejection of it.

4. The tendernes of it, therefore likened to the eye, it is grievouſnes to put out the eye, a man will endure any member to be wounded, any injury to be offered to any part of the body rather than to his eye, Mat. 18.1. for this alſo it is likened to the mortifying of the members, making the members of the body dead by giving them many blowes, by piercing them with many wounds, Col. 3.5. the naturall man will not have his ſin, his beloved one to be touched, Amos 7.10. the Baptiſt muſt not meddle with Herodias, Ahab will not be croſſed in his journey to Ramoth Gilead, they will not have the Hemme of this Garment touched, 2 Sam. 18.5.

p. 2805. The inherency and thorough mixture of ſin with the ſoul, and deep dy of it upon the heart, as water and wine are ſo mingled, that the skilfulleſt hand cannot make a ſeparation, the Ivy and the ſtones ſo combined, that unles the Wall be thrown down, it can not be removed: ſo is ſin and the ſoul ſo mixed, that no skill of man or Angell can divide them, it is as the marrow in the bones, as the juyce in the root, as the roots infolded & wrapped up in the earth, the bones muſt be broken, Pſal. 51.8 the fallow ground muſt be plowed up, Ier. 4.3. before ſin can be plucked up; it is a deep ſtaine, water cannot waſh it, nitre cannot purge it, the beſt humane abilities have no power to remove it, Ier. 2.22. it is a Leproſy of that calour, depth and ſtrength, that the Water of Damaſcus cannot purge it, no River but Jordan can heal it, Iſai. 26.10. Prov. 27.22. Amos 4.6, 7, 8. Pharaoh, Exod. 5.6, 7, 8. Ahas, 2 Cro. 28.22. Iſai. 1.5, 6. I might add many more, but by theſe things it is ſufficiently manifeſt what ſtrangers we are to all abilities of turning our ſelves to God, and working out our ſalvation, before the Lord do put the life of grace into us, and by his Word and Spirit, as by his Horſmen and Chariots, do draw us forward in the way of life and happineſs.

4. This will teach us not to aſcribe too much to any man, of themſelves they are earth and earthly diſpoſed, even the very beſt among all men, the excellency wherewith they are endowed is not of themſelves but of God, it is the dew from his cloud that doth make them fat, the treaſure of his ſtore-houſe, that doth make them rich, the work of his p. 281finger that doth make them differ; we are all empty veſſels, the fulneſs which we enjoy cometh from above, barren fields till the Lord doth water and dreſſe us: therefore as we admire not the veſſel which holdeth good liquour, but rather the Tree which bare the Grape that made the liquor, ſo let us not ſo much admire the Creature; the woodden veſſel that hath the excellent Treaſury, as the Creator that gave the Treaſure to him, 2 Cor. 4.6.7. we are but the Casket, the Jewel is the Lords, we are but the Lamp, it is the Lord doth give the Oile,Ioh. 15.5. 1 Cor. 4.1. Phil. 4.13. Phi. 1.8.John 15:51 Cor 4:1Phil 4:13 without him we can do nothing, we are altogether dependant upon him, all our abilities are the Lords talent, we are but ſtewards, thorough Christ inabling we can do all things, but if Chriſt do not inable, man can do nothing, God is the Alpha and the Omega of all the good we enjoy or do, therefore as Mar. 2.11, 12. Acts 3.11, 12. I Gideon overthrow the Midianitiſh army, it is not ſo much Gideon as the Lord hath done it, therefore firſt they cry the Sword of the Lord, and then Gideon, Iud. 7. Exo. 14.Judg 7Exod 14the Rod was uſed in dividing the waters of the red Sea; yet Moſes and Iſrael give the praiſe unto God, Exod. 15.6. therefore Col. 1.29. Paul laboured not of himſelf, but more or leſſe according to the meaſure of Gods working in him, ſo 1 Cor. 3.5. intimating that they were but inſtruments, God was the chief Agent,Gal. 2.8. Acts 16.14.Gal 2:8Acts 16:14 that if they brought any to the knowledge of the truth, it was the Lord that did open the underſtanding, if they turned any man to the faith, it was the Lord did open the heart, if they brought comfort to any mans Soul, it was the Lord that ſpake peace unto the conſcience, p. 282teaching them whoſoever were the inſtrument, yet to give the whole praiſe to God the chief Agent, to have God and not the perſons of men in admiration.

