Three Decades of Sermons, Decade 1 · Sermon 4

Three Decades of Sermons · Decade 1 · Sermon 4

p. 68The Pearl of price. Diſcovered on the Monethly Faſt-day,

upon Matth. 13. 45, 46.

Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like unto a Merchant man, ſeeking goodly Pearls, who when he had found one Pearl of great price, he went and ſold all that he had, and bought it.

THis Text is Homogenous with the laſt SERM. 4. at St Maries OXON. June 20. 1648.which I unfolded from this place: 'Tis a driving of a former nail to the full head: I look upon it as a link of the ſame golden Chain of matchleſs dignity, price, and value. It may be expected (and ſo were my firſt thoughts inclined) that upon ſuch a day as this, peculiarly ſet apart for the afflicting of the ſoul, I ſhould repreſent to you the nature and duties of a day of Humiliation; But that I am perſwaded, that this Argument hath been ſrequently and conſcientiouſly proſecuted in your hearing: Wherefore, upon ſecond thoughts, waving that common place, and purſuing my intended method, I hope I ſhall ſpeak a word in ſeaſon, and not digreſs from the work of the day. I diſcovered then, the excellency of wiſdom, and pronounced him the truly wiſe man, who winned p. 69ſouls, out of Prov. 11. 30. Go you and do likewiſe. My task now lies before me, to make a ſerious review and diſcovery of more of the ſame genuine Iſſue and Divine Extraction, wholly made up of the right ſtamp. And ſuch a one, inſtar omnium, hath a ſacred Panegyrick, even the ſingular Teſtimony of Chriſt himſelf in his behalf, ſet forth in the words now read unto you: Again the kingd…m, &c.

Not to ſtay long in the Portall, I ſhall briefly draw down the Context Context.unto the Text.

Its worth our obſervation, that our Saviour Chriſt, in the diſpenſation of his Miniſtry, propounded many choice and excellent Parables, ver. 4. This was Chriſts familiar and accuſtomed method of Preaching.

One reaſon whereof is given for fulfilling of a Propheſie took out R. 1. Ver. 35.of Pſal. 78. 2. I will open my mouth in a Parable: I will utter dark ſayings of old; which we have heard, and known and our fathers have told us. Every Propheſie of Chriſt muſt be fulfilled in its ſeaſon; not an foreign of the word of God ſhall fail.

Another Reaſon why Chriſt ſpake in Parables, was for the obduration R. 2.of the hearts of the wicked: God in judgement faſt cloſeth up, and hardneth the hearts of many ungodly perſons, who perſiſt in their impenitency, ver. 13. And Iſaiahs Propheſie is cited by this Evangeliſt for a pregnant teſtimony, Iſa. 69. 10. which words you ſhall finde ſyllabically repeated in the ſubſtantials thereof, Mark 4. 12. Luke 8. 10. John 12. 40. Even all the four Evangeliſts likewiſe, Acts 28. 26. Rom. 11. 8. Such a Crambe of repetitions, points out ſomething to be ſpecially regarded, as of more then ordinary concernment.

A third Reaſon why Chriſt ſpake by Parables, might be to gain R. 3.an attentive audience. Chriſt ſpeaking Myſteries and Oracles, inflam'd the hearts of the Auditors, and made them inquiſitive after the Interpretation. Under hidden ſimilitudes there lay a myſterious meaning. Chriſt ſpake with authority, not as the Scrib…s, each word had weight: Whereupon, people hearing things which they never heard before, were eager and reſtleſs in their deſires, until they underſtood the Parable, and the interpretation thereof.

The fourth and laſt Reaſon I ſhall mention, why Chriſt preacht R. 4.in Parables was, becauſe this was a more prevalent convincing way p. 70of Preaching; when Reproofs or Exhortations are delivered in Parables under the name of a third perſon, they gain more well-come and acceptable entertainment. Thus Nathan reproved David by a Parable of the Ewe-Lamb, and ſet his reproof home by a Proſopopeia; David hearing of the rich mans cruelty, in taking the poor mans Lamb, paſſeth ſentence of death upon him, and a fourfold reſtitution, becauſe he had no pitty. Now David was foreign condemned 2 Sam. 12. 5. 6.2 Sam 12:52 Sam 12:6out of his own mouth: Whereupon Nathan ſtrikes whilſt the Iron is hot, by making particular Application of the Parable unto David, Thou art the man: This was a convincing way of Preaching. And thus ought the Miniſters of Chriſt to put in practice the moſt convincing way of Preaching, whether in a way of Mercy or Judgement; whether to come with a rod, or the ſpirit of meekneſs; whether to be Boanergeſſes, or Barnabaſſes. The moſt taking, winning way we muſt uſe (Provided always, that we make the word of God our juſt Standard and rule to go by) ſo that we may win ſouls unto Jeſus Chriſt.

Now to draw nearer to the words: In this Chapter there are delivered ſundry, choice, and excellent Parables, as of the ſower, and the ſeed, a grain of muſtard-ſeed, leaven hid in three meaſures of meal, a caſting-net. I paſs from theſe, unto that which hath immediate reference unto my Text, v. 44. The Goſpel of Chriſt is a Treaſure, and the Scripture is that pretious ſeed where that Treaſure is to be found: Neither can every one finde it, or know the worth of it; It's a hidden Treaſure: The worth of the Goſpel is unknown by, and hidden from unbelievers: But the true Believer who ſindes it, 2 Cor. 4. 3. Luk: 2. 19.2 Cor 4:3and knoweth the worth of it, hides it, (i. e.) he keeps it ſafe in the ſecreteſt receſſes of his heart; he hides it, as Mary did, foreign. He that hath diſcovered the incomparable Treaſure of the Goſpel, doth not conceal or ſuppreſſe the knowledge thereof from others. But firſt, he'll inrich himſelf therewith; upon the finding of the Treaſure he's ſo raviſht with joy, and ſo tranſported with a deſire after the purchaſe, as without delay, demurs, dodgings, or abatements, he ſells all he hath to purchaſe the field, and get poſſeſtion of it.

Now my Text is a further proſecution and confirmation of this Parable: The firſt word, foreign again, ſpecifies a dependance upon what went before. Expect no curioſity in dividing the words: p. 71You have here propounded a Parable, and its Interpretation.

1. For the Parable, and therein are to be conſidered theſe ſix Diviſ. A Parable and its interpretation.particulars.

1. The Subject compared, or ground-work of the compariſon: The kingdom of Heaven.

2. The ſubject of this compariſon, or Perſon ſpoken of, and he is 12decyphered by his external profeſſion and occupation, A Merchant man.

3. You have ſet down what he trafficks for, his particular Merchandize: 3He's not a petty Merchant of ſmall wares, and mean Commodities, but a Merchant of Pearls: And becauſe there's a difference in Pearls, Aliae nobiles, aliae minus generoſae, ſome are of a greater, ſome of a cheaper eſtimation: he trades for the beſt, not ordinary, common, but goodly Pearls.

4. The ſucceſs he findes: His labor is not loſt, but anſwered with 4good ſucceſſe, a particular inſtance or ſpecification of his ſucceſſe is, that he findes goodly Pearls.

5. What doth he finde of greateſt value? He findes a Pearl of ſuperlative, 5invaluable price: A Pearl beyond compare, of more worth then all other Pearls whatſoever, and that is, The Pearl of price.

6. and laſtly, Here's ſet down what the purchaſe coſt him, and 6that's all that he had.

