The Power of Godliness, Book 6 · Chapter 6
CHAP. VI. The Evils that we are to pray against, the wants that are to be bewailed, the special Blessings for which we are to give thanks, with sundry usefull Conclusions, that are to be drawn from this Petition.
Question: VVHat are the Evils that we pray against?
A. 1. The tyranny of Satan, dominion of sinne, overspreading of false religions,Rom. 7.14.24. Eph. 4.17, 18. Rom. 6.12. & 16.20. Psal. 79.6. Jer. 10.25. Act. 4.25. & 12.21. Lev. 10 3. 2 Cor. 2.17. Col. 2.20, 23. Mat, 15.9. & 16 6. Phil. 3.2. Joh. 9.22. Joh. 3.10. Mat. 12, 25. 1 Cor. 2.3. Jam. 4.3. Judg. 21.25. & 10.1. Act. 18.17. Exo. 2.23. Prov. 29.2. Act. 4.17, 18. & 12.1, 6. Dan. 3.4, 5. and cruelty of Antichrist. Let not sinne reign in your mortall bodies. Poure out thy wrath upon the Heathen that have not known thee, and upon the Kingdoms that are not called after thy Name. 2. The corruption and mixture of heavenly Doctrine, and pollution of Divine Ordinances with vain devices, carnall rites, and unprofitable traditions. We are not as many which corrupt the Word of God. Ye worship me in vain, teaching for Doctrines the traditions of men. 3. The abuse of Church-censures, when they be committed into the hands of unworthy, unmeet, unlawfull Officers, or preverted for the maintenance of errour, and disgrace and molestation of the best members of the Church; as did the Pharisees, who made and executed this ungodly Canon, That if any did confess that Jesus was the Christ, he should be thrust out of the Synagogue: Or, as Diotrephes, who cast men out of the Church; for receiving the Brethren. 4. We pray against disorders, scandals, jarres and contentions in the Church of God. Whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnall, and walk as men? 5. We pray against Anarchy, when none reign, but every man liveth as he lusteth. Also against evil government, when Magistrates maintain false religion or irrelegion, or tolerate them to the corrupting of the true, or persecute the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 6. We pray against having no ministry and government in the Church; also against a false ministry; as that of Pope, Cardinals, Priests, Jesuits, and such as Christ never instituted: also against ignorant, idle, negligent, scandalous, proud, covetous Ministers and Officers,Hos. 4.6. Cant. 5.7. Mat. 23.13. Isa. 29.11. Isa. 28.7, 8, 11. Isa. 56.10. Ezek. 34.3, 4. 2 Cor. 3.6. 2 Tim. 2.15. 1 Cor. 14.2, 3. Jer. 23.16. Ezek. 13.3, 4. 1 Tim 5.2. Eph. 4.…0. Act. 7.51. 1 Thes. 5.19. Isa. 11.15, 16. G…l. 1.7. 1 Thes. 2.16, 19. 2 Thes. 3.2, 3. Gal. 5.12. Psal. 51.11. Jer. 7.15. & 52.3. 1 Sam. 26.19. Psal. 119.136. Mar. 3.5. Luk. 19.41. Psal. 101.3. Psal. 119.8. who either cannot or will not teach or govern according to their place; teach idly, rule remissly; teach corruptly, flatteringly, vainly, erroneously, without authority; rule with tyranny, inequally, not according to truth and honesty. 7. We pray that the Spirit of God be not grieved, resisted, or withdrawn, Ye stiffe-necked and uncircumcised in heart, and ears, ye do alwaies resist the Holy Ghost: as your Fathers did, so do ye. Quench not the spirit. 8. We pray against all lets and impediments whatsoever do hinder the gathering or progress of Christs Kingdom, the means of grace, and free passage of the Gospel. We would have come unto you (even I Paul) once and again: but Satan hindered us. I would they were cut off which trouble you. 9. We pray that we may not be cast out of Gods presence, nor deprived of his holy Ordinances. Cast me not from thy presence. If they be the Children of men cursed be they before the Lord: for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the Inheritance of the Lord, saying, Go serve other gods. Lastly, We pray against all decaies of grace, enormous and soul sins that hinder the building forward of Christs Kingdom, and revoltings from the way of truth. I hate the works of them that fall away, they shall not cleave unto me. Oh forsake me not utterly.
Q. What are the wants which are to be bewailed?
A. 1. The evils which we pray against, are wants for which we must mourn; as the tyranny of Satan under which the most do live; the reliques and remainders of sinne which abide in the best; the want of good means which serve for the furthering of the Kingdom of Christ, as preaching, Sacraments, and Discipline. When we shall see a people without knowledg, and without good guides and teachers, or when we see one stand up in the congregation, not able to teach, here is matter for mourning. So when we see disorders, scandals, abuses in the house of God, then it is time to pray, Let thy Kingdom come. Luk. 9.11.Our Saviour wept over Jerusalem, because they knew not the things which belong to their peace. It is a thing also much to be bewailed, that there be so many impediments and hinderances of the Kingdom of grace, as the Devil and all his Angels, their instruments, the Pope, the Turke,Rev. 17.16. and all the rest of the professed wicked of the world, which by subtile inticements and tyranny keep back and repell the means, whereby Christ ruleth as King in his Church. It is a thing to be bewailed that the people of God do fall before their enemies, or be slain by the sword of the ungodly. When the Devil sees one that was sometime of his Kingdom, but to cast a look towards the heavenly Jerusalem, Psal. 44.9, 10.he straight-way rageth against him, and labours quite to overthrow him. These and all other evils are to be lamented, as we shall see them to abound in the world, or in the Church. 2 We bewail our dulness and sloth, that we cannot pray for, and desire the coming of Christs Kingdom with that attention we ought; that we neglect in life and endeavour, what we seem to desire in Petition; that we strive not to beat down the power of sinne in our selves, nor to bring others to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, nor to walk in love and unity with them that profess the truth sincerely, when we make this Petition; nor submit our selves to bear the yoke of Christ, and to be guided by his Laws.