5. Let therefore our own worthiweſs, our own indiſpoſedneſſe unto any good cauſe us to give the praiſe of our whole ſalvation unto God, acknowledging him to be the ſoul, and onelyonly fountain whence all water, which giveth refreſhment to our Souls have their Original, the more we ſee our own emptineſſe, the more feelingly let us acknowledge the Lords fulneſſe, the more we look upon our own poverty, the more let us magnifie the full and open hand of God towards us, the more let us laud him, rejoyce in him for his abundant goodneſſe, the more let us ſtudy to pleaſe him, to honour him, to walk in all ſincerity before him, ſtriving in all things to make him glorious, utterly denying our ſelves; ſaying as the Pſalmiſt, Pſal. 44.3. for as we are earth and earthly, ſo we ſpeak of the earth, which is the third thing here noted, their practiſe, they ſpeak of the earth, their imployments are earthly, their actions are carnal.

9. The whole labour and practiſe of un-regenerate people is earthly and carnall, as the whole fruit of a corrupt Tree is: ſo Matth. 7.18. men are all like Travellers out of the way, every foot they ſtep is awry, Pſal. 58.3. our whole work is but a Spiders Web, and increaſes no better than a Cockatrice Egge, Iſa. 59 56.

Reaſ. Becauſe the Root and Original is evil, and as men ſpeak of the Countrey and parentage whereof they are, ſo men being of the World, p. 283of the fleſh, ſpeak and do the works thereof, 1 Ioh. 4.5.

2. Becauſe the whole man is full of ſin, as the Sea full of waters, a dead body of rotteneſs, an undreſt Garden of weeds, the eyes are full of vanity, the tongue full of evil communication, the hands full of idleneſſe, full of bloud of unrighteous dealings, the heart full of uncleanneſſe, and hence ſtream all kinde of abominations, Matth. 15.19.

Uſe. We have no cauſe to glorie of our works, as long as we are carnal they are nothing but the fruit of the fleſh, Gal. 5.19. Braſſe, Tin, Iron, baſe Metal, Ier. 6.28.30. as the Pſalmiſt ſaith of men, Pſ. 62.9. ſo may the natural man ſay of all his works, whither of piety, or common equity; of his way towards God, or towards man, they are altogether vanity, & ſurely if God ſhould lay our deeds in the ballance as Baltazar was, that would be found of us,Dan. 5.Dan 5 which was written of him mene mene tekel upharſin, you are laid in the ballance, your works are weighed which are found too light, the Kingdom of glory is departed from you.

2. We may behold here the recompence due to our works, as they are the work of ſin, ſo death is the wages due to the ſame, an evil race, a diſhonourable price, a bad ſeed an uncomfortable Harveſt, an evil ground burning will be the iſſue of it.

3. Therefore ſince our Original is earth, our diſpoſition earthly, our talk of the earth, our whole practiſe carnal & worldly things, tending to the irrecoverable ruins both of ſoul & body, let us ſtrive to get forth of this miſerable and uncomfortable eſtate to finde a gracious change and alteration p. 284wrought in our hearts, let us get the fallow ground of our hearts to be broken up,Jer. 4.3.Jer 4:3 that we may ſow no more among Thorns, that we way no more conceive Chaffe, and bring forth ſtubble, Iſa. 33.11. that we may be made free from ſin, and become the ſervants of God, Rom. 6.22. that the old man with all his luſts, like a menſtruous garment, may be put off,Col. 3.9.10. Luc. 1.79.Col 3:9Col 3:10Luke 1:79 and the new man like a rich and royal roabe put on, that we may no longer ſit in darkneſſe, and in the ſhadow of death, but that we may behold the glorious light of the truth, and the comfortable light of Gods face, and that our feet may be guided into the way of peace, that all old things may be put off, and all things become new, 2 Cor. 5.17. that we may lead a new life, ſpeak a new language, love with new affections, diſcern with new judgements, and be made partakers of new favours, receive a new name, Rev. 2.17. let it be the choiſe of our cares, the ſtrongeſt of our deſires, the firſt of our labours, the chief of all our endeavours to put off ſin,Rom. 13.14.Rom 13:14 to put on the Lord Jeſus, to make no more proviſion for the fleſh, to fulfill the luſts thereof, but provide for the welfare of the Soul, 1 Pet. 4.3, 4. but 2 Cor. 5.15. as David Pſal. 132.2, 3, 4, 5. ſo let us enter into Covenant with our God, not to take any reſt, any pleaſure, not to ſeek any worldly ſtore, any earthly contentment till our ſouls of a den of thieves, of a lodge of unclean ſpirits be made a habitation for the Lord to dwell in, as Gen. 8.9. as Ruth. 3.18. ſo let there be no reſt till you are returned unto your God, till you have made your peace with him, till you finde in your ſelves a ſanctified and holy alteration, and p. 285to the end we may no longer continue in this corrupt and ſinfull eſtate; let us

