The Buddings and Blossomings of Old Truths, Commentary · Verse 29

The Buddings and Blossomings of Old Truths · Commentary · Verse 29

p. 151VERS 29.

IT hath ever been uſuall with Chriſt, the Prophets, Apoſtles, and all the Agents, whom the Lord hath uſed for the edification of his Church, by ſimilitudes drawn from things temporall & earthly to expreſſe, unfold, & lay open things ſpirituall and heavenly; becauſe hereby the nature, and uſe of ſuch things is plainely unfolded, clearly perceived, firmely remembred, the judgment is informed, the conſcience convinced, the faith eſtabliſhed, p. 152the affections moſt warmed, even the ſhalloweſt capacities left excuſeles; therefore the Baptiſt having laboured to cure the errour of his Diſciples, acquanted them with the preheminence of our Saviour above them; that there might no ſcruple remaine, he expreſſeth the whole matter by a common ſimilitude, likening the Church to a ſpouſe, our Saviour to the Bridegroome or Husband of the Church, and himſelfe to the Bridegroomes friend, therein plainely ſhewing, that not he but Christ was the head of the Church, that not to him, but to Christ muſt the Church be gathered, and that it his joy to ſee men by the Word of Chriſt, the Miniſtry of the Goſpel converted, as the friend rejoyceth to ſee the ſpouſe joyned in wedlock to the Bridegroome whom he loyeth.

Wherein we may more particularly obſerve. I. The near and ſweet relation between Chriſt and the faithfull, he is the Bridegroome and they the Bride. II. The affection between Chriſt and his Miniſters, they are his friends. III. Their office, as a friend perſwadeth the ſpouſe to joyne herſelfe in wedlocke to the Bridegroome, ſo do Gods Meſſengers perſwade men to convert and turne to God. IV. Their commiſſion, they ſpeak not of themſelves, but they ſtand and heare what the Lord will ſay to them. V. The joy they have in ſearching out, and publiſhing the tidings of life and ſalvation, he rejoyceth to heare the voyce of the Bridegroome. VI. The ſingular comfort they take in ſeeing their labours ſuccesfull, in beholding many to turne unto God; his joy is full: from the firſt we learne.

p. 153Doctr. That all Gods faithfull Servants are joyned in a ſpirituall wedlock with Chriſt Jeſus; this is promiſed, Hoſ. 2.19. This is a title by which the Lord, for the comfort of his Church, ſtileth himſelfe, Iſa. 54.5. and the Miniſtry of the Goſpel, by which this ſpirituall marriage is wrought, is termed a marriage-feaſt, Mat. 22.2, 3. And the Apoſtle expreſſeth it by the marriage between a man and his wife, Eph. 5.23, 30. And Solomon in his ſong of the marriage between Chriſt and the Church, doth very familiarly thus expreſſe the Union, and near conjunction between them, Cant. 1.14, 15, 16. Cant. 2.3, 4. and Pſal. 45.10, 11. And fitly is our Saviour likened to a Husband.

1. For his Dominion over the Church; as the Husband is the head of the Wife, ſo is Chriſt the head of the Church, 1 Cor. 11.3. and Epheſ. 1.22. Epheſ. 5.23. He is a head over all in regard of all creatures, in regard of his abſolute Dominion, as the King is head over all living within his Kingdome, ſubjects and rebels, the Maſter head over all within his family, whether they love or hate him, ſo Col. 2.10. But Chriſt is after a more ſweet comfortable and gracious manner the head of his faithfull people, as the Husband is the head of the Wife, not ſwaying by tyranny, but ruling by love.

2. In regard of his love as a Husband doth his Wife, ſo Chriſt doth love his Church, Epheſ. 5 25. Jonathans love was never greater to David than the love of Chriſt to his Church, it is a great love, a ſtrong love, an everlaſting love, Joh. 13.1.

3. In regard of his care, as the Husband taketh p. 154care for the wife, ſo doth Chriſt take care for the Church, he is a keeper that doth never ſleepe, a Maſter of a family that is ever thinking of doing good to his people, he is never weary of ſeeking their welfare, Iſai. 42.11. Iſai. 32.2. Mal. 3.16.17.

4. In regard of his preſence among them, as the Husband with the Wife, it is his promiſe, Mat. 28.20. Their heart is his throne, Epheſ. 3.17. and they are ſaid to be brought into the Kings Chambers, Cant. 1.4. and he hath given them his Word, Iſa. 45.1, 2. Pſal. 76.2

5. In regard of his directions, as the Husband giveth counſell and direction to the Wife, ſo doth Chriſt to the the Church, as the Sun in the Firmament giveth light to the inferiour parts of the World, ſo Chriſt the Sonne of righteouſnes giveth light to his Church, Joh. 1.9. Without him we ſet in darknes, Mat. 4.16. It is he doth guide our feet into the way of peace, Luc. 1.79. he Joh. 1.18. Col. 2 2, 3. and Matth. 11.17. therefore Mat. 17.5.

6. In regard of his Union with the Church, as the Husband is one with the Wife, no more twaine but matrimonially one fleſh, Mat. 19.6. ſo are Chriſt and his Church myſtically one, Epheſ. 5.30. 1 Cor. 12.12, 13. By vertue whereof we have a moſt glorious condition, Pſal. 8.4, 5. Angels for our attendants, Heb. 1.14. an entrance into heaven, we do already in part poſſeſſe it, Eph. 2.6. Ioh. 5.24. an aſſurance of ſufficient ſupply of all things, Joh. 1.16.

7. In regard of the many gifts which he beſtoweth p. 155upon the Church, as the Husband beſtoweth gifts upon the Wife; ſo doth Chriſt on his Church, he led captivity Captive, and gave gifts to men, Epheſ. 4.8, 11. as Ezek. 16 6. as Luc. 15.19, 20, 22. ſo 2 Pet. 1.3, 4. ſonneſhip with God, Ioh. 1.12. intereſt to all that Adam loſt, 1 Cor. 3.21. freedome from the bondage of Satan and our owne corruption, Joh. 8.36. acceſſe to the throne of grace, Rom. 5.1, 2. peace with God, Epheſ. 2.14. and ſuch as 1 Cor. 2.9, 11.

8. In regard of making the Church fruitfull, as the Wife without the Husband is barren, ſo is the Church without Chriſt, Joh. 15.5 as a deſolate wildernes, as a womb ſhut up; but by our converſion to Chriſt, and conjunction with him we become as a vineyard, ſowne with much ſeed, as a Mother of many Children, plentifull in the grace of the Spirit, Iſai. 54.1, 2, 3.

And the Church is filty reſembled to a Wife.

1. In regard of her ſubjection, as the Wife is ſubject to the Husband; ſo muſt the Church be ſubject unto Chriſt in all things, Epheſ. 5.24. ſhe muſt not live as ſhe liſt, make lawes of her owne, forget like a harlot the guide of her youth, but ſhe muſt follow Chriſt, Mat. 17.5. He hath all authority and power given him, all is made ſubject to him.

2. In regard of affection, as the Wife loveth the Husband, ſo muſt our hearts adhere to Chriſt, he muſt be in our eye the faireſt of ten thouſand, we muſt be ſicke of love, Cant. 5.10. ſo love him as to leave all for him, Pſal. 45.10, 11. Luc. 18.28. Mat. 10.39.

p. 1563. In regard of chaſt reſervation of our ſelves, as the Wife muſt reſerve her ſelfe for her Husband, ſo muſt the Church reſerve herſelfe from all others, from ſeducers, from the world, from the devill, from the fleſh, Mat. 4.10. The want of this much provoketh God, and breedeth grievous afflictions, Hoſ. 2.6, 7.

Ʋſe 1 Is Christ the Husband of his Church, is he joyned in ſpirituall wedlocke with them? then this may aſſure all Gods faithfull ſervants, that Jeſus Chriſt doth beare a ſingular love, and fervent affection to them, a love that paſſeth the love of women, as David ſaid of Ionathans love, a love moſt ſweet, moſt pleaſant, moſt wonderfull, a love wherewith we cannot but be much affected, if we looke

1. Upon the order of it, Chriſt loved us firſt, as the aire heated by the Sun is hot; ſo Chriſt loveth us, before we love him, 1 Ioh. 4.19. The ſavour of his good ointments in our noſtrill draw love from us, Cant. 1.2. He ſeeketh us as a Shepheard the ſtraying Sheep, Iſai. 65.1. He woeth and inviteth us before we think of coming to him, Matth. 22.4.

2. The freedome of his love, there was nothing in us why he ſhould love us, we were void of all ſpirituall beauty and comelines, a barren wildernes, an unſavoury carkaſſe, a garden altogether overſpread with weeds, unworthy of any love, deſerving all hatred, Ezek. 16.6. therefore Hoſ. 14.4, 5. Rom. 5.8.

3. Upon the truth of his love, he did not love in word and in tongue onelyonly, but in heart and in deed alſo, his love was not a painted but a reall p. 157fire, not an empty well, but a full ſtreame, he loved us not for any by or baſe end, but for our good, for Epheſ. 5.25, 26. Ioh. 15.13.

4. The quality of his love, it is a pure and heavenly love, a love faſtnying it ſelfe chiefly upon the Soule, a love reſpecting our ſpirituall and everlaſting good, a love cauſing him to ſanctify us, to make us veſſels of honours, to waſh away the Leproſy of our Souls in the Jordan of his blood, Tit. 3.4, 5.

5. The quantity or meaſure of his love; it was not a little ſparkle, a ſmall ſtreame, but a fire of much wood, a ſtrong flood, a love that cannot be paralelled, Joh. 10.11. Joh. 15.13.

6. The continuance of his love, it is not like a morning dew that ſoone vaniſheth; like a fire in ſtraw which ſoone extinguiſheth,Hoſ. 6.4.Hos 6:4 like a tree of no roots that quickly withereth, but the love of Chriſt is a conſtant love; like a living fountaine alwayes flowing, a Sun never ſetting, the fire on the Altar alwayes burning, a love more permanent than the mountaines, Iſa. 54.10. for Jerem. 31.3. and Joh. 13.1.

7. The fruits of his love, no ſuch grapes grow on any vine, no ſuch flowers as theſe in any garden, no Bridegroome beſtoweth ſuch rich tokens of love as Chriſt doth on his ſpouſe, Ezek. 16.9, 10, 11. In his love he raiſeth us out of the grave of ſin to a new life, Epheſ. 2.5. as he raiſed Lazarus, Joh. 11.44. In his love he maketh us conquerours, Rom. 8.37. In his love he hath made himſelfe a Sacrifice to God for us, Epheſ. 5.2. In his love he hath reconciled us to God, given us intereſt in all p. 158good things, filled us with much conſolation, 2 Theſ. 2.16. Waſhed us from our ſin, Tit. 3.4, 5. Rev. 1.5, 6. The conſideration of all which ſhould much affect our hearts, like a burning Sun melt away the icy coldnes which is within us, like a powerfull load-ſtone, it ſhould draw our hearts againe to love him, like a muſicall inſtrument ſweetly tuned, it ſhould much affect us, like ſweet wine it ſhould make our hearts cheerfull, and fill us abundantly with love againe to him.

Ʋſe 2 This muſt teach wicked men to take heed that they abuſe not Gods Children and Servants, that they wound them not with the venomous arrowes of reproach, that they lay not on them the heavy burthen of affliction, Chriſt is their Husband, loveth them moſt entirely, and therefore will ſurely be avenged on them that wrong them, as a Husband on him that abuſeth his Wife, as David, 1 Sam. 30.17. ſo will the Lord diſcover his indignation againſt them that abuſe his people, therefore likened to a jealous man, Zach. 1.14, 15. he will plead the cauſe of his people, Iſai. 51.22, 23. as Sampſon, Iud. 15.7, 8. ſo will God on them that wrong ſuch at have betrothed themſelves to him, they are deare to God, Zach. 2.8 they are his Jewells, Mal. 3.17. He will not endure that to be abuſed and caſt into the dirt: they are his flocke he is their Shepheard, Pſal. 80.1. and as 1 Sam. 17.34, 35. ſo will God deale with them that prey upon the lambs of his fold, thus Pro. 11.8. though the Lord let them alone for awhile to correct and humble his people, yet as the Goldſmith extinguiſheth the fire, when the Gold hath been p. 159thoroughly purged, ſo will God, Iſai. 10.12. Though the Lord ſpare till their ſin be ripe, yet at length as Iſai. 13.8. ſo though they are as a rod to ſcourge Gods people, yet the Lord at length will breake them in pieces, Iſa. 14 5, 6, 7. thus Ier. 30.16, 17. as Adoni-bezek ſaid, Iud. 1.7. ſo ſhall wicked men ſay at laſt, as I have dealt with Gods people, ſo hath the Lord dealt with mee, Zech. 1.18, 19, 20. They that caſt the three Children into the fire were burned, they that cauſed Daniel to be caſt into the Lions den, were themſelves devoured of the Lions, Dan. 3.22. Pharaoh that purſued Iſrael was ſwallowed in the red Sea, Dan. 6.24. Therefore let every man take heed how he reach his hand, or open his mouth againſt the people of God, Exo. 14. how he touch the Lords anointed, or do his Prophets any harme, 1 King. 13.4. Pſal. 105.15.