Q. What Motives are there which might move us to the devout asking of these things?
A. First, To consider the breadth of the Devils Kingdom and Possession, how potent and numbersome his subjects are upon earth, where we dwell Who could see the King holding some shire within his Kingdom, and enemies spread like Grashoppers over the face of all his Countrey? Besides, what good Subject that loved the honour of the King, could think on this, or view it with drie eyes? What true-hearted Israelite was not moved to see David fly out of Jerusalem with ashes upon his head, weeping as he went, a small company following him, when the Traitour possessed the chief places of the Land, and great troupes resorted daily unto him with shouting and great joy? Secondly, We must weigh what glory it is to God, and security to us, when true-hearted Israelites are increased; as a Prince-like Diadem, such is the multitude of well-ordered Subjects.Isa. 54 2, 3. & 60.2, 3. Prov. 14.28. In the multitude of people is the Kings honour. Multitude of obedient children is the glory of Parents: the praise of a Shepherd is the number of his Flock. In externall beauty the first Temple farre excelled the second, but in glory it came behind it,Hag. 2.7, 9. because the multitude that resorted thither to worship God, was greater. Thirdly, We must consider the strong Battell which this strong man armed, the Devil and his Angels make, (hindering the entrance of Gods Kingdom nationally or personally (to all sincere Ordinances of God, to all the more full conformity and subjection of those who are already converted from Satan to God. If the Thief watch to steal, will not the House-Keeper wake to save himself? If a City be besieged, will it not seek aid, and stand upon defence? When Satan and his Instruments thrust sore against the Kingdom of Christ to overthrow it, we must seek unto God by earnest Prayer to be defended against their malice: If our enemies be ever waking, we should not slumber. Fourthly, To observe what a deal of darkness, and lusts of darkness remain, like Canaanites, as pricks and thornes in us. What communion hath light with darkness, Rom. 7.24.Christ with belial? How should the Child of God patiently endure to feel the stirrings of sinne and motions of the flesh within him? Heat and cold may agree in one subject and make a middle temper: so cannot grace and corruption, which mutually contend, and seek to expell each other. Fifthly, How prone we are to fall away and be brought back again, and how farre we are from being fully subdued to God. All creatures keep their course and standing: but men renewed by grace do slip often, seldom prosecute what they have well devised; that which erewhile pleased, doth now displease; and good actions undertaken they cast away, and contemn. Being conscious of our own weakness, we should fly to the Lord to be strengthened and supported by his might, who only is able to uphold us. Sixthly, What miseries we are here subject to, what blessedness we want, because the Kingdom of God is not fully come. The happiness of Saints is not compleat, till the Kingdom of Christ be perfected In this world, so long as they be sojourning towards the heavenly Jerusalem, they be compassed with many miseries, lyable to many assaults, pressed with many infirmities, encumbred with sinfull motions, oppressed with manifold afflictions, never in quiet till they come to Heaven the place of rest. In Heaven their happiness is not every way consummate, till the Day of Judgment. Seventhly, Consider how precious is the Pearl of Divine Grace, and how excellent the Treasure of Divine Glory?
Q. What are the speciall Blessings for which we are to give Thanks?
A. Thanks must be given to God, that he hath erected a Kingdom of Light contrary to the kingdom of darkness; that he hath called us unto it; that he doth continually preserve it,Mat. 11.25. Eph. 1.3. Phil. 1.4, 5. Col. 1.3, 6, 11. 1 Thes. 2.13. & 3.9. 2 Thes. 1.3. & 2.13. 1 Tim. 1.14. Apoc. 11.17. protect it, build it forward, bless it with his Ordinances, enrich it with his graces, and keep it by his power against the rage of all his malicious enemies, untill the time of happy deliverance. We give thee thanks, O Lord, God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come, because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
