THE BUDDINGS AND BLOSSOMING OF OLD TRUTHS: Or, Several practical Points of Divinity, gathered out of that sacred Evangelist St. JOHN, Chap. the third, from Verse 22. ad finem.  
By that worthy Light and Lamp of Heaven, Alexander Gross, Bach. of Divinity, and late Preacher of Ashberton, in Com. Devon.  
LONDON, Printed by W. Bentley for Andrew Crook, at the sign of the green Dragon in Paul's Churchyard, 1656.   

THE EPISTLE TO THE READER.  
Christian Reader;  
I Am constrained in a double respect to salute thee with a brief Epistle. First, by custom, whose bare word is holden and embraced as a law. Secondly, by necessity, the Author of the Book being dead, leaving the notes with me: Death interrupting him could not preface it; so that either the Book must come to thee without an Epistle, or I must write one.  
Two things briefly I shall acquaint the Reader withal: First, with the Author. Secondly, with the Work.  
For the Author, his name was Mr. Alexander Gross, Bachelor of Divinity, and Minister of Ashberton in the County of Devon; he was a painful, a faithful Minister of Christ; a skilful, a powerful dispenser of the Word, the proofs of which were his constant and incessant employments in preaching twice every Sabbath for many years; yea, and that in the Bishop's times, as also that he might keep men from drunkenness and other deboist practices, he was wont to preach every Holiday in the year.  
Which Ministry of his was very effectual, many being converted by him. Those two things which make a complete man had an happy conjunction in him, (viz.) integrity and judgement: yea, he had that which made him a complete Minister, namely, that he would speak his mind fitly, and that he durst speak it freely; a proof of the former you have cleared in his writings that are already in print, and are printed as he preached, where you may find clear method, sound proofs, pregnant similitudes, plentiful illustrations, pithy persuasions, sweet insinuations, powerful enforcements. For his freedom of speech in reproving of sin, even to the faces of the greatest, many are able to testify, and particular instances I could give.  
I have heard him very much commended for these things:  
1 That he was an excellent Scripturist; and it is reported that he had them (ad unguem) he was in all his preachings very full of Scripture.  
2 That he was blessed with an excellent memory, seldom used any note in his Pulpit, though he always wrote Notes of what he preached.  
3 That he was a man furnished with that heavenly gift of prayer, in which he excelled most men; some Ministers have told me, that they have much admired his ability in that holy Exercise.  
4 That he was a man hating novelties, and yet abhorring superstition; he stuck close to the ancient truths of God, and contended earnestly for the faith.  
5 That his life was an excellent Paraphrase on his Doctrine; his Doctrine & Life disagreed not: As he was a Preacher of holiness; so he was a practiser of holiness. What is spoken of Saint John, may be spoken of him; That he was a burning and shining light: and I know that many wicked men that hated him for his goodness, shall in the day of their visitation bless God for his good words and good actions.  
In a word, he spent his time, his strength, his all for God; and at last, he died in a good old age. A little before his death he preached on that passage of the Psalmist, Whom have I in heaven but thee? and (as I was informed by a godly man, his hearer) that he was so wonderfully carried forth in his preaching, that he much feared he should not long enjoy him; and so it happened, for a short space after he died, and now enjoys the glorious presence of the God whom he so faithfully served.  
As concerning this work left in my hands, I have little more to say, besides what the parents of the blind man said of their son, (though in some respects it is newly come forth, yet in regard of the truth and substance of it) it is old enough, let it speak for itself.  
This I shall say concerning the Book, that there is nothing in it but what is sound and orthodox, which cannot be said of many Books that come abroad: the matters contained in the Book are plain and easy to be understood, food it is for babes, and nourishment it may give to strong men.  
A few hints I have here given you of what you may read more largely in the Book:  
1 That the Ministers duty, it lies mainly in the endeavouring the conversion of sinners, the drawing home of souls to God.  
2 That the people's duty lies in attending upon their Ministers and Ministry.  
3 That the redemption of Christ it is effectual to some of all Nations, but not to all in all Nations, Matth. 8.11. Rev. 5.9.  
4 That men may not at their own pleasure leave their callings, but follow them while God doth give ability to perform them.  
5 That the Sacrament of Baptism must be carefully administered to such as are capable of it; and that it must be administered in pure water without any mixture, etc.  
6 That the clear and open shining of the Gospel hath been attended with much contention.  
7 That contentions have been in God's family.  
8 That self-love and ambition are many times an occasion of contention.  
9 That men have of themselves no ability to do good.  
10 Gods servants must not seek their own, but the honour of Jesus Christ.  
11 That all the faithful are joined in spiritual wedlock with Christ Jesus.  
12 That the Lord Jesus beareth a singular love to his Ministers.  
13 That Gods faithful Ministers are after a special manner acquainted with his counsels.  
14 That the calling of the Ministry requires some good preparations and large abilities.  
15 The voice of the Lord Jesus heard in the Gospel is the joy and rejoicing of a sound Christian.  
16 That the conversion of sinners by the Ministry of the Word is the great joy of the Ministers thereof.  
17 Those are least conceited of their own goodness, that are best and most sanctified.  
18 The revelation of the Lord Jesus unto men is by degrees.  
19 Christ the Redeemer, the Son of God, by eternal generation  
20 The Lord Jesus hath pre-eminence above, and dominion over all creatures.  
These with many more excellent points shalt thou find in this little Book worthy your view, God grant that your hearts may be as Cabinets to retain and keep these jewels: it is true, that the matters are common, and the ordinary subject both of many Sermons and printed Books in these days; yet we know, that the commonest meats do yield the most wholesome nourishment, whereas new found dishes do but clog the stomach, and fill the body with unwholesome humours.  
And for the preventing or removing of all prejudicated opinions which may arise concerning this Book (as though strumpet like, any bastardly brood unlawfully begotten should be fathered and fastened upon so divine a penman) this I can more than promise (verbo Ministri) that there is nothing in it for matter or manner, either spurious, or surreptitious; nothing but what is genuine, and the Authors own, the immediate issue of his working brain, and flowing from his own pen.  
This I shall promise the Reader, if he shall like of what is in this Book, I shall present him shortly with another of this Author: In the mean time I refer this to thy serious reading and gracious benefiting, who am  
From my Study at Stratcley, in Armington, Com. Devon. Thy Servant in the Gospel JOHN WELDEN.   


John 3. the 22. etc.  After these things came Jesus and his Disciples into the Land of Judaea, and there he tarried with them and baptised, etc. 
THe Sun in the Firmament is never wearied, but cometh forth like a mighty man rejoicing to run his race, casting forth his bright and glorious beams in whatsoever circuit of the Heavens he moveth. 
Jesus Christ compared to the Sun.  The Sun of righteousness Christ Jesus (in like manner) is never weary of well doing, but his lips were always dropping knowledge, & feeding Souls with heavenly understanding, his Lamp was always burning, his cloud was always distilling the dews of heavenly Doctrine, in all companies, on all occasions; he, like a faithful Shepherd, sought to gather home the straying sheep to God's fold, like a good guide to reduce the erring travellers into the right path, like a careful Physician to heal every diseased Soul. No place, no company but received some benefit by his presence, having instructed Nicodemus in the Doctrine of Regeneration, he came now into the Land of Judaea, and there baptizeth: After these things jesus, etc.  


Christ baptised by john on the 10th year of his age.  
Christ calling of Disciples.   Our Saviour about the thirtieth year of his age came into the desert unto John to be baptised of him, being baptised, he was led by the spirit into the wilderness, where he fasted forty days and forty nights, from thence he returned to John in the desert, at which time he called John, Andrew, Simon, Peter, Andrews, brother, from thence he returned into Galilee, and in his journey called Philip and Nathaniel, & cometh to Nazareth, where he was brought up, and there after a few days being invited to a marriage, 
The first maracle Christ wrought.  he came to Cana, where he wrought his first miracle, after this he went to Capernaum, and from thence to jerusalem, where he taught, wrought a miracle, and discoursed with Nicodemus, about the point of Regeneration, 

In the Conexion of the words.  
Christ care and practise to win Souls.  

