Christ the Christians Choice, Sermon
CHRIST THE CHRISTIANS CHOICE. OR A Sermon preached at the Funerall of Mr JOHN CAVVS one of the MAGISTRATES of the FAMOVS CORPORATION of PLYMOVTH. March The 29. Anno Dom. 1645.
By ALEXANDER GROSSE. B.D. and Paſtor of Bridfoad.
Phil. 1.21.
To mee to live is Chriſt, and to dye is gaine:
Pſal. 73.24.
Thou ſhalt guide me with thy Counſell, and afterward receive me to glory.
Pſal. 73.25.
VVhome have I in heaven but thee, and there is none upon earth, that I deſire beſides thee.
Pſal. 73.26.
My heart and my fleſh faileth, but God is the ſtrength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
LONDON Printed by R. B. for Iohn Bartlet at the Gilt Cup under St. Auguſtines Gate. 1645.
Philippians Chapter. 1. Verſ. 23.
Having a deſire to depart, and be with Chriſt which is farre better.
NOah left the earth to enter into the Arke, The children of Iſrael left the land of Egipt for the fruition of the land of Canaan: Every ſantified and beleeving ſoule is willing to leave all that it may fully enter into Chriſt, that it may have a compleat fruition of Chriſt, who is all in all. Better then all, infinitely more then all to every regenerate, and gracious ſoule. No priſoner but is willing to leave the priſon-houſe, for the enjoyment of his owne houſe; No excile but is willing to leave the land of baniſhment for the repoſſeſſion of his owne Country: No ſoule that knowes its owne bondage under corruption, its owne alienation, and exilement from Chriſt, (in part at leaſt,) during the dayes of its abode in this earthly tabernacle. but with Paul, hath a deſire to depart and be with Chriſt which is farre better.
This our deceaſed Brother making uſe a little before his death of theſe words to his wife, almoſt to the ſame purpoſe Saint Paul made uſe of them to his Philippians. Haveing a deſire to depart and to be with Chriſt which is farre better; Nevertheleſſe to abide in the fleſh is more needfull for you. Is that which invited and moved me, to treat of theſe words, in this houre of his funerall, and from them to deduce ſome inſtructions for the proffet and conſolation of the living.
The words propound unto us, and preſent before us, the choyſe of a gracious ſoule the Paradiſe wherein it deſires to dwell, the Sun which it deſires to behold, the Pearle which it deſires to poſſeſſe, the Haven wherein it deſires to harbour, the Tree whereon it longs to feed, and the Fountains whereof it doth deſire to draw and drinke a full and everlaſting draught, even Ieſus Chriſt, and nothing elſe, Haveing a deſire to depart and to be with Chriſt which is farre better.
In the words there is. 1. Motus, a motion, the internall moving, ſtirring, longing, and working of the ſoule, excited, aſſiſted, inabled, acted, moved, framed, and diſpoſed, bent, and inclined, thereunto by the gracious preſidentiall, active, and mighty power of the holy ſpirit; Like the motion and ſtirring of the heart of a priſoner, longing after, and looking out at the priſon windowes for ſome tidings of liberty and freedom-: like the motion of a man in darknes, waiting for the appearance of the light; like the motion of a wife, in the time of her husbands abſence, looking for, and expecting her husbands returne: a motion raiſed, excited, quickned, and ſtrengthned, by a collation and compariſon of the ſoules future felicity, with its preſent miſery. as the huſbandman compares, the joy of his future harveſt, with the labour of his preſent winter. The ſouldier the glory of his future Crowne with the difficulty of his preſent battle; The traviller the comfort of his future Paradice; with the ſadnes of his preſent Wildernes: lively ſence of preſent miſery, ſweet and powerfull apprehenſion of future, and enſueing glory, fill the ſoule truly gracious with longings of unwearied, and ſacred vehemency. Aſſurance of future happines makes a good man reſtles under the preſant burthen of his corruption.
Here is Movens. The party longing deſiring to depart; and that is Paul a choſen veſſell, afaithfull ſervant of God a liveing member of Chriſt. None can truly deſire to be diſſolved but he that is ſure to be ſaved. No man willingly leaveth his preſent habitation, but he that is aſſured of a better dwelling. No wiſe man willingly to caſt of his preſent garment, but he that hath another, a better to put on: No man can be upon right grounds willing to be diſſolved, but only that man who is truely fanctified: he who is not throughly intereſted in Chriſt, cannot willingly leave all for Chriſt: Eleazar Abrahams ſervant, put a jewell upon Rebeccaas face, Gen. 24.53.and bracelets upon her hands, and gave her jewels of ſilver and jewels of gould and rayment, and then ſhee was willing to goe with him, willing to leave all, and enjoy Jſaac for her husband. That ſoule alone which Chriſt beautifieth with the ſaveing gifts of his ſpirit, the love tokens of Chriſt, better gifts then jewels of ſilver, and gold. Js the ſoul, the only ſoule, that can forſake the deareſt things of this life, that can readily leave its habitation in this mortall fleſh, and take up its everlaſting abode with Chriſt.
Here is Termin…s, the terme whereunto this gracious foule moves, and that is double the one Privative, the other Poſitive the firſt Privative a deſire to depart or be diſſolved, exproſſing the nature of death not an Annihilation. but a diſſolution, a ſeperation of the foule and body, the foule is now in the body as a bird in the cage, a priſoner in the priſon houſe; a traviller walking under a cloud, and therfore much deſires a diſcharge, and exemption from his fad and burthenſome condition; No child of God deſires death under the naked and ſimple notion of death, it is in it ſelfe, the King of terrours, repugnant, and disſtructive to nature, a thing never deſired for it ſelfe, but for ſome other thing, therfore here is Secondly a Poſitive terme wherein this motion, and deſire of the foule ends; that is in the fruition of Chriſt, that he may be fully and everlaſtingly with Chriſt; that he may come out of the priſon of the fleſh, to be clad with glory to ſit downe, and raign with Chriſt as Joſeph came out of priſon haveing his priſon garments taken from him, a Gould ring put upon his finger, royall apparell put upon his backe, and made the ſecond perſon next to the King in the Kingdome of Egypt: that he may come out of all the ſervitude and ſlavery bondage and troubles of this life to triumph with Chriſt leaving ſinne, Satan, and the world behind him, conquered, ſubdued, diſtroyed, as Iſrael came out of the waters of the red Sea, triumphing, leaving Pharaoh and the Egiptians, Exo 15, 1.there drowned behind them. The fruition of the Lord Ieſus makes death deſirable, and lovely in the eies of al truebeleevers.
Here is, Motivum. The motice, which ſets the ſoule on worke, thus to deſire to be with Chriſt; and this is drawne Ab V…. From the fruit, and benefit thero: It is fore better. To be with Chriſt then live here, to enjoy Chriſt then all things elſe, it is not only better, but farre letter, a thouſand degrees better, for the ſa…ctity, for the liberty, for the Safety, for the Satie…y, for the ſweete Society and for the Fulnes of all Glory there to be enjoyed. The preſent felicitie of Gods children is very little, even nothing, incompariſon of the future glory which ſhalbe put upon them.
J cannot, time will not give me leave, to inſiſt upon all the perticuler branches of theſe words, though every one of them preſent, before us and offer to us reſpectively, variety of uſefull, ſweet, and comfortable fruit; had we time and leaſure but to gather them; I ſhall therfore for the preſent, give you one generall obſervation from them. St. Paul ſo Loved Chriſt, ſo Prized Chriſt, ſo Delighted in Chriſt, ſo Longed after Chriſt, and Apprehended the fruition of ſuch a plenitude and ſweetneſſe, ſuch duration, and continuance of all foule raviſhing, and heartcontenting excellencies in the fell enjoyment of Chriſt; that he was willing to leave all, to depart with all, even with his very life, for the full enjoyment of Chriſt. whence obſerve.