Ʋſe 3 This muſt cauſe all Gods people, all that profeſſe communion with Chriſt, to yeeld an internall, externall, univerſall, cheerfull, hearty, and ſpirituall obedience unto him, as a carefull and reſpective wife to the Husband, not as a ſlave to a tyrant, not as a ſervant to his Lord, but as a Wife to the Husband, as a ſonne to the father with love, and cheerfulnes, this is the commendation of the Romans, Rom. 6.17. the property of Gods people, Pſal. 110.3. hath gracious acceptance, 1 Sam. 15.22. a bleſſed recompence, Iob 36.11, 12.

2. To love him intirely, fervently, inceſſantly, above all creatures, with all the powers of our Souls & bodies, Mat. 22.37. None muſt be ſo deare p. 160to us, as Chriſt, our love to him muſt be as a ſtreame of much water, as a chimney having a great fire, Mat. 10.37.

3. To delight in him, as the Bride in the Bridegroome, to eſteeme and rejoyce in him, more than in all the World, thus Phil. 3.8. and this he gave in charge, Phil. 4.4. thus Cant. 2.3. Pſal. 94.19. to this they are invited, Iſai 55.1, 2.

4. To depend upon him firmely, as upon a ſure friend, a firme foundation, a never failing rock, his ability, his faithfulnes, his love invite us hereunto, they that truſt in him ſhall never faile, Ier. 17.6, 7. their undertakings ſhall be ſuccesfull, 2 Cor. 20.20. their conſciences ſhall be full of joy & peace, Rom. 15.13. their is not another on whome we may repoſe our ſelves, Ioh. 6.68.

5. To reſt our ſelves contented with him as the Wife with the Husband, not joyning any corrivals with him, though we have nothing beſides, yet having him, we have enough, as Elkana ſaid to Anna, 1 Sam. 1.8.

Ʋſe 4 This ſerveth for the ſingular comfort of every faithfull ſervāt of God, as an Ark to beare them up in every deluge, as a Lamp to ſhine in every dark night, as an anchor to ſtay them in every ſtorme. Feare not, ſaith the Lord, to Iacob thou art mine, Iſai. 43.1. Gods intereſt and propriety in his ſervants muſt ſupport them in all dangers, encourage them in all feares, aſſure them of a happy paſſage out of all troubles, be unto them as the honycomb in the belly of Sampſons Lion, as water out of the rock to Iſrael, Iud. 14. Exo. 17.11.Judg 14Exod 17:11they may upon good ground ſay with the Pſalmiſt, though they be poor and needy, p. 161and Pſal. 40.17. but more particularly the neare Union between Chriſt and them may comfort them:

1. In regard of reproach, though the World diſpiſe there, as Rahel deſpiſed bleare-eyed Leah, though in their eye they be blacke, Cant. 1.4. and like the tents of Kedar void of beauty, as a garden without flowers, as a tree without leaves and bloſſomes, a face without comelineſs, looked on as ſignes and wonders, Iſai. 8.18. eſteemed as the dung and off-ſcouring of all things, as of all men the moſt miſerable; yet Jeſus Chriſt is their Husband, the Prince of the Kings of the earth hath joyned himſelfe in wedlocke with us, 1 Cor. 4.13. 1 Cor. 15.19. we are all glorious within, comely in his eyes, faire as the Moone, and cleare as the Sun, Cant. 6.10. No eſtate ſo honorable as the eſtate of Gods people, none in the eyes of men more deſpicable, none in the eyes of God more beautifull, in the eyes of men they are like the Pelican in the wildernes, &c. Pſ. 102.6, 7. in the eyes of God as the beautifull Doves, Cant. 2.14. Though they ſeeme black as ſcullions, whoſe lodging is in the chimneys, yet Pſ. 68.13. they ſhall be beautifull, let the honour that God affordeth us ſuſtaine us againſt all the diſhonour, that man can caſt upon us, let the crowne of glory, which God hath provided for us, cauſe us patiently to weare the crowne of thornes, which wicked men do put upon our head; Rev 2.17. Let the new name that God hath given us, cauſe us contentedly to endure the caſting out of our name as abominable among men, let our Union with God inable us to endure a ſeparation p. 162from men, Luk. 6.22. for how contemptible ſoever we are in the eyes of men, yet Iſa. 62.3, 4 therefore Iſa. 51.7, 8.

2. In regard of enemies hating us, advancing themſelves againſt us, inſulting over us, the Lord Jeſus he is our Husband, he is a faithfull friend, he will be a wall of fire about us in ſtead of all munition to defend us, to deſtroy them that riſe againſt us; a wall round about us, no place ſhall be undefenced, & this he will be for ever, Pſa. 125.2. and he will not onelyonly be a defence, but a glory to us, Zach. 2.5. He will appoint ſalvation for walls and bulwarks, he will keep him in perfect peace whoſe mind is ſtayed on him, Iſa. 26 1, 3. He will be a ſure foundation, bearing up all that are builded on …im, a victorious Captaine of the Lord of hoaſts, Ioſ. 5.14. make his people conquerours over all that riſe againſt them, Rom. 8.37. he can eaſily ſubdue their adverſaries, Pſal. 29 The love of the Lord Jeſus muſt weigh downe the hatred of all enemies, the light of the Kings face will countervale the frownings of many inferiour perſons, the ſhining of the Sun comforteth the traveller againſt the clouds which hang over his head, thus Pſa. 46.6, 7.

3. In regard of the failing of all earthly friends, though, theſe forſake us and ſtand aloofe off from us, as from men that have the peſtilence, Pſal. 38.11. though they run from us as mice from the barne, when the Corn is gone, as marriners from the ſhip, when it is broaken and beginneth to ſinke, though they breake the bands of nature in which they were tyed to us, though our familiar friends p. 163offer us the greateſt injuries, Pſal. 55.12, 13, 14. though they which have been lodged in the ſame womb with us contend againſt us, like Eſau againſt Jacob, Mat. 10. though their hands lay heavy burthens on us, whoſe breaſts have nouriſhed us, whoſe knees have dandled us, Pſal. 27.10. Though father and mother faile us; Yet Chriſt is our Husband, his love is unchangeable, his friendſhip is a tree which never withereth, a bow that never ſtarteth, a chaine that never breaketh, a Lamp that is ever full of Oile, allway ſhining, the love of Chriſt is like the cruſe of Oile that did not faile with uſing, 1 King. 17.16. Like the ſhoes and garments of the Iſraelits, that did not waxe old with uſing, Deut. 29.5. Though Orpah went back yet Ruth clave to Naomi, ſo though all thy friends go back from thee, yet Chriſt will ſtill cleave unto thee, Mat. 28.20. he will not be as a Liar, nor as waters that faile, Ier. 15.18. but as Mat. 5.18. ſo the love of Chriſt is perpetuall, Iſai. 9.6. Iſai. 54.8.

4. In regard of barreneſs in grace, though we are as a woman of dry breaſts, a field wherein is little Corn, as a tree wherein is a ſmall portion of fruite; yet here is comfort, Chriſt Jeſus is our Husband, he can, if we be inſtant with him, he will make as fruitfull in the grace of the Spirit: as the Lord opened the womb of Sarah, Gen. 18.10. when the time was paſt in the courſe of nature, Pſ. 113.9. and maketh the barren woman the mother of many Children, ſo can ke make us fruitfull in all holines, like trees planted by the water ſide, Pſal. 1.3. like an orchard of pomegranats, Cant. 4.13.

p. 1645. In regard of remaining corruptions and imperfections; 1. If there be much ignorance in us, and we ſee the things of God but darkly, as the man that had his eyes opened did at the firſt ſee men as trees: The Lord Jeſus is in the boſome of his Father, Mar. 8.24. in him are all the treaſures of wiſedome, Joh. 1.18. and he is our Husband, therefore he will inſtruct us more perfectly, Col. 2.3. In his Schoole we ſhall learne wiſedome, he will give us his Spirit, Ioh. 14.26. he will open the Scriptures, Luc. 24.32. He will give us paſtors to feed us with knowledge, Ier. 3.14, 15. and Luc. 1.77. he will open the ſealed book, Rev. 5.2. 2. If we be weake in faith Chriſt will ſtrengthen us and make us ſtrong in faith like Abraham, Rom. 4.20. Cauſe us like trees to be rooted in faith, Col. 2.7. he will mightily perſuade us Rom. 8.37, 38. 3. If we find our Souls like a diſeaſed body annoyed with ſin, as with a ſtrong diſeaſe, Ieſus Chriſt is a Phyſician, he will heale us, Hoſ. 6.1. If our conſciences be burdened, he will eaſe us, Mat. 11.28. Iſai. 61.1, 2. as Mat. 8.25, 26.

6. In regard of perſeverance, though Satan buffet us, though our corruption like a heavy burthen preſſe us down, though the World hang like birdlime about the wings of our Souls; Though we ſometimes think and are ready to ſay of ſin and Satan as David did of Saul, 1 Sam. 27. I. Yet let us remember we are married unto Chriſt Ieſus, and that for ever, Hoſ. 2.19. there is no diſſolution of this wedlocke, being in his hand we ſhall be held faſt, Ioh. 10 28. We ſhall be kept by the power of God unto everlaſting life, 1 Pet. 1.5. p. 165Satan may win now us, but Chriſt will not ſuffer our faith to faile, Luk. 22.32. the Ship of our Souls may be ſhaken, but it ſhall not ſinke, we may receive many wounds in the battel, but yet we ſhall have the conqueſt, as 2 Cor. 4.8, 9.

The next thing is the affection which Chriſt doth bear unto his meſſengers, he calleth them his friends; the friend of the Bridegroome: a friend is one whom we do entirely love above others, and uſe more familiarly and privately than we do others, as David did Ionathan, and of ſuch a friend Solomon ſaith, Prov. 18.24. A friend of God is one to whome God imparteth his mind and ſecrets, ſo familiarly and fully, as one friend doth to another, Gen. 18.17. and the Apoſtles, Ioh. 15.15. and thus doth the Baptiſt ſtile himſelfe the friend of Chriſt, noting the love which Christ did beare unto him, and the underſtanding which he had of Gods will and counſell, whence,

Doctr. That Chriſt Ieſus doth beare a ſingular love to his faithfull Miniſters. II. Gods faithfull Miniſters are after a peculiar manner acquainted with Gods Counſells. III. Every faithfull Miniſter of God is an unfained friend unto God. Firſt of the firſt of theſe, Christ Ieſus doth beare a ſingular love unto his faithfull Miniſters; this appeareth plainely. I. By the place wherein ſee hath ſet them, made them his Embaſſadours, 2 Cor. 5.19, 20. ſtarres in his right hand, Rev. 2.20. his mouth, Ier. 15.19. keeper of his vineyard, Cant. 8.11. ſteward of his family, 1 Cor. 4.1. The nurſes of his Children, 1 Theſ. 2.7. II. By the truſt he committeth to them, the inſtruction, converſion, edification, ſalvation p. 166of his people, hence are they called Fathers, 1 Cor 4.15. Saviours, Obad, verſ. 21. 1 Tim. 4.16. builders, 1 Cor. 3.9. watchmen, Heb. 13.17. Shepheards having the cuſtody of Gods flocke, Ezek. 34.4, 6. the charge to feed Gods people, Ioh 21.17. III. By the ſervice they doe him like Souldiers, they lead his armies, fight his battels, ſubdue ſin and Satan his enemies, 2 Tim. 2.3, 4. 2 Cor. 10.5. Iſa. 49.2. Pſal. 45.4, 5. Like Husbandmen they roote up the thornes and briars in the Lords vineyard, breake up the fallow ground of mens hearts, ſow therein the ſeed of Gods Word, plant trees of righteouſnes, and like good Husbandmen bring much fruit unto the Lord, Ier. 1.10. 1 Cor. 3.6. Like Shepheards they gather home the loſt Sheep to Gods fold. Like Fiſhermen by the draw-net of the Goſpel they draw the Souls of men out of the gulfe of ſin. IV. By the acception of the wrongs done unto them, he taketh it as done to himſelfe, as a King taketh the wrongs done to his Embaſſadour as done to himſelfe, Luk. 10.16. Exod. 16.8. V. By the care he hath to defend them, the arme ſtretched out againſt them ſhall wither, 1 Ki. 13.4. the tongues which mock them ſhall not go unpuniſhed, 2 King. 2.24. 2 Cor. 36.16. and it is the Lords promiſe, Ier. 15.19, 20, 21. VI. In regard of the recompence provided for them, their love and labour ſhall not be in vaine, they that ſtrive lawfully ſhall have the prize, 2 Tim. 2.3. their work is with the Lord, Iſai. 49.4. as they ſhine by their Doctrine and converſation now, ſo ſhall they ſhine hereafter, Dan. 12.3. VII. In regard of the love they beare unto him, Joh. 21.16. a love which p. 167maketh them induſtrious in their callings, 2 Cor. 5.14. joyfull to ſee men convert unto the Lord Ieſus, 1 Theſ. 2.19, 20. ready to lay down their life, Acts 20.24.