1. Christ journey.  
2. Attendants.  
3. Commoration.  
4. Worke.   
Christ baptised none.   as we have largely set down in the beginning of this Chapter. From thence he came into the Territories of judaea and there baptised.  
In the connexion of these words we have presented before us.  
1. The careful and constant practice of jesus Christ to win Souls to God, and to communicate to them the knowledge of the truth.  
2. In the words we have his journeying into the Land of Judaea.  
His attendants, the Disciples.  
His commoration, or stay there he tarried.  
His work, the administration of baptism, yet not by himself but by his Disciples, as appears in joh. 4.2. jesus himself baptised not, but his Disciples.  
I shall begin with the connexion of this history, wherein we have discoured, 
Christ constant endeavour. Doct.  our Saviour's constant practice, and from thence, draw this conclusion. That we ought in all places to busy ourselves in well-doing, specially in endeavouring the conversion of God's people:  
As the clouds cause there dews every day to distil more or less: as the beast every day yield their milk, and the Stars continually send forth there light. So must we according to our best abilities be always doing good, always watering the Souls of our brethren, with the dews of holy admonition, with the milk of God's word, showing the way of salvation to them by the light of the truth.  
This charge the Apostle giveth, Heb. 3.13. But exhort one another daily while it is called to day, etc. To this the promise of profiting is annexed, Gal. 6.9. And let us not be weary of well doing: For in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. And the Apostle will not have this duty in any case to be forgotten, Heb. 10.24.25. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love, and to good works. Not forsaking the assembling of our selus together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching.  
What Paul gave in charge to Timothy, may in a more general manner be given in charge to every Christian, 2. Timoth. 4.1, 2. I charge the therefore before God, and the Lord jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing, and his Kingdom: preach the word be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and Doctrine.  
Be instant in thy calling, in seeking the good of thy brethren, in season, and out of season, exhort, rebuke, reprove, with all earnestness, and long suffering.  
The grounds why we ought to busy ourselves in well doing, specially in endeavouring the conversion of God's people, are these.  
Reas: 1 Because thereby Satan, (who, 1. Pet. 5.8. as a roaring Lion walks about seeking whom he may devour) shall be prevented of that advantage, which otherwise he will get against us. The flynig bird is hardly smitten with the Arrow, the industrious and diligent person alloweth Satan no time to tempt him, when David was idle than the devil ensnared him, 2. Sam. 11.  
Reas: 2 Because we shall hereby thrive in the graces of the Spirit. The seed by sowing is increased, the fire by burning is augmented, so grace is increased by exercise, and holy industry: what Solomon speaketh concermnig outward poverty, or riches, that, he becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand, but the hand of the diligent maketh rich, Prov. 10.4. The same is true as to inward riches, or poverty, that a lazy slothful heart becometh poor in grace, but the diligent heart maketh rich in grace, to this very purpose is that passage of jesus Christ in the Luk. 8.18. take heed therefore how ye hear, for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken, even that which he seemeth to have. This is the way to thrive in grace, namely to exercise and improve it for the good of others, for as Solomon saith, Prov. 19.17. he that hath pity on the poor dareth to the Lord: and that which he hath given: will he pay him back again.  
Reas: 3 Because we shall hereby prevent much evil, deadness, and dulness in our hearts, vanity of thoughts, idleness of speech. As the motion of the body prevents the cold, the using of the ploughshare prevents rust: the moving of the water prevents putrefaction, the manuring of the field preventeth the growing of weeds, thorns, briars. Therefore is that of the Apostle, Heb. 3.12.13. Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily while it is called to day, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin:  
Reas: 4 Because we shall hereby much advance the Gospel and promote the welfare of Christ's Kingdom, the hidden mystery of Godliness shall be the more plainly opened, the ways of life more clearily manifested, our brothers understanding the better informed, their cold hearts the more inflamed, their unclean affections the more thoroughly purged, their feeble faiths the better strengtned, the good things of God's Word the more sweetly relished. The often speaking of this language makes it the better understood, the often sounding of this Trumpet doth awaken the conscience the more throughly, the often shining of this light doth make the way appear the more plain, we can in nothing more honour the Gospel, or benefit our brethren than in seeking to perfect their conversion.  
Use: This condemneth our negligence and slothfulness, our dulness and backwardness in doing good, in seeking the salvation of our brethren. How many places come we unto where we do no good? how often are we among our brethren never labouring the welfare of their Souls? what more frequent with us, than like the Priest and Levite passing between Jericho and Jerusalem, never reaching out the hand to help them that lie wounded with sin? Luk. 10. to see them err and not instruct them, to see them sorrowful and not comfort them, to see them barren in grace never labouring to make them fruitful. Where is the Disciple that imitateth his Saviour in doing of good continually, as he goeth up and down? Where is the man that with Mordecay, Esther 10.3. that seeketh the wealth of his people and speaking peace to all his seed? who with Nehemiah seeketh the welfare of Israel, as it is in Neh. 2.10.  
Who is it that with job becomes eyes to the spiritually blind, feet to the spiritually lame? job 29.15. I was (saith he) eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame, etc. Who is it that becometh a Father to the poor, searching out the state of there Souls? that breaketh the jaws of sin, and plucketh the spoilt Soul out of the teeth of Satan, as job did in another case, vers. 16.17. of that 29. job, I was saith he a Father to the poor, and the cause which I knew not I searched out. And I broke the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth. Whose bowels are so full of compassion to his brethren, that fitteth and prepared himself, to clothe there Souls, as Dorcas prepared garments to clothe there bodies, Acts. 9.39. Who is it that seeketh his straying brethren, as the Shepherd his wand'ring sheep? Eze. 34.12. Where is the Father in Law that with Lot, Gen. 19.14. speaks to his sons in Law, saying. Up, get you out of this place, for the Lord will destroy this City. Where is the Father that with David gives encouragement to his children to go on in the Lords Work? 1. Cron. 28.9. to know God, and serve him with a perfect heart and willing mind; Where is the Master of the family that with Abraham, commands his household to keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgement? Gen. 18.19. Where is the Minister that holds not his peace day nor night, that makes mention of the Lord and keepeth not Silence? That gives him not rest till he establish and make jerusalem a Praise in the earth, as it is in Isa. 62.6.7. Where is the bountiful Christian, that doth in Spiritual things as Solomon chargeth we should do in temporal, Ecl. 7.  
Who is he that cometh as Abigal to David? 1. Sa. 25.25, 28. Who redeemeth the time? Who seeketh opportunity? who embraceth the offered occasions to do good? If we examine our selves we may all lay our hands up our mouths, and confess ourselves guilty, we have all more, or less withheld the waters which should have refreshed the thirsty, the light which should have guided the ignorant, the food which should have fed the hungry, the staff which should have sustained the weary, etc.  
And as long as we are thus slothful and backward in this behalf it doth discover  
1. That we have no bowels of compassion towards our brethren. Who can see his brother taken prisoner by the Prince of darkness, led away captive in his chain, wounded to the death with sin, pressed down under the heavy burden of iniquity, stripped naked of the rich and precious garment of true holiness, altogether defiled with the dirt and slime of Sin, if he have any compassion in him, and not seek to deliver him? how can he chose but pray as the Church, Act. 12.3, 4, 5, 6. & endeavour as the angel, verse the 7.8. Shall Abram raise an army to deliver Lot, Gen. 14.14. Will God have men to show such compassion to an enemy's ox or ass? Exo. 23.4, 5. How much more to the Souls of our brethren, captivated by Satan, led astray by or sunk under the burden of sin, surely this is the truest compassion, the sweetest mercy, the best kindness to help the Souls of our brother out of the snare of Satan, according to that of St. jude vers 22.23. And of some have compassion making a difference, and others save with fear pulling them out of the fire, etc. Men think all the mercy appeareth in giving food for the belly, apparel for the back, but what is lands and revenues to one confined to perpetual imprisonment, what is food to the diseased, who needeth Physic, what mercy is this to trim the house, and leave the inhabitant in prison? I may say as the Lord in Isa. 58.5, 6, 7. Is it such a fast as I have chosen a day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, & to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast and an acceptable day to the Lord? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to lose the bands of wickedness, to undo the hevy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out, to thy house? when thou seest the naked that thou cover him, and that thou hide not thyself from thy one flesh? So is this the compassion the Lord looks on for a man now and then to feed, cloth, the hungry naked body? is not this the compassion the Lord looks at to help thy brother off with his wicked bands, to undo his heavy burdens, to break his yokes, etc.  
2. That we have no hearty and sanctified affection to our brethren. How can we say we love them, if we seek not to remove sin from them, read that place, Leu. 19.17. Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart: Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy Neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. The love of Christ appeared not in making his servants rich, or advancing them to worldly dignities, for they are for the most part a poor despised people, as it is in Zeph. 3.13. But his love appeared in causing a light to shine to them who sat in darkness, Mat. 4.16. In opening the eyes of the spiritually blind, as it is in Isa. 35.5, 6. In turning men from iniquity, as it is in Acts the 3. verse 26. In teaching them to deny ungodliness, and worldly lusts, Tit. 2.12, 13, 14. In making us the Sons and Daughters of God as you have it in 1. john 3.1. In washing us from the spiritual filthiness of sin, Eze. 6.7, 9, 10. And in this manner must we show our love towards our brethren, that it may appear we love the Jewel and not the casket, the soul, and not the carcase, that our love may be fastened on God's image, and not on that which is but dust and ashes, that the fruit of our love may be everlasting, Prov. 13.24. What Solomon speaks there he that spareth his rod hateth his son, but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. So in this case, he that loveth his field manureth it, he that loveth his tree pruneth it.  
3. That we have not unfeigned love to God. No better argument of love to God, than in seeking to take from men that sin which God doth hate, to restore them to holiness wherein God doth delight, and therefore this is made an argument to demonstrate Peter's love to Christ his feeding his sheep, john 21.17. by this we shall gather them home to God's fold, make them Members of Christ's body, heirs of God's Kingdom, servants in God's family, Trees in God's Orchard, soldiers fight God's battles, and so shall show our love to God by being a means of bringing much honour to him, and to them that seek not the good of there brothers Souls, I may say as in the 1. Joh. 3.17. How dwelleth the love of God in him?  
4. That we have no feeling of the goodness of God in our Souls, of the lively operation of his word, of our happiness in being in Christ: had we the sense of this, we would with David in Psa. 66.16. Invite men to us and say, Come and hear all ye, that fear God, and we will tell you what he hath done for our Souls, and we would being converted strengthen our brethren, as you have it in Luk. 22.32. We would say as the Samaritan Woman, joh. 4.29. come see a man which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? and as they that were sent to spy out the Land, when they saw it and how good it was encouraged the rest to go to it, saying in jud. 18.9. Arise, that we may go up against them, for we have seen the Land, and behold, it is very good and are ye still? be not slothful to go, and to enter to possess the Land. Even so those that have felt and seen the goodness of the Lord, are ready to encourage others Saying, to those that stand still, arise, why lie ye still, why are ye slothful come into the way of God that is so good, so pleasant.  
5. That we have no feeling of their misery, did we feel there sin as a heavy burden upon our Souls, as a thorn in our sides, as a burning fire in our own bowels, it would make us mightily to awaken them out of sin, as the Woman of Canaan, having her Daughter vexed with a devil, cried out; have mercy on me O Lord, thou Son of David, for my Daughter is grevously vexed with a devil, Math. 15.22. So will it be with a soul that hath had any feeling of the misery of sin, it will cry out, in the behalf of poor sinners, have mercy, O Lord, for we have brethren greivously vexed with sins and devils.  
6. That we are not grieved, to see God's Law transgressed as David was in Psal. 119.136. rivers of tears run down my eyes: because they keep not thy law, the ways of God neglected, as Lam. 1.4. that the name of God is dishonoured.  
7. That we are not troubled, at the beholding of their sinful conversation as 2. Pet. 2.8. That they are not as Canaanites to Israel, jud. 2.2, 3. as the men of Mesech to David Psal. 120.4. as the Daughters of Heth to Sara, Gen. 27.46. Were they such a grief we would pray to God to convert them, as we would to cure a man of the plague in our Families, to root thorns and briars out of our vineyard.  
8. That we do not fear the provocations of the Lords wrath, (against the place where the Kingdom and Church wherein we live) by their sin, did we consider how for the adultery of one Zimri and Cosby the plague might fall on all the people, Num. 25.8, 9 How for the disobedience of one jonah the whole ship might be in danger of miscarrying, jonah. 1. How for the theft of one Achan, the whole army might be defeated, Ios. 7. did we consider and lay to heart how many evils may befull us for the sin of them that dwell about us, we would do as Ezra did, Exra. 10.1. and according to our best abilities, by prayers tears, entreaties, endeavour their reformation.  
Use 2 Therefore let us all humble ourselves for our past default in this behalf, and for the time to to me let us labour to do more good, let us in all places, in all companies so manage all occasions, so dispatch all business, so husband our time, that we do some good, if it be possible to the Souls of our brethren, that we help them a little forward in the way to heaven. As Iron sharpens Iron, as it is in Prov. 27.17. So let us sharpen the Souls of our brethren. Let us be to them as the rock to Peter, Math. 26.75. as Philip to Nathaniel, john. 1.45. let us be to them as Horse men and Chariots, to stir them up to drive and draw them forward, as bellows to kindle and blow up the gifts of God's Spirit within them, let us communicate what we have received, like good stewards feeding God's family, like fruitful trees yielding some fruit, like shining stars casting out some light. As Mary opened her box of alabaster, and perfumed the house therewith, Luk. 7.37. So let us with our gracious speeches, holy instructions, and pious discourse leave a gracious savour behind us, and impress some good in them that are with us. As wicked men sleep not until they do some mischief, Prov. 4.16. No more let us take rest unless we do some good, as jacob would not let the Angel go till he blessed him, Gen. No more let us depart from our brethren, without leaving some blessing behind us. And to the end we may do good in all places & companies, consider these things.  
1. Let us make a spiritual use of earthly things. As our Saviour by the water which the Samaritan Woman drew, took occasion to speak of the water of life, by fishing with nets in the Sea, took occasion to speak of catching and drawing out of the Sea of sin, by the draw-net of the Gospel, by the pearl took occasion to speak of the precious pearl of the Gospel, by sowing of seed took occasion, to speak of the word sown in the hearts of men. This is a blessed use of things earthly, it sweeteneth our Meditation, it plainly informeth the weakest understanding, it strongly convinceth, it deeply in presseth upon the memory, we find like Samson a honey comb in the Lion, and fetch water from the rock.  
2. Let us be well acquainted with the sacred Scriptures, let us get the word of God to dwell with in us plenteously, Coll. 3.16. and then as a full fountain sendeth forth waters, a full cloud poureth out the rain, so shall our lips drop down knowledge: when there is much fuel in the fire it giveth heat, to all that come nigh to it; if the Word of God be as a fire in our bones, it will make us that we shall not be silent, see it in job, in job 32.18, 19, 20. in Jeremiah, jer. 20.8. in David, Psal. 40.10, 11.  
3. Let us get our hearts inflamed with love to God, his word, his ways, we easily break forth into, a large and full discourse of the persons and things we entirely love, the worldly man of his wealth, the voluptuous man of his pleasures, the ambition's man of his honour, every man's tongue is ready to discourse of the object of his love, so David the commandments being his love, see what he saith, Psa. 119.46, 47. I will speak of thy testimonies also before Kings, and will not be ashamed, and I will delight my self in thy commandments which I have loved. This will make us with the spouse to enter into a large discourse of the deity of her Saviour, Cant. 5.11. of his judgement and understanding in all things, vers. 12. of the sweet manifestation of himself in his ordinance, vers. 13. of the excellency of his actions, depth of his counsels, vers. 14. of the stability of his proceedings, of the amiableness and uprightness of his carriage towards his chosen, vers. 15. of the sweetness of his voice and the singular comforts which flow from him, reside in him, vers. 16.  
4. Let us get our Souls filled with the knowledge of the Lord and of his ways. We must first inform ourselves before we can well inform others; the Lamp can give no light unless itself be first filled with Oil, the blind man is not fit for a guide, therefore David prays, Make me to understand the way of thy precepts, so shall I talk of thy wondrous works, and that of the Prophet in Isa. 50.4. The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned that I should know how to speak a word in season, to him that is weary, etc. We must be skilful like Physicians to apply our exhortation aright, it is not enough to speak, but it must be to edifying, to good purpose, so as it may minister grace to the hearers, therefore, Prov. 15.2. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright, etc.  
5. Let us labour to be thoroughly affected with the goodness of God towards our Soul, to be assured of the forgiveness of all our sins, to have a lively feeling of God's love, and the joys of his spirit, and this will make us ready and cheerful in teaching others, as we have mentioned in that of David, Psal. 51.12.13.14.15. Restore me to the joy of thy salvation: and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners shall be converted unto thee, etc. And that Psal. 66.16.  
6. Let us strive to be truly good, and gracious, sanctified throughout both in our Souls, and also in our bodies, let grace be as a fountain of living water in the heart, and the speech shall be as many gracious streams issuing from it. As waters to the city, as silver to the needy, as food to the hungry, so shall be the speech of a gracious man, Prov. 10.11, 20, 21, 32.  
If these things be in us, we shall not be idle nor unprofitable, but we shall communicate of what we have received, impart what we know, stir up others to attain the like measure of grace and assurance with us. And let not any say like the sluggard there is a Lion in the way, if we seek the good of men's Souls, we shall be hated, reproached: say not they are dissolute, or worldly businesses shall be hinderers, for as Solomon saith, Eccl. 11.4. He that observeth the wind, shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds, shall not reap. But look upon Christ, the Prophets, Apostles, God's precept, brothers wants, God's blessing, God's acceptance, clearing of thy own conscience, joy which will accompany the due performance, and so go forward in it without fainting. So much for the first point.  
We have seen the connexion, next we are to take notice of the words, and therein first of all the place whereunto he journied, namely into the Land of Judea: that is into that part thereof which was nigh unto the city Aenon, a city situate in the Tribe of Manasses, thither he came to show himself a Saviour to them, to tender life and salvation, to declare God's counsel; he did not stay altogether in one place: but went from place to place, to publish the tidings of life. Thereby showing thus much.  
Doct. That some of all places and of all nations are appointed to eternal life by Christ Jesus.  
As the Sun in the Firmament, (though not all at once, yet by succession) doth cast his light and heat upon all the parts of the earth, more or less. So the Son of righteousness sooner or later bringeth some out of all places, and nations, from darkness to light, from death to life, from ignorance to the knowledge of the truth.  
This was shadowed, as some conceive, by the four corners of the Altar, and sprinkling of blood round about it, Exod. 27.6, 7, 8. nothing the all-sufficiency of Christ's death, the plenty of his bloodshed, the manifestation of him to the four corners of the world, by the ministry of the Gospel.  
This was Prophesied, Zzech. 14.8. And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem: half of them towards the former sea, and half of them towards the hinder sea: in Summer and in Winter shall it be. As the sea sendeth her streams to all the corners of the earth, as the King swaying over the parts of his Kingdom, Psal. 72.6, 7, 8. He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth. In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace, so long as the moon endureth he shall also have Dominion from Sea to Sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. Therefore he gave his Apostles a large commission, Math. 28.19. Go teach all nations, etc. and long before he told the people, Math. 8.11. I say unto you that many shall come from the East and West, and shall sit down, with Abraham, Isaac, and jacob in the Kingdom of God; and this was the tenure of their song, Rev. 5.9. And they sung a new song, saying, thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every Kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation: The grounds of the point are these:  
Reas. 1 Because God's Mercy and goodness is the more abundant, and illustrious, his name the more glorious. The farther the light of the Sun is extended, the more illustrious it appeareth; the farther the Sea sends her water, the more abundantly the fullness thereof is discovered: hence are those expressions, Isa. 11.10. In that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek, and his rest shalt be glorious. And in Isa. 55.5. Behold thou shall call a nation that thou knowest not; and nations that know not thee shall run unto thee, because of the Lord thy God, and for the holy one of Israel, for he hath, glorified the. And hence God is said to will the salvation of some of all nations, 1. Tim. 2.4.6.  
Reas. 2 Because God will have it appear that he is no respecter of persons, that he is not bound to any people, for any external endowments, but that he is free in the communication of his favours, having mercy on whom he will have mercy, and hardening whom he pleaseth, Rom. 9.15. causing light to shine on them that sat in the shadow of death, Math. 4.16. found of such which sought him not, Isa. 65.1.  
Reas. 3 Because he will have all left without excuse, calling some by the voice of the Gospel, others refusing to return are the more excuseless; They that have received the Gospel, will be witnesses against them, they cannot but say they had a Prophet among them, look into these Scriptures, Ezek. 2.5. and Rom. 10.18.  
Reas. 4 Because the efficacy of Christ's death, is the more fully manifested, the power of God in his Ordinances is the more abundantly disclosed, in that by the Sceptre of his Word he bringeth into subjection some of all nations, and of all conditions, even the most insolent stiffnecked and obdurate. What greater earthly honour, than for a King to subdue all nations, for a Physician, than to cure all manner of diseased persons, as in Dan. 2.44. the strength of the stone is commended in dashing in pieces that great and goodly image.  
Reas. 5 Because he will not have any nation or people to despair of salvation, but attend the means, lay hold on the word of eternal life, because the fountain of life is opened to all sorts. Christ's arms are spread abroad to embrace all comers, as you may gather from these places, Isa. 45.22. Look unto me and be saved all the ends of the earth, etc. Isa. 59.20. So, Act. 10.34. God is no respecter of persons but in every nation, etc.  
Use. This may acquaint us with the riches of God's mercies, and abundant goodness towards his chosen, in gathering them like lost sheep out of every Nation and Kingdom where they are scattered, and bringing them home to his fold, Luk. 15.4. john. 10.16. Sounding the trumpet of the Gospel in their ears, awakening them out of sin, when they sleep like Lazarus in the grave, joh. 11.44. Casting in the drawnet of the Gospel, fetching them like fish out of the bottom of the Sea, Math. 13.48. As a man diggeth for jewels out of the deep places of the earth, Mal. 3.17. As a shepherd goeth upon the mountains for his lost sheep, Luk. 19.8. As the Husbandman fetcheth out his corn among much chaff, Math. 3.12. So doth our God gather his people some from the East, and some from the West. As he caused of all beasts to come into the Ark, Gen. Hence are those passages, Isa. 49.6. and 22. and Isa. 60.11, and jer. 3.14. one of a city & two of a family. Some he fetcheth out of one family, some out of another, some from there nets, Math. 4.22. Some from the receipt of custom, Mat. 9.9. Some from the plough, some from behind the ewes, as David to be a King, Hos. 1.10.  
Use 2 This must teach us wheresoever we come to seek the conversion of the people, to labour there reconcilement unto God. No nation so ignorant, dissolute, degenerate, but God may have his people among them. Even in Sodom God hath his Lot. In Pharaohs Court his Joseph, in ahab's house his Obadiah. No soil so bad but being well manured may hear some good fruit, he that can out of stones raise children unto Abraham, can turn the most stony hearted to be an obedient people. His chosen are every where dispersed, and therefore let us be every where employed in gathering them to God, let us sow our seed in every barren field, administer Physic to every diseased soul, apply some eyesalve to every blind eye; with the Samaritan, pouring oil and wine into every wounded soul; with David, delivering the sheep out of the jaws of the bear, with Lot persuading our brethren to come, out of the Sodom of sin; being converted ourselves, let us labour to convert others. Did we conscionably exercise this duty, these things would follow.  
1. The earth would be full of knowledge, as the Sea of waters, the light of the moon would be as the light of the Sun, the clouds of ignorance would vanish like the vapour before the Sun, and every man would know the Lord from the greatest to the least, the great things of God's Law would be no more as a strange language, Hosea 8.12. or as a sealed book, Isa. 29.11.  
2. The consciences of men would be no more like seared flesh, as in 1. Tim. 4.1. they would not rest so securely in sin, as in 1. Thes. 5.3. but this like the cock would remember them, as in Mat. 26.74. like a goad would awaken them, Eccl. 12.11.  
3. They should not take such pleasure in sin, iniquity should not be so tooth-some to them, that which is now as honey should become as gall to their Palate, what now is as a delightful way should become as a thorney path. As the hand writing made Baltazar tremble, Dan. 5.5. as hue and cry to thiefs, as the looking glass to the spots in the face, this would rend the Vyzar, scatter the refuge, and hiding place which they have made for their sin.  
4. They should be brought to repent of their sin, to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God, to cast away their iniquities as a menstruous rag, or garment, to turn of God, to break off from their sins by repentance, as in Acts 2.37. and 2 Sam. 12.13.  
5. They should not be so barren in the graces of the Spirit, they should not be like a child sucking dry breasts, like a Tree whose roots have no moisture, like the sluggards field, Prov. 24.32. grown over with thorns and nettles; but as trees standing by the river's side, they should bring forth much fruit, like children sucking at a full breast they should grow apace, Prov. 10.21. Deut. 32.2.  
6. They should not be so earthly minded, the world should not have so much of their affection, time, service, care, it should not have such Dominion over them, it should not so press them down, like a heavy burden; but their hearts should be settled on things which are above, and they seek the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, Math. 6.33. and count all things dung and dross, etc. Philip. 3.8.  
Use 3 Since God hath not excluded any place, or nation: but that he hath, and doth tender, the means one time or other, one way or another. Therefore let not any people set down and despair of salvation, as if the arm of God were shortened that it could not save, or his ear deaf that he would not hear; but as God hath appointed some of all nations, and Kindred's to be saved; so let this encourage all sorts of people to attend the means of their salvation. There is hope, if the lame man wait at Bethesda, that he shall be cured, if Naaman go to Jordan, there is hope that he shall be cleansed, if you manure and sow your field there is hope of reaping. As all sorts of people attend the Sun for light, so must they the Lords Ordinances for direction in the way to heaven.  
As appeareth by the next thing here observable, Christ's attendants, who went with him, the Disciples. They did not leave him, but continually traveled with him, and attended on him, whence note this thing.  
Doctr. 3 That Gods servants must be constantly conversant with, and attendant upon their faithful teachers: As the Scholars attendeth the master, as the child the breast. So must we, 1 Pet. 2.2. as new borne babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, etc. job 23.12. It is Jobs speech, neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips, I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. As it is storied of Ruth her speech to Naomi, 1 Ruth 16. Entreat me not to leave thee, or return from following after thee; for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, etc. So must we be as to God's Ordinances and faithful ministers, not depart from them, but go where they go, etc. Thus it was with persons of old: in 13 Acts 42. the gentiles there besought Paul that the Word before taught might be preached to them, etc. and in the 17 Acts 11. it is spoken of the men of Berea, they received the word with all readiness of mind, & searched the Scriptures daily, etc. So in the 20 Acts 37.38. there the people attend Paul, and wept sore when he spoke of seeing their face no more. If you ask why Gods servants must be constantly conversant with and attendant upon their faithful teachers; it will appear, if you take notice of these particulars:  
Reas. 1 Because God hath replenished them with heavenly knowledge to instruct & teach them. As the fountains are filled with water and men come daily to draw water thence, so as it is in Mal. 2.5, 6, 7. The Priest's lips keep knowledge, and people should seek the Law at their mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of Hosts, etc. these are nurses as you have it, 1. Thes. 2.7. these are spiritual parents, 2 Cor. 4.15. these are guides, in the way, Rom. 219. as the children suck the breasts, attend their perents, and travellers are conversant with their guides, so must these be with the Ministers of the Lord.  
Reas. 2 Because God hath promised a blessing hereunto, Prov. 8.34. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors, as he that lay daily at the gates of the Temple received a blessing, Acts 3.6. this the Psalmist mentions, Psal. 65.4. Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy Temple, and that place, Matth. 7.7, 8.  
Reas. 3 Because we are prone to go astray like a sheep wanting a Shepherd, a traveller wanting a guide. The people soon erred, when Moses was but a little while absent. Israel could not go forward to Canaan, longer than they had the light of the fiery Pillar to direct them, if God smite the Shepherd the Sheep are Scattered, the Wise men knew not how to travel longer than the Star shined to them.  
Reas. 4 Because we shall lose our first love to God like Ephesus, Rev. 2.4. If the bellows blow not, the fire of it's own accord will extinguish; the world will steal away our affections, if we do not constantly attend the Gospel of Christ; if the child do not feed, his strength will decay, if we do not constantly visit God we shall soon forget God, the world will quickly steal away our hearts from the Lord.  
Reas. 5 Because God's servants must go from faith to faith, Rom. 1.17. From strength to strength, Psal. 84.7. Like good travellers going onward in the way without cessation. Now without these we shall be like Pharaohs Chariot which moved softly, and perished in the red Sea. Perseverance in grace requireth constancy in attendance upon God's Ordinances.  
Use: 2 This serveth for the sharp reproof of such as estrange themselves from God's faithful ministers, choosing rather to converse with them that will poison, than with such as will heal there souls; with them that are stumbling blocks, than with such as are guides in the way, with such as will harden rather than with such as will soften their hearts, with such as will rather draw a vail before, than such as will take away the scales of ignorance from the eye of their understanding, preferring flattery before faithful counsel, desiring to be daubed over with the untempered mortar of deceit, as in Ezek. 13.11. than to have their ruinons' walls of sin pulled down, wishing that the messengers of God had no eyes to see, nor tongues to reprove them for their sin, as Isa. 30.10. loving no doctrine but what giveth liberty to their corruption, jer. 5. ult.  
But as long as men's hearts are thus averse from attendance on God's Ordinances, thus void of love to God's Messengers:  
1. They can never be well acquainted with the misery of their one estates. He that vieweth not himself in the looking glass cannot know his spots, he that estrangeth himself from the Physician, knows not the state of his body, he that will not try his metal in the fire cannot know whither it be gold or copper, so no man can understand his condition without the ordinances; read those places, Rom. 7.9. and Acts 9.17, 18. and Rev. 3.17, 18.  
2. They cannot be unfeignedly humbled for their sins, Peter wept not till he heard the cock crow, Math. 26.75. the Jews were not pricked in their hearts till they heard Peter preach, Acts 2.37. The Church must first see her teachers, and hear a word behind her, before she defile her Idols, Isa. 30.20, 21, 22. and jer. 31.18, 19, 20. and Rom. 7.24.  
3. They cannot be separated from sin, if Naaman go not into Jordan he cannot be cleansed, 2 King. 5. if the fan be not used the chaff & corn cannot be severed, Math. 3.12. read also john 15.3. and jer. 23.29.  
4. They can never have experience of the happy estate of God's servants, of the good things that he hath provided for them that love him, of the sweetness of his Ordinances, these cannot be, as Psal. 46.4. A river, the streams whereof make glad the heart. But as waters in a sealed fountain, these cannot be▪ as Eccl. 11 7. Light which is sweet and pleasant: But as light under a bushel, as a treasure under the earth, as an unknown language. They cannot say with jeremiah in the 15 jer. 16. nor with David in the 119. Psal. 72.  
5. Their Consciences can never be truly pacified, for the publication of reconciliation is by the ministrey, as 2 Cor. 5.20. the stormy and tempestuous Sea of a troubled soul cannot, be quieted, they cannot be assured they shall be saved, Rom. 10.17. Eph. 1.13, 14.  
The streams of God's loving kindness flow not with an equal fullness into all corners of the earth. To some God affordeth his mercies, his blessings spiritual, as a river of great strength, of much depth running for many ages together; to others as a weak stream, a shallow brook soon dried: among some he erecteth the means of life, as a Lamp full of oil giving much light, shinnig very long; too others as a Lamp with little oil, giving a slender light, soon gone out: to some the means of life are as a Summer's day, clear, glorious, of long continuance; too others as a Winter's day, more obscure, more short, as Joseph in the distribution of his meat, and apparel among his brethren, gave five times as much to Benjamin, as to any other of his brethren: So our God in the distribution of the means of life, giveth five times as much to some nations, to some particular places, as to others.  
Thus our Saviour in the first beginning of his ministry passed by Jerusalem, like a traveller making a very small stay: but in the Land of Judaea he tarried, as a sojourner making a longer stay among them, revealing himself more fully, unfolding the mystery of salvation more plainly: from whence we may gather this.  
Doct. 4 That the long continuance of the faithful ministry of the Gospel is a very great blessing to any people.  
As the continuance of the fiery Pillar was a great blessing to Israel, Exod. 40.38. So is the continuance of the fiery and shining Pillar of the Gospel, to all that are appointed to travel from Egypt to Canaan. As the continuance of the light shining in Goshen was a great blessing to Israel, when Egypt sat in darkness, Exod. 10.23. So is the continuance of the light, to any Nation, or particular person, or assembly, when others are left in ignorance.  
This is apparent by Gods gracious and comfortable promise made to the Gentiles, Isa. 60.11, 20. Therefore the gates shall be open continually, they shall not be shut day nor night, that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their Kings may be brought, vers. 20. The Sun shall no more go down, neither shall the Moon withdraw itself: for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be at an end.  
And also to the Jewish Church, as some conceive under the new Testament, Isa. 62.6, 7. I have set Watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their Peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence; and give no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.  
And this doth God put into the hand of his Church as a burning Lamp, to give her light in the dark night of affliction, Isa. 30.20, 21. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction; yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers: and thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying; This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.  
The reasons of the point are these.  
Reas. 1 Because it is a peculiar testimony of God's love, a powerful argument of his mercy towards us in Christ: A surer, a sweeter, a richer testimony of his favour, than if he did turn the shallow stream of our outward prosperity into a deep river; the barren tree of our earthly abilities, into a fruitful vine loaden from the top to the bottom with the choicest grapes. As Abraham's reservation of the inheritance for Isaac, was a greater Testimony of his favour, than if he had given him all the moveables bestowed on Ishmael: So God's donation of the ministry of the Gospel, the means of life eternal, is a far greater favour than if he had given all the movable and mutable wealth of the world: Earthly things are but as favours bestowed upon a servant, but the Gospel is a Jewel peculiar to the wise, Jer. 3.14, 15. Turn O Back-sliding children, saith the Lord: for I am married to you: and I will take you one of a city and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zyon: and I will give you Pastors, according to my heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding: read also, Isa. 62.5, 6.  
Reas. 2 Because it is a gracious argument of God's comfortable presence; as the continuance of the fiery Pillar & of the Ark were a blessed Sign of God's presence among the men of Israel; So is the continuance of the light of the Gospel unto us. Where sacred assemblies are according to God's Ordinance continued, there Christ is present, Math. 18.20. Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them: and Rev. 1.13. in the midst of the 7 golden Candlesticks, one like unto the Son of man clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle, Mat. 28.19, 20. I am with you to the end of the world. As the tree of life in the midst of the garden, so is Christ in the midst of such assemblies, affording them food and nourishment unto life eternal.  
Reas. 3 Because it is a peculiar end of Christ's resurrection, a singular benefit of his ascension: As it is a singular benefit of the rising of the Sun in the Firmament to give light to the inferior parts of the world: So it is a singular benefit of the ascending of the Son of righteousness, to give light to them that sit in darkness. He did not rise, he did not astend to endow his flowers with earthly riches, to make them rulers over nations, but he ascended to pour the grace of his Spirit, to endow men with graces, to instruct his people, as you have it Eph. 4.8, 11, 12. and John 16.13.  
Reas. 4 Because it is a singular Ornament to any nation, or particular people: As the Sun is an Ornament to the heavens; the flower an Ornament to the garden, the shining Lamp an Ornament to the house, the eye an Ornament to the body: So is the light and burning Lamp of the Gospel, a singular honour to the people, a greater honour to enjoy the light of God's truth, than the light of the King's face: the earth among all her store hath not such a pearl as the Gospel, all the trees of the earth are but brambles to this vine, thorns to this lilley, Cant. 2.2. all their fruit is but like sour to this sweet and pleasant grape, all treasure is but like dross to this gold, Philip. 3.8. strip them but of this Robe, and all their Ornaments are but as rags; therefore, 1 Sam. 4.42. Phyneas' wife said when the Ark was taken away by the Philistines, the glory is departed from Israel.  
Reas. 5 Because it is of the greatest necessity; As needful as the Sun to give light to the World: for this they are called the light of the World, Math. 5.14. and that passage of Solomon, Prov. 6.23. the commandment is a Lamp, and the Law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life. As food is to the body without which it must needs languish, 1 Pet. 2.2. job 23.12. As a Shepherd is to the flock, Eze. 34.8. As a nurse is to the child, 1 Thes. 2.7. As dews are to the ground, Dutr. 32.2. As a weapon to the Soldier, Eph. 6.17. As Physick to the diseased, Psal. 107.20. Isa. 57.19. As the Samaritan to him that lay wounded between Jericho and Jerusalem; So is the Gospel to the Lords people: As Moses Rod to Israel to open the rock to divide the waters; So is the Gospel to make way through trouble, to give comfort in the midst of all affliction: As the continuance of things so needful is a great temporal blessing: So is the continuance of the Gospel a singular mercy to any people.  
Reas. 6 Because, the fruits of the Gospel, are very excellent, of singular choice, far surpassing the fruit growing on any tree of man's planting. By this the understanding is enlightened, and we are acquainted with God's counsel. Christ walked in the midst of the golden Candlestick when he revealed himself unto John the Evangelist, Rev. 1.13, 20. Here is the School wherein we learn true wisdom, 2 Tim. 3.16. This is the fountain, the Jordan, wherein we may wash and be clean, John. 17.17. This is the river, whose waters will make our hearts rejoice, Ps. 46.4. This is the pure gold, which will enrich us, Rev. 3.18. This is the warlike weapon, which like David's sling and stone, will give us conquest over our enemies: These are the waters, which will cause us like trees planted by the water's side to increase and fructify in great abundance, of a little one to become a thousand, and of a small one a strong Nation, Isa. 60.22. all these seriously considered, we shall plainly see that the continuance of the Gospel is a singular blessing.  
Use. This giveth us occasion to take thorough notice of, and to get our hearts sound affected with the goodness of God towards us in general, especially towards many places: in particular, he hath not passed by us as a stranger, but hath taken up his dwelling amongst us, and communicated his counsel as to the friends of his bosom; broken the bread of life, as the father to the children: drawn out the breasts, as the loving mother to the tender infant: he hath not taken away our Candlestick, nor doth withhold Oil from the Lamp, he hath not caused the tongue of the reprover to cleave unto his mouth, he hath not caused the Sun to go down over our Prophets, Ezek. 1.26. he hath not left them without vision, Mic. 3.6. they have not been as clouds without rain, as wells without water, as dogs without tongues, as eyes without sight, God hath not suffered the Philistines to stop up Abraham's wells, nor surprise Israel's Ark, the Lord hath not dealt with us as he threatened to do with them in another case, Hos. 13.15. To dry up our Springs and our fountains, and to spoil our treasury of all her pleasant vessels, but rather on the contrary, as, Isa. 41.17, 18. They that sat in darkness have seen a great light, Isa. 9.3. The barren womb is become mother of many Children, the Candlestick, which had none, have had shining lights erected in them, the breasts which have been dry have been filled with milk, the pits which were empty have been replenished with water. The fathers have seen the rising, and the children have not (God grant they never may) see the setting of this Sun, the Fathers have been fed with this Manna, and the children have not, through any spiritual famine, been constrained to go from Sea to Sea to seek this bread, Amos 8.11, 12. It hath not vanished like a vapour, but like the cloud which Eliahs' servant saw, it was little as a man's hand in the beginning, 1 King. 18.44, 45. yet through his blessing, who is the Ocean of all goodness, it hath overspread even the whole Land, and watered many places thereof; it hath not been as a tree of dry roots, but from a little plant it hath grown to a great tree, like the tree in Nebuchadnezars' vision, Dan. 4.11, 12. It hath not like the waters of Teman been soon dried up, but like the waters of the sanctuary, Ezek. 47.3, 4, 5.  
Though the wild boar of the forest hath often endeavoured to root up this vine, though the Antichristian Locusts with the smoke of Popish Doctrine have sought to put out this light, though the spiritual Philistines have laboured to Dam up this well, though they plotted, devised, and combined the accomplishment thereof with their confederates, as much as ever the Philistines did the taking away of Sampsons' locks, the putting out of Sampsons' eyes by corrupting their Dalila, that all like Samson might be constrained to grind to their mill, and to dance to their Pipe, jud. 16.21, 25.  
Though the great Dragon hath striven with his tail flattering and fawning on some like a Dog that moveth his tail, persecuting others, as a Serpent beateth and woundeth with his tail, to draw the stars from heaven, teachers, and professors from the Gospel: Yet hitherto hath the Lord amongst us caused this vine to flourish, this fountain to send forth refreshing waters, this star to shine. Many years hath he digged and cast soil about the roots of this tree, Luk. 13.7. Long hath he endeavoured like a Hen to gather us as Chickens under his wings, Math. 23.37. Often hath he sent his messengers, to woe us to reconcile us. So that we may say as God himself doth, what could he have done more, than he hath done for us, Isa. 5.2. Treason, Power, Malice, hath been discovered, defeated, false Doctrines, trees which were not of Gods planting, have hitherto been plucked up, the Lion's coming in sheep's clothing have been shunned by the Lords flock, and the Factors of Rome have had no good utterance for their deceitful wares. But the Gospel, happily, and well were it, if not unthankfully preserved. Christ hath tarried with us longer than in the Land of judea; we may say as, Cant. 2.11, 12, 13. Lo, the winter is past, the rain is over, and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the Turtle is heard in our Land. The figtree putteth forth her green figs, & the vines with the tender grapes give a good smell, etc.  
Use. 2 Is it such a favour, a blessing of such eminent nature to have the Gospel continued, to have our Souls watered with these dews, our eyes lightened with this light, and hath our God in this manner, for so long from the Grandfather to the Father, from the Father to the Children, caused this stream to run without any interruption, this Sun to shine without any Eclipse to hide it: what should we do for our God which hath done so much for us; how should we all say as the Psalmist, Psal. 116.12, 13, 14. What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits towards me? I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord, now in the presence of all his people. How should we all study day and night how to honour that God, who hath so honoured us above many other nations: These things it should cause.  
1. This should cause us to love God most entirely: how do we love the hand which healeth us when we are sick, the hand which feedeth us being hungry, which delivereth us being captivated, which clotheth us being naked, which bringeth a light to us being in darkness, which advanceth us to honour out of the dust: how much more should the goodness of God inflame our cold, revive our dull affections, how can we look on these tokens of God's love, and not be ravished with admiration? How can we set in this Banqueting house, and not be sick of love? Cant. 2.4. How can we live so long under the burning beams of this Sun, and not burn with love to him, who hath loved us? How can we receive so much from God, and not gladly leave all for the love we bear him? Is not the heat of the fire answerable to the quantity of the wood? Is not the depth of the waters in the Channel, proportionable to the water distilling from the clouds, arising from the fountain? remember you not that place, Luk. 7.41, 42, 43. Hath he not given and forgiven us, more than others; therefore let us accordingly in our love go beyond other people.  
2. This should cause us to love the Gospel most unfeignedly: we have had the experience of it, we have seen the wonders it hath wrought, the powerful effects it hath produced, we have seen the blessings which have accompanied it, how the hand of God hath been with it. It is said of David that all Israel and Juda loved him, because he went out and in before them, and God was with him, 1 Sam. 18.14, 16. We have had as blessed experience of the goodness of the Gospel, of the long continuance of it, of the mighty power of God accompaining it, toward us, against our enemies, as ever the men of juda and Israel had of David, and therefore we should now set our hearts upon it. As Solomon saith in another case, Prov. 5.19. Let her be as the loving hind, and pleasant roe, let her breast satisfy thee at all times, and be thou ravished with her love.  
We should be so affected with it, that with them, john. 6.34. We should say, Lord, evermore give us this bread, that with Peter, Math. 17.4. We should say it is good being here, if thou wilt let us make here three Tabernacles, etc. and with David, Psal. 119.72. The Law of thy mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver, and as the spouse, Cant. 1.2. Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth, etc. Long continuance in the School causeth the Scholar's delight; this is the instrument of our peace, safety, comfort, and direction: therefore as Israel, 1 Sam. 4.5. When the Ark of the Covenant came into the camp, shouted with a great shout, so that the whole earth rang again; so should we for the continuance of the Gospel.  
3. This should make us resemble God abundantly in holiness and true righteousness. The Iron that lieth long in the fire, burneth like the fire; Naaman that hath been seven times in Jordan cometh forth cleansed: if the Sun shine long the air is fully enlightened, Moses was but forty days in the mount, and his face shined, we have been more than forty years in this mount with our God, and therefore we should shine in holiness; trees that have long grown in a fertile soil, much cost, art and labour bestowed about them bear much fruit, Psal. 1.3. as in the 2 Pet. 3.11, 12. Seeing then all things shall be dissolved what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness: So in this case seeing the Gospel hath been so long continued; so powerfully preached, what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation.  
4. This should fill our mouths with praises and thanksgivings, it should make us to rejoice as the wise men at the beholding of the star, as the Angels at the birth of Christ. But if instead of loving God, of delighting in the Gospel of God, of resembling God, of consecrating ourselves to God; of magnifying him for his long continued merices. We dishonour God, we disgrace the Gospel by our Religious conversation. What can we then look for at the hands of God; but that he turn our long and shining day into a night of everlasting darkness, what can we expect but that he take away our Candlestick, Rev. 2.5. Put out our Candle, Acts 13.46.  
3. Let us try whither as the long continuance of the Gospel is a blessing in itself, so it be a blessing to us, 1 Sam. 4. Israel had the Ark, rejoiced in it: Yet the Philistines had the victory. Many shall say at last, Luk. 13.26. and yet vers. 27.  
Therefore that it may appear to every man's own conscience, that it is a blessing to him: it will appear by signs and fruits thereof.  
Sign. 1 By the inward holy and thorough change which it worketh, to whom-soever God doth bless, it purifieth their hearts as fire doth purify the dross from every part of the gold, like a good housewife, it sweepeth every room, like a lancing knife, it lets out the corruption which was hidden within, like good Physic, 
Heb. 4.12. 2 Cor. 10.4.5. 1 Sam. 5.4.5.  it hath purged the disease of the Stomach, it hath like a mighty weapon overturned the hold of Satan, like the Ark it hath cast down even Dagon itself, it hath not only paired the branch, but cut through the root of sin.  
Sign. 2 By the delight it breedeth in the ways of holiness. It hath made that which was once as an iron yoke to thy neck, 
Mat. 11.29.  to become as a garment about thy back, what was once as a thorney way, to become a plain a smooth path, what was once as a moat to thy eye, is now become as the light, a pleasant thing thereunto, it is no more a trouble but meat and drink to do thy Father's will, john 4.34. Psal. 40.8. 1 John 5.3. all these places intimate as much.  
Sign. 3 By the firm Union, & holy Communion, it doth work between Christ and thee, 
1 Cor. 11.2. 2 Cor. 5.18.  it causeth thy heart to cleave to him, as the heart of the bride cleaveth to the bridegroom, as the stones in the building cleave unto the foundation, with firmeness, & with affection, it taketh thee out of the wild Olive, and grafteth thee into the living vine, it separateth thee from the World, causeth thee to give a bill or divorce thereunto, it maketh the World, whom thou once entirely affected, to become as a Husband that is dead, and it doth contract thee unto Christ, and whereas heretofore thou hast lived towards Christ, as towards a stranger, whom thou knewest not, affectedst not, regardedst not, now you live to him as a wife to her Husband, you know Christ, converse with Christ, open the secrecies of your Soul to him, ask his counsel, know the excellency of his love towards you, obey him, delight in him, meditate upon him, study in all things how to please him; Much more might be said but this will sufficiently discover it.  
4. Is the long continuance of the Gospel such a blessing, then let us be careful so to walk towards the Lord, that it may shine like the Sun to the end of the World, that it may be to us & our posterity as an everlasting fountain, whose waters may never be dried up, that may shine like the fiery Pillar, from one end of our journey to another: And for that end let us be careful.  
1. To remove our transgressions far from us. God will ever be our friend, it we handle sin as an enemy, if we cast this out of our bosom, he will most graciously embrace us, most abundantly communicate his mercies to us. It is sin only that causeth God to estrange himself from us, to deprive us of his blessings, the thorns and briars occasion the Husbandman to withhold the soil from the vineyard, the sour grapes cause God to pull down the hedge, Isa. 5.4, 5, 6. Ungodliness setteth God against us, and us against his Ordinances, if the Philistines love his Dagon, the Ark cannot long continue, if Ahab keep his resolution of going up to Ramoth Gilead, Michaia, shall surely lose his freedom.  
2. We must take heed of losing our first love, we must not put our hand to the plough and look back; we must not with Israel long again for the fleshpots of Egypt, but grow more and more in love with God and his ways, thirst more after God's goodness, and God shall replenish you with his mercies.  
3. We must not grow weary of God's Ordinances: as Israel of their Manna, as diseased stomaches of their food, as soar eyes of the light, as ulcerous bodies of a straight garment, as bruised backs of a heavy burden: But we must strive to take more delight and comfort therein, to feel more sweetness, to perceive more efficacy, to find a greater stability of faith thereby wrought. The longer a man traveleth in the heat of the Sun the more his body is warmed; the longer a man doth exercise in any trade, the more contentment and delight he findeth in it; make it then your delight, Isa. 58.13, 14. Hunger and you shall be fed seek, and you shall find; But if we grow weary of the Ordinances, as they in Amos 8.5. The Lord will remove the Ordinances, as in vers. 11.  
4. We must not oppose, reproach, nor disgrace the Messengers of the Lord; abuse the King's Messengers he will send no more: When Hanun abused his Messengers he sent no more in Kindness; abuse the Physician and thou mayst languish without cure, Acts 13.45, 46. Mar. 6.11. Let then their feet be beautiful Rom. 10.15. Let him be as one of a thousand, Job 33.23.  
5. We must bring forth the fruits of the Gospel, let it be as seed sown in good ground, as soil about the roots of a good tree, as milk from the Mother's breasts making the child grow, 1 Pet. 2.2.  
Lastly. Is the long continuance thereof such a blessing, than the taking away thereof must needs be a curse, if the one be a testimony of God's favour, the other must needs be a testimony of God's anger. Therefore likened to a famine; what greater punishment than to be deprived of bodily sustenance: Likened to the extinguishing of the light, what more uncomfortable than to be left in darkness. This is our weapon, what more dangerous than for a man to be left without any instrument of defence in the midst of his enemies; These are the wells whence we draw the waters of salvation, what more lamentable than to stop up the running streams which water the adjoining country. Therefore wretched is the condition of that people, where this Lamp doth not shine, of that vineyard, where these dews do not distil, heavy is God's indignation upon the people whose ears hear not the sound of the Gospel: But more than miserable is the estate of such as have it, and do not regard it.  
The last thing here considerable is his action, his work, what he did. He baptised, not that he did it by his one hands but by others, as appear in that place, John 4.1, 2. Yet he is said to do it. To teach us.  
Doct. That the efficacy of the Sacrament is not from the Minister but from Christ the Ordainer: he must be a Minister, called and Sanctified of God thereunto that doth administer it: But yet it is the Lord that giveth efficacy unto it.  
Moses smiteth the rock, but it is the Lord that standeth before him, and causeth the water to gush out, Exod. 17.6.  
The Priests and the People compass the walls of Jericho, and sound the rams horns, but it is the Lord doth overthrow the city, josuah 6.16.  
It is Paul plants, etc. but God that giveth the increase, 1 Cor. 3.6. And this the Baptist acknowledged, Math. 3.11.  
Reas. 1 Because the ministers are but the instruments; God is the chief agent, they are but the rod in the hand of God; the power is not man's but the Lords, as in another case it is spoken, 2 King. 6.27. So if God do not help we cannot. Our duty is to use the means; it is God's goodness and mercy to give the blessing, as Prov. 21.31. The Horse is prepared against the day of battle, but salvation is of the Lord, so faithful and able ministers must be provided, but yet the Lord giveth the blessing, 1 Cor. 3.5.  
Reas. 2 Because it is not man's but God's Ordinance and the efficacy of every Ordinance dependeth upon the ordainer of it. Why are the waters of Jordan more effectual than the waters of Abana and Parphar to wash away the Leprosy of Naaman, but because God hath ordained them thereunto, 2 King. 5.10. Why should Moses Rod divide the waters rather than another staff, but because the Lord hath commanded it to be used, he ordaineth it, and maketh it to accomplish that whereunto he doth send it, Isa. 55.10.11.  
Reas. 3 Because all the Ordinances of God do receive their virtue & saving power from God's Spirit. The waters in Bethesda can do nothing unless the Angel move them, John 5.4.  
The Philistines can never unfold Sampsons' riddle unless they plough with his heifer Judg. 14.18.  
Let God withhold his Spirit, the Word will be as a sealed book which we cannot understand, you may read that the wisdom and understanding of the Word is by the Spirit, Eph. 1.17. So John 16.13.  
Let God withhold his Spirit, and the Word will be a kill letter, 2 Cor. 3.6.  
And for the Sacrament; that will be as a shell without a kernel, as a dry tree without fruit, as a fountain shut up.  
Use. This must give encouragement to the Lords Ministers though the work be difficult, the burden heavy, the task great, the opposition strong, the hindrances many, their arms weak, their abilities no way answerable to the work. Yet the Lords arm is strong, the Lords eye is clear, he is every way sufficient, he will make his Ordinances effectual, he will do great things by weak instruments, Psal. 8.2. Babes and sucklings: our one weakness must not so much dishearten, as God's power must give encouragement to us. The consideration of God's alsufficiency, must make us pass through all difficulties, with confidence, cheerfulness, and much courage. Though we are as empty vessels yet in God is fullness, though it be a task to hard for any humane strength, a burden to heavy for the shoulders of the very Angels, a labour which no created power can accomplish. Yet the Lord having given us commission, he may look on us and say, as he did to Gideon in another case, jud. 6.14. Go you messengers of the Lord of Hosts, you that are full of power, by the Spirit of the Lord and of judgement, and of might, Mic. 3.8. Go on in this your might, and ye shall save the chosen of the Lord out of the hands of their enemies: have not I the Lord sent you, and if any reply as Gideon did, jud. 6.15. O my Lord! how shall I convert, how shall I save this people, behold I am weak and frail, a Lamp wherein is little Oil, an arm wherein is small strength, the most unworthy among the many thousands that bear thy name. Yet as the Lord answered Gideon, vers. 16. So will he answer us, surely I will be with thee, I will guide, assist, encourage thee, and thou shall smite down the sin of the people as one man, thus jer. 1.6, 7, 8. and Isa. 49.2. Like a sword to pierce, open, prick and wound the consciences of men; Hid, me in the shadow of his hand, protected me against the snares of men, and hath made me as a polished arrow to pierce deeply and speedily into the hearts of the people.  
And since it is the Lords work, the faithful messengers of God, the leaders of his army, may say one unto another as joab did to Abishai his Brother, 2 Sam. 10.12. Be strong, and let us be valiant for our people, and for the Cities of our God, and let the Lord do that which is good in his eyes.  
2. Since God giveth the efficacy, the ministers must take heed that they go not in their name, bragging and boasting like the great Goliath of their own abilities, presuming like the Sons of Sheva without any commission from God to cast out the unclean Spirit, lest as Goliath, so they be foiled in the battle, lest as on the Sons of Sheva, so the unclean Spirit leap upon them, and prevail against them. But as David went against the great Goliath, not in his own, but in the name of the Lord, and prevailed, so must the ministers of God, if they desire the conquest, they must go in humility, sensible of their own weakness, as Gideon was of his jud. 6.15. As Moses was of his, Exod. 4.10. Such God will guide in judgement, Psal. 25.9. And shall do great things, Psal. 45.4.  
They must go in faith, in the name of the Lord Jesus they shall be able to do great things, Acts 3.16. Through this they shall cause the walls of the Spiritual Jericho to fall, they shall subdue the Kingdom of Satan, stop the mouth of the Roaring Lion, quench the violence of fiery Concupiscence, raise the spiritually Dead unto a new life, make the weak strong, the faint-hearted valiant, put to flight armies of strange and strong corruptions, work righteousness, and seal up to men's Souls Gods promises, as the Apostle doth in another case speak of Faith, Heb. 11.30, 33, 34, 45.  
They must go in God's counsel and not in their own wisdom, David could do nothing in Saul's armour; but with his sling and his stone he cast Goliath to the ground. Humane inventions, Philosophical speculations, like Saul's armour, fit not Gods Messengers, they are as a blunt weapon having no power. The Word of the Lord is as a two edged sword, the stones gathered out of the Scriptures, slung with the sling of faith prevails mightily against sin, Jer. 23.22.  
3. This must teach the people to take heed that they rest not in the naked receiving of God's Ordinances from the hands of the Minister; this is not enough; but as the Minister, so Christ must also baptise; as the one baptizeth the body, the other must baptise the conscience; as the one preacheth to the ear, so the other must preach to the heart. Otherwise, as the heart of Simon Magus, so may ours after baptism, be full of the gall of bitterness; Ismaels' circumcision of the flesh availed not the heart remaining uncircumcised, the washing of the sow doth not cause her to be a lamb, as long as her swinish nature is not changed; the ravens feathers become not white by being in the Ark with the dove; Esau is not accepted of God, because in the same womb with Jacob, the same waters prove a swallowing gulf to the Egyptians, which were dry ground, a safe and sure way to Israel. That Ark, which, causeth the house of Obededon to prosper, causeth the men of Ashdod to perish: It is not the possession, but the fruition of God's Ordinances that maketh them effectual, not the naked having, but the sound application maketh them powerful to salvation.  
What availeth the shining of the Sun upon the blind, that hath not an open eye to entertain the light? What is Physic in a Box; virtuous herbs in a garden, if not applied to the diseased Stomach, to the wounded member? What is raiment in a Wardroab, or clothe under the arm, if it be not put on the back? What are apples above the head, waters under thy feet, if thou feed not on the one, if thou drink not of the other, dost not thou starve between both? What is a fair and stately building to thee, if thou take up thy abode in the open field, doth not dews fall upon thee, doth not the Sun scorch thee, doth not the cold pierce thee? What is remission of sin, what is resurrection to a new life represented in Baptism, what is it to thee, if thy lusts be not mortified, if thou rise not by virtue of it to a new life? What is it to thee that the word is a Lamp, if thou apply it not to thy feet, that it is as milk in the breast, if thou suck it not, that it is a spiritual weapon, if thou gird it not about thee, that it is a seed if not sown, if not hidden in the field of thy heart? Say not then as he did, jud. 17.13. Now I know the Lord will be good unto me, seeing I have a Levite to be my Priest: But if thou wilt have God's Ordinance prove a blessing, if thou wilt know thyself blessed in the having of them, cease not till thou find it, as a shining Star, a burning Lamp, enlightening thy understanding, filling thee with knowledge of God's love to thy Soul in Christ, as the candle filleth the house with light, the waters the Sea, till they wash thy sin from thy Soul, as waters wash dirt from the body, as the fan driveth chaff from the corn, as Jordan washed away Naaman's Leprosy: Till they establish thy saith, as a strong foundation supporteth the building, as firm roots sustain the tree, a strong hand upholdeth him that is led by it. Till they warm thy heart, inflame thy affections, as the fire warmeth the house, as the Summer Sun doth warm the air. Till it make thy love to God and his ways as a vehement flame, as coals of much fire: Till it make thy peace as deep as the rivers, even a peace passing all understanding.  
4. This must teach men to seek to God for the efficacy of his Ordinances, desire him to make them as a lancing knife in the hand of the Physician, as a Sword in the hand of the Spirit; Desire him that when Moses strikes with the Rod upon the Rock, when the Minister doth press the Word upon our stony hearts, that he will stand before, show his powerful and gracious presence there in making them to melt, in causing them to become contrite and broken, for as Psal. 33.16, 17. There is no King saved by the multitude of an host, a mighty man is not delivered by much strength, etc. So without God's blessing, unless he put his hand to it it is but vain, as, Psal. 127.1, 2. Except the Lord build the house they labour but in vain, etc. For as Prov. 10.12. The blessing of the Lord it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it, so in this case.  
Therefore as the Daughter of Caleb desired her father, having given her south Land, that he would also give her springs of water, jud. 15.19. So God having given us his Ordinances, let us desire him with all to give us his Spirit. As his ministers like seeds men sow the seed of his word, so we must desire God to join therewith the dews of heaven, that it may not lie like seed in dry ground, withering for want of moisture. That the Messenger of the Lord, may not stand knocking in vain at the iron gates of our unregenerate hearts, but that the Lord will open our ear and heart, our eyes to see, our hearts to attend, believe, obey, as he opened the heart of Lydia, that he will make his Ordinances as seed sown in good ground, as the bow of Jonathan, which turned not back and the sword of Saul, which returned not empty, 2 Sam. 1.22. As the cake and cruse of water whereof the Prophet did eat and drink, and went in the strength thereof to Horeb the mount of God, 2 King. 19.8. That we may be so refreshed, replenished herewith, that we may thereby go from strength to strength, till we appear before God in Zion, Psal. 84.7.  
5. As the efficacy is the Lords, so let the praise be Gods, let the hand, which doth the work, receive the honour, the faithful instrument which God useth is worthy of double honour, of singular love for his works sake: David may have the praise for giving Goliath the overthrow; The wise men may rejoice to see the Star leading unto Christ jesus. The feet of the messenger must be beautiful in the eyes of the people, as one of a thousand to them, but yet still as he is God's instrument, as a Lamp that hath received his Oil from God's Olive, as a vessel filled with water flowing from the Ocean of all goodness, as a star held in the hand and receiving all his light from the Sun of righteousness, the Ministers must be so respected, as that God must in and above all be honoured, loved, praised, and rejoiced in. If josua smite the country of the hills Ios. 10.40, 41. It is because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel, vers. 42. So if any, or all the Lords josuahs', the spiritual leaders of God's Armies smite the sins of men, which were high as the mountains, or deep as the vale, which were for Dominion like Kings, for continuance like a living spring, for extent like the deluge overflowing the whole man, if these be beaten, if their life be taken away, it is because the Lord God of Israel hath fought for Israel. If any tree of Paul's planting do grow, if any field do flourish by the watering of Apollo's, it is because the Lord hath given the increase. If any man learn wisdom, if any man be presented perfect in Christ jesus by Paul's labour in the ministrey, it is through the working of God who worketh mightly in him, Coll. 1.28, 29. If David have escaped the Lion, and the bear, conquered, slain them, delivered the lamb from them, it is because God was with him, wrought for him, 1 Sam. 17.34, 35, 36. If any Shepherd of God's flock, have delivered any of God's Lambs out of the jaws of the roaring Lion, it is the Lords doing, and as the Psalmist touching Israel deliverance from Egypt; So may we all say touching the deliverance of God's Israel from their spiritual bondage, Psal. 44.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. We have heard with our ears, O God our Fathers have told us, what works thou didst in their days, in the times of old; how thou didst drive out the heathen, with thy hand and plantedst them; how thou didst afflict the people and cast them out, etc.  
Therefore let every Soul that hath tasted of God's goodness say in this kind, that hath felt the mighty arm of God in the wielding of this weapon, that hath had any comfortable experience, of the moving of God's Angle in this pool; Let him bless the Lord that hath given him counsel, that hath caused his reins to instruct him in the night season, Psal. 16.7.  
As Hanna celebrated God for the birth of a Son: So let every regenerate Soul praise God for his new birth and say, 1 Sam. 2.1, 2, 8. He raiseth us from the grave of sin, from the dust of iniquity. He lifteth up the poor Souls from the dunghill of sin, to set us among them that are Kings, and Princes unto our God.   