1. Be ſenſible of our ſin, as a Thorn in our ſide,Jude 2.3. a prick in our eyes, as ſenſible as Iſrael of the Cananites, as the chaſed Hart of the wounding Arrow, and then as the Hart goeth to the water brooks, Pſal. 42.1, 2. as the Traveller of a heavy burthen, and then as Iſrael groaned under the burthens Pharaoh impoſed, and ſought freedom, ſo ſhall we: as a woman of her travell, and then as ſhe hath no reſt till delivered of her burthen, ſo ſhall we take no reſt, till delivered of the burthen of our corruption by regeneration: the ſence which David had of his ſin made him earneſt to be waſhed, Pſal. 51.2. this made him pray, Pſ. 38.1, 2, 3. thus Acts. 2.37.

2. Be throughly affected with the vileneſſe, the diſhonourableneſſe, the dangerouſneſſe and uncomfortable iſſue of ſin. 1 Be affected with the vileneſſe of it, as the eye with an ugly ſpectacle, the noſtril with an ill ſavour, the palate with unſavoury food, the ſtomack with meat, repugnant to it, there the Pſalmiſt was affected with his ſin, as with a loathſom diſeaſe, Pſ. 38.5.7. thus Iob 42.6. as Iobs friends beholding the loathſome diſeaſe, how it disfigured him, how deformed and unpleaſant it had made him to the eye, then they ſate down and wept: ſo ſhall we do when we are throughly afflicted with the vileneſſe of our ſin. 2. with the diſhonorableneſſe of it, it leadeth into bondage, 2 Tim. 2.26. into poverty, ſtrippeth the Soul naked, Rev. 3.17. it caſteth into a ditch of ſpiritual filthineſſe, Ezek. 16.3, 4, 5. it cloatheth the p. 286Soul with menſtrous rags, Iſa. 30.22. Iſa. 64.6. as Iſa. 20.4, 5. ſo ſin leadeth us away priſoners and captives, not onelyonly the buttocks, but the ſhoulders, alſo, even the whole man uncovered, and were we throughly affected with this, we could not but be afraid and aſhamed, Rom. 6.21, 3. with the dangerouſneſſe of it; how as long as this is not repented of, & renounced, your Souls are as a bird in the ſnare, as a condemned malefactor every day looking for execution, as bad ground nigh to burning, as a woman with Childe,Heb. 6.8. Zeph. 2.2.Heb 6:8Zeph 2:2 whoſe travel is neer, as a rotten ſhip in a ſtormy tempeſt, every moment ready to ſink, never able to return to the Haven, as Cattle in fat paſture, Jer. 12.3. 2 Pet. 2.3. an eſtate wherein is no eſcaping, 1 Theſ. 5.3. Jer. 11.11. 4. The uncomfortable iſſue of ſin, how the Honey will turn to Gal, the wine into water of Marah, the manchet into Gravel, Jer. 2.19. their Paradice into a Thorny wilderneſſe, their pleaſant ſtream into a tempeſtuous Sea, Amos 8.9.10. however with Agag. 1 Sam. 15, 32. yet verſ. 33. as Dalilab to Sampſon, as Jael to Siſera, Iſa. 24.6.7. were the hearts of men throughly affected with this, did this ſink deep into their Souls, then ſurely they would never reſt in that eſtate, but with the Jaylor, Acts 16.29.30. as the Diſciples in the ſtorm, Mat. 8.25. this will make them run as the men of Gibeon, Ioſ. 10.6.