Q. What Conclusions may be drawn from this Petition?
A. First, It is God alone that can trample Satan under our feet, and dissolve the works of the Devil. It is he that must turn us before we be turned out of the Kingdom of darkness. Prayer presupposeth both want of that we ask, and impotency in our selves to attain it, or that it is out of our power. Again, the strong man holds possession till a stronger cometh. Now who is, of any other creature, stronger than Satan in such degree as to cast him out? The Papists give some place in this work to the liberty of our will: But though it be true, we turn because we will turn to God yet (we will turn) doth note, not the principall cause, but a cause subordinate, working by way of free disposition, which disposiiton it receive…h from God, not from natural strength; so, still all is by him. Men turn not, because they will not convert; [because] here noteth the fundamentall, radicall, prime cause of impenitent not converting, which the will doth by way of disposition, which it hath by nature of it self unto sin: But it is otherwise when we say, This man converts to God because he will convert, for here God is presupposed the principall Agent; man is a secondary and instrumentall; the habit disposing him to do this, being grace received from God, not derived to him with his nature. Away therefore with Papists Doctrine which make the will of man in a manner almighty. God offers grace like as a Merchant setteth his wares to sell, leaving it to our will whether we will buy or no. Were this true, if you ask what discerneth me from another unconverted? The answer is, my will; I by the freedom I had of will, took that proffered, which another by the same liberty refused. Thus by the Doctrine of mans freewill the grace of God is trampled under foot, and the pride of man advanced. Secondly, Marke who must strengthen, confirm, and perfect all things begun in us, even God the giver of every good and perfect gift. 1 Cor. 2.7. 1 Thes. 5.23. Heb. 13.21. 1 Cor. 1.8. 1 Thes. 3.12.He sanctifyeth us throughout, and makes us perfect in every good work. He confirmes us unto the end, and makes us to increase and abound in that which is good. Even as the Sunne first bringing light, doth more and more subdue all the darkness of the aire, till it come to full strength: so the same God that first dispelleth the darkness of sinne and ignorance, doth more and more perfect the light begun, till it come to Glory. And as the same Physician, which first recovereth us from some deadly lingering evil, must after restore decayed strength and cleanse a l relicks of sick matter, by such diets as Art adviseth: so God, &c. What then if we see all weak, ready to overturn; many graces in a manner utterly wanting, so weak they are in us? God that calleth the things that are not, as if they were, is the beginner and perfecter of his Kingdom. Thirdly, That Gods Kingdom is but in part come unto us; we see not all things as yet put under him; many not called, many enemies and evils unsubdued, many works of darkness hanging about us: which must comfort us though we find these things; We could not say this Prayer, were there not enemies still opposing us, in our confl cting course. The Kingdom of Christ were not to come, but already come, if we were perfectly freed from the molestation of the flesh, and the suggestions of Satan We are said to be translated out of the Kingdom of Satan, in regard that we do not voluntarily suffer under him as a lawfull King, but unwi…lingly as under an usurper too strong for us. Or rather, because he is begun to be, and certainly shall be cast out. Now that is said to be done, which a while is so in doing that it certainly shall be finished. Fourthly, All Christians must unfe…gnedly desire that God would shew himself the absolute Sovereign Lord God, in setting up and establishing his Kingdom of grace, to the utter overthrow of his enemies, and bringing of his Elect in Christ to the Kingdom of Glory. Do good in thy good pleasure unto Sion. Psal. 25.22. Psal. 51.18. Psal. 14.7. & 53.6. Psal. 28.9. Psal 63.2.O that the salvation of Israel were come out of Sion. The holiness of Gods Name in his Attributes, do shew themselves most manifestly in the coming of this Kingdom. The coming of his Word to any man, and the work of conversion by the Word, do shew the infiniteness of his wisdom, power, mercy, justice, patience, grace and goodness in gathering and saving the Elect; also his wisdom, power, hatred of sinne, and justice in overmastering sinne and Satan, and revenging himself upon the disobedient, are thereby most manifest. Again, the publishing of the Word, whereby this Kingdom is erected, is the means of revealing the will of God, and of making men able to do his will. Therefore the coming of this Kingdom is to be desired. The Subjects of this Kingdom do yeeld free and willing obedience unto God, they set forth his praise, and magnifie his Name:Psal. 67.3. Psal. 66.3. Isa 60 6. Psal. 29.9. Psal. 96.9. & 89.7. Psal. 110.3. in which respect it is to be asked earnestly, that God may have the glory that is due unto him. In his Temple doth every one speak of his glory, O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness. God glorifies himself in the confusion of the wicked, and by his over-ruling providence so chaines them up, that will they nill they, they do what his counsell hath determined: but the faithfull, and none but they, do freely submit themselves to his good pleasure, and celeberate his greatness.Psal. 65.1. Psal 145.10, Isa. 60 21, 22, Thy Saints bless thee, they speak of the glory of thy Kingdom, and talk of thy power. What, that the glory of Christ our King is manifested, as his Church and people do increase and multiply. The brightness of his glory doth shine forth when putting his enemies to flight, and treading down their might, he spreadeth the borders of his Kingdom from one end of the earth to the other, and mightily protecteth his people against their Adversaries. And this is the glory