Vers. 23.  And John also was Baptising in Aenon near to Salim, because their was much water there, and they came and were Baptised. 
FRom the practice of our Saviour descend we to the labour of the Baptist, wherein we may take notice of.  

1. His constant practice in his calling, notwithstanding Christ had now manifested himself.  
2. The quality of his employment.  
3. The place where.  
4. The reason why.  
5. The concourse of the people to him.   
1. Christ began publicly to teach, to shine like a glorious Sun, yet the Baptist did not therefore cease from his calling, but continued constant, not saying that Christ is come, therefore I may be silent: hence mark.  
Doctr. That we may not at our own pleasure leave our callings, but follow them while God doth give us ability to perform them. Like Noah, who as he went in, so he would not come forth again but by the Lords commandement.  
Use. A sharp taxation for such as take every occasion to neglect their calling: But I pass by this and come to the second, namely.  
2. The quality of the Baptists work, he baptised. This baptism administered by john, and that administered by our Saviour was the same.  
In regard of the Author & authority, john 2.33.  
2. In regard of substance and thing signified, Remission of sin in Christ.  
3. In regard of the sign, Water.  
4. In regard of the Ceremony, Washing the body.  
5. Inregard of the efficacy and effect, Offering forgiveness of sin to all true believers, Acts 19.4. thus they agree.  
They differ:  
In regard of time, the Baptism of John was before Christ's Baptism. The Baptism of John sealed up remission of sins to believers in Christ to come. The Baptism of Christ is extended to all people, John's Baptism extended only to the Israelites; The Baptism of our Saviour hath greater measure of efficacy, than the Baptism of the Baptist, because the Spirit after Christ's passion and ascension was more plenteously given.  
Bellarmine contendeth that the Baptism of the Baptist was not the same with Christ's, that such as were baptised by him, were again to be baptised by Christ's Baptism. But this is not so, for otherwise we should not have the same baptism with Christ, for he was baptised by john. And as by his circumcision he sanctified the circumcision of the Fathers, so by his baptism, he sanctified ours; otherwise their should be two baptisms, which the Scripture contradicts, Eph. 4.5. One baptism.  
Baptism thus administered by our Saviour, by the Baptist, it showeth.  
Doctr. That the Sacrament of Baptism must be carefully administered to such as are capable of it.  
This is the first Sacrament of the new Testament by the washing of water, representing the powerful washing of the blood and Spirit of Christ, and so feeling our new birth, and entrance into the Covenant of grace; read these places, Ephes. 5.26. 1. Cor. 6.11. Heb. 10.22. john 3.5. Tit. 3.5.  
As the benefit represented, and sealed by it to the faithful is great: So the authority of it is not humane but divine, it was brought into the church by the commandment of God, by the Ministry, first of john; therefore called the Baptist, after sanctified and confirmed by our Saviour himself, being baptised of john, and giving commission to his Apostles, and Ministers, to continue the same in his Church unto the end. In this Sacrament there are two parts.  
The outward Element of Water, john 1.31. With the action of washing, Eph. 5.26. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. That which is signified by this is the blood and Spirit of Christ, Heb. 9.14. 1 Cor. 6.11. Washing away both the guilt, and filthiness of sin, Acts 2.38. Ezek. 36.25. Yet this spiritual and inward doth not always accompany the outward washing for how ever God by his Minister offer unto all, yet the elect only are effectually partakers of the benefit thereof, and that not always as soon as they be baptised; but after they be once converted and ingraffed into Christ, Gal. 3.27. Then Baptism doth ever after become a fountain for sin, and for uncleanness, Zach. 13.1. And this doth wash from all sin, original, actual, sins before & sins after Baptism, and that perfectly in respect of the guilt, Isa. 1.18. Though inperfectly and by degrees, in regard of the pollution, and power of sin, john 13.10. Psal. 51.  
Thus you see the authority and benefit of the Sacrament. Let therefore every one that hath participated of it, be careful, as he is thereby received into the number of God's people, brought within the Covenant of God, So  
1. Let him live as one of God's Family, and not as a stranger, as a friend and not as an enemy.  
2. Let him strive to find that Union wrought between him and Christ, which is represented by Baptism, Gal. 3.27.  
3. Let him be sure, that as his body, so his conscience be baptised, the inward man be renewed, Tit. 3.5. 1 Pet. 3.21.  
4. Let him get the assurance of the pardon of his sins, Acts 2.38. Cease not till by the best testimony of God's Spirit, the witness of thy own conscience, and the saving fruit hereof thou be assured of the same.  
5. Ever remember the obligation wherein thou art hereby bound to believe and obey, Rom. 6.34.  
6. Ever keep thy conscience sincere and unspotted, 1 Pet. 3.21. And then in the deepest affliction thou mayst find much comfort, for as the rising out of the water of Baptism may assure thee of the comfortable passage, through the waters of all afflictions, & of a future resurrection to glory, and happiness.  
2. Since the authority and benefit is so great, we are much to blame that deny our presence at this Ordinance, for  
1. It is a parcel of God's worship.  
2. We should pray for a member more received into the Church.  
3. Give thanks that God vouchsafes this grace and favour to him.  
4. We might be put in mind of our own covenant. A shame it is that we cannot a little while afford our presence, to a duty so behooveful; so comfortable.  
3. The place where the Baptist did Baptice was in Aenon a city near unto Salim, whereof is mention, 1 Sam. 4. Two cities nigh unto Jordan. The Baptist remained not still in one place, he baptised our Saviour in Jordan, now he Baptizeth in Aenon, hence learn.  
Doct. That we must according to the utmost of our abilities, communicate the means of salvation to the people of all places.  
The more largely the means of salvation are divulged. 1. The more the goodness of God is commended. 2. The more the name of God is honoured. 3. The more Souls are converted. 4. The more Satan's Kingdom is weakened. 5. The more excuseles men will be in the day of judgement.  
Use. A great encouragement to all God's people specially to God's Ministers, to be industrious in all places; not at any time hiding their light under a bushel, but setting it upon the Candlestick, that all that will not shut their eyes may see by it: not being as a sealed fountain, but as a flowing stream to refresh the thirsty Souls of our brethren. Learning by our Saviour's Example to do good in all places where we come, going up and down seeking whom to save, as Satan compasseth the earth seeking whom he may devour, compassing Sea and Land to turn men to God, as the pharisees did to make a prosylite; an embracer of their superstition.  
Were our care and diligence thus manifested, were our time thus redeemed, our abilities thus exercised, then.  
1. We should leave in all places a sweet savour behind us.  
2. We should prevent the commission of many evils.  
3. We should take from Satan much advantage which he now hath against us.  
4. We should enlighten many blind understandings.  
5. We should revive many dejected Spirits.  
6. We should make fruitful many barren Souls.  
7. We should reclaim many wandering sheep.  
8. We should replenish the fold of Christ Jesus.  
9 We should make the Gospel glorious.  
10. We should multiply our own graces.  
11. We should make our appearance at last very comfortable before Christ Jesus.  
Thus of the place.  
4. The reason why he baptised there: because their was much water there; other places afforded not so much water as this place did; therefore he made choice of this where you may see.  
1. That the Sacrament of Baptism ought to be administered in pure water without any mixture.  
2. That in ancient time the whole body of the baptised did use to be washed.  
3. That Ministers ought to make choice of the most convenient places for the execution of their office: of each of these a word or two.  
Doctr. 1 The Sacrament of baptism, must be administered in pure water without any mixture.  
As Naaman washed in the River of Jordan without any thing mingled with it and was healed. So must we in this Jordan. For so was Christ himself baptised, Math. 3.16. So was the Eunuch baptised, Acts 8.38, 39 Therefore called washing, Eph. 5.26. Acts 8.36. Acts 2.41. Math. 28.19. Thus they, 1 Cor. 10.2.  
This answereth the water flowing from our Saviour's side, as the Wine in the Lord's supper doth answer the blood, which our Saviour shed, and this doth represent the thing thereby signified the washing away of our sins. Therefore Augustine: 
August. haeres. 46 cont. Manichees.  Tolle aquam & baptismus non erit.  
Where by the way we may see the Manichees refuted, refusing to use water in baptism, because as they fond conceived the devil and not God had made the water.  
Their error discovered, who would not baptise with water? because john baptised with water, but Christ baptised with the Holy Ghost.  
Their practice confuted, who instead of sprinkling water did impress the form of a cross with a hot Iron in the forehead of their children, because it is said that Christ did baptise with the Holy Ghost and with fire, understanding that literally which was meant Spiritually.  
The weak conceit of such overturned, as think the child may be baptised in Wine, Oil, or other liquor, whereas, Acts 8.36. Eph. 5.26. Water is the only sanctified and appointed Element.  
It also overthroweth the error and presumptuous practice of the Papists in adding Salt, Oil, spital, etc. to the Element of Water, a practice savouring of no less pride than ignorance. For it is not in the power of any man or Angel, but only of God to appoint the matter of a Sacrament; No man must dare to add to any of God's Ordinances, no creature can make them more complete and perfect, Dutr. 12.32. Whatsoever is by nams' invention annexed to it is will-worship, which God abhorreth, Coll. 2.24. Such as hath neither precept or example in Scripture to warrant it, but are taken partly from judaism as Salt, 

Partly from judaism. Partly from blind zeal. Partly the abuse of the Churchs' practice.  
Use.   and Oil, partly from their one blind zeal as spittle, and partly from the abuse of the practice of the Church in the time of persecution, used to preach and baptise in the night by candle light, and hence the Papists will have their candles burning in the day.  
But to leave these cold and comfortless discourses, let us return to ourselves, and as the water is the Element in Baptism, so let us labour to see that Baptism in us produce such effects, as the water useth to do in things subject to the operation thereof: and,  
1. As the water doth wash the body, so let us be stirred up to get our Souls washed from sin, and uncleanness, this is the worst dirt, a filthiness which doth most defile, a Leprosy which doth most deform, no spot so sordid, no blemish so uneasily removed, no deformity but this causeth us to be refused of God, it is not unwashen hands, a polluted face, but an unwashed Soul which the Lord doth hate, this is that the Lord would have us put away, Jer. 4.14. All other washings are nothing worth, the heart remaining unclean, unwashed; it is not so much the outside, as the inside of the platter doth defile the meat, therefore the Lord will have both to be washed, james 4.8. And this David's Prayer, Psal. 51.2, 7. This is God's promise, and the work of his Spirit upon all his chosen children, Ezek. 36.26. This is a testimony of his surest love, Ezek. 16.9. The sweetest favour that he bestows on any of his servants: to wash away their sin is a greater mercy and higher honour, than to clothe them with the richest raiment, and seat them in the most eminent places of dignity, for as, Exod. 29.4. Aaron and his sons were washed with water before they ministered in the tabernacle, so must we wash, before ever we can Minister unto God in any acceptable manner; as, john 13.8. Christ washed Peter's feet, else he could not have part in him, so unless we be inwardly washed, we can have no part in Christ, as Levit. 1.9. The inwards and the legs of the burnt offering was to be washed in water: So must our inward parts be washed before we can offer ourselves too God.  
Therefore as Naomi advised Ruth intending to, join herself in wedlock with Boas, Ruth 3.3. Wash thyself therefore and anoint thee, etc. So let me advise as many of you as intend to join your selves in this holy wedlock with jesus Christ wash yourselves from your iniquities, anoint yourselves with the Oil of grace, be clothed with the garment of true holiness, that so God may delight in you.  
2. As the water doth supply, and make soft and tender the grounds whereon it falleth, things cast into it: So must we labour to find our hearts (by virtue of the grace of the Spirit represented and comunicated to us in baptism) made soft and tender, flexible and obedient to the will of God. This is God's work in the heart of his people, Ezek. 16.4. Turning the hearts, which were as hard as stones, into hearts as tender as flesh, Ezek. 36.26. This is a sweet and delightful Sacrifice unto him, Psal. 51.17. This is a subject capable of God's Word, as the broken and tender ground is capable of the seed, jer. 4.3, 4. God's eyes are mercifully bend towards them, he will communicate his comforts in a plentiful manner to them, he will not behave himself as a stranger, but as a most loving friend towards them, Isa. 57.15. A contrite heart is a loadstone, of more force to draw the love of God to us, than all worldly Ornaments, Isa. 66.2. A jewel of more price with God than many rubies, 1 Pet. 3.34. To whom will God be a Physician to to heal the wounds of the Soul, but to the broken heart? Psal. 147.3. With whom will he be present? to whom will he be a sure defence but the contrite heart? Psal. 34.18. To whom will he make his Gospel a joyful tidings but the broken? Isa. 61.1, 2. Who will have a joyful harvest? they that sow in tears, Psal. 126.5, 6. That goeth forth weeping: This is one end of our baptism, one fruit thereof in all God's people, Luk. 3.5. And therefore let us all strive to be made partakers of it.  
3. As the water doth quench the flaming and burning fire, so let us strive to feel the virtue of our baptism in extinguishing all the fiery lusts that are within us, in quenching all sinful and libidinous and disorderly affections, as a man cast into a deep water will feel his body cooled, burning heats removed: so must we strive to feel all unlawful heats in our Souls, by virtue of this water extinguished; therefore resembled to a grave, wherein all our lusts are buried, and how strong soever before, yet now they are as a dead body, which doth every day more and more consume, Rom. 6.3, 4, 5, 6.  
4. As the waters doth cause the herbs, grass, trees, and plants arising out of the earth to grow, and flourish: So must these waters of baptism cause us to grow in Sanctification, to be like the willows, Isa. 44.3. Like the tree, Psal. 1.3. This is that God requireth, 2 Pet. 3.18. This is the property of all the trees in God's Orchard of Gods Planting, Psal. 92.13, 14. We must imitate our Saviour, Luk. 2.52. As the children in the family grow, so must we, as many as are children in God's family, grow to further perfection in the grace of God's Spirit. Like good Scholars in the School of Christ; Like Israelites moving after the fiery Pillar; Like jacob's driving his flocks, though slowly, like Josuah more and more subduing the Canaanites which opposed; Like David in his wars against Saul, growing stronger, and Saul weaker, this will make us able:  
1. To discern the things that differ, Heb. 5.14.  
2. To take the opportunities God affordeth for the welfare of our Souls.  
3. To run with cheerfulness the race which God hath set before us.  
4. To conquer with facility all oppositions.  
5. To depend on God with much assurance.  
6. To appear before him, with much boldness, confidence, and gladness. Thus of the first point, the second was this.  
Doctr. 2 That in ancient times, the whole body of the Baptised did use to be washed.  
Christ went down into Jordan, Math. 3.16. The Eunuch and Philip went into the water, Acts 8.38.  
Resembled to a burial, wherein not one part, but every member is buried, Rom. 6.4. Wherein the Apostle setteth forth three degrees of our Sanctification.  
1. The first Mortification, whereby the power of sin is destroyed; resembled by the putting into the Water, and expressed by a death of sin.  
2. The progress of our Mortification, resembled by the resting of the body under the water, and expressed by a burial with Christ, because as the body buried doth continually moulder, so doth sin in them that are Gods Children.  
3. Vivification, Newness of heart & life, resembled by the rising of the body out of the water, and expressed by a resurrection out of the grave; 
See Perkines 1 volume Page 74.  Thus the whole body was then dipped or dived into the water, as divers Counsels testify.  
Yet not of absolute necessity it should be now, 

In former times men of age were baptised.  
There country was hot.  
Few of ripe years baptised with us, our country cold.   as it was then. For than they were for the most part of mature age before they were baptised, being such as were converted from Paganism, they were, instructed in the Christian faith, and desired Baptism before they did participate thereof. And besides their country was very hot.  
But now few of ripe years are Baptised, our countries are cold, and therefore the sprinkling of water upon the child is used, and that without any injury unto or violation of the Sacrament, and that for these reasons.  
1. Because Baptism doth signify a sprinkling, as well as a dipping into the water.  
2. The thing signified, the sprinkling of Christ's blood upon our consciences, is signified by the sprinkling of the water upon the Child, as well as by dipping it into the water: The Analogy between the sign and the thing signified remaineth.  
3. The weakness of the Children requiring it. The Ceremonial, must give place to the Moral Law, charity and necessity may dispense with ceremonies, and in equity mitigate their sharpness, they being ordained for man, and not man for them.  
Only that which was thereby in baptism represented unto them, and unto us, and which we are to learn from it is this.  
That as the whole body was dipped in the water, so the whole man must be renewed, every sin must be renounced, every good duty practised, every faculty of the Soul, every member of the body must be sanctified, graciously exercised in the duties of Godliness. As the floor of the house was overlaid with gold within and without, 1 King. 6.30. So must we have the inward and the outward man adorned with the grace of the Spirit, we must like the spouse be glorious within, and richly arrayed without, Psal. 45.13. Thus Ps. 119.128. and Luk. 1.6. To the end we may so do consider: That,  
1. By this we shall resemble God, as the air thoroughly enlightened doth resemble the Sun in brightness; hence the change wrought in God's Servants, the restoring of God's image, is likened, not to the putting off of a glove from the hand, or a shoe from the foot, but the putting off of the whole raiment, Eph. 4.22, 23, 24.  
2. Hereby we shall show the truth of repentance, which like Noah's flood drowneth hills and valleys, all sins: like a faithful Physician letteth out the corruption out of every wound.  

Counterfeit repentance. True repentance. Unsound repentance.  Counterfeit repentance like Saul spareth Agag and the best of the beasts: But true repentance like Samuel sheatheth the sword in Agag too, even in the dearest sin. Unsound repentance like Pharaoh will let the aged men go, some old sins wherein the sinner hath now no more pleasure; But Pharaoh will not suffer the younger ones to depart, no more will the unsound heart suffer his new sins to depart; wherein for the present he taketh delight. But sound repentance like Moses will carry away all; not leave so much as a hoof behind, even the dearest sins, as dear as an Idol to the Idolater shall be removed, Isa. 30.22. Sins as pleasant as the body shall be rejected, Math. 5. vers. 29.  
3. Hereby we shall show the life and power of our obedience, and subjection to the will of God, 
The life of obedience.  when we subject ourselves to him in all things: When with Abraham we put our knife to the throat of our only Isaac, if God command it; that obedience is true which is universal. 
True obedience  An obedient servant observeth every Lawful precept, a loyal subject conformeth to every Lawful injunction of his Sovereign. Jesurod will do many things; Jehu will kill Baal's Priests, and overthrow his idols, but he will still adore the Calf in Dan and Bethel. It is Asa that putteth away the idols of all the Land; that removeth his own mother because an Idolater, 2 Cron. 15.8, 12, 15, 16.  
4. Hereby we shall discover the strength of our love to God, when no sin is so dear, 
Strength of love.  but our love to Gods will constrain us to renounce it as dung; When no duty is so irksome to flesh and blood but we will gladly do it. Therefore, john 14.23. Christ sets it down as a note of love, the keeping his Words. You may remember what Dalilah said to Samson, judg. 16.15. So how canst thou say thou lovest God, if thy heart be not with him, if thou reserve any sin which God hateth, if thou turn thy feet from any duty which God commandeth.  
5. Hereby we shall give God occasion to take much delight in us, as a Master in a Servant, 
Occasion of God's love.  observing all his precepts, as a Gardener in a tree whereof every limb is richly loaden, a General in an army whereof every soldier is well armed, experienced, ready, and successful in the battle. This universal Reformation and obedience is a very sweet Sacrifice to God, 1 Sam. 15. To obey is better than Sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams, Prov. 11.20, Such as are upright in their way are his delight.  

