The Spiritual use of an Orchard, or Garden of FRUIT-TREES. Set forth in divers Similitudes between Natural and Spiritual fruit-trees, in their Natures, and ordering, according to Scripture and Experience. The second Impression; with the Addition of many Similitudes. By RAMIRES: AUSTEN, Author of the first part. Hos: 12.10. I have used Similitudes by the Ministry of the Prophets. Jer: 17.8. He shall be as a Tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her Roots by the River, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green, and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. Rom: 11.23. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. Joh: 15.1, 2. I am the true Vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Cant. 2.3. Like the Appletree among the Trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. OXFORD, Printed by HEN: HALL., Printer to the UNIVERSITY, for THO: ROBINSON. M.DC.LVII. Aug: 2. 1656. Imprimatur; JOHAN: OWEN, Vicecan: Oxon: A Preface to the Reader. HAVING in the first part of this work spoken at large, concerning the ordering of Natural Fruit-trees, in all respects, and of the great Profits, Pleasures, and Advantages that arise thence; I shall now consider Fruit-trees upon another Account; and endeavour to make some Spiritual use, and improvement of them. And this should be our care, as to all creatures which we have to do with, upon all occasions: according to the example of our Lord, and Saviour, whose use it was to spiritualife Natural and Moral things, when he conversed with us in his bodily presence, as we see frequently in Scripture. When the Pharisees spoke of washing their hands before meat. Matth. 15.20. Christ instructs them (thereupon) about spiritual defilements; when the woman of Samaria came to draw water, Christ tells her of living water, Joh. 4.10. When his disciples brought him Meat, he tells them he had meat they knew not of, it was meat, and drink to him to do his father's will, Jo. 4.34 When the man spoke of having his inheritance divided Luk. 12.13. our Saviour (thereupon) instructs him, and others at large, to beware of covetousness, and worldly cares: when the multitude followed him having eaten of the Loaves, Jo. 6. Christ thereupon counsels them to labour for the meat that perisheth not, for the bread of life, Joh. 6.26. And many spiritual things he illustrates by Similitudes from Natural things: as we see Matth. 13. (and many other places) from Scede, Tares, Mustardseed, Leaven, a Treasure in the Field, a Pearl, a draw net etc. So should we make a Spiritual use of Natural things; and so turn Earth (as it were) into heaven. When we have gone through all the works and labours to be performed in the Orchard, and have received thereby a rich recompense of Temporal Profits and Pleasures in the use of the Trees and Fruits, we may (besides all that) make a Spiritual use of them, and receive more and greater Profits and Pleasures thereby. Men are not wont to stint themselves at worldly Profits, but why are they not willing to receive all kinds of Profits, or why are they not willing to receive the greatest, and best? should a man choose, and prefer a Glasse-beade or Toy before some Precious, and Rich Jewel, would he not be censured for a foolish man: how much more foolish, and unwise is he that seeks after Temporal Profits, and neglects Spiritual, and Eternal? therefore be careful to make a spiritual improvement of fruit-trees. The World is a great Library, and Fruit-trees are some of the Books wherein we may read and see plainly the Attributes of God, his Power, Wisdom, Goodness etc. and be instructed and taught our duty towards him in many things, even from Fruit-trees: for as trees (in a Metaphorical sense) are Books, so likewise in the same sense they have a Voice, and speak plainly to us, and teach us many good lessons. The Lord Bacon says, God hath two great Books which we ought to study, his Word, and his Works: the one discovers his Will, the other his Power. The Apostle says Rom. 1.20. The invisible things of him from the Creation of the World are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his Eternal Power and Godhead. The Creatures of God are to be studied as Books, for in them we may read the Attributes of God and observe some small resemblances, and dark shadows of his infinite Excellencies, and Perfections; they are seen Per speculum Creaturarum: They who cannot read a line in any Printed Book, may read many good lessons in the Book of the Creatures. Fruit-trees though they are dumb companions, yet (in a sense) we may discourse with them: The Saint's soul exalting humiliation. p. 87. et p. 205. The works of God speak to the mind as his Word does to the Eare. Mr Boulton says Our Eyes (Especially on the Sabbath day) ought as little Bees fall upon several objects, and from them (as from so many Flowers) gather honey, and bring it into the hive; That is, sweet, heavenly, wholesome Meditations for magnifying the Creator in all his Attributes. Fruit-trees and other Creatures do truly (though without an articulate voice) Preach the Attributes and perfections of God to us; And we may read divine Truths in them, as in a Book consisting of words and sentences; the Creatures of God (according to their natures) speak out the praises of God, Ps. 145.10. All thy works praise thee O Lord, and among them Fruitful Trees, 148.9. Things without sense or life, have a voice, and speak to us, Ps. 19 The Heavens declare the glory of God. vers. 3. Their voices are heard in every language, or Nation. and vers. 4. Their words go to the ends of the World. So that not only rational and irrational, but even Inanimate Creatures have a voice, and speak loudly to men, and it is our duty to learn their language, and hearken to them. All Creatures (as a holy Man says) have a teaching voice, they read us divinity Lectures of divine Providence. We must be content to stoop to their way and manner of teaching, as the Egyptians and others in former times, who were instructed by Characters and Hyeroglyphiques, by something represented to the eye, Notions were conveyed to the understanding. Dumb Creatures speak virtually and convincingly to the mind, and Conscience. If we make use of Creatures to serve our turn only in reference to our outward man, we make not half that use of them as we ought, we should study the Creatures and learn from them, to bring us nearer the Creator. Climbing up by them, as by steps, or stairs, till we ascend to the highest Good. How much of the goodness and excellencies of God do Fruit-trees show forth when they (in their seasons) flourish with Leaves Blossoms and Fruits; especially considered not only as they appear beautiful to the eye, but also with all their inward beauties and perfections, their virtues, and uses in the life of man? Both in alimental and Physical respects; but most of all, as they are Similitudes and bear the figure, and resemblance of many high and great Mysteries in the Word of God: the Analogy and resemblance is very near in many things to the most noble visible Creature MAN. Fruit-trees bear the Figure and resemblance of what is of highest esteem with God, his People, his Jewels, his Adopted Sons, yea of his Natural Son, as we frequently find in Scripture. Likeness and resemblance of inferior Creatures to those above them, does ennoble, and put some dignity upon them, according to the degree of likeness. Now what Creatures bear resemblance to man in so many respects as Fruit-trees? see the Observations pag. 1. 2. etc. De Gen. ad Lit. Li. 15. Austin speaking of the marvellous effects of Nature that appear in Seeds, Trees, and Fruits, says they wonderfully manifest the Attributes of God, therefore he exhorts us to search into them: Ex ipsis Operibus Dei indagare conemur; consideremus ergo cujuslibet Arboris pulchritudinem in robore, ramis, frondibus, Pomis etc. Let us (saith he) inquire into the works of God, and consider the beauty of a tree in the strength boughs, leaves, and fruits; he says it is wonderful to see so great a body rise of so small a seed, which seed has in it the whole Tree, with the Leaves, Fruits, and Seed, for the propagation of the kind; not in their bulk, and dimensions, but Virtually, as a Cause producing all these. Illud germen ex semine, in semine ergo illa omnìa fuerunt primitùs, non mole corporeae magnitudinis, sed vi potentiaque causaliter. For, In exiguo grano mirabilior praestantiorque vis est, quia valuit adjacens humor commixtus terrae. In this small seed there is a great and wonderful virtue, which shows itself being cast into the earth, which then riseth up into a body, and spreads itself into boughs, and Branches, Quid enim ex Arbore illâ surgit, aut pendet, quod non ex quodam occulto Thesauro seminis illius extractum atque depromptum est? What riseth, or grows upon the Tree that is not brought, or drawn out of the seed, as out of a certain Storehouse, or Treasury? Fruit-trees discover many things of God, and many things of ourselves, and concerning our duty to God. We inquire of, and discourse with Fruit-trees when we consider, and meditate of them, when we search out their virtues and perfections which God hath put into them, when we pry into their natures, and properties, that is speaking to them. And when we (after a serious search) do make some use and result of what we see in them, when we collect something from them concerning the Power, Wisdom, Goodness, and Perfections of God, or our duty to God, that is the Answer of the Fruit-trees; then Fruit-trees speak to the mind, and tell us many things, and teach us many good lessons. Our Considerations of them are the Questions we put to them, and the Inferences or Conclusions, are their Answers. Those are the Lessons they teach us. Of this see Mr Caryl his Exposition on Job. chap. 12. job tells us of many Masters, Creatures of which we may learn, chap. 12. The Beasts, the Fishes etc. and ver. 8. Speak to the Earth and it shall teach thee etc. or (as it is interpreted) ask every slip or sprig that grows in the Earth, and it shall teach thee. Natural, and visible things are shadows to us of Spiritual, and the Spirit of God from things sensible, and visible, raiseth our minds to things spiritual, and invisible. The Ancients were skilled in this kind of Learning, in teaching by SIMILITUDES, and one of them observes, that God sent us the Book of Nature, before he sent us the Book of the Scriptures. The People of God in the beginning of the World were without the Scriptures for many years, and they read many things in the Book of the Creatures. Isaac went to meditate in the Fields Gen. 24.63. And no doubt learned many Lessons from the Creatures. And when the Church had some part of the Scriptures, yet were they instructed for the space of two thousand years together by Similitudes, for what was all the old administration, but shadows, or Similitudes of things to come, all shadowing out Christ, and the things of Christ? So the Apostle tells us Heb. 10 1. The law having the shadow of good things to come; and Heb. 8.5. The example and shadow of heavenly things: and Heb. 9.23. The Similitudes of heavenly things. All their Services and Ceremonies were Similitudes of heavenly, and spiritual things, whereby they were taught, and instructed. Teaching by SIMILITUDES is the most plain way of Teaching, and makes dark things more clear to the Understanding, and best to be retained in the Memory. Our blessed Saviour (the great Prophet and teacher of his Church, who spoke as never man spoke) he taught much by SIMILITUDES in his own person; and before his coming in the flesh, by his Prophets, as we see Hos: 12.10. I have used Similitudes by the Ministry of the Prophets: so we find in Esay, Ezekiel, and the rest. One says, as Windows are to a house, so are SIMILITUDES to a Discourse: they both let in light to see and discern things that otherwise would be obscure. Fruit-trees are a TEXT from which may be raised many profitable Doctrines, and Conclusions, which may be proved by Scripture, and Experience. Now therefore; seeing many things may be learned from Fruit-trees for Spiritual profit; I shall set down some Observations which I have made upon them, discovering the Nature, and ordering of Natural, and Spiritual Fruit-trees, in divers SIMILITUDES, according to Scripture, and experience, speaking of most particulars very briefly. As I have planted many thousands of Natural Fruit-trees for the good of the COMMONWEALTH, so also I have taken some Spiritual Cyences, or Grafts from them (I mean several Propositions drawn from Observations in Nature, which are some what branched forth into Boughs, and twiggs) and bound them up and sent them abroad for the good of the Church of God: And if men will but accept of them, and be content to have them engrafted in their own Gardens, (their hearts and minds) by the Husbandman's watering of them by his Spirit, they will grow, and blossom, and bear much good fruit, here and for ever. Fruits of Faith, Love, joy, Peace, and other Fruits of the Spirit, Bunches of Grapes, For the feeding, and refreshing of our Souls as we travel through the Wilderness, and the increase of our Glory hereafter in Canaan to all Eternity. Which Improvement the Great Husbandman grant unto Thee, together with Thy Servant in the Lord, RA. AUSTEN. To my dear Friend and Brother in the Lord Mr. R. Austin the Author of the Treatise of Fruit-trees. SIR, THE benefit myself and others have received from your godly society and Gospel conversation heretofore may be argument enough for us thankfully to embrace your pregnant similitudes and Gospel's observations. I must confess I am bound to bless the Lord, for the acquaintance and familiarity I formerly had and still have with you: I seldom came to your garden but you made your trees speak something of Christ and the gospel; your custom was to present your Christian friends and visitors with such clusters of gospel grapes which you now send abroad to the world. It's admirable to see what spiritual improvements you have made of your Nursery: the Reader (if he have senses exercised to relish and distinguish) will soon taste the sweetness of your spiritual fruit, especially considering. 1. Pares cum paribus facillimè con jungantur. That you take your rise from such things as are obvious and familiar to every man's Capacity, which may easily set the minds of the Readers on work upon Jesus Christ; duoilla nos maximè movent: similitudo, & exemplum: Cic: 3. de Orat. The creatures all speak thus Qui fecit me propter te, fec●● te propter se. Bernard. 2. It's wonderful to see so much Gospel gathered from natures twigs: The natural voice of the creatures tell us that God is, As Aristotle and Galen report: but none ever made the creatures (in so plain, and familiar a manner) speak of Christ before. I must acquaint the Reader, that here is in your Similitudes gospel profit with soul delight and pleasure. The spiritual Reader is here taught how to meet with Christ amongst the Myrtle Trees. Sir, we must all give you thanks for your pious explication of nature's * Dicta enim Hieroglyphica apud Aegyptios sacra quaedam monumenta sculptis animalium figuris significantia. Macrob. Satur. lib. 1.21. Hieroglyphics; whereby you have made the creatures speak plain. It's gospel wisdom that must make your young plants to bear such apples of gold. Do men gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles? saith Christ. No: naturally they will not yield such kinds of fruit, but here are spiritual grapes from natures wild trees, that's admirable. 3. The Reader may observe that you make the dead to speak as well as the living: Joh. 15.2.6. Mat. 15.13. Luk. 13.7. I mean your withered and unprofitable plants which you cast out of your Nursery yields most profitable observations. The Lord will have a time to root out every tree, and cut off every branch which bears no fruit: not a body only but sap, not leaves but fruit which the Lord likes in professors. 4. Your varieties of spiritual fruit may exceedingly please the godly Reader; men's minds naturally are much delighted with variety: all the similitudes in the world will not reach to that fullness and variety of fullness which is in the Lord Jesus Christ; we read Revel: 22.2. of a Tree that bore twelve manner of fruits: which Tree is Christ, Mr Diodati. saith a Reverend man in his pious Annotations. It's a mystery to the world that Beleivers should bring forth variety of fruits to Christ, and yet receive all manner of fruits from Christ; Rom. 11.36. of him and by him and through him (and therefore to him) be all things: Our life is hid in Christ as the root; our graces are all from him, Coll. 3.3. our sap, fruit and all: therefore its observable what your drift is. As Christ, the Prophets, and Apostles were wont to send men to Trees, Consider the Lillyes how they grow. Fruits, and Plants for divine considerations, now least men should fix too much here, you strive to fetch the minds of the Readers off from them all to Christ again, and especially by the same way. The good Lord open our eyes that we may follow on in your path; that as we have all felt the misery following of our eating the forbidden fruit, we may eat now of this Tree of life. So prays Sir, Your very loving Friend and Brother in the Lord J. F. A Minister of the Gospel. Decemb. 24. 1656. To the READER. THE blessed God hath a special work to do in the world, in which he employs his faithful servants, and such oftentimes as are (in comparison of others) but as Babes in Christ; when such as the men of the world esteem the only wise men, are rejected of the Lord. God for his own glory is pleased to stain the pride of men to pull down such as lift up themselves, and attribute that glory to themselves which is only due to God; and exalts such as are of low degree, Luk. 1.52, 53. such as see, & are heartily affected with their own emptiness, and insufficiency, and are enabled to role themselves on God, for wisdom, and strength to do his work faithfully. God hath for the most part made use of Instruments to bring about his great designs, and interests, both in Church and State: such as have been scorned, and contemned by ungodly learned men, who reject the precious truths of God, because God sends and employs such of his servants to dispense them unto men, that have not such humane learning, Titles, and degrees as themselves, the only things in a carnal Eye, but poor, low things in a spiritual Eye, in comparison of the teachings of the spirit of God. I know, and do freely grant, that Human Learning is a most choice and excellent gift, when it is sanctified in any person, and that which God hath made use of in his servants sometimes to carry on, and promote his great works, and interests in the world: And I do greatly honour such gracious learned men, as improve their grace and learning for God; and such persons as have a low esteem of Learning, and speak slightly of it, or of Learned men because such, I dare affirm such men speak evil of that which they understand not. I am no enemy to Humane Learning, as some in the University have affirmed, and possessed others in the Country with the same opinion of me, my practice can witness; for it is well known that I spent many years in the University and Country, to obtain a little, that I might be the more serviceable to God in my generation; and I find that that which the Lord hath given me, is very useful unto me in the work that I am called unto by God, and men. But I shall entreat, And do earnestly desire some Learned men, both in the University and Country, seriously to consider, whether or no they do not greatly, and apparently abuse their Learning. First, In preferring it before the Spirit of God, and the saving knowledge of Christ. Secondly, In having higher thoughts of themselves than of others, who it may be, are more Holy, and Humble, and have more of the teachings of the Spirit of God than themselves. Thirdly, In despising, and contemning their Persons, Sermons, Books, Prayers, and Discourses, because they have not so much Humane Learning as themselves. Fourthly, In discouraging, and hindering such servants of the Lord as desire to improve their Graces, and gifts for God, endeavouring to commend the Lord Christ to others for their salvation. Fiftly, By endeavouring to prejudice the minds of men against such, who yet God employs in the work of the Ministry. Sixtly, In boasting of their Parts, and Learning, and resting thereon, forgetting God who gave it. Seaventhly, In neglecting to use their Learning for that end for which God bestowed it on them. Consider: hath God given you larger opportunities, and greater helps, and advantages than others, that you should be more idle, and unfruitful than others? the Lord awaken you, and make you zealous and active for your Master in this time of need, (many places have been a long time destitute of godly able Preachers) that when he shall come he may say unto you, well done good and faithful servants, enter into the joy of your Lord. Concerning the Author of the following Observations, and Similitudes, what ever Carnal men, or the pride of Spiritual men may object (as who that is zealous, and active for God, can escape the censures of some men) it evidently appears to me, that the Spirit of God hath carried him on in this work. Reject not the work because it is not done by a Public Minister of the Gospel, for many private experienced Christians have been (in this way) very profitable to the Church of God; These are the last times, wherein God fulfils his great Gospel's promise, in pouring out his Spirit upon all flesh; and those whom God intends for any special service, he prepares them for it by some special preparations. I have seen a large particular Relation, composed by this Author of God's deal with him for many years together; wherein it appears, that God began betime with him, early, even the first hour of the day: And he hath been exercised with many Temptations from his youth up; having passed through the spirit of bondage early in the morning, and by degrees came to close with Christ, and to attain a comfortable assurance of his interest in him: But afterwards, even about the middle of the day (upon the spirits withdrawing and God's hiding of his face for some gracious ends) he fell into a long, and sad desertion, passing through the valley of the shadow of death, the pains of hell got hold upon him, and that in an extraordinary way and measure; But God (by degrees) lifted him up out of the deep Pit, out of the Mire, and Clay, and set his feet upon a Rock, and hath put a new song into his Mouth, and made him active for God in his Generation. As for his following Labours, I doubt not but God will make them very useful, and profitable to the people of God: what is more helpful to the understanding, and remembering of Spiritual things, than plain, and pregnant SIMILITUDES, of things which we are daily conversant with? (all these being also enlarged upon by him and improved to spiritual ends, and advantages.) What was all the old Ceremonial Law, for many hundred years, but teaching the People by SIMILITUDES, Tips, and Ceremonies, which were all shadows of things to come? Heb. 10.1. The spirit of God used SIMILITUDES by the Ministry of the Prophet's Hos. 12.10. yea; the great Prophet of the Church frequently used SIMILITUDES in his teachings; and Ministers of the Gospel in our days find them very useful, and profitable in their teachings. Wherefore (Reader) I recommend the following Observations, and Similitudes to thy use; Praying that the spirit of God may engraft every truth into thy heart, and cause it to grow, and bring forth much good fruit, to the glory and praise of God, and thy own everlasting good. STEPHEN FORD, Pastor of a Church of CHRIST in CHIPPIN-NORTON. Propositions Shadowed out unto us by Observations in Nature, and Cleared by Scripture and Experience. 1. GOd from all Eternity made choice of what Spiritual Plants he pleased, to Plant in his Garden the Church, and refused others pag. 1. 2. The dispensations of God towards weak Christians, are more gentle, than towards such as are strong p. 3. 3. Many Spiritual Fruit-trees bring forth fair, and Specious fruits to Observation, which yet are unpleasant to the Husbandman p. 5. 4. Persons joined in any Relation, they have comfort, or affliction together according to their natures p. 6. 5. God calls his People (for the most part) in youth, and more rarely when they are old p. 8. 6. When the Spirit of God withdraws, then Mystical Fruit-trees cease growing, their Leaves and Fruits fall, and they endure sore conflicts for a time, but at the return of the Spirit, they are restored to former comforts with advantage p. 13. 7. Generally those persons who are excessive, and most curious about the forms of Duties, have lest of the power of Godliness p. 18. 8. By the fruits of Spiritual Trees, we may conclude the Nature of the Trees p. 20. 9 Some persons flourish with a profession for a time, but in the heat of affliction they fall off p. 22. 10. We should bend all our desires, and endeavours that the best gifts, graces, and Fruits, may especially increase p. 23. 11. While the Spiritual part in us acts, and grows strongly, the fleshly part acts but weakly: so also, if the flesh be strong, the Spirit is weak p. 26. 12. The more closely a Christian walks with God, the more steadfast he is, and more free from Spiritual enemies p. 28. 13. Corrupt nature abides in believers as long as they live, and is but in part subdued by grace p. 29. 14. It is not any outward excellencies, but the Image of God upon the Soul, that is the glory of a person p. 30. 15. There is a firm, and constant union between Christ, and every Believer p. 32. 16. University men ought (in convenient time) to go forth into the service of the Church, and Commonwealth: except some choice persons fit for government of the Societies p. 33. 17. Saving grace, or the Divine nature in Believers, abides in the Soul for ever: But common gifts, or graces may be lost p. 37. 18. God is well pleased with Zealous, and active Instruments in his Works: But men of dull, indifferent spirits, he (often) lays them aside, and putteth others in their stead p. 39 19 The commotions, troubles, and confusions in the Church of God, will end in the settlement, peace, and glory of it p 41. 20. Believers by engrafting into Christ, do live in him, and he in them, and are thereby made one with him p. 43. 21. All believers have a likeness, and resemblance of one another, in the Image of God upon their souls p. 45. 22. Those whom God purposeth to bring hereafter into his celestial Paradise, he prepareth them for it here, in this life p. 47. 23. Grace in the hearts of believers is not suddenly strong, but strength is gotten by degrees p. 49. 24. Discoveries of the love of God to souls prepared for Christ, does hasten their closing with him p. 51. 25. A sinner's repentance, and closing with Christ, causeth joy both in Heaven, and Earth p. 54. 26. There is a sweet fellowship, and communion between God, and his people, God delights in them, and they delight in him p. 56. 27. Who, or whatsoever hinders the enlargement of the Church of God, he will certainly, (and sometimes with great anger,) take out of the way p. 60. 28. The constant enjoyment of the best things from God, (through corruptions) makes them less noted, and esteemed p. 63. 29. Our life, growth, strength, and all our spiritual Acts, are from Christ p. 65. 30. Humble Christians bring forth fare more, and fairer fruits, than such whose spirits are lifted up p. 67. 31. Jesus Christ, and his people (though multitudes of distinct persons) are so united, as that they make but one body p. 69. 32. As we have our life, and all from Christ, so we are continually receiving new supplies from him, but can add nothing to his infinite perfections p. 71. 33. The dispensations of God towards his Church are contrary to the judgements of most people in the world p. 73. 34. Those who have not the Sanctifying Spirit, and grace of God in them, are unfit for the work of the Ministry; such bring more prejudice than advantage to the Church of God p. 76. 35. None but engrafted Trees grow in God's Orchard the Church pag. 83. 36. Those fruits of spiritual fruit-trees which are harsh, sharp, and bitter, are (for the most part) more profitable than such as are mild, and pleasant p. 84. 37. Those persons are not like to bring forth good fruits in old age, who labour not for them in the time of youth p. 86. 38. Those who do not act for God, they act against him p. 87. 39 God expects greater returns of duty from some persons than from some others, and neglect thereof provokes God against them p. 88 40. It is not the multitude, nor exactness of performance of duties, that God accepts, unless there be sincerity, and right ends in doing thereof p. 90. 41. The smallest measure of true grace in any person can never be extinguished, but will certainly grow up to perfection p. 92. 42. God hath more dishonour by the sins of Professors, than by the sins of others p. 93. 43. Conversion in youth is not so apparent as in elder years p. 95. 44. The great persons in the world, who are in Christ, are but few in number, in respect of the meaner sort p. 96. 45. Although beleivers are shaken by the winds of temptations, yet they cannot be overturned, because they are fixed upon Christ p. 97. 46. Sinful thoughts, and motions in the soul are most easily suppressed at their first rising p. 98. 47. The instructions of one Godly person, sometimes, are effectual (by the Spirit) to the implanting of many into Christ p. 99 48. Persons engrafted into Christ, do naturally bring forth good fruits p. ●● 49. There are but a few Godly persons in the world, in comparis of the number of the wicked p. 102. 50. The works of formal Hypocrites are (in many things) very like the works of true Christians pag. 103. 51. Some Persons are wrought upon in part (in some things) like to those that are engrafted into Christ, who yet never attain to be really united to him pag. 104. 52. The meanest person in Christ, brings forth better fruits, than the most accomplished unregenerate person in the world pag. 105. 53. Christ is continually ready to communicate strength, and refresh to his people, and all defects thereof are from themselves pag. 106. 54. By diligent use of the means of Grace, Christians attain great advantages, with through neglect (or slight using means) would be lost. pag. 108. 55. Frequent Acts in things Good or Evil, beget Habits, and make all such works easy to us pag. 111. 56. Afflictions, and whatsoever befalls the People of God, the same works advantage to them pag. 113. 57 God (for the most part) useth means, and ordinary men, and means, for effecting of the greatest works in the world pag. 114 58. The Prayers, Sermons, Writings, Discourse, and Works of some Godly men, are much more spiritual than of some others pag. 118. 59 Regenerated persons have three great enemies, one inward, and two outward, the Flesh, the World, and the Devil pag. 119. 60. The people of God in their conversion (for the most part) go through many straits, and difficulties pag. 121. 61. When the People of God bring forth good fruits, God himself doth praise, and commend them pag. 122. 62. Persons by Regeneration, have a great change wrought in them pag. 123. 63. The several Gifts and Graces in believers, are wrought by the same spirit pag. 125. 64. There are exceeding many, and great profits, and pleasures found in the Church of God pag. 126. 65. The Church of God is encompassed, and preserved by God himself pag. 129. 66. When God doth purge a Nation, or place, from persons, and things that are offensive to him, and brings in his people, and worship, ●●ad thereof, this is an evident token that God intends to dwell there pag. 130. 67. The free love, and care of God is as much towards his people in the meanest outward condition, as towards those who are most eminent in the world pag. 136. 68 Believers who daily walk with God, having the light of his countenance, and constant communion with him, such are abundantly fruitful. pag. 138. 69. God doth not only engraft his people into Christ, but order them in all other respects also, to make them abundantly fruitful pag. 140. 70. The graces of believers increase daily in strength whereby they are more, and more able to resist spiritual enemies pag. 142. 71. Many persons of a low rank, and but of despised parts, do yet bring forth more profitable fruits than many others eminent in gifts and outward respects pag. 144 72. God will not allow an idle person, but expects every one should be profitable in his place pag. 146. 73. The life of man is very uncertain, some die in Childhood, others in youth, others in old age, and in the room of these others arise pag. 148. 74. According to men's Principles, such are their actings; and their reward according to both pag. 149. 75. Spiritual fruit-trees engrafted into Christ, are many ways profitable in their generations pag. 152. 76. The most spiritual actings of believers taste of corrupt nature, which notwithstanding are acceptable unto God pag. 154. 77. There is a continual combat between Grace and Nature, in every regenerate person, but grace prevails pag. 155. 78. Some believers are (by advantages) more fruitful than others, and at some more than at other times pag. 156 79. God bears with the failings, and imperfections of his people, and is ever ready to take notice of, and commend the good that is in them pag. 158. 80. Trees of the Lords planting bring forth fruits seasonably pag. 161. 81. The godly are profitable not only one to another, but the wicked also far the better for them pag. 163. 82. When men are slow in the duties of obedience, God is patiented towards them, & in the use of all good means waits for their fruitfulness pag. 164. 83. Unregenerate persons (of themselves) cannot come to Christ, nor bring forth one good fruit pag. 166. 84. Some Christians chiefly pursue some particular duties, belonging to them, and neglect others pag. 168. 85. While persons remain in an unregenerate state, all the means of grace is unprofitable to them pag. 170. 86. Christians by walking holily, and fruitfully, they bring much honour to God, but if otherwise dishonour pag. 171. 87. The same things which are blessings to the Godly, are curses to the wicked; because of their different Principles pag. 172. 88 The best of God's Children are guilty of many sins, and infirmities in their conversations pag. 174. 89. Carnal persons are as forward, and zealous in the ways of sin, as (usually) the godly are in the ways of holiness pag. 176. 90. The Conditions of the people of God are much different, yet God careth for them all pag. 178. 91. True and faithful Ministers of the Gospel, do diligently look into the state of their people, and deal with them accordingly pag. 179 92. God discovereth a special care of, and love unto those of his people, whose Judgement and ways concur with his design in their generation pag. 183. 93. God is a long time in calling the Gentiles; and implanting them into Christ, according to his purpose and promises pag. 187. 94. Externall Uniformity in the Churches of Christ, is of small account with him, in respect of Unity and spiritual worship pag. 191. 95. God (many times) makes use of wicked, and unregenerate persons, for the preservation, and good of his own children pag. 197. 96. God (in his infinite wisdom, and goodness) observes the fittest times, in all his dispensations towards his people pag. 199. 97. Jesus Christ gives forth as constant a supply of all grace to the meanest of his people, as to those who are most eminent pag. 201. 98. The people of God bring glory to him, profit, and edification to the body of Christ in divers respects; according to the diversity of the Gifts, Graces, and operations of the spirit of God in them pag. 2●2. 99 There is a continual secret supply of strength from Christ to every believer in time of desertion, and temptation; to preserve them from total falling away pag. 205. 100 True Christians do communicate of their good things, as freely to the poor as to the rich pag. 207. THE SPIRITUAL USE OF A GARDEN of FRUIT-TREES. The first Observation in Nature. THE Husbandman makes choice of what wild Plants he pleaseth, to bring into his Orchards there to Graft, and order to fruitbearing from year to year. He leaves other plants in the Woods and waste grounds, he lets them alone, and meddles not with them, but takes and leaves these, or those, as pleaseth himself. This is a Similitude of the State of Spiritual Fruit-trees, and shadows out unto us this Proposition. That God from all eternity made choice of what Spiritual Plants he pleased, to plant in his Garden the Church, Proposition Shadowed. and refused others. God in his eternal decree chose some persons, and refused others, as his word clearly manifests: he chose some wild plants (here, and there a few) to plant in his Orchard, to order to fruitbearing, and let others alone to grow wild, and bring forth their natural fruits, and this upon his own free will and pleasure, without any foresight of faith, repentance, good works, or any thing in us: This the Apostle shows Eph. 1.4. He hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world: Vers: 5. according to the good pleasure of his will: before they had done good or evil, Rom. 9.13. I have loved Jacob, and hated Esau. and Jo. 13.18. I know whom I have chosen. And our Saviour tells us, Joh. 15.16. I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go, and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain. The Husbandman lets other Plants alone to grow wild, without the wall of his Orchard. Many wicked men, and women in the world which were passed by in his decree, and therefore are not brought into his Church, nor Engrafted into Christ, who (in their generations) bring forth sour, bitter, and poisonous fruits. Rom. 9.18. He hath mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. That is: He giveth grace to those whom he hath chosen, and denies it to others, leaving them to themselves. Use. Esay. 61.3. The Consideration of this should be a strong and continual motive to all those who have made their Calling, and Election sure (being persuaded upon good grounds that they are Trees of righteousness of the Lords Planting) to praise and admire the free grace of God, who hath chosen them to be his adopted children, engrafting them into Christ, and planting them in his Garden, to bring forth pleasant fruits to himself. We were all of us wild Plants, as bad by nature as the worst in the world, and God hath made choice of us, and left others: How should this make us admire his rich, and free grace in Christ to us, and to show forth his praise in our Conversations? The Apostle tells us this is the very end wherefore we are Chosen: 1 Pet. 2.9. Ye are a chosen Generation, a Royal Priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. There was no moving Cause why the mystical Husbandman should make Choice of us rather than of others, as there is of material Plants The Husbandman looks upon their straightness, and fitness in other respects (it may be) wherefore he chooseth them before others. But the mystical Husbandman hath all the grounds and Causes of choice within himself, Eph. 1.5. according to the good pleasure of his will. Let this therefore teach us, and stir us up to bring forth all Use. 2 good fruits unto him in abundance, who hath so abounded in love, and mercy towards us, and hath let out his free grace in choosing of us. And although we cannot recompense the Husbandman, or make him the richer by our fruits, yet we may please him, and honour him thereby. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit, Joh, 15.2. The second Observation in Nature. THe Husbandman doth order his young fruit-trees with more tenderness, and gentleness, than such as are strong, and well grown trees, because such (while they are small, and tender) are in more danger of breaking, and bruising, and other hurts, than they are afterwards. So that besides the great Wall, or Common fence about the Orchard, he makes a more special fence, with Bushes, Stakes, or the like, about each of them, and gives them more choice nourishment, by often watering them with good water that they may grow, and come on the faster. This is another Similitude, and shadows out unto us this Proposition. That the dispensations of God towards weak Christians, Proposition Shadowed. are more gentle, then towards such as are grown strong. The mystical Husbandman hath Plants of several degrees, and ages, in his Nursery and Orchard, and according to their capacities he dealeth with them: there are Children, Young men, and Fathers in God's Family, 1 joh. 2.12.13, 14. the Children are ordered with more tenderness, than the elder sort, Esay. 40.11. He shall gather the Lambs in his Arms, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. He useth them gently, with great tenderness. So again, Hos. 11.1, 3. When Israel was a child I loved him, Vers. 3. I taught Ephraim also to go, taking him by the Arms, I drew them with cords of a man, with Bands of Love, I was to them as they that take off the Yoke from the Jaws, and I laid meat unto them. God used them as a loving Father his children, or as a tender Nurse useth her young infant. He gives them Milk while they are Babes, and stronger meat when they are better grown, as we see 1 Cor. 3.2. I fed you with Milk, and not with Meat, for hitherto ye were not able to bear it. Heb. 5.14. Strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age. So also God in correcting his weak children, dealeth with them according to their strength, as is made out in that Similitude Esay: 28.27. of the Husbandman's dealing with his Corne. The Fetches are not threshed with a threshing instrument, neither is a Cart● wheel turned upon the Cummin, but the Fetches are beaten out with a staff, and the Cummin with a rod. Use. 1 This is a ground of great comfort to weak, and doubting souls, God as a tender Father cherisheth and nourisheth the beginnings of grace in them, he will not deal roughly and harshly, but gently with them; He will not quench the smoking flax, nor break the bruised Reed: but improve, and nourish weak beginnings is his children. Esay. 42.3. even as a Nurse cherisheth her children. 1 Thes. 2.7. that they may increase towards perfection. Use. 2 Let us learn to imitate God in this thing, to help, and encourage those that are weak, in all good beginnings: Rom. 15.1. Such as are strong, aught to bear with the infirmities of the weak, And to comfort the feeble minded, and to support the weak, 1 Thes. 5.14. The third Observation in Nature. There are many wild Fruit-trees in the Woods, waste grounds, and hedges, that bear fair, and beautiful fruits to look upon, both for bulk and colour, and yet are very harsh, sour, unpleasant fruits; the husbandman takes no delight to eat of them, although they are useful for some other purposes; these are but wild un-grafted trees, and their fruits are accordingly. This is another Similitude, and shadows forth unto us, That, Many Spiritual Fruit-trees bring forth fair, Proposition Shadowed. and specious fruits to observation, which yet are unpleasant to the Husbandman. There are very many men in the world, being eminent in Learning, Gifts, and Parts, who can perform many works very exactly, they can Pray, Preach, and compose works, etc. and these things to the Observation of most, very excellently, gaining thereby great commendations from many, and (it may be) admiration from some, and yet these very Fruits, to the taste of the Husbandman, are very bitter and unpleasant, though they may be some way serviceable, and useful to his Children, and servants, yet he himself, is not delighted with them, because they are from ungrafted trees, such as are wild and Corrupt by Nature, the Principle from which they proceed is Corrupt, and that makes the fruits corrupt. Who did works to the observation of men, more fair and specious, than the Pharises? and yet these their fruits were stark naught: they were but painted fruits, fair to a carnal eye without any good taste or relish: Luk. 16.15. Lu. 11.39. Let none content themselves with outward performances in the worship of God, though never so fair, and unreprovable to the Use. 1 eye of men, but look to the Principles, to the frame of the spirit, to the spring, from which any works flow, and examine whether they be streams from the Divine Nature, or from common gifts and parts in the soul, whether they be shoots springing from the spirit of Christ, as from the Root, or from a Natural Principle, drawn out by some external Causes, and self ends; for though they are never so plausible and beautiful in the eyes of men, they may be deformed in the eyes of God, and fruits altogether unpleasant to him. Many things that are highly esteemed among men, are abomination in the sight of God: Luk. 16.15. Use. 1 This may serve to pull down the high conceits which carnal and unregenerate men have of themselves, because of their Gifts, and Parts, their great and famous actings in the world: did they but see, and had they hearts to understand, and consider that bitter, and poisonous Root, Original corruption, which stains, and spoils all their Fruits, their high conceits of themselves, and their Actings, would be much abated. They are but apples of Sodom, Splendida peccata, glorious sins: for while the Tree is corrupt, the fruit is so, Math. 7.18. The fourth Observation in Nature. WE find by Experience That Grafts, and stocks joined together of contrary, or much different Natures, will not grow, nor thrive together; if they be joined in Grafting, either the Graft grows not at all, or else very poorly, and weakly, and in a few year's decays, and dies; But if the kinds of Trees are joined together according to Rules of Nature, and Art, than they thrive together vigorously, and bear fruits plentifully. This is another Similitude of the state of Spiritual Fruit-trees, and shadows out unto us this Proposition, which also concurres with the word, and experience. Proposition Shadowed. That persons joined in any relation, they have comfort, or affliction together according to their Natures. This is certain, in Nature, Morality, and Divinity, That so much as things differ in their Nature's one from another, so great is the degree of dislike one of another: And so near as they are in their Natures, and properties, so great is the degree of complacency and love, one of another. Likeness is both the Cause, and the Bond of Love. This is seen in all visible Creatures, many Instances might easily be brought to show it. Likeness in Natures, Manners, Customs, begets Love, and distance in these causeth dislike, and sometimes Hatred. 2 Cor. 6.14. What Fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what Communion hath light with darkness & c? which Questions include Positions. This should teach all who intent to enter into the state of Use. 1 Marriage, to look well to their choice, that it be upon good grounds, and not for worldly advantages in the first place, as most do, and match a Soul to the Earth, between which there's no likeness, nor proportion: Neither are they to look so much at likeness in the more low, and inferior respects, as Person, age, birth, friends, Riches, etc. (though care is to be had in these) as to that great likeness, in Natures, Manners, Habits, and Principles of the Mind, for these are the springs, and the ties of Love, therefore be not unequally yoked together 2 Cor. 6.14. The sad experience of many thousands may be a sufficient warning to others. If that Love flows according to the likeness of natures, then Use. 2 let this teach us to strive for increase of Grace, to have the Image of God more and more renewed and drawn more lively upon our souls, because the more like we are to God, by having his Image, in the Graces of his Spirit, the more shall we find the love of God towards us, and the more will our Love be towards God: the stream of the love of God will flow more strongly into the soul, which will be Rivers of pleasure unto it: God will then delight in the soul, and the Soul will then delight in God, and this Communion will be heaven upon earth. The fifth Observation in Nature. THe husbandman is careful to Engraft his Trees while they are young he then forms, and fashions them by Pruning, and ordering of them; for he knows when they are grown strong, and big Trees, these works cannot be done so easily, if at all it be possible, therefore he sets about them while they are young-trees. This is another Similitude of the state of Mystical Fruit-trees, and holds forth unto us this Proposition. Proposition shadowed. That God calls his people (for the most part) in Youth, and more rarely when they are old. It is observed by Experience, That God worketh that great work of Repentance, and Conversion of a sinner, from darkness to light before old age, generally, and for the most part: Most commonly in youth, or full strength. How seldom has it been seen that an old person turns to God, having served Satan, and his lusts all his youth, and time, till old age. God forbidden that I should limit the boundless, and infinite Mercies of God, but may it not be said in this Case, as of a Rich man, his difficulty of being saved: Matth. 19.24. It is easier for a Camel to go through the eye of a needle, then for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God. O how hard is it for an old habituated sinner, to turn to God, and forsake his old ways, and customs. Such are settled on their Lees, and frozen in their dregs, and are past feeling, their hearts are hardened, and consciences seared with a hot Iron, Custom in sin, hath deprived them of all sense of sinning, they cannot cease from sin, 2 Pet. 2.14. As soon may the Blackmore change his skin, or the Leopard his spots, as old customary sinners learn to do well, Jer. 13.23. They being old ungrafted Trees, growing upon the stock of corrupt Nature, it's a thousand to one but they shall grow there, until the Axe be laid unto their roots to cut them down, and they be cast into the fire, not to be consumed, but to burn for ever. God gives men warning before hand, and tells them he will not accept of them hereafter, though they knock at the Gate of Mercy, it shall be shut against them, if they will not now accept of Mercy. Prov. 1.24, 25. Because I have called, and ye refused, I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded &c: ye shall call, but I will not answer, I will laugh at your calamity, and mock when your fear cometh &c: The sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed, Esay. 65.20. This calls to all Spiritual young Plants, to labour (by all possible Use. 1 means) to get this work of Engrafting into Christ, performed Now in their youth. Now to be willing to be under the discipline of the husbandman, who offers, and desires to form, and fashion their minds, according to the shape, and Mould of his holy word. Now therefore hearken to his voice while it is called to day, lest ye be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin, Heb. 3.13. The work (as to us) is more easily done Now in youth, than it will be hereafter; The twigs of the corrupt stock of sinful Nature, are yet but small, and slender, Udum & molle lutum es; nunc, nunc properandus & acri Fingendus sine fine tota. Pers. sat. 3. and will more easily be cut off, then when they are grown old, and strong. The Mind will bow, and bend more easily in youth, to the Rules of the husbandman, than it will hereafter. Things are learned in time of youth, with ease, which in old age are difficult, or impossible. There is an impossibility (in respect of the Laws of nature, of altering the habits (in time of old age) either of Body, or Mind. It's true: With God all things are possible, Quo semel est imbuta recens servabit odorem testa diu; Hor. but we are to expect the usual and ordinary deal of God, and not to neglect the meetest seasons, and means, for effecting our greatest work, in hope that God will do it in the most difficult times, because all things are alike easy to him. Now because this is a thing of infinite, & everlasting consequence, and of greatest importance (of all other things whatsoever) to us; And that all may be stirred up to seek after this one necessary thing, to be engrafted into Christ, in time of Youth, I will lay down a few Considerations as motives to it. 1. The great Lord of Heaven and Earth, that gave us a being, 1 Consideration. God's Command. our breath, our time, all that we have, he requires our youth to himself, and commands every one to give their first, and their full strength to him, he would have their Virgin Love, before they be vitiated, and deflowered by the Creature, Eccl. 12.1. Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy Youth, while the evil days come not. As under the Law God commanded them to offer in sacrifice Young Creatures, Bullocks, Rams, and Lambs of a year old, young Pigeons, etc. And the Levites (being his portion) must be numbered from a Month old, and upwards, to signify to us under the Gospel, that God requires the beginning of our strength in his service, Mica. 7.1. My soul desireth the first ripe fruits. 2 Consideration. Uncertainty of Gods call, or acceptance afterwards. 2. If Youth slight God, and refuse to hearken to his call, and command, it is uncertain whether he will call them afterwards, 2 Tim. 2.25. If God peradventure will give them Repentance. He that calls to men, to day if you will hear his voice, hath not said, to morrow, or hereafter I will call again: Nay God hath said the contrary. Prov. 1.24. Because I have called, and ye refused: I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded etc. I also will laugh at your calamity, and will mock when your fear cometh. 3 Consid. Difficulty and bitterness, of Repentance if delayed. 3. The longer the work of conversion and engrafting into Christ is delayed, the more difficult the work will be, it is more easy in youth, than it will be afterwards. While the twigs and sprouts of corruption are but young and slender, they are more easily cut off, bowed down, or kept under, than they can be when they are grown old, hard, and strong. Who can bend an old strong tree? how hard is it to root up a tree of many year's growth, and that in a great and firm Rock? Such are the sprouts of corruption in the root or rock of corrupt nature. The oftener sins are repeated, the deeper impressions they make in the conscience, although small in themselves, Gutta cavat lapidem, non vi●sed saepe-cadendo. Light, and small drops of water, falling often make an impression, even in a stone: What then will many great, crimson, and scarlet sins do? Many youthful sins of a high nature, break the bones in repentance. 4 Consid. Shame of coming in so late. 4. Though it be not a shame to come to God in old age, yet it's a shame for a man that he came no sooner. Is it not a shame for a Soldier to run from his Commander, and fight against him all his youthful time, while he hath strength, and abilities, and to come in old age (when he is lame and decrepit) and offer his service? Is it not a shame for a man to give his strength, and marrow to the Devil, and offer the dry bones to God? What a shame is it for a man to begin to learn his Letters, and to spell at spectacle years? To offer the blind, the lame, and the sick, in sacrifice, will it be accepted? Mal. 1.8. Offer it now unto thy Governor, will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person, saith the Lord of Hosts? 5. Such as hearken unto Gods call early, 5 Consider. Clearer evidences of the love of God. and in the spring of their years, have usually most honour from God, and clearer manifestations of his love than others: such who give God their spring time, their Virgin years, they usually know more of the mind of God, and of the Love of God than others. Samuel was called of a Child, 1 Sam. 3. and gave God his spring time, and God manifested himself evidently to him, he had many and clear manifestations of the love of God. The Prophet Jeremy, Ch. 1.6. was called and sanctified from the womb, and God revealed clearly his love to him, and care of him; he became a great Prophet, and intimately acquainted with God. God wrought upon the spirit of Joseph, and engrafted him while he was but a young twig, when he was but seventeen years old, he brought forth good fruit, for he could not endure the the ill do of his brethren, but told his father of it, Gen. 37.2. And we know what a darling Joseph was, not only to his earthly father, but also to his heavenly father, who honoured him more than all his brethren, and revealed many great secrets unto him. He had not only tastes, and draughts of the love of God; but rather streams and rivers of it flowed in upon him all his life time. Obadiah, a man recorded in Scripture for one fearing God, and that from his youth, he was a choice, and singular man in his days, he feared the Lord greatly, 1 King. 18.12. And the love of God towards him was seen in his love to God and his people in a time of great danger, in preserving, and feeding of them: for none can show forth clear evidences of the love of God, but those who are greatly beloved of God. The Prophet Daniel was a Young man, when he began to fear God, Dan. 1. and God shown him manifold clear evidences of his love: God gave him knowledge and skill in all Learning, and wisdom, and in all visions, and dreams, verse. 17. He had clear revealations of the love of God in his Prayers, and Praises to God, immediately by his spirit, and mediately by an Angel, who was sent to tell him that his prayers were heard, and that he was a man greatly beloved. The holy Prophet David, of a young Twig was engrafted into Christ: and he made God his trust from his youth, Ps. 71.5. Being taught of God from his youth, vers. 17. and thereby made a man after Gods own heart: And whoever had sweeter communion with God (and consequently clearer evidences of his Love) than he expresseth in his Psalms. How great a Prophet was john the Baptist, who was filled with the Holy Ghost, and sanctified from the womb, a greater Prophet was never borne than he, Luk. 1.15. john the beloved Disciple, began to follow Christ Early in his youth; and Christ revealed secrets to him more immediately than to the rest of the Disciples. He leaned on his breast, and lay in his bosom, he attained to a full assurance of the love of God (which is the Consideration I here hold forth) it is frequent in his Epistles, We know we are of God, 1 Joh. 4.13, 14. & 5, 19, 20. 1 Joh. 3.14, 24. We know we are in him, we know we are translated from death to life, etc. We know, we know, we know, many such passages of assurance he mentions. If Christians desire to enter into Heaven, while they are on earth, this is the way, even to get into Christ early, as soon as may be. So we see such as are Engrafted into Christ, while they are young the love of God is more clearly, and evidently discovered to them, and secrets from God, are revealed to them (usually) more than to others. 