3. Be carefull and willing to be inſtructed, ſhut not the eye againſt the light, ſtop not thy ear againſt the voice of the truth, withdraw not thy ſhoulder, make not thy heart as an Adamant ſtone, Zach. 7.11.12. but wait upon the poſts of p. 287Gods houſe, Prov. 8.34. lye as the lame man for an Almes dayly at the Gate of the Temple, Acts 3.2. faſten thine eyes on this Sun, be thou conſtant in Chriſts School, behold & view thy ſelf throughly in this looking glaſſe, Rom. 7.8.9. Ier. 31.18.19. let thine ear be open to the crowing of this Cock. Matt. 26.75. let thy heart imbrace this as the ground doth the ſeed, and thereby thou ſhalt be new born, Ia. 1.18.

4. Come unto Chriſt by fervent prayer, as the blinde men by the high-way ſide, as the Centurion for his ſervant, the ruler for his daughter, open thy eſtate, diſcover the condition of thy Soul unto the Lord, pray with Ephraim, Ier. 31.18. Pſal. 80.7. as Solomon asked neither riches, nor long life, nor the life of his enemies, but onelyonly wiſdom, 1 King. 3.9. ſo do you ask neither wealth nor honour, proſperity nor pleaſure, but above all things ask for the ſaving grace of the ſpirit; pray for the dews of grace, as Eliah for rain upon the earth, and as the Lord cauſed a cloud to appear, which though little at firſt, yet at length it covered the whole heavens, ſo ſhall God cauſe the power of his ſpirit ſo to diſtill into thy Soul, that the whole man ſhall be cleanſed from all iniquity, and to labour for this eſtate let us be perſwaded;

1. Becauſe this will intereſt us in all Gods favours make all things to become ours; to be comfortable, helpfull, beneficial, this will make God to be our God, our Father, Chriſt to be our friend, Mediator, Advocate, Husband, Sun, Shield, Prince of peace, the Spirit of God to be our comforter, Ioh. 15.26. our guide, Io. 16.13. to be our earneſt p. 288penny, and our Seal to aſſure us of the Lords mercy and loving kindneſſe, Epheſ. 1.13.14. a fire to warm us, 1 Theſ. 5.19. water to cleanſe us, Iſa. 44.3. the Miniſtery of the Goſpel to be a Miniſtery of reconciliation to us, 2 Cor. 5.18. a pleaſant light to ſhine unto our feet, Pſal. 119.105. a heavenly Manna, pure milk to feed our Souls, 1 Pet. 2.2. a goad to drive us forward, Phyſick to heal us, a weapon to kill ſin, and defend our Souls, all the earth ſhall be ſerviceable to us, this life and the life to come ſhall be ours, 1 Tim. 4.8. we ſhall be the richeſt people upon earth, have better revenues than all the mighty men in the World, Pſal. 34.10.

Becauſe this will inable us to finde many ſweet and heavenly comforts in Gods ordinances, this will make them full of precious and choiſe delights to our Souls, this will make them be a delicate and dainty feaſt,Iſa. 25.6.Isa 25:6 this will cauſe us to behold them as a letter of love from the Lord Jeſus, the Bridegroom of our Souls, this will make them ſweet as the hony-comb to our palate, Pſal. 19.10. even the rejoycing of our hearts, Jer. 15.16. this will make them more precious than any Treaſure, Pſal. 119.72. more pleaſant than any tidings, Luke 2.10. this will make them the ſavour of life to our Souls, 2 Cor. 2.14. this will make them ſpeak peace to our conſciences, Iſa. 57.19. this will make them as a banquet to the hungry ſtomack, Cant. 2.4. this will make them as the Dove to Noah, as the Star to the wiſe-men, as the water out of the Rocks to Iſrael, this will inable us to ſay of them as David of Jonathan, 2 Sam. 1.26.

