The Figless Fig Tree, Text (3 of 12)

The Figless Fig Tree · Text (3 of 12)

p. 86Thus then we anſwer this cavill;Quoad ſubſtantiam operis. Quoad modum. Rom. 2.14.Rom 2:14 A thing done may be good in the Subſtance of the work, and yet evill in the Manner of doing of it. The Subſtance of every moral Action is its Conformity with the Rule of goodneſſe; that is, the Law; when that thing is done which is commanded by the Juſtice and Equity of the Law: and thus the Gentiles, which did by nature, the things conteined in the Law, did good: And this Moral goodneſs in heathen men, was (without doubt) pleaſing and acceptable unto God, ſo farr forth as that he liked the work and approved of it, with that common allowance which he affords to all things,Gen. 20.6Gen 20:6 that bear any ſtamp of his own goodneſſe. The Circumſtances or Manner of the Action conſiſts in the Efficient cauſe, or Perſon, that doth the work, and in the End or Scope that he propoſeth to himſelf in the doing of it.Heb. 11.4.Heb 11:4 In the Perſon is required Sanctification, that the work may be acceptable. And in the End a right Intention; for albeit a good Intention makes not an Action good, yet without a good Intention,1 Cor. 10.31.1 Cor 10:31 the Action cannot be accepted as good, in God's ſight: The Glory of God in Chriſt muſt be the Scope of all our Actions. And herein the Heathen failed, (as doth every other man in the ſtate of Nature) their Perſons were unholy, their conſciences defiled, their purpoſes perverſe and crooked, &c. And ſo, albeit the work they did was Ethically and Morally p. 87good, in the ſight of men, and to humane purpoſes; yet not being cloathed with all due circumſtances, they were not Theologically and Divinely good, ſuch as to be accepted of into any ſpecial favour of Grace; yea, ſo far were they from being ſo, that they were no better in God's account then glorious ſins,Splendida peccata. Aug. and beautifull deformities, ſeemed they never ſo glorious in the eyes of men: the like is to be conceived of the works of every unregenerated Perſon. Uſe 2

Wherefore let every one, that would bring forth good fruit, and have ſome comfortable aſſurance of God's accptance thereof, look to his planting. Let our gifts of Nature be never ſo great and excellent, yet Va ſoli, Wo to Nature if ſhe go alone:Judg. 4.8.Judg 4:8 Barach durſt not venture upon Siſera without Debora went with him: no more may Nature venture upon any holy duty without Grace; nor ſhall wee be eſteemed for any other Trees, then Barren, and fruitleſſe,Joh. 15.4.5.John 15:4John 15:5 whilſt we remain in our naturall ſoyl of Corruption: Without me (ſaith our Saviour) you can do nothing. The Bud of a good deſire, the Bloſſome of a good reſolution, and the Fruit of a good action, all proceeds from our ſpiritual plantation and ingrafting into Chriſt, who is that Root, from whence we have both ſap and ſafety. Object.

But we are all within the Vineyard, branches of God's own planting, we believe in Chriſt, profeſſe his name, &c.Resp.

And it is a great mercy that we are ſo; many Priviledges belong unto us in being ſo, (as the Apoſtle ſpeaketh of the Jews,Rom. 3.2. Wiſd. 4.9.Rom 3:2Wis 4:9 Rom, 3.2.): But that external Plantation may not be reſted in; there are Adulterinae Plantationes, Baſtard Plants, (as Wiſdom termeth them) ſuch as are not planted with that ſpiritual and internal planting, before ſpoken of. Thy planting (it may be) is from man's Injunctions,Joh. 19.12. 1 Pet. 1.18. 1 Cor. 2.4.John 19:121 Pet 1:181 Cor 2:4 or out of ſome By or Politique reſpect; If you do thus or thus, you are not Caeſar's friend; Or by the Tradition of your Fathers, or elſe the enticing ſpeech of ſo me man's wiſdom; humane perſwaſions effected it, and ſuch as theſe are not Plants of the Father's planting:Mat. 15.13.Matt 15:13 It affoards no further ſtrength then to produce Figg-leavs, meer formall and hypocritical Conformities, wherewith to cover our nakedneſſe (as Adam did after his fall). The Father's planting is into the ſtate of Grace and Regeneration, and doth cauſe us to p. 88participate of the life, ſap, and influence, of the Root; which kind of internal planting is that, and onelyonly that, which will affoard us true and ſolid comfort, without which the other will but ſubject men unto ſorer condemnation, for deſpiſing Chriſt in his Word and Spirit, with whom, in their Baptiſm, they made ſo ſolemn a Covenant.

Ʋſe. 3 You therefore that profeſſe your ſelvs to be branches of God's planting, look to it, that the fruits of your plantation be ſeen in your converſations: If Figgs be not found under your leavs, where ſhall we think to find them? ſhall we gather Figgs from Thiſtles? or can we think to find them ſooner on the tree growing by the way-fide than on the tree that is planted in the Vineyard of the Lord? And yet I read of ten Lepers that were cured by Chriſt of their Leproſy,Luk. 17.16, 17.Luke 17:16Luke 17:17 and but one of them returned thanks, and he was a Samaritane, a ſtranger from the Commonwealth of Iſrael; God's own arable would not pay the Tythe, the wild Forreſt did it:Act, 18.2. And St. Paul finds more kindneſſe amongſt Barbarians, than his own Countrymen; they receive him out of the Rain and Cold, when his own Nation ſhall whip him, and turn him into the Rain and Cold. Shall Mercy and Fidelity be without the Church, and falſhood be found in it? ſhall Turks be given to good works, (as building of Temples, Colledges, Hoſpitals); and we who call our ſelvs Chriſtians and Believers ſpend our Zeal in defacing and demoliſhing of them? Shall they make conſcience of their Vows, Promiſes, Dealings; and we that profeſſe better, come ſhort of them many paces? What a diſhonour would this be to our Religion, ſhame to our Profeſſion? And yet ſo it is, (to our ſhame be it ſpoken) that many of us, who have bleſſed means of direction and inſtruction, for the due ordering of our hearts and lives, (which the Heathen want,) may yet be ſent to School to learn moral honeſty of them, both in the deteſtation of groſſe enormities, and in the conſcionable practiſe of many vertues. Woe to ſuch as give occaſion to any to tell the World, that it is better to truſt a Pagan than a Profeſſor; and to have dealing with a Turk rather than with a Chriſtian. I know not how any ſuch can make their peace with that of our Saviour, Unleſſe your Righteouſneſſe ſhall exceed the Righteouſneſſe of the Scribes p. 89Mat. 5.20.Matt 5:20and Phariſees, ye ſhall in no caſe enter into the Kingdome of Heaven. Unleſſe we have a Righteouſneſs that goes beyond theirs, how can we think to eſcape the nethermoſt Hell? if we exceed them in unrighteous, and unjuſt practiſes? But I will ſtrike no longe… on this ſad ſtring, we paſs from the Figg-Tree's Plantation to its ſituation, foreign.

In his Vineyard].

That the Church is the Vineyard you have heard before;Text. and in what reſpects it is ſo compa…ed, here you ſee.

The Church is Gods Nurſery. Doct. That is the onelyonly ſoyle for his plants to thrive in.

The Righteous ſhall flouriſh like a Palme Teee, Pſal. 92.12, 13. 1 Tim. 3.15. Pſal. 132.13, 14. Pſal. 84.20. Cant. 4.13. John 10.16. Rom. 11.25. Acts 2.47. Math. 13. Aug. Serm. 137. de Temp. Reaſ.Ps 92:12Ps 92:131 Tim 3:15Ps 132:13Ps 132:14Ps 84:20Song 4:13John 10:16Rom 11:25Acts 2:47Matt 13and ſhall ſpread like a Cedar in Lebanon; ſuch as be planted in the houſe of the Lord, ſhall flouriſh in the Courts of our God, (ſaith David, Pſal. 92.12, 13.) The Church is Gods houſe, 1 Tim. 3.15. there he delighte to dwell, and there his exerciſes are obſerved, there are his Courts, and that is the ſoyle, the Orchard of his delight for his plants to flouriſh in, and that not for a time onelyonly, but for ever: This is that Sheepfold into which the elect Gentiles were to be brought out of the waſt Deſerts of the World, upon their converſion to Chriſt, John 10.16. The fulneſs of them are to come in thither, Rom. 11.25. and ſuch as God will have ſaved, he daily adds unto his Church, Acts 2.47. And in this reſpect is the Church Militant here on Earth, often compared to the Kingdome of Heaven, for that it is the inlett into it. Per portam Eccleſiae intramus in portam Paradiſs, (ſaith Auſtin).

The fruitfulneſs of any plant is improved principally by four helps. Firſt, The fecundity of the ſoyle whereon it growes. 2ly, The Kindly heat of the Sun, chearing it up with his influence. 3ly, The contribution of the Clouds towards it, with their dews and ſhowrs. 4ly, God's bleſſing; without which, all the other are as nothing. All theſe requiſites are in the Church, whereof the plants therein growing, partake in an ample manner.

The ſoyle it ſelf is fat and fruitful.Cant. 8.11.Song 8:11 Solomon had a Vineyard at Baal-Hamon, which he let out unto Keepers, Cant. 8.11. by which Vineyard (Myſtically) the Ʋniverſal Church is to be underſtood. Christ is the Solomon that owns it; The ſite of it at p. 90Baal hamon, that is, in a very fertile and fruitful place (what place ſoever it was) that was able by the heat of the Sun to bring forth ſtore of wine,Dominus multitudinis. and a multitude of grapes unto the Owner: Iſaiah terms it Cornis filius Olei, an horn of the Son of Oyl, Chap. 5.1.Iſa. 5.1.Isa 5:1 Now by horn, the Hebrews underſtand ſtrength and heighth; and by Oyl, plenty and fatneſſe: we render the words in our tranſlation, A very fruitful Hill, A Hill preferred to all Hills,Iſa. 2.2. Pſal. 68.15, 16. Deut. 32.14, 15. Ezek. 39.28. Amos. 4.1. Iſa. 25.6.Isa 2:2Ps 68:15Ps 68:16Deut 32:14Deut 32:15Ezek 39:28Amos 4:1Isa 25:6 Iſa. 2.2. The high hills of Baſhan were not to be compared with it, Pſal. 68.15, 16. Baſhan, was a very fat and fruitful mountain, the cattle that fed upon it were very fat and ſtrong; but neither Baſhan nor any other mountain on the Earth is comparable to mount Zion for fatneſſe; albeit they leap and inſult proudly, of their outward pomp and glory. In this mountaine (ſaith Iſaiah) ſhall the Lord of Hoaſts make unto all people a feaſt of fat things, a feaſt of wine on the Lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the Lees, well refined, Iſa. 25.6. Needs much that be a fruitful Soyl that affoards ſuch a Crop.

Secondly,Semper in ſole ſita eſt Sylicius. Mal. 4.2. Explained.Mal 4:2 The Sun doth alwayes ſhine upon it (as was ſaid of Rhodes). To you that fear my name (ſaith God) the Sun of Righteouſneſſe ſhall ariſe with healing under his wings, &c. Mal. 4.2. The beams of the Sun may be aptly reſembled unto wings; becauſe thereby the Sun doth ſtretch forth, and extend it ſelf to the nouriſhing, fructifying, and quickening of all things; Now look as the light of the two firſt dayes was collected and placed in the body of the Sun, and ſo carryed about the World for the cheriſhing of things that are under it; ſo hath God collected, and placed all ſpirituall light in his Son,John 5.21. Pſal. 119.50, 93. John 6.63. 1 Cor. 15.45. Math. 23.37. Pſal. 84.11. Pſal. 17.8, & 36, 7, & 57, 1. Cant. 2.3. Iſa. 4.6.John 5:21Ps 119:50Ps 119:93John 6:631 Cor 15:45Matt 23:37Ps 84:11Ps 17:8Ps 36:7Ps 57:1Song 2:3Isa 4:6 and from him it is conveyed unto the Church which is quickned by his word and ſpirit, as by a double beam that comes from him, or (to keep to the Metaphor uſed by the Prophets) which are his wings, under which his Church is both brooded and protected, Math. 23.37. So, Pſal. 84.11. The Lord is both Sun and Shield; Look what the Sun is to the World, the ſame is God to his Church; And where ſhines this Sun, but in the Church? That is the Goſhen, where this light is; and in the Miniſtry eſpecially, it diſplayeth its beames. And as he is a Sun, ſo a Shield to ſhadow us and defend us againſt all ſtormes and tempeſts, that may annoy us, Pſal. 17.8, & 36, 7, & 57, 1. Cant. 2.3. Iſa. 4.8.

p. 91Thirdly, This ſoyle is a well-watered ſoyle, Ezek. 47.1,—13.Ezek. 47.1,—13.Ezek 47:1 What are theſe waters that run from under the threſhold of the Sanctuary, but the graces of Gods ſpirit, and the ſacred Scriptures? theſe are thoſe ſtreames which run through this Eden,Pſal. 46.4.Ps 46:4 and make glad the City of God; they cauſe admirable fruitfulneſs, inſomuch, that on both ſides of the River ſhall grow all kind of fruitful Trees, whoſe leaf ſhall not fade, nor fruit faile, Jer. 17.8. Pſal. 1.3. Deut. 32.2.Jer 17:8Ps 1:3Deut 32:2Jer. 17.8. Pſal. 1.3. The bigg-belly'd Clouds diſtill their ſhowrs on this Earth, Deut. 32.2. their dew falls on this mount Hermon, which furthereth her fruitfulneſs.