6 Considerate. Greater measures of grace and glory. And lastly: Such as are Engrafted into Christ early, in the spring of their years, Such commonly attain large growths, and measures of grace, if they live long, and enjoy means, and helps suitable: A small measure of grace, though but as much as a grain of Mustard seed. If a man begin with it betime, and husband it well, according to the Counsel, and wisdom of the spirit, will improve, and grow in many years, to a large measure, their Brook will become a River, and their River will become a Sea. Every Act of grace adds something to the habit, so that the habits of grace are mightily confirmed by their frequent operations. Such when they come to be old Disciples, strong men in Christ, fathers, they have strong consolation, full assurance. Their grace's increase from strength to strength, from glory to glory, by the spirit of the Lord. 2 Cor. 3.18. And the more their Afflictions abound, the more are their graces increased, being improved by the spirit of God: and consequently the greater glory is laid up for them in the life to come, 2 Cor. 4.17. Now let it be considered. What infinite advantages arise to a Christian by Early beginnings, and setting forward in the ways of God betime; the Privileges are exceeding great, and many. These things may be great Encouragements to all young Plants to labour for them. The sixth Observation in Nature. WE know at the end of Summer (the sun's influences being withdrawn in a great measure) Fruit-trees cease growing; their fruits, and Leaves fall off, and decay, & during the time of winter, are shaken with winds, pinched with Frosts, and cold weather, & seem (to those that cannot well judge of them) to be even as dead, which yet when the spring of the year comes, the spirit, and sap (that is naturally existing in them all winter) is refreshed again by the heat of the sun that then approaches: the branches again begin to bud, and by new supplies from the Root grow forth, and bare store of wholesome fruits. This is another Similitude, and shadows out unto us this Proposition. (Which also concurres with the word, and experience.) That When the spirit of God withdraws, Proposition shadowed. then mystical fruit-trees cease growing, their leaves, and Fruits fall, and they endure sore conflicts for a time, but at the return of the spirit, they are restored to former comforts, with advantage. As the sun is the efficient cause of life, and growth in natural fruit trees, and all Vegetables, so is the spirit of God the efficient cause of motion, and growth in all spiritual fruit-trees; while the spirit is sensibly present, and works in the soul, there is motion & growth, budding, blossoming, and bearing fruits: but when the spirit withholds, and withdraws, when this sun goes afar off, (as to his sensible workings, and effects) and hides his face, than the fruit-trees are at a stand, and have no power in themselves to grow, or bear fruits. The Lord is a Sun unto his people, Ps. 84.11. and the face of this sun is sometimes clouded, and hid from them, and is as if he were afar off, Esa. 54.7. For a small moment have I hid my face. The Church complains in the time of this spiritual winter, Cant. 5.6. My beloved had withdrawn himself and was gone, When this Sun is afar off, and clouded, then follows a dark, and gloomy time: Lam. 3.1. I am the man that have seen affliction by the rod of his wrath: he hath led me, and brought me into darkness, and not into light. I remembered God, and was troubled, I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed, Ps. 88.16. Thy fierce wrath goeth over me, thy terrors have cut me off. Ps. 38.8. The Church in this long, and sharp winter (the sun being a far off) complaineth bitterly, and is almost in despair, Esay. 49.14. This is a woeful state, the greatest of all miseries on this side Hell, even the want of the light of God's countenance to him that hath sensibly enjoyed it a long time together, and instead thereof to have the terrors of God fight against him, and make immediate impressions upon the soul; yet so it is with some of the servants of God for a time. Former Evidences are then of no more strength, than the strength of meat and drink is to the body, after a long time of fasting, when the body hath been shut up in prison, and almost starved for want of food. It's true indeed: former Evidences might something uphold in the sense of present distress, if the soul were sure they were undoubtedly true, and sound; because we know true grace once received cannot be lost: but there lies the doubt, and the ground of fear, and distrust, he calls all former Evidences into question, and perhaps (at some times) concludes against himself, that all are nothing, because of present feelings of the contrary. I know a man who (about Ten years ago) was cast under this Temptation, and had Experience of this woeful state, and condition, he lay in it for the space of Seventeen or Eighteen Months, or thereabouts. Having early, in his youth (even the first hour of the day) passed through the pangs of the new birth, and spirit of bondage, & afterwards enabled to lay hold on Christ by faith, and by degrees, got up to a comfortable well grounded confidence of the love of God in Christ, wherein he walked cheerfully many years together, yet afterwards (even about the middle of the day, according to the Prophet's computation Psalm. 90.10.) the Sun was clouded, and the spirit, and sap suspended, so that (by degrees) he lost not only the sense of the light of God's countenance towards him, and the sight of the graces of his spirit, but questioned all his former Evidences of his interest in Christ, and (especially at some times) even gave all for lost. And notwithstanding the daily use of all spiritual means, he still fell lower and lower, more and more fears and terrors increased in him, which were made more sharp and heavy, by many outward afflictions, great crosses, and disappointments at the same time, which befell him in reference to his body, name, outward estate, Calling, friends, and relations, every one of which was a sore affliction, single and of itself: notwithstanding all came upon him in a short space, and that not long after great (and more than ordinary) spiritual comforts, & evidences of the love of God in Christ: which though they might have been some ground to have upheld the soul from sinking so low yet by degrees, were all weak and of no power to uphold, amidst such a throng; and present sense of heavy, and lasting Temptations as were upon both his inward, and outward man, but by reason thereof the immediate succeeding desertion was the more sensible, and took the deeper impression; As a man that falls suddenly from a high and eminent Condition of outward comforts, into great misery, and want, the sense of his present misery, is therefore the more pressing. In this sad and dark time, he laboured (by Prayer, Fasting, help of friends, and all ways of humbling himself) to get comfort, and support, but still it was h●d from him, he was (by degrees) cast down very low, and brought even to despair, in-somuch that at some times, through the violence of Temptations, and apprehensions of the absence, and loss of God, he cried out, & roared as a man in torment of body, that had had some, disease, or burning in his Bowels: At some times when he heard the word preached, such terrors seized upon him, that he had no rest, neither in body nor mind; he could neither sit still, nor stand still, nor rest in any posture, fearful injections thronged in upon him, and such woeful apprehensions of an undone Condition, were, at those seasons especially, represented to the mind, that he was not able to express the horror of them. And after a certain time of the absence of the Spirit, in the feeling workings of it, and sense of the graces; Corruptions, at sometimes more especially, grew strong, Passions and murmur against the righteous proceed of God with him (and Corruptions also of other Natures) broke forth from time to time, which were a sting to all other Miseries that befell him, and which were, being improved, and strongly set on by Satan against him, grounds and foundations of the most fearful apprehensions that came into his mind. The enemy pleading it against him, and that from many grounds of * Such as these, Heb. 6.4. It is impossible for these who were once enlightened, etc. and 2 Pet. 2.20. The later end is worse with them then the beginning. Scripture misapplyed, that no child of God did ever fall into the like, and labouring to persuade him that no one guilty of the like should possibly ever recover out of such a state. This was a long and tedious winter, in which seldom any sun, or stars appeared to him, and then but dimly, and soon clouded again: the soul was, for the most part, filled with storms, and tempests, sad apprehensions of many present evils, and fears of more, and greater to come upon him: The particular passages of which Condition, might be related at large, were it convenient. But the Lord hath said, he will not contend for ever, neither will he be always wrath, lest the spirit fail before him: He correcteth in measure. At length the sun of righteousness began to arise with healing in his wings, and to cast some beams of light into his dark soul, which increased more and more unto the perfect day. As he fell by degrees, so by little and little, after a time, in the use of means, he was raised up again, and restored to former comforts, with great and many additions and advantages. The Lord put a new song into his Mouth, even praises and thanksgivings unto his God; Let the father of mercies and the God of all Comforts be for ever praised, for he comforteth those that are cast down, when they cry unto him in their troubles, he delivereth them out of their distress, he bringeth them out of darkness, and out of the shadow of death, and breaketh their bonds asunder. O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness, and declare the wonders that he doth for the Children of men. Now therefore: Seeing that a winter of desertion may come; Let Use. 1 us wisely prepare against it, by giving all diligence to make our Calling and Election sure, 2 Pet. 1.10. To lay up Treasures in heaven. Now in the time of plenty, to store up against a time of of famine, to gather now in Summer against a spending time in Winter: Now to gather Evidences, and sure grounds of the unchangeable love of God towards us, to make sure of our interest in Christ, that so we may be able to fight, and conquer, and to stand in the evil day, and having done all to stand, Eph. 6.13. This also may comfort all those that are in this case, who find Use. 2 that the Sun is withdrawn, and gone a far off: Let them (in the use of all good means) wait and tarry the Lords leisure, he will certainly come in his time, Esay. 50.10. Whoso walketh in darkness and hath no light, let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay himself upon his God; for the Sun will again shine forth and refresh such a soul, and though comfort and deliverance tarry, yet wait for it, it will surely come, it will not tarry, Hab. 2.3. The word, and promises, and the Experiences of performance to others, are sure grounds of hope; Esa. 54.7. for a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee, in a little wrath I hide my face from thee for a moment, but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer. The time is at hand when it shall be said to these weather beaten fruit-trees, the winter is past, the rain is over, and gone, the Figtree putteth forth her green figs, the Vines with the tender Grape, give a good smell, Cant. 2.11, 13. Then shall they Bud, and blossom, and bring forth abundance of Fruits pleasant to the husbandman, And shall say unto him, Let my beloved come into his Garden; and eat his pleasant fruits, Cant. 4.15. They shall daily bring forth the fruits of Praise, Love, and obedience which he will like, and accept of. The seventh Observation in Nature. FRuit-trees that bring forth the fairest and most beautiful blossoms, Leaves, and shoots, they (usually) bring forth the fewest, and least fruits; because where Nature is intent, and vigorously pressing to do one work (spending its strength there) it is at the same time, weak about other works: but distinct, and several works of Nature, in moderate and remiss degrees, are all promoted at the same time. This is another Similitude, &c: whence we learn; that, Proposition shadowed. Generally those persons who are excessive, and most curious about the Forms of duties, have lest of the power of godliness. There are some who (wanting sincerity) lay out their thoughts, and endeavours about the outside of duties, they will be as forward, it may be, as any, about the external parts of worship, who have nothing of the truth of Grace in them: Much formality, little, or no sincerity. The Pharises were excessively careful about the outside of God's worship: Mat. 6.2.5.16. In Preaching, Praying, fasting, giving Alms etc. their care was mainly to make clean the outside, to carry things fairly to the world, that they might have the praise of men: broad Phylacteries, long Prayers, exactness in tithing Mint, Annis, & Cummin, Strictness in observing the Sabbath, and outward Ceremonies, but where was sincerity all this while? they had the form, but wanted the power of godliness. These were but Leaves, buds, or blossoms, but no Fruits, they were not profitable to them, as to Eternal advantages. Mat. 5.20. Except your righteousness exceed the righteousness of the Scribes, and Pharises, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. So it was among us of late years; bowing at the Name of jesus, and Communion Table, Surplice, Common-Prayer &c: these and such like were pressed with all eagerness, and strictness. The body of Religion was large, and monstrous, but without a school, or if any, it was Lean and feeble. These kind of persons are like the Indian Figtree that Pliny speaks of, which had Leaves as broad as Targets, but fruits no bigger than a Bean. Let every one take heed of this, and not suffer their spirits, and Use. 1 endeavours to run out, and be spent, about things of lesser moment, and neglect the greater. This is a foul fault among us at this day, some men stand more about the forms of worship, than about the power of it; they look so much after the way, manner, and circumstances, that they almost lose the substance; things which are but as husks, or shells to the Kernels, or as Leaves in respect of fruits. Some others labour more for Gifts, then for graces, for humane Learning, than for holiness: All these are guilty of the same folly, as those who take more care about the shape, and fashion of the Garment, than the health, and soundness of the body: Or (to use the Metaphor in hand) they bring forth Leaves, instead of fruits, and so are unprofitable trees, liable to God's displeasure, and cutting down every moment: and also to be accounted (by discerning Spirits) to be such as have little, or nothing of The power of godliness. The Eighth Observation in Nature. THe Fruits of trees discover plainly of what kind the Trees are: the Leaves and blossoms (especially of some kinds) may deceive us, but the fruits cannot deceive us, but discover manifestly of what Nature the trees are. From this Observation we learn: That Proposition shadowed. By the Fruits of Spiritual Trees, we may conclude the Nature of the Trees. The ways, and Conversations of men discover what their Natures are: If men of discerning Judgements will but exactly observe, and try the Actions of others, they may (by degrees) conclude from what Principles they act. It's true indeed: from the Actions and ways of some persons, a man cannot easily conclude this; vices in some are clothed in the habits of Virtues, howsoever of some others this is more clear. The work of grace in the hearts of some is so clear, and apparent in their lives, and Conversations, that if men will but judge according to Scripture rules, the work will be manifest: So on the other side concerning Profane, and scandalous persons, a man may without breach of charity conclude such persons to be (at present) in the gall of bitterness, and bond of iniquity. And though Formal Professors may for a time deceive us, by their Leaves, and blossoms of good words, shows, Professions, Forms, and outward Observations (Wolves may have on Sheep's clothing) Yet if we taste, and observe their fruits, after a time we shall know them, Mat. 7.16. by their fruits ye shall know them, So again, Lu. 6.44. Every tree is known by his own fruit. Use. 1 This should teach every one to try their own fruits, by the word of God: for thereby will be comfort to them that fear God: they may have continual grounds of rejoicing when they observe their fruits to be good, to be such as the husbandman calls for, and approves of; they may thence conclude that they are Trees of the Lords planting, Engrafted Trees, and this is a ground of joy indeed, to know our names are written in heaven. And here also will be grounds of conviction to unsound Christians; for by a certain knowledge of the Fruits, they may have a certain knowledge of the Trees. And therefore, let such (seeing, and considering their bad fruits) give themselves no rest, until they find the nature of their fruits changed, whereby they may conclude, that the nature of the tree is also changed. Use. 2 The thorough, and serious consideration of this Proposition, may be a special means to support, and satisfy the spirits of God's people who are in a doubting condition, and question the truth of their graces; for let such consider, that hereby they may receive the best satisfaction that believers can possibly receive, (next unto the immediate testimony of the spirit of God) to look upon, and try their fruits by the word; for fruits are infallible evidence of the nature of the Tree that brings them forth. Therefore observe; if these, and such like fruits are brought forth, the Tree is certainly good, an engrafted tree. If there be fervent desires, pant, and breathe of the soul after God, delight in the word, and ordinances, Love to God, and his people, secret go out of the soul after, and closing with spiritual things, disliking and hating corruptions, and whatsoever is against the mind of God, and opposing of it, with a rising of spirit against it, with zeal, and indignation; if there be a secret joy, and cheerfulness in the spirit when things go well with the people of God, when holiness, and the power of godliness is like to be set up, promoted, and encouraged, and sin suppressed: if the spirit be stirred to pray against the dominion, and power of wicked and unregenerate men, not only such as are profane, but also such as are but morally honest, yea though they be accomplished with the utmost of natural and moral endowments, prising and preferring sincerity and holiness in any person, before all gifts without grace. These fruits (I say) are real and infallible evidences of a good tree, of a Tree engrafted into Christ, and that soul that finds them in itself, (if the spirit of God shine upon them, and show them) may as certainly conclude upon the truth of grace there, as if an Angel were sent from God to tell such a one, that he is beloved of God. It is as possible in nature, for Thorns to bring forth Grapes, or Thistles, Figgs, as for a Bad tree (a person out of Christ) to bring for h these fruits. Let not such souls (therefore) so dishonour God, wrong themselves, and gratify Satan, as to question the truth of grace in themselves; but rejoice evermore, because their names are written in heaven. Hereby we know we are translated from death to life, because of these fruits, 1 Joh. 3.14. The Ninth Observation in Nature. THe branches of fruit-trees if cut off, and stuck in the ground, they will (in the spring) bud and blossom, and be as forward as the boughs that grow upon the stock, or root, and will seem to grow, but when the sun draws near, and the weather grows hot, these boughs begin to decay, and whither, they cannot endure heat, they within a while, show that they want a root. This is another Similitude of the state of spiritual fruit-trees, and shadows out unto us this Proposition. Proposition shadowed. That some persons flourish with a profession for a time, but in the heat of affliction they fall off. Many Christians will flourish with a profession in the time of prosperity, when many showers of blessings, and outward comforts fall on them: but when the hot sun of troubles, and afflictions gins to scorch, and the dews and rain of temporal blessings are taken away and withheld, than they show themselves to be but as Boughs stuck in the ground, and without roots, which bud and blossom, but can bring forth no fruit. These are they spoken of in the Parable. Luk. 8.13. The seed that falls upon the Rock springs up as well, it may be, as that on the good ground, but when the sun grows hot, it scorcheth it, and it withers. Mat. 13.21. He hath no root in himself, but endureth for a while, and in time of persecution he is offended. Such the Apostle speaks of 1 Joh. 2.19. They went out from us, because they were not of us etc. This shows us the end of Hypocrites, formal professors, who Use. 1 have no root in Christ: such as are not really engrafted into Christ, they will certainly fall away at last, none can persevere, but by being in Christ, Job. 27.10. Will he, the Hypocrite, always call upon God. Every plant which my heavenly father hath not planted shall be rooted up. Mat. 15.13. This being so, it should make every one give all diligence to be Use. 2 fully assured, whether they be but as Boughs stuck in the ground without roots, or branches of the true Vine, Joh. 15.5. Such as are really engrafted into the true Vine, the hottest sun of persecution can never hurt them, the gates of Hell shall not prevail against them. Such shall be as a Tree planted by the waters, that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shallbe green, and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit, Jer. 17.8. The Tenth Observation in Nature. We seek for the best kinds of fruits to engraft in our Orchards, we are careful, and diligent with much labour, cost, and time, to obtain the most useful, and most profitable fruits; though we take some pains for ordinay kinds, yet we especially desire the best fruits. From this Observation we are taught: That We should bend all our desires, and endeavours, that the best gifts, Proposition shadowed. graces, and Fruits, may, especially increase. The Apostle says, 1 Cor. 12. There are diversities of gifts wrought by the same spirit, all of them desirable and profitable, but some are more profitable than others, which he exhorts us to look after, and desire especially, Vers. 31. Covet earnestly the best Gifts. There is a precellency, and greater worth in some Fruits than in some others, 1 Cor. 13. I will show you a more excellent way. And Phil. 1.10. That ye may approve things that are excellent or (as some read it) things that differ. Fellow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy, 1 Cor. 14.1. And vers. 12. For as much as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the Church. He prefers one grace before another; And now abideth faith, hope, and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor. 13.13. This reproves those who content themselves with the lowest, Use. 1 and meanest gifts, graces and fruits, and strive not after the best, and chiefest. Many having gotten some competent abilities, they go on in a formal way, running in a round, or Circle, making little, or no progression at all, no increase, or growth. Yea, sometimes for want of exercise, and improvement of their Gifts, they lose what they had, and become very Drones, and Dunces. Use. 2 We should consider, and examine which are the best gifts, graces, and spiritual fruits, that so we may apply ourselves to gain, and increase them especially. First then: Such are best, as are most useful and profitable to ourselves and others. Profit and edification, is the great end why the spirit of God gives gifts, 1 Cor, 12.7. The Apostle valued those gifts most, which were most for Edification. 1 Cor. 14.19. I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others, than 10000 words in an unknown Tongue. Knowledge, Tongues, humane Learning, and Parts, are little worth, unless they be used to edification. What then shall we think of those men who use them for ostentation, and to gain admiration? Secondly: If we find any gift, grace, or spiritual fruit commended to us in special and particular in the word, such hath the highest commendation that possible can be, as the gift of Prophecy above other gifts, 1 Cor. 14.1. Desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. Which is a gift to be able publicly to expound the word of God, Diod. Annot. and to apply it to the edification of the Church. And of Graces, Love is the chiefest, 1 Cor. 13.1. Now abideth Faith, Hope, and Love, these three; but the greatest of these is Love. And 1 Pet. 4.8. Above all things have fervent love among yourselves So for Meekness of Spirit, God himself commends it to us in particular, for a most special fruit, 1 Pet. 3.4. The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, is a thing with God of a great price. Thirdly: those graces wherein we most resemble God the father, and Christ, such are most excellent, as Love, Mercy, Humility: we are called upon (as might be showed at large) to imitate the father, and the son, in these things especially; What is more sweet and amiable in the Conversations of men, than Love, Mercy, Humility? these are Graces, and fruits of highest esteem both with God, and men. Such as hold forth Truths in public, should bring forth the best Fruits: in expounding, and applying the word, they ought to lay open those truths that are most suitable to Persons, times and occasions, and decline other things of lesser moment: and (in particular subjects) to bring forth those things that do most naturally arise from the word, according to the genuine sense of it, without straining, or wresting, (there being such infinite variety of matter) that it may be as the first, and purest Liquor of Grapes, (or as life honey) that runs without straining, which is (by far) the best. Men should stand most upon the Essentials of Religion, and Christianity: How to get an interest in Christ, and then how to improve it: to grow in grace, to subdue Corruptions; how we may get, and maintain a constant, habitual Communion with God. And for our Meditations, Speeches and Actions we must still look at the best, if there lie many, and various duties before us, and all cannot possibly be done, we ought to set ourselves to consider, and find out which are most convenient, most necessary, most profitable, and best, And accordingly apply ourselves thereto: and not to go (hand over head) to any of them, upon this ground, for that it is a good work, it is our duty, for so perhaps we shall neglect a more excellent, and more profitable work, and miss of the best, and choicest fruits. The Eleventh Observation in Nature. WE find by experience that after a plant is engrafted, both the Graft and the stock will shoot forth, and if the Graft grow vigorously, and strongly, than the shoots of the stock are but weak, but if the shoots of the stock break out strongly, than the Graft grows but weakly, therefore the husbandman takes pains often to cut off the shoots that grow upon the stock, that so the graft may grow the better. This is another Similitude of the state of Mystical Fruit-trees, and shadows forth unto us this Proposition. That Proposition shadowed. While the Spiritual part in us acts and grows strongly, the fleshly part acts but weakly: So also, if the flesh be strong, the spirit is weak. In all persons Regenerate, there are two Natures the one contrary to the other, the Spirit, and the flesh, the new man, and the old man, the Divine Nature, and Corrupt Nature: these two Natures abide in us, and act in us so long as we live, in this earthly Tabernacle: and they strive one against the other, so that it is the care of the husbandman, and is, or should be our continual labour, and business to strengthen the spiritual part against the fleshly part. We find by Experience, That while the spiritual part acts lively, and strongly, the Carnal part is down; While it is by the Spirit of God, raised up to a high pitch, and enlarged with delight, and joy in God and Communion with him in Meditation and Prayer, than all the while Corruptions are low, and weak, and (as it were) subdued. The Apostle tells us what we must do to keep down Corruptions: Gal. 5.16. This I say, walk in the spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh. While the soul is in a spiritual frame, and hath clear apprehensions of the love of God in Christ: than it is active and lively in all the ways of God, Luk. 11.21. though the flesh, be as a strong man Armed; yet when this spiritual man, (that is stronger than he) riseth up, and bestirs himself, he is able to bind him, and keep him under, and rules in the soul, until there be an abating, and slacking of his spiritual strength, and then the flesh will soon discover itself, and stir, and act, as temptations, and occasions arise: and then on the other side, the Spiritual part acts but weakly, it is down, low, flat, wanting life and power, during such stir, and workings of the flesh. Rom. 7.23. I see a Law in my members warring against the Law of my mind, and leading me captive etc. This should teach us often to observe, and take notice of the actings of our spirits, of the frame and temper of them, 1 Use. whether the stock or the Graft, bud the faster, what shoots the soul puts forth, of what kind, what the motions of our souls are, whether holy and spiritual, or carnal, and earthly: cutting off these, and preserving, and cherishing those. If we were watchful daily, and took pains with our spirits to keep them up in a spiritual frame, in Communion with God, then (by degrees) the shoots, and growths of the spiritual part, would become strong, and the shoots of the flesh weak and feeble. O that this were well weighed and practised by Christians! it is the very life, Spirit and power of godliness, thus to walk with God, in communion with him: hereby we are enabled to do, and suffer all things for God, and to resist, and keep under the flesh and all Enemies: This is the life of our life, and heaven upon Earth. The twelfth Observation in Nature. THe nearer the Branches of a Tree are to the Roots, the faster, and firmer they are, and more free from tossing and shaking by the winds; Such grow more fast and steady. And the farther off the Branches are from the Root, the more lose, and unsteadfast they are, the more they are waved, and tossed by the winds, and motion of the Air. This is another Similitude of the state of spiritual Fruit-trees, and shadows out unto us this Proposition. That, Proposition shadowed. The more closely a Christian walks with God, the more steadfast he is, and more free from spiritual Enemies. Every Mystical Fruit-tree that bears good fruit is Engrafted, or implanted into Jesus Christ, the Root, and Stock, from whence all the spiritual sap, and life, is drawn and derived, whereby the Branches grow and bear fruit. And experience shows, the nearer the Boughs and Branches are unto the Root, the closer we walk with God, the more Communion we have with the father, and with his son Jesus Christ, the more fixed stable, and unshaken we are. When the soul is a fare off from Christ: it is carried, and tossed about, with divers, and strange conceits, and Opinions, doubts, fears, troubles, and temptations, is moved this way, and that way, as the top branches of a Tree with the wind. The Prophet David walked with God, and kept close unto him, Psalm. 16.8. I have set the Lord always before me, he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved, therefore he says, his heart was established, and would not shrink, but was enabled to insult over all Use. 1 Enemies, Psalm. 46.2. I will not fear though the earth be moved, etc. As this shows us the happiness of those who walk with God, so also we may hence see the miserable Condition of those who are out of Christ: they being a far off from Christ, the whole frame of their soul is unsettled, they are like the raging sea that cannot rest: Esay. 57.20. their Condition is as was said of Reuben, Gen. 59.4. unstable as water. James. 1.8. They are unstable in all thoir ways: because a far off from Christ. Let this stir us up to a watchful, and circumspect care in our Use. 2 Conversations: to get, and keep close to Christ: Such as walk closely with God, live in another sphere, in a higher Orb, than the common world, though they live with them: And notwithstanding there be Commotions, and stirs, and turning of the world upside down, yet in the spirits of these, all is calm, and quiet, their hearts are fixed and unmoved: they fear not evil tidings, Psal. 112.7, 8. because their hearts are fixed, trusting in the Lord, Psal. 15.5. They are as Mount Zion that cannot be removed, but abideth fast for ever. The thirteenth Observation in Nature. IN Material fruit-trees the sour Nature of the wild Plants that are grafted upon, does still continue in the stock, or root, and is not taken away, or lost by Engrafting, it is only restrained, and kept under by the Graft. The Nature of the Graft is predominant in the Tree, and overrules in bringing forth fruits, according to its own kind, (although with some small degree of the sour Nature of the stock mixed with it) And the two Natures of the Graft, and stock continue mixed together, so long as the Tree lives. This is another Similitude of the state of Mystical Fruit-trees, and shadows forth unto us this Proposition. That Corrupt Nature abides in believers as long as they live, Proposition shadowed. and is but in part subdued by grace. Corruption of Nature though it be not cast out, yet it is by degrees, more and more subdued, restrained, and kept under, Rom. 6.6. The old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, it is destroyed as to the ruling power of it, but not as to the being of it. The spirit of God working Principles of Grace, or the Divine Nature in the soul does curb, restrain, and (as it were) bind Corrupt Nature, which of itself is as a strong man armed, but when a stronger than he cometh, he bindeth him and keeps him under, Luk. 11.21. Not that he casteth him out, as a Landlord, that turns out an old Tenant, when he puts in a new one: The Apostle complaineth of it, Rom. 7. I find a law in my members warring against the law of my mind, etc. The experience of all Believers proves this sufficiently. Use. 1 This should humble us greatly, seeing we carry about with us continually, this unclean bird in our bosoms, this grand enemy of God, Of all the Arguments of humiliation, this is the greatest of all, this comprehends all. We should admire the infinite love of God to us, that notwithstanding Use. 2 Corruption of Nature, hath delight in his people. Use. 3 This should make us continually watchful against this close deceitful enemy, lest it ensnare us, and prevail against us; it prevailed against David, Solomon, and the most holy men, how then does it concern us to watch. Use. 4 Let us labour for increase of grace, for as that grows, Corruption wasteth, or is kept under. Use. 5 The abiding of Corruption in us, should make us long for the glory that is to be revealed, when there will be a full deliverance from Corruption of Nature, and all the effects, and consequences of it. The Fourteenth Observation in Nature. IT is not the tallness, nor largeness, nor any outward beauties in fruit-trees, that makes them valued, but it is their Natures, and properties in bringing forth good fruits. This teacheth us: That, Proposition shadowed. It is not any outward excellencies, but the Image of God upon the soul, that is the glory of a person. Whatsoever hath any likeness or resemblance of God, is beautiful, and has a glory upon it, and by how much nearer it draws to God in likeness so much more glorious it is. Grace or Holiness makes Creatures beautiful and glorious, in the eyes of God. Israel was chosen to be an holy people unto the Lord, Deut. 7.6. and this was their glory, Deut. 26.18. they were high above all nations, in praise and in name, and in honour, etc. This was their wisdom and understanding, and praise in the sight of the Nations, Deut. 4.6. They said of them, surely this great Nation, is a wise and understanding people, etc. This was their beauty, their glory, Deut. 10.21. He is thy praise, etc. A hoary head is a Crown of glory: but when? Even when it is found in the way of righteousness, Pro. 16.31. Yea This spiritual wisdom in a young head, is a Crown to it. Prov, 3.5. All the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. This shows us the blindness, and darkness of unregenerate Use. 1 minds, who see no brightness, nor glory in the Sun, no beauty in holiness, or the Image of God; Nay, who rather account it a disparagement: They esteem no more of this glory, than they did of our Saviour, the Lord of glory, who in a carnal eye had no form, nor comeliness, no beauty in him that they should desire him, Esay, 53.2. These persons glory in their shame, and are ashamed of that is true glory. Oh Let us labour after this glory, which is more to be desired then gold, yea than much fine gold, Ps. 19.10. That which the world Use. 2 accounts glory, is but a shadow of glory to this. This excelling that infinitely more, than the light of the sun excelleth the light of a Candle, or of a Glow-worm: This is the Diamond in the Ring, the Jewel in the Casket, the Treasures in the field, to buy which a wise Merchant will sell all that he hath. The fifteenth Observation in Nature. In Material Fruit-trees there is a close, and firm knot between the stock, and the graft, whereby they are joined fast together, and made one body; which knot, and conjunction continues, and holds fast, as long as the trees live. This Observation shadows out unto us. That There is a firm and constant union between Christ, Proposition shadowed. and every Believer. All believers are implanted, or engrafted into Jesus Christ, the true Vine or Stock, and by this engrafting there is a firm knot, or tie between the stock or root, and the Branches, which holdeth for ever, Rom. 6.5. We are planted together, etc. & Rom. 11.24. We are grafted contrary to nature into a good Olive Tree. So also, 1 Cor. 6.17. He that is joined to the Lord, is one spirit. This union, or true-loves-knot, is made by the spirit on Christ's part, and by faith on ours, wrought by him. Use. 1 This shows us the sure way and safe condition of every believer, they shall never fall away, Christ will not lose one of his members. Their enemies shall never be able to prevail against them: in fight against them, they fight with God, they set themselves against Christ: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Acts 9.4. Yea they strike at the very face of God, and at the most tender part, Zech. 2.8. He that toucheth you, toucheth the Apple of his eye. So that God will certainly preserve his people. Use. 2 This is a ground of solid comfort to every believer: they stand in the nearest Relations and ties to Christ that possibly can be: 2 Cor. 6.16. 1 Pet. 2.9. Jo. 15.14. Jo. 20.17. Rom. 8.17. Can. 4.7. Eph. 3.30. As branches to the root or stock; as a peculiar people to a faithful God: As friends to Christ; as Brethren to Christ; as Heirs and Coheirs with Christ; as children to a father, as a wife to the husband; as members to the head. And this Union once made is sure for ever. Use. 3 Let us prize the Privileges of this union, that so we may enjoy the sweetness of it; Walking with God, light of his countenance, communion with the Father, and with his son jesus Christ, etc. Use. 4 Seeing we are joined to Christ, what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation? The sixteenth Observation in Nature. FRuit-trees are not to be permitted to grow old in Nurseries, but being engrafted and prepared (in certain years) for Orchards, and fields, aught to be transplanted; save only some few, here and there one, of the best kinds, whereof to gather grafts for the young plants. This shadows out unto us: Proposition shadowed. That University men ought (in convenient time) to go forth into the service of the Church, and Commonwealth, except some choice persons, fit for Government of the Societies. As Material nurseries are for the increase and multiplying of Fruit-trees, where they are prepared (in certain years) for Orchards and fields: So Universities, or Mystical Nurseries, are for the instruction, and discipline of youth, that they may be useful, and fruitful Trees, when transplanted abroad into the Church of God. If Fruit-trees in a Nursery (where there are such multitudes in a little compass) were permitted to grow there many years, they could not possibly spread, nor enlarge their Branches, whereby they might bear store of Fruits, but would fret and gall, and rub off the Bark, Blossoms, and fruits, of one another. So neither is it possible for multitudes of Students in a University to spread, and show forth their gifts and abilities in Preaching, or otherwise (for benefit of others) as they may do abroad, where every man may exercise every day, or as oft as he pleaseth. Secondly: Fruit-trees in a Nursery must not grow there, being ready for transplanting, because such hinder many other small young plants, which might be brought into the Nursery, to be engrafted and prepared, if the great ones were transplanted. So ought it to be in Universities; For unless the ancient Students (having had a convenient time to fit themselves for public employments) do remove, many hopeful young plants will be kept out, which otherwise, if brought under the discipline of godly Governors, and engrafted, will (in due season) bring forth much good fruit. Thirdly; If Fruit-trees (after they are prepared in the Nursery for fruitbearing) be removed, and transplanted abroad into several Countries, many may partake of their fruits, they will be profitable from year, to year, which cannot be, if they be kept still in the Nursery. So if University men (having obtained Gifts and Graces) go forth, and exercise their Talents in the Church of God, many may have profit, and advantage by them, who otherwise cannot. Besides these Reasons, the word requires that able, and useful men should go forth into the Church of God, Luk. 10.1, 2. Our Saviour (as a Master, or governor of a great Society) having disciplined, and taught his Disciples, and made them fit for the Ministry, he sent out Threescore and ten of them at one time, having sent Twelve not long before, Luk. 9.2. And because the harvest is great, and there is need of Labourers, we ought to pray the Lord of the Harvest, that he would send forth more, Luk. 10.2. But such as are fit, & yet unwilling to go, may be asked sharply, by way of reproof, why stand ye here all the day idle Mat. 20.6. Many stand idle in the Market place, while they might, and aught to go, and labour in the Lord's Vineyard. Having a Talon, or more, they must one day be called to an account what use they have made thereof, and if they have not well employed them, nor gained by them, they will make but a sad reckoning, Mat. 25.19. the Lord cometh and will reckon with them. Use. 1 The Inference hence is in every man's eye, that such whom it concerns, do consider what their duty is in this regard, and accordingly apply themselves. It is my humble advice, with all love; Let not any now (as too many in former times) having gotten Fellowships in Colleges, account them as 'ttwere their freehold for life, having accommodations to set up their rest, and say its good being here, what can I expect better, if I go forth, as though self, were all a man should aim at. If any man be offended, and object, why should I meddle thus far: I answer, I am within the bounds of my Orchard, and the subject at first proposed: Not only to treat of Ordering Material Fruit-trees, but also to make a spiritual use of them, where I judge the Similitude apt, and pregnant: I am a friend and no adversary in speaking the truth in Love. The Husbandman having purged his Nursery, and planted therein many choice plants (engrafted into the true Vine) he expects better fruits there, than former ages have afforded. And it may be spoken to the honour of the Husbandman, and of the Reformation hitherto carried on by him) that there are pleasant and wholesome fruits brought forth by many Trees of righteousness of his planting Oh that it might be said, Esay. 61.3. Jer. 2.21. Ho. 10.1. there are no Wild Vines among them, bringing forth sour, and bitter Grapes, or empty Vines which bring forth fruit unto themselves. That the adversaries of the truth might not have occasion to charge any, especially such as have the name of godly persons, with Pride, high carriages, earthly mindedness, and such like gross corruptions, which are the foulest Blots that can light upon Professors, and bring most dishonour to God, to his Gospel, and to themselves. If men in these places have sincere, and right ends in their eye, and pursue them accordingly, even the interest of our Lord Jesus Christ in the increase of his kingdom, As they may thereby bring much honour to God, happiness to themselves, edification to his Church, So also the same is the right and ready way to establish, and perpetuate Universities. Therefore take my counsel, and not mine, but the Apostles, 2 Tim. 1.6. stir up the gift that is in thee; and again, 1 Tim. 4.4. Neglect not the gift that is in thee. Such as have Talents whereby they may profit the Church of God, aught to employ them for that purpose, according as God hath fitted them. It is true indeed; Some able men in Universities, as godly Tutors in every College, besides Governors, may be as profitable to the Church of God there, as if they went forth, but this reacheth not the generality of men in such places. Therefore the exhortation may be seasonably carried on: I know the best men had need of stirring up to their duties. And that this may willingly be embraced, Consider what need there is of faithful, able, and painful Teachers abroad in every Country: The Harvest truly is great, and such labourers are but few: Multitudes, Multitudes of people, lie in the gall of bitterness, and bond of iniquity, and would it not be a glorious work, to be instrumental in turning them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God: yea; and the work also will make such Instruments glorious, Dan. 12.3. They that be wise, shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever, and ever. I shall say no more: verbum sat sapientibus, there are a world of Encouragements to this work, rewards, and wages are in it, besides infinite Treasures laid up for them to all Eternity. Use. 2 Secondly: such as are Governors in Universities ought to take special care that men go forth, who are fitted for public employments, and not to leave it to their wills, and pleasures; for although some are carried out by the spirit, and spiritual Principles, to spend, and be spent in the work of the Lord, yet some others (even good men) give way to selfish, carnal Principles, and neglect it: Therefore Governors ought herein to follow Christ's Example, and to * by making Orders, and Rules in the several societies for that end; and not to walk (in this great respect) by statutes made in dark, corrupt times; Is it likely such should be meet Rules for these Gospel's times, these times of light, and Reformation? send them forth to preach Christ. It be asked whither shall they go? it Answered, to preach the Gospel to every creature; to all mankind; wheresoever it is wanting: For if they are Ministers of the Gospel, a necessity, lies upon them to preach it, 1 Cor. 9.16. yea, woe unto them if they preach not the Gospel, whether they have a settled maintenance or no: If they be faithful herein, then Christ whose work it is, will certainly see they have all necessaries ministered unto them: As the earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof so all hearts are in in his hand too; which he turns as he pleaseth. men's hearts shall be opened to them, not only to receive and take in the word which they bring, but also to give out of their substance, & to assure them of it more certainly, than they can be by any other means: But when men lie still neglecting the Lords work, watching for an advantage, to get some great place, worth so much by the year, this (as it makes such persons low, and cheap, even in the eyes of good men, and reflects upon the whole Ministry in the eyes of the world; so also this renders the labours of many, fruitless and insuccessfull; it being a just, and righteous thing with God to leave such to themselves and their carnal ends. And as to those persons who have been long in Universities; and are not fit for any public employment either in Church or Commonwealth, having misspent their time, and improved in nothing but in Corruptions; these aught to be cast out, as unsavoury salt, or removed as unprofitable, unfruitful trees, out of the Nursery that so there may be room for other hopeful young plants to grow, and thrive in their places, to be profitable Instraments in their generation, And if Governors have not sufficient authority to send forth the one, or to cast out the other, they ought to obtain it, where it may be had: Otherwise the great and main end of Universities can never be attained, neither can Governors who neglect to do this, be able to make a good account unto God in this matter, which will shortly be required of them: Give an account of thy stewardship, for thou mayst be no longer steward. The seventeenth Observation in Nature. FRuit-trees never lose their innate or natural properties, but they, abide in the Trees, as long as the trees live: They may (and sometimes do) lose all adventitious properties such as they have by the Art, and industry of men, but they never lose their Natural; All the skill, and power of men, cannot rob the Trees of their Natural properties without the destruction of the Trees. This is another Similitude of the state of Mystical fruit-trees and shadows forth unto us this Proposition. That. Proposition shadowed. Saving grace, or the Divine Nature in believers, abides in the soul for ever, but common Gifts, or Graces may be lost. When God gives any soul to Christ there is then a Marriage between Christ and that soul: Now the Bonds and Laws of Marriage, hold and are in force, so long as the parties live. The Covenant, between God and his people is a well ordered covenant, sure, and steadfast, 2 Sam. 23.5. Grace in Believers, is a spiritual nature, or the Divine Nature: And if that all natural living Creatures retain their Natural virtues, and properties, so long as they live, how much more shall the soul, (which is a spiritual substance) hold and keep those spiritually Natural properties, habits and inclinations, that God fixeth in it. Holiness, is a Divine Nature, or new Creature which God puts into the Souls of Beleivers, and in respect of duration) is like unto the Author of it, who is Eternal. We are kept by the power of God, through faith, 1 Pet. 1.5. And as God is the Author of faith, so also he is the perfecter of it, Heb. 12.2. All the Attributes of God, are engaged for our perseverance in grace; he is faithful, who also will do it, 1 Thes: 5.23, 24. I will put my fear (this new Nature) into their hearts, and they shall never departed from me, Jer. 32.40. they shall never lose it, neither shall their enemies take it from them, either with power, or policy, it is impossible. Mark. 24.24. If it were possible they shall deceive the very Elect, implying, it is not possible. Multitudes of other Scriptures might be brought to this purpose; but I study brevity throughout all the work. But now: such as have but Common Spiritual Gifts may, and do fall away; These make a Profession for a time (for some self, and sinister ends) and after a while fall off, and come to nothing. They are as a Bough stuck in the ground without Roots, that for a while in the pleasant spring, will bud and Blossom, like other boughs, (upon living Trees) but in the heat of summer, it withers and dies; see Observ. 9 Many have excellent natural parts, in respect of their apprehension, understanding, Memory, utterance etc. Much Learning, skill, and acquired abilities, and may be able to Preach, Pray, discourse etc. much better, than many of God's people, they may be enlightened, and taste of the heavenly Gift, they may receive the word of God with some liking of it, and in some things conform unto it; And yet (by degrees) may lose all, or most of these things; for all these, if no more, come short of true grace, or holiness, they are common to the Reprobate, as well as to the Elect. They went out from us, because they were not of us. 1. Joh: 2.19. such are as the stony ground, Matth. 13.21. the seed springs, and dies soon after. Use. 1 These things being so, it highly concerns all Professors to look well to their Principles, what they have received, whether true, and saving graces, or but only Common Gifts, and Graces, lest with the foolish Virgins, that had Lamps but no Oil, they be such out of heaven, when they expect to enter in. Hence we may see the folly, and weakness of those who labour more for spiritual gifts, then for saving graces; some men Use. 2 bestow more cost, time, and labour, for accomplishments in humane Learning, and Moral abilities, which may be all lost, than they do for the wisdom of God, and his Image, which abide in the soul for ever. Is not this Esau like, who preferred a Mess of Pottage, before a blessing? How shall any be able to excuse such men from gross spiritual folly, blindness and want of Judgement, who prefer things wherein Satan excels them, before those things which make men resemble God? Surely, there is no clearer Evidence of darkness of mind, then for men to labour more earnestly for Gifts than for Graces, for things that perish, then for Eternal Treasures. The nineteenth Observation in Nature. THe husbandman hath use for many Tools, and Instruments, about his works in his Garden of Fruit-trees; and if any of them grow dull, and unserviceable for which ends they were apppointed, if his knives, saws &c. (after often whetting, and filing) will not cut, but become blunt, and dull tools, he lays them aside (or perhaps sometimes in displeasure, throws them aside) and makes use of some other Instruments that have an edge: He very much approves of sharp Tools about his works. This shadows out unto us. That, God is well pleased with zealous, and active Instruments in his works; Proposition shadowed. But men of dull, indifferent spirits, he (often) lays them aside, and putteth others in their stead. God the Great Mystical husbandman hath great works in hand in his Garden the Church: Joh 5.17. My father worketh hitherto, and I work: And though he can do all his works with a word of his Mouth, yet he is pleased to make use of many Instruments, in carrying them on. Now God doth very much approve of Zealous, and active instruments in the works he sets them about;) their zeal being guided with wisdom, and Judgement) Jehu, because he was Zealous and active for God in destroying Ahabs' house, God established him, 2 Kings 10.30. and his posterity, in the Throne, unto the fourth generation: But Saul, an eminent Instrument (and set up by God himself) yet neglecting to do the Lords work throughly, (which was in his power to do) God said him aside in displeasure, and set up David (a zealous and active Instrument) in his stead, to carry on the works he had to do. And Eli, (though a good man) and an eminent Instrument in the hand of God, yet when he grew dull, & wanted edge, viz: zeal to suppress the wickedness of his sons, and to honour God in his Office, God was exceedingly displeased with him, and threw him aside [in respect of making use of him any longer] and choose another in his stead. 1 Sam. 3. But how well was God pleased with Phinehas, a man of spirit, and zeal for God? God himself stands up for him, and commends him, Phinehas and his sons were established in the Priest's Office, Numb. 25.13. He shall have it, and his seed after him, even the Covenant of an everlasting Priesthood, because he was zealous for his God. God cannot abide indifferency and lukewarmness in matters concerning his honour, and the interest of his son, which he himself is jealous for: a dull, flat, indifferent spirit in these things, is loathsome to God, he cannot bear it, Rev. 3.16. Because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth. Men that act not for God, they act against him, Luk. 11.23, He that is not with me is against me. Use. Seeing this is so: It is the safety and wisdom of all men in any place of Power, higher, or subordinate, to lay out themselves with zeal for God, to be diligent and active Instruments in the designs of God: acting according to the directions, and leadings of his Word and Providences. The advantages will be, not only the honour of God, in the enlargement, and establishment of the kingdom of Christ, but also the honour and establishment of such Instruments. God will still delight to employ them in his great works, Numb. 25.13, The nineteenth Observation in Nature. THe Husbandman in Autumn and Winter, is Pruning of his trees, and boughs and branches are scattered up and down all the parts of the Orchard. He is then digging up the earth, and bearing the Roots of trees, transplanting some, and setting others in their rooms, and doing many other works which make the Garden lie rough, and unhandsomely; But all these works tend to the greater beauty, pleasure, & profit, in the garden afterwards in the spring, and summer. This Similitude shadows out unto us this Proposition (which is cleared by Scripture.) That the Commotions, troubles, Proposition shadowed. and confusions in the Church of God, will end in the settlement, peace and glory of it. God hath a great work to do in the world, and is now about it, even in our days; He hath said, he will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; That he will shake all nations, and the desire of all Nations shall come, Hag. 2.6.7. When were the Heavens, and the Earth, and the Sea, so shaken as they have been of late years? who knows not of the overturnings, and great alterations, that have been among us both in Church and State? It is God that changeth the times, and the seasons, it is he that putteth down one, and setteth up another, and all these things are but in order unto the glory of his Church: Yea he will still shake, and overturn the Nations until he hath established, and settled his son Christ, Lord and King over all the Earth: This is his great design now in hand. Thus saith the Lord God, remove the Diadem, and take off the Crown, this shall not be the same, exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high, Ezek. 21.26. I will overturn, overturn, overturn it, and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is, I will give it him. Christ alone hath right to reign, and God hath promised him the Heathen for his inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the Earth for his possession, Psal. 2.8. And such as oppose him, and stand out in rebellion against him (though they be Kings and Monarch's) and say we will not have this man to reign over us, he will break such with a rod of Iron, and dash them in pieces like a Potter's vessel, Psal. 2.9. Christ now meets with opposition in coming to enter upon his kingdom, and thence are all the stirs, commotions, and confusions among us; but he will at length prevail, and the government shall be upon his shoulders, and of the increase of his government, and peace, there shall be no end, the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this, Esay. 9.7. His Kingdom shall at length be established upon the tops of the Mountains, and be exalted above the hills, Mica: 4.1. And after he hath rebuked the strong nations of the earth, and brought them into subjection, Then they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into Pruning hooks, and shall learn war no more, but they shall sit every man under his Vine, and under his Figtree, and none shall make them afraid, for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it. Mica. 4.3, 4. and again, Esay. 32.18. My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. Let all take notice of the great design that God hath in hand, Use. 1 in the enlargement of the kingdom of his son, and establishing him in it, and beware they be not found fighters against God. And though men contrive, and bend their strength against God, yet will he carry on his work, and they shall be broken, Esay. 8.9. Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces, Gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces. Use. 2 This truth is full of Consolations to the Church of God, which hath been long oppressed and kept under by the enemies thereof. For surely the time of deliverance is near. As by the budding and blossoming of the Figtree, and all other Trees, we know that the Summer is near: so the terrible shaking of the Nations declare that the redemption of God's people draws near (these being the last days) The day of the Church's deliverance (from under the power of Antichrist) hath dawned, Esay. 60.1. Arise, and shine, for the light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. Whereas thou hast been forsaken, and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many Generations: Vers. 15.20. The Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended. The twentieth Observation in Nature. THe graft and stock of the fruit-tree, are so joined together, as that they are the one within the other, and so made one entire body. The Graft is within the Stock, in respect of its substance (the stock encloseth some part of it) And the Stock is within the Graft, by its sap, and moisture giving nourishment to it, whereby it thrives and brings forth good fruits: So they being joined, and one within the other, are made one body or substance. This Similitude shadows out unto us. Proposition shadowed. That Believers by engrafting into Christ, do live in him, and he in them, and are thereby made one with him. This truth is clearly held forth unto us in Scripture; It is a great Mystery, not understood, or comprehended by any natural man, and better understood (in our own spirits by experience) than expressed to others. The Apostle says 2 Cor. 4.16. Ye are the Temple of the living God, as God hath said, I will dwell in them and walk in them. And 1 Joh. 4.16. He that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him. Believers dwell in God the father, and in Christ, and in the spirit; and God, and Christ, and the spirit dwell in them. As the spirit is in Beleivers, so they are in the spirit, Gal. 5.25. If we live in the spirit, let us also walk in the spirit. Gal. 2.20. I live yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. And now; 2 Cor. 13.5. by this spiritual or mystical union between God and his people, they are made one with God: Not to be understood as some have said, That every believer hereby is God, and so advance themselves above what is meet. It is true believers are made one with Christ, 1 Cor. 6.17. He that is joined to the Lord is one spirit, and Ephes. 4.4. There is one body, and one spirit. And it is the prayer of our Lord Christ (which is certainly heard) that his people, with his father, and himself may be one. Joh. 17.21. That they all may be one, as thou father art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us. v. 22. And the glory which thou gavest me, I have given them, that they may be one, even as we are one, 23. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one. What a wonderful mystery is this, that Believers should be united to, and made one with God, as the Father, and the Son are one? Not in respect of partaking of his essential and incommunicable properties which Creatures are uncapable of but in respect of reality and truth: Believers are as truly, and really joined, and united to Christ as the Branches of a Tree are unto the root. As the Stock and the Graft are really joined together, and are one within the other, and made one body, so are Believers really united to God, God dwelling in them, and they in God, and are made one spirit with him through Christ, 1 Cor. 6.17. He that is joined to the Lord is one spirit. And again, 1 Cor. 12.13. By one spirit we are united, etc. Use. 1 Seeing Believers live in God, and God in them, and that they are made one with him. This shows us their safe Condition, notwithstanding the malice, and power of all their enemies. They shall never be able to prevail against God's people, or to hurt them. As the hills are about Jerusalem, so is the Lord round about his people: Psal. 125 2. The Mercy, he wisdom, power, love, and faithfulness of God compasseth them about, for they live in God. This is the Hedge that was about Job: Chap. 1.10. Thou hast made an hedge about him, and about all that he hath: so that Satan could not touch him without leave. 2. From hence we may gather: That believers shall be sure to Use. 2 presevere in grace unto the end: for they live in God, and from him they receive all supplies of grace. Seeing Christ is risen up, and dies no more, believers, that are in him as really as the graft in the stock, they shall be fed, and nourished by him continually, as the stock feeds, and nourishes the Graft: the Root is never dry, but still gives sap to the branches, both in winter, and summer: so Christ is the true, and living Vine, the Root and stock filled with all the fullness of God, out of which we all receive grace, for grace, and are nourished with this living Sap unto Eternal life. Joh. 4.14. Springing up unto Eternal life. This Union, and Oneness between us, and God the father, and Use. 3 Christ should make us live a holy, and a Gospel's Conversation, such as becomes our Relation. Seeing these things are so, what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy Conversation? Let us therefore strive to be holy, as God is holy, and perfect, as our heavenly father is perfect: Seeing that we are so near to God, and live in God, we may by eyeing, and beholding of him, be more, and more changed into his Image, and likeness, from one degree of glory to another, 1 Cor. 3.18. and so be more, and more partakers of his divine Nature: and thereby daily have more Communion, and fellowship with him (as two friends bring for the most part together, are intimately acquainted, and familiar with each other) This is the top Privilege of beleivers on this side heaven, we should therefore bring forth fruit answerable to the spirit, and sap that we receive from Christ our stock, and Root, whereon we grow, into which we are implanted. The twenty first Observation in Nature. FRuit-trees of the same species, or kind, are all like one another; They resemble one another in their Natures, and in their shape, Colour, Leaves, Buds, Blossoms, and fruits; So that they are clearly differenced hereby from other kinds: men know them to be such, or such kinds of trees, and of one kind, by their likeness one to another. Hence we learn. That All Believers have a likeness, Proposition shadowed. and resemblance of one another in the Image of God upon their souls. The Image of God is the same upon all believers, and differs not, but only in the degrees of it, upon some it is more beautiful, and glorious, then upon others, yet the same in respect of the qualities and Nature of it. All have a love, and liking of all the objects of love, as they are discovered, and made manifest: And also there is in the souls of all believers, an hatred, or dislike of what is contrary to God, and to that spiritual or divine Nature in them, as the spirit of God discovers such objects to their understandings. And the Cause of all Controversies, and difference in Judgement amongst God's people, is not from any difference in their spiritual nature, for that is the same in all, but from different degrees of light, and manifestations in particular things: some are more renewed, and changed in the spirit of their minds and have more of the Image of God, and are more purged from Corruptions than others, and thence it is that all cannot comprehend things alike, yet is their a likeness, and resemblance in their Natures, there are the same actings, and move of soul, the likening, and lustings after holy and spiritual things (in some measure or degree) in one, as in another: in weak, as in strong Christians: A Child hath the same Members, and is of the same Nature, as a man at full growth; So the Spiritual Man. God hath promised to put this likeness upon his people jer. 32.39. I will give them one heart, and one way. God will make all of them hate the same things: all the detestable things where they come, Ezek. 11. vers. 19 I will give them one heart: The Multitude of them that believed, were of one heart, and of one soul. Acts: 4.32. Use. 1 Here we have a true Touchstone of an honest heart; such as have a real love, and liking of spiritual things, Those whose hearts secretly close with the people of God, because they are his, and hearty join with them in their most spiritual, holy walkings, disliking, and opposing (from a Principle within) things that hinder the work of grace, and kingdom of Christ, they may certainly conclude, they are of the Elect of God, because they are like, and of the same stamp with the rest of his people. Use. 2 This is a strong Cord to draw, and tie fast together all the Children of God, They are like, and resemble one another, are of one and the same nature, properties, and dispositions, also they have all one God, one father, one saviour, one spirit, one and the same portion, and inheritance. Likeness, and resemblance (in Natural, Moral, and spiritual things) is a ground of Love, and Union. The two and twentieth Observation in Nature. THe Husbandman prepares (in his Nursery such wild Pants as he intends to bring, and plant in his Garden: He plants none in his Orchard, or Garden (where they are to grow a long time) but such as are first engrafted, prepared and grown fit for that purpose in the Nursery. This shadows out unto us: That Those whom God purposeth to bring (hereafter) into his Celestial Paradise, he prepareth them for it here, Proposition shadowed. in this life. The Whole Earth is God's great Nursery, where he hath Plants growing of all sorts, and ages, some newly sprung up, wild, and unmanured, others well grown, Engrafted, and prepared, for the heavenly Canaan, whom he is daily removing, and transplanting thither: preparation for this Garden of God, is absolutely necessary. Now there's no preparation of wild Plants for a Garden, without Engrafting; all the Culture, pruning, dressing, or ordering the husbandman can use, is to no purpose, without Engrafting, either of Natural, or spiritual plants, Jo. 3.3. Except a man be borne again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. As to the wild Natural Plants there is a new Nature added by Engrafting, so there is also a new Nature, the divine Nature, put into the soul, by Regeneration, or Engrafting into Christ, without which there can be no preparation for glory. The Apostle speaking of the glory above (and that the saints groan earnestly for it,) says, God fits them and prepares them for this state of glory: 2 Cor. 5.5. He that hath wrought us for the self same thing is God God squares, and works these spiritual, lively stones, for the spiritual building, as a Mason hues, and squares the stones he intends for a Material building. Or (to keep to the similitude in hand) the husbandman prepares the Plants he intends to Plant in his Garden, ere he remove them thither. Col. 1.12. Giving thanks to the father who hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. As there are vessels of wrath fitted to destruction, so also, there are vessels of mercy prepared unto glory. Rom. 9.23. This people have I form for myself: they shall show forth my praise Esay. 43.21. There is an absolute necessity of this preparation, because (might it be supposed as a thing possible, that a natural man should come to heaven, it would be but even a burden to him; he would have no joy, no rest, nor contentment there; for all things there are contrary to his Nature: now nothing pleaseth, but things that are according to our Nature: therefore God prepareth his people, by giving them another Nature, the divine Nature, which is sanctification, or holiness. God fits, and prepares his people for glory, by Convincing them of their state and condition by Nature, showing them a way, and means of getting out of it, even by laying hold on Christ by faith, closing with him upon the terms of the Gospel, The Spirit of God unites them unto, and (by faith) ingrafts them into that fruitful living stock jesus Christ, without which none can be prepared unto glory. And after this Engrafting, the Husbandman goes on to prepare his Plants, by Pruning, dressing, and ordering of them, by means of Ordinances, Afflictions, Temptations, dispensations of providence, and workings of his spirit in all these; whereby he brings them to further degrees of Sanctification, until they have attained their measure, and are fitted for glory. Use. Let all that have an expectation of the glory that is to be revealed, consider well this point, it is as possible (and as likely) the Carpenter should take Trees newly cut down, rough, and unsquared (boughs and all) and put them into a Building, as that God should bring souls to glory (the body being cut down) which he hath not fitted, and prepared for glory: Therefore if thou canst not (upon some good grounds) satisfy thyself that God is in a way of preparation with thee, let not thine eyes sleep, neither the Temples of thine head take any rest, until thou find some good evidences of this thing. And let such as find, and know, they are prepared for glory (by Engrafting into Christ, Calling, Sanctification etc. Rejoice in the Lord always, because their a This is a clear evidence our Names are written in heaven, when the Law of God, (according to the New Covenant) is written in our hearts, that is, when there are inclinations, and dispositions in our hearts according to the word, when there is a new Nature, Holiness, or sanctification, in some measure. Names are written in heaven, they being prepared for it, shall certainly be brought unto it. The three and twentieth Observation in Nature. Natural Fruit-trees increase by little and little every year, they are not suddenly great, and large trees, but they increase by degrees, every year they grow bigger, and larger every way, by the culture and diligence of the husbandman, and influences of heaven, until they attain their full growth. This shadows out unto us the state of spiritual Fruit-trees, in this Proposition. That grace in the hearts, of Believers is not suddenly strong, Proposition shadowed. but strength is gotten by degrees. Grace is compared to a Grain of Mustardseed, which though it be very small, yet by degrees it groweth very great Mark. 4.31. It is like a Grain of Mustardseed, which when it is sown in the Earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth, verse. 32. but when it is sown it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great Branches etc. The inclinations, and new dispositions which the spirit of God beginneth to work in the soul, they are then but very weak, and slender, scarce (it may be) to be perceived, but afterwards they are more sensible; it is as Corn sowed in the field (our Saviour holds it forth by that Similitude Mark. 4.28) which bringeth forth, first the blade, than the Ear, after that the full corn in the Eare. Corn (we know) springs up at first very small and slender, and scarcely to be distinguished from Grass; so the first springings of Grace in some are so small, that they are scarce to be perceived, nor are they easily distinguished from Moral virtues. The word of God is compared to seed, Luk. 8.11. the seed is the word, etc. Now the spirit of God, being the efficient Cause, or worker, As the husbandman casteth seed into his ground which he has prepared for that purpose, so does the spirit cast, or put the word into the heart, he causeth it to fasten, to take hold, and to make impression in the heart and conscience of believers, and there he waters it, and causeth it to grow, he makes it take effect, and to work according to the Nature of the word. And of this seed the New man is borne, 1 Pet. 1.23. being borne again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God. etc. A Child newly borne, is not presently a Man, but he grows up by little, and little; God hath Children, young men, and fathers in his great family the Church, believers of several ages, some weak, and some strong. Use. 1 This being so, than the sour, harsh doctrine that some men often dispense, without due ingredients, or distinctions, is not according to wisdom, laying loads, and burdens upon weak shoulders, and giving strong meat to Babes; defining faith to be a full persuasion of the love of God, which is only applicable to some strong, well grown Christians, and not to the weak: In the discovery of the Characters of Grace, such are often held forth, as whereto none attain but the elder, and stronger sort of Believers, which are stumbling blocks, and grounds of Temptations, and doubts to the weaker. Paul should be made a Pattern in this case: 1 Cor. 3.2. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat, for hitherto ye were not able to bear it. Use. 2 Let not any soul be discouraged though Graces are weak at present, they will grow stronger and stronger, in the diligent use of all good means, though thou seemest to be even overturned by Satan's Temptations, and thy own Corruptions frequently, yet carry this in thy Mind: I shall be stronger. And be sure to eye Christ all along, having once got a sight of him, though thy sight be but weak, and dim, yet take heed of losing it, and strength will come from Christ: often acting of faith upon Christ, will increase and strengthen the Principle, or habit of faith. Though thou art not able to lay fast hold upon Christ with the hand of faith, yet if thou canst but touch him, as it were, but with the little finger of faith, virtue will come from him, to refresh thy soul. Daily study the Promises of the New-Covenant, and ye may draw Milk out of those Breasts of Consolation, which will feed, and strengthen all the Graces. 1 Pet. 2.2. As new borne Babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. But some soul's Object against themselves that they do not grow, after long use of the means, they find little, or no growth in Grace: It may be Answered, sure thou art mistaken: for those who often complain of the want of growth, which is their grief and burden, certainly such souls do grow. Their clearer sense, and sight of Corruptions, with bewailing of them, is a plain Evidence of growth: compare what thou findest now, with what hath been aforetime, and it will be more visible. Fruit trees, nor Branches cannot be seen to grow, yet compare their breadth, and bigness now, with what they were aforetime, and their growth will be manifest. The four and twentieth Observation in Nature. We see by Experience, that Grafts do sooner, and more generally, take hold of the stock, receive sap, and life from it, in a mild spring, when there is calm warm weather, gentle showers, and now and then some warm gleams of the sun, than they do in a cold spring, when there are many Frosts, dry, harsh, East winds; such a season keeps back most Grafts, and hinders their springing, and shooting forth, as they would do in calm weather. This is another Similitude etc. and shadows out unto us this Proposition: That Discoveries of the Love of God to souls prepared for Christ, does hasten their closing with him. When a soul lies under convictions for sin, and apprehensions of the wrath of God for it, the great thing is then, how to make such a soul to close with, and lay hold on Christ, whereby only he shall have true peace, and so proceed unto growth, and bearing fruits. Now if such a one live under a harsh Ministry where the Law is frequently thundered out against sinners, with little mixture of the Gospel, or if he meet with passages in books, which naturally beget fears, or converse with unskilful friends, who (through ignorance of such a condition) will be apt to censure (as Jobs friends) & lay on more load upon his spirit, such a one hereby may be kept a great while from closing with Christ; and resting on him by faith: Whereas clear discoveries of the kindness and love of God in Christ, of readiness to receive, and bid welcome such a one, is the most likely means, to bring the soul to close with Christ. When the 3000 were pricked in their hearts at Peter's Sermon Acts 2. the Apostle encourages them with good words, and assurance of entertainment, and acceptance, and thereupon they believe and rest on Christ: So when the Jailer was struck with terrors, Paul immediately encourages him to believe, and he forthwith closeth with Christ, Acts 16.31. When a soul is wounded and bruised with the sight of sin, and apprehensions of wrath, than the soft Oil, or Balm of the Gospel should be poured in, Esay. 35.4. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, be strong, fear not, behold your God will come with a Recompense, he will come and save you. This is the very Office of Christ, and his Ministers. Esay. 61.1. To preach glad tidings to the Meek, to bind up the Broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the Captives, and the opening of the Prison to them that are bound, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, to comfort all that mourn etc. Now the reason hereof is, because souls lying under apprehensions of wrath for sin, their doubt is mainly of God's willingness to save them, they know not his Will in the thing, therefore to labour to convince them of his Love, of his willingness, and readiness to receive, and save sinners that come to him by Christ, is the great business in case of distress and doubting. Use. 1 This being so, than those who go about to direct, and comfort weary souls laden, and burdened with the sense of sin and wrath, are to beware how they press the duties of the Law to such in order to settlement and peace; some are ready still (in such Cases) to tell the party distressed in conscience, you must walk strictly, take heed of Sin, give not way to corruptions, not so much as any motions or stir of them within, and be diligent in all duties of hearing the word, reading, meditation etc. and so put them on the duties of the Law, or Covenant of works, whereby to get peace, and acceptance with God, making God appear as a hard Master, and thereby lay one burden upon another, in stead of easing of them; Whereas the sweet refreshing Promises of the Covenant of grace, the infinite Love of God in our precious Lord Jesus Christ, should be laid open, and held forth clearly to such a weary soul; that such a one might see the great works of fulfilling the Law, and satisfying divine Justice, done to his hand, in case he lay hold upon and, close with Christ by faith; This is the ready way to settle such a soul, to make the Graft take hold of the stock, from which it may receive life. This the Apostle shows us by a plain instance, Gal. 3.2. Received ye the spirit by the work of the Law, or by the hearing of faith? as if he should say, ye know this course was taken with you, before ye believed: The doctrine of free grace was preached to you, ye heard that Justification came not by the works of the Law, but by faith in Christ; even so it is now. Secondly, Souls thus in distress ought to hearken to, and receive offers of grace when they hear them made, and not to Use. 2 put them off, and neglect them, as very many do. They will not, or dare not close with the free promises of grace, because say they, I wretch am not worthy, I am not fitted, my heart is hard, my Corruptions are strong, I am full of sin, my whole life is nothing but sin: Why thou shalt never have it otherwise, so long as thou standest off, and refusest to close with Christ. If thou think to get thy heart into an humble, melting frame, and temper, and to subdue Corruptions, and then to close with Christ, thou wilt but deceive thyself, that's not the way; but seeing thy want of Christ and thy sinful undone condition without him, and a true desire in thee to get out of it, and to be sanctified as well as justified, to be saved from sin, as well as wrath: let it be the very first thing thou dost to venture on him, and close with him, accept of his love, and do but touch him by faith, and thou shalt find thyself healed of all thy spiritual diseases, but without this course (notwithstanding all thy own strictness, and endeavours in duties) thou wilt find thyself to be worse and worse. The five and twentieth Observation in Nature. THe Husbandman having laboured, and taken much pains about Engrafting his Plants, when (in the spring) he sees they begin to bud, and shoot forth, when he (observing of them) perceives they have closed with and taken hold of the stock, he is glad of it, this is a ground of rejoicing to him, he is very well pleased to see the good success of his labours about his Fruit-trees. This discovers to us: That A sinner's Repentance, and closing with Christ, causeth joy both in heaven and Earth. The Lord, the great husbandman is always at work, labouring to draw souls to Christ, by all ways and means; And his subhusbandmen the Ministers of the Gospel, and all his people (one way or other) do labour in the same work, they are Co-workers, fellow labourers with him in this great Gospel's work: Now when they see their works and labours have good success, they rejoice, and are glad. 1. The people of God rejoice when they see unregenerate persons come in to Christ, because they are renewed themselves, and it's natural for every Creature to be glad of, and rejoice in its like. Secondly; they rejoice at the conversion of others, because they love God, The Reason, and Love is always glad at that which pleaseth, and makes for the beloved: God hath honour hereby, and therefore they rejoice. Secondly, the faithful Ministers of the Gospel rejoice at the conversion of souls, not only upon these accounts, but also because they are more immediately concerned in it, it is their proper work and business, to win souls to Christ: Now when they see the success of their Labours they say as the Apostle, 3 Epistle of John 4. I have no greater joy then to hear that my Children walk in the truth. So the Apostle Paul, 1 Thes. 2.19. what is our hope, our joy, our Crown of rejoicing, are not ye & c? v. 20. For ye are our glory & joy. Thirdly: The good Angels also rejoice when sinners turn to God: This our Saviour tells us; Luk. 15.7. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth etc. verse. 10. There is joy in the presence of the Angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. Fourthly, God the father, son, and spirit rejoice at the Repentance of sinners. The spirit (to speak after the manner of men) is said to be grieved with sin, when souls reject his motions, so on the contrary when they hearken to him, he is well pleased. Our Saviour having taught his disciples, and brought them to understand, and receive the things of the kingdom of God he rejoiced, Luk. 10.21. In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit etc. Also we see how God the Father is well pleased when sinners come in to Christ, this is at large made out unto us in the Parable of the Prodigal, Luk. 15.20. the father seeing his son returning to him, how glad is he of it, he ran to meet him, and fell on his neck and kissed him: then there was Music, and dancing and feasting, etc. all this is but to let us know how welcome a soul is to God when it returns from its wander: Esay. 65.19. I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people, and Zepth. 3.17. The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty: he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his Love, he will joy over thee with singing. Use. 1 O what encouragement is here unto sinners to come in, and close with Christ by faith! they shall be welcome, freely welcome, & not only so, but heaven & earth will (as it were) ring with joy at their coming in: It will not be only matter of joy unspeakable and full of glory unto themselves, but also it will be joy to others: Men and Angels, yea the blessed God himself (speaking to our apprehensions) is said to rejoice at it. Now therefore be wise in this thy day, stand not out one Moment longer; will't thou not accept of a Crown and kingdom when it is offered thus freely? if thou wilt not, then know for a certainty, that God who now tells thee he will be glad of thy coming in) will laugh at thy destruction, and mock when thy fear comes. Pro. 1.26. Secondly: Let all the people of God labour in this glorious work of winning souls to Christ, that so Jerusalem (the Use. 2 Church of God) may not only be a quiet habitation, but also filled with joy, when the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs, and everlasting joy upon their heads, they shall obtain joy, and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Esay 35.10. This is a Touchstone for those who profess, and pretend an Use. 3 interest in Christ: dost thou rejoice when thou seest or hearest of any coming in to Christ, that the kingdom of Christ is daily growing, and increasing in the addition of Members to his Church? Does it refresh thy spirit to see and hear that holiness, and the power of godliness gets rooting in the hearts of many in the world, that Jesus Christ is received, and multitudes close with him? why then this is a sound and sure evidence and ground that thine heart is upright with God, that thou hast an interest in Christ, and art thyself engrafted into him. But if it be an indifferent thing to thee what others do in this respect, whether they come in or no; if they do not, thou art not moved, it grieves thee not to see men reject Christ freely tendered in the Gospel, nor if they receive him, and close with him, neither art thou glad of it, thou dost not rejoice in it. If the habitual frame, and temper of thy spirit be thus, I dare boldly affirm it, thou hast not closed with Christ thyself as yet, thou art not yet engrafted into him, therefore consider thy ways, and make haste to get into Christ, delay not a moment longer. The six and twentieth Observation in Nature. AS the Husbandman takes pleasure in his fruit-trees, so they (a) Inanimate Creatures are said to rejoice, when they perform Natural Acts vigorously. The sun rejoiceth to run his course. Ps. 19.5. The hills, and Valleys (when abundantly fruitful) they laugh and sing, Ps. 65. ●3. Proposition shadowed. (in a sense) take pleasure in him: He delights to walk among them, & converse with them by meditation; searching out their Natures, and virtues, for Profits, and advantages, he takes pleasure in their shade, (in heat of summer) and in their wholesome fruits in their seasons: And the fruit-trees also may be said to take pleasure in the husbandman's watering, dressing, and manuring; discovered by their increase, strong, and vigorous shoots, pleasant Blossoms, and multitudes of fruits from year to year. This is another Similitude etc. and shadows out unto us this Proposition. That There is a sweet fellowship, & communion between God, & his People, God delights in them, and they delight in him. Believers stand in the nearest Relations to God that can be, As a peculiar people unto God 1 Pet. 2.9. As children to a father, Rom. 8.17. As friends to God the father, and Christ, james 2.23. john 20.17. As Branches to the root, or stock: as brethren to Christ, as heirs and coheirs with Christ: As a wife to the husband; as members to the head, 2 Cor. 6.17. Io. 15.14. Cant. 4.17. Ephe. 3.20. In all which there is a wonderful union, and nearness set forth between God and his people, wherein there is delight, and Communion. The Apostle John speaks this for himself, and others, he tells us what their Experiences were in this: 1 John 1.3. That which we have seen, and heard, declare we unto you, that ye also may have Fellowship with us, and truly our Fellowship is with the father, and with his son Jesus Christ. The people of God they walk with God; Now can two walk together, and not have Communion, Gen. 5.22.6.9. 2 Cro. 7.17. & Fellowship one with another? Surely there are many intercourses, and sweet passages between friends when they walk together: There are Questions, & Answers, resolving of doubts, & Communications of secrets between intimate friends as they walk together. Nay there are not only these Relations (mentioned) & a friendly walking together with God, but there is also a Co-habitation, or dwelling together with God, yea more: there is an Indwelling: God dwells in his people, & they dwell in him: So that here is a ground of Communion indeed: 2 Cor. 6.16: I will dwell in them, walk in them: And Jo 1.4, 16. He that dwelleth in Love, dwelleth in God, and God in him. As the spirit is in believers, so they are in the spirit Gal: 5.25. Here then must needs be communion, and fellowship. From these Relations, and nearness to, and union with God, springs this Communion, which includes love, joy, and pleasure on both sides: unspeakable love flows from God unto his people: yea, God takes pleasure, and rejoiceth in his people. And they return Love to God again, they also take pleasure, and rejoice in God: the scripture is plentiful in these things: Ps. 147.11. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him: so again, Ps. 149.4. The Lord taketh pleasure in his people: and Zeph. 3.17. The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty, he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy, he will rest in his love he will joy over thee with singing. Here is the mighty God taking pleasure in his people, rejoicing with joy, and singing, resting in his love, the believing soul. This joy is not the joy of ordinary friends, but of those of nearest relation, the husband, and the wife, and that (too) at their espousals: Esay. 62.5. As the Bride groom rejoiceth over the Bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee. Seeing there is such a fellowship between God, and his people, what an invitation, and encouragement is this to all to come into this Garden the Church of God? such who weary themselves in seeking for content, and pleasures in the empty things of the world, may come hither, and be satisfied: O say not we shall lose our pleasures if we turn to be precise, and religious, then farewell delights, and joy, than we must embrace sadness and Melancholy, instead of our delights. O consider how much thou art mistaken that judgest thus: taste and try, and thou wilt find it otherwise. Thy pleasures now out of Christ, are but shadows of Pleasures, and there is nothing but bitterness attending them: these are real, and substantial pleasures, unspeakably more, and better in the measure, and nature of them, and yet they are but tastes, and beginnings of Eternal joys and satisfactions. All the ways, and walks in this Communion with God, are ways of pleasantness, and all the paths are peace, Prov. 3.17. Here thou mayst walk, or sit under the great Appletree Jesus Christ, & be refreshed with his shade, & fruits: Hear what the Church says & come to her, Ca 2.3. I satedown under his shadow with great delight, & his fruit was sweet to my taste: yea, here is wine to the fruits to make up a complete Banquet: v. 4. He brought me into a Banqueting house, where are mixed wines, and wine of the Pomegranate, Prov. 9.2. Cant. 8.2. If thou delight in feasts, and Banquets here they are: A feast of fat things, of wine on the Lees well refined: Esay. 25 6. And the Master of the feast says freely, Eat O friends, drink, yea drink abundantly O beloved Cant. 5. Therefore delay not to come, that thou mayst be filled with this joy, in Communion with God. Use. 2 Will God indeed dwell with men, and have fellowship and Communion with them? Does the holy and blessed God (who cannot have any addition of happiness by the society of all the Angels in heaven) condescend so low as to have Communion with sinful man, and to dwell with him, as Psal. 132.14. This is my rest for ever, here will I dwell for I have a delight there: O how should we stand admiring at his free grace and love, And what an Engagement is this unto us to walk humbly, and holily with him? Let us therefore be diligent to improve this Communion, it will be our unspeakable happiness, and Glory; hereby we are enabled to act for God, with cheerfulness and life, all duties are easy, and pleasant to us, which when this is wanting we carry on but heavily: This lifts us up above the reach of Temptations, the flesh is down, or very much weakened: Satan is at quiet, in respect of many suggestions which at other times he drives on, and watches his season when he perceives the soul in another frame; being in Communion with God, the world is then under our feet, the daintiest baits of it, have no taste nor relish with us: Yea the greatest outward Afflictions (which when Communion is wanting do load us, and press us down and which break the bark, or the heart of others) these are but light, and are easily borne. By close Communion with God we live in another sphere, in another world, than the Common sort of Christians who improve not Communion; it lifts Beleivers as it were into the third heaven, where are unspeakable pleasures, and contentments, and the soul says, its good being here; O that I might build, and rest here, and go no more down from this Mount: from this Mount the soul takes a view of the holy Land, and sees the beauty, and glory of it, the soul sees itself interessed in the kingdom, and all the riches, and Treasures of it. O the Privileges that Christ hath purchased for the believing soul, they cannot be numbered nor conceived! for God is the great everlasting Portion of his people, and in him are all desirable things, suitable to the soul, which are plainly laid open to the eye of the soul, the spirit sealing an assurance thereof unto it in this Communion, which is satisfying and filling more than can be expressed. Seeing such a Fellowship and communion may be had with God Use. 3 through Christ, many Christians (real believers) have reason to take shame unto themselves for that they look so little after it; It is clear to the eye of discerning Christians (who know by Experience what this Communion is) that some have little Communion with God, for their Communion is so much, and so heartily with the Creature, that it cannot be also with God; their speeches, their daily course, and practices, their deadness in duties, their cold, and heartless acting for God, for the interest of Christ, their starven love to the saints, and their eager, and serious pursuit of their own interests, in things of the world, so highly prising every petty advantage, as that rather than they will part with it, they will let the glory of God, the Gospel, Religion, and all God's people, suffer blemishes, and disparagement. These (and such like) things I say, do too clearly evidence, and prove their Earthly mindedness, and consequently that they are at a distance from God, and enjoy not this Communion: For it is as possible that darkness should abide upon the earth where the sun shines, as that earthly mindedness, and Communion with God, should abide together. The seven and twentieth Observation in Nature. WHen the Husbandman hath a plantation in hand, or intends to enlarge his Orchard he does then remove, and take out of the way whatsoever hinders his work; all the shrubs, and bushes, wild trees, hedges, stones, Roots, or whatsoever else lies in the way: He sets himself and his workmen to cut them down, root them up, and remove them, that so he may plant his Fruit-trees, and have a large, and fair Orchard. This may teach us. That Proposition shadowed. Who, or whatsoever hinders the inlargment of the Church of God, he will certainly (and sometimes with great anger) take out of the way. The works and people of God in all ages, have been opposed by his enemies, and hindered for a time, but God hath ever appeared for his people, and helped them, and carried on his designs by them, and for them, and the opposers of God, and his people have been brought down. When God went about to plant and enlarge his Church the people of Israel, how did he cut down, and destroy their enemies that hindered, and opposed them? When Kings and Princes, with great Nations risen up against them to stop the plantation, these great Mountains were leveled before them, these tall Ceders, and barren trees were hewn down on every side: Pharaoh, and his great Host, Syhon and Ogg with their Armies; Josh. 12. one and thirty Kings with much people, even as the sand of the sea for multitude, josuah 11.4. all fell before Israel; If Rivers or Seas hinder their passage, they shall be dried up; Armies of Giants are cut off, Luk. 10.17. men, and devils are made subject unto them. Who art thou O great Mountain before Zerubbabel, Ezek. 21.17. thou shalt become a plain, Zecha. 4.7. God will Overturn, Overturn, Overturn all persons and things that oppose him. The husbandman will cut down, and root up the wild Plants, and trees, with Anger, and great fury, he will come with fire, and sword, as the Prophet speaks Esay. 66.14.15. The hand of the Lord shall be known among his servants, and his indignation towards his enemies, the Lord will come with fire, and his Charets like a Whirlwind verse. 16. For the Lord will judge with fire, and with his sword all flesh. Now when shall this be, even when the Lord will enlarge his Church, when he will extend peace to jerusalem as a River, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream, Esay. 66.12. When the isles a fare off shall declare his glory among the Gentiles, and brethren shall be brought out of all Nations; when the new heavens, and the new earth shall be made, the Church of God enlarged, and beautified; as we may see at large, vers. 19.20. etc. The Prophet Jeremiah speaks likewise to the same purpose, c. 23.19.20. Behold the tempest of the Lord goeth forth in wrath, & a violent whirls wind shall fall down upon the head of the wicked; and the anger of the Lord shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart. Now when these things shall be, we see vers. 20. in the latter days (when God is enlarging his Church) ye shall understand it plainly. This God will do, that he may glorify himself in showing forth his power, and justice towards his enemies, & love to his people. This may inform us, and give some light unto us, why all the Use. 1 destructions, confusions, and overturnings (which have been in these Nations of late years) have come to pass; and what other Nations shall shortly find also. The great husbandman is about the enlarging of his Orchard, according to the many Prophecies, and promises in his word; Now therefore who, or whatsoever hinders and stands in the way, shall certainly be removed 2 Thes. 2.7. The Lord shall consume him (Antichrist) with the spirit of his mouth, and destroy him with the brightness of his coming. Use. 2 As this is unspeakable consolation to the saints (who are the goodly fruit-trees in this large garden) so is the same cause of trembling, and astonishment to all opposers of God in this his great work: Weeds and wild Plants in a garden, that's carefully ordered, are not so sure of plucking up, as these persons are of a downfall; for God hath said it: he will plant his Garden, and enlarge it, upon an high mountain, and eminent, and then up go the wild trees, though never so high and beautiful, Ezek. 17.24. Then all the trees of the field shall know that I the Lord have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and made the dry tree to flourish, I the Lord have spoken it and have done it. Use. 3 Thirdly: ye that stand out, and oppose the work of God, be persuaded to deliver yourselves from destruction; beware of hardness of heart, in refusing to see and acknowledge the hand of God in his dispensations; for as Pharaoh, the inhabitants of Egypt, Canaan, and others, were destroyed in their opposition against the plantation of old; so shall it be with all hardened sinners in these latter days: Those being but Types, and shadows of things that shall come to pass in these gospel times: Heb. 10.1. The law hath a shadow of good things to come, Not only as they shadow forth Jesus Christ, but also the things of Christ in his Church. Use. 4 And further: Let this Caution Gods own people, It is to manifest, and evident, that even some of them do in some respects, oppose the work of God; we see what divisions, and contentions there are amongst them, about the things concerning the kingdom of Christ: Now therefore take heed of opposing the mind of God; for if he be displeased with those who help not the Lord against the mighty; will he not be much more displeased, with those that oppose him, and are against him, in any of his designs? It may hinder them of much good which otherwise they might have received from God, See Pag. yea, it may provoke God to cut them off, though his own people: The husbandman sometimes cuts off a Branch, or cuts down even a good tree, when it is in his way, and hinders any of his great works: so doubtless does the Lord with some of his own people, when, through any worldly interest, or corruption, they oppose his designs: Therefore take heed, speak not, neither act against God and his ways through mistakes, be not unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is Eph. 5.17. The eight and twentieth Observation in Nature, WHen rare, and excellent fruit-trees, and fruits are first known, there being but few of them, they are more valued, and esteemed, then afterwards when they are multiplied, and grown common; though the commodities are still the same in goodness, as at first. This shadows out unto us, That The constant enjoyment of the best things from God (through corruptions) makes them less noted, and esteemed. Proposition shadowed. The nature of man is much taken with new things which having been a while used, and enjoyed, are not afterwards of so much value with us, though the things remain in their former goodness, and worth, health, peace and plenty, and the best good things of this life, yea, the Ordinances of Christ, society of the saints, seasons and opportunities of grace, spiritual privileges, are less observed and prized after a long enjoyment of them, then at the first: Though Manna was a pleasant bread, Angel's food, and the people of Israel were well pleased with it for a time, yet afterwards they were weary of it Numb. 21.5. Our soul loatheth this light bread. When the people of God see the necessity and want of good things, and earnestly pray, and wait for them, and at length God satisfies their desires, and gives out the mercy longed for, than they are much taken, and affected with it, their affections are raised, and enlarged, they put a price, and value upon it, greatly rejoicing in it, and blessing God for it; But after a certain time of enjoyment, the heart is less upon it, the streams of affections are abated, and run lower, there is not that frequent notice taken of it, neither when the mind reflects upon it (at any time) are the affections stirred, as at the first when the thing was new. Thus it is even in respect of the best, and choicest things we receive from God in this life, even the sense, and evidences of the love of God, pardon of sin, interest in Christ, Communion with the father, and the son through the spirit, These things after an habitual long enjoyment of them, are less noted, and less affect the heart, then upon their first discovery, so that God expostulates with his people about it, he takes notice of it, and observes the difference of the frame of their spirits, what it hath been and what it is afterwards, Jer. 22. I remember the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousales etc. when thou goest after me in the wilderness: time was when we were first acquainted, and thou didst take me for thy Lord, and Husband, thou didst express much love towards me, and waste affected with me, and we walked closely together, but now the case is otherwise: what iniquity have ye found in me that ye are gone fare from me, & have walked after vanity, & are become vain, as vers. 5. thou hast lost thy first Love, Rev. 2.4. God is sometimes necessitated (as we may say) to take away, and deprive his people of Privileges, and good things, that so by a sense of the want of them they may be brought to see their unthankfulness, and take more notice of them, and prise them more when they are restored. The experience of Christians make this too evident. Use. 1 The consideration of this should humble us, and make us greatly ashamed, seeing that many kindnesses from God, many acts of his Love will not draw, and fasten our hearts to himself, but that they grow cold, and sluggish under the richest enjoyments: Let us often reflect upon it, and loathe ourselves for this unanswerable frame of spirit towards God, men cannot bear unthankfulness, or slighting without withdrawing the manifestations of their love: Now such as cannot out of an ingenuous Principle return love for love to God, yet let the fear of losing enjoyments make such persons value and prise them. Use. 2 Secondly, this hateful frame of spirit of neglecting, or undervaluing precious things from God, should make us long for the state of glory, when the soul will be in a constant frame frame of fervent love to God, and be as much affected with enjoyments after thousands (millions) of years, as at the first. The nine and twentieth Observation in Nature. ALL the s●p and nourishment that the branches of a Tree have, they receive it from the Root, the boughs and branches have not one jot of sap, but what arises from the Root, there would not be one Bud, or blossom, or shoot, or leaf, or fruit, upon the Tree, if the Root did not give up sap to nourish, and maintain them. This shadows out unto us, That Our life, growth, strength, and all our spiritual Acts, Proposition shadowed. are from Christ. Christ is the Root, and stock of every believer, and all spiritual life, and habitual grace is from him: and not only the seed, habits, and principles of grace, but also all the workings and actings of grace are from him, as at first we were stark dead in sins and trespasses until he gave us life, so being quickened by the son (who quickeneth whom he will) we cannot grow, nor act but by influences from him, 2 Cor. 3.5. We are not sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God. A good thought is the least and lowest act of grace, and yet that we cannot do of ourselves, good thoughts, and desires are as Buds or Blossoms upon a tree, which show themselves before the fruits, Now if trees cannot bud of themselves, how much less can they bring forth fruits. Which also our Saviour plainly tells his disciples, Jo. 15.5. Without me ye can do nothing: He doth not say without me ye cannot do any great thing, but nothing at all. And Hosea 14.8. from me is thy fruit found: The Spirit of Christ is the spring, and Root of all our spiritual life, it is the strength, and power of the soul in believers, Acts 1.8. Ye shall receive power when the Holy Ghost is come upon you. Paul ascribes his life, and power to Act, all to Christ, Gal. 2.20. I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me, the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the son of God. And Phil. 4.13. I can do all things (saith he) but it is through Christ that strengtheneth me. Use. 1 From hence believers (some more especially, of more eminent parts and gifts) may see cause and reason to take shame unto themselves, who having performed any duties, or done any thing according to the mind of Christ, are ready to take the glory to themselves, and think too well of themselves. O this is a general corruption, an accursed thing in the midst of us, this secretly works more or less in every heart, but in some is more apparent to themselves and others, although (it may be) these kind of workings of heart declare not themselves plainly, nor arise not up in the soul to clear, and positive assertions, showing themselves in their own colours, and proper natures, yet they may be discerned to be in the heart, by their fruits, effects, and consequences, which spiritual eyes discern in themselves, and others. Use. 2 Let this teach us to have an eye upon Christ in all we do, and take heed of going about to act in our own strength, either in performance of duties, or mortifying Corruptions: Believers generally have recourse to Christ in reference to their salvation, and deliverance from sin, wrath, and hell; but doubtless there is ignorance of this point in many, and a great neglect in most, in respect of eyeing Christ, and drawing virtue from him by faith, as to particular actings all along in their lives: were we but well instructed in this point, and did but practise accordingly (even to look unto Christ with the eye of faith, to fetch life, strength, quickening and all things needful) we might then die more unto sin, Acts 1.8. and live more unto God, and might find ourselves strengthened with might in the inner man by his glorious power, even the spirit of Christ: Col. 1.11. which worketh in his people mightily, verse. 19 Use. 3 Seeing all is from Christ let therefore all be unto Christ: give the glory to him, seeing the life, and power to Act is from him. This is a thing of most special concernment, and to be noted by every believer; that as we do all in the strength of Christ, who is the efficient cause of all the good we do, so also, we should do all unto Christ, as the final Cause, unto whom, and for whom we do all. These two special things the Apostle lays down in one verse Phil. 1.11. He prays that they may abound in love and be filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. It is the property of hypocrites, & temporary believers, to act in their own strength, Gifts, and parts, and for themselves, their eye is secretly upon themselves: Hos. 10.1. These are empty Vines: they bring forth fruit to themselves, their fruit is as good as no fruit, because for themselves; but trees of the Lords planting bring forth fruit, that he may be glorified, Esay 61.3. and Rom. 7.4. That we should bring forth fruit unto God. The thirtieth Observation in Nature. FRuit-trees that spread much, and grow low, near the ground, such (most commonly) bring forth more, and larger fruits then high Trees that aspire up into the Air: some Reasons may be given for it, See Lo. Ba. Nat. Hist. This shadows out unto us, That Humble Christians bring forth fare more, and fairer fruits, Proposition shadowed. than such whose spirits are lifted up. Lowly Christians are like the lower grounds under hills and near Rivers, upon which when moisture descends from the heavens, and from the hills, it rests there, and makes the ground fat, and consequently fruitful. Who was a more fruitful Christian than David the holy Prophet? he was so eminently fruitful, and brought forth so much and so lovely fruits, as that God himself commends him, and says he walked in all the commandments according to his own heart (one particular excepted) and we see of what a spirit he was in respect of humility, Psal. 131.1.2. My heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty, my soul is even as a weaned Child. And the Apostle Paul discovers a spirit of more than ordinary humility, 1 Cor. 15 9 I am the least of the Apostles, that am not meet to be called an Apostle. And as though that were not low enough, he descends lower: I am less than the least of all Saints, Eph. 3.8. But now, who among the Apostles, or Saints brought forth more and greater fruits than this lowly tree: In nothing was he behind the very chief Apostles, 2 Cor. 12.11. yea: he laboured more abundantly than they all, 1 Cor. 15.10. and 2 Cor. 11.23. In labours more abundant. The Reasons hereof are, first: humble Christians have more from God than others; because nearer God: they walk with God, and Communicates himself to them more than to others, as familiar friends communicate secrets one to another: so God to the humble soul that walks with him, He giveth grace to the humble: 1 Pet. 5.5. He will teach the humbe his way. Ps. 25.9. but he resisteth the proud, and is a fare off from him. Secondly, Humble souls are communicative; they make others partake with them of what God hath given them (Children, & every one pluck fruit from a low Tree) and he that watereth shall be watered also himself, Prov. 11.25. the more they give out, the more they have coming in, the more good fruit a Tree brings forth the more will the husbandman do for it (by way of culture) that it may still bring forth more fruit. Thirdly, Humble Christians are most fruitful, because they receive profit from all persons, from all things, they can learn something from every thing, from the meanest from the worst (whereas proud persons think they have so much that they'll learn from none) so that their advantages are both from heaven and earth, as material trees growing low, near the ground have not only the sun and rain, but also some advantage by the reflection of the sun beams from the earth: which tall, high Trees have not. Use. 1 Let us be much in love with this precious grace of humility, and beware of pride: if we would bring forth much and fair fruits; let us labour to be clothed with humility: and follow the most glorious Pattern herein Mat. 11.29. Learn of me, for I am meek, and lowly in heart: Then shall we bring forth much and great fruits, whereby our father, will be glorified, whereof ourselves, and others may eat and be filled. But here we may stand, and take up a lamentation for what we see contrary in many of the people of God in our days: especially among those who have best parts and abilities, O what shall we do to pluck up this poisonous destructive Plant, from among the good plants of grace. This has a strong hold even in many of the Saints, and is like that unclean spirit Mat. 17.21. which goeth not out but by Prayer and fasting: with great striving, and much ado. Consider: is it no Argument against it in that it puts us a fare off from God, in respect of that close communion we might otherwise have with him: and secondly, it almost stifles, and chokes our graces that they cannot act, at they do in the humble soul. thirdly: it blemishes, and clouds exceedingly (both in the eye of God, and humble souls) the beauty and honour of Christians in this life, and lessens their future glory, and that for ever. This is for the honour and praise (as well as for the consolation) Use. 3 of humble saints; who though they be lowest, perhaps, in outward respects here in the world, yet are they in highest esteem with God: their humility exalts them, even in the account of God, and such low spreading Trees, shrubs in their own eyes, when they are transplanted into the Garden of God in Paradise, shall be set upon the highest ground, and be the talest Trees there, fare above many of their brothers who in this life are fare above them. The one and thirtieth Observation in Nature, THe Root, body, boughs, branches, and small Twigs of a Tree make but one body, or substance: Though the parts of a Tree are distinguished, and known by several names, and are divided into multitude of boughs, branches, and twigs, yet all of them are so joined together as that they make up but one body, or substance. This shadows out unto us That Jesus Christ and his people, Proposition shadowed. (though multitudes of distinct persons, yet) are so united, as that they make but one body. Christ is the head of his Church: and all believers being united to him by faith, are his Members: 1 Cor. 12.27. Col. 1.18. Ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. Now there is not a more real union in nature between the head and the Members in the body of a man, or between the Root and branches of a tree, than there is between Christ, and his people. When Christ ascended up on high he gave Gifts unto men for the perfecting of the saints, the body of Christ, Eph. 4.12. That they may grow up into him in all things which is the head, even Christ, verse. 15. From whom the whole body fitly joined together, and compacted, by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body, unto the Edifying of itself in love, vers. 16. Christ calls himself the Vine, Joh. 15.5. that is the bottom, stock or Root of the Vine, and his people are the Branches; Now as the Branches being joined, and made one with the Root do receive all their nourishment, sap and life from the root whereupon they increase, and without which they would certainly die and whither, so it is between Christ and his people; there being a real, mystical union and oneness between this head and this body, life and nourishment is given from the head to the body, Col. 2.19. from which (head) all the body by joints, and bands, having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Use. 1 This is a ground of unspeakable consolation to believers; for this being so, Christ will certainly take care of them; being joined to Christ, and one with Christ they shall have life, nourishment, strength, wisdom, righteousness, holiness, all good things in this life, out of his fullness, and glory hereafter for ever: it cannot be otherwise; for in so doing Christ provides for himself, and glorifies himself, his Members being one with him. Use. 2 From hence a spiritual eye may see a very great dignity, beauty, and glory put upon Believers (though the meanest.) Union and oneness with such a glorious person puts a spiritual glory upon them. A great Prince marrying a mean person, by that union, an honour is derived upon the party, according to the dignity of the Prince. Now believers are married to Christ, Jer. 3.14. and Rom. 7.4. and so made one with him, as the husband and the wife are one: so that what dignity and honour is upon the husband, is also, in a proportion, upon the wife. The two and thirtieth Observation in Nature. THe Root of a Tree does continually give up sap, and nourishment to the Boughs and branches all the year long; as well in winter to preserve life, as in summer to cause growth and increase: But no sap at any time descends from the Branches to the Root: (though most men, upon mistaken grounds (of this See. pag.) conceive, and affirm, that sap descends in Autumn into the Root.) This shadows out unto us, That As we have our life, and all from Christ, Proposition shadowed. so we are continually receiving new supplies from him, but can add nothing to his infinite perfections. Christ is the Root, as his people are the Branches, and from this Root, sap continually ariseth to maintain life, and cause growth and fruitfulness: Jer. 17.8. He shall be as a Tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the River, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green, and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. So. Psal. 1.3. And Esay. 58.11. The Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones, and thou shalt be like a watered Garden, whose waters fail not: They shall not hunger, nor thirst, etc. by the springs of water shall he guide them, Esay. 49.10. As willows by the water courses, Esay 44.4. Here we see are continual supplies of nourishment to the soul: Rivers (we know) are continually running, and fountains, or springs are continually springing; these Gardens are watered with waters that fail not, as the Prophet speaks, Esay. 18.11. Though the body, and branches of a tree were as full of sap as the bark would hold, yet would all be soon exhausted, and spent, and the branches would whither and die, if there were not a continual supply from the Root: So though a man had the habitual grace of all beleivers on earth yea of all the Angels in heaven (as much as a Creature is capable of) yet could he not thereby persevere, all would be spent without new supplies from Christ. Our Saviour tells us these supplies never fail, but are constant Joh. 4.14. Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him, shall never thirst: but the water that I shall give him, shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. We see then supplies from Christ are constant, and continual which believers draw from him. By these Rivers, streams, and springs of water, are meant the constant supplies the believing soul draws, and receives from Christ by his spirit. As we see: Joh. 7 38, 39 He that believeth on me, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. This spoke he of the spirit. And for the second part of the Proposition: we can add nothing to his infinite perfections, job. 22.1, 2. Can a man be profitable to God, is it gain to him that thou makest thy ways perfect: And again Job. 35.7. If thou be righteous, what givest thou him, or what receiveth he of thine hand. So the Apostle: Rom. 11.35. Who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again. God is no gainer by us: All his Creatures together doing theirutmost, can add nothing to his essential glory, which is infinite, and therefore admits of no additions. But we are said to glorify God, when we manifest, declare, and set forth what he is; when he is made known among his Creatures, and worshipped. Use. 1 This shows us whither to go for constant supplies of wisdom, strength, quickening, and all Gifts, and graces, even to Jesus Christ the store-house, and Treasury of all good things. For it pleased the father that in him should all fullness dwell, Col. 1.19. There is something in Christ, suitable to all, and every of the wants of his people; which they may obtain of him. Use. 2 This being so, it should make us low in in our own eyes, and ascribe all the glory to Christ, in all the good we have, in all the good we do: what hast thou, that thou hast not received: I live (saith Paul) yet not I, but Christ liveth in me Gal. 2.20. So Peter and john having healed the man, put off the honour from themselves upon Christ, Acts 3.12. why look ye so earnestly on us? his name hath made this man strong etc. verse. 16. The three and thirtieth Observation in Nature. THe ways and Rules of the husbandman in Ordering his fruit-trees are very strange to most people, they wonder to see many pieces of his husbandry in his Orchard, and Garden: some things seem contrary to reason, when he cuts down or digs up some fair large Trees, beautiful to look upon, and sets small weak plants in their stead, and cuts off some large tops, and branches of others, and grafts only a few little twigs in their rooms, wrapped about with a lump of clay: when in winter he prunes his trees, and lays their roots bare, and scores, and cuts their bodies, on every side, these (and many such like works) are strange to most men, they have other thoughts of them then the Husbandman hath. This shadows out unto us, That The dispensations of God towards his Church, Proposition shadowed. are contrary to the Judgements of most people in the world. In all ages, God and his ways have been opposed, by the corrupt reasonings of men: Man in his natural estate cannot see God, nor the things of God, he perceiveth them not, because they are spiritually discerned, 1 Cor. 2.14. When God is about that great work to bring souls out of the snare, and bondage of Satan, into the glorious liberty of the sons of God; his ways whereby he does this, are very strange to most men: when they see poor creatures humbled, and broken in their spirits, and sometimes almost distracted through fears, and apprehensions of wrath, or under any other great Affliction, what do most people think of such? see, say they, how God plague's them for their Hypocrisy, they will presently censure them for dissemblers: David being under Afflictions, became a wonder, a monster unto many, Ps. 71.7. they judged God had forsaken him, vers. 11. Even so it is now. And as it is thus in respect of particular persons, so also in respect of the whole Church. When God went about to enlarge his Church in the days of the Apostles, Luk. 10.1. how contrary were his ways and dispensations to the judgements of most then; In sending forth a few poor plain men (two, and two) to preach the Gospel and win souls? how did the Learned proud Pharisees, and most of the people, despise them, and persecute them from city to city? They understood not what God was about, no more than the people of this generation. O how contrary are the dispensations of God to the apprehensions of most in this age! They speak against his ways, contradicting, and blaspheming. Yea the ways of God are contrary to the apprehensions of many of the godly among us, some of them directly oppose God, and his great design, others do not, cannot put to their hand to further it, for they apprehend it not, they cannot close with it: In their Sermons, Prayers, Discourses, they speak nothing of it, to promote it, nay (being darkened through interests, and corruptions) they oppose it, and speak against it, and those who carry it on. The reasons hereof are chiefly these. As for all natural men, they judge of things according to carnal Principles, sense, and Reason, now when the ways of God are not suited to these, they cannot see, nor judge of them: The natural man cannot perceive the things of God, for they have no spiritual Principles. 1 Cor. 2.14. Secondly: In the people of God, there is much pride, and self-love, carnal ends, interests etc. which (many times) sway their affections much, and thereby their judgements are darkened, according to the degrees of these corruptions: For as any soul grows in grace, and holiness, and gets more of the divine Nature, or Image of God, so are the things of God more, or less manifest to such a one. Thirdly, God will be seen, and acknowledged in the world, especially in his great dispensations, therefore are his ways often so unsuted to the apprehensions of men; but when they see at length, that God brings about his ends by them, which they thought so unlikely, than they admire. He will get himself glory in all his workings; by doing his work, his strange work, and bringing to pass his Act; his strange act, Esay. 28 21. Hence we may see the certain downfall of Antichrist, and all his partakers all the Enemies of God; because the ways of God are Use. 1 contrary to them, and they know them not, thence it is, that they do, and will oppose God, and fight against him, to their own destruction: Though the arm of the Lord be made bare, and lifted up never so high, and apparently in the world, in carrying on his designs, yet they will not see it nor acknowledge it, they will not behold the majesty of the Lord: Esay. 26.10. When his hand is lifted up, they will not see but they shall see, and be ashamed, verse. 11. Hardened Pharaohs, with all the blind multitude, opposers of God, his ways, and his people, shall be (at last) all cast, as a Millstone, into the midst of the sea, never to rise more. Are the ways of God in the sea, and his paths in the deep waters, and his footsteps not known, and contrary to the judgements of most, Use. 2 and is it too true, that many of Gods own people stumble at his ways, and dispensations, and in a sort, oppose God, or no way help forward his designs; O then let us be earnest with God for wisdom from above, and his spirit, to make out the mind of God to us, not only to know the things freely given to us of God, but also to know what things are of God in the world, to know the design of God in our generation, 1 Cor. 2.21.2. that so we may be so fare from standing out against it, as that we may comply with it, and help it on with all our might. The four and thirtieth Observation in Nature. THe Husbandman having great Plantations in hand, calleth none to help him in his special works, about his Fruit-trees, but such persons as have skill, and experience in the several works he sets them about: for if he should employ ignorant, and unskilful men about grafting, Inoculating, setting, and ordering of his young trees, they would do more hurt, then good, therefore it is necessary his servants, and under workmen should have some competent skill, and experience, in the works about which he employs them. This shadows out unto us, That Proposition shadowed. Those who have not the sanctifying spirit, and grace of God in them, are unfit for the work of the ministry: such bring more prejudice, than advantage to the Church of God. Ministers of the Gospel (they who are so indeed) are God's Husbandmen, Co-workers, fellow-labourers with God in his Orchards, and Gardens (his Churches) about his spiritual fruit-trees: We are laborers together with God, 1 Cor. 3.9. Ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building: I have planted, Apollo watered, and God have the increase, 1 Cor. 3.6. They are employed by God, to open blind eyes, and to turn souls from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, Acts 26.18. God gives them a Command, and Commission to preach the Gospel to every creature; that is, to all mankind; to teach all Nations, and to Baptise them into the Name of God: that is, Instrumentally to engraft souls into Christ, to work grace, or holiness, the Nature, or Image of God, which is baptising them into the Name of God (the Name of God, and his Nature, being all one) Christ, and his spirit (the efficient cause) being in them, and with them; who sanctifies his people, through the washing of water by the word, Ephe. 5.26. In Christ Jesus I have begotten you, through the Gospel, 1 Cor. 4.15. Now whom God calls to this great work, he prepares, and fits them (in some good measure) for it; he pours his spirit upon them, they have an unction from the holy one, who teacheth them all things, 1 joh. 2.20. Their wisdom is from above, james. 3.17. By this anointing of the spirit, men are fitted for the work of the Ministry, but without they are not fit; though they have humane learning, and parts (which are of special use and advantage in the Church of God, if sanctified) yet without the spirit of Christ, men are in darkness and cannot see the things of God: 1 Cor. 2.14. They cannot say with the true ministers of Christ (who are chosen, called, and sent) the things we have heard, and seen, declare we unto you, 1 Joh. 1.3. Luk 12.3. When God called, and sent, Moses, Samuel, Esay, Jeremy, and the rest of the Prophets, he fitted them for the work: The Apostles when called, and sent, had all a Mouth, and wisdom given them, Luk. 21.15. That is, the spirit; this anointing was poured out upon them: They were endued with power from on high, Luk. 24.49. As Jesus Christ the first Minister of the new Testament was fitted to preach, and publish the mind of his father, so are his people, whom he calls, and sends for that purpose: Now Christ was fitted by this anointing, Esay. 61.1. The spirit of the Lord is upon me because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings, etc. and Esay 42.1. Behold my servant, etc. I have put my spirit upon him. And when Christ sent forth his disciples to preach the Gospel, how did he prepare them for it, even by the same anointing, Joh. 20.21, 22. As my father sent me, so send I you, and he breathed on them, and said receive ye the holy Ghost. Thus also the Ministers of the Gospel that succeed him; they have the same anointing, which fits them with gifts, and graces, for this work: what ever humane learning they have (more or less) this anointing teacheth them, and makes them learned in the great mystery of godliness. Jesus Christ the wisdom of the father, in whom all fullness dwells, and the spirit of Christ dwells in them; hereby they are made able Ministers of the new Testament; Not of the Letter, but of the spirit, 2 Cor. 36. Carnal men (though never so learned) know not what they say, they have the letter of the word, but the spiritual sense is vailed, and hid from them, through the darkness of their minds; they have no insight, nor Experience in what they say: But every scribe that is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven, is like unto a man that is an houshoulder, which bringeth forth out of his Treasure, things new, and old, Mat. 13.52. True Ministers of the Gospel are Ambassadors for Christ, 1 Cor. 4.20. they are also stewards of the Mysteries of God, 1 Cor. 4.1. and it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful, vers. 2. May it not thence be concluded, that unregenerate persons, who cannot be faithful, are unfit to be stewards neither are entrusted by God in this great work●? From what hath been said, will it not follow; That those are Use. 1 no true Ministers of the Gospel, who are ignorant of, and inexperienced in the great work, and mystery of Regeneration, who have not the work of Grace upon their own hearts. They are Thiefs, and Robbers, who enter not in by the door (which is Christ) but climb up some other way, Joh. 10.1. These come to get the fleece, and care not if the flock be scattered, and torn by the wolves; how can they teach others, who were never taught themselves? is he fit to lead others who is blind? Now the Natural man seethe not, perceiveth not spiritual things, neither can he, because they are spiritually discerned, 1 Cor. 2.14. If any shall Object, That Judas was an unregenerate person, and yet sent to preach, Object. with the rest of the Apostles: It is answered: That is an Extraordinary Example, and foretold many generations before; Answ. Now Extraordinary Examples are not to be pleaded in ordinary Cases; it was of absolute necessity that such a one should be, that the scriptures might be fulfilled. Object. Secondly: If it be said, Though men have not the spirit of God, though they have not grace, yet having Learning, good gifts, and Parts, they may do good therewith in the Church of God: It is answered: Although it be granted that carnal men in the Ministry (having good Gifts, Answ. and endowments) may do some good thereby, does this prove they are therefore fit for the Ministry, or that they are sent of God, God of his infinite wisdom, and grace, ordereth, and over-ruleth all things, for good to his own people, even the very sins of men, and Devils. But further: Though some good may be done by carnal Ministers, it cannot be denied, but they do much more hurt, then good by their carnal Interpretations, and Misapplications of the scriptures, and bad Examples: Not having the spirit, not being Learned in the Mysteries of godliness, nor being taught by wisdom from above, they pervert the scriptures to their own, and others destruction, 2 Pet. 3.16. they cannot see the things of God, 1 Cor. 2.14. so that they deceive the souls of the poor carnal people, and lead them blindfold to hell: when the blind lead the blind, both fall into the ditch, into the bottomless Pit, so that as our Saviour bid his disciples, and the multitude, to take heed of the Leaven, or doctrine of the Pharisees (who were fools, and blind, as to the spiritual understanding of the scriptures) so also should we take heed of false interpretations of the scriptures, by carnal men in our days. Doth not God reprove (and expostulate with) such for their hold undertaking in this kind, Psal. 50.16: What hast thou to do to Preach my Laws, or that thou shouldest take my word in thy mouth, seeing thou hatest to be reform? See also Jer. 14.14. and Jer. 23.20. This informs us: That surely the time is at hand (and is not the Use. 2 day dawned already?) when the Gospel's Ministry shall be purged, the dross (carnal Ministers) shall be cast out, and the pure mettle preserved, according as was Prophesied, Mal. 3.1, 2, 3. when the Messenger of the Covenant, Jesus Christ, shall come, and Reign gloriously in the Nations; he will be as a Refiners fire, and shall fit as a Refiner, and purifier of silver, he shall purify the sons of Levi verse. 3. ignorant scandalous persons (who make the sacrifices of the Lord to be abhorred, (as Elies sons) the Name of God, and his Gospel to be blasphemed, and true Ministers despised, and reproached) these shall be cast out as unsavoury salt, and a true Ministry set up, and encouraged. Is not this the work of this day? Let them therefore who are employed therein, take heed of doing the work of the Lord negligently, but employ, and improve their Talon of Authority faithfully, and diligently, for their Master's interest: And let all the people of God be earnest with God to carry on the work himself, with his own hand, by his own spirit, otherwise Instruments may labour to no purpose, in this or any other work: And that God would more, and more purify his own people, even those who are most pure; for in them there is much dross yet unpurged out. Though I take this to be the most proper, and genuine meaning of this place, yet not with exclusion of the other. This points out unto us, who are the true Ministers of the Gospel, Use. 3 even all who have received the anointing of the spirit, & are taught of God, as the truth is in Jesus, that are called and sent of God, and approved by his Church and people to that Office and work: These are the true Ministers of the Gospel of Christ; these can speak of the things they have heard, and seen, 1 Joh. 1.3. they have skill, and experience in the things whereof they speak: they have the tongue of the Learned (though some, it may be, not much humane learning) and know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary; because they have a fountain of light, and truth, and wisdom within them, he dwells in them, in whom are all the Treasures of wisdom, and knowledge, Col. 2.3. being filled with all the fullness of God, out of which he fills his people, who receive of him grace, for grace, and are changed from glory, to glory, by his spirit, 1 Cor. 3.18. These are workmen that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, 1 Tim. 2.15. Object. If it be objected; If Ministers of the Gospel have but little humane learning, how will they stand themselves, and be able to maintain the Truths of God, against Learned heretics, and enemies of Christ? Answ. It is answered: Regenerate persons in whom Christ dwells stand upon surer grounds, and are more safe from (a) It is true, the best of God's people, (Ministers of the Gospel, and others) are subject to some errors in Judgement, as they are subject to some sins and infirmities in their conversations: But yet that promise Joh. 16.13. shall be fulfilled; That the spirit of God shall lead his people into all necessary thruths. damnable Heresies (though they have but little humane Learning, and but weak parts) than the most learned carnal person in the world; because they stand by the Power of God, the other, by a humane power: Christ hath undertaken to keep them; none are able to pluck them out of his hand; the gates, the powers of hell shall not prevail against them; it is not possible any should deceive the Elect, Mat. 24.24. And though they cannot (perhaps) maintain an Argument in a scholastical way, yet they can maintain it in a better way; that is, according to scripture, the word of God, which dwells in them plenteously, in all wisdom; thereby they have confuted, (and so shall hereafter) their adversaries; Out of the mouths of Babes, and sucklings (that is, men of despised parts with the carnal world) God hath ordained strength, even to the stilling, and silencing of the Enemy, Ps. 8.2. Hath not God said this again, and again, in several expressions? why will not men (even some of Gods own people) believe it? but bring a disparagement upon the wisdom of Christ, and upon his people, by their contradictions, that so they may set up (secretly) some thing of their own: see what the Apostle Paul says to this purpose (and beware of holding the truth in unrighteousness) 1 Cor. 27.28. God hath chosen the foolish things of the world, to confound the wise; and the weak things of the world, to confound the mighty things; and vile things; and things that are despised, hath God chosen, and things which art not, to bring to nought things that are. Though the carnal wisdom of men accounts the Prayers, discourses, Arguments, Gifts, and attainments of the saints, and all their ways, to be foolish, weak, vile, vain etc. yet even by these (the power, and spirit of Christ being in them) God will confound, and bring to nought their High things, their great things, and break down all their strong holds, for the foolishness of God (as men count foolishness) is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men, 1 Cor. 1.25. It is certainly the wisdom of the flesh, and not that which is from above, to conceive, that none but men bred up in Universities, are fit to preach the Gospel of Christ: For the word and spirit, are able not only to make men wise unto salvation, but also to make the man of God (Regenerate men) absolute, and throughly furnished unto this, and every good work, 2 Tim. 3.15, 16, 17. else how are the words of the Apostle true? These things being so, than Governors and Tutors in every Use. 4 society (where this great work is intended) should make it their main business to instruct the youth in the things of the Kingdom of God; and to be instrumental for their Engrafting into jesus Christ, without which they can never be fit, nor able Ministers of the New Testament, though they have the highest attainements in Learning and parts that the nature of man is capable of. There is great care taken to enlarge the faculties and to gain spiritual Gifts and parts (common as well to the Reprobate as the Elect;) by study, and exercises, and all means possible; whereas the truth is, the attainment of these without a Principle of grace together with them, does but make men more blind in spiritual things, and makes the bolts, and bars of corruption the stronger, to shut out jesus Christ: As it was with the learned, but carnal Grecians (to whom Christ and the things of Christ were foolishness) so it is with learned unregenerate men in all ages: Therefore this is that unum necessarium, that one necessary thing, a Principle of grace, without which all humane learning and parts, are but as an empty sound, and to be accounted (as all things else) but as dung and dross to the saving Experimental knowledge of Christ: this men will readily acknowledge in the Notion, and common apprehension, Use. 5 O but why is the Practical judgement so contradictory. Notwithstanding what hath been said, let none that are godly take occasion hereby to entertain too high conceits of themselves, and of their abilities to teach, and instruct others in the things of God, upon this ground, because they are regenerate, and have the spirit, and upon that account be so ignorantly confident of their abilities, as to despise, or neglect any means for their growth, and increase in all gifts and graces, as conceiving they have all knowledge immediately upon their interest in Christ, which yet it may be, is very weak, and little, let us take heed of thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought to think: but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of Gifts, and graces: and let us labour to improve our Talents, great or small, more or few, and to lay them out for the best advantage, both of our Master, of ourselves, and others; Even to the glory of God, and profit, and edification of one another. Neither ought men, from what hath been said, to take occasion to despise, or undervalue humane Learning, and parts, which are of singular use in the Church of God, when sanctified, and joined with grace, and holiness. There are very many instances, not only in former ages, but also in this present generation of Ministers of the Gospel, and others, Men eminent in humane Learning, and parts, and in grace also, who have been and are great, and special Instruments employed by God, for the destruction of Antichrist, and the enlargement, and building up of the Church of God. The five and thirtieth Observation in Nature. THe husbandman Grafts all the wild Plants that he brings into his Orchard, None but engrafted Trees must grow there, None must be Pruned, and Ordered, but they must also certainly be engrafted, being wild, and naught by nature, he engrafts them with some good, and choice fruits, otherwise they will bear sour, bitter, and unpleasant fruits. This is another Similitude of the state of spiritual fruit-trees whence we learn. That none but Engrafted Trees grow in God's Orchard the Church. Proposition shadowed. The Mystical husbandman takes pleasure in none but such as are Engrafted Trees, for before Engrafting they bring forth fruits distasteful to him, therefore, till that be done they are not within the Walls of his Orchard the Church invisible, and so not in his Care, and Love. Though many seem to be within the Garden enclosed, yet they are not, And though it may in a sense be said, That many are in the Church, which are not of the Church: That's only in a General acceptance considered as visible professors, yet taken strictly, no ungrafted Trees are either in, or of the Garden enclosed. The Grafting here spoken of is Regeneration or the New birth, This must necessarily be done, ere any can be fit Plants for God's Orchard, Luke. 13.3. Except a man be borne again, he cannot see the kingdom of God, Joh. 3.3. And again Joh. 15.4. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me. The Apostle shows us this Engrafting in plain terms: Rom. 6.5. We are Planted together in the likeness of his death, and Rom. 11.24. We are Grafted contrary to Nature into a good Olive tree. By this Engrafting is that Union, that believers have with Christ whereby they do as really, and truly receive spirit, sap, life, and power to grow, and bear fruits, as the branches of a Tree do receive sap, and vigour from the stock, and Root by which they increase, and bear fruits. The spirit, on Christ's part, and faith on ours, are the ties, and Bonds of this union, we see the necessity of both: without the spirit of Christ, we are none of his, Rom. 8.9. and without faith it is impossible to please him, Rom. 14.23. so that its certain the husbandman will not admit of any into his heavenly Orchard, but such as are Engrafted Trees. Hence we may conclude, that many persons deceive themselves, Use. 1 who think they are of the Church of God, when indeed they are not, because they were never engrafted, they live in blindness, and content themselves with groundless persuasions of their being in Christ within the wall of his Church, when as yet they are ungrafted Trees, they have a form of godliness, but want the power of it, 2 Tim. 3.5. such are in a sad case, for not being within the Wall of God's enclosed Garden, they are out of his care, and protection (otherwise then by his common providence) they have none of the special, and peculiar privileges of his engrafted Trees. O labour to get into Christ. The six and thirtieth Observation in Nature. SOme fruit-trees bring forth fruits rough, and of a bad colour, and of a harsh, and sharp taste, and yet these fruits are more wholesome for the body then some other fruits which are smooth, beautiful to look upon, and sweet to the taste, for all sharp, and bitter things are abstersive, and cleanse the body from dull, and phlegmatic humours, whereas sweet things much used stuff up and choke the passages of the body. This shadows out unto us this Proposition: That Proposition shadowed. Those fruits of spiritual fruit-trees which are harsh, sharp, and bitter are (for the most part) more profitable than such as are mild, and pleasant. The words and deal of Parents towards their children, and of one friend towards another which are sometimes tart and sharp, usually work better effects then indulgent, and smooth deal, which usually cockers up and emboldens children in licentiousness Pro. 29.17. correct thy son and he shall give thee rest, yea he shall give delight to thy soul. The common saying is: spare the Rod and spill the Child, whereas seasonable reproofs, and due correction restrains corruptions from breaking forth. The sad example of Elies' sons is sufficient to prove this, whose mild, and indulgent behaviour towards them emboldened them in destructive courses, the miserable consequences whereof were upon his whole family, 1 Sam: 2.30, 35. So also among familiar friends, the fruit of the lips that is sometimes tart and bitter at present is found many times more profitable, and of better effect, than that which is mild, and gentle: such are most faithful friends as deal most plainly with us, though sometimes their words, reproofs, and deal, may seem harsh and tart, in case of some offence or neglect of duty, they are fare better friends than such as will soothe up a man in all his ways, or else be silent, in respect of reproofs, Prov. 28.23. He that rebuketh a man, afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with his lips: And again, Pro. 27.6. faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. The Prophet knew these tart fruits to be best, Psal. 141.5. Let the righteous smite me and reprove me, for that is good for me. Thus it is also between God, and us: The fruits of his love in sharp, and bitter corrections, do (for the most part) prove better, and more profitable to us, then pleasant, and sweet prosperity, Ps. 119.72. It is good for me that I have been in trouble, etc. We should hence learn not to judge of things according to sense, and present feeling, and apprehensions, Use. but according to their consequences, and effects: known by the word and experience: As a man values Physic, not according to the taste, and relish, but according to the profitable effects that it works. So although harsh dispensations from God and deal from men may seem at present not joyous but grievous, yet they afterwards work the peaceable, fruit of righteousness Heb. 12.11. more than cherishings according to the flesh. The seven and thirtieth Observation in Nature. FRuit-trees bear no fruits in Autumn, except they bud and Blossom in the spring: The Husbandman looks not to receive a harvest of fruits from Trees, that do not prepare Buds and Blossoms, and bring them forth in the spring of the year: But such as blossom well in the spring, give good hopes of fruits in their seasons. Hence we learn: That Proposition shadowed. Those persons are not like to bring forth good fruits in old age, who labour not for them in time of youth. When men labour, and are diligent in good Employments in their youth, there is some hopes of fruitfulness in after times: But what profitable fruits for the good of the Church of God, Common wealth, or their own comfort, can those persons bring forth in the Autumn of their life or old age, who spend their youth, or spring time, in idleness, and sensual pleasures, and make no preparation then, by study, labour, and diligence, in all good things, for fruits afterwards whereof themselves, and others might eat, and be satisfied? Will the Husbandman expect a Harvest, without a seed time? Prov. 20.4. The sluggard ploweth not &c. therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. The foolish Virgin's sleep, while they should labour and prepare Oil, therefore they shall be shut out, when others enter in with the Bridegroom, Math. 25.11. Use. 1 Here we see why it is that so many aged, and declining persons are so ignorant of God, and destitute of any profitable knowledge, or good fruits, they trifled away their spring time, they did not blossom then, nor prepare for fruits in Autumn. Use. 2 Let this quicken every one, whose spring is not yet past, now to bud and blossom, by diligence, and all good endeavours, now to sow good seed plentifully, that so they may reap a full, and joyful harvest, Eccl. 12.1. Now to remember their Creator in the days of their youth, before the evil days come, etc. We may learn this providence even from the least, and lowest rank of living Creatures, the Bees, and the Aunts, these in spring, and summer provide; and lay up for winter, Prov. 6.6. This is a thing of high concernment indeed, O let youth now labour to get themselves implanted into Christ; Rom. 6.5. and then they will bud, and Blossom, and bring forth fruits, some in youth, and more in Autumn & Old age, Ps. 92.13. such as be planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the Courts of our God, they shall bring forth more fruit in old age. The eight and thirtieth Observation in Nature. Fruit-trees that are not profitable are hurtful: if they bear not fruits they cannot be said to be harmless, such as although they do no good, yet they do no hurt; but there are positive evils, and harm in, and by them, loss, and prejudice to the husbandman, they suck away the juice, and fertility of the earth, spoil or hurt the herbs, flowers, and plants, which grows under them, with droppings and shade, they fill up the room where profitable fruit-trees might stand, the husbandman loses his labour about them, and is discredited by them, etc. This shadows out unto us this Proposition. That those who do not act for God, Proposition shadowed, they act against him. There are one sort of persons who are clearly, and evidently Active for God, others as much against him, taking part with his enemies; but there are a third sort who think it a special point of wisdom to sit still, and act neither on the one side, nor on the other, let them go too, say they, we'll not meddle, its good being quiet, why should we put our finger into the fire when we may keep it out? but let such know, they are the very enemies of God, as well, as really, as those who act visibly against him: for not to act for God, is to act against him, Judg. 5.23. Curse ye Meroz said the Angel of the Lord, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof, because they came not out to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty. And Luk. 11.23. he that is not with me, is against me, and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. He that is not on Christ's side, is on his enemy's side; men may speak, and act against Christ when they are silent, and sit still, the sentence shall be pronounced against them at the last day, as well for not feeding and clothing, and visiting Christ in his Members, as for beating or wronging of them, Mat. 25.43. This shows us what esteem God hath of lukewarm professors, Use. 1 who have no heat, nor life in the cause of God, who look not after the interest of his son Christ; No although they have particular Obligations lying upon them to be actives such who are set in Office, and power, for this very end, and purpose, to be active for God, yet how little do many do, in discharge of the trust reposed in them. Let such know, not to Act for God is to act against him. Use. 2 Let this quicken us all to be active for God, otherwise God will correct coldness, and neglects, even in his own people: Moses, Aaron, Eli, were not spared in this case: but were scourged for neglects. Doubtless God is as jealous for his honour now, as ever, and he looks that every one of his people (in his sphere wherein he moves) should act with life, and zeal for him. And to those to whom he hath given much power, and authority, of them he requires the more. The nine and thirtieth Observation in Nature. THe husbandman looks for more fruits from some of his fruit-trees then from some others, those upon which he bestows most time, cost, and labour, from those he expects most fruits. And is displeased if his expectation be not answered accordingly. This shadows out unto us: That Proposition shadowed. God expects greater returns of duty from some persons, then from some others, and neglect thereof provokes God against them. In the Ceremonial Law God required more sacrifices from the Rich, then from the Poor: such as had great store of Oxen, Sheep, and other things to be offered in sacrifice should not have been accepted had they offered a pair of Turtle doves, or two young Pigeons, which yet were accepted from the poorer sort of persons: So also under the Gospel: To whom much is given, of them doth he require the more, Luk. 12.48. God had done great things for for Eli, and David, 1 Sam. 2.27, 28. 2 Sam. 12.8. and expected (accordingly) greater returns of duty, and obedience, all their lives after; but they failing in some great particulars, God is sore displeased with them, and reckons up the great benefits, and particular engagements they had received, and tells them he expected other returns from them. So also Hezekiah received much, and God looked for answerable returns: but he rendered not according to the benefits received. 2 Cro. 23.25. & God was displeased with him upon that account. God planted a Vineyard, Esay. 5.1, 2. and bestowed much care, and pains about it, and looked for an answerable return of good fruits, but because it brought forth wild grapes instead of good and pleasant grapes, he laid it waste. Some have received more, and lie under greater engagements from God, than others, therefore God looks to receive more. This shows us the great danger such persons lie under, who Use. 1 have received much from God, and return but little; having received many Talents, and not making an answerable return, by improving of them to the honour of God, and advantage of his people; Nay, who perhaps use all against God, and his people. God gives to some many Gifts of Nature, and Common Graces, much knowledge, learning, wisdom, great riches, honours, Offices, Places, much time, liberty, great, and choice means of grace, special providences, and dispensations, and many other Talents which others have not: of these God requires more, than of those who have fewer, and less of these things, and the not making suitable Returns, Use. 2 provokes God against them. If God spared not his choice servants, Eli, David, Ezekiah, etc. If judgement begin at the house of God, how shall the ungodly, and sinner escape? 1 Pet. 4.17. Let every one of us consider what we have received, that so we may make unto God some answerable return: God looked for more (and received more) from him that had the five Talents, than from him that had received but two. Matth 42.5.23. No one (not the lowest, or meanest) is freed from making returns of duty to God: though God require much from those who have received much, yet the mean person, who has but a little, must return of that little; Eph. 4.28. Let him work with his hands, that he may have something to give to him that needeth. And it will be accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not, 2 Cor. 8.12. So also, of the use and improvement of all other Talents, gifts, graces, liberty, Power, and the rest. The fortieth Observation in Nature. ALthough Fruit-trees bring forth many, great, and beautiful fruits, yet they are not esteemed, except also they have a good taste, it is the relish that gives the Commendation to fruits. This shadows out unto us: That Proposition shadowed, It is not the multitude (nor exactness of performance) of duties, that God accepts, unless there be sincerity, and right ends in doing thereof. The Taste of Mystical Fruits, lies in the sincerity, and truth of the heart: sincerity, and right Ends, is that which God chiefly looks at, and accounts upon it accordingly: Actio denominatur a fine, The end denominates a work good, or bad, it is the form of every duty. The great end must be the glory of God, (though we may have subordinate ends, our own happiness, and others) being Married to Christ, we must bring forth fruit unto God, Rom 7.8. Trees of righteousness, being trees of the Lords planting, they bring forth fruit, that he may be glorified, Esay. 61.3. so Joh. 15. Truth, sincerity, Love, right ends, these make fruits taste pleasantly, for without Love, there cannot be right ends, And therefore the Apostle saith 1 Cor. 13. Though a man have all knowledge, all faith, though he bestow all his goods to feed the poor, and do never so many good works, yet if they taste not of love, they are nothing worth, if there be not sincerity and right ends, God accounts not of them. Many are but empty Vines, because they bring forth fruit to themselves: fruits as good as no fruit, Hos. 10.1. when they have no good taste, which they have not, when the Ends are not right. The Pharisees brought forth fair and goodly fruits to look upon, Mat. 6.2. they Preached, they prayed much, they gave much alms, they fasted, paid tithes, etc. but the taste of these fruits was naught, they had no love to God, they wanted sincerity, right ends, in what they did, Matth. 6.2. They did them to be seen of men: for themselves, and not for God. Hence we may learn that much of the fruit that is brought Use. 1 forth in the world, is not accepted of God, because it wants a good taste, though they are beautiful to look upon, as to the matter and substance, yet they may be but as Apples of Sodom, fair on the outside, but rotten within, of an unpleasant taste. Men for the most part bring forth fruit unto themselves, they aim at their own profits, honours, or something mainly and chiefly, if not wholly for themselves: but the honour of God, the interest of Christ, is not in their eye, their Love in their works is but self-love. Let us try the taste of our fruits, whether we have sincere, and right ends in what we do, whether they taste of Love, Love to Use. 2 God, and his people. Let all your works be done in Love, 1 Cor. 16.14. Oh how sweet and pleasant is the taste of those fruits, which spring from a principal of love to God, upon the apprehension of his Love to us in Christ! Seeing the taste of fruits makes them acceptable to God, this is a Use. 3 ground of great comfort to every poor weak Christian whose fruits though they are but small, and want outward beauty, yet because they have a good taste, the husbandman likes them well, they are pleasant fruits in his account, because their hearts are perfect, there is truth, sincerity, love, holy and right ends mixed with their fruits, so that the husbandman delights to come into his Garden, and to eat these his pleasant fruits, Cant. 4.16. The widows two mites were but very small fruits, and yet because our Lord liked the taste, he said they were better, and more acceptable, than any, or all of the Pharisees great and many fruits, Math. 12.43. The one and fortieth Observation in Nature. WHen Grafts begin to grow by the sap they receive from the stock they will certainly (by the Law of Nature) hold on, until they come to perfection. The Proposition shadowed: That Proposition shadowed, The smallest measure of true grace in any person, can never be extinguished, but will certainly grow up to perfection. Grace is compared to a grain of Mustardseed, Mat. 17.20. which though it be but a very small substance, yet in a while, it grows to a great one; Though it be but as a spark of fire in flax, it shall not be quenched. Esay. 42.3. it will increase to a great flame. To see (and be convinced of) the want of Christ, and to desire after him, is the smallest measure of grace, which yet shall certainly increase: such a hungry soul shall at last be filled, and satisfied with the fullness of Christ, Mat. 5 6. If the spirit have cast the seeds, and Principles of grace into the soul, he will water them, and cause them to grow, and bud, and blossom, and bring forth fruits: To him that hath shall be given; and he shall have abundance, Mat. 25, 29. All the powers of hell cannot rob the soul of the least measure of grace. Use. 1 This is unspeakable Consolation to all believers, though never so weak in grace, though they have but a drop of the water of life, yet it shall be a well of water springing up to eternal life, Joh. 4.14. And therefore dejected, and weary souls that fear the work of grace is not in them, that long after Christ, and would feign be satisfied that they have an interest in him; Let such know the seed of God is in them, sown by his spirit, and therefore it is that they have these desires, thirstings, long, etc. and cannot be satisfied without Christ. These motions and workings of soul are not any where, but where the spirit dwells, and where he hath begun the work of grace: these are sure evidences that they are united to Christ, and engrafted into him, and these buds, and break forth show clearly (to a discerning eye) that they have taken hold of the stock, and that they have received from it, some sap and life, and therefore can never be broken off, nor die, but they shall certainly spring up, and grow to perfection, and bring forth the fruits of Love, joy, and praise to all eternity, for he who hath begun a good work in them, will perfect it, Phil. 1.6. The two and fourtieth Observatioo in Nature. THose fruit-trees about which the husbandman tries his skill most and about which he takes most pains, if these are barren, or bring forth naughty fruits, they discredit him more than many others. This shadows out unto us: Proposition shadowed. That God hath more dishonour by the sins of Professors, than by the sins of others. Persons who have interest in, and relation one to another, bring dishonour, or Reputation one upon another, according as they walk: a man is commonly judged according to his associates, or Companions, so do the ways of the people of God (or those who profess themselves to be so) reflect upon God either for his honour, or dishonour. The sin of Elies' sons brought more dishonour to God, than the sins of many others, because of their Relation to God, in respect of their Office: They made even the Offerings of the Lord to to be abhorred. 2 Sam. 12.14. Many Professors, through their Pride, earthly-mindedness, and other offensive walking, bring a reproach upon the Profession of Religion, and consequently upon God himself, Rom. 2.24. The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you. When the enemies of God fee Professors walk scandalously, and behave themselves unanswerable to their profession, these things reflect even upon God: James 2.7. do not they blaspheme that worthy name by which ye are called, like as the heathen did of old? Ezek. 36.20. They profaned my holy name when they said to them, these are the people of the Lord, which are come out of his Land. Even so now, some say in scorn of Professors (when they walk contrary to the Gospel,) These are the people of the Lord, these are the saints, the Brethren etc. And hereby they profane, and blaspheme the name of God, and bring reproach upon his ways, and his Gospel: By reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of: 2 Pet. 2.2. M Boulton says, That a dissolute Minister, is a thousand times more pernicious, than an hundred private men, though practising villainy in the highest degree. So also (in some proportion) it may be said of any that make profession of the Gospel. Use. 1 We may herein see the cause why God sometimes dealeth so sharply with his own people; Eli, David, Solomon &c. (though eminently in the favour of God,) yet he punished their offences with the Rod, and their iniquity with scourges, which made them and their posterity smart, for many generations after. Use. 2 O let this move every one that nameth the name of Jesus to departed from iniquity: every one that professeth the Gospel to be tender of the name of God, to walk warily, and circumspectly; very many Professors give Offence, and scandal, by those two grand accursed Lusts of Pride, and earthly-mindedness, As their gifts and some outward advantages, increase, so (usually) Pride increaseth, and discovers itself; And as this filthy venomus Plant grows, and increaseth in the soul, it much hinders, and keeps down the Plants of grace, where they are, so that they become poor, and feeble. And as for earthly-mindedness, which the Apostle calls Idolatry and the Root of all evil Coll. 3.5. It is of all things most unbecoming those that profess to have their Treasure and inheritance in heaven. O what a dishonour is this unto Jesus Christ, as though there were not enough to be had out of the fullness of Christ, to satisfy the souls of his people, but they must come for supplies to Creatures: Out of all doubt, those souls where this Lust prevails, have little, or no Communion with God, let them pretend what they will, for love of the world is (as a holy man says) the very Canker, and Cuthroat of all heavenly-mindedness; So that proud, earthly-minded Professors shame the Gospel, and dishonour God more than others. The three and fortieth Observation in Nature. IF fruit-trees are Engrafted while they are very young, the work is soon done, and is scarce perceived afterwards, whether it be engrafted or no, otherwise then by the fruits. But if the work be delayed until the trees are grown great, and strong, than the work is more difficult, and manifest afterwards, not only by the fruits, but also by some visible, and apparent marks upon the tree. This shadows out unto us, Proposition shadowed. See Obser. 60. and 62. Jer. 1.5. 1 Sam. 3.19. 1 Kin. 18.12. 2 Tim. 3.15. That Conversion in youth is not so apparent as in elder years. Some are called the first hour of the day, and some the third, some the sixth, and some the last hour Mat. 20.1, 2. Some are sanctified from the womb, some early in their youth: others after many years. Now for those in whom the spirit of God begins to work by means of Religious education in Childhood, and youth, when they come to years, they are (usually) subject to doubtings, and fears, about their spiritual condition, more than others, when they hear, & read of some who have gone through straits, and difficulties, fears, and terrors, in their New-birth, and cannot speak of any such thing out of their own experience: This is usually a ground (through their own weakness, and Satan's subtilety) of questioning their Estates. Because the work of grace in these, is begun insensibly, and grows up by degrees hardly to be perceived. Mark. 4.27. It springs up, and grows they know not how. But such as are converted after many years of living in a carnal unregenerate state, these are converted with greater difficulty, and more remarkably, one contrary discovers, and sets off another clearly, and a sudden change of states, makes the thing more manifest. Any works that have small, and weak beginnings, and that go on but slowly, and by degrees, these make no noise, are scarce perceived; But works that have violent beginnings, and are carried on with power, and speed, these awaken every man's observation. The Jailor's Conversion was remarkable, because there was a speedy change wrought, from one state to another, Act. 16. So also the Conversion of S. Paul, was a manifest change, Act. 9 The like of many others: as both Scripture, and experience show us. Use. 1 This may help to satisfy those who question their Conversion, chief upon this ground, for that they cannot declare (as some others can) how, where, and when, they were first wrought upon, who yet are certainly engrafted into them Stock Jesus Christ. The spirit (its likely) began early with them, and cast seed into their minds, while they were but of tender years, which grew up they knew not how, as our Saviour says Mark. 4.27. The husbandman bended the Twig while it was young, and tender, and engrafted it, and pruned, and ordered it unto a comely Tree, and made it fruitful; And the work than was done with more ease and less observation than it is usually afterwards. Such as these must Labour to satisfy themselves, and make their Calling, and Election sure, chief by trying of their fruits: examining them by the word of God. See Observe: in Nature 8. & 22. The four and fortieth Observation in Nature. IN a Fruit-tree the Big and great Boughs are but a few in Number, in respect of the small Boughs, there are multitudes of little small Boughs, branches, and twigs upon a Tree, for one great Bough. Proposition shadowed. This shadows out unto us: That The great persons in the world, who are in Christ, are but few in number, in respect of the meaner sort. We see by too much experience, That the rich, and great ones of the world (for the most part) refuse Christ; Their licentious lives, their walking according to the flesh, sufficiently testify that such who so walk, are in a Carnal state, but those that follow Christ, as his Disciples, are (generally) of the meaner sort of persons; The Apostle is express in this, 1 Cor. 1.26, 27. Ye see your calling, Brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many Mighty, not many Noble are called. But, Jam. 2.5. God hath chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom, which he hath promised to them that love him. Joh. 7.48. Have any of the Rulers, or Pharisees believed on him? But the Poor receive the Gospel. This calls aloud to all great persons, to try, and examine themselves, Use. 1 whether they be in the faith. Lest they be of the number of those who have their portion in this life. There is no reason any one should envy, or desire the condition Use. 2 of Carnal eminent persons. That spark, or blaze of seeming glory; may quickly be extinguished in everlasting darkness. The five and fortieth Observation in Nature. THe Branches, and Boughs of fruit-trees are tossed, and shaken by the winds, yet there is no danger of their falling while the Root remains firm in the Earth. Hence we learn, That Although believers are shaken by the winds of Temptations, yet they cannot be overturned, because they are fixed upon Christ. Proposition shadowed. We have no promise that we shall be free from Temptations, toss, and shake in this life, but rather are foretold of them: Joh. 16.33. In the world ye shall have tribulations, but he of good cheer, I have overcome the world. But we have a sure promise that no Temptation shall be too hard for us: 1 Cor. 10.13. The house built upon the Rock, shall stand against all the floods, winds, and storms of Temptations, Matth. 