Christ the Perfect Pattern of a Christians Practice, Sermon 4

Christ the Perfect Pattern of a Christians Practice · Sermon 4

p. 47Mary Wolnoth, October the 15. 1648. foreign.

Matth. 20. 34. init.

Jeſus being moved with compaſſion, touched their Eyes.

foreign.

IN this Chapter, we have four things conſiderable.

1. A Parable of Labourers ſent forth into the Vineyard. This Parable is 1. Propounded, verſ. 1. ad 16.

2. Applyed, verſ. 16. The ſcope of it, is to overthrow the Doctrine of merit, and to eſtabliſh the gift of ſalvation, and eternal life upon the meer merciemercy and free grace of God. Eternal life is not given unto any for his working; p. 48it doth not flow from any good in the perſon receiving, but from the free love of God in Chriſt, chuſing unto holineſs and ſalvation, whom he pleaſeth. It is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that ſheweth mercy, that's the Apoſtles determination of this Queſtion, after a ſerious debate, Rom. 9. 16. Eternal death, that's of merit, but eternal life is of grace, Rom. 6. ult.

1. A premonition, or Prediction of the Paſſion and ſufferings of Chriſt at Jeruſalem, verſ. 17. ad 20.

2. And of his Reſurrection from the dead: the Doctrine of the Croſſe is not eaſily ſubmitted unto, therefore there is neceſſity, that it ſhould be often preached. Our Saviour ever and anon, was preaching the Doctrine of his ſufferings to his Diſciples, as Matth. 16. 21. Matth. 17. 22. and in this Chapter again, he takes up the ſame Argument. They dreamed of an Earthly Kingdom, and earthly honours, therefore our Saviour preacheth ſo frequently of his ſufferings, to take them off from ſuch a conceit, and to prepare them for Tryal. And he doth not only foretell of his ſuff…rings, but of his Conqueſt alſo, his Reſurrection, verſ. 19. We ſhall finde ordinarily, that when his death is mentioned, his Reſurrection alſo is ſpoken of, as in thoſe places before cited, Matth. 16. 21. Mat. 17. 23. and here in this place, Mark 8. 31. Mar. 9. 31. Mar. 10. 34.

Its very profitable and neceſſary for the Miniſters of Chriſt, when they preach of ſufferings, p. 49to add ſomething concerning the iſſue and conſequence of ſufferings: when we ſpeak of Death, its good to mention the Reſurrection alſo. The Spirits of the beſt Chriſtians, will ſoon ſink under ſufferings, if they be not acquainted with the victory they ſhall have over ſufferings. We finde in the Scripture, that when the Apoſtle ſpake any thing of the Croſſe, there is uſually mention made of the good iſſue of it, as Heb. 12. 6, 7, 8, 9. there is the Doctrine of the Croſſe. And verſ. 10, 11. there is the Doctrine of the Reſurrection. So 1 Pet. 4. 12. there is the croſs; Verſ. 13, 14. there you have the Crown alſo.

3. A ſolemn charge given to the Diſciples, againſt affectation of Dominion, and preheminencè one over another, verſ. 20. ad 29. where you have,

1. The occaſion of it, viz. A Requeſt made by the Mother of Zebedees Children, for her two Sons, James and John, verſ. 20. ad 25. It was their ignorance and fault, that they would not be beat…n off from the thoughts of a worldly Kingdom, &c. This gave occaſion to the other 10. Diſciples, to be angry with the two Brethren.

2. The urging of the thing it ſelf, verſ. 25. ad 29. our Saviour ſolemnly calls them together, and gives them a charge againſt any ſuch ambition.

4. A great miraculous Cure, wrought by our Saviour, upon two blinde men, in the ſight of a great multitude which followed him, verſ. 29. p. 50ad finem. They hearing that Jeſus, who had done ſo many miracles, paſſed by, ſend out their cries after him. The multitude rebuke them, that they ſhould hold their peace: grace growes ſtronger by oppoſition, the more they are rebuked, the lowder they cry. Their prayers and importunity ſtop the Lord Jeſus in his way: he calls them to him, reaſons with them, deſires to know why they called him. And upon the hearing of their deſire, grants their requeſt, He had compaſſion on them, and touched their eyes, &c.

In that part of the Verſe which I have read, we have two things.

1. An Act done, foreign, that ſhewes the miracle, Chriſt could heal with a touch of his hemme ſometimes, Matth. 14. 36.

It ſhewes his condeſcenſion, that he would touch them, mean perſons, Mat. 8. 3. the Leper Mat. 8. 15. the Fever, Mat. 7. 33. deaf, and the impediment of ſpeech, Luk. 22. 51. Malchus his eare.