Thus far of the bare letter of the Parable, according to the dark part of it: But there's a myſtical meaning to be conſidered; let's take off the veil, and give in the interpretation. I ſhall open the terms in that order they lie in the Text, foreign. By Kingdom of Heaven, in this place, is plainly ſet forth, the adminiſtration of the Goſpel: It's call'd the Kingdom of Heavens in the plural, alluding to the other Heaven, the habitation of glorified Scopus eſt commendare Evangel…ū piis à ſingulari praeſtanuâ eâdemque opera dicere qu…nti Evangelium a piis fiat, Piſ…at.Saints and Angels. The Goſpel of Chriſt is that Heaven on Earth, which will bring us to that Heaven above. Piſcator obſerves on the place, The ſcope of all is this, to inhance the incomparable worth and eſtimation of the Goſpel in the hearts of the godly: It followeth, foreign a Merchant man: This Merchant is every true believer, who drives a continual trade for Heaven, who is induſtrious and indefatigable in his labors: He ſeeks after faith, repentance, holyneſs p. 72of life, the kingdom of God, and his righteouſneſs, the reconciled countenance of God in the face of Jeſus Chriſt. Theſe are the Jewels for which he ſearcheth: This is his ſole imployment to negotiate Inſtar negociatorum debent conquirere pretioſas Margaritas fidel & pietatis. Pareus in loc.for Heaven: He trades not for trifles, but weighty, precious Commodities: His merchandize is particularized, foreign goodly Pearls, the Pearls of faith and holyneſs, as Pareus on the place. The Goſpel holds forth goodly Pearls, goodly Promiſes, goodly Ordinances, goodly Graces, a goodly recompenſe of reward: the beauty thereof will enamor the ſoul, and the Treaſure therein contained will more enrich it, then all the Kingdoms of the World, and the glory of them. And what ſucceſs he had, you may ſee, foreign. This Pearl of great price is Jeſus Chriſt: The Goſpel is the Cabinet. Margarites (as Pliny and other Hiſtorians obſerve) are produced out of the dew of Heaven, and Shell-fiſhes draw in that dew: They are called Ʋniones, becauſe uſually they are found two by two, unſevered, in the ſame ſhell. And that which is laſt to be opened, is the price paid to purchaſe this invaluable Pearl, Quis magno emit Margaritam, niſi cui notum eſt pretium. Mucul. foreign Chryſoſt.foreign. None will buy this Pearl, who knows not the price, ſaith Muſculus: Tis evident that this Spiritual Merchant was a man of knowledge: The knowledge of the worth of Chriſt made him ſo willing to ſell all for him: He ſtands not dodging, and cheapning, hoping to bring down the price, he knoweth Chriſt to be infinitely more worth then all, and therefore willingly foregoes all things for him. It's Chryſoſtom's obſervation, Chriſt is the Pearl of infinite value, if you ſell not all, you cannot purchaſe him.

But an Objection lies in the way, and muſt be removed, leſt it Q.prove a dangerous ſtumbling-block: Can Chriſt, Heaven, Salvation, be bought and ſold? Queſtionleſs, Heaven is the Saints inheritance; not their purchaſe, but Chriſts for them.

For Anſwer hereunto, we may not too hard ſtrain a Parable, leſt A.we draw blood out of it. And it's a received rule in Divinity, Theologia Parabolica non eſt argumentativa: And Pareus obſerves on the place, Hoc ſervit Parabolae, non ſenſui: Non enim pretio emitur, ſed gratis fide acquiritur: No merit, no purchaſe of Heaven; all's from Grace. But then, ſaith Calvin, are we ſaid to buy Chriſt, Quum volentes, nos privamus carnis deſideriis, i. e. When we willingly renounce carnal deſires: When knowing the worth of Chriſt we deny our p. 73ſelves, foregoe what's deareſt and neareſt, ſo far forth as it ſtands in competition with, or oppoſition unto Jeſus Chriſt. When we forſake all for Chriſt, foregoe luſts, pleaſures, profits, honors, in their greateſt eſtate and confluence, then are we ſaid to buy this Pearl of price.

Now the Parable thus unfolded, holds forth theſe evident truths of Doctrine.

Firſt, That every true Believer is a Merchant of goodly pearls.

Secondly, Every ſpiritual Merchant-venturer, muſt ſell all for the purchaſe of the Pearl of price.

And theſe ſhall be the ground-work of my enſuing Meditations: Both I purpoſe to enlarge this time (foreign) the ſolemnity of the day requiring inlargement of Duties. I reſume the firſt Doct. 1 Doctrine propounded, That ev…ry true, &c. In handling whereof, I ſhall obſerve this method.Meth.

1. To illuſtrate the ſimilitude between material and immaterial Pearls: And ſhew how the compariſon holds between them, that ſhall conſtitute the Doctrinal part.

Then ſecondly, I'le review the compariſon betwixt a Merchant, and a true Believer, and from the practice and negotiation of the one, infer the duty of the other: This ſhall conſtitute the Uſe and Application.

1. Then my task lies in illuſtration of the ſimilitude, and making 1. A ſimilitude between material, and immaterial Pearls. 1. Pearl… have luſtre and beauty.a compariſon between material and immaterial Pearls: The compariſon holds good in theſe reſemblances.

1. Pearls have a reſplendent luſtre and beauty: Pearls and pretious Stones are beautiful, even to admiration. The ſparkling of a Diamond, the beauty of a Ruby, will even dazzle the eyes of the beholders: So the Word and Sacraments are beautiful Ordinances; there's a great deal of beauty and ſplendor put upon the Word of God ſincerely preached, and the Sacraments purely adminiſtred.

There's a vaſt difference betwixt Pearl and Pearl. A Briſtol ſtone or a baſtard Pearl, may cheat ignorant people: But a skilfull Jeweller will bring them to the touch-ſtone, and diſcover the difference. There's a great difference between Preacher and Preacher: One man bands Jeſuite againſt Jeſuite, Counc…l againſt Councel, or ſtuffs up his Sermon with Poetical fragments, high-flown Stage-play expreſſions; this man is cryed up for an excellent Preacher, even in Athens, amongſt ſome raw, wanton Auditors: And I wonder not p. 74that ſuch preaching frequently of late years uſed in this place (thanks be to God there is better now) hath been uſeleſs, unfruitful, ſuch as God would not honor with a bleſſing, becauſe it came onelyonly from the head, and ſo went no further then the head; it tickled the ear, and pleaſed the fancy onelyonly, it never deſcended into the heart, and affected the Conſcience: Whereas on the contrary, another man preacheth Chriſt in ſimplicity of heart, in the demonſtration of the ſpirit, having experience of Gods love in his own ſoul, he comforts others with thoſe comforts wherewith he himſelf in particular hath been comforted withall: This is the Preacher likelieſt to do good: And the ſeet of ſuch are beautiful. The Goſpel is moſt Iſa. 52. 7. 1 Cor. 1. 21.Isa 52:71 Cor 1:21beautiful in its own dreſs: And the fooliſhneſs of Preaching is effectual to ſalvation. There's no neceſſity of guilding a Pearl; the Pearl of it ſelf is more precious then all the guilding that's put upon it: To guild over Sermons with humane inventions, and froth of wit, is like to thoſe, who when they could not make the Picture handſome, fell a daubing of it. I diſcard not humane Learning, but highly commend it, if it be uſed with wiſdom and moderation; as a ſervant, keeping its due diſtance: But love to your ſouls conſtrains me to ſpeak, and be your remembrancer; how thankful ought you to be (and O that you would improve the price put into your hands!) that inſtead of ſuch, whoſe ſtudy was to preach affected phraſes, ſtrong lines, more Philoſophy then Divinity, now at laſt God hath ſent amongſt you, faithful, painful Preachers, dividing the Word aright, even between the Joynts and Marrow, applying it home to your conſciences, ſuch you ought to eſteem highly for their works ſak…, as the Apoſtle exhorts: It hath been an exceeding 1 Theſſ. 5. 13.1 Thess 5:13grief of heart unto me, to hear ſo little uſe made of Scripture in this place formerly, when Poſtillers and Jeſuites have been muſter'd, as frequently as uſeleſly. I would therefore inhance the price of this ineſtmable Pearl of the word of God: There's more beauty, more ſtrength of judgement, more conviction of the conſcience in one line of Gods word, then in all the elaborate Volumes of Philoſophers. Compare Livy and Moſes, Pindarus's Odes and Davids Pſalms; compare Demoſthenes and Cicero with Iſaiah and Paul (as ſome of the Learned have done) and you'l finde how the Learned Clem. Alex. St…om.Philoſophers and Orators are put down, and vanquiſht in their own Art, quite foil'd with their own Weapons, ſo that the Quinteſſence, and Elixar drawn out of the exquiſite Writings of Philoſophers, are p. 75but baſtard Pearls, in compariſon of the Holy Scriptures. Let me impart an experience (I ſpeak it onelyonly to the glory of God) that I have gone from Commentator to Commentator (though … approve of their help) and have been unſatisfi'd; at laſt I have compared Scripture with Scripture, and there have I received ſatisfaction upon my knees, which otherwiſe I could not obtain. Let's all ſtudy the Scripture more, for Gods Word is more beautiful then all the Writings of the wiſeſt Men.