7.24. The faithfulness, 1 Pet. 1.5. and all the Attributes of God are engaged for our safety, and deliverance: 1 Cor. 10.13. God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above your strength, but will give an issue to every Temptation that ye may bear it. Job, David, Heman and many others; we read, were much shaken with winds and storms of Temptations, but yet they were all the while safe, they were not overturned, because they were fixed upon Christ, they were Rooted in him. So all the people of God are as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth fast for ever, Ps. 125.1. Use. This is a ground of great Consolation to believers, in their greatest Troubles: Though they pass through the waters, they shall not be drowned, though they walk through the fire, they shall not be burnt, Esay. 43.2. Though they (as Branches of a tree) are shaken and tossed this way and that way, yet they shall not be overturned, because they grow upon the Root, and their stock, or Root is steadfast and . The six and fortieth Observation in Nature. IRregular Buds, or shoots of fruit-trees, are easily rubbed, or broken off at their first putting forth; but if let alone, they will grow great, and strong, so that then it will be far wore difficult to cut, or break them off. The Proposition shadowed hereby is: That Proposition shadowed. Sinful thoughts, and motions in the soul, are most easily suppressed, at their first rising. If we give way to the motions of Corruption within us, they will grow, & gather strength, & be much more hard to master, & bring down, than at their first stir. Solomon (upon this Account) adviseth to be ware, and to leave off Contention in the beginning, so soon as it gins to appear Prov. 17.14. The Children of Mystical Babylon must be dashed in pieces, so soon as they are borne. If a Pool of water begin to break the Bank, its wisdom to stop the breach suddenly, else it quickly grows wider, and more hard to be done. Diseases are more easily cured at first, then when they have got strength; so spiritual diseases. Use. It's a great point of spiritual wisdom, to watch over the heart, to suppress rise of Lusts, and Corruptions quickly: And therefore let us take and observe Solomon's advice, Prov. 4.23. to keep the heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life. The seven and fortieth Observation in Nature. FRom one fruit tree are sometimes taken Grafts for many trees, which being engrafted upon several stocks, multitudes of other Trees are thereby propagated, and increased, which also bear store of good fruits. Proposition shadowed: That The Instructions of one godly person, Proposition shadowed. sometimes are effectual (by the spirit) to the implanting of many into Christ. As one sinner destroyeth much good, Prov. 9.18. so (often) one good man is the Instrument, and means of much good: God makes use of him for the conversion of many unto God; He turns many to righteousness: Dan: 12.3. Many Grafts of good Motion, counsels, and Instructions, are sometimes taken from one good man, which take hold, and grow in the minds of many others, as long as they live. Grafts taken from that excellent fruit-tree, the Apostle Peter, were effectual to the engrafting of many into Christ, Acts 2.37.41. The same day there were added unto them about 3000 souls: And again: Acts 4.4. Many of them which heard the word believed, and the number of the men were about 5000. Their Counsels and Instructions were engrafted into their Minds, as the Apostle speaks, James 1.21. Receive with meekness the Engrafted word. The word takes hold, and rooting in the heart, as a Graft in the stock, which grows there, and brings forth fruit: Col. 1.6. The Gospel is come unto you, and bringeth forth fruit. Good Mystical fruit-trees (holy men) afford many good Grafts) Pr. 15.4. a wholesome Tongue is a tree of life, which affords many good Grafts) whereby many other fruit-trees are increased of the same kind. Trees of righteousness of the Lords planting, Es. 61.3. which bear store of good fruits to the husbandman. Use. 1 This should engage us to show love, and reverence to holy men, not only for that they bear the Image of God upon their spirits, and bring forth good fruits But also for that they are the means of so much good to others. Who by their Prayers, Preaching, Printing, Instructions, Government, and good examples, are instruments, and means, of bringing many souls to God, of Engrafting, and multiplying fruit-trees in God's enclosed Garden. The eight and fortieth Observation in Nature. FRuit-trees being Engrafted, they Naturally bring forth good fruits, Because a new, and another Nature (in the graft) is joined to the wild Plant on which it is Grafted; Notwithstanding some mixture of the Nature of the wild stock, yet the Graft overrules, to bring forth good fruits according to its own Nature. Proposition shadowed. This is another Similitude of the state of Mystical fruit-trees, and shadows out unto us this Proposition: That Persons engrafted into Christ, do naturally bring forth good fruits. Every regenerate person hath two natures in him the divine Nature, and Corrupt Nature. And these two Nature's act in him all his life time: But notwithstanding corrupt Principles, the divine Nature prevails in beleivers, for the general course of their lives. Ye are partakers of the divine Nature (saith the Apostle) 2 Pet. 1.4. whereby persons engrafted into Christ, are carried out to act for God according to that Nature, and so bring forth good fruits Naturally: their fruits taking their denomination from the better Nature. Believers have the Image of God renewed in them, and his Law written in their hearts, That is knowledge, dispositions, and inclinations carrying them (by a spiritually natural power) to what is holy, just, and good, in some degree as Adam had in his innocency: so that they Naturally bring forth good fruits, and have a Natural propension, aptness and inclination to the things of God, as unregenerate persons have to carnal things. And where this divine Principle, or spiritual Nature, hath attained high degrees, where grace is at a high pitch, and the soul in a spiritual frame, there the workings of it are more clear and apparent. There is a Natural disposition, affection, and inclination towards God, and the things of God, even to all spiritual things, as spiritual: Rom. 8.5. They that are after the spirit, do mind the things of the spirit. Notwithstanding the cross workings, and stir of Corrupt nature, yet (for the general) the movings, and workings of the spirits of Believers, and the fruits they bring forth, are according to this spiritual nature. Rom. 8.1. They walk after the spirit, and Rom. 7.25. with my mind I serve the law of God. The general course of their lives is spiritual, or spiritually Natural, as springing from that Mystical root, the spirit of Christ, acting those spiritual dispositions, & inclinations which he hath fixed in the soul. This may prove Professors whether they be found or no; let them examine their Principles from which they act: whether Use. 1 they are acted in the ways of God, from a spiritual, and divine Principle within, or from motives, or Considerations from without: whether it be not Custom, Examples, Counsels or Commands of men, interest in, or engagements of friends, Praise of men, outward advantages, or at best, Natural Conscience, that moves them, and carries them on in Religious ways. Hereby we know that the ways of God are easy, and pleasant Use. 2 ways, for whatsoever we do naturally, we do easily, and with delight; It is (in some degrees) with the adopted sons of God, as with his Natural son, in this respect, to account it their meat and drink to do the will of their heavenly father: so that this is a great encouragement to all, to give up their names to Christ, Prov. 3.17 His ways are ways of pleasantness, and all his paths are peace. The nine and fortieth Observation in Nature. THere are but few Engrafted trees in a Country, in comparison of those ungrafted: there are many thousands in the woods, and waste grounds, of wild trees, the number of which fare exceeds the number of the trees of the Garden. The Proportion shadowed. That there are but a few Godly persons in the world, in comparison of the number of the wicked. Proposition shadowed. This appears expressly, Matth. 7.13, 14. Wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be that go in thereat. Because straight is the Gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it's so again Matth. 20.16. Many are called, but few are chosen. Experience makes this too manifest: most embrace this present world, and but few deny themselves, and follow Christ: few in the world make profession of Christ in comparison of the multitudes of Idolaters in other Nations: And of those who make profession, how many Hypocrites, to one true hearted Nathaniel? The godly are in number, as the glean of Grapes, when the Vintage is done: Or as the shaking of an Olive tree, two or three Berries in the top of the uppermost bought, four, or five in the outmost Branches thereof, Esay. 17.6. This is a sad Consederation, and should make us take up a Use. 1 lamentation for the state of mankind. This should stir up every one to labour with all diligence Use. 2 to make their calling, and election sure, to know they are of the number of the little flock. The fiftieth Observation in Nature. SOme wild, and ungraded trees bear fruits very like to those that are Engrafted in shape, and colour, so that men often mistake the one for the other. This shadows out unto as this Proposition: That the works of formal hypocrites are (in many things) very like the worlds of true Christians. Proposition shadowed. Many Formal Professors have special eminent Gifts and abilities, which (it may be) exceed those of some real Christians, they can Preath, Pray, and discourse well, and can make a shift to carry themselves so, as to gain some good opinion among men; yea, and pass for Sincere Professors. Who were more exact in their lives (as to outward performances of duties, than the Scribes and Pharisees, in Preaching, Praying, giving to the Poor? etc. and yet our saviour charges them with Hypocrisy, Matth. 28.27, 28. Woe unto you scribes, and Pharisees, Hypocrites, for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, etc. Ye outwardly appear righteous unto-men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy, and iniquity. So it is at this day: the fruits of many seeming Christians appear beautiful outward, as if they were the fruits of engrafted trees, whereas in truth they are but the fruits of wild Trees. Use. 1 This being so we ought to set ourselves to distinguish fruits that are brought forth, both our own, & others, that we take not Crabs for Apples; Let us not judge of fruits by their Bulk, or substance, Beauty, and form, or Number, but by their Nature, See Observ. 40. and quality, their Taste: A spiritual Palate is able (for the most part) to taste the fruits that are brought forth by men: he that is spiritual judgeth all things, 1 Cor. 2.15. spiritual men have the Law written in their hearts, knowledge, dispositions, inclinations a frame and temper of spirit (in some degee) answerable to the mind of God; This spiritual Nature in the soul, by the assistance of the spirit of God together with the written word, is the guide of all believers, thereby they judge of good, and evil fruits, of wild, and of Engrafted Trees, 1 Cor. 2.12. The one and fiftieth Observation in Nature. SOme grafts are in part prepared by the husbandman in Order to Engrafting, and yet through neglect, or unskilfulness in Ordering, or hurts by Men, Cattle, hot suns, dry winds, or something else, they are spoiled, and never take hold of the stocks whereby they should grow to perfection. This shadows out unto us: That Proposition shadowed. Some Persons are wrought upon in part in somethings) like to those that are Engrafted tnto Christ, who yet never attain to be really united to him. The spirit of God Convinceth the world of sin, as well Reprobates, as the Elect, they are sometimes terrified with the apprehensions of the wrath and justice of God for sin, and may (for a time) lie under the spirit of Bondage, and common convictions of the spirit, & may have knowledge, & some common graces, & reform in part, & make a Profession; And yet after all, throug negligence, workings of Satan, and the world, they come short of Christ. The young man in the Gospel Mat. 19. had same good beginning, some civil righteousness, & being by Christ told what to do more, he slinks back from Christ, and went his way to his earthly possessions. So the hearers, Luk. 8.13. they hear the word, and believe for a time, but in temptation fall away. And many of the disciples of Christ, john. 6.66. went back, and walked no mart with him. also 1 Joh. 2.19. Gal. 5.7. Ye did run well, who did hinder? They went out from us etc. so many in these days: having begun well, after a while they fall off, and with Demas embrace this present world. Use. 1 Let us not hastily conclude of any one's being in the state of grace, because of some beginnings, and progress in a Profession. Use. 2 This should stir up every one to go on towards perfection, not to rest in beginnings, but to press forward towards the Mark: And to give all possible diligence to make our Calling, and Election sure, and to put that great Question out of Question, whether arm we are really in Christ, whether we receive sap and life from that stock to grow, and bring forth good fruits, if so; then certainly we shall persevere unto the end. The two and fiftieth Observation in Nature. THe least, and most crooked Engrafted tree brings forth better fruits, without any artificial helps, than the fairest tree with all the art that can be used to it, if ungrafted. This Similitude shadows out unto us this Proportion. That the meanest person in Christ, brings forth better fruits, than the most accomplished unregenerate person in the world. Proposition shadowed. Every believer is acted by the spirit of God, and spiritual Principles, and all their spiritual fruits spring from Christ their root, and thence it is that they are of such account with God; But unregenerate persons cannot do one good work, cannot bring forth one good fruit, because they have no spiritual Principles, they have not the spirit of God, as to any renewing santifying operations in them, but are whoiy carnal, and therefore whatsoever proceeds from them is so, Jo. 3.6. That which is of the flesh, is flesh, And Tit, 1.15. To them that are defiled, and unbelieving is nothing pure but even their minds and consciences are defiled. As from a muddy fountain flow impure streams, or from a corrupt Root spring naughty fruits, so from the spirits of carnal persons proceed fleshly operations: The carnal mind is enmity against God, Rom. 87 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God, verse. 8. Their grapes are grapes of gall, their Clusters are bitter, Deut. 32.32. But the fruits of believers are sweet and pleasant fruits, because they spring from the true Vine, Joh. 15. So that the husbandman will come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits, Cant. 4.16. Hence we may see the gross mistake of most people in the Use. 1 world, who value spiritual fruits according to bulk, and outward beauty. The Sermons, books, discourse etc. of great men, are for the most part cried up, and had in estimation (especially, if they be not only eminent in Place, and Office, but also in learning, and Gifts) who yet in the mean time neglect, or slight the Sermons, Prayers, books, and discourses of persons low in the world, and in Gifts, and natural endowments, though these proceed from a gracious heart a renewed nature, and the spirit of God, though they have a taste, a savour, and relish of the divine Nature, and have a vein of holiness running through them, which God himself, and his people, who are most spiritual, are delighted with. But the natural man cannot perceive, nor discern the things of God, 1 Cor. 2.14. Use. 2 This may abate the pride of worldly wise men, though eminent in all natural, and acquired abilities, who, like the proud Pharisee, boast of themselves and despise others, whose fruits are fare better than theirs; But know O vain man, That not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth, 2 Cor. 10.18. Use. 3 This is a ground of great comfort to every gracious heart, though they be never so mean and imperfect in gifts, and natural endowments, yet their Graces may be eminent, and their fruits precious. Though they be small as the poor widow's mite, yet they are better, and of more esteem with God, than all the great fruits of formal Professors, Mark. 12.41, 42. The three and fiftieth Observation in Nature. THe thriving roots of a fruit-tree is always ready to give up sap and nourishment to the Branches; and if the Branches, could draw sap continually, the root would continually give it. The Spiritual lesson shadowed. Proposition shadowed. That Christ is continually ready to communicate strength, and refreshing to his people, and all defects thereof are from themselves. Believers receive all their life, and power from Christ whereby they do any thing spiritually. And when the soul findeth not strength, and refresh by reason of the strings of Corruptions, and temptations from sathan, and the world, yet all the while Christ is ready to communicate himself, for it is his Office, as well as his Nature, he is appointed of God to give out all supplies to his people, 1 Cor. 1.30. He is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, The soul is sometimes sluggish, and careless of seeking, or entertaining Christ, yet Christ is ready, and calls for entrance, Behold I stand at the door and knock, if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in and sup with him, and he with me, Rev. 3.20. And again Cant. 5.2, 3. It is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, open to me my love, my dove, my undefiled. But how careless is the soul of entertaining Christ: I have put off my Coat, how shall I put it on? etc. The Apostle tells us the Lord is ready, Jam. 4.8. draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you, if we ask we shall receive, if we seek we shall find, if we knock it shall be opened, Mat. 7.7. We find by experience, when we seek Christ diligently we find him refreshing the soul, quickening, and enlivening of it, but if we neglect him, our spirits are dull, our affections grow cold. Christ is ready to give out himself to those that look after him, at their first coming to him, and at all times afterward, Joh. 4.47. He that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast off. He is the treasury of all grace, and dispenseth grace to his people for all purposes, quickening grace, strengthening grace, preventing grace, teaching grace, comforting grace, he is the God of all grace, and is still ready to communicate of the same to his people, if they be but ready, & fit to receive it. It may hereupon be objected by some under a Temptation, Ob. O but I have prayed long, and sought the Lord, but I am not heard, I am almost discouraged in praying and waiting so long. It is answered: The Cause is in thyself, upon one account, An. or other; It may be thou hast displeased Christ by some prevailing lust, it may be thou hast neglected, and slighted his grace, and loving kindness towards thee aforetime, not walking in any measure answerable thereunto, hast thou not looked after other lovers in letting the stream of thy affections run towards empty creatures? Or Christ may withhold, to prevent these things, or the like, which else would be, that thou knowing how dear it costs thee to obtain manifestations of his grace, they may be the more prized: Or thy graces have need of trying, and exercising, which else being unactive, would be at a stand, or decay: there is some cause or other in thyself: If need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations, 1 Pet. 1.6. so that Christ is ready to communicate of his fullness to his people, and usually, the soul (being in a good healthy state, and not clouded with lusts, or temptations) seeking of him does find him, yea: before his people call he will answer, and while they are yet speaking he will hear, Esay. 65.24. Use. 1 Let this teach us to take notice of the freeness, and readiness of Christ to communicate of his fullness, that our hearts may be engaged, and enlarged towards him in love, and thankfulness. Use. 2 This is a singular encouragement to every believing soul continually to make out after Christ, in all our wants, and needs; for as he hath an infinite store, and treasury of all grace, so he is freely ready to dispense of it: Let us understand our own emptiness, and insufficiency, that we may go to him, and by faith receive of his fullness. grace for grace, even the same spirit, and same graces, that Christ hath in a measure. The four and fiftieth Observation in Nature. FRuit-trees being ordered with skill, and diligence, they become abundantly fruitful, which if neglected, and nature be left to itself, they will bear but little fruit, or not so much, nor so good, as with due culture, and ordering. This is another Similitude, of the state of Spiritual fruit-trees and shadows out unto us this Proposition: That Proposition shadowed. By diligent use of the means of grace Christians attain great advantages, which through neglect, (or sleight using means) would be lost. Whosoever proposeth an End unto himself cannot (rationally) expect to have it, without using fit means for attaining of it; salvation is that great, and general end that men aim at (at least pretend to it) but how can they expect to find it, who neglect, or slight the means, whereby only it is attained: which is the knowledge of Jesus Christ? Heaven is not gotten by sitting still, but by labouring and striving for it, in God's way; The kingdom of heaven is taken by violence, and the violent take it by force, Mat. 11.12. and Luk. 13.14. strive to enter in at the straight gate. Means must be used with diligence; If we would have wisdom, we must ask it of God, james 1.5. And Pro. 22. If he incline his ear, and apply his heart to it, if he cry after knowledge, and lift up his voice for understanding, if he seek her as silver, and search for her as for hid treasures; then he shall understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. Here must be inclining the ear, and applying the heart; here must be crying, and lifting up the voice, seeking, searching, and then shall we find. Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue etc. 2 Pet. 1.5. and again vers. 10. Give all diligence to make your calling, and Election sure: the diligent soul shall be made fat Prov. 13.4. But on the other side, neglect of the means of grace, or careless use thereof, looseth these advantages, many seek to enter, but shall not be able, some seek not at all, others seek but negligently, and so find not. In attaining degrees of Gifts, and Graces, we see by Experience, that men of mean natural parts, by diligence use of means, grow eminent, and fare beyond others who have better natural parts, if they be negligent to improve them. I know means are nothing of themselves, without the concurrence of the spirit in them; but as means without God can do nothing: so, usually, God without means, if men neglect them will do nothing: The diligent soul shall be made fat: Prov. 13.4 but such as neglect means or use them negligently, they lose all and perish: The desire of the slothful killeth him, Prov. 21.25. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I also will reject thee, Hos. 4.6. they rejected knowledge, in rejecting, and neglecting the ways and means of knowledge: ye have set at naught all my counsels, and would none of my reproofs: and vers. 29. they hated knowledge, they would none of my Counsels: that is: they neglected all: therefore God rejected them. Use. 1 This shows us the ignorance, and folly of those, who cast off Ordinances, and means of grace: though God hath commanded, and appointed them, as means of greatest advantage to his people. Use. 2 This also informs us why there are so many ignorant, and fruitless persons in the world: even because they neglect, or carelessly use the means to know God. Use. 3 Let us hence be stirred up to a diligent and constant use of the means of grace, not only as to the attaining of grace where it is not, but also to the increase of grace, where it is wrought, Especially in childhood and youth: I am persuaded not one of many would perish, if Parents, and such as have the education of youth (themselves being Godly) did use all good means diligently, for the working of grace in their hearts: It's true; the use of the best means will not be effectual without the concurrence of the spirit of God, but where God gives an heart to go on in the use of means which be has appointed, he will surely come (in his own season) and make it effetcuall. And for experienced well grown Christians, there is no means to obtain great advantages, great measures of grace, and glory, like watching over the heart, to keep it in a spiritual frame, corruptions down, and the graces active, to walk closely with God daily in communion with him, to be still acting faith upon Christ, not only to receive, and draw all supplies from him, but also to give, and asscribe all unto him. These are fundamental to all purposes: all external means without these are to little or no purpose. The five and fiftieth Observation in Nature. IF a young Plant or bough of a tree, be often bended & bowed one and the same way, it will after a certain time grow in that posture, into which it is so often bended, although by the course of Nature it would grow otherwise. This shadows out unto us this Proposition: That Frequent Acts in things good, or evil, beget habits, Proposition shadowed. and make all such works easy to us. Custom is called a second Nature, it make things easy though at first they were difficult, and such things are hardly forgotten, or laid aside; Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the Leopard his spots, then may ye also do good that are accustomed to do evil? jer. 13.23. The Apostle Peter says they had their hearts, exercised with Covetous practisers, so that they could not cease from sin 2 Pet. 2.14. So also on the other side: Custom in the ways of God does strengthen habits, and make them easy to us, not only upon that great account, of Communion with God in duties; but also every good work is more easy to us in respect of use, and custom: The ways of God are naturalised to God's people, by degrees, they become spiritually natural to them. Daily walking with God and keeping the mind much in a spiritual frame, the soul will be more and more fixed, and established in that frame. The frequent use of things Natural, moral, or spiritual, will make them familiar to us, when the same things to others not accustomed to them, are uncouth, and strange. Let every one beware what customs they use, especially if begun Use. 1 in youth: When an ill custom is spied out, either in the temper of the spirit, or outward man, wisdom to oppose it to alter it, as soon as may be, for every Act makes it more familiar, and habits will steal on, and be daily confirmed. Professors had best consider, and beware from what Principles Use. 2 they Act; lest Custom be the strongest cord that draws them. Many times when Custom has got strength, it resembles both Nature, and Grace. Seeing Custom is so strong: This should teach all, as to Use. 3 begin good customs in youth, as soon as possibly may be; so also to be frequent in good works, and ways of holiness, that so by degrees habits may be comfirmed, and such things made familiar to us? And herein we should consider what things are of greatest concernment to us, and be most frequent therein. Now Experienced Christians know, That watching over the heart, to keep down Corruptions, or to suppress them at their first rising, And too keep the heart in a spiritual, and heavenly frame, and in Communion with God, is a fundamental thing, and of highest concernment in our Conversation. Therefore to be frequent in Prayer, Meditation, and other duties (wherein the spirit of God usually concurs) for keeping up of the heart with God, to live in God, to have fellowship and Communion with the father, and with his son Jesus Christ, is the wisdom of a Christian: the more pure the Fountain is kept, the more pure all the streams will be: According to the temper of the spirit of a man, such are those things that proceed from it. Use, and Custom in these things will make them more easy to us; for besides the immediate assistance, of the spirit, there is the power of custom superadded. All the Actings of Grace (as well as of Nature) are mightily confirmed, and improved by Custom. The six and fiftieth Observation in Nature. FRuit-trees having received some hurt (by men, Cattle, or otherwise) when the husbandman applies himself to cure such mischiefs (by his labours about the Roots, and Branches) such Trees usually are much advantaged thereby (to What they were before) and may be said to have gotten by their former hurts. This shadows out unto us this Proposition. That afflictions, and whatsoever befalls the people of God; the same works advantage to them. Proposition shadowed. Afflictions, and Temptations do not only not destroy us, but contrariwise (through the wisdom, power, and goodness of God in ordering them,) they work profit, and advantage to us. Though they are bitter, and tedious for a time, yet afterwards they bring the peaceable fruit of righteousness to them that are exercised thereby, Heb. 12.11. And again, 2 Cor. 4.17. your light afflictions which are but for a moment, work for you a fare more exceeding, and eternal weight of glory. That great, and general promise, Rom. 8.28. is full to this purpose, All things work together for good to them that love God. Yea, the advantage is usually in this life, as well as hereafter. joseph (an eminent fruit-tree) received much wrong, several ways, but when the husbandman takes him in hand to heal, and cure him, he does not barely do it, but also advance him, he gets by his Banishment, and imprisonment. So Daniel was not only delivered from the den of Lions, but it was an occasion of his advancement, The like of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Dan. 2.49. job a famous fruit-tree, having been broken, and bruised with enemies on every side, not a Branch free, yet when the husbandman sets upon his cure, he recovers him with an advantage, he gained by his losses. David was even overwhelmed with troubles, but observe the issue, Psalm. 71.20. Thou hast showed me great and sore troubles, yet hast thou turned, and refreshed me, etc. Thou hast increased my greatness and comforted me on every side. Yea, when the people of God declare their Experiments, we usually hear them say, they have gotten by Afflictions, sin the worst of evils, is (by the wisdom of God ordering it) an occasion of good to them, as humbling them more than all Afflictions. And as Afflictions in general work good to the people of God, so the greatest work the greatest advantages, 2 Cor. 1.5. As the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our Consolation also aboundeth by Christ. Use. 1 These things being so: let us be patiented in Tribulation, Rom. 12.12. This is a main ground we should be so, in regard great and many advantages come by them. He correcteth us for our profit: Heb. 12.10. that we might be partakers of his holiness. Therefore let us join with God against our Corruptions, and if so, than we may count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations, james 1.2. Use. 2 Let these things teach us to admire the wisdom, care and goodness of God towards us, who makes the hardest things, the worst things that befall his people, to work together for their good. The seven and fiftieth Observation in Nature. THe Husbandman makes use of ordinary, and common Tools, and Instruments, about his chiefest works in his Garden his knives, laws, spades, and other instruments, are not of Gold, silver, or costly mettles, neither are they carved, or framed by any great Art, but they are plain ordinary Instruments, which he makes use of to Engraft his fruit-trees, and to do his chiefest works about them. This shadows out unto us, That God (for the most part) useth mean and ordinary men, and means, Proposition shadowed. for effecting of the greatest works in the world. What greater works do we read of, than the deliverance of Israel out Egypt, by signs, and wonders, t heir passage through the Red sea, and the barren wilderesse, over Jordan, and their conquering great nations, and settlement in Canaan? Now God did not use some great Monarch, as his Instrument, but Moses, who was called from keeping sheep, and made Instrumental in many of these great works, and having done much, than Joshua (Moses his servant) he must do the rest. Gedeon, he was but of a poor family and least in his Father's house, Judg. 6.15. being following a mean Employment, threshing corn, when God called him to make him general of an Army, to work a great deliverance for his people: which also was done by weak means; 300 men, Chap. 7.7. Elisha was taken from the Blow to be a great Prophet, 1 King. 19.19. David was following the sheep when God called him to be King over his people, and passed by Eliah31 his brother a more likely person. And also made use of this small and mean Instrument (by a poor slender means) to destroy Goliath, a great Giant, and consequently, a great army of the Philistines, 1 Sam. 16.17. Amos (a herdsman was called to be a Prophet, Chapt. 1.1. Shepherds were made use of, to reveal the most joyful news that ever was made known to the world: the birth of our Saviour, Luk. 2. The Apostles, and many of the disciples of Christ, were mean persons, and called from low employments, to follow the greatest work in the world, to preach the Gospel. They were not the learned Rabbis, not Eloquent Orators, nor the disputers of this world, as the Apostle speaks, 1 Cor. 1. but men of low Conditions, these were called to preach the Gospel, for the conversion of souls; Not with the enticing speech of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the spirit, and of power, 1 Cor. 2.4. Not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect, 1 Cor. 1.17. God is pleased to effect this, and other his greatest works in the world, by mean Instruments, and means, that his own power may be the more seen in them; for if the greatest, and most likely Instruments, in the judgement of men, were employed in the greatest works, they would take all (or most of) the honour to themselves, and others would give it them. So God should lose his honour. Yea, God hath destroyed, and will destroy the wisdom of this world, by those persons and things, that the word accounts foolish, 1 Cor. 1.27. God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the mighty things, verse. 28. And vile things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are. As God hath done, so he will do still great works in the world, by mean, and low Instruments and means: he hath great, and mighty works to bring to pass in the Nations, in bringing them into subjection to our Lord Christ. He will destroy Antichrist, even all that oppose him, he will level the Mountains, and enlarg the kingdom of his dear son, and set up his Throne, and put the sceptre into his hand to rule the people who have been disobedient, he will build his holy City Jerusalem, and make it a praise in the Earth. And now; How will God do these great things? what Instruments will he use? will he use altogether Golden instruments, carved, and polished by art, the most eminent men, & of highest Place & esteem in the world? Surely not: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the things that are mighty, etc. 1 Cor. 1.27. That is; persons, and things which carnal wise men, in their judgement account weak and foolish, although in the Judgement of God they are otherwise esteemed: for the weakness, and foolishness of God, and of his people (as men count weakness, and foolishness) are stronger, and wiser, than the strength, and wisdom of the world, vers. 25. A worm shall thresh. the mountains, and beat them small as Chaff. Esay. 41.14.15. Surely, a worm must be in the hand of some mighty one, to be enabled to do such great things. Hath not God already done great things in our days, even before our eyes, by Instruments and means (time was) very unlikely, and of small account with the carnal world? have not weak Instruments, and means been like the Cloud that Eliah's servant saw rise out of the sea, at first no bigger than a man's hand, but afterwards it covered the whole heavens? Have not Princes, Lords, and the mightiest men both in Church, and state, yea whole Nations, have they not been subdued by a handful of men, whom their adversaries slighted, as Goliath did David, saying in themselves, and one to another, we shall presently swallow them up? Do not all the Trees of the field know, that the Lord hath brought down the high tree, and exalted the low Tree, hath dried up the green tree, and made the dry tree to flourish? Ezek. 17.24. Many Instances (were it convenient) might be brought of men, and means, whose beginnings were but weak, and small whereby God hath brought to pass great, and mighty works. Beware of despising mean Instruments, Use. and weak means which God for the most part makes use of, for bringing to pass great things. Despise not the day of small things, Ezek. 4.10. for God will build jerusalem not by might, nor by power, but by his spirit. Mean and low Instruments shall be stirred up by his spirit, and shall do his great works in the world, And these Instruments shall be sure to have the men of the world, with their wisdom, to slight and despise them, as Sanballat, and Tobia did the Jews, Nehe. 4.1, 2, 3. what do these feeble Jews, & c? Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall. And one reason is (besides the disagreement of flesh and spirit) because the wisdom, and strength, and glory of the people of God, is vailed under a low, and mean Condition in the world. And though by their wisdom they deliver a city, or do some great works, yet Eccl. 9.16. the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. Upon the same account the wisdom, and works of our Saviour were slighted, and neglected, though he did work as never any did, and spoke as never man spoke, Matth. 13.55. Is not this the Carpenter's son? verse. 57 They were offended in him. Even so it is now with his Members. But who art thou, O man! that repliest against God, in despising, and quarrelling with mean Instruments? What if God willing to show his power, and wisdom in weak Instruments, and means, lay aside, or let alone, more eminent instruments, and more likely means: wilt thou not give him leave to do what he will with his own? is thine eye evil, because he is good? Hath he not said, the weak things of the world shall confound the mighty? hath he said it, and shall he not do it yea, he hath said it, and done it, and he will do it, until be perform all his pleasure, and chose that oppose him shall be ashamed. The eight and fiftieth Observation in Nature. THough there are many good fruits in an Orchard, yet some are more choice and special fruits than some others, and accordingly are of greater price, And esteem among men. This Similitude shadows out unto us this Proposition: That The Prayers, Sermons, writings, discourse, and works of some godly men, Proposition shadowed. are much more spiritual then of some others. God's people are of several stand, and degrees of grace, some have small measures, some greater measures of grace, some are but babes in Christ, others, are strong mwen, some fathers, 1 Joh 2. 12.13 some have their conversations much in heaven, their spirits are much taken up about spiritual things, they walk closely with God, and have near, and sweet Communion with God: they are little conversant with the things below, but are most taken up with God, and the things of God; But now others (though godly persons) walk at a greater distance from God, and therefore have less of his Image, they are less changed than others: As the Apostle says of Bodies, 1 Cor. 15.30. There an Celestial bodies, and bodies Terrestrial, so it may be said of the Spirits, even of such as are Godly; some have their minds much in heaven, by keeping watch over their hearts, and walking in daily communion with God, others though they have the life of grace in them, yet it is very weak, and feeble, they are very much carnal, and earthly. Oh! there is much difference between the spirits, and lives, of some beleivers and some others: some are filled with the spirit, as Stephen, Act. 6.5. A man full of faith, and of the holy Ghost, others have but small measures of the spirit, and their faith and other graces, are but weak, and slender: Mat. 16.8 O ye of little faith. And now; according to the measure, and degrees of grace, holiness, or Image of God in believers, are all those things that proceed from them; they are more or less spiritual. As according to the Form, and Nature that is in the Material fruit-tree, such are the fruits, that it bears; And thence it is that some have better fruits than some others. According to the spring, or fountain, such are the streams. Let this stir us up to strive, and labour after higher, and greater Use. 1 degrees of grace, and to keep it active, by constant, and close walking with God, that so all that proceedeth from us may be accordingly spiritual Hereby will be unspeakable advantages to us: The more holy, and spiritual any soul is, the more God delights in it, and communicates himself to it, And of higher account all the fruits of such a soul are, both with God, and his people that are most spiritual. The spiritual man judgeth all things, he hath a spiritual eye, and a spiritual Palate to taste spiritual fruits, of what relish they are, and according to their spiritualness he prizeth them, if his own spirit be in a spiritual frame. The husbandman prizeth a few choice and special apples, or other fruits, more than a Bushel of ordinary kinds: Accordingly does the Mystical husbandman account of spiritual fruits, and so should we. The nine and fiftieth Observation in Nature. Engrafted fruit-trees have three great enemies, one from within, and two from withut; first, the sour sap of the stocks secondly, careless persons, thirdly, bad airs. Thi● shadows out unto us: That Regenerate persons have three great enemies, one ward, & two outward, Proposition shadowed. the flesh, the world, and the devil. Though there are very many pregnant Similitudes between Material, and Mystical Fruit-trees, yet in this particular, there is a great dissimilitude. That is, the stock of the Material fruit-tree is by Nature wild, sour, harsh, and of a bad sap (a Crabtree or the like) but the Graft is of a good Nature, taken from some choice and special tree, which being grafted upon a stock of a worse kind, although it be predominant and rule in bringing forth good fruits, according to its own Nature, yet it is something embased, and made worse by the badness of the stock. Now it is contrary in the Mystical fruit-tree: There the * This is so when a believer is engrafted into Christ; but when the word is engrafted into the heart, than the Similitude holds in this particulars also, in that (as in the natural fruit-tree) the stock is bad, and the graft good. The heart of man is altogether corrupt by nature, but the word, and seed of grace, engrafted, and sown in the heart, is perfectly good, and precious. stock, is perfectly good, and precious, and the Grafts corrupt, and naught; Yet in these maine, and principal respects (as in many others) the Similitude holds, in that the graft receives all its nourishment from the stock, and in that there are two Natures both in Material, and Mystical fruit-trees (in the stock, and Graft) and both strive one with the other, as all contraries (joined) do. This being premised, I proceed with the Proposition One of our great enemies is the flesh, or Corruption of Nature, this is our greatest enemy, and does us most mischief, Rom. 7. 21. I find a law, that When I would do good, evil is present with me, Gal. 5.17. the flesh lusteth against the spirit, etc. Secondly, the world by its Commands, threats, persecutions, Counels, Persuasions, Allurements, and Examples, is labouring to draw us from God, Joh. 15.19. and 1 Joh 2.16. Thirdly, the devil like a roaring Lion goes about seeking whom Use. 1 he way devour, Pet. 98. Hence we may see the gross mistake of those who think and say, they are free from Corruption, which Paul complained of, Rom. 7.17. Sin awelleth in me, and vers. 24. O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of death? I am persuaded the more spiritual any Christians are, the more clearly they see their Corruptions, although they are weaker in such than in others. Atoms, or Moses appear in the Beams of the sun, but not in a dim light. Seeing we have three great enemies to encounter with, this Use. 2 should make us to put on the whole Armour of God, and to stand upon our Guard, and watch against them. The sixtieth Observation in Nature. GRafts before they are joined to the stock, must endure (ordinarily) many difficulties, under the hand of the Husbandman, ai cutting off from the Tree, lying by for a time (it may be several weeks, or months) after that, cutting to the pith, or heart with a sharp knife, etc. See Observ. 62. This is another Similitude of the dare of Mystical Fruit-trees, and shadows out unto us this Proposition. That the people of God in their Conversion (for the most part) go through many straits, Proposition shadowed. and difficulties. Those whom God intends to Engraft into Christ, the spirit first convinceth them of sin, he inlightens their understandings to see where (and in what case) they are by Nature, and of their utter inability to help themselves out of it: And by degrees cuts them off from all things in themselves; Their Reason, wisdom, skill, Learning, Gifts, all their duties, and performances, all their own righteousness, all put together, is but as vanity and emptiness, there's nothing in any thing of their own to help them, or do them good, so that the spirit becomes a spirit of bondage to them for a time, letting them see nothing but terror, and sad sights, A strict Law, or Covenant of works binding them over to Justice and wrath, eternal death. So that hereby they are cut to the heart, and are put upon enquiring and seeking which way to get out of this Case, Acts 2.37. what shall we do? Some are kept longer under fears and terrors, and are cast lower than others, they are brought in such a condition, as that they will be glad to receive Christ upon any Conditions; then the spirit of God opens their eyes to see a way out of their miseries, than he holds forth Christ unto them in the tenders of the Gospel, Oh how glad is such a soul to receive Christ upon any terms, upon any terms in the world! Then the soul longs, and hungers, and thirsts to be satisfied with Christ, and accounts all things but as dung and dross in comparison of him. Then the spirit of God leads the soul (as by the hand) to lay hold upon Christ, to close with him, and by little, and little works a persuasion in the heart that Christ is his, and that he is Christ's, upon the Account of that new, precious, sure Covenant of grace; in which are all the glorious sweet promises of the Gospel included. Let Professors try themselves whether ever they found the Use. 1 case to be thus with them, before they had a persuasion of the love of God, lest they deceive themselves. Many build their house upon the sands, against which when the Rain, and the winds, and floods beat (when Temptations arise) it will fall, Mat. 7.27. Yet it is not with all alike in their coming to Christ, some close with him upon easier terms than some others; howsoever in all that come to Christ, there must be a sense, and sight of their misery by sin (as they are under the Covenant of works) and their great need of Christ to deliver them from it, and thereupon a desire to rest upon him by faith, for Justification, and acceptance with God through him. Of this see more at large, Observation in Nature 25. The sixty one Observation in Nature. THe Husbandman (upon occasion) praises, and commends his fruit-trees, when they bear many, and good fruits; some for one property, and some for another. Proposition shadowed. This shadows out to us, That When the people of God bring forth good fruits, God himself doth praise and commend them. The Lord takes pleasure in his people, passing by their infirmities, and taking notice of what is good in them. It was a very high commendation that God gave of Abraham, Gen. 18.19. I know him that he will command his Children, and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord. God took notice of the good fruits that Phynehas brought forth, and commends him, and rewards him, (Numb. 15.11.12. etc.) in that he was zealous for his God. He said of David, That he was a man after his own heart. So of Moses, Num. 12.7. My servant Moses is faithful in all mine house. And Nathaniel Joh. 1.47. Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile, Particulars need not be multiplied: one or two scriptures may serve for more, Rom. 2.29. Their praise is not of men, but of God: and 2 Cor. 10.18. Not he that commendeth himself, is approved, but he that the Lord commendeth. This is much for the comfort, Use. and encouragement of all that are upright in heart, God will commend such: Though it may be their fruits are none of the fairest on the outside in the eyes of men, they have not bulk, nor shape, nor colour to commend them unto men, yet being well tasted savoury fruits, having the Relish of truth, sincerity, Love, and right ends, the husbandman likes them well, and will commend them even before men and Angels, Matth. 25.24. Well done thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things etc. enter thou into the joy of thy. Lord, so again vers. 23. The sixty two Observation in Nature. THere is a great change wrought upon fruit-trees by Engrafting: Before they brought forth sour and naughty fruits, See Observ. 43. and 60. but now pleasant. This is another Similitude etc. and shadows out unto us this Proposition. That persons by Regeneration have a great Change wrought in them. Propesition shadowed. All by Nature bring forth bitter and naughty fruits, sour Grapes, Grapes of Gall, their clusters are bitter: And there is no way possibly to bring them to bear good fruits, but by engrafting them into Jesus Christ. Now Regeneration, or implanting into Christ, works a great change throughout the whole man, upon all the faculties of the soul, and in Conversation. The understanding which before was dark, and ignorant of spiritual things, then becomes (by little, and little) enlightened and apprehensive of spiritual things, Heb. 10.32. after ye were illuminated, &c: The will which before was cross and stubborn, opposing the will of God, becomes (in some measure) obedient, and inclining to what is of God: and to affect spiritual things, as spiritual, for themselves. The affections, which (before implanting into Christ) were cold and dead towards Christ, and the things of God, then have heat and life in them, they stir and move after spiritual things. Unregenerate persons cannot see, nor judge of spiritual things, no more than of visible outward objects without light, but when the work of grace comes into the soul, than light shines there, Ephes. 5.8. Ye were sometimes darkness, but are now light in the Lord: so 2 Cor. 4.6. By this Engrafting there is a Transforming: a change of the Mind, Rom. 12.2. be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind; there is a new heart and a new spirit, Ezek. 36.26. Use. This being so, it concerns us seriously to consider, upon what grounds we build our hopes of eternal life, for except this Change be wrought, except a man be borne again, he cannot see the kingdom of God, John 3.3. what ever we do let us give all diligence to make our calling, and Election sure: Many deceive themselves: O what a sad thing is it to be mistaken in this great, and most concerning business, whereon depends our Eternal welfare! There is no salvation out of Christ, and if any man be in Christ he is a new Creature, 2 Cor. 5.17. There are new Principles, and dispositions in the soul, contrary to those of Corrupt Nature: consider it seriously; and give all diligence to make your calling and Election sure. The sixty third Observation in Nature. OF one matter or substance in trees are made several distinct substances, Of the sap in Fruit-trees are framed the Bark, wood, Pith, Leaves, Buds, Blossoms, stalks, fruits, and seed: all of them distinct, and of divers Natures, & yet form by one and the same spirit, and sap, arising from the root of the tree. This Similitude shadows out unto us, That The several Gifts and Graces in believers, are wrought by the same spirit. Proposition shadowed. Gifts and Graces in the people of God differ not only in degrees, but also in Nature, and kind (as they are distinct Gifts and Graces) yet all of them framed by the spirit of God, for the edifying, and building up of his Church. Some excel in Gifts, yet are but low in Graces, some others are weak in Gifts, but strong in Graces: They have a strong saith; a fervent love, much humility, invincible courage, and zeal, and would sooner suffer for Christ, than some others who excel in Gifts. These things the Apostle shows at large, 1 Cor. 12.14. Now there are diversities of Gifts but the same spirit, and there are diversities of administrations but the same Lord, and diversities of operations, but the same God who worketh all in all. And as in the Material fruit-tree all the several and distinct substances mutually concur (according to the Law of Nature) to the increase, and making up of a fair, and comely fruit-tree, not only for the profit of the Husbandman, but also for the increase, & multiplying of the same species, or kind, so likewise do all the several Gifts and Graces in believers (wrought by the same spirit) serve mutually as well for the enlarging and multiplying the branches of the Vine-tree, the Church of God, as the honour of the Husbandman that planted it. This points out whither we should go for Gifts, and Graces, Use. 1 and the increase of them, Jam. 1.5.17. they come down from the father of lights. Use. 2 Stronger Christians ought not to despise, or neglect the lowest gifts and graces in their brethren, because they are the same in kind with theirs, and from the same spirit. Use. 3 From hence the weakest believers may take comfort, they have the same spirit dwelling in them, as the strongest Members, yea, the same spirit that is in the head, who in due time will draw all of them to himself. The sixty fourth Observation in Nature. There are very many Profits, and pleasures found in the Husbandman's Garden of fruit-trees both to himself and others: fruit-trees bring many Profits to a man's estate, Profits to his body, to his Mind, to his name; And there are Pleasures to all the senses: He also invites, and bids his friends welcome into his Garden, and make them partakers with him of his Profits and pleasures. This is another Similitude and shadows out unto us this Proposition, That Proposition shadowed. There are exceeding many and great Profits, and pleasures found in the Church of God. The Church is compared to a Vineyard, wherein are many choice plants, Esay. 5.1.2. etc. It is called an Orchard, and Garden of Fruit-trees, Cant. 4 12.13. A garden enclosed is my sister, my spouse, thy plants are an Orchard of Pomegranates with pleasant fruits. Mr. Bolton. Now as in Vineyards, Orchards, Gardens, etc. (which are, as a holy man says, as the stars, and Paradises of the Earth) there are many Profits, and Pleasures found, so are there likewise in the Church of God. There are Profits to all purpose, 1 Tim. 4.8. Godliness is Profitable to all things, again, Rev. 3.18. I Council thee to buy of me gold, that thou mayst be rich. The people of God are made rich by Christ, so that they lay up Treasures, they have a treasure in their hearts, Matth. 12.35, and treasures in heaven, Matth. 6.20. God is their father, and all his Attributes are laid out for them; They have an inheritance immortal, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for them. They have infinite treasures, because Christ is theirs, and all his fullness. And as there are these Profits found in the Garden of fruit-trees, the Church of God: so also there are Pleasures in abundance: all her ways are ways of pleasantresse, Prov. 3.17. As the husbandman invites his friends into his fruit-garden, to eat of his fruits, and drink of his wines made of them, and to partake of all his Pleasures there; so does the Mystical Husbandman invite his friends to partake of the delights that are in his Garden, Cant. 5.1. I am come into my garden my sister, my spouse, I have gathered my myrrh with my spice, I have eaten my honey comb with my honey, I have drunk my wine, with my milke-Eat O friends, drink, yea drink abundantly O beloved! And as we sit in Arbours, and under the shade of trees in Gardens in summer season, and eat pleasant fruits and drink wines made of them: such delights also are in this Mystical Garden, Cant. 2.3. As the Appletree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my razed. verse. 