Christ the Perfect Pattern of a Christians Practice, Sermon 7

Christ the Perfect Pattern of a Christians Practice · Sermon 7

p. 125Mary Wolnoth, February the 11th, 1648. foreign.

Heb. 3. 2.

Who was faithfull to him that appointed him.

—foreign.

THis Epiſtle was written to the ſcattred Hebrews who through grace had beleeved in the Lord, and were now ſcattered by reaſon of perſecution, ſo the inſcription ſhewes, foreign. For the Author of it, interpreters are of ſeverall judgments, ſome referring it to Luke, others to Barnabas, others to Clement, others to ſome other of the Apoſtles. The moſt generall and probable opinion, is, that it was written by Paul, and that he ſuppreſſeth his name on purpoſe, leſt it ſhould hinder the ſucceſſe of his writing. The Name of Paul was odious to p. 126the Jewes who were not converted, they looked upon him as an Apoſtate from their Religion; and he was alſo much ſuſpected by ſome of the weaker beleeving Jewes who were yet too much addicted to the ob…ervation of the ceremoniall law, therefore he doth de industriâ conceale his Name. Amongſt other reaſons which doe probably evince Paul, to be the Author of this Epiſtle, theſe two are cogent. (1) The concluſion of this is agreeable to the concluſion of his other writings, Cap. 13. 25. This ſalutation is Paul's marke to all his Epiſtles, 2 Theſ. 2. 17. vid. Davenant. Col. 4. 18.

(2) And that which is moſt ſtrong is the Authority of the Apoſtle Peter, who writing his ſecond Epiſtle to theſe very Hebrews, makes mention of an Epiſtle written to them by Paul which was then received by the Church as Canonicall 2 Pet. 3. 15. 16.2 Pet 3:152 Pet 3:16Scripture. This Epiſtle was now in their hands, and by them acknowledged to be Pauls. Now we do not find any Epiſtle written by the Apoſtle Paul, to them beſides this. And it is not likely that through negligence they would loſe ſuch a rich Jewell recommended to their ſtudy by two ſuch Apoſtles; or that they ſhould loſe that of Paul, and reſerve and keep this of Peter's which makes mention of that,

The matter of this Epiſtle is threefold.

1. He labours to take off theſe beleeving Hebrewes from the obſervation of the Leviticall ceremonies, whereunto they were too p. 127much inclined, and to perſwade with them to entertaine the Goſpell in the ſimplicity thereof. This he endeavours to do, by ſetting before their eyes the excellency of Jeſus Chriſt in his perſon, and in his Propheticall and Prieſtly office. This he doth from the beginning of the Epiſtle to the 23. v. of Chapter 10.

2. To encourage them to ſtand faſt in the profeſſion of the Chriſtian Religion. That albeit perſecution ſhould ariſe for the Truth, yet they ſhould not prove Apoſtates and Renegado's, but as that Cloud of witneſſes which he ſets before them had done, ſo they ſhould be conſtant to the death. This is from cap. 10. 23. v. to the end of the twelfth Chapter.

3. To exhort them to the practiſe of many neceſſary Chriſtian Duties, Chapter 13. v. 1. ad finem.

In this third Chapter he exhorts them that from all that diſcovery he had made of Chriſt's Perſon and propheticall office in the two former Chapters, they would be perſwaded to embrace him, and to take heed that they did not fall through unbeliefe and hardneſſe of heart, from the profeſſion of the faith they had received, ver. 1. Wherefore, &c. He uſeth many arguments in this Chapter, amongſt others this is one in the Text, drawen from the fidelity of Chriſt; which that he may enſorce the better, he makes a deliberate compariſon of Chriſt and Moſes. They had high opinions of Moſes's fidelity in appointing the Legall ſervices; but p. 128for Chriſt they had not ſuch high thoughts of him as it was meet they ſhould have had; The Apoſtle therefore compares Chriſt and Moſes together, and p…oves, that as Moſes was faithfull in the appointment of the Typicall worſhip under the law, ſo Chriſt was faithfull in the aboliſhing of that, and appointing Evangelicall worſhip in the place of it; yea he tells them there was great difference between Moſes and Chriſt. Moſes was faithfull as a Servant, Chriſt as a Son over his own houſe, ver. 3. 5, 6. Thus you have the Text.

Tis a glorious commendation of Jeſus Chriſt and his Apoſtleſhip.

In which we have two things.

1. The thing commended, He was faithfull.

2. The ſpecification of the perſon to whom this fidelity was ſhewed, foreign, namely to the Father, for he made him both Prieſt and Prophet to his Church. Or if you pleaſe, you may obſerve rather.

(1) Chriſts call to his Apoſtleſhip, he was conſtituted, made by his Father, foreign.

(2) His carefull execution of that work to which he was called. foreign.

Two things are neceſſary (as Reverend Calvin upon this Text) ad comparandam doctrinae authoritatem.

A Divine Call from God.

A faithfull Execution of the truſt committed.

p. 129Both theſe meet in Chriſt. Therefore is he to be obſerved. This is the Apoſtles Argument in this place.

Faithfull is taken:

1. For one who beleeveth the Goſpell of Chriſt, Eph. 1. 11.

2. For one who keeps his promiſes, 1 Joh. 1. 9.

3. For one who performes a truſt faithfully, Col. 4. 9. Rev. 2. 10. Thus its taken here.

To him that made him. viz: To God who ordained and conſecrated him Prieſt.

Here are two Doctrines.

1. Doct. That Jeſus Chriſt was appointed and made by the Father, the Apostle and High Prieſt of the Churches profeſſion. Here is a foreign in the Text. He had a Divine call to the execution of all thoſe offices which he ſuſteined as our mediator. He did not run before he was ſent, he did not act without a due Commiſſion and Warrant. He was lawfully conſſituted by him who had power to undertake that great charge which he hath over the Church.

2. Things. 1. That Chriſt is made. 2. How he is made.

(1) That he is appointed.

He hath both miſſion and commiſſion for this great ſervice. (1) This is that which the Scripture holds out clearly in generall. He is made to us of God, ſaith the Apoſtle, Wiſedome, Righteouſneſſe, Sanctification and Redemption p. 1301 Cor. 1. 30. there is his conſtitution, God hath given him to be the head of all things to his Church, Eph. 1. 22. He did not unduely uſurpe this juriſdiction and dominion, and headſhip over the Church. God gave it him. All power is given unto me, both in Heaven, and in Earth, Matth. 28. 18. God hath put all judgment into the hand of his Son, Joh. 5. 22. and God hath given him Authority to execute judgement, becauſe he is the Son of God, ver 27. when the fulnes of time was come, God ſent his Son made of a woman, Gal. 4. 4. And our Saviour in the Goſpell doth many times make mention of his Fathers ſending, My Doctrine is not mine, but his that ſent me, Joh. 7. 16. The Father that ſent me, beareth witneſſe of me, Joh. 8. 18. As my Father hath ſent me, ſo ſend I you, Joh. 20. 21. We read in Scripture of his anointing, Eſa. 61. 1, 2. The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, becauſe he hath anointed me to preach the Goſpell to the meek, &c. Therefore he is called the Servant of the Lord and his elect, Eſa. 42. 1.

(2) This we ſhall find aſſerted of every particular branch of his office.