2. Pearls are very rare and ſcarce: A man may finde millions of 2. Pearls are very rare.Pebble-ſtones for one Pearl: The Margarites come out of a ſhe…l, and that very rare to be found but in the Indian Ocean: The Merchant that gets them, muſt ſound the depth of the ſea: And many precious ſtones are found only in craggy ſteep rocks: A man muſt ſcramble up to the top of high Rocks, and incur the hazard of a dangerous Precipice: And it's doubtful, whether for all his labours he ſhall be recompenſed accordingly, there being ſuch an exceeding rarity and ſcarcity of ſuch precious Commodities. So immaterial Pearls, Goſpel Ordinances, purely diſpenſed, are rare to be found. Pure Officers, and pure Adminiſtrators, without humane mixture or compoſition are very rare. Divide the World (as ſome have done) into thirty parts, but … are in Chriſtendom, and even in See a Map called Ch…iſtianographia.Chriſtendom are Papiſts, Socinians, Arians, Pelagians, Sons of Hereſie, who differ from the Orthodox even in Fundamentals. And now adays (though for what's already done, we have cauſe to bleſs God with meltings of heart) yet through the manifold obſtructions of a formal and ſuperſtitious People, 'tis very rare to finde a faithful ſoul-ſaving Miniſtry: Omne tempus Clodios, non cmne Catones foret: He's but a meer ſtranger in Iſra…l, who knows not that Prieſts of Baal and Bacchus, ſuch as made the Sacrifice of God to be abhorr'd, have been like Sycamores in the valley for abundance. And I wiſh there be not a remnant left of that wicked generation, who within theſe Walls are enemies to Reformation, who brayd of the murmuring Iſraelites, ſaying, Come, let us make us a captain, and go again unto Aegypt: The Language of their heart is, Let's have our Altars, our Images, Copes, Genuflexions, Cringings, the Liturgy, with all its bundle of Ceremonies: And no wonder,—Miſſa non morder, Theſe never touch the quick: But all this while the faithful, ſedulous I aborers in Gods Vineyard are very few: old Mnaſons, the good old Puritans are very few: The harveſt is great, and the laborers few: p. 76We muſt therefore pray, that God would ſend forth faithful laborers into his harveſt.

Thirdly, As Pearls are rare and ſcarce, ſo they are hard to be got, 3. Pearls are hard to be got.there's much difficulty in getting of them, even in thoſe places where they are to be found. For getting pretious Stones, I told you before, many venture far, and ſcramble upon Rocks to get Pearls (as ſome Travellers report) the Merchant muſt wait the ebbing and the flowing of the Sea, and tarry till ſuch a certain ſeaſon, waiting many days and nights till that come, then ſound the depth of the Sea: Some dive and hazard their lives for them. So ſor to get immaterial Pearls is a great difficulty: All the graces of the Spirit are invaluable Pearls, the richeſt Bracelet or Neck-lace of Pearls that ever I read of, you have mentioned by the Apoſtle, Adde to your faith vertue, &c. To get a common, temporary faith, a verbal 2 Pet. 1. 5, 6, 7.2 Pet 1:52 Pet 1:62 Pet 1:7love, a groundleſs hope is eaſie, and ordinary; but to get a juſtifying faith, an unfained love, a ſtedfaſt faith, here lieth the difficulty, here's the labor, here's the work indeed. To get ſaving Graces, thou muſt be in labors often, in watchings often, in faſtings often, and thou muſt paſs through good report and evil report, fiery Serpents, and ſons of Anak: You read of a work of faith, a labour of love, a patience of hope. Salvation is a Pearl of glory, and we are commanded, 1 Th…ſſ. 1. 3. Phil. 2. 12.Phil 2:12foreign Work out your own ſalvation with fear and trembling: 'Tis the difficulteſt task in all the World to ſave our ſouls: The way to Heaven is a ſtraight way, a narrow Gate, there are many obſtacles, brakes and bryars in the way, Beaſts of Epheſus to be encountred withal: This conflict cannot be managed, foreign without raiſing a duſt, without ſhedding of Blood: Thou muſt ſet thy ſelf in battel aray againſt thy ſelf, the ſpirit againſt the fleſh: Cum hac controverſia…nati ſumus (ſaith a Father) Thou muſt wreſtle Matth. 11. 12.Matt 11:12againſt Principalities and Powers; thou muſt run a race, thou muſt even ſtorm Heaven, and take it by violence. Peradventure thou mayſt be ſtript of all, and 'tis no matter, if in the interim thou beeſt cloath'd with the righteouſneſs of Chriſt. It may be God intends thee for a Martyr, to ſeal the Truth with thy blood: Happy wilt thou be, notwithſtanding all the hardſhips and difficulties thou haſt grapled withal, if thou comeſt to Heaven at the laſt: one moment of Heavens joys, one beam of Gods reconciled countenance, will make amends for all: The Apoſtle determines, That the afflictions of this p. 77preſent time, are not worthy to be compared with the glory that ſhall b…revealed Rom. 8. 18.Rom 8:18in us.

Fourthly, Pearls are of invaluable price and eſtimation: Cl…opatra's 4. Pearls are of unvaluable price.Pearl was worth many thouſands: One Pearl no bigger then a mans thumb, may be worth many thouſands. So the Pearls of the Goſpel are of invaluable price: This Cabinet contains the moſt pretious Gems in the whole Univerſe. Every Goſpel-promiſe is a pearl: That excellent promiſe, which hath five Negatives (and five Negatives in Greek more vehemently deny) foreign Heb. 13. 5.Heb 13:5is of it ſelf more worth then an inheritance of ten thoufand pounds per annum: Thoſe promiſes, John 3 36. and c. 10. 28. are the Jewels which Believers lay up as their chiefeſt Treaſure.

Fiſthly, Pearls are full of vertue, and medicinable: There's much 5. Pearls are full of vertue.vertue in divers pretious Stones: Jewels commonly worn have much vertue in them; and Pearls queſtionleſs much more. That which is called the Magiſtery of Pearls, is of ſpecial uſe. It's commonly obſerved, that the Ruby cures the dimneſs of the eyes; and the Topaz keeps a mans hand from ſcalding: The Carbuncle gives light in the dark, and the Saphire cures the ſtingings of Scorpions: So the word of God is that Ruby, that foreign mentioned Rev. 3. 18. that enlightneth thy eyes; that makes thy darkned▪ an enlightned minde: Chriſt is that Topaz, that good Phyſitian that hea…s thy diſtempers, both of body and ſoul: Look upon Chriſt with the eye of Faith, and thou ſhalt be cured of the ſtingings of Scorpions, of Sin and Satan, as they were who eyed the brazen Serpent, and were cured of Numb. 21. 9.Num 21:9the ſtingings of the fiery Serpents.

Sixthly, Pearls are ſterling Commodities in every place: In many 6. Pearls are lterling comm… dity.Nations our Coyn is not currant with them, neither theirs with us: But Pearls are currant every where. Certainly therefore there's much worth in Pearls, for God-would not ſo befool the whole world, neither would the Scripture ſhaddow forth the glory of Heaven by Pearls, Rev. 21. 21. were there not an extraordinary worth in them. So the Goſpel of Jeſus Chriſt is a ſterling Commodity, where ever it comes, It hath the ſtamp of the King of Heaven upon it; where the light of the Goſpel breaks in, it findes, or makes a way for its entertainment: It's ſo lovely, that it will raviſh us with its love: the Proclamation runs, Ho every one that thirſteth, come unto the waters: The Goſpel is right metal, and paſſable wherever God will have it: It paſſeth currantly through all Believers for their eternal ſalvation; p. 78and to unbelievers to leave them foreign for their conviction and condemnation.

Seventhly and laſtly, Pearls are laſting and durable, they are ſolid, 7. Pearls are laſting and dura…le.ſubſtantial, and the ſolidity and duration of them inhanceth their eſtimation: So the Goſpel of Chriſt is a durable Pearl: It's Chriſts Legacy, bequeath'd from generation to generation: Gods Word ſhall never fail: Salvation is a Pearl that will never moulder away: The pl…aſures of heaven are for evermore. Chriſt the Pearl of Pſ…l. 16. 11. Heb. 13. 8.Ps 50:16Ps 50:11Heb 13:8price is an unchangeable Saviour.

Thus far of the Doctrinal part: It now remains, that I ſhould draw down the ſimilitude of a Merchant, and from his properties infer the particular Application unto your practice.