4. He brought me into the Banqueting house. And in the banqueting house there are pleasant wines, to cheer, & refresh the heart, mixed wines Prov. 9.2. wine of the Pomegranate, Can. 8.2. I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine: of the juice of my Pomegranate. There is both seasting, and Banqueting in this Garden of fruit-trees, Esay. 25.6. A feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the Lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the Lees well refined. There is variety of all dainties, and free welcome, they need not spare: the Master of the feast says freely from his heart: Eat O friends, drink, yea drink abundantly O beloved Cant. 5. So then we see, there are variety and abundance of Profits, and Pleasures in the Church of God. This therefore may be improved for the invitation and encouragement Use. 1 of those that are yet out of this enclosed Garden to enter into it, those that did never yet feast nor banquet with Christ there, nor so much as taste of any of his delicates. O let them all take notice of these things, and consider where they are, and what they are a doing. They are now in a dry and barren wilderness, where there is a dearth, a scarcity and want of all profitable, and pleasant things, they are now with the prodigal feeding swine, and grasping empty husks to satisfy themselves, being ready to famish for want of food, while they might have bread enough, and the fatted Calf to feed upon: if they will come into this pleasant Garden, there they shall have a feast of fat things, of wine on the lees we'll refined. They shall have all that their hearts can desire, Psal. 37.5. they shall have joy, and peace, and full satisfactions, there they shall have Christ, and all his fullness made theirs: there they shall have God for their Portion, in whom they shall find infinitely more happiness, and satisfaction, than in all the Creatures both in heaven and earth. Therefore come into this Garden, now, even now, while it is called to day, and be partakers of the Profits, and pleasures of it. Use. 2 Let all those who dwell in this Garden enclosed, and are partakers of all these great privileges, consider, and admire the abundant love, and kindness of God towards them, and walk in some measure answerable thereunto. There are some of the friends of Christ with whom he feasts, and banquets frequently: letting them find the powerful workings of his spirit, establishing, and refreshing their spirits, in many discoveries of his love to them, assurance of the pardon of sin, freedom from Hell, Satan, the condemning power of the Law, or Covenant of workd, etc. discovering to them, that all the ways and proceed of his providences towards them are in Wisdom, Love, and Mercy, to the increase of grace here, and to fit them for glory hereafter, his spirit witnessing, and sealing unto them the unchangeable love of God in Christ, in the Covenant of free grace, whereby they have an habitual, and well grounded assurance of their present state of happiness, and of their perseverance in it unto the end; And then an exaltation unto infinite glory, unto all Eternity. These, and such like, are the dishes and dainties in the Feasts, and Banquets that are found in this Garden enclosed the Church of God. The sixty fifth Observation in Nature. THe husbandman does carefully fence his Orchard, or Garden of fruit-trees round about, he makes a Wall, Pale, hedge, ditch or some fence or other on every side of his Garden, that no Cattle, nor any other enemies may annoy, or hurt it. This shadows out unto as: That The Church of God is encompassed, Proposition shadowed. and preserved by God himself. The Prophet Esay speaking of the Lords Vineyard, Chap. 5.2. says: He fenced it, or (as it is in the Margin) he made a Wall about it, that is: he himself is about it, Psal. 125.2. As the hills are round about Jerusalem, so is the Lord round about his people, from henceforth even for ever. All the Attributes of God are for the safety, and preservation of his people, Ps. 5.12. With favour shalt thou compass him, as with a shield: so of his power, wisdom, faithfulness etc. This was the hedge that Satan saw was about Job. chap. 1. ●0. Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? 2 Ki. 6.17. There were Charets, and horses round about Esha: which were Angels, for the preservation of Elisha: as the Prophet hath it Psal. 68.17. the Charets of God are 20000 even thousands of Angels: so the Angels are still ministering spirits to all, the faithful. God gives them a charge to keep his people in all their ways, Psal. 91.11. The Church of God is called a Garden, a garden compassed, and fenced; Cant. 4.12. a Garden enclosed is my sister, my spouse. This is sound, and unspeakable consolation to all that fear God. The Power, Wisdom, Love, Mercy, faithfulness of God, even Use. 1 God himself compasseth them round about: they dwell in God, Job. 17.21. and 1 Joh. 4.16. who, or what then can hurt them, or prevail against them? Soldiers within a strong impregnable Garrison, need not fear a besieging enemy, if they have all things necessary, and convenient for them there, so the people of God dwell in God in whom is all fullness, Esay. 33.16. He shall dwell on high, his place of defence shall be the munition of Rocks, bread shall be given him, his waters shall be sure: see here the safety of such as fear God: The Tower wherein they are, is so high that no enemy can possibly scale it, neither can they undermine it, it is built upon a Rock or Rocks, and they have provision enough within, bread and water, by which is understood all the fullness of God, given out both in temporals and spirituals: so that the Gates of hell (all the powers of men, and devils combining together against them) shall not prevail over them: nay their enemies shall be destroyed in their attempts: for God is a Wall of fire round about his people, Zeck. 2.5. and a consuming fire, Heb. 12.29. all the enemies of God, and of his people shall be consumed by it. So then; we seethe safety and happiness of all the trees of God's enclosed Garden, they are implanted into Christ, they are enclosed and encompassed by God himself, they shall be preserved from all evil, and shall want no manner of thing that is good. All the Attributes of God, even God himself, is a Brazen Wall, a Wall of fire, compassing them round about; so that nothing shall hurt them. And although their enemies (sometimes) may kill them, yet they cannot hurt them: Though (possibly) they may lose their heads, yet they shall not lose an hair of their head, Luk 21.16, 17, 18. Their loss for Christ is gain. The sixty sixth Observation in Nature. WHen the husbandman dresseth up his Orchard or Garden, and removes such trees, and plants as are barren, and unfruitful, or that bear naughty fruits, and plants others in their rooms, that are choice and special trees, and gathers out the stones, weeds, rubbish, and whatsoever is offensive, and bestows much time, cost and labour, in preparing and ordering all things in his Garden for his profit, and delight, men may judge (by all these things) that he intends to come settle himself, Proposition shadowed. and dwell there. This shadows out unto us, That When God doth purge a Nation, or place from persons, and things that are offensive to him, and brings in his own people, and worship in stead thereof, this is an evident taken that God intends to dwell there. God is infinite, and is not included in one place more than another; The Heaven of heavens cannot contain him, 2 Chro. 6.18. yet he is said to dwell in some places rather than in others, by special manifestations of his love and goodness there, more than in other places: When God purposed to make the Land of Canaan his dwelling place, he cast out the inhabitants of the Land, and planted his own people, and his worship there: as we see at large in the History. This Moses foretold. Exod. 15.17. Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them, in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place O Lord which thou hast made for thee to dwell in: and Exod: 29.45. I will dwell amongst the children of Issrael, and will be their God. When God had Mercy on Israel (after a long time of trouble, and desolation) and comes to dwell among them again, than he brings down, and casts out their enemies, and oppressors, and gives his own people authority, and power over them, as we see Esay. 14.2. They shall take them Captives whose Captives they were, and they shall rule over their oppressors. It is God that putteth down one, and setteth up another, Psal. 75.7. I the Lord have brought down the high tree, and exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and made the dry tree to flourish, I the Lord have spoken it, and have done it, Ezek. 17.20. when God roots up, or cuts down high, green, flourishing trees, but barren of good fruits, and plants choice trees in their stead, though low, and despised in the eyes of the world, this is, that he may dwell among them and walk among them 2 Cor. 6.16. he sets his Tabernacle there, Levit. 23.12. and takes pleasure in them, Ps. 149 4. for the Lord hath chosen Zion, he hath desired it for his habitation: and saith, This is my rest for ever, here will I dwell, for I have a delight therein, Ps. 132.13, 14. Use. 1 This being so, that when God begins to reform a Nation, or place, it's a sign he intends to dwell there, this is a ground of great consolation to the people of God in England, and other parts, where God hath begun his great work of Reformation (notwithstanding many things are yet amiss) but especially to some particular places, * Universities and some other places. where more remarkable evidences of his presence are manifest in removing fruitless, & unprofitable Trees, and planting in their stead many fruitful trees, not only in a private capacity, but also in a Public, many godly Magistrates, for the execution of Justice, and taking part with those that fear God, in stead of curbing, and discouraging of them in well doing. And also in respect of many faithful ministers of the Gospel, who preach Jesus Christ, and declare the glorious mysteries of the Gospel in stead of blockish ignorance, or else doubing with untempered mortar: Though all are not thus through the Nation, yet it may be so said of many more now than in former times. Are not such as are put in Authority, and Power in the Nation, of the best men? is not the Magistracy of the Land of choice Persons, (such as are most fit and capable) of the godly party? at least, it is the endeavour of those in supreme power, that it may be so. And as for the Ministry of the Nation, though it have been (in the general) very corrupt, & is so st ll in many place; yet hath there not been in this a great reformation of late years, which is still going on among us? And as the Magistracy, and Ministry of the Land, are much changed, and reform, so also are * By whom God hath wrought of late years, even wonders in these three Nations; Not to be paralleled in any Histories of former ages, unless by the Wars of Canaan. God hath eminently, & most remarkably appeared for us, and that in a course & scries of his providences, not only in the sight of his people, but even the enemies themselves being Judges. Military men; heretofore in corrupt times, the soldiery were of the worst of men, the most notorious, desperately wicked men under the sun: whereas now they are of the best: men fearing God, very many of them: not only Commanders, and Officers, but also common soldiers have been, and are men of saith, & prayer, as well as courage: such as the good soldier the Centurion was, mentioned Matt 8.5. whom Christ himself commended: and as Cornelius, another Centurion of a band, of whom it is said, that he was a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, Act. 10.2. And as the Magistracy, Ministry, & Soldiery are very much reform, & good men amongst them all are set up, & encouraged, and evil men removed, & discouraged; so also persons fearing God of all rank●, and conditions are countenanced by the Authority of the Nation: having liberty, & freedom in the work of the Lord, whereby the Gospel, & the kingdom of Christ, is enlarged, notwithstanding all opposition, or any thing that is yet amiss among us. Are not all these things evidences of God's presence among us, that he is a coming nearer to us, that the husbandman intends to dwell, and delight himself in his Garden, where he is thus at work so remarkably? Rejoice therefore, and let all the Trees of the field clap their hands: for in stead of the Thorn is come up the firetree, and in stead of the Brier is come up the Myrtle tree, Esay. 55.12.13. Solomon says: When the righteous are in Authority the people rejoice, Prov. 29.2. Certainly such as fear God do so. And this by the way) may serve for a trial, and touchstone of men's spiritual estates; whether they are in the flesh, or in the spirit. Ob. But it may be Objected: Do we not see rather signs of God's departure from us, than of his coming nearer to us? for do we not see Errors, Heresies, and Blasphemies abound among us, divisions and contentions in every place? It is answered: Answ. do we not also see the Truths of the Gospel more fully, and generally manifested and known, than they have been formerly? the Kingdom of Christ is enlarged, and grows daily. There are more Professors of Religion in these days, than in former times; Not only Professors in Hypocrisy, but also in truth, and sincerity. And as Errors, and Heresies are more awakened, so also are the Truths of God more cleared; and its certain, Truth will at length prevail, & silence Error: Truth will suppress Errors, & devour them, as Aaron's Rod did the Rods of the Magicians of Egypt, Exo. 7.12. And as for divisions and contentions among us, let none think Use. 2 that strange; for where Christ comes to take possession of a Nation, or City, or Family, where he was not before, there will certainly be divisions; Matth. 10.34.35. Think not that I am come to send peace on the earth: I came not to send peace but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her Mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law etc. Flesh, and spirit, even in, and amongst the people of God, will oppose each other; there will be divisions amongst God own people upon this account (they seeing but in part, and with different degrees of light) as well as between them, and carnal persons. Where the spirit of God in any of his people strikes at the Corruptions of others, in any respect; where their Names, interests, and concernments are touched, this occasions divisions, and contentions: All which, God will by his wisdom, power, and goodness, over rule, and order for the good of his people, making them to sift, and try things more throughly, that so thereby both truth, and Error, may be more manifest. Also many things which some godly men have heretofore called Errors, they afterwards (upon examination, and a more full discovery of them) embraced for Truths, and many ●hings which good men in former ages never saw, not understood, are now made manifest, and evident to be the Truths of God: the Spirit of God in these Gospel's days: being (according to his promise) poured out more abundantly, light is more clear than heretofore, and consequently things hid in darkness, mysteries of the Gospel, are more discovered: Though the day, as yet, as to many things, is not clear, nor dark but it shall come to pass that at evening it shall be light, Zech. 14.6, 7. And the light of the Moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be seven fold, Esay. 30.26. And further; In answer to the former Objection: Though some among us have fears and doubts of God's departure from us, yet if they do but consider all things well (weighing one thing against another, and look upon them with a spiritual eye, not dimmed with selfish, worldly interests, they shall then see many more, and more evident tokens of Gods drawing nearer to us in these Nations, and of his abiding with us, than of his departing from us: which ought to be observed, and thankfully acknowledged by all, as it is by many of his choicest servants. For certainly, were there the contrary to what we see, and have of late years seen, among us, than we should, and we might indeed account them fatal signs of Gods departing from us: should we see wicked men govern, and have the supreme power in those Nations; to be chosen, and Commissionated in all the great affairs, and concernments among the peoples should we see the people of God discountenanced, kerbed and restrained in every place, and the wicked encouraged and upheld, should we see the choicest ministers of the Gospel, and the most eminent holy men of all ranks, imprisoned and persecuted by all the powers of the Nation, as they have been heretofore; should we see and behold all the dispensations of God towards us, to be a weakening the hands of his people, and giving strength, and rule into the hands of evil men, than indeed we might have cause to fear, that God had surely a great controversy with us, and a departing from us; but now while we behold the contrary to all these things, why may we not conclude, and expect the contrary? We should make such a conclusion as Manoahs' wife did, when she had seen, and observed many evidences of God's favour towards her her husband, and herself (when he, who should have taught her, had groundless fears, Judges 13.23. If the Lord would have destroyed us, he would not have done all these things for us. So; though we are indeed a sinful people, worthy to be destroyed, yet God having given us so many, so great, and so wonderful evidences of his grace, and favour, and of his coming to dwell among us, we ought to observe them, and thankfully to acknowledge them, with a full confidence that God will abide with us, and no more departed from us. There is a time, and that at hand, when the Church of God shall be so free from the power of Antichrist, as never to be any more subject to him: God will make his Church an eternal excellency, and the days of her mourning shall be ended. Esay 60.15, 20. and Esay 62 4. According to the Prophecy in Dan. 7.22. The time came that the Saints possessed the Kingdom: and Rev. 5.10. We shall reign on the earth. God hath begun to fulfil this word, which shall go on to the ends of the earth: his Name is engaged in it, and he will do great things for his people, though they are unworthy, yet for his own great Names sake. The two Witnesses being now arising, as it is the Judgement of many precious Saints that they are, the Church will be more, and more glorious, notwithstanding all opposition. Seeing it is a sign that God is coming nearer to us, and that he will dwell among us, when he supplants carnal men, and carnal things, and sets his own people, and worship in their stead, then Use. 2 those whom God hath set and planted in the rooms of others, in highest places for the government of the Nations, in the Universities, and all the Land over, these persons have a special Obligation upon them to bring forth better fruits than their Predecessors upon several accounts; first, that the Husbandman, who planted them; may have the honour of his work. Secondly, for their own sakes, and those with whom they lives for in case they bring forth as bad fruits, as those trees in whose room they grow, it will provoke God against them; but when God likes of, and delights in the fruits of his people, he will then continue his presence with them, which is their life, happiness, and glory; he will then delight to walk in his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits, Cant. 4.16. and say, this is my resting place, here will I dwell for I have a delight therein, Psal. 132.13.14. The sixty seventh Observation in Nature. THe ground of some Orchards is not level, but shelving or declining; so that some part of the ground is higher than the rest, and accordingly some of the trees grow upon higher ground than some others: Now husbandman values not the fruit-trees (at all, the more for that situation, he esteems not those on the highest ground, more than those on the lowest ground, but he prizeth his Trees according to their fruits: His care for his trees on the lowest ground is as much (and sometimes more) as for those on the higher ground. Proposition shadowed. This shadows out unto us, That The free love and care of God is as much towards his people in the meanest, outward condition, as towards those who are most eminent in the world. The great Mystical husbandman hath a large Orchard, he plants his Fruit-trees where he pleaseth over all the parts of the world; and some of them are planted on high, and some on low grounds, which he valueth not according to their Eminency, or meanness (that with him is not considerable) but according to the truth, and sincerity of their hearts, according to their fruits: Poor Lazarus, and rich Abraham, are both cared for, and beloved of God, one as well as the other: The poor widow Mark. 12.42. (that was able to make but one farthing in all the the world) she, and her offering was as well accounted of as King david's, Solomon, or others of highest rank; he respecteth not persons 2 Cor. 19.7. and again Rom. 2.11. There is no respect of persons with God: He will take the servants part (in any just cause) as soon as the Masters, Ephe. 6.9. He that doth wrong, shall receive for the wrong that he hath done, and there is no respect of Persons, Col. 2 3.25. 1 Pet. 1.17. God hath the same account of the poor, as of the Rich; of the Bond, of the free, if Believers, Rom. 10.12. There is no difference between the Jew, and the Greek, for the same Lord over all, is rich unto all that call upon him: So again, Rom. 3.22. He accepteth not the persons of Princes, nor regardeth the Rich more than the Poor, Job. 34.19. The serious consideration of this may be a good means to keep the spirits of those humble, who are of the highest rank Use. 1 among Believers; and that they despise not, nor neglect their brethren in a lower rank: Though they are planted on the higher ground, in the Garden of God in any place of power, or authority over others (and upon that account honour, reverence, and subjection (as God requires) is due unto them from their brethren, and fellow-Members of an inferior rank) yet the the same bears no weight in the account of God: All the Nations of the Earth, are but as the drop of a bucket, or as the small dust of the Balance, in the eye of God, Esay 40.15. How small then are a few men of one Nation, though they may be as mighty hills and Mountains in eminency, in the sight of men? All men naturally have a Principle of pride in them, but none are in so much danger of it, as those persons (though godly) who are set above others, in Church, or Commonwealth: and therefore they have the more need to be minded of it, that they may be ware of that most prevailing Corruption, which puts the Creatures at a distance from God, Paul himself had need of something to suppress it, lest he should be exalted above measure, 2 Cor. 12.7. Hence we may gather; That believers of the lowest rank in outward respects, have as great, and as many Privileges in all Use. 2 Church Assemblies as those of the highest rank; whether it be to speak, or hear, or partake of any Ordinance for their profit, and edification: so that due respect towards superiors, be observed. Thirdly: Let all believers of the lowest rank walk cheerfully, Use. 3 notwithstanding any slighting, or neglects from superiors. Thou that are now under, and below many of thy brethren for a moment, mayst be above them hereafter to all Eternity. The eightieth Observation in Nature. THose Fruit-trees which have the influence of the sun continually, they flourish with leaves, blossoms, and fruits continually, as it is in the East, a Sir Wa: Rawley. 1 Book. 1. part. Ch. 3. §. 9 10. pag. 64. 68 Proposition shadowed. and West Indies: there the sun is all the year long, giving forth his heat, and warmth, and never going a far off (so as to make a winter) as in these Northern parts of the world, so that fruits-trees there flourish with leaves and blossoms, green, and ripe fruits all the year long. This is another Similitude of the state of Spiritual Fruit-trees, and shadows out unto us, That Believers who daily walk with God, having the light of his countenance, and constant communion with him, such are abundantly fruit full. Although every believer is engrafted into Christ, and draws sap and virtue from him, and hath the countenance of God towards him, and the influences of the spirit to cause fruitfulness, yet not all alike: there is great difference in the degrees of Gods manifesting, and giving out of himself to his people. God is a sun to his people, and he shines upon some but seldom, and clouds himself again and withdraws for a time, and then a winter comes upon that soul. But he is pleased to shine upon some others more constantly, and they have an habitual enjoyment of God, after some sad and dark times of the spirit of bondage, and desertion in the former part of their lives, when they have again laid hold on their beloved, they will not let him go; and he is as willing to stay with them, so that they have a constant enjoyment of God, walking daily in communion with him, I mean, for the main course of their life, though the spirit be not always in a like frame, and constant temper every hour of he day, which none can expect whilst we are in the flesh: Yet as to the generality of their lives, the sun is near, and discovers himself clearly and apparently to the soul. The workings of the spirit of God, are manifest, evident and clear to the soul: the soul acts upon God, and God upon the soul, there are reciprocal acts upon each other daily, frequently. The spirit of God witnesseth, and sealeth to the soul the sure and unchangeable love of God in Christ, and the soul sets to its seal also, that God is true, gracious, precious, and says to God (with a lively faith) thou art he whom my soul loveth, thou art my portion, my Treasure, my God, and Saviour, my all through Christ. God acts upon the soul, and says, thou art mine, I have chosen thee, and will never leave thee, nor forsake thee; and the soul acts upon God again, and says, thou art mine, thou hast made me to choose thee, and I will love thee, and serve thee, and praise thee, and joy in thee for ever. Thus with infinite Acts of this Nature is this Communion continued (in daily walking with God) whereby such souls are so revived, filled and satisfied, that they are abundantly fruitful, and bring forth fruits continually. These trees are continually green and flourishing with leaves, blossoms and fruits: such a one (as the Prophet says, Jer. 17.8.) He shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her Roots by the River, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green, and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. And Psal. 1.3. He is as a tree planted by the rivers of waters, his Leaf shall not whither, etc. The righteous shall flourish like a Palm tree, the most beautiful and excellent of all trees, and which is continually green and fruitful, because it grows in those parts where the sun is continually near it. Now by the Rivers, waters, sun, dews, rhymes, etc. we are to understand the manifestations of God, the influences of his spirit, Hos. 14.5. I will be as the dew to Israel; and than it follows, he shall grow as the Lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon, verse. 6. his branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the Olive tree: I will be dew, and rain and sunshine and then they shall be as the Olive tree, or as the Palm tree, which are always green, and fruitful. So that such Christians as live under the dews, and droppings of heaven, and have the sun still shining upon them in their daily walk, and Communion with God, they are abundantly fruitful. This our Saviour himself tells us, Joh. 15.5. He that abideth in me, & I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit. This abiding in Christ, is to abide, and continue in Communion with him, by daily acting all the graces: such as walk so bring forth much fruit. Use. 1 These things being so, we should hence learn to keep close to God, and daily to walk with him, to lay out ourselves diligently by Prayer, Meditation, public Ordinances, viewing over all experiences, and former manifestations of the love of God in Christ towards us, etc. to gain, and keep the light of God's countenance, and clear evidences of his love, the lively, and constant, or frequent actings of his spirit in us; that by this sunshine, dew, and rain of heaven, his fruit-trees may be continually green, and flourishing, with blossoms, and fruits. This and no other, is the way to be abundantly fruitful, whereby we may bring much glory to God and gain infinite advantages to ourselves for when the soul by these things is put into an heavenly, and spiritual frame and temper, than the pleasant fruits flow forth abundantly: when the North and South winds of the spirit awake and blow upon the Garden, than the spices thereof flow forth, Cant. 4.16. The sixty ninth Observation in Nature. THe Husbandman does not only Graft his fruit trees, but also Order them from year to year, many other ways, by Pruning off all irregular and fruitless branches, weeding, watering, bearing the roots, sometimes laying good soils to them, and sometimes abates of their too full and fat nourishment, doing divers other things for the good of the trees in order to fruitbearing. Proposition shadowed. This shadows out unto us, That God doth not only engraft his people into Christ, but order them in all other respects also, to make them abundantly fruit full. Material fruit-trees (through the fatness of soil) do frequently shoot forth strong and big branches, called proud shoots, and bring forth great, fair, broad leaves: but such trees bring forth but few and small fruits. In such a case the Husbandman deprives them of some part of their fat feeding, and put unto their roots some sand or barren earth in stead, and cuts off the proud shoots. So it is with the people of God: although they are Engrafted, yet unless the husbandman look to them they will often (through prosperity and abundance) shoot forth many branches of pride, lofty and high Imaginations, and conceits, and content themselves with bringing forth fair, broad Leaves of shows and professions, Ceremonies, forms, and something that's outward, but bring forth (all the while) small, and few fruits: So that because this too full feeding with the fine flower, honey, and Oil of prosperity causeth them to abate of their fruitfulness, Ezek. 16.13. therefore the husbandman will deprive them of some part of it: as we see, Eze. 16.27. I have diminished thine ordinary food; and in stead thereof makes them feed upon the bread of adversity and water of affliction: Ezek. 30.20. whereby they become more fruitful. The husbandman also prunes his fruit-trees: John 15.2. He purgeth them, that they may bring forth more fruit. Thereby they are full of mercy, and good fruits, jam. 3.17. all his corrections (through his wise, and gracious ordering) bring forth the peaceable fruit of righteousness, Heb. 12.11. When the corrupt stock of Nature springs forth, he cuts them off, Ezek. 27.8. In measure when it shooteth forth, thou wilt debate with it. His rough wind, vers. 8. blows upon them, and this is his end, vers. 6. By this shall the Iniquity of jacob be purged, and this is all the fruit, to take away his sin. The husbandman also (in case of inconveniences by too full feeding) strikes into the body (or Master root) of the tree, Theoph. Lib. de causis Plant● cap. 18, 19 a Pin of Iron, or hard wood, that the superfluous sap may run out: So Paul was ordered, 2 Cor. 12.7. There was given him a thorn in the flesh, lest he should be exalted above measure. See also Ezek. 28.24. He calls for the Northwind of afflictions, as well as the southwind of consolations, to make fruits abound, Cant, 4.16. The people of God by Experience find these things profitable. This should make us not only patiented under all afflictions, and orderings of God, but also to be thankful for them: Use. let God (the wise and gracious Husbandman) have praise from us, who pruneth and correcteth us for our profit, to be partakers of his holiness, to bring forth much fruit to his glory, Heb. 12.10. Joh. 15.8. The seventieth Observation in Nature. Natural Fruit-trees grow every year stronger, and stronger; every year the Branches put forth, and enlarge themselves more or less, they spread wider, and higher, and stronger until their attain their natural bigness, and are thereby more able to resist strong winds, and more out of the reach of Cattle, and common enemies. This is another Similitude of the state of spiritual fruit-trees, and shadows out unto us this Proposition, That The graces of believers increase daily in strength, whereby they are more and more able to resist spiritual enemies. Proposition shadowed. After believers are engrafted into Christ their Root and stock, they from thence forward receive sap, and life, and power from him, whereby they are acted in all duties, whereby they increase, and get strength from day to day, Ps. 84.7. they go from strength to strength: being engrafted into Christ, we are established, strengthened, and built up in him, Col. 2.7. And Eph. 4.15. We grow up in him in all things which is the head, even Christ, verse. 16. from whom the whole body fitly joined together, and compacted, by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. Paul and Apollo's were Instrumental in Planting and watering, God gave the increase, 1 Cor. 3.6.7. The whole body of Christ increaseth with the increase of God, Col. 2.19. To him that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance, Mat. 25.29. His brook shall become a River, and his River shall become a sea. As Material fruit-trees shoot upwards, and extend their branches yearly, so do the Mystical: if there be but a careful use of means, Phillip 3.13. This one thing I do, forgetting things that are behind, and reaching forth unto those things that are before, I press towards the mark etc. Grace's being at first but as a grain of mustardseed they increase unto large branches, Matth. 13.31. Every Act both in Nature and grace, doth strengthen the habit: and according to the frequency and vigour in acting, so the habit improves; if the Acts of grace be but seldom, and but weak, the Habits, and Principles grow, but slowly: And when Acts cease for a time (as in some Temptations) yet the habits, seeds, and Principles lie secret, and sure in the soul, and will (as heat penned up, and smothered for a time) break forth afterwards more strongly, and will enable the soul to trample upon all enemies. The use of this may be to discover who are really in Christ. Use. As there is an increase in all the Members, and parts of Children (if in health) so in the spiritual man. Ephes. 4.16. according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body: As it is thus of the Church: so also of every particular Member of it. Now this increase is not in all alike, nor at all times to be perceived in any one person, but differs according to Talents of grace at first received, and also according to the operations of the spirit, and according to the means, and helps that Christians have, and use in the course of their lives. Therefore labour to discern an increase. And lest some weak souls should stumble at this, and question the truth of all, because they discern not an increase of grace in themselves, but rather a decay, because they find not now such vehement workings of affection, nor such enlargedness of heart as sometimes heretofore: Let such consider, that God sometimes withdraws, that they may be sensible of the different states, tempers, and frames of their spirits, which may be made use of as a special evidence of spiritual life. Secondly: strength of grace consisteth not in the enlargedness of the affections in duties (which is usually most in young Christians) but in a solid, well grounded faith, knowledge, experience, and clear apprehensions of the love of God in Christ, these (more or less, if we are diligent in the use of means) grow to the last; though there are (in some Christians) some interruptions, through Trials and temptations, which yet God doth order for their advantage. The seventy first Observation in Nature. SOme fruit-trees that are but weak, crooked, and uncomely Trees, that have little beauty, in respect of shape, and colour, etc. they are (notwithstanding) more profitable, and bring forth more pleasant and more useful fruits, than many fair, tall, and beautiful trees. To instance in the Vine, Ficus & uvae inter fructus autumnales principatum obtinent. Proposition shadowed. and the figtree; what trees are so low, crooked, weak, of so deadish coloured outsides, as they, which yet yield the most refreshing, pleasant nourishment? Many high, strong, beautiful trees are fare short of them in worth, and goodness. This Observation shadows out unto us, That Many persons of a low rank, and but of despised parts, do yet bring forth more profitable fruits, than many others eminent in gifts, and outward respects. Many of the Saints (in their measure and proportion) are as their Lord and Saviour, of whom it is said, he hath no form nor comeliness, there is no beauty that we should desire him: he is despised, and rejected of men etc. Esay. 53.2.3. and yet who brought forth such fruits as he? who (besides that great, and main work for which he was sent) went daily about doing good, & did always that which was pleasing to his father, Joh. 8.29. As he was despised, and rejected of men, for the holiness and spiritualness of his doctrine, and life, as well as for his meanness in the world; even so are many of his people at this day: And so it was (too) in former times; Were not the Apostles and disciples of Christ, of a low rank in the world, taken from mean employments, whose natural parts had little improvement by humane Learning, which caused the proud Pharisees to despise, and reject both them and their doctrine, and yet who brought forth the best fruits, they, or the Pharisees? That great fruit-tree (mentioned Luk. 18.11.) which was grown (in his own conceit, and its like in others too) as high as heaven, and spread large, yet his fruits were not accepted; as the fruits of the poor, low, despised shrub, the Publican, who came far short of the Pharases in outward respects. That of the Apostle 1 Cor. 1.27, etc. is a sufficient proof for this point. The foolish things, the weak things, the base things, the despised thing: The persons and things, their Gifts and endowments, their Judgements and actings that the worldly, and carnal wise men, and some spiritual men very carnal in their Judgements and ways, account foolish, weak base, and altogether despise, and trample on, these, even these, are of more esteem with God, and are more profitable in his Church, than many persons and things eminent in the world, and of highest esteem among men. Learn then to judge, and esteem of persons and things, Use. of Trees, and fruits as God doth: judge righteous Judgement; look upon things with a spiritual eye, and taste them with a spiritual : God expects now that his people should be more spiritual than in former times, that they should come off more from Externals, whereon former ages have so much stood Gospel worship, and conversation, is more in the spirit, than many (even of the godly) are yet convinced of; The plain simplicity of the Gospel, in the delivery, and manifestation of it to others, is despised: Persons who preach and publish the Gospel (and cannot but speak the things they have heard and seen) are neglected, despised, and cried down, Acts 4.20. unless they come adorned with eminent Gifts, Humane learning, and other external qualifications, which the fleshly wisdom of men eyes more than the spiritual, savoury, well tasted fruits they bring forth, to the refreshing, and feeding the souls of men to eternal life. One of these poor, low, despised, spiritual trees (without form, or comeliness in a carnal eye) brings forth more good and profitable fruits, than an hundred of some of those who come with external Ornaments of Titles degrees, tongues, excellency of speech and b It's true indeed; humane learning, and eminent parts are excellent, and of singular use in the Church of God, if sanctified, if in regenerate persons (especially in such who have also great measures of grace, to make all subservient thereunto) otherwise all is used, and turned for self, and sinister ends and purposes, and against Christ. Humane wisdom, which the Apostle (who had more Learning than they) cared not for in his Ministry, 1 Co. 2.1, 4. My speech and my preaching was not with the enticing words of man's wisdom, but in the demonstration of the spirit, and of power. Plain experimental discourses of spiritual, holy men, but of ordinary gifts, about Christ, and his kingdom, are for the most part, more profitable (amongst the vulgar sort of people) than the discourses of learned men, about the same thing: One reason (besides the special presence of the spirit) may be, because the Matter, Method, and expressions of ordinary gifted persons, are all suited, and fitted to Common capacities, they express themselves in words easy to be understood: as the Apostle saith, 1 Cor. 14.9. They speak to men (as the Apostles in their time) in their own Language: therefore things have the more easy, and ready entrance, and admission into their spirit. Whereas persons of high attainments in Gifts (most commonly) speak (as the Apostle says) into the air, in an unknown Tongue, as to vulgar understandings, when (perhaps) they think they speak plainly. 1 Cor. 14.9. Now besides what has been said, continual experience proves these things abundantly. Therefore let not Moral Gifts, and attainements be over valued, while the spirit of Christ, and his graces are neglected. The seventy second Observation in Nature. THe Husbandman expects fruits from all his Fruit-trees, he will not approve of any one barren-tree in his Orchard: Though he looks not that all should bear alike, yet he will not endure any fruit-trees that are not fruitful, or some way or other profitable to him. Hereby we are taught: That God will not allow an idle person; but expects every one should be profitable in his place. Proposition shadowed. The world is Gods great family, and he will have no one idle, but every one (that is able to labour) some way, or other employed in that which is good; And therefore he bestows upon every one a Talon at least, upon some two, upon some more: some Gift, or Gifts of body, or mind, or both, which they ought to employ, and improve for the honour of their Lord and Master, and good of their brethren. A day of account is coming and hard by, when there will be a sad reckoning for all idle persons, Matth. 25.26. thou wicked and slothful servant; cast ye the unprofitable servant into utter darkness, vers. 30. No one is exempted from a particular calling, or labour, 1 Cor. 7.20. Let every man (saith he) abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Paul could not abide an idle person, he would not allow a man meat unless he would work; if able, 2 Thes. 3.10. Thus we commanded you, That if any would not work, neither should he eat: we must work either with the hand, August. de Op. Mona. Lib 2. or with the mind: Laborant qui ment operantur. We command you (saith the Apostle) work with your own hand, 1 Thes. 4.11. And again, Ephes. 4.28. Working with his hands the things that is good, that he may have something to give to him that needeth. The spirit gives Gifts diversely, but the end is to profit withal, 2 Cor. 12.7. Such as have Gifts, and Talents, and use them not, are like Idols who have eyes, and see not, ears, and hear not, hands, and work not, feet, and walk not, Psal. 150.5.6.7. Hence we see the shame, and danger of many persons in the world: Use. 1 especially of the richer, and greater sort; who having several Gifts, and Talents bestowed on them, are (notwithstanding) idle and unprofitable, letting their parts rust, and lie hid in a napkin: Though they have rich Revenues to live upon, yet they ought to labour for God, his Church, and the Commonwealth: Nemo sibi natus. Every man is a Member of the body Politic, and aught to do something for the good of the whole body: as the Members in the Natural body. Here what a Directions for walking with God. pag. 49. Mr Boulton says of such as are unprofitable in Church, and Common wealth: he is (saith he) a cursed drone, a child of idleness, and sloth, the very tennis-ball of Temptation, most unworthy of the blessings, and benefits of humane society, who doth not one way or other cooperate, and contribute to the Common good with his best endeavours in some honest particular calling. The best men in all ages have ever set themselves to some good Employments, God would have none idle, no not Adam (even in his state of innocency) he had an Employment assigned him, being put into the Garden of Eden to dress it, and to keep it, Gen. 2.15. So then: her's an Employment (among others) fit for the best men; the work of the first man, even in his perfect state, and that appointed by God himself, as befitting such a condition: Philosophers, Kings, Emperors, in former ages, delighted in the work of an Orchard, as was formerly showed at large. Men may honour God, greatly profit themselves, the Church, and Commonwealth by their studies and labours in a Garden of Fruit-trees. The seventy third Observation in Nature. SOme Fruit-trees live longer than others, some die while they are young, others when they are large trees, at their full growth; perhaps by diseases, or excessive heat and dryness at their roots, or are violently cut down for their barrenness or bad fruits: others live till they be grown very old, and die by degrees with very age, and as these are removed the husbandman plants others in their rooms. This shadows out unto us the state of Mystical fruit-trees, in this Proposition: That Proposition shadowed. The life of man is very uncertain: some die in Childhood, others in youth, others in old age, and in the room of these others arise. Seeds of decay are sown in the best soil of man's body, which spring, and grow, and bring forth (sooner, or later) dissolution. The Causes of decay and death both in natural, and spiritual fruit-trees are often alike. The husbandman observing the Canker, worms, or other diseases to seize upon some of his bad trees which he sets little by, he neglects them, and says, if they die, let them die, I'll set better in their rooms. So saith the Mystical Husbandman of his fruit-trees (because of their barrenness, or bad fruits) when he sees diseases, or miseries seize upon them; I will will not feed you, that that dieth, let it die, and that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off: Ezek. 11.5. he hath not that care of them, as he hath of his fruitful trees, they are not within his special protection, John 17.9. I pray not for the world. Again, some he cuts down in their full strength, as was prophesied against Elies' house, 1 Sam. 2.33. All the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age: So jer. 15.8. a spoiler at noon day, her sun is gone down while it was yet day: as to the people of judah (in the general) in time of their prosperity, so to many (in particular) in their health, and full strength, Psal. 55.25. The blood thirsty, and deceitful man shall not live out half their days. So Psalm 37.36. Now as these are cut down, others are planted, Ps. 109 7. Let his days be few, and let another take his office: and Ps. 75.8. he putteth down one, and setteth up another. Others (again) live till they be very old, and decay by degrees, and are like old Barzillai, 2 Sam. 9 35. who (by reason of age) could not taste what he eaten, or drank, etc. they live till they be satisfied with age, Ps. 91.16. Seeing our lives are so uncertain, and that we know not when Use. 1 our Lord will come, Mark 13.35. Whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at the dawning of the day, we should therefore be always ready, that is: to be sure that we have an interest in Christ, without which there can be no preparation for death. This shows the desperate estate of all unregenerate persons, they are in danger every moment of a sudden destruction; and Use. 2 many times it comes in the height and fullness of their outward prosperity, as with Herod upon the Throne of his glory, Belshazzar in the midst of his feast. Dan. 5.6. Haman at the Banquet of wine, in his glory, Hester. 7.10. I have seen (saith David) the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green Bay-tree etc. But how quickly was he gone? Psal. 37.35. Hence we should be stirred up to bring forth good, and profitable Use. 3 fruits, that so the husbandman may take care of us, and nourish, and prune, and order his fruit-trees for many years, according to his promise, Prov. 10.27. My son keep my Commandments, for length of days, and long life, and peace shall they add to thee: especially let us attend to the works of our generation, according to the pointing out of the word, and hand of providence. The seventy fourth Observation in Nature. WE see by experience that what kinds of seeds of fruit-trees we sow in our Nurseries, such will be the trees, and consequently the fruits of those trees; if the seed be good, the trees and fruits will be so also, if the seed be naught, so will be the trees and fruits: the seed contains in it the form of the trees and fruits. This is another Similitude of the state of spiritual fruit-trees, and shadows out unto us this Proposition, That Proposition shadowed. According to men's Principles, such are their actings, and their rewards according to both. Original sin, corruption of Nature, is the seed that lies in the soul of all mankind, which naturally springs up, and grows like a plant, or tree, higher, and larger, and stronger every day, branching itself, and breaking forth in thoughts, words, and works: now according to the Nature of this seed, or these branches, or trees, such will be the fruits. Jer. 6.19. Behold I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts; we see what those fruits were in the following words, even perishing and destruction. Also Jer. 32.19. Thine eyes are upon all the ways of the sons of men, to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his do. And again, Hos. 10.13. Ye have prolonged wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity, ye have eaten the fruit of lies: and what the fruit was we see in the following verses: dashing in pieces, and utter destruction. So also on the other side; the seed, or principles of grace in the soul springs up, and grows like a tree into a body, boughs, and branches, which bring forth good, and pleasant fruits, whereof we may eat, not only in this life, but also to all Eternity. This seed springs up, and branches itself into thoughts, words, actings, multitudes of-ways in our conversations; a wholesome tongue is a tree of life, Prov. 15.3. The fruit of this Tree in Prayer, Praises, etc. hath a sweet, and acceptable taste, in the account of the husbandman. So also is it pleasant unto men, Prov. 25.11. A word fitly spoken, is like apples of Gold in pictures of silver. All sorts of spiritual seed brings forth answerable fruits, Gal. 6.8. He that soweth to the spirit, shall of the spirit reap life everlasting. The spirit of God, and the habits of grace in the soul continually spring up, and bring forth good fruits: persons in whom these dwell act according to their Natures, and fruits; and rewards are accordingly dispensed, Rom. 6.22. Ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. These things being so, they call aloud to every unregenerate Use. 1 person to break off their sins by Repentance, thereby to cut off all the boughs, and branches that spring from the seed, and root of corrupt Nature, otherwise they will certainly bring forth poisonous, and deadly fruits, whereof they shall eat and drink to all eternity, Rom. 7.5. The motions of sin which were by the Law, did work in our Members to bring forth fruit unto death. Natural men cannot act any thing that's good, because there's no good seed, no spiritual principles; therefore it necessarily follows their fruit will be bitter: Gal. 5.7. Be not deceived, God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap: he that seweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption: The fruit, the reward is perdition, eternal misery: They shall eat the fruit of their own way, Prov. 1.31. so also, Job. 4.8. and Prov. 22.8. Men may as rationally expect pleasant Apples from Crab-seede, or good wheat from Tare seed, as comfort or happiness from corrupt Principles. This Proposition is a ground of unspeakable comfort, and encouragement Use. 2 unto all that fear God; they have a seed within them, 1 Joh. 3.9. his seed remaineth in him; that is, the vigour, the workings, the efficacy of the spirit, Principles, and habits of grace, the word of God, these remain in believers, which spring up, grow, and bring forth fruit to eternal life: the fruit is according to the seed, their reward according to their Principles and actings, Gal. 6.8. He that now goes on his way weeping, and beareth good seed, shall doubtless come again with joy, bringing his sheaves with him, Psalm. 126.6. there's an Emphasis in the word doubtless: out of all question, nothing more certain, we shall reap in due time, if we faint not, Gal. 6.9. And that we may not faint, let us often make use of these cordial promises already mentioned, with this (and the like) wrought down to us from the hand of God, Esay. 3.10. say ye to the righteous, it shall go well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their do. The seventy fifth Observation in Nature. Of this see at large Obser. 64. FRuit-trees are profitable many ways; in the wood and boughs pruned off, to burn, also for joiners and other Tradesmen: the boughs and blossoms adorn: the house in the spring; their odor is refreshing to the spirits, and their cool shade in the heat of summer; but especially profitable in their fruits, whereof we eat, and drink all the year long. This is another Similitude and shadows out unto us this Proposition: That Proposition shadowed. Spiritual Fruit-trees engrafted into Christ are many ways profitable in their Generations. Such as fear God will certainly follow some profitable course of life, some lawful calling or labour, either of body, or mind, or both, whereby they may advantage themselves, and others. They are also profitable in many spiritual respects, by discourse, reproof, counsel, and admonition: by Prayer, Preaching, printing Books, communicating their Talents for the good of others; by their Alms, and acts of charity, and love to their brethren, and to all by their good Examples, which shine forth as lights in the world, directing others. They are profitable to others, both in privative, and positive respects: wicked persons who live amongst them, are often spared for their sakes, the Tares are suffered to grow because amongst the Wheat; yea, and share of many positive outward blessings for their sakes: Laban and his family shared of the blessings poured down upon Jacob, Gen. 30.27. which Laban acknowledged, I have learned (saith he) by experience, that the Lord hath blessed me for thy sake. So Potiphar had many outward blessings for josephs' sake: likewise Pharaoh and all his Court fared the better because of joseph: he and his house had a full Table, when others perished with hunger. Yea, Godliness, and Godly men are profitable to all purposes, 1 Tim. 4.8. having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. Hence we may conclude the madness and unreasonableness Use. 1 of all unregenerate persons, who hate the godly, and persecute them continually, although they are their best friends, preserving them from many Judgements, and procuring to them many temporal blessings: every man naturally seeks the destruction of things dangerous, and deadly to him, but who but unreasonable men will seek to destroy things useful, and profitable to them, yea persons, and things without which they cannot subsist? for were the Godly taken out of the world, a flood of fire would quickly consume the wicked. A whole City was preserved, for a time, for Lot's sake, Gen. 19.22. I cannot do any thing till thou be come to Zoar. Use. 2 This should make every one to love and cherish these profitable Trees where ever they grow, and to defend them from spoil, or hurt, as much as in us lies. When Onesimus was engrafted into Christ, than he became profitable, both to Paul, and to others, Epistle to Philemon. 10, 11. Now profitable, both to thee and me: so that Paul requires of Philemon to account of him now, not as a servant, but as a brother, even as of Paul himself, vers. 12. So that we should love the people of God, not only because they are beloved of God, and bear his Image, and are fellow brethren, and fellow Members with us, but also because they are so many ways profitable. The seventy sixth Observation in Nature. THe sour, and bitter sap of the wild stock (which is engrafted) runs through all the whole tree, into the body, boughs, branches, buds, leaves, blossoms, fruits, and does something a Although the graft changes the sap of the wild stock into its own Nature, yet not totally; a tang of the wild nature remains. embase the fruits, making them less pleasant, and sweet, yet the fruits are good, and acceptable fruits. This shadows out unto us: That Proposition shadowed. The most spiritual actings of believers taste of corrupt nature, which notwithstanding are acceptable unto God. The soul, and spirit of man is the stock into which the word of God, and Principles of grace are engrafted, and these drawing, and making use of the sap, life, strength, and powers of the soul in all the faculties, do change them into their own spiritual nature, in a great measure, yet not totally; even as the a Of this see more pa. 119. Observ. 