Redemption from the Curse, Chapter 11
CHAP. XI.
Sect 1. Exhortation to the Redeemed, in two Duties.
3. THis Doctrine calls upon the Lords Redeemed ones, for ſuch a carriage, as is moſt ſuitable to their condition. Every remarkable change of eſtate, requires an anſwerable change of courſe and practiſe. If a priſoner (ſuppoſe Joſeph) be haſtily brought out of the Dungeon, to ſtand before a King, he muſt ſhave himſelf, and change his rayment, his ſpeech, apparel, geſtures, and all his behaviour muſt be quite of another ſtrain than they were in his low condition. Even ſo, beloved Chriſtians, if you feel your ſelves bought out from the ſlavery of the curſe; I beſeech you to conſider, that this excellent benefit layes a ſtrong engagement upon you to walk as it becomes the Lords ranſomed people.
And this walking muſt be manifeſted and held forth in ſundry remarkable duties,Gen. 41.14. Ergo & tu dignum te gere tali pretio. Ambroſ. which I ſhall rank in ſuch order, as I conceive to be moſt proper.
The firſt duty which the Redeemed ſoul hath to do, is this, Admire the riches of the mercy of God in Chriſt, laying this benefit in thy lap, and let it ſtir thee up to an holy rejoycing, yea glorying in God, and let this joy break forth in praiſes.
1. Let this glorious work take up thy heart, and fill it with an holy wondring. Say, Oh, what admirable condeſcenſion is here, that Jeſus Chriſt ſhould be at ſuch coſt for me, to buy out ſuch a wretch from the curſe of the Law, and to make me actually partaker of this bleſſed liberty! The thought of this incomparable deſign thus brought home to my ſoule, doth even aſtoniſh me, that the Lord ſhould pluck me, as a brand out of the fire, and when I had little ſavour, or deſire that way, did break open the priſon doores, and ſet me free, Pſal. 126.1.
2. Tune, and teach thy ſoul to rejoyce in Jeſus Chriſt. Entertain this gift with all gladneſs. Let the inwards of thy heart be much affected with joy in the conſideration of the Lord's merciemercy to thee: Mary rejoyced in God her Saviour, Luke 1.46, 47. When the Jewes were reſcued from deſtruction, by the daſhing in pieces of Haman's bloodie project, they had joy, and gladneſs, Eſther 8.16, 17. Thou haſt now received the atonement by Jeſus Chriſt; therefore thou mayeſt now glorie in him, Rom. 5.11. Thou ſeeſt ſinne, the Curſe, condemnation, vanquiſhed by the Croſs of Chriſt, and thy ſelf a Conquerour through faith in his blood, therefore thou haſt abundant cauſe to rejoyce in him, and in his ſalvation, Hab. 3.13, 17, &c.
3. Let this joy vent it ſelf on all fit occaſions, by thankſgiving, both in ſongs,Pſal. 126.2. and other expreſſions of his praiſe, ſpeaking good of his Name. When the L rd hath redeemed his people, they ſhall come to Zion with ſinging, everlaſting joy ſhall be upon their heads, ſorrow and mourning ſhall flee away, Iſa. 35.10. This Propheſie doth either wholly or chiefly concern the Churches ſpiritual deliverance, and ſhall be moſt fully verified, when their deliverance is compleat. The four beaſts, and Twenty four Elders ſing a new ſong unto the Lamb upon this account, becauſe he was ſlain,Vide. Pareum, in locum and had redeemed them, &c. Rev. 5.8, 9. which ſome apply to the Church triumphant in heaven, Solomon in Type, but Jeſus Chriſt in truth ſhould redeem the poor and needie, and ſhall dayly be praiſed, Pſal. 72.14, 15.Pſal. 71.23. Take notice of this, and practiſe it, Oh, It's a merciemercy, that calls for all that is within us, to praiſe him, and all little enough, Pſal. 103.1, 2, &c. Keep in thy heart the remembrance of this benefit; Let it ſtill be warme upon thy ſpirit, that thou mayeſt expreſs ſome thankfulneſs every day, but eſpecially, on the Lord's day, which being the day of Chriſt's reſurrection,Pſal. 118.24. is applied by the Fathers to the Lords day. is therefore to be obſerved as a ſolemne weekly Commemoration of the work of Redemption, which was perfected thereby: and that (I doubt not) by Divine, or Apoſtolical warrant. Let this be the principal work of the day, and let it have an influence into all the parts of your lives. It is to be bewailed, that too many of the Lords ranſomed ones ſpend their dayes in ſorrow, lowrneſs, and dejection of ſpirit, Whereas they ſhould rather give up themſelves to delight in him, who hath plucked their feet out of the net.
2. Hold faſt the Libertie, which Chriſt hath given you, Seing you are now ſet free, inſlave not your ſelves again, unto a ſecond bondage, which may be,
1. More groſs▪ and palpable, by apoſtaſie from Jeſus Chriſt, in the Doctrine, profeſſion, and obedience of the Goſpel. When thou haſt entertained this truth of Redemption, by Chriſt, and haſt gone ſo farre in applying it to thy ſelf, that thou dareſt claim a part in it, beware now of backſliding, that thou leave not Chriſt on the plain field, in caſting off the truth, and abandoning the profeſſion of it, before men. If thou draweſt back, the Lord will have no pleaſure in thee, Heb. 10.38. Let theſe terrible thunderclaps be ever in thine eares, that thoſe which fall away, cannot be renewed unto repentance, Heb. 6.4, &c. That if we ſinne willingly, by a totall Apoſtaſie from the truth received, there remaineth no more ſacrifice for ſinnes, but an expectation of Judgement, and fierie indignation, &c. Heb. 10.26, 27. See alſo 2 Pet. 2.20, 21.