Ʋſe. 1 This muſt therefore occaſion the Miniſters to endevour to walke worthy of this love of the Lord Ieſus, to order themſelves in ſuch manner, that the Lord may ſtill continue a friend unto them, as, men near about earthly Princes, enjoying the favour of their Soveraigne are carefull to keep, ſo muſt we by our holy walking, ſincere faithfull and frequent, teaching be carefull to keep the favour of the Lord Ieſus. II. This muſt encourage them to beare the hatred of wicked men, becauſe the Lord is their friend, to be patient in the bearing the difficulties of their calling, the Lord will recompence them.

Ʋſe. 2 This muſt cauſe the people to love and reverence the faithfull meſſengers of the Lord, to be friends to them to whome Chriſt is a friend, this is required, Theſ. 5.13. not an ordinary but a ſingular love, a peculiar honour and reſpect, 1 Tim. 5.17. and ſurely there is great cauſe, for I. Theſe are your ſpirituall parents, by whom you are begotten againe to God, raiſed out of the grave of ſin to a new life, Iohn 5.25. II. Theſe are the inſtruments, by whom we are inabled to behold the great things of the Law of God, theſe are the lights of the World, Mal. 2.7. theſe are as the fiery Pillar to Iſrael, Exo. 13.21. as the ſtarre to the Wiſemen, Mat. 2.10. III. Theſe are the Lords Champions, by whom we are delivered out of ſin and Satans bondage, theſe are the Prieſts, who p. 168by ſounding the Trumpet of the Goſpel caſt down the walls of Iericho, 2 Cor. 10.5. Ioſ. 6.20 Luc. 10.10. Per ipſos Chriſtum induimus per ipſos dei filio conjungimur per ipſos membra beati ipſius capitis efficimur: quomodo ergo iſti nobis non ſolum reverendi magis quam Reges aut Judices: ſed etiam nobis magis erunt honorabiles quam parentes. Chryſo. de dignitat. ſacerdot. l. 2.2 Cor 10:5Josh 6:20Luke 10:10who by the thunder of the Word threw Satan down like lightning. IV. Theſe are the Meſſengers who bring glad tidings of peace, that come like Noahs dove with an Olive branch, Rom. 10.15. Theſe are the ciſternes by which God conveyeth the waters of life to the Souls of his people, the Word of in God their mouth is the power of God unto ſalvation, theſe are Gods Angels, Rev. 1.20. & Ambaſſadours for Chriſt, 2 Cor. 5.20. Doctr. & therefore muſt be received as an Angel of God, yea, as Chriſt Jeſus, Gal. 4.14. they muſt be to us the choiſe, and moſt welcome men in the World, as one of a thouſand, Job 33.23. As the light to the traveller, as the counſeller to the client, as the Pilot to the Ship, our guides and inſtructours in the way of life and true holines, for according to the ſecond obſervation,

Gods faithfull Miniſters are after a peculiar manner acquainted with Gods Counſells, as a boſome friend is acquainted with the counſels and purpoſes of his friend, ſo are the faithfull meſſengers of God after a peculiar manner acquainted with Gods will and counſell; therefore called Embaſſadours, 2 Cor. 5.20. an Embaſſadour knoweth the Kings mind and counſell; called the light of the World, Mat. 5.14. the ſtarres in the right hand of Christ, Rev 1 16. to ſhew, as theſe are filled with light for ruling the day and night, Gen. 1.16. So are Gods Meſſengers repleniſhed with divine and heavenly knowledge, Iob 33.23. Who for this end are alſo. I. Called interpreters for the evident and plaine unfolding of the mind of p. 169God contained in his Word, Gen. 29.10. As Jacob rolled away the ſtone, opened the Wells which were ſhut up, that ſo the ſheep might drinke, ſo doe theſe open the ſacred Fountaines of living Water, and by the bucket of their wiſedome do draw waters out of the Wells, which are deeper than the Well of Jacob. II. By their nearneſs unto God, they are his mouth, Je. 15.19. His fellow labourers, 1 Cor. 3.9. his ſtewards, 1 Cor. 4.1. III. By the place wherein he hath ſet them, he hath made them as eyes to the body, Cant. 7.4. As watchmen to the city, Jſai. 62.6. as guides to the blind, Rom. 2.19. as Phyſicians to the ſicke, Ier. 6.14. IV. By the charge given to the people, to attend to their Doctrine, to ſeek the knowledge of the truth from them, as water from a full Fountaine, Mal. 2.5, 6, 7. And that they ſhould be thus acquainted with Gods counſell is very behoofull.

1. In regard of the high and heavenly nature of the Scriptures, which they muſt unfold, theſe are like Sampſons riddle, of that difficulty, that they cannot be opened, unles we plow with Gods heifer, a ſtore-houſe, whole locke and doore cannot be unlocke without Gods key, a light which cannot be beheld with a humane eye, a treaſure which cannot be digged up with the hand of humane abilities, this is a wiſedome no where to be learned but in the Schoole of Chriſt, an ability which cannot be attained but by the peculiar work of Gods Spirit; Sapientiſſimum eſſe oportet & perſpicacem in omnibus ſacerdotem, & mille ut dicitur ex omni parte oculos babentem, ſaith Chryſtome, and this another calleth, ars artium, ſcientia ſcientiarum, p. 170and Auguſtine, tanta eſt Chriſtianarum pofunditas literarum, ut in eis quotidie proficerom, ſi eas ſolas, ab ineunte pueritia, uſque ad decrepitam ſenectutem maximo otio, ſummo ſtudio, meliori ingenio conarer addiſcere, &c. Therefore the Apoſtles muſt ſtay at Ieruſalem till the Holy Ghoſt were given:Luc. 24.49.Luke 24:49 the deepeſt counſels of men are but a ſhallow brooke to this foord, as Prov. 18.4. ſo much more are the Words of Gods mouth, and as Prov. 20.5. ſo he muſt be a man of underſtanding, who will draw out theſe waters, for 1 Cor. 2.14.

2. In regard of the wiles of Satan, his devices are deep, Rev. 2.24. not a ſhallow but a deep water, 2 Cor. 2.11. the wayes of ſin and Satan are as Agur ſaid in another caſe, Prov. 30.18, 19. they have need of more than Eagles eyes, who ſhall trace them out,Rev. 12.9.Rev 12:9 he is an old Serpent, full of ſubtilty, experience hath added much to his naturall policy, the Shepheard hath need of much wiſedome that ſhall keep his flock from this Lion, the guide muſt have his eyes open, look circumſpectly about him that will keep the feet of them that are conducted free from this ſnare, he muſt be a wiſe Generall, who will perſerve his Spuldiers from the arrowes of this warriour, none but Gods counſell can give us this wiſedome.

3. In regard of the craft and ſubtlety of Satans inſtruments, he doth not choſe the fooliſh, but the Serpent the wiſeſt of the beaſts,Gen. 3.1Gen 3:1 he taketh not babes but the Wiſemen, the great diſputers of the earth, 1 Cor. 1.18, 26, 27. Abſolon hath Achitophel whoſe counſell was as the Oracles of God. The adverſaries of Gods truth, the men, whome Gods p. 171Meſſengers muſt encounter with do take crafty counſell, Pſal. 83.3. they hide their wolviſh nature under a ſheep skin of faire pretences, Matth. 7.15. their dark and diabolicall intendments under a white, an innocent, and angelicall appearance, 2 Cor. 11.14. therefore likened to foxes the ſubtileſt among beaſts, Luc. 13.32. Cant. 2.15. Unto merchants, none of the weakeſt reach among men, 2 Pet. 2.3. to men for their wiſedome, to women for their faculty in alluring, to horſes prepared to the battel for their courage, to Lions for their cruelty, to Scorpions for their poyſoning the Souls of men with falſe Doctrine, Rev. 9.7, 8, 9, 10. To a Leopard. I. For their variety of hereſies, ſuperſtitions, traditions, reſembled by the Leopards ſpots. II. For their pleaſures honours, riches, voluptuous living, eaſy attaining of life eternall, art of drawing many to them reſembled by the ſweet ſmell of the Leopard. III. For their ſpeed and ſwiftnes in executing their plots, in ſpreading their Doctrines, likened by the ſwift motion of the Leopard. IV. For their malignant diſpoſition againſt Gods people, as the Leopard flieth upon man, pulleth out his eyes; ſo do theſe keep the people in blindnes, rob their bodies of their temporalls, & their Souls of their Spiritualls, they are alſo likened to the feet of a beare for their faſt-holding of what they get, Rev. 13.2. and 2 Theſ. 2.9, 10. To encounter with ſuch enemies, ſo furniſhed as theſe, there is need of much wiſedome, need of being well acquainted with Gods counſell.

4. In regard of the difficulty of diſcerning mens foul-diſeaſes, ſinfull men dig deep to hide their p. 172ſin, Iſai. 29.15. as Achan hid his golden wedge, Ioſ. 7.22. they keep their ſin cloſe as Rahel ſate faſt upon her Fathers Idols, Gen. 31.34. and Ier. 17.9. this is a theef which we ſhall never find out by a Candle of our owne kindling, a diſeaſe which will never be healed by a medicine of our owne making, like the evill Spirit which would not go out by the Sonnes of Sheva's conjuring, but Ier. 23.22. therefore Cant. 7.4. The teachers of the people are likened to a tower for their vigilancy, to a tower of Ivory for their purity, to eyes for their underſtanding, to Fiſhpooles for the letting of the people to ſee the face the quality of their eſtates, for watering them with the Doctrine of life and ſalvation, to a noſe like the Tower of the Lebanon for their judgment in finding out the ſins, and diſcerning the ſtates of the people, as men diſcerne ſmels by their noſtrils.

5. In regard of the weakeneſs of mens capacities, they cannot conceive the things of God unles we plainely unfold them, rightly, and powerfully apply them, they cannot walke in this path unles we guide them, Acts 8.31. they are Children and we muſt draw forth the breaſts of the Scripture to them, they are ignorant and know not the ſound of this muſick,1 Cor. 3.1, 2. 1 Cor. 15.7, 8. 1 Tim. 5.18.1 Cor 3:11 Cor 3:21 Cor 15:71 Cor 15:81 Tim 5:18 unles we give the diſtinction, they cannot feed on the Corn in theſe eares, before the Miniſters of God, like the oxe do tread it out: Therefore in theſe and ſuch like reſpects, it is very needfull that every faithfull Miniſter ſhould be after a peculiar manner acquainted with Gods counſell.

Uſe. Such therefore as are deprived of the true knowledge p. 173of God, and have not after a peculiar manner acquaintance with Gods counſels, are altogether unfit for the Miniſteriall function, the blind are unfit to lead the way, deſcry the ſnares, foreſee the thiefs, forewarne their followers of enſueing dangers, diſſwade them from the crooked, incourage them in the right way, a lanterne without light is unuſefull, a Lamp that hath no Oile is unprofitable, ignorance in them that poſſeſſe the place of Miniſters, doth not onelyonly make them unprofitable, but alſo very perilous to the people, as an ignorant Phyſician to the patient, an unskilfull Pilot to the Ship, Mat. 15.14. II. They have no approbation in Gods ſight, Hoſ. 4.6. (Conſidera ſaith Ierome) ſacerdotis eſſe officium de lege interrogantes reſpondere: ſi ſacerdos eſt, ſciat legem Domini: ſi ignorat legem Domini, ipſe ſe arguit non eſſe ſacerdotem Domini, ſacerdotis eſt enim ſcire legem & ad interrogationem respondere de lege: A blind eye is as no eye, an empty well is as no well, cathedra non facit ſacerdotem, ſed ſacerdos cathedram, non locus ſanctificat hominem, ſed homo locum; Qui bene ſederit ſuper cathedram honorem accipit ab illa, qui male ſederit injuriam facit cathedra, Chryſoſt. in Mat. 23. III. Theſe cannot deſcry the cunning of Satan, the grovth of ſin, the good from the bad any more than a blind Watchman can ſee the coming of the enemy, a blind Gardener the encreaſe of the weeds, or a blind Sheepheard the goates from the Sheep, he cannot ſeparate the precious from the vile, Ier. 15.19. Eze. 22.26. IV. The accompt of theſe men at the laſt will bee fearefull, when they ſhall be conſtrained to anſwer for all the Souls that have periſhed p. 174for want of inſtruction, theſe cannot ſay as Paul, 1 Theſ. 2.19. Acts 20.26. but as Ezek. 3.18. and ſuch as have Paſtours not acquainted with Gods counſell, unable to informe them in the way of life and ſalvation, are bound neither by the Lawes of God nor godly men to attend upon them, & whoſoever doth confine himſelfe to them hath no more ſure ground to expect ſalvation, than a Child depending upon my breaſt, having no breaſts.