Note, The least touch of Chriſts finger, will cure perfectly the greateſt diſeaſe of ſoul, or of body. If Chriſt do but touch the hand, the fever is gone, the eyes are opened, &c. If the woman that had the bloody iſſue for twelve years, do but touch his Garment, ſhe findes a preſent cure, Mark 5. 25. &c. when the Diſciples are overwhelmed with fear at Chriſts Transfiguration, a touch of their Maſters hand revives them, Matth. 17. 7. When Daniel is in his Agony, p. 51overwhelmed, a very touch of the Son of man ſtrengthneth him, Dan. 10. 18, 19. The hard heart is broken with a touch of Chriſts finger; the dead heart is quickned, if Chriſt doth but lay his hand upon it: the troubled conſcience is pacified and quieted, if Chriſt put but his finger in at the hole of the door: the deaf ear is unſtopped, the ſtammering tongue ſpeaks plainly, the frozen heart is thawed, &c. If Chriſt do but touch the bier, the dead body is raiſed, Luk. 7. 14.

Nay, Our Saviour cures with leſſe then a touch. His very word healeth any Diſeaſe of ſoul or body. He cast out Devils with his word, a Legion out of one man, Thou unclean Spirit come out of him, Matth. 8. 16. He rebuked the fever with his word, Luk. 4. 39. The Noblemans Son, who lay at point of death, labouring of a Fever, was healed with a word, ſpeaking at a diſtance, John 4. 50. 52. He hath abſolute power over all Diſeaſes of body, and all ſpiritual maladies, and when he ſaith, Go, they go, when he ſaith, Be removed, they depart immediately.

Nay, He can cure with the glance of his eye, which is leſſe then his word. When Peter's heart was grown hard with ſin: firſt denies, and then denies with Oaths and curſes that he knew not the man: Chriſt did but caſt his very eye upon him, and his heart relented preſently, Luk. 22. 61. As the very look of Chriſt can make the Earth to tremble, and his enemies to languiſh, ſo the leaſt glance of his eye cures all Diſeaſes. p. 52As he can kill with his touch, ſo can he cure with his touch. All Job's troubles, was nothing but a touch of Gods hand, Job 19. 21. He did but touch Jacob's thigh, and it was out of joynt preſently, Gen. 32. 25.

The touch of his hand ſets the Hills a ſmoaking, Pſal. 104. 32. ſo his touch revives, comforts, ſtrengthens. He did but put his finger through the hole of the door, and the languiſhing love-ſick Church was comforted, Cant. 5. 4, 5. He did but touch Jeremiahs mouth, and he was emboldened againſt all the contradictions of men, Ier. 1. 9. He did but touch the Prophet Eſays lips, and his iniquity was purged, and his guilt removed, Iſay 6. 7.

1. Uſe. We have here a notable and clear proof of Chriſts Divinity from this paſſage. He that can open blinde eyes with the touch of his finger, is no leſſe then God undoubtedly, his touch is omnipotent.

2d Uſe. It is a ground of exceeding great comfort and joy unto the Servants of Chriſt, who labour under many ſpiritual Infirmities. Its the condition of the Servants of God, to be exerciſed under many foul maladies; they have blinde mindes, dead hearts, cold affections, feavoriſh heats of inordinate and worldly love, they uſe many Medicines, and finde not healing. Well, do not deſpait, do not deſpond, Chriſt hath a healing hand, his very touch can cure you prefectly of all; the very tip of his finger, the very breath of his mouth, the very glance of his eyes can make your fleſh whole. p. 53Lord, if thou wilt, thou canſt make me clean, ſaith the Leper. I will, ſaith Chriſt, be thou clean, and immediately, his Leproſie was cleanſed, Matth. 8. 3. If he do but touch your eyes, they will be opened; if he touch your tongue, it will be untied; if he touch your hearts, they will relent; what though you have layn very long, and in your own thoughts, be ever at the point of death, yet his touch, his word can recover you. Jeſus Chriſt never ſent any diſeaſed perſons away, for want of power, he never ſaid to any, the Diſeaſe is too far gone; no, though they lay gaſping for life, yet he wrought their recovery.

Be ſtrengthned therefore, and you have the more reaſon to be ſo, if you conſider, that he is not only able, but willing too; for he hath compaſſion in him toward thoſe, who ſeek to him in their miſery, which is the ſecond part of the Text.