2. More covert or refined, and that either of conſcience, or of converſation.
1. Bondage of conſcience is when the redeemed ſoule gives way to the threats, and terrours of the Law, and ſuffers them to get ſo farre within him, as they cauſe him in ſome degree to lie down under the power of them. Yield not to this ſlaverie, OnelyOnly know, and make account that every ſinne is in it ſelf of ſuch a malignant quality, that it would certainly bring the curſe, and wrath of God upon thee, If it were not prevented: And therefore when thou art overtaken with it, thou muſt judge thy ſelf worthy to be deſtroyed, and that the Lord might juſtly charge it upon thee, and follow the Law againſt thee, to thy condemnation; and hereupon it will be neceſſary, that thou be often renewing thy repentance, in Godly ſorrow, with faith on the Redeemer for pardon, and fencing thy ſoul more againſt thy ſinne, by hatred of it, and reſolution againſt it. Do all this and ſpare not; but let not the Law throw the fire-balls of hell into thy conſcience. Look not on thy ſelf as one that lies under the Curſe, Thy Redeemer hath cleared the ſcore, and diſanulled the Law, as to the Curſe of it, ſo that, it hath nothing to ſay againſt thee. This lyon may roar upon thee, but be not diſmayed, the Lord hath ſent the Angel of the Covenant, and hath ſhut the Lyon's mouth, his,Dan. 6.22. rage is abated, his undoing power is taken away, he may ſhew his teeth, and ſnatch at thee, but he cannot wound thee mortally. Thou haſt now a juſt and clear ground to go upon, in anſwering all the demands, pleeas and accuſations that can lie againſt thee in God's high Court of Juſtice. Therefore doe not nouriſh Legal feares any longer, but turn the Curſe over to thy Redeemer, and boldly tell it, that it hath nothing to do with thee. The Apoſtle in telling the believers of Rome, that they had not received the ſpirit of bondage again to fear, Rom. 8.15. intimates that ſuch a condition (to be held down under the ſlaviſh fear of condemnation) doth not well conſiſt with the eſtate of the Redeemed ſonnes of God.
2. Bondage of converſation, when a ſinner having hearkened to the Call and counſel of the Goſpel, in accepting the offer of Chriſt, and redemption by him, gives leave to the bodie of ſinne, dwelling in him, to act its part too much, and to bring him into ſome degrees of willing bondage, under thoſe luſts, or ſinfull practiſes, which formerly he had eſcaped and relinquiſhed. Doſt thou challenge a ſhare in this ranſome? Oh, then do not enſlave thy ſelf again unto any ſinne; Art thou fetch'd out of the houſe of ſpiritual bondage with a mightie hand? Take heed, that thou hanker not after the fleſh pots of Egypt, or attempt a return thither, as the people of Iſrael did, Numb. 14.4. Hath the Lord ſpoken peace to thee? wilt thou then turne again to folly? God forbid. Pſal. 85.8. Oh! alas, that any of us ſhould (after continuance in the profeſſion of Chriſt, for ſome conſiderable time) ſuffer our ſelves to be enſnared in our olde luſts, or fall into new wayes of ſinne, which yet is the ſad caſe of ſome, who at their entrance gave hopes of better things. Jeſus Chriſt that mightie Champion, hath caſt the Curſe of the Law on a dead ſleep. If thou wilt give libertie to thy ſelf, to commit iniquitie, or to trade in any forbidden way, thou mayeſt fear, that the noiſe of thy ſinne will awake this fierce Lion, ere thou be aware, to tear thy ſoul in pieces. Hearken to the Apoſtle's counſel; Faſhion not your ſelves according to your former luſts, 1 Pet. 1.14. If the Manſlayer, having fled to the city of Refuge, would afterwards make bold to wander without the border of it, the Avenger of blood, findeing him, might lawfully kill him, his blood muſt be on his own head, Numb. 35.26. &c. Even ſo, if thou haſt once betaken thy ſelf to Jeſus Chriſt as thy refuge, and after that, ſtraggleſt out of his liberties, into any ſinfull practiſe, thou art then within the reach of the Avenger of blood, the Curſe may meet with thee, and ſlay thy ſoul. Thy Redeemer hath hedged thee out from all ſuch baſe courſes, as are contrary to the end of thy Redemption. If thou wilt take Libertie, where he gives none, at thy peril be it. The beſt, thou canſt expect, is that when he comes, he will complain, and ſay, Alas, what profit is there in my blood, that I have gone down to the pit, to deliver thee out of it, ſeing thou art returning thither again? Be adviſed then, thou ranſomed Chriſtian, to lay a ſtrict injunction upon thy ſelf, and ſay, O my ſoul, thou art now ſet free, ſinne no more, leaſt a worſe thing come unto thee,Ne veniat Chriſtus, &c, ſi te in peccato invenerit, dicat tibi, Quae utilitas in ſanguine, meo, &c. Ambroſ. alluding to Pſa. 30.9. Ier. 37.20. John 5.14. and when, through the prevailing of corruption, thou art drawn aſide into ſome vagarie, make haſte to returne by repentance, and pray earneſtly, that the Lord would keep thee, from going back into that old priſon of ſinne, and the Curſe, out of which, through the grace of Chriſt, thou art eſcaped.
Sect. 2. Third Duty.
3. GIve your ſelves up wholly to the pleaſure, ſervice, and obedience of your Lord, -Redeemer. Reſigne your ſelves to him, to be at his appointment, and to his glorie. So doth the Apoſtle exhort, from this very ground, 1 Cor. 6.19, 20. The Lord Jeſus having paid thy ranſome, and made thee a freeman from the Curſe, challengeth thee now for his own, and ſaith, Thou art mine: It is thy part, to Eccho, and ſay, Lord, I am thine, and to dedicate thy ſelf to him, with full purpoſe of heart, in the whole ſtream of thy converſation: and that,
1. In doing. Iſraels deliverance from Egyptian bondage, was an ingagement to obedience. See the Preface to the Commandements, Deut. 5.6. and one end of our Redemption from the hands of our ſpiritual enemies is, that wee might ſerve him in holineſs,Exod. 20.2. and righteouſneſs all our dayes, Luke 1.74, 75. Chriſt died, and roſe again, that he might be Lord of quick, and dead, therefore whether we live, or die, it muſt be, not to our ſelves, but to him. Rom. 14.7, 8, 9. Thoſe that are redeemed, to be Chriſt's peculiar people, muſt be zealous of good works,1 Pet. 1.15, 18, 19. Tit. 2.14. Chriſt hath ſuffered, that we being made partakers of the benefit of his ſufferings, might live all our time after the will of God, 1 Pet. 4.1, 2. It was no part of our Redeemer's buſineſs, to free us from obedience, but rather by adding this engagement of Redemption to that of Creation, to make the bond more ſtrong, that a two-fold cord might not be eaſily broken. We are too carnally ſelfiſh, If we think that Chriſt had no aim in this great work, but onelyonly to deliver us from hell, and bring us to heaven. Doubtleſs he had a further end in his eye, even to reduce us unto our firſt ſubjection, and obedience (from which we had wickedly departed), with the advantage of better abilitie to ſerve him, that we might be to his glory. In all which, not our own wiſdome, or will, but the word of God muſt be attended, as our line to work by; eſpecially the Morall Law, which is the platforme of righteouſneſs,foreign. an eternal fixed Canon for the ordering of our converſation. Therefore it's called the Royal Law, becauſe the King of Kings hath appointed it to be the High-way for all his Subjects to walk in: yea, even believers muſt fulfil it. Jam. 2.8. So that, the Law ceaſeth to condemne, but not to command; It is no longer a curſe to deſtroy us, yet it is ſtill a Rule to direct us. It's ſtrange, that ſome men either cannot, or will not ſee, a clear difference, betwixt the mark, or finger which ſhews the way to the Traveller, and the ſtrength of body, whereby he is enabled to go on in the way; betwixt the command of the Law, which preſcribes us our work, and the grace of the Spirit, which gives us power to do it: The Spirit, and the Letter are not oppoſite, but ſweetly ſubordinate:Rom. 7.6. The oppoſition is onelyonly betwixt the newneſs of the ſpirit, and the oldneſs of the Letter; That ſervice which we before performed as ſlaves, we now performe as ſonnes, Chriſt makes a change in us, in relation to the Rule, but no change in the matter of the Rule it ſelf.