Uſe 2 Therefore here you ſee how needfull it is that Gods Miniſters ſhould be well acquainted with Gods counſels, perfectly inſtructed in the Scriptures, like Timothy, 2 Tim. 3.15, 16. able to Miniſter a word in due ſeaſon, Iſa. 50.4. Like a good ſteward bringing forth new and old out of his ſtore, Luk. 13.52. Like a Lamp full of Oile giving much light of heavenly knowledge, 2 Cor. 4.6. Like fountaines full of theſe waters, as the Fiſhpooles of Heſhbon, that ſo they may refreſh the wearied Souls of Gods people.

Ʋſe 3 This muſt make the people reſort to them more frequently, attend their Doctrine more carefully, that ſo they may be made wiſe unto ſalvation, for theſe are appointed of God to feed men with knowledge, Ier. 3.15. to build them up in grace, to hew them, ſquare them, and fit them for the Lords building, 1 Cor. 3.9. Epheſ. 4.11. to guide them in the way wherein they ſhould walke, Luk. 1.79. to reſolve them when they are doubtfull, Mal. 2 7. to open to them the great things of Gods Law, Acts 10.33. to comfort them when they are afflicted, Iſai. 50.1, 2. to heale them when they are p. 175wounded, Iſai. 61.1, 3. Therefore come to theſe as Iacob to Aegypt for bread-corn, when there was a famine, as the men of Gibeon to Ioſuah, when they were beſeidged by the Amorites, Gen. 42.1. as Iſrael to Moſes when they were ſtung by the fiery Serpents, Ioſ. 10.6. as the Children to the nurſes ordained to feed them, Neh. 21.6. Open your eares to their Doctrine, ſubject your necks to the yoake of Gods precepts, Epheſ. 2.7. Follow their counſell with cheerfulnes, and you ſhall find your Souls repleniſhed with many ſweet conſolations, and as themſelves are, ſo will they cauſe you following their counſels to become the friends of the Lord Jeſus, and thus are we come to the third obſervation.

Doctr. Every faithfull Miniſter of God is an unfained friend, of God, therefore they are called his friends, Joh. 15.15. men after Gods owne heart, Jer. 3.15. and Paul found his heart cleaving unto God ſo firmely, that Rom. 8.38. And every Miniſter muſt endevour to ſhew himſelfe the friend of Chriſt.

1. By walking in the ſteps of Chriſt, by being holy as Christ was holy, by yeelding ſound obedience to his precepts, by ſhining in the integrity of his converſations, this is the way to teſtify our love and friendſhip, 1 Joh. 5.3. and Joh. 15.14. He that liveth ill is an enemy to the Lord Ieſus, though he preach well, the gall of bitternes is in his heart, though he ſeem to have a honey-comb in his mouth. Like Iudas, he betrayeth Chriſt by his ungodly walking, while he ſeemeth by his Doctrine to give him a friendly ſalutation.

p. 1762. By their diligent, conſcionable, faithfull, and powerfull preaching by being inſtant in ſeaſon and out of ſeaſon, 2 Tim. 4.2. By dividing the word aright giving every man his portion, 2 Tim. 2.…5. as Eccleſ. 11.2, 6. Taking every opportunity, Gal. 6.10 going up and down doing good and teaching the Servants of the Lord the way of God, making it their joy and their glory to turne men from iniquity, 1 Theſ. 2.19. 2 Cor. 1.11, 12.

3. By bearing contentedly all reproaches, by undergoing readily any loſſe, for the honour of Christ, for the teſtimony of his truth.

4. By doing the duties of our calling with a willing and ready mind, 1 Pet. 5.2, 3. in love, 2 Cor. 5.14, 15. and as the Miniſter muſt in this manner ſhew themſelves the friends of God; So muſt the people ſhew themſelves to be the friends of Chriſt by attending on the Word diligently, receiving it thankfully, ſubjecting to it patiently, readily, cheerefully, bringing forth the fruit thereof abundantly.

The Third thing

in the Verſe was the Ministers office, as the friend of the Bridegroome prepareth a Bride for him, ſo do Gods Miniſters perſuade, prepare, and fit the people to joyne themſelves, in a Holy wedlock to Chriſt Jeſus.

Doctr. THat it is the ſpeciall labour of Gods faithfull Miniſters, to perſwade the people to turne unto and joyne themſelves in a holy wedlock, with Christ Ieſus, as Abrahams Servant ſought a Wife p. 177for his Sonne Iſaac, made an oath to be faithfull, praying for good ſpeed, Gen. 24.9, 12. gave the Woman bracelets and a golden earering, verſ. 22. would not eate till he had done his errant, verſ. 33. commended the riches of his Maſter, verſ. 35.36. So muſt the Miniſters of the Lord, ſeek, woo and perſwade men to joyne themſelves unto Chriſt in a ſpirituall marriage; Hence Paul ſaith he had eſpouſed the Corinthians to one Husband, that he might preſent them as a chaſt virgin unto Chriſt, Mat. 22.1, 2, 3.Matt 22:1Matt 22:2Matt 22:32 Cor. 11.2. & the Miniſtry of the Goſpel compared to the marriage feaſt, the Miniſters unto Servants inviting men to the wedding, & by the uſe, fruition, ſence, and feeling of his Ordinances, the ſpouſe was made ſick of love, and filled with vehement and earneſt longings after Chriſt Jeſus, Cant. 2.4. and this the Apoſtle ſheweth to be their chiefeſt labour, 2 Cor. 5.19, 20. and ſo they make it:

1. Becauſe it bringeth much honour to God, as Prov. 14.28. So by the encreaſe of godly men, the bringing of many to yeeld ready and cheerefull ſubjection unto God, is the name of the Lord much honoured: by this the Scepter of Chriſt Ieſus is erected in the hearts of men,Pſal. 52.10.Ps 52:10 the Kings of Tarſhiſh and of the Iſles are conſtrained to bow before him, to ſubject their necks to his yooke; to plow up the fallow ground of their hearts, and to bring forth fruit unto God: by this they are brought to confeſſe their ſin, and to give glory unto God, as Achan, did when the Lot was caſt upon him, Ioſ. 2.19. by this they are turned from Idols and wordly vanities to ſerve the living God, 1 Theſ. 1.9. by this their nature is changed, Iſa 11.6. p. 178they are made to be at peace with God, and among themſelves; by this of a barren wilderneſs, they are made a fruitfull vineyard, Iſai. 35.1, 2, 5, 6, 7.

2. Becauſe it is very pleaſing unto God, the returning of the prodigall was delightfull to his Father,Luc. 15, 20, 21.Luke 15:20Luke 15:21 as appeareth by the haſt he made to meet him, by the entertainement he gave him; the bringing home of the loſt ſheep doth much rejoyce the Shepheard, ſo the converſion of ſinners is very pleaſing unto God, Luc. 15.7. What the bringing of many ſheaſs into the barne is to the Husbandman; what the birth of the Child is to the Mother, the ſame is bringing of many to the new birth, the gathering home of many Souls into Gods garner, it is not the adorning of the body with gold and ſilver, but the adorning of the heart, which is in the ſight of God of the greateſt price, 1 Pet. 3.3, 4. It is not the beſtowing of much riches upon men, but the making of them rich in the grace of the Spirit which God reſpecteth.

3. Becauſe this doth bring the greateſt ruine unto Satans Kingdome, this like a key openeth the priſon doores of ſin, and bringeth forth the Souls of men to liberty, as the Angel brought Peter out of priſon, Act. 12.7. this overturneth his ſtrong holds, 2 Cor. 10.11. driveth him from his former poſſeſſion, Luc. 11.21. as the breaking of the pitchers, ſhining of the lights, with the cry of the ſword of the Lord and Gideon, put the Midianits to flight and gave freedome to Iſrael, thus Iſai. 9.4, 5.

4. Becauſe this is moſt profitable for the people, p. 179this of dead doth make them new and living creatures, Joh. 5.25. of dry trees doth make them like trees planted by the waters ſide, Pſal. 1.3. of barren Souls it maketh them fruitfull, like a Mother of many Children, Iſai. 54.1. of a deſolate and forſaken people, it bringeth them to a holy fellowſhip and honorable Communion with Chriſt Jeſus by working faith in them, Epheſ. 1.13. By ſeparating them from profane perſons, like ſheep from goats, Chaffe from Corn, Mat. 3.12. Ier. 23.29.

Uſe. This therefore diſcovereth the fearefull ſin of ſuch in the Miniſtry, as in ſtead of turning men unto God, do turne them from God, in ſtead of joyning them in wedlock unto Chriſt, do ſeparate them from Chriſt, in ſtead of drawing the hearts of men unto God, and to the love of holy duties, do like Abſolon ſteale away the hearts & affections of men from delight in the works of ſanctification, from ſubjection unto Gods precepts, 2 Sam. 15.6. Some, like the falſe Apoſtles, ſeek to marry the people to themſelves, not to Christ; ſeeking their owne praiſe not the honour of the Lord Jeſus, as the Diſciples of the Baptiſt would have had their Maſter have taken the honour to himſelfe, which was due to Chriſt; ſo there are ſome Maſters labour to make their Diſciples give them the reverence, obedience, praiſe, which is due to Chriſt alone, by making their ſayings to be a Law, an infallible ruſe which muſt be followed, giving preheminence or equalizing their traditions, and unwarranted Doctrines to the Scriptures, exerciſing Lordſhip & tyranny over the faith and conſciences of men, rather than aſſiſting them, contrary to that of the p. 180Apoſtle, 2 Cor. 1.24. and that of our Saviour, Mat. 23.8, 9, 10. as if they were authours, when they can be but inſtruments, the fountaine, when they muſt be like ciſternes, conveying the waters of life, which they receive from God; the Sun, when they muſt be but ſtarres in the right hand of Chriſt, ſhining in the light which they receive from him, Ier. 6.14. II. Some draw others from Chriſt by their falſe Doctrine, flattering them in their ſin, ſpeaking peace when there is no peace, healing the diſeaſe of the people deceitfully, like an unfaithfull Phyſician, Ezek. 13.10. daubing with untempered morter like a deceitfull builder, promiſing liberty when themſelves are the ſervants of ſin, 2 Pet. 2.19. III. Some hinder men from coming to Chriſt, harden them in ſin, by oppoſing, and diſgracing the wholeſome Doctrine, and gracious admonition given by their fellow brethren, by ſowing tares to choake the wheat, by withſtanding like Elimas, Acts 17.18. Mat. 13.28.Acts 17:18Matt 13:28Acts 13.8. by forbidding them to ſpeake, Amos 7.10. by ſeeking to alienate the hearts of the people from them, Gal. 4.17. by incouraging the people in evill, 1 King. 22.11, 12. IV. Some hinder men from coming to Chriſt by their ſilence, they teach not the way of life and ſalvation,Amos 7.10.Amos 7:10 they open not the danger of the naturall mans eſtate, they acquaint not men with the riches of Gods mercy, but Iſai. 56.10, 11. A man that is both blind and dumb is an unfit man to make a marriage, ſo they who are ſpiritually blind and dumb are no way meet to perſwade the people to joyne themſelves in wedlock unto Chriſt, they cannot open unto them the honour, peace, ſafety, and p. 181comfort whereunto they ſhall be advanced; they cannot with powefull and invincible arguments work upon and move their affections; they cannot make their words pierce like goads, Eccleſ. 12.11. and cauſe the people to cry out, Acts 2.37. They cannot give the knowledge of God, 1 Cor. 4.6. They cannot with Paul eſpouſe them, unto Chriſt, 2 Cor. 11.3. but Jer. 10.21. V. Some hinder the people by their profane walking, Ier. 23.14. As the people ſtood ſtill when they came to the place, where Ahaſel, who went before them, fell down, 2 Sam. 2.23. So when the people ſee their leaders fall, they ſtand ſtill, have no heart to go forward in the way of life, this is a ſtumbling block, a ſnare, a gulfe, the Word is uſually made unprofitable, when the converſation is profane and carnall, good Doctrine and evill walking is like a yoake of oxen, the one drawing forward, the other backward; Loquendi authoritas perditur,Nazienzen. quando vox opere non adjuvatur.

Ʋſe 2 This teacheth us how requiſite the Miniſtry of the Word is, how great the benefits are, which thereby do accrew unto us, how needfull it is the Meſſengers of the Lord ſhould be inſtant with the people, 2 Tim. 4.2. wherein it is that they ought chiefly to be imployed, even in reconciling men unto God; and to the end the Miniſters may be able to accompliſh this great work, make this heavenly marriage between the Church, and the ſonne of the great King, they muſt do as Abrahams Servant did, when he went to make a marriage for his Maſters Sonne.

1. Abrahams Servant received inſtruction what p. 182he ſhould doe, Gen. 24.3, 4. So muſt the Miniſters of God receive inſtruction, be taught of God before they become teachers of others: the Sun was filled with light before he became the ruler of the day, the Sea with water, before it undertook the watering of the:Luk. 24.49.Luke 24:49 earth the Apoſtles ſtaid at Jeruſalem, the Holy Ghoſt was poured down upon them, before they went forth to preach the Goſpel, the Lamp muſt be filled with Oile before it can give light to others, Timothy know the Scriptures from a Child, 2 Tim. 3.16. Paul had his eyes opened, Acts 9.…7. Iſaiahs lips were touched, Iſai. 6.6. he had the tongue of the learned, Iſa. 50.4. Ier. 1.9. and Mal. 2.7. whereas 2 Pet. 2.17.