2. The impulſive cauſe of this act, viz. his own goodneſs foreign. The word comes from foreign, or foreign, which ſignifies the bowels, foreign. Phil. 2. 1. bowels of mercies, hence comes the verbe, foreign, to ſhew compaſſion, Intima miſerecordia tangor. It anſwers the Hebrew word, rachamim, which ſignifies mercy proceeding from the bowels. And indeed, thats true mercy, which ſprings out of this Fountain, it muſt be ſpun out of the bowels, or elſe it is not true charity. There may be hand-charity, where there is no heart-charity. Therefore ye have p. 54the expreſſion, of drawing out of the ſoul to the hungry, Iſay 58. 10. Though we do ſatisfie the ſoul of the afflicted, yet if that do not ſpring from our very ſoul, 'tis not mercy, but hypocriſie. The Apoſtle ſpeaks of ſhutting up the bowels from the poor, Col. 3. 12. Though the doors be opened, to take in the wanderers, and the hand and purſe opened to relieve the needy and diſtreſſed, yet unleſs the bowels alſo be opened, it falls ſhort of true mercy.

This is enough for the word. The Doctrine Doct.is this: The Lord Jeſus Chriſt, when he was upon the Earth, was exceeding compaſſionate towards thoſe who ſtood in need of mercy. He had bowels of compaſſion towards thoſe who were in miſery. He was very pittiful and tender hearted towards the diſtreſſed.

1. Towards the ſouls of men, he ſhewed compaſſion, vid. Mat. 9. 36, 37, 38. He ſets his Diſciples a praying, when he ſaw how they were neceſſitated and diſtreſſed, for want of Preachers, to open to them the way of life, his ſoul was grieved for them. They perhaps had no compaſſion towards themſelves; perhaps, thought themſelves better without a Preacher, than with a Preacher, as many Congregations in this City, but Chriſt had compaſſion towards them: and in the very next Chapter, ſends out his twelve Apoſtles, to preach the word to them for their ſalvation. This is the very firſt Commiſſion which Chriſt gives them, to preach. His very bowels yearned within him, to ſee ſouls periſh for want of inſtruction. Their ordinary Teachers which they p. 55had, the Prieſts and Levites, and the Phariſees were as good as no Shepherds: therefore Chriſt out of meer compaſſion, ordains another Miniſtry for them.

1. The ſpiritual diſtempers of their hearts, was a great grief to his ſpirit, Mark 3. 5. He went up and down preaching in their Synagogues, and teaching the Goſpel of the Kingdom, conferring privately upon occaſion, with perſons about their ſouls.

2. Towards their bodies, he was full of compaſſion.

(1) Whenſoever any came to him, for any cure of any malady upon himſelf, or any of his; his bowels were moved, & he healed them, as theſe blinde men in the Text: the Leper comes to Chriſt, Mark 1. 41. Chriſt is moved with compaſſion towards him. We do not read of any that deſired cure, that were rejected. Vid. Mat. 15. 30.

(2) We finde many times, that even undeſired, he did acts of mercy to the distreſſed. Vid. Matth. 15. 32. he ſpreads a Table for them, was loath they ſhould faint by the way, Luk. 7. 12, 13. meeting with a Widdow of Naim, following her only Son to the grave, his bowels roll within him, and without being deſired, he raiſeth him up. At the pool of Betheſda, ſeeing a poor helpleſs Cripple, who had layn long there 38. yearsfor cure, but could not prevail with any to throw him into the water, when the Angel ſtir'd it, he applies himſelf to him, and heales him, John 5. 5, 6. So Luk. 10. 33. when he ſees p. 56the wounded man by ſprawling in his blood, of his own accord, he goes and takes him up, and makes proviſion for him, he is the compaſſionate Samaritan.

(3) We finde, that he ſhed teares, when men had incur'd irrevocable miſery upon themſelves. That in Luk. 19. 41. &c. Jeruſalem had let ſlip the opportunities of her healing. This pierced his ſoul.

foreign The Reaſons of it are,

1. Vinculum Naturae, He was Goel our Kinſman, bone of our bone, and fleſh of our fleſh, he being truly in our Nature, had a condolency and ſympathy towards our Nature. There is another ground of that ſympathy and compaſſion, which Chriſt hath towards his own, viz. the myſtical union. He is the head of the myſtical body; therefore he compaſsionates them. Saul, Saul, why perſecuteſt thou me? Identity of Nature works this compaſsion. All Creatures have a compaſsion towards their own Nature. As the affections of Chriſt, viz his joy, ſorrow, &c. argue the truth of his humanity; ſo the truth of his humanity puts out theſe affections Heb. 2. 17.Heb 2:17towards us.