59 natural grafts of a good and pleasant nature do change the sap, virtue, and strength of the wild and sour stocks (so much thereof as the Grafts draw) into their own nature, in a great measure, but not wholly. Though Christ and his graces dwell in his people, yet corruption (in a measure) abides there also, and this corruption runs through the whole man, and is mixed with all our thoughts, words, and actings: though they proceed from the principles and habits of grace fixed in the soul by the spirit of God; as some noxious, or hurtful quality in the Liver mixeth itself with the blood, and stains it throughout all the body. Spiritual acts, as they proceed from the spirit of God, Principles of grace, and are done in love to God, and directed to right ends, are pure and perfect these fruits have a pleasant taste with God the husbandman; yet as they proceed from us, and are acted in, and through the faculties of the soul (where Corruptions, and imperfections reside) they are imperfect. This mixture of corruptions with our services and duties was typified in the offerings of the people, Exod 28.38. Aaron (a type of Christ) bore the iniquity of the holy things. And the Prophet Esay (upon this account) pronounces all our best righteousnesses to be as filthy rags, Esay. 64.6. The Apostle also knowing this, complained of it, Rom. 7.21. I find a Law, that when I would do good, evil is present with me. All believers know, and find this by continual Experience. Use. 1 This shows the vanity and unsoundness of that Doctrine that maintains good works as meritorious, and means of Justification: but let us look unto Christ our high Priest to bear the imperfections of our best works. The consideration of this may be a means to pull down the high thoughts of such as are lifted up, in looking upon their Gifts Use. 2 of Nature, acquired abilities, graces and best works, in regard Corruption runs through all these, and stains them; our purest wine is mixed with water, and our best fruits are but bitter-sweets. This should make us rejoice in, and admire the infinite love of Use. 3 God in Christ, who notwithstanding all imperfections, and failings, accepts, and likes (yea and is delighted with) the duties, and services of his people: Love covereth all sins, Prov. 10.12. Though the Church and every believing soul be black and spotted as the Moon, through the stains of Corruptions, yet such is the love of Christ, that he over looks all, as though nothing were amiss, Can. 4.7. Thou art fair my love, there is no spot in thee. The seventy seventh Observation in Nature. IN Fruit-trees are two Natures, the one of the sour wild stock, the other of the pleasant graft: Now these two natures being in one body strive together, as all contraries (joined) do, to convert each other into its own kind, or nature, a Even as hot water and cold being mixed, these qualities strive to change each other, and that which is most powerful prevails. but the Nature of the graft is predominant, and converts the sap (that it draws) into its own nature; though not totally. See pag. 119. This Observation shadows out unto us; That There is a continual combat between grace and nature in every regenerate person, but grace prevails. Every believer by engrafting into Christ, Proposition shadowed. receives another nature, the Divine Nature, 2 Pet. 1.4. which abides in the soul, together w th' the other, the corrupt nature which it had before: Now these two natures being contrary oppose one another all our lives long: There are motions of the spirit, and motions of the flesh, upon all occasions, workings, and inclinations in the soul towards, and against good and evil, Gal. 5.17. the flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh, and these are contrary the one to the other, so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. The flesh still moves against the motions of the spirit of God, and principles of grace, framing objections, and reasonings against good motions, Rom. 7.21. I find then a law, that when I would do good, evil is present with me: The spirit is ready to every good work, but the flesh is sluggish, loath, backward, vers. 22. I delight in the Law of God concerning the inner man, but I see another Law in my Members warring against the Law of my mind etc. But now, though it be so, that the motions of the flesh oppose the motions of the spirit, yet for all that the spiritual man rules in the soul, for the main and generality of our lives: And Christians know by Experience that (according to the promise Gal. 5.16. Walk in the spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh) when they walk circumspectly, and watch over the heart, to keep it up in a spiritual frame, in communion with God, than the flesh is low, and kept under. Use. 1 Seeing there is a continual combat between the flesh and the spirit, this should make us watchful against the flesh that it prevail not: we know the flesh never stirs but to do us hurt: who would not be incensed against such an enemy? now the way to prevail against the flesh is to cherish, and delight to obey the motions of the spirit, as before; Gal. 5.16. The seventy eighth Observation in Nature. SOme fruit-trees (as being of different kinds, and for several other causes) bring forth more fruits than others; and the same fruit-trees bring forth more fruits some years, than they do some other years. Experience tells us, that when there comes a pleasant, and mild spring (with other concurrent advantages) trees bear as many fruits, as in 3 or 4 other years. Proposition shadowed. This shadows out unto us, That Some believers are (by advantages) more fruitful than others, and at some, more than at other times. Every Christian being engrafted into Christ brings forth some good fruits; and having a Talon, or more, a stock of grace, gifts, and advantages, he employs and improves all one way or other, for the honour of God: but some believers have greater measures of grace, and more advantages of improving them than others, and therefore their returns are greater, and their fruits are more. We see Matth. 25.20. He that had five Talents he brought forth more fruits than they that had received less: And the Apostle says 1 Cor. 15.10. I laboured more abundantly than they all. Some Christians as they have greater measures of the spirit, and the graces of the spirit, so they have better natural parts, and more outward helps and means, in respect of time to hear, and read the word, to converse with others, special dispensations of Providence, and the like advantages, whereby they are enabled to bring forth more fruits than others who want such helps, and means of fruitfulness. Some are carried on with vigorous actings of spirit, with a lively hope, with a strong faith, with fervent love, and with great measures of every grace, and can do, and suffer more for God, than other believers can. Others again having but weak natural parts, small measures of knowledge and grace, wanting helps and means of growth and improvement, having but dim evidences of the love of God, their fruits are according to these, fewer, and smaller than some other Christians bring forth. Yea: the same individual person brings forth more and better fruits at some seasons than at others. At those times when the soul is in a more spiritual frame and temper, in more immediate communion with God, when the spirit of God sensibly actuates, and quickens the Principles, and habits of grace in the soul, and makes them lively, and vigorous, when the North and south winds blow upon the Gardens, than the spices thereof flow forth, and fruits abound. But at some other times the actings of the soul are but low, and weak, while the spirit withdraws and withholds his operations; if the winds blow not, the ship with all its sails moves slowly. This being so: let no sincere soul be discouraged, and disheartened Use. 1 (yielding to a temptation) to see some other Christians go beyond them in fruitfulness: if such diligently press on towards the mark, they shall be accepted. It may be others have received more from God than thou hast, more Talents of Gifts, Graces, time, and many advantages: Now there being a sincere, and ready mind, it is accepted according to what a man hath, and not according to what he hath not, 2 Cor. 8.12. Use. 2 Secondly: seeing we are more fruitful at some than at other times, this should teach every one of us to observe and watch over the frame of our spirits from day to day, that so when they are in that low, and dull temper, we may endeavour (what in us lies) by all experienced means to raise them out of it, into that spiritual and lively frame, afore mentioned; wherein we bring forth more fruits, and obtain unspeakable advantages. The seventy ninth Observation in Nature. THe husbandman rejects not his fruit-trees because they sometimes fail in bringing forth fruits; perhaps a cold time may come when they are in blossom, and spoil much or most of them, or if that fruit they bring forth be somewhat imperfect by spots, roughness, chaps, or the like, yet if it taste well, if it have a good relish, he approves of the fruits, and commends them, makes much of the trees, notwithstanding all imperfections in both. Hence we learn this Lesson, That God bears with the failings, and imperfections of his people, and is ever ready to take notice of, Proposition shadowed. and commend the good that is in them. The Lord is pleased to bear with the failings of his people, and seems not to see them, but contrariwise takes notice of what good is in them, and speaks of it with commendation, as if it were their own. We see this fully in the case of Job: God passeth by his many, and great failings, and scarce takes notice of them (in standing so much upon his justification, and breaking out to curse the day of his birth, &c) but on the contrary observes, and commends what is good in him, Ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath, and Jam. 5.11. ye have heard of the patience of Job. David sinned, and failed very much in many things, as in purposing, and going about to destroy Naball, and all his house, 2 Sam. 25.22. without a just cause: in numbering the people, and in many other things upon record: all which God passeth by as if they had not been, and says of him, that David walked before him with a perfect hear, t and departed not from him in any thing, save in the matter of Vriah, 1 Kings 15.5. How wonderfully did God bear with Jonah, and how mild was God towards him, when jona was up in an angry, sturdy humour, and would needs maintain it, and answer God peremptorily, I do well to be angry Jonah? 4.9. So Christ passeth by the ignorance and prejudice of Nathaniel concerning himself, and instead of a reproof gives him a commendation, Behold an Israelite indeed in whom there is no guile, Joh. 1.46.47. And as this is the love of Christ towards particular persons, so also towards his whole Church: though the Church be as full of spots as the Moon, yet the exceeding love of Christ covers a multitude of faults, Prov. 10.12. and says, thou art all fair my love, there is no spot in thee, Can. 4.7. Love beareth all things, endureth all things, 1 Cor. 13.7. God doth not only conceal the failings of his people very much, but he takes notice of, and commends the most secret good they do: and sometimes publisheth the secret and closet good works of his people upon the house top, Luk. 12.3. Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same, Rom. 13 3. Yea praise not only of men but of God, Rom. 2.29. As it is our duty to speak well of God, and the things of God, to his praise; so it is the pleasure, and good will of God to speak well of his people, to their praise and commendation: so he spoke of Abraham, Gen. 18.19. I know that he will command his children and household to walk in my ways, etc. The like commendation is given of Moses, My servant Moses is faithful in all mine house: There are many instances of Gods concealing the faults, and failings of his people, with commendation of the good that is in them. Now God judgeth righteous judgement, therefore 'tis our true honour to be commended by him. Not he that commendeth himself is approved, but he whom the Lord commendeth, 2 Cor. 10.18. Use. 1 This should make us very careful to avoid what may offend this our indulgent, and gracious father: seeing he shows his love in concealing our faults, let us show our love in suppressing, and declining what is evil: let this be one fruit of our Love to God: Let it be far from us to turn this grace, and kindness of God into wantonness, to be the more bold, and take more liberty in sinning because God is so ready to pardon and pass it by, Psal. 97.10. Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: the hatred of evil is a fruit of love. Use. 2 The consideration of this is a special means to support the people of God against discouragements, and droopings in looking upon sins, & failings: seeing we serve so good a master that is not rigorous, and severe, as some earthly Masters are, that all their poor diligent servants can do will not please them: but our Master is of a sweet nature, passing by the infirmities, and accepting the sincere endeavours of his servants, and that with commendation. Use. 3 Hence we should be greatly encouraged in all well doing, and be the more diligent, and industrious to please God in all things: an ingenuous, and good nature will do more for love than for fear, a servant though but morally honest, and of a good disposition will do more for a mild Master that bears with him, than if he were harsh, and hard to please: The Cords of love and kindness will draw a man of an honest mind in the way of obedience faster than scourges can drive him. Use. 4 We should set this before us as a pattern for our imitation: if God be so kind and forbearing towards us, between whom there is such an infinite distance, shall not we meet the same measure towards our fellow brethren? it is the use the Apostle makes of the same doctrine, 1 Joh. 4.11. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another: Let us bear with one another's infirmities, and take notice of all the good we can in each other. This is to be like God. Shall God forgive Talents of sins to us and shall not we forgive a few pence to our brethren? See the reproof and punishment of the want of this duty, Matth. 18.32.33. Consider the sweet exhortation of the Apostle to this purpose, Eph. 4.23. Be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. The eightieth Observation in Nature. FRuit-trees bring forth their fruits in their seasons; some at one time, some at another, some sooner, some later in summer, and Autumn: every kind observes the Law of Nature which God hath fixed in them in respect of times and seasons of bearing fruits. From hence we may observe: That Trees of the Lords planting bring forth fruits seasonably. Proposition shadowed. All that are branches of the true Vine do not only bring forth good fruits, and by the purging, and ordering of the husbandman bring forth much good fruit, John 15.2. but also they bring forth good fruit in due season: good fruits brought out unseasonably lose thereby much of their beauty, and goodness: therefore observe the season. The Prophet David describing a Godly man, one of his properties is this, he brings forth his fruit in due season, Psal. 1.3. Solomon says, a fool utters all his mind, but a wise man keeps it in till afterwards: Prov. 29.7. A wise man brings forth the fruit of his lips seasonably. The voice of a fool is in the multitude of words; while others are speaking, that's no good season, but a man should stay and wait for a fit time, for an opportunity, when his words may be heard, yea, and when the minds of the hearers are best prepared to hear such, or such a truth, when its most like to take impression: Believers have spiritual wisdom, wisdom from above, Esay. 50.4. The Lord hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I might know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary. Though this be principally meant of Christ the head, yet his members have from him the same spirit of wisdom to speak seasonably to weary souls, and to speak in the cause of God, when there is occasion and season. This is to admonish every one to consider, and observe the season, Use. 1 the fittest season for every duty, looking unto God for direction therein. This will be much to the beauty, and worth of them: Every thing is beautiful in his season: To every thing there is a season, Eccl. 3.1. Circumstances commonly make or mar things: and sometimes that which is a duty, as to the substance, and matter, is turned into sin in respect of the manner, and time of performance: so that this is of very great consequence, to observe a due season in duties, Prov. 15.23. A word spoken in season, how good is it! it is like Apples of gold, in pictures of silver, Prov. 25.11. The husbandman looks, and calls for fruits in their season, Mar. 12.2. At the season he sent a servant that he might receive of the fruits of the vineyard. So Mat 21.41. We ought in private meetings to consider what discourse is most seasonable, what questions, exhortations, reproofs, are most suitable, and seasonable, and accordingly apply ourselves: our spirits at some seasons are fare more apt to receive impressions than at other times. Now therefore we should be seasonable in public and private duties; but some take little heed to this, when the subjects they hold forth in Sermons suit neither with persons nor things (to which they ought to apply their doctrine, if they will speak seasonably) but are like snow in harvest, or singing songs to an heavy heart. Many things materially good, for want of due circumstances and seasonableness in performance are of little worth. Those doctrines in public, and discourses and duties in private, which are not only agreeable to the word in general, but also concur with and carry on God's main designs in the generation we live in, such fruits are seasonable fruits, otherwise (though good in themselves) they are not seasonable; Also when the word is so divided as to give to every one his portion, and application is made to particular, and different cases and Conditions of persons, than these fruits are seasonably brought forth. The eighty first Observation in Nature. FRuit-trees yield forth their fruits, as well to the wicked as the godly: The unholy and profane do yearly eat, and drink of their fruits and have profits, and advantages by them as well as the most holy. This shadows out unto us: Proposition shadowed. That The godly are profitable not only one to another, but the wicked also fair the better for them. They that fear God have great and precious promises made to them concerning the good things of this life, as well as of the life to come, which God performeth to them as he sees is best for them, of which outward good things the wicked (who grow amongst them as Tares amongst the Wheat) are partakers. Also, being partakers of the divine nature, and having the spirit of their heavenly father dwelling in them, they imitate God in some measure, who doth good to the just, and unjust, and lets his rain fall, and sun shine upon the wicked, and the good, Matth. 5 25. They do good to all, according to the command, Gal. 6.10. and that of Matth. 5.44. Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you, and persecute you. Wicked men share both of privative, and positive blessings among the godly: Even Sodom was spared for a time, while righteous Lot was among them. How many fared the better for joseph's sake? David was kind to churlish Nabal, in keeping his Cattle from spoil while he remained by them. Laban was blessed (in outward things) for jacob's sake, Gen. 30.27. Potiphar and his house, Pharaoh and all Egypt fared the better for Joseph, Gen. 39.5. and 41. etc. Also they reprove, exhort, and admonish the ungodly, as well as the godly, they give, and lend, and do good not only to them that will do good and lend● and give to them, but also to their enemies: if their enemy hunger they will feed him, if he thirst they will give him drink. Use. 1 Hence we may take notice of the noble, and excellent nature of God's people, in that they do good to all; to those who do hurt to them the ungodly are not so: the righteous is more excellent than his (carnal) neighbour, Prov. 12.26. and Prov. 17.27. He is of an excellent spirit. Herein he holds forth some resemblance of the Nature of God his father, who does good to the just, and unjust. Use. 2 We may also hence take occasion to observe the baseness, and unworthiness of the spirits of ungodly persons, who hate the righteous, notwithstanding all their love; they return evil for Good, Psal. 109.4. for my love they are mine adversaries. This is the highest aggravation of man's sin against God, to sin against love, against mercy, and kindness. God calls Heaven and Earth to wonder at it, Esay 1.2. Here O Heavens, and give ear O Earth, etc. I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me, so (in a proportion) is the sin aggravated in respect of men: it is the highest ingratitude to return hate, for love, evil for good. The eighty second Observation in Nature. SOme fruit-trees are slow in bearings fruits, many years pass ere they bear any considerable quantity of fruits; but notwithstanding the husbandman does not presently cut them down, but prunes them, digs about them, waters, and orders them from year to year, and waits for their fruits. This shadows out unto us this Proposition: That When men are slow in the duties of obedience, God is patiented towards them, Proposition shadowed. and in the use of all means waits for their fruitfulness. God is the great Husbandman of his Vineyard the Church, and having many fruit-trees in it, he prunes, orders, and gives them convenient culture from year to year, by his word, spirit, Ministers, Providences, favours, frowns, Chastisements, and all means, and looks every one should be fruitful under all his dispensations; And yet so it is, that many are unfruitful, or bear but few, and small fruits; though God expect much, they return but little, now, notwithstanding God of his infinite patience tarries and waits upon them for their fruits. Many years did the Lord wait for the fruits of Repentance from the old world, 1 Pet. 3.20. The long suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, And Esay 30 18. The Lord will wait that he may be gracious. He Plants, and waters, and prunes, and dresses his fruit-trees, and then waits for their fruits in their seasons, Luke 13.7. These three years I come seeking fruit on this figtree. God cuts not down fruit-trees suddenly for their unfruitfulness, but sends his word, and spirit, and causeth the dews, and rain of Heaven to fall upon them in manifold mercies, and Providences, and then waits for, and expects fruits. God is (as the Apostle saith 2 Pet. 3.9.) Long suffering to us ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. This should make us observe, and admire the abundant kindness Use. 1 and love of God towards us, that God who is infinite in power, wisdom, justice, and absolute of himself, having no need at all of his Creatures, and in a moment able to bring to nought whatsoever shall oppose him, shall yet wait upon his Creatures, as if he had some need of them, or expected some advantage by them, whereas it is for our profit and advantage: he is indulgent towards his Children, bearing with them, Ps. 103. when they bear some good fruits, he purgeth and pruneth them, that they may bring forth more fruits, john. 15.5. Yea, he is long suffering towards all, looking that the riches of his goodness, and forbearance, and long suffering should lead them to Repentance, Rom. 2.4. and make them to bring forth fruits worthy amendment of life. Hence we should learn to be thus minded on towards another, Use. 2 especially such as are Ministers of the Gospel, Masters, Governors, Tutors, they should (herein) be followers of God as dear children, Eph. 5.1. though their expectations, and desires be not answered, in the profiting and growth of those under their charge, yet they should not be discouraged, but wait still, and prune, and dress, and order their young plants still, waiting till their profiting appear, as the Husbandman waiteth for the fruit of the Earth, and hath long patience for it, James 5.7. Use. 3 If God be so patiented towards us, and waits on us, shall not we be content to wait on God? God waiteth for the fruits of our obedience, O let us wait for the performance of his promises: For they that wait for him shall never be ashamed: that is, they shall obtain at length above their expectation, Esay. 64.4. Since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God besides thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him. The eighty third Observation in Nature. Willed material fruit-trees have no power to engraft themselves, but grow from year to year, according their wild nature, and bring forth sour, and naughty fruits, neither is there any possibility that such Trees should ever be engrafted, and bear good fruits, without the skill, and pains of the Husbandman. This is another Similitude of the state of Mystical Fruit-trees, and shadows out unto us this Proposition: That Proposition shadowed. Unregenerate persons (of themselves) cannot come to Christ, nor bring forth one good fruit. Naturally every one is dead in sin, and hath no more power to come to Christ, or do one good work, than a dead Carcase hath to walk, or work, Joh. 6.44. No man cancome to me except the father which hath sent me draw him. The Natural fruit-tree can as soon graft itself as any soul move towards Christ, without the power of the spirit of God: The heart of man by nature hath no other but corrupt Principles in it, which all the time of unregeneracy daily grow stronger, and stronger, which are not only altogether indisposed to all that is good, but also oppose it, and contradict the motions of the spirit. As they are alive to all that is evil, so they are dead to holiness, there is no more power in the soul (by nature) to move towards Christ, than there is in a stone to move upwards of itself. What is less than to have a good thought of, or towards God? and yet that we have not without the spirit, 2 Cor. 3.5. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing, as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God. This shows us the sad and woeful estate of persons out of Use. 1 Christ, and out of the election of grace, there is no possibility of their escaping hell, they are as fast bound in the chains of natural corruption, as the Devils are in the Chains of darkness, in which they are reserved unto the Judgement of the great day: such have their Portion in this life, even all the good things they are like to have. Little reason than had David, (or any of the people of God in their greatest sufferings) to envy the prosperity of the wicked: He counted himself foolish for so doing when he saw their end, Psalm. 92.7. When the wicked spring as the Grass, and the workers of iniquity do flourish, it is that they shall be destroyed for ever. Here also we may see the Error of those who hold free will: Use. 2 that a natural man hath power of himself to move and come to Christ, this is contrary to the doctrine of Christ, and takes away his glory from him, as might be showed at large. This is, and will be a continual ground of love to God (to Use. 3 all eternity) in the hearts of his people, they being drawn to Christ, and fixed upon him by faith, it is the spirit that hath done it, we contributed nothing to the work, but it is an effect of free Electing love in God therefore let us show forth the praises of God in a holy, and fruitful Conversation, for he that hath begun a good work will perfect it unto the day of Jesus Christ, Phil. 1.6. The eighty fourth Observation in Nature. SOme Fruit-trees (if they be not carefully looked unto will break out, and the sap will press upwards in some few branches only, or chiefly and leave other branches with little sap, which grow poorly, and weakly, and some die; whereas a well ordered Tree should spread, and enlarge itself in all the Branches. This Observation shadows out unto us, That Proposition shadowed. Some Christians chief pursue some particular duties belonging to them, and neglect others. Works and actions of spiritual fruit-trees may be considered as Branches, as well as seed, or fruits. Some persons (as experience makes too manifest) are very careful, and diligent about some particular duties, which they carry on from day to day: and it's well they do so, because those things they ought to do: but there are other duties (perhaps equally as convenient, or necessary to be done) which are altogether, or very much neglected, they shoot forth in some branches, but not in all: they are content to do some small, and easy things suitable to their natures, and ends, while they neglect great and substantial matters: our Saviour reproves such, Mat. 23.23. Ye have omitted the weightier matters of the Law, Judgement, mercy and faith, these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Some Christians are all (or most) for public duties, and very much neglect the private; they hear (it may be) three or four Sermons on the Lord's day (in this place) and often on other days (and they are to be encouraged in frequent hearing the word) but yet many such neglect (or slightly perform) private duties of Prayer, meditation, examination of the heart, and particular application of the word, without which much hearing is to little purpose. The heart of man is deceitful, and Satan is deceitful, and both will be ready enough to persuade and carry on to public duties all the day (seeing they will needs be religious) that so they may be hindered of greater spiritual advantages, in neglecting the private duties aforementioned, which are absolutely necessary to a Christians growth in grace. Some other Professors are diligent in duties public, and private, in reference to themselves, but neglect duties in reference to others; as Exhortation, Reproof, distributing to their necessities, visiting them sometimes (especially in their afflictions) herein they fail much: although these are the great, and weighty duties of Christians: for if we fail in the great duties of love and charity towards our fellow members, what do we, where's our Religion? Pure Religion, and undefiled before God, even the father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their afflictions, etc. James 1.27. See what our Saviour says of these duties, Matth. 25.36. Magistrater ought not only to restrain, and punish what is to God's dishonour, but also to contrive, stand for, and uphold what is acceptable to him. Ministers of the Gospel ought not only to preach the Gospel in the public congregation, but also to take all occasions in private to exhort, rebuke, instruct, and encourage the people in the things of God, to be instant in season and out of season, enquiring how the work of grace goes on in the hearts of their people, and to know their state (which Paul so much enquired after, in his own person, and by others, that he might speak, and write more suitable to their conditions) Phil. 2.19. Col. 4.8. how Satan works, what dispensations they have from God, and to learn experiences from them; studying men, as they study books, by which course they may become wise, and skilful workmen, and know those ways and workings of God, of Satan, of Grace and Corruption, which otherwise they can never know. Pastors of congregations have a strict charge, Acts 20.28. Take heed to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you Overseers: Now to oversee the Church imports more than only to Preach in public, that is but a part of their work: A special care should be had of the different state of particular persons. Use. This should put us upon Examination what works and duties God requires of us in our general, and particular Callings, that knowing them, we may observe one as well as another, and have respect to all God's Commands. Let us not suffer one duty to justle out another, which is frequent among Christians: Many think if they are still doing what is good, and about the work of God, they look not so much about them, nor consider what is necessary besides, or what is more necessary and profitable, and so many times neglect the main work. They let some branches of duties whither, and die, while the sap and strength of the Tree presseth forth, and spends itself in other branches less fruitful. The eighty fifth Observation in Nature. WHile fruit-trees remain ungrafted, all the labour, and culture, the husbandman can bestow upon them will not make them bring forth good fruits, though they grow in the best place of the Garden, and be watered, pruned, and ordered never so well, yet because they are ungrafted, and wild trees, they will bear sour and naughty fruits. This is another Similitude of the state of spiritual fruit-trees, and shadows out unto us this Proposition: That While persons remain in an unregenerate state, all the means of grace is unprofitable to them. Proposition shadowed. Many make a profession, who yet have nothing of the power of godliness: they attend the Ordinances, they hear the word, pray, have privileges among the Saints yet, bring forth no good fruit. Judgements, Mercies, favours, outward providences, inward workings of the spirit by reproofs, counsels, enlightenings, etc. all is in vain to them, they cannot receive these things nor profit by them, because not engrafted, they reject the word, Psal. 50.17. Thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee; And Heb. 4 2. The word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. And as they reject the word, so also they resist the spirit, Acts 7.51. Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost; as your fathers did, so do ye. Yea Judgements, and punishments are ineffectual to them, Esay 9.13. The people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the Lord of Hosts, Amos 4 9 I have smitten you with blasting, and mildew, etc. yet ye have not returned unto me, saith the Lord: I have sent amoung you pestilence, and ye have not returned unto me. And verse. 11. I have overthrown some of you etc. yet ye have not returned unto me, saith the Lord. So we see all that God doth for, or against persons out of Christ, all the means of grace is unprofitable to them; they neglect the mercies of God, reject the word, spirit, Judgements of God; and all the reproofs, admonitions, Counsels, Exhortations, and Examples of his people. Hence we see the miserable condition of persons out of Christ, Use. 1 seeing nothing will do good upon them: would it not be accounted a heavy curse, if the Lands of some men should bring forth nothing but briers, thorns, and weeds, with all the good husbandry that could be bestowed on them, with rain, sun, and dews, when by the same means, other men's grounds are made fruitful? this spiritual curse upon the souls of unregenerate persons is infinitely greater: such (without Repentance) are nigh unto cursing, and everlasting burn, Heb. 6.8. Labour then with all thy might to get this evidence of Regeneration, Use. 2 even to thrive, and profit by the means of grace. The eighty sixth Observation in Nature. FRuit-trees when they prosper well, and grow in a decent, comely form, and bring forth much good fruit, as they do profit many, so also hereby they credit the husbandman, they bring some reputation to him who order them; but if they grow poorly, and bring forth little, they discredit their keeper. This teacheth us this Lesson: That Christians by walking holily, and fruitfully, Proposition shadowed. they bring much honour to God, but if otherwise, dishonour. Every one of the people of God that professeth Christ, is as a City upon a hill, as our Saviour said of his disciples, and therefore their ways are seen, and observed by all sorts of persons, so that if they walk wisely, circumspectly, and fruitfully, they bring honour to God, and credit to their profession, Matth. 5.16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven: And again, 1 Pet. 2.12. having your conversation honest among the Gentiles etc. they may by your good works which they shall behold glorify God in the day of visitation. But if on the contrary professors walk loosely, and negligently, these things reflect upon God, to his dishonour: As a servant to a great person, if he behave himself licentiously by drunkenness, swearing, and the like it reflects in some sort) upon his Master, who keeps such a person in his house. So it is between God and his people: if they walk circumspectly, in a holy and fruitful conversation they glorify the name of God to whom they have relation, but if they walk vainly, and loosely, if they walk in pride, minding earthly things (the two grand sins of many professors in our times) scraping, and holding together the trash of the world, as though there were no better things to be had in the ways of God, than they cause the name of God to be blasphemed, his ways to be scandalised, and the generation of his children to be reproached, the name of God is blasphemed through you, Rom. 2.24. James 2.7. Use. 1 Let such as profess Christ departed from iniquity, and labour after a holy and fruitful conversation: for Joh. 15.8. Herein is my father glorified that ye bring forth much fruit. I verily believe, God hath more honour, Religion and the Gospel more credit, by some one of his people (mean and despised, it may be, in the eye of a corrupt mind) than by an hundred others, who yet may have grace to bring them to heaven: therefore let us strive to out go one another in bringing honour to God by a holy and heavenly conversation. The eighty seventh Observation in Nature. IF a Grafted tree and a wild ungrafted tree grow near together, both of them sucking one and the same juice of the Earth, the one converts it into good sap, and nourishment, and consequently into good and wholesome fruits; the other turns the same juice of the Earth into sower, bitter, and it may be (as in some kinds) into poisonous fruits; and this is from the different Forms, and Natures of the Trees. Proposition shadowed. This shadows out unto us this Proposition: That The same things which are blessings to the Godly, are curses to the wicked, because of their different Principles. The righteous and the wicked dwell together, they are mixed as the Wheat and Tares, Flowers or Weeds in a Garden; and both for the most part, are partakers of the same outward privileges, but to them that are in Christ, all things work together for their good, Rom. 8.28. To the pure all things are pure, but to the unbelieving there is nothing pure, Tit. 1.15. A godly man does not only draw sweetness out of things that are of themselves sweet, out of the word, Ordinances, Christ, and his people, but also even out of things that are bitter, as Crosses afflictions, Temptations, Trials, to him out of the strongest comes sweetness. But now a wild ungrafted tree, a person out of Christ, he is like the spider that sucks poison out of the sweetest flowers, the best things become evil to him; blessings become curses: his health, strength, liberty, riches, honours, friends, gifts, Learning, etc. all these become snares unto him, he makes use of them to his own hurt, draws nothing out of them but sin, and death. Their Table becomes a snare to them, and that which should have been for their welfare, it becomes a Trap, Psal. 69 22. Yea, all spiritual things prove for their greater condemnation, they despise the riches of God's grace; and turn it into wantonness, Judas 4. and therefore treasure up unto themselves wrath against the day of wrath; The very Gospel itself (which is the power of God to salvation, and the savour of life unto life to them who are in Christ) these wild Plants suck no sweetness out of it, but to them it is the savour of death unto death, 2 Cor 2.16. Yea, the greatest Gift that ever was bestowed on the sons of men, Jesus Christ (out of whom the branches engrafted into him, draw sweetness, sap and life, marrow and fatness, wine and water of life) he is not sweet to them, but contrariwise an offence: Christ crucified is to them a stumbling block, and foolishness, 1 Cor. 1.23. Christ, his word, his Ordinances, his people, his mercies, Judgements, all his things are perverted, and abused by them. Hence we may see and admire the free distinguishing love of God towards his own people, who maketh such a difference between Use. 1 them and others; so that all things, even the worst things are good to them, they draw virtue from them but all things, even the best things, are evil to the wicked, they draw poison and death out of them. Seeing that by reason of the corrupt nature in the wicked they draw evil out of what is good, and that all things are abused by them to their own destruction; this should caution us always to beware of their Opinions, Judgements, & practices: though they be never so eminent in parts, and learning, and bring Scripture to back them, yet suspect all, for they cannot see nor discern; their minds and consciences are defiled, they suck not the marrow oftruth out of the word, but they pervert it to their own destruction, 2 Pet. 1.16. they draw poison, corrupt doctrine out of the pure, and wholesome wells of salvation. Therefore our Saviour warned his disciples to take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and Sadduces: which was their doctrine, Mat. 16.6, 12. The word which is as the Pillar of fire, and discovers to the people of God their way, is but a dark Cloud to them, Exo. 14.30. they stumble at the word, yea at Christ himelfe, 1 Pet. 2.8. A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, etc. The eighty eighth Observation in Nature. THe best fruit-trees have some faults, and defects, are subject to Cankers, mossiness, and other diseases, to luxurious growthes: some years they bear but few fruits, and many of them small, and perhaps spotted, or chapped, or otherwise imperfect. This shadows out unto us this Proposition. That Proposition shadowed. The best of God's Children are guilty of many sins and infirmities in their conversations. We know there are two Natures continually working and striving in every regenerate person, and sometimes the flesh prevails very much, and the graces of the spirit are clouded, and obscured by it in the best men. Moses spoke unadvisedly with his lips, Psal. 106 33. Aaron made an Idol for the people. David feigned himself mad, 1 Sam. 21.13. he numbered the people contrary to the mind of God, he committed adultery, and murder, and sinned in many other respects. Paul and Barnabas contended together, and parted, Acts 13. Job and Jeremiah cursed the day of their birth, Jerem. 20.14. Jonah was very angry without cause, Chap. 4.1. We need not multiply particulars, the Experience of the people of God makes this too manifest, who say with Paul, Rom. 7.15. that which I do, I allow not, for what I would, that do I not, but what I hate that do I, vers. 19 The evil which I would not that I do, Jam. 3.2. In many things we offend all. The consideration of this should humble all the people of God, Use. 1 seeing we carry about with us a corrupt Nature, and can by no means be rid of it. This should make every one of us watchful, and circumspect Use. 2 against sin, and all enemies, for if the tallest Cedars, and strongest Oaks have been bowed, and brought down, how shall the weak Plant resist, but by drawing continually sap and strength from the Root, and walking closely with God? The consideration of this Proposition may be a means to stay Use. 3 the spirit of a weak Christian, who is discouraged in looking upon his sin, and corruption, whatsoever is written, is written for our learning, that we through patience & comfort of the Scriptures might have hope: this is one cause why the faults, and sins of the Saints of old are recorded. Take heed of too much admiring the best men; there is dross Use. 4 mixed with their purest mettles: It is an error therefore in some persons, who take all for granted that some (whom they admire) deliver in their Sermons, or otherwise, and that follow their Judgements and Examples because theirs: Let us trial things and hold fast that which is good, 1 Thes. 5.2. The eighty ninth Observation in Nature. WE see material fruit-trees that are ungrafted (wild trees) as forward to bring forth their sower, and naughty fruits, as the grafted trees are to bring forth their good fruits. Crabtrees and others (of the worst kinds) are as forward (in the spring) in blossoming, and shooting forth, as grafted trees of the best kinds. This is another Similitude of the state of spiritual fruit-trees, and shadows out unto us this Proposition, which also concurs with the word and Experience: That Carnal persons are as forward, and zealous in the ways of sin, as (usually) the godly are in the ways of holiness. Proposition shadowed. All people are carried on in those ways that are suitable to their Principles, whether spiritual, or carnal: Papists (& other superstitious persons (are as zealous in their ways, as usually men fearing God are in God's ways. The Idolatrous people mentioned, Jer. 44. were very zealous, and earnest in worshipping their false gods, insomuch that when the Prophet from God told them the danger thereof, and that it would be no less than destruction to them if they continued so to provoke God, their spirits risen against him, they answered him boldly, and stoutly, with one consent, vers. 16.17. The word that thou hast spoken to us in the name of the Lord, we will not hear it of thee, but we will do whatsoever cometh out of our own mouth, as to burn incense to the Queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, as we have done, both we and our fathers, our Kings and our Princes. So were the worshippers of Baal earnest and forward in calling upon their Idol, cutting and lancing themselves: And the people of Ephesus, Acts 19 how earnest were they for upholding their Diana? vers. 28. They were full of wrath, and cried out, saying great is Diana of the Ephesians: and the whole City was full of confusion, and they rushed into the Common place with one consent, etc. So vers. 24. How vehemently earnest have we seen carnal persons for upholding the book of Common-prayer, receiving the Lord's Supper at Easter & c? Wherein they will not be hindered, an experiment whereof we had lately of some grossly ignorant persons, who were prevented at one place from receiving the sacrament of the supper from the hand of a profane Minister, they went after him the same day, to another place, wading through the waters (which then by reason of great rain overflowed the banks) to come to him, out of their blind zeal not knowing what they did. and for all superstitious customs, feast, may-games, merry meetings, and such like: who amongst the godly are more forward, and ready in the ways of God, than these kind of persons are in these ways of sin? Now the reason of this is, because the ways of sin are agreeable and suitable to the Nature of carnal persons; and Secondly: because Satan works mightily in the spirits of such persons, to stir them up, and to carry them on in carnal courses; especially in any thing which hath in it but the least show of good. Use. 1 The consideration of this should make regenerate persons to take shame to themselves, That they who have the Commands of God, Divine Principles, the holy spirit, the glory of God, the welfare of others, an eternal inheritance etc. to carry them on and encourage them, should yet be no more forward and zealous in the the ways of God, then ungodly ones are in the ways of sin: O it should humble us g eatly that we are so dull, cold, and formal, that we have no more zeal, spirit, and life in the pleasant, and holy ways of God; that we are no more forward to bring forth sweet, wholesome and pleasant fruits to God, than wicked men are to bring forth poisonous, and deadly fruits. It is an intolerable shame to some professors especially, to see them so likewarme, and unactive in the ways of God, when power is in their hand to act for God, and his people, they move slowly, and feebly in his cause: wicked men are (commonly) more zealous and active in the service of Satan and their lusts, than God's people are in the service of the living and true God. This is a thing greatly to be bewailed by us. The ninetieth Observation in Nature. THere is great difference in the dimensions, or bigness of fruit-trees: some are very high, and large trees, others but low and small: some are huge, strong trees, others but weak and slender; some growing upon poor barren grounds, they can never attain that bigness, as others that grow upon strong fertile grounds: yet the husbandman ordereth, and preservethall of them. This is another Similitude of the state of Mystical fruit-trees, and shadows out unto us this Proposition. That The conditions of the people of God are much different, yet God careth for them all. Proposition shadowed. The state of the children of God is very various, whether we consider them in Natural, civil, moral, and spiritual respects: some are young, some old; some of weak, some of strong constitutions of body; some but of weak and low natural parts and abilities of mind, others of eminent gifts and endowments; some of poor and mean estates, and live much upon contribution, others are rich, and great in the world; some are low and weak in grace, babes in Christ, others are strong men, fathers, etc. yet God careth and provideth for them all, his love is towards all. Rich Abraham and poor Lazarus are both beloved of God: some are in great esteem and reputation generally among the people (as Cornelius) Acts 10.22. A man of good report among all the Nation of the Jews; others lie in contempt, and dishonour: some have great measures of grace, as the woman of Canaan, Matth. 13.28. O woman great is thy faith: so the Centurion, Luk. 7.9. I have not found so great faith, no not in Israel: Others have but a weak faith, Matth. 8.26. O ye of little faith: So Matth. 16.8. O ye of little faith: So Rom. 14.1. in some grace is but as a grain of Mustardseed, in some others it is grown high and strong: Stephen was a man full of faith, Acts 6.5. So of Love and other graces: some have much, others but little: Simon, mentioned Luk. 7.40. had but a little love to our Saviour; but Mary loved much: so of knowledge, zeal, etc. We see the state of God's people is very different in all respects, yet the care of God is for all: 1 Pet. 5.7. Cast all your care upon him, for he careth for you. And again; speaking of his Vineyard the Church, Esay 27.3. I the Lord do keep it, I will water it every moment lest any hurt it: I will keep it night and day. Now God careth for one as well as the another, because all cost a like price, the precious blood of Christ, and all are Members of his son: a man cares for, and cherisheth all his Members, so Christ. Use. 1 This is a ground of great Consolation to all the people of God, though mean in the world, though sick in body, of low esteem, poor in estate, though weak in Gifts and graces, yet be not discouraged at all these: for being within the wall, or pale of the Church, the orchard, or Vineyard of God, he preserveth them; the same skilful and careful hand that pruneth, watereth, and ordereth the strongest, and greatest trees, does the same (really) to the least: Yea his care is especially to his weak plants, because they are most liable to hurt, and danger. Secondly: such as differ from their brethren in being more eminent Use. 2 in Natural, moral or spiritual endowments, if they have many Talents, let such often consider who made them to differ, and beware of despising, or neglecting the lower Saints; and bear with the infirmities of the weak, Rom. 15.1. and be ready to distribute, willing to communicate in temporals, and spirituals, as good stewards of the manifold gifts, and graces of God, 1 Pet. 4.10. and be therein like unto their heavenly Father, in caring for the lowest, and meanest. The ninety first Observation in Nature. THe husbandman frequently walks among his fruit-trees, and views, and considers them; he takes notice how it is with particulars: If any of them be weak, and diseased, and thrive not as others, he considers the cause, and sets himself to the cure: As it is with them he applies himself accordingly towards them. This shadows out unto us: That True and faithful Ministers of the Gospel do diligently look into the state of their people, and deal with them accordingly. Proposition shadowed. Ministers of the Gospel are employed by God about his husbandry; which is his Church and people, 1 Cor. 3.9. ye are God's husbandry: And the Apostle says we are laborers together with God in this work. Now careful husbandmen are still looking into the state of their work, how it is in this, and that, and the other particular, that so they may diligently apply themselves; so do faithful Ministers towards their people. They are also Shepherds, and it is the duty of Shepherds to watch over their flocks, and to consider, and diligently to observe how it is with particular sheep, and to apply themselves accordingly: so do true and faithful Ministers; according to that in Prov. 27.23. Be diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds: God gives a very strict charge to Ministers of the Gospel, Acts 20.28. Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock over the which the holy Ghost hath made you Overseers, etc. To take heed to the flock and to Oversee it, implies a special care to look into, and to examine, and consider the state, and condition of particulars, as well as to have an eye over them in the general: So the Apostle useth the same word thrice in one Chapter, Heb. 13.7. them that have the Oversight of you: and vers. 17. them that have the Oversight of you: and again vers. 24. them that have the Oversight of you; Though another translation hath it, them that have the rule over you: but his seems to carry in it that Lordly power and dominion which Christ will not allow any of his Ministers over his people; he hath not set them as Lords over God's heritage, 1 Pet. 5.3. But Overseers, and Examples to the flock; which is also agreeable to the words of the holy Ghost in Acts 20.28. the holy ghost hath made them Overseers: which carries in it more of care, and labour, than of authority and rule; according to that of the Apostle, 2 Cor. 4.5. Ourselves your servants for Jesus sake. This is also further confirmed by the same word which the Apostle Peter useth, 1 Pet. 5.2. Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the Oversight thereof. Now certainly this word so often used carries more in it, than only to Preach the Gospel; And this is also more confirmed by the Example of the Apostle Paul, fully set forth in many places, who did not only preach and write to the Churches, but also did often inquire, and send to know their state, yea, he went himself to particular Churches, and families, and Persons, to whom he had preached to see, and consider, and know how it was with them, 1 Thes. 3.5. I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, etc. And when he heard they stood fast in the faith, it was matter of great consolation to him, and of many thanksgivings unto God on their behalf, vers. 9 and Col. 4.8. he sent Tychicus to know their state. So also he sent Timothy for the same purpose, Phil. 2.19. That I also may be of good comfort when I know your state. He calls upon Barnabas to go with him to visit poor souls, Acts 15.36. Let us go again, and visit our brethren in every City where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. Yea Paul earnestly prayed for opportunities to perform this duty, he longed to see, and confer with the Saints to whom he had preached, Rom. 1.9, 10, 11. & Rom. 15.23, 24 without ceasing I make mention always in my Prayers, making request to come unto you, for I long to see you, etc. Now the Reasons why Ministers of the Gospel ought not only to preach the Gospel but also to consider, See Mr Baxsters' exhortations unto this duty; discorse of true happiness. p. 320. 321. and Mr Fener also to same purpose. and inquire into the spiritual states and conditions of their People: First, That so they may be instructed more perfectly in the deep Mysteries of the kingdom of God; they may hereby come to be acquainted with the various methods, ways, and workings of the spirit of God in the hearts of his people, & the wiles, & depths of Satan; with the nature of grace, and; corruption. Ministers should study men, as they study books although they may come to know the general Nature of these things from the Scriptures, Books, & their own particular experiences, yet unless they take in this also, to converse frequently with others, and look into their states they can never be so able to deal with souls as they should be. Many content themselves with some few particular Cases, and Instances mentioned in scripture concerning Job, David, Human and some others, and scarce look further, measuring all others most commonly by these, as not being (indeed) acquainted with the various, and different deal of God with his people. Secondly: By looking into the particular state of their people, they may speak more suitably, and seasonably to them; when they know their particular Lusts, and corruptions, their Temptations, Cases, doubts, etc. their degrees of knowledge, and other graces, they may then apply the word more properly and effectually, than otherwise they can upon all occasions: As Physicians when they have enquired into, and know the state of their Patients, may administer Physic more effectually than otherwise they can. So Though Ministers may speak many good things, general truths according to the Scriptures, yet they may be, and are many times very much besides the particular cases and present concernments of many, or most of their hearers, as not knowing their particular states. Use. 1 By what hath been said it is manifest, that some Ministers of the Gospel (even good men) do but the one a See Observ. 