That there is nothing ſo deare and precious to Gods faith full ſervants, Doctrine.noe not their very lifes, but they are willing to leave and lay them all downe for Chriſts lake; for the preſent, and future enjoyment of Chriſt: thus it was with St. Paul, and thus it is in proportion, in degree, according to the meaſure of grace received, with every child of God: the wife leaves all to enjoy matrimoniall communion with the husband; Sarah left all, Pſa. 45.10.and went with her husband Abraham. True beleevers are the Bride and ſpouſe of Chriſt: they forget their owne people and their fathers houſe to enjoy their husband Chriſt: they ſo love, they ſo remember, they ſo delight in, and ſo long after Chriſt, that they love nothing remember nothing, delight in nothing, prize nothing, deſire nothing in compariſon of Chriſt Ieſus; Mat. 13 44.be it otherwiſe never ſo deare & precious: the merchant in the parable ſold all that he had for the precious pearle, true beleevers are ſpirituall marchants, they trade, and traffick for Chriſt; Chriſt is to them a pearle of that price, that they joyfully ſell all, leave all for the preſent, and future enjoyment of him: this truth is carried by way of command in the Iniunction laid by our bleſſed Saviour upon the Angel of the Church of Smyrna. Rev. 2.1.Be thou faithfull unto the death, and I will give thee the crowne of life. Whatſoever trouble doe ariſe, whatſoever ſtorme doe toſſe and ſhake thee, whatſoever cloud of contumely doe ſeize upon thee, whatſoever band of violence be ſtretched out to rob and ſpoile thee, yet be thou ſaithfull in thy covenant with Chriſt, in thy profeſſion of chriſt in thy undertaking for Chriſt in thy dependance upon Chriſt, in thy love unto Chriſt, in thy defence of the cauſe of Chriſt be thou faithfull to the death let life, and all goe, rather then let goe Chriſt; lay downe all for the Crowne of life, for the ſweet, the full, and everlaſting enjoyment of Chriſt. Thus the Apoſtle peter haveing declared the vanity and mutability of the whole frame of the creature, argueth and urgeth from thence the neceſſity of looking out for Chriſt, of haſtning unto Chriſt, of making Chriſt ſure unto our ſoules. 2 Pet. 3.13.Seeing then (ſaith he) that all theſe things ſhalb… diſſolved, what manner of perſons ought ye to be in all holy converſation and Godlynes. Looking for and haſtning unto the comming of the day of God. Looking for the coming of and full enjoyment of Chriſt as a husbandman looketh for the coming, Luke 12.36.and gathering in, of the harveſt; Looking and preparing for Chriſt as a good ſervant waiteth, and prepareth for the coming of his Lord and Maſter: thus have the ſervants of God ever lively expreſſed the ſadnes of their condition without Chriſt, their high prizing of Chriſts gratious preſence in his ordinances for the preſent, though they enjoy him herein but in part, a farreof, and obſcurely, as we enjoy a friend in his letters, the Son in the ſtarres. A birde the bridgroome in his love tokens. Yet when Chriſt hath at any time in his behalſe eſtranged himſelfe from them, Pſal. 63.1.they have beene as drie ground without water, in an Inceſſant thirſt, as a chaſed Hart without the water brookes, full of reſtles motions, and ardent cries after Chriſt: As the hart panteth after the water brookes ſo panteth my ſoule after thee O God. my ſoule thirſteth for God, for the liveing God. When ſhall I come and appeare before God. They follow him as ſttai David whether in life or in death, Rev. 14.4.the Virgins follow the Lam whereſoever hoe goeth whether in a codition of honour, or ignominy, of perce or trouble of loſſe or gaine they follow him: Pſal. 84 10.David accounts One day in the Courts of God better a thouſand, and prizes the place of a doore keeper in the houſe of God above the choyfeſt habitation among the tents of wickedneſſe Preferring the pooreſt condition with Chriſt, above the higheſt condition without Chriſt: what was Moſes his choiſe? did he not chuſe to endure affliction with the people of God rather then to enjoy the pleaſures of ſin for a ſeaſon. Did not he refuſe to be called the ſonne of Pharaohs daughter? did not he eſteeme the enjoyment of communion with Chriſt, and his members, though in the wilderneſſe, above the fruition of fellowſhip with the greateſt profane worldly Nobles. though in a Paradiſe of all earthly pleaſures? did not the primitive Chriſtians take the ſpoyling of their goods joyfully knowing they had an abiding ſubſtance in heaven: were not they contented to be ſpoiled of all, rather then to be ſpoiled of Chriſt, and what is the glory of Gods deare ſervants, but this They loved not their lives unto the death; If they doe all this for the preſent enjoyment of Chriſt, where they enjoy him a farre off, and but in part, how much more will they do it, for an immediate and compleat enjoyment of him in the next life: having their converſation now in heaven, from whence alſo they look for the Saviour the Lord Ieſus Chriſt, being turned unto God from Idols, to ſerve the living and true God: and to waite for his Sonne from heaven. By all which it plainly appeares that there is nothing ſo deare and precious to Gods faithfull ſervants no, not their very lives, but they are willing to leave and lay them all downe for Chriſts ſake, for the preſent and future enjoyment of Chriſt.
For the fuller underſtanding, and clearer diſcerning of the extent and latitude of this truth there be foure things conſiderable, firſt the matter left, ſecondly the perſons leaving it. Thirdly the manner how they leave it. Fourthly the end or finall cauſe for which they leave it.
Firſt the matter left things moſt deare and precious to them, things of greateſt price among the men of the world, things in their kinde for their quality moſt eminent as riches, Math. 9.….honours, pleaſures favour credit countenance and applauſe amongſt men: Luk. 19.8.9.they are contented for the enjoyment of Chriſt to be men of no name, of no repute, of no wiſedeme, Mat. 4.22.of no authority, of no wealth among men: things for their uſe moſt neceſſary as calling ſtation and inſtruments of Livelyhood, Mat: 10.37.things for their relation very ſweete and pleaſant as friends father, mother, and things for their number, the very all which they poſſeſſe, Mat. 19.27.things for their Intimacy and neareneſſe the moſt deare and precious, as life it ſelfe, ſo Paul here the traveller willingly leave all lamps, Luke: 4.26.candles, torcher, the greater and the leſſer ſtarres to enjoy the Sunne: the true travellers in the way to God in Chriſt, willingly leave all other comforts to enjoy Chriſt Jeſus, the Sunne of all true conſolations:
Secondly the perſons leaving all, laying downe all for Chriſt, Paul, and ſuch as have the ſpirit of Paul: none have theſe deſires beſides the truely gracious: none but the bride leaves all for the bridegroome, It is not Orpah, Ruth 1.15.16. 2 Tim. 4.…. phil 3.7.8..but Ruth that cleaves to Naomi in the day of her diſtreſſe, it is not Demas but Paul that eſteemes all but dung and droſſe in compariſon of the excellency of the knowledge of Jeſus Chriſt, it is not the Coward but the valiant ſouldier, that willingly layes downe his life for his Captaine in the battell; 1 Tim. 19.20.Hyminoeus and Philetus are no ſooner ſhaken with a tempeſt, but they forthwith make ſhipwracke of faith and a good conſcience, onelyonly Paul is the man that fights the good fight, that finiſheth his courſe and keepes the faith: he alone that is a true partaker of Chriſt is the man that will leave all for Chriſt.