2. In Suffering. Chriſt hath undergone hard meaſures for thy ſake, and hath thereby purchaſed thy freedome. Be thou willing to undergo hard meaſures for his ſake, that thou mayeſt advance his honour. If thou haſt taſted the bitterneſs of thy bondage, and the ſweetneſs of Redemption, thou wilt not grudge to lay down, all thy worldly contentments at the feet of thy Redeemer, yea, thou wilt not refuſe to put thy life in thy hands, and to be ſacrificed for the promoting of his glory, and be thankfull that thou art thought worthie to ſuffer for his Name. Yea, more,Acts 5.41. Phil. 2.17. if Gods providence ſhall ſo order, that a black night of darkneſs, and trouble ſhall come upon the Church, which may threaten to deſtroy, or (at leaſt) to ſhake the faith of Chriſtians, in this caſe, it ſeems neceſſary, that ſuch of the Lords Redeemed, as are grown ſtrong, ſhould put their necks under the heavieſt yoke of extraordinary afflictions, if it may conduce to the eſtabliſhing of others in the Truth, and the furthering of their ſalvation. S. Paul profeſſeth his readineſs hereunto, 2 Tim. 2.10. and the Apoſtle John enjoines it as a neceſſary dutie upon this very ground.foreign, &c. We owe it as a d…bt. Hee laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren, 1 John 3.16. Oh the noble heroik ſpirit of Moſes, and Paul, who were willing to forego their parts in the glory of heaven, on condition that the Lords wrath might be turned away from their countrymen the Jewes, that they might be ſaved. Exod. 32.32. Rom. 9.3. And oh, that we could thus farre deny our ſelves for the honour of him, who hath denied himſelf infinitely more for us.
Conclude then for certain, that the Lord's Redeemed ought to reſigne themſelves wholly unto the will, and ſervice of Jeſus Chriſt, their Lord, The equitie (yea neceſſitie) whereof may further appear, if ye minde theſe few motives.
1. He onelyonly hath the right of proprietie in you. The ranſomed Captive is not his own, to diſpoſe of himſelf; nor can any other perſon claim an intereſt in him, to require ſervice of him, ſave onelyonly he, that hath paid the price of his Redemption: Even ſo, neither thy ſelf, nor Sathan, nor the world, but onelyonly Jeſus Chriſt hath the unqueſtionable title of dominion over thee, to order and to rule thee, ſo that thou art no debtor, to live, either to thy ſelf, or to them, but to him, that died for thee, Rom. 6.11. The Sacrament of baptiſme holds forth this leſſon. Thou waſt baptiſed into the name of Jeſus Chriſt, and hereby art really engaged unto his ſervice. To withdraw thy ſelf from his ſervice, and betake thy ſelf to other Lords, is an high degree of theft, and Covenant-breaking. The Prophet ſpeaks of witholding Tithes, and Offerings, as of a ſtrange unheard of kinde of robbery. Will a man rob God? Mal. 3.8. What unreaſonable brutiſhneſs is this?Rom. 12.1. What is it then for a Chriſtian to rob God of himſelf, and his reaſonable ſervice? Shall the pettie Thieves be ſeverely puniſhed, and the grand Robbers eſcape? Reſolve then, and ſay, Lord, other Lords beſides thee have had dominion over us, but now we diſclaim them, and we will remember thy name onelyonly, Iſa. 26.13.
2. The ſafety and comfort of your ſtanding all along in this pilgrimage here below, depend very much upon this. If you will forſake your ſelves, and all other Lords, and referre your ſelves to the guidance, and appointment of Jeſus Chriſt, you need not fear any hard meaſures from him, in whom there is no unrighteouſneſs; you may truſt him, he will ſee,Pſal. 92.15. that you ſhall fare no worſe for that, but better. He that hath ſaved you in the ſwellings of Jordan, will aſſuredly look after yo… in ſmaller dangers. This is the way to ſecure your own peace and happineſs, if, having owned Chriſt by faith, for your alone Redeemer, you will yield up your ſelves to him, in unreſerved obedience, in every condition, to do and ſuffer according to his will. But if you will needs be your own maſters, or put your ſelves under the command of other Lords, you do hereby diſcharge him from taking care of you, and expoſe your ſelves to infinite perils. Thou, that hopeſt thou haſt an actual ſhare in this benefit, and yet either refuſeſt to live wholly to him, or elſe doſt capitulate with him, and wilt have a vote in the managing of thine own wayes, thou mayeſt fear, that God will give thee up to follow thine own counſels, and to ſhift for thy ſelf in all the ſtormes, which thou mayeſt meet withall. And woe to that poor creature, whom God doth leave to himſelf, and to his own carvings; he muſt needs be in a very tottering condition, farre from peace.
3. In the great day of reckoning which is to come, Chriſt the Redeemer ſhall be judge: for the Father hath committed this buſineſs unto him, and hath given aſſurance thereof, in that, after his ſad conflicts with the Curſe, and death, he raiſed him up a Conquerour, Acts. 17.31. Now in that great Aſſize, Inquiſition ſhall be made among thoſe which are retainers to Jeſus Chriſt, chiefly concerning 2 things.
