A Discourse Preparatory to the Choice of a Minister, Sermon 2
The Afternoon-SERMON.
ACTS I. 24 & 25.
And they prayed, and ſaid, Thou Lord, which knoweſt the Hearts of all Men, ſhew whether of theſe — Thou haſt choſen; that he may take part of this Miniſtry —.
THE Subject we were upon in the Morning was, That when ſome one is wanted to ſupply a Vacancy in the Miniſtry, it ſhou'd be the ſollicitous Deſire of all concern'd, That the LORD JESUS CHRIST wou'd ſhew whom He hath choſen.
I come now to another Obſervation from the Words, viz.
DOCT. II. In the important Affair of calling a Miniſter, Application ſhou'd be made to the LORD JESUS CHRIST, by fervent Prayer, expreſſing the Concern and Deſire of our Souls, that He wou'd ſhew whom He hath choſen.
So in our Text, They prayed and ſaid —
Prayer is a devout offering up of our regular Deſires to the Throne of Grace. It ſhou'd not only be our Hearts Deſire, but our Prayer alſo, That CHRIST wou'd ſhew us whom He hath choſen.
Here we might obſerve,
The LORD JESUS CHRIST (the Son of GOD) is together with the FATHER and HOLY GHOST, the proper Object of religious Worſhip. He has all thoſe Divine Perfections, and ſuſtains all thoſe Divine Relations, Titles and Characters, which proclaim him the worthy Object of our Faith, Love, Prayer and Praiſe, in their moſt exalted Senſe, and higheſt Exerciſes. And to Him ſhould our Prayers ſometimes be immediately directed; if we wou'd honour the SON, even as we honour the FATHER. The Protomartyr Stephen in his dying moments pray'd to the Lord JESUS. And in our Text, we have the Apoſtles and an Aſſembly of the firſt Diſciples, uniting their ſolemn Supplications to Him. — The Title, LORD, is the ſpecial Title of CHRIST; his conſtant Style, throughout the New Teſtament. And it was cuſtomary among the primitive Chriſtians to make their religious Addreſſes unto Him; inſomuch that they were characteris'd, and diſtinguiſh'd from Jews and Heathen, by their Calling upon the Name of the LORD JESUS‖Act. 9.14. Rom. 10.12. 1 Cor. 1.2..
There are ſome ſpecial Caſes, wherein it ſeems peculiarly proper and congruous, diſtinctly to invocate the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Thus, particularly in the Adminiſtration of the LORD's Supper, which is of his Inſtitution, and bears his Name, and the primary Deſign whereof is to do honour to his Memory, by a grateful Celebration of his redeeming Love. So in the Election (as well as in the Ordination) of Perſons, to ſerve CHRIST in the Miniſtry, it ſeems equally proper, that the Name of the LORD JESUS ſhou'd be expreſly and immediately call'd upon.
Now, if you ask What is to be requeſted of Him, in ſuch a Caſe; I anſwer in general, as in our Text, That He would ſhew whom He hath choſen: — (Implying) That he wou'd chuſe for us in great Mercy, and that he wou'd diſcover his Mind and Will to us, in thoſe ways in which it may be expected: That he wou'd preſide and govern in the Choice propos'd by us; influence our Views and Reſolutions, and cauſe a Coincidence of all things to the accompliſhment of his own Counſel), and bringing the Affair to a happy Reſult: That all matters of Controverſy between Him and us may be remov'd, and no Obſtructions lie in the way to hinder a Bleſſing from being beſtow'd upon us: That when the Lot is caſt into the Lap, there may be a gracious Diſpoſal thereof, by his Power and Wiſdom; that the Lot may fall upon One, who ſhall be a Paſtor according to his Heart; One whom He hath called by his Grace, and will delight to bleſs and proſper. — This may be the Tenour and Scope of our Prayers on ſuch an Occaſion.
And if you ask Why we ſhou'd thus employ Prayer in the Caſe? I anſwer,
1. Our LORD himſelf has directed us to this Method. Beſides that Prayer is the appointed way for obtaining all the Benefits we deſire. It's particularly preſcrib'd in the Caſe before us; 'Tis imply'd in that direction to the Diſciples, Mat. 9.38. Pray ye the Lord of the Harveſt, that He will ſend forth Labourers into his Harveſt. — It is obſervable, the Apoſtle Paul frequently and pathetically deſir'd the Prayers of this and the other Church whom he purpos'd to viſit; That he might come to them with Joy by the Will of GOD &c. (See Rom. 15.30 — 32. So Heb. 13.18, 19.) Which Directions will very well take in the preſent Caſe, by parity of Reaſon. Now this is Argument enough, in any Caſe: 'Tis the Wil of GOD in CHRIST JESUS concerning you.
2. The Example in our Text ſhou'd have it's influence upon us. They had their Eyes to the LORD for a Deciſion from his ſpecial Providence, and they lifted up a Frayer: wherein they have left a good Copy for future Ages to imitate. The Apoſtle ſaid (Phil. 3.17.) Ye have us for an Enſample. So (2 Theſ. 3.7.) Your ſelves know how ye ought to follow us. And doubtleſs the ſacred Hiſtorian put the Prayer in our Text on Record, to make the Apoſtles and primitive Church an Enſample unto us to follow them. As the bad Actions of Men are related in Scripture-Story, for our Admonition and Warning: So the good and laudable Actions of the Saints are ſtory'd, not only for their Commendation, but for our Imitation and Learning. Hence we are exhorted to be Followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the Promiſes. Heb. 6.12.
3. 'Tis a Caſe wherein we have ſpecial Declarations and Promiſes of CHRIST, to plead, and to animate our Faith, in Prayer on this Occaſion.
'Tis a virtual Promiſe we have in Pſal. 68.18. Thou haſt aſcended on high; — Thou haſt received Gifts for Men; yea for the Rebellious alſo, that the Lord GOD might dwell among them. Which Gifts (as the Apoſtle expounds the Pſalmiſt, Eph. 4.11.) particularly mean ſutable Inſtruments for the Work of the Miniſtry. Such Gifts CHRIST has receiv'd, to be beſtow'd on his Church and People, as the viſible Signs and Means of his gracious Preſence in the midſt of them. This affords one advantageous Plea. And we may put in ſuit that precious Promiſe, Iſai. 20.30. Though the Lord give you the bread of Adverſity — Yet thine Eyes ſhall ſee thy Teachers &c. Alſo that, Jer. 3.14, 15. Turn, O backſliding Children; for I am married to you; — And I will give you Paſtors according to mine heart, which ſhall feed you with knowledge and underſtanding. GOD expects that we in faith convert theſe Promiſes into Petitions and Pleas at the Throne of Grace. As you may learn from Ezek. 36.37. Where, after various Promiſes made, it is added, Thus ſaith the LORD; yet for this will I be enquired by the houſe of Iſrael to do it for them.