Laſtly, whereas Paul's planting, and Apolloe's watering is nothing, without God's bleſſing, A bleſſing is promiſed,1 Cor. 3.6, 7. Pſal. 133.9.1 Cor 3:61 Cor 3:7Ps 133:9 yea commanded to come out of Zion, Pſal. 133. ult. that is, to fall upon the heads of thoſe that are members of the Church: With abundance of bleſſings will he bleſs his Church and People, both for this preſent, and future life. And that we may not think this promiſe was peculiar to the Temple, or Tabernacle, or place of God's Ceremonial worſhip, (which had indeed ſome priviledges above our Temples) you ſhall find that it is ſpoken, of all places where God is worſhipped: In all places (ſaith God) where I record my name, I will come unto thee, Exod. 20.24. Math. 18.20.Exod 20:24Matt 18:20and I will bleſſe thee, Exod. 20.24. And leſt we might conceive, that it was a promiſe made onelyonly to the Jewiſh Church, under the old Teſtament, and nothing belonging to us who live under the Goſpel; Chriſt hath aſſured us, that where two or three are gathered together in his Name, that is, to worſhip him ſincerely, there will He be in the midſt of them, Math. 18.20. there he will meet them with a bleſſing. In all theſe reſpects it appears that the Church of God is the onelyonly ſoyl for plants to thrive in.

And being ſo, Have we not great cauſe to bleſſe God, Ʋſe. for that the lot of our Inheritance is fallen in ſo good a ſoyle? and to ſing with David, The Lines are fallen unto me in pleaſant places, Pſal. 16.6.Ps 16:6yea, I have a goodly heritage? This was that One thing which he did with ſo much earneſtne…s deſire of God,Pſal. 27.4.Ps 27:4 that he might dwell in God's houſe for ever, Pſal. 24.4. The happineſſe of ſuch, as have that priviledge, he doth highly magnifie and ſet forth.Pſal. 24.4. Pſal. 84.4, 10.Ps 24:4Ps 84:4Ps 84:10 Pſal. 84.4. preferring a door-keeper's place in Gods houſe to all worldly p. 92pomp and dignity, out of the bounds of the Church, verſ. 10. It was not for nothing,Gen. 9.27.Gen 9:27 that when Noah bleſt his Son Japhet for his filial affection, and goodneſs, in covering his nakedneſs, he prayed onelyonly that God would perſwade Japhet to dwell in the Tents of Sem, for in deſiring that, he deſired the ſalvation of him and his poſterity. Out of the Church there is no ſalvation (ordinarily) to be had, but ſalvation is in it. The Tree of Life grew no where, but in the midſt of Paradiſe: Nor is Chriſt to be found, nor life eternal to be had other where, than in the true Catholique Church of Chriſt: His promiſes are only made unto his Church; His Covenants only drawn up betwixt Him and the Church; to be out of the Church, is, to be without the Promiſe, Eph. 2.12.Eph 2:12without the Covenant, without Christ, without God in the World; and, without theſe, without happineſſe, without Salvation.

But the Papiſts ſay, that they are the Catholique Church, and that all others being out of their Church and communion, Object. muſt needs periſh eternally. Schiſmatiques and Seperatiſts, they ſay, that the true Church is amongſt them, and them only, and that all other are but limbs of Antichriſt, falſe Churches, and not the true one.

Indeed the Church of Chriſt (whereof we confidently averr that we are members) is crucified (as Chriſt the head thereof) betwixt two Theeves, Reſp. Papiſts on the one hand, and Schiſmatiques on the other; and it ſtands us much upon, and is of great concernment, that we be able to juſtifie our ſtanding; and that we are indeed the true Church of God, and that this is the true grace of God wherein we ſtand.1 Pet. 5.12.1 Pet 5:12

The ſafeſt, and onelyonly infallible way, to find out the true Church is by the Scriptures, as Auſtin ſhews, The queſtion is, ſaith he,Aug. de unit. Eccl. c. 2.Eccl 2 (ſpeaking of the Donatiſts, who held their heretical and particular faction to be the true Catholique Church) (as the Papiſts at this day do theirs) Where the Church ſhould be; What then ſhall we do, ſhall we ſeek it in our own words, or in the words of our Lord Jeſus? In my Judgment, we ought rather to ſeek the Church in his own words, for tha… He is the truth, and knowes his own body.

p. 93Now we read, John 4.22. in that conference that was betwixt Chriſt and the Woman of Samaria, John 4.22.John 4:22that our bleſſed Saviour thus determines that Queſtion, which was betwixt the Jews and the Samaritans, viz. Which was the true Church of the two, and who had the true worſhip; Ye worſhip ye know not what (ſaith Chriſt), we know what we worſhip, for ſalvation is of the Jews; The reaſon that He brings to prove the Jewiſh worſhip, true, was this, They had the word of God amongſt them, the doctrine of ſalvation giving them direction how to worſhip God ſavingly; and that by ſalvation there is meant the word of God, and the Miniſtery thereof appears, in that it was the chief Prerogative which the Jew had above others, as appears, Pſal. 147.19,Pſal. 147.19, 20. Rom. 3 2.Ps 147:19Ps 147:20Rom 3:2 20. Rom. 3.2. (and ſo is mentioned there by our Saviour) beſides, it was that, whereby the Jews knew how to worſhip God aright, (elſe there had bin no conſequence in this Reaſon, We worſhip that we know, for ſalvation is of the Jews). And Laſtly, The ſalvation ſpoken of is that, which was to be derived from them to Gods people, of all Nations, the very ſame in effect with that of the Prophet Iſaiah, Chap. 2.3.Iſa. 2.3.Isa 2:3 The Law ſhall go from Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jeruſalem, before Chriſt's coming in the fleſh; the Jews were the onelyonly Church, and all that profeſſed the true Religion of God,Eſt. 8.7. Rom. 9.4. Math. 15.24. Luke 24.47. Acts 11.19. Rom. 1.16. Acts 2.41.44. Rom. 15.26, & 11, 24.Esth 8:7Rom 9:4Matt 15:24Luke 24:47Acts 11:19Rom 1:16Acts 2:41Acts 2:44Rom 15:26Rom 11:24 received it from them, and joyned themſelves unto them; for to them pertained the giving of the Law, Rom. 9.4. After Chriſt's coming in the fleſh, the Goſpel was firſt Preached unto them, Math. 15.24. Luke 24.47. Acts 11.19. And though many rejected the word, yet many amongſt them were the firſt that embraced it, Rom. 1.16. Acts 2.41.44. And all Churches of the Gentiles gave ſpecial honour and reſpect unto the Church of the Jews, as to their Mother Church, Rom. 15.26. and were grafted into that ſtock, Rom. 11.24. So then we cannot doubt but, by Salvation, in that place the Doctrine and means of ſalvation muſt be meant, as it is in other places of Scripture, Heb. 2.5. And from hence it is evident,Heb. 2.5.Heb 2:5 that the Profeſſion and Preaching of true Doctrine in all fundamental points, is the onelyonly proper and certain note of a true Church.

They of the Roman Church give us many Notes, whereby the true Church may be known, (which they bring as Arguments p. 94to prove themſelves to be the true Church, and no other) as Univerſality, Antiquity, Succeſſion, &c. to the number of fifteen are given by Bellarmine, De notis Eccleſiae.(ſuppoſing to do that with number, which he could not do by weight): but Chriſt doth not determine the queſtion in the place before quoted (nor elſe where) by any of thoſe marks, but by this Note, the Doctrine of ſalvation, which was amongſt the people. It was a Church wherein ſalvation might be had, and therefore the true Church of Chriſt. This was the chief Badge, and Cognizance of the Old Church, whereby it was known to be the Church of God,Rom. 3.2.Rom 3:2 Rom. 3.2. And this is the Cognizance of the true Church under the Goſpel, as appears,AAs 2.42.47. Acts 2.42, 47. where the Holy Ghoſt gives an exact pattern of a true Viſible Church, for all ſucceeding Ages to be examined by, and conformed unto, that (if our ſtate and ſtanding in the Church were queſtioned) true Believers might be able to juſtifie themſelves, and convince all falſe Churches whatſoever; And that, from the prime of the Primitive Church, (the firſt viſible Church after our Saviour's Aſcenſion) (and ſo a fit pattern for other Churches to be cenſured by). Where the word of God is ſoundly, and truly Preached, Sacraments adminiſtred, the Duties of Prayer to God, and Love to our Brethren, Religiouſly and conſcionably practiſed, there is a true Viſible Church wherein ſalvation is to be had; And for further confirmation of this,John 10.4, 27, & 8, 30. Eph. 2.19.John 10:4John 10:27John 8:30Eph 2:19 read John 10.4, 27, & 8, 30, This mark (praiſed be God) is not wanting amongſt us: We build upon the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles; Chriſt himſelf being the chief Corner-ſtone, Epheſ. 2.19. The word is truly and ſincerely Preached to the converſion of many Souls; The Sacraments adminiſtred,Vid. Bernard. againſt Seperatiſts in 80. page 164. the Duty of prayer to God, and Love to our Brethren (in ſome good meaſure) conſcionably and religiouſly practiſed (notwithſtanding faylings) and therefore we are the true Viſible Church of God; which the Church of Rome wanting is not, neither can be.

Yea but (ſay the Separatists) your Aſſemblies are full of enormities; Diſcipline is wanting amongſt you, many corruptions are in you; Your worſhip is polluted with mens writings, ſtinted-prayer, &c. You a Church (ſay they)? you are a limb of Antichriſt.

p. 95We anſwer them, Firſt, that there is nothing done in Gods publique worſhip amongſt us, but it is done by the Inſtitution and Ordinance of the Lord:1 Tim. 2.1, 2. Deut. 31.11, 12. Act. 13.15. Act. 15.21. Pſal. 95.1, 2. Mat. 26.30. Col. 3.16. Mat. 3.13. 1 Cor. 11.22, 23. Numb. 6.23. Deut. 10.28, ….21, 5. 1 Cor. 16.23. 2 Cor. 13.14. Rom. 9.25.26. 1 King. 16.2. 1 Cor. 1.1, 2. 2 Cor. 12.20, 21. Rev. 2. & 3.1 Tim 2:11 Tim 2:2Deut 31:11Deut 31:12Acts 13:15Acts 15:21Ps 95:1Ps 95:2Matt 26:30Col 3:16Matt 3:131 Cor 11:221 Cor 11:23Num 6:23Deut 10:28Deut 10:21Deut 10:51 Cor 16:232 Cor 13:14Rom 9:25Rom 9:261 Kgs 16:21 Cor 1:11 Cor 1:22 Cor 12:202 Cor 12:21Rev 2 It is his Ordinance that whenſoever the Congregation aſſembleth, prayer ſhould be uſed; It is his Ordinance that his Word ſhould be publiquely Read: It is his Ordinance that his Word ſhould be opened, and applyed in our publique Aſſemblies; It is his Ordinance that in our publiquely Aſſemblies, Pſalms ſhould be ſung; It is his Ordinance that the Sacraments ſhould be adminiſtred, and that in the publique Aſſembly; And it is his Ordinance that the Miniſter ſhould diſmiſſe the Congregation with a bleſſing, as Scripture doth evidence.

Secondly, All Corruptions that are in a Church do not unchurch her; The Ten Tribes, after their defection, notwithſtanding their groſſe Corruptions and Idolatry, yet becauſe they profeſſed by circumciſion, and other wayes the true Jehovah, they remained ſtill a true Church, (though a very impure and imperfect Church,) and were ſtill called the People of God, the Beloved of God, the Children of the Living God. So the ſtate of the Jews was wonderfully corrupt in Chriſt's time, and yet ſalvation even at that time was from them, and they the true Church of God: the like might be ſhewed of the Church of Corinth, and the Churches of Aſia; Great corruptions were to be found in them, and yet they were ſtill the true Churches of Chriſt, (as we ſhewed you before, when we ſpake of the Properties of the Vineyard.)

Thirdly, Thoſe may be eſteemed Corruptions in a Church which are none at all. It is no corruption in the preaching of the word, to make uſe of the writings of men, ſo long as God's Word is made the Ground of all, the Touch-ſtone of all, and the Judge to determine of all truth: Had this been ſo, the Apoſtles and Prophets themſelvs had corrupted the Word, in alledging the ſayings of others, (yea, of Heathen Writers):Dan. 4. & 6. Ezra 1. Act. 17.18. 1 Cor. 15.33. Tit. 1.12.Dan 4Ezra 1Acts 17:181 Cor 15:33Titus 1:12 Daniel recited the Decree of Nebuchadnezar, and the Decree of Darius, and the Edict of Cyrus, King of Perſia: St. Paul alledged the Sentences of Heathen Poets; as of Aratus, and of Menander, and of Epimenides: St. Jude alledgeth the Propheſy of Enoch, (which both Auguſtine & Jerome, with others of p. 96our latter Writers, conceive to be Apocryphal). Whilſt humane Learning is made a Handmaid, to wait upon Lady Truth; it is no diſhonour, but rather an honour to her.

Nor is it a corrupting of God's worſhip, to uſe ſtinted and ſett forms of Prayer in his ſervice. It is evident enough in Scripture, that the Church hath uſed, and might uſe them, in God's worſhip: In bleſſing the people it was enjoyned, Num. 6.23, 24. ſo at the ſetting forward of the Ark,Numb. 6.23, 24. Numb. 10.35, 36. Pſal. 92. tit. & 102. tit.Num 6:23Num 6:24Num 10:35Num 10:36Ps 92 Numb. 10.35. and at the reſting of it Ver. 26. Many of David's Pſalms were committed to the Church-Muſitians to be ſung, not onelyonly as Meditations and Doctrines, for the Inſtruction of the Church, but as Prayers unto God; ſo Pſal. 92. was penned for the Sabbath; and Pſal. 102. a Prayer for the diſtreſſed. It is very probable that St. John taught his Diſciples a ſett-From,Luke 11.1.Luke 11:1 Luk. 11.1. and thereupon our Saviour preſcribed to his Diſciples a form of Prayer, not only to be to them, and the whole Church, a Rule and Sampler, according to which, all our prayers ſhould be framed (as appears, Math. 6.9.) but even for them to ſay, uſing the very words as appears, Luk. 11.2. And it is evident that our bleſſed Saviour himſelf, prayed the ſame paayer, and uſed the ſame words in prayer, more than Once, Mat. 26.42. He uſed the ſame words (ſaith the Evangeliſt), nor were they ever the worſe for being often uſed. As for that which is objected, Of ſtinting the Spirit, and pinnioning the wings of the Dove; How is it more a tying of the Spirit up, than it is (to the Hearer) when the Speaker prayes his conceived prayers? for to the Hearer that Prayer is a ſtinted Prayer, and as a ſett form to him; he muſt keep his mind intent to what is ſaid by him that prayes. Secondly, Although there are a tye of words, yet there is not a tye and reſtraint of the Spirit; for the heart may be enlarged therein, and the largeneſſe of the heart ſtands not ſo much in the variety of expreſſion,Dr. Preſt: Saints daily exerciſe. p. 82. as in the extent of the Affection; But the newneſſe of his opinion, ſaith a Reverend Divine, is enough to diſcover the falſhood of it.