1. Whether haſt thou, in the ſence of thy wofull bondage under the Curſe of the Law, heartily accepted of Chriſt offered in the Goſpel, and renouncing all other helps in thy ſelf, or the creature, reſted on him, as thine onelyonly Redeemer?
2. Whether haſt thou willingly reſigned thy ſelf up to him, as thy ſoveraigne Lord, to rule, and order thee in thy whole converſation, ſo as thy main ſtudy, and work hath been to minde, and to ſeek his intereſt, to live to him, and to die to him, and ſo to be intirely for him, and for his glory.
This Latter ſhall then be inſiſted on, and put home,Matth. 25.35, 42, &c. to trie the truth of the former. Therefore it concernes you, to bethink your ſelves before hand, what anſwer you will make, when you ſhall ſtand before the judge. If your hearts tell you, that you have onelyonly given Chriſt good words, calling him, Lord, Lord, but have not made conſcience of coming up to his commandes, or yielding obedience to his will, or ſubmitting to his pleaſure, and diſpoſing hand in all things, Oh, what a black day will that be, when you ſhall not be able to lift up your faces before him, but muſt ſtand ſpeechleſs? Then ſhall you be ſenſible of your deſperate folly, and condemne your ſelves for it, ſadly lamenting, that you have ſo groſly neglected both your Redeemer, and your own ſoules: but all too late, your day will be paſt. Happy is that man,2 Pet. 3.14. that ſhall then be found of him in peace, without ſpot, and blameleſs, although his lot ſhould be to live in beggerie, and miſery in this world, all the dayes of his appointed time.
Yet alas, what a wofull guilt lies on the conſciences of too many Chriſtians? We all confeſs with our mouthes, Chriſt's authority over us by the right of Redemption, but how few of us make any proof thereof by ſuitable obedience. The moſt have given up themſelves to ſeek the intereſts of the fleſh, and the world; their deſires, deſignes, endeavours, imployments, delights, contentments, run wholly in the…e channels; but the will, ſervice, honour of Jeſus Chriſt, is not in all their thoughts. He bids us be holy, be ſober, and watch, deny our ſelves, take up our croſs, love our enemies, have our converſation in heaven, ſeek things above, crucifie the fleſh, walk in newneſs of life, grow in grace, and the knowledge of Chriſt, &c. But theſe are ſtrange things to many of us, which challenge a part in the grace of Redemption, and yet walk contrary, denying Chriſt his right, making proviſion for the fleſh, and inſlaving our lives to the luſts and pleaſures of this world. What a number of hollow-hearted, ſelf-ſeeking Clyents hath Jeſus Chriſt, which follow him, that they may eſcape wrath and the damnation of hell, and injoy Gods favour and ſalvation in heaven, and yet are never like to attain that which they expect, but are even at the next door to deſtruction? And all becauſe they have not devoted their hearts and lives ſincerely to the ſervice of the Redeemer, but fancied ſuch a carnal ſalvation, as will comply with the ſervice of ſin, and requires no p…ins for compaſſing it, but may be had with a wiſh, and ſno…ting on their beds, and allows them ſparing from the diligent ſtudy, purſuit, and practiſe of holineſs in their converſation.
Perpend…, qui talem pro nobis dedit pecuniam quale a nobis ſit exasturus uſuram. Auguſt.But as for you that love your Redeemer, I beſeech you lay to heart, the diſhonour that is done to him, and look to your own ſoules. If Jeſus Chriſt hath disburſed ſo great a ſumme for you, he may juſtly require ſome conſiderable profit. If he hath even emptied himſelf to ſave thee from the curſe, what canſt thou do leſs, than devote thy ſelf wholly to his honour?
I remember a ſtory of a young man, which being arraigned for ſome foule crime, was condemned to dye. The Judge looking upon him, and taking ſome liking to him, told him, that he would reprieve him. At which unexpected favour, the young man being aſtoniſhed, profeſſed that unleſs the Judge would take him into his ſervice, that he might wait upon him as long as he lived, hee would rather chuſe to dye. Bee thou like minded, let it not ſatisfie thee, that Chriſt hath reſcued thee from the curſe, and there an end; but now take him for thy Lord, let his will be thy will, let the bent of thy deſires, and endeavours be to pleaſe him in all things, breath after the higheſt pitch of obedience, be willing to be at his diſpoſing in the greateſt difficulties,foreign, Non tam efficient…m notat, quam finem. Zan. in locum. and make it thy daily work to further thy Maſters intereſts ſome way or other. And whereinſoever thou faileſt, or falleſt ſhort, make it up by godly ſorrow, and faith in the Redeemer. Reſt not till thou canſt ſay with St. Paul, To me to live is Chriſt: I am ſtriving to live up to the minde and will of Chriſt, he ſhall be my utmoſt end, Phil. 1.21. In a word, Chriſt accounts it his honour, and do thou account it thine to ſerve him for ever. See the Apoſtles profeſſion, 2 Cor. 5.14, 15. and turn it into practiſe.
Sect. 3. The fourth Duty.