2. Vinculum officii, It was ſuitable to that Office which Chriſt ſuſtained, and to that employment for which he came into the World. He was that great Phyſitian which was ſent f…om Heaven, for the healing of men. He was that Saviour, who came to recover men out of their miſery, therefore requiſite, that he ſhould be moved with their miſery. He came purpoſely p. 57to help fallen man out of the pit: therefore he muſt reach his hand to them. He was that Shepherd, who came to ſeek that which was loſt. To binde up the broken hearted, to appoint to them that mourn in Zion beauty for aſhes, &c. Iſa. 61. 1, 3. His work being to ſave, to heal, to comfort, to reſtore, he could not but ſhew compaſſion towards Creatures, who wanted him.

3. Vinculum Doctrinae. To teach us compaſſion. To take away that cruelty which we have in us. To put us upon the practiſe of mercy. Be ye merciful, for I am merciful.

4. Vinculum experientiae. His own experience of miſery. Non ignara mali miſeris ſuccurrere diſco. He felt the weight and burden of many miſeries. All the infirmities of our Nature, Chriſt was ſubject to, not perſonal infirmities▪ &c. This the Apoſtle makes a ground of his compaſsion, Heb. 4. 15. He was a man of ſorrowes, and acquainted with grief, Iſa. 53. 3.

1. Uſe. You who are the Servants of Chriſt, you may expect much more compaſſion from him now. Heaven and glory, and the advancement of your head, hath not dried up the bowels of his compaſsion, nor made him mindful of your ſorrows. Though he be in glory, and ſo not capable of any ſufferings; yet he hath a condolency towards them in their troubles. In all their afflictions he was afflicted, Iſa. 63. 9. vid. Heb. 4. 15. 'Tis an exceeding great myſtery, how Chriſt in glory can be touched with a ſenſe of his Saints Infirmities, yet it is a truth. He that p. 58did compaſſionate ſtrangers, will he not much more pitty his Brethren? he that healed his enemies, will he not much more tender his friends? Quid ſi ipſe amâſſet? Quid mihi hic faciet Patri? when you ſeek to him in your tryals, Temptations, &c. you may expect to have his very bowels melt over you. He will not look diſdainfully and ſtrangely upon you, who looked with ſuch a compaſſionate countenance upon all, who came to him when he was on earth, He is a merciful High-Prieſt ſtill. Vid. Heb. 4. 15, 16. He will not ſuffer you to lie for ever under your troubles: he will not leave you without comfort, while your affliction laſts.

Object. I, but he delayes and defers, I have been long afflicted, &c.

Sol. 'Tis not for want of compaſſion, but from abundance of compaſſion. He would rather have you under trouble, than under ſin. He is not ſo without compaſsion, as to take away the Phyſick, till the Diſeaſe be cured. To remove the Plaſter, till the corruption be drawn out, &c. He is ſo compaſsionate, that he will not let you be in ſorrow one minute longer, than need requires. And in the mean time, he ſtands weeping over you, &c.

1. Its an exceeding comfort under ſorrow, and a good preparative to prepare us for greater ſufferings. Though we muſt be toſſed more, and longer in the waves of affliction, &c. Jeſus Chriſt will hold our head, ſtroke our wounds, p. 59ſtrengthen our loines: When the Diſciples are upon the tempeſtuous Sea, Jeſus Chriſt is a praying for them, Matth. 14. 23, 24. And ſo is he continually, while his Church is on this tempeſtuous Sea. He that deſpiſed not the cries and ſighs of men upon earth, how ſhould he deſpiſe their cries who are the beloved of his ſoul… you may come into as much affliction as any other, paſſing through the fire and water, Iſa. 43. 2. but this is your comfort, Though you may want compaſſions from men, you ſhall have bowels of mercy from Chriſt. In the day of temptation and ſpiritual fear, then will he open his bowels to you, for he was tempted, that he might ſuccour thoſe who are tempted, Heb. 2. 18. In the houre of death, when you are ſtrugling with thoſe pains. He that prayed his Diſciples when himſelf was in that caſe, to tarry with him and watch, Mark 14. 34. will ſhew you the ſame compaſſion to watch with you. He was pittiful towards his Diſciples; when he ſaw them bewailing his abſence, ſee how his compaſſions rowl, how his bowels work, John 14. init. you ſhall finde him the ſame to daey and for ever. 2. Its a great ground of lifting up the head under all your troubles. He that commanded his Miniſters to promiſe all the afflicted ſo much in his Name, and he will make it good, Iſa. 35. 3, 4. He will help you to bear your burthens.