Laſtly, For that Diſcipline which they charge this Church of ours to be wanting in, and thence inferre that we are a falſe Church; It may be anſwered that we are not altogether without it, albeit we want that Diſcipline which they pretend. 2ly, p. 97It is an error to make Diſcipline ſo eſſential a property of the Church, …s that that which is without it, is no true, but a falſe Church. That it is neceſſary for the beauty and well being of the Church, we willingly grant; but that it is ſo eſſentially and imſeperably neceſſary to the truth and being of the Church; cannot be proved by evidence of Scripture. Is a houſhold having true matter and forme, and eſſential properties; a falſe houſhould, becauſe Government is wanting? or for that they in the Family have not that care as they ought to have one for anothers wellfare? or becauſe there is not a Broom in it to ridd out the duſt? So in this caſe, the utmoſt that can be made of it, is, that ſuch a Church is a defective Church, a maimed Church (by which it is alſo corrupt, and may without great care ſuddenly come to ruine): but that this defect can make it either no Church, or a falſe Church, cannot be maintained. In a word then, this know;

That the profeſſion of Chriſt in the right uſe of thoſe ſacred Ordinances, which the Lord hath ordained and inſtituted, to be parts of his worſhip (as Preaching of the word, adminiſtration of the Sacraments, and Prayer) is that which doth conſtitute a true viſible Church; and differenceth it from all other ſocieties: It is no viſible Church, that is without theſe; and that is a true viſible Church that hath theſe. And theſe I ſuppoſe none of you but are convinced in your conſcience to be found in this your Mother Church of England. Theſe we have, and in having of them, we are the true Church of Chriſt, having Him for our Head; Miniſters and People, for the body of it: and that our ſtanding in this Church is warrantable, ſafe and good. In the Communion of which Church let us ſtay our ſelves, and not hea…ken to thoſe ſeducing ſpirits which would intice you from us. Chriſt forewarnes of ſuch in theſe laſt times, who ſhall ſay, Lo here is Chriſt, and lo there is Christ, (for he that tells us of a new Church, may as well tell us of a new Chriſt):Math. 24.23.Matt 24:23 but believe them not (ſaith our Saviour): ſo I ſay unto you, give no ear unto theſe, go not after them; ſtand faſt in that Chriſtian reſolution of Chriſt's Diſciples, who, when they were asked, will you alſo forſake me, anſwered whither ſhall we go, Joh. 6.68.John 6:68Thou haſt the words of eternal life. You live in a Church, which (through God's p. 98mercy) hath a womb to be…r you, and papps to give you ſuck; ſay …en whither ſhall we go? Thou, O bleſſed Mother, ha… the words of eterral life! Thou art the Pillar, and ground of truth; Oh! make uſe of this happineſſe of being in this Nurſery, and of this Society; praying the Lord earneſſly to continue▪ is Ordinances amongſt us, that for our unfruitfulneſſe we may not be deprived of them: for if they be taken from us, farewell Church, farewell Salvation.1 Sam. 4.21.1 Sam 4:21 The Glory is departed from England.

Uſe 2 If this be God's Nurſery, &c. then it may inform us of the ſad condition of two ſorts of Perſons; Firſt of ſuch as are Aliens and Strangers from the Common-wealth of Iſrael,Epheſ. 2.Eph 2 without the Pale, (as all Heathen and Pagans are.) It is a Maxim of the Fathers Extra Eccleſiam non est ſalus, and Qui non habet Eccleſiam matrem, non habet Deum patrem; but this muſt be underſtood of the Church Inviſible and Catholique, and not of any viſible Church: When the viſible Church was confined to Abraham's ſeed, we cannot ſay, No other of the ſons of men were ſaved. What were Job, Jethro, and ſuch others? A man may be a true member of the inviſible Church, who is not actually (otherwiſe than in Vow) a member of the Church viſible.Potter's Charity miſtaken. p. 4.7. Secondly, of ſuch as have bin members of the Church-viſible, yet keep not within the fence. Either Actively by a voluntary ſeperation they excommunicate themſelves out of it; The imperſwaſible Recuſant doth ſo; the negligent Libertine doth ſo; the froward Phantaſtick ſeparatiſt doth ſo. Theſe are ſelf excommunicators, and keep themſelves out of this Nurſery,Jude 19.Jude 1:19 and fat ſoyle. The mark that St. Jude hath put upon them (before ſpoken of) would not be forgotten: Sooner ſhall the Vine of Sodom, and the grape of Gomorrah, yield a liquor to refreſh the heart of God and Man, then ſuch pleaſe God by their raſh and furious zeal, (theſe ſort of Perſons we have met withall before).

O… ſuch as Paſſively, by excluſion or ejection are juſtly caſt out of the Church for their wickedneſſe and miſdemeanors by Excommunication, which is the ſoareſt and ſevereſt ſentence, that the Church hath: and is not to be inflicted raſhly, but upon ſerious deliberation: nor by one alone, but by the Church; or ſuch as have power by the Church, put into their hand: not upon every offender, but ſuch as are offenders in a high nature: nor p. 99upon …uc… ſuddenly, but after other means have bin uſed to being them to repentance and they continue obſtinate:1 Cor. 5.4. Math. 18.17.1 Cor 5:4Matt 18:17 nor out of by-reſpects, but for this end that God may be glorified, the Church edified, and their own ſouls ſaved in the day of the Lord Jeſus.

It is a ſentence of the Church. When you are gathered together in the name of Chriſt, ſaith the Apoſt…e, 1 Cor. 5.4. So our Saviour wills, Tell the Church, Mat. 18.17. that is, thoſe who have the managing of the publique cenſures of the Church, an… not all the Congregation, but ſuch as were to ſpeak to the party▪ that he might hear; theſe were a few to whom the Authority was given,Verſe 19. as appears verſe 19. theſe were to paſſe ſentence as appears St. Paul did,1 Cor. 5.3.1 Cor 5:3 1 Cor. 5.3. and the ſentence paſt to be executed in the open Congregation.

Secondly, it is to be inflicted on him that is a member of the Church, that is, on ſuch Perſons as profeſſe themſelves to be members of the Viſible Church, and have given up their names to Chriſt, and have ſubmitted themſelves to the doctrine and diſcipline of the Church; as for others, hear what the Apoſtle ſaith,1 Cor. 5.11, 12.1 Cor 5:111 Cor 5:12 1 Cor. 5.11, 12. What have I to do to judge them that are without.

Thirdly, It is to be inflicted for ſome grievous crime. The cauſes are generally mentioned Math. 18.17. Then in ſpecial, Math. 18.17. 2 Theſ. 3.6. 1 Cor. 5.11. 2 Epiſt. John 10. 1 Cor. 6.9.Matt 18:172 Thess 3:61 Cor 5:111 Cor 5:2John 101 Cor 6:92 Theſ. 3.6. 1 Cor. 5.11. 2 Epist. John 10. It is not to be in inflicted for matters trivial, light, and petty▪ but in ſuch caſes as more expreſly ſhut out of Heaven mentioned, 1 Cor. 6.9. But whilſt theſe things are ſecret, Excommunication hath no place, but they muſt be publique and minifeſt, and the Church acquainted with it.

Fourthly, It ſtretcheth not to all ſuch, but to thoſe that cannot otherwiſe be brought to repentance. Obſtinacy and impenitency, is the cauſe why the Church is compelled to proceed ſo ſeverely, with any of her members: The Chirurgion coming to a Patient, and finding ſwellings and ſoares in the body, doth not preſently proce…d to the cutting off an arme, or legg; he uſeth all other meanes to ſave that member,Mat. 18.16.Matt 18:16 (if he can) before he ſ…ver it from the body. So muſt it be in this Caſe; Firſt, Admonition; …econdly Suſperſion; If that ſerves not, then Excommunication follows Mat. 18.16.

p. 100Fifthly, it cuts off from the Communion and fellowſhip of the faithful, 2 Tim. 1.20.2 Tim 1:20it drives out of the Church, and ſo delivers up unto Sathan, foraſmuch as he Reigneth over thoſe that are without the Church, and there ſets up his Throne: yet this muſt be underſtood with ſome Cautions.

Firſt,Dr Taylor. on Tit. c. 3. Verſ. 18. p. 709. Baldwin Caſ. Conſ. p. 1132.Titus 3 This cenſure infringeth not the Bonds of civil right, and ſociety. An excommunicate Magiſtrate remaineth a Magiſtrate ſtill, and muſt be ſo acknowledged and obeyed. So Ambroſe obeyed Theodoſius whom, and when, himſelf had excommunicated. This cenſure onelyonly makes them as no Chriſtians, not as no Magiſtrates.

Secondly, It looſeth not from the Bands of common humanity, but that every thing muſt be adminiſtred unto ſuch a one as is neceſſary for the preſerving of his Life, Rom. 12.10. If thine enemy hunger, Rom. 12.10.Rom 12:10feed him; if he thirſt, give him drink.

Thirdly, This cenſure takes not away natural right. Such as are of the Family, in conſangunity or affinity, muſt perform all duties to ſuch a one, which ſuch a Relation hath made his due: the Houſe, Bed, Table, muſt not be denyed to theſe from whom it was due before this Cenſure. He that was a Brother before remaineth a Brother, though not a Chriſtian-Brother.

Fourthly, This cenſure looſeth not the Bands of all ſpiritual ſociety, but that, notwithſtanding it, we may and muſt love the excommunicate in the Lord; we ought to pray for him, (though not with him) we muſt admoniſh and rebuke him ſtill, and upon his Repentance receive him like a Brother as before.

But this cenſure takes a man off, firſt from all Communion with God's people in the Word, Math. 6.7Matt 6:7Sacraments, and Prayer, and renders ſuch a one as a Dog or Swine: for whom theſe holy things are unmeet, Math. 6.7.

Secondly, It taketh a man off from converſe▪ ſo far as neceſſarily we are not bound unto them. So John the Evangeliſt finding Cerinthus in the Bath, skipped out of it; and ſuch was the carriage of Polycarpus towards Marcion, as witneſſeth Irenaeus.

Sixthly, The ſcope and end of this cenſure is, firſt in regard p. 101of the Offender, the ſalvation of his ſoul, and recovery of him,1 Cor. 5.5. 1 Theſ. 3.14.1 Cor 5:51 Thess 3:14 and that, 1. by bringing of him to ſhame, 2 Theſ. 3.14. 2ly. by working ſorrow in him for his ſin, for the destruction of his fleſh, and fleſhly corruption which is the ground of true Repentance, 3ly. That his ſpirit may be ſaved in the day of the Lord.

Secondly, In regard of other members of the Church, that they may not be corrupted and infected,1 Cor. 5.6.1 Cor 5:6 1 Cor. 5.6. There is great danger in the reſt of the Church to retain ſuch wicked men in their ſociety, Better that one member be cut off, Bald. Caſ. Conſ. 1134.then that the whole body periſh.

Seventhly and laſtly, Ʋpon Repentance and manifeſtation of it, there muſt be a receiving. 2 Cor. 2.6, 7, 8.2 Cor 2:62 Cor 2:72 Cor 2:8The manner how, ſee 2 Cor. 2.6, 7, 8.

By this you may perceive what a great Maim it is in any Church, where this rod is either not uſed, (as at this day amongſt us); or where it is not uſed aright, (which was a great blemiſh and ſcandal to our Church when it was uſed) being ſent out for trivial cauſes, and compounded-for (before the Congregation was ſatisfied): the keyes were too oylie, being chiefly uſed to open a door for Mammon to fill the purſe, and to make men ſtoop before pride and affectation of Dominion; ſo that it was become a word, In nomine Domini, incipit omne malum.

And by this you may perceive how ſevere a ſentence it is, to be juſtly caſt out of the Church; Other ſentences reach unto our Bodies, Goods, or Liberties, this to the Soul; by other ſentences we are committed to the Jayle, but by this to Sathan; which is worſe then to be clapt up in the vileſt Dungeon: for although it damne not a man, yet it damms up that man's way by ſhutting him out of that Church, through which he muſt go to Heaven▪ which being ſo great a danger, let every one take heed of falling into thoſe ſins that may draw on him this cenſure; for however it be lightly and ſlightly ſet by,Math. 18.18, 19, 20.Matt 18:18Matt 18:19Matt 18:20 yet that ſentence that is juſtly pronounced on Earth, is ratified and confirmed in Heaven, if Scripture may be believed, Math. 18.18, 19, 20.

And ſo we have done with the Subject conſiderable in this Propoſition: now we come to the Predicate.

p. 102He came and ſought fruit thereon, and found none].

Two things,Text. we are here to take notice of. Firſt the Owner's Viſitation of this his Vineyard and Figg-Tree, [He came.] Secondly his Acquiſition; He ſought fruit thereon and found none. Of the firſt, his Viſitation.

He came.]