4. LAbour to bring in others to the participation of the ſame benefit. When thou art redeemed, help forward the Redemption of thy poor brethren. If the Lord Jeſus hath taken compaſſion on thee, and delivered thee from the curſe of the Law, by the actual application of his ſatisfaction to thy ſoul; then it behoves thee to have compaſſion on thy fellow-priſoners, and to uſe thy beſt endeavours, that they alſo may be ſet at liberty. Chriſt hath given himſelf a ranſome for many, Matth. 20.28. and he hath abundance both of merit and ſpirit to impart unto them, ſo that if many millions of poor ſouls were brought in,Rom. 5.17. there would be no leſs for thee. Do thou then what lyes in thee, that many may be brought to the reall poſſeſſion of this benefit. Oh, that there were ſuch an heart in all the Lords Redeemed, to ſtudy the advancement of their Redeemers glory, in furthering the ſalvation of captive-ſinners, that all (if poſſible) may be made partakers of this grace. I would gladly preſſe this duty upon my ſelf, and you, according to the ſeveral relations, wherein we ſtand. It concerns,
1. Miniſters of the Goſpel. We are Chriſts Heraulds ſent forth to proclaime deliverance to the Captives, and to perſwade them to imbrace it;Lev. 25 9, 10 even as one part of the Prieſts office was by ſound of Trumpet to give publick notice of the year of Jubilee, and to prepare the people for the injoying the priviledges of it. Our work is very important, therefore it behoves us to be very faithful, and diligent in it. We have many under our over-ſight (alas, too many) which lye in the bond of iniquity, ſtrangers to Jeſus Chriſt. Our maine buſineſs is in reference to theſe, that we may turn them from the power of Satan unto God, and bring them to the injoyment of true ſpiritual liberty by Jeſus Chriſt. Wee may look upon thoſe truely miſerable ſoules, as the ruful objects of our choiſeſt pity, and we ought by all due means, eſpecially by publick preaching, and private inſtruction, to labour their converſion, and to ſave them from dropping into thoſe everlaſting burnings. See the grave counſel of the Apoſtle to this purpoſe, 2 Tim. 2.25, 26. And here we muſt have a ſpecial eye upon thoſe whom we perceive to be awakened, to look out toward a change. When the Lord ſends to us any poor ſouls that are ſtruck down by the Miniſtry unto conviction, and humiliation, he doth then call us, to hold forth ſuch ſpiritual direction and conſolation, as may ſute beſt with their ſeveral conditions, according to the word, Mal. 2.7. Job 33.23. When the Lord appointed Cities of Refuge for the man-ſlayer, he gave charge, that a way ſhould be prepared, and the coaſts of the Land divided into three parts.
It ſeems this diviſion was in favour of the perſons, that every one might take the benefit of the neareſt City, leſt the length of the way might occaſion danger, Deu. 19.3, 6. And when the Lord promiſeth to bring in his people by the cal of the Goſpel (which may poſſibly refer to the calling of the Jews) he bids, Caſt up, caſt up, prepare the way of my people, gather out the ſtones, take up the ſtumbling-blocks, Iſa. 57.14. & 62.10. which expreſſions ſeem to allude to the preparing of the way to the City of Refuge. This burden lyes chiefly on us Miniſters of the Goſpel, as it appears by the Propheſie concerning John Baptiſt, Iſa. 40.3, 4. Matth. 3.3. It is one part of our Office to make the way plain, that no rub may lye in it to hinder guilty diſtreſſed ſouls in their march towards their only Refuge Chriſt Jeſus. And after all this, we have variety of work in reference to you, which are actually redeemed, to ſtabliſh you in the preſent truth, to fence you againſt errors, temptations, corruptions, to build you up in knowledge, faith, holineſs, and ſo to bring you on unto perfection. The charge of the holy Apoſtle is very punctual and full, Take heed to all the flocke, &c. Act. 20.28. I would awake my ſelf, and my brethren, and thus be-ſpeak my ſelf, Oh theſe ſheep are the purchaſe of Chriſts blood, he became a curſe for them, that he might redeem them from it. Hath he bought them, and ſhall I loſe them? Hath he undergone the curſe to ſet them free from it, and commanded me to improve my uttermoſt endeavours to bring them to the enjoyment of this benefit, and ſhall I ſuffer them to continue in that woful priſon, and to periſh eternally, through my ſilence and unfaithfulneſs? God forbid! Let us conſider before-hand, how ſad it will be, if at the great day, our Maſter Chriſt ſhall bring forth his curſe, blood, ſatisfaction, and ſet before our eyes the preciouſneſs of poor ſouls, to plead againſt us for our negligence, and to aggravate our juſt condemnation, when there will be no place for repentance.
2. Heads and governours of Families; Husbands in reference to their wives, Fathers to children, Maſters▪ and Dames to ſervants; while the bond of theſe particular relations continues, the over-ſight of theſe perſons belongs to you, not onelyonly of their bodies, but ſoules; and the Lord expects, that you ſhould put forth your authority in requiring them to keep his way. He had no doubt of Abraham, but made full account, that he would command his children, and his houſhold thus to do, Gen. 18.19. and if thou be a right-bred childe of Abraham, thou wilt follow his ſteps. Certainly this great work of Redemption from the curſe, is one of the chiefe of Gods wayes; therefore yee ſhould ſee, that they keep this way eſpecially, uſing all means to bring them to the knowledge and love, and ſo to the perſonal injoyment of it in due time. Go to then. Thou art an Husband, thou claimeſt a ſhare in this liberty, but thy wife abides ſtill in her old woful bondage. If thou haſt any love to her ſoul, thou wilt pitty, exhort, pray for her, and ſay, Alas, alas, for the wife that lyes in my boſome; for ought I can perceive, ſhe is ſtill under the curſe of the Law, her great ignorance, and uncapableneſs, her unſavourineſs, and coldneſs, yea her averſneſs, and backwardneſs in matters of godlineſs, eſpecially where it moſt concerns her own ſpiritual good, do even proclaime it aloud, to my griefe. Oh that the Lord would have compaſſion on her, that at laſt I might ſee her partaker of the bleſſing. Thou art a Father, or mother, you that are ſuch, may look upon your children with weeping eyes, while you ſee them chained in the bolts, and fetters of the curſe, and conſider withall, that you were means to bring them into this bondage, and that they are your bone, and your fleſh, a part of your ſelves. Oh then, if you have the bowels of Parents, help them at this dead lift. Will you turn every ſtone to provide large portions for their bodies, and will you do nothing in the mean time for their ſoules? If they were in priſon for debt, or upon any other account, you could not finde in your hearts, that they ſhould lye there ſtill, but you will try all wayes to procure their liberty, and can you be content to ſee them lye under the curſe in the dungeon of hell, for want of ſhare in this Redemption.