4. The Gift we receive in anſwer to Prayer, we may hope will prove a Bleſſing indeed, in which we ſhall rejoyce.
Uſually, the Benefits we receive by Prayer, are doubly ſweet and pleaſant. 'Twas a moſt comfortable Reflection to pious Hannah, For this Child I prayed. So when it may be reflected, For this Miniſter I pray'd, how great the Conſolation! —When the LORD, by any ſatisfying Evidences, ſheweth whom He has choſen, as it will afford peculiar Encouragement to the Perſon to accept the Call: ſo it will by a natural efficacy help us to attend on the Miniſtry of ſuch an one with a greater Faith and livelier Hope for a ſpecial Benediction of Heaven upon his Adminiſtrations and Labours among us. Such a Miniſter may humbly triumph, with the Apoſtle, as in Rom. 15.29. I am ſure, that when I come unto you, I ſhall come in the fulneſs of the bleſſing of the Goſpel of CHRIST. And a People ſo highly favoured, may make that the Song of their grateful Souls; Pſal. 65.14. Praiſe waiteth for Thee, O GOD, in Sion: — Bleſſed is the Man whom thou chuſeſt, — we ſhall be ſatisfy'd with the Goodneſs of thy Houſe. So Pſal. 118.21, 26. I will praiſe the Lord, for thou haſt heard me. — Bleſſed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord: We have bleſſed you out of the Houſe of the Lord.
I ſhall only add, by way of Argument,
5. 'Tis a very concerning Caſe; in which it exceedingly behoves a People to chuſe well, and is very awful to commit an Error. — It's but fit all Buſineſs of any moment ſhou'd be carry'd on with Prayer. How much more the very important Buſi-of Calling a Miniſter! It's a great Affair of CHRIST's Kingdom, and important Concern of his Glory. — It is of vaſt Moment to our Souls, and has a near Aſpect on the beſt Intereſts of our dear Poſterity. An Error here will be of dangerous Tendency, and extenſive Influence. — And then 'tis a very critical Caſe; in which without CHRIST's ſpecial Direction and Leading, we ſhall certainly commit egregious Miſtakes, and run into Confuſions: ſhall be in danger of laying on Hands ſuddenly, and ſo of being partakers of other Men's Sins. For (as one obſerves) Whoever have a ſinful hand in the Choice of an unskilful and unfaithful Paſtor, are ſo far guilty of all the Hurt he doth, and ſhall anſwer to GOD for the Blood of the Souls, which periſh through his Miſmanagement. Their Sin in this Caſe, maketh way for the Hireling; and ſo hath Influence upon all the Harm he doth. There ſhou'd be a holy Sollicitude then, leſt we take any falſe Steps, or fall upon any wrong Meaſures, or come into any unhappy Reſolves: but that all be done to the Glory of GOD, and with the Security of the common Good.
Hence, it will be our Wiſdom to put the Affair under our LORD's Conduct; and not lean to our own Underſtandings, nor truſt in our own Hearts. Commit thy Works to the Lord: So ſhall thy thoughts be eſtabliſhed. Make thy Prayer unto Him, and He will hear thee: Thou ſhalt alſo decree a thing, and it ſhall be eſtabliſh'd unto thee; and the light ſhall ſhine upon thy ways.
Theſe Reflections afford very ſtrong and moving Arguments for Prayer on the ſolemn Occaſion before us.
But then, if we expect an Anſwer of Peace, we muſt ſee to it, that we offer the Prayer of Faith, and lift up holy Hands; without Wrath and Doubting. In many Caſes, it may be ſaid, Ye ask, and receive not, becauſe ye ask amiſs. Let us every one think with the Pſalmiſt, If I regard Iniquity in my Heart, the Lord will not hear me. — Verily let not that Man, who is of a double heart, imagine that he ſhall receive any thing of the LORD. We muſt ask in Faith; embracing the Promiſes, and realizing CHRIST's Sufficiency and Faithfulneſs to perform them. — Yet we muſt ask humbly; ſenſible of our utter unworthineſs; confeſſing our Sins, and putting all our Iniquities from us. — In a word, we muſt pray fervently, and with a holy Importunity, as thoſe that know the Worth and Moment of the Gift we are asking of our aſcended LORD. — Every one concern'd, ſhou'd wreſtle for it in fervent Prayer by himſelf in ſecret. And every Family apart. And the Congregation of the LORD; making Mention of it always in their common Prayers, & uniting in ſolemn extraordinary Supplications (as they in our Text) on ſo weighty an Occaſion.
It has been the laudable practice of theſe Churches, to have their Days of Faſting and public Prayer, when meditating the Choice of a Miniſter: Which Days, I wou'd obſerve, ſhou'd be kept ſeaſonably (in general, the earlier the better) before the Thoughts and Reſolves of a People are particularly fix'd and terminated.
