The Imperfection of the Creature, Part 2 · Sermon 6

The Imperfection of the Creature · Part 2 · Sermon 6

p. 132SERMON VI.

PSALM CXIX. 96.

I have seen an End of all Perfection; but thy Commandment is exceeding broad.

I AM upon the Second Doctrine contained in these Words, viz.

Doc. II. The Commandment of GOD is exceeding broad.

I proposed to evidence the Excellency of the Divine Commandment, by discoursing on,

I. The Original of it.

II. The Subject-Matter of it.

III. The Extent of it objectively.

IV. The great End and Design of it.

And

V. The Duration of it. All of which will help to shew us the Excellency of the divine Commandment, beyond what is to be seen upon the Creatures.

p. 133Under the Fourth of these Heads, namely,

IV. The great End and Design of these Commandment of GOD, I proposed to take a View of its Excellency, as the manifest Design thereof, is to make us,

1. Truly Wise:

2. Really Good: And

3. Compleatly Happy.

I have discoursed on the first of these, viz.

1. The Design of the divine Commandment is to make us truly wise; as it affords us the best Means to be wise for the Things of this World, but much more as it tends to make us wise to Salvation.

I have also shewed,

2. The great Design of the divine Commandment is to make us really Good. And this is apparent, in that it is admirably calculated, to beget Faith in us, in GOD, his Being, and adorable Perfections, and in JESUS CHRIST as our only Saviour; as also to convert the Soul, by convincing the Sinner of his Sinfulness, and Misery, and turning him from the Error of his Ways; and to sanctify and make us holy, and God-like, giving us the most holy Laws, and setting before us the most holy Example; and by this Means to make us really Good.

I proceed to say,

3. The great End and Design of the divine Commandment is, to make us compleatly Happy. You see I keep in my View the two Rules, I p. 134formerly laid down, by which to make Trial of the Perfection of any Thing, as it relates to us; and, when we examine the divine Commandment by them, we find there is an exact Agreement between them, which is a full Proof of the exceeding Breadth, the transcendent Excellency of it. We have seen, under the foregoing Heads, that it is perfective of our Nature, and now if we take a View of the Aspect it has upon our Happiness, we shall see, that the glorious Design of the Commandment, what GOD intends by privileging of us with it, and what it has a direct Tendency to, is, to bring us unto true, compleat, and endless Happiness: It means to afford us all the Happiness, Joy, and Comfort, we are capable of here, and bring us to compleat and endless Happiness hereafter.

1. The exceeding Breadth of the divine Commandment is seen, in that Comfort, and Joy, of Soul, which it aims at, in us, while we are here in the present World. We are very prone to be mistaken in our Notions of Comfort, Joy, and Pleasure, and think that they all are to be found, in the Possession of, what we call, a Fulness, and Sufficiency of earthly Delights, as Silver, and Gold, Houses, and Lands, and Children, and Friends, and the like; or in the Abundance of the Pleasures of Sense, and that there is no Joy like the noisy Mirth of Fools, reveling over their Cups, and sporting themselves with Vanity, or in the gratifying of some fleshly Appetites: Whereas, if we do but consider Things a little closely, we may easily discern the Truth of what our Saviour tells us, (i)(i)Luke xii. 15.Luke 12:15A Man's Life, (much more the Comfort of it) does not consist in the Abundance of the Things which be possesseth. The fullest Possessions p. 135are often the Companions of an uneasy, disturbed Mind, and the greatest noisy Mirth and Jollity is very consistent with inward Perplexity; for even in Laughter the Heart is sorrowful, and the End of that Mirth is Heaviness; as the wise Man observes (k)(k)Prov. xiv. 13.Prov 14:13. But there is a spiritual Solace, and Joy of Soul, which is peculiarly the Entertainment, and Satisfaction, of the Saint: An heavenly Delight it is! Which even the holy Soul himself experiences, not always, but only when he is under the Influence of the more vigorous and lively Exercise of his Graces, and as it pleases his heavenly Father sovereignly to dispense his special Favours to his Children: And this is a Joy too bright, and pure, for the carnal Heart, in its dark, and polluted State, to have the least Sight, or Taste of. This is a Joy which a Stranger intermeddleth not with. Doubtless, the holy and good Man will have his uneasy Sensations, as well as other Men, produced, by the Wounds that may be given to his Body, Name, Family, or Interest, which he is liable unto, in common with others, while he is in a World of Sin, and Sorrow: But yet, if, at the same Time, he has that to comfort him, which is an Over-balance unto all his Pains, and is sufficient to afford him inward Peace and Joy, he may well be said to be an happy Man, notwithstanding all the adverse Circumstances that attend him. And this is the Case of every truly good Man, he not only has enough to keep him from sinking under his present Difficulties, but to cause him to rejoice in Tribulation.(l)(l)2 Cor. vii. 4.2 Cor 7:4

Now, this spiritual Delight and Joy is all of it administred unto the Soul, by the divine Commandment, as the great Instrument the holy Spirit p. 136makes Use of, to irradiate, and comfort, the renewed Mind. 'Tis this makes us the capable Subjects of this Joy; this hands the Comfort out into the Soul; this leads the Soul to the Fountain, to drink of the pure River of Pleasures, and take in of the Fulness of Joys. Hence our blessed Lord, in that heavenly Discourse he made to his Disciples, a little before his Death, says to them, (m)(m)Joh. xv. 11.John 15:11These Things have I spoken unto you, that my Joy might remain in you, and that your Joy might be full. And so the beloved Disciple of our Lord tells us, in his first Epistle, (n)(n)1 Joh. i. 1, 4.1 John 1:11 John 1:4That which was from the Beginning, which we have heard—of the Word of Life;—these Things write we unto you, that your Joy might be full. Here I shall take Notice of two Things in particular,

1. The Commandment administers Support and Comfort to the holy Soul under all his present Afflictions. We know, that through much Tribulation we must enter into the Kingdom of GOD, **Acts xiv. 22.Acts 14:22and that many are the Afflictions of the Righteous; ††Psal. xxxiv. 19.Ps 34:19yet, nevertheless, our heavenly Father, in his tender Compassion to us, hath laid in a sufficient Stock of Comfort for us, in his holy Word, in the many Encouragements, and precious Promises therein set before us, suted to our present Condition, be it what it will.