of the Church, that she beareth many Children to God, which walk before him in holiness, and live together in peace.Isa. 11.10. Isa. 60.7.22. Psal. 99 2. Psal. 72.19. His rest shall be glorious. The glory of Christ and his Church do both suffer and shine together: When the glory of Christ shall appear, his Church shall be glorified: and when his Church is glorious, the glory of Christ filleth the world. The diminishing of the Church is the obscuring of his glory, and the breaking forth of the light is the deliverance of Sion. It may further be added,Psal. 122.1. that the coming of this Kingdom doth much tend to the comfort and security of every faithfull soul. The way to Heaven seems more easie and delightfull, when many travell together, each one calling upon and encouraging other; The power of the Adversary is repelled, and his assaults borne off with more ease, when multitudes combine mutually to aid and succour one another;Psal. 42.1, 2. The powerfull presence of God in his holy Ordinances doth much glad and rejoyce a Christian heart; The Prayers of the faithfull are the more effectuall, and the Ordinances of God more powerfull, when many joyn in the same Suits, tender the same Petitions before the Throne of grace. And the society of them that fear God, is many waies comfortable and beneficiall to good men, to the strengthening of their faith, quickning of their grace, setling of their doubts, kindling of their zeal, and encouragment in the waies of holiness. Moreover, the Elect of God, till they be converted and brought to the Kingdom of Christ, do lie under the power of wrath and tyranny of Satan. They that actually are beloved to be made Heires of grace, be yet actually under wrath, till they be renewed by grace, and grafted into the body of Christ. For these Reasons then we must cry to God, that his Kingdom may come. Doth not every good Subject wish the enlargement of the Kings Territories, the rooting out of all opposites, that set themselves against the prosperity of his Kingdom? So must we, if we be true subjects to the Kingdom of Heaven. Did we border upon the Turkish Empire, so that we were often forraged would it not make us cry to God for help? and shall the Devill still sinke us in our persons, every where invading, and shall we be silent? What tyranny to Satans and sinnes tyranny? What wants to the wants of righteousness, peace, joy, &c. in which things Gods Kingdom cometh? We should seek it so farre as it is wanting, and joy in it so farre as we partake in it. To be naturalized into our Kingdom is a benefit great Ones esteem: but to be within Gods Kingdom, O how blessed! Fifthly, Christ is the King of holy and just men that live in his Church, whom he doth protect, defend, and govern with singular care, love, and tenderness.Psal. 67.4. …uram prorsus maternam intuendo & servaendo gloriam caelo depingit. Psal. 23.1. Jer 23.5. Ezek. 34 23. Isa. 33.22. I…a. 40.11. Deus Rex est ditissimus, vaelens omnia necessaria nobis praestare. Psal. 2.8. Psal. 97.1. Mal 3.17. Psal. 119.136. Jer. 9.1. Feild of the Ch. lib. 3. cap. 16. The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. The Lord is our Judg, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King, he will save us. He shall feed his Flock like a Shepherd: he shall gather his Lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosome, and shall gently lead those that are with young. The faithfull are the Inheritance of Christ, which he hath purchased to be his peculiar people; they are his choice and select Treasure, which he will keep charily, and preserve with diligence. Sixthly, Every true Christian must seek with his utmost endeavour, that both himself and others be in subjection to God. We should with David and Jeremy bewail the aversness of others, and rebellions they live in against God: and like Paul, bemone the laws of evil, which dwell in us, &c. If we desire that God would save us, should we not heartily desire that he would rule over us? If Christ be our Saviour, he is our Lord; if he hath redeemed us from death, he doth rule in us by his Spirit. The price of our ransome is already paid to the full, but it hath not full effect in us, till our corruptions be subdued, and our hearts brought to perfect subjection unto the Lord in all things. How would a naturall Subject grieve to spie in himself, or see in others much falshood, much rebellion against his Sovereign? So must we grieve that we and others have hearts so false and rebellious against God. And not only so, but we must endeavour to set up the Sovereignty of Christ in our own hearts, and amongst others more and more. How do men profess perfect conformity and totall subjection to men? How do Papists seek to propagate the Popes Kingdom? They find out new words, rather then his Subjects should not be made up: Should not we stirre up our selves to seek the enlargement and building forward of Christs Kingdom? This is one principall end of the preaching of the Gospel,Eph. 4.11, 12. Luk. 4.43. that the Elect unconverted might be added to the Kingdom of Christ, and the faithfull converted brought to more perfect conformity. Heavenly graces are the true riches, with which as every man is best stored, he is most blessed. Seventhly, All Christians must here on earth set themselves to seek Heaven and perfect happiness with God in the Kingdom of glory. Prayer is not a windy asking, but a reall seeking of the good desired: be taught to pray, Thy Kingdom come, Jer. 29.13. Mat. 3.4. & 4.27. Psal. 34.4. Mat. 0.33. Col. 3.1. Phil. 3.20. Heb. 11.9, 10.we are informed to seek it with all our hearts. We have no way of getting any good thing, but by flying unto the grace of God in Christ, which is done by hearty supplication: but our Prayers must not be idle, as though bare desires were all that is required. Seek first the Kingdom of God. Seek the things that are above. Abraham is set before us as an example of this thing, who did acount even the Land of Promise a strang Countrey, looking for and seeking after a City