Now, let us every one reflect a little on our Conduct in this Matter. Have we been thus employing Faith and Prayer, with regard to the Choice before us. 'Tis true, when we had our Church-Faſt upon upon Occaſion of the Removal of our late worthy Paſtor †The Rev. Mr. BENJAMIN WADSWORTH; who being choſen Preſident of Harvard-College, and Application thereupon made by the Hon. and Rev. the Overſeers, for the Church's Conſent to part with him for that Service; the Church after humble Prayer, with ſerious Conſideration and previous Inquiry into his Mind upon this weighty Affair, voted a conditional Compliance; Reſolving, That if he judg'd it his Duty to accept of the Call given him, We would humbly ſubmit, and ſay, THE WILL OF THE LORD BE DONE! Which Vote was paſſ'd June 16. 1725. With a conſiderable degree of Unanimity, as it pleaſed the LORD then to diſpoſe our Hearts; and with no ſmall Appearances of a very ſolemn Awe upon every one's Spirit: together with the ſenſible workings of a juſt and great Affection to our faithful Paſtor, and the viſible Tokens of a ſpecial Divine Conduct and Influence; the apprehenſion of which, as it gave a general Satisfaction, ſo it was my Relief under the Anxieties of that critical Juncture; and in the Days of doubtful Expectation which have ſince rolled over us, that Reflection has oft refreſhed the Bowels of many; particularly by furniſhing us with an Argument or Plea in Prayer, and encouraging our Hopes, That the LORD who had called his Servant from us, and who hath the Reſidue of the Spirit, wou'd lead and influence in the Choice of a Succeſſor; to preſerve Peace and Truth, and provide graciouſly for us —. Not long after the Preſident's Inſtalment, and actual going from us, the Church at an occaſional Meeting, ſaw fit (among other things) unanimouſly to agree upon keeping a Day of Prayer, with a ſpecial View to the remarkable Change of Circumſtances we were now come under. Upon this great Occaſion Judging our ſelves called to extraordinary Prayer, It was therefore reſolved (GOD willing) that we would ſpeedily keep a day of Faſting together, to beg of GOD a ſanctified Uſe of ſo important a Diſpenſation; and that He wou'd teach us the way wherein we ought to go, and in his good Time provide for us another Paſtor according to his own Heart. — The ſaid Faſt was on Aug. 17. following. I have thought it not amiſs, to gratify the Publick, by this particular Account of that Affair, and our proceedings upon it.from us unto another important Poſt, We did unitedly ſpread our Caſe before the LORD; and have at our occaſional Meetings, as well as upon the LORD's day, from time to time been humbly moving our bleſſed SAVIOUR and Head to look upon in our preſent State and ſupply our Wants: But have we all likewiſe in our private Requeſts been continually making mention of our Caſe, and begging Divine Appearances for us, with a ſuitable Concern and Fervour of Soul! Can our Cloſets and our Families teſtify on our behalf, that we have been giving our ſelves to Prayer; beſeiging the Throne of Grace day and night with our ardent Cries, and believing Intreaties, that the LORD wou'd ſhew us (among all the Candidates we have heard) whether of theſe He hath choſen? Or have we been contenting our ſelves with a few prayerleſs Thoughts and Endeavours? Have we not been cold and indifferent, and too unthinking? Or elſe all our Care and Zeal too indevout, irreligious, and not accompany'd with a ſpirit of prayer and reſignation to GOD?
Surely it is fit we examine into our Temper & Conduct here. This becomes us, as Men and as Chriſtians. And then this is neceſſary for the better ordering our Expectations and Hopes. For if we have ſought the LORD humbly and earneſtly, we may look He will be found of us. Since he hath aſſur'd us, as in Mat. 18.19. Again I ſay unto you, that if two of you ſhall agree on earth as touching any thing that they ſhall ask, it ſhall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. But if we have been caſting off Fear and reſtraining Prayer, while we have purſu'd our ſeveral Aims and Deſires; we may juſtly expect He will hide his Face from us, and cover our Paths with Darkneſs.
Hence then (whatever our perſonal Managements and Diſpoſitions have been) let us now ſtir up our ſelves to ſeek the Lord by importunate Prayer. Ye that make mention of his Name, call upon him in the Day-time, and in the Night, keep not Silence before Him. Intreat his Favour with your whole Heart, and give Him no reſt, until he ſhew whom He has choſen; until He reſtore the Smiles of his Face on his Sanctuary, which is ſo far deſolate, and ſet up a burning and ſhining Light in this his Candleſtick. Let the Prophet's Reſolution be ours, Iſai. 62.1. For Zion's ſake will I not hold my peace, and for Jeruſalem's ſake I will not reſt until the Righteouſneſs thereof go forth as Brightneſs, and her Salvation as a Lamp that burneth. — Thus we ſhall be prepar'd to receive the Bleſſing from the LORD, and to give Him the Glory and the Praiſe.
But I haſten to the laſt Obſervation.
DOCT. III. CHRIST is at all times and in all Affairs, eſpecially in the preſent important Caſe, to be conſidered by us as the LORD, who knoweth the hearts of all Men. — So in the Text, Thou LORD, which knoweſt the Hearts of all Men, ſhew whether of theſe Thou haſt choſen.
Here I might (not unprofitably) go into the Proof of CHRIST's Dominion and Omniſcience, that he is LORD, and that he doth know the hearts of all Men; and doctrinally treat upon the exalted Title and relative Perfection here aſcrib'd to our bleſſed SAVIOUR; which indeed are none other than the incommunicable Prerogatives of JEHOVAH; the high Glories and appropriate Characters of the Supreme and Infinite Mind†N. B. There were ſome diſtinct Enlargements upon theſe Heads in the Diſcourſe given from the Pulpit, which are here left out, only for brevity ſake to accommodate the Reader..
But it is the practical Improvement, to be made of theſe Reflections, which I mainly aim at. And they are very applicable, to regulate our Views, and govern our Tempers and Deportments; as in all other Affairs, ſo particularly in the preſent Caſe. — Hence the Church in our Text, prayed, ſaying, Thou Lord, which knoweſt the hearts of all Men —. Doubtleſs it was not without a ſpecial Direction of the HOLY GHOST, that they fixed on this particular Property, and this Tide of CHRIST, in their Invocation; whereby were miniſtred unto them thoſe pious Reflections, that probably had an excellent Influence into the whole Conduct of the Affair. And it may be of no ſmall benefit to a People in the like Caſe, to make uſe of and apply theſe affecting Idea's of CHRIST.
I. A due conſideration of CHRIST as the LORD, may be of very profitable Conſequence, in the management of the Affair before us.
To give a few hints here diſtinctly.
1. This will teach us, from a Reverence to the Office of the Miniſtry, as the Inſtitution of CHRIST our Glorious LORD, to treat the Affair of chuſing and calling a Perſon to that Office, with a becoming Seriouſneſs and Solemnity.
Is CHRIST the LORD? We ſhould then fear before him, and make Him our Dread. His Name is holy and reverend: And all that wears the ſtamp of his Authority, ſhould appear venerable to us. The LORD's Day, the LORD's Supper, his Word, his People, ſhould be call'd the Holy of the LORD, Honourable. So the LORD's Miniſters ſhould be highly eſteemed in Love, and their Office held in Reputation by all ſuch as wou'd honour JESUS CHRIST our LORD, both theirs and ours. For he has ſaid to his Miniſters, He that deſpiſeth you, deſpiſeth Me. — A reverent regard to the Inſtitution of CHRIST, ſhou'd teach us to treat all Affairs relating to the Miniſtry, and in particular to behave our ſelves in the important Work before us, with the greateſt Gravity, with ſolemn Thought, a deep Awe, and religious Concern.
2. The ſerious Conſideration of CHRIST as LORD, will help to regulate our Aims, and guide our Choice.
It will influence us to conſult the Glory of our LORD; to do all in the Name of CHRIST, and ſtudy to manage ſo as to ſecure his Honour, and promote his Intereſt, I may allude to ſome of the Apoſtle's Words, and ſay, He that realiſes the Dominion of CHRIST, will care for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may pleaſe the Lord. In the electing of a Miniſter, that Conſideration will terminate our Views on ſuch a Perſon as we do deliberately and upon rational Grounds judge will be moſt acceptable to CHRIST, and moſt likely to be a ſpecial Inſtrument of his Praiſe: One that is not only capacitated by a due portion of Gifts and Powers, to ſerve the Intereſt and Kingdom of CHRIST; but whoſe Heart is (viſibly to us) ſet right with GOD, and bound for his Glory. It will tend to make this our governing Aim; and tranſport us above the corrupt Influence of carnal or ſiniſter Regards, the unhappy Reſults of a vicious Self-Love.