(1) For his Prieſtly office. He was made a Prieſt by an immediate call and ordination from God, vid. Pſal. 110. 4. and Heb. 5. 4, 5, 6. The ſcope of the Apoſtle in that Chapter is to ſet out the excellency of Chriſts Prieſthood, by comparing it with the Leviticall: his Prieſthood had a concurrence of all things neceſſary to the Leviticall, and it had many excellencies p. 131about that: amongſt other things required in the Prieſthood of Aaron, this was one, there muſt be a Divine regualr Call. This was in the Prieſthood of Chriſt. He was called of God an high Prieſt after the order of Melchiſedech.

(2) For his Kingly office. Hee is lawfully created. The Scepter is given into his hand, the Crown is put upon his head, by God himſelfe. God hath his Throne, and God hath ſet him in his Throne. I have ſet my King upon my holy hill of Zion, Pſal. 2. 6, 7. I will declare the Decree, &c. The Government is put upon his Shoulders, vid. Eſa. 22. 20, 21, 22, 23. Eliakim was a figure of the Kingdome of Chriſt, and if you look into Dan. 7. 13. 14. after that aboliſhing of the four Monarchies we have the eſtabliſhment of Chriſts Monarchy, and we ſee the Ancient of dayes gave his dominion, &c. Chriſt did not thruſt himſelf into the Throne as many do, though they leape over the heads of the right heyres; no he ſtayed till Authority was given him, vid. Heb. 1. 8. 9. Pſal. 110. 2.

(3) For his Propheticall office. He hath his thority from God for this alſo. Moſes preached this long agoe, Deut. 18. 18. he did not raiſe himſelf, God raiſed him to this great office. He was anointed of God to preach glad tidings, Eſa. 61. 1.

In a word, whatſoever work belongs to Chriſt as mediator, tis put into his hands by a power Divine. The Father loveth the Son and hath p. 132given all things into his hand, Joh. 3. 35. He hath ordained him to be Judge of quick and dead, Acts 10. 42.

(2) How hee is made and appointed. Here are three things.

(1) There is a Divine Decree, by which Jeſus Chriſt is from all eternity appointed for this ſervice, Pſal. 2. 7. Yea there is the oath of God, Pſal. 110. 4. vid. Heb. 6, 20. 22.

(2) By Covenant, There is a firme Covenant, and ſtipulation paſſed between God and Chriſt, vid. Eſa. 53. 10. Chriſt was to undertake an office of ſervice and obedience for the good of men. To take mans nature, to offer himſelf up a Sacrifice, &c. and for this, God was to prolong his dayes, to give him a ſeed, the uttermoſt part of the earth for his inheritance, &c. to divide him a ſpoil with the great, &c. to ſet a glory for him, Heb. 12. 2. vid. Heb. 10. 9. 10.

(4) There is a very ſolemn and publike Promulgation of the eternall Decree by God himſelf, firſt to Adam, Gen. 3. 15. Then at the Baptiſme of Chriſt; by vertue of which Chriſt is declared to be appointed for this work, We read of it, Math. 3. 17. and repeated againe at his transfiguration, Math. 17. 5. & 1 Pet. 1. 17. And afterwards by his Apoſtles who were commanded to teſtifie, that he was ordained of God, &c.

(3) By Divine unction, which was the work of the holy Ghoſt, Heb. 1. 9. The holy Ghoſt formed him in the womb, anointed his humane nature, &c.

p. 1331. Uſe.

Information. (1) That the work of our ſalvation, is a work which God doth exceedingly approve and delight in, as well as Jeſus Chriſt. Tis the Father's work, as well as the work of Chriſt, My Meate, ſaith Chriſt, is to do the work of him that ſent me, Joh. 4. 34. He that appoints another for a work, is as well the Author of it, as he that doth the work appointed. Tis called the pleaſure of the Lord, Eſa. 53. 10. though it be put into the hands of Chriſt. We only look at Jeſus Chriſt in the work of our ſalvation, &c. ſeldome or but little at the Father, &c. we are to look at the Father's appointment, as well as at the Son's accompliſhment.

(2) That thoſe who reject Jeſus Chriſt, they reject God himſelf, by whoſe Authority and power Chriſt is made Lord, King, Prieſt, Saviour. Our Saviour oftentimes in the Goſpell hints this, My doctrine is not mine but his that ſent me, and he that rejecteth me, rejecteth him that ſent me, &c. Tis a great aggravation of the rejecting of Chriſt becauſe he is Authoriz'd by a Commiſſion from the Father, vid. Exod. 23. 21.

(3) That the Salvation of the Church of God by Ieſus Chriſt is bottom'd and builded upon a ſure and ſtable foundation. Its builded upon Chriſt, and Chriſt is appointed to that work by the ſupreme Authority of all. All thoſe who have p. 134layed hold on Chriſt, are fled to a ſure refuge and Sanctuary. He is verily that Meſſiah, in whom all the Patriarchs and Prophets beleeved, vid. Heb. 6. 18. Gods call is mans comfort.

(4) That all the Lawes, Ordinances, and Administrations appointed by Ieſus Chriſt, are of Divine Authority. Baptiſme, Miniſtry, Government, Cenſures, and every thing he hath appointed in the Church, are of God. Thus are all according to the inſtructions given him by God.

All power is given to me in Heaven and Earth. Goe ye therefore, &c. Matth. 28. 18.

(5) That God will most certainly uphold maintaine and defend all the dominion, power, adminiſtrations of Ieſus Chriſt, againſt all who oppoſe them or incroach upon them. All his Kingly dignities, all his Prieſtly and Propheticall dignities. Miniſtry, Ordinances, Government, &c. God who hath called him to the work, will uphold him, and all he doth by vertue of his offices. Though Satan and men ſtorme, &c.

Behold my ſervant whom I uphold, Eſa. 42. 1. he doth all by Gods appointment, ergo, God will maintaine what he doth, vid. Pſal. 110. 1, 2. There is Gods appointment, ſee what followes, ver. 5, 6. God will ſtand by him, vid. Eſa. 45. 13. he will maintaine Chriſts right in thy ſoul.

p. 1352 Uſe. What can thoſe ſay for themſelves who intrude themſelves into offices in the Church without any due and regular appointment. Thoſe who are not afraid to do miniſteriall acts, Preach, baptize, &c. and yet were never made by God, or by them, whom he hath Authorized for that purpoſe.

There is a double call to the work of the miniſtry. Neither of man; nor by man.(1) Immediate, ſuch as were the calls of the Prophets, Apoſtles, Evangeliſts, &c. of this Paul ſpeaks, 1 Tim. 1. 2. and Gal. 1. 1. This call was accompanied in them who had it with extraordinary gifts, &c. This is not to be pretended to, by any now, when the Church is ſetled, and the Scripture compleat.

2. Mediate, by men whom Jeſus Chriſt hath put apart, and Authorized for that work Of God by man.and employment, viz. Thoſe who are Paſtors and Teachers in the Church, who are by prayer, faſting, impoſition of hands, to ſet apart thoſe who are fit and called, to theſe employments.