2. Its an encouragement to you, when you go to beg any thing of him by prayer. A compaſſionate Saviour will not caſt out the deſires p. 60of the afflicted. The Apoſtle upon this very ground, invites you to come with boldneſs to his Throne, Vid. Heb. 4. 15, 16. He was pittiful towards thoſe who never made requeſt to him; healed many without a Petition, as you have heard; and will he be cruel, and hard-hearted to thoſe who cry after him? The prayer of the blinde men here, put ſuch an impreſſion upon him, that he can go no farther, till he hath called them to him; And he hath now as much love to prayer as then, and is as ſenſible of all your burdens, as he was of theirs. He will ſpeak to the Father for you.

3. It gives you comfort to believe, that when you go to ſeek Reconciliation, after any provocations and fallings out, that he will be eaſily intreated to ſhew you reſpect, and to turn his countenance towards you, and ſhine upon you. Compaſsion will remove Clouds from his face, and forgive offences, Vid. Mat. 18. 27. his compaſsion moves him to remiſsion, Vid. Pſal. 78. 38. Harſh diſpoſitions keep anger long, but candid and tender-hearted perſons are perſwaded.

He would have us to be ſo courteous, and compaſsionate as not to ſleep in anger: The Sun muſt not go down upon our wrath, Eph. 4. 26. He will obſerve it himſelf. Vid. Mich. 7. 18, 19.

2d Uſe. Exhortation.

(1) It ſhould be an invitement to all ſinners to come unto him. Lay your diſeaſed ſouls in the p. 61way of Chriſt, that when he travels, he may ſee them and heal them. The firſt part of mans miſery is, That he is fallen from happineſs to miſery. The other is, that he is not willing to be helped out of his miſery. God calls, Chriſt intreats, the ſpirit knocks, but man is deaf. Jeſus Chriſt complains of mans untowardneſs, Ye will not come to me, that you may have life, John 5. 40. If Jeſus Chriſt were harſh, cruel, rugged as men are, ſomething might be ſaid for your keeping off from him; but ſince he is ſo compaſsionate, and ready to accept, why do you ſtand at a diſtance? you cannot pleaſe him better, than to caſt your diſtempered ſouls down at his feet. He will not ſend you away with harſh anſwers, but will touch your blind eyes, and recover them; your hard hearts, and ſoften them; your dead ſouls, and quicken them; he never did, never will ſend any away, that come to him. He is compaſsionate towards ſinners, let not ſinners be cruel to themſelves. Try how tenderly he will deal with you.

(2) Let us learn in this particular grace, to walk as Jeſus Chriſt walked, 1 Iohn 2. 6. Our Saviour was full of bowels; if we be truly his Diſciples, let us walk in his ſteps, let his compaſsions move us to pitty our diſtreſſed Brethren, who are plunged into miſery. This is a duty recommended in the Scripture, in many places, Vid. 1 Pet. 3. 8. Col. 3. 12. Heb. 13. 3. And the Servants of Chriſt have followed their Maſters ſteps in this grace. They did ſympathize with others in their diſtreſs, Iob profeſſeth it p. 62of himſelf, Iob 30. 25. Hanani was thus affected, Neh. 1. init. Ieremiah, Cap. 9. 1. Iſa. Cap. 22. 4. and generally, all the ſervants of God, let us be like affected.

1. Let us be compaſſionate to mens outward wants and miſeries.

2. To their inward and ſoul-miſeries.

(1) To the bodily afflictions of men, never had this Doctrine need of more ſerious urging, than in our dayes.

(1) Objects of Compaſſion, were never more, the neceſſities of men are great: the Rod of God hath layn long and heavily upon the Land, and upon our Brethren abroad. It is the day of Iacobs trouble. Many rich Families impoveriſhed. Thoſe who were cloathed in Scarlet, embrace the Dunghill; never ſo many leane cheeks and ragged bodies, &c. Poverty and want, as an armed man hath ſeiſed upon them, and ſorrow as the pains of a travailing Woman, Prov. 6. 11. many conſtrained to receive from others, who have been able to contribute formerly.

2. As Objects of pitty are increaſed, ſo compaſſion and pitty is much abated. Mens bowels never more ſtraitned than now. We have had a long winter of affliction, and our ſpirits are frozen up by reaſon of it. Warre hath made us cruel and hard-hearted &c. Jehoram had a Diſeaſe in his bowels, 1 Chron. 21. 18. 'Tis an epidemical Diſeaſe in our times, never did men in affliction finde ſuch incompaſsionatenes generally: the laſt day's ſin is, unnaturalnes, or want of natural affection, &c. 2 Tim. 3. init. p. 63This Doctrine therefore is neceſſary.