Not only are we directed thereby, so to govern, and behave ourselves, as that we do not, by our Sloth and Negligence, our Impatience and Peevishness, our Rashness and Inconsiderateness, our Intemperance and Wantonness, our Falseness and Injuriousness, and many other foolish Ways, bring upon ourselves those many Distresses and Perplexities, p. 137which the ungodly World involve themselves in; but when our heavenly Father sees it meet, in His holy Sovereignty, to lay any kind of Affliction and Sorrow upon us, He also, for our Encouragement and Support, gives us herein His gracious Promise to be with us (t)(t)Ps. xci. 15.Ps 91:15, and never to leave us nor forsake us (u)(u)Heb. xiii. 5.Heb 13:5, to uphold us from falling (w)(w)Isa. xii. 10.Isa 12:10, and prevent our Burdens from being too heavy for us, and upon our earnest and fiducial Calling upon Him, to deliver us out of them, (x)(x)Job. v. 19.Job 5:19if he sees it best; and, in the mean while, that we may be enabled, patiently, and chearfully, to bear what He appointeth for us, He assureth us, in His Word, of His Fatherly Love, and Compassion, to us, under all, and that He meaneth all for our real Benefit and Advantage; that we may be more weaned from a vain and thorny World, by our too fond Regards to which we often hurt and wound ourselves, and may be more at Liberty to mind, and secure, our spiritual and eternal Interest; to work upon our Corruptions, and purge away the Remainder of our Filth, that we may be more pure and Godlike; to search and try us, and discover the Reality, and Strength, of our Faith and Vertue, to ourselves, that we may rejoice in the Prospect, and to others, that they may be allured unto real Godliness; and, finally, to be the Means to promote and encrease, our future Crown of Glory. And who can think seriously of these mighty Advantages from the divine Commandment, or have any Perception of them, without seeing, that here is enough, not only to keep him from sinking into Dispondency, in the Day of Affliction, but, to enable him to count it all Joy when he falls into diverse Temptations?

p. 138Thus, under all our outward, and worldly Sorrows, we may repair to the divine Commandment, and find a Word peculiarly adapted to our Circumstances, from which, by a due Improvement of it, we may fetch in so much of Light and Joy, as shall raise us above the Impressions, which our Afflictions would, otherwise, make upon us. Thus, when we meet with any heavy Losses, and Bereavements, and we find the perishing Creature wings itself away from us, we have this to support, and comfort us, under all, (o)(o)Psal. xxxiv. 9, 10.Ps 34:9Ps 34:10There is no Want to them that fear the Lord; the young Lions do lack, and suffer hunger, but they that fear the Lord shall want no good thing: And that, (p)(p)Luke x. 42.Luke 10:42there is a good Part, which shall not be taken away. Thus, under bodily Sickness, Pains, and infirmities, we are told, for our Comfort, (q)(q)Heb. xii. 6, 7, 10.Heb 12:6Heb 12:7Heb 12:10Whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth; and scourgeth every Son, whom he receiveth: if ye endure chastening, GOD dealeth with you, as with Sons: be chasteneth us for our Profit, to make us Partakers of his Holiness. And that, (r)(r)2 Cor. iv. 17.2 Cor 4:17Our light Affliction, which is but for a Moment, worketh for us a for more exceeding and Eternal Weight of Glory. Should Poverty invade us, and bring us low in the World? we have this for our Viaticum, and Refreshment, (s)(s)Matth. v. 3.Matt 5:3Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs it the Kingdom of Heaven: And that, (t)(t)Jam. ii. 5.Jas 2:5GOD hath chosen the poor of this World, rich in Faith, and Heirs of the Kingdom. Or, are we reproached, and reviled, and have Contempt, and Ignominy, poured upon us, by the slanderous Tongues of those, whose Mouths are as an open Sepulchre? What a Word of Comfort have we, p. 139in that of our Saviour? (u)(u)Matth. v. 11, 12.Matt 5:11Matt 5:12Blessed are ye, when Men shall revile you, and say all Manner of Evil of you, falsly, for my Sake; rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your Reward in Heaven. So that if we are careful not to suffer as EvilDeers, but endure Grief, and suffer wrongfully, for. Conscience towards GOD, this-is' Thankworthy.