The Prophet David having ſpoken of Gods planting his Vine, Pſal. 80.8.Pſal. 80.8, 14.Ps 80:8Ps 80:14 ſpeaks afterwards of God's viſiting his Plant, verſe 14. And indeed the Husband man or Vini…or's duty con…iſts principally in theſe two Particulars; ſo here we find. After this man ſpoken of in the Parable, had taken paines in planting this Figg-Tree, he comes and viſits it, expecting to find ſome fruit of his Labours: ſo Chriſt came firſt Perſonally in the dayes of his fleſh, when he took Man's nature on him, John 1.11. He came unto his own, Joh. 1.11.John 1:11albeit his own received him not: of that coming ſpeaks the Apoſtle,Phil. 2.6, 7, 8.Phil 2:6Phil 2:7Phil 2:8 Phil. 2.6, 7, 8. And ſecondly, He came Miniſterially by his Deputyes and Servants whom he ſent unto them; Prophets and wiſe men, and Scribes, Math. 23.24. (that is,Math. 23.24.Matt 23:24 Apoſtles, Paſtors, and Teachers,) ſo he calleth his Servants by the Cuſtomary names of that Country; Theſe he ſent, and by them came to gather his Fruit, and Inn his Vintage, as we have it more plainly expreſſed in another Parable which giveth light to this,Math. 21.33,—42.Matt 21:33 Math. 21.33.—42. That you may hence learn for your inſtruction is;

Viſiting followes Planting. Doct.

Where God hath planted a Church or People, there will he come and viſit that Church and People in a p…culiar manner. Viſiting is a coming to ſee how things are,Act. 15.36.Acts 15:36 Acts 15.36. God is ſayd to viſit men, when he comes amongſt men to work a redreſſe of what is amiſſe; and ſo in a ſpecial manner he viſits his Church, when he manifeſts his care and providence over it, and comes to ſee the eſtate of it.

This may be gathered from that anſwer which the true Church gives to forraign Congregations, who demanded of her, Where her beloved was, that they might ſeek him with her? My Beloved is gone down into the Garden, Cant. 6.1, 2.Song 6:1Song 6:2into the Bed of ſpices to ſeed in the Gardens, and to gather L llies that is, amongſt the Aſſemblies of his people, the Garden of his own planting; there p. 103you ſhall find him walking, there he is ſolacing him ſelf with thoſe fruits of righteouſneſſe which they bring forth unto him, Cant. 6.2. And the Church complaining of Chriſt's abſence ſo long from her, is told by him in the ſame Chapter that he went down into the Garden of Nuts, Verſ. 11 to ſee the fruits of th… Valley, and to ſee whether the Vine flouriſhed, and the Pomegranate budded; as if he ſhould ſay, Thou complaineſt of my ben…e O my Church! But there is no cauſe; for I was but walked down into my Orchard of Aſſemblies, to view their fo…wardneſſe, and take notice of the growth and happy progreſſe of thoſe plants newly ſet, and converted unto me, verſe 11.

Now God viſits his Church two wayes, either by Benefits, or by Judgements: with a Viſitation of mercy, or with a Viſitation of ſeverity. His viſitation of mercy is, when God comes amongſt men to ſhew ſome ſpecial mercy, and that either concerning things Temporal as,Gen. 11.1. Exod. 3.16. G…n 50.24.Gen 11:1Exod 3:16 Gen. 21.1. and when he lets his Churc… know that he takes notice of their ſorrows, as Exod. 3.16. and ſo ſends deliverance; of this is ſpoken, Gen. 50.24. Or in ſpiritual things revealing his everlaſting mercy to his Elect: So he viſits either by Chriſt, who came not onelyonly to ſee us, but to ſave us, Luke 19.68. Cap. 7.16. Or by the Preaching of the Goſpel:Luk. 1.60, & 7, 19. Hoſ. 2.6. Luke 19.44.Luke 1:60Luke 7:19Hos 2:6Luke 19:44 So the time wherein Jeruſalem heard the Oracles, and ſaw the Miracles of our bleſſed Saviour, is called the day of her viſitation, Luke 19.44.

And he hath a Viſitation of ſeverity and correction when he puniſheth for ſin,Exod. 20.5. Pſal. 59.5.Exod 20:5Ps 59:5 Exod. 20.5. Pſal. 59.5. and cometh with unlooked-for calamities: And thus God threatened to viſit the Offenders of the Houſe of David. I will viſit their tranſgreſſion with a rod, and their iniquity with ſtripes, Pſal. …9.33 Iſa 13.11. Jer. 5.29. Hoſ 9.7.Ps 9:33Isa 13:11Jer 5:29Hos 9:7Pſal. 89.33. Iſa. 13.11. So, Jer. 5.29. Shall not I viſit for theſe things, ſaith the Lord? Shall not my ſoul be avenged on ſuch a Nation as this? And Hoſ. 9.7. The dayes of Viſitation are come, the dayes of Recompence are come: Iſrael ſhall know it. This Viſitation is not without all mercy; for when God refuſeth to viſit, it is the ſoar…ſt viſitation of all, Hoſ. 4.14. Therefore David beggs in the b…hall of the Church, Look down O Lord behold, and viſit thy Vine. Hoſ. 4.14. Pſal. 80.14.Hos 4:14Ps 80:14And ſo in ſeverity, he viſited this Figg-Tree, for not finding what he expected, he commanded that it ſhould be cut down, as hereafter we ſhall ſhew you.

p. 104Let it admoniſh every one of us to expect a Viſitation, Ʋſe. and prepare for it; we think that we have to do no more with Viſitations, neither Clergy nor Laitie, all are gone and down, but Fratres, aliam vobis prounncie Viſitationem, There is another Viſitation, my Brethren, to be thought upon; God himſelf is a Viſitor, and he hath his Articles to be enquired of concerning his Day, his Worſhip, and his Service on that Day; the Manner of performance thereof, our Life and Converſation, whether it be ſuitable to our profeſſion. And to theſe, a Perſonal anſwer muſt be given: It were well if we would put that queſtion to our own ſouls;Job 31.14. Object.Job 31:14 when He comes, What ſhall I anſwer him?

But it may be long to this Viſitation, and ſo we may do the better.

No, Reſp. He viſits us bo h in this Life, and in that which is to come. God viſits us in this Life three wayes; Firſt Praedicando, by the Preaching of his word, when God ſends his Prophets and Miniſters unto us, to declare his will then he cometh to viſit us,Numb. 23.21. Math. 18.20.Num 23:21Matt 18:20 Numb. 23.21. The Lord his God is with him, the ſhout of a King is amongſt them, (ſaith Balaam). So, Math. 18.20. there God is by his Authority, Power, and Command; and where the King's Proclamation is, there God is Authoritively by his Authority; yea, where his word is Preached, there God is Virtualiter by vertue and efficacy working with it; inſtructing the ignorant, comforting the weak, correcting the ſtubborne, confirming the Religious: And to this Viſitation you are all cited, and muſt anſwer to your names? If no lawful impediment be alleadged, it is a contempt and you muſt anſwer for it. Every week he keeps a conſtant viſitation amongſt us.

Secondly, He viſits inwardly, Inſpirando, by the inſpiration of his holy Spirit, putting into our hearts holy thoughts, good deſires, and motions. He comes thus to us at one time or other; ſo he came to viſit hard-hearted Pharaoh, Exod. 9.27. and to Balaam, Exod. 9.27. Numb. 23.10. John 9.16. Mat. 19.16. Rev. 3.20.Exod 9:27Num 23:10John 9:16Matt 19:16Rev 3:20Numb. 23.10. and to thoſe Jews, John 6.34. and ſo Math. 19.16. It is a fearful thing to reſiſt theſe motions, to quench them, and ſmoother them; he ſtands by us knocking, but we will not anſwer.

Thirdly, He comes a viſiting Corrigendo, by correcting of us; ſo all his Chaſtiſements and corrections are Viſitations: Thus p. 105Job calls his Tryals, Job 7.18. we call the Peſtilence God's viſitation;Job 7.18.Job 7:18 and ſo are other ſickneſſes leſſe mortal (as that which is now upon us): Oh that we would now viſit our ſelves, ſo ſhould we ſave God a labour; If we would judge our ſelves God would not judge us, 1 Cor. 11.31.1 Cor 11:311 Cor. 11.31.

And yet there is another day of viſitation, beſides that in this life, which is at the generall day of judgement; and thoſe who are not viſited here, ſhall aſſuredly be viſited then; and the…e will be no plea, no excuſe, for abſence no appearance by a Proxy:Mich. 7.3, 4. Jer. 49.7, 8.Mic 7:3Mic 7:4Jer 49:7Jer 49:8 This will be a time of great calamity and perplexity, counſell will periſh from the prudent, Mich. 7.3.4. Jer. 49.7.8.

Ʋſee. 2 Let us bleſſe God, that he hath this care over us, What is man (ſaith David) that thou art ſo mindfull of him, Pſal. 8.4.Ps 8:4and the Son of man that thou viſiteſt him, Pſal. 8.4. David could not but admire God's goodneſſe herein; Elizabeth wondered that the Virgin Mary ſhould give her a viſit, Whence cometh this, Luk. 1.43.Luke 1:43that the Mother of my Lord ſhould come unto me? Luke 1.43. Much more may we admire, that the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, ſhould viſit us, and that in his own perſon, taking our nature on him (as we ſpake before), doing all things that belonged to a good Viſitor; reforming, cleanſing, purging, puniſhing offenders with his own hand, by his own mouth; and comforting, ſuccouring, relieving all ſuch as were weak, ſick, and diſtreſſed: And, after that in his own perſon, he had done all this; when he aſcended up to the Throne of his Glory (from whence he deſcended), ſuch was his care, that he left not his Church without Viſitors, to overſee it in his abſence, till he comes again, who (if faithful) will be careful of doing what was left them in charge. Now, in that he hath this care for us, what ſhall we do for him? All that he requires of us, and expects from us, is to anſwer his pains and care in our Creation, Redemption, Sanctification, Preſervation; by our fructification: Which is the next poynt we come unto.

[And he ſought fruit thereon and found none. Text]

This Husbandman having beſtowed paines upon this Figg-tree, in the planting of it, expects a return of fruit; but, co…trary to his expectation, he found none at all: fruit he fought, none he found: we begin with the firſt, The Poſition is

Fruit is expected from every Figg-Tree that God hath planted in his Vineyard.

p. 106Who are meant by the Figg Tree, you have before been ſhewed; and what is to be underſtood by this Plantation in the Vineyard you have likewiſe heard: It remains now to give you to underſtand, what kind of fruit it is that is expected; which being done, we will then come to the Confirmation and Application of the point.

This word Fruit, is very fruitful of ſignification (ſaith one, and that truly): For it is taken Properly or Improperly, what Fruits are,Gen. 1.11, 12. & 4.3. Pſal. 67.7. M…t. 21.19 Deut. 28.4 Pſ. 127 3. & 232.11. Lam. 2.20. Luk. 1, 42. Act. 2.30. Mat. 7.17. Gal. 5.22. Ver. 19, 20. Pro. 12.14. Rom. 15.28. Phil. 1.11. & 4.17. Col. 1.10. Jam. 3.15. Hoſ. 10.1. Amos 6.12. Mat. 7.16. & 12.33, 34 Iſa. 3.10. Prov. 8.19. & 31 33. Pſal. 127.13. Pro. 12.14. Gal. 5.22. Heb. 12.10. Jam. 3.17, 18. Rom. 6.22.Gen 1:11Gen 1:12Gen 4:3Ps 67:7Deut 28:4Ps 127:3Lam 2:20Luke 1:42Acts 2:30Matt 7:17Gal 5:22Prov 12:14Rom 15:28Phil 1:11Phil 4:17Col 1:10Jas 3:15Hos 10:1Amos 6:12Matt 7:16Matt 12:33Matt 12:34Isa 3:10Prov 8:19Prov 31:33Ps 127:13Heb 12:10Jas 3:17Jas 3:18Rom 6:22 in the proper and native ſenſe, we all know. That encreaſe which cometh of the Land, Trees, or Cattel, and other Creatures, is Fruit Properly, (but in a general ſenſe) ſo Gen. 1.11, 12. & 4.3. Pſal. 67.7. But more strictly, it is taken for the laſt iſſue of Trees, and ſo it is oppoſed to leaves and bloſſomes: So, Math. 21.19. that Figg-Tree which grew by the way had leaves many, but fruit none, and therefore Chriſt curied it.

Improperly, the word is uſed and applyed, either to Perſons, or to Things. To Perſons, ſo Children are termed the fruit of the Body and of the Womb, as Deut. 28.4. Pſal. 127.3. & 132.11. Lament. 2.20. Luke 1.42. Act. 2.30. And that, firſt, becauſe they are derived from the bodies of their Parents, and proceed from their loins as fruit from a Tree. Secondly, for that they are delightful to the Parent, as the fruit of the Tree is to the Palate.

It is applyed unto Things; both to Actions and Rewards. To Actions both Good and Bad: Good Actions are termed Fruit: ſo Inward habits of the Spirit whence good Actions do proceed, Gal. 5.22. And of the Fleſh, whence had Actions iſſue, ver. 19.20. And outward works, iſſuing from thoſe habits, whether good of which we read, Prov. 12.14. Rom. 15.28. Phil. 1.11. & 4.17. Coloſ. 1.10. Jam. 3.15. Or bad whereof we read, Hoſ. 10.1. Amos 6.12. Math. 7.16. & 12.33, 34.

Rewards that follow upon our Actions, are likewiſe termed Fruit: ſo the Reward that come…h of well-doing, is fruit, Iſa. 3.10. Prov. 8.19. & 31.33. This Reward is either in Bleſſings Temporal, Pſal. 127.3. Prov. 12.14. Or in Bleſſings ſpiritual, Gal. 5.22. Heb. 12.10. Jam. 3.17, 18. Or eternal, Rom. 6.22.

p. 107The Reward of Evill works is likewiſe termed Fruit,Prov. 1.31. Jer. 17.10. Jer. 6.19. Jer. 21.14. Mich. 7.23. Rom. 6.2.Prov 1:31Jer 17:10Jer 6:19Jer 21:14Mic 7:23Rom 6:2 Prov. 1.31. Jer. 17.10. So that which they ſuffer in this life is termed the Fruit of their thoughts as Jer. 6.19. and the fruit of their doings, Jer. 21.14. Mich. 7.13. And that which they ſhall ſuffer hereafter is Fruit too, Rom. 6.21. What fruit had you in thoſe things? for the end of thoſe things is death.