Now what an act of boldneſſe and uſurpation is it in any to undertake ſuch a work as this of their own accord, though they have gifts, &c. when Jeſus Chriſt would not without Gods appointment? I would have ſuch to conſider,

1. What became of Uzziah who uſurped the Priests office, vid. 2 Chr. 26. 18. 19. 20.

2. What God pronounceth againſt thoſe Prophets who run without being ſent, Ier. 14. 14, p. 13615. The people are threatned for hearing them, vid. Ioh. 10. 5. 8.

Tis an act of high Treaſon againſt Jeſus Chriſt, his Crown and dignity, to take ſuch imployments, uncalled of him. Tis as if a man ſhould make himſelf an Ambaſſador, and goe to ſome forraine Prince, without letters of credence from rhe King.

3. Uſe. Exhortation. (1) Let us learne from A generall rule and direction, not to act without a lawfull callhence, not to take any office or publick work upon us, in Church or State, without lawfull appointment, by thoſe who have lawfull Authority, no not in civill things, 1 Cor. 7. 20. 1. Tis ſinfull. 2. Tis dangerous.

(2) Tis a dangerous thing to take any work without a due appointment. What doſt you heare Elijah? Chriſt would not be a judge, Man who made me a Judge?

(1) Such can expect no ſucceſſe or comfort Pro. 3. 6. Pſ. 91. 11. Promiſe is made to Saints in their own wayes.Prov 3:6Ps 91:11in what they undertake. They cannot goe to God to beg a bleſſing upon their labours. They are none of his Servants. Who hath required this at your hands? Nay they may expect the curſe of God, &c. for their uſurpation. They confound Callings.

(2) If the work they have in hand do miſcarry, they have nothing to ſupport their ſpirits in ſuch a time. Tis a mans call which encourageth him in caſe of diſappointments he meets with, in his work, &c. Jacobs call was his comfort, when he was way-laid by his Brother, vid. Gen. 32. 9. 10. 11.

p. 137If they ſuffer, they will ſuffer as buſie bodies in other mens matters. Gods-call armes men againſt any inconveniences: we muſt row in a ſtorme if God calls. Abraham Heb. 11. 16.

Qui habet certum Dei verbum in quacunque vocatione, credat tantum & audeat, & dabit deus hand dubie ſecundos ſucceſſus, Luther.

(1) Nor is it enough that the work in it ſelf be lawfull.

Uzzah's work was lawfull enough, To keep the Arke from falling, 2 Sam. 6. 6.

(2) Nor will it ſerve that they have a good intention.

Uzzah had a good intention. Saul had a good intention in ſacrificing, vid. 1. Sam. 13. 7. 8. &c. And ſo in ſparing the Amalekites cattle. 1 Sam. 15. 21.

Its a maxim, Malum factum excuſatur Stock on Mal. cap. 1. p. 84.Mal 1per bonam intentionem, oppoſed by all our Divines.

(3) Nor is it enough that you have abilities to diſcharge the work of the place.

Ʋzzah had abilities enough for what he did.

As the danger is great, ſo is the ſin great, to act without a call; for, tis a deſpiſing of Gods power, who hath right to ſet men where he will. Its a caſting off of Divine Dominion.

There lies a Quo warranto? againſt all ſuch perſons, vid. Minſheus dictionary, p. 598.

p. 138(2) Tis a deſpiſing of Gods wiſdome, as though he knew not who were fitteſt for every employment.

Chriſt would not act in this kind, Man who made me a Judge, Luc. 12? Let Chriſts call be a generall rule for you, not to ſtep out of your place to any work, without a warrantable commiſſion. He that breaks this hedge, a Serpent will bite him, Eccleſ. 10. 8.

(2) Let us thankfully acknowledge this appointment of Chriſt to this work. Bleſſe God for this deſignation of Chriſt. All the good you have or expect by Chriſt, is made over to you, by vertue of the Fathers appointment: he is made unto us of God, wiſdome, &c. vid. Ro. 7. 25. he thanks God as well as Chriſt. ſo vid. Phil. 2. 11. he mentions the glory of God. When we reade of the Priviledges purchaſed by our high-Prieſt, as we are to be thankfull to Chriſt, ſo let us not forget, that we are as much engaged to God for his deſignation and appointment. He hath made us accepted through the beloved, Eph. 1. 6. God hath done it. And God, ſaith the Apoſtle, was in Chriſt reconciling, &c. God did it, 2 Cor. 5. 18.

4. Ʋſe. Conſolation. (1) It gives us comfort that Chriſt is no impoſtor, deceiver, &c. but he of whom the Prophets foretold. Tutò acquieſcant in eo fideles, Calvin. in Textum.

(2) It gives us a ground of great comfort and aſſurance that God will readily accept of all that which Chriſt hath done for us; and that he p. 139will readily and freely put us into poſſeſſion of all that which Chriſt hath purchaſed for us, and which he hath promiſed in Chriſt, Since he was made our high Prieſt, by Gods appointment and ordination, nothing ſurely of all the good purchaſed ſhall be kept back. This is the firſt doctrine from Chriſts Call.

2. We come to the Execution of this truſt. foreign.

Doct. Chriſt did very faithfully diſcharge all that truſt which was repoſed in him by God, as the Apoſtle and high Priest of our profeſſion. As he was free in undertaking, ſo he was very faithfull in accompliſhing, Heb. 2. 17.Rev. 1. 5. Eſa. 11. 5. By his Prophets of old 1 Pet. 1. 10. 11. Heb. 3. 7. 1 Pet. 3. 19 By himſelfe and his Apoſtles, afterwards.Rev 1:5Isa 11:51 Pet 1:101 Pet 1:11Heb 3:71 Pet 3:19

Fidelity appeares in all his Offices.

(1) He was faithfull in his Propheticall office.

(1) He did exactly and plainly reveale and make known to the Church, the whole Counſell & will of God. He kept nothing from them which was neceſſary for them, and which was given him in Commiſſion to unfold for their benefit, vid. Ioh. 15. 15.

Though he was flattered by ſome, and threatned by others (as the Goſpell witneſſeth) many times in danger of his life, and at laſt actually died for it; yet he would not, from a thred to a ſhooe latchet hide any thing from the Church: For this cauſe was I borne, and for this cauſe, came I unto the world, that I ſhould beare witneſs to the truth. Joh. 18. 37. When the Scribes p. 140and Phariſees had corrupted the doctrine of the Law, by their falſe gloſſes. Our Saviour, Math. Cap. 5, 6, 7. in his Sermon upon the Mount, vindicates the law from thoſe falſe gloſſes, and expounds it in the ſpirituality thereof. Nothing concerning doctrine, worſhip, government, diſcipline, neceſſary and fundamentall, but Jeſus Chriſt hath faithfully diſcovered.

(2) Inlightning the minds of his elect inwardly, by his ſpirit, Iohn. 6. 45. Act. 16. 14.

(3) As he revealed the Truth, ſo did he confute all falſe doctrines and opinions, which were oppoſite to Truth. This was a part of his propheticall off…ce. Not onelyonly to lay down Truth poſitively, but to oppoſe all Heterodox opinions. How many times ſhall you heare him publikely, confuting the falſe Tenets of the Scribes and Phariſees, of the Saduces, Herodians, &c. vid. Math. 22. 29. vid. ver. 23. ad. 34. and other Sects in thoſe times.