p. 2893 Becauſe this will cauſe all to work for our good, if we be regenerate; whatſoever is againſt us, ſhall in the iſſue be with us, prove beneficial for us; as David ſaid of Shimei's railing, 2 Sam. 16.11. So the fiery darts which Satan caſteth, the venemous arrowes which the evill ſpeakers quiver ſhooteth, the heavy burthens which the hand of the potent enemy impoſeth, impriſonment, ſickneſſe, poverty, temptations, diſgrace, and whatſoever it be, it ſhall all by the gracious hand of God be turned to our good, if we like David be men after Gods own heart; for Tit. 1.15. all shall be for their welfare, all ſhall be bleſſed to them; the ſword which is unſheathed againſt them ſhall like Goliah's ſword become an inſtrument to cut off the enemies head;1 Sam. 17.1 Sam 17 the envious practiſes of their brethren ſhall be a means of their advancement as in Joſeph; Gen. 41.40. Pſa. 7.15, 16. Jude 14.Gen 41:40Ps 7:15Ps 7:16Jude 1:14the pit which is digged, the ſnare which is ſpread for them, ſhal take and entangle him that ſpread it; every obſtacle ſhall be turned into a furtherance; every burthen into wings; every lyon ſhall have a honey-comb in his belly. This is the priviledge of Gods people, the prerogative of ſanctification, an inducement full of power to perſwade all that are not paſt feeling to return to God by true repentance, to ſerve him in holineſs and true righteouſneſs.

4. Since the natural mans workes are all naught, water of a poyſonous fountaine, fruit from an evil tree, let us all examine and try our ſelves what our workes are, whether p. 290they be good or evill. And this we ſhall diſcerne.

1. By the fountaine whence they ſpring; all good works muſt come from a good and a ſanctified heart: The good ground which brought forth,Luk.. 1 5 good fruit, reſembled a good and honeſt heart; and Matth. 12.35. Matth. 7.17. all the works of a carnal man are dead works in regard of their original nature and iſſue, none but a new creature can doe the works of new obedience: All our actions are actions of uncleanneſs, till we be waſhed and juſtified by the blood of the Lord Jeſus.

2. By the rule by and in obedience to which they are done. They muſt not be done after our fancy, in obedience to our own will; our Sacrifice muſt be offered with fire from Gods Altar; what we doe muſt be that which God required, and it muſt be done, becauſe God hath required it. Lev. 10.1, 2. 1 Sam. 15.22. out of conſcience to Gods precept.

3. By the faith and perſwaſion we have in our heart when we do it. We muſt beleeve that God in Chriſt is well pleaſed with us; we muſt bear fruit as branches of Chriſt, elſe it will be in Gods account as ſoure grapes, Heb. 11.6. As we muſt ask all,Col. 3.17.Col 3:17 ſo we muſt do all in the name of Chriſt.

4. By the affection wherewith it is performed. It muſt not ariſe out of feare, nor proceed from conſtraint, but out of unfeigned love to God: This muſt be the firſt mover in all our undertakings, 1 Cor. 16.14. 2 Cor. 9.7. as Jude 5.2.

p. 2915. By the circumſtances wherewith it is apparelled, as Prov. 25.11. for Eccleſ. 3.1. and Matth. 6.3, 4.

6. By the end whereunto it is done. We muſt chiefly look unto God, all our arrows muſt be levelled to his glory, as to the chiefeſt mark; we are not our own but his, by our election he hath choſen us, Eph. 1.5, 6. By our creation he hath made us for himſelfe, Prov. 16.4. By our redemption he hath bought us to himſelfe, 1 Cor. 6.20. By our vocation he hath called us to ſhew forth his praiſe, 1 Pet. 2.9. and to him muſt we live, 2 Cor. 5.15. If our works be thus qualified, we may be ſure they come from a regenerate ſpirit, and are well accepted of him who is above all.

This is a repetition of what was formerly ſpoken, to ſhew his diſciples that they muſt needs ſubject themſelves to Chriſt, and to let them ſee how difficult it is; he doth againe repeat it. So that you ſee the repetition and the reaſon of the repetition. The former may teach us.

Doct. 1 1. It is very needfull that Gods Miniſters ſhould often urge and preſſe the ſame material duties upon their hearts, Phil. 3.1. 2 Pet. 1.12.2 Pet 1:12that they may underſtand it more clearly be awakened by it more effectually, affected with it more throughly, that it may be imprinted upon their hearts the more effectually; that it may abide with them the more conſtantly. People muſt not think it unprofitable to heare the ſame points of doctrine often preſſed upon them. Naaman p. 292went ſeven times into Jordan, Peters cock crowed thrice.