And thus, when we are exercised with any inward, and spiritual Trouble, arising, either, from a deep Sense of our own Guilt, and daily Imperfections, there is enough in the Commandment to revive, and comfort us; as that, (w)(w)Mic. vii. 18.Mic 7:18Who is a GOD, like unto our GOD? that pardoneth Iniquity, and passeth by the Transgression of the Remnant of his Heritage; he retaineth not his Anger for ever, because he delighteth in Mercy. And that, (x)(x)Ps. ciii. 13.Ps 3:13Like as a Father pitieth his Children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him: And that, (y)(y)Rom. v. 20.Rom 5:20Where Sin abounded, Grace did much more abound: Or, for Fear of the Malice, and Temptations of the wicked One, whom we find continually buffetting of us, and casting his fiery Darts at us; this is our Encouragement, (z)(z)1 Cor. x. 13.1 Cor 10:13GOD is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the Temptation also make a Way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it; and that, (a)(a)Heb. ii. 18.Heb 2:18for in that he himself hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted; and that, (b)(b)2 Cor. xii. 9.2 Cor 12:9My Grace shall be sufficient for you: Or, from the Withdraw of the divine Favour, and the Hidings of the Light of the divine Countenance from us; yet even in this sore Distress we are not left comfortless, but may still repair to the Name p. 140of the Lord, the strong Tower whereto the Righteous run and are safe; for he hath said, (c)(c)Isa. xxvi. 20.Isa 26:20Come, my People, enter into thy Chambers, and shut thy Doors about thee; hide thyself, as it were, for a little Moment, until the Indignation be everpast: And, (d)(d)Isa. liv. 7, 8.Isa 54:7Isa 54:8for a small Moment have I forsaken thee, but with great Mercies will I gather thee; in a little Wrath, I hid my Face from thee, for a Moment, but with everlasting Kindness will I have Mercy on thee, saith the Lord, thy Redeemer.

Thus the exceeding broad Commandment affords Relief; and Comfort to us, under all the Difficulties, and Sorrows, whether outward, or inward, which any of the People of GOD, are liable to, in the present World; and that such Support, so great, so solid, so joyous, as is not to be met withal in any, nor all, of the Creatures: A Sense of which made the Psalmist say, (e)(e)Ps. cxix. 92.Ps 19:92Unless thy Law had been my Delight, I should then have perished in mine Affliction. And it is with a peculiar Reference unto the Advantages which he reaped from the Commandment, when the whole Creation would not support him, under the fierce Trials which he met withal, that he says, in the Words of my Text, I have seen an End of all Perfection, but thy Commandment is exceeding broad.

2. Another thing I would observe is, That the natural Produce, and Effect, of our keeping the Commandment is, a true, inward, spiritual Joy, and Satisfaction of Mind. Surely, there is nothing more delightful, and pleasant, to a rational Creature, than the inward Peace, and Satisfaction, of his own Mind; that this be calm, and quiet, and have nothing to disturb it. This has been the utmost Aim of Philosophy, and the great p. 141Search of wise Men has been how to attain it: but after all their Enquiry, it will be found, that there are no Methods, any can fix upon, which will so naturally, and certainly, afford this inward Satisfaction, as a steady, and constant, Observation of the divine Commandment, as a firm Belief of all the Doctrines, and a conscientious Regard to all the Precepts, contained in that sacred Revelation, will. Hence are those Texts, (f)(f)Ps. xix. 8.Ps 19:8The Statutes of the Lord are right rejoicing the Heart. (g)(g)Ps. cxix. 165:Ps 19:165Great Peace have they that love thy Law, and nothing shall offend them. (h)(h)Prov. iii. 17.Prov 3:17Her Ways are Ways of Pleasantness, and all her Paths are Peace. (i)(i)Isa. xxxii. 17.Isa 32:17The Work of Righteousness shall be Peace, and the Effect of Righteousness, Quietness, and Assurance forever.

For, let but any Man seriously weigh the natural, and mighty Influence it will have upon his Mind, to preserve it calm and steady, composed and easy, chearful and pleased with himself, for him to uphold a constant Reverence to the divine Majesty, and worship him in Spirit and Truth, freely to approach to him with his humble Supplications for all that he stands in Need of, and return him the Praise of all that he receives from him; and to live in the universal Practice of Righteousness, Truth, and Charity, injuring no Man, but being ready to put up Injuries, and pass by Offences, and extend his Beneficence to all about him; and to restrain his Appetites, and Passions, by the Rules of Sobriety, Patience, Temperance, and Contentment in his Station, and Condition; and to have his humble Dependance on the boundless Mercy of GOD, and his firm Reliance upon the infinite Merits and prevailing p. 142Intercession of JESUS CHRIST, our only Mediator, for Acceptance, when he has done all; all of which the Divine Commandment teaches, and requireth of us; I say, let any Man thorowly consider, and weigh, these Things, in his own Mind, and he will plainly see, and be forced to own, That no Man can possibly take a wiser Course, to preserve his Mind in perfect Peace, and enjoy that inward Satisfaction, and Self-pleasing Delight, which all the Rules of the wisest Philosophers could never attain to, than to pay a strict, and constant Regard to the Divine Commandment.