3. It will point us to the Word of CHRIST, as our Rule, in fixing our Judgment, and conducting the whole Buſineſs before us.
It will lead us to conſult the Scriptures for Direction, and to take Counſel from them, in managing this Affair of CHRIST's Kingdom. It will influence us to attend to the inſpired Apoſtle, as if CHRIST the LORD ſpake to us, where he deſcribes the Evangelical Biſhop, and ſets down Rules for chuſing a good Miniſter of JESUS CHRIST.
And it will preſerve in us a juſt Concern, through the intire proceſs of the Affair, to demean our ſelves with a ſtrict Conformity to the reveal'd Will of CHRIST; that we may carry it as becometh the Goſpel, and walk worthy of the LORD, unto all pleaſing.
4. It will direct us to go to CHRIST with our Prayers, and our Thankſgivings, for Succeſs.
It is a Motive to earneſt Prayer, and will put each one upon applying to CHRIST, in that humble Language, Acts 9.6. Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do? It directs and excites us to be looking unto JESUS who is the Author and Finiſher of every happy Settlement; and to be intreating his Favour, his Conduct, Aſſiſtance and Bleſſing. — Alſo it teaches us to be thankful to him for Proſperity in our Endeavours; to give him the Glory, if we ſucceed, who is LORD over all, and governs ſecond Cauſes after his ſovereign Pleaſure. Hence that of Ezra, By the good hand of our GOD upon us, they brought us a Man of Underſtanding, a Miniſter for the houſe of our GOD, Ezra 8.18.
5. It may be improv'd to check all diſtruſtful Fears, and encourage the Faith and Hope of a favourable Anſwer to our Prayers, and happy Reſult of our ſerious Conſultations and Endeavours.
A firm belief and due thought of CHRIST's Dominion, as Head of the Church, will tend to lay a Reſtraint upon our impatient Fears, in a Day of Clouds and Darkneſs; to enliven and invigorate our Hopes, in Caſes of Difficulty, and in times of doubtful Expectation. If CHRIST ſits at the Helm; if He be the ſupreme Moderator of all Events; we are ſure then, Nothing ſhall come to paſs but by his Permiſſion, and with the Security of his own Intereſt and Glory. There are many Devices in the heart of Man: but the Counſel of the Lord, that ſhall ſtand. He ſits upon the Floods, and rules the Waves of the Sea, and ſtilleth the Tumult of the People. He ſcattereth the Proud in the Imagination of their Hearts; but his Thoughts are very deep, and his Deſigns cannot be defeated. He is Head over all things to the Church: And if He love the Church, which is his Body, we may truſt He will protect and keep it; will nouriſh and cheriſh, and make all needful proviſion for it. We may be ſure that all things ſhall be overrul'd for the promoting of Jeruſalem's Peace and Welfair. Hence then in the preſent Caſe, we ſhou'd eſtabliſh our Thoughts, and confirm our Faith and Hope, by meditating on CHRIST's Power and Dominion. A realiſing View of this will help our Unbelief, ſtrengthen our Hearts to wait upon the LORD; who is a GOD of Judgment, and bleſſed are all they that wait for him. Be patient therefore, Brethren, unto the appearing of the Lord: Behold, the Husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the Earth, and hath long Patience for it. Be ye alſo patient; ſtabliſh your hearts: Be not faithleſs but believing. Believe in the LORD your GOD, ſo ſhall ye proſper.
6. It will be of happy uſe, to promote in us a due Reſignedneſs and Submiſſion to his holy Will and Diſpoſe.
Knowing that when the Lot is caſt into Lap, the whole diſpoſing thereof is of the Lord; This will teach us a willing Subjection to his Counſel and Pleaſure. The Diſciples having pray'd, as in our Text, proceeded to caſt the Lot; and it falling on Matthias, 'tis obſerv'd, He was numbred with the Eleven Apoſtles; doubtleſs with great Peace and Harmony. And ſo much ſeems intimated in this Remark of the Hiſtorian; the original word for numbered, †Calculis allectus. Beza.importing (as hinted before) his being counted among them by the united approbatory Suffrages of all concern'd. Barſabas and his Friends doubtleſs readily yielded to the Choice, and all unanimouſly receiv'd Matthias (though not the firſt in Nomination) as the Man whom CHRIST had choſen and prefer'd. We hear of no Murmurings or Exceptions.
Now a ſerious Conſideration of CHRIST as LORD, will tend to aſſiſt us unto the like excellent frame and carriage, in the Affair before us.
Antecedent to the ſolemn Tranſaction, there ſhou'd be a humble referring the Concluſion to a Divine Diſpoſe; in that primitive Language, Acts 21.14. The Will of the LORD be done! The Conſideration of CHRIST as LORD will promote this happy Reſignation of Soul; and will help to ſave us from that ungodly Peremptorineſs and Preſumption in our Deſigns and Reſolves, and that vain boaſting in Creatures, which it ſhould be our Care to avoid. According to that of the Apoſtle, James 4.15, 16. For that ye ought to ſay, If the Lord will, We ſhall — do this or that. But now ye rejoyce in your Boaſtings: all ſuch rejoycing is evil. — 1 Cor. 3.21, 22. Let no man glory in Men: for all things are yours, whether Paul, or Apollo, or Cephas.
And ſo, when the Work is brought to a fair and orderly Iſſue, it is then our Duty to acquieſce in the Choice, and be ſatisfy'd wherever the Lot falls. Neither let us tempt CHRIST, nor murmur ye. Our Language muſt be like that, of Hezekiah, 2 Kin. 20.19. Good is the Word of the Lord. Is it not good, if Peace and Truth be in my days?
Sutable Views of CHRIST's Dominion will tend to produce in us a Patient Submiſſion to his Providence, if croſs'd in our Deſires, and diſappointed of our Hopes: will make us willing to part with our deareſt Enjoyments; to give up our fondeſt Expectations, at his bidding, and not purſue our Deſigns againſt the manifeſt Checks of Providence, as if we meant to ſtep into the Throne of CHRIST, and correct the Meaſures of the moſt High.