84. half, or but a part of their work; They preach the Gospel, but they look not, they inquire not into the state of their people. To preach the word is not to perform the Office of an Overseer; nor to follow the Example of the Apostle Paul, showed in all those places afore mentioned, who laid out himself with diligence to know the state of the people in every place where he had preached. But many think it sufficient to be diligent in their studies, composing of Sermons to preach in public, laying out their time and strength that way, but greatly neglecting this other duty, of enquiring, and looking into the particular state of souls, and applying themselves thereunto accordingly. I speak it upon knowledge and experience, with grief of heart and indignation against the gross neglects of some in this matter: who have been so fare from enquiring after the state of others, as that when poor souls have come to them to acquaint them with their doubts & fears, and troubles of spirit, they have neglected them, and given them a very slight answer, and sent them away much more burdened than before, which opportunities they should most gladly have embraced, and have been very tender of such wounded, sick, and weary souls, and have come and sent often to them, and taken care of them as a Nurse cherisheth her Children. Use. 2 Let us bless God (notwithstanding so many seek their own things, and neglect the things of Jesus Christ, Phil. 2.21) that yet we have some Paul's & Timothy's among us, who lay out themselves diligently to look into the particular state of souls, and naturally take care for their welfare. These are wise, and skilful Physicians of souls, and know how to apply suitable and seasonable things to them; whereas those that neglect this duty, are but as Emperique Physicians, who have but only some few general notions, which they apply in all Cases. Let such therefore who are diligent in this work, be encouraged to go on, as faithful and wise stewards, to give every one his portion in due season, and they shall (in due time) receive a great Reward, Lu. 12.44. even when the chief Shepherd shall appear, they shall receive a Crown of glory that fadeth not away, 1 Pet. 5.4. The ninety second Observation in Nature. THe husbandman values, and approves most of those Trees, and fruits that are most for his purpose; most proper for his design, and end that he hath in his eye: admit his great design be to make wine of the fruits, Cider, Perry etc. then he likes those best, that are fittest for that use: Or if his design be to transport them into other parts for sale, than he approves most of good, hard, lasting fruits etc. He had rather lose divers trees of other kinds, than one of those which bear fruits suitable to his great end, and design. This shadows out unto us: Proposition shadowed. That God discovereth a special care of, and love unto those of his people, whose Judgements and ways concur with his great designs in their generation. In every generation God is carrying on some particular and special design or other; and some of his people help on the work more than others, some rather hinder it: they preach, and pray, and act against it (through ignorance of it, being darkened with some lusts or worldly interests) Now, though God cannot forsake any of his people, though they oppose him, yet they shall lose by it, they shall have less of God than others, whose Judgements and ways concur with God in his designs. Such of the people of God as are active for, and with God in his designs, they shall have special distinguishing care, and love showed towards them, which others who neglect the work of God, or oppose it, shall not find. Nay such are in danger, not only of loss, but also of some visible testimonies of God's displeasure towards them. Such who fall in with God's special design in their generation shall find special grace & kindness from God; such distinguishing love Daniel found when he prayed, and laboured so earnestly for the restoring, and enlargement of the Church, then in Captivity Dan. 9 which was Gods great design then in that generation, he found skill, and wisdom, and understanding, which others had not: the care and love of God was eminently discovered towards him, even to a miracle in preserving him in the Lion's den, and an Angel was sent as a messenger from God, to tell him he was a man greatly beloved Chap. 10.11. What special care, and love did God manifest towards Moses, who was eminently instrumental for God (in his generation) in god's design of bringing Israel out of Egypt, and carrying them to Canaan; Moses had peculiar honour above others of God's people, yea, above other Prophets in his time, Numb. 12.6, 7, 8. If there be a Prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all my house, with him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches, and the Similitude of the Lord shall he behold. Caleb, and Joshua, who followed the Lord closesy, and constantly in his design (which was the work of their generation, of setting Israel in the promised Land) what distinguishing respect, honour and love had they above others? The Lord himself gave a testimony of them, that they wholly followed him, Numb. 32.12. they possessed that good land, when others (who would not believe nor act for God in the work of that generation) were cut off. Other proofs and instances might be brought. Now the reasons hereof: God gives out distinguishing mercy to his people that join with him in his great work because thereby they most please him and honour him, and give the greatest evidence of their love to him that can be: God will reward the obedience of his people in the least, and lowest duties, they shall not kindle a fire on his altar in vain, nor give a Cup of cold water, nor do the least kindness to any of his people in vain: but much more when they act with zeal for God in the highest, greatest duties, he that herein soweth plentifully (his labours and diligence) shall reap plentifully, 2 Cor. 9.6. Seeing this is so then let us labour to find out, and understand Use. 2 the designs of God in our generation, that so we may join with him, and help to carry on the Lords work; thereby great advantages will arise unto us; when through ignorance, or neglect thereof, or opposition thereto, we may suffer loss of what else we might have, in the enjoyment of God, or be otherwise corrected by him. Of this see Mr Tillinghast: Generation work. p. 45. 46. Now therefore: what are the Designs of God in this our generation, for understanding whereof we must compare prophecies, and promises, with the visible dispensations of providence in the age we live in, and observe how the actings of God in the world suit or answer to what he hath foretold, or promised should come to pass; & also inquire & observe what the most, humble, holy, selfedenying Saints have upon their Spirits, how they stand affected; (for God reveals his secrets to the humble, not to the proud, though his own people) And also by frequent, and much conversing with God in walking with him, this is best known: such as have close Communion and fellowship with the father, and with the son, in the spirit, shall certainly know much more of his mind, of his ways and designs, than others of his people who (through some unmortified corruptions) walk at a distance from him. But to touch briefly what we have grounds to believe is God's great design which he is now carrying on (more especially in this generation) it is; the enlargement of the Kingdom of his son Jesus Christ; the setting up Christ as King over the Nations more gloriously than ever heretofore: according to many promises, Esay. 2.11. The Lord alone shall be exalted in that day, and Chap. 24.23. Zach. 14.9. The Lord shall be King over all the Earth, etc. Now in order hereunto many other prophecies, and promises must be fulfilled; as those concerning the propagation of the Gospel, and a great increase of the Gentile Saints (together with the coming in of the Jews) Esay 60 3, 4, 5. etc. The abundance of the Nations shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee, and many other places: Also union, and oneness of spirit among the people of God, to serve him with one consent, Zeph. 3.9. pulling down of high and lofty things, Esay 2.11, 12. etc. The haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. Establishment of Justice, Esay 60.18. I will make thine Officers peace, and thine Exactours righteousness. 5. Pouring out of greater measures of the spirit, Joel 2.28. whereby will be more, and clearer discoveries of Gospel truths, Esay 30.26. The light of the Moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun sevenfold. So that the exaltation of Christ, and the enlargement of his Church and Kingdom, being Gods great design in this age, it concerns every one of his people to labour together with God in this glorious work: such as are sincerely, and zealously active herein, shall find special distinguishing love from God. Now every one of God's people will be ready to think, and say, they are for this design, it is their daily prayer that the Kingdom of Christ may be increased: but notwithstanding, certain it is, that many even of Gods own people afford God but little, or no help herein, but rather hinder, and oppose the work (really, and indeed) through the darkness of their judgements about it: (though in some respects they think they advance it) for such as give no encouragement to persons and things, ways, and means, little, and low in their eyes, which yet God hath chosen, whereby to carry on his designs, but rather despise them, distaste, and speak against them, such may be said to hinder the work (for he that opposeth the means, opposeth also the End) And this indeed is done through the prevailing of self love, and worldly interests which dim their sight, such have not yet learned that great Gospel's lesson of denying all for Christ, they have but a small measure of the spirit that Moses, john Baptist, and Paul had, who could be content to lay down their own esteem, Numb. 11.29. Joh. 3.30. Phil. 1.16.17.18. and interests at the feet of Christ, and be willing to decrease so that Christ might increase, by any ways or means that he shall choose, persons and things, which are neglected, and despised, not only by carnal men, but also by the carnal part of spiritual men. But such shall have fewer manifestations of the love of God than others of his people that concur with him: they shall not see, nor know so much of the mind of God, nor find their hearts so refreshed, and enlarged in communion with God, nor find so much esteem, and love from his people as those that close with God in his great designs. The ninety third Observation in Nature. WHen the husbandman intends to plant a very large Orchard, out of rough unmanured grounds (like a wilderness) full of bushes and wild trees where never was any before: when he resolves, and sets on such a huge and vast Plantation, such a great work is not presently effected but by length of time; perhaps he may be many years about it. This shadows out unto us this Proposition: That God is a long time in calling the Gentiles, Proposition shadowed. and implanting them into Christ, according to his purpose and promises. All the people of the world are either Jews or Gentiles; under these two all Nations are comprehended, As we see Rom. 3.9, 19 We have proved both Jews, & Gentiles, that they are all under sin, v. 19 That all the world may become guilty before God. Formerly the Jew's only were the people of God, the Gentiles were strangers to God, and without God in the world, wholly overspread with Idolatry, as we see Rom. 1. But in due time this Wilderness was made the Garden of the Lord. God the great husbandman of his Orchard the Church, began to plant the vast, waste grounds, the wilderness of the Idolatrous Nations, the Gentiles, above sixteen hundred years ago, and is still about it, and will at length finish it, and perform all his purpose, and pleasures towards them. The time when he began this great plantation was in our Saviour's days, who gave light to the Gentiles that sat in darkness; but especially after his Resurrection, and Ascension, he set his husbandmen (the Apostles and Disciples) on work, Matth. 28.19. Go teach all Nations, and Mark. 13.10. the Gospel must be published among all Nations. The Lord told Ananias, that Paul was a chosen Vessel unto him to bear his name before the Gentiles. Act. 9.15. And Paul himself afterwards gloried in this, in that he was employed about this work of being instrumental in this great plantation (which now God was about, having newly begun it) of implanting or engrafting the Gentiles into Christ, the true Vine, and Olive tree: In as much as I am the Apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office, Rom. 11.13. He rejoiced greatly to foresee by faith, such a huge and vast Orchard (consisting of many millions of goodly fruit-trees that were to be planted in it) which would bring forth abundance of good fruits to the husbandman) so did Peter also (and many with him) rejoice at it, Acts 10.45. They were astonished, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. and Acts 11.18. They glorified God saying, then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. They saw this wonderful great plantation begun, and cut out of the waist, and barren Wilderness of the Gentiles, and they rejoiced in it, and helped to carry it on: Paul planted a large piece of ground, and God watered it, and gave the increase: for he tells us, Rom. 15.19. from Jerusalem round about unto Illyricum he fully preached the Gospel of Christ: he (through the power of the word and spirit) made wild trees, barren, unfruitful trees, to be engrafted, fruitful trees: The Gospel (containing the unsearchable riches of Christ) which he preached among the Gentiles, became in engrafted word in their hearts, and sprang and grew up, and brought forth fruit as he tells us Col. 1.6. The Gospel which is come unto you, as it is in all the world, and bringeth forth fruits, as it doth also in you since the day ye heard of it. Now here were great and glorious beginnings, and proceed for many years together, in the Apostles and Primitive times, but afterwards the, work went on more slowly, when Antichrist was revealed he that did let, being taken out of the way (that is the Emperor who had his seat in Rome, being removed to Germany) when the Pope, and the whole Hierarchy of Rome had gotten head and strength, and credit in the world, than they greatly hindered the work, though it hath been carried on ever since, yet much more slowly than at the beginning: After a time there arose many, and great enemies against the Church, and every where persecuted the Saints; The Beast out of the bottomless Pit, the red Dragon, the Beast with seven heads and ten horns. The Beast with two horns like the Lamb; the Whore of Babylon, the Beast with the false Prophet, etc. these enemies of the Church hindered (as much as in them lay) the propagation of the Gospel. As formerly enemies hindered the building of the Material Temple, so have they ever since hindered the building of the spiritual Temple: or (according to the Similitude) the great Plantation of the husbandman. It is a very great Orchard, there is much work to be done in it, and about it, and many, and powerful enemies are against it, therefore the husbandman is long about it: It is so large, that it reacheth to the ends of the earth: over every kindred, and Tongue, and People, and Nation, Rev. 5.9. And as it is large, so there is much work, and but little help; Matth. 9.37. The harvest truly is great, and the Laborers but few. There is herein a ground of exceeding great gladness and rejoicing, Use. 1 seeing that God (the great and skilful husbandman) hath undertaken this work, of Planting so large an Orchard, or Garden for himself, over all Nations; though there have been but slow proceed in the work, for a long time, yet the proceed have been sure: God, & his people have been at work ever since, they began it unto this day; and we have Prophecies, & Promises that it shall go on unto perfection, yea, and more speedily too, in these latter days, than in former times, Esay 60.3, 4, 5, etc. Lift up thine eyes round about and see, all they gather themselves together, they come to thee, the abundance of the sea (or Nations) shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the gentiles shall come to thee. They shall fly as doves to their windows vers. 8. Yea here is a ground of rejoicing indeed, when we consider the exceeding largeness of this Orchard, which shall take in, not only the wilderness of the Gentiles, but also, his old, decayed forsaken Orchard, the Nation of the Jews, the husbandman will join them to it, and Graft them (these decayed, broken, withered Branches) in again, and their coming in shall be as life from the dead, Rom. 11.15. it shall be a mighty advantage to the whole Church in all parts: here will be a wonderful, beautiful, large Orchard, let us cast our eyes above, as well as below, and look upon that part now already transplanted into heaven, as well as that upon Earth, and withal consider it with its increase, that it is daily growing larger and larger, Zach. 2.11. Many Nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, what day? even when the Lord shall inherit Judah, his portion, in the holy Land, and shall choose Jerusalem again. Here is a Prophecy of the coming in both of the Jews and Gentiles about one time, which will greatly enlarge the Church, and is aground of great rejoicing to all the people of God. Use. 2 Seeing God is a long time in calling of the Gentiles, this should stir up the people of God in this Nation, and other Nations (who are called) unto continual praises unto him, for that he hath done the work already for us: many other parts of the world are yet in darkness, they are yet as the wilderness, wild trees, and unmanured, not yet within the compass of this pleasant Orchard, we might have been in their case. Use. 3 Thirdly: Seeing the work is great, and God hath been a long time about it, and is yet going on, let all that can, help forward the work, God is able to do all works which he wills by his own immediate hand, but he is pleased to use Instruments therein: The great husbandman, hath subhusbandmen, underworkmen in his great Plantation. All his people are required to put to their hand for the enlargement of the kingdom of Christ, by their Prayers, exhortations, reproffes, instructions, admonitions, Examples, etc. according to the gifts, But this is no liberty for any people, under the pretence of new revelations from God, and a light within to go about reaching things contrary to his word, and reveled will, and to condemn all Churches, and Congregations, persons & things; though never so holy, that are not of their way, and cast into their mould. & Talents they have received. Especially now in this generation seeing God by his providential dispensations calls aloud for it, having given his people (●) freedom and liberty in all places, and great encouragements in the work of the Lord, which in former ages they have not had: It is the duty not only of Pastors, and Officers of particular congregations, but of all believers to labour to enlarge the kingdom of jesus Christ, and to be faithful, diligent laborers in the Lord's Vineyard. This is the Lords great design, and the very work of this generation, in a particular respect, who so hinders, or neglects it (even of Gods own people) shall suffer for it; who so faithfully acts in it, shall meet with special manifestations of the Love of God towards them. The ninety fourth Observation in Nature. THe husbandman does not much stand upon the outward form of his Orchards, and Gardens, to have them all just of one fashion, and shape, either round, or long, or square, or otherwise: He having divers Orchards, and gardens, they are some of one form, and some of another, as some are larger than others, so some are of one cut, or shape, and some of another, he accounts it not necessary that they be all Uniform; but so the inward form be good, so the trees have good Natures, and properties, bringing forth good fruits, that's it he values, it's all in all. This shadows out unto us this Proposition: That Externall Uniformity in the Churches of Christ, Proposition shadowed. is of small account with him, in respect of Unity and spiritual worship. Several congregations, or Churches of Christ (having the spirit of Christ, faith, love, unity of doctrine, and ordinances) may have divers forms, and ways of outward administrations, and every Church is to be left to its own liberty therein, and not to be in joined such or such Forms, Methods, and ways of proceed in the worship of God, or in the discipline and government of the particular Churches. For now in the time of the New Testament, the worship of God consisteth not in Externals (neither are they commanded) as heretofore under the old administrations of the law: But our Saviour tells us, John 4.23. The hour cometh and now is, when the true worshippers, shall worship the father in spirit and in truth. Many in the Apostles time had vain, and needless disputations, about meat and drink, and observation of days, and such like, Rom. 14.1, 3, 5, 10, 13. etc. he tells them, vers. 17. The Kingdom of God is not meat, and drink (it consisteth not in any external thing) but it is righteousness, peace, and joy in the holy Ghost. So that he leaves them to the using or not using of such outward things to their own pleasures, being of an indifferent Nature: vers. 5. let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. Now so it is, in respect of External Uniformity in Churches, the worship of God being Now spiritual, he leaves the external part of it unto the choice and pleasure of his people, to concur in one way or Externall form; or to vary, as they judge meet, and convenient (every particular Church among themselves) in respect of time, b As for one day in seven to be dedicated to God in worship, that is the moral part of the fourth commandment and was changed from the seventh to the first day of the week, by Christ himself, and observed by his Apostles and Disciples. place, manner and form, and would not have his people to fall out, and differ about tything Mint, Anise, Cummin, (petty and indifferent things) while they neglect the weighty, and great matters of the Law; unity, and spiritual worship. The Apostle Paul sharply reproves the Corinthians for standing so much upon Men, Names, Titles, 1 Cor. 1.12. One says, I am of Paul, another, I am of Apollo, another of Cephas, another of Christ, even as many in our days they stick in the outside, in Names, and Forms, Lutherans, Calvinists, some are for the Episcopal way, some for the Presbiterian, some for the Independent, some for the Rebaptised way, some reject all these (as the b These people proceed further in censuring others then ever any did; for they judge and condemn not only the Fortunes, & outward administrations of all Churches: but also the whole sirituall state, & condition of all persons that are not of their way, and that suddenly, and rashly, without knowledge of the persons; contrary both to Scripture and Reason: crying up a dim Natural light within, and neglecting the true light of the word and spirit of Gods who not trying the spirits whether they be of God or not, they (in many things) put darkness for light and light for darkness. Quakers) & say theirs is the way: So that may we not say as the Apostle said 1 Cor. 3.3. Are ye not carnal? for whereas there is among you envying, and strife and divisions, are ye not carnal and walk as men? In as much as they differ about Names, and Forms, and neglect, and break love, and unity, they are herein, carnal, though there may be truth of grace in, and among them, yet in this thing they are weak, they are carnal: this is knowing and approving of men, after the flesh which the Apostle Paul allows not, 2 Cor. 5.16. I suppose it may be said of this, or that Form of worship as Paul says of Circumcision, 1 Cor. 7.19. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the Commandments of God, and Gal. 6.15. In Christ Jesus, neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a New creature, neither this or that form, or external way of worship availeth any thing, but faith, love, & spiritual worship: righteousness, peace, and joy in the holy Ghost: an interest in Christ, regeneration, or becoming a new Creature, unity and love with, and towards one another, walking with God, in fellowship with the father, and with his son Jesus Christ in spiritual worship: these are the things that God requires of his people. Not but that God calls for the service, and worship of the outward man, and some Externall forms, and ways in his spiritual worship, as well as inward worship: but he ties not his people to one way, or form, as men would do, and stand for, and make divisions amoung the Churches about it: which God no where requires in his word; and as for Examples in the Apostles times, they vary in every Church, as occasions required: there's no one form (only) established. As for that Command, 1 Cor 14.40. Let all things be done decently and in Order, the meaning is not that the worship of God in his Ordinances, or practices in all Churches should be all in one manner, way, or form, but that they should observe Order among themselves, in every particular Church, or congregation: As in Cities and Towns Corporate, though their Customs differ one from another, yet there is Order in, and among themselves, in each particular place. The Apostle tells us, Acts 10.34, 35. That in every Nation, he that feareth God, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him: Now in many, or several Nations, there are many and several ways and forms, in and about the worship of God, in the administrations of the Ordinances of Christ, & yet all are accepted of God, when the worsh p is in spirit, and in truth. Bodily exercise profiteth little: 1 Tim. 4.8. any thing whatsoever wherein the body is exercised is of little, or small account, in respect of spiritual worship: it is the acting of the spirit, soul exercise, that God looks after and stands upon: he values but little bodily exercise, any thing whatsoever that is external, in his worship. Now the reason why God stands not upon externals in his worship (or the same customs, and orders among all the Saints) is because he is a spirit, and spiritual worship is suitable unto him, let it be clothed with this or that form, it is accepted if it be in sincerity and truth: Secondly, because Christ hath set his people free from the yokes of bondage, Gal. 5.1. Not only from Circumcision, and legal Ceremonies and forms, but also from all other Rules and precepts of men, which his word hath not laid down. It is true indeed: in time of the Law for 2000 years together, the Church was under forms, and set prescript Rules for the external part of worship, but when Christ came he set his people free, not only from sin (as before his coming in the flesh) but also from all those Methods, and Forms, Rites, and Ceremonies, commanded by Moses from the mouth of God, Ephe. 2.15. He abolished the Law of Commandments, contained in Ordinances, that is, the old external administrations about the worship of God, that so all his people, as well Gentiles (now) as Jew's, might worship God in spirit and in truth, but no more in this, or that external form, and no other: And accordingly the Church of Christ hath been at liberty in respect of forms, in the Apostles, and primitive times, and for many ages together afterwards, until of latter times external Uniformity was earnestly pressed in the Churches, which Luther and other Good men opposed. The Essence of the Kingdom of God is not any external thing but righteousness, peace, and joy in the holy Ghost, faith, love, holiness, walking with God: in these things. Use. 1 From what hath been said we may conclude; That to stand for Uniformity, or oneness in the external part of the worship of God in the Ordinances, or Government of Churches, and for want thereof to break off unity, love, and Communion with the people of God, it is of the flesh, and not of the spirit: This hath been, and is the great sin and mistake, even of many of the people of God, the ground of whose differences lies in such external things, circumstances, and forms, as the word hath not determined, or prescribed to be either so, or so; though men would be thought to prove their opinions (in particular things) as to the form of worship and Church Government, by the Scriptures. The Godly of the Episcopal, and Presbyterian Judgement, the Independent, and Rebaptised Churches, and others differing from them, what do they differ about? Not the Essentials of Religion, or worship, but merely in Ceremonies, forms, and Externall things, which are not clearly held forth neither in the Doctrine of the Gospel, nor in any constant practice of the Saints. For we cannot find in all the Acts of the Apostles, or primitive Christians, any constant Methods and Forms in the worship of God, or in Government of Churches, but they varied in the forms, and external Acts, as occasion was offered. Paul preached sometimes on the Jews Sabbath, sometimes on the first day; yea (as occasion was) every day; and sometimes in the night; sometimes he prayed and taught in the house, sometimes in a ship, sometimes by a River side, sometimes in a Temple: To the jews he became as a Jew, to the Greeks as a Greek, to the strong as strong, to the weak, as weak, he became all things to all, that he might win some: he stood not upon external forms in worship, but upon the substance, and Essence of it, which is spiritual. Our Saviour Christ sometimes he prayed long (all night) sometimes he was brief, sometimes he stood, and lift up his eyes to heaven, sometimes being prostrate on the ground: sometimes he taught in the Temple, sometimes in a private house, sometimes in a ship, sometimes on the shore, sometimes standing, sometimes sitting: The disciples of John they fasted often, but Christ's Disciples took more liberty in the use of the Creatures; Christ administered the Sacrament of the supper in the evening, Paul at midnight, some in the Morning, others at noon; some Churches receive it sitting, others kneeling, some take the Elements from the Minister's hand, others sit about the table, and take the bread and wine themselves: some partake of this Ordinance every week, others every month, some twice in a month, others twice in the year, or as oft as they please. And as there is a liberty in the Churches to vary (and no Uniformity) in these Ordinances, so also the Customs have been various in respect of Baptism; some Churches Baptise with dipping, others by sprinkling; some Churches Baptise Infants of believing Parents; others, only those persons who can give an account of their faith; and hence now ariseth the great controversy, and contention amongst brethren, who fall out by the way, and break peace, love, and Communion one with another about the shadow, the sign, the form, though both have and hold the substance: Many Members of both Churches are Baptised with the holy Ghost and with fire, as john 1.5. are baptised into one body by the spirit, 1 Cor. 12.13. yea, and have been baptised with water also, though there be not a Uniformity in their practice: perhaps the difference will prove (when throughly understood) but a circumstantial difference and doubtless no sufficient ground to break off Communion amongst the Members of Christ. Surely Jesus Christ will not take it well at their hands, who refuse Communion and fellowship with those with whom he himself delights to have Communion, and who are ashamed to call them brethren, whom Christ himself is not ashamed to call brethren, Heb? 2.11. All believers are brethren, not by a conformity (or Uniformity) in any Ceremony or external observation, but by faith in Christ. All have the privilege to be the sons and daughters of God who believe on his name, John 1.12. all are the Children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, John 3.26. Now therefore: for men to refuse, or neglect Communion and fellowship with their fellow Members, and brethren, for want of Uniformity in a Ceremony, in the sign, though they have the substance, is it not carnal, do not such walk as men? Use. 2 Let us maintain unity, love, and fellowship with all the Godly, though they differ from us in Judgement or practice in the way and manner of administrations in the worship of God, or particular practices in Government: for the ground of the Church's Unity is not Uniformity in any external things, but it is their having all but one head. The Apostle most earnestly beseecheth them to maintain Unity upon a sevenfold ground, but in them all not a word of Uniformity, Ephes. 4.4. There is one body, and one spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all: Here we see, 1. All believers, though multitudes of Members yet are but one body 2. That one body, hath but one spirit, As one soul animates and sets on work all the Members of the Natural body, so does this one spirit in the mystical body. 3. There is also one hope; All believers have an expectation of the enjoyment of God in glory for ever. 4. They have all one Lord; are fellow servants under one Lord jesus Christ. 5. So also have they but one faith, believers in all ages of the world have but one faith, in the same God and Saviour. 6. They have but one Baptism, not baptism of the sign, but of the substance; all believers are baptised with the baptism of the spirit, jews, and Gentiles in all ages; 1 Cor. 12.13. By one spirit we are all baptised into one body, whether we be Jews or Greeks. 7. Believers have but one God and Father, they are all borne of God, are brethren in the Lord, sons and daughters alike to the Lord Almighty, Heirs together of one Inheritance and Kingdom. So then, Here are strong bonds of Unity, and love, among the Saints, though Uniformity in outward things, be wanting (here's no mention at all of Uniformity) though they differ in their opinions, in ways and forms of worship, and Government, yet being all one body, having all one spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father, these are sufficient grounds of their Union, and love, one with, and to another: These are the things that God stands upon, having Unity here in these things whereby they worship him in spirit and truth, though they vary in many external parts of worship, and outward administrations, they are dispensed withal as we see, Rom. 14.18. he that in these things serveth Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved of men, and vers. 3. God hath received him, or approved of him. Let not men therefore disowne their brethren, for differing from them in the form, in outward administrations of worship or Government: when yet they worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth: which if they do, it is from the carnal part, and to be mortified. The ninety fifth Observation in Nature. THe Husbandman often makes a hedge, or fence, about his Orchard, and Garden, with wild plants, unfruitful trees, or such as bear naughty, unpleasant fruits: as Crabtrees, Thorns, Briers, Okes, Ashes, Elms, or any such like, which serve well for a mound, or fence, about his fruitful Trees, and preserve them from anoyances, and hurts, that else they are subject unto by Cattle, and otherwise in many respects. This shadows out unto us: That God (many times) makes use of wicked, Proposition shadowed. and unregenerate persons for the preservation and good of his own Children. Many Kings, and Magistrates though wicked, and carnal, have been set up for the defence of the Godly: very many carnal persons though they have but only general convictions, a form of Godliness, common Gifts, and graces, yet they own the true Religion, and the professors of it: notwithstanding they have no true, nor cordial love to either: God makes such as an outward common fence against the break in of Tyrannical, and savage persons, who might otherwise annoy the Church of God. Yea, many Moral persons are not only a means of defence to the Godly, but they are also helpers, many ways, by their Gifts, and Talents, and outward good things which God hath given them. The spirit of God doth convince the world of unregenerate persons upon this Account, even for the good of his own people, giving to them some common light, and graces, and apprehensions of the things of God, that so he may take off their fierceness, and bitterness that otherwise would naturally break out against the Godly, and not only so, but that also they may be helpful, and profitable to his own people. Pharaoh was convinced that God was with joseph, and so became his friend: yea, and to all his brethren, and his father's house, and preserved them, and nourished them with the best things of the Land of Egypt, Gen. 40. Laban entertained, and preserved jacob above 20 years together, Gen. 29. etc. Pharaohs daughter nourished Moses, & the whole Court was his friend many years. King Nabuchadnezzar, was convinced that God was with Daniel, & preserved, and promoted Daniel; so did Belshazzar And King Darius afterwards: Dan. 6.3. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were not only preserved, but advanced in the Province of Babylon by King Nabuchadnezzer a heathen king. There is abundant Experience of this truth, in all ages, especially in these times of the Gospel; multitudes having common convictions of the things of God, and entertaining the form of Godliness, though they want the power. They generally (if they have power) preserve the people of God, and Religion, from overthrows, and destructions, which otherwise Tyrants, and barbarous enemies would bring upon them: Yea, and God makes them many ways useful, and helpful to his people, by their Gifts, and Common graces, in Natural, and Moral things. Use. This discovers the special care, and love of God, the power, wisdom, & goodness of God towards his own people: who maketh even their enemies to become friends to them: Enemies indeed, in their Principles, & Natures, but friends through the overruling power of God. The world, & all the creatures in it, are ruled, & ordered for the good of the people of God: All things are yours (saith the Apostle) 1 Co. 3.21.22. the world, life, death, things present, & things to come, all are yours. God useth, overruleth and ordereth all things, for the advantage of them that fear him. The ninety sixth Observation in Nature. THe Husbandman in Ordering of his fruit-trees observes the seasons: some works are to be done at such a time of the year: The spring is the season for Grafting, the summer for Inoculating, Autumn, and winter for Transplanting, pruning and other works, he carefully observes the seasons for particular works. This shadows out unto us this Proposition: Proposition shadowed. That God in his infinite wisdom, and goodness observes the fittest times, in all his dispensations towards his people. The great husbandman of his Vineyard, and Garden enclosed, as he gives discretion to men to order their works of husbandry, Esay 28.26. doth with infinite more wisdom, order his own husbandry in respect of the matter, manner, and seasons of his work: jer. 30.11. When he correcteth his people, as he does it in measure so also in season; when it is most likely to prevail, and take effect, and when his spirit reproves the soul, it is always in season. When he speaks to comfort, and refresh the soul, it is in season, Esay 50.4. That I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he gives his Cordials seasonably. He is a God of judgement and Wisdom, and he waits to be gracious, Esay 30.18. He tarries the time, stays till the fittest time, waits for the opportunity, the season to give in a mercy: when it may be with most advantage to his own glory, and the good of his people. As God stays till the fittest time for the punishment of wicked men (when he may do it most to the glory of his justice) so also in the dispensations of grace and mercy to his people. God tarries till men have filled up the measure of their sin: Gen. 15.16. The iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full. And God endures with much long suffering, the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction, Rom. 9.22. so also he waits till his people be fitted for such, or such a mercy as he intends to give, till some corruption be more mortified and subdued, and till grace have attained more strength, till grace have been tried, and thereby been improved, and increased: when the soul is prepared, and the season come, than also the mercy will come: Hab. 2.3. it will surely come it will not tarry: Israel's deliverance out of Egypt (as a type of other mercies and deliverances to the Church, and people of God in after ages) it was at an appointed time, and fittest time, when the people were best prepared for such a dispensation. Exod. 12.41. the self same day it came to pass. So also God dealeth with others of his people, according to that of the Prophet, Psalm. 102.13. Thou shalt arise and have mercy upon Zion; for the time to favour her, yea the set time is come. God observes the fittest time, the season, in his dispensations towards his people, that thereby he may lay a ground for the advantage of his own glory; for the clearer manifestation of his glorious Attributes, Mercy, Justice, wisdom, power, goodness, etc. And secondly, because hereby we are the more clearly convinced of what is done, and are more taken, more affected with it, it makes the deeper impression, is set on the more strongly, and a mercy in season engages the heart more firmly, and fully, than otherwise it would do: Peter was not delivered out of Prison at first, so soon as the Church prayed for him, but God chose a peculiar season, even the very night before Herod intended to bring him forth to execution, Acts 12. God made Hanna to wait long for a mercy, yea God himself waited to be gracious to her, at the fittest time, when she was in extraordinary bitterne of spirit, God gave her her hearts desire; a Child of Use. 1 many Prayers, and so of many mercies. Hence we should learn to magnify the riches of the wisdom, and grace of God towards us, who not only bestows good things upon Use. 2 us but his care is also to give them in the fittest time. Doth God wait on us to dispense mercies, for our best advantage, and shall not we wait on God, shall not we be content to tarry the Lords leisure, which is always the fittest time, for the fulfilling of his promises, and our prayers, as the Prophet encourageth Use. 3 us: Psalm. 27.14. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait I say on the Lord. Is God seasonable in all his dispensations towards us, let us then labour to be seasonable in bringing forth fruit unto him, and one towards another: It is true, we should bear good fruits continually: but yet there are some especial times, some seasons, opportunities which are advantages in our actings for God, ourselves, and others; these a Christian should watch for, and wisely manage. The ninety seventh Observation in Nature. THe Root of a tree communicates, and gives up sap to all the Branches, one as well as another, to the smallest as well as to the greatest: the least branch, or Twig upon the Tree, yea the least bud upon the least branch, hath as constant, and real a supply of sap from the root, as the greatest bough or branch upon the Tree. This shadows out unto us: Proposition shadowed. That Jesus Christ gives forth as constant a supply of all grace to the meanest of his people, as to those who are most eminent. Christ takes care of all his people, he will not lose or neglect the least member: John 17.12. Those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost. He prays for them all, john 17.21. That they all may be one, as thou father art in me and I in thee etc. He provides milk for babes, as well as strong meat for such as are better grown, 1 Cor. 3.2. And chargeth Peter again and again, (as he would show his love to him) to feed his Lambs and his Sheep, john 21.15, 16, 17. He gives a charge to all that they take heed that they offend not, nor despise one of his little ones, Matth. 18.10. He is the good and careful Shepherd, that takes care of all his sheep, and feeds them, john 10. He carries the Lambs in his bosom, and gently leadeth such as are young, Esay 40.11. not one of his little ones shall perish, Matth. 18.14. And as he writs unto the elder and stronger Christians, the fathers, and young men: so also to his little Children, 1 John 2.12, 13. etc. He takes care of all, and communicates grace, and supplies to all, to the meanest, and weakest, as well as the strongest: Yea, and rewards all that show good will, (though the smallest kindness) to the least of his Members, as if they had done it to himself, Matth. 25.40. Verily I say unto you, in as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Use. 1 This magnifies the riches, of the free grace and love of Jesus Christ towards his people: who though he be exalted on high, and set at the right hand of God, fare above all Principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in the world to come, Ephe. 1.21. yet he remembers his people, even every one of them, as well the least and meanest, as the strongest and most eminent of them: as well the Lambs, little Children, and babes, as strong men, and fathers; and communicates of his fullness, grace for grace, as well to one, as to another (in their measure) as really as the Root does sap to all the branches small and great. Use. 2 This is a ground of strong and lasting consolation to all weak believers who are still under doubts, and fears by reason of their weakness: let such know, and consider, that Christ upholds them, though they are but small, and weak twigs, or branches, being united to the stock, or Root, the same nourishes them, and gives up (by his spirit) sure, and constant supplies of sap, and life unto them, whereby they live and grow and bear fruit (some more some sesse) as really as the greatest branches: His love is to one, as well as to another, all were purchased at one, and the same rate even with his own blood. The ninety eighth Observation in Nature. SOme Fruit-trees are profitable for one purpose, and some for another, their fruits being of several kinds, some are useful one way, and some another, some are fittest for Cider, others to bake, or to be prepared several ways for the Table, others are eaten of themselves, without any preparation; some are fit for food, some for Physic, some for Cordials: all are good, and profitable in their kinds, according to their several uses. Proposition shadowed. This shadows out unto us this Proposition: That The people of God bring glory to him, profit, and edification to the body of Christ, in divers respects, according to the diversity of the Gifts, Graces, and Operations of the spirit of God in them. This is manifest from Scripture, and continual Experience. Believers having several Gifts and endowments in Nature, and grace, are employed, and set on work by God in their generations according as he hath fitted them for their several work: For as the Members in the Natural body have not all one, and the same Office, so neither the Mystical body, Rom. 12.6. Having then Gifts, differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith verse. 7. Or Ministry, let us wait on our Ministering, or he that teacheth, on teaching, or he that exhorteth on exhortation etc. As every man hath received the gift, so Minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God; Let him do it as of the ability which God giveth, that God in all may things be glorified through Jesus Christ, 1 Pet. 4.10, 11. What ever his gifts, or abilities be, weak or strong, mean or eminent, they are his Talents (or one at least) which must not be hid, but used, and employed, for the glory of God, and profit of himself and others. As among the Members of the body, the least, and meanest is use, full, and profitable to the body; And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you: but such as seem to be most feeble, are necessary, 1 Cor. 12.21, 22. so in the body of Christ and also in the political body, the Commonwealth, the labouring husbandman, and the meanest Tradesman are necessary, and their labours, and industries, in several and various ways, are all, as (really in their measure) conducing to the upholding, and advantaging of a Nation, as those in the highest employments. The Apostle shows this truth very largely, 1 Cor. 12.4, 5, 6. etc. There are diversities of Gifts, diversities of administrations, diversities of operations by the same spirit, verse. 8. To one is given the word of wisdom, to another the word of Knowledge, to another faith, to another the gifts of Healing, to another the working of Miracles, to another Prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another divers Tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these worketh that one and the self same spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. Seldom, or never is it seen that any one man is eminent in all the faculties of the mind in all gifts and graces, but if he excel in one, he is defective in another, If his gift lie in solidity of judgement, and understanding, it may be he is defective in his utterance, or ready making out, what he conceives, and apprehends, wherein some others excel, that come short of him in judgement: one man excels in quickness of apprehensions, another in soundness of Judgement, another in the gift of memory, another in a facile, and ready expression. One is eminent in the grace of faith, another in love, another in humility, another in patience, another in zeal: One man hath skill in one science, another man in another, One in this Art, or Trade, another in some other. As the Members in the Natural body have several forms, and several uses and offices, so is it in the Mystical body the Church, and also in the state, or Common wealth, that in various, and several respects, all might bring Glory to God and benefits one to another. The consideration of this should make us to admire the wonderful Use. 1 wisdom of God, in so ordering, and disposing of things, that one person might be helpful and profitable to another, every one useful in his place, and calling, by their several gifts, graces, actings and operations, of several natures and degrees, among themselves, and one with another; that all should conduce, and work together (though in several ways, and respects) to bring glory to God, and profit, and edification each to other. Use. 2 This also should teach Governors (and all who have any charge over others) to observe, and find out, what the Gift, and qualification is, of those over whom they have any charge, that so accordingly they may design them, and dispose of them; this is their duty, and their wisdom. And it is every one's duty in reference to himself before he enter upon any Calling, or course of life) to consider wherein cheifey his gift lies, that accordingly he may apply himself: For seeing the spirit of God divides to every man gifts and qualifications severally as he will, 1 Cor. 12.11. it is our duty to row with the stream, and sail with the wind; we shall make the speedier and better progress. And for want of this many men dishonour themselves & their Callings, & God most of all; by entering upon those ways, and works for which they are no way fit, as wanting a Gift to that purpose, it lying in some other respect, which they ought to have searched out and improved, that so they might have brought thereby more glory to God, and more profit to the body of Christ. And further in this Proposition as in a glass, we may see the folly, and pride of some men, who being eminent in some Gifts, or Use. 3 endowments, and thereby also (it may be) answerably profitable, in Church or Commonwealth, upon occasion of which they despise others, who are their inferiors in such gifts: but know O vain man, that those others may excel thee in some other Gifts, and may bring glory to God, and benefit to the body of Christ as much another way by their fervent prayers, spiritual speeches, and conferences, holy and humble walking, diligent improvement of Gifts, Talents, advantages which God hath put into their hands. And therefore Christians should walk humbly, though never so eminent in qualifications, even upon this consideration as well as others, that though they excel their brethren in these, and these things, yet those their brethren may go beyond them in other gifts, and be profitable as much, or more than themselves another way, according to what God hath given them. The ninety ninth Observation in Nature. All the winter long there is sap abiding in the tree, and continually rising Of this see at large, 100, 101, etc. up from the Root, to preserve the tree in life, against all anoyances, by the air, extracting out the sap, or by dry, cold winds, frosts, mildews, blasting or the like, that else would destroy the tree. This shadows out unto us: That There is a continual secret supply of strength from Christ, Proposition shadowed. to every believer, in time of desertion, and temptation, to preserve from total falling away. The Lord hath foretold his people that through many tribulations, they must enter into the kingdom of God, and hereafter in heaven it shall be said of them these are they that came out of great tribulations: They must go through many trials, and temptations in this world, yea some of them go through fiery trials, very sharp, hot, terrible temptations both in reference to the outward, and inward man, when not only all creatures seem to be against them, but even God himself also; God sometimes hides his face, and answers not, yea seems as an enemy, and yet in all these deep Ps. 69.2. Lam. 3.54. Waters flowed over mine head● than I said I am cut off. waters, and floods that run over them, they are preserved from drowning, their head is above water, yea, and a secret hand underneath upholds them from sinking: God bids all his redeemed one's take notice of this Esay. 43.2. fear not, for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine: when thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, and through the Rivers, they shall not overflow thee, when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burnt, etc. David was in great distress, when he said I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind, I am like a broken vessel, Psal. 31.12. yet help was nearer than he was ware of, which he afterwards perceived, and acknowledged, v. 22. I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes, nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications. In the winter of desertion, and distress of soul, when the sun is clouded, yea, and gone a fare off too, as to the soul's apprehension, when a poor creature can perceive no motions of the spirit, nor workings of any grace, when there's no buds not blossoms, no leaves nor fruits, to be perceived upon the tree, no sign of life, no sunshine, nor showers, no dews, no refreshing, but contrariwise, Clouds and darkness round about, cold boisterous winds, sharp, hard frosts, storms of snow, and hail, all discouragements, deadness, hardness of heart, all kinds of temptations, from within, and without, yet even then there are secret supports, from and by the hand of Christ, he is there present, and oversees all, and manages all for the good of the poor soul, for otherwise the spirit would fail, it could not be able to bear up under the weight of these temptations. Use. 1 The consideration of this may be a Cordial, to poor distressed souls, Psal. 69.2. when they sink and stick fast in the deep mire where there is no standing, when they are fallen into deep waters where the floods run over them. Let them know and consider, that the thoughts of God towards them are not as their thoughts: They sometimes say, or are ready to say, and think as the distressed Church did, Esay 49.14. The Lord hath forsaken me; and my Lord hath forgotten me. But what are their thoughts of God (in the mean time) towards such poor discouraged souls, his thoughts are thoughts of love, even the most tender love; passing the love of the most tender Mothers towards their dear Children; Esay 49.13. Can a woman forget her sucking child that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Though God withhold sometimes the evidence of his love from his people, yet his love changeth not, though he seem to cast down, and overthrow yet he doth secretly uphold. Use. 1 Therefore let such of his people that walk in darkness, and have no light, trust in the name of the Lord and stay themselves upon their God, Esay 50.10. and in the use of all good means wait for deliverance, for as God giveth now a sure and secret support in, and under the affliction, so he will give (in his time) a full deliverance; that his people may praise him. The hundred Observation in Nature. FRuit-trees give forth their fruits, as freely to the poor, as to the Rich, they naturally bear as much and as good fruit in the poor man's Garden, or Orchard as in the rich man's: They are (all one) as free, and liberal to the poor, as to the Rich, and greatest persons. Hence we may learn: That True Christians do communicate of their good things, as freely to the poor as to the Rich. There are Rules, and commands to use, and improve our Talents of all good things for the good of all, Poor and Rich: but especially to give out, and distribute to the Poor, and meaner sort: and more especially to those that are Godly, Gal 6.10. Do good unto all, but especially to the household of faith, 1 Tim 6.18 Be ready to distribute, willing to communicate, Herald 13.16. To do good, & communicate for get not. This is a just Reproof unto those who call themselves Christians (and it may be are so) and yet have little regard to the Poor, and meaner sort of persons who live amongst them, in any the good things Use 1 they communicate:. Many of the greater sort of persons (Professors and others) are free in their Gifts, and benefits one towards another; frequently inviting, and feasting one another, but few, or none of the Poor, or meaner rank of Christians, are the better for all such expenses; directly contrary to the Rule, and command of our blessed Saviour (as though they had never heard of any such thing) where he says plainly: Luk. 14.12. When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy rich neighbours, and friends, lest they bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee, but call the poor, etc. and thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. Though this place be not so to be taken, as though the rich might not be invited, yet it is much more strong for the poor; But how far are many Rich Professors from walking by this rule, or the Example of Job Chap. 31 17. who tells us he eat not his Morssels alone; but the poor had part with him: and this was a ground of comfort to him in his greatest troubles? What will such persons answer our blessed Lord at the last day, when he tells them, ye were ashamed of me in my poor Members, ye owned them not, ye invited and entertained one another freely, and frequently, but my poor brethren were not amongst you; although ye knew your Master's will in this thing, yet ye did it not, but walked contrary to it? Use. 2 This is for the honour & comfort of those who communicate of their good things as well (or much rather) to the poor, and meanest Members of Jesus Christ, as to the Rich, And according to the Example of Christ, own them for brethren: To these he will say, come ye blessed Children of my father, inherit the kingdom; for in as much as ye shown kindness to these my brethren, ye did it unto me, Mat. 24 34. Thus have I (through the assistance of God) performed my promise, to make up what was formerly published, an 100 Observations in Nature, with Similitudes; together with their improvement to spiritual uses. I have many more in my Nursery; but most are yet in the seed, or Bud, which when they are grown up, and enlarged (as these) into a Body, and Branches, I shall (if the Lord please) communicate them also: that others (if they will but receive them, & be content to have them planted in their own Gardens) may partake of their Fruits; such Fruits as the Apostle speaks of Gal. 5. and Col. 1.6. And it is my desire, and supplication to the great husbandman that he will engraft every truth into our hearts, and cause it to grow, and thrive (by the Sunshine, and Rain of heaven) and to bring forth much good fruit, unto himself: pleasant, & savoury fruits, such as he loveth, and will eat of, that his soul may bless us: yea, & whereof we ourselves may also feed, not only he● but to all Eternity▪ FINIS.