From the other we may learn,

Doct. It is a very hard thing to make men renounce all ſelf-confidence, and ſubject themſelves unto,Rom. 3.27, 28. Gal. 2.21. Gal. 6, 11. Rom. 8.1. Eph. 2.8, 9· Eph. 2 12 Pſa. 53.2 Luk. 19.42. Rom. 7.9. Rev. 3.17. Joh. 9.41.Rom 3:27Rom 3:28Gal 2:21Gal 6:11Rom 8:1Eph 2:8Eph 2:9Eph 2:12Ps 53:2Luke 19:42Rom 7:9Rev 3:17John 9:41 and altogether rely vponupon Chriſt Jeſus: therefore the Baptiſt doth againe and againe preſſe it. This occaſioned the Apoſtle ſo often to diſcover to the people the inſufficiency and vanity of their works; the impoſſibility of attaining ſalvation by their own abilities; the neceſſity of cleaving unto, and relying upon the Lord Jeſus. And the reaſon hereof is becauſe natural men are ſtrangers to Chriſt, they know him not, they have no feeling of his fulneſſe and ſufficiency. 2. Becauſe mens eyes are very ſtrongly faſtned upon their own ſtrength: and the worthineſs of their own doings. 3. Becauſe corruption is ſtrong, ſinne is pleaſant, the carnal heart is hardly brought to deny it: a tree of deep roots; a building of lime and ſand; a rock with many ſtrong holds.

This muſt therefore cauſe us to ſearch into, and to meditate upon our vileneſſe, to be well acquainted with our unworthineſſe, with the ſway which ſinne and Satan beare within us; with the propenſity, yea violent inclination of our hearts to ſinne, with the puniſhment due to us for our tranſgreſſions, with our own emptineſſe, and all creatures diſability to ſatisfie Gods juſtice, that we may lift up our hearts unto, and faſten our eyes wholly and altogether upon the Lord Jeſus; that being ſenſible of p. 293our own weakneſs, we may rely on his ſtrength; being acquainted with our own emptineſs, we may ſeek to be filled with his fulneſſe; ſeeing our own nakedneſſe, we may deſire to be cloathed with the rich and royal robes of his righteouſneſſe; beholding our own uncleanneſſe, we may with Naaman have recourſe to this Jordan; ſeeing our own weakneſs, and the ſtrength of ſinne and Satan within us againſt us, wee may with Jehoſaphat, 2 Chro. 20.11. we may ſay with the Pſalmiſt, Pſal. 44.6, 7. Seeing the inſufficiency of all earthly Phyſitians, looking upon all our earthly abilities as upon Phyſitians of no value, we may as Mark 5.26.29. being affected with our ſinne as with an inſupportable burthen, we may come to Chriſt to be eaſed, Matth. 11.28. Being acquainted with the evil of our own eſtates, we ſhall the more magnifie the Lords mercy and loving kindneſs towards us: The more apprehenſive the patient is of his diſeaſe, the more he is affected with the skill of the Phyſitian curing him, Tit. 1.15, 16.

This muſt cauſe us to endeavor to be throughly acquainted & affected with that fulneſs and alſufficiency that is in Chriſt Jeſus, as the Baptiſt inſiſteth upon the ſame by repeating it againe, that he is from heaven, that he is above all; ſo muſt we againe and againe faſten our meditations hereupon, dayly ſearch into the depth of this fountaine, continually look upon the treaſure in this ſtorehouſe; be ever fixing our eyes upon this bright and glorious p. 294As Zacheus ranne and climb'd up aloft to ſee him,Luk. 19.4.Luke 19:4 ſo muſt we raiſe our hearts and our affections from the world, and aſcend up unto God in our affections, that we may take a thorow view of Chriſt Jeſus, as Ezek. 8.8, 9, 15. So alſo in this caſe dig through a wall, caſt away all fleſhly impediments, remove the ſin which ſtandeth as a partition-wall betweene us and Chriſt; labour for the key of knowledge to open this door, and behold the wonderfull fulneſſe that is in him: Look once, twice, ten times and againe, and ſtill you ſhall behold and finde in him more then at the firſt: As the Prophet bid his ſervant 1 Kings 18.43, 44, 45. ſo goe you up, look towards the ſea, that ocean of goodneſſe which is in Chriſt Jeſus; and if you returne and ſay you ſee nothing in him, yet goe againe, look and meditate ſeven times more upon him, and you ſhall ſee a cloud ariſe at length which ſhall have fulneſſe of raine in it; you ſhall behold all abundance in him, as Acts 6.15. So when we look ſtedfaſtly on Chriſt, then we ſhal behold beauty, brightneſſe and glory in him; then we ſhall ſee Col. 2.3. Phil. 3.8. 1 Cor. 1.24. And with this fulneſſe of Chriſt we ſhould labour to be affected.