It will diſpoſe us to a chearful Reception and Chriſtian Treatment of Him, as our Brother and Miniſter of GOD, whom we behold approved in CHRIST; choſen in the LORD. Hence we read, Gal. 2.9. When James, Cephas and John who ſeemed to be pillars, perceived the Grace that was given unto Paul, they gave to him the right hands of Fellowſhip. And hence that Exhortation to the Church of Corinth, 1 Cor. 16.10, 11. Now if Timothy come, ſee that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I alſo do. Let no man therefore deſpiſe him.
And then it will by natural Conſequence make us patient towards our Neighbours and Brethren, will reſtrain us from paſſionate Reſentments and dividing Meaſures, under a Fruſtration of our Hopes, and excite us to do all things without Murmurings, Diſputings or unreaſonable Oppoſitions. Hence the Apoſtle makes uſe of the Name of the LORD JESUS, in perſuading the Church at Corinth unto Peace and Union, when carnally contending, and divided into Parties, one ſaying, I am of Paul, and another I am of Apollo: As in 1 Cor. 1.10. Now I beſeech you, Brethren, BY THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, that ye all ſpeak the ſame thing, and that there be no Diviſions among you: but that ye be perfectly joined together in the ſame Mind and in the ſame Judgment. The Name of the LORD JESUS carries a ſacred Charm with it, that tends to ſtill all Contention, Clamour, and Diſpute among his Diſciples (particularly in the preſent Caſe) and excite the greateſt Care of Peace, Charity, and Unity, as that which makes very much for the Honour of CHRIST, and the Intereſt of his Kingdom. Hence thoſe pathetical Expoſtulations & Counſels of the Apoſtle, in Rom 14. Who art thou that judgeſt another Man's Servant? Or why doſt thou ſet at nought thy Brother? — For he that in theſe things ſerveth CHRIST, is acceptable to GOD, and approved of Men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for Peace, and things where with one may edify another.
But I paſs now to ſay,
II. The Conſideration of CHRIST, as knowing the Hearts of all Men, is another very uſeful Reflection, and may be of great Service in the preſent Affair.
This gives a very awful, and yet an equally joyful Idea of our Lord; and what He wou'd have ſolemnly conſider'd by his People. Rev. 2.23. All the Churches ſhall know, that I am He which ſearcheth the Reins and Hearts. How elſe indeed ſhou'd He judge the Secrets of Men, and give to every one according to his Works; as He certainly will do! The Eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the Evil and the Good†Pro. 15.2, 11.. Hell and Deſtruction are before the Lord: how much more then the Hearts of the Children of Men? Verily to his piercing Eye every Boſom is tranſparent, and all things there appear in the moſt open Light to Him, which are beyond the Reach of all human Diſcovery. And this Thought is capable of an application to very good Purpoſes, both by way of Direction and Incentive; as in the common Concerns of the Chriſtian Life, ſo particularly in the extraordinary Affair before us.
To illuſtrate this, let me ſuggeſt a few particulars.
For Inſtance,
I. The Conſideration of CHRIST's knowing the Hearts of all Men, as in our Text apply'd to the preſent Affair, may be uſeful to direct us in our Choice, what to aim at, and what regards to be influenced by.
It was a Reproof the Apoſtle gave to ſome in the Church of Corinth, who indulg'd ſuch a ſpirit of Emulation about their Teachers (2 Cor. 10.7.) Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? This is a common Rule of judging: but a falſe Rule, at leaſt a very imperfect and inſufficient One. It ſhou'd ſeem, that ſome boaſted mighty things of themſelves, and affected to make a fair Shew in the fleſh, but they boaſted of things without meaſure, and by fair Speeches deceived the Hearts of the Simple. We often ſuffer our Views only to glide upon the Superficies of Men and Things, and take no pains to enter into their Realities and true Characters. We are either eaſily impos'd upon by deceiving Appearances, and draw up a haſty Judgment. Or elſe we are led away with Miſtakes about the Nature of Things, and conſider not where true Excellency lies. Agreeably, things of comparatively leſs Significancy, often have the preference with us: the things of the Body, to the things of the Soul: So again the things of the Mind, to the things of the Heart; intellectual Accompliſhments, to ſpiritual Graces and moral Virtues: Which is the moſt perverſe Judgment in the World. And to act under the Influence of ſuch a falſe View of things in the Affair before us, muſt needs be of dangerous Tendency.
But here our Text may ſet us right; which intimates that the Diſciples looked chiefly at the Heart, in the Choice before them; and that CHRIST looketh at the Hearts of Men, in chuſing Paſtors for his Church. We are apt to look chiefly at the Head, and external Appearance, an happy Utterance, bright Gifts, the Powers of Reaſon, the Beauties of Language, or the like: but verily the Lord looketh at the Heart. The Lord weigheth the Spirits; and he eſtimates us by our inner Man. To be renew'd in the ſpirit of our Minds, after the Image of Him that created us in Righteouſneſs and true Holineſs, this is our higheſt Glory; and is the moſt exalted Character of a Miniſter of the Goſpel: Whoſe Adorning, let it not be that outward Adorning of Eloquence, Beauty, or worldly Pomp: but let it be the hidden Man of the Heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the Ornament of Humility and Sanctity, which is of great price in the ſight of GOD. The Righteous is more excellent than his Neighbour. In a Miniſter, it's the Chriſtian, we are to look at, more than the Scholar, or the Oratour. He ſhou'd indeed be apt to teach; able alſo to convince Gainſayers. And a People ſhou'd Covet earneſtly the beſt Gifts: Yet ſhew I unto you a more excellent way: Seek a Proof of CHRIST ſpeaking in him, and being with him. For though one ſpeak with the Tongues of Men and Angels, and have not Charity (a Principle of Divine Love reigning in his Soul, the Love of CHRIST conſtraining him) he is as a ſounding Braſs, or a tinkling Cymbal: And tho' he have the Gift of Prophecy, and underſtand all Myſteries, and be fill'd with all Knowledge; yet if he have not a true Love to CHRIST, and Love to Souls, prevailing in him, verily he is Nothing †1 Cor. 12.31. & 13.1, 2.. That's a Divine Rule, for proportioning our Eſteem of others, as well as of our ſelves; Rom. 12.3. To think ſoberly, according as GOD hath dealt to every man the meaſure of FAITH; in judging of which, a rational Charity muſt be our Guide and ſet the Limits.
2. The Conſideration of CHRIST as knowing the Hearts of all Men may ſerve further to animate and encourage the Hope and Faith of his People in the preſent Caſe.