which hath a foundation, whose builder and maker is God. Heavenly glory is the highest of all good things that are to be desired the Pearl of inestimable price, to be valued above thousands of gold and silver. In this world we are but strangers, Heaven is our native Countrey, where our heart should be, whilest in body we are kept here below. Would not an English man (by any case exil'd) much long to smell the smoke of his own native Countrey? Thus, if we be heavenly creatures, we cannot but in desire aspire thither, while we are here on earth as exiles and pilgrims from our heavenly Father. All creatures have an inclination to the place where they were bred, and where they may rest; the stone falleth to the earth, Birds delight in the woods. Heaven is the Habitation and rest of the Saints, and an affection towards it is given to every Christian that is borne of God. This seeking of the Kingdom of God implieth or presupposeth the knowledge of what it becometh us to know or to do about this Kingdom, or at least an enquiry of the way that leadeth to this Kingdom. Look as a man seeketh earthly things, when he goes out to the Cryer to learn of them: and look as Clyents seek their earthly Inheritances, when they go forth to advise with their learned counsell: thus when we come forth to be instructed by the Word of God, which is the Word of the Kingdom, we are said to seek this Kingdom. In those daies the children of Israel shall come, they, and the children of Judah together, Jer. 50.4, 5.going and weeping; they shall go, and seek the Lord their God. They shall ask the way to Sion with their faces thitherward. Secondly, We seek this heavenly Inheritance, when we get sound Title and Interest unto it by faith in Christ Jesus. The Kingdom of Heaven is prepared for the adopted Sonnes of God,Rom. 8.17. Joh. 3.16. who receive Christ, and are united unto him: therefore as we strive more and more to be engrafted into Christ, and rooted in him, we are truly said to seek the Kingdom of Glory. Earthly men seek earthly things, whilst they get their Title to that they shall possess hereafter, made sure and ratified. Thirdly, We may seek this Inheritance of Gods Kingdom in getting something which we may shew for our right and title to it. Now this we do by exercising our faith in some Promises, by which God doth freely pass it unto us; as, fear not little flock it is your Fathers will to give you a Kingdom. Luk. 12.32. Joh. 3.18. 1 Pet. 1.3, 4, 5.Thus men seek their earthly matters whilst they get good Copies for that they hold. Now the Promises of God laid hold on, are the only deed and Instrument which can be shewed for title unto eternall life. Fourthly, We may seek this Kingdom in regard of getting our selves possessed of it: which we do by this means, while we labour to be enriched more abundantly with the graces of the Spirit, and by a sanctified course to draw nearer it and enter it here on earth. Men will not only get right unto the things they seek, but they will endeavour to be possessed, to dig their turf in that Land they purchase. The more the Israelites did subdue the Canaanites, 2 Pet. 1.5, 6, 7, 10, 11.the more they were possessed of Canaan: Thus the more we overcome our sinnes, grow in graces, the more we grow seized of our heavenly Canaan. Catechism. Tri. par. 4. c. 11 q. 4.The Pearl of Grace is one part of Heaven. What is Glory, but absolute and perfect Grace? What is Grace, but a lively sparke of Glory? Grace is in proportion to Glory, as the Suburbs to the City, as the Porch to the Temple, as a little sparke of fire to a great flame; the further we proceed in Grace, the nearer we approach to Glory: yea, the more we grow in Glory. Why have we not Heaven upon earth, but for that our graces are imperfect? Fifthly, We may seek it in regard of getting our Title and Possession made sure to our consciences. Thus we seek earthly Inheritances, not only to be seized of them, but by strengthening our selves in them. Hence it is, that we will sue our Fines and Writs, which may in a manner after a certain time, put an end to all claimes which may be made by any, some few persons on just ground excepted. So we must give all diligence to get those things ascertained unto us; which we do chiefly, while we faithfully lay hold on Gods Promises which promise our protection;1 Tim. 4.18. as, that he is our God, who will keep us from every evil work to his heavenly Kingdom; while we get the Spirit to witness to our spirits this gift of perseverance which is bestowed on us; while we learn to die by faith, and hold Christ as the Author and finisher of our faith, and raiser of us up at the last day; and the Father who is stronger then all, keeping us in his hand even by his Almighty power, as in a strong Tower unto salvation. We cannot be sure enough of earthly things; we desire to see the Bird in the Cage, and have all things so setled as there may be no question. How much rather should we not content our selves with uncertain hopes of our heavenly Inheritance, but travell to have it setled on us, and throughly assured to our soules. Sixthly, We must constantly desire perfect immediate fellowship with God. As the loving Wife longeth to be with her Husband, and to injoy society with him: so doth the Christian soul to dwell with her Saviour, Head, and Husband in happiness and glory. It will be questioned, Whether it be lawfull for a Christian to desire death. The answer is easy; for death and departure hence by death is propounded as a blessing, promised as a blessing, and bestowed as a blessing,Apoc. 13.14. 1 King. 14.12. Isa. 57.1. …hil. 1.23. Luk. 2.29. 1 King. 19 4. Eccl. 12.7. 2 Cor. 5.8. Joh. 14.3. 2 Tim. 4.8. H…b 9.28. 2 Cor. 5.4. Eccl. 7.22. Rom. 6.7. Apoc. 15.2. & 12.5. 1 Cor. 5.10. Rom. 6.7. 