The way to find delight in Ordinances.  6. Hereby we shall find much delight in God's Ordinances: as a healthy stomach in food, as a sound body in a warm garment, as David in the Ark, 2 Sam. 6.16. As the Wisemen in the star, Math. 2.10. Then their feet indeed will be beautiful, Rom. 10.15. Then Christ's mouth will be lovely indeed, Cant. 5.16. Then they will be well able to say as Saul did, 1 Sam. 15.13. Blessed be thou of the Lord, I have performed the commandment of the Lord.  
7. Hereby we shall have much peace in our consciences, they shall be as an eye that hath no mote to trouble it, as a Kingdom that hath no rebel to annoy it, as a Ship that hath no leak to disturb it, Psalm 119.165. Great peace have they that keep thy Law, 
Hebr: They shall have no stumbling block.  and nothing shall offend them; as in Exod. 11.7. Not a Dog moved his tongue against them. So what barking soever their be without, their shall be tranquillity within, and that not a little but much, Isa. 48.18. as 2 Cron. 15.15.  
Therefore be diligent, be vigilant, be careful, get the whole man to be Baptised, get thy heart Baptised, that, Math. 5.19. it may be no more the fountain of murders, adulteries, false witnesses, blasphemies; Get thy tongue Baptised, that it may be no more, as a fire of iniquity, a defiler of the whole body, a setter on fire of the course of nature, etc. james 3.6, 8. Get thy hands Baptised, that they may labour working the things that are good, Eph. 4.28. Psalm 26.6. Get all the faculties of thy Soul Baptised, that thou mayst see the things belonging to thy peace, that Eph. 3.18. Thou mayst be able to comprehend with all Saints, what is the height, breadth, length, depth, and to know the love of Christ, etc. That thou mayst love, Dutr. 6.5, 6. the Lord with all thy heart, etc. That thou mayst choose the good, and hate the evil, that Rom. 6.13. thou yield not thy members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin, but yield yourselves to God, etc. That thou mayst deal with thy sin as josuah with the men of Ai, Jos. 8.26. Draw not back thy hand till all thy sins be destroyed: Do as Caleb did, Ios. 14.9. Wholly follow the Lord thy God, follow him fully, and then as Moses promiseth him, surely the Land, wherein thy feet hath trodden, shall be thine inheritance, and thy children's for ever: So in the name of the Lord jesus will I promise thee, that all the great and glorious things whereof thou hast heard, all the peace, joy, glory, whereof the Word of the Lord doth make relation, it shall be all thine for ever and ever.  
5. The last thing herein noted was the wisdom of the Baptist in making choice of the most convenient place for his purpose, such a place where was much water; a place commodious for Baptism: Teaching us.  
Doctr. That Ministers ought to make choice of the most convenient places for the execution of their office. Where their is hope of doing most good, of bringing most glory unto God.  
As Fisher men make choice of such places in the water where in all probability their is most fish to be taken; so must these Fishers of men, Math. 4.19. Cast in the draw-net of the Gospel, where there is hope of drawing most Souls unto God, out of the gulf of sin. The Husbandman soweth his seed in the soil, which is likely to bring forth the best crop, so must these spiritual Husbandmen, 1 Cor. 3.9. Sow the seed of God's Word among such people, as like good ground will receive it, and bring forth the fruits of it, Math. 13.24. Hence Prov. 9.34, 5. Wisdom is said to send forth her maidens to cry upon the highest places of the city, etc. They went not into blind corners where was little or no people, but on high places, therefore are those places, Acts 18.10. Acts 13.46, 47. john 7.37. Psalm 40.9, 10. The grounds of the point are these.  
Reas. 1 Because they are the light of the world, Math. 5.14. John 5.35. The light is not set under a bushel, or in an obscure corner of the house; but on high in an eminent place, Math. 5.15.  
Reas. 2 Because hereby they shall make it appear that they seek not their own case or private commodity, but the honour of God, the good of men's Souls, the increase of Christ's Kingdom, according to the general charge, 1 Cor. 10.24. The Apostles practise, vers. 33. The contrary whereto is generally practised, Philip. 2.21.  
Reas. 3 Because hereby they shall make the Gospel more glorious, the more eyes behold the light, the more it is esteemed, the more largely the Sea doth convey her streams, the more her fullness is commended, the more hear it, the more the goodness of God, and riches of his grace is commended, the more men are convinced, made excuseless, and if they convert not, God in their condemnation shall be more glorious.  
Reas. 4 Hereby they shall have the more comfort in their own hearts, he that doth good to many hath more joy, than he that doth good to a few; The Shepherd that gathereth home many a wand'ring Sheep to God's fold, the Ambassador that persuadeth many to peace, the Physician that healeth many diseased, hath much cause of rejoicing: So the Minister, whose lips feed many hungry and thirsting Souls, whose Doctrine like a cloud of much rain watereth a large field, and like a painful Husbandman gathereth many sheaves into God's Garner, hath cause of much joy, and may say as Paul, 1 Thes. 2.19, 20. For what is our hope, our joy, our crown of rejoicing, are not even ye, etc.  
Reas. 5 Hereby they shall appear before the Lord at the last day with much comfort, with the more boldness; It is a singular honour, & comfort to a Minister to be the instrument of many Soul's salvation, to be able to say, as Isa. 8.18. Behold I and the Children, whom the Lord hath given me, are for signs and for wonders in Israel, etc.  
None hath a better recompense, Dan. 12.2. Wealth and honour will not comfort a Minister at the last day, but the faithful discharge of their calling, the gaining of many Souls to God.  
Use: 1 This therefore condemneth them that have more regard to choose such places, as will yield most benefit to them, not respecting what good may be done to the Church: As in marriage the common quere is, what portion, not what piety, what birth, not what new birth, what kindred on earth, not what kindred with God, what riches, not what goodness: So it is often in Minister's choice of places, what value is the benefice, to what Sum amounteth the stipend, not what people, what number, what quality, what hope of doing good, what hope of bringing honour unto God.  
Making it manifest, that they came into the Ministrey to live, rather than to teach other men a new life; to fatten themselves, not to feed others, to clothe themselves with the fleece, though the devil take the flesh, contrary to the charge of the Apostle, 1 Pet. 5.2. Many men that would be loath to marry to an old wife of a barren womb, that would be loath to hew timber wherein is nothing but knobs, to sow in a field wherein is nothing; but thorns briars, rocks, quagmires, yet if the maintenance be large will adventure upon a barren, stoney-hearted, untractable, and unteachable people, which in all probability will never hear, and obey the Gospel.  
1. If the Minister must make such choice of the people, it is behooveful, that the people should also be circumspect in their choice of their teachers: They will not have their meat dressed by a Leprous cook, they will not have their bodies cured by an unskilful Physician, they will not be led in an earthly joruney by a blind guide, they will not put their flock in his hands, that cannot see the Lion when he cometh, that cannot discern the Sheep from the goats. And yet is it not strange they will commit their Souls into the custody of one, that is as the Prophet describes, Isa. 56.10, 11. Blind guides, dry breasts, etc. that take up their habitation under such, as are clouds carried away with every tempest; wells without water, as it is in 2 Pet. 2.17. Or else commit their Souls to men of lewd life, whose Doctrine hath no authority in the people's consciences; God in his just judgement casting dung in their faces, Mal. 2.3, 9 Making their persons as unsavoury salt to be trodden under foot of men, Matth. 5.13.  
Yet such men, though they strengthen the hands of the wicked, jer. 23.14. 'Cause the Sacrifice to be abhorred, 1 Sam. 2.17. Are a remarkable sign of God's indignation, Mic. 2.11. A curse to the people, Mic. 3.6. Yet into the hands of such they commit their Souls, their only jewel, 

The right and left hand of Ministers.  
Sound Doctrine and a holy life compares to wind and tide carrying the Souls to the haven of peace. Doctr.   whereas this should be their choicest care; to settle themselves where the light of the Gospel shineth most clearly; where this seed is sown most plentifully, where the Minister buildeth with the right hand of sound Doctrine, and with the left hand of a good Conversation, where Life and Doctrine go together, like fire and heat, like oxen drawing well in one yoke, like wind and tide carrying the Souls of the people speedily to the haven of eternal peace, this was the care of the people here. They came to the Baptist and were Baptised of him: whence learn.  
That it is the duty of the people carefully to frequent such places, where they may most plenteously and effectually enjoy God's Ordinances.  
The people came here to the Baptist where was much water.  
As the Eagles go far for their prey, Mat. 24.28. The Queen of the South came from far to hear Solomon, Math. 12.42. So must we to hear that wisdom of God, which will make us wise unto salvation: When we want it we must run to and fro to seek the Word, Amos 8.12. As jacob's sons went to Egypt for corn, Gen. 42.1, 2. So must we for bread for our Souls, Math. 3.5. Mark. 8.1, 2, 3. It is God's precept that men should seek the food of our Souls, Isa. 55.1, 2, 3.  
Reas. 1 Because this is the means which God hath sanctified and ordained for the saving of their Souls, the instrument by which he conveyeth into the hearts of his people the grace, which doth accompany salvation. This is the Jordan by which he washeth away the Leprosy of the people, the waters of Abana and Pharphar have no power to do it, Eph. 5.26. This is the warlike weapon, 2 Cor. 10.5. The Sounding Trumpet, John 5.25. and 1 Cor. 3.5. 1 Tim. 4.16.  
Reas. 2 Because these are the food of their Souls, as the Manna to Israel, as the milk to the child, 1 Pet. 2.2. As the dews to the ground, Isa. 55.10. As the water out of the rock to the thirstly people in the Wilderness, as the cake & cruse of water to the Prophet, in the strength whereof he went to Horeb, 1 King. 19  
And therefore as men frequent the market, where is store of bodily provision, so must we the spiritual market, where is spiritual provision for the Soul.  
Because they are very dull and need after to be put in mind, 2 Pet. 1.12. Their hearts are hard and have need of frequent dews, their Souls are filthy, and have need of much washing; the dross of iniquity sticketh very fast in them, and they have need of much fire to purge them, our understandings are blind, and we have need of much light to shine into them, we are apt to forget God, and have need of often remembrancing.  
Reas. 4 Because we are prone to revolt, and go back, to lose our first love, to forsake God and follow the Counsel of our own hearts. As Israel fell to Idols, when Moses was in the Mount; as the wise men knew not how to go forward when the light of the star failed, Joash fell to Idols as soon as Jehojada was dead, as jud. 2.19.  
Reas. 5 Because spiritual and heavenly things, are difficultly understood, as Sampsons' riddle, a hidden mystery, a sealed book, a strange thing, hardly wrought in our hearts, as Characters in a hard stone, and therefore have need often to be urged, repeated, pressed, as an unknown language must be often spoken before we can understand it, Isa. 28.10. An unknown way often traveled, a fountain of that depth that we cannot draw forth the water of it.  
Reas. 6 Because there is strong, violent, subtle, and constant opposition against us, there are many stumbling blocks in the way, the World like the Father in Law of the Levite will persuade us to stay, judg. 19.9. Like the Harlot it will allure us from going our right way, Prov. 7.13. Like Dalilah she will cause us to sleep upon her lap, and cut of our locks. The devil like Pharaoh will lay heavy burdens upon us to stop us, and therefore we have need of very much encouragement to set us forward.  
Use. Because our hearts are naturally averse from all holiness, it is an irksome path, an iron yoke; a pricking thorn, there is in our heart a deadly antipathy against it, as between fire and water; Esau and Jacob, Cain and Abel, Saul and David, and therefore there is need of much labour, often instruction, powerful preaching to win us to love that which we naturally hate, to practise that which we do now abhor.  
This discovereth the folly, and profaneness, and condemneth the practice of such, as, content themselves without the powerful, and plenteous Use of God's Ordinances. That come not to the Baptist, resort not to the places where God hath set up the light of his truth.  
Many will travel far & near to the Counsellor for advise about their earthly estate, to the Physician for the health of the body, to foreign countries for silk, spices, gold, silver, and such like Merchandise, that will not step out of doors, at least not out of their own parishes, for the food of their Souls, having none at home. As if men had more liberty allowed them to provide for their bodies, than for their Souls; as if that might be done to preserve the casket, which may not be done for the preservation of the jewel: that done for the preservation of the house, which may not be done for the preservation of the inhabitant; as if God had confined men within the precincts of a parish, to be damned for want of instruction; when we may have enough abroad for the fetching.  
The people in the days of the Baptist were not of these men's minds, if they had, they would never have gone out of the Region of Judea to him, they would never have come to Aenon to be Baptised of him, because there was much water there; But it is plain, that such men, as are so careless of frequenting the means, never knew  
1. The necessity of them, they knew not that these are as needful to their regeneration, as seed to the bringing forth of corn, as light to discover the path wherein we must walk, as eyes to the body, as dews to the ground, without which the one is in darkness, the other withereth.  
2. That they never felt the comfort of them; had they felt how good the Word of the Lord is, had they felt them as a River, Psalm 44.1. As Noah's Dove bringing an Olive branch, as the message of life, as Rom. 10.15. Ps. 19.20.  
Doctr. 3. That they never had experience of the change, which these work, never felt them as a fan driving away the chaff from the corn, as a burning Lamp, enlightening their understanding, as a Key opening the prison Dores of sin, making them the Lords Free men, of barren fields made fruitful vineyards, of strangers made Sons and Daughters of the Lord, had they ever felt these things, they would have said, as john 6.34. As Ruth to Naomi, Ruth 1.26. As Jonathans' Soul clavae to David, no cost, pain, reproach among men should withhold you from it; but as john continued till he was cast in prison, so would you as long as you had any liberty, which is the next thing here noted, and from whence we may collect.  
That God's Ministers must be diligent in their callings as long as God doth give them ability and freedom to perform the same.  
This is Paul's charge to Timothy, 2. Tim. 4.2. It is God's Mercy to vouchsafe such, Isa. 66.1. It was the Apostles resolution, Acts 20.24. Peter thought it behooveful▪ 2 Pet. 1.12. This Paul practised, 2 Tim. 29. and jer. 36.5, 6.  
Because Satan is never weary of hunting the overthrow of Christ's Kingdom, of seeking the ruin of God's people, 1 Pet. 5.8. His instruments, Math. 23.15. These are always sowing their tares, therefore we must be as diligent in seeking the welfare of the people, we must keep watch as long as the enemy doth lay siege, we must look to the flock as long as the roaring Lion seeketh to spoil them, Acts 20.28.  
Because the work is not yet brought to perfection; the conquest is not yet fully obtained, therefore the Soldiers must still fight, the house is not yet finished, therefore the builders must still work, the sheaves are not yet brought into the garner, therefore the Husbandman may not sleep, the journey is not yet ended, therefore the guide must still go forward, the Amalekites are not wholly subdued, therefore Moses must still lift up his hands.  
The Canaanites are not fully overcome, therefore Josuah must continually wage war against them.  

Corruption will gather strength if it be not subdued.  3. Corruption will still gather strength if it be not continually subdued by the Ministrey of the Word, diseased bodies will soon corrupt, overrun with corrupt humours, if they be not daily physicked; the clearest garden will be full of weeds, if the gardener's hand be not continually employed about it, the purest garment will gather dust, if it be not brushed, the best vessel will contract some filth, if it be not cleansed.  
4. Received gifts and graces will decay, if holy means be not used; if the dews distil not, the corn in the field withereth, if the breasts send not forth milk, the child languisheth; the fire will go out, if fuel be not still administered.  
Use. This exceedingly condemneth the idleness of many Ministers, who are as sealed fountains, seldom watering the Souls of the people, as Merciless Stewards shutting up all their store from God's Family, cruel and careless Physicians, Ezek. 34.3, 4. slothful and sluggish Husbandmen, who can see God's vineyard, like the sluggards vineyard, overgrown with thorns and briars, and not reach out the hand to purge it, who can see the Dogs and Lions devour the flock, and yet sleep and securely, never seeking the safety of the flock.  
5. This must therefore occasion both Minister and people to be constant in their callings, never weary in the duties of Godliness; but still with Paul pressing forward, Phil. 3.13. Still following the fiery Pillar like Israel out of Egypt, redeeming the time, using well all the opportunities God affordeth, delighting to run the race he hath set before us, striving to draw near to him, to walk more worthy of his favour vouchsafed to us, of the calling wherein he hath set us, not looking back with Lot's wife, not lusting with Israel, but as Noah continued constant in the building the Ark, so let us be constant to the end, in the duties God hath enjoined us, and so like Noah we shall escpe the deluge of destruction, which will overtake other people.   

VERSE 25.  
THe Gospel seldom enjoyeth amy long or successful progress without opposition: The Sun shineth not many days, but some clouds arise to obscure & darken it: The Corn cannot spring so fast, but some weeds will spring up among it to overtop if. If foreign enemies fail, domestic jars & quarrels shall be raised, rather than Christ's Kingdom shall go forward without contradiction: the Disciples among themselves, shall be at variance, rather than the School of Christ shall enjoy quietness: No sooner did our Saviour publicly undertake his office, his Disciples baptise, people frequent their baptism, but then their arose a question between some of the Disciples of John and the Jews about purifying: In which words we may take notice. I. Of the time when this question or controversy arose: then. II. Of the parties between whom it arose, some of John's Disciples and the Jews. III. The matter whereabout their controversy was, about purifying: First of the time, than our Saviour came into Judea, tarried there, his Disciples baptised many, he poured the gifts and graces of his Spirit upon them, many resorted to him, the daystar of the Gospel began now to shine more clearly, the way of life and salvation had more travellers in it than usual, and now began the contention, whence note.  
Doctr. That the clear & open shining of the Gospel is usually attended with much contention, the shining of gideon's Lamps, and the cry of the sword of the Lord & Gideon, made the Midianites to sheathe their swords each in others bowels: 
Judg. 7.22.  Herod & the men of jerusalem were much troubled, when the Star, pointing out the birth of the new borne King, appeared, and our Saviour himself hath beforehand told us, Mat. 10.21, 22, 34. And you know the parable, Matth. 14.25. Luc. 12.49, 50, 51, 52, 53.  
Reas. 1 The more plainly and powerfully the Gospel, is preached, the more Satan is enraged, the more his malice is, like the waves of the Sea, when the wind bloweth high, are tossed, he is loath to lose his prey, to forsake his Kingdom; therefore he roareth like a mighty Lion, when God sendeth out his Shepherds to take his prey from him; when the Lord of hosts layeth siege against him by the Ministry of his Gospel. When Israel began to hearken to Moses, 
Exod. Mat. 13.  than Pharaoh raised his forces, when the good wheat was sown, than the envious man sowed his tares, the enemy cast not tares in, before the careful Husbandman had sown good seed.  
Reas. 2 Satan is subtle, and by raising quarrels and contentions, he doth hope to dishonour the Gospel, to open the mouths of wicked men to reproach it, to withdraw themselves from it, to shun all fellowship with them that entertain it, & account Gods faithful messengers seeds-men of discord, 1 King. 18.17. pestilent Persons, Acts 24.5.  
Reas. 3 The more plainly and plenteously the Gospel is preached, the more Satan's Kingdom is shaken, the more the number of his soldiers are abated: and therefore he stirreth himself so much the more to defend his own Kingdom against the ministry of the Gospel: when a house is beset, a city, a country beseidged, the Master of the Family, the Gouvernour of the town, the Prince of the country girdeth on his armour, stirreth up all that are under him for the defence of the House, Town, or Kingdom; they that slept are now awaked, they that were on the bed, are now in the street, in the field, they who were naked, are now strongly armed, thus Zach. 3.1. Acts 13.8. therefore, etc. Luc. 11.21. As the thunder sendeth down the lightning, so doth the thunder of God's Word cast down the Devil, Luc. 10.17, 18.  
Reas. 4 It is a great vexation and torment to Satan to see the Kingdom of Christ to flourish, as it was to Saul to see David thrive, to Esau to see Jacob prosper, to Pharaoh to see Israel increase, it is to him as a prick in the eye, a thorn in the side, an arrow in the bowels, fire in the bones, a grievous torment, Matth. 8.29.  
Reas. 5 The clear and open shining of the Gospel doth provoke and stir up the corruption, which is in the hearts of the people; like a sounding trumpet it awakeneth the sleepy; like a searching Officer it discovereth the stolen goods, like a storm it searcheth the Ship, rouseth them that are in it, hence many that were quiet, sociable, peaceable men, not having the Word of God preached to them, discover much hatred of the truth, utter hard words against the truth, against the people of God, when the word hath been faithfully preached among them; much coin that hath been thought good, hath been found naught by the touchstone, many bodies have discovered much distemperature after the receiving of Physic, Rom. 7.8.  
Reas. 5 The faithful ministry of the Word doth breed a separation between people, it converteth some unto God, endoweth them with new qualities, maketh them holy, righteous, full of love to God, his ways, his servants, leaving other in ignorance, uncleaness, hardness of heart, enlightening the one, making the other more blind, like the Sun softing the wax, hardening the clay, so that thorns and bryas, & vines, light & darkness, Lambs & Lions are not more unlike one another, more repugnant one to the other than these are, Gen. 3.15. 1 john 3.11. as Exod. 32. They that joined in adoring Idols, when Moses came sheathed their swords in each others bowels.  
Reas. 6 The faithful ministry of the word and success of the Gospel is much maligned, and stirreth up envy in the hearts of many that hear it, as Sanballat and Tobihu were grieved to see Nehemiah to build up the walls of jerusalem, Neh. 2.10. thus Acts 13.45.46.  
Obj. If such contention be occasioned by it, then better be without it; how can it be a Gospel of peace, if it occasion such and so much war; an ambassage of reconcilement, if it breed such division?  
Ans. 1. It is in itself tidings of much joy, a fountain full of pure pleasant water, a tree loaden with delightful fruit, an Alabaster box of precious ointment, a Sun full of light. 2. It is to God's People a river making them glad, Psal. 46.4. A feast of sweet and savoury meat, 2 Cor. 2.15. A joyful message, Rom. 10.15. A healing medicine, Jsai. 57.19. A word of much peace; like the Olive branch to Noah; like the voice of Christ to his Disciples in the tossed Ship, rebuking the winds and the waves of the Sea; like Jordan to Naaman washing away the sin of their Souls. 3. To wicked men it is accidentally an occasion of disturbance, increase of sin and condemnation, an unsavoury food, 2 Cor. 5.15. a wounding arrow, Psalm 45.5. a kill Letter, no healing medicine, 2 Cor. 3.6. Like soil to some grounds, making them more full of weeds, like the Sun to some eyes, making them more dark: but shall we therefore say it were better the Sun did never shine, because it is offence to diseased eyes, that there were no Physic, because it maketh some diseased patients more sick, that it were good that no dews did distil, that no soil were cast upon the ground, because some fields grow the more full of weeds; shall we condemn the use of swords, because Saul fell on his sword and killed himself; the use of fire, because children instead of warming do burn their fingers in it, the use of water, because Pharaoh was drowned in the red Sea?  
Use. This must teach us not to take offence at the Gospel, & the preaching thereof, because many strifes do arise, much discord is accidentally occasioned; it cannot be avoided, the Gospel is no way to be blamed, the fault is in ourselves, the corruption, the rebellion of man's heart, the disorderly lives of man's life, is the proper cause of all this trouble: If the Kings of Canaan with the people thereof rise in arms at Josuas coming into the country, Israel must not be offended, Josua must not go back: If Pharaoh rage, thereaten, lay heavy burdens; upon Israel, when they set their faces towards Canaan, turn their peace into trouble, set the whole Kingdom in a combustion; yet they must not account it strange, nor foolishly charge Moses their leader therewith. It is not Eliahs' Prophecy, Exhortation, Doctrine; but the sin of Ahab and his Father's house that troubled Israel: it is not David's fault, but Saul's envy that breedeth the quarrel between them. It is not the Gospel but our corruption, not the preaching but our transgressing of the word breedeth all the dissension: It is.  
1. The strength of our love unto sin that causeth so much enmity against the Gospel, and the preachers thereof: It is Herod's love to Herodias that maketh enmity between him, and the Baptist, Mar. 6.2, 21. It is not so much the Woman's song, that Saul had slain his thousand and David his ten thousand, as Saul's pride & love of honour did occasion the contention between him and David, 1 Sam. 18. It was Mica his love to his Idol that made him stir up the men of Dan to run after him, jud. 18.23, 24.  
2. The guiltiness of our conscience: Were our faces clean, the looking glass would never trouble us: Were we good grain, currant silver, the fan the touchstone could not disquiet us, Da. 5.5. Had Baltazars' heart been sound, the handwritting on the wall could not have filled him with such shakeing: had not Adam eaten of the forboden fruit, the voice of God walking in the garden could not have been such an offence unto him.  
3. Satan hath such sway in the hearts of wicked people, they are under his command, so obsequious unto his beck, Eph. 2.3. so careful to support his Kingdom, so devoted to his service, that they will bear arms against all his enemies, cast in prison such as seek the ruinating of his Kingdom, Rev. 2.10.  
4. The dissimilitude and discord between wicked men and Gods Children is so great, that they can no more agree than fire and water, than the Lamb and the Lion, the Dove and the Raven, the malignity of sinful men's hearts, not the Gospel and power of Religion is so great, that the Father becometh a stranger to the Son, the Mother a stepdame to the Daughter, natural friends accusers, executioners of them, that are in the bond of nature most strictly tied to them; it turneth smiling into frowning faces, Math. 10.21. pleasant tongues into quivers sending out venomous, arrows, bowels of compassion into bowels of iron, helping into destroying hands, as Saul maligned, reviled, threatened Jonathan for affecting David, 1 Sam. As Esau hated jacob, because he had obtained the blessing, so do sinful men malign the people of God, because they love the truth, because they shine in the grace of the Spirit. This is the fountain whence the bitter waters of strife do flow, the root whence all the branches of discord do spring, as in another case, Hos. 13.9. so in this, thy contention, thy quarrelling is of thyself, a fire of thine own kindling, a seed of thine own sowing; but to me in the Gospel is true peace, therefore they are much to blame, that blame the preaching of the Gospel, because accompanied with contention, that like the Philistines will needs have it removed, because it cannot agree with Dagon, 1 Sam. 5.4, 6. Like Demetrius accuse Paul, because his Doctrine standeth not with his gain, and the honour of Diana, Acts 7. They are silly travellers that are offended, refuse to go forward, that will have the horse legs cut off, because the beating of their hoof upon the pavement doth make the Dogs to bark, cowardly soldiers, that will not follow the Drum, because the sounding thereof doth awaken the enemy. Fond men that will have the light hidden under a bushel, because diseased eyes take offence at it, because wicked men rebel against it, Job 24.13. Was it ever otherwise, was not Christ a strumbling block, a stone of offence, 1 Pet. 2.7. Was not Herod troubled to hear of his birth, Mat. 2.2. Did not Adam run when he heard the Lords voice, Gen. 3. Was not jeremy a man of strife and of contention to the whole earth, jer. 15. Was not Amos accused for speaking of hard words, Acts 24. The apostles for seedsmen of seditions, it is the power of the Gospel to awaken the consciences, to shake the hearts of the wicked; it is the honour of the Gospel, a seal of our Mynistry to be opposed by them the are unsanctified, the fruit of the Gospel to make a separation between the reprobate and Gods chosen, jer. 15.19, 20, 21.  
Use. 2 2. Is the preaching of the Gospel usually attended with contention, strife and discord, then let them that profess the Gospel take heed they give not any just occasion hereof, for Satan will most diligently endeavour it, he will take hold of any thing that may stir up this fire, take all occasion to sow this seed, do his utmost to make these clear waters foul, that he may take the fish living in the same; and therefore to frustrate Satan's policy in their behalf, we must study to be quiet, and to have our hearts knit together in love, to join as stones in one building, as soldiers in one army, as mariners in one Ship, to help forward the cause and Gospel of God, against all furious oppositions, to defend the Gospel and maintain the honour of it against all spiritual pirates, that seek to rob us, either of the being, or well being of the same, and that we may continue and enjoy this peace, we must labour,  
1. To be truly humble and meek, and of a teachable and tractable Spirit; the low shrubs are quiet, when the trees of high tops are tossed, and shaken with the winds: no such enemy to peace as pride and haughtiness of Spirit, Prov. 13.10. Prov. 28.25. Pride, like the wind in the Sea, maketh men to toss and roll to and fro, troubleth the calm Waters, but meekness hath the promise of peace, Psal. 37.11. And is prescribed as a rule to preserve peace, Eps. 4.2, 3.  
2. To be truly wise unto salvation, to see the things which belong unto our peace, to discern the things which differ, ignorance of the manner of Gods proceeding, of what is good and beneficial for our salvation, 1 Cor. 2.8. Want of ability to judge what is good for us, is the cause of much strife: But true wisdom, ja. 3.17. is the way to peace, Prov. 3.17.  
3. To be patient in hearing the word of exhortation, Heb. 13.22. Receive it gladly when it lanceth as well as when it healeth, Psal. 141.5. Get thy heart so affected, that thou mayest be able to say to every one that admonisheth thee, as David to Abigal, 2 Sam. 25.32, 33. Why did Israel murmur and strive against Moses, but because they wanted patience; Why did the Libertines gnash the teeth on Stephen, but because they were of an impatient mind, and could not endure the word of exhortation.  
4. To live in no known sin, but universally reform thy ways, apply thyself to every commandment of God, if thou leave but one unruly person in the family, he will distrub the whole house; if you leave but one leak in the Ship, the water coming thereat will disturb all that are within the same. What bred the strife between Herod and the Baptist, but Herod allowing himself in that sin of incest, Mar. 6.20.  
5. To love God's Word unfeignedly, to delight in it as in the light of our eyes, to feed upon it as upon the food of our souls, to walk by it as by the rule of our conversation, this is the means to breed true peace, Isa. 57.19. This hath the promise of peace, Psal. 119.16.5.  
6. To be of one mind and of one heart in things of the best nature, to be guided by one Spirit, to attend on God's word with one consent, as Acts 2.1. Phil. 2.1, 2. Let us agree in this and we shall agree in all other things.  
7. To love one another unfeignedly, Ephes. 4.31, 32. This will cover many infirmities, pass by many weaknesses, 1 Cor. 13.5, 6, 7.  
8. To construe all that is done and spoken in the best sense, till the contrary doth evidently appear, the want of this breeds strife, 2 Sam. 10.4. John 11.47. Matth. 2.2.  
9 To use the gifts we have received to the glory of God, the good of his Church, the edification of the faithful in the knowledge of the truth, the encouragement of our brethren in the way of godliness, to the discountenancing of sin, and not to the disgracing of the godly, the maintenance of any evil.  
10. To bear with the weakness of our brethren, to suffer wrong, rather than to contend or quarrel: Abraham gave Lot liberty to choose, Genes. 13.8.9.  
Thus of the time, next of the parties between whom; some of the Disciples of john and the Jews, which believed in Christ and were Baptised of him, both parties were baptised, attended God's Ordinances, yet contended.  
Doctr. Sometimes there are contentions even among them that after a peculiar manner frequent God's Ordinances; the Sons of one family, the soldiers of one army do sometime contend, Acts 15.39. Gen. 27.41. Cor. 11.12.  
Reas. 1 Because there is corruption remaining, even in the best of God's people, some pride, forwardness, self will, which being not well looked to, getteth advantage and breaketh out, 1 Cor. 3.3, 4. Luc. 22.24.  
Reas. 2 Because there be many make external profession, who want internal sanctifications, are mere strangers to the power of godliness, nay enemies to them that shine in holiness, Gal. 1.29. They were both circumcised, 1 Tim. 3.4, 5, 6.  
Reas. 3 Because some profess the truth; but love not, desire not, but envy the spiritual welfare of their brethren, Gen. 27.41. 1 John 3.11. Like Joseph's brethren.  
Reas. 4 Because it is necessary that offences should come for the trial of God's people, whether they love him, whether they will continue constant with him, Matth. 18.7. 1 Cor. 11.19.  
Use. We may not rashly condemn the Gospel, withdraw our heart from it, because they are not all of one heart and mind that do profess it, there is no musical instrument so well composed, but sometimes there is jarring in it, no army so well ordered, but sometimes they are disordered; no family but sometime heareth of more or less discord; it is the perrogative and privilege of heaven to enjoy that peace, which is unchangeable, to see that day, which hath no cloud, let not other men's contentions make us leave the Gospel of peace, but let their strive make us the more in love which peace, the more constant in attending the means of peace, the more careful to shun the hindrances of peace, the more dilegent in persuading to peace.  
2. Let this occasion such, as are called to the profession of the truth, to do what in them is to have peace with all men, specially among themselves: & that. 1. Because such breaches are most advantageous to Satan; what maketh more for a foreign enemy than civil wars, brawls and contentions between the people of that Kingdom or city which he goeth about to possess. 2. Because this giveth greatest cause of scandal to the adversaries of the truth, when Absalon the Son of David's love rebelled against him, than Shemei opened his mouth to revile David. 3. This casteth great disgrace upon the Gospel of peace whereof we make profession; We profess ourselves to be ruled by the Gospel of peace, to be the subjects of the Prince of peace, to be travellers in the way of peace, to be possessed by one and the same Spirit of peace: If contrary to all this we live like Salamanders in the fire of contention, do we not much dishonour the Gospel? The Gospel teacheth us to be innocent as doves, meek as Lambs, and can we without the reproach thereof contend like Dogs and Lions? 4 This exposeth the Gospel, the Church to ruin; a divided Kingdom cannot stand; a distracted army flieth before the enemy, a disjointed house soon falleth to the ground: when the evil Spirit came between Abimelch and the men of Shechem, it was not long before both came to ruin, and this taketh away the comfort they might have in the Ordinances of God, the sweet refreshment they might find in that holy & mutual Communion that ought and otherwise would be between them: When the Wood is dispersed that fire extinquisheth which otherwise would burn. 5. Hereby the doing of much good to our brethren is hindered, a divided stream cannot drive that mill which a full stream will; one stick cannot give that heat which many can. 6. Hereby assaults, afflictions become much more burdensome, than they would be: many hands can easily bear that weight, which is a burden insupportable to one arm: A Ship strongly linked & joined together will endure that storm, which will sink, a leaking Ship to the bottom of the Sea. 7. Hereby many times the Ordinances of God are perverted. Physic is turned into poison, the Lamp is made a stumbling block, the staff is become a snare, 1 Cor. 11.17, 18. And therefore all that bear the name of Christians, specially they, who profess themselves to be the friends of Christ, the Children of light, the lovers of the truth, the Family of God, the Disciples of Christ's School, must strive to have their hearts firmly linked, and knit together in Christ Jesus; Leading a peaceable life in all godliness and honesty, 1 Tim. 2.2. And according to that charge of the Apostle, let us be all of one mind, etc. 1 Pet. 3.8.9, 10, 11. And especially let us be careful to agree in matters concerning life and salvation; which is the next thing to be considered, the matter where about this controversy was, about Purifying.  
To purify is to make that clean and pure, which was foul and defiled, this was typically done by the blood of bulls, goats and beasts before the coming of Christ, Heb. 9.14. Sacramentally by Baptism under and since Christ, Ephes. 5.26. But effectually by faith in the blood of jesus Christ, which maketh us perfectly pure by imputation, and imperfectly pure by sanctification, Acts 15.9. By purifying here, Baptism is most probably conceived to be meant: For so the Disciples of John in the next verse complain to their Master that Christ Baptised: this than presenteth the matter of there controversy, Baptism, the nature of it, the fruit, which they, who are truly baptised, obtain, Purity, from the first we may learn.  
Doctr. That in the Church of God there usually have been controversies beetweens the people about matters appertaining to life and salvation, 2 Pet. 2.1. Acts 15.1, 2. I might relate an infinite Catalogue of Heresies, which in all ages have pestered the Church of God, and causing strive between the people professing Christ: as between Jacob and Esau in one womb, who shall have the the pre-eminence, as between the two Women living in one house, whose should be the living, and whose should be the dead Child, 1 King. 3.23. and the reason of it ariseth:  
1. From the wisdom of God hereby intending to try the integrity, the faith, love, and constancy of his people, as Deut. 13.1, 2, 3. So 1 Cor. 11.18.  
2. For the better illustration of the truth, the more the light of the Word is opposed, the more it shineth, the more cavils are raised against it, the more God's people are stirred up by study, prayer, meditation, conference, to seek out the truth of it, many grounds of Religion, many points needful to salvation, would never have been so clearly unfolded, had they not been by Heretical cavillers opposed: Moses Serpent devouring the counterfeit Serpents of the magicians was more abundantly declared to be a true Serpent, than it could, if their had been no such counterfeits; The Gold enduring the fire, shineth the more brightly, thereby showeth its excellency, the Sun consuming the clouds doth thereby show its force and efficacy.  
3. From the Perverseness of many men's minds living within the pale of the Church, such as in the pride of their hearts will not submit unto sound Doctrine, 1 Tim. 6.3, 4, 5.  
4. From that self-love which swayeth in many living in the Church of God, that are lead by affection more than by sound judgement, that seek themselves more than the honour of God, 1 Cor. 3.3, 4. They depended on the persons of men more than on the Word of God.  
5. From the desire that many within the pale of the Church have to fulfil their own lusts, some are swayed with pride, some with covetousness, some with envy, some with one lust, some with another, hence, 1 Tim. 6.5. 2 Tim. 3.6, 7, 8.  
6. From the wisdom of God in discovering Hypocrites, Heretics, men of corrupt minds, unsound hearts, infatuated judgements and vile affections, that all his Children may discern and shun them, 2 Tim. 3 9 Thus God bringeth good out of evil, truth out of falsehood, as he brought light out of darkness in the first creation, as Samson fetched meat out of the eater, sweet out of the sour, and as the wind by shaking doth often fasten the tree, so these quarrels, contentions Heresies, these blasts, which at first do shake, do in the end the more confirm the people of God in the truth: according to that of Augustine; 
Aug. de vera Religion. c. 8.  Haeretici plurimum prosunt, non verum docendo quod nesciunt; sed ad verum quaerendum carnales, & ad verum aperiendum spirituale Catholicos excitando: 
Lib. 1. c. 9  & Euagrius per eos qui Ecclesiam diserpserunt, recta fedei dogmata emerserunt.  
Use. This may therefore in form us in the state of the Church in this behalf in all ages; & may assure us, that it shall never be free from contentions, quarrels, Heresies, offences, divisions, during the peregrination thereof on earth, neither must we think it strange, nor take offence thereat, since God doth thereby make the truth the more illustrious; the graces of his Servants the more conspicuous; these do not disannul the Church any more than tares do disannul the field of wheat from being a field of good grain, or Ishmael in Abraham's house did disannul his Family to be a house of good and faithful people, or some rebels in a Kingdom do disable it to be a good and well governed Kingdom. Yet the Papists, wanting other arguments, labour much to prove us not to be the people and Church of God, because there be, 
Stromat. lib. 7.  as they say, inter Evangelicos varia de Religione dissidia; But this is no new Calumny, no sound argument; for we may learn from Clemens Alexandrinus, that then the Jews and Philosophers objected to the Christians, their discords and controversies about matters of faith, upon whom he retorted the darts of their own quiver, confuted them with their own arguments, as once David cut off Goliahs' head with his own sword, telling the Jews that they themselves had many Sects among them. pharisees, Saducees, Essens, and as touching the Philosophers he reckoneth up innumerable factions among them, & therefore telleth them, if they did not for their divisions cease from their Philosophy, and condemn it as evil, because their Philosophers, erred in many things, how could they condemn the Christian Religion for the dissensions of Christians. Tell them; that Christ and the Apostles had foretold them, that there must be Heresies, adding further, that multiplicity of sects prove not the falsity of Doctrine, but must breed a more earnest investigation and searching out of the truth: For tares grow with the wheat; and unprofitable sour grass with the best garden flowers, & yet the Husbandman did neither cease to dress the vineyard, nor the gardener the garden: the same may be given in answer to the Papists, for none at greater variance than themselves among themselves, who can reckon up the discords between the Popes themselves, the secular Priests and Jesuits, the Monks, Canonists and the like: they must first heal their own wounds before they can object our scars. Yet their discords will not justify our contentions, no more than quarrels between thiefs, cutpurses, drunkards will justify the contention of honest & sober men; but we must bewail the discords that are amongst us, pray to the God of peace to suppress, attend the word of peace the instrument, with which God doth use to work: & therefore let me say to you as the Apostle doth to the Thessalonians, 1 Thes. 5.13, 14. Let us labour for sincerity of heart, freedom from corruption, this sin is the cause of all quarrel, nothing is more effectual to quench this fire than the water of sanctification, which is the internal baptising of the heart, and for this the outward baptism is called a purifying: whence note.  
Doctr. The efficacy and the proper fruit of Baptism consisteth in the purging away of our corruption; Therefore Paul resembleth it to a grave, wherein our corruption is buried like a dead man, Rom. 6.4. Other to a sprinkling of water, not upon the body but the conscience, 1 Pet. 3.21. not the putting away the filth of the flesh, etc.  
Reas. 1 Because they who are effectually Baptised, have Communion with Christ, Gal. 3.27. None are in Christ but such as are sanctified, 2 Cor. 5 17.  
Reas. 2 Because they who are effectually Baptised, are truly penitent; therefore called the Baptism of repentance, Luc. 3.3. Marc. 1.4. True repentance there is none, where there is not sanctification, where sin, like filthy dirt in the house, is not washed away.  
Reas. 3 Because they, who are effectually Baptised, are engrafted into the Mystical body of Christ, 1 Cor. 12.13. Now none are true and living members of that body, but such as are truly cleansed from their sin.  
Use. This must therefore teach us not to content ourselves with the outward washing of the flesh in baptism; but let us strive to feel the internal effecacy of it in our Souls. Having our consciences sprinkled within, our bodies washed without, the inward and the outward man also renewed, not thinking it enough, that we have the shell, unless we have also the kernel; the sheath unless we have also the sword, the bow without the arrow, the parchment without writing, hand, seal, delivery, Pharaoh and the Egyptians were in the red sea as well as Israel, but they were drowned, Israel had a safe passage, as Jo. 6.63. You must feel the quickening Spirit move in your Souls in the use of this Sacrament, as the Angel moved in the Pool of Betheshda, or the diseass of your Soul will not be healed; you must find your lusts mortified, it is nothing worth your bodies are washed, if the fire of concupiscence within be not quenched, as Gal. 6.14, 15. Nothing in the Kingdom of God is of any account but only a new creature, therefore under circumcision he comprehendeth the pre-eminence of the Jew, which though it were much, Rom. 3.1. Rom. 9.4. by uncircumcision, the wisdom, strength, love, Policy of the Gentile, though of great esteem in the eyes of the world, yet of no account in the eyes of God: Regeneration, sanctification are in chief esteem with him; not the noble, wise, rich, strong creature, but a new creature, see Luc. 16.15. 1 Cor. 1.26. and 1 Tim. 4.18. Therefore as Gideon pulled down the Altar his father had erected, and then set up another at God's commandment, as men put off an old and then put on a new garment, so let us Eph. 4.22. whatsoever we have hitherto have been, let us be so no more, but let us strive to be such, that it may be said of us, as 1 Cor. 6.9, 10, 11.   