Thou art a Maſter or Dame. Look upon your man-ſervants and maid-ſervants. Are they not ſervants of ſin, ſlaves to luſts and divers pleaſures? Addicted to vain converſations, as in the prophaning, and miſpending of the Lords day? And ſo ſtrangers to Jeſus Chriſt, and heires of the Curſe? Oh pitty their ſoules, and do what you can by prayer, and good counſel, to recover them out of the gall of bitterneſs. It may be, thou canſt ſay truly, they are good ſervants to me, they do my work faithfully, I cannot blame them: But what doth this avail, while thou mayeſt ſay as truly, that they are deeply ingaged to the ſervice of Satan, and aliens to the grace of Redemption? my ſoul bleeds for their ignorance, and obſtinacy. Oh that I might ſee my ſervants to become at length the ſervants of the Lord Jeſus. But where ſhall we finde ſuch governours of Families? one City, or two in a tribe, ſo few that a little childe may count them. If the wiſe be provident, frugal, helpful towards the increaſing of the eſtate; if the children be dutiful, apt to learn that, which may be their livelihood hereafter, only keeping themſelves free from ſuch courſes as may ruine them, or expoſe them to ſhame: If the ſervants be ſtrong to labour, and bring in advantage by their diligence: The Husbands, Fathers, Maſters do not ſo much as put the queſtion in what caſe their ſouls ſtand, whether they be made free by Chriſt, or ſtill continue ſlaves to the curſe, they ſuffer them to lye in their gore-blood of their firſt birth; and if three words of ſavoury inſtruction and exhortation would ſave their ſouls, they cannot have them. Oh cruel Husband, Father, Maſter, will the love of your Relations reach no further? Truly, as it a ſigne, that your ſelves have no part in this benefit, ſo how can your hearts indure, or your hands be ſtrong, when you ſhall ſee your wives, children, ſervants lying woful priſoners under thoſe everlaſting chaines,Ezek. 22.14 for want of an intereſt in Jeſus Chriſt? and your conſciences ſhall tell you, that you are one cauſe of their miſery, in that you would not ſtir one finger towards their help or deliverance.
3. Neighbours and friends, eſpecially perſons that are near, either in blood, or by affinity; you that are related to others by kindred, can you look upon your brethren, ſiſters, and kinſmen which lye ſtill under the curſe, and not be affected with their ſad condition? Oh! acquaint them with Jeſus Chriſt, let them know that he hath paid their ranſome, ſhew them the way to get an actual intereſt in it, that they may be delivered from the wrath to come. The rich Glutton being in hell, intreats father Abraham to ſend Lazarus to teſtifie to his five brethren, leſt they alſo come into that place of torment, Luke 16.27, 28. as if he ſhould ſay, While I lived on earth, I was a very ſlave to my ſinful pleaſures, and utterly neglected all means of freedome,Vide Janſenium in Comment. ad haec verba, Whether he ſpeak from natural love to them, or ſelf-love, leſt his puniſhment ſhould be increaſed by their …ollowing his bad example, I ſhall neither diſpute, nor determine. and therefore here I lye under the wrath of God, burning in this flame. And I have ſome kinſmen ſtill living, who are poſting on in the wayes of their own hearts, and in great danger ere long to be caſt into this priſon. Oh! that ſome good pitiful body would take a little pains, to convince them of their ſin, to ſet before their eyes the curſe under which they lye, and to diſcover unto them the way of recovery, that they may eſcape that woe which I feel. So it may be, ſome of your predeceſſors, that are gone to their long home, and are now lying in the chains of the pit, have ſad thoughts of heart for you that are left behinde, when they conſider, that you are following their ſteps, intent on the ſervice, and purſuit of your luſts, and do wiſh, that ſome effectual means were uſed, whereby you might be reclaimed, and ſaved from hell. And now may we not hence ſafely conclude, that it is a ſhameful thing, and ſadly to be lamented, if the damned in hell, do expreſs more affectionate care of the eternal happineſs of their kindred than thoſe, which pretend to be their beſt friends on earth; you who either by adviſed choice, or by long acquaintance, are grown into intimate familiarity, may make uſe of this help, to put one another into the poſſeſſion of the grace of Redemption. Amicus eſt alter idem.A friend is another the ſame. Two perſons joyned in a league of friendſhip, are one ſoul in two bodies. Your inward ſociety, and dear eſteem of one another, may both afford you more frequent opportunities, & may qualifie you with greater freedom in carrying on the work for mutual benefit. Thou ſayeſt, ſuch a one is to me even as mine own ſoul. Why then doſt thou not endeavour, that it may go as proſperouſly with his ſoul, as with thine own? And you that are neighbours, what do you? Oh further one another in this way. Do ye not ſee ſome that dwell about you fallen among the Theeves of hell, left wounded, and half dead? Be you Samaritans, do what you can to deliver, and to heal them. Your cohabitation, and ſundry occaſions of converſing together, give you theſe advantages of doing good, which others cannot have. Thou art commanded to love thy neighbour as thy ſelf, but if thou doſt not labour to bring him into the fellowſhip of this grace with thy ſelf, then where is thy love? It is ſad to obſerve, that at the meetings of neighbours, one ſhall ſcarcely hear three wiſe words in a whole year tending to the good of ſouls. To make ſhort, the deſire of our Redeemers glory, and zeal of the ſalvation of captive ſouls, ſhould conſtrain us to lay hold upon all advantages, which Gods providence ſhall offer, for doing good even to meer ſtrangers, if by any means we may be ſerviceable, in furthering their eternal happineſs, by the enjoyment of this rich benefit. See Pſal. 119.45, 46.
Sect. 4. The fifth Dutie.
5. LOve the appearing of thy Redeemer, which ſhall be at his ſecond coming. Believers are deſcribed by this propertie. 2 Tim. 4.8. His firſt coming was to pay the price of Redemption, and then to apply it to all thoſe, whom the Father hath given him, in due ſeaſon: He will come again to fill up all empty Places, to perfect the work, and to ſave them to the uttermoſt.Heb. 7.25. He was once offered to bear the ſinnes of many; and he ſhall come the ſecond time, in the end of the world without ſinne unto ſalvation, Heb. 9.28. He came at firſt burthened with the curſe of the Law: he ſhall come then in the fulneſs of the bleſſing of his Goſpel. Then ſhalt thou reap the full harveſt of Redemption, and all the fruits of it ſhall be laid in thy lap at once. Oh then ſtirre up thy ſelf! thou redeemed ſoul, to ſalute this happie day afarre off, and to embrace it with an affectionate love; and let this love diſcover it ſelf, by threatnings of,
1. Vehement Deſires. Let thy heart be every like breathing after it, and longing to enjoy it. The godly, which have the firſt fruits of the Spirit, do ſigh and groan within themſelves, Rom. 8.23. and the Apoſtle Peter call's upon us, to look for, and haſten unto the coming of the day of God, 2 Pet. 3.12. Theſe expreſſions note the earneſt deſires of the ſoule. The traveller would fain come to the lodging place, where he may reſt at night: The Day-taile-labourer breathes after the evening, that he may be diſmiſſed from his work, and receive his wages.Iob 7.2. They that journey from day to day in hot and drie countries, and they that ſweat and broil at harveſt-work in the heat of Summer, do gape after the cooling and refreſhing ſhadow. That ſhall be the time of thy reſt, thy refreſhing, thy reward, after all the labours of thine obedience in doing, and ſuffering the will of God here below. If thou haſt entred upon the poſſeſſion of this grace, by an unfained faith in the Redeemer, and haſt truly taſted the goodneſs of it, in the firſt fruits, how canſt thou forbear to ſigh, and pant in the ſtrength of thy deſires, for the enjoyment of the whole crop, which is reſerved for that day?