2. Abrahams Servant made an oath to his Maſter to be faithfull, Gen. 24.9. ſo the Miniſter of the Lord muſt be faithfull, 1 Cor. 4.2. and 2 Tim. 2.2. unfainedly ſeeking the glory of God, faithfully unfolding the whole counſell of God, keeping back nothing either out of feare, fraud, or ſloath, Acts 20.26, 27.

3. Abrahams Servant made ſupplication to God, that is journey might be proſperous, Gen. 24.12. ſo muſt the Miniſters of the Lord make fervent prayer unto God for a bleſſing upon their endevours, that the Word may be as ſeed ſowen in good ground, Mat. 13.24. As the ſword of Saul and bow of Ionathan which returned not empty, 2 Sam. 1.22. As Moſes rod to the Rock, turning the ſtoney into a repenting heart, Exod. 17.6. As eye-ſalve to the blind opening, the eye of the underſtanding, Rev. 3.18. Deut. 32.2. As dew to the dry ground cauſing it to flouriſh abundantly in the p. 183grace of the Spirit, thus Phil. 2.9, 10, 11. Col. 2.9. and Epheſ. 6.18.

4. Abrahams Servant left all other inployments and attended this; ſo muſt the Miniſter of the Lord wholy imploy himſelfe in the duty of godlines, and the work of his Miniſtry, 2 Tim. 2.4. This is a task requiring our beſt abilities, our moſt ſerious thoughts, our whole time, therefore 1 Tim. 4.15. We muſt be inſtant in ſeaſon, and out of ſeaſon, 2 Tim. 4.2. take all opportunities, Iſai. 62.5. be as vigilant to ſave as Satan to deſtroy the Souls of the people.

5. Abrahams Servant gave this imployment the preheminence, he would not eate till he had done this errand, Gen. 24.33. ſo muſt the Miniſter of God, leaving all other buſines, attend his; follow it with all ſpeed, with all care, with all induſtry, neither pleaſure nor profit muſt be an obſtacle to it, but as all men, Mat. 6.33. So eſpecially the Miniſters of the Lord muſt ſeek the Kingdome of Chriſt, this muſt be their meate and drink as it was Chriſts? Ioh. 4.34.

6. Abrahams Servant related the great riches of his Maſter, and how he had given all to his Sonne Iſaac, Gen. 24.35, 36. ſo muſt the Miniſters of God acquaint the people with the gloriouſnes of Gods nature, the honorable condition of Chriſt, the bleſſed eſtate they ſhall enjoy, the dignity whereunto they ſhall be advanced, that ſo their hearts may be affected with Chriſt, lead unto repentance by Gods goodnes, and moved to joyne themſelves in wedlock with the Lord Jeſus; Ro. 2.4.Rom 2:4greatnes, riches, dignities prevaile much in earthly p. 184marriages, a powerfull loadſtone to move and draw affections,2 Pet. 2.4.2 Pet 2:4 all the excellencies in the World are in this Bridegroome; nothing can be deſired but it may be found here in perfection, therefore 1 Cor. 7.1. Rom. 12.1, 2.

3. Is it the chiefeſt labour of the Miniſter to perſwade the people to turne to God, to joyne themſelves in wedlock with Chriſt? do they cry day and might for this,Iſa. 62.3.Isa 62:3 do they leave all other inployments to accompliſh this work? Then this muſt ſtirr up the people to turne to God, to yeeld up themſelves into the hands of Chriſt, Rom. 6.13. to give themſelves unto God, 2 Cor. 8.5. and Rom. 6.17. for I. This is the chiefeſt end of the Miniſtry, the moſt comfortable uſe of the word, even the reconciling of men to God, 2 Cor. 5.20. therefore called the Miniſtry of reconciliation, verſ. 18. as the ſpeciall imployment of an Embaſſadour is to make peace, ſo is the ſpeciall labour of Gods Embaſſadours to make peace between God and his Servants,2 Cor. 5.20, 18.2 Cor 5:202 Cor 5:18 therefore Acts 26.17, 18. II. This advanceth us to the higheſt dignity, this maketh us to be a choſen generation, 1 Pet. 2.9. the ſpouſe of Chriſt, faire and beautifull as the great light of the World, Cant. 6.10. as the comelieſt perſon deckt with the choiſeſt ornaments, Cant. 1.1, 11. This incorporated us into Chriſt, 1 Cor. 12.12. this maketh us citizens of the new Jeruſalem, Epheſ. 2.19. this maketh us Kings and Prieſts unto God, Rev. 1.6. No ſuch way to honour as to leave the broad way of ſin, and to ſet our feet in the way of Gods cammandements, Rom. 2.10. to ſow in righteouſnes is the way to reape in mercy, Hoſ. 10.12. Gal. 6.8: p. 185III. This bringeth us to the ſureſt ſafety, the ſtrongeſt defence, this maketh God to be a wall of fire, Zach. 2.5. this cauſeth Chriſt, Iſai. 32.3. Iob 22.23, 25. No wals are ſo ſure for defence, no weapon ſo ſuccesfull for conqueſt as a godly converſation, a Holy Union with Chriſt, he will beare us as an Eagle beareth her yong, Deut. 32.11. and Zach. 12.6, 7, 8. We ſhall be as fire, and they as ſtubble, we ſhall be as the wind, and they as the chaffe, we ſhall be as a houſe builded on the rock, and they as the waves of the Sea daſhing themſelves in pieces, with the great aſſaults which they make againſt us. IV. This procureth the trueſt and ſweeteſt peace, this turneth the toſſing and raging Sea of a troubled conſcience into a pleaſant calme. This like Noahs dove bringeth an Olive branch of peace; like the Starre to the Wiſe men filleth the heart with much joy and gladnes, this uniteth us to the Prince of peace, reconcileth us to the God of peace, maketh our hearts the temples of the ſpirit of peace, for Rom. 5.1. and Ioh. 16.33. this is the fruit of holines, Rom. 2.10. the attendant of an heavenly mind, Ro. 8.6. in this ſtandeth the Kingdome of God, Rom. 14.17. and of this, all that walke according to the rule of Gods Word, ſhall infallibly participate, Gal. 6.16.

p. 186The 4^th thing

is the Commiſſion, the Ministers of God have before they do undertake this calling, they go not of their owne accord, but they ſtand & heare: they wait upon God for inſtruction, they deliver not their owne devices, but they wait upon God for his counſell and direction.

Doctr. GOds Miniſters muſt be furniſhed with abilities before they undertake this calling, and be ſure that the Word of God do warrant their Doctrine, they muſt be furniſhed with abilities, as the Lamp with Oile, for Mat. 5.14. as the well with water, for Mal. 2.7. Deut. 32.2. as the Generall with skill and valour, for 2 Tim. 2.3. as the Phyſician with art to diſcerne diſeaſes, and to apply right remedies, Iſa. 61.10. As nurſes have milk in their breaſts, 1 Theſ. 2.7. As Aaron was anointed, Exod. 29.21. So muſt the Miniſters be anointed with the grace of the Spirit, Jer. 1.5. as they muſt be furniſhed with abilities, ſo their Doctrine muſt be warranted by the Scriptures, they are Gods mouth, and therefore muſt not ſpeake their owne but Gods language, Ier. 15.19. Gods Embaſſadours, and therefore muſt not deliver their owne but Gods meſſage, 2 Cor. 5.19. furniſhed they muſt be with abilities.

1. Becauſe the worke they undertake, is a worke of great weight, the glory of God and welfare, of the ſouls of men is ſo deeply intereſt; Onus vel ipſis angelis formidandum as Bernard ſpeaketh, a task requiring the ſtrongeſt arme to effect it, a p. 187building the laying of whoſe foundation requireth much wiſedome, 1 Cor. 3.10. a labour ſo hard, that the Apoſtle propoſeth the queſtion, 2 Cor. 2.16.

2. A work of great difficulty, the Scripture,Joh. 4.11.John 4:11 like Iacob's Well are deep, our owne armes are too ſhort to reach unto the waters therein, a heavenly language to the unfolding whereof, the tongue of the learned is required, Iſai. 50.4. The hearts of men are very deceitfull, they muſt handle the Word of God skilfully, who will make it like a two edged ſword dividing between the bone, & the marrow, the joynts and the Spirit, Heb. 4.12. the new birth is a hard work, requiring a skilfull midwife, much labour, Gal. 4.19. abundance of ſtrength, the rooting up of theſe briars, the planting of the trees of holines in the Lords vineyard, requireth ſtrong hands, men furniſhed with good gifts,Ier. 1.10Jer 1:10 if we look on the difficulty of bringing men out of the bondage of ſin and Satan, we may ſay as Moſes did in another caſe, Exo. 3.11, 12.

3. A work reſiſted by forcible and ſubtle oppoſition, the emenies of mans ſalvation are many, powerfull, crafty, violent, ſtriving to hold the winds of the Goſpel, that they may not blow, Rev. 7.1. ſtanding at the right hand of Joſuah that he may not Sacrifice, Zach. 3.1. an old and ſubtle Serpent, Rev. 12.9. his Souldiers are ſtrongly armed, Rev. 9.9, 10. ready to withſtand the meſſengers of the Lord, as Jannes and Jambres withſtood Moſes, 2 Tim. 3.8. and therefore Gods Miniſters muſt not be like naked men without armes; but thoroughly furniſhed with every good gift.

p. 1884. It is the grace of the Spirit, which will make them abundant and plenteous in their labours, this will make them like the Sun rejoyce to run the race which is ſet before them,Pſa. 19.5.Ps 19:5 like the full clouds pour out abundantly their waters for the refreſhing of the Souls of Gods people; This will make them that they ſhall not be ſilent, but as Job 32.18, 19, 20. This will conſtraine them to labour, make the Word of God be as fire in their bones, this will be as a ſpurre in their ſides, ſo that they ſhall ſay, as 1 Cor. 15.10.

And as they muſt be thus qualified, ſo their Doctrine muſt be warranted by the Scriptures.

Becauſe that Doctrine alone, which is grounded upon the Scripture doth, I. Open Gods counſell, will and purpoſe touching our eternall ſalvation, in theſe alone God ſpeaketh; this is the letter wherein the mind of God is unfolded, the looking glaſſe wherein we may ſee the beauty of Gods holines, Pſal. 27.4. All other writings of humane learning are in this regard, but like painted lights, dark Lanternes, like the images, Pſal. 115.5, 6. Men of the greateſt wiſedome, undertaking to declare Gods counſell, without the ſound ſtudy of Gods Word, may ſay as Job did, Job 42.3. and confeſſe as he did in another caſe, Pſ. 139.6. therefore Paul who revealed the whole counſell of God, Act. 20.26. taught nothing but what was grounded upon the Law and the Prophets, Acts 26.22. Acts 28.23. II. This doth enlighten the underſtanding, make us wiſe unto ſalvation, 2 Tim. 3.16, 17. therefore Joh. 5.39. III. This doth comfirme the faith of Gods people; This is a ſure foundation a p. 189firme anchor, all other Doctrines are but ſand, this is a ſure Word, 2 Pet. 1.19. This is no deceitfull bow, but like the bow of Ionathan it never returneth empty, it alwayes accompliſheth that whereto it is ſent, Iſa. 55.10. it is ſure, Pſal. 19.7. As the Lord ſaid of Eliakim, Eſa. 22.23. So may I ſay of the Word of God, Pſal. 111.7, 8. IV. This is mighty in beating down the holds of ſin, this maketh the mouth of Gods Meſſenger like a ſharp ſword, Iſai. 49.2. their Doctrine like ſharp arrows in the hearts of men, Pſal. 45.4. making them to ſtoop and humble themſelves, Acts 2.37. this like Canon ſhot battering down the ſtrongeſt wals; like a burning fire trying the Metall, making a ſeparation, all Doctrine without this is weake, like a withered reed; like a dead carkaſſe, Mat. 7.29. V. This hath a regenerating vertue, 1 Pet. 1.23. therefore likened to good ſeed, Mat. 13.23, 24. a voyce awakening the dead in ſin, Ioh. 5.25. therefore called the Word of life, Phil. 2.14.