VERSE 26.  
IN this Verse we have set before us the occasion of the controversy, between some of John's Disciples and the Jews, the Disciples of John saw the people frequent our Saviour's Doctrine mor● than they did their Mr the Baptist; and hereupon took occasion to quarrel with them, came to the Baptist, and complained of it, as loath to see their Master's honour overshadowed by the shining of a more glorious Sun. 2. Their ignorance, they heard what the Baptist had taught of our Saviour, they saw what he did to our Saviour, how he Baptised him, but yet did not understand that Christ was the Son, the Saviour and Redeemer of the World. 3. The danger of overmuch admiring the persons of our teachers, they ●o admired his person, that they did not rightly conceive his Doctrine, that they did disable Christ, and cried up the Baptist 4. The fidelity of the Baptist in his calling, for so they confess, that the Baptist did bear witness of Christ. 5. Their envy at the success of Christ's Ministry, of these in their Order. From the of these we learn.  
Doctr. That self-love and ambition, are many times an occasion of most contention, this is like the evil Spirit that came between Abimelech and the men of Shechem, 
jud. 9  turning their Union into division, their love into hatred, their peace into trouble, this is a bellows kindling the coals of strif between such as are knit together in the strictest bonds: why did joseph's Brethren sell him into Egypt but out of self-love, 
Gen.  because they would not be subject to him? Why else did Eliab quarrel with David, 1 Sa. 17.28. This made Saul seek the life of David a most faithful & beneficial Servant: this disturbed the peace, even of the Apostles, Luc. 22.24. and Solomon maketh it a general rule, Prov. 13.10.  
Reas. 1 Because pride and self-love doth breed envy at other men's endowments, and at the success of other men's undertake, envy is the spawn of pride, the daughter of self-love, a branch always adhering to this root, Luc. 15.18. Dan. 6.4. Phil. 1.15.  
Reas. 2 Because pride and self-love, cause men to aim at by and base ends, neglecting the glory of God, the welfare of the Gospel, the good of their brethren, and to seek their own applause, ease, wealth, as the Apostle long since complained, Phil. 2.21. and our Saviour discovereth this as the special cause of the pharisees contention against him, joh. 5.44.  
Reas. 3 Because self-love and pride doth occasion men to make evil and false constructions of the doings, and purposes of others, 1 Sam. 17.28. This made the pharisees think that our Saviour came to take their place from them.  
Reas. 4 Because pride and self-love doth make men ingrateful, yea, to contend with, and render evil to such as seek to do them the greatest good, yea, that have showed them the greatest love; let David be a wall about Nabals' men and possessions in the Wilderness, 1 Sam. 25.16. yet Nabal, that regards no man but himself, will rail at him, abuse him, if he demand any assistance from him, so Jud. 8.1. and Jud. 12.1, 2, 3. Thus self-love made the pharisees, who should have rejoiced in the coming of Christ, as at the appearing of the most glorious and comfortable Sun that ever did shine, to be full of indignation at it.  
Use: This must therefore cause us, if we purpose to enjoy any true peace, to receive any true comfort by God's Ordinances, to hold any comfortable Communion with God's Servants, to pluck up this evil weed, to quench this fire, to hew down this tree, to suppress this self-love and haughtiness of Spirit, no more seeking ourselves, no more serving our lusts, no more living to ourselves, no more accounting all fish lost which cometh not into our own net; all the Oil spilt that is not put into our Lamp, the honour misplaced that is not bestowed on us, as they Mic. 3.5. But let us learn.  
1. To deny ourselves, our own lusts, reason, ends, 
Jo. 8.50. 1 Co. 10.24. Gal. 6.14.  desires, living no longer to the flesh, Mar. 8.34. Let us become little in our eyes, lower and viler than dust; truly apprehensive of, and thoroughly affected with our own sin, with our own unworthiness, and we shall find little occasion to contend with our fellow brethren, to envy the graces of God in them, but rather desire them out of their abundance to communicate to our necessities, and this is their surest way to honour, as our Saviour said in another case, Math. 10.39. So in this case he that seeketh his own honour shall lose it, but he that forsaketh his own praise he shall find it, as joh. 8.50, 54. Luc. 14.11. Before honour humility, etc. ja 4.6. 1 Pet. 5.6.  
2. To live wholly and altogether unto God, seeking his glory, bringing forth fruit to him, devoring ourselves wholly to his service, as the wife forsaketh her father's house, becometh her Husbands, and seeketh how to please him; So must we leave the World, and things most dear to the flesh, and study how to please the Lord, this is given in charge, 1 Cor. 10.30. To this we are earnestly persuaded, Rom. 12.1, 2. 2 Cor. 5.15. and did we make God's honour the mark, whereunto we level all our arrows, did we make this the end of our labour and desires, as Phil. 1.15, 16. We would be glad, if God might be honoured whither by ourselves, or by any other instrument, & did we thus glorify God, we should not fail to receive honour from the Lord, 1 Sam. 2.30.  
3. To seek the good of our brethren, as one member in the body doth seek the good of another, to communicate what we have received as the full clouds do their rain to the barren grounds. This is required, 1 Cor. 10.24. practised 2 Cor. 12.14. This is the way to abound in the grace of the Spirit, to shine in holiness, not the envying of other men's spiritual welfare, but endeavouring to increase it, 1 Cor. 9.6. Heb 6.10.  
4. To rejoice in the welfare of our brethren as in our own, not like Cain that murdered Abel, because more righteous than himself; Not like Esau hating jacob, because he had obtained the blessing; Not like Saul maligning David, because he had slain his ten thousands, when Saul himself had slain but his thousand, but rather because with David, 1 Chro. 29.17. 2 Cor. 12.26. john 12. Eph. 4.  
The second thing is their ignorance; they heard what testimony the Baptist gave of our Saviour; yet they understood it not, for than they would not have envied, but readily followed him as others did.  
Doctr. That there are many, who hear good and sound Doctrine delivered; affect the person teaching it, and yet do neither truly nor savingly understand it. The Disciples saw the Miracles of Christ, heard the Doctrine he delivered, gave some Testimony of their love, for they followed him; but yet understood not his Doctrine, joh. 6.60, 61. This is also verified in Nicodemus, joh. 3.5, 8, 9, 10. In the Women of whom Paul speaketh, 2 Tim. 3.7. Yea, some undertake to be guides to others, themselves not knowing the way, 1 Tim. 1.6, 7. and this so cometh to pass.  
1. Partly through the spiritual, high, and heavenly nature of divine things, which the carnal eye cannot discern, 1 Cor. 2.14. A riddle which the natural man cannot unfold, unless he have God's Spirit, vers. 11. As Samson told the Philistines, they could not have opened his riddle, unless they had ploughed which his heafer.  
2. Partly through some base and by ends which men propose unto themselves, making their attendance on the word, a hook to take some other fish: Judas followed Christ, because he did bear the bag, the Disciples because they had eaten of the bread.  
3. Partly through the sinister notives which stir up some to attend upon the Word, the novelty, the applause accompanying carnal relations to the teachers of it, to them that do embrace it, horror of conscience, dismal fears, which cause them to attend on it, the Raven cometh into the Ark for fear of the Deluge, Ahab humbleth himself when a judgement is threatened.  
4. Partly through the deceitfulness of many men's hearts, supposing it enough that they do hear, though they do no more, never searching as the Bereans did, Acts 17.11. Never inclining the ear and applying the heart unto understanding, as Solomon giveth charge, Prov. 2.2, 3, 4. But as jer. 7.10. as Prov. 7.14. therefore joh. 1.23, 24, 25.  
5. Partly through the just judgement of God, who sendeth a spiritual slumber upon some, that seeing they shall not perceive, and hearing they shall not understand, Isa. 6.10. but Isa. 29.11. Whereunto agreeth that of our Saviour, Mat. 13.13, 14. and 2 Cor. 4.3.  
Use. This therefore must give every one of us occasion on to make trial of ourselves, whether we are not guilty of this sin, whether we do not content ourselves with the bare hearing of the Word; or else do also savingly know and understand it a grace whereof few do participate, a lamp that shineth in few men's Souls, a work of a singular nature, of the truest comfort, of the greatest benefit, a blessing peculiar to God's faithful, a jewel not gotten without much diligence, a tree loaden with the choicest fruit, fountain full of the purest water; Therefore it is good wisdom to try while we are endowed with it:  
1. True knowledge is always accompanied with true humility, contrition of heart, meekness of Spirit and a Holy teachableness, the whole man will readily subject, itself to every Ordinance of God: So that he who was once an indomitable beast, now a child, a weak man, God's Minister shall lead him, Isa. 11.6. True knowledge taketh down the haughtiness of the Spirit, breaketh the obstinacy of the heart, maketh man say as Paul did, Acts 9.6. as Cornelius, Acts 10.33. and maketh him with Job, Job 42.6. putteth him altogether out of conceit with himself, 1 Cor. 3.18. thus ja. 3.17. The wisdom which is from above is gentle, easily entreated, as Naaman having the sight of his Leprosy, harkened to the advice of a maid to go to the Prophet, and afterward to go to Jordan by the persvasion of his Servants, Mat. 11.29.  
2. True knowledge is accompanied with unfeigned purity of heart & life: all the nasty corners of the Soul are swept which before the shining of this light were altogether overspread, with the dirt of sin and iniquity: as the shining of the Sun dispelleth darkness and scattereth the thick clouds which hang in the air; so doth saving knowledge drive away the sin of our Souls, therefore ja. 3.17. The wisdom from above is pure, and purifieth the Soul where it dwelleth, Psal. 19.8, 9 It maketh the transgressor cast away his sin as a menstruous garment, Isa. 30.22. Their Souls are not like a dirty book; wherein is nothing but the hand writing of sin and Satan, but the Law of God is written therein, jer. 31.33, 34. They are no more as strangers, but they are returned unto God, Jer. 24.7.  
3. True knowledge is accompanied with bowels of mercy and compassion to our fellow brethren, we are grieved to see them in the snare of Satan, labour to the utmost of our abilities to free them, Psa. 119.136. As Moses laboured to bring his brethren out of Egypt; As Paul when his eyes were opened, and he instructed, he laboured to turn men to God, Acts 9 He built all up as fast a ever he did pull down, was as diligent for Christ, as ever he was laborious against Christ, as abundant in his labour, as he was before in persecutions, all his threatenings were turned into encouragements.  
4. True knowledge maketh us industrious in embracing all opportunities for the furtherance of the work of grace, to become rich in sanctifications, to be freed from sin more thoroughly, to perform holy duties more cheerfully, more acceptably, to be able to withstand temptations more strongly; as a man fallen into the hands of thiefs, having his eyes open watcheth every opportunity to go from them, a wise merchant observeth the mart, an understanding Husbandman taketh the seasons of the year, so will the Children of God entertain the fittest opportunities to pray when their hearts are most affected with the fence of sin, most moved with the desire of grace, Jon. 2.1. As Jonah prayed out of the Whale's belly, the Jews came to the Apostles, when their hearts were pricked, Acts 2.37. Anna prayed when she was affected with the fence of her barrenness, 1 Sa. 1.6, 10. We must be always instant, 2 Tim. 4.2. Eph. 5.15. Prov. 8.34.  
5. True knowledge valueth the best things at the highest rate, it esteemeth dross as dross, & gold as gold, 1 Cant. 1.2. The earth is a transitory vain and flitting thing, a snow melting before the Sun, a crackling thorn, whose fire is as soon extinct, but it esteemeth spiritual and heavenly things as things of an abiding nature, as a tree never barren of fruit, a fire never going out, as a Jewel of greater price than all the world, thus Psa. 119.72. Psa. 84.10. Phil. 3.8. Luc. 18.28. It doth not as Luc. 14.18.  
6. True knowledge is accompanied with a holy jeolausy, vigilancy, fear, care, that it may not fall again into any sin, having once gotten itself free, having had experience of the heavy burden of sin, having felt the wounding arrows of an accusing conscience, being acquainted with the propensity of his heart unto sin, through the remainder of corruption, wiliness and industry of Satan, having felt how hard the passage was from Egypt to Canaan, how full of anguish the throws of his new birth were, how difficultly the broken bones were healed, and being sensible of the peace, and comfort of his present estate, he is fearful, and careful that he may not lose it; Like a man gotten out of some dangerous gulf, where the darkness covered him, the Mire defiles him, Serpents sting him, heavy burdens oppress him, and whence he had no power to get himself free, nor no Sun could shine upon him, no liquour could refresh him, no musical instrument could delight him, where every thing seemed as the shadow of death, a dreadful terror to him, will be careful to keep aloof off never to full in again, so the Children of God that hath escaped this Dungeon of Sin wherein, etc. will look well to himself, he will no more come near this forest that he fall not into this Lion's mouths, 2 Cor. 7.10, 11. 1 Thes. 5.22. 1 Cor. 10.23. Gen. 34.10. These & many such are the fruits that grow on this tree, the eams which issue from this sun, and these must we be able to find in truth wrought in ourselves, or else our knowledge is vain, and this knowledge must we all strive, if we purpose to know the things belonging to our peace, & to attain this, we must be sensible of our spiritual blindness, otherwise, Io. 9.41. We must bewail it as Prov. 5.4. We must cry after it as blind men did for eye sight, we must wait upon the Word, the instrument of our illumination.  
The third thing here observed, was the fidelity of the Baptist, though these Disciples of John did not embrace Christ, yet they do acknowledge that the Baptist taught Christ, and gave testimony of him:  
Doctr. God's Ministers must strive to show themselves so sound in their Doctrine, so industrions in their calling, that if it be possible all sorts of people, may in that behalf be constrained to give testimony of them, 1 Tim. 3.7. That all may say as they did of our Saviour, Marc. 12.14. So we show the integrity of our hearts the God, the sincerity of our minds in the performance of our calling; so shall we convince the consciences of our hearers, be partakers of much peace within us, and give much the more cheerful account of our callings, it is our joy, 1 Thes. 2.19, 20. But if this cannot be yet. Isa. 48.4. Ezek. 33.33. Acts 20.26, 27. The next thing is the danger of admiring the person of the person, beyond what is convenient.  
Doctr. It is very dangerous to be so devoted to the person of any Minister, as thereby they do envy or disgrace a more able teacher: This is repugnant to the rule of the Apostle, jam. 2.1. To the charge, 1 Thes. 5.13, 14. 1 Tim. 5.17. Of this the men of Corinth were not innocent, they were much devoted to the false Apostles, so much as they undervalved the true: 
2 Cor. 11 20.  A just reproof for such as so fasten their eyes upon blind guides, and other insufficient Ministers, in whose Lamp is either none, or at least no good Oil, that they reject the best teachers; Like the Philistines, who were so deeply in love with Dagon, that they removed the Ark, like seduced Israel, 1 Sam. 5.4, 5, 6. That forsook the living Fountain, and digged broken cisterns, that forsake the living God, jer. 2.12. and made supplication to Baal, who could not hear, these men's knowledge must needs be according to the wisdom of their instructours; 
1 Ki. 18.19.  there growth must be like the milk flowing out of the Nurse's breast, and surely of all such, both teachers and hearers may that of the Psalmist be spoken, Psa. 115.5, 6, 7, 8. Lastly they envied the success of our Saviour's Ministry, it grieved them to see so many attend his Doctrine, frequent his baptism.  
Doctr. It is an apparent sign of a carnal hearer to envy the good success of him, that is not his own teacher; they that rejoice not in, but grieve at the labours and gracious proceedings of other Ministers, besides their own never attended, with a sincere mind upon the Doctrine which their own teachers delivered to them, it is an evil eye that grieveth to see more Corn in another man's field, more Sheep in another mans-fold, more Fruit on another man's tree than on his own; every Child ought indeed most entirely to affect its own breast, every scholar his own Mr, every soldier his own leader; yet not so as thereby to envy the breasts which yield more milk, the Mr whose Scholars grow more abundantly in learning, the General, whose soldiers are more victorious, more successful in their battle, so to affect Cephas as to despise or envy Paul or Apollo's is a stream flowing from a carnal Fountain, 1 Cor. 3.3, 4. To envy the successful Ministry of any faithful teacher, is a branch springing from a very accursed root, Acts 13.45. an argument of a blind and obstinate mind, Joh. 9.28, 29. A sign they never truly learned as their own Minister faithfully taught them, an apparent testimony that they value the person above the Doctrine, Joh. 5.45, 46, 47. That they are not guided by sound reason, but blind affections, an evil guide, a wandering star, an unskilful pilot, seldom ever setting at the stern but it causeth shipwreck; for multa nos cogit facere affectus, 
Hieron. in Epist. ad Fabian.  dum propinquitatem respicimus corporum, & corporis & animae offendimus creatorem; affection maketh us do many things, and while we fasten our eyes upon the nearness of our bodies, we offend God the Creator both of Soul and body.  
Let us all therefore strive to have our hearts so affected with the glorifying of God, so bend to the setting forth of his praise, that we may rejoice to see the Kingdom of Satan beaten down, the Kingdom of Christ to flourish; the number of God's people increase, the seed of the Word plenteously sown, the Lords vineyard well manured, many trees of righteousness planted in the Lord's Orchard, the diseased Souls of our brethren healed, whosoever be the Physitican curing it; the Lord may use whom he pleaseth, convey the water of salvation to the Souls of his people by what cistern he will, he is free in the dispensations of his favours, he may do with his own what he will, our eye must not be evil, because God's eye is good; but where the graces of God are most conspicuous and apparent, there let our love, be most strongly fastened, considering, that a man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven:   