This, then, is the Solamen of the gracious Soul! and it is such a Satisfaction, and Joy, to him, as the greatest Fulness of the Profits, the Pleasures, and the Honours, of this World, cannot yield him, nor can the various worldly Sorrows, he may meet with, deprive him of it: and this is but the genuine Effect of GOD's Commandment: for, (k)(k)2 Cor. i. 2.2 Cor 1:2let but every Man prove his own Work, (bring it to the Touchstone of the divine Oracles, and see that it agreeth with that sacred Rule,) and then he shall have Rejoicing in himself alone. For what can ruffle the Soul, and make it uneasy, while the Man is conscious to himself, that he walks in the Ways of Wisdom, and acts as becometh a rational, and religious, Creature? This takes off the Offence he would, otherwise, conceive against himself, for doing a Wrong, or base Thing, and makes him pleased with himself, and his own Actions, and gains him the Plaudite of his own Conscience, which is more to a wise Man, and lays a surer Foundation for his inward, secret, but yet very powerful, Joy, and Pleasure, than the Approbation of all the Men in the World, p. 143without it. This made the inspired Apostle break forth, in that Transport of Joy, (k)(k)2 Cor. 1, 12.2 Cor 1:12This is our Rejoicing, the Testimony of our Conscience, that in Simplicity, and godly Sincerity, not by fleshly Wisdom, but by the Grace of GOD, we have had our Conversation in the World. Certainly, the Goings of such a Man must need be pleasant; and let the World frown, and things about him be thrown into great Confusion, let Friends treat him unkindly, Enemies insult him, and Nature fail him, yet his Path-Way, when he retires within himself, and takes a Survey of himself, and his Actions, affords him true Peace, and Serenity of Mind. Hence we read, (l)(l)Rom. xv. 13.Rom 15:13of all Joy in believing: and, (m)(m)1 Pet. i. 8.1 Pet 1:8of rejoicing with Joy unspeakable, and full of Glory. For now the holy Soul can say, I have an advocate with the Father, JESUS CHRIST the righteous, who is a Propitiation for my Sins: and if any thing can yield true Joy, and Peace, to the Soul, certainly a Sense of GOD's being, in CHRIST, reconciled to us, and, for His Sake, overlooking our Infirmities, and fully pardoning all our Iniquities, and delivering of us from the Curse, and entituling of us to the promised Blessing, will.

Hence also we read, of the Comforts of the Holy Ghost (n)(n)Act. ix. 31.Acts 9:31. For when that Holy Spirit brings home the Soul unto GOD, and enableth it to yield a hearty, sincere, and universal, Obedience to the Divine Commandment, He takes up his Residence in that Soul, and sheds abroad his holy and heavenly, Influences in it, by which it is that the Soul is made willing, and obedient; and wherever He dwells, we may reasonably expect that, there will be true solid Joy and Comfort; p. 144because it is His proper Office, as the Divine Paraclete, to administer Joy, as well as to sanctify; and therefore is He stiled (o)(o)John xiv. 26.John 14:26the Comforter; who witnesseth with our Spirits, that we are the Children of GOD, and Heirs of Salvation.

Thus, the natural Produce of the divine Commandment is, the bright Rays of divine Light, and Joy. This is the Joy of the Lord, (p)(p)Phil. iv. 4.Phil 4:4and the Peace of GOD which passeth all Understanding (q)(q)Ver. 7.! This Comfort, and Joy, is the Saints peculiar Priviledge, and is the highest Degree of Happiness he is capable of in this World; and is to him the Earnest, and Foretaste of the Heavenly State. This the Wicked, who live in Disobedience to the Commandment of GOD, and have no Delight in his Word, know nothing of: but the Wicked are like the troubled Sea, when it cannot rest, whose Waters cast up Mire, and Dirt; there is no Peace, saith my GOD, unto the Wicked ††Isal. lvil. 20, 21.: Wasting, and Destruction, are in their Paths, the Way of Peace they know not; they have made them crooked Paths, whosoever goeth therein shall not know Peace **Isai. lix. 7, 8.Isa 59:7Isa 59:8.

The exceeding Breadth of the divine Commandment is seen, in that full, compleat, and endless Happiness, which it lead to, in the World that is to come. That no Man is truly happy, until he arrives at his End, has been an old Observation. For, however it may fare with any Man at present, we know not what may befall him hereafter; He that is now in the most afflicted Condition, may, possibly, anon, have such an happy Turn given to his Circumstances, as that he shall never more know any thing that would p. 145be burdensome to him, but ever dwell at Rest, in the quiet Possession of all that is delightful and pleasant to him: or, however agreeable and satisfactory a Man's present Circumstances may be to him, we can't tell, but, that within a little while, he may undergo such a Change, in his Condition, as to be striped of all that was joyous to him, and, instead thereof, to have a continued Succession of Pain, and Anguish, tormenting of him. And no Man, that thinks calmly, will suppose, that a present State of Affluence, and Delight, will render that Person Happy, who must by and by change the Scene, and pass into a final State, and of longer in Duration, of the extreamest Want, and the most exquisite Pain. No; He is the truly happy Man, who ends happily; who, whatever be his present Circumstances, shall anon possess all that is agreeable to him, without any Mixture of Uneasiness, or Fear of his ever altering his Condition for the worse.

Now, it is the blessed Design of the divine Commandment, to lead us unto this happy End, to render our final, and last, State in which we shall exist longest, and from which we shall know no Alteration, a State of true Pleasure, and endless Satisfactions, to us. 'Tis this that informs us of a State of supream, and endless, Glory, and Happiness, to be enjoyed in the future World; after a Period is put to the present Life; without which Information we should have had no just Conceptions about it. (r)(r)2. Tim. i. 10.2 Tim 1:10Our Saviour JESUS CHRIST, who hath abolished Death, hath brought Life, and Immortality, to Light, through the Gospel. (s)(s)Col. i. 5.Col 1:5The Hope which is laid up for you in Heaven, whereof ye heard before in the Word of the Truth of the Gospel.

p. 146This shew us how, and by what means, this happy State is procured for us, namely, by JESUS CHRIST, who, (t)(t)Heb. ii. 14.Heb 2:14forasmuch as the Children are Partakers of Flesh and Blood, Himself also likewise took part of the same, that, thro' Death, he might destroy him that had the Power of Death, that is the Devil: by whose Blood we have Boldness to enter into the Holiest (u)(u)Heb. x. 19, 20.Heb 10:19Heb 10:20, by a new, and living Way He hath consecrated for us, thro' the Vail, that is to say, His Flesh: who, (w)(w)Heb. vi. 20.Heb 6:20as our Fore-Runner, is for us entred within the Vail, and (x)(x)Joh. xiv. 3.John 14:3will come again, and receive us unto himself, that where He is, there we may be also.