(4) He appointed a ſtanding miniſtery, qualified with Authority, and furniſhed with gifts, graces, and abilities to teach publickly in his Church. Prophets, Prieſts and Scribes under the old Teſtament, vid. 1 Pet. 1. 11. 12. and 1 Pet. 3. 18. 19.

By Apoſtles, Evangeliſts, Paſtors and Teachers under the Goſpell, Math. 28. 18. 19. Eph. 4. 8. 11, 12, 13. 2 Cor. 5. 18, 19, 20.

p. 141This belonged to the Propheticall office of Chriſt.

2. He was faithfull in all the parts of his Kingly office, viz.

1. He gave lawes, according to which his people ought to live and demeane themſelves, both towards God and men. He is the Churches Law-giver, Eſa. 33. 22. yea he brings them into obedience to theſe Lawes, by writing them in their hearts; Ezech. 36. 27.

(2) To gather together his elect, which are his ſubjects out of the world into one body or Church. This Chriſt hath done in part, and doth daily by his word and ſpirit, vid. Ioh. 12. 32. Ioh. 11. 52. Math. 28. 19.

3. To ſubdue and vanquiſh all the enimies of his Church. Thus Chriſt hath done in his own perſon, Col. 2. 14. Ioh. 12. 31. he hath overcome ſin, Satan, the world, and he doth continually repreſs them by his word and ſpirit, 2 Cor. 10. 4, 5. and will perfectly do it at laſt, 1 Cor. 15. 25, 26.

4. To communicate and convey unto his ſubjects all thoſe good things which are neceſſary for them, for this or another life. This Christ hath done.

5. To appoint and eſtabliſh Governours, and a ſetled Government in his Church, whereby it might be rightly ordered, according to his mind. This Chriſt hath done, vid. Acts. 1. 3. and Math. 28. 19. 20. vid. 1 Cor. 12. 28. 29. vid. Eſa. 9. 6. 7.

p. 1423. He was faithfull in his Priestly office.

There were two parts of this office.

Satisfaction.

Interceſſion.

(1) Satisfaction is that whereby Jeſus Chriſt having taken our nature upon him, did in that Nature make full ſatisfaction to divine juſtice for the ſins of man, paid all our debts, and ſo ſet us free from the curſe.

This was done two wayes.

By his perfect obedience,

By his ſufferings for our guilt.

Now Jeſus Chriſt did faithfully do both theſe. 1. He did by his righteouſneſſe and obedience, perfectly fullfill the Law.

He did fulfill all Righteouſneſſe, Rom. 5. 19.

2. He did faithfully ſuffer, and undergoe all that puniſhment which was due to our ſins. The Apoſtle ſpeaks of both theſe parts of his ſatisfaction, Phil. 2. 5, 6, 7, 8. and Eſa. 53. 5, 6.

(2) Interceſſion, is that part of Chriſts Prieſtly office, whereby he appeares before the Father, deſiring, that for the perpetuall vertue and merit of his ſacrifice, all his members may find acceptance with God, and may enjoy the benefit of his obedience and ſufferings.

Now this Chriſt faithfully began on earth, Heb. 7. 5. Ioh. 17. per totum. And is faithfully continued ſtill in heaven, Heb. 7. 25. and Heb. 9. 24.

p. 143In the opening of this doctrine, I ſhall ſhew you,

1. That Chriſt was faithfull.

2. Why he was ſo.

(1) That Chriſt was faithfull in performing what ſervice was appointed him, will appeare.

(1) By the many publicke Testimonies which God gave to him, when he was on earth. At his Baptiſme, at his Transfiguration. This is my wellbeloved Son, in whom I am well pleaſed, Math. 3. 17. and Math. 17. 5. The Teſtimony of God is according to truth. God would never thus have borne witneſſe to Chriſt, if there had been in him the leaſt unfaithfullneſs. He could not have been ſatisfied and well-pleaſed with him, if there had been the leaſt failure: yea before his incarnation, God beares him witneſſe, vid. Eſa. 42. 1. 2. 3. 4.

(2) By the exaltation of Chriſt to the right hand of God in glory. He ſhould never have had either Crowne or Throne from God, if he had not faithfully diſcharged every thing which he undertook: for his glorification was upon that condition, that he ſhould faithfully diſcharge every part and parcell of what he undertook, vid, Eſa. 53. 12. The Apoſtle ſaith, he was taken from priſon, Eſa. 53. 8. the priſon of the grave. Jeſus Chriſt could never have riſen out of the grave, the priſon-doores would never have opened, the Jaylor, Death, would never have let his Priſoner out, if he had not faithfully p. 144performed all, The Heavens would never have opened to him, or given him any entertainment, had he been in the leaſt unfaithfull. Therefore our Saviour demands his glory from God, upon the faithfull diſcharge of his duty, as that which by compact and covenant was due to him, vid, Ioh. 17, 5. When you read that Scripture, 1 Tim. 3. 16. conclude that Paul was faithfull.

(3) By all thoſe commands which are given by God to all ſinners to beleeve in Chriſt, And by all thoſe promiſes which God himſelf hath made of acceptance of all thoſe who receive Jeſus Chriſt upon the Termes of the Goſpell. Many commands are given by God. This is my beloved Son, heare him. This is the will of God, that ye ſhould beleeve in him, whom he hath ſent. And for promiſes of acceptance of us in Chriſt, how doth the Scripture abound? vid. Ioh. 3. 16. Yea we know that all the Patriarchs before Chriſts incarnation, they were accepted and ſaved by vertue of Chriſts ſatisfaction to be made. God accepted of Chriſts intention. There would have been no ſuch thing as reconciliation between God and man, or ſalvation, if Chriſt had not been faithfull. No promiſes of pardon, &c. or Adoption, &c. No giving of the Spirit, &c. if Chriſt had been unfaithfull.

1. Conſider the Father who impoſed the truſt.

2. Why Chriſt was faithfull.

p. 145Conſider 1. The perſon truſting. 2. The truſted. 3. The truſtee.

(1) For the honouring of his Father who had intrusted him. The work which he had to accompliſh, was a work which would bring great glory unto God. It was a work with which God was marvellouſly delighted. 'Tis called the pleaſure of the Lord, Eſa. 53. 10. Therefore out of that reſpect which he had to Gods honour, he would be faithful. God would have been diſappointed of his end, if Chriſt had not been faithful. He would promote his Fathers joy. This is in the Text, foreign.

(2) For the honouring of himſelf. Its the honour 2. The Trustee.of an Embaſſador, to be faithful in the diſcharging of his truſt: unfaithfulneſs is one of the greateſt ſtains and blots which can be faſtned upon a perſon: faithfulneſs is a Crown of glory, Prov. 13. 17. The work was his own, as well as his Fathers. This is in the Text, Heb. 3. 6. John 10, 12, 13, 14.

(3) From that love he bare to thoſe, for whom 3. Thoſe for whom he was trusted.he was intrusted and employed. The work which was put into the hands of Chriſt, was a work which exceedingly pleaſed him. The ſaving of ſouls, the reconciling of men to God, the Redemp. of his Elect, from everlaſting deſtruction, &c. The Scripture ſpeaks very clearly of the affection of Chriſt, to the work he undertook. I have a Bapt. to be baptized with, and how am I ſtraitned, &c. Luk. 12. 50. foreign; he was (as it were) in priſon, till the work was done, he was in pain till he was delivered, vid. p. 146Eſa. 53. 11. That travel of his ſoul, pleaſed him, Ergo.