The fruit here ſpoken of, is not to be taken literally, but figuratively; Nor yet for Perſons, but Actions: Our good works are the fruit, and that not in a ſtrict ſenſe, as oppoſed to thoughts, and words, (as Jam. 2.17.) But in a larger ſenſe,Jam. 2.17. Jer. 17.10. Rev. 2.2. & 3.1.Jas 2:17Jer 17:10Rev 2:2Rev 3:1 for thoughts, words, and Actions, as Jer. 17.10. Revel. 2.2. & 3.1. Again good works are ranked into two files; Offices of Devotion, as A…ms, and ſuch like; which be Opera Miſericordiae. And Duties of Religion as Faith, Repentance, Obedience Prayer &c. theſe be Opera justitiae. The former be manuum Sacrificia, the latter cordium Sacrificia: In the firſt, the withered hand is onelyonly healed; in the la ter, the Dead is raiſed; both ſorts are expected: Fruits Inward, as good thoughts, purpoſes, deſires, &c. and all thoſe good Affections mentioned, Gal. 5.22, 23.Gal. 5.22.Gal 5:22 And Fruits Outward, good words, good works, &c. Theſe are aptly termed Fruits.

Firſt, for that they ſpring from a Good Root, the Righeouſneſſe of God in us, Phil. 1.11. that is,Phil. 1.11Phil 1:11 ſuch as ſpring out of the righteouſneſſe of God, in us: we muſt be righteous by the righteouſneſſe of God in us, before we can bear any good Fruit having the inherent righteouſneſſe of Chriſt imputed to us, and righteouſneſſe inherently wrought in us by the Spirit of God. Righteouſneſſe is the Tree, and good Works the Fruits of the Tree.

Secondly, for that they are in the ſapp of Faith, Mat. 4.28.Matt 4:28hidden in the heart; which buds, and puts forth, firſt in bloſſomes, then in leavs, then in fruit, and ſo ripens by degrees, as we read Mark. 4.28.

Thirdly, for that they prove life in the Tree, as fruit doth; Indeed buds and bloſſoms are indications of a Tree's growth, but not of a Chriſtian's: There muſt be more than purpoſes, and inten…ions, and outward profeſſion, to prove life in a Chriſtian. Thus having ſhewed you what that fruit is which God p. 108expects, we ſhall now prove it unto you that God doth expect ſuch fruit from every Chriſtian.

I went down into the Garden of Nuts (ſaith Chriſt) Cant 6.11. to ſee the fruit of the Vallies, Cant. 6.11.Song 6:11and to ſee whether the Vines flouriſhed, and the Pomegrantes budded. Had he not expected fruit from thoſe plants of his, he would not have gone down to ſee the growth, and progreſs of them: He expected fruit from them, and went down to ſee if they anſwered his expectation. So Cant. 7.12.Cant. 7.12.Song 7:12 Let us get up early to the Vineyards, (ſaith the Church to Chriſt); let us ſee if the Vines flouriſh, and whether the tender Grapes appear, and the Pomegranates put forth: She calls upon her Beloved to viſit with her the Aſſemblies of her believing Children; that, to their mutual comfort, they might be witneſſes and partakers of all the ſignes and fruits of Grace, which they yielded, and was by them expected ſhould be produced. This is farther ſet forth by a compariſon betwixt Solomon's Vineyard and God's,Cant. 8.11, 12.Song 8:11Song 8:12 Cant. 8.11, 12. Solomon expected frui… from his Vineyard that he had planted in Baal-Hamon, but by reaſon that he was not able to dreſs it, and mature it himſelf, he was enforced to let it forth unto others, who went away with ſome part of the encreaſe for their paines; yet he expected the greateſt part of the profit, (as well he might). But I (ſaith Chriſt) reſerve my Vineyard in my own hands, I dreſſe it with my own labour; And therefore if thou, O Solomon, canſt receive from thine ſo large a Rent, I expect more from my Vineyard, and that the gain and profit thereof ſhould ariſe wholly & only to my ſelf.

For further and clearer proof,Iſa. 5.4.7.Isa 5:4Isa 5:7 read Iſa. 5.4. God having beſtowed ſo much paines upon the Houſe of Iſrael, his Vineyard; in plan…ing, fencing, ſtoning of it, and diſcharging all the parts of a good Husbandman about it; He tells us what he expected from it, I looked that it ſhould bring forth Grapes, (and thoſe good and not wild): He looked to find Judgment and Righteouſneſſe exerciſed therein, ver. 7. Whatever he found, yet this was that which was expected. And the like expectation hath he from his Vineyard now in time of the Goſpel, as appears by that Parable propounded by our bleſſed Saviour, Mat. 12.33. &c.Mat. 12.33Matt 12:33

p. 109And there is good reaſon for it, for all Labour is for a Cropp. Reaſ. Who goeth a warfar at any time, at his own charge?Prov. 27.18. 1 Cor. 9.7. Verſ. 10.Prov 27:181 Cor 9:7 Who planteth a Vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof (ſaith the Apoſtle, 1 Cor. 9.7.) He that plants, plants in hope; and he that plowes, plowes in hope, verſ. 10. that is, to be made partaker of his Labours; and ſhall not God expect ſome return from us, for all his paines beſtowed on us, and taken with us?Pſal. 128.2.Ps 128:2 Surely it is but juſt and equal that He ſhould taſte of the Labour of his hands Here I meet with an Objection which would be removed before I come to apply the Point. Object.

Did not God know before he ſought, that this Figg-Tree was fruitleſſe? is any thing concealed from him? doth not he know all men, and needeth not that any ſhould teſtifie of man, John 2.24, 25? how then can it be ſaid that he expected fruit from it, and that his hope was fruſtrated? Reſp.

It cannot be denyed, but that God did foreſee it,Iſa. 48.8.Isa 48:8 and knew full well the barrenneſſe of this Figg-Tree, Iſa. 48.8. I knew (ſaith God) that thou wouldeſt grievouſly tranſgreſſe, therefore I have called thee a Tranſgreſſor from the Womb: His expectation cannot be deceived as the hope and expectation of man many times is, or as if there were in God a doubtful hope, of what will follow; but he would give us to underſtand thereby, how meet it was that this Figg-Tree ſhould have bin fruitful, his Quaerit as one ſpeaketh is a Requirit, He did not ſeek that which was hid from him, but requireth a debt that was due unto him: Let us make ſome good Uſe of this. Uſe 1

If God expects fruit where he hath beſtowed paines in planting, then multitudes are deceived in the World, who think to put God off with Leaves or Bloſſomes, much leſſe with wild or blaſted fruit.

Some pleaſe themſelves, (and think to pleaſe God too) with their good intentions and purpoſes; It may be, they bloom very fair, reſolve to amend their wicked lives, forſake their Drunkenneſſe, Swearing, Whoring, and all their vitious courſes,Hoſ. 6.9.Hos 6:9 but nothing is done, their goodneſſe (like Ephraims) is but like the Morning Cloud, and as the Morning Dew that vaniſheth away, their purpoſes are like unto a Ball (blowen out of a Box or Nutſhell) of ſoape and water, which when it comes to a ſwelling …ullneſſe burſts of it ſelf, and vaniſheth to nothing.

p. 110It is true, good Purpoſes and Reſolutions are to be reſpected; but if they accompany not good Actions, they are no better then Qualms and Paſſions which may be in very reprobates (as we find in Balaam, Saul, and Judas himſelf, who came ſo far as to ſay,Mat. 27.4. Aug. de Temp. Ser. 2 17. Prov. 31.19.Matt 27:4Prov 31:19 I have ſinned in betraying Innocent blood.)

Auſtin meditating on that which is ſpoken of the Vertuous Woman, Prov. 31.19. She layeth her hands to the Spindle, and her hands take hold on the Diſtaffe, wills us to ob…erve that in ſpinning, there are two Inſtruments, the Spindle in the right hand, and the Diſtaffe in the left: about the Diſtaffe the Wooll or Flax is folded up, by the Spindle it is drawen out; that which is on the Diſtaffe is to paſſe to the Spindle, that which is on the Spindle is already paſſed: And he applyes theſe two, to the Intention of doing well, and to the good work done; Intentions do but fold up the Wooll or Flax upon the Diſtaffe, it is Doing that draws it out and ſpins it: Opus tuum ſit in fuſo, non in colo (ſaith he), Let thy work be done on the Spindle, not on the Diſtaffe; it is that which muſt comfort thee; it is that which muſt do thee good. Purpoſes and Performances, are like unto Jacob and Eſau, our Purpo…es are the firſt-born, but Performance (with Jacob) carryes away the Bleſſing. Your Intentions and Purpoſes are like ſweet buds in the Spring, but that is an uncomfortable Spring that is alls buds and no ſetting. Coelum bonis operibus, Gehennam vanis deſideriis (ſaith one), Hell is full of good Intentions and deſires, but Heaven full of good works, (as a holy man that we read of ſaw in a Viſion.)

Otherſome conceit that if to theſe buds ſome green leaves of outward Profeſſion be added, it will yield aboundant ſatisfaction; Talking-Chriſtians they are, but not Walking, nor working Chriſtians; Their leaves make a ruſling noyſe with every blaſt of wind; Prodigal enough they are in hearing Sermons, and talking in all Company of what they have heard, but that is all: not a berry can be found under any of their leaves, yet they would be accoun ed for good Chriſtian Profeſſors.

But theſe ſhould do well to remember what St. James ſaith, Pu…e Religion, and undefiled before God the Father, is this, to viſit the Fatherleſſe and Widdow in their affliction, and to keep a mans ſelf unſpotted from the World, Jam 1.27.Jas 1:27Jam. 1.27. though a man ſay p. 111he hath Faith and hath not Works can ſuch a Faith ſave him? No it cannot, Jam. 2.14. It is no ſigne of a good Tree when all the ſapp runs into leaves, and ſpends it ſelf that way; Nor of a good Chriſtian when all his grace ſhoots up into words, when his goodneſs is onelyonly verba…, there is no reality at all; It is fruit that God expects fructum laborum, the fruit of our labours; an… he will not be put off with fructum labiorum, the fruit of our lips. You hear much, praiſe the Preacher, talk of the Sermon, repeat largely, fayl not in returning every Quotation in the right Verſe and Chaper: Eufolia, ubi fructus? All theſe are but leaves, where's the fruit? without which the other in God's account is but a kind of talking Craft or Sophiſtrie.

Believe it Brethren, a ſpeechleſſe life hath more force in it then a liveleſſe ſpeech: to ſee one man converted by our Miniſtery, and bringing forth ſuch fruit as may beſeem Repentance and is worthy amendment of life, will edifie a Congregation more then twenty of our Sermons. When Peter and John Preached in the Streets, the People marvailed ſaith the Text, Act. 4.13. for they had underſtood that they were unlearned men; but beholding alſo the man that was healed ſtanding by, they had nothing to ſay (ſaith the Text,Acts 4.13.Acts 4:13) they were ſo clearly con…inced of a greater power working in them, and by them, as that they had nothing to object againſt it; And this is the onelyonly way you have to out-Preach us: And without this, all your Figg-leaves will not hide your ſhame, nor will they be able were they as bigg as Targets (as Pliny ſaith the leaves of the Indian Figg-Tree are,) to bear off that ſhowre of wrath which ſhall one day fall upon the heads of all barren and fruitleſs Profeſſors:

Laſtly, Others there are, that bring forth fruit as well as buds and leaves, and yet their fruit ſhall not be accepted.

Firſt, For that it not naturall and kindly fruit, but degenerate; In the Creation every ſeed and plant brought fruit after its kind ſo it is in the Regeneration,Gen. 1.12. Phil. 1.27, & 3.20. Rom. 16.2. Epheſ. 5.3. Gal. 5.19.Gen 1:12Phil 1:27Phil 3:20Rom 16:2Eph 5:3Gal 5:19 good Trees bring forth fruit anſwerable to the Stock wherein they are engrafted, and the ſap they thence receive, and the Profeſſion that they make; but theſe men walk after the luſts of the Gentiles, and bring forth the fruits of the fleſh, (ſuch as thoſe mentioned, Gal. 5.19.) no manner of way anſwering to the ſeed that hath bin ſowen in p. 112them by the Miniſtery of the Word, which they have heard, and the doctrine which they have bin taught.

Secondly, Say it be fruit of a better kind, yet it is not ſeaſonable fruit; It may be that they are ten or twenty years in Blooming, ſo long before they come to any good Reſolution, to leave their vitious wayes and courſes; and then they truſt to latter ſprings and ſhowrs for the perfecting and ripening of it, and ſo neglecting the due ſeaſon of fruit, it happens that, with Eſau, Heb. 12.16, 17.Heb 12:16Heb 12:17they find no place for Repentance, though they ſeek it carefully with teares.

Thirdly, Their fruit is not ſound fruit, but rotten at the coare, (however it be goodly and fair to look upon) like thoſe Apple Trees in Aſſyria (of which Solinus writes) the fruit whereof is as yellow as Gold, but being toucht is rotten, or like the Apples of Sodom, beautiful to the eye; but being touched they fall to Cindars: zealous they ſeem outwardly, when they are cold at heart, or elſe lukewarm: Their aimes and ends in all their devotions is Self, like that Cardinal Wolſey, who layd a fair Foundation for a good Work, but his Ego et Rex meus marr'd all the Structure: he ſought to raiſe his own honour and reputation by the Ruine of his Soveraign's dignity. Such was the fruit the Phariſees of old bare:Math. 6.Matt 6 and ſuch is the fruit of Papiſts at this day, who ſeek themſelves, in thinking to merit by their good works at the hands of God.