This shews us the Path Way leading unto Life, and acquaints us with those Terms, which GOD hath prescribed, to be complied with by us, in Order to our safe Arrival at this happy State; that (y)(y)Mar. xvi. 16.Mark 16:16He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved; and he that believeth not shall be damned: that, (z)(z)Joh. x. 27, 28.John 10:27John 10:28they that hear His Voice, and follow Him, He will give unto them eternal Life, and they shall never perish; that, (a)(a)Rom. ii. 7.Rom 2:7it is by patient Continuance in the Way of Well-doing that we are to seek for Glory, Honour, and Immortality, and shall obtain Eternal Life.

'Tis this also that qualifies us for the Enjoyment of the promised Felicity, by pourtraying the Lineaments, and Characters, of the Divine Image upon our Souls, and making of us like to GOD, and meet for the Inheritance of the Saints in Light; thus 'tis the Word of Truth, the Gospel of our Salvation (b)(b)Eph. i. 13.Eph 1:13; 'tis (c)(c)a Cor. iv. 4, 6.the Light of the Glorious Gospel of Christ, that shineth p. 147into our Hearts, to give us the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of GOD in the Face of Jesus Christ; and (d)(d)Eph. iii. 6.Eph 3:6we are made Partakers of His Promise in Christ, by the Gospel.

And finally, it is this that assures, and confirms, this Happiness to us, and according to which we shall receive our future Reward; (e)(e)Joh. ii. 25.John 2:25This is the Promise He hath promised us, even eternal Life; (f)(f)Joh. xiii. 17.John 13:17If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them: and, (g)(g)Rom. ii. 16.Rom 2:16GOD shall judge the Secrets of Men, by Jesus Christ, according to my Gospel. The whole Gospel is a clear Demonstration that this is the great End and Design of the Commandment, to bring us to the full Enjoyment of true and compleat Happiness; and therefore is it said, (h)(h)Jam. i. 21.Jas 1:21to be a Word able to save your Souls.

Thus, the Commandment appears to be exceeding broad, in that it leads to compleat Happiness, in the World to come; and its Perfection will be more fully seen, by considering the Suitableness, the Fulness, and the Durableness, of this Happiness to us.

1. The Suitableness of this Happiness, 'T a Felicity every way adapted to our Nature, and to our Condition.

'Tis suitable to our Natures, spiritual as we are; and this renders it an happy State, indeed, because therein is possessed what is most agreeable unto us; so that there is no Jar between our Nature, and the Objects from whence our Happiness resulteth. It consisteth in spiritual Enjoyments, GOD, and CHRIST, and holy Angels, and the Spirits of just Men made perfect: for we shall then, come to the City of the living p. 148GOD, to the heavenly Jerusalem, to the Spirits of Just Men made perfect, to the innumerable Company of Angels, to the general Assembly, and Church of the First-born, and to GOD the Judge of all, and to JESUS the Mediator (i)(i)Heb. xii. 22. 24.Heb 12:22Heb 12:24The Pleasure, Satisfaction, and Joy, are all the most spiritual, as are, in some Measure, the lesser Degrees of it, which the Saint experience here: our Bodies themselves will then be spiritualised, and be no more capable of the carnal Joys which now affect them. The Services, and Employments, of Heaven are spiritual also; Hallelujahs, and Praise, and the highest Devotion, being the Work of Saints, and Angels, throughout an endless Eternity.

'Tis an Happiness suited to our Condition and Circumstances, and contains in it a perfect Deliverance from all Evil, both of Sin, and of Punishment. For, there entreth into the holy City above, nothing that desileth, or worketh Abomination, or maketh a Lye (k)(k)Rev. xxi. 17.Rev 21:17The holy Soul will carry no Remainders of Corruption with him there, to discompose, or pollute, his Mind, and marr the Pleasancy of his Society, and Converse; nor shall any tempting Devil there invade him, but there is perfect Harmony, and perfect Purity.

There no Sorrow shall disturb us, but (l)(l)Rev. xxi.Rev 21GOD shall wipe away all Tears from our Eyes; and there shall be no more Death, neither Sorrow, nor Crying, neither shall there be any more Pain. We shall then be subject to none of those afflictive Evils, which our Lives here are often imbittered with; nor shall the Second Death have any Power over us(m)(m)Rev. xx. 6.Rev 20:6

p. 149This happy State consisteth in the Possession of a suitable Good, what a rational, and immortal, Soul craves after, and is delighted in. Then GOD shall be all in all unto the Soul; and the Possession of him, who is the Perfection of Beauty, will be such an agreeable Happiness, that the Soul can wish for nothing in Heaven besides him. Then the dear Object of our Affection, who hath so loved us as to give himself for us, to wash away our Sins in his own Blood, will forever appear before us, not, as on Earth, with a Crown of Thorns, and his Visage marr'd more than any Man's, but, in all the radiant Lustre of an enthroned Redeemer, surrounded with the glorious Retinue of the heavenly Host, shouting their loud Hosannahs to the incarnate Son of GOD; and the Sight, and Enjoyment of him, whom here we have not seen, but loved, will be the continual Satisfaction, and Delight, of the holy Soul; whose devout Breathings now are, like that of the Psalmist, (n)(n)Ps. lxxiii. 25.Ps 73:25Whom have I is Heaven but thee, and there is nothing on Earth that I desire besides thee.