1. Uſe. Confutation and Reproof, to all thoſe Doctrine and opinions which deny faithfulneſs Chriſt, and overthrow it.

(1) The Papiſts, by establiſhing their unwritten Traditions, and humane Inventions, they do derogate from the faithfulneſs of Chriſt in his prophetical Office. Jeſus Chriſt was not faithful in revealing the will of God, neceſſary to mans ſalvation, if there be need of their unwritten Traditions; if Chriſt was a faithful Prophet, then they are unfaithful Impoſtors, to obtrude their unwarrantable Traditions upon men, inſtead of Scripture, vid. Rev. 22. 18, 19.

2. That opinion of the Enthuſiaſts, who not contented with the written word, depend upon immediate Revelations from Heaven, above the written word. Theſe no leſſe then the Papiſts, by their Traditions, do enervate and overthrow the fidelity of Chriſt, in his prophetical Office.

They think the teachings of Chriſt are not ſufficient. Theſe are no better then the younger brethren of Papiſts.

3. The Papiſts in their daily offering up of ſacrifice for the quick and the dead, they overthrow his faithfulneſs in his Prieſtly Office, vid. Heb. 10. 14.

4. The Papiſts by joyning other Mediators with Chriſt, thy overthrow the fidelity and ſufficiency of Chriſt in his Prieſtly Office of Interceſſion. p. 147If Chriſt was faithful and ſufficient, we need no other Interceſſor.

5. They who are of opinion, that there is no ſetled Government in the Church, &c. They deny the fidelity of Chriſt in his Kingly Office. His work as a King, was to appoint Lawes, &c.

He had not been ſo faithful as Moſes was elſe; for Moſes gave Lawes, for the governing of the Jewiſh Church. According to all that which God ſhewed Moſes in the Mount, ſo did he.

2d Uſe. Conſolation to the Servants of God, and that 1. in general, 2. in particular.

(1) In general, it layes down this comfort, That all the work of your Salvation and Redemption which Chriſt undertook, is fully and really accompliſhed. Conſummatum eſt. Againſt all deſpaires, doubtings, againſt all their own unfaithfulneſs, & diſtruſt. You may live upon the joy and comfort of this Truth in all your feares. When Conſcience accuſeth, when Satan tempts you to deſpair, you may cling to this Doctrine, as a ſure refuge. And the rather, becauſe thy ſalvation is builded and bottomed upon the fidelity of Chriſt, not upon thy faithfulneſs, but upon Chriſts. Now as God laid help upon one that was mighty to ſave. So he laid help upon one, who was faithful in ſaving.

Thy Salvation is moſt certain.

(2) That God will give thee all thy good which Chriſt hath purchaſed. See the Covenant, Ezech. 36. 25, 26, 27.

p. 1482. Particularly, Here ariſeth comfort from every Office of Chriſt, to all his members.

1. From his Prophetical Office, theſe four comforts.

(1) That Jeſus Chriſt will open thy heart to underſtand, and believe, and apply thoſe truths which are held out, in, and by the Miniſtry of the Word. Thou haſt a blind mind, darkneſs clouds thy underſtanding, &c. Thou wanteſt memory, &c. well, Chriſt hath undertaken this, as thy Prophet, to teach thy heart, &c. to annoint thy eyes, He is able to remove all the blindneſs, rudeneſs, intractableneſs, indocibleneſs of thy ſoul, &c. Vid. Eſa. 54. 13. He can teach irreſiſtibly, infallibly.

(2) That Jeſus Chriſt will teach thee to put a difference between truth and error. We live in erroneous times, &c. many falſe lights, &c. are riſen up, many ſeducers gone out, &c. well, Chriſt is a faithful Prophet. And by vertue of that Office, he hath undertaken to lead his Children into all truth, John 16. 13. Ye have an unction, &c. 1 John 2. 20. Eſa. 30. 21. To deceive (if it were poſſible) the very Elect, that is impoſſible, Mark 13. 22. For a time, they may go aſtray; but Chriſt their Prophet, will reduce them.

They went out from us, becauſe they were not of us, &c. 1 John 2. 19.

(3) Jeſus Chriſt will at laſt, root out of his Church error, Hereſies, and falſe Doctrines, &c. This belongs to his Prophetical Office. He hath in all Ages, done ſo. He overthrew Arrianiſme, p. 149&c. All thoſe old errors which over-ſpread the face of the Church, in the beginning of the Goſpel, they are all routed and ſcattered. Vid. Rev. 12. 15, 16. They are not the Anabaptiſts in Germany. They are not. &c. We may live in hopes, now Toleration is endeavoured.

(4) That Jeſus Chriſt will endue his Miniſters with gifts of teaching, governing; and that he will preſerve & continue them in his Church, notwithſtanding all the malice of men, and Devils againſt them, vid. Rev. 2. 1. 2.

The Devil hath laboured in all Ages, to rout the Miniſtry. Chariots and Horſemen, 2 Reg. 13. 14. Anteſignani: all ſhoot at the Colours. I will ſmite the Shepheard, and the Sheep ſhall be ſcattered.

Antichriſt could never yet put out theſe Lamps, Stars, vid. Jer. 33. 18, 19, 20. A Goſpel-promiſe.

2. For his Kingly Office, comfort ariſeth, in theſe five particulars.

(1) That Jeſus Chriſt will ſettle the Government of his Church, He will not ſuffer the Lawes he hath made, the hedge he hath ſet up, to be alwayes demoliſhed, vid. Eſa. 54. 11, 12, 13, 14. A Goſpel-promiſe. He will fit men with gifts, and hearts to be Rulers in his Church. Though ſome ſhould fall off, after they have put their hands to the Plough. Luk. 9. 62.

(2) That he will vanquiſh all the enemies of thy ſoul. Corruptions, paſſions, &c. Theſe inviſible p. 158enemies, vid. 2. Cor. 10. 4, 5. vid. 1 John 3. 8.

(3) That He will deſtroy all the viſible enemies of his Church. Antichriſt, &c. the laſt great enemy, vid. Pſal. 2. 9. Pſal. 110. 5. Rev. 8. init. vid. Zech. 1. 19. 21. vid. Mich. 4. per totum, eſpecially verſ. 9. 13. Goſpel-promiſe.

(4) That He will communicate, and convey into thee, thoſe gifts, graces, which are neceſſary for thee, for all thy Relations. Of his fulneſs we have all received, Iohn 1. 16. Col. 1. 19. Jeſus Chriſt is a Feoffee, or Guardian, intruſted with thy Patrimony of grace. He hath no need of thy grace, he hath enough of his own, he will not pocket up any of that which belongs to thee.

(5) That he will effectually gather all his ſheep together, vid. John 10. 16.

(3) For his Prieſtly-Office, much comfort ariſeth.

(1) In reference to the ſatisfactory part, thy comfort is,

(1) That Jeſus Chriſt hath left nothing upon the ſcore, which God can exact from thee. All that thou didſt owe to Divine Juſtice, is faithfully diſcharged. The Law, Satan, Conſcience, can lay nothing to thy charge, vid. Rom. 8. 33, 34. Heb. 10. 14. vid. Col. 2. 14.