Thirdly, 2. Tim. 4.7.the manner how they leave all willingly, it is their deſire it is their choiſe, the bird willingly leaves his cage, to ſoare and fing aloft in the aire. Iſrael willingly left Egypt to free their ſhoulders from Pharroahs heavy burthens: the Lords faithful ſervants, the Iſrael of God indeed: willingly hazard, leave and lay downe all for God and Chriſt, to caſe themſelves of the hurthen of corruption, and to enjoy communion with God and Chriſt, this they doe with deſire as Paul d ſired to d part, and this deſire carries in it.
Firſt, a ſenſible apprehenſion of the miferie and troubleſomneſſe of their preſent condition, the ſence and feeling which Iſrael had of the ſadneſſe of their eſtate under the heavy burthens which Pharaoh impoſed on them, Exod. 3.and cruell Task-Maſters which he ſet over them made them willing to leave the land of Egypt, Rom 7, 24and deſirous to goe to Canaan: 2 Col. 12.7.8.ſence of the burthenſomneſſe of mans owne corruption, and of the violence and bitterneſſe of the buffettings of Satan, fills the ſoule with ſad complaints of its preſent miſerie and ardent prayers, for the enjoyment of full freedome from them and intire reſt, and acquieſcence in Chriſts boſome.
Secondly, an high prizing of Chriſt, as the onelyonly glorious and ſhining Sunne, whence diſcend all the beames of ſpirituall conſolation, as the Apple-tree, Mat. 4.2. Cant. ….3. Col. 2.3. Cant. 3.10.whereon growes all ſweet and deſirable fruit for the noufiſhment of the ſoule, and under whoſe ſhadow it can repoſe, and reſt it ſell with much delight: as the store-houſe whence is derived all celeſtiall treaſure for the fouls inrichment: as the faireſt of ten thouſand in whom all ſoul raviſhing, and heart admiring excellencies are diſcerned: he alone that takes the true meaſure of the worth of Chriſt, is the man that can leave, and lay downe all for Chriſt.
Thirdly, ſervent and unfained love to Chriſt, She…h…ms love to Dinah made him willing to undergoe the paine or Circumciſion for her, Gen. 34.Jacobs love to Rachel put him upon a hard ſervice, in the heate, and in the cold, in the day, and in the night for her; ſervent love to Chriſt, 2. Cor. 5.14.puts the gracious ſoule upon a ready undertaking of the hardeſt ſervie or Chriſt, a patient toleration of the greateſt difficulties in the way of Chriſt, and a che refull effuſion of its deareſt blood for the exaltation of Chriſt, for the fruition of full communion with Chriſt: true love to Chriſt reſteth in nothing, Cant. 2 5.but in the fruition of Chriſt; all deſires after Chriſt which ſpring not from unfained love to him, are fruitleſſe have no acceptance with him never reach him, 1 Cor. 13.3.4.never worke the ſoule into the poſſeſſion of him.
Fourthly, Pſa. 42.1, 2.vehement longings after Chriſt, a holy reſtlineſſe of the ſoule, and ſpirit untill it doth come to Chriſt, as the Bee untill it comes unto the Hive: the River untill it emptieth it ſelf into the Ocean: and as the Dove did fly up and down, and found no reſt for the ſole of her foot untill ſhe entred into the Arke. The ſoule which truely defires Chriſt meetes with contentation no where but in Chriſt; the thirſt thereof is never ſatisfied untill it drinks a full draught of Chriſt, the heavenly Oecan, in whom are all ſoule-refreſhing waters; the motion thereof is never terminated untill it comes fully home to Chriſt, the paradiſe in whom dwell all ſpirituall comforts.
Fifthly, Cant. 3.1.diligent Inquiſition after Chriſt, carefull uſe of all meanes to enjoy Chriſt; theſe deſires are no lazy, ſluggiſh, weake feeble, and fleeting deſires; Cant. 5.3 4.but ſtrong, active, and ſtirring deſires, deſires knocking at the doore of the heart, and awakening it as a loud ſounding trumpet rouſeth a man out of his ſleepe; deſires quickning man, like ſpurres in his motion unto Chriſt; deſires drawing a man like a loadſtone unto Chriſt, 1 Sam. 23.15.David deſired to drink of the water in the wells of Bethel, and his Worthies brake through the army of the Philiſtines, and brought waters thence: true deſires after Chriſt neglect no meanes leading unto Chriſt, breake thorow all oppoſitions betweene them and Chriſt: their ſoules are ſet upon an unwearied inquiry after him, a conſtant uſe of all meanes to enjoy him, when Joſeph and Mary had loſt Chriſt they went up and downe, and ſought him ſorrowing, never ceaſing from their inquiry untill they found him; Luk 2 46.the ſoule which knowes what it is to looſe Chriſt, what the ſadneſſe of the ſoule is without Chriſt: never ceaſeth ſeeking untill he hath found him, never ceaſeth from his mourning, till Chriſt returnes with ſweete conſolations againe unto him.
Sixtly, delight, he that ardently deſires Chriſt, joyfully leaves all For Chriſt, accounts it all joy to fall into m nifold temptations for the cauſe of Chriſt: Ia. 1.2. Heb. 10 34 Acts 16.23. Dan. 3.takes the ſpoyling of all joyfully, ſings in priſon, is cheerefull in the wilderneſſe as in a paradiſe: walkes like the three children in the fiery furnace of great adverſities as in a Palace: and comes when God calls him to the ſtake and fiery tryall as the hungry to a feaſt, the ſouldier to the crowne: or Bride to the marriage of the Bridegroome, and unto death it ſelfe through many temptations, weakneſſes and diſaſters as Mariners to the haven thorow a violent and ſtormy tempeſt The way of the ſoule to Chriſt Jeſus is not ſuch a way of ſorrows, but that it is mixt with man, ſweet and ſecret pleaſures.
Seventhly, a confident Reſignation into the hands of Chriſt, he that truely and unfainedly deſires Chriſt, doth not dye as a man uncertaine where he ſhall goe, …t commeth as a Bride to the Bridegroom, as an obedient childe to his loving fathers houſe, with much aſſurance of gracious acceptation, of a ſweet and everlaſting entertainment and welcome, though he ſometimes feel the winde of temptation blowing with much violence upon him: and diſmall feare now and then furprizing him, yet with Teter in another caſe he cries Maſt r ſave me, and immediately ſee Ieſus ſtretching out his hand, Mat. 14.30.31.and ſaving him from ſinking in the waters ready to ſwallow him: he beholds the winde ceaſing, and an everlaſting calme enſueing, upon the fall of this houſe of his fleſh he ſees a glorious habitation provided for him; he knowes that if his earthly houſe of this Tabernacle be destroyed, 2 Cor 5, 1he hath a building made of God, an houſe not made with hands, but eternall in the heavens.
Fourthly, here is the end or finall cauſe, why the gracious ſoule doth leave all, and deſires to goe hence: it is for Chriſts ſake, that it may have the full fruition of Chriſt, that it may mount aloft and come to Chriſt: as the bird when the cage is broken or the priſoner when the priſon houſe is beaten downe, and throwne into the duſt have liberty, the one to fly, and the other to walke abroad and meete their companions. … 4 17.Thus the Lords ſervants deſire to depart; to leave this manſion of the fleſh, that they may meet the Lord and ſo be ever with him, the ultimate end of every good mans deſires and endeavours is the full fruition of Chriſt Jeſus.