VERSE 27.  
THe disease hath been discovered, the cure ensueth, the wound opened, the plaster is now to be applied, ambition, self-love, envy at the multiplication of Christ's Disciples, was the disease of the Disciples of the Baptist. Serious considerations of God's freedom in the dispensations of his graces, bestowing them on whom he pleaseth, is the matter John answered, and said, a man can receive nothing, unless it be given him from heaven, whence from the connexion of the words we may observe.  
Doctr. That the serious consideration of our unworthiness, and God's Freedom in the communication of his favour, is a forcible means to withhold us from envying at other men's eminences: it was the argument, the Lord of the vineyard used, Mat. 20.15. for the answering of them, that envied at the wages given to them that came last into the vineyard, and hence also the Apostle persuadeth all men to humility, sobriety, contentedness and industry in their places and callings, without insulting one over another, without advancing themselves one against another, Rom. 12.3, 6, 7, 8. and to the same purpose the Apostle, to take down the insolency of such as did excel, and to appease the murmuring of such as had more slender gifts bestowed on them, laboureth: with the men of Corinth, to consider what themselves once were, followers of dumb Idols, 1 Cor. 12.2. Whence the gifts bestowed on the Church had their original, from God, vers. 11. Why they were given, to profit withal, vers. 7. and the consideration of this is very effectual.  
Reas. 1 Because hereby we shall see, though we have never so little, yet we have more than we are worthy of, and that God hath dealt very bountifully with us, though he hath given us but the place of a doorkeeper in the lowest room in his house, Ps. 84.10. though he hath made us but as one of his hired servants, Luc. 15.19. We shall say with Jacob, Gen. 32.10. and with Paul, Phil. 4.11. as Solomon saith, of the labouring man, Eccl. 5.12. so it will be with us, whether we have little or much, our hearts will be quiet considering it is Gods free gift, and far beyond our desert.  
Reas. 2 Because this will cause us to study how to be thankful for what we have received, and not to repine & murmurre for the want of what we have not, this will cause us to bless God for one talon, if we have no more, to be thankful for a dish of green herbs, if we have no better cheer, though we have not the full vintage, yet if we have but a few glean of God's love, yet we will bless with Naomi, Rut. 2.20. Though we have not so large a mess, and so many change of apparel as Benjamin, jer. 43.34. Yet if we like joseph's brethren be sensible of our unworthiness, of the wrong we have done to our Joseph, we will be glad, if Ps. 128.3. we have but one mess, but one suit of raiment, Psa. 127.5. Though our Children be not like Olive plants round about our table; Though our quiver be not full of these arrows, yet if we be sensible of our unworthiness as Hanna was, of her barrenness, we will bless God for one Child, 1 Sam. 2.1. I mean for any one good gift, that God shall bestow upon us.  
Reas. 3 Because this will make us careful to employ what we have received to the honour of God who gave it, if we behold it as water dropping from the cloud of God's bounty, as a gift out of his hand, as a testimony of his free favour; if we fasten our eyes upon our own unworthiness, Mat. 25: 25. This will make us careful, not to hide our talon (though the least) in a napkin, Mat. 5.15. Not to put our light under a bushel, not to quench our Lamp, though there be but little Oil therein, not to hide our Grain in the garner as covetous men do their Corn, that the Souls of the poor curse them. Prov. 11.26. But like good stewards, careful servants, diligent Husbandmen we will employ it to the advantage of our Lord and Master committing our seed to the earth, that it may increase, causing our light to shine that other men may see our good works, and glorify our father; as every fountain sendeth forth a stream according to what it hath received, every star giveth light according to the light infused into it, knowing that for this end, we have received, 1 Cor. 12.7. Mat. 10.8.  
Reas. 4 Because this will stir up men not to envy, but to imitation of them whose graces do excel, to pray for the like graces, to use the like means, to run the same race, to labour in the same vineyard, to sow the like seed, that they may win the like price, receive the like wages, reap the like harvest, thus Heb. 6.11, 12. 1 Cor. 4.16. 1 vers. 11.1. ja. 5.10, 11. Not to murder Abel, because more righteous, but to tread in his steps, to labour for his faith, not to envy David for his great conquests, but to strive after the like victories.  
Reas. 5 Because this will breed love in our heart's towardsthem; their virtues will be as a savoury ointment, as a sweet smelling flower in our nostril, as a loadstone to draw our hearts toward them, when we see how the Lord doth love them. How he doth beautify them with his graces, how in them are those excellencies after which our Souls long, than they will be to us as one of a thousand, Job 33.23. As Apple trees among the thorns, as stars among the clouds, as flowers among the weeds, all our delight will be on them that excel in virtue, Ps. 16.3.  
Use. Therefore whensoever the Spirit of envy doth begin to move within us at the sight of other men's endowments, when the light and lustre of their virtues beginneth to trouble our diseased and malignant eyes, when at any time the pleasantness and fertility of Naboths vineyard causeth Ahab to languish and repose himself upon his bed; when Esau conceiveth hatred, deviseth mischief against jacob, because he hath gotten the blessing; when our hearts begin to repine, because the cloud of God's bounty had dropped more abundantly on others than on us, let us look upon the state of our own Souls, let us consider how there is nothing in us, why God should bestow any thing upon us, why we should expect any thing at his hands; Let us consider how the Lord is no way bound to us, but may do with his blessing, what he will, & no man can control him, or lay either indiscretion, or injustice to his charge: And then as David, playing on the Harp, appeased Saul's evil spirit, so shall this appease the distemper of our Spirit, and without murmuring magnify the wisdom and freedom, of God in the dispensations of his mercies; and for the better inuring of our hearts hereunto, consider we,  
1. That God doth distribute his gifts most wisely and justly, as may serve most for his own honour, & the good of his people, as he hath in great wisdom disposed the body natural, and all the members thereof, and accordingly given them abilities suitable to their several places, so he hath also in great wisdom dispensed his favours to all the members of the mystical body of Christ Jesus, he hath done all things in number, weight and measure, and Psa. 145.16, 17. As he hath filled the Sun, Moon and Stars with such quantity of light as may make most for the benefit, and ornament of the whole universe, so hath God dispensed to his people, etc.  
2. That God hath bestowed some gift upon every one of his family, he that hath lest hath enough to make him everlastingly happy, 1 Cor. 12.8, 9 No tree in God's Orchard, but hath some soil about his roots, no vessel in God's house, but hath some liccour, Mat. 25.15.  
3. That to murmur against our brethren, is to murmur against God, for the graces they have are not of their own getting, but of Gods bestowing, and therefore as Moses said, Exo. 16.8. So it is in this behalf, therefore Augustine, Quoties hominibus praesse desidero, toties Deo meo praeire contendo; As often as I desire to be preferred above men, so often I strive to go before my God, as arguing discontentedness in the place wherein God had set him.  
4. That it is far better to use well the little we have received, then to envy our brethren, because they have what we have not, he that hath lest doth not employ it so well, but he might make better use of it, and the good use of what we have will give much contentment for the present; and hath the promise of a large increase for the future, to him that hath shall be given, Mat. 15.23, 29. Prov. 11.25.  
5. That what God hath communicated to others, is not for themselves; but for the good of them that shall need it, the cloud hath rain for the dry ground, the Sun hath light for the dark air, the tree hath fruit for the hungry stomach, the eye hath sight for the body, he that gathered much Manna, gave to him that had little, we are but stewards.  
6. That the beholding of the graces, which are in them, must provoke us to pray for the like measure of grace, to use all holy means to attain the same degree of holiness; when the prodigal saw what they enjoyed who lived in his father's house, he desired to be as one of them.  
7. That envying at other men's abundance, will rob us of the comfort of our endowments, as Esth. 5.10, 11, 12, 13. Saul so maligned David for his mighty conquests, that he lost all the comfort, he might have gathered from his own victories.  
8. That God doth give as much as we have ability well to manage, vessels put to Sea are loaden according to their strength, the Master of the family placeth all according to their abilities, Mat. 25.15.  
9 That God will expect from us but as he giveth to us, Luc. 12.48.  
10. That a faithful employment of what we have received, shall surely be accompanied with a blessed increase, a little swoon in good ground husbanded well bringeth a compatible increase.  
Thus of the connexion, prescribing a remedy to the disease of the Disciples of the Baptist; in the words themselves, we have set before us. 1. Our own emptiness, a man can receive nothing of himself, by his own art, industry, ability, worth he can receive nothing, bodily or spiritual, transitory or eternal. 2, The Fountain whence all the good we enjoy like so many streams do flow; from the first we learn.  
Doctr. That man hath of himself no ability to the performances of any good duty, he is a Lamp without Oil, a well without Water, a withered arm without strength, therefore like to an evil tree which beareth none but evil fruit, Mat. 7.18. to an unclean Fountain sending forth none but unclean Waters, Job 14.4. to a black-Moore that cannot make himself white, Jer. 13.23. to a dead man that cannot perform any action belonging to the living, to a wild Olive, Prov. 11. Col. 2.13. and therefore the Apostle strippeth man of all inclination or motion unto good, Rom. 11.19. 2 Cor. 3.5. and the Psalmist saith of men generally they are all become abominable, Ps. 14.3.  
Reas. 1 Because man in his corrupt estate is whole subjugated, and embondaged to the will, rule, and command of Satan, as Captvies to their conquerous, 2 Tim. 2.26. as subjects to their Sovereign, Ephes. 2.3. Yea, to show their ready subjection, they are subject as Children to the parent, and they are violently bend to the fulfilles of the will of Satan, Io. 8.44. They are not compelled to it; but it cometh freely from them, it is their delight, their bent, they will do no other.  
Reas. 2 Because corrupt man is totally deprived of all saving grace, sin and Satan, like the thiefs between jericho and jerusalem, have robbed him of true grace, and have left him destitute of the life of God, Ephes. 4.19. a stranger to God, Ephes. 2.12. Free from righteousness, Rom. 6.20. A vessel in whom is no good liccour; a tree whereon groweth no good fruit, a house wherein not one living person, not one good and holy vessel, can be found, Rom. 7.18. The Apostle was privy to it, acquainted with it, and doth freely acknowledge it, that in his corrupt nature, so far as he was unregenerate, there was no good thing, nothing acceptable to God abiding in him: 
Prosper. cont. Collator.  Manifestissime patet animis nullam habitare virtutem: sed omnia eorum opera immunda esse atque polluta: Habent sapientiam non spiritualem, sed animalem, non caelestem sed terrenam, non Christianam sed Diobolicam non a patre luminum, sed a Principe tenebrarum, Prosper contra Collator. Cap. 13.  
Reas. 3 Because natural man is wholly overwhelmed with sin, his soul and body like the sluggards field, Prov. 24.30. not one good tree growing in it, therefore aptly resembled to a wilderness overgrown with the thorns and briers of iniquity, Isa. 55.13. The whole man is altogather polluted, Gen. 6.5. a Servant of sin, Rom. 6.16. Omnis infidelium vita peccatum est, & nihil est bonum sine summo bono, Prosp. in Aug. Sentent. 106. & Epigr. 81.  
Reas. 4 Because natural and corrupt man doth pervert that which is good, marreth the best things he taketh into his hands, as an unclean vessel doth mar good liccour, and barren soil the good seed sown therein, a corrupt stomach, the wholesome food which it receiveth, thus the natural man perverteth that which is right, job 33.27. Even the Words of the living God, jer. 23.36. Maketh a stumbling block of a shining Lamp, a kill sword of an healing Medicine, Tit. 1.15. Wresting the wholesome word of God to their own damnation, 2 Pet. 3.16. Spiderlike sucking poison out of the purest flower, as all that was touched by the dead became unclean, so all that they go about becometh unclean to them, Hag. 2.13.  
Reas. 5 Because corrupt man is out of love with, and doth utterly dislike the means, which should guide, help and assist him in the performance of what is spiritually & truly good, Christ, 
1. Cor. 1.23.  in whom is all fullness to supply our wants, is to the Greeks foolishness, to the Jews a stumbling block, to all carnal and disobedient people, a stone of offence, 1 Pet. 2.7. A grin, a snare, Isa. 8.14. not the way, the life, the truth, joh. 14.6. the preaching of the Gospel, the instrument of our conversion to God, reconcilement and engrafting into Christ, Rom. 10.17. The seed of their regeneration, 1 Pet. 1.23. Of their vivification and bringing out of the grave of sin, Joh. 5.25. whereby they are fitted to receive and do good, this is a distasteful food, an offensive light, 2 Cor. 2.14. joh. 3.19.  
Reas. 6 Because man as man is totally dependant upon God, and can do no good, whether, natural, civil, moral, or spiritual, but either by the general or special influence and assistance of God's hand. For all creatures are subordinate to the first cause, therefore Acts 17.28. we can not move a finger without him, Ps. 104.27, 28, 29. Acts 17.25. and for moral virtues and actions, though we have also some abilities remaining since the fall of our first parents; yet these are also the gift of God, 1 Cor. 12.4. ja. 4.15. But as for turning to God, doing any thing savingly good, we have no ability at all left with us▪ we are broken vessels, all the good, we once had will out, and nothing but the slime and the mud of the filthiness of sin remaineth, Joh. 15.5. 1 Cor. 15.10.  
Use. This therefore discovereth the erroneousness of their judgements, & the pride & unbrideled insolency of their hearts, who labouring to advance the abilities of sinful▪ forlorn, and graceless man, and to obscure the power of God, to strengthen the arms of man which are in this behalf more weak than a withered reed, Rom. 5.8. and to weaken the arms of God, by whose power alone (we are kept unto eternal life) 1 Pet. 1.5. & teach that we by the abilities, remaining in us can turn to God when he calleth and inviteth, and that he doth only invitare excitare, persuadere, but not mutare, the disposition, bend, and qualification of the heart, so that God dealeth with us as we do with men in a dead sleep, call and cry to awaken them, as a Master with a froward Servant promising, threatening, as with men within doors knocking at the gate, looking when they of their own accord will open; this they teach, but this is a Doctrine repugnant to sacred Scripture, teaching that God is both the Alpha and the Omega of our salvation, worketh both will and deed, Phillip 2.13. That we have no life of grace within us till God revive us, Ephes. 4.19. That we cannot come to God, till God doth draw us, joh. 6.44. A Doctrine it is repugnant to the Doctrine of all orthodox Writters: 
Enchir. cap. 30.  Quid boni operari potest perditus, (saith August.) nisi in quantum a perditione liberatur, and a council saith, si quis per naturae vigorem bonum aliquod cogitaret, aut expeteret aut eligeret, 
Can. 7.  absque illuminatione aut inspiratione Spiritus Sancti qui dat omnibus facultatem consentiendi, & credendi veritati, haeretico fallitur spiritu, non intelligens vocem Dei in Evangelio, Joh. 15.5. A Doctrine first defended by Pelagius for maintaining whereof both he and his Disciple Celestius were condemned by the censure of Ccxliij. Bishops in the Council of Carthage, 418. Afterwards taken up by some others, and now revived by Papists and Arminians; all treading the steps of their Heretical father Pelagius: a Doctrine by which they do exceedingly impair the grace of God, spoil him of much praise due to him for our conversion, a Doctrine which maketh carnal man proud upon his own abilities, secure and careless, having strength in himself at any time to embrace Gods tendered favour, a Doctrine by which they make it manifest, that themselves were never sensible of their own weakness, vileness, inability to what is savingly good, that they never perceived how uneasily Satan is cast out, how powerful sin is, and how hardly it is overcome, how difficult the change of the heart, how hardly the image of God is restored, the light of God's face, peace of conscience, assurance of the forgiveness of sin is gotten, had they ever known this they would never presume upon their own strength; but would with Paul, Rom. 4.27. Had they beheld the deep dye, & filthy spots of sin, they would with David, Psa. 51.1, 2. Had they been in this storm they would with the Disciples, Mat. 8.25, 26. Had they ever felt this burden, they should have found it more easy to shake off a mountain from their backs, to pull their skin over their heads, as to cast away there sin, as easy to withstand a deluge of water, or a furious Horse rushing into the battle, as to withstand their lusts, they should have found that all the water in the bucket of their humane abilities would not quench one spark of this fire, that all the arrows in their quiver would not make this enemy remove one foot, that all the ingredients in their shop, all the herbs, in their garden would do nothing towards the cure of his wound; But they should find as, Matth. 17.10. the woman spent all upon Physicians, and could not be cured, so they Mar. 5.26.  
Use. 2 This must therefore humble us, and make us all look upon ourselves as upon gardens, wherein groweth not one wholesome Herb, not one savoury flower; as on trees bearing no good fruit, as on wells void of water, on dead men void of strength, as on beggars having nothing of our own, but the menstruous garments of sin, confessing ourselves, with jacob to be less than the least of God's Mercies, to be altogether unfit for any good duty, unable to perform any work pleasing in the sight of God, Isa. 64.6. Gen. 32.10. Not boasting of our own abilities, as once Goliath did of his strength, lest the Lord overthrow us as he overthrew him, 1 Sam. 17.10. Not presuming like the Sons of Sheva to cast out Satan by humane art, and the powers of nature, lest he leap on us as he did on them, Acts 19.15, 19 Not striving with the builders of Babel, to ascend the glorious rest of heaven by a Babel of our own building, lest the Lord confound us as he did them, Gen. 14.4, 8. Let us not glory with the Pharisee, that we are not as the Publican, Luc, 18.11. Let us not grow insolent of a few moral endowments, a little gilded brass, a few painted flowers, as once Rabseca boasted of his Master's victories, having overcome a few nations, whose God were stocks and stones, lest as the Lord gave him and his Master, so he give us a shameful overthrow at the last, 2 King. 18.33, 34, 35. But let us seriously consider how we have no beauty in us for which the Lord should set his love upon us, Ezek. 16.6. No strength whereby to vanquish the enemies that rise against us, Rom. 5.8. No understanding to discern the things which differ, Prov. 30.2, 3. No ability to comprehend the deep things of God more than a blind eye to discern colours, 1 Cor. 2.14. No quickness of sight to descry the snares of Satan, to find out the corruption of our hearts, but that as Agar said, Prov. 30.18, 19 So may I say of him, that we have no aptness in ourselves to any good duty, more than the thorn to bear figs, the bitter fountain to send forth sweet waters, Mat. 7.17. And when we are thus low in our own eyes, than we shall be capable of matter, of the highest and most eminent nature, Acts 9.3. When Paul was cast from his Horse, brought low, made blind, than he was fit to receive instruction, than we shall long after the light of God's face, Luc. 15. the dews of God's grace; when the prodigal saw himself a companion of swine, than a place in his father's house was much desired, than we shall complain with much feeling of the sin of our Souls, of the iniquity of our hearts, as Isa. 6.5. Then we shall be to pour out our Souls feelingly, and cry mightily to the Lord as jonah did, jon 2.1. He slept while he was above the water, than the Lord will be favourable unto us, Isa. 57.15. and shall vouchsafe salvation unto us, job 22.29. job 33.19. to 28.  
Use. 3 Therefore this must cause us so much the more carefully to use all holy and sanctified means, for the supplying of our wants, the filling of our emptiness, the fitting of us for all good duties, the more we see our own weakeness, the more let us seek to be made strong by Christ jesus, the less we have in ourselves, the more earnestly let us beg to partake of his abundance, let the sense of our hunger cause us to feed the more frequently with the milk which cometh from the breast of the Scriptures, let our dulness cause us the more carefully to apply this light to our feet and this Lantern to our paths; Let our barrenness cause us with Hanna to pray with tears for grace as she did for a Child, let our inability to resist the enemies of our Souls, cause us to pray for God's presence and assistance, as Moses did for God's assistance with Israel in their journey to Canaan, the greater storms of affliction do arise, the more strongly let us fasten the anchor of our faith upon the Rock Christ Jesus, let our nakedness cause us to long the more to be apparelled with the royal robes of Christ's righteousness; Let our uncleanness make us desire the more earnestly to be washed in the Jordan of Christ's blood, the heavy burden of our sin cause us the more to desire to be unloaden, the more the hart is chased, the more the water brooks are desired: the more the torment of the disease is felt, the more the healing Medicine is longed for: the more the force, fury, and near approach of the enemy is beheld, the more aid is desired: so the more sense we have of our own weakness, unmorthines: the more feeling we have of our sin, of the arrows of God's displeasure wounding our consciences, the strength of our corruption and the violence of Satan, the more earnestly, humbly, feelingly, let us address ourselves unto God, and so the Lord of his fullness will supply our wants, communicate the riches of his grace; his goodness is the Fountain whence we must draw, the treasure whence we must fetch all spiritual riches, as the next thing to be observed plainly teacheth.  
Doctr. That whatsoever good blessing is enjoyed by any person or people is the free gift of God, as all the waters come from the Sea, and all the branches receive nourishment from the root, so all the favours, which like streams flow down for the watering of our Souls, or bodies, have their original from the Ocean of God's goodness, they are all as beams issueing from the Sun of God's Love, jac. 1.17. No Merchandise sold at so easy a rate as that which after Solomon's estimate is more precious than Rubies, and Prov. 3.14, 15. for Isa. 55.1. As the cloud freely poureth down his rain upon the thirsty ground, so doth God his blessings upon the thirsty Souls of men, blessings of every kind both spiritual and temporal, of the right hand, and of the lest are freely bestowed, touching blessings of the most eminent nature our Saviour speaketh, Rev. 22.17. touching favours of inferior condition, Psal. 104.28. Yea, the very wicked drink of the water of this Fountain, and are relieved by the bounty of this hand, job 22.18. So that the Apostles question may well be proposed to every person, 1 Cor. 4.17. and the reason hereof is,  
Reas. 1 Because God is the Fountain of all goodness, all blessings are in his store house, he is the vine whereon all the grapes grow, which nourish our Souls & bodies, he is the Sun which giveth us light, the nurse whose breasts afford us refreshment, the Olive tree which filleth our Lamp full of Oil, this Nehemiah doth acknowledge, Neh. 9.25. Psal 68.9, 10. and thus the Prophet ascribeth all the welfare of God's people to his goodness, Zach. 9.15, 16, 17.  
Reas. 2 Because we cannot claim nor challenge any blessing or favour at the hands of God; we have forfeited all by our sin, Ephes. 2.12. All things are become impure, Tit. 1.15. We have broken the Covenant, and have made forfeiture of all we did enjoy, so that we can lay claim to nothing by virtue of any promise from God, till we be in Christ, according to that of the Prophet, Hos. 2.19, 20, 21, 22.  
Reas. 3 Because the whole praise of all we enjoy belongeth unto God, Rom. 11.36. 1 Cor. 1.30, 31. so 1 Cor. 4.6, 7. This is a jewel of which God will not suffer himself to be robbed, the only thing that God aimeth at in all his works, Isai. 42.5, 6, 7, 8.  
Use. This therefore overthroweth the proud and insolent Babel of Popish merit, challenging eternal life and glory as a wages due to their labours, as a fruit growing upon the trees of their own planting, a harvest arising from a vineyard of their own manuring, for thus they teach; 
V●squ. in commentar. in 1.2. qu. 114.  Opera bona justorum ex seipsis absque ullo pacto & acceptatione digna esse remnueratione vitae eternae. 2. Operibus iustorum nullum dignitatis accrementum provenire ex meritis aut persona Christi, etc. Whereas the Baptist, a man of a more sanctified Spirit, and profound judgement, than any sly and subtle Jesuit, taught his disciples, that a man could receive nothing unless it were given, not merited, and whatsoever these Rom●sh Doctors do now teach their Apostatised Romans; yet Paul, a chosen vessel of God, a man that was extraordinarily converted, richly endued with the grace of the Spirit, in labour more abundant than any other Apostle, taught the Romans of his time, that the wages of sin was death, but the gift of God was eternal life, Rom. 6.23. and our Saviour taught his Disciples, Luc. 17.10. Whereupon Hierome, si inutilis qui fecit omnia, 
Ad Suts●●●o. cont. Pelag.  quid de illo dicendum qui explere non potuit, and St Paul teacheth that not only the actions, but the passions also added thereunto hold no proportion of condignity with life eternal, Rom. 8.18. For should we be able to merit eternal life by our works, win the crown by our own strength, than we should turn the fountain of God's favour into a well without water, where should there be any place for God's bounty: If we could merit, and make salvation a due debt, than Christ should have spent his labours, borne the heavy burden of afflictions, undergone the ignominy of the cross & shed his blood in vain, Gal. 2.21. Then there should be no more place for grace, Rom. 11.6. Non est in quo gratia intret, ubi meritum jam occupavit. Bernard▪ in Cant. Ser. 67. therefore Ephes. 2 8. and yet we do not take away the reward, because we deny the merit of good works, for in the keeping of God's commandments, Psa. 19.11. and Prov 11.18. But the question is whence he that soweth must expect to reap so great and sure a harvest; whether from God's justice, which he must do, if he stand upon merit, or from his mercy, as a recompense freely bestowed out of God's gracious bounty, and not injustice due for the worth of the work performed, which question the Prophet Hosea hath sufficiently resolved, Hos. 10.12. The Lord doth crown his graces, adding an increase to that which he hath given and enabled us well to use, Psal. 62.12. giving an increase of glory according to the measure of grace bestowed, so that originally and in itself this reward proceedeth merely from God's free bounty & mercy, but accidentally in regard God hath bound himself by his Word and promise to comferr such a reward, so it proveth after a sort an act of justice, as 1 Joh. 1.9. The thing promised is free, and by us undeserved, and if God should fail in performance, yet do us no wrong, but wrong himself; and therefore Canaan was called a Land of promise not of merit, Dut. 9.5. Neh. 9 8. Ja. 1.12. 2 Tim. 4.8. Not just because of our merit, but because of God's promise, 
In Psal. 33 Conc●.  therefore Augustine fidelis homo est credens promittenti Deo; fidelis Deus exhibens quod promisit homini, teneamus fidelissimu debitorem, quia tenemus misericordissimum promissorem.  
Use. 2 Is every good blessing God's gift, doth it all come from heaven? then in all our wants, let us address ourselves to God; Whatsoever we want let us seek it at the Lords hand, let us not go to Endor, Baalzebub Egypt, or Assyria, as if there were no God in Israel, as if there were no Oil in God's Lamp, no strength in God's arm, no light left in the Sun or his favour; let us not go to broken cisterns, but say with Peter, joh. 6.68. this is that we are commanded to do, Amos 5.4, 5, 6. It is at the Lords gate that we must knock, one beggar doth not make supplication at another beggar's door, but at the gates of the rich; what are all creatures in respect of God but beggars, they have no water in their own wells, but what distilleth from the cloud of God's bounty, therefore Mat. 7.7, 8. the Lords ears open to hear, his hands are open to relieve, Exo. 22.23. 
1 Ki. 18.26.  Though Baal be deaf and cannot hear his suppliants, yet the God of Israel will surely attend to the cry of his people, let us silence out crying sins, let us turn our feet into the path of God's precepts, and the Lord shall hear our requests, Job 22.23. to 28. Let us in the sense of our wants, in the humility of our Souls, draw nigh unto the Lord, and then Psa. 102.17. Let us pour out our Souls before the Lord, as the full clouds do their rain, let us cry out as a woman in travel, and though we were as dead men, yet we shall live, Isa. 26.16, 17, 19 Let us not waver but believe, & we shall obtain, ja. 16. Let us come before the Lord with sincere and unpright hearts, and then Ps. 145.18, 19 Let us have no more to do with sin, but say as Ephraim to his Idols, Hos. 14.8. let us take us Words, vers. 2.3. and then vers. 4.5, 6, 7. Let us win on God with patience and constancy, and the Lord at length will look upon us in mercy, Heb. 10 35. Whatsoever be our want, in the Lord is all fullness, all readiness to supply us, therefore as ja. 1.5. So if thou want faith knowledge, patience, if thou want tender of heart: peace of conscience, sense of God's love, or any other good blessing, ask it, & the Lord will surely bestow it on thee: Hanna was troubled with her barrenness & cried to the Lord, & he opened her womb. Solomon considered the weightiness of his calling, & sought wisdom, and the Lord gave him wisdom: Samson was much oppressed with thirst, called on the Lord, and the Lord gave him water, jud. 15.18, 19 In like manner when the barrenness of grace, want of knowledge doth afflict thee seek it at the hands of the Lord, and the Lord shall grant the supplication of thy Soul unto thee; had we but hearts to seek we might enjoy what now we want; the ignorant might be full of knowledge, the empty Lamp might be full of oil, the weak faith, which shaketh like a withered reed, might be like a Cedar of deep and strong roots, the Soul, which is like a barren vineyard, might be full of grace, like the valleys overspread with Corn and good pasture, the naked Soul might be well armed, richly apparelled, the dejected Spirit might be full of comfort, the mind that is pressed down with worldly cares, like a cart with sheaves, might soar aloft as on eagle's wings unto the heavens, the unstable Soul might be as well fastened, the wilderness of the life might be made a Paradise; a sweet Communion with God, a holy fellow ship with the saints might be maintained, & much delight might be found in God's Ordinances, Isa. 41.17, 18, 19 Isa. 44.3.  
This must teach us to receive all as from God, whatsoever our care, labour, industry hath been, yet let us not look upon what we possess, as upon yarn of our own weaving, fish of our own taking, Hab. 1.16. Upon a house of our own building, as Dan. 4.30. But let us look on all we have as on God's blessing, a gift from God's hand, a light shining from the sun of God's bounty, though Paul plant and Apollo water, the increase is Gods: though Israel fight, the victory is the Lords; 
2 Cro. 20  whatsoever evil is in us, whatsoever evil is committed by us, is the seed of our own sowing, whatsoever evil is inflicted on us, is a wages of our own deserving, whatsoever good we work it is the labour of God's finger, whatsoever good we receive it is of the fullness and freedom of God's bounty, therefore we must all say, as 1 Cor. 29 11, 12, 13.14.15, 16. for Prov. 21.31. Therefore let us fasten our eyes on all both internal and external endowments, as on showers falling from the cloud of God's love, as on gifts given by the Lord's hand, even the least, the meanest, as well as upon the fairest of our possessions; this will make us the more sensible of God's love, the more ashamed of our ingratitude and disobedience, this will the more endear and oblige our hearts to God, this will make us the more thankful, the more circumspect, and heavenly minded in the use of them, nothing doth more occasion the abuse of God's blessing, than forgetfulness of the hand whence they have there original and beginning, Ps. 78.10, 11.  
4. This may acquaint us with a sure way how to be provided for in all estates, to find a supply in all our wants, to have some liccour always in our vessel to refresh us, some fruit upon the barrenest tree to relieve us; God you see, is the giver of every good blessing, all cometh from him, therefore get into his favour, and you shall want no good thing, be regenerate, become a new creature, make God your Father, and your wants shall be supplied, let the prodigal return, and in his Father's house there is all manner of provision, his Father kindly entertaining him, Luc. 15. So let us do, etc. for as Mat. 7.11. this hath the promise, Psal. 84. ●●. Used as a motive to stir up men to fear God, Psal. 34.10. to follow Christ, Matth 19.29.30. This will bring us within the Covenant▪ giveth us interest in all God's blessings, we shall be in league, and Job 5.23, 24, 25, 26. We shall enjoy security, boldness towards God, tranquillity and cheerfulness in our hearts, Job 11.13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. It is not a carnal & vexing care, a greedy heaping up of things of the earth, that will be sufficient defence, a never setting light, a never failing stream, but the fruition of God's love is the way to win it, Mat. 6.33. this Psal. 23. ●. If God be Shepherd, he will provide pasture, and Ps. 37.25. it is iniquity, an ungracious conversation that bringeth want, Pro. 13.25. Eccles. 5.13.14.  
5. Is every good gift from God? cometh it all from him? then let us remember that we must give an account of all we do enjoy, we are not Lords but stewards of God's blessings, such as must yield account to God of all our abilities, though it be long before the Lord call us, yet he will at length require a strict account of all our doings, how we spent our time, our strength, our temporal blessing, our spiritual graces, how they have been improved, what increase hath been made, therefore as the Apostle said in another case, 2 Cor. 1.24 1 Pet. 5.2, 3. So in this case use what you have received, not as Lords to do with it what you list, but as they who must be accountable to the Lord, & that not only for the greatest but also for the least blessings, as our Saviour said, 
Mat 25 19 Rome 14.12.  we must render account of every idle Word, so we must render account of every little favour, which God hath bestowed on us, the time will come, Luc. 16.2. Therefore we should think of this that we might be able to do it with joy, Heb. 13.16.  
6. As it is all from God, so let us be careful to employ it to the honour of God, his good ground receiving good seed yieldeth a good increase, as the good servant, Mat. 25.20. as it cometh from heaven, so let us use it in a heavenly manner, to the praise of him whose dwelling is in the heavens; this their very original doth challenge, Ro. 11.36. This the Dominion, that God hath over all, doth claim, this the end, which God proposeth to himself in all his works, doth require, Prov. 16.4. Rev. 4.11. Ephes. 1.5, 6. and it is the charge, 1 Cor. 6.20. and if we neglect this, we abuse the gift we have received, it is a wrong to the creature to restrain it from the service of the Creator. I. It is a wrong to the light, to hide it under the bushel: to the seed to withhold it from the earth. II. We rob ourselves of the comfort, we might enjoy in the good inployment of our received Talon, God's service well performed is comfortable, not only when it is finished, but even in the very performance of it; Paul and Silas sung before they had the crown, even while they were in prison, etc. 2 Cor. 1.12. It is a joy to the husbandman to see the Corn spring, though long before the harvest, a comfort whereof the sluggard is utterly deprived. III. We expose ourselves to an utter deprivation, of what we have received: the one Talon was taken from him that did not employ it, and it is generally threatened, from him, that hath not shall be taken away even what he hath, etc. Prov. 11.24. IV. We discover ourselves to be altogether vile and evil; it is evil ground that after much soil and seed is full of weeds, a corrupt body that after much Physicking is more diseased, therefore Mat. 25.26.  
7. This teacheth us to wait and depend upon God for every good thing, and in the use of means to seek to God by prayer for a blessing, for as his goodness giveth us the means, so his providence must make them effectual for our benefit; thus Jehosaphats eyes were towards the Lord for help in the day of distress, 2 Chro. 20.12. Thus David would not look to the earth, and seek for help among the things there below, but Psal. 5.3. Thus the Prophet would have them look unto the promise which God had made to their forefathers, Isai. 511, 2. and the Psalmist, Psa. 44.5, 6. Thus Nehemiah used means, but prayed unto God for a blessing, Neh. 4.9 and this even Joab had respect unto, 2 Sam. 10.12. and indeed without this, Psal. 127.1, 2.  
8. This must stir up the hearts, of men to love and praise God, every man according to that which God hath bestowed upon him; according to the number and the measure of our graces must be our thankfulness, we have nothing, but it is the Lords gift, and many are his favours challenging thankfulness from us, the Donation of his Son, Joh. 3.16. the giving of his Word, jer. 3.15. the separating of us from the workers of darkness, 1 Pet. 2.9. saith in his promises, joh. 6.29. peace of conscience, forgiveness of sin, sense of God's love with every other good grace, they are all the gifts of God, 1 Cor 2●1. We were not worthy of any of this, but deserved the contrary; when we deserved death the Lord gave us life, when we sat in darkness, and the shadow of death, and were worthy to be so left then did God send us light, Mat. 4.16. When we were in bondage the Lord made us free, when we lay like the man between Jericho and Jerusalem, robbed, wounded, Luc. 10.30. then did God like the merciful Samaritan help us, when the Leprosy of sin had altogether overspread us, than did the Lord wash us in the Jordan of his Son's blood, 1 joh. 1.7. when we could expect nothing, but everlasting burnings, then God turned his consuning fire into a shining Sun, our tempestuous Sea into a calm River, our Hell into a Paradise: and oh that we had hearts to love him, laud him, delight in him, for this his goodness and mercy towards us.  
9 Lastly this serveth, for the great comfort of the Children of God, every good thing is in their Father's hand, he that loveth them is the Lord of all things, Psa. 23. therefore they may rest themselves assured that they shall never want any good thing: 
Psa. 34.10.  were these things in the hand of any stranger, they might, in the hand of an enemy, they surely should lack them, but now since all things are in the hand of God, be sure of this. I. God will give you the best things, though Ishmael have the movables, Isaac hath the inheritance, if Esaa have the fatness of the earth, yet Jacob shall have the birthright; if profane men have what the bodily eye doth see, yet, 1 Cor. 2 9 II. You shall have a competency that which shall give contentment, Phil. 4.11. You shall have such peace therewith as will make the coursest dirt more pleasant, than the danitiest feast, Prov. 15.15. III. You shall have that which God doth see to be best for you, as a loving Physician, a wise father giveth what is best for his child, for his patient, so will our wise & loving God do for us.   