1. A Merchant muſt be a man of knowledge and good underſtanding: Prop. 1. 1 A Merchant muſt be a man of knowledge.He muſt be able to know the worth of his Commodities, how to diſtinguiſh true from counterfeit Pearls. The Merchant in the Text, knew well the incomparable worth of the Pearl of price; otherwiſe, he would not ſtraightway have for gone all for the purchaſe of it. We ſay commonly, and as truly, Ignoti nulla cupido: So every ſpiritual Merchant muſt know the excellent worth of the Goſpel, the riches of Chriſt, the riches of ſaith: The knowledge of them will ſet his affections awork. Hear, O Chriſtian! know thy main duty, that Ʋnum Neceſſarium, to learn the knowledge of Jeſus Chriſt: This is that fundamental knowledge, without which you can never come to Heaven. Eternal life conſiſts in this knowledge, John 17. 3. Above all thy gettings, get this underſtanding: What if thou art skill'd in all Arts and Sci…nces, in all the humane Learning in the World, and in the mean time art ignorant of Jeſus Chriſt? Thou art (as the ordinary Proverb ſaith) penny wiſe; and pound fooliſh: For all thy ſecular Learning, thou mayſt go to Hell. O then, let thy vote run parallel with Solomons for Wiſdom: Beſeech 1 King. 3. 9. Rev. 3. 18.1 Kgs 3:9Rev 3:18Chriſt to anoint thee with eye-ſalve, and to enlighten the eyes of thy minde, that thou maiſt comprehend all the dimenſions of the love of God. As the light of the body is the eye, ſo the light of the ſoul is the underſtanding. As the Pilot to the Ship, the Sun to the World, the Commander to his Soldiers, ſo is knowledge to the Soul, to ſteer, guide and direct its motions: Say not, though thou art ignorant, yet thou haſt a good heart: Solomon tells us, Without knowledge the heart is not good: Say not thou art a Believer, Prov. 19. 2.Prov 19:2though thou art ignorant, for knowledge precedes faith, Pſal. 9. 10. p. 79They that know thy name, will put their truſt in thee: Boaſt not, that thou eſteemeſt highly of Chriſt, and yet canſt not tell what worth is in him, what Juſtification means, what ſaving faith is: For an ignorant perſon cannot ſet an high price upon Chriſt. Hee'l ask Whats this beloved more then an…ther beloved? And you my Brethren, that are men of Learning, bred up in this Famous Nurſ…ry, do not glory in your skill in Tongues, nor in your skill in the Liberal Sciences; you that are the greateſt Scholars, muſt come the ſame way to Heaven as the meaneſt Chriſtian, that cannot read one letter in the Book: What will all your knowledge avail you without the knowledge of Jeſus Chriſt? There's no Poſtern-door for Heathens; no name but that of Chriſt; no way beſides, v. Acts 4. 12. John 14. 6. O then ſet your hearts and heads on work to know Jeſus Chriſt: If you knew the worth of this Pearl, you would prize it the faireſt of Ten thouſands, and you would willingly venture all for the purchaſe of it.

2. A Merchant is a man of indefatigable labors and induſtry; he Prop. 2. A Merchant is a man of paint.compaſſeth Sea and Land, and negotiates in foreign places for his advantage: Hereupon the good Huſwife, Prov. 31. 14. is compared to Merchants Ships; ſhe bring…th her food from afar; ſhe riſ…th alſo whilſt it is yet night, and giveth meat to her houſhold, and a p…rtion to her maidens. A Merchant is a man of much imployment, and therefore muſt be very diligent and induſtrious: He well knoweth Prov. 10 14.Prov 10:14that of Solomon, that the hand of the diligent maketh rich: And thus muſt every true Believer, every Merchant for the ſoul, be a man of diligence and unwearied labors: He knows it's a long and difficult journey to go to Heaven, and therefore his wiſdom is to ſet out early, and conſecrate to God the morning of the day: The World ſometimes throws Caut-ropes in the way, to gaul him; ſometimes golden Apples of pleaſures, profits, preferments to bewitch him; other times he meets with ſcoffing Iſhmaels, railing Rabſhakehs, Beaſts of prey, which open their mouthes ready to devour him: And therefore it concerns him to fortifie himſelf with ſaith, hope, and patience, and ſteel himſelf with invincible courage. He that Trafficks for Heaven, muſt look for Pauls portion, To be in wearineſs 2 Cor. 11. 272 Cor 11:27and painfulneſs, in watchings often, in hunger and thirſt, in faſtings often, in cold and nakedneſs: My exhortation therefore runs parallel with the Apoſtles, Thou therefore endure hardneſs, as a good Solaier of 2 Tim. 12. 3, 4Jeſus Chriſt: No man that warreth, &c. He that aims at proficiency, p. 80muſt not ſhrink at difficulty: You are ſeeking for Pearls, for pretious Stones, for pretious promiſes, pretious graces, even the Pearl of price, The Lord Jeſus: Do not leave of ſeeking, till you finde, ſlack not your endeavors: Be not weary of well doing, but perſevere in the work, and you ſhall reap if you faint not: The pretious Pearls of the Goſpel are in jeopardy. A Jeſuitical party would take away our Goſpel, which if once gone, we may call all our comforts Ichabods. Adde' therefore to your pains, and as you are exhorted, Jude 3.Jude 1:3Contend for the faith delivered to the Saints, ſtand up for Chriſt, and own his cauſe before men, otherwiſe he will not own you in his kingdom.

Thirdly, It's the property of a Merchant to venture largely in the 3. A Merchant ventures largely in the ſtock.ſtock, in hope of a plentiful return. A Merchant-Venturer commits his Merchandize to the mercies of Winds, Waves, Pyrates: It's their common Proverb, Nothing venture, nothing have: And thus muſt every ſpiritual Merchant venture liberally in the ſtock; he muſt venture his Prayers, one day they may return with good meaſure, full preſt, and running over: He ventures his Alms, and he Eccleſ. 11. 1, 2.Eccl 11:1Eccl 11:2hath a ground of incouragement, to finde bread caſt upon the waters after many days: He ventures his life, livelyhood, hopes, fears, all upon Jeſus Chriſt: If Chriſt be in the Ship, no fear of ſinking, here's ſafe venturing. And ſo let not us of the Miniſtry be afraid of evil entreaties, and unfruitfulneſs of our labors: Lets not bauk our duty, becauſe we fear we ſhal do no good; let's put that to the venture, & fall a working: In the morning ſow thy ſeed, and in the evening with-hold not Eccleſ. 11. 6.Eccl 11:6thy hands, for thou knoweſt not whether ſhall proſper, either this or that, or … King. 22. 24.whether they both be alike good. We read, That a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and ſmote the king of Iſrael between the joynts of the harneſs. So though Miniſters ſhoot at a venture, perſonating no man, yet it may pleaſe God ſo to direct the word, that it may hit the right mark. Now let's all become Merchant-Venturers: The Church is the Ship, toſt up and down with Tempeſts and Storms: It's exceeding great folly, to trim up our Cabbin, if the Ship be a ſinking. Fear not, this Ship will at laſt come to a ſafe Harbor; here then let us venture Counſels, Pains, Prayers, Eſtates, Liberties, Lives and all: Deliverance will come to the Church of God, we have received earneſt already; let's tug harder at the Oar, and wreſtle with Prayers and Supplications, as we read, Iſa. 62. 1. & v. 6, 7. When deliverance comes as a Samuel of our Prayers, when we apprehend it the p. 81returne of prayers, O how welcome will be that deliverance: To ſee the ſhip ſo well fraught in the returne, will be our rejoycing, that we have ventur'd ſo liberally in the ſtock.

Fourthly, A Merchant muſt be a man of ſingular Patience, his Prop: 4. A Merchant muſt be a man of Patie…ce.ſtock is in a ſhip, whoſe voyage is to the Indies, he therefore muſt wait patiently for the returne. So muſt every ſpirituall Merchant venturer wait patiently upon God. Learne hence (O Chriſtian) to wait upon the God of thy ſalvation, the Charriot wheeles of deliverance are long a coming, ſenſe failes; reaſon is non-plus't, but faith bids thee wait longer; It bids thee leave off diſputing and reaſoning and learn to believe. But when faith a little flags, then hope encourageth as it did Ezrah, amid'ſt multitudes of teares. But Ezrah 10. 2hope ſayeth, I have hoped long, and hope d…forr'd makes the heart ſicke, then comes patience, and bids thee wait and ſtay Gods time, his time is the beſt time. Do not Limit the holy one of Iſraell to times or meanes, this or that inſtrument. Eligat Opp…rtunitatem qui libere Auguſt.dat miſericordiam. O be perſwaded to poſſeſſe thy ſoule with patience, Ther's need of patience, Heb: 10 36. Ther's a certaine Period or Limit of time ſet downe by God (though unknowne to us) when Deliverance ſhall come. Thirty yeares was appointed to the impotent Cripple, which time expired Chriſt healed him; Eighteene yeares to the daughter of Abraham, and then was ſhee healed; 70. yeares to the Jewiſh captivity and then deliverance came. Wee are to obſerve, that ther's a great talke amongſt the houſhold of Chriſts coming, the feilds looke white to harveſt, the Gods of Babylon are in diſgrace, ther's great powring out of the ſpirit, and a gracious anſwer of prayers, ther's earneſt thirſting and longing after deliverance, And theſe are uſuall Harbingers of Deliverance: But to determine the punctuall time 'tis above all our knowledge; we can ſay no more then with the Pſalmiſt: We ſee not our ſignes, there is no more Pſ. 4. 9.Ps 4:9any Prophet, neither is there amongſt us that knoweth h…w long. Lets imitate thoſe who through faith and patience have inherited the promiſes. Lets reſolve come what will come to wait on God, as the Church profeſſes, Iſ: 8. 17: and Mich: 7. 7. God waits to do us good, let us wait for the reception of his mercy, Iſ: 30. 8, 5.