1. Becauſe this wil breed denial of our ſelves, the contemplation of his holineſſe will make us aſhamed of our own uncleanneſſe. As the looking-glaſſe maketh a man bluſh to behold his face which is full of ſpots; ſo Iſa. 6.5. Job 42.5, 6, his riches will make us aſhamed of p. 265our poverty; his beauty will make us bluſh to conſider our own deformity; his holineſſe will make us aſhamed of our profaneneſſe; the contemplation of his all-ſufficiency will make us ſee that in compariſon of him our light is but a gloworm to the Sunne; our treaſure is but droſſe to the choiceſt pearle, our goodneſs but as the thorne and bramble to the Vine, Olive, and Fig-tree,Gen 41.4.Gen 41:4 as Pharaohs lean kine to the fat.

2. Becauſe this will take off all confidence from the world, and make men ſay as John 6.68. Hoſea 14.3. This will make them ſee that all the world is ſand, and that he alone is a firm and ſure rock; that all the world,Mat. 7.2. Iſa. 32.2. Iſa. 36.6.Matt 7:2Isa 32:2Isa 36:6 like Egypt, is a withered reed, and Chriſt alone is an iron pillar, a brazen wall, a ſure reſting-place: This will cauſe us to eſteem the world a ſpiders web, Job 8.14, 15. as a moth-eaten garment, as a rotten ſtaffe, as the fig-tree that beares no fruit, as a cloud without rain,Pſal. 102.26. 2 Pet. 2.15. Rev. 22.1. Mat. 14.28 Mic. 4.1.Ps 102:262 Pet 2:15Rev 22:1Matt 14:28Mic 4:1 a well without water. This will make us look upon Chriſt as upon a tree loaden with the choiſeſt fruit, as upon a fountaine repleniſhed with the pureſt water: This will make us reſort to him as the Eagles to the carkaſſe, flow to him as the waters to the Ocean, as Noah to the Ark when the earth was overwhelmed, or leprous Naaman to Jordan, as the lame man to Betheſda, Pſal. 20.7. Iſa. 17.7. Iſa. 45.22.

3 This will make us joyful in having Chriſt; whatſoever we have beſides, be it much or little, be our eſtate rich or poore,Pſal. 16.6.Ps 16:6 honourable p. 296or ignominious;Pſa. 16.6.Ps 16:6 we ſee enough in Chriſt, and the more we ſee in him, the more we ſhall rejoyce in having intereſt in him. This will make us ſay of Chriſt as the Apoſtle of the Philippians, Phil. 4.1. This will fill us with exceeding great joy, as the ſtar made the wiſe men rejoyce exceedingly, Matth. 2.10. This will repleniſh us with joy unſpeakable and glorious, 1 Pet. 1.8. As a full feaſt reioyceth an hungry ſtomack, a full hand reioyceth a poor beggar, a full breaſt rejoyceth the hungry child; ſo that fulneſſe which is in Chriſt putteth much joy into the hearts of Gods ſervants, Jer. 31.13, 14.

4. This will raviſh our hearts with love unto Chriſt; this will make us long after him, make us ſell all to have him; as a man wil give many pieces of ſilver for one precious ſtone: This will make us ſerve in the heat and in the cold for him as Jacob for Rachel: Pſa. 42.2.Ps 42:2This will make us leave all we enjoy, doe all he requireth, ſuffer all that can be impoſed; nothing ſhall be too hard to be endured; nothing ſhall be ſo deare to us but we will depart from it if the Lord require it; when we behold the fulneſſe of his beauty, the moſt beautiful creature will ſeem to have no beauty. When we are once apprehenſive of that power, majeſty, and goodneſs which is in him; all the world will be as a dry tree, a withered arme, a vain thing: This will exceedingly raviſh our ſouls, make us ſick of love, Cant. 2.4. conſtraine us to doe all for him, 2 Cor. 5.14. make us ſay p. 297with Peter, Matth. 7.17. & Prov. 31.29. Thus of the repetition of theſe words, He that is from Heaven is above all.