Two things I would ſpeak to, in this Uſe.

(1) Shew you how Christian compaſſion is to be ſhewed.

(2) Give you ſome Motives to urge the practiſe.

1. Would you know how you muſt ſhew compaſsion.

Conſider theſe three things.

1. Kind language and condoling Carriage.

2. Fervent prayers, and Petitions for them.

3. Actual relief and adminiſtring to their wants.

1. We must give kind and comfortable Language to them. So did our Saviour. He condoles with them. Ieſus wept. John 11. 35. He waſhed their ſores in his teares, when he ſees the lame man lye at the pool, he hath friendly diſcourſe with him about his trouble. When theſe blinde men come to him, he doth friendly diſcourſe with them. What will you, that I do for you. As the Lord anſwers the Angel that ſpake to him about the troubles of the Church with good words, and comfortable, Zech. 1. 13. This is that which Iob blames his friends, and ſhewes, that if they were in his condition, he would ſpeak to them after another manner, Iob 16. 4, 5. Harſh, rigid, and biting language heaped up to men in diſtreſs, argues want of compaſsion. Good words are cordial, bitter ſpeeches are as Vinegar and Wormwood. We muſt not anſwer men in diſtreſs with taunts & p. 64ſcorns, as Nabal anſwered Davids Meſſengers, Vid. 1 Sam. 25. 10, 11. Be of good cheere, Weep not, that was our Saviours word often.

II. Compaſſion muſt not reſt and determine in words, but the condition of the afflicted muſt be alſo recommended to God by hearty prayer: words are but dry charity. Our Saviour, he puts up requeſts to God, for the diſtreſſes of men. He is praying for the Diſciples, when they are toſſed, Matth. 14. 23, 24. And he taught this act of compaſſion to his Diſciples, vid. Mat. 9. 36, 37, 38. And Zech. 1. 12; we have his prayer for the Myrtle Trees in the bottom. Thus Daniel ſhewed his compaſſion to the afflicted Jewes, Dan. 9. per totum. And thus did Nehemiah teſtifie his pittifulneſs, Neh. 1. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. And this muſt be not only in the publick, but in ſecret alſo. Nehemiah's and Daniel's were private prayers.

III. We muſt actually adminiſter ſupply to their wants. Good words and prayers are not ſufficient without this. St. James tells us, how we muſt ſhew compaſſion, Vid. Jam. 2. 15, 16. So did our Saviour, he doth not only look upon the wounded man, but binds up his wounds, and layes him upon his own beaſt, &c. takes care of him, makes proviſion for him, Luk. 10. 34, 35. Thus Iob ſhewed his compaſſion, Iob 31. 17, 18, 19. He fed the hungry, and cloathed the naked, and relieved the oppreſſed, and ſet at liberty the Captives, &c. Drawing out of the ſoul to the hungry, and ſatisfying the afflicted ſoul, are joyned together, p. 65Iſa. 58. 10. As Dorcas made Coats for the Widdows which were naked, Acts 9. 39. Bread muſt be broken to the hungry, and drink given to the thirſty in ſoul, &c. Playſters muſt be ſpread upon the ſore, &c. And all this out of a fellow-feeling of others wants.

Motives to this are very many, viz.

(1) Conſider the compaſſion that we have received from Christ, and from God. The bowels of Heaven have melted over us in our mi…ery. Chriſt yearned over us, when we were in our blood, Ezech. 16. init. we have lived upon Gods compaſſion, ever ſince we were. This is our Saviours Motive. Vid. Mat. 18. 27. 33.

Explication. The Apoſtle makes this a ſtrong Motive for brotherly love, 1 John 4. 9. 10. ſee the inference, verſ. 11. and our Saviour makes this very Application, of that Act of compaſſion of his, in waſhing his Diſciples feet, John 13, 14. Conſider it, Incompaſſionate men, forget Gods compaſſions to them.

(2) Conſider what Relation there is between thy ſelf, and every reaſonable Creature. There is a fraternity between man and man, a double fraternity betwixt Chriſtian and Chriſtian; believers and believers, are fellow-members of one myſtical body: therefore there ſhould be compaſſion amongſt them. This the Apoſtle preſſeth, 1 Cor. 12. 26. And man and man are related. There is Vinculum Naturae. We are foreign, Acts 17. 26. By this Argument, the Holy Ghoſt enforceth this duty, Iſa. 58. 7. I know the hand muſt be ſtretched out firſt to p. 66the Houſhold of Faith, Gal. 6. 10. becauſe there is Duplex Vinculum. They are not only one fleſh, but one ſpirit alſo, 1 Cor. 12, 13. yet the relation betwixt man and man, is ſtrong enough to unlock the bowels of compaſſion. All men are Conſanguinei. Every man in miſery, is our Neighbour, &c. So our Saviour teacheth, Luk. 10. 29, 30.