2 Cor. 5.8. and may as a blessing also lawfully be desired. Our deaths-day is our doomes-day, that our going to Christ is as his coming to us. Now a Christian may love, and long after the one, and therefore may lawfully desire also the other. Death in it self considered, is an unnaturall separation of soul and body, and not to be desired: but as it is to the faithfull an end of miseries spiritual and temporall, an entrance into life that shall never change, there is great and good cause why Christians should desire it. Many are the benefits that death brings to good men; It freeeth them from the injuries of the ungodly, the bitterness of correction, the infirmities of nature, the pain of labour, the fear of death. Death is cured by death, while mortality is swallowed up of life. It delivereth them from the temptations of Satan, from worldly provocations and evil examples, from sinne and corruption, and from Divine desertion. It bringeth unto them consummation of Grace, perfection of Glory, the inseparable company of Christ, and immediate Vision, and Communion with God. For these causes a man may desire death, but he may not hasten his own end. A man may desire many things to be done, which yet he himself may not do. A man may desire the ministry, yet may he not make himself a Minister. He may desire to have some malefactors taken away by the Sword of justice; yet being a private person, he may not do it himself. So a man may desire death, and seek it at Gods hands; but not procure it or hasten it by any meanes of his own. We may desire death, but without impatiency (that was Jonas his fault) we may not desire death as weary of Gods work, of doing or enduring what he calleth us unto. We must submit our wils to Gods will,Mat. 26.29. 2 Sam. 15.26. as content to waite Gods leasure, and to abide Gods pleasure for death or life. Eighthly, We are here to note, that the godly must mourn, when the Church is in affliction. Why should not my countenance be sad, when the City, the place of my Fathers Sepulchre lyeth waste, Neh. 2.3. Dan. 10.2, 3. Jer. 9.1.and the gates thereof are consumed with fire? Oh, that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of teares, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people! If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, Psal. 137.5, 6.let my right hand forget her cunning. Memorable is the answer of Ʋriah to David, The Ark, and Israel, and Judah abide in Tents, and my Lord Joab, 2 Sam. 11.11.and the servants of my Lord are encamped in the open fields: shall I then go into mine house, to eate and to drink, and to lie with my Wife? Whosoever was the Pen-man of the 102 Psalm, whether David, or some other living about the end of the Babilonian captivity, he sheweth himself to be tenderly affected towards the Church in distress. How importunate is he with God, to arise and have mercy upon Zion? Psal. 102.13. Vers. 14.How doth he put the Lord in remembrance of his Promise to restore it? The time to have mercy thereon, the time appointed is come; How full of passion is that speech, O Lord, thy servants delight in the stones thereof, and have pity on the very dust thereof. Phineas Wife lamented the loss of the Ark, more then the death of her Father and of her Husband. She wanted not naturall affection to them, but spiritual affection towards Religion more prevailed in her: once the death of her Father-in-law and of her Husband is mentioned, but the thing she insisteth upon, as that which pinched to the quick, was this, The Glory is departed. 1 Sam. 4.20, 21.Nehemiah found no discontent in his own outward condition, when he sate down and fasted and wept certain daies; he lived in great credit and honour, being Cup-bearer to him,Neh. 1.4. that at that time was the greatest Monarch under Heaven: it was the afflicted case of his poor Brethren at Jerusalem that pricked his heart, and melted him into teares. The godly have mourned when Sion was in misery, and it is charged as a foule fault upon the ungodly, That they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph. Amos 6.6.The Reasons of this Instruction are evident. First, God is highly dishonoured when his servants fall before their enemies, be led into captivity,Psal. 74.18, 19. & 79.10, 11. & 89.50, 51. Psal. 10.13. & 42.3. Act. 9.6. 1 Joh. 3.17. or afflicted in any other kind. For then the enemies of the Church grow proud and insolent, the solemne worship of God ceaseth to be frequented, and such as openly professed the Gospel, are compelled to hide themselves in Dens and Caves of earth. Secondly, Christ suffers with his servants, and is afflicted with their afflictions. If Saul breath our threatnings against the Saints, he persecutes Christ. What good Subject is not grieved at heart to see his Sovereign plunged into heaviness and grief? It argueth want of love to Christ, when men have no commiseration of the members of Christ, being in want or misery, in distress, danger, or extremity. For it is not so much they that suffer, especially when they suffer for Christs cause, as Christ that suffereth in them. It is not so much they that want, whatsoever the occasion of their want be as Christ that wanteth in them.Mat. 25.35, 36 42, 43. It is I (saith he) that was hungry, and thirsty, and sick, and naked, and harbourless. And, it was done to me, that was done unto them. When men stand thick together in a throng, and one chance to tread on anothers heeles or toes, Why doest thou tread on me, or kick me, saith the one to the other? It is the toe or the heel on the foot that is troden on, kickt or hurt; and the toe is farre enough from the tongue, or the heel from the head; And yet when the toe or the heel is hurt, the tongue in the head speaketh and complaineth as if it self were troden on. Such a fellow feeling there is between the one and the other, that the one suffereth in the other, and therefore the one speaketh for the other, and complaineth of the wrong sustained by the other, as done to it self. In like manner when persecuters spurn against, and tread upon Christs feet here on earth, Christ their Head cryeth from Heaven to them, Why persecute ye me? Christ speaketh for them, because he suffereth in them. Though our Head be in Heaven in happiness, and his body here on earth, yet hath he a