5 A Merchant frequents the places of Merchandize, where he may Prop. 5. A Merchant muſt frequents the places of merchandiſe.heare of his factors, and receive intelligence of his Merchandize. He's frequently at the Exchange, or ſuch like meeting places. So doth every ſpirituall Merchant frequent the publike Aſſemblies, which p. 86are as it were ſpirituall Exchanges, Places of concourſe, where he may heare news from heaven, and receive Intelligence for the beſt Emolument of his ſoule. Wait then, O Chriſtian, at theſe Betheſdaes, wait at the Poſts of wiſedomes gate, Lie in this way where Chriſt frequently comes by, Omit not through Negligence any Sermon, that peradventure may be a convincing, a converting and a confirming word unto thee. It's a mercy promiſed to an afflicted people, Iſay 30. 20. And though the Lord give you the bread of adverſity, and the water of affliction, yet ſhall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes ſhall ſee thy teachers. That you have publick Aſſemblies, frequent opportunities, inlarged meanes, and that your eyes behold your faithfull teachers, theſe are ſingular mercies vouchſafed to you, your duty is to improve them to the glory of God, and the beſt advantage of your pretious ſoules.

6ly, and laſtly, A Merchant muſt improve his eſtate to his beſt Prop: 6. A Merchant muſt improve his eſtate to his beſt advantage, Mat: 25. 27.advantage. He hath been at great paines, coſt, and charges, therefore hee'l put off his commodities to his beſt emolument. The Lord in the Parable expects his own foreign with increaſe. An honeſt gaine is commendable in the trade. So a ſpirituall Merchant muſt improve all he hath, his time, Talents, Graces, Ordinances, to the advantage of his pretious ſoule. He muſt endeavour to gaine by various diſpenſations, adverſity as well as proſperity; he muſt endeavour to proſit by every Sermon he heareth, by every mans company, with whom he converſeth. Hee's skill'd in the ſoule thriving trade. He ſtores up a ſtock of Divine graces, faith, love, humility, meekneſſe &c. And there with he would be adorned. He ſtores up a ſtock of attributes, he knowes there's wiſedom in God to counſell him, mercy in God to pardon him, power in God to defend him, and with theſe he ſupports and ſtayes his ſpirit. He ſtores up a ſtock of promiſes, He reads, and beleeves, that they are pretious promiſes, and that they are 2 Cor 11. 20.2 Cor 11:20all in Chriſt, Yea and Amen. Theſe he gathers up, and applyes to his particular condition.

This ſpirituall Merchant, this true beleever is the beſt Husband in all the world: He not onelyonly hath grace, but is ſtill a growing in more▪ grace: Hee's a plant planted in Gods garden, and therefore brings forth more fruit in his elder age. Hee's not contented with what grace he hath allready, but with Paul he forgets thoſe things which are behind, and reacheth forth unto thoſe things which are before, preſſing forward towards the marke, for the price of the high calling of p. 83God in Chriſt Jeſus. Hee's ſtill on the getting hand, getting more Phil: 3. 13. 14.acceſſion unto his faith, love, and humility, adding one degree of grace unto another, till at length he attaines unto the end of his faith, the ſalvation of his immortall ſoule.

And thus you have heard a compariſon betwixt materiall and immateria…l pearles, between an earthly and a heavenly Merchant. In the cloſe of this point, ſuffer, I beſeech you, (Brethren) one word of exhortation; and that is to perſwade you to be Merchants of pearles. Let me expoſtulate the caſe (as the Prophet did) Wherefore Iſ: 55. 2.do yee ſpend money for that which is not bread, and your labour for that which ſatiſſieth not? Be no more Merchants for Gugawes, and triffles, and the vanities of the world; which if you ſhould get, you could find no ſolidity nor ſatiſfaction in them. But let your labour be beſtowed in ſeeking out the goodly pearls of the Goſpell; Negotiate for heavenly treaſures, which alone are ſolid, which only are ſatisfactory, able to inrich your ſoules. Seeke after the Cabinet (which is the Goſpell) and ſet an high eſtimate upon it; but above all ſeeke after Chriſt, who is the pearle of price in the Cabinet, and having found Chriſt, imitate the wife Merchant in the text, Sell all you have to purchaſe this pearle of price: which brings me to my ſecond Doctrine 2 Doctrine, That every ſpirituall Merchant venturer muſt ſell all for the purchaſe of the pearle of price.

For unfolding of this pretious point, I ſhall obſerve this Method. Method.1. To illuſtrate the truth by Parallell examples. 2. To prove it by ſcripture Precepts. 3. To confirme it by Evidence of reaſon. 4. And laſtly, To ſet it home upon the conſcience, by particular Application.

Firſt, To illuſtrate this by Examples, time would faile me to inlarge 1 Illuſtration by Examples.my ſelfe in ſo great a cloud of witneſſes. Review v: 44. of this chapter, ſet Abrahams example for your imitation; God bids Abraham leave his country Gen: 12. 1. and makes him a promiſe to bleſſe him v. 3. Abraham diſputes not the command, but obeyes it, v. 4. And this aroſe from a principle of faith, ſo the Apoſtle Heb: 11. 8.mentions.

And what was the moving cauſe? v: 10. For he looked for a City which hath foundations, whoſe builder, and maker is God. God was better to Abraham, then kindred, poſſeſſions, and houſes; He loved his relations well, but loved God better. That one promiſe Gen: p. 8417. 7. I will be thy God, and the God of thy ſeed, was of more value to him, then all the world beſides. Wherefore at the command of God with all readineſſe, he foregoes all. Thus Moſes left a kingdome for Chriſt. Joſephus reports that Thermuthis Pharaohs daughter Joſeph. A…tiq:had no child, and therefore having found him, ſhe ſet her heart upon him, and fained her ſelfe to be with child, and kept Moſes hid, untill ſuch time, as it might be thought to be her owne Child, to that end, that he might inherit her fathers crowne. This is doubtfull; but what the Apoſtle delivereth is an undoubted truth Heb: 11. 24, 25, 26. foreign When he became great he refuſed to be called the ſon of Pharaohs daughter, Moſes who was skilled in all the learning of the Aegyptians, the adopted ſon of Pharaohs daughter, educated in a palace, a man mighty in words and deedes forſooke all for Jeſus Chriſt, ſo the Apoſtles forſooke all for Chriſt, The primitive converts, ſold all their poſſeſſions for the Goſpels ſake. Math: 19. 37.When the name of the Lord Jeſus was magnified at Epheſus, thoſe Act: 4: 3.that vſed curious arts, burnt th ir bookes, the price amounting to 50. Thouſand peeces of ſilver. Eliſha left his Oxen, and followed Eliah. Acts. 19. 19.Acts 19:19Matthew left the receit of cuſtome, and followed Chriſt. Marcus Galeacius Caracciolus (of whom Calvin makes honourable mention) left his Marqueſdome, his great Relations, and all his proffers of honour, for Jeſus Chriſt, It was a truly noble proteſtation which he vſed, Curſed be he that preferres all the gold and ſilver in the world before one dayes communi…n with Jeſus Chriſt. I have read of one Hormiſdays a noble Perſian, who would rather leave his noble Robes, and weare beggars raggs then deny Jeſus Chriſt, He was degraded of all his honours, and put to ſerve Camels, and was cloth'd with raggs: Once to tempt him to deny Chriſt, they put on him ſilken garments: He preſently in ſcorne tore them in peeces, refuſing ſilken garments upon ſuch baſe termes & propoſalls. The Lord Cobham (as the Acts and monuments record) notwithſtanding many v. Fox Acts & Monum.flattering intreaties denyed the Popes ſpiritualty, and ſayed he was the Antichriſt, he rather would dye, then acknowledg him Chriſts Vicar: He loſt his life in that cauſe. All thoſe are foreign examples to us that we ſhould fore-go our Relations, intereſts, liberties, eſtates, even all for Jeſus Chriſt. To purchaſe the pearle of price, we muſt foregoe all.

Now in the ſecond place for precepts commanding, read Prov: 23. 2 Proof by Precept23. Buy the truth, and ſell it not. Now if we would buy the truth, we muſt come up to its price.

p. 85If it be to looſe our Eaſe, Promotions, Riches, Pleaſures, Profits, we muſt ſell them all for the purchaſe of truth. We are commanded by the wiſe man, Wiſedom is the principall thing, therefore get wiſedome, and withall thy getting get underſtanding: And Chriſts counſell Prov: 4. 7.is above all, moſt excellent. I counſell thee to buy of me gold, and a…oynt thy eyes with eye ſalve &c. By eye ſalve we underſtand illumination Rom: 3. 18of the ſpirit, by gold a pure and pretious faith, by white Rayment the innocency of Chriſt, his immaculate robes to cloath us: Theſe are not to be had for nothing, they muſt (ſano ſenſu) be bought, after a manner, and a price pay'd to purchaſe them, and to the ſame effect tends the counſell to the rich man By our Saviour; Marke. 10: 21.Mark 10:21goe thy way, and ſell what ſoever thou haſt, and give to the Poore, and thou ſhalt have treaſure in heaven, come take up the croſſe and follow me.