Fourthly, their fruit is not fair, it is ſhrivelled up, either in ſome few duties of the firſt Table, as Hearing, Reading, Praying, &c. but in the duties of the ſecond Table they are very tardy,Iſa. 58 3, 5, 6. Math. 23.14.Isa 58:3Isa 58:5Isa 58:6Matt 23:14 Iſa. 58.3, 5, 6. So the Phariſees made long prayers, and under that pretence devoured up Widdows houſes, Math. 23.14. and ſuch is the fruit of all Hypocrites. Or elſe they are obſervant in the duties of the ſecond Table, with neglect of of the firſt,Math. 23.23.Matt 23:23 as, Math. 23.23. and ſuch is the fruit of the Civilian, and moral man.

Fifthly, Their fruit is not laſting: it holds good for the Summer ſeaſon of proſperity, but when the Winter of Adverſity and Perſecution comes,Luke 8.13.Luke 8:13 it ſayles, Luke 8.13. And ſuch is the fruit of the Temporary Believer, and Time-ſerving Chriſtian; his fruit laſts not all the year, not during term of Life, when as a p. 113good Figg-Tree is never without ſome Figgs, hanging on the tender boughes, Winter nor Summer: A good Chriſtian like the Palm Tree ſpoken of, Pſal. 92.12.Pſ. 92.12.Ps 92:12 grows fat and flouriſhing even in old age.

Let theſe and all ſuch other, be adviſed not to flatter themſelvs nor ſuffer themſelvs by vain pretences to be undone. It is not a fair bloſſome, a green leaf, nor Fruit of outward Profeſſion, externall reformation, common illumination, or any of the like Nature, that will ſatisfy God's expectation: he looks for fruit, and good fruit too, from every Figg-Tree, and at your hands he will require it.

Uſe 2 Wherefore, Be exhorted to be fruitful Chriſtians, that you may anſwer God's expectation; Let your Fruit be the fruit of Righteouſneſſe, Phil. 1.11. fruit unto Holineſſe, Rom. 6.22. fruit unto God, Rom. 7.4. that is, to the Glory and Praiſe of God, and ſuch as he will accept of.

Now that this Uſe may be the more profitable, I ſhall acquaint you with three particulars; Firſt with the Properties or Qualifications of that fruit that ſhall find acceptance. Secondly, with the means that muſt be uſed for the producing of fruit ſo qualified. Thirdly, with the motives that may ſtir us up to the bringing forth of ſuch fruit: Of each of theſe briefly, and in order.

That our Fruit may be rightly qualified, and ſo accepted, care muſt be had of the Quality and Quantity of them.

For the Quality, they muſt be Good, both in reſpect of Substance and Circumſtance.

For Subſtance they muſt be good quoad fontem and quoad finem. They muſt proceed from a good Fountain, the Spirit of God; and aime at a right end, the Glory of God.

The Fountain muſt be good; They muſt be the fruits of the Spirit, and proceed from the Spirit, Gal. 5.22.Gal. 5.22. Semen naturae non conſurgit in f…uctum Gratiae. Joh. 6.3.Gal 5:22John 6:3 To bring forth good fruits, more than Nature is required. Natural abilities, be they never ſo excellent, no, nor moral principles, be they never ſo eminent, are ſufficient hereunto. A Tree muſt live before it bear fruit, and it is the Spirit that quickneth, and to prevent deceit herein, (for many pretend the Spirit who have it not) care muſt be had that what we do be warranted by the Word, p. 114Joh. 3.21. if it anſwers not the Rule, it proceeds not from the Spirit of God but from a deluding Spirit and cannot be good.Joh. 3.21. Rom. 14.23.John 3:21Rom 14:23

As the Fountain muſt be good, ſo muſt the End be that we aime a…. It is not colour, nor juice, that diſtinguiſheth a Crab from an Apple; but the reliſh: The End of an Action, is that which giveth reliſh unto an action: The Ʋltimate End is the Glory of God, Epheſ. 1.12. Iſrael was counted an empty Vine for that it brought forth fruit unto it ſelf, Eph. 1.12. Hoſ. 10.1.Eph 1:12Hos 10:1Hoſ. 10.1. albeit Secondarily, both our Own and our Neighbour's good is to be reſpected. By our fruitfulneſſe our Neighbour muſt be edifyed; our own faith and thankfulneſſe teſtified; our high Calling in Chriſt anſwered; Sin and Judgment diverted; Heaven and Happineſſe in the end obtained.

As Subſtance, ſo Circumſtance muſt be reſpected in the fruit we beat: and that, 1. Of Perſon, or Calling. 2. Of Time. 3. Of Place.

It muſt be Our own Fruit, Pſal. 1.3. Beſides the fruit which is of a General kind, Pſal. 1.3.Ps 1:3and grows upon every Tree of God's planting, and upon every Branch that is grafted in the true Vine (as Love, Joy, Peace, and the reſt, mentioned Gal. 5.22.) there is a more ſpeciall and particular Fruit, Judg. 9.10.Judg 9:10which every Tree muſt bring forth according to its kind. As the Olive Tree hath its fatneſſe; the Figg Tree, his ſweetneſſe; The Vine, his Wine, that cheareth God and man: So every Chriſtian hath his proper fruit, whereby he muſt be known in that Calling, wherein God hath ſet him. A King (ſaith Austin) ſerveth God after one ſort as he is a man,Aug. Epiſt. 50. after another ſort as he is a King: As he is a Man, he ſerveth him by living faithfully; as he is a King, by making Lawes for the keeping of his Subjects in peace and tranquility. And ſo it may be ſaid of God's whole Houſhold, and Family; each one oweth a ſervice to God, after one ſort, in the generall fruit of holyneſſe; and after another in the proper fruits of our particular Callings and Stations: Whence it is, that that may be good in one, that is not in another; as appears by two remarkable Inſtances.2 Sam. 6.6. Num. 18.3. 1 Chro. 13.10.2 Sam 6:6Num 18:31 Chr 13:10 The one of Uzzah, who (it is likely) out of good intent put his hand to the Ark, to ſtay it, when it tottered, and was like to fall: This was not his Fruit, none might p. 115touch the Ark but the Levites onelyonly; therefore God was diſpleaſed with it, and ſmote him for it, ſo that he dyed preſently before the Lord, 1 Chron. 13.10.

The other Inſtance is in King Ʋzziah who went into the Temple to burn Incenſe upon the Altar of Incenſe;2 Chro. 26.16.2 Chr 26:16 This was not his Fruit, it appertained not to him to do it, but to the Prieſts, the Sons of Aaron, (as Azariah told him,Ver. 18. 2 Chron. 26.18.) and therefore it made not for his honour, for he was immediately ſtruck with Leproſy, which appeared in his forehead to his ſhame,Ver. 19.20. inſomuch that he was thereupon thruſt out of the Temple for a Leper. It is not enough (then) that our works are ſuch as beſeem Repentance in the general; but they muſt be ſuch as have a due reſpect unto the performance of thoſe things which we are called unto in our Repentance,Iſa. 1.16, 17. Luk. 4.12, 13, 14.Isa 1:16Isa 1:17Luke 4:12Luke 4:13Luke 4:14 Iſa. 1.16, 17. Luk. 4.12, 13, 14.

As it muſt be proper fruit, ſo it muſt be ſeaſonable. It is ſaid of the godly man, that he bringeth forth his fruit in his ſeaſon, Pſal. 1.3. Eccl. 3.11. Pro. 25.11.Ps 1:3Eccl 3:11Prov 25:11Pſal. 1.3. Every thing is beautifull in its ſeaſon: A word ſpoke (much more deed done) in due ſeaſon, is like Apples of Gold with pictures of Silver, Prov. 25.11. Then is our Fruit ripe, pleaſant, profitable, and acceptable, when it is well timed; for want of this it rotts and putrifies, as doth the untimely fruit of all Hypocrites.

Nor may the Place be altogether neglected; For (as King Theodorick ſpeaketh in Caſſiodore),Aptum eſt omne bo… locis ſuis, et laudabilia qua que ſordeſcunt, niſi congrnâ ſede potiantur. Caſſio. lib. 5. Var. 22. Joh. 2.14, 15.John 2:14John 2:15 every good thing is proper in its place, and all things praiſe-worthy loſe their commendation, unleſſe they do injoy their proper ſeat. Buying and ſelling is good, but not in the Temple, as appears Joh. 2.14.15. Thoſe Buyers and Sellers of Sheep and Oxen, and Mony changers, did no other then what might lawfully be done, in providing Sacrifices ready for thoſe who came from farr, and in exchanging Gold for Silver; great pieces for ſmaller; ſtrange coyne for mony current in that place: Their fault was, that they did all this in the Temple, and encroached upon a place conſecrated to God, which they prophaned with their merchandiſe, in which regard Chriſt whipt them …ut like Doggs; and that upon this ground,Iſa. 56.7. Mat. 21.13.Isa 56:7Matt 21:13 my Houſe ſhall be called a Houſe of Prayer. And thus you ſee of what Quality our Fruit muſt be that it may be accepted.

p. 116Now for the Quantity of it, our Fruit muſt be full; the want of this was objected to the Church of Sardis, Revel. 3.2.Rev 3:2Rev. 3.2. And St. Paul's prayer on the Philippians behalf was, that they might be filled with the fruits of Righteouſneſſe, Phil. 1.11.Phil 1:11Phil. 1.11. Now our fruits may be ſaid to be full, when (like that Tree of Life mentioned,Rev. 22.2. Cant. 7.13.Rev 22:2Song 7:13 Revel. 22.2.) we bear twelve manner of Fruits, and (as we read in Cant. 7.13.) all kind of ſweet Fruits, old an new: when we manifeſt in our lives every grace of the Spirit, as well as any, and make conſcience of every Chriſtian duty, as well as of any; when every member of the Body, power and faculty of the ſoul,Jam. 3.17.Jas 3:17 is laden with Fruit, no branch empty, Jam. 3.17.

Secondly, When our Fruits are anſwerable to the means, and coſt beſtowed on us. The want of this was blamed in the Hebrews, Heb. 5.12.Heb 5:12Cap. 5.12. Of which more hereafter.

Thirdly, When our works are finiſhed they they are full, Act. 9.36. Till then they are not ripe, nor have they attained to perfect fulneſſe.Acts 9.36.Acts 9:36

And thus much of the firſt Patricular I propounded. Now to the ſecond; the Meanes that muſt be uſed, that the Fruit we bear may be thus Qualified: and ſo;

Firſt, Get to be engrafted into a lively ſtock, that is, into Chriſt; He is the Noble Stock into which all the Plants of Paradiſe muſt be ſet and engrafted,Rom. 7.4. Coloſ. 2.7. Joh. 15.4. Numb. 17.8. Luke 23.39,—43.Rom 7:4Col 2:7John 15:4Num 17:8Luke 23:39 Rom. 7.4. Coloſ. 2.7. without him we can do nothing, John 15.4. but being once ſet in Him, were we as dry as Aarons withered Rod, we ſhall preſently be charged into a flouriſhing and fruitful Tree, as was the Thief converted on the Croſſe Luke 23.39,—43. Who no ſooner took hold on Chriſt but preſently became another man; manifeſting the fruits of his engrafting, in believing, confeſſing giving teſtimony of Chriſt's Innocency, reproving his fellow Offender for his Blaſphemy; He is his own accuſer, and humbly deſireth to be remembred in mercy.

Secondly, Earneſtly beg the ſpirit of God whereby the ſap may be conveyed from the Root,Rom 8.9. Eph. 2.22. Rom. 8.11. Eph 3.16. 1 Theſ. 5.23.Rom 8:9Eph 2:22Rom 8:11Eph 3:161 Thess 5:23 into every branch; without it, we can have no communion with Chrſt. Rom. 8.9. Epheſ. 2.22. by it we ſhall be quickened, Rom. 8.11. and ſtrenghened to every good work and action, Ephe. 3.16. Sanctified throughout, in body, in ſoul, and in ſpirit, 1. Theſ. 5.23. If the Clouds p. 117be full, they will powre forth Rain upon the Earth, (ſaith Solomon, Eccleſ. 11.3.): So it a man be thus enriched with the ſpirit of grace, he cannot but be fruitful.Eccleſ. 11.3.Eccl 11:3 For as Chriſt and his Spirit are not ſundred; ſo cannot the Spirit be ſundred from the fruits of the Spirit, which are thoſe mentioned, Love, Joy, Peace, Gal. 5.22.23.Gal 5:22Gal 5:23Long-ſuffering, &c. Now by fervent and faithful prayer unto God the Spirit may be obtained, Luke 11.13. being accompanied with careful and conſcionable hearing of the word,Luke 11.13. Act. 10.44.Luke 11:13Acts 10:44 Acts 10.44.

Thirdly, Look that there be ſtore of ſuckers and feeders about the Root, theſe are they (you know) that by ſpreading themſelves this way and that way, gather ſtrength and nouriſhment to the Tree, and every branch thereof, whereby it becomes fruitful: Holy affections, Love, Joy, deſire, Fear, Grief, &c. Theſe are the feeders of the Soul, and ſhould draw nouriſhment unto it from every one of Gods Ordinances, from the Word Read or Preached, Sacraments adminiſtred, and from all Providential Adminiſtrations whether of Mercy or Judgment. David was aboundant this way, as appears in the whole Book of the Pſalms, eſpecially in Pſal. 119. where we may find in every verſe almoſt he catcheth hold on Mercies, Judgments,Pſal. 119.Ps 119 Promiſes, Threatnings; as the Ivye catcheth hold with its claw on every twigg, to climb up to its ſtature.