Uſe. This therefore ſheweth it to be a great miſery to the Church to be peſtered with inſufficient Miniſters, with ſuch as have no competent abilities to diſcharge their callings, by reaſon whereof the Souls of men are as a diſeaſed patient under the hand of an ignorant Phyſitian, having no skill to cure him, as a barren field under clouds, which have no raine to pour upon them, as flocke under a Shepheard that hath no paſture wherewith to feed them, as a family under a ſteward having neither new nor old to give them, a teſtimony of much diſpleaſure in, God, Iſai. 29.11, 14. an uſuall p. 190argument of much profaneneſs in the people, Mic. 2.11. a great advantage unto Satan: what may not the Lion doe, when there is no Shepheard to watch over the flocke; can it be that the weeds ſhoud not encreaſe when there is no gardener? the army miſcarries whem there is no expert commander, were not the Sheep ſcattered, Ezek. 34.4, 6. What comfort can you take in Gods Ordinances, when you have not a guide to interpret and apply them, are they not as a pleaſant light hidden under a buſhell, which your eyes ſee not; as a ſealed fountaine full of delicate waters, which your palates taſt not, as a letter full of love and glorious promiſes, as muſicall inſtrument making a ſweet harmony, which eares heare not, Acts 8.31. What hope have you that your Souls ſhall be cured, if the Phyſitian have no knowledge of the diſeaſe, do you not know that, Pro. 29.18. How can you think the wals of Jericho ſhall fall, if the Prieſt cannot ſound the Trumpet of the Goſpel, how ſhall the adder be brought to caſt out his poiſon, if the charmer have no skill in charming, how can it be but that the Souls of the people muſt be like the ſluggards-field, if the keeper of the Lords vineyard, be either ignorant and cannot, or ſloathfull and will not dreſſe it, nothing more prejudiciall to mans ſalvation, than the want of a competency of gifts in them that muſt inſtruct them.

Ʋſe. 2 Muſt their Doctrine be grounded on Gods Word, then behold here the vanity of ſuch as with Iſrael, are weary of the pure and plaine Manna of the Word of God, and fall a luſting after the onyons and Garlick of Aegypt, humane traditions, poeticall p. 191fictions, Philoſophicall ſpeculations, which have no more vertue to caſt out Satan, than the Sonnes of Sheva had,Acts 19.16. 1 Sam. 17.Acts 19:161 Sam 17 no more power to overthrow this Goliah, than David had in Sauls armour, theſe are like a broken bow ſtarting back in the day of the ſpirituall battle; Like a broken veſſel holding no water of ſpirituall refreſhment, to comfort the Souls of Gods people;Ier. 2.12 Ier. 23.28. Mat. 23.27. Mat. 21.19.Jer 2:12Jer 23:28Matt 23:27Matt 21:19 Like chaffe which will never take roote, never bring forth any good fruit, like the Apples of Sodom, or a Phariſes ſepulchre, though faire without, yet it is but as duſt and dead mens bones within, ſuch as giveth no good nouriſhment; Like the fig tree, that had many leaves made a flouriſhing ſhew, but bore no fruit, and to ſuch as teach after this manner may that of Eliphas to Iob be well ſpoken, Iob 15.2, 3. and to them that delight in and reſt upon ſuch Doctrine that of Rabſeca, 2 King. 18, 20, 21. may be filty ſpoken, and ſurely what Iob ſaid of his friends, Iob 13.4. may be truely ſaid of theſe Phyſitians and all their Medicines, they are all of no value; yea they are not onelyonly vaine but dangerous, not onelyonly chaffe that nouriſheth not, but a ſnare that entangleth, a hook that deſtroyeth, Iac. 2.14. therefore Col. 2.8, 22. and Iſai. 8.20.

Ʋſe 3 Are the faithfull meſſengers of God fitted of God? have they their commiſſion from God? is their Doctrine warranted by the Scripture? is it not their owne, but Gods Meſſage? then. I. Receive it with all reverence; not as the word of man, but of God, 1 Theſ. 2.13. though the men be a veſſel of wood, the word is a rich treaſure, and the power is of God, 2 Cor. 4.7. and the power of God indeed p. 192it is to ſave the ſoule of every one that doth beleve, Rom. 1.16. and to ſuch as tremble at this Word will God look Iſai. 66.2. and it is the commendation, which Paul gave of the Galatians, that they received him as an Angel of God, Gal. 4.14. He that attendeth not with reverence ſhall never clearely conceive what is contained in it, never feel his heart thoroughly affected with it, nor be able with a lively confidence to reſt upon it, the very Word of God unreverently received is entertained but as a humane teſtimony, looked upon but as a withered reed, truſted but as the language of an uncertaine friend, therefore come with ſuch affection and diſpoſition of heart, as Cornelius did to Peter, Acts 10.33. and then thou ſhalt be convinced, the ſecrets of thy heart made manifeſt, and falling down thou ſhalt worſhip God, & ſay that God is in his Meſſengers of a truth, 1 Cor. 14.24, 25. II. Beleeve it firly, reſt upon it aſſuredly, even as if thou didſt hear the Lord himſelfe ſpeaking from heaven, the Miniſter is but the Embaſſadour, the Meſſage is Gods, what they ſpeak on earth, God doth ratify in heaven, Mat. 16.19. therefore let me exhort you, as Iehoſaphat did the people, 2 Cro. 20.20. build upon it as on a rock that doth not ſinke, upon a ſtaffe which will not break, upon a fountaine, which never drieth up, Mat. 5.18. this worketh humiliation, repentance, Iona. 3.5. maketh men deſirous of ſound inſtruction to be rightly informed, Pſal. 119.66. cauſeth them to feare, Exod. 14.31. maketh them patient and conſtant in the middeſt of all adverſities, Pſa. 27.13. cauſeth to wait in the deepeſt trouble, p. 193Iſai. 28.16. III. Reforme ſpeedily, thoroughly, unfainedly, whatſoever their Doctrine findes to be amiſſe within you; as thou who art a drunkard, uſerer, ſwearer, & wouleſt reforme, if God did ſend an Angel from heaven, or did himſelfe appeare unto thee to rebuke thee; even ſo muſt thou reform now, when the meſſenger of God doth ſpeake unto thee: ſay not as the rich Glutton did, Luc. 16.30. If God, or an Angel from heaven, or a damned Spirit from Hell were ſent to teach us; we would repent; but remember Abrahams anſwer, verſ. 31. It is a great mercy of God to ſpeake unto us by men, that we may be able to endure their voyce, to underſtand their language, and therefore we ſhould with Iſrael, Deut. 5.27. with Iſrael we ſhould put away Baal and Aſhteroſh, 1 Sam. 7.3, 4. with them, Acts 19.19. with Peter, Mat. 26.75. with David, 2 Sam. 12.12. with Ephraim, Jer. 31.18, 19. It is our reformation will prove we are good hearers: our obedience will teſtify the goodneſs of our affections; the caſting away of our ſin doth beſt argue a right entertainement of the Word, Ja. 1.21, 22. IV. Comfort your ſelves ſoundly in the Doctrine of life & ſalvatiō, God will make good to the faithfull whatſoever good things his Meſſengers out of his Word do declare unto them. God will fulfull them all in their ſeaſon, Luk. 1.20. as Joſ. 23.14. not one thing of all the good things whereof the Miniſters of God do now informe you ſhall faile, treaſure up the comforts which they propound out of the Word of the Lord, and be as ſure of them, as if you did already enjoy them, Iſa. 25.9, 10.

p. 194The 5^th thing

is the comfort the Miniſters of God, and all the people, that love Chriſt do conceive in hearing, meditating upon, and publiſhing the tidings of ſalvation, rejoyceth greatly, becauſe of the bridegroomes voyce.

Doctr. THe ſtudy, meditation and publiſhing of the Goſpel is very comfortable to Gods faithfull Meſſengers, Pſal. 8.9, 10. Ier. 15.16. and Paul called it a finiſhing of his courſe with joy, Acts 20.24. Herein they ſee the great things of God; the ſight whereof is more pleaſant to the eye of the mind, than the ſight of the Sun is unto the eye of the body: as the Pſalmiſt ſaith of the marriners, Pſal. 107.24. ſo may I ſay of the Miniſters of the Lord, they go down into the deep, and behold the holy and heavenly wonders of the Lord. II. Hereby the Word of God doth caſt a ſweet ſavour in their noſtrils, and becometh as a warme fire in their bones: often travelling among the flowers refreſheth us with their ſmell, the bruiſing of ſpice maketh the ſent thereof the more odorifeous in our noſtrils. III. They are glad to do any ſervice to bring any honour unto God, it is their meate and drinke to do the Lords will. IV. They are glad to do good to others, to informe their judgments, ſtabliſh their faith, cleanſe their affections, comfort their hearts, quicken them in the duties of holines, and make them rich in the grace of the Spirit.

Ʋſe 1 They are no faithfull Miniſters that do not the p. 195work of the Lord with cheerfulnes, that rejoyce not of all opportunities to publiſh the gladſome tidings of eternall happines: but to go about the Lords buſines by conſtraint, as a laſy horſe driven with the whip; as a ſluggard, that muſt be compelled to his labour, this want of delight in Miniſters in their calling argueth want of love unto God, want of a lively feeling of the goodnes and operation of the Word of God within them; want of zeale for Gods honour, want of hatred againſt ſin, want of true compaſſion to the Souls of Gods people, inconſideratenes, unſenſiblenes of the weighty calling they have taken upon them, of the fearefull accompt they muſt render unto God for the Souls of whom they have the overſight.

Ʋſe 2 This diſcovereth the cauſe why ſome Miniſters are ſo laborious, ſo frequent, conſtant, earneſt in the work of their Miniſtry, it is a great delight unto them: delight maketh hard things ſeeme eaſy, irkſome things ſeeme pleaſant, labour becometh no labour, ſufferings are turned into joy; the work becometh as joyous as their meate.

As this hath relation particularly to Miniſters, ſo it is generally true of all faithfull Chriſtians, of every godly man that loveth Chriſt, every one that is his friend, heareth the Bridegroomes voyce and rejoyceth greatly.

Doctr. IT is a very great joy to Gods faithfull people, to heare the voyce of Christ in the preaching of the Goſpel, as Iſrael ſhouted at the preſence of the Arke, 1 Sam. 4.5. ſo do the people of God at p. 196he preſence of the Goſpel, as appeareth by the examples recorded in this behalfe, Acts 8.8. Acts 2.46. Acts 13.48. 1 Theſ. 1.6. II. By the entertainement they give the faithfull Miniſters of the Word, Gal 4.14. Job 33.23. Acts 21.17. III. By the charge which is in this regard given, Phil. 2.28, 29. IV. By titles given & attributed to the Goſpel, Pſal. 89.15. Luc. 2.10. 1 Tim. 1.11 V. By the promiſe which God hath made, Jer. 31.12, 13, 14. Iſai. 35.2.

Reaſ. 1 From the nature of the Goſpel and the preaching of it, it is of a very pleaſant and delightfull nature, therefore likened to the light, 2 Pet. 1.19. Pſ. 119.105. for as the light is pleaſant to the eye, Eccleſ. 11.7. ſo it is a pleaſant thing to Gods people to behold the light of the Goſpel. II. To the dewes; as the dewes rejoyce the ground, make it green and pleaſant, ſo doth the Goſpel rejoyce the hearts of the people, Iſa 35.1, 2. III. To milk; as that delighteth and nouriſheth the Child, ſo doth this Gods Children, 1 Pet. 2.2. IV. To wels of water, which afford much refreſhment to the thirſty traveller; ſo doth the Goſpel to the Souls of Gods people, Iſai. 12.3. V. To ointment poured out, becauſe as that is very ſavoury to the noſtrils of men, ſo is this to the noſtrils of Gods people▪ Cant. 1.3. even the ſavour of life unto life, 2 Cor. 2.16.

Reaſ. 2 From the matter of joy contained in it, it is a letter full of the expreſſions of the love of Chriſt Jeſus, repleniſhed with exceeding great and precious promiſes, 2 Pet. 1.4. A garden overſpread with ſweet flowers, a ſhop full of precious ointments, p. 197and ſavoury perfumes, a tree, every branch whereof is loaden with moſt pleaſant and comfortable grapes, a proclamation of peace, Acts 10.36. a treaty of Union, 2 Cor. 5.18, 19. the profer of a free pardon, Mar. 1.4. a marriage feaſt between Chriſt and the people, Mat. 22.2, 3, 4. gladſome tidings, Rom. 10.15. a relation of the high and incomparable love of God to man; of the victories, which our Saviour wonne, the downfall of Satan,Rom. 10.15.Rom 10:15 ſin, and the ſhutting up of the gates of Hell, the large endowments, high & honourable priviledges of Gods people, all matter of the trueſt, ſweeteſt, & moſt laſting joy, and therefore cannot but make the hearts of Gods people exceeding joyfull.

Reaſ. 3 From the ſence and feeling the people of God have of the want of the Miniſtry of the Word, as a ſick man feeleth the want of Phyſick, a man in darknes the want of light, a hungry man the want of food, a captived man the want of freedome, a condemned man the want of a pardon, and therefore do much rejoyce, at the preſence and enjoyment thereof, as the Wiſemen rejoyced at the appearing of the ſtarre, which formerly they beheld,Mat. 2.10. Luk. 15.8.Matt 2:10Luke 15:8 as the woman in the parable rejoyced at the finding of the groate which ſhee had loſt, thus the Apoſtle, Rom. 18.15. alledgeth that of Iſai. 52.7. to ſignify that the coming of Gods Meſſengers unto ſuch is very deſirable, their preaching ſweet and comfortable, their words being ſweet as honey, as drink to the thirſty, bread to the hungry, alluring and drawing them, like a loadſtone, their converſation being cleare as the Sun, as their lips, their Doctrine, ſo their feet, their walking was holy and p. 198upright, and their Meſſage altogether repleniſhed with comfort.