sense of those infirmities, that his body is here annoyed with. Though he be freed from all passion, yet is he not without compassion: though he feel nothing himself, yet hath he still a fellow-feeling of those miseries and distresses that his limmes here endure.Concil. Bas. Sess. 22. One Augustinus de Roma, was censured in the Councell of Basile, for affirming that Christ was the greatest sinner in the world: and yet his meaning, it may be, was not amiss, though the manner of speech improper,Gat. sp. to kindle Sor. for Sion. p. 24. having an eye to the guilt of our sinnes imputed to him, and the burden thereof imposed upon him. But Salvian an Orthodox Writer sticketh not to say, that Christ is the greatest begger in the world: as one that beareth his part and hath his share in all the wants and necessities, in all the straights and miseries that all his members in all parts of the world sustain and endure. For is he not in want saith he, that complaineth of hunger and thirst, and bareness and poverty, and restraint of liberty? Or who can be in greater want than he that sustaineth all these, so oft as any godly man sustaineth them? He wanteth not indeed in regard of misery, and yet he wanteth in regard of mercy: he suffers not in his Diety of himself, and yet he suffers out of his pity to his. If the Army be foyled in Battell, the Prince is said to loose the day: in some sort Christ himself is put to the worse, when the adversaries of the truth prevail.Rom. 12.5. 1 Cor. 12.12. Thirdly, the nearness of conjunction that we have one with another doth necessarily exact it of us. We are all members of one body, whereof Christ is Head. And there is a natural sympathy between the members of the same body,1 Cor. 12.26. being quickned all by the self-same soul. If any one member be honoured, all the rest rejoyce with it; if any one suffer, (be it never so base an one) all the rest suffer together with it. Thus it is in the natural body of man; and thus it cannot but be in the mysticall body of Christ. Saul turned into Paul, and become a member now of that body, that he was a persecutor of before; Who is weak or ill, saith he, But I am weak with him? Who is scandalized, but I am burnt with it? 2 Cor. 11.29. 1 Io. 2.10. 1 Io. 3.14.Not to mourn when Sion sitteth in heaviness, and goeth in sackcloth, argueth want of spiritual life, sincere love of the brethren, and a fellow-feeling of their miseries, is a sure argument of life: the want of it an undoubted sign of death. It is but a rotten limbe, a withered hand, or a wooden leg, that feeleth not, when the head, or but the heel onelyonly is hurt. And surely those that have no fellow-feeling of their fellow-members afflictions, are at the best, but as glass-eyes, or silver noses, or Ivory teeth, that stand for a shew in the face or the mouth, but afford little use, and partake not in pain, because they partake not of life with the rest of that body, which by art onelyonly they are set in, or fastned unto. It is no marvail if a peece of wood, or glass, or metal feel nothing though the head be slashed and cut to the very skull, or the whole man be sick at the heart: But to be a lively member of the body, and not to be affected with it, is impossible. 4. The consideration of our own frailty may enforce it. All things, saith Solomon, come alike unto all, no man can say,Eccl. 9.2. this or that I shall never endure. That that befalleth one man, may befall any man; and much more then, may that that befalleth many. No person or people have any such armour or proof, as is affliction free, but that it may come home, and pierce even to the heart with them. I have known a good old man, saith Bernard, Gal. 6.1. Ex. 34.9.who when he heard of any that had committed some notorious offence, was wont to say with himself, This man is fallen to day, and thus may I fall to morrow; and so bewailed other mens slips and falls as his own. And the like advice, and that upon the self same ground doth the Apostle give us concerning the outward miseries and temporal afflictions of our distressed brethren: Thinke on those, Heb. 13.3.saith he, that are in bonds, as if you were bound with them; and those that are in affliction, as if you were in their body, say some, that is in affliction with them;Laur. Valla. but rather, as being your selves also in the body, not the body of Christ, or the Church, but in the body of flesh and frailty, subject to the like afflictions which you know not therefore how soon they may befall you. 5. The Church of God is our Mother, the faithful are our brethren, firmely knit unto us by the band of love and profession:Nisi totum corpus bene habeat me…bra singula laborare necesse est. Mosl. in Ps. 25.22. which consideration should effectually move compassion and fellow-feeling in their sorrows. If the Mother weep, what child can refrain tears? If one brother suffer, others make lamentation. The daughters of Sion will mourn, if Jerusalem be led into captivity. 6. We ought to have a fellow-feeling of our fellow-members afflictions, because our sins may have an hand in the procuring of their sufferings. Neither need this seem strange that our sins should be the cause of plagues and judgements upon others, when we the mean while remain free our selves. We see the like in the practice of Physick and Chirurgery. For is not the neck seared and rowelled oft, for the rheum that runneth down into the eyes? A vein opened in the arm or the foot, sometime to turn the course of the blood, spending it self over freely some other way, sometime to ease the pain of the head, and sometime to correct the distemperature of the whole body besides. For Achans sin many of the hoast of Israel were slain, and yet was Achan still untouched.Jos. 7.1.5.11.12. Gen. 10.18. 2 Sam. 24.15, 17. 1 King. 14.12. Abimelechs whole houshold were plagued for his oversight, and thousands of Davids subjects destroyed for the trespass of their Sovereign, Jeroboams dear son dyed for his Fathers offence. And why may not the sins of our Nation also be in part the cause of those heavy disasters befaln our brethren in foreign parts. 