It may ſerve to encourage Prayer on this occaſion, and the Hope of a gracious Anſwer. Moſes ſeems to have had it in View▪ when he pray'd, as in Numb. 27.16. Let the Lord, the GOD of the Spirits of all Fleſh ſet a Man over the Congregation.—He formeth the Spirit of Man within him, and he pondereth the Spirits of Men. He knows every one's particular Temper, Capacity, and real Character, with unerring exactneſs. He knows the Hearts of all Men; the Hearts of Miniſters and People; of Candidates and Electors. —CHRIST knows the Wants of his People, and knows their Hearts Deſire and Prayer; and as our Advocate with the Father, repreſents the ſame unto Him; which may aſſure us of obtaining our Requeſts, if agreeable to his Will. See Mat. 18.19, 20. So 1 Job. 5.14, 15.
He knows what is the Mind of the Spirit: whom the holy Ghoſt will make Overſeers of the Flock; and ſo how to order his Mediatorial Interceſſion, in the preſent Caſe, according to the Will of GOD. (Rom. 8.27.)
He that ſearcheth the Hearts, knoweth who are the fitteſt to be choſen; who will be the moſt holy, humble, skilful, faithful, active Inſtruments of his Glory. Solomon obſerves, The fining pot is for Silver, and the furnace for Gold: but the Lord trieth the Hearts ‖Pro. 17.3.. He has a clear proſpect into the ſecret Receſſes of the Soul, and knoweth whoſe Heart is upright toward him, and who is moſt formed for his Praiſe. As to Men, they themſelves ſcarce know what ſpirit they are of. Hence not he that commendeth himſelf, is approved; but whom the Lord commendeth †2 Cor. 10.18.. And as for popular Applauſe, this is often founded in falſe Notion of Worth, or ignorance of Men's true Characters. Hence that of our LORD to the Phariſees in his day, who were ſo much had in honour among the People; (Luk. 16.15.) He ſaid unto them, Ye are they which juſtify your ſelves before Men; but GOD knoweth your Hearts: for that which is highly eſteemed amongſt Men, is Abomination in the ſight of GOD.
I may allude to the Story ‡1 Sam. 16.of Samuel's viewing the Sons of Jeſſe (among whom GOD had provided him a King to reign over Iſrael) and obſerve, We are ready to ſay of this and the other, Surely the Lord's Anointed is before him: But the Lord ſeeth not as Man seeth. We look upon Eliab, and are fluſh'd with Hopes, he is the Man; but the Lord ſaith, Look not on his Countenance, or on the Height of his Stature; for I have refuſed him. And when we look upon Abinadab, neither hath the Lord choſen him. And when Shammah is made to paſs before us, Behold, neither hath the Lord choſen this. Yea, tho' we turn our Eyes to ſeven others, it yet appears The Lord has not choſen theſe. And when we are ready to inquire, with Samuel, — Are here all? It happens there remains ſtill one, the moſt unthought of: and the Lord ſaith, Ariſe, anoint him; This is he. For Man looketh on the outward Appearance; but the Lord looketh on the Heart: And when He beſtows in Mercy, and not in Wrath, He gives a David, a Man after His own Heart. — Indeed he was pleas'd to appoint a treacherous Judas to be one of his firſt Apoſtles: and He often permits a worldly Demas to be put into the Miniſtry. But then He has ſome wiſe and holy Deſigns of his Kingdom to ſerve by it: and it's ſometimes done in Judgment to a People, that have provoked him to Anger. But when he has Intentions of Favour to a People, in whom he delighteth, he gives them a faithful Miniſtry. See 1 Tim. 1.12. And I thank CHRIST JESUS our LORD, who hath enabled me; for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the Miniſtry.
His Knowledge of the Hearts of Men qualifies him to judge infallibly of Men, and to make a moſt wiſe and juſt Choice. The righteous Lord trieth the Hearts and Reins. (Pſal. 7.9.) Since He knows the Hearts of all Men, He cannot be deceived: but is able to make the moſt righteous Judgment, and give a perfect Lot. His Eyes are upon the righteous; He beholdeth every Peter, that can appeal to Him, ſaying, Lord, thou knoweſt all things, thou knoweſt that I love Thee: And unto ſuch an one He ſaith, Feed my Sheep *Joh. 21.17..
His Knowledge of the Hearts of Men argues his Ability to prepare and diſpoſe Men's Hearts aright: And if he does not find them at preſent fit for his purpoſe (as in the Caſe of Saul, who from a Blaſphemer and Perſecutor, was chang'd into a Preacher and Apoſtle of JESUS CHRIST) he has power to enable them †1 Tim. 1.12., to furniſh and ſpirit them to their Work. He can give them another Heart, as in the caſe of the former Saul, the famous Son of Kiſh ‡1 Sam. 10.6, 9.. Behold, a Company of Prophets met him, after he was anointed by Samuel, and the Spirit of GOD came upon him, and he propheſy'd among them, and was turned into another Man. And it became a Proverb in Iſrael, Is Saul alſo among the Prophets! — So true are thoſe Obſervations of the Wiſe Man, The King's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of Water, He turneth it whitherſoever He will {inverted †}Pro. 20.1.. — The Preparations of the heart in Man, and the anſwer of the Tongue, are from the Lord ‖Ch. 16.1.. He has all Hearts in his Hand, as well as under his Eye. He faſhioneth Men's Hearts, and worketh in them to will and to do of his good pleaſure. Unto every one of us is given Grace according to the meaſure of the Gift of CHRIST. He can eaſily inſpire a Man with Divine Principles, and heavenly Tempers: can fill him with Knowledge and put Wiſdom in his Heart, that he may go out and come in before his People. The LORD is able to make all Grace abound towards him; to give him largeneſs of Heart, and Wiſdom exceeding much. — Hence then, ſuppoſing in the caſe before us, the Lot ſhould fall upon a Perſon, whom ſome may apprehend leſs accompliſh'd, and leſs worthy: yet conſider that the Lord knoweth and influenceth the Hearts of all Men, and can prepare his Heart to the Work he is call'd unto, and let this ſuppreſs every anxious Paſſion or unbelieving Thought; ſtill our Complaints, and open our Hearts to lay out Faith and Prayer for him.
In a word, Conſider, He who ſearcheth the Reins, can govern your Hearts, as he pleaſeth, and can unite you in your Judgments and Inclinations, The hand of GOD may be to give you one Heart. So that you ſhall be perfectly joined together in the ſame Mind, and with one Mouth glorify GOD, in the unanimous Choice of ſome meet and worthy Perſon. Or if he ſhou'd permit you to be ſomewhat divided in your Apprehenſions, He can prevent the Diſagreement from paſſing over to the Affections, and ſtill keep your Hearts knit together in Love. Or if any (which GOD prevent) ſhou'd be irregularly diſpos'd after the Matter is reduc'd to a fair Iſſue, He that ſitteth in the Heavens, and that knows the Thoughts of the Wiſe, can reſtrain and over-rule, to his own Glory.