Having ſeene what it is that this obſervation carries in it, let us now deſcend to the reaſons conducing both to the further illuſtration, and confirmation thereof; Reaſons.now the reaſon why Gods ſervants doe ſo willingly leave and lay downe all for the enjoyment of Chriſt is.
In regard of the Evill adherent to the preſent condition of Gods children though they be a red…ed people a people tranſlated out of darkneſſe into the kingdome of Gods deare Sonne, Col. 1.13.yet they have ſome fetters ſtill upon them, Eſa. 54.13.though they be an inſtructed people, a people taught of God yet they have ſome ignorance remaining in them though they be a ga der incloſed, an …rchard of pomegranates with ſweet fruites yet they have ſome weeds, Cant. 4.10.11.12.ſome thornes and briars, there ſprouting and ſpreading: there is a manifold evill yet adherent to Gods children.
Firſt an evill of darkneſſe the day-ſtar…e indeed hath appeared, 2. Pet. 1.19.but the Sunne is not yet fully riſen in their ſoules is butday dawning they know but in part, 1 Cor. 13.1….there is ſome ignorance mingled with their knowledge.
Secondly an evill of bondage, though they be not led away captive at the will of Satan as voluntary ſlaves without reluctance and reſiſtance: 2. Tim. 2.26 Rom. 7.14.yet they are ſold under ſin, as a man led captive againſt his will. Like Lazarus they are riſen but yet they carry ſome of their gravecloathes about them which doe in part ſtill fetter and tye them.
Thirdly an evill of oppoſition, ſickeneſſe oppoſeth health in men diſeaſed Eſau oppoſed Jacob in the wombe of Rebecca, Saul oppoſed David and made continuall warre againſt him, 10.11.43.44.2. Sam. 3.1.the fleſh oppoſeth the ſpirit, corruption oppoſeth grace in Gods children: fleſhly luſts warre againſt the ſoule in the beſt of Gods people.
Fourthly an evill of uncleanneſſe, Gal. 5 17.1 Pet. 2.11.though they be waſhed, and ſanctified and inſtified in the name of the Lord Jeſus and by the Spirit of our God, Iob, 13.10.yet this is but in part, they are indeed perfectly inſtified but imperfectly ſanctified: he ſaith our Saviour that is waſhed, needeth not fave to waſh his ſeet but is cleane every whit, and ye are cleane, but not all.
Fiftly an evill of Temptation Egyptian Pharaoh purſued Iſrael after they were gone out of Egypt, the infernall Pharaoh purſues God, Iſrad after they are eſcaped the plenary ſervitude and ſlavery of this world, Zech 3.1.2.and their owne corruption, Satan ſtands at the right hand of Ioſua the high prieſt to hinder his ſupplication: 2 Cor. 12.7 8.and he buffets Paul to diſturb and vexe him, Satan now and then obtaines commiſſion to tempt and try the beſt of Gods children.
Sixthly an evill of Burthens, there lyes on the ſhoulders of Gods ſervants a burthen of corruption a burthen of contumelies; a burthen of manifold afflictions, Iſrael in Egypt had cruell task-maſters over, and heavy burthens impoſed on them: Gods Iſrael in this world ſtill travels under heavy burthens, travelling like Iſrael thorow the wilderneſſe of many troubles, and red ſea of many ſorrows and ſufferings, afmore or leſſe, will reſt as a burthen on Gods people, as long as they carry corruption about them.
Seventhly an evill of cloſe and conſcience-accuſations, of heart ſmiting and ſelfe-judgings, Davids heart ſmites him for touching Sauls garment, Ioh 2 6.Job ſees enough amiſſe within him to make him abhorre himſelfe below the duſt and aſhes: Eſaiah is ſenſible of ſo much uncleanneſſe, Eſa 6.5.6.that he is forced to cry out, wo is me for I am undone, becauſe I am a man of polluted lips: no man walkes with ſuch exactneſſe and circumſpection, but that his conſcience now and then, brings matter of accuſation againſt him:
Eightly an evill of ſorrows, for temporall or ſpirituall loſſes for their owne or others failings, for their owne or others miſeries: the Lords people are ſeeds men ſowing in teares now reaping in ioy: Pſa 126.5.hereafter Gods children like Iſrael of old have ſuch Canaanites like thornes in Judges 2.2.their ſides and pricks in their eyes that they are full of lamentation, and mourning
Ninthly an evill of Commerce and communion with profane people who pricke like thornes, Ezek. 2.3.and ſting like ſcorpions, and pierce and wound like arrows, vexing the righteous ſoules of Gods people, and making their very lives a burthen to them.
Tenthly an evill of Abſence, they are not yet come fully home to Chriſt, they are at much diſtance from him; have not the full enjoyment of him while they are at home in the body they are abſent from the 2. Cor. 5.6.Lord: and therefore are willing to leave and lay downe all that they may be diſcharged from this manifold evill.
In regard of the Termination of a gracious ſoules motion in Chriſt, every thing terminates its motion, in its proper, Chriſt is the ſoules Center, the rivers move and ſtop not, till they terminate their motion in the ſea: the gracious ſoule is reſtleſſe till it commeth unto Chriſt, Naomi ſaid of Boaz unto Ruth the man will not be in reſt untill he hath Ruth. 3. ult.finiſhed the ma…ter this day: the ſoule intending wedlocke with Chriſt, will not, cannot be in full and thorow reſt, untill it hath finiſhed, and fully perfected its wedlock with Chriſt, pſal 104.34. 1 Cor 2.2. Col 2.7.the whole or a gracious man moves to Chriſt: the motion of his imagination is to the thought, and meditation of Chriſt: the meditation of Chriſt is ſweete unto him; the motion of his und…rſtanding is to the knowledge of Chriſt, hee deſires to know nothing but Chriſt, and him cruciſied, the motion of his faith is to the alſufficiencie, Cant. 5 10. Cant. 2.5.worth and efficacy of Chriſt: be i… rooted, and built up in Chriſt, the motion of his love is to the beauty and excellency of Chriſt: he is the faireſt of ten thouſand in his eye, and his ſoule is ſicke o… love to Chriſt: every way the motion of a ſanctified is to Chriſt, the travellers motion is to his home, the the thirſty mans motion is to the fountaine, the good mans motion is to Chriſt, he never attaines his deſired perfection untill he hath gotten the full poſſeſsion of him: and therefore leaves all to enjoy him.