Fourthly, Preſerve the Bark; let not that be peeled off from the Tree; It is threatned as a ſoare Judgment againſt Iſrael that the Figg-Tree ſhould be barked with the teeth of noyſome Creatures, that God would ſend into their Land to puniſh them, inſomuch that the boughes thereof ſhould be left white;Joel 1.7.Joel 1:7 Joel 1.7. To be left white without bark, was an indication of a ſpeedy withering. That bough that lies open without bark (ſaith Gregory on that place) looks white, but periſheth. Thy conſcience is like the Bark of the Figg Tree; preſumptuous ſins are like thoſe Creatures, that peel off the bark, beware of them; for by them, the conſcience is waſted and conſumed as iron is by ruſt: We ſin too much through ignorance and infirmity, but when we ſin wilfully and preſumptuouſly againſt knowledge, and the light of conſcience, our boughes will ſoon wax white; How frequent is it to ſee men that loſe a good conſcience, with p. 118it to loſe their gifts, 1 Tim. 1.19. If the Ship of conſcience wrack,… the Merchandiſe of Faith will ſoon ſuffer wrack: Our outward actions, (as well as affections) may have a colour of good (as white is of Innocency); but our bark being pilled, it is no good whiteneſſe, but an indication of a periſhing condition; without a good conſcience all our actions, yea our beſt performances are ſo far from goodneſſe and acceptance, that they are abominable and diſtaſteful unto God: our Affections and outward Actions may have a colour of good, but all is defiled before God.Tit. 1.15.Titus 1:15 Tit. 1.15. the conſcience being defiled, it defiles all it meddles with; Hence David prayed ſo earneſtly to be kept from this barking of his boughes by any ſuch ſins, Pſal. 19.13. The like care had Paul, Pſal. 19.13. Acts 23.1.Ps 19:13Acts 23:1Acts 23.1. That for the time paſt, and for the time preſent, and future, he did exerciſe himſelf to have a conſcience void of offence towards God and towards Men, Acts 24.16.Act. 24.16.Acts 24:16 And in ſo doing we ſhall grow in the fruit of Righteouſneſſe, and have cauſe to rejoyce in our fruitfulneſſe, 2 Cor. 1.12.2 Cor. 1.12. Heb. 13.8. Prov. 21.8. Phil. 1.10.2 Cor 1:12Heb 13:8Prov 21:8Phil 1:10 Conſcience is our Paradiſe, there cut Trees will thrive, we ſhall live honeſtly, Heb. 13.8. Work Righteouſneſſe, Prov. 21.8. and walk without giving offence, Phil. 1. 10.

Fifthly, Be frequent and aboundant in the exerciſes of mortification; Bare the Tree about the Root, caſt away all looſe earth; withdraw thy ſoul from all worldly ſtayes and comforts: when the world hath left us naked, and deſtitute of her vain ſuccours, we ſhall then take faſter hold on Chriſt our Saviour, in whom the Fatherleſſe find mercy; Hoſ. 14 3.Hos 14:3lopp off all ſuperfluous twiggs, and excremental branches which ſteal away the nouriſhment that ſhould maintain the Tree,Jam. 1.21.Jas 1:21 Jam. 1.21. get a humble and a tender heart, the hard and ſtony heart ſuffers not the ſeed to take Root,Mat. 13.4.Matt 13:4 Math. 13.4. For this end, make good uſe of all Croſſes and Afflictions, let them cauſe thee to acknowledge thy ſins, and break thy heart in the ſight of God; beſeech him that thou being exerciſed under them maiſt at length bring forth the quiet fruit of Righteouſneſſe, Heb. 12.11.Heb 12:11Heb. 12.11. Weed often, and do it on thy knees (as weeders do); this is the way to be fruitful.

Sixthly and Laſtly, To all this, the Influence of Heaven muſt be added, elſe no Fruit can be expected (as before hath been p. 119ſhewed) The Heavens must hear the Earth, Hoſ. 2.21. The beames of the Sun of Righteouſneſſe ſhining in his Church,Hoſ. 2.21.Hos 2:21 muſt warm and cheriſh us, Mal. 4.2. The former and latter raine muſt moyſten us, Joel 2.23.Mal. 4.2. Joel 2.23. Cant. 4.16. Pſal. 65.10Mal 4:2Joel 2:23Song 4:16Ps 65:10 The winds of Gods ſpirit muſt blow on us, to quicken us, Cant. 4.14. This is the way to have fattneſſe drop down upon us, Pſal. 65.10. As for thoſe who delight to live in the ſhade, and ſhelter their ſouls from the influence of Heaven, that withdraw their hearts from the directions and comforts of an effectual and painful Miniſtery, let not ſuch ever look to become fruitful: And ſo much of the ſecond Particular that I propounded to you; Now to the third and laſt, which is the Motives to ſti…r us up to the uſing of theſe meanes, that we may bring forth fruit ſo qualified as hath bin declared; and they are many.

Some reſpect God, ſome his Goſpel, ſome Man, others the Creature.

In regard of God, we ought to be fruitful. Firſt, for that he hath deſerved it. Secondly, he ſeeks for it. Thirdly, and when he finds it, he counts himſelf honoured and glorified by it.

Firſt, He hath deſerved Fruit from us, in that he hath bought us at a dear rate from our vain converſation, 1 Pet. 1.18. Luke 1.75. Tit. 2.14. Joh. 15.16.1 Pet 1:18Luke 1:75Titus 2:14John 15:16to ſerve Him all our dayes in Holineſſe and Righteouſneſſe, He hath choſen us to be a Peculiar People unto himſelf, zealous of good Works, and made choyce of us before others, that we ſhould be Fruitful, and that our Fruit ſhould abide and abound. Eph. 2.10.Eph 2:10He hath made us his own work nauſhip, by the effectual calling of grace, and created us to good works▪ to walk in them. He hath planted us,Iſa. 5.Isa 5 hedged us about, manured us, watered us with the ſweet dews of his Word and Goſpel from Heaven; trimmed us with his pruning book of Judgments and Corrections: And what could he do more for us that he hath not done? And what can he expect leſſe from us, towards all his paines and travails with us then Fruit? He that ſowes, ſowes in hope (ſaith the Apoſtle).1 Cor. 9.7.1 Cor 9:7 God hath ſet in hope, planted in hope, watered in hope, of ſome anſwerable return, and ſhall it be denyed? or canſt thou imagine that God hath took all this paines with thee, and beſtowed all this coſt upon thee, that thou ſhouldſt bear green boughes, or gay bloſſome p. 120ſomes onelyonly? Indeed leaves come of the ſeed, and chaff from the kernel: but doth any man plant for leaves, and ſow for chaff? you know it is fruit that they look for: Had it not bin for that, thou hadſt bin no Tree; Fruit was that, for which thou wert ſet, and haſt been thus long preſerved. As God (then) hath had his time of planting,Pſ. 128.2.Ps 128:2 ſo in equity and juſtice let him have his Vintage, and now at lengh eat of the labours of his hand.

Secondly, He hath ſought it of us, as our Text ſpeaks. The Prophet Nahum tell us,Nah. 3.12.Nah 3:12 that the firſt ripe Figgs if they be ſhaken, they fall into the mouth of the eater, Nah. 3.12. Such rip Figgs we ought to be. The very ſignification of Gods will, ſhould be motive ſtrong enough to perſwade obedience,1 Theſ. 4.3.1 Thess 4:3 albeit no other reaſon nor inducement appears: we ſhould offer and preſent our ſelves and fruits to him,Pſal. 4.5. Rom. 12.1.Ps 4:5Rom 12:1 and not put him to the trouble to ſeek for his own; but when he doth come and ſeek to us for it (which he need not do) it is not ſafe for us to diſappoint him.

Now ſeeking implyes divers things; Firſt, an earneſt deſire to find the thing ſought for, as, Luke 15.4. Math. 13.45▪ Such an earneſt deſire hath God to find Fruit on us,Luk. 15.4. Mat. 13.45 Deut. 5.20, & 32, 29. Pſal. 81.13. Hoſ. 6.4. Luk. 13.34, & 19, 41, 42. Cant. 3.1.—5. Luk, 15.8. 2 Tim. 1.17. Mat. 23.37. Ver. 34.35.Luke 15:4Matt 13:45Deut 5:20Deut 32:29Ps 81:13Hos 6:4Luke 13:34Luke 19:41Luke 19:42Song 3:12 Tim 1:17Matt 23:37 whom he hath planted in his Church, as appears by thoſe pathetical ſpeeches which he uſeth, Deut. 5.29, & 32, 29. Pſal. 81, 13. Hoſ. 6.4. And in this Chapter, Luke 13.34, & 19, 41, 42. By all which, and many ſuch like, it appears that He doth ſeek ſeriouſly, and fervently for fruit, and is much grieved when he is deceived in his expectation.

Secondly, Seeking imports diligence and frequency: It is no rare but a continued Act. So Cant. 3.1, 2, 3, 4. Luk. 15.8. 2 Tim. 1.17. Thus God comes and ſeeks for fruit, not once, nor twice, and then gives over, but he comes often; How often would I have gathered thee (ſaith Chriſt), Math. 23.37. not once, but often, and that by the external miniſtry of the Prophets, ſent before him, ver. 34.35. and often in his own perſon, (as on the next verſe we ſhall hear more fully). And how often hath he come ſeeking fruit from us, by the miniſtry of his Servants▪ ſince his departing from us, whom he hath ſent unto us to receive your Fruits,Cant. 8.11. Mat. 21.34.Song 8:11Matt 21:34 and gather up his Rent, Cant. 8.11. Math. 21.34. One day in ſeaven we come conſtantly unto you, (beſides other times, as we have occaſion), and are ſtill put off; p. 121we ſpread out our hands all the day long, but not one penny that we can take; no fruit of Faith, Repentance, new Obedience,Iſa. 65.2.Isa 65:2 that appears in your lives, after all our labours: ſo that we are enforced to complain to God of your barrenneſſe, and he compelled to take diſtreſſe, ſometimes on your Bodies;1 Cor. 11.30.1 Cor 11:30 ſometimes on your Goods; ſometimes on your friends and children; which yet he is willing gratiouſly to reſtore, upon promiſe of better payment: In ſhort, no way of finding, but that God hath uſed in ſeeking Fruit, hoping to find it at laſt; and doth it not concern us then to be fruitful?

Thirdly, Seeking implyes mildneſſe and gentleneſſe: Luk. 15.8.Luke 15:8She that loſt her groat ſwept her houſe gently, Luk. 15.8. ſhe laid not about with her broom, nor raiſed too much duſt, that was not the way to find it: God comes to us in a mild way, not wounding, and killing,Gen. 3.8.Gen 3:8 but as he came to Adam. Gen. 3.8. ſo he comes to us in the cool of the day, he did not run upon him as greedy of revenge, but walked, as loath to puniſh; Nor was it in the heat of the day, when the Sun was at his full height, but in the cool of the Evening, that he came, to take an account from him, for eating of the forbidden Fruit: And ſo, with a ſoft and ſlow pace, in the cool of the day, in much Love and gentleneſſe, he comes to require the commanded (and deſerved) fruit from us. God doth beſeech you by us his unworthy Miniſters, 2 Cor. 5.20. And I beſeech you therefore, Brethren, by the mercies of God, 2 Cor. 5.20.2 Cor 5:20that you preſent your bodies a living ſacrifice holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reaſonable ſervice, and the Fruit that God thus gratiouſly ſeeks for, Rom. 12.1.

Thirdly, We ſhould bring forth fruit,Rom. 12.1.Rom 12:1 for that God holds himſelf gloryfied by it: Herein is my Father glorifyed (ſaith Chriſt) that you bear much fruit, Joh. 15.8.John 15:8John 15.8. St. Saul prayed earneſtly and inceſſantly, for the Theſſalonians, that they might be enabled to walk worthy of that calling whereunto they were called, 2 Theſ. 1.12.2 Thess 1:12and that they might fullfil all the good pleaſure of his will, and the work of Faith in them with Power: And the ground and reaſon of that his prayer was, that the name of the Lord Jeſus Chriſt might be glorifyed in them, 2 Theſ. 1.12. Fruitfulneſſe in the former graces was the meanes of bringing glory unto Chriſt, and the main ſcope of a Chriſtian is to glorifie his name; Nor can we p. 122look to be glorified in him, but in and through our own glorifying of him;Math. 5.16.Matt 5:16 No better way to do this than by our fruitfulneſſe, Math. 5.16. our Fruct-fying and God's Glorifying are joyned together. You kno… we blame the Root of an unfruitful Tree, or fault the Husbandman, but in caſe of fruitfulneſſe we commend both; ſo is it in this caſe. Let this prevail with us to bear fruit to God: It is a high honour that God doth put upon us, to eſteem himſelf honoured by any of us; he needs not our furtherance therein, yet he eſteems himſelf to be honoured by our fruits. We pray with our tongue, Hallowed be thy name, let us endeavour it in our lives by bringing forth ſuch fruit as may make to his praiſe. And thus of the motives which reſpect God.

Secondly, We ought to have a ſpecial regard to the credit of the Goſpel, Tit. 2.11, 12.Titus 2:11Titus 2:12which is the Doctrine of Gods grace, and teacheth men to be fruitful, in denying all ungodly luſts, and in living ſoberly righteouſly and godlily in this evil Word, Tit. 2.11, 12. yea ſuch is the power and efficacy of it,Coloſ. 1.6. Jam. 3.17. Act. 13.48. 2 Theſ. 3.1. Rom. 2.24 Eph. 36.20.Col 1:6Jas 3:17Acts 13:482 Thess 3:1Rom 2:24 as that it bringeth forth fruit, in all that embrace it, and entertain the truth of it in love, Coloſ. 1.6. It is a wiſdome full of good fruits, Jam. 3.17. which fruits when we ſhew forth, then we glorifie it, Acts 13.48. 2 Theſ. 3.1. but on the other ſide if we be barren and fruitleſſe, who do profeſſe it, or any way vitious; the Goſpel is diſhonoured and blaſphemed by us, Rom. 2.24. See! ſay ſome prophane ones of the World, (when they hear of any thing amiſſe in a Profeſſor) theſe are your Goſpellers your Bible bearers; here is the fruit of running after Sermons, &c. and ſo, as Jacob ſaid of his ſon's cruelty towards the Sichemites we may ſay of theſe, they make the Goſpel to ſtink in the Noſtrils of the Inhabitants of the Land: Gen. 35.30.Gen 35:30their vitious life is like a loathſome five in that precious box of Oyntment. Thus Diocleſian (as Euſebius reports) ſeeing and obſerving the looſe carriage of ſome profeſſed Chriſtians, was induced to think that Religion was no other then a wretched device of wicked men.