All which Reflections tend to ſtrengthen Faith and Hope. Wherefore let not your Heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Truſt in the Lord at all times, O ye People, pour out your Deſires before Him; and in the way of Duty leave the Affair and all Events with Him. In caſes of Difficulty, which depend very much upon the Hearts of Men, as well as in all others, we ſhou'd chearfully refer the Adminiſtration and Succeſs of our Concernments unto Him, in whoſe hand the Righteous, and the Wiſe, and their Works are, and whoſe are all our Ways; not anxiouſly perplex our ſelves, about the Events of uncertain Futurity, but perſwading our ſelves that the Lord will do better for us than our own Counſel and Choice, be reſign'd to his good Pleaſure. And when He by his Providence declares his Will (as one †Dr. Tillotſon. Vol. II. page 636.obſerves) look upon it as the Sentence of a wiſe and juſt Judge, in which all Parties concern'd ought to acquieſce and reſt fully ſatisfy'd. We cannot but be convinced, that this is very reaſonable, to leave the management of things to Him, whoſe Underſtanding is infinite, and therefore knows beſt how to order them. The Government of the World is a very curious and complicated thing, and not to be tamper'd with by every unskilful hand: and therefore as an unskilful Man, after he has tamper'd a great while with a Watch, thinking to bring it into better Order, and is at laſt convinced that he can do no good upon it, carries it to him that made it, to mend and put it in Order; ſo muſt we do, after all our Care and Anxiety about our own private Concernments, or the publick State of Things: we muſt give over governing the World, as a Buſineſs paſt our Skill, as a Province too hard, and a Knowledge too wonderful for us, and leave it to him who made the World, to govern it and take Care of it. And if we be not thus affected and diſpoſed, we do not believe the Providence of GOD, whatever Profeſſion we make of it; or are not firmly perſuaded of the Wiſdom and Goodneſs of it.
3. The Conſideration of CHRIST, as knowing the Hearts of all Men, will have a further Influence, to promote a Care of Integrity, in the whole Conduct of the Affair before us; and to comfort us by a Senſe of our Sincerity, both under the Croſſes of Providence, and the Calumnies of Men.
This Reflection duly entertained, will be a Motive and Help to Sincerity: will tend to rectify our Aims; to make us keep our Hearts with all Diligence, and ſtudy to ſhew our ſelves approved unto Him, who trieth the Reins. That is Chriſtian's Motto, 1 Theſ. 2.4. Not as pleaſing Men, but GOD which trieth our Hearts.
It will be a good Preſervative and Guard againſt the Raſhneſs and Folly, which is too often committed in this Affair, when the LORD JESUS CHRIST is left out of our Schemes, or we leave to him only the Execution of our Decrees, and mock him by commending to his Benediction, what we have projected without his Counſel.
It will promote Sincerity in our Deſires and Prayers, that CHRIST wou'd ſhew us whom He hath choſen: and therefore will make us beware that no Idol of Jealouſy have harbour in our Boſoms; which will provoke the Lord to paſs that Doom upon us, Ezek. 14. Theſe Men have ſet up their Idols in their Heart;—ſhould I at all be inquired of by them? — Surely I the LORD will anſwer them by my ſelf, and will ſet my Face againſt them. — The Scripture has put thoſe ſolemn Words of prayer into our Mouths, 1 Kin. 8.39. Then hear thou in Heaven thy Dwelling place, and give to every one according to his Ways, whoſe Heart Thou knoweſt. But how ſhall we dare to pray in ſuch awful Language, without a moſt ſollicitous Care to avoid Hypocriſy; and to ſeek the Lord with our whole Deſire, lifting up holy Hands, and drawing nigh to Him with a true Heart: Whoſe penetrating Eye has an immediate Acceſs to the Mind, and a diſtict Proſpect of all the ſecret Motions in every Breaſt, through all poſſible Masks and Diſguiſes!
Moreover, If we are under the power of this apprehenſion, that his Eye is upon us, by whom Actions are weigh'd, and who underſtandeth our Thoughts afar off; it will excite a Care of Uprightneſs in our Choice and whole Management. That is propos'd as a Motive to Sincerity and Care to pleaſe the Lord: Prov. 21.2. Every way of a Man is right in his own Eyes: but the Lord pondereth the Hearts. Hence David ſtrongly recommends it to his Son 1 Chro. 28.9. Serve him with a perfect heart, and with a willing mind; for the Lord ſearcheth all hearts, and underſtandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts. This Reflection had an excellent Influence on holy David himſelf, 1 Chro. 29.17. I know, my GOD, that thou trieſt the heart, and haſt pleaſure in Uprightneſs. As for me (therefore) in the Uprightneſs of my heart I have willingly offer'd all theſe things. The Senſe of this will be a powerful Excitement to do what we do, heartily, as to the Lord, and not to Men; to act with an upright View to his Glory, as our ultimate Aim, and to propoſe no other Ends but what as ſubordinate to this, He will approve of. The Senſe of his Heart-ſearching Eye upon us will make us abhor vain Thoughts and wicked Purpoſes, as an Abomination to the Lord; and put us upon purifying our Aims from all baſe alloy of Prejudice, Intereſt, or any other impure tincture. It will antidote and fortify us againſt all manner of Temptations to Evil, by the Principles of Shame and Fear. The People of GOD found it a happy Reſtraint to them: Pſal. 44.18 — 21. Our Heart is not turned back, neither have our ſteps declined from thy way. — If we have forgotten the Name of our GOD; ſhall not GOD ſearch this out? For He knoweth the Secrets of the Heart. — This is improveable as a ſtrong Caution againſt all criminal Partiality. Hence the Apoſtle exhorting Timothy to be impartial and upright in his Conduct, addreſſes him after that ſolemn Manner, 1 Tim. 5.21, 22. I charge thee before GOD, and the Lord JESUS CHRIST, and the elect Angels, that thou obſerve theſe things, without preferring one before another [or without Prejudice, as the Original properly ſignifies, and the vulgar Latin tranſlates it] doing nothing by partiality: Lay hands ſuddenly on no Man, neither be partakers of othea Men's Sins.