I proceed to the 3. Head propounded, the confirmation of the 3 Proof by Evidence of Reaſon.poynt by evidence of Reaſon, the Pearle of Price the Lord Jeſus is of that infinite price, dignity, and value, as all muſt be ſold to purchaſe him: And this I'le make good by theſe enſuing Demonſtrations.

Firſt, The pearle of price is not to be had for nothing: we muſt Reaſon. 1. The pearle of price is not to be had ſor nothingbuy it, even give all that we have to purchaſe it. Ephron would give Abraham the cave of Machpelah. Gen: 22. 11. But Abraham would buy it, neither doth he dodge, and abate any thing, but gives the full price, which was 400. ſhekells of ſilver, currant money with the Merchant. v. 16. T'is ſayed Araunah gave all the ſacrifices to David as a King. 2 Sam: 24. 23. But David would not offer ſacrifice of free-coſt, but gave fifty ſhekells of ſilver, the full price. Neither is Chriſt the pearle of price to be had for nothing. We have ſacrifices to offer, Our ſins muſt be ſlaughter'd, Our corruptions cruciſi'd, and we are to offer our ſelves as an Holocauſt, a whole burnt offering unto the Lord.

Q. Q. But ſome will ſay? Is not here a gap open'd for merit? Can heaven, and Chriſt be bought and purchas'd? Hereupon the Papiſts lay the rotten foundation of their owne merits.

A. For anſwer, we may not lay too much weight upon a Parable, or ſimilitude, Few ſimilitudes runne as they ſay quatuor pedibus. Compare this Parable with Iſ: 55. 1. Come buy wine, and milke, without money and without price. We muſt come and buy, we muſt be induſtrious in the uſe of the meanes which God hath appointed, and p. 82yet without any meritorious price: In commutative juſtice, inter vendenda & emenda, One gives one thing and receives another worth it, ſo that in equity the price muſt be worth the commodity, and the commodity worth the price. But the greateſt price we can give for Chriſt, comes more then ten-thouſand times below his worth: Yet then in a true ſenſe are we ſay'd to buy this Pearle, when we induſtriouſly purſue all good meanes to get it, when we deny our ſelves, pray, heare the word, entertaine Chriſt in our hearts, and lives. And notwithſtanding the grace of Chriſt is free, without money or price, 'Tis our duty to come unto the waters, to frequent the meanes of grace: Though what ever we give is but as a drop to the Ocean, a ſand to the Ballance, an Atome to the ſun, and when we have done all we can, we muſt acknowledge our ſelves unprofitable ſervants.

Sec…ndly, The pearle of price is the moſt neceſſary purchaſe in all Reaſon. 2. The pearle of price is the moſt neceſſary purchaſe in all the world.the world. 'Tis no good husbandry to lay out our moneyes upon triſles, and ſuperfluityes; but this is Maries choyce, that one thing needfull. Thou canſt not live without neceſſaries for thy body, as bread to eate, drinke to drinke, and Rayment to put on: Take away theſe and you ſtarve the body. Now Chriſt is the bread of life, a fountaine inexhauſted to quench the thirſt of his people, and the robes of his righteouſneſle are a pretious garment to cover all our nakedneſs: Take away theſe and you ſtarve the ſoule: We cannot live one moment without Jeſus Chriſt. Enemies may take away thy meat, drinke, rayment, and ſuch like outward comforts; but they cannot take away Chriſt. In the abſence of all theſe, if thou haſt the preſence of Chriſt, thou mayeſt ſay with Jacob, I have enough. As it was ſay'd to the Boat-man, Be not afraid, foreign; Ipſe unus Chriſtus erit tibi omnia, quia in ipſo uno bono, bona ſunt omnia. Auguſt.ſo ſay amidſt tempeſtuous Euroclydons; be not affraid, if thou haſt intereſt in Jeſus Chriſt. Chriſt is of abſolute neceſſity, inſomuch as thou can'ſt not ſubſiſt without him. For riches they are contingent, to be or not to be. For honours, pleaſures, and promotions, unleſſe they be ſanctifi'd, t'is far better to be without them, then with them. They are but the bleſſings of the left hand. But in the want of all theſe, thou art made up abundantly with Chriſt; and in Domine Ieſu, te plus diligo, quam mea, meos meipſum. Bernard.the fruition of them all in their greateſt eſtate and confluence, thou art utterly undone without him, The Martyr in the flames cryed out, none but Chriſt, and ſo doth every true beleever cry out, importunately with Rachel, give me Chriſt or elſe I die. Chriſt is more to be loved then all.

p. 87Thirdly, This pearle of price is a commodity infinitely more pretious Reaſon 3. This pearle of price is a Commodity infinitely more pretious then all other pearles.then all other pearles or gemmes in the univerſe. No man of diſcretion will buy refuſe ſtuffe, and worthleſſe wares: but the excellent pretious worth of a commodity allures the Merchant to bid a price for it. Now Chriſt is of ſuch value and ſuperlative excellency, as that all we can compare with him comes far ſhort, and no waies able to reach him. v: Prov. 3. 13, 14, 15. and Job: 28. beginning at v. 15. We read, 1 Peter. 2. 7. Ʋnto you therefore which beleeve he is pretious; we render it in the concrete, but the Originall is an abſtract. foreign an honour: Chriſt is honour it ſelfe. A plant of renowne, Ezek: 34. 29. We cannot ſet a price high enough anſwerable to the worth of Jeſus Chriſt.

Fourthly, The pearle of price is the moſt gainefull, profitable, Reaſon 4. The pearle oſ price is the moſt gainefull Commodity. 1 Tim. 6. 6 Gen. 26. 12. Mat. 19. 29.1 Tim 6:6Gen 26:12Matt 19:29and inriching commodity. Godlineſs is great gaine: Chriſt is an inriching pearle, and his Graces, faith, hope, love, even all the graces of the ſpirit are inriching graces. It was great gaine for Iſaak to receive in one yeare, a 100 fold increaſe. There is a rich and pretious Promiſe, Every one that hath forſaken houſes, or brethren, or ſiſters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my names ſake, ſhall receive an 100 fold, and ſhall inherit eternall life. Godlineſs is profitable to all things: It hath the Promiſe of this life, and that which is to come: 1 Tim: 4. 8.ſo far are we from being looſers, or onelyonly bare ſavers, as that we ſhall be exceeding great gainers by this commodity. Religion is the Rom: 6. 21.gainfulleſt profeſſion. No profit comes by the ſervice of ſin. What profit had you in thoſe things wherein yee are aſhamed? Get Chriſt, and thou art made for ever. Haſt thou this pearle? thou art richer then the greateſt Emperour without it.

Fifthly, There's no poſſibility of being cheated or any way overreached There's no poſſibility oſ being cheated.in the purchaſe of this commodity: For worldly things are not Bread, and a great deale even too much of time, coſt, and charge are thrown away upon them: but Chriſt is the beſt penny-worth, the beſt bargaine that ever thou mad'ſt all the daies of thy life. If thou ſell'ſt all thy pleaſures, riches, proſits, honours, for Chriſt, thou haſt got that which is of more incomparable value, then them all. There's no feare of fraud or couzenage in traffiquing for this commodity. Stand not therefore dodging, and cheapning at the market, ſaying, I muſt keepe this ſin, or delight, cuſtome, or profit, for theſe I hope to obtaine a diſpenſation; I aſſure thee in the next (which is the laſt Demonſtration I ſhall lay downe for confirmation p. 88of the point.) That there's no poſſibility of purchaſing Chriſt for leſſe than all. If thou wilt ſit upon a ſinne, (as Rachel upon the images,) and interpoſe an exceptive with Naaman, foſter a Delilah, an Herodias, entertain a Gibeonite, a pretending ſinne, ſpare an Agag a ruling ſinne thou canſt not purchaſe the pearle: For if the commodity be worth an hundred pounds, he goes without it that bids but fifty pounds, as well as hee that bids but twenty pounds. There muſt be no hypocriticall defaulking from the price with Ananias and Saphira, no halving of it with the ſtrumpet, or partial almoſt Chriſtianity Act. 5. 2.Acts 5:2with Agrippa: A divided heart is afaulty heart. We muſt Hoſ. 10. 2.Hos 10:2willingly part with all whatſoever is deareſt, or neareſt, though it be to the diſmembring of our ſelves, the parting with a right hand, or a right eye, our conſtitution, our accuſtomed ſins. We may not be faint chapmen, cheapning, and hoping to bring the price down: The Drunkard cannot have Chriſt and his cups; The ſwearer cannot have Chriſt and his oathes; The unclean perſon cannot have Chriſt, and his ſtrumpet; The Hypocrite cannot have Chriſt, and his painted gloſſes; The cheating cradeſman cannot have Chriſt, and his falſe weights, or ſophiſticated wares; Chriſt will not bee thus coupled, thus unequally yoaked. Between light and darkneſſe, Chriſt, and Belial there can be no communion.