2. This Happiness is most full and sufficient, answerable to our Wants, and our most enlarged Desires. 'Tis not only suitable unto our Nature, but there is enough of it, and to spare. There is such a Fulness, in the Happiness of Heaven, that the Soul cannot possibly need any thing more, to render it possessed of true and unspeakable Felicity, and that far beyond what are it's present most raised Expectations, and earnest Cravings. For, (o)(o)1 Cor. ii. 9.1 Cor 2:9Eye hath not seen, nor Ear heard, neither hath it entred into the Heart of Man to conceive, how great things GOD hath laid up for them that love him.

p. 150Fulness, and Sufficiency, are very necessary Inpredients in true Happiness. For, let a Man's Possessions be what they will, yet, if they are not, equal to his Desires, he is miserable, in the Midst of his greatest Abundance; because his Desires, of what he has not, and cannot have, will be a continual Torment to him. But here, in the Happiness of the future World, there is an immense Fulness; not Streams only, but Rivers of Pleasure, not Abundance only, but Fulness of Joys, which are at GOD's Right Hand (p)(p)Ps. xvi. 11.Ps 16:11'Tis a satisfying Fulness, which compleatly fills every Appetite of the Soul; and more; the holy Soul enters into the Joy of his Lord (q)(q)Matth. xxv. 21.Matt 25:21He is swallowed up with ineffable Delights and Satisfactions.

In short; There is enough in GOD, and CHRIST, and Heaven, to satisfy all the Appetites of the innumerable Hosts of Heaven; and, whilst each particular Believer shall have as much as he can contain, there remains an infinite Ocean of Delights behind, from whence all the glorified Angels derive their unutterable Joys, and yet, there is no more of an Abatement, and lowering, of the Fountain, than if there were none of those Miriads of Streams continually issuing from it, which everlasting delight those happy Spirits.

3. Lastly; to render this Happiness truly compleat, it shall never have an End. The Happiness, which the divine Commandment leads us to, not only succeeds to that mixed Condition which attends us while we are in this World, and is our last Stage, after which we shall know no other State, but it will abide, and continue, with us, throughout an endless Duration; and this renders p. 151it a State of Happiness indeed. A short Fit of Ease, following upon a much longer one of Pain, is exceeding pleasant; and how greatly would the Pleasure be enhansed, could we besure the Pain would return no more upon us? What then will the long, the uninterrupted, the endless Delights, and Pleasures, of Eternity be? How Ravishing! how Transporting! must it be, for the Soul to feel itself in the full Possession of perfect Transquility, encircled with all that is entertaining, and delightful to it, and to be able to look Forward, and be assured, that this State will continue forever and ever? This is the Condition of the happy Spirits in the heavenly World. The Rivers of Pleasures at GOD's Right Hand continue to flow, and will do so forever and ever. Nothing shall be able to dam up the flowing Stream; no Duration will be sufficient to run it dry; but, throughout an endless Eternity, the Happiness will remain, and increase, upon the obedient Soul; and the more he receives, the more capable will the enlarged Mind be of advanced Degrees of it, and be perpetually as filled, as it is extended, without ever being cloyed, or the least Diminution of the Felicity.

The great Author, and Object, of this Happiness is, from everlasting to everlasting (r)(r)Ps. xc. 2.Ps 90:2; and this Felicity can no more cease to flow from him, upon Supposition of a Subject capable of receiving it, than He can cease to have a Being.

The joyful Partakers of this Happiness are purified, immortal Spirits (s)(s)Matth. x. 28.Matt 10:28, and immortal Bodies (t)(t)1 Cor. xv. 53.1 Cor 15:53also, and consequently the Happiness it self must needs be everlasting.

p. 152Hence the Seat of this Blessedness is stiled, an everlasting Habitation (u)(u)Luk. xvi. 9.Luke 16:9an House, not made with Hands, eternal in the Heavens (w)(w)2 Cor. v. 1.2 Cor 5:1; and the blessed State is termed, eternal Life(x)(x)Rem. vi. 22.

Thus we see that the Happiness of the future World is perfect and compleat, being suitable, full, and endless; and that it is the great, and noble End, and Design, of the Divine Commandment, to bring us to all of this Happiness, and fix us in it: hence said our Saviour, (y)(y)Joh. xii. 49, 50.John 12:49John 12:50I have not spoken of myself, but the Father which sent me, He gave Me a Commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak; and I know that his Commandment is Life everlasting.

These Things shew us, that the Divine Commandment is exceeding broad, considered as to its gracious End and Design, which, we see, is to perfect our Nature, and compleat our Happiness; which none, nor all, of the Creatures are able to Effect. There remaineth one Head more to be spoken to, which I shall more briefly go over, and conclude the doctrinal handling of these Words. viz.

V. The Commandment of GOD will appear exceeding broad, if we consider its Duration, that it forever abideth. Duration addeth greatly to the Worth and Excellency of Things which are otherwise valuable. 'Tis This that renders Gold the most precious of Metals, in the Estimation of Mankind, that it is less Subject to Corruption, and Loss, by Rust, or to Destruction, by the severest Trial the Fire can make upon it, and so is of a more durable Nature, than any other, And this stamps a peculiar Excellency, and Dignity, upon the Commandment, Law, or Word p. 153of GOD, that, when all the Objects of Sense are fading, and perishing, in their Nature, yet That remaineth fixed, permanent, and abiding, and continueth stedsast forever: for, who shall change what the infinitely great and wise GOD has determined; or, alter the Things that hath gone out of His Mouth? (z)(z)Isa. xl. 6, 8.Isa 40:6Isa 40:8All Flesh is Grass, and the Goodliness thereof as the Flower of Grass;—the Grass withereth, the Flower fadeth, but the Word of our GOD shall stand forever. Particularly,