(3) We are lyable and obnoxious to the ſame ſufferings and infirmities which others are under. Our lot may be to indure the ſame miſeries of every kind. Quod cuidam cuivis. The Apoſtle ſpeaks of foreign. 1 Cor. 10. 13. Thou mayſt be as poor, as diſeaſed, as dejected as any object thou beholdeſt, Iob in one day fell from the Throne to the Dunghill. Ergo, upon this conſideration, this grace is enforced in the Scripture, vid. Gal. 6. 1. and Heb. 13. 3. and Eccleſ. 11. 2. And if trouble befall any of us, that compaſſion which we have extended to others, will be an Argument of ſingular comfort to us, in the evil day. Iob in his miſery, drawes exceeding conſolation from this, Iob 31. 17, 18, 19. Now when he had ſcarce Clothes for his own back, his comfort was, that he had with his fleece cloathed many. And as it will be our comfort in an evil day, ſo it will be a ground of comfort, that the bowels of others ſhall be turned towards us at ſuch a time, vid. Pſal. 41. 1, 2. Iob ſound the return of all that compaſſion he had extended to others; The Lord made others to ſhew mercy to him. Judgement without mercy, is threatned to him, p. 67who will ſhew no mercy, Jam. 2. 13. Vid. Pſal. 109. 12. 16. That's a very ſerious Text in Amos 6. 6, 7.

(4) Incompaſſionateneſs argues want of love to God. Love to our Neighbour, is the fruit and teſtimony of our love to God: where the love of God dwells, there tenderneſs of heart to men dwelleth alſo. The Apoſtle is clear for this, 1 Iohn 3. 17. i. e. the love of God doth not dwell under that roof. Men may boaſt what they pleaſe of high affections to Chriſt, but he is a lyer, who ſaith he loves God, who hates his Brother, 1 Iohn 4. 20. Nay, he that hath not brotherly compaſſion, is a ſtranger to Religion, vid. Iam. 1. ult. Jeſus Chriſt tells Peter, how he ſhould expreſſe his love to him, Iohn 21. feed my ſheep, feed my Lambs, Acts of compaſſion. 'Tis a ſign of a converted man, vid. Acts 16. 33.

(5) Incompaſſion is a worſe condition then any ſufferings: better far to be under the ſoreſt trouble, then not to pitty others in trouble, Hoſ. 9. 14. dry breaſts in this ſenſe, is a ſore judgement, unmercifulneſs is reckoned amongſt the worſt of ſins, vid. Rom. 1. 31. Better to be in the ſick mans condition, then to look upon him in his ſickneſs, without bowels.

(6) Compaſſionate perſons are moſt fit for Church-employment, 1 Tim. 5. 10.

(7) Denying compaſſion to men in trouble, is a very great heightning of their trouble, I may ſay, it is the ſting which pricks them to p. 68the heart. Iob bewailes as much the want of compaſſion in men, from whom he expected relief, as he did all his troubles. To him who is in trouble, pitty ſhould be ſhewed from his friends, vid. Job 19. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21. Incompaſsionateneſs is as ſtripes to the naked body.

(8) Conſider what ſentence will be pronounced at the laſt day againſt incompaſsion, vid. Mat. 25. ult. the mentioning of that ſin is enough to ſhew the haynouſneſs of it. Cruelty towards the afflicted, will ſend men into eternall fire. Paul prayes for One ſiphorus, that He may finde mercy at the day of judgement, 2 Tim. 1. 18.

(2) As, to mens bodies, compaſſion muſt be ſhewed; ſo eſpecially to the ſouls of men. Jeſus Chriſt (as hath been ſaid) was very tender towards mens ſouls, ſo ſhould we. This ſhould be manifeſted by every Chriſtian.