Reaſ. 4 From the ſweet agreement which is between the hearts of Gods people, and the Miniſtry of the Goſpel, as between the eare and the beſt tuned muſick, the palate and the pleaſanteſt wine, the noſtrill and the pureſt ointment: never did Jonathan & David better accord than the heart of a ſincere Chriſtian, and the faithfull Miniſtry of the Goſpel, and ſurely as David ſaid of Ionathan, 2 Sam. 1.26. ſo may every faithfull ſervant of God ſay of Gods Word, Ier. 15.16. Pſ. 19.10.

Reaſ. 5 From the near Union between Christ and his faithfull people, they are his friends, Ioh. 15.14. members of that body whereof Chriſt is the head, 1 Cor. 12.12. joyned in wedlock with him, Epheſ. 5.30. and therefore as the Bride rejoyceth to hear the voyce of the Bridegroome, ſo do they to hear the voyce of Chriſt, Cant. 5.16.

Reaſ. 6 From the love which it doth breed in their hearts towards Chriſt; This like a bellowes bloweth up the coales of their affections; like the warme Sun, it heateth their frozen hearts, cauſeth them to be rooted and grounded in love, Epheſ. 3.18, 19. So to love him as to leave all for him, Mat. 10.37. to deſpiſe all in compariſon of him, Luc. 14.26. an affection ſo ſtrong, that nothing can breed a ſeparation, Rom. 8.35, 38 and loving Chriſt ſo fervently, they cannot chuſe but rejoyce abundantly in him; love and joy like joynt companions go together, Gal. 5.22. like the Sun and the light they will not he ſeparated the one from the other.

Reaſ. 7 From the operation of the Holy Ghoſt which p. 199doth attend it, the Spirit of God which is the Fountaine of all joy is given with the Miniſtry of the word, this is the key by which our hearts are opened, and the Holy Ghoſt admitted into our Souls; hence, Acts 10.44. 1 Theſ. 1.6. Acts 13.52.

Reaſ. 8 From the benefits which ariſe from hence, by this the underſtanding is enlightned, 2 Cor. 4.6. their faith is confirmed, Epheſ. 1.13. victory over Satan obtained, Ier. 31.11. their hearts are ſo ſoftened and made tender, as ground by the dewes, Deu. 32.2. Iſa. 55.10. their affections are purified, as the Corn by the fanne, Mat. 2.12. Ier. 23.29 their conſciences are purified, Iſa. 57.19. their love and zeale is increaſed; of a ſmall drop theſe affections become like a flowing ſtreame, of few ſparks become a burning flame, of weake plants they become tall trees full of good fruit, and hence as Acts 3.8. ſo Iſa. 35.5, 6.

Reaſ. 9 From the protection which by this meanes they enjoy: the Miniſtry of the Goſpel is as Horſemen and Chariots to the people, a ſure defence, Gods Miniſters the beſt Watchmen, the beſt Souldiers,Ioſ. 6.20 Iud. 7.22. 1 Sam. 4.6, 7. Mat. 23.37. Mat. 24.1, 10.Josh 6:20Judg 7:221 Sam 4:61 Sam 4:7Matt 23:37Matt 24:1Matt 24:10 the Word of God is the ſureſt ſhield, the ſtrongeſt ſhot; the ſounding of the Trumpet prevailed more againſt the walls than much Canon ſhot, the ſhining of the Lamps, the cry of the Sword of the Lord and Gideon, put the Midianites to flight, ſooner than an army of men: the Arke put the Philiſtines in greater feare than all the Iſraelitiſh army, when the Miniſtry of life was removed from Ieruſalem, their houſe leſt deſolate, then the Temple was caſt to the ground.

p. 200Reaſ. 10 From the grief which they conceive at the removing of it, as Phinea's Wife, would not be comforted when the Arke was taken away, 1 Sam. 4.21. Ioſeph and Mary went up and down ſorrowing when Christ was loſt, Luk. 2.46. ſo the people of God are full of heavineſs at the abſence of the Word, La. 2.6, 12. Pſ. 74.9.

Uſe. This diſcovereth the miſery of ſuch as take no joy, as delight not in the fruition of the Goſpel, to whom it is as light to the blind not ſeeing it, muſick to the deafe not hearing it, food to the ſick not reliſhing it, want of delight in that Word of God is a ſufficient argument of alienation from God,1 Ioh. 4.6. 1 Pet. 2.2, 3. 2 Sam. 6.16.1 John 4:61 Pet 2:21 Pet 2:32 Sam 6:16 an apparent teſtimony that we are not of God, that we have not taſted of Gods goodnes; he that doth not with David dance before the Lords Arke, hath not Davids heart, wanteth Davids love, is a ſtrangers to Davids ſence and feeling of the working of Gods Word and Spirit within him: He that looketh on this as on a veſſell without water, a tree without fruite, a Lamp without Oile,Acts 17.18.Acts 17:18 hath a heart without grace, who is it, but a Stoick, a man of a ſtupified heart, a ſeared conſcience that accompteth Pauls preaching to be but babling, that ſaith Job 21.14. A theef hideth himſelfe from light, Ioh. 3.20. Who but the deaf taketh no comfort in pleaſant muſick? Pſal. 58.5 Mat. 11.17. Who but they that know not the things belonging to their peace, Luk. 19.42. are not delighted with the Goſpel of peace? how canſt thou be the Child of God, if thou rejoyce not to heare the voyce of thy Father? How canſt thou be the Bride of Christ, if thou art not affected p. 201with the language of thy Husband? How canſt thou be a new creature, if like a new borne Child, thou art not delighted with the milk of theſe breaſts? How canſt thou be a traveller towards the heavenly Canaan, and not be glad to ſee this fiery Pillar ſhine before thee? How canſt thou be a man of a hungry ſtomack, and not be glad of this honey-comb? How canſt thou be experienced in the aſſaults of Satan, and not rejoyce at the having of this weapon; he cannot be the faithfull ſervant of God, that findeth no delight in the Word of God.

Ʋſe. 2 This diſcovereth the cauſe why the people of God, do ſo deſire Gods Word, Pſa. 27.4. Why they thirſt after it as dry ground thirſteth, Pſ. 63.1 Why they ſeek it, Amos 8.12. why they incourage one another, Zach. 8.21. why they wait, Pro. 8.34. as Ioh. 5.5. Acts 3.3. why they ſay, Ioh. 6.34. It is muſick to their eares, and they like David, 2 Sam 6.16. it is Iſa. 25.6. and as Eccleſ. 10.19. it is the joy and rejoycing of their hearts, Ier. 15.16. It is the Sun that giveth light to them in darknes, the ſtaffe that ſuſtaineth them in their weakenes, the Arke bearing them up in the deepeſt deluge of troubles; the Fountaine affording refreſhment when all their water brooks do faile, therefore no wonder they attend upon it.

Uſe. 3 This muſt cauſe every one of us to try whether, we can find this joy in the Word of God, in hearing the Goſpel preached, whether it be to our Souls as the voyce of a kind friend, a gracious Father, a loving husband, whether theſe apples, theſe flagons, Cant. 2.4. comfort ſtay and glad our hearts, as p. 202they with their bottles, Hoſ. 5.3. made the King glad, and if we doe rejoyce at it indeed: it will appeare.

1. By our conſcionable preparation to it, as ſick men prepare their ſtomacks, and Husbandmen their vineyards before the one receiveth Phyſick, or the other ſoweth his ſeed; ſo do they that delight in the Word, for this is Phyſick and ſeed, which they, who wiſely husband their Souls, and highly value the wored of the Lord will not ſuffer to be ſowne among thornes and briers, but as Exo. 19.10.

2. By our frequent meditation upon it, man often thinketh upon that wherein he rejoyceth, thus Pſal. 11.2. delight is a loadſtone that draweth the thoughts, a Chariot that carrieth the mind with an irreſiſtible force to the thing rejoyced in.

3. By our conſtant attendance on the ſame, if we delight in it we will wait patiently and conſtantly upon it; we will hearken diligently what the Lord will ſpeake unto us; we will be no ſtrangers in Gods houſe, but we will take every opportunity to go thither, deſire to make it our habitation, Pſ. 27.4. accompt it our happines to have admittance within the gates of his houſe, Pſ. 84.10.

4. By our high valuation of it, as the Sun above the Candle, pure wheat above chaffe, gold above droſſe, honey before gall, Pſa. 119.72, 102. Ier. 23.23. Prov. 8.10, 11.

3. This muſt ſtirre up every man to rejoyce and delight himſelf in the preaching of the Goſpel, as in the Schoole of Chriſt where alone true wiſedome is to be learned, in the food of our Souls, whence p. 203ſpirituall ſtrength is to be gathered, in the light, which alone ſheweth the way to the life, which is eternall, and for that end we muſt bee. I. Truely ſanctified, and then as the Baptiſt leaped in his mothers womb, when he heard the voyce of the mother of our Saviour, in whom Christ was conceived, ſo ſhall our hearts rejoyce to hear the voyce of our God in the Miniſtry of his Word, Pſa. 97.11. Pſ. 32.11. II. The Word muſt be hidden in our hearts, Ier. 15.16. It muſt be as fire in our bones, Ier. 20.9. as Wine in our ſtomacks, Mat. 13.45. III. Come with a longing appetite to it, as to a delicate feaſt, Iſai. 25. Prov. 27.7. IV. Get aſſurance that the comforts thereof belong unto your owne Souls: propriety and intereſt in the good things of God will fill our hearts with joy and gladnes in the Lord, when we can claime them as our inheritance, then we ſhall rejoyce in them, like the Pſalmiſt. V. We muſt ſell all,Pſ. 119.111.Ps 119:111 put away whatſoever may hinder the power and efficacy of the Word of God, the ſcales muſt be taken from Pauls eyes, or the light of the Sun will afford him no comfort, ſo Ia. 1.21. 1 Sam. 7.3, 4. Mat. 13.45.

This my joy therefore is fulfilled.

p. 204The laſt thing

is the great joy the Baptist conceived in beholding the people to convert and turne unto God, in ſeeing the Kingdome of Chriſt to flouriſh, the eyes of men to be faſtned on him, the hearts of men to embrace him, the Miniſtry of his word to be effectuall; whence note,

THat the converſion of the people doth make the Miniſters of God exceeding joyfull, as the Bridegrooms friend rejoyceth, when he hath prepared a ſpouſe for him, ſo doth every faithfull Miniſter of God, when he hath prepared a Bride for Chriſt, likened to the joy of harveſt when the Husbandmen and his Servants gather in the ſheafs into the barne, to the joy of ſouldiers when they divide the ſpoile Iſai. 9.3. as Moſes rejoyced and ſung when he had led Iſrael out of Aegypt, from the bondage of Pharaoh thorough the Red Sea; ſo do the Miniſters of God, when they,Exo. 15.1.Exod 15:1 by the bleſſing of God upon their industry, have brought the people of God out of bondage of ſin and Satan, hence 1 Theſ. 2.19, 20. this filled his mouth with matter of glorying, 2 Cor. 9.2. The relation which Titus made to Paul of the repentance, faith, love, conſtancy of the Corinthians made him exceeding joyous, 2 Cor. 7.4, 13. Phil. 4.1. ſo great that it maketh them rejoyce in affliction, the welfare of the people is very comfortable even when the Miniſter is in much trouble, Phil. 2.2, Philemon, verſ. 7. Ioh. 3. Eph. 4. Ioh. 2.3.4.

p. 205Reaſ. 1 Becauſe the faithfull Miniſters of God, do beare a ſingular love unto the people, as the parent and nurſe to the Children, they are their jewels and treaſure under God and Chriſt, the object of their love, 2 Cor. 6.11. 2 Cor. 2.4. a love which maketh them, Phil. 2.17. and 2 Cor. 7.3. and therefore as they love them ſo they rejoyce in their welfare verſ. 4.

Reaſ. 2 Becauſe the faithfull Miniſters of God, do heartily and with much earneſtnes deſire the ſpirituall good and everlaſting welfare of the people of God, even more than they deſire their owne peace liberty, or welfare 2 Cor. 12.14. 1 Cor. 10.24 Phil. 1.8, 9. never did Rahel more deſire Children, than they do the regeneration of the people, this is the choiſe of all their wiſhes, the moſt ſervent of all their longings, for this they make them petition, Epheſ. 3.14. as Iſaac for the opening of the womb of Rebecca, Gen. 25.21. as Hanna for the making of her barren womb fruitfull, 1 Sam. 1.10. and as ſhee ſhewed herſelfe joyfull, thankfull, when God gave her a Child, 1 Sam. 2, 1, 2. ſo do Gods Miniſters, when God doth open the hearts of the people, as Acts 16.14. and Iſai. 54.1.