VERSE 28.  
THe matter contained in these Words hath been already opened for the most part, only here we may observe. I. A reprehension of that particular sin whereof they were guilty. II. How hardly men are brought to the knowledge of the truth being once possessed with prejudice. III. The desire of God's people to have all the glory given unto Christ, not to rob him of the least part of it: The first of this will teach us.  
Doctr. That God's Ministers must reprove the peculiar and particular sins of their hairs, the Physican doth apply to the particular diseases of his patient, the gardener reacheth the hands to the weeds, which are most noisome, thus Isa. 58.1. and 2 Sam. 12.11, 12. Mar. 6.20. Acts 2 36.  
Reas. 1 Because these sins are most dangerous, it is the predominant disease, that threateneth the dissolution of the body.  
Reas. 2 Because this will awaken the conscience, convince the judgement, lead unto repentance. 1 Sam. 15.14, 19 When the Lot was cast on Achan than he confessed, so 2 Sam. 12.13.  
Use 1 Therefore Ministers must acquaint themselves thoroughly with the state of the people, search into their particular diseases, as Physicians try the estate of their patients, mariners look to the state of their ships, builders the decayed places of the house, and accordingly prepare their exhortations, for the convincing of the obstinate, informing of the ignorant, awakening of the secure, reclaiming of them that stray, 2 Tim. 3.16. and consolation of the dejected, thus as they are styled, so shall they show themselves, seers, stewards, Physicians, guides, lights, and thus jer. 15.19.  
Use 2 This must cause the people to be patient, willing, thankful to hear their particular sins discovered, reproved, as they would have the disease of their body lanced, the breaches of their houses repaired, Ps. 141.5. 1 King. 18.21. Heb. 13.23.  
The second point teacheth us,  
Doctr. That men are hardly brought to the knowledge of the truth, when once they are possessed with prejudice against it; these men were persuaded that the Baptist was the Christ, they would not be driven from it, 
jer. 38.4 1 Ki. 22.8. 1 Ki. 21.20.  though he plainly told them he was not, Mat. 13.56, 57 joh. 7.52. By this means things appear in other colours than indeed they are, as to him that looketh through a glass of a red colour things seem to be of a red colour, therefore let us take heed that this weed arise not, stand not in the garden of our hearts, quench it like fire, destroy it like stubble, Isa. 20 8. Psa 57.3.17. Let us ground the persuasions of our hearts upon apparent testimonies, which will not deceive us. 
Ps. 2●. 9 Acts 10.33.  Let us still be of humble disposition, readily subjecting ourselves to the Doctrine of God's Word. Let not affection, conceit, fond opinion, but a judgement well informed be our guide. Let all truths find entertainment, approbation, subjection, so shall the Word bring comfort, establish our faith, reconcile and draw us home to God, assure us of his favour; every us with his grace. I. But if prejudice possess our hearts, bear sway within us, we are taken in Satan's snare, we shall be lead like blind men into the pit of our destruction, he hath put out the eye of the understanding, that we shall not see the glorious light of the Gospel, 2 Cor. 4.4 II. The sweet waters of life will be to our Palate as bitter as Gall, the most sumptuous feast shall be but as the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, Mal. 3.14. The most pleasant and delightful light will be either an offence to the eye, or at least as a Lamp without Oil, job 34.9. All Religious and holy exercises will be as a cloud without rain, as a vine without grapes. III. The wisest counsel will be taken either as flattery, or as treason, the truest testimonies of the sincerest love will be looked on as baits upon the hook to draw the fish to his death, as meat spread by the fowler, an allurement to the snare, 2 Sam. 10.4. IV. Prejudice, like a diseased stomach, turneth good food into corrupted humours, 2 Cor. 2.14. Like a diseased eye it beholdeth things in contrary colours; Like David in one case it taketh friends to be enemies, and enemies to be friends, 2 Sam. 19.6. Like thorns and briars in the field, it causeth the seed of the word that it can take no root, Matth. 13.12. Like Sheba, that blew the Trumpet of Rebellion, it causeth the people to disclaim the Messenger of the Lord, and to say they have no part in his Doctrine, 2 Sam. 20.1, 2. Like the evil Spirit that arose between Abimelech and the men of Shechem, it doth breed a great division & hasten, their ruin, Iud 9.23. Like a disease in the body, it maketh men greedily embrace, what will nourish it, Ahab being possessed with prejudice against the Prophet, cast him into prison, opened his ears to the false Prophets, who deceived him, 1 King. 22. for the prevention whereof we must labour.  
1. For a sound judgement to be able to discern the things which differ, to make choice of the things which are most excellent, a clear eye judgeth and distinguesheth colours best, delight is most welcome to that sight which hath most perfection, sound Doctrine hath best approbation among men of sound knowledge and good understanding, and surely as Paul said in another case, Acts 26 2.3. So may the Minister of God say in this case, and therefore 1 Cor. 14.20. Col. 1.9. 1 Cor. 10.15 1 Thes. 5.21. but ignorance is the common cause of prejudice, 2 Pet. 2.12.  
2. For a good affection, an entire love to the Messenger of the Lord, this the Apostle requireth, 1 Thes. 5.13. This will cause us to hearken to their Doctrine with diligence, to endure the word of exhortation with patience, to embrace it with thankfulness, to subject ourselves to it with readiness, we take bitter pills contentedly from the Physician whom we affect, and you know what the Apostle saith of love, 1 Cor. 13.5, 6, 7.  
3. We must strive for an humble and teachable Spirit, the broken ground entertaineth the seed, the meek in heart do readily subject themselves to the Doctrine of salvation, the yoke of God's precept is not irksome to the humble, therefore, Mat. 11.29 & were we humble as Christ was, then as he, notwithstanding all his sufferings, Isa. 42 2. no more would we stir, and cry and make a noise, and tumult, when the axe is said to the root of the tree, we would not kick against the Word of the Lord, though it prick like a goad, and pierce like an arrow, Ex. 12.11. Ps. 45.4. The humble ●oul shall find sweetness in it, it shall be a word of glad tidings, Isa 61.1. a pleasant food, Psal. 22.26.  
4. Carefully try all things by the touchstone of God's Word, examine it by that line wherein there is no crookedness, weigh it in that balance, wherein is no deceit; try it by that touchstone, which will infallibly distinguish between good and reprobate silver: the day, 1 Cor. 13 13. that is the light of God's Word, Rom. 13.12. shall make it manifest: the fire, God's Spirit, speaking in the Scriptures, will certify you of the truth of what was taught, therefore Isa. 8.20. 1 Joh. 4.1. Acts 17.11. By this means shall ye find, that it is not so much man as God that speaketh: by this means ye shall perceive more power in it, attend with more fear and reverence to it, and subject yourselves thereunto with more willingness.  
5. Allow not yourself in any evil way, be not wedded to any sin, but resolve in the uprightness of your hearts, to subject yourselves to the whole will of God, be glad to be informed in any truth, and be able to say to God's Messenger, as Cornelius did to Peter, Acts 10.33. and the people to Moses, Deu. 5.27. Then shall not your hearts rebel against any truth, not distaste any wholesome Doctrine, not take offence at any godly exhortation, more than a traveller, resolving to go to his journey's end doth to be guided in the right way when he strayeth, or a sick man desirous of a freedom from all diseases, doth at the good counsel of a wise Physician, but shall with David, 1 Sa. 25.32, 33. The allowance of sin maketh true Doctrine unacceptable, godly admonition unwelcome, the tidings of peace an occasion of trouble, the sweet flowers gathered out of the garden of the Scriptures, as a bundle of noisome weeds, the honey comb of the word as gall; therefore let us put iniquity far away, and let no iniquity dwell in our tabernacles; and then we shall receive the word without prejudice.  

The Third thing  
is the Baptists, denial of himself the removing of all that honour from himself, which they would falsely have ascribed to him.  
Doctr GOds Servants must not seek their own, but the honour of the Lord Jesus; This is given in charge, 1 Cor. 6.20. this we are taught to make our first Petition, Mat. 6.9. This the Saints, Angels of God have refused to receive, when men either ignorantly or superstitiously would have bestowed it on and have willed them to give it unto God and Christ, Acts 10.25, 26, Acts 14: 14, 15. Rev. 19.10. our Saviour blamed the want of this in the pharisees, Joh. 5.44. and the Lord plagued them that, neglecting his, sought their own glory, Acts 12.21, 22. Dan. 4.30, 31.  
Reas. 1 In regard of that perrogative which God hath over all, he is the Prince of the Kings of the earth, Rev. 1.5. every knee must bow to him, Rome 14.11. He hath dominion as King over subjects, Isai. 43.15.  
Reas. 2 In regard of the right he hath in them, they are the work of his hands, he is the potter, and they are the clay, the Creator, and they the thing form by him, trees of his planting, tabernacles of his building, Joh. 1.3.  
Reas. 3 In regard of the price he hath paid for them, not gold and silver, hay, stubble, but his own blood, 1 Pet. 1.19. 1 Cor. 6.20. The Captiune being ransomed must live to him that did redeem him, 2 Cor. 5.14.  
Reas. 4 In regard of the relation between them, Christ is the head, they the members, Christ the Husband, they the Spouse, Christ the Prince, they the subjects, therefore these must above all things seek the honour of Christ, as the Apostle saith of the wife, 1 Cor. 7.34.  
Reas. 5 Because the honouring of the Lord Jesus is more dear to God's Servants than their own lives, neither honours, riches, pleasures, nor success in worldly undertake is so delightful to them, as the glorifying of the name of the Lord, Acts 20.24. Acts 21.13.  
Reas. 6 Because this is the most ready way to do good unto ourselves, the seeking of God's glory will interest us in God's favour, make us capable of God's blessing give us comfort and courage in all estates, and much boldness in the day of the Lord jesus, 1 Sam. 2.30.  
Reas. 7 Because this is that which God hath chiefly, and peculiarly reserved to himself; this is to the Lord, as the crown to the King, though the Lord grant us many favours, yet he will not grant us this, this is as the apple of his eye, no man must touch it, Isai. 42.8. therefore Psa. 148.13.  
Use. This discovereth the iniquity of such as regard not what become of the honour of God & Christ, so themselves may have honour, that regard not though the Sun of God's glory be overshadowed with an everlasting Eclipse, so the corrupt meteor of their vain glory may shine, the extinguishing of the shining Lamp of the Gospel, the ruinating of the Walls of Zion, the breaking down of the hedges of God's vineyard, the plucking off the grapes which grow on the Lord's vine, the entering of the wild boar, Psal. 80.12, 13, 16. All this doth not trouble them, so the trees in their own Orchard flourish, bud, blossom, bear, who knoweth not that Satan is now let loose, his chain lengthened, his fury and his indignation great? Whose eyes do not behold, that as, Rev. 6.12. through the insolency, & pride of Antichrist, the glorious Sun of righteousness is eclipsed, The Doctrine, 
Rev. 9.7  the Sacraments, the Worship of God is made black with heresies, superstitious Idols, and the Church bloody with wars, tyranny, oppression, persecution? Who seeth not the bottomless pit is now opened, the smoke ascending, the smoky Doctrine of the Pope arising, like smoke out of a great furnace to obscure the Doctrine of life, & salvation by Christ? Who seeth not a fearful Apostasy, 
Rev. 6.13.  the stars falling from heaven, Doctors, Bishops, learned men, like vanishing Meteors to fall to the earth, the World, the flesh, earthly honours, Idols? Who can but see how out of this smoke of Popish Doctrine, there comes forth a multitude of locusts, 
Rev. 9  Priests, Jesuits, Monks, who like the locusts leap from earth to earth flying aloft in the air, savour not the things of God, but only the things here below, like the locusts go together in great troops, singing the sonnet of their prosperity, leap and delight in idleness, enter the meadows, green pastures, and eat up all the green things? Who seeth not bow they encroach upon us as the Sea upon the earth, when it hath eat through the banks, as a fire upon the town when it hath once fired one house, as the frogs on the Land of Egypt till they made it stink? 
Exod. 8.6, 14.  Besides who heareth not the blasphemies and hideous swear who seeth not the swinish drunkenness, the matchless pride? who heareth not of the whoredoms & fornications among us, of the strange contempt of the Gospel, by all which the name of God is blasphemed, Rom. 2.24. yet who almost regardeth this, whose eyes gush out as David, did? Psal. 119.136. Whose countenance us sad as Nehemiahs' was? Neh. 2.3, 4. Who rend his garment and his Mantle as Ezra did? Ezr. 9.3. If but the hem of our own garment be touched, but the least spot of disgrace cast on us, we are much displeased, disquieted; but who layeth to heart the dishonour done to God? If men may keep up their own Dagon, they care not what become of the Lords Ark, 1 Sam. 5.4, 5. If their Ship may row in a secure haven, they care not if the Ship of the Church sink in a storm, Amos 6.6. If they may be rich, they care not though the Church be poor, if they may be crowned with the earthly glory, they care not who take the crown of God's praise from him; like Gallio, they care for none of these things, if they may be at ease in Zion, Amos 6.1, 6. Whereby it is manifest, that they are not Gods Children, for a good Child seeketh his Father's honour more than his own, that they are not the spouse of Christ, for the Wife is grieved to see her Husband dishonoured, that they love not the Lord Jesus, delight not in the Gospel, seek not that honour which cometh from God, but that which cometh from men: were it otherwise, the loss of their own peace, plenty, revenue, praise would not be so offensive to them, as to see God dishonoured; but as these men grieve not to see God dishonoured, forbear not to rob him of his praise, so the time is at hand wherein God will cover them with shame, 1 Sam. 2.30. Ezek. 28.2. to 9 Dan. 5.22, 23, 24. 1 Sam. 2.29.  
2. Therefore this must occasion every one of us neglecting our own selves, thoughts, ends, to seek the honour and the glory of our God, and give the Lord the praise due to his name, let this be the prime desire of our Souls, Psal. 71.8. Let us long after this as much as ever Rahel did after Children, Gen. 30 1. And as we are or will make it appear that we are the Children of God, so let us set our whole hearts, and all our strength to glorify him, for this doth God challenge by virtue of our sonship, and his own dominion, Mal. 1.6. and this let us make the choice of our endeavours, Mat. 6.33. this let us value before our own life, Joh. 12.27, 28. yea, let us desire life chiefly for this end, Psal. 118.17. and unto this let us frame all the abilities we do enjoy, whether inward or outward, Prov. 3.9. Let every talon be employed to the advantage of our great Lord and Master, let every creature become a string to sound out God's praise, Psal. 113.1, 2. Let soul and body, like well yoked oxen draw in this yoke, let all the members of the one, and all the faculties of the other, like an army of well trained soldiers fight these battles, let the heart in thinking, the will in choosing, the affections in embracing, the eye in seeing the ear in hearing, the hand in working, the tongue in speaking, the foot in walking aim at the honour of God, according to that of the Psalmist, Psal 103.1, 2. thus we shall answer God's goodness, Isa. 43.20. shall have honour in the eyes of God's Servants, 2 Sam. 6.22. so shall we accomplish the end, for which God hath delivered us, 1 Cor. 16.35. rejoice in God's presence, 1 Cor. 16.28, 29, 33. So shall we show our thankfulness for his mercies, so shall it appear that we have been sensible of his goodness towards us, mindful of the vows we made in our distresses, Psal 66.2, 11 12, 13. So shall we be sure of honour, when others are buried under the dust of ignominy, so shall the clouds of all our disgrace be turned unto a bright and shining Sun, our dunghill into a palace, our wilderness into a paradise, our thorney into a golden crown, Isa 58.13, 14. Though we are now as a desolate widow, yet we shall be the spouse of Christ, Isai. 62.3, 4, 5. and so here.    