And thus farre having gone by way of Explication and Confirmation of the point, give me leave to preſſe all home unto your conſciences by particular Application.uſes 4.

4 Uſes I would make of this doctrine, for reproofe, Examination exhortation, and direction.Ʋſes 4. For reproofe.

For reproof, of all ſuch who will not ſell all for the purchaſe of the pearle of price. There are 4 ſorts eſpecially who will not goe to the price of this pearle. Ignorant perſons that know not the worth of it. Covetous perſons who preſerre the world before it; and open profane perſons, who ſcorne, and doe what in them lyes to trample this Pearle underfoot. Theſe 4 come within the verge of this Reprehenſion.

1. Ignorant perſons through blindneſſe of mind undervalue the Ignorant perſons.glorious excellencies of Jeſus Chriſt. Their groſſe ignorance cauſeth them to undervalue Jeſus Chriſt. So that profane Duke of Burbon prefer'd his Part in Paris before his part in Paradiſe: 1. Wee ſay, Ignorantia excuſat à tanto non à non à toto; And we uſually diſtinguiſh between an affected ignorance which is pravae diſpoſit ionis, p. 89from that which is craſſe, invincible, purae negationis; And ſo their puniſhments may be inflicted ſecundum mag…s & minus, yet neither being excuſable, Theſe through ignorance reſemble Aiſop's Cock, preferring a barly corne before a gemme. And theſe are lyable to a dreadfull curſe mentioned by the Prophet; Poure cut thy Jer. 10. 25.Jer 10:25fury upon the Heathen that know thee not, & upon the families that call not upon thy name.

2. Idle lazy perſons are to be reproved, who are ſo ſupine, and careleſſe, as will not ſtirre a foot to purchaſe Chriſt. The wiſemen came from the Eaſt to worſhip Chriſt, and the Queen of Sh…ba from the uttermoſt parts of the earth to heare the wiſedome of Solomon: theſe ſhall riſe in judgment againſt this lazy generation; who will be at no paines, and at no coſt for the purchaſe of a Saviour. Mannah falls round about your tents, You have bread in the morning, and bread in the evening, will not you take paines to gather it? You have a Mart, and a market for your ſoules; Theſe places of concourſe are open (which is no ſmall mercy) and will you not come at them? Men goe many miles for a gainful bargain, and are ye ſo ſick of the lazies as you will not ſtep over the threſhold to hear a Sermon?—Non niſi ſubla to reperitur gemmula ſaxo. This pearle is not to be had by ſuch as fold their hands in their boſomes, nor ſuch as lye at Tavernes, and Alehouſes; nor ſuch as in contempt of the Goſpel willfully abſent themſelves from the publick ordinances, for fear leſt the plain dealing of the Miniſter ſhould touch them to the quick.

3. Covetous perſons are to be reprooved, who will not foregoe an Ox, a farme, not a penny profit in the trade for Jeſus Chriſt. Mammon is their god, and therefore they'le give no entertainment unto Jeſus Chriſt. Gold and ſilver, corne, and wine, lands and ſumptuous buildings are their God. Take away theſe, and they will reply with Mica, ye have taken away my Gods, and what have I more? You may read the abſurd Contents of the fooliſh Gadarens petition, that Jeſus Chriſt would depart out of their coaſts: They prefer'd their ſwine before a Jeſus. Judas betrayed Chriſt for 30 peeces of ſilver: And the young man in the Goſpel prefer'd treaſures on earth before treaſures in heaven. Demas for the love of the world turn'd Apoſtate. If a man will allow himſelfe in covetouſneſſe, hel'e be any thing as opportunity offers: Hel'e ſell his conſcience for Mammon: Hel'e tack about for his beſt advantage. A man that was never drunk with wine nor beare, yet may be drunk with the cares of the p. 90world (as our Saviour expreſſeth) Luk. 21. 34. A Chriſtian's converſation muſt be without covetouſneſſe.

4. Profane perſons are to be reproved, ſuch as are of Eſau's humor, Heb. 13. 5.Heb 13:5Heb. 12. 16. who for one morſell of meat ſold his birth-right. A profane perſon will not foregoe a luſt for Chriſt: The drunkard will not leave his cups: The uncleane perſon will not leave his ſtrumpet nor the ſwearer his oaths for Chriſt. And why I becauſe they are enemies to Chriſt: Chriſt and Belial, Chriſt and profaneneſſe of ſpirit, Chriſt and luſts cannot be reconciled.Uſe 2. For Examination.

The ſecond Uſe is for Examination, whether we are willing to ſell all for the purchaſe of Jeſus Chriſt: By way of character Il'e propound three queries. 1. Doe we exalt and preferre Chriſt above all beſides? If ſo it will appeare by our judgments, affections, and converſation.

1. Doe you exalt Chriſt in your judgments; Have you a ſpirit 1 Query. Doe you Exalt Chriſt? 1. In your judgments. 2. In your affections.of diſcerning, to diſcerne more beauty, wiſdome, riches, purity and vertue in Chriſt, then in all the world beſides? obſerve what a high commendation the ſpouſe gives of Chriſt upon experimentall knowledg Cant. 5. 10. My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefeſt amongſt tenne thouſand: Chriſt was white for his innocency, and ruddy for his ſufferings. 2. Doe you exalt Chriſt in your affections, doe you love Chriſt with an entire love, doth his love conſtraine you, 2 Cor. 5. 14. Doe you ſet your joy upon Chriſt? when Chriſt came in the power of his Miniſtery, 'tis ſaid there was a great joy in that City, Acts 8. 9. That Chriſtian who hath a white ſtone and a new name! O how is his heart raviſht with an exuberant joy? And doe you place your deſire upon Chriſt? Pſal. 73. 25. whom have I in Heaven but thee? theres none whom I deſire beſides thee.

3. Doe you exalt Chriſt in your life and converſation? Then 3 Your life and Converſation.doe we price Chriſt higheſt, when we live to him, and the life of Chriſt is faſhioned in us, when Chriſts image is ſtamp't upon our ſpirits, when we ſquare our lives according to the will of God, when we ſet up Chriſt commander in chiefe in our ſoules, its evident that we exalt Chriſt, and ſet the higheſt price of him.

The ſecond Query is, Whether we are willing to deny our ſelves 2 Query. Are we willing to denie our ſelves.for Chriſt? Who ever will come after Chriſt muſt deny himſelfe, Matth. 16. 24. What ever is ſelfe muſt be denied for Jeſus Chriſt. Selfe opinions, ſelfe applaudings, ſelfe reaſonings, ſelfe righteouſneſſe, ſelfe intereſt, Ends, and Aymes, muſt all be renounced for Jeſus p. 91Chriſt. A proud man muſt denie his proud ſelfe. A paſſionate man muſt denie his paſſionate ſelfe: A ſchollar muſt deny his learning, a wiſe man his own wiſdome, a ſtrong man his ſtrength; All muſt be denied when they ſtand in competition with, or oppoſition unto Jeſus Chriſt.

One querie more I'le propound, and it is very ſeaſonable. Are you willing to undergoe any affliction, to ſuffer any hardſhip for Jeſus 3 Query. Are we willing to ſuffer for Chriſt?Chriſt? As a man muſt deny himſelfe, ſo he muſt take up hiscroſſe. The Apoſtle tels the Philippians, Phil. 1 29. To you it is given in the behalfe of Chriſt not onelyonly to believe on him, but alſo to ſuffer for his ſake. A ſuffering faith is the gift of God. Are you reſolved to take Chriſt upon his own conditions. Will you follow the lamb where ever he goeth, through thick and thin, even through a ſhowre of blood, when you are called thereunto. Elihu makes it the marke of an Hypocrite Job. 36. 21. to chooſe iniquity rath…r then affliction. Whereas when it comes to this Dilemma, either I muſt chooſe affliction, or ſinne, then muſt my reſolution be to chooſe the greateſt affliction in the world, rather then to wound my conſcience with the leaſt ſin. Hee's a believer of the right ſtamp indeed who is of Pauls reſolution, Acts 21. 13. willing not onelyonly to be bound, but to die at Jeruſalem, for the name of the Lord Jeſus. Put your ſelves upon triall by theſe three forementioned queries.