Reaſ. 3 Becauſe they hereby ſee that they have not preached to no purpoſe, that they have not plowed the ſand, ſown among thornes and briars, waſhed a blackmore, charmed a deaf adder, piped to the deaf, nor held a Lamp to the blind, they ſee that they have not, Iſai. 65.2, 3. that they have not, as Hoſ. 8.7. But they ſee that the Word in their mouth hath been as a two edged ſword, Heb. 4.12. as ſeed in good ground, Matth. 13.23. as the p. 206dewes upon the Herbs, Deut. 32.2. Iſai. 45.8. and 26.19. Hoſ. 14.6, 7. Pſal. 133.3. aad therefore Phil. 2.16,

Reaſ. 4 Becauſe it is their honour and dignity, as it is the honour of a ſouldier to win the conqueſt, ſo it is of the leaders of Gods army to conquer Satan, to ſubdue ſin, to caſt down the devill like lightning, to open the Priſon doores by the key of the Goſpel, Iſai. 61.1. to give deliverance unto Gods people, to raiſe them out of the grave of ſin, as the Prophet revived the dead Child, 1 Theſ. 2.19.20. and as Luc. 10.17. ſo &c.

Reaſ. 5 Becauſe they take much paine to convert and turne them, as the Husbandman to make a barren field fertile, a rough way even, a mountaine a low valley, Luk. 3.4, 5. Ier. 1.10. 2 Tim. 2.3. encounter with many enemies, Epheſ. 6.12. Gal. 4.19. and therefore as Ioh. 16.21.

Reaſ. 6 Becauſe it is a ſeale of their Miniſtry, an argument that God ſent them, that he hath given endowments to them for the calling, and doth accept of their labours, 1 Cor. 9.10. Ier. 23.22. as Leah ſaid, Gen. 29.32.

Reaſ. 7 Becauſe it is a ſecondary evidence of their renovation, for God doth uſually call and convert men by them whom he hath converted, Paul himſelfe is firſt converted before he is ſent to preach the Goſpel, Acts 9.3. and Iſai. 6.5. Mal. 2.5, 6, 7.

Reaſ. 8 Becauſe it is the chief end of their calling to gather home men to God, and to ſave the Souls of the people, therefore likened to Shepheards, Stewards, Phyſicians, Husbandmen, Nurſes, Embaſſadours, as the Shepheard rejoyceth in finding the p. 207loſt ſheep, the Phyſician in recovering his patient, the ſteward in the welfare of the ſervants of the family, the nurſe in the growth of the Child, the Embaſſadour in the reconcilement of the people, ſo do the Miniſters of God.

Reaſ. 9 Becauſe it is as great a grief to the Miniſters to ſee the people continue in ſin as a carefull husbandman to ſee his field overſpread with weeds, to the nurſe to ſee the Child languiſh, to the Phyſician to ſee the patient grow more and more diſeaſed, Pſal. 119.136. Iſai. 49.4. Jer. 9.1. Luk. 19.41, 42.

Reaſ. 10 Becauſe it is a pledge of the Miniſters ſharing in the higheſt degree of heavenly glory; the ſervant, Mat. 25.23. and ſo Dan. 12.3. Prov. 11.30. he, if any, layeth up a ſure foundation againſt the World to come.

Reaſ. 11 Becauſe this doth inable him to preſent himſelfe with ſingular comfort before the Judge; the good ſervant cometh with confidence, ſo he that can ſay Iſa. 8.18. ſhall look on God with more boldnes than he that can ſay, behold the many Benefices, Eccleſiaſticall Dignities that I have gotten, theſe will be miſerable comforters then, but 1 Theſ. 2.19. Prov. 11.4. 2 Cor. 1.14.

Uſe. Moſt prophane and impious therefore are ſuch Miniſters, as are grieved to behold the zeale, ſincerity, love, faith, and holy converſation of the people under them, a ſin even unnaturall and monſtrous; what more unreaſonable, more vile, more hatefull, than that the nurſe ſhould envy the growth of the Child? the Generall the courage and forwardnes of the ſouldier? the Shepheard the welfare of the flocke? the Husbandmen the p. 208growth of the Corn and paſture, the ſteward the welfare of the family; that Miniſter muſt needs be full of profaneneſs, who maligneth the ſpirituall proſperity of the Lords Servants, it is either weakenes or ſicknes in the eye, that maketh the light offenſive, it is an evill Maſter to whom a good Scholler doth prove unpleaſant; he can never be the Bridegrooms friend that cannot brook his ſpouſe, a good Embaſſadour that affecteth not the embracers of true peace, a good ſervant that liketh not the trees which grow & bear bloſſoms, in great abundance, it is fearfull in any, but eſpeally in Miniſters to diſlike others for their holines, Ezek. 34.3. Like butchers that kill the fat, with the Phariſes accompt them accurſed, Joh. 7.48.

Ʋſe 2 This ſhould acquaint us with the grief that we bring to the Miniſters of God, when we walk profanely,2 Cor. 2.3.2 Cor 2:3 reforme not by their Doctrine; but continue like bad ground, Heb. 6.6, 8. Like deaf adders, Pſa. 58.5. Like knobby timber that will not cleave, like a wild aſſe, Ier. 2.24. this maketh them weary, Ier. 20.9. this putteth them out of courage; Like Peter when he fiſhed all night, and could take nothing, Ioh. 21.3. this doth provoke them to impatience, Jer. 9.1, 2. breedeth many complaints, Iſai. 53.1. this filleth their Souls full of heavines, as Anna's heart was of bitternes when her womb was barren, 1 Sam. 1.16. this maketh them complaine of looſing their labours, Iſa. 49.4. as Ier. 12.13. Hag. 1.6. maketh them grieve for the diſhonour done to God, as Joſuah grieved when Iſrael fled before the men of Ai, Ioſ. 7.9. filleth their Souls with ſorrow, to ſee them ſtill in the gall of bitterneſs p. 209in the bondage of Satan, as it grieved David to ſee his Sonne rebell, 2 Sam. 15.30. the parent to ſee his Child ſtill abiding upon his languiſhing bed,Luk. 19.41.Luke 19:41 as Chriſt grieved to ſee the obſtinacy of Jeruſalem, and Ier. 13.17. Iſai. 22.4. This is no ſmall ſin to grieve the Souls of Miniſters, to fruſtrate their labours, to diſanull their endevours, to make them uncheerefull in their undertakings, to make them, ſay, as Jer. 51.9. as 1 Sam. 15.11, 14.

Uſe 3 This ſheweth us what courſe to take to make the faithfull Miniſters of God cheerfull, exceeding joyfull: the growth of the Corn maketh the Husbandman merry, the bearing of much fruit maketh the Gardener glad; fruitfulnes in grace, ſound obedience to Gods precepts, a lively faith in Gods promiſes, repentance from dead works, love to Gods truth, zeale for Gods glory, theſe are as a well tuned inſtrument making ſweet muſick in Gods eares, a precious ointment caſting a ſweet ſmell in their noſtrils; as David, 1 Cro 29.17. Jud. 5.1, 2. So doe the Miniſters of the Lord rejoyce to ſee the people offer themſelves willingly unto God, this doth more comfort them than a feaſt of the choiſeſt dainties you can provide for them, more delight them, than if you did beſtow much gold and ſilver upon them, to win your Souls to God, is more pleaſant to them than to win the whole World, as Pſal. 69.30, 31. ſo in this caſe: therefore let this move your hearts, work upon your affections, provoke you to repentance, perſwade you to holines; that the hearts of Gods Miniſters may rejoyce, and in making them after this manner joyfull, you ſhall make them more fervent p. 210in their prayers, Col. 1.8, 9. more frequent in their labours, Iſai. 52.5. a good draught giveth incouragement, to a ſecond caſting in of the net, as 1 Sam. 17.34, 35. more intire in their converſations, like a vertuous loadſtone, it draweth them to a holy fellowſhip with us, more free and familiar in their counſels, more patient in their afflictions, more bold and couragions againſt all oppoſitions, more plenteous in all internall and externall comforts.

There are wayes by which the people may adminiſter much comfort, occaſion much joy in the faithfull Miniſter of the Lord. I. By their holy language, gracious counſels and incouragements, for the ſtrongeſt is many times much comforted holpen and edified by the weake, the Generall is many times comforted by the common ſouldiers; the little ſticks ſet the greater logs on fire, Prov. 27.9. Sometimes Jethro is able to adviſe Moſes, Aquila can inſtruct Apollos, Abigail give good counſell to David, and Pſal. 8.2. therefore Rom. 1.11, 12. and the people may ſtrengthen the faith of the Miniſter, by praying for him, by miniſtring inward and outward conſolations to him, by expreſſing ſuch ſubjection to his Doctrine, as may plainely teſtify that God hath ſent him, and given him this honour to be an inſtrument of much good to his Church. II. By viſiting the faithfull Miniſter of the Lord, as the preſence of the Children rejoyce the father, the preſence of the flock doth comfort the Shepheard, ſo doth the preſence of the people refreſh the Miniſter for, 1 Theſ. 2.17. and as Prov. 27.17. ſo doth the face of Gods people, p. 211like a Whetſtone ſharpen the affections of the Miniſter when they began to grow dull, and therefore Paul calleth it a refreſhing, being like dew to to the ground, drink to the thirſty traveller, 1 Cor. 16.17, 18. 2 Tim. 1.16, 17. III. By amending at the reproofs they adminiſter, cenſures they impoſe: it comforteth the parent to ſee the Child bettered by correction, it comforteth the Husbandman to ſee the tree bettered by pruning, ſo 2 Cor. 7.12, 13. IV. By being full of love to their fellow brethren, delighting in them that excell in vertue, joying together as members of one body, ſheep of one fold, ſtones of one building, helping, comforting and edifying one another in their moſt holy faith; this the Miniſter of God knoweth will much adorne the Goſpel, improve the graces of the people, ſtrengthen them in the truth, make them rich in every good gift, and therefore, Phil. 20. verſ. 7. V. By growing in all the graces of the Spirit, as the nurſe rejoyceth at the growth of the Child, the Husbandman at the growth of the Corn, ſo 2 Theſ. 1.3, 4. VI. By the joyfull entertainement of the Word of God, receive it as the dry ground the raine from the cloud, as the hungry Child doth milk from the mothers breaſts; let their feet be beautifull in your eyes, Rom. 10.15. dance as David before the Arke, 2 Sam. 6.16. and then as Paul, 1 Theſ. 1.2, 6. VII. By conſtancy in the wayes of God, ſtedfaſt confidence in the Lord Jeſus, when he ſeeth them like Job truſting in God, though God ſeeme to kill them with letting Satan looſe upon them,Job 13.15.Job 13:15 ſuffering wicked men to diſturb and pierce them with their venomous p. 212arrowes, when he beholdeth them rooted like ſtrong trees, and builded like houſes upon the rock, Col. 2.7. Mat. 7.25. when he ſeeth them like good travellers going from ſtrength to ſtrength, Pſ. 84.7. when he ſeeth them like good ſouldiers keeping their ranks, following their leader, not ſhrinking for the preſence, threatrings, power, or malice of the enemy, when he ſhall hear them anſwer him, as Ionathans Armour-bearer did him, 1 Sam. 14.6, 7. this doth rejoyce him, Col. 2.5. VIII. By yeelding him a competent maintenance, good wages increaſeth the induſtry and cheerefulnes of the labourers, ſtrong and deep water, carry the Ship with pleaſantnes, and drive the mill ſwiftly, good pay and much ſpoile maketh the ſouldiers couragious in the fight; though it be baſeneſs for any Miniſter to make his wages, his bodily advantage; prime end of his labours, yet when they ſee the hands of men are open to communicate things temporall to them, to yeeld ſuch maintenance as may inable them to love both with credit and comfort, it proveth a great refreſhment, no ſmall incouragement, for this Paul did much commend the men of Macedonia, 2 Cor. 8.3, 4. 2 Cor. 11.9. IX. By their conſtant attendance on the Word of God, when they wait on the gates of Gods houſe, as the lame man did for an almes at the gates of the Temple, when they flew to the houſe of God,Act. 3.3. Mic. 4.2.Acts 3:3Mic 4:2 as the ſtreames to the Sea, as the diſeaſed to the Phyſician, Luc. 4.40. when the whole pariſh can ſay to the Miniſter of God, as Cornelius to Peter, Acts 10.33. when they come men, women and children, Deut. 31.12. when as p. 213Acts 2.1. this maketh the Miniſter of the Lord cheerefull, putteth life and courage into him, this maketh him frequent in his exhortations, comfortable in opening and applying the promiſes of ſalvation, many buyers make the Merchant glad, many gueſts make the cooke laborious, much fiſh cauſeth the fiſherman willingly to caſt in the net, thus 2 Cro. 30.25, 26, 27. But on the other ſide the abſence of the people is occaſion of much grief, it troubleth the Maſter of the freaſt when the invited gueſts come not, & the nurſe when the Child will not ſuck;Mat. 22.7. 1 Sam. 20.27. Luk. 1.4.Matt 22:71 Sam 20:27Luke 1:4 it troubled Saul when Davids place was empty, it grieved the Prophet when the people came not to the ſolemne feaſt; think on this beloved, put theſe things in practiſe with diligence, if you meane to comfort and encourage your teachers, if you meane to have a bleſſing upon their labours, if you meane to fulfill their joy, as the people fulfilled the joy of the Baptiſt.