1. It may not be improper to observe, the permanent Duration of that excellent Book, which containeth the Commandment of GOD, and handeth to us the Revelation of the Divine Mind and Will unto the World. However the first Ages of the World, under the Advantage of the Longevity of the Patriarchs, might have the Knowledge of what GOD had revealed, handed down from Father to Son, in a traditionary Way, sufficiently certain, to guide them in their Conduct; Yet as those Revelations multiplied, and the Life of Man was shortened, the divine Wisdom saw it necessary, to direct to a Collection of these Revelations, (as far as there was Occasion,) and committing them to Writing, by Men under the Inspiration and Guidance of the divine Spirit; that there might be a more certain Conveyance of the various Truths, and Duties, necessary to be believed, and practised, to succeeding Generations, than the Brevity of Life, Defects of Memory, and sinister Designs of multiplied Nations of Men, would admit of; and accordingly, all that GOD has seen meet to reveal, and thought proper to preserve, through the Series of the Old-Testament, and the New, until the sacred p. 154Canon, the Rule of our Faith, and Manners, was compleated, and there was no Occasion for any New Revelation, has been, at different Times, collected, and put into Writing, and is contained in that Book we call THE BIBLE, the Book of Books.

Now, it is a Matter well worthy of our Observation, for us to consider, after what a wonderful Manner, this holy Book, containing the Commandment, Law, and Word, of our GOD, has been preserved, and handed down to us, through so many Generations; notwithstanding all the Malice and Spite, the Rage and Fury, of the World against it. When Moses beheld a Bush burning with Fire, and yet not consumed, it filled him with Wonder; and he said upon it, (a)(a)Exod. iii. 3.Exod 3:3I will now turn aside, and see this great Sight, why the Bush is not burnt. That the Word of GOD has continued to this Day, after having endured so many Ages fiery Trial; and all the Flames, which the Lusts of Men, and Rage of Devils, have kindled against it, have not been able to consume it, is little less wonderful and surprising. For it is very certain, that there is no Book in the World so directly contrary to the Kingdom, and Interest, of the Devil, as our Bible is; no Book so diametrically opposite to the carnal Views, and sensual Pleasures, of Mankind, that gives such a Check to their most violent Inclinations, that so pungently touches them in the most tender Point, by thwarting and disturbing, of them, in their most pleasing Gratifications, as this Book does, by the strict Holiness, and Purity of its Doctrines, and Laws; and therefore it would be no strange Thing, but what might be expected, that Earth and Hell p. 155should combine together, in their utmost Endeavours, to destroy this holy Book from off the Face of the Earth, that there may be no more a Remembrance of it among Men. And accordingly, the Enemy have made their fierce Assaults upon the Bible; there have been publick Orders, and vigorous Attempts, from the ruling Powers of the Earth, to call in, and burn, and destroy, all the Copies of this Book of GOD; and yet it has outlived all the Spite, and Fury, of its persecuting Adversaries; and has been translated into most Languages, and spread over many and mighty Nations. While innumerable Writings, of merely humane Composition, though greatly valued by the World, have been eaten out, and totally devoured by the Iron Teeth of Time, these sacred Writings, though the first born of Writings, have remained firm, and secure, through all Ages, to this Day; and no Attempts of Hereticks to corrupt them, have been able to prevail against them, but the Imposture has soon been discovered, and the canonical Books preserved pure, and uncorrupt, in every material Article, to our Times: though probably there may be some literal, and less material Errors, through the Mistakes of Transcribers, and Typographers, easily discerned and corrected. So the Word of GOD abideth forever, and shall do so as long as the World lasteth. And it is no weak Argument of the divine Original of our Holy Bible, that such a peculiar Care of divine Providence has been so evidently manifested in the Preservation of it, as has baffled all Endeavours to suppress, and destroy it.

If we take a View of the several Matters contained in our holy Bible, we shall see that they are permanent and durable, I do not mean now p. 156the historical Part of the Bible, (tho' even that, being once true, remaineth forever so,) but I intend those Parts of the Bible which refer to our Duty, and our Happiness: and, leaving the moral Part to be considered by itself, I shall here only touch upon some other Heads.

Thus, if we consider the several Revelations contained in the sacred Oracles, we shall find, that, however they may, many of them, comprise such deep and mysterious Doctrines in them, as the greatest Search of the humane Understanding is not able to comprehend, yet, they are such sure and certain Truths, as will remain forever immutably the same; so that we may say upon them all, (b)(b)Psal. cxix. 162.Ps 19:162Thy Word is true from the Beginning, and every one of thy righteous Judgments endureth forever.

Or, if we consider the Predictions of the holy Writings, they will all of them appear to be infallibly certain, and, as many of them have been already exactly fulfilled, so, they all shall, in their due Time, without failing in the least Point, receive their full Accomplishment; and, when they are finally accomplished, it will remain an eternal Truth, that they were Predictions of such, and such, future Events, and that the Event exactly corresponded with the Production. Therefore the Prophet Isaiah introduces GOD Himself saying (c)(c)Isai. xlvi. 9, 10.Isa 46:9Isa 46:10I am GOD, and there is none else; I am GOD, and there is none like Me, declaring the End from the Beginning, and, from ancient Times, the Things that are not yet done; saying my Counsel shall stand, and I will do all my Pleasure.

Or, if we consider the Promises contained in the Word of GOD, we shall find, that they p. 157are not Yea, and Nay, uncertain, and indeterminate, loose, and changable, but they are all of them Yea, and Amen, sure, and infallible, firmer than Mountains of Brass, and shall all of them, without Exception, in due Time, and in the proper Manner, be fulfilled unto them who are intituled unto them; being founded upon the immutable Nature of GOD, which admitteth of no Variation, or Shadow of turning; and when they are once fulfilled are made good forever. Hence the Psalmist said, (d)(d)Psal. cxix. 89.Ps 19:89Forever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in Heaven; Thy Word of Promise is ratifyed and confirmed in Heaven; Thy Faithfulness is unto all Generations.