(2) That thy perſon is accepted through him.

(2) In reference to the Interceſſory part of it, thy comfort is,

(1) That he will faithfully preſent thy Prayers p. 151and procure acceptance with God for them, through Rev. 8. 34.Rev 8:34the ſweetneſs of his incenſe, though they be rough, harſh, ſmoky in themſelves.

(2) That He will appear, and ſuffer no plea to faſten againſt thee in Heaven. Satan is continually preferring Inditements and Accuſations againſt thee. He is the accuſer of the Brethren, Rev. 12. 10.

We may ſee by his ſuggeſtions againſt Iob, Cap. 1. 10. Cap. 2. 4.

As faſt as he brings Accuſations in, ſo faſt doth thy Advocate caſt them out, vid. Zech. 3. 1, 2, 3, 4. When Satan ſhewes to God, the filthy Garments of thy pollution, then doth Chriſt ſhew the glorious Garments of his righteouſneſs, and ſo non-ſuites Satan preſently, and caſts out the Bill.

And this thou mayſt the rather be confident of, becauſe he is alwayes preſent in the Court. Nothing can be entered or done, without his knowledge.

He lives for this very work, Heb. 7. 25.

He is yet in the habit of the High Prieſt, vid. Rev. 1. 13. He hath his Robe on him, and his curious Girdle, even now in Heaven. Steephen ſees him in his mediatory poſture, ſtanding at the right hand of God, Acts 7. 56.

3d Uſe. Exhortation. 1. That you would believingly and fiducially truſt Ieſus Chriſt with all your concernments. He is able, and beſides, he is faithful. Caſt all your cares upon him, and that without wavering, vid. 1 Pet. 5. 7. venture all upon him. It was ſpoken to the Church in p. 152ſcattered times. So Pſal. 55. 22. There are many burdens.

1. A burden of ſin.

2. A burden of duty.

3. A burden of ſuffering.

4. A burden of ſucceſs. Throw all theſe upon him boldly.

(2) Make that uſe which the Apoſtle commands, vid. 1 John 2. 6. Let us be like to him in faithfulneſs, let us be faithful to God, to men, to our ſelves, in all matters of truſt repoſed in us. It was the honour of Jeſus Chriſt, that Righteouſneſs was the Girdle of his loyns, and faithfulneſs the Girdle of his reyns, Eſa. 11. 5. Let us get this Girdle about us: Faithfulneſs is one of Chriſts Names, Rev. 19. 11. Let it be our Name alſo. As we are Chriſtiani à Chriſto, ſo let us be fideles from him, who is Faithful.

(1) We are fallen into unfaithful times, Neceſſity of urging this Doctrine threefold.Davids Complaint may be ours, Pſal. 12. 1. or the Prophets complaint, Mich. 7. 5. Every Brother is a ſupplanter. Treachery is one of the laſt dayes ſins, 2 Tim. 3. 4. foreign. Every where, you may hear ſad complaints of unfaithfulneſs. Maſters complaining of their Servants. People of their Miniſters, Subjects of Rulers, Orphans of their Guardians, Clients of their Advocates, &c. Jer. 9. 2. therefore very neceſſary to preſſe this Duty of fidelity.

(2) We all of us have ſome matter of truſt repoſed in us, ſome way or other, though ſome more then other; yet all in ſome caſe or other, ſome one Talent or other. As we are Chriſtians, p. 153God hath truſted us with our ſouls, (a great truſt) life, health, time. As we are particularly related, ſomething of truſt is committed to us: Miniſters are truſted with peoples ſouls: Magiſtrates, they are truſted with the Lawes, &c. Governours of Families, they are truſted with Children, Servants, &c. There's no man, but he hath ſome Feoffeſhip or other. Stewardſhip is committed to us all, Ergo, neceſſary; And the leſſe the truſt, the greater the treachery, becauſe its eaſie. Your Prentices are truſted in your hands, by their Parents, for education, nurture, &c.

(3) We have all of us, the ſame ſeed of unfaithfulneſs, which is manifeſted in any, who do betray their truſt; Ergo, treacherous hearts in the beſt.

I ſhall handle this, only in a general way. And herein I ſhall,

1. Shew you wherein fidelity conſiſts.

2. Give ſome Motives to it.

3. Give ſome helps or meanes.

(1) Fidelity in diſcharging any Truſt or Office, hath theſe three things in it, which makes it up, viz.

(1) All and every branch, and piece of work belonging to that Office; muſt be done, reſpect muſt be had to every part of the Commiſſion. Equal reſpect. Theſe things ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Univerſality in reſpect of the Object of the charge enjoyned. You often read in Scripture, of keeping the Charge, Zech. 3. 7. Partiality overthrowes fidelity. p. 154To inſtance in particulars, A Miniſter that is faithful, muſt deliver the whole Councel of God, Acts 20. 27. He muſt teach every truth, reprove every ſin, confute every error which is crept abroad in the age he lives in: if he keep back any thing of that which he is enjoyned to deliver, he is an unfaithful Miniſter, vid. 1 Tim. 5. 21.

A Servant who would be faithful, muſt perform every piece of his Maſters work; if he do one thing, & leave another undone, he proves unfaithful, vid. 1 Sam. 2. 35.

An Embaſſador that would be faithful, muſt deliver the whole Meſſage of him who ſent him, vid. 1 Sam. 3. 18.

A Magiſtrate that would be faithful, muſt diſcharge every piece of his Duty.

An Executor that would be faithful, muſt fulfill the whole will of the Teſtator, pay every debt, diſcharge every Legacy, perform every pious and charitable work.

An Agent or Factor, who would be faithful, muſt obſerve all his inſtructions, pay every peny enjoyned, deliver to him that employed him, every peny he receives.

An Advocate muſt plead every part of the Cauſe, urge every Argument, &c. look how far any part of our taske is omitted willingly, ſo far we fail of fidelity.

(2) Fidelity muſt have diligence in acting, and exactneſs in fulfilling what is undertaken. All that is done, muſt be done, as well as is poſſible, as ſeaſonably as can be, with all the skill, ſtrength, p. 155knowledge we have, or can attain to. A Miniſter that is faithful, muſt not only preach every truth, confute every error, reprove every ſin, but he muſt do it convincingly, as powerfully, as fully as he can. A Servant muſt do his Maſters work, as carefully, perfectly as he can. To this purpoſe is required, a very diligent uſe of all meanes, helps to fit a perſon for his employment undertaken, that he may be able to mannage it, with all exactneſs and dexterity. vid. Gen. 24. 33. He would not eat, till he had delivered his Embaſſage. So Jacob, Gen. 31. 6. and verſ. 40. Let him who hath an Office, wait upon his Office, vid. Rom. 12. 7, 8. A man may be as guilty of an unfaithfulneſs in a careleſs and negligent doing, as in a total and careleſs omiſſion. As good never a whit, as never the better, vid. 1 Reg. 20. 33. and 2 Cor. 8. 23. Faithfulneſs is ſet out by diligence, we have often proved diligent in many things.