2. Lively Hope. Let thoſe deſires be attended with a patient expectation of that happy day of thy compleat deliverance, Rom. 8.23. waiting is joyned with groaning. The Apoſtle mentions it, as a propertie of believers both there and elſewhere often. 1 Cor. 1.7. they look for him (as it were) afarre off,foreign. to be their Saviour, Phil. 3.20. and to them that thus look for him, he will appear for their ſalvation, Heb. 9.28. and the grace of God, as it teacheth us to abandon ſinne, and to live godly, ſo it inables us to look for that bleſſed hope, and glorious appea…ing of Chriſt, Tit. 2.11, 12, 13. How vigorouſly (think you) did the Inhabitants of Jabeſh-Gilead wait for the coming of Saul to their timely aid, according to his ſolemne promiſe, that they might be rid out of the hands of Nahaſh, and delivered from the fear of that ſlaverie, which he had threatened? 1 Sam. 11.1, 9, &c. And how vigorouſly ſhould we wait for the coming of Chriſt, to ſet us abſolutely free from that Nahaſh, Serpens, Augur, Incantator.that Serpent, and conjurer of Hell, and to tread him under our feet, that he may never whiſper more? As Ruth was adviſed by her mother, to ſit ſtill, till ſhe ſhould ſee the iſſue of the buſineſs betwixt her, and her kinſman, concerning the Redemption and marriage motioned, upon aſſurance, that the man would not reſt, till he had finiſhed the thing, Ruth. 3.18. So much more ſhould we learn ſilently to wait for the happy iſſue of this great tranſaction betwixt Chriſt and us, in our compleat Redemption, and full marriage in heaven.
3. Hearty rejoycing in the foreſight of it. Let thoſe ſtrong deſires, and lively hopes be carried on, and ſweetned with the mixture of ſpiritual joy, which may comfortably refreſh, and chear your ſoules all along in every condition, upon the view of this day beforehand. The Apoſtle ſpeaking in the Name of juſtified perſons, ſaith, We rejoyce in hope of the glory of God, yea, even in tribulations, Rom. 5.2, 3. and of himſelf he ſaith, a crown of righteouſneſs is laid up for me, having fought a good fight, &c. The manner of his expreſſion breathes out joy, and contentment in the forethought of it, 2 Tim. 4.8. and long before this, holy Job diſcovers the ſame ſpirit of gladneſs, I know (ſaith he) that my Redeemer liv…th, and that he ſhall ſtand up at the laſt day, and then I ſhall ſee God in my fleſh, Job 19.25, 26. How doth the apprentice or hired ſervant rejoyce to think on the expiration of his Terme, and the laſt day of his ſervice! Thou poor ſoul who art ſtill forced to ſerve the Law of ſinne in thy fleſh, look forward, and ſee the time of thy freedome coming on, and be comforted. How do the Mariners and Seafaring men, that have been wether-beaten, and toſſed with tempeſts, rejoyce,Pſal. 107.30. when they ſee the haven afarre off, where they may be quiet? If thou be put upon hard adventures, and art ſailing through a rough ſea of ſtormes and troubles in this world, yet lift up thine eyes, and behold the haven of perfect liberty, and glory, whereunto thy Redeemer will waf… thee ſhortly, and let this chear up thy Spirit. How greatly doth it glad the heart of a condemned priſoner, that lies bound in affliction, and iron, to hear the report of a pardon ſealed at Court for him, which ſhall be put into his hands at the Aſſiſes, and ſolemnly proclaimed for his benefit? the welcome thought of theſe things makes his heart even leap for joy, and he begins to inſult upon the priſon, his bonds, and fetters, and all the inſtruments of his reſtraint, and ſaith, I ſhal get rid out of all your hands ere long. Thou ranſomed ſoul. Thy pardon is ſealed in heaven, the report thereof is comed to thine eares, and heart, by the miniſterie of the Goſpel; It ſhall be effectually pleaded for thee at the day of Chriſt's appearing, and thou ſhalt be poſſeſſed of an abſolute freedome, never to know bondage under ſinne, and the Curſe any more. Oh then!Plal. 126.1, 1. let thy mouth be filled with laughter, and thy tongue with ſinging: Let thy meditations on this ſubject be ſweet, and feaſt thy ſoul thereon with great delight. Say thus to the glory of thy Redeemer, Lord Jeſus, thou cameſt once to be accurſed for me, [that was my ſhame]; but thou wilt come again at that day to be admired in me; [that ſhall be thy honour,] 2 Theſ. 1.10.
Beloved Chriſtians, let us learn theſe leſſons, and practiſe them. But truly ſuch carriage requires a ſpiritual frame of heart, I ſhall therefore adde a few particulars, commending them to your obſervation, as neceſſary helps to further us in the main dutie.
1. Carefully keep thy ſelf unſpotted of the world, let not the pleaſure of any carnal luſt ſo tickle thy ſoul, as to get within thee, and ſeiſe upon the vitals of grace, give not libertie to thy foot, to walk in any forbidden path, but take pains to purge out thy droſs, and baggage more and more, that thou mayeſt be pure in heart, and undefiled in the way. Through this groſs neglect, too many Chriſtians, ſuffering iniquitie to cleave to their hands, diſable themſelves from loving the appearing of Chriſt; they do not deſire it, but are averſe from it, they do not hope for it, but rather fear it, they cannot ſenſibly rejoyce in it, but the thoughts of it put them into dumps and ſadneſs. OnelyOnly this taking heed to thy ſelf, will diſpoſe thee to lift up thy face, without ſpot, yea, thou ſhalt be ſecure, becauſe there is hope, J…b 11.14, &c.