7. The cause of God should be most dear unto us, as the glory of God is most dear unto him. This is that which the blessed Saints of God use ordinarily, as a strong inducement to move the Lord to mercy, in behalf of his Church and children, overborn by their over mighty and malicious enemies; that his name was reproached, when the adversarie prevailed,Ps. 74.18, 19. & 79.10, …1. & 89.50, 51. Ps. 10.13. & 42.3. 1 Sam. 4.18, 19, 21. and his honour thereby impaired: yea, this was that, that most troubled and vexed them in their fiercest afflictions not their own miseries so much, as the dishonor of Gods name, which their adversaries were wont to triumph over in them. And this is it that must force sorrow from us, when the Church sitteth as a solitary woman clad in sackcloth, mourning by reason of the hand of God upon her. 8. The chastisment of the Church is a token of Gods fatherly indignation, wherewith every good heart is much affected. For can a good child see his Father take a staffe in hand to smite one of his servants, or much more the rod in hand to correct some of his brethren, and not be grieved at it, or affecteth at all with it? especially knowing himself not to be wholly free from such faults as he correcteth them for; yea it may be for ought he knoweth by them more faulty. It is by the Prophet made a note of Gods children, that they tremble at his word. Is. 66.2. Act. 5.11. Ps. 119.119.120.And if they tremble at his word, sure much more at his wrath, though lighting on others onelyonly, Thou takest away the wicked of the world like dross, saith David; And though he were none of that crew, but one that loved Gods Law; yet, My flesh, saith he, trembleth for fear of thee, and I am afraid of these thy judgements. And if Gods children be so affected with the judgements of God executed upon wicked worldlings for their rebellions against God, and their oppositions to his truth; how much more with those of his chastisements, that he exerciseth his children with, being inflicted upon them by the hand of his and their adversaries (whom he useth oft as executioners) for the profession of his truth. 9. They that mourn with Sion shall rejoyce with her.Is. 47.18. & 66.10. The Church shall in time cast off her mourning weeds, for the Lord will return unto her in love and compassion; and then all that took sorrow in her contempt and misery, shall rejoyce in her consolation. The ninth observation, God is the onelyonly builder, preserver, defender and redeemer of his Church, Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles, Build up the walls of Jerusalem. As the Kingdom of grace is begun by Gods guiding,Is. 49.26. Ps. 25.22. Ps. 51.18. Es. 1.27. Jer. 50.33, 34. 1 Cor. 3.7. Act. 2.41. so by his help it must also grow, be encreased and be preserved, so that the saying of the Apostle is general and most true: Neither he that planteth is any thing, neither he that watereth, but God that giveth the increase, and who doth adde unto the Kingdom of his Son new Citizens. Which things although they be so, yet are every one of the faithful exhorted to their power to help forward the Kingdom of God. The Magistrate by his authority promoting the Ministry, the Ministers by teaching faithfully, and with all their power seeking the salvation of the Church privately by praying that the Gospel may have his course, and may spread daily more and more. Finally all the members of the Church according to every one of their callings. God is the protector of his Church; of whom every good blessing pertaining to the welfare of his Kingdom is to be craved: but as we are to pray for, so must we endeavor the furtherance of it, for prayers are not empty wishes, but hearty desires that must be expressed in practice. Lastly, All Christians must desire the coming of Christ to judgement, and untill that glorious Kingdome of Christ be come, wherein he shall reign in most perfect manner, we ought to continue our prayers for the increase of it. The Spirit and the Bride say, Apo. 22.20. 2 Cor. 5.2. 2 Tim. 4.8. Apo. 19.7. Jo. 14.2, 3. Jo. 17.26. 1 Thess. 4.17. Luc. 21.28. Mat. 19.28. Act. 3.19, 21. Jo. 5.28.Come Lord Jesus. Henceforth is laid up for me the Crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge shall give me at that day: and not unto me onelyonly, but unto them also that love his appearing. 1. The day of judgement is the marriage day of the Lamb and of his spouse the Church, who shall be received into his palace of state to abide with him in glory for evermore. In this life each faithful soul is contracted unto the Lord, but the solemn marriage shall not be till the day of full redemption, which is the general judgement. 2. At that day the faithful shall obtain full and perfect redemption, sanctification and glory. That is the day of refreshing, restitution, and blessed deliverance unto them. 3. The glory of Christ is never fully revealed untill that day, when the Kingdom of God being perfected,Col. 3.4. the divel and all ungodly men troden under foot, all offences taken out of the way, and all powers abolished, by which God was after a sort hindred, that he could not rightly appear unto us, as he is in himself, when these things being accomplished the Lord shall clearly and fully manifest his glory unto his Saints. But when we desire that God would hasten the deliverance of his Church, we ask also that the elect which yet remain, might all of them (not one excepted) be gathered quickly: and that the Church might quickly be freed from all calamities, the godly might rest from their labors, that their might be an end of sin and wickedness 4. That the glory of God in the perfect restitution of his Church and confusion of his enemies might be manifested. It is the good pleasure of God that we should pray for this deliverance of the Church; and freedom from all evils at that day, shall be given to them that groaning under the crosses of this life, do heartily wish and desire it.