(3) All that which is done, muſt be done out of a ſincere reſpect and love to him that hath intruſted, and to thoſe for whom we are intruſted and employed. Self-ſeeking and faithfulneſs have no agreement, they are not conſiſtent. If an Embaſſador diſcharge all his truſt, and that with all exactneſs, yet if he aim not at the honour of him who ſent him, but at his own honour, he is not a faithful Embaſſador. If a Miniſter be exact, in diſcharging his whole truſt, yet if he aym at his own applauſe, profit, &c, and not at Gods honour, and the peoples good, he is not faithful. If Iob had kept the Crown of Rabbah to himſelf, and had not put it on p. 156Davids head, he had been an unfaithful General: therefore he ſends to David, to come and take the Crown, 2 Sam. 12. 26, 27, 28. If Abrahams Servant, when he had uſed all his skill to get Rebeckahs conſent, had kept her for himſelf, and not brought her to Iſaac, he had been an unfaithful Servant. In this only, Jehu fails of faithfulneſs: he did every thing which God had commanded, and he uſed much exactneſs and diligence in doing it; but he acted not for Gods honour, but for his own greatneſs, 2 Reg. 10. 16. He pretended to act for God, but it was really for himſelf. If an Advocate ſhould be diligent in pleading for his Client, and when he hath done, ſhould keep the Inheritance recovered to himſelf, he would be a treacherous man. John Baptiſt ſhewes his fidelity in this, he had been a careful Preacher, had converted many ſouls, but he ſurrenders them all to Chriſt, and that when the people had ſo good an opinion of him, as that they would have adhered to him, rather then to Chriſt, vid. Joh. 3. 26, 28, 29. And ſo our Saviour teſtifies his own Faithfulneſs. I ſeek not my own glory, but the glory of him that ſent me.

If a Servant ſhould toyle and ſweat about the ſowing of his Maſters ground, and the gathering of it in, and then ſhould ſell it for himſelf, and keep his Maſter out of poſſeſſion, would this be faithfullneſſe? If Souldiers ſent out to ſubdue a City, &c. Should lay a hard ſiege to it, &c. and after all ſhould keep it as their own, would you call this faithfullneſſe? p. 157would it not be Treachery, perfidiouſneſſe?

Thus for the requiſites of faithfullneſſe,

(2) By way of motive, much may be ſaid, conſider. (1) The excellency of fidelity, (1) Its a very glorious vertue in it ſelfe, in its own Nature. Its reckoned by our Saviour amongſt the great matters of the Law of God. vid. Math. 23. 23. By faith is meant fidelity. It hath one of the higheſt Thrones amongſt Chriſtian vertues Magnalia Legis.and graces. Juſtice is ſaid to be the Queen or Foundreſſe of all other vertues. Fidelity in diſcharging truſt, is no ſmall piece of Juſtice and Righteouſneſſe. The Law of Juſtice is violated, when fidelity is nor obſerved: there are Righteouſneſſe and faithfullneſſe put together very often, as Eſa. 11. 5. Hoſ. 2. 19. 20. A man cannot be juſt, unleſſe he be faithfull. (2) Its excellent in the uſe of it. It is one of the great bonds of humane Societie; fidelity is as the very nerves and ſinews of all ſocieties, by which they are tied and kept together. Tis the ground of all commerce between man & man, Nation & Nation, Kingdome and Kingdome. If you untie this knot, if you cut this ſinew, there is nothing but broyles, contentions, fires, ſtrifes, diſſentions in the world; unfaithfullneſſe doth diſſolve and disjoynt all humane ſocieties.

Mot. 2. Conſider the many promiſes made unto faithfulnes, the great reward which are deſigned and ſet apart for it. (1) God hath promiſed p. 158to fill him with bleſſings, vid. Pro. 28. 20. foreign a man who carefully fulfills every kind of engagement, and is true to every truſt he ſhall abound with bleſſings in this life, he is right heire to all the bleſſings of God. Solomon in theſe heavenly Proverbs, croſſeth the politique Proverbs uſed amongſt men. They ſay Qui neſcit diſſimulare, neſcit vivere, faithfulneſſe they think, is the way to beggery. Solomon here confutes this opinion, aſſuring us that fidelity is the high way to proſperity and externall happineſſe.

(2) God hath promiſed eternall happineſſe unto them who are faithfull, vid. Luc. 12. 42. Luc. 19. 17. and Rev. 2. 10. Paul upon this conſideration beleeves and hopes for the Crown of Righteouſneſſe. 2 Tim. 4. 7, 8. Though he had done many things weakly, yet he did act in every thing faithfully, Math. 25. 20, 21. 23.

Mot. 3. Conſider how honourably the Scripture makes mention of the faithfullneſſe of men. Pro. 13. 17. a faithfull Ambaſſador is health, unfaithfullneſs is ſickneſs, weakneſs, death, vid. Pro. 25. 13. As the cold of Snow, &c. And how carefully the faithfullneſs of men is recorded in the Scripture. Eliezers faithfullneſs to Abraham, Gen. 24. Iacobs faithfullneſs to Laban, Gen. 31. vid. 2 Reg. 12. 15. how is that to the praiſe of thoſe workmen, the Holy Ghoſt hath taken their account, and 2 Reg. 22. 7. and 2 Chr. 34. 12. vid. Neh. 7. 2. and 2 Chr. 31. 12. Conſider this, Eph. 6. 21. Col. 1. 7. Col. 4. 7.

p. 1594. Conſider the odiouſneſſe of the ſin of Treachery and unfaithfullneſs, falſifying of truſts. Its a ſin againſt the very light of Nature. Heathen Infidels are not guilty of this infidelitie. Heathens have bluſhed at it, Its a ſin which is very ſcandalous to Religion. Its a ſin which cauſeth very great diſcuſions and breaches. Its a ſin which is branded in Scripture, with many markes of diſhonour and reproach. As there is an infamy faſtened upon every ſin, ſo upon no more then upon unfaithfullneſs. Every man hates the Name of Perfifidiouſneſs, vid, 2 Sa. 16. 1, 2, 3, 4. Treacherous Ziba, Who doth not loath him for his unfaithfulneſs? vid. Cap. 19. 26, 27. Perfidiouſneſs is a ſin of a double dye, becauſe its a ſin againſt engagement. And its a ſin which God will certainly punniſh, both here and hereafter. Many inſtances in Scripture of Gods ſevere hand, againſt violation of faith.

(1) Of faith in covenants, and promiſes, vid. 2 Sa. 21. init. though 400. yeares afterwards, and Jer. 34. 17. 18. ad finem, and Ezech. 17. per totum, concerning Zedechiahs unfaithfulneſs in his engagement to the King of Babylon, vid. ver. 16. 27. &c.

(2) Of Faith in truſt.

In all Nations, men who betray truſt are accounted more worthy of puniſhment then profeſſed enemies. And uſually God punniſheth this ſin, lege talionis, Eſa. 33. 1.

p. 160(3) I ſhall give ſomething by way of Helpes.

If you would be faithfull in your truſts, Some things are to be taken heed of. Some things are to be done.

There are four things to be taken heed of by him who would not be unfaithfull.