Thus a Senſe of the Eye of CHRIST upon us tends to make us beware of Partiality and Hypocriſy: and that Conſideration receives additional force from the proſpect of a future Judgment. For this Knowlege and critical Obſervation of Men's Hearts and Ways, is in order to a day of reckoning. (Jer. 17.10. and Prov. 24.12.) And the ſerious Conſideration of our being all to appear before the Judgment Seat of CHRIST, tends to make us labour, that we may be accepted of Him. Such Influence it had on the Apoſtle, 2 Cor. 5.9, 10. Hence our LORD ſaid to his Diſciples, Luk. 12.1, 2. Beware ye of the leaven of the Phariſees, which is Hypocriſy. For there is nothing covered, that ſhall not be revealed; neither hid, that ſhall not be known. A due Senſe of our Accountableneſs to the LORD JESUS CHRIST will awe and reſtrain us from Sin, and excite us unto Duty: will make us ponder our Ways, and look well to our Goings, that we may be in Behaviour as becometh Holineſs; doing nothing in any Affair, but what will bear the Light; and ſo may have this for our Rejoycing, the teſtimony of our Conſcience —. Then ſhall we have Confidence toward GOD: Whereas if our Heart condemn us, the Lord is greater than our Heart and knoweth all things. He will bring every Work into Judgment, with every ſecret thing. Then the Thoughts of Men's Hearts ſhall be reveal'd: Whatſoever ye have ſpoken in Darkneſs, ſhall be heard in the Light; and that which you have ſpoken in the Ear in Cloſets, ſhall be proclaimed upon the Houſe-tops. The good Works of ſome are manifeſt before-hand, and they that are otherwiſe, cannot be hid. And hence the Conſcience of Integrity will give us a proſpect of our having boldneſs in the Day of Judgment, and Confidence before the Son of Man at his appearing.
A Senſe of Sincerity will give us a holy boldneſs now, and Acceſs with Confidence unto the Lord in Prayer: will embolden us to wreſtle with Him for the Bleſſing, unto whom we may with the utmoſt Security commit every good Cauſe. Prov. 16.2, 3. The Lord weigheth the Spirits: Commit thy Works to the Lord, and thy Thoughts ſhall be eſtabliſhed.
And it will miniſter to our Conſolation under any Diſappointment we may meet with, if we can appeal to the Searcher of Hearts, as witneſs to our Sincerity. Pſal. 142.2. When my ſpirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou kneweſt my Path. Yea, if the Lot of any be involuntarily caſt under an unfaithful Miniſtry, and they have born due Teſtimony againſt the ſame, it may be conſolatory to them to think that CHRIST knows their Works and their Patience, and how they cannot bear them which are evil, and have tried them which ſay they are Apoſtles and are not. (See Rev. 2.2.)
So under invidious Characters, hard Speeches and Reproaches of Men, who may tax us with Partiality, carnal Policy, ſecret Intreagues and fraudulent Practices, or with ſiniſter Reſpects, and unjuſt Prejudices, or the like; here a View to the future Account, and the Thought of CHRIST's all-ſeeing Eye, may ſupport and comfort us, if we are really conſcious to our Integrity and Innocence. We may appeal to Heaven, and ſay as the Prophet (Jer. 20.12.) O Lord of Hoſts, that trieſt the Righteous, and ſeeſt the Reins and Heart, — unto Thee have I opened my Cauſe. We may humbly hope that GOD which knoweth the Hearts, will bear us Witneſs. (Acts 15.8.) And may learn to deſpiſe the uncharitable Cenſures of Men, when they ſpeak Evil of the things which they know not. Hence that of the Apoſtle, 1 Cor. 4. — It is required in Stewards, that a Man be found faithful. But with me it is a VERY SMALL thing that I ſhould be judged of you, or of Man's Judgment. But he that judgeth is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the Time, until the Lord come, who will bring to Light the hidden things of Darkneſs, and will make manifeſt the Counſels of the Heart: And then ſhall every man have Praiſe of GOD; every Man who has walked in his Uprightneſs.
In a word, The thought of CHRIST's Inſpection of us, and our Accountableneſs to Him, will tend to prevent all unchriſtian Heats and Animoſities; to allay and huſh Men's Paſſions, ſo apt to be unquiet and impetuous, when croſs'd in their particular Views. It will teach us all to watch againſt uncharitable Thoughts, and evil Surmiſings, contrary to the Love which ſhou'd be among Brethren: and will teach us to take heed to our Ways, that we offend not with our Tongues: will teach us to forbear all Clamour, and Wrath, and Evil-ſpeaking, Impatience, unreaſonable Humour, and Self-willedneſs: And on the contrary will teach us to deny our ſelves, to be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly Love, in honour preferring one another, being ſwift to hear, ſlow to ſpeak: Not to mind high things, but to condeſcend unto Men of low Eſtate, and every one pleaſe his Neighbour for his Good, to Edification: To be of a yielding Temper, ſtudying to be quiet; and if it be poſſible, as much as lieth in us, endeavouring to live peaceably. To this End is that Exhortation, Col. 4.6. Let your Speech be alway with grace, ſeaſoned with Salt, that ye may know how ye ought to anſwer every Man. And hence thoſe Intreaties, Phil. 4.1, 2, 5. Therefore my Brethren, dearly beloved, and longed for, my Joy and Crown, ſo ſtand faſt my dearly beloved. I beſeech Euodias, and beſeech Syntiche, that they be of the ſame Mind in the LORD. — Let your Moderation be known to all Men. THE LORD IS AT HAND. And agreeable are thoſe Counſels of the Apoſtle James: My Brethren have not the Faith of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, the LORD of Glory, with Reſpect of Perſons. — So ſpeak ye, and ſo do, as they that ſhall be judged by the Law of Liberty. — My Brethren be not many Maſters; knowing that ye ſhall receive the greater Condemnation. — Do ye think that the Scripture ſaith in vain. The Spirit that dwelleth in us luſteth to Envy? But ſubmit your ſelves to GOD: Reſiſt the Devil; and grudge not one againſt another, Brethren, leſt ye be condemned: Behold, the Judge ſtandeth before the Door.
I conclude with thoſe Apoſtical Benedictions and Apologies, in Rom. 15.
Now the GOD of Patience and Conſolation grant that you be like-minded one towards another, according to CHRIST JESUS. That ye may with one Mind and one Mouth glorify GOD. — The GOD of Hope fill you with all Joy and Peace in believing, that ye may abound in Hope through the power of the HOLY GHOST. And I my ſelf am perſuaded of you, my Brethren, that ye are full of Goodneſs, filled with all Knowledge, able alſo to admoniſh one another. Nevertheleſs, Brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you, in ſome ſort, as putting you in Mind; becauſe of the Grace that is given me of GOD, that I ſhould be the Miniſter of JESUS CHRIST unto you. Now therefore I beſeech you, Brethren, for the LORD JESUS CHRIST's ſake, & for the Love of the Spirit, that ye ſtrive together with me in Prayers to GOD for me, that I may with you be refreſhed. And now the GOD of Peace be with you all. Amen.
FINIS.
End of the text · Thomas Foxcroft, A Discourse Preparatory to the Choice of a Minister (1727)