2. Preſerve in thy ſelf a willingneſs to die.Th…s was the failing of Elijah, 1 Kin. 19.4. and Jonah, Chap. 4.3, 8. I mean, a well-grounded, reall willingneſs, not ſlaviſh, or conſtrained through impatience under ſufferings, or diſcontent in an unwelcome condition, but ſincere and cordial, from a longing after Jeſus Chriſt, to enjoy him in the full fruit of his Redemption. This was S. Paul's temper, Phil. 1.21. There is indeed in every man naturally an averſneſs from death, being the diſſolution of his frame, and an evil of puniſhment, and the grace of Regeneration doth not wholly take it away, but onelyonly keeps it within due Bounders, and raiſeth up in the ſoul a ſupernatural deſire of bleſſedneſs with Chriſt in heaven, and a willingneſs to ſubmit to death in order to the attaining thereof, Get thy heart wrought to this frame, and held up. By death the Lord will ſet thee free from all thy chaines, and not till then; if thou canſt not make it welcome, it ſeems, thou art not wearie of thy chaines; yet alas, how common is this diſtemper? We look upon the grace of Redemption as very deſireable, and we would enjoy it at the very height, yet we hang ſtill in the bodie, and are loth to die. The priſoner that knowes his Superſedeas is granted, or his pardon ſealed, will he be loth to ſee the priſon doores ſet open, or ſhrink at the knocking off his bolts from his leggs? If the Lord Jeſus came down from heaven, took upon him the curſe of the Law, and bare the wrath of God, due to us Rebels, and all that he might bring us to God in glory, ſhall we ſtand off, and ſo cauſe him to loſe his labour? Is heaven, and the pleaſures of God's right hand of no more worth in thine eye? Oh Chriſtians, death may well be terrible to ſuch, as are ſtrangers to Chriſt; but he hath taken away the ſting of it for you: Therefore labour to get up above your feares, and be freely content to be unclothed, that you may be preſent with the Lord, 2 Cor. 5.1, 8.
3. In thy whole courſe after converſion, commit thy ſoul, and all the hopes of thy happineſs unto Jeſus Chriſt. Lay up thy crown with him, commend thy darling, thy choiceſt treaſure unto him, and let him keep it for thee. He hath ranſomed thy ſoul, which thou hadſt loſt, and recovered the inheritance of heaven, which thou hadſt forfeited by thy treaſon, therefore put them over into his hands by faith, and hope, and let him have the cuſtody of them. Do this in every condition of life, wherein the Lord ſhall ſet thee. When the light ſhines about thy Tabernacle, and thou enjoyeſt proſperitie in things below, ſay not, my mountain ſtands ſtrong, I can manage all things my ſelf, my welfare is in mine own hands. When thy ſoul is filled with comfort, by the light of Gods countenance lifted up upon it, do not now truſt thy ſelf with thy ſpiritual happineſs; ſay not, I ſhall carve ſo for my ſelf, as it ſhall be ever thus with me, but lean upon thy Redeemer, as the ſoveraign diſpoſer of all thy concernments.Pſal. 138.8. Eſpecially look to this in the dayes of adverſitie, or danger, by afflictions of ſoul, or body; then thou ſhalt be put to it; thruſt thy ſelf under the wings of thy Saviour, and deliver up all thine intereſts into his hands, who hath bought thee for himſelf, and will not ſee thee miſcarry. Is there any perſon or creature in heaven or earth, whom you can betruſt with them, in aſſurance of ſafetie? None beſides him. The Apoſtle Peter gives this ſavourie counſel to ſuffering Chriſtians, 1 Pet. 4.19. and we have two choice examples pertinent to this purpoſe: The former of the Pſalmiſt Pſal. 49.5-15. who, in the dayes of evil, when the iniquity of his heels ſhould compaſs him about, that is, when he ſhall be exerciſed with afflictions, and chaſtiſements, for his ſinfull ſtrayings, and uneven walking, yet reſolves, that he will not be afraid, becauſe he hath committed his ſoule unto God, being aſſured, that he would redeem it from the power of the grave, in the morning of the reſurrection; while the men of the world, whoſe truſt is onelyonly in the broken ſtaffe of the creature, ſhall fall ſhort of their hopes, and be miſerably devoured by death eternal. The latter example is the Apoſtle Paul, 2 Tim. 1.12. who beares up courageouſly in the midſt of his ſufferings for the Goſpel, upon this ground; He hath depoſited his ſoul,foreign. vide Bezam. and the glory prepared for him, in the hands of Chriſt, and he was perſwaded, that he was able (and willing too, that is implyed) to keep that, which he had committed to him againſt that day.
4. When the ſummons of death come to arreſt thee, and call thee hence, then commit and commend tby ſpirit into the hands of the Lord God thy Redeemer. Thus did David, when Saul and his men hemmed him in on every ſide, ſo that there was no way of eſcape open, but he ſaid, he was cut off, a gone man. Pſal. 31.5, 22. Some interpreters do probably take this,See Mollerus, and Piſcator. to be the occaſion of his penning that Pſalm. The ſtory is 1 Sam. 23.26. Jeſus Chriſt thy Redeemer, being readie to give up the Ghoſt on the Croſs, uttereth the ſame words, Luke 23.46. and in this commending his ſoul into the hands of his father: He hath reſpect to his members, and thereby undertakes the ſafe keeping of all their ſoules:Omnes ſuorum animas cuſtod…endas ſuſcep…t. Calvin. So that thou needeſt not fear to commit thy ſpirit at death unto him, as he committed his to his Father: Some of the moſt precious ſervants of God, are recorded in Scripture, as Preſidents herein. That expreſſion of holy Jacob, breathed out in the midſt of his ſolemne ſpeech to his ſonnes on his death bed, doth clearly imply this gracious practiſe, Gen. 49.18. and Stephen the firſt Goſpel-martyr, followed the example of his maſter Jeſus herein, Acts 7.59. Go thou, and learn that leſſon, that thou mayeſt have it in readineſs on the day that thou ſhalt go hence, and be no more. Say thus, Oh Lord, here I am, an unworthy creature, but thou haſt in pure love to my ſoul, bought me out from the Curſe, and ſo delivered me from the pit, of corruption, Iſa. 38.17. and now, that I muſt lay down this earthly Tabernacle, I do freely render thee thine own. I am thine, ſave me, Pſal. 119.94. I humbly wait for that Crown of righteouſneſs, the full poſſeſſion of glory, (in perfect union with thy bleſſed ſelf) which thou haſt purchaſed with ſo dear a price, and is laid up for me, and many poor ſoules in heaven, 2 Tim. 4.8.
Thus much of the Fifth Uſe, which was for exhortation.