(1) By endeavouring to convince them that are impenitent of their ſins, and perſwading them to forſake their ſins, viz. by reproving, counſelling, &c. labouring for their converſion by all meanes. Its an evident character of a true penitent and Convert, to ſeek the converſion of others. When thou art converted, ſtrengthen thy Brethren. The Woman of Samaria, John 4. calls all the City to Chriſt, when ſhe believed in him. This was in Paul, I could wiſh my ſelf accurſed from Christ for my Brethren &c. Rom. 9. 3. Set out Chriſt in his beauty to their ſouls, as you have occaſion. Andrew, p. 69when he hath found Chriſt, he brings Simon to him. Philip he brings Nathaniel, John 1. 40, 41, 45. Private Chriſtians might be very inſtrumental in the converſion of men, did they bear ſuch tenderneſs, as is meet to the ſouls of others.

(2) By mourning for the ſtubborn and obdurate, who will not be reclaimed. Thus did David. Rivers of teares run down mine eyes, &c. I beheld the tranſgreſſors, and was grieved, Pſal. 119. 136. 158. Thus did Jeremiah, If ye will not lay it to heart, my ſoul ſhall mourn in ſecret for your pride. Ier. 13. 17. Ieſus Chriſt, yee hear, was grieved for the hardneſs of mens hearts, Mark 3. 5. We can perhaps reproach, ſcorn men, for their blindneſs, ignorance, impiety, ſtubbornneſs, &c. but where is he that mourns in ſecret for ir? perhaps your teares might prevail with God for ſoftning grace, for the rocky hearts of others.

(3) By comforting the afflicted in ſpirit, the troubled conſcience, powring in Oyl to ſupple, &c. holding out a light to them in the dark, reaching the promiſes to their lips, putting our arms under them, &c. Thus did Ieſus Chriſt, he had cordials for languiſhing ſouls, Iſay 61. 3. He would not break the bruiſed Reed, &c. when his Diſciples were overwhelmed with ſorrow for his abſence, how doth he revive them, &c. To Mary Magdalen, Iohn 20. 15, 16. vid. 2 Cor. 1. 4.

p. 70(4) By endeavouring to reduce the erroneous into the right way again. We generally complain againſt the Hereſies, errors, which are taken up, &c. but what meanes do we uſe to reclaim them? vid. Jam. 5. 19, 20.

(5) By helping up them who are fallen down, Gal. 6. 1. giving them a hand to pluck them out of the ditch again. To ſet the bones that are out of joynt in their right places again.

All this was eminent in our Maſter, wherefore ſtudy the worth of a reaſonable ſoul: the ſoul hath more of God upon it, them all the Creation beſides. Its the richeſt Iewel, next to God, Chriſt, and the Spirit, in all the World; the Sun, Moon, and Stars, are but a Dunghill to the reaſonable ſoul.

(6) By endeavouring to underprop them, who are wavering and ſtaggering. Many a one is fallen for want, (perhaps) of our hand. Jeſus Chriſt ſtretched out his hand to keep Peter from ſinking, &c.

(7) By endeavouring to get and keep the means of ſalvation amongſt others, Mat. 9. 36. Cap. 10. init.

2d Motive, God will have honour by the ſouls which are ſaved. You will have prayſe, Dan. 12. 3. You will be gainers by all you do for other's ſouls, both in this life, and hereafter.

3. Let us ſhew compaſſion to Ieſus Christ, p. 71Chriſt ſtands in need of our compaſsion. He is reproached in the World, crucified afreſh by ſinners, deſpiſed in his Government, rejected in his Ordinances, &c. Much indignity is done to Chri… every where. Where is our Sympathy? who cares for the things of Chriſt, whether he be exalted or no? That which was of old complained of in the Jews, is too true of us, vid. Iſa. 53. 3. He ſuffers in his Sabbaths, in his Miniſters, in his Ordinances, in his truths, &c.

Well, This is an undutiful thing, and 'tis an unnatural thing too, that we ſhould ſee our Maſter thus uſed, and not pitty him. When Jeſus Chriſt went to the place of execution, the very Women followed him weeping, &c. Luk. 23. 27. Jeſus Chriſt now goes to the place of crucifying, and that without weeping, &c. Very little grief for his great ſufferings.

Well, for a concluſion. I beſeech you, ſtudy and practiſe this grace. Papiſts upbraid our Religion, that it wants hands. Pudet haec opprobria nobis—Et dici potuiſſe & non potuiſſe refelli. Heathens and Infidels will riſe up in judgement againſt Chriſtians. Pharaohs Daughter, ſhe is moved with compaſsion upon Moſes his Teares, &c. Exod. 2. 6. We ſee Infants a weeping, and their Mothers weeping, and yet our bowels are not ſtirred. Pharaohs Daughter will condemn many p. 72a Chriſtian; ſhe wept for the poor Child, though ſhe knew not whoſe it was; and we hardly weep for the miſeries both of ſoul and body, of many of our Brethren.

FINIS.