(1) Be ſure that you undertake nothing of truſt which is above your ability, beyond your power. Let this be the firſt queſtion; Am I able to carry on ſuch a work? Is the burden proportionable to my Shoulders? Quid humeri valeant quid ferre recuſent: we muſt not lay upon a Servant more then he can beare. If it be too heavy for your ſtrength, if it be longer then your fathom, let it alone; better, not to act at all, then to act unfaithfully. Many out of Pride, Self confidence, &c. ſtick at no undertaking. It was Davids wiſedome and piety, that he did 1 Cor. 10. 13. Priviledge. Num. 11. …4, 15, 16.1 Cor 10:13Num 11:4Num 11:15Num 11:16not ayme at, nor ambire any employment, which was higher then his arme could well reach, Pſal. 131. 1, 2. It is impoſſible that that ſhould be diſcharged faithfully, which is beyond the ſtrength of the undertaker. Our Saviour gives this caution, No man, when he goes to war with a great King, but will conſider firſt wh…ther he be able, &c. with 10000 to meet him that comes with 20000. Luc. 14. 31. Every arme is not fit for every worke, nor every head for every employment: every man who is fit to row, is not able to ſteer the ſhip; every Souldier who is fit to fight, is not fit to p. 161command. Its a very direct tempting of God for a Child to take upon his ſhoulders a heavy-burden, vid. 1 Sa. 17. 32. If Phaeton will mount his fathers Chariot, he may burn himſelf and the whole world.

In charity a man may not give beyond ability, Deut. 16. 17. 1 Cor. 16. 2. much more in this.

(2) Undertake no charge or truſt raſhly and inconſiderately, uſually he that is raſh and precipitate in undertaking, is unfaithfull and tardy in fulfilling. Tis that expedient, which Solomon propounds, as a helpe to faithfulneſs in promiſes, Eccleſ. 5. 2, 4, 5, 6. Conſider well before hand, all circumſtances, all conveniences, inconveniences &c. which afterwards may ariſe, vid. Pro. 29. 20. vid. Pro. 25. 8. that which is ſaid of ſtriving, holds as wel in al other matters of undertaking. vid. 2 Sam. 18. 22, 29.

(3) Ʋndertake nothing againſt your will and judgement, upon any ſollicitation, perſwaſion, &c. This will certainly lay a foundation of unfaithfulneſs in diſcharging; that which is undertaken by an overruled and overpowred will, cannot be carried on without a failer in execution. There is an unwilling willingneſſe, vid. 1 Pet. 5. 2. foreign: when that which forced the will, or the practiſe at leaſt, is taken off, there will either be an utter ceſſation or a remiſsneſſe in acting, vid. Ro. 14. 5.

(4) Nothing without a faire call. Truſt not your ſelves.

p. 162(2) There are things which muſt be obſerved.

(1) Be often times looking upon the matter of your undertaking. Acquaint your ſelves duly and throughly with the matter of your truſt, what belongs to your office, calling, employment, &c. Many men are to ſeek what belongs to their office. They do not know their charge, &c. Ger a Table of the particulars, with which you are intruſted, that ye may know your work; without this it is impoſſible you ſhould ever be faithfull in any place. Maſters, what is your work to your Servants? Servants, what is your work towards your Maſters? Parents, Children, &c.

John Baptist's converts, vid. Luc. 3. 10. 11. 12.

(2) Be much in prayer, for a faithfull and truſty heart; beg this grace of God, and he will not deny it you: He gave Moſes his faithfulneſs, Num. 12. 7. He gave David, Samuel, their faithfulneſs. Solomon firſt lookes upon the greatneſs of his charge, and then begs for a wiſe and faithfull heart, 2 Chr. 1. 9. 10. If you leane upon your own ſtrength and neglect, prayer, you will warp, and be faulty: ſelfconfidence, is dangerous, Pro. 3. 5, 6, 7.

(3) Frequently remember the account you muſt give of all your Stewardſhip: Thinke of that Text, Give an account of thy Stewardſhip, for thou mayeſt be no longer Steward, Luc. 16. 2. We are but Stewards, and it is required of a Steward, that he be found faithfull, 1 Cor. 4. 2. vid. Luc. 12. 42. 46. 47. 48. Conſider that p. 163your Lord will come to caſt over your accounts very ſhortly.

(4) Meditate much upon the faithfulneſſe of Christ for thee, in every thing he undertook, he prayed faithfully, and ſuffered faithfully, and dyed faithfully &c. and is ſtill faithfull in interceding, communicating of grace, bleſſing of ordinances, &c.

(5) Think upon the joy of thy Lord, into which the faithfull ſervant ſhall enter, Math. 25. 23. A faithfull Servant is a good Servant, and that is accounted well done, which is faithfully done, though it be done with infirmity and frailty.

Faithfull, and called, and choſen, are they which walk with the Lambe, Rev. 17. 14.

(6) Conſider the eye of God upon thee in all thy actings, he ſeeth thy fraudulency and falſehood, &c. his feare will make thee faithfull, vid. Neh. 7. 2. Hanani.

(7) Take heed of and keep watch over thy own heart, truſt not thy ſelf too far, Pro. 28. 26. vid. Mal. 2. 14. 15. Watch over your Spirit.

(8) Deſire thy Christian friends to have an eye to thee, an over-ſeeing friend is a good help.

When you conſider the gaine of unfaithfulneſſe, remember theſe things, Gehezi may by his Treachery, get two Talents of Silver, and two ſuites of apparell, but the leproſy ſhall goe along with his gaine, 2 Reg. 5. 26. 27.

p. 164I might urge this in particulars.

(1) Servants be you faithfull to your Masters in all your truſt. Do not wrong nor defraud them. Remember good Eliezer, Gen. 24. read that Chapter often and ſtudy it well: And Jacob, Gen. 31. 6. 40. read that Chapter well.

(1) You are your Maſters goods.

The Civilians ſay, a Servant is not perſona, but res. You are his money, Jobs Servants is reckoned amongſt his eſtate, Job. 1. init.

(2) Tis the way to be rich, Jacob grew rich by his faithfulneſs, Gen. 31. 8. 9. you may grow rich as Ziba, but you will have a curſe with it as he had, and the brand of Treachery, vid. 2 Sam. 16. init. vid. 2 Reg. 5. 26, 27.

Gehazi got two Sutes and two Talents, and the Leproſy with it.

(4) Tis your honour, Pro. 14. 35. the Kings favour is towards a wiſe Servant.

Do not think it enough to excuſe you, that your Maſters deale deceitfully with you. Laban dealt ſo by Jacob, Gen. 31. 7.

(3) Tis the way to provaile with God for Servants to be faithfull to you.

2. Maſters, be you faithfull to your Servants, p. 165performe your Trust.

You undertake to

1. Diligently instruct them in yuor Trade, do this.

2. Have care of their good education, look after their ſouls. Motives

(1) You have a Maſter in Heaven.

2. You are Loco parentum to them.

(3) It encourageth them in their duty to you: your breach with them, doth not excuſe them of any unfaithfulneſſe, yet it will make you guilty of their ſin.

(4) They are the ſpring of the City, may do much good or hurt hereafter.

(5) You can never make them and your Parents recompence, for the breach of this truſt.

(3) Parents: God hath intruſted you to ſee to the education of his Children. Be faithfull in this truſt. Motives

1. Preciouſneſſe of ſouls would be conſidered.

2. You have been inſtruments of conveying poyſon into their Natures.

p. 1663. It will be the renowne of your family when you are dead.

4. You ſhall periſh with them and for them, if you fail this truſt.

When God ſhall ſay, What is become of the Childrens ſoules I gave thee, what will you anſwer?