Great care therefore ought we to take that the Goſpe… be not ſ…andalized by our unfruitfulneſſe; As the feet of thoſe are beautiful that bring unto us the glad tydings of Salvation; ſo ſhould the hands o… thoſe be beautiful …hat receive the ſame,Rom. 10.15.Rom 10:15 that p. 123the Goſpel be not aſhamed of us. Live as it preſcribes,Phil. 1.27.Phil 1:27 and as you profeſſe; let your converſation be ſuch as becomes it, Phil. 1.27. Remember God could not end are to have ſuch holy things prophaned under the Law, as were but Types of the Goſpel, (as the Veſtments and Utenſils of the Temple): And can we think that he is leſſe jealous of the Goſpel it ſelf, that it be not diſcredited, and diſhonoured by us? This ſeriouſly conſidered, cannot but be a quickening motive to fruitfulneſs.

In regard of man there are other conſiderable motives why we ſhould be fruitful;Prov. 10.21.Prov 10:21 The lips of the Righteous (ſaith Solomon) feed many, Prov. 10.21. If the fruit that growes upon that one bough be ſo richly laden, and that many a ſoul is comforted by the fruit of the Lipps of a good and godly Chriſtian, How many, think you, are fed and refreſhed with the fruit that growes upon the other branches of the Tree? How many are comforted with the fruit of their eyes? ears? hands?Job. 29.11, — 17.Job 29:11 Job 29.11,— 17. Of every fruitful Chriſtian we may ſay, as is ſaid of the Vine, Iſa. 65.8. Deſtroy it not, Iſa. 65.8.Isa 65:8for a bleſſing is in it.

More Particularly, by our Fruit we feed both others, and our ſelves; in both reſpects we ſhould be ſtirred up to fruitfulneſſe.

Others are much refreſhed and comforted therewith, nothing doth more refreſh the bowels of God's Miniſters, (the Dreſſers of his Vines and Figg-Trees) then to ſee the branches loaden with the Fruit of Faith, Love, Obedience, &c. In which regard the Apoſtle praiſeth God for the Theſſalonians, 1 Theſ. 1.2,—10.1 Thess 1:21 Theſ. 1.2, 10. and counted them his Joy, Glory, and Crown of rejoycing, 1 Theſ. 2.19, 20. And thus much St. Paul intimates to Philemon, Brother let me have joy of thee in the Lord; (or, let me enjoy this Fruit from thee in the Lord) Refreſh my bowels in the Lord, Phil. v. 20.Phil. v. 20. that is, If thou wilt grant what I deſire in the Lord of thee, in ſo doing thou ſhalt refreſh and revive my bowels within me. The work of the Miniſter is full of labour and toyl in Digging, Dreſſing, Dunging of the Trees planted in God's Orchard, (as hereafter with Gods good leave ſhall be ſhewed) but nothing doth more revive them after all their weariſome labour, than their Peoples fruitfulneſſe.

p. 124And as Miniſters, ſo private perſons, are much revived and refreſhed by our Fruits:Luke 22.32.Luke 22:32 Our Saviour's command to Peter was, that he ſhould ſtrengthen the Brethren, Luke 22.32. Thoſe who are already converted (if weak) are hereby confirmed, and further ſtrengthened; or (if ſtrong) further provoked, to go on in a Chriſtian courſe,Math. 6.16. Act 11.28, & 15, 3.Matt 6:16Acts 11:28Acts 15:3 and their hearts gladed; they are made to laugh (with Abraham) to behold the Fruit of the Goſpel in our converſations, Math. 5.16. Acts 11.8, & 15▪ 3.

Thoſe who are not converted, (if they belong to God's Election) are hereby prepared to converſion, and wonn (even without the word) to a liking of the word and profeſſion thereof, which they ſee to be ſo Holy,1 Pet. 2.12, & 1 Pet. 3.1.1 Pet 2:121 Pet 3:1 Charitable, and Fruitful, 1 Pet. 2.12. &c. 1 Pet. 3.1. So Juſtin Martyr ſeeing the Patience and Conſtancy of the Martyrs in thoſe times, fell in love with Religion, and became himſelf a Martyr: And we read of one Cecilia a Virgin, who by her conſtan…y and exhortations before, and at her Mar…yrdome, converted four hundred: Latimer bleſſed God, that ever he knew Bilney. Exempla trahunt mores, Exemplary good works are, as an Admant, very attractive; An excellent Oratory, ha…h a fruitful converſation to winn others.

As for thoſe who are not Elect, and belong not to God; yet by a godly and fruitful Converſation, their mouths will be ſtopt, muz…ed, or button'd up, 1 Pet. 2.15. they cannot bark, (as they gladly would) againſt the truth & the profeſſors of it.1 Pet. 2.15, & 3, 16.1 Pet 2:151 Pet 3:16 Chryſoſtom calls good-works unanſwerable Syllogiſms, invincible demonſtrations, to confute Pagans. Thus did the Primitive Chriſtians confute their Adverſaries,Text. ad Scap. Hiſt. Wald. Lib. 2. Cap. 5. (as Tertullian ſhewes) and Lewis the 12 King of France, hearing much evil of the Waldenſes in his Realm, ſent cerrain to enquire into the buſineſſe, and hearing what they related of them, that they found them not guilty of any ſuch crime as was reported, but that they religiouſly obſerved the Sabbath day, baptized their Children after the order of the Primitive Church; taught them the Articles of the Chriſtian faith, and the Commandements of God. The King ſaid (and bound it with an Oath) that they were better men, then either himſelf, or any of his Subjects. A fruitful life will thrattle envy, and ſtop the mouth of malice. And thus in regard of others, our care ſhould be to become fruitful.

p. 125Laſtly, In regard of our ſelves, and our own good,1 Theſ. 5.45. 2 Pet. 1.10. Joh. 15.8. & 13.25. 1 Joh. 3.7.1 Thess 5:452 Pet 1:10John 15:8John 13:251 John 3:7 we ſhould be fruitful: For firſt, hereby we ſhall make our Calling and Election ſure, 1 Theſ. 5.4, 5. 2 Pet. 1.10. and have a comfortable Teſtimony that we are indeed Chriſt's Diſciples, Joh. 15.8. & 13.35. 1 Joh. 3.7.

Secondly, We ſhall ſo far get into God's favour, as that we ſhall ſpeed in all our ſuits;Joh. 15 7.16. Mat. 15.28.John 15:7John 15:16Matt 15:28 nothing ſhall be denyed us that we ask, if it may make for God's glory and our good, Joh. 15.7.16. Mat. 15.28.

Thirdly, God will have a ſpecial care of us. The Iſraelites in their conqueſts were forbidden to lift up an Axe againſt any Tree that bare fruit,Deut. 20.19, 20. Ezek. 9.3. Gal. 5.22, 23.Deut 20:19Deut 20:20Ezek 9:3Gal 5:22Gal 5:23 Deut. 20.19, 20. God will provide for all fruitful Chriſtians, in publique calamities, Ezek. 9.4.

Fourthly, No Law ſhall be againſt ſuch, Gal. 5.22, 23. Thoſe who bring forth the fruits of the fleſh, have no Goſpel for them; thoſe who bring forth the fruits of the ſpirit, have no Law against them: they have indeed a Law to direct them, but none to compel them, nor condemn them,Rom. 8.1. Jer. 17.10.Rom 8:1Jer 17:10 Rom. 8.1.

Fifthly, It ſhall be unto us according to our fruit, Jer. 17.10. We read that Zerxes adorned the Plane-Tree, and hang it with many rich and pretious j…wels, becauſe he delighted in the ſhade thereof; much more will God adorn fruitful Trees, for that he delights in the fruit thereof. In this life he will reward with glory and honour;Cant. 7.17.Song 7:17 A fruitful Chriſtian carryes a Heaven in his heart, Joy and Comfort, Cant. 7.17. a happy and bleſſed communion there is betwixt Chriſt and him; and hereafter there is a Bleſſing abides him for ever, Heb. 7.8.Heb. 7.8.Heb 7:8 And thus you have heard what reaſon we have to be fruitful, both in reſpect of others, and of our ſelves as well as others.

Laſtly, If we caſt our eyes upon the whole Creation, and every creature therein that God hath made, we may be ſtirred up and provoked to fruitfulneſſe. The Heaven, the Earth, the Sea, and all therein, are fruitful in their kind; and ſhall man be barren and fruitleſſe, for whom all theſe are fruitful? Doth not the Sun come forth as a Bride groom out of his Chamber daily, Pſal. 19.Ps 19rejoycing as a Gyant to run his courſe, to enlighten the earth wi…h his beams, and nou…iſh and cheriſh all things with the heat thereof? The Moon, and the Stars, quicken this lower World p. 126by their operative Influence; The big-bellied Clouds, which tly up and down on the wings of the wind, deliver their moiſt burthens on the earth, and ſhowre down their ſeaſonable dews, to cool and moiſten it, that it may bear fruit: Doth not the Earth make a thankful return, and yield her fatneſs and riches to innumerable creatures that live on it, and depend upon her as their common Mother for maintenance? and what creature is there that lives on it, but yields ſome fruit? Beaſts, Trees, Plants, all bring forth after their kind for the good of man, that man may bring forth fruit to God, for whoſe Glory he was created.

Let theſe conſiderations prevail with us, that we may in ſome ſort anſwer the Lord's expectations from us; he looks for fruit, let him find it in us: Oh that it could be ſaid of us, as it was of the Land of Canaan, Deut. 8.7, 8, 9.Deut 8:7Deut 8:8Deut 8:9Deut. 8.7, 8, 9. It is a good Land a land of Brooks of Water, of Fountains that ſpring out of the Valleys and Hills: A Land of Wheat and Barley and Vines and Figg-Trees and Pomegranates; A Land of Oyl Olive, and Hony; A Land whoſe ſtones are Iron, and out of whoſe Hills thou mayſt dig Braſſe. We have Springs of means to inform our minds, and Brooks of knowledge, to direct our courſe; Our good works ſhould ſtand like thoſe fields of Wheat and Barley; Vines, Figg-Trees, and Pomegranates, let be our fruitful Meditations; Oyl and Hony, the Grace of our lips: our Underſtanding full of good things, our whole life Wells and Vineyards to comfort both our ſelves and others: our very rocks ſhould be Iron, and our hills yield braſſe, our moſt barren works ſhould be profitable to others, our very Falls others warnings to prevent high-mindedneſſe: And ſo,

Uſe 3 We may gather much comfort from our fruitfulneſſe, which ſweetly ſeals up our Calling to glory, and virtue, as the budding and bringing forth of ripe Almonds did Aaron's Calling to the Prieſt-hood; It may aſſure us, that we are regenerated, ſet into Chriſt, quickned by his Spirit, and that we live in him, out of whom we could not be fruitful in good works. Good Fruit is an undeniable Argument of a good Tree, for that a corrupt Tree cannot bring forth good fruit (as our Saviour tells us).Mat. 7.18.Matt 7:18

I know the moſt fruitful Chriſtian comes far ſhort of that fruitfulneſſe that ſhould be in him; and his defectiveneſſe in p. 127holy duties (both to God and man) may ſometimes cauſe him to queſtion his eſtate,Mat. 4.28.Matt 4:28 but that ſhould not too much deject the ſpirits of any of us; for the fruit of the Spirit, like the fruits of the Earth, ripens by degrees, and much of it is nipped in the bud and bloſſome, and comes to nothing; but a little fruit, if it be of the right kind, proves that Tree to be good, and the promiſe is, that if there be any fruit at all, God will purge that branch, and help it againſt corruption, ſo that it ſhall bring forth more fruit, Joh. 15.1.2. But when there is no good Fruit to be found under our leaves, that is a miſerable ſterility indeed;Joh. 15.1, 2.John 15:1John 15:2 And yet ſuch was the ſterility of the Figg-Tree mentioned in my Text.

He came and ſought fruit thereon, and found none.]Text

[And found none.]

Shews of fruit it made, but brought forth nothing leſſe. It was like the deceitful ground, that mocked the Husbandman:Expectata ſeges vanis eluſit avenis. Virg. Had there been here a Figg, and there a Figg, like the ſhaking of an Olive Tree, two or three in the top of the uppermoſt boughes, or outward branches, the Husbandman had not been altogether deceived in his expectation, (albe it that had not anſwered his coſt and pains beſtowed on it) but there was none, no not one Figg that could be found growing upon it. Thus you ſee.

Where God hath well deſerved, Doct. there many times he is ill requited.

The Gentiles who lived without the Pale of the Church are charged with this ſin of Ingratitude, Rom. 1.21.Rom. 1.21.Rom 1:21 God had bountifully declared himſelf unto them, even by the light of Nature, and the Book of the Creatures, ſo as they knew there was a God, and that he was moſt wiſe, good, juſt, puniſhing the bad, and doing good to the good; and that this God ought to be worſhipped according to his Will: but they worſhipped him not as God, not conceiving of him as God ought to be conceived of, nor giving him that Glory which was ſuitable to his Infiniteneſſe, and divine perfections; and ſo were unthankful to God for hoſe bl…ſſings which they had received; which cauſed God to puniſh th t ingratitude of theirs, by delivering them up to all manner of uncle…nneſſe, and brutiſh luſts,Ver. 25.26. ver p. 12825.26. A fearful puniſhment indeed, none greater can be inflicted, out of the place of torment.

But what ſpeak we of the Gentiles? Ingratitude is not all without the Pale; In God's own Vineyard it may be found.