VERSE 29.  
IT hath ever been usual with Christ, the Prophets, Apostles, and all the Agents, whom the Lord hath used for the edification of his Church, by similitudes drawn from things temporal & earthly to express, unfold, & lay open things spiritual and heavenly; because hereby the nature, and use of such things is plainly unfolded, clearly perceived, firmly remembered, the judgement is informed, the conscience convinced, the faith established, the affections most warmed, even the shallowest capacities left excuseles; therefore the Baptist having laboured to cure the error of his Disciples, acquanted them with the pre-eminence of our Saviour above them; that there might no scruple remain, he expresseth the whole matter by a common similitude, likening the Church to a spouse, our Saviour to the Bridegroom or Husband of the Church, and himself to the Bridegroom's friend, therein plainly showing, that not he but Christ was the head of the Church, that not to him, but to Christ must the Church be gathered, and that it his joy to see men by the Word of Christ, the Ministry of the Gospel converted, as the friend rejoiceth to see the spouse joined in wedlock to the Bridegroom whom he loyeth.  
Wherein we may more particularly observe. I. The near and sweet relation between Christ and the faithful, he is the Bridegroom and they the Bride. II. The affection between Christ and his Ministers, they are his friends. III. Their office, as a friend persuadeth the spouse to join herself in wedlock to the Bridegroom, so do Gods Messengers persuade men to convert and turn to God. IU. Their commission, they speak not of themselves, but they stand and hear what the Lord will say to them. V. The joy they have in searching out, and publishing the tidings of life and salvation, he rejoiceth to hear the voice of the Bridegroom. VI The singular comfort they take in seeing their labours successful, in beholding many to turn unto God; his joy is full: from the first we learn.  
Doctr. That all Gods faithful Servants are joined in a spiritual wedlock with Christ Jesus; this is promised, Hos. 2.19. This is a title by which the Lord, for the comfort of his Church, styleth himself, Isa. 54.5. and the Ministry of the Gospel, by which this spiritual marriage is wrought, is termed a marriage-feast, Mat. 22.2, 3. And the Apostle expresseth it by the marriage between a man and his wife, Eph. 5.23, 30. And Solomon in his song of the marriage between Christ and the Church, doth very familiarly thus express the Union, and near conjunction between them, Cant. 1.14, 15, 16. Cant. 2.3, 4. and Psal. 45.10, 11. And fitly is our Saviour likened to a Husband.  
1. For his Dominion over the Church; as the Husband is the head of the Wife, so is Christ the head of the Church, 1 Cor. 11.3. and Ephes. 1.22. Ephes. 5.23. He is a head over all in regard of all creatures, in regard of his absolute Dominion, as the King is head over all living within his Kingdom, subjects and rebels, the Master head over all within his family, whether they love or hate him, so Col. 2.10. But Christ is after a more sweet comfortable and gracious manner the head of his faithful people, as the Husband is the head of the Wife, not swaying by tyranny, but ruling by love.  
2. In regard of his love as a Husband doth his Wife, so Christ doth love his Church, Ephes. 5 25. Jonathans' love was never greater to David than the love of Christ to his Church, it is a great love, a strong love, an everlasting love, Joh. 13.1.  
3. In regard of his care, as the Husband taketh care for the wife, so doth Christ take care for the Church, he is a keeper that doth never sleep, a Master of a family that is ever thinking of doing good to his people, he is never weary of seeking their welfare, Isai. 42.11. Isai. 32.2. Mal. 3.16.17.  
4. In regard of his presence among them, as the Husband with the Wife, it is his promise, Mat. 28.20. Their heart is his throne, Ephes. 3.17. and they are said to be brought into the King's Chambers, Cant. 1.4. and he hath given them his Word, Isa. 45.1, 2. Psal. 76.2  
5. In regard of his directions, as the Husband giveth counsel and direction to the Wife, so doth Christ to the the Church, as the Sun in the Firmament giveth light to the inferior parts of the World, so Christ the Son of righteousness giveth light to his Church, Joh. 1.9. Without him we set in darkness, Mat. 4.16. It is he doth guide our feet into the way of peace, Luc. 1.79. he Joh. 1.18. Col. 2 2, 3. and Matth. 11.17. therefore Mat. 17.5.  
6. In regard of his Union with the Church, as the Husband is one with the Wife, no more twain but matrimonially one flesh, Mat. 19.6. so are Christ and his Church mystically one, Ephes. 5.30. 1 Cor. 12.12, 13. By virtue whereof we have a most glorious condition, Psal. 8.4, 5. Angels for our attendants, Heb. 1.14. an entrance into heaven, we do already in part possess it, Eph. 2.6. joh. 5.24. an assurance of sufficient supply of all things, Joh. 1.16.  
7. In regard of the many gifts which he bestoweth upon the Church, as the Husband bestoweth gifts upon the Wife; so doth Christ on his Church, he led captivity Captive, and gave gifts to men, Ephes. 4.8, 11. as Ezek. 16 6. as Luc. 15.19, 20, 22. so 2 Pet. 1.3, 4. sonship with God, joh. 1.12. interest to all that Adam lost, 1 Cor. 3.21. freedom from the bondage of Satan and our own corruption, Joh. 8.36. access to the throne of grace, Rom. 5.1, 2. peace with God, Ephes. 2.14. and such as 1 Cor. 2.9, 11.  
8. In regard of making the Church fruitful, as the Wife without the Husband is barren, so is the Church without Christ, Joh. 15.5 as a desolate wilderness, as a womb shut up; but by our conversion to Christ, and conjunction with him we become as a vineyard, sown with much seed, as a Mother of many Children, plentiful in the grace of the Spirit, Isai. 54.1, 2, 3.  
And the Church is filty resembled to a Wife.  
1. In regard of her subjection, as the Wife is subject to the Husband; so must the Church be subject unto Christ in all things, Ephes. 5.24. she must not live as she list, make laws of her own, forget like a harlot the guide of her youth, but she must follow Christ, Mat. 17.5. He hath all authority and power given him, all is made subject to him.  
2. In regard of affection, as the Wife loveth the Husband, so must our hearts adhere to Christ, he must be in our eye the fairest of ten thousand, we must be sick of love, Cant. 5.10. so love him as to leave all for him, Psal. 45.10, 11. Luc. 18.28. Mat. 10.39.  
3. In regard of chaste reservation of ourselves, as the Wife must reserve herself for her Husband, so must the Church reserve herself from all others, from seducers, from the world, from the devil, from the flesh, Mat. 4.10. The want of this much provoketh God, and breedeth grievous afflictions, Hos. 2.6, 7.  
Use 1 Is Christ the Husband of his Church, is he joined in spiritual wedlock with them? then this may assure all Gods faithful servants, that Jesus Christ doth bear a singular love, and fervent affection to them, a love that passeth the love of women, as David said of Jonathan's love, a love most sweet, most pleasant, most wonderful, a love wherewith we cannot but be much affected, if we look  
1. Upon the order of it, Christ loved us first, as the air heated by the Sun is hot; so Christ loveth us, before we love him, 1 joh. 4.19. The savour of his good ointments in our nostril draw love from us, Cant. 1.2. He seeketh us as a Shepherd the straying Sheep, Isai. 65.1. He wooeth and inviteth us before we think of coming to him, Matth. 22.4.  
2. The freedom of his love, there was nothing in us why he should love us, we were void of all spiritual beauty and comeliness, a barren wilderness, an unsavoury carcase, a garden altogether overspread with weeds, unworthy of any love, deserving all hatred, Ezek. 16.6. therefore Hos. 14.4, 5. Rom. 5.8.  
3. Upon the truth of his love, he did not love in word and in tongue only, but in heart and in deed also, his love was not a painted but a real fire, not an empty well, but a full stream, he loved us not for any by or base end, but for our good, for Ephes. 5.25, 26. joh. 15.13.  
4. The quality of his love, it is a pure and heavenly love, a love fastnying itself chiefly upon the Soul, a love respecting our spiritual and everlasting good, a love causing him to sanctify us, to make us vessels of honours, to wash away the Leprosy of our Souls in the Jordan of his blood, Tit. 3.4, 5.  
5. The quantity or measure of his love; it was not a little sparkle, a small stream, but a fire of much wood, a strong flood, a love that cannot be paralleled, Joh. 10.11. Joh. 15.13.  
6. The continuance of his love, it is not like a morning dew that soon vanisheth; like a fire in straw which soon extinguisheth, 
Hos. 6.4.  like a tree of no roots that quickly withereth, but the love of Christ is a constant love; like a living fountain always flowing, a Sun never setting, the fire on the Altar always burning, a love more permanent than the mountains, Isa. 54.10. for Jerem. 31.3. and Joh. 13.1.  
7. The fruits of his love, no such grapes grow on any vine, no such flowers as these in any garden, no Bridegroom bestoweth such rich tokens of love as Christ doth on his spouse, Ezek. 16.9, 10, 11. In his love he raiseth us out of the grave of sin to a new life, Ephes. 2.5. as he raised Lazarus, Joh. 11.44. In his love he maketh us conquerors, Rom. 8.37. In his love he hath made himself a Sacrifice to God for us, Ephes. 5.2. In his love he hath reconciled us to God, given us interest in all good things, filled us with much consolation, 2 Thes. 2.16. Washed us from our sin, Tit. 3.4, 5. Rev. 1.5, 6. The consideration of all which should much affect our hearts, like a burning Sun melt away the icy coldness which is within us, like a powerful loadstone, it should draw our hearts again to love him, like a musical instrument sweetly tuned, it should much affect us, like sweet wine it should make our hearts cheerful, and fill us abundantly with love again to him.  
Use 2 This must teach wicked men to take heed that they abuse not Gods Children and Servants, that they wound them not with the venomous arrows of reproach, that they lay not on them the heavy burden of affliction, Christ is their Husband, loveth them most entirely, and therefore will surely be avenged on them that wrong them, as a Husband on him that abuseth his Wife, as David, 1 Sam. 30.17. so will the Lord discover his indignation against them that abuse his people, therefore likened to a jealous man, Zach. 1.14, 15. he will plead the cause of his people, Isai. 51.22, 23. as Samson, jud. 15.7, 8. so will God on them that wrong such at have betrothed themselves to him, they are dear to God, Zach. 2.8 they are his Jewels, Mal. 3.17. He will not endure that to be abused and cast into the dirt: they are his flock he is their Shepherd, Psal. 80.1. and as 1 Sam. 17.34, 35. so will God deal with them that prey upon the lambs of his fold, thus Pro. 11.8. though the Lord let them alone for awhile to correct and humble his people, yet as the Goldsmith extinguisheth the fire, when the Gold hath been thoroughly purged, so will God, Isai. 10.12. Though the Lord spare till their sin be ripe, yet at length as Isai. 13.8. so though they are as a rod to scourge God's people, yet the Lord at length will break them in pieces, Isa. 14 5, 6, 7. thus jer. 30.16, 17. as Adoni-bezek said, jud. 1.7. so shall wicked men say at last, as I have dealt with God's people, so hath the Lord dealt with me, Zech. 1.18, 19, 20. They that cast the three Children into the fire were burned, they that caused Daniel to be cast into the Lion's den, were themselves devoured of the Lions, Dan. 3.22. Pharaoh that pursued Israel was swallowed in the red Sea, Dan. 6.24. Therefore let every man take heed how he reach his hand, or open his mouth against the people of God, Exo. 14. how he touch the Lords anointed, or do his Prophets any harm, 1 King. 13.4. Psal. 105.15.  
Use 3 This must cause all God's people, all that profess communion with Christ, to yield an internal, external, universal, cheerful, hearty, and spiritual obedience unto him, as a careful and respective wife to the Husband, not as a slave to a tyrant, not as a servant to his Lord, but as a Wife to the Husband, as a son to the father with love, and cheerfulness, this is the commendation of the Romans, Rom. 6.17. the property of God's people, Psal. 110.3. hath gracious acceptance, 1 Sam. 15.22. a blessed recompense, job 36.11, 12.  
2. To love him entirely, fervently, incessantly, above all creatures, with all the powers of our Souls & bodies, Mat. 22.37. None must be so dear to us, as Christ, our love to him must be as a stream of much water, as a chimney having a great fire, Mat. 10.37.  
3. To delight in him, as the Bride in the Bridegroom, to esteem and rejoice in him, more than in all the World, thus Phil. 3.8. and this he gave in charge, Phil. 4.4. thus Cant. 2.3. Psal. 94.19. to this they are invited, Isai 55.1, 2.  
4. To depend upon him firmly, as upon a sure friend, a firm foundation, a never failing rock, his ability, his faithfulness, his love invite us hereunto, they that trust in him shall never fail, jer. 17.6, 7. their undertake shall be successful, 2 Cor. 20.20. their consciences shall be full of joy & peace, Rom. 15.13. their is not another on whom we may repose ourselves, joh. 6.68.  
5. To rest ourselves contented with him as the Wife with the Husband, not joining any corrivals with him, though we have nothing besides, yet having him, we have enough, as Elkana said to Anna, 1 Sam. 1.8.  
Use 4 This serveth for the singular comfort of every faithful servant of God, as an Ark to bear them up in every deluge, as a Lamp to shine in every dark night, as an anchor to stay them in every storm. Fear not, saith the Lord, to jacob thou art mine, Isai. 43.1. God's interest and propriety in his servants must support them in all dangers, encourage them in all fears, assure them of a happy passage out of all troubles, be unto them as the honycomb in the belly of Sampsons' Lion, as water out of the rock to Israel, 
jud. 14. Exo. 17.11.  they may upon good ground say with the Psalmist, though they be poor and needy, and Psal. 40.17. but more particularly the near Union between Christ and them may comfort them:  
1. In regard of reproach, though the World despise there, as Rahel despised blear-eyed Leah, though in their eye they be black, Cant. 1.4. and like the tents of Kedar void of beauty, as a garden without flowers, as a tree without leaves and blossoms, a face without comeliness, looked on as signs and wonders, Isai. 8.18. esteemed as the dung and offscouring of all things, as of all men the most miserable; yet Jesus Christ is their Husband, the Prince of the Kings of the earth hath joined himself in wedlock with us, 1 Cor. 4.13. 1 Cor. 15.19. we are all glorious within, comely in his eyes, fair as the Moon, and clear as the Sun, Cant. 6.10. No estate so honourable as the estate of God's people, none in the eyes of men more despicable, none in the eyes of God more beautiful, in the eyes of men they are like the Pelican in the wilderness, etc. Ps. 102.6, 7. in the eyes of God as the beautiful Doves, Cant. 2.14. Though they seem black as scullions, whose lodging is in the chimneys, yet Ps. 68.13. they shall be beautiful, let the honour that God affordeth us sustain us against all the dishonour, that man can cast upon us, let the crown of glory, which God hath provided for us, cause us patiently to wear the crown of thorns, which wicked men do put upon our head; Rev 2.17. Let the new name that God hath given us, cause us contentedly to endure the casting out of our name as abominable among men, let our Union with God enable us to endure a separation from men, Luk. 6.22. for how contemptible soever we are in the eyes of men, yet Isa. 62.3, 4 therefore Isa. 51.7, 8.  
2. In regard of enemies hating us, advancing themselves against us, insulting over us, the Lord Jesus he is our Husband, he is a faithful friend, he will be a wall of fire about us in stead of all munition to defend us, to destroy them that rise against us; a wall round about us, no place shall be undefenced, & this he will be for ever, Psa. 125.2. and he will not only be a defence, but a glory to us, Zach. 2.5. He will appoint salvation for walls and bulwarks, he will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on him, Isa. 26 1, 3. He will be a sure foundation, bearing up all that are builded on ●im, a victorious Captain of the Lord of hosts, Ios. 5.14. make his people conquerors over all that rise against them, Rom. 8.37. he can easily subdue their adversaries, Psal. 29 The love of the Lord Jesus must weigh down the hatred of all enemies, the light of the King's face will countervale the frownings of many inferior persons, the shining of the Sun comforteth the traveller against the clouds which hang over his head, thus Psa. 46.6, 7.  
3. In regard of the failing of all earthly friends, though, these forsake us and stand aloof off from us, as from men that have the pestilence, Psal. 38.11. though they run from us as mice from the barn, when the Corn is gone, as mariners from the ship, when it is broken and beginneth to sink, though they break the bands of nature in which they were tied to us, though our familiar friends offer us the greatest injuries, Psal. 55.12, 13, 14. though they which have been lodged in the same womb with us contend against us, like Esau against Jacob, Mat. 10. though their hands lay heavy burdens on us, whose breasts have nourished us, whose knees have dandled us, Psal. 27.10. Though father and mother fail us; Yet Christ is our Husband, his love is unchangeable, his friendship is a tree which never withereth, a bow that never starteth, a chain that never breaketh, a Lamp that is ever full of Oil, alway shining, the love of Christ is like the cruse of Oil that did not fail with using, 1 King. 17.16. Like the shoes and garments of the Israelits, that did not wax old with using, Deut. 29.5. Though Orpah went back yet Ruth clavae to Naomi, so though all thy friends go back from thee, yet Christ will still cleave unto thee, Mat. 28.20. he will not be as a Liar, nor as waters that fail, jer. 15.18. but as Mat. 5.18. so the love of Christ is perpetual, Isai. 9.6. Isai. 54.8.  
4. In regard of barrenness in grace, though we are as a woman of dry breasts, a field wherein is little Corn, as a tree wherein is a small portion of fruit; yet here is comfort, Christ Jesus is our Husband, he can, if we be instant with him, he will make as fruitful in the grace of the Spirit: as the Lord opened the womb of Sarah, Gen. 18.10. when the time was passed in the course of nature, Ps. 113.9. and maketh the barren woman the mother of many Children, so can ke make us fruitful in all holiness, like trees planted by the water side, Psal. 1.3. like an orchard of pomegranates, Cant. 4.13.  
5. In regard of remaining corruptions and imperfections; 1. If there be much ignorance in us, and we see the things of God but darkly, as the man that had his eyes opened did at the first see men as trees: The Lord Jesus is in the bosom of his Father, Mar. 8.24. in him are all the treasures of wisdom, Joh. 1.18. and he is our Husband, therefore he will instruct us more perfectly, Col. 2.3. In his School we shall learn wisdom, he will give us his Spirit, joh. 14.26. he will open the Scriptures, Luc. 24.32. He will give us pastors to feed us with knowledge, jer. 3.14, 15. and Luc. 1.77. he will open the sealed book, Rev. 5.2. 2. If we be weak in faith Christ will strengthen us and make us strong in faith like Abraham, Rom. 4.20. Cause us like trees to be rooted in faith, Col. 2.7. he will mightily persuade us Rom. 8.37, 38. 3. If we find our Souls like a diseased body annoyed with sin, as with a strong disease, jesus Christ is a Physician, he will heal us, Hos. 6.1. If our consciences be burdened, he will ease us, Mat. 11.28. Isai. 61.1, 2. as Mat. 8.25, 26.  
6. In regard of perseverance, though Satan buffet us, though our corruption like a heavy burden press us down, though the World hang like birdlime about the wings of our Souls; Though we sometimes think and are ready to say of sin and Satan as David did of Saul, 1 Sam. 27. I. Yet let us remember we are married unto Christ jesus, and that for ever, Hos. 2.19. there is no dissolution of this wedlock, being in his hand we shall be held fast, joh. 10 28. We shall be kept by the power of God unto everlasting life, 1 Pet. 1.5. Satan may win now us, but Christ will not suffer our faith to fail, Luk. 22.32. the Ship of our Souls may be shaken, but it shall not sink, we may receive many wounds in the battle, but yet we shall have the conquest, as 2 Cor. 4.8, 9  
The next thing is the affection which Christ doth bear unto his messengers, he calleth them his friends; the friend of the Bridegroom: a friend is one whom we do entirely love above others, and use more familiarly and privately than we do others, as David did jonathan, and of such a friend Solomon saith, Prov. 18.24. A friend of God is one to whom God imparteth his mind and secrets, so familiarly and fully, as one friend doth to another, Gen. 18.17. and the Apostles, joh. 15.15. and thus doth the Baptist style himself the friend of Christ, noting the love which Christ did bear unto him, and the understanding which he had of Gods will and counsel, whence,  
Doctr. That Christ jesus doth bear a singular love to his faithful Ministers. II. Gods faithful Ministers are after a peculiar manner acquainted with God's Counsels. III. Every faithful Minister of God is an unfeigned friend unto God. First of the first of these, Christ jesus doth bear a singular love unto his faithful Ministers; this appeareth plainly. I. By the place wherein see hath set them, made them his Ambassadors, 2 Cor. 5.19, 20. stars in his right hand, Rev. 2.20. his mouth, jer. 15.19. keeper of his vineyard, Cant. 8.11. steward of his family, 1 Cor. 4.1. The nurses of his Children, 1 Thes. 2.7. II. By the trust he committeth to them, the instruction, conversion, edification, salvation of his people, hence are they called Fathers, 1 Cor 4.15. Saviour's, Obad, vers. 21. 1 Tim. 4.16. builders, 1 Cor. 3.9. watchmen, Heb. 13.17. Shepherd's having the custody of God's flock, Ezek. 34.4, 6. the charge to feed God's people, joh 21.17. III. By the service they do him like Soldiers, they lead his armies, fight his battles, subdue sin and Satan his enemies, 2 Tim. 2.3, 4. 2 Cor. 10.5. Isa. 49.2. Psal. 45.4, 5. Like Husbandmen they root up the thorns and briers in the Lord's vineyard, break up the fallow ground of men's hearts, sow therein the seed of God's Word, plant trees of righteousness, and like good Husbandmen bring much fruit unto the Lord, jer. 1.10. 1 Cor. 3.6. Like Shepherds they gather home the lost Sheep to God's fold. Like Fishermen by the draw-net of the Gospel they draw the Souls of men out of the gulf of sin. IV. By the acception of the wrongs done unto them, he taketh it as done to himself, as a King taketh the wrongs done to his Ambassador as done to himself, Luk. 10.16. Exod. 16.8. V. By the care he hath to defend them, the arm stretched out against them shall wither, 1 Ki. 13.4. the tongues which mock them shall not go unpunished, 2 King. 2.24. 2 Cor. 36.16. and it is the Lords promise, jer. 15.19, 20, 21. VI In regard of the recompense provided for them, their love and labour shall not be in vain, they that strive lawfully shall have the prize, 2 Tim. 2.3. their work is with the Lord, Isai. 49.4. as they shine by their Doctrine and conversation now, so shall they shine hereafter, Dan. 12.3. VII. In regard of the love they bear unto him, Joh. 21.16. a love which maketh them industrious in their callings, 2 Cor. 5.14. joyful to see men convert unto the Lord jesus, 1 Thes. 2.19, 20. ready to lay down their life, Acts 20.24.  
Use. 1 This must therefore occasion the Ministers to endeavour to walk worthy of this love of the Lord jesus, to order themselves in such manner, that the Lord may still continue a friend unto them, as, men near about earthly Princes, enjoying the favour of their Sovereign are careful to keep, so must we by our holy walking, sincere faithful and frequent, teaching be careful to keep the favour of the Lord jesus. II. This must encourage them to bear the hatred of wicked men, because the Lord is their friend, to be patient in the bearing the difficulties of their calling, the Lord will recompense them.  
Use. 2 This must cause the people to love and reverence the faithful messengers of the Lord, to be friends to them to whom Christ is a friend, this is required, Thes. 5.13. not an ordinary but a singular love, a peculiar honour and respect, 1 Tim. 5.17. and surely there is great cause, for I. These are your spiritual parents, by whom you are begotten again to God, raised out of the grave of sin to a new life, john 5.25. II. These are the instruments, by whom we are enabled to behold the great things of the Law of God, these are the lights of the World, Mal. 2.7. these are as the fiery Pillar to Israel, Exo. 13.21. as the star to the Wisemen, Mat. 2.10. III. These are the Lords Champions, by whom we are delivered out of sin and Satan's bondage, these are the Priests, who by sounding the Trumpet of the Gospel cast down the walls of jericho, 
2 Cor. 10.5. Ios. 6.20 Luc. 10.10. Per ipsos Christum induimus per ipsos dei filio conjungimur per ipsos membra beati ipsius capitis efficimur: quomodo ergo isti nobis non solum reverendi magis quam Reges aut Judices: sed etiam nobis magis erunt honorabiles quam parents. Chryso. de dignitat. sacerdot. l. 2.  who by the thunder of the Word threw Satan down like lightning. IV. These are the Messengers who bring glad tidings of peace, that come like Noah's dove with an Olive branch, Rom. 10.15. These are the cisterns by which God conveyeth the waters of life to the Souls of his people, the Word of in God their mouth is the power of God unto salvation, these are Gods Angels, Rev. 1.20. & Ambassadors for Christ, 2 Cor. 5.20. Doctr. & therefore must be received as an Angel of God, yea, as Christ Jesus, Gal. 4.14. they must be to us the choice, and most welcome men in the World, as one of a thousand, Job 33.23. As the light to the traveller, as the counsellor to the client, as the Pilot to the Ship, our guides and instructours in the way of life and true holiness, for according to the second observation,  
God's faithful Ministers are after a peculiar manner acquainted with God's Counsels, as a bosom friend is acquainted with the counsels and purposes of his friend, so are the faithful messengers of God after a peculiar manner acquainted with Gods will and counsel; therefore called Ambassadors, 2 Cor. 5.20. an Ambassador knoweth the King's mind and counsel; called the light of the World, Mat. 5.14. the stars in the right hand of Christ, Rev 1 16. to show, as these are filled with light for ruling the day and night, Gen. 1.16. So are Gods Messengers replenished with divine and heavenly knowledge, job 33.23. Who for this end are also. I. Called interpreters for the evident and plain unfolding of the mind of God contained in his Word, Gen. 29.10. As Jacob rolled away the stone, opened the Wells which were shut up, that so the sheep might drink, so do these open the sacred Fountains of living Water, and by the bucket of their wisdom do draw waters out of the Wells, which are deeper than the Well of Jacob. II. By their nearness unto God, they are his mouth, Je. 15.19. His fellow labourers, 1 Cor. 3.9. his stewards, 1 Cor. 4.1. III. By the place wherein he hath set them, he hath made them as eyes to the body, Cant. 7.4. As watchmen to the city, Jsai. 62.6. as guides to the blind, Rom. 2.19. as Physicians to the sick, jer. 6.14. IV. By the charge given to the people, to attend to their Doctrine, to seek the knowledge of the truth from them, as water from a full Fountain, Mal. 2.5, 6, 7. And that they should be thus acquainted with God's counsel is very behooveful.  
1. In regard of the high and heavenly nature of the Scriptures, which they must unfold, these are like Sampsons' riddle, of that difficulty, that they cannot be opened, unless we plow with God's heifer, a store-house, whole lock and door cannot be unlock without God's key, a light which cannot be beheld with a humane eye, a treasure which cannot be digged up with the hand of humane abilities, this is a wisdom no where to be learned but in the School of Christ, an ability which cannot be attained but by the peculiar work of God's Spirit; Sapientissimum esse oportet & perspicacem in omnibus sacerdotem, & mille ut dicitur ex omni parte oculos babentem, saith Chrystome, and this another calleth, ars artium, scientia scientiarum, and Augustine, tanta est Christianarum pofunditas literarum, ut in eyes quotidie proficerom, si eas solas, ab ineunte pueritia, usque ad decrepitam senectutem maximo otio, summo study, meliori ingenio conarer addiscere, etc. Therefore the Apostles must stay at jerusalem till the Holy Ghost were given: 
Luc. 24.49.  the deepest counsels of men are but a shallow brook to this ford, as Prov. 18.4. so much more are the Words of God's mouth, and as Prov. 20.5. so he must be a man of understanding, who will draw out these waters, for 1 Cor. 2.14.  
2. In regard of the wiles of Satan, his devices are deep, Rev. 2.24. not a shallow but a deep water, 2 Cor. 2.11. the ways of sin and Satan are as Agur said in another case, Prov. 30.18, 19 they have need of more than Eagles eyes, who shall trace them out, 
Rev. 12.9.  he is an old Serpent, full of subtlety, experience hath added much to his natural policy, the Shepherd hath need of much wisdom that shall keep his flock from this Lion, the guide must have his eyes open, look circumspectly about him that will keep the feet of them that are conducted free from this snare, he must be a wise General, who will perserve his Spuldiers from the arrows of this warrior, none but God's counsel can give us this wisdom.  
3. In regard of the craft and subtlety of Satan's instruments, he doth not chose the foolish, but the Serpent the wisest of the beasts, 
Gen. 3.1  he taketh not babes but the Wisemen, the great disputers of the earth, 1 Cor. 1.18, 26, 27. Absalon hath Achitophel whose counsel was as the Oracles of God. The adversaries of God's truth, the men, whom God's Messengers must encounter with do take crafty counsel, Psal. 83.3. they hide their wolvish nature under a sheep skin of fair pretences, Matth. 7.15. their dark and diabolical intendments under a white, an innocent, and angelical appearance, 2 Cor. 11.14. therefore likened to foxes the subtlest among beasts, Luc. 13.32. Cant. 2.15. Unto merchants, none of the weakest reach among men, 2 Pet. 2.3. to men for their wisdom, to women for their faculty in alluring, to horses prepared to the battle for their courage, to Lions for their cruelty, to Scorpions for their poisoning the Souls of men with false Doctrine, Rev. 9.7, 8, 9, 10. To a Leopard. I. For their variety of heresies, superstitions, traditions, resembled by the Leopard's spots. II. For their pleasures honours, riches, voluptuous living, easy attaining of life eternal, art of drawing many to them resembled by the sweet smell of the Leopard. III. For their speed and swiftness in executing their plots, in spreading their Doctrines, likened by the swift motion of the Leopard. IV. For their malignant disposition against God's people, as the Leopard flieth upon man, pulleth out his eyes; so do these keep the people in blindness, rob their bodies of their temporals, & their Souls of their spirituals, they are also likened to the feet of a bear for their fast-holding of what they get, Rev. 13.2. and 2 Thes. 2.9, 10. To encounter with such enemies, so furnished as these, there is need of much wisdom, need of being well acquainted with God's counsel.  
4. In regard of the difficulty of discerning men's foul-diseases, sinful men dig deep to hide their sin, Isai. 29.15. as Achan hid his golden wedge, Ios. 7.22. they keep their sin close as Rahel sat fast upon her Father's Idols, Gen. 31.34. and jer. 17.9. this is a thief which we shall never find out by a Candle of our own kindling, a disease which will never be healed by a medicine of our own making, like the evil Spirit which would not go out by the Sons of Sheva's conjuring, but jer. 23.22. therefore Cant. 7.4. The teachers of the people are likened to a tower for their vigilancy, to a tower of Ivory for their purity, to eyes for their understanding, to Fishpools for the letting of the people to see the face the quality of their estates, for watering them with the Doctrine of life and salvation, to a nose like the Tower of the Lebanon for their judgement in finding out the sins, and discerning the states of the people, as men discern smells by their nostrils.  
5. In regard of the weakeness of men's capacities, they cannot conceive the things of God unless we plainly unfold them, rightly, and powerfully apply them, they cannot walk in this path unless we guide them, Acts 8.31. they are Children and we must draw forth the breasts of the Scripture to them, they are ignorant and know not the sound of this music, 
1 Cor. 3.1, 2. 1 Cor. 15.7, 8. 1 Tim. 5.18.  unless we give the distinction, they cannot feed on the Corn in these ears, before the Ministers of God, like the ox do tread it out: Therefore in these and such like respects, it is very needful that every faithful Minister should be after a peculiar manner acquainted with God's counsel.  
Use. Such therefore as are deprived of the true knowledge of God, and have not after a peculiar manner acquaintance with God's counsels, are altogether unfit for the Ministerial function, the blind are unfit to lead the way, descry the snares, foresee the thief's, forewarn their followers of ensueing dangers, dissuade them from the crooked, encourage them in the right way, a lantern without light is unuseful, a Lamp that hath no Oil is unprofitable, ignorance in them that possess the place of Ministers, doth not only make them unprofitable, but also very perilous to the people, as an ignorant Physician to the patient, an unskilful Pilot to the Ship, Mat. 15.14. II. They have no approbation in God's sight, Hos. 4.6. (Considera saith Jerome) sacerdotis esse officium de lege interrogantes respondere: si sacerdos est, sciat legem Domini: si ignorat legem Domini, ipse se arguit non esse sacerdotem Domini, sacerdotis est enim scire legem & ad interrogationem respondere de lege: A blind eye is as no eye, an empty well is as no well, cathedra non facit sacerdotem, sed sacerdos cathedram, non locus sanctificat hominem, sed homo locum; Qui bene sederit super cathedram honorem accipit ab illa, qui male sederit injuriam facit cathedra, Chrysost. in Mat. 23. III. These cannot descry the cunning of Satan, the growth of sin, the good from the bad any more than a blind Watchman can see the coming of the enemy, a blind Gardener the increase of the weeds, or a blind Shepherd the goats from the Sheep, he cannot separate the precious from the vile, jer. 15.19. Eze. 22.26. IV. The account of these men at the last will be fearful, when they shall be constrained to answer for all the Souls that have perished for want of instruction, these cannot say as Paul, 1 Thes. 2.19. Acts 20.26. but as Ezek. 3.18. and such as have Pastors not acquainted with God's counsel, unable to inform them in the way of life and salvation, are bound neither by the Laws of God nor godly men to attend upon them, & whosoever doth confine himself to them hath no more sure ground to expect salvation, than a Child depending upon my breast, having no breasts.  
Use 2 Therefore here you see how needful it is that God's Ministers should be well acquainted with God's counsels, perfectly instructed in the Scriptures, like Timothy, 2 Tim. 3.15, 16. able to Minister a word in due season, Isa. 50.4. Like a good steward bringing forth new and old out of his store, Luk. 13.52. Like a Lamp full of Oil giving much light of heavenly knowledge, 2 Cor. 4.6. Like fountains full of these waters, as the Fishpools of Heshbon, that so they may refresh the wearied Souls of God's people.  
Use 3 This must make the people resort to them more frequently, attend their Doctrine more carefully, that so they may be made wise unto salvation, for these are appointed of God to feed men with knowledge, jer. 3.15. to build them up in grace, to hew them, square them, and fit them for the Lords building, 1 Cor. 3.9. Ephes. 4.11. to guide them in the way wherein they should walk, Luk. 1.79. to resolve them when they are doubtful, Mal. 2 7. to open to them the great things of God's Law, Acts 10.33. to comfort them when they are afflicted, Isai. 50.1, 2. to heal them when they are wounded, Isai. 61.1, 3. Therefore come to these as jacob to Egypt for breadcorn, when there was a famine, as the men of Gibeon to josuah, when they were beseidged by the Amorites, Gen. 42.1. as Israel to Moses when they were stung by the fiery Serpents, Ios. 10.6. as the Children to the nurses ordained to feed them, Neh. 21.6. Open your ears to their Doctrine, subject your necks to the yoke of God's precepts, Ephes. 2.7. Follow their counsel with cheerfulness, and you shall find your Souls replenished with many sweet consolations, and as themselves are, so will they cause you following their counsels to become the friends of the Lord Jesus, and thus are we come to the third observation.  
Doctr. Every faithful Minister of God is an unfeigned friend, of God, therefore they are called his friends, Joh. 15.15. men after Gods own heart, Jer. 3.15. and Paul found his heart cleaving unto God so firmly, that Rom. 8.38. And every Minister must endeavour to show himself the friend of Christ.  
1. By walking in the steps of Christ, by being holy as Christ was holy, by yielding sound obedience to his precepts, by shining in the integrity of his conversations, this is the way to testify our love and friendship, 1 Joh. 5.3. and Joh. 15.14. He that liveth ill is an enemy to the Lord jesus, though he preach well, the gall of bitterness is in his heart, though he seem to have a honeycomb in his mouth. Like judas, he betrayeth Christ by his ungodly walking, while he seemeth by his Doctrine to give him a friendly salutation.  
2. By their diligent, conscionable, faithful, and powerful preaching by being instant in season and out of season, 2 Tim. 4.2. By dividing the word aright giving every man his portion, 2 Tim. 2. ●5. as Eccles. 11.2, 6. Taking every opportunity, Gal. 6.10 going up and down doing good and teaching the Servants of the Lord the way of God, making it their joy and their glory to turn men from iniquity, 1 Thes. 2.19. 2 Cor. 1.11, 12.  
3. By bearing contentedly all reproaches, by undergoing readily any loss, for the honour of Christ, for the testimony of his truth.  
4. By doing the duties of our calling with a willing and ready mind, 1 Pet. 5.2, 3. in love, 2 Cor. 5.14, 15. and as the Minister must in this manner show themselves the friends of God; So must the people show themselves to be the friends of Christ by attending on the Word diligently, receiving it thankfully, subjecting to it patiently, readily, cheerfully, bringing forth the fruit thereof abundantly.  

The Third thing  
in the Verse was the Minister's office, as the friend of the Bridegroom prepareth a Bride for him, so do Gods Ministers persuade, prepare, and fit the people to join themselves, in a Holy wedlock to Christ Jesus.  
Doctr. THat it is the special labour of God's faithful Ministers, to persuade the people to turn unto and join themselves in a holy wedlock, with Christ jesus, as Abraham's Servant sought a Wife for his Son Isaac, made an oath to be faithful, praying for good speed, Gen. 24.9, 12. gave the Woman bracelets and a golden earering, vers. 22. would not eat till he had done his errand, vers. 33. commended the riches of his Master, vers. 35.36. So must the Ministers of the Lord, seek, woe and persuade men to join themselves unto Christ in a spiritual marriage; Hence Paul saith he had espoused the Corinthians to one Husband, that he might present them as a chaste virgin unto Christ, 
Mat. 22.1, 2, 3.  2 Cor. 11.2. & the Ministry of the Gospel compared to the marriage feast, the Ministers unto Servants inviting men to the wedding, & by the use, fruition, sense, and feeling of his Ordinances, the spouse was made sick of love, and filled with vehement and earnest longings after Christ Jesus, Cant. 2.4. and this the Apostle showeth to be their chiefest labour, 2 Cor. 5.19, 20. and so they make it:  
1. Because it bringeth much honour to God, as Prov. 14.28. So by the increase of godly men, the bringing of many to yield ready and cheerful subjection unto God, is the name of the Lord much honoured: by this the Sceptre of Christ jesus is erected in the hearts of men, 
Psal. 52.10.  the Kings of Tarshish and of the Isles are constrained to bow before him, to subject their necks to his yoke; to plow up the fallow ground of their hearts, and to bring forth fruit unto God: by this they are brought to confess their sin, and to give glory unto God, as Achan, did when the Lot was cast upon him, Ios. 2.19. by this they are turned from Idols and worldly vanities to serve the living God, 1 Thes. 1.9. by this their nature is changed, Isa 11.6. they are made to be at peace with God, and among themselves; by this of a barren wilderness, they are made a fruitful vineyard, Isai. 35.1, 2, 5, 6, 7.  
2. Because it is very pleasing unto God, the returning of the prodigal was delightful to his Father, 
Luc. 15, 20, 21.  as appear by the hast he made to meet him, by the entertainment he gave him; the bringing home of the lost sheep doth much rejoice the Shepherd, so the conversion of sinners is very pleasing unto God, Luc. 15.7. What the bringing of many sheass into the barn is to the Husbandman; what the birth of the Child is to the Mother, the same is bringing of many to the new birth, the gathering home of many Souls into God's garner, it is not the adorning of the body with gold and silver, but the adorning of the heart, which is in the sight of God of the greatest price, 1 Pet. 3.3, 4. It is not the bestowing of much riches upon men, but the making of them rich in the grace of the Spirit which God respecteth.  
3. Because this doth bring the greatest ruin unto Satan's Kingdom, this like a key openeth the prison doors of sin, and bringeth forth the Souls of men to liberty, as the Angel brought Peter out of prison, Act. 12.7. this overturneth his strong holds, 2 Cor. 10.11. driveth him from his former possession, Luc. 11.21. as the breaking of the pitchers, shining of the lights, with the cry of the sword of the Lord and Gideon, put the Midianits to flight and gave freedom to Israel, thus Isai. 9.4, 5.  
4. Because this is most profitable for the people, this of dead doth make them new and living creatures, Joh. 5.25. of dry trees doth make them like trees planted by the water's side, Psal. 1.3. of barren Souls it maketh them fruitful, like a Mother of many Children, Isai. 54.1. of a desolate and forsaken people, it bringeth them to a holy fellowship and honourable Communion with Christ Jesus by working faith in them, Ephes. 1.13. By separating them from profane persons, like sheep from goats, Chaff from Corn, Mat. 3.12. jer. 23.29.  
Use. This therefore discovereth the fearful sin of such in the Ministry, as in stead of turning men unto God, do turn them from God, in stead of joining them in wedlock unto Christ, do separate them from Christ, in stead of drawing the hearts of men unto God, and to the love of holy duties, do like Absalon steal away the hearts & affections of men from delight in the works of sanctification, from subjection unto God's precepts, 2 Sam. 15.6. Some, like the false Apostles, seek to marry the people to themselves, not to Christ; seeking their own praise not the honour of the Lord Jesus, as the Disciples of the Baptist would have had their Master have taken the honour to himself, which was due to Christ; so there are some Master's labour to make their Disciples give them the reverence, obedience, praise, which is due to Christ alone, by making their sayings to be a Law, an infallible ruse which must be followed, giving pre-eminence or equalizing their traditions, and unwarranted Doctrines to the Scriptures, exercising Lordship & tyranny over the faith and consciences of men, rather than assisting them, contrary to that of the Apostle, 2 Cor. 1.24. and that of our Saviour, Mat. 23.8, 9, 10. as if they were authors, when they can be but instruments, the fountain, when they must be like cisterns, conveying the waters of life, which they receive from God; the Sun, when they must be but stars in the right hand of Christ, shining in the light which they receive from him, jer. 6.14. II. Some draw others from Christ by their false Doctrine, flattering them in their sin, speaking peace when there is no peace, healing the disease of the people deceitfully, like an unfaithful Physician, Ezek. 13.10. daubing with untempered mortar like a deceitful builder, promising liberty when themselves are the servants of sin, 2 Pet. 2.19. III. Some hinder men from coming to Christ, harden them in sin, by opposing, and disgracing the wholesome Doctrine, and gracious admonition given by their fellow brethren, by sowing tares to choke the wheat, by withstanding like Elimas', 
Acts 17.18. Mat. 13.28.  Acts 13.8. by forbidding them to speak, Amos 7.10. by seeking to alienate the hearts of the people from them, Gal. 4.17. by encouraging the people in evil, 1 King. 22.11, 12. IV. Some hinder men from coming to Christ by their silence, they teach not the way of life and salvation, 
Amos 7.10.  they open not the danger of the natural man's estate, they acquaint not men with the riches of God's mercy, but Isai. 56.10, 11. A man that is both blind and dumb is an unfit man to make a marriage, so they who are spiritually blind and dumb are no way meet to persuade the people to join themselves in wedlock unto Christ, they cannot open unto them the honour, peace, safety, and comfort whereunto they shall be advanced; they cannot with powefull and invincible arguments work upon and move their affections; they cannot make their words pierce like goads, Eccles. 12.11. and cause the people to cry out, Acts 2.37. They cannot give the knowledge of God, 1 Cor. 4.6. They cannot with Paul espouse them, unto Christ, 2 Cor. 11.3. but Jer. 10.21. V. Some hinder the people by their profane walking, jer. 23.14. As the people stood still when they came to the place, where Ahasel, who went before them, fell down, 2 Sam. 2.23. So when the people see their leaders fall, they stand still, have no heart to go forward in the way of life, this is a stumbling block, a snare, a gulf, the Word is usually made unprofitable, when the conversation is profane and carnal, good Doctrine and evil walking is like a yoke of oxen, the one drawing forward, the other backward; Loquendi authoritas perditur, 
Nazienzen.  quando vox opere non adjuvatur.  
Use 2 This teacheth us how requisite the Ministry of the Word is, how great the benefits are, which thereby do accrue unto us, how needful it is the Messengers of the Lord should be instant with the people, 2 Tim. 4.2. wherein it is that they ought chiefly to be employed, even in reconciling men unto God; and to the end the Ministers may be able to accomplish this great work, make this heavenly marriage between the Church, and the son of the great King, they must do as Abraham's Servant did, when he went to make a marriage for his Master's Son.  
1. Abraham's Servant received instruction what he should do, Gen. 24.3, 4. So must the Ministers of God receive instruction, be taught of God before they become teachers of others: the Sun was filled with light before he became the ruler of the day, the Sea with water, before it undertook the watering of the: 
Luk. 24.49.  earth the Apostles stayed at Jerusalem, the Holy Ghost was poured down upon them, before they went forth to preach the Gospel, the Lamp must be filled with Oil before it can give light to others, Timothy know the Scriptures from a Child, 2 Tim. 3.16. Paul had his eyes opened, Acts 9 ●7. Isaiahs' lips were touched, Isai. 6.6. he had the tongue of the learned, Isa. 50.4. jer. 1.9. and Mal. 2.7. whereas 2 Pet. 2.17.  
2. Abraham's Servant made an oath to his Master to be faithful, Gen. 24.9. so the Minister of the Lord must be faithful, 1 Cor. 4.2. and 2 Tim. 2.2. unfeignedly seeking the glory of God, faithfully unfolding the whole counsel of God, keeping back nothing either out of fear, fraud, or sloth, Acts 20.26, 27.  
3. Abraham's Servant made supplication to God, that is journey might be prosperous, Gen. 24.12. so must the Ministers of the Lord make fervent prayer unto God for a blessing upon their endeavours, that the Word may be as seed sown in good ground, Mat. 13.24. As the sword