The third Uſe is for Exhortation: I beſeech you in the Bowels of Vſe 3. For Exhortation.Jeſus Chriſt (as you regard the eternall good of your pretious ſoules) to be Merchant Venturers for the pearle of price: Oh that I could prevaile with you to foregoe and ſell all you have for the purchaſe of Jeſus Chriſt. But you will demand what muſt we ſell and foregoe? I anſwere

1. Thou muſt foregoe thy luſts, bid adieu to thy beloved ſinnes, 1 Foregoe thy ….put to death thoſe brats of Babilon, ſlaughter thy corruptions: Thou muſt deale with thy ſins, as Samuel dealt with Agag, hew them in pieces before the Lord in Gilgal; Make no Apologies for ſinne, plead not Antiquity, pleaſure, profit, cuſtome, intereſt, &c. All theſe are but ſorry fig-leaves to cover thy nakedneſſe. If thy neareſt Relations ſtand in oppoſition to Chriſt, thou muſt foregoe them too. For ſo Chriſt determines. He that loveth Father or Mother more then me, is not worthy of me, and he that loveth Sonne or Daughter more then me, is not worthy of me, Matth. 10. 37.

p. 922 Thou muſt foregoe thy pleaſures for Chriſt, ſo did Moſes and 2 Foregoe your pleaſures.Nehemiah bid adieu to Court pleaſures: Many promiſe to redeeme their time and take Chriſt: But as Elimelech would not take the condition to redeeme it at the hands of Ruth, leſt he marred his own inheritance: Ruth. 4. 6. ſo when the condition comes thou muſt foregoe theſe and theſe pleaſures and be ſerious, and grave in all thy carriages, then many fly off, and will not take Chriſt upon ſuch termes. But without queſtion Chriſt is the onelyonly pleaſure; And the waies of wiſedome are the onelyonly waies of pleaſantneſſe; Prov. 3. 17. no joy, no pleaſure to be compared to the joy in a believers ſoule, ariſing from the beames of Gods reconciled countenance darted upon it.

3. Thou muſt foregoe thy profits for Jeſus Chriſt. When Chriſt invited they all with one conſent began to make excuſe. But none of 3. Foregoe thy Profits.theſe were fit gueſts for Chriſt. Be it a great Farme, a goodly Rev…nue, and it ſtand in competition with Chriſt, thou muſt let all goe. You cannot properly be ſaid to buy Chriſt, (for himſelfe and his graces are free rich gifts) yet much good you may doe with your monyes. You may buy Bibles, good bookes, maintaine faithfull Miniſters, feed the hungry bellies, and cloath the naked backs of many poore afflicted members of Jeſus Chriſt.

4. Foregoe thy Liberty, eaſe, and quietneſſe for Chriſt. With 4. Foregoe thy Liberties.Jerome deny wife, Mother, children and all for Chriſt. Put it to the Queſtion whether would you rather be with the Apoſtles in priſon ſinging ſweetly, and enjoying communion with God; then with Apoſtate Demas ranging in the wide world. Thou maiſt have liberty of body and an impriſoned ſpirit, and thou maiſt have an impriſoned body, and inlargement of ſpirit. There's a black cloud hanging over the whole kingdome, and we know not what the womb of one day may bring forth. Doe not ſeeke thy own eaſe, and quietneſſe amidſt publick calamities, let Baruchs fayling be thy warning peece, Jer. 45. 5. And ſeekeſt thou great things for thy ſelfe? ſeeke them not.

5. Foregoe honours and preferments for Chriſt. It was Ignatius 5. Foregoe thy Pleaſures.his ſaying, Antiquitas mea, & nobilitas mea Jeſus Chriſtus; would you know, who have the beſt noble blood running in their veines, you may find Acts 17. 11. Theſe were more noble then thoſe of The ſalonica, in that th…y received the word with all readineſſe of mind, and ſearched p. 93the Scripture daily, whether thoſe things were ſo. No honour to holineſſe, no Armes ſo excellent, no Coat ſo noble as thoſe which the Chriſtian nobility gives; ſo then what ever things thou highly eſteemeſt, whether preferment, friends, reputation or the like, if they ſtand in oppoſition to Chriſt, denie them all.

6. And laſtly, thou muſt foregoe thy life (when thou haſt a calling) for Jeſus Chriſt. Think not thy blood too deare for him who 6. Foregoe thy life when Chriſt calls for it.ventur'd his blood for thee; In this cauſe by looſing thy life, thou ſhalt ſave it. All are gayners, none looſers that die in Chriſt and for Chriſt. But examine thy ſelfe, if thou canſt not foregoe a luſt, a pleaſure, a dignity, a liberty for him; If thou canſt not bear a ſcoffe, and a reproach for Chriſt, how wilt thou be able to reſiſt unto blood, to endure the fiery tryall? I may expoſtulate with the Prophet, Jer. 12. 5. If thou haſt run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canſt thou contend with horſes? And if in the land of peace, wherein thou truſtedſt they wearied thee, then how wilt thou doe in the ſwelling of Jordan? If leſſer afflictions caſt thee down low, will not greater quite overwhelme thee? conſider of thoſe things in thy moſt ſerious compoſed thoughts.

The 4th Uſe, and laſt is for direction. The Queſtion will be askt Uſe 4. For Direction. 1. Direction. Come to the mankets.what meanes muſt bee uſed for the purchaſe of this pearle? In the winding up of all, I'le preſcribe a few principall means, and forthwith conclude.

1. You muſt come to the markets whilſt they laſt, and whilſt the ſhops are open. To day is the market, and the Miniſtry of the Goſpell ſhewes forth the moſt pretious wares. Now then come here and buy. Mary found Chriſt in the midſt of the Doctors, and the blind man lay in the way where Chriſt came by. Jacobs ſons muſt goe to Aegypt to fetch corne. The five Virgins are bid to goe to them that ſell, Matth. 25. 9. The Miniſter tenders theſe commodities. Sabboths are market daies, and the publick aſſemblies market places: ſit then at the feet of your teachers, come frequently to the meanes of grace. This coming is accepted as a kind of price (though not meritorious) paid to purchaſe Chriſt; Though grace be free, and we cannot bring mony in our hands, yet come, come, come tis thrice ingeminated, Iſay 55. 1.

2. When you are gone from hence give your ſelves to reading, 2. Direction. Give your ſel…es to Reading and Meditation.meditation and conference. Read and ſearch the Scripture, bring p. 94all with the Beraeans to the touchſtone of the word. John Huſſe was converted by reading the Scripture, then there was no open viſion. But the word preached is like the breaſt milke moſt nouriſhing. To reading adde meditation, meditate of the worth of this Pearle. What you read or heare labour to digeſt by meditation, and to meditation adde conference, Mal. 3. 16. ſo thoſe old Diſciples ſpake often one to anoth…r &c.

3ly. Seek the face of God by prayer. They that ſeek have a promiſe of finding. To aske for Chriſt, and his grace is a Petition ſuteable to the will of God. And as king according to God's will wee have a promiſe of being heard.

Let us cry after Chriſt, as hid treaſures; Lord give me this pearle or elſe I am undone. Lets reſolve with Bernard. Nunquam 1 Joh. 5. 14.1 John 5:14diſcedam à te, Domine ſine te. Lets herein be importunate beggars, take no nay, no repulſe, reſolving never to be driven away from our Fathers doore.

4ly. Buy the truth, Prov: 23. 23. Bee at any coſt, paines, or charges for the Purchaſe of truth, and whats the truth, foreign Joh. 14: 6. I am the way, the truth, and the life. Give all diligence to know the truths recorded in the word of God. Bee unwilling to part with the ſmalleſt truth. Take ſuch a delight, and love to the truth, as thou wilt leave no meanes unattempted for the purchaſe of it. Every truth is gold, and the leaſt ſhaving of gold is pretious. One truth is more worth than a world. Not an foreign of truth ſhall fall to the ground. Therefore thou muſt ſtudy the truth, read, pray, meditate, conferre, and hear to attain unto the knowledge of the truth.

5ly. Laſtly, buy this pearle of price, in the ſeaſon and opportunity, when it's tendred. Take the benefit of the preſent time. To every thing there is a ſeaſon, and a time to every purpoſe under heaven, Eccleſ. 3. 1. Let that excellent covnſell make deep impreſſion upon your ſpirits, Iſ. 55. 6. Seeke ye the Lord while he may be found, &c. And let Jeruſalems miſery be our warning peece, Luk. 19. 42. If thou hadſt known, even thou at leaſt in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace, but now they are hid fr…m thy eyes.

Now is the market, it yet laſts (bleſſed be God) other the opportunity. Neglect not theſe golden ſeaſons now tendr'd to you. It's now day, fall a working, whilſt its day, the night cometh, when no p. 95man can work, Joh. 9. 4. You have here a tender of the pearle of price this day; you know not whether you ſhall live to have a ſecond tender. The Lord of heaven ſet home this word upon your conſciences, and perſwade you ſpeedily, readily, and cheerfully to ſell all you have to purchaſe this Pearle of price, the Lord Jeſus, who is of ſuperlative value, more worth then millions of worlds.