So the Religion, taught us in the Word of GOD, abideth forever. Whatever have been the Alterations in the external Modes, Rites, and Ceremonies, of the true Religion, which came down from Heaven, yet, as to the Substance thereof, it has been, and ever will be, invariably the same; therefore it is called, (e)(e)Psal. cxxxix. 14.Ps 39:14the Way everlasting, and (f)(f)1. Chron. xvi. 17.1 Chr 16:17an everlasting Covenant. For there never was, nor ever will be, any, from amongst the sinful Children of Men, received into the Favour of GOD, but through a Mediator, making himself an Offering, and Sacrifice for Sin; and by a sincere turning from all Wickedness, and patient Continuance in the Way of Well-doing. The Terms of Blessedness are forever the same.

I may add, the Blessed Effect of the Word of GOD, upon the hearts of Men, is permanent and abiding. That divine Work wrought upon the Soul of a Sinner, whereby he is begotten p. 158with the Word of Truth, and has the divine Image, and Likeness, renewed upon him, in a real thorow conversion to GOD, shall never perish and come to nothing, but be perfected unto the Day of CHRIST; He that hath begun the good Work, will take care of the Compleating of it; and the divine Life, introduced into the Soul, here, by the Vehiculum Spiritus, the Chariot of Salvation, shall pass over into eternal Glory. However frail the Believer may be in himself, and subject to many Weaknesses, and Falls, yet, the divine Power which has taken Possession of him, will not be forced to let go it's Hold, but, will uphold, and preserve him; and none shall be able to pluck him out of the Redeemer's Hands. The Seeds of divine Grace, planted in the renewed Soul, are incorruptible, immortal, and shall never die, but flourish forever and ever. Hence we read (g)(g)1 Pet. 1, 23.1 Pet 1:23of, being born again, not of corruptible Seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of GOD, which liveth and abideth forever.

3. The praceptive Part of the divine Commandment is of Everlasting Duration. I mean the moral Part of GOD's Law. For, though positive Precepts, depending upon the Will of the Lawgiver, and the variable Circumstances of the Subject, are alterable, at Pleasure, and as those Circumstances are changed, yet, the moral Precepts, which flow from the immutable Nature of GOD, and the constant Nature, and Relation, of Man, remain forever invariable. So the Divine Commandment was a Commandment unto Adam, a Law unto Israel, and is so to us Gentiles, since, through the tender Mercy of the most High, the Light of Israel is risen upon us. So that the p. 159divine Commandment endureth throughout all Ages, as well as extendeth to all Persons. Hence the Psalmist said, (h)(h)Ps. cxix. 152.Ps 19:152concerning thy Testimonies, I have known of old, that thou hast founded them forever: they are designed to endure forever, and are infinitely more unchangable than the Laws of the Medes and Persians.

Yea, the Divine Commandment is eternal Verity, founded upon the infinite Perfections of the Divine Nature, to which nothing can be added, from which nothing can be wanting, and therefore, like the divine Nature itself, shall endure throughout all Generations, and to an endless Eternity. Hence said our Saviour, (i)(i)Matth. v. 18.Matt 5:18Till Heaven and Earth pass away, one Jet, or one Tittle, shall in no wise pass from the Law, The moral Law is unchangable, immutable; sooner shall Heaven and Earth be abolished, than the Authority, and Obligation, of the moral Law be dissolved ††Mr. Burkit.. For though the Believer, when he shall arrive at his happy Seat, may no longer be a Subject capable of yielding Obedience to this, or that, Part of the Commandment; (which was adapted unto him, while he was on Earth,) yet, this argueth no Alteration in the Commandment itself, much less a nullifying of it; the Commandment abideth still, and forever, the same; because the natural, and necessary, Result of those Perfections which eternally centre in GOD; so that if these were, through an whole Eternity, a capable Subject, every Part of the Commandment, including Moral Duty, would forever remain in Force's but it only argueth a Change in the Subject, and that, because of his, then, advanced State, and Condition, this, or that, Part of the p. 160Commandment would have no Relation to him.

To give an instance, in that Repentance, and Sorrow of Soul for Sin, which, here, is the great Duty of every Christian: These are the natural Result of the Perfections of GOD, considered in Relation to a sinful Creature, as yet a capable Subject of Mercy; and therefore they forever remain good, in themselves, though, in Heaven, there is no Sinner to yield Obedience to them, nor, in Hell, any that are the capable Subjects of Mercy. Though there may be an Alteration in the Capacity, and Relation, of the Subject, by which Means he is no longer held under Obligation to perform such, or such a Duty; that it, is not under Obligation to obey a Law which was not made for him; yet there can be no Alteration, strictly speaking, in the Nature of the Divine Commandment; which is unchangeable, as GOD himself is. So that there is an eternal Excellency in the Divine Commandment.

Thus, I have shewed you, the Commandment of GOD is exceeding broad, considered in the Excellency of its Original; it's Nature; and the Extent of it, to every Man, and to our whole Duty; in it's great End and Design, to perfect our Nature, and make us compleatly happy; and in it's eternal Duration; And, upon the Whole, we see, with what good Reason the Psalmist said, I have seen an End of all Perfection, but thy Commandment is exceeding broad.

I must now leave the Improvement of these things to a farther Opportunity, GOD willing; Consider what you have now beard, (or read,) and the LORD give you Understanding in all Things.