In regard of that union which a gracious ſoule hath with Chriſt, by ſaith and love, he is not ſo united unto any thing, as to Chriſt, he is ſo united to him that he is be come one with him boxe of his bone, Ioh. 17.21, Epheſ. 5.29. Ioh. 15.19.ana fleſh of his fleſh he is united to Chriſt with a ſeparating and ſingling union, with an union ſeparating him from the world as a woman joyned in with an union ſeparating him from the world as a woman joyned in wedlocke is ſeparated from her owne people, and her fathers houſe, with an union crucifying the world unto him and him againe unto the world: Gal. 6, ….he is united unto Chriſt with a deriving and enriching union, drawing from Chriſt grace for gra…e, Ioh. 1 15.filled with Chriſts fulneſſe and made compleate n him: he is united unto Chriſt with a tranſlating and transforming union, an union transforming him into the very image of Chriſt, making him pure as Chriſt is pure; he is united to Chriſt with an inflaming and ſoule raviſhing union: 1 Ioh. 3.3. Cant. 8.6.kindling a fire in his heart which no waters can quench & many floods cannot drown: he is united to Chriſt with an indiſſoluble union, Math. 15.18. Ioh. 10.28.ſo united, that neither the powers of hell, nor earth can diſſolve it; he is united unto Chriſt with a victorious union, an union overcomming all the proffers, 1 Ioh. 5.4. Ioh. 3.30.and oppoſitions of the world: a proſtrating union, caſting a man and all his gifts and abilities downe at the feet of Chriſt, making a man willing to be nothing in the eyes of men that Chriſt may be exalted: Epheſ. 4.12.13an aſpiring union aſcending unto more and more perfection never ceaſing untill the ſoule is wrought into a full communion with Jeſus Chriſt, making a man willing and induſtrious to caſt away whatſoever may hinder his enjoyment of Chriſt, to breake priſon to come to Chriſt, 1 Kings 19.….to leave all to be with Chriſt, as Eliſha left his yokes of oxen to follow Eliah
In regard of that preheminence which Chriſt hath in the heart of a gracious man, above all other things he giveth Chriſt preheminence:
Firſt in his choice, he chooſeth Chriſt rather then all or any other thing whatſoever, the traveller chooſeth the Sun rather then any other light to guide him; the builder chooſeth the rock, rather then the ſand to build upon: and the wiſe merchant the pearle, rather then the pebble to enrich him: the gracious man preferreth Chriſt as the onelyonly wiſe Counſeller able to adviſe him, the ovely racke able to ſupport him, and the onelyonly …ear…e wherein is all worth to inrich bun: he chooſeth the gifts and graces of Chriſt before all other treaſures: bee preſerreth the love of Chriſt, the light of his countenance, above all other pleaſures, and earthly abundance: there is nothing without this can give him contentation. 2 … 31, 32.Abſolon thought it a ſmall thing that he lived at Ieruſalem, nay he eſteemed his life as nothing, unleſſe hee might ſee the Kings face: a good man eſteemes it a little thing to live at Jeruſalem, I meane to have all Gods ordinances, unleſſe he enjoy the face of Chriſt with them: Pſal …3.3. Pſal. 4.6.his very life without this ſeemes but a burthen: when the face of Chriſt ſhines there is exceeding great joy and rejoycing, when this is hidden there is a cry, much mourning and lamentation.Pſal. 30.7.
Secondly in his feare, men give preheminence in their feare to their Soveraigne, above the ſubject, children to their fathers above the houſhold ſervants: wives to their husbands above ſtrangers: good men feare Chriſt as their Soveraigne as their fathers, as their husband with an awfull, a ſpirituall, a filiall, an affectionate and ſubmiſsive feare, chooſing rather to offend all the world then to offend Chriſt: they feare the command of Chriſt, Acts 4 19. Mat. 10.28. Dan. 3.17.more then the command of man: the wrath of Chriſt more then the wrath of men: the loſſe of Chriſt favour, more then the loſſe of any, or all men whatſoever: they chuſe rather to expoſe themſelves to mans greateſt rage and indignation, then to provoke Chriſt in the leaſt ſillable of voluntary and witting deviation from the rule which Chriſt hath preſcribed to them.
Thirdly in his love, the wife preferres the husband in her love above all other perſons; he that is married unto Chriſt loves Chriſt more then all creatures, he loves him not carnally but ſpiritually, his love ariſeth from a ſeed of grace ſowne in the heart, it is a fruit of Gods Spirit, he loves him not conſtrainedly but freely, his love moves to Chriſt like water flowing from a living ſpring: he loves him not with a niggardly but a bountifull love, with a love moving him to give all that he hath to Chriſt: he loves him not with a ſiniſter but a ſincere love; not in a ſhew but in truth not in word but in deed; he loves Chriſt not with a faint and languiſhing love, but with a strong and victorious love; a love overcomming all oppoſition a love carrying him home to Chriſt, a love cauſing him to abide with Chriſt in all changes, 1 Sam. 18.1.2.to reſt upon him in all conditions, a love like the love of Jonathan to David, Jonathan ſo loved David that he was contented to run the hazard of his fathers diſpleaſure, to be abaſed that David might be exalted, and diſrobe himſelfe for Davids ſake: the gracious ſoule ſo loveth Chriſt, that he is ready for Chriſts ſake to incurre the hatred of his deareſt friends according to the fleſh, to humble himſelfe belowe the duſt for the exaltation of Chriſt, and to put oft this garment o… the fleſh, that he may honour and enjoy Chriſt.
Fourthly in his poſſeſſion, he had rather poſſeſſe Chriſt then all things elſe; all other poſſeſſions are but an empty veſſell to the poſeſſing of Chriſt: Gen. 14.21.the King of Sodome ſometime ſaid to Abraham give me the perſons take thou the ſubſtance: the gracious man is ready to ſay to his neighbour, give me Chriſt, and take the goods, houſe honours, body, and whatſoever elſe he that will: all other poſſeſsions are but a wilderneſſe to this paradiſe: a b…amble to the vine, the figtree and the olive-tree as Iotham in another caſe expreſſed himſelfe Judges 9 9.in this parable.
Fifthly in Communion men of generous diſpoſition prize communion with princes above communion with beggars: wives preſerre fellowſhip with their husbands above fellowſhip with ſervants: fellowſhip with Chriſt is the longing deſire of every gracious ſoule they ſay of this as Peter did of the mount it is good being here, Math. 17.4.the deſire of their ſoules is to dwell with Chriſt: to live continually in the bleſſed preſence of Chriſt, and as they give him preheminence in their choiſe, feare love poſſeſsion and communion, ſo they are willing to leave and lay downe all for him.
Fifthly in regard of that gaine which commeth to a gracious man by leaving and laying downe his goods, liberty, or life for Chriſts ſake: the more he leaves for Chriſt the more he ſhall receive, the greateſt looſers for Chriſt are the greateſt gainers by Chriſt: Math. 19.29.it is our Saviours promiſe whoſoever ſhall looſe father or mother or houſe or lands &c. for my Names ſake ſhall bare an hundred fold more in this life, and life everlaſting hereafter: the ſeed thus ſowne returnes with a plentifull harveſt: this is the beſt adventure to make a rich merchant the leaſt gaine of Chriſt is recompence enough for a whole worlds loſſe: Phil. 1, 23.the having of Chriſt make every condition gainfull, Chriſt ſaith St. Paul is both is life and death advantage. Iſrael by leaving Egypt, got a land flowing with milke and honey. Moſe… by leaving the honour of Pharaohs Court, got greater honour in becomming both a leader and a wonder-worker before the children of Iſrael in the wilderneſſe:Peter by leaving his nets became a fiſher of men, the Lord hath many wayes to make the greſteſt loſſes of his ſervants moſt advantagious: by death it ſelfe a gracious man hath a gaine o… much light he beholds the Sun in the fulneſſe of his riſing: 1 Cor. 13.12. 1 Ioh. 3.1.2 3.he ſees face to face, and knowes even as he is knowne: he hath a gaine or compleate purity, Ephe. 5.26. Act 12.7.like Abſolon in another reſpect, having no blemiſh from the crowne of the head, unto the ſole of the font, a man without ſpot or wrinkle: he hath a gaine of liberty, he commeth as Peter out of Herods priſon, all his ſetters ſmitten off, as Iſrael out of the red ſea leaving Satan, the world, and his owne corruption there drowned behinde him. Laſtly he baths gaine of the greateſt honour communicable to the ſoule of man, Rev. 2.10. 2 Tim. 4 8.a crowne of life and glory given him: and hence it is hat ſuch are willing to leave and lay downe all for Chriſt, that they may leave the full fruition of him.
This by way of reprehenſion reproves two ſorts of men: Vſe.Firſt ſuch as are ſo farre from leaving and laying downe all for Chriſt, for the preſent and future enjoyment of Chriſt; that they will neither lay out, nor lay downe any thing for Chriſt: ſo farre from being willing and deſirous with Paul to be diſſolved from their bodies, that they will not be diſſolved from the leaſt part, or parcell of their poſſeſsions, honour, riches, pleaſures, liberties or priviledges amongſt men for Chriſts ſake: but when Chriſt, the cauſe of Chriſt, the church of Chriſt in the courſe of Gods providence, call for helpe, reliefe, ſupportment, comfort, and encouragement, at theſe mens hands as ſometimes David did at the hands of Nabal theſe men like the ſonnes of 1 Sam. 25.11.Nabal, anſwer Chriſt as Nabal their father anſwered David, who is David and who is the ſonne of Ieſſe; there be many ſervants now a dayes that breake away every man from his maſter, ſhall I then take my bread and my water and my fleſh which I have killed for my ſhearers, and give it unto men whom I know not whence they be: thus they are ready to anſwer who is Chriſt, and who is the church of Chriſt, there be many that rebell and without cauſe draw troubles and calamities on their owne heads: ſhall I then take my bread and water, my poſſeſſions and riches which I have provided for me and mine, and give it to I know not who: and of theſe may Chriſt truely ſay as David did of Nabal ſurely in vaine have I kept all that theſe fellows have, for they have requited me evill for good: and as David was full of wrath againſt Nabal, and reſolved the utter extirpation of him and his houſe, ſo no doubt the indignation of Chriſt is kinled, and burnes like fire againſt ſuch mercileſſe and cruell caitiffes: neither can they expect a bleſſing but a curſe on themſelves and their poſterity after them the ſentence of our Saviour againſt ſuch is very dreadfull, and ſuch as may make them act Belſhazar living, in the midſt of their great poſſeſsions. Matth. 25Depart from me ye curſed into everlaſting fire which is prepared for the d…vill and his Angels, for I was an hungred and ye gave me no meate thirſty and ye gave me no drinke: I was a ſtranger and yee tooke me not in unto you. I was naked and ye clothed me not: ſicke and in priſon, Iudg. 8 5.6,and ye viſited me not: verily (ſaith Chriſt) in as much as ye did it not to one of the leaſt of theſe ye did it not to me, and theſe ſhall go into everlaſting paine: you may pleaſe to call to minde the ſtory betweene Gideon and the princes of Succoth: Gideon and his men were weary and aint in the purſuit of their enemies, and Gideon ſaid unto the men of Succoth, give I pray you morſels of brean unto the people that follow me for they be weary that I may follow after Zeba and Zalmunna Kings of Midian: to whom the princes of Succoth anſwered, are the hands of Zeba and Zalmunna now in thy hands that we ſhould give bread unto thine …: to whom Gideon replyed, therefore when the Lord hath delivered Zeba an Zalmunna into mine hands I will tear your fleſh with thornes of the wilderneſſe and with bryers: which upon his victory he did accordingly: Gideon was a type of Chriſt, and Chriſt is the Captaine of the Lords hoſt: Ioſ. 5.14.when his ſouldiers his people at this day are weary and faint in fighting his battells, in defending his cauſe, in purſuing his and their enemies, Chriſt ſpeakes to many amongſt us, as Gideon to the men of Succoth: give I pray bread, fleſh, lodging, cloathing, to theſe men that follow me, that ſtand for me, that fight for me and my truth; that lay downe all for me and my cauſe: to whom many men anſwer as the men of Succoth anſwered Gilead, are the Cavalleirs now in thine hands? haſt thou vanquiſht and overcome them: it is yet doubtfull which ſide will prevaile; why then ſhall we give our bread unto, or make proviſion for thine army: but let theſe men looke to it, when Zeba and Zalmunna when the publike and open enemie ſhall be ſuodued, Chriſt hath thornes and briars, fearefull judgements for them that withdraw their aſſiſtance in the day of the Churches diſtreſſe, judgement mercileſſe is the portion of them that ſhew no mercy.
Secondly,Mat. 1.20. it repr…veth ſuch as will ſpare ſomething, but not the beſt things like them of old in the prophet, that would ſpa…e the blinde the lame and the ſick for ſacrifice, but not that which was ſound and without blemiſh: Iam. 2.16. Ezek. 33.31.they will ſpare the tongue, but not the hand their bodly preſence but not their hearted ſoule preſence: they will ſpare ſome but not all for Chriſt, when they are put upon this, to leave all, and take Chriſt alone, Mat. 19.21.they goe away ſorrowfull: ſome will ſpare their goods but not their lives, they will not with Paul be diſſolved, Peter once left all, but he would not at that time leave his life for Chriſt, but denyed his Maſter to ſave his life: now theſe men doe herein, and hereby plainely diſcover.
Firſt an overprizing of the creature, ſo eſteeme it,M…t. 8. that they value the unworthleſt of their poſſeſsions as the Gaderines did their ſwine above Jeſus Chriſt: ſo love it, that upon the loſſe, or likely hood of taking it away, they goe weeping after it as ſometimes …haltiel went weeping after Mical to Bahurim: ſo adore and ſerve it, ſo reſt and relie upon it, that when it is gone they runne up and downe like Mica after his idole, Iudg. 18.24.and cry out as men undone.
Secondly a ſhamefull underprizing of Chriſt: he that will not leave a pebble for a pearle, a broken bottell for a river, a barren branch for a fruitfull tree, under values the pearle, river, tree, all creatures excellency is nothing in compariſon of Chriſts glory: they very wickedly, and ſhamefully diſparage Chriſt, that preferre or equalize any thing to Chriſt; Luke 14.8.let ſuch men with the invited gueſts in the parable, never look to partake of Chriſt with comfort, whoſe love unto, or delight in the creature withholds them from giving their hearts unto Chriſt.
Thirdly, hereby they hazard the very loſſe of what they retains, and get by leaving Chriſt, their loſſe is ever greater then their gaine, uſually they looſe the very thing which they withhold; Ioh. 12.he that will ſave his life ſhall looſe it, he that will ſave his honours, his riches, his liberty his favour with men ſhall looſe the ſame: how ignominious to all ſucceeding generations hath beene the name of the Scribes and Phariſees who for the maintenance of their owne name and honour, ſtudied and conſulted the eclipſing and obſcuring of the name and honour of Chriſt: how odious is the name of Judas who laboured his own gain, more then gaining of honour and ſoules to his Maſter Chriſt: take this for thy portion whoſoever thou art that ſeekeſt to make thy ſelfe rich and honourable, with the loſſe and diſhonour of Chriſt, thy name and riches both ſhall be everlaſtingly buried in the duſt of diſhonour and reproach.
Fourthly, hereby they draw a curſe on themſelves and on their poſſeſſions, 2 Sam. 6.….they having of Chriſt like the Arke to the houſe of Obed Edon makes all to proſper, like the …rce to the waters of Marah, it makes the bittereſt condition pleaſant and comfortable: Exo. 15, 25.the deniall of Chriſt the loſſe of Chriſt turnes all into a curſe, like the evill herb that turned the prophets pot into a pot of death: 2 Kings 4.40.all that men get againſt Chriſt, all that men keepe with the diſhonour of Chriſt, proves like Achans golden wedge and Babyloniſh garment, Ioſ. 7.a curſe and ruine to their whole poſſeſsion, therefore thus ſaith the Angel of the Lord, curſe ye Meroz, Iudg. 5.13.curſe ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof, becauſe they came not to the help of the Lord againſt the mighty
Fifthly hereby they contract ſhame, raiſe a cloud of diſhonour upon their owne heads, that never ſhall be blotted out: is it not the ſhame of all ſhames, to a wiſe to forſake her husband for the love of an unworthy ſervant; for a ſonne to leave his parent, and with the Prodigall to run a rioting with looſe and diſſolute companions, to a ſouldier to leave his captaine, and betake himſelfe unto the enemies quarters: is Chriſt your husband, your father your Captaine; will you leave him for the gaine the honour, the pleaſure of the world? will you leave him and enter conſort with profane people; will you fly from him, and joyne with his enemies, be aſſured then your memory ſhall rot, your name ſhall goe out like a candle: leaving nothing but an unſavory ſmell behinde it Your honour ſhall lie in the duſt, your name ſhall everlaſtingly periſh.
This by way of counſell ſhould adviſe all men to work their hearts to alow prizing of their preſent eſtate, and every thing they have here, incompart on of the enjoyment of Chriſts Gods children deſire to be diſ…ed, they know it to be better to be with Chriſt, then to continue here therefore looke on all your outward priviledges, and prerogatives as on d…gand droſſe in compariſon of the excellency of Chriſt, Phil. 3 8.nay look on the gift, and on all the beſt things of God which you have here in this …e, in compariſon of the full enjoyment of Chriſt, even a few gleani…s …n compariſon of the full vintage as on the daw…ing, in compariſon of the Noon-day, as on ſome ſmall love-tokens in compariſon of the compleate enjoyment of the bridegroome: 2 Cor. 1.22.we have the good things of God now as waters in a bottle, then we ſhall have them as waters in the fountaine, now we have them as an earneſt peny, then we ſhall have them in the full ſumme.
This miniſters matter of ſweet and ſingular conſolation to the ſurviving friend of all the godly deccated: it was their deſire to be diſſolved, Iudg. 8.2.it is better, yea farre better for them, they have a poſſeſsion now, the leaſt mite whereof is better then all the poſſeſsions of the earth we may ſay of this as Gideon did of the gleanings of Ephraim: the gleanings of Ephraim are better then the vintage of Abiezer here they were as …itors now their mairrage is conſumm…e, here they were as men walking in ſetters, now they are as men walking in chains of gold: here their bread was mingled with grav…ll, and their drink with gall, now they have a ſumptuous and a coſtly feaſt, here they were as ſouldiers in the Battel, now they have a glorious crowne put upon them, here they were … ſeed-men ſowing in teares, now they are as harvest men reaping in great job: here they were as runners in a race, now they have obtained the prize: here they were as wor…s and no men, obſcured with many clouds, now they have a name as glorious as the Sun, here their dw…lling was as in a dungeon, as in a houſe continually dropping thorow and ready to fall, now they have a glorious …al…ce wherein to dwell here they had conſortſhip with men who were as thornes in their ſides,Rev. 14.13. now they have communion with God, with Chriſt, with the glorious Angels and glorified Saints: in a word now they are ceaſed from their labours, and heir works follow them: therefore as we ſorrow at our owne loſſe, 1 Theſ. …13 14.ſo let us rejoyce in their gaine remembring that of the Apoſtle. I would not brethren have you ignorant concerning them which are a ſleep, that ye ſorrow even not as others which have no hope, for if we beleeve that Ieſus is dead, and is riſen, even ſo them that ſleep in Ieſus, will God bring with him.
4. This by way of Excitation ſhould perſwade and move men to a ſingular willingnes to leave all for Chriſt to lay down life, and all, and be deſirous to be diſſolved, for the enjoyment of Chriſt, to ſuffer wrong for Chriſt, to abide in any low and ſad condition with Chriſt as Ruth with Naomi: to long for Chriſts coming; to ſay with the Spouſe, come Lord Ieſu: But how ſhall we work our hearts to this, to be willing to ſuffer for Chriſt to work for Chriſt to lay down, Anſwer 1. Pſal 51.8. Iob. 33.19.20.& leave all for Chriſt.
Be experienced in the bitternes of ſin, how it breakes the bones How it cauſeth man to abborre his bread, and his ſoul, dainty meat, how it makes his fleſh to fail: Rom. 7.14.that it cannot be ſeen, and his bones to ſhiver, How it ſtrikes with ſorrow, and makes man to cry, O miſerable man that I am who ſhall deliver me from this body of death, be experienced in the miſery of this bondage, and thou ſhalt not much fear any priſon whereinto man can caſt thee; be ſenſible of the weight of this burthen, and the impoſition of Pharaohs burthens ſhall not much moleſt thee: know thou the hidiouſneſſe of a tempeſtuous and accuſing conſciences, and all the accuſations of men ſhall not much perplex thee, be ſenſible of the bitterneſſe of Gods wrath againſt ſin, and the declination of the wrath of men ſhall never prevail with thee to draw thee to do evill, be acquainted with the loſſe which commeth by ſin, and thou ſhall be willing to looſe all rather then fall into any ſin, be ſenſible of the troubleſomneſſe of this Inmate ſinne, and thou ſhalt be willing to go out of this houſe of thy fleſh that thou mayeſt ceaſe from ſinne, the more the ſoul is afflicted with the burthen of its own corruption, the more it is experienced in the bitterneſſe of the fruits of ſinne the more it longs to depart from this tabernacle of the fleſh and to be with Chriſt.Col 3.11.
Secondly get a through taſte of the goodnes and ſweetnes of Chriſt, taſte what Chriſt is to the ſoule when all is gone, even all in all, a Sun in darknes, a… in drought, and a ſtoore houſe in every want: and without Chriſt all worldly fullneſſe is very vanity and emptines, a body without a ſoule a ſ…mpe without oyle, a bone without marrow. Every high thing without Chriſt is baſe, every ſtrong thing without Chriſt is weake, and every full thing without Chriſt is empty: it is Chriſt that filleth all in all he is the fullneſſe of our knowledge, he that knowes not Chriſt is very blind and ignorant, he is the fullneſſe of our faith, if wee apprehend not Chriſt our faith is all empty hand; he is the fullnes of our Love, love is never perfect, never reſteth untill Chriſt is imbraced, he is the fullneſſe of our joy, if we joy not in Chriſt, we rejoyce in a thing of nought, he is the fullnes of all our poſſeſions, if we poſſes not Chriſt with them we have but a barren poſſeſſion, like the dry ground which Caleb gave unto his daughter Achſa without the wither ſprings, Ioſ. 15.19.therefore get a full and thorough taſte of Chriſt, of the ſweetneſſe and pleaſantnes of Chriſt, as the eye the ſweetnes of the Sun, the palate the ſweetnes of the wine, ſatiate thy ſoule in Chriſt, in the goodnes, fullnes fatnes, and ſweetnes which cometh from him, marry thy ſoule to him, take up thine abode and dwelling with him; fill thine eies with the beholding of Chriſts beauties, and ſay as Peter when he ſaw the gloryous transfiguration of Chriſt on the mount, It is good being here. Feed thy ſoule on Chriſt and ſay with them Iohn 6. Iohn. 6.Lord give us evermore of this bread. Let thy heart ſo love him, ſo admire him, ſo chooſe, ſo cleave unto him, that thou mayeſt be able to ſay of Chriſt as David of Goliahs ſword, there is none to that, there is none to Chriſt; and this will make thee willing to leave, and lay downe life and all for Chriſt.
Thirdly got aſſurance of glory with Chriſt, be ſure of raigning with him, and thou ſhalt be joyful in ſuffering and laying all downe for him were the ſouldier ſure of the conqueſt and the crowne, he would never feare to enter the battel, aſſurance of the crowne of life exceedingly ſweetens mans paſſage through the vally of death. Get cleare and invincible evidence of Gods love, and of intreſt in the firſt reſurrection, and then as Joſeph willingly put of his priſon garment, ſo ſhall you this garment of your fleſh, and as Iſrael went joyfully through the ſea to Canaan, ſo ſhall you through the deepe waters of all ſorrowes, troubles, changes yea death it ſelfe, unto heaven. You ſhall have a deſire to depart and be with Christ which is farre better.
Now concerning this our deceaſed brother; There are in the courſe of divine providence, ſome acts of God towards him worthy of obſervation; and ſome acts again of his, in themſelves worthy of imitation, If you caſt your eye on God and behold him in the way of his providence and diſpenſation you may obſerve.
1. An act of Gods liberall and bou-tifull communication; from ſmall beginnings the Lord increaſed and multiplyed his outward and earthly ſtock to a great abundance: he might have ſaid as old Jacob did. I am leſſe then the least of all the mercies, Gen. 32 101and all the truth which thou haſt ſhewed unto thy ſervant: for with my ſtaffe came I over this Jordan, I now have gotten two Bands: you muſt know that riches are the Lords, and he doth with his own what be pleaſe: Mat. 20.5.it is not the naked having, but the well uſing of riches that makes them truely comfortable to them that have them. … 2.5.It is not the rich in worldly goods, but the rich in faith are heirs of the Kingdoms which God hath provided for them that love him, riches without grace and Holineſſe are but as a lamp in a fooliſh virgins hand without oil, therefore as Chriſt charged his diſciplet not to labour for the bread which periſheth but for the bread which endureth to everlaſting life: Iohn 6.ſo labour you not for fading and periſhing riches, but for that riches, Heb. 10 34.which is an abiding ſubſtance: when God makes men not onelyonly rich in goods, but in true and ſaving goodneſſe, there goes the character of Gods undoubted loving kindneſſe.
Secondly, You may here of ſerve Gods act of Exaltation; the Lord raiſed him from a low condition, to the higheſt pitch and ſtep of outward dignity this place could afford him; wherein you may ſee that of Hanna verified, 1. Sam. 2.7.8.The Lordmak th… poore, and maketh rich bringeth low and exalteth, be raiſeth up the poore out of the duſt, and lifteth up the begger from the dunghill, to ſet them among princes, and …o make them inherit the throne of glory: you may here ſee that of the Palmiſt made good. Pſal. 7 5.6.7.Promotion commeth neither from the Eaſt, nor fram the Weſt, nor from the South, but God is the Iudge, he maketh low, and he maketh high: Yet this obſerve, that when God doth not onelyonly exalt a man in civill juriſdiction over his brethren but in ſpirituall juriſdiction over his corruption, Satan and the world, that is the man whom God makes truely honourable: that man alone who honours the place of eminency wherein God ſits him, by his wiſe and gracious deportment in it, and faithfull diſcarge of it, is the man that ſhall be everlaſtingly honoured.
The Lord gave him not only wealth and dignity among the people, but alſo knowledge and underſtanding in the things of this life and partly in the things of a better life: now there is a knowledge Hyſtoricall, and a knowledge my…icall a knowledge ſpeculative and a knowledge experiamentall, a knowledge diſcuſſive and a knowledge practicall: that man that doth not onelyonly know the way of God but all walk in it, is the man that ſhall be ſurely bleſſed, that knowledge alone which is affective, ſubmiſſive, and communicative argues a ſaving illumination i… them that have it, much knowledge in the underſtanding without ſutable obedience in the converſation, doth exceedingly aggravate mans condemnation
There are alſo ſome acts of his, which in themſelves are worthy of Imnitation.
Firſt, An act of Miniſtration he was not a ſealed fountain, he kept not all unto himſel…, but for divers yeers together laid aſide a certain ſome every day for the poore: ſimply to give of what a man hath, is not enough: he alone that gives in love to God, in pity to them that need, Heb 23.13.and for the glory of God, is the man that ſhall not looſe his reward: thus to communicate and to do good, is a ſacrifice wel-pleaſing in the ſight of God.
Secondly, His diſcourſe and communication was often of the beſt things, he knew how to ſpeak to edification; and uſually according to that of our Saviour, out of the abundance of the heart the mouth ſpeaketh, and ſo I ſuppoſe we are to conceive it, unleſſe we know the contrary to it.
Thirdly, It was obſerved by ſuch as were very neere him, that hee ſeldome did ſet himſelfe about any weighty undertaking, but he firſt addreſſed himſelf to God by prayer for councell & a bleſſing: barely to pray is inſufficient to argue any man to be a childe of God; that prayer alone is acceptable, and returnes with a bleſſing which proceeds from faith and unfained affection.
Laſtly, you all know that he was a zealous maintainer and ſtout defender of the Juriſdiction authority dignity and priviledges of this Incorporation; and as touching the common controverſie of the Kingdome I am very confident by what I have heard him ſpeake, and ſeene him doe that he was very really and cordiall to the Parliament, however ſome jealouſies to the contrary were raiſed.
But why or for whoſe ſakes is all this ſpoken, but for yours that are living: ſhortly to let you ſee the vanity of all outward things, how then like Jonahs goard that came up in an evening and wither in the morning, to let you ſee that richer profit not in the day of wrath, onelyonly righteouſneſſe delivereth from death. 2. To move you to a faithfull imployment of that talent wherewith the Lord hath intruſted you, notwithſtanding all your wealth and authority your body like this your brother will lie ſhortly in the duſt, & you ſhall appear before the Lords tribunall there to receive according to that which you have done in the body whither it be good or evil: therefore like good nurſes draw forth now your full breaſts to nouriſh the Lords hungry ſervants caſt out the beams of conſolation upon them that ſet in ſorrow and ſadneſſe, as the Sun caſteth out his light for the direction and comfort of poore travellers, and the clouds their rain for there freſhing and making fruitfull of the dry and barren ground. 3. To ſtir you to be men of prayer indeed, to pray not like Mariners in a ſtorme, not formally, cuſtomarily, coldly, and for faſhion onelyonly as many doe, like a company of canting beggers that pray for cuſtome and not for conſcience, but underſtandingly, ſenſibly affectionately that Chriſt may heare and help you, and that Chriſt may abundantly bleſſe and proſper you, acquaint your ſelves with God by prayer daily, ſweetly, throughly that peace, and mercy may be upon you. 4. To perſwade you to conſecrate your ſelves and all your abilities unto God to be active and lively indeed for God, to bee faithfull in keeping Covenant with God, to bee full and fruithfull in every good way and worke of God; to worke and keep your ſoul in ſuch an underſtanding, holy, humble, penitent, beleeving, heavenly, ſincere, circumſpect, and univerſally gracious frame and temper, condition and poſture, that you be able at all times and ſeaſons, in all eſtates and conditions every one for himſelf to ſay with the Apoſtle. I have a deſire to be diſſolved and be with Chriſt which is ſerve better.
FINIS.
End of the text · Alexander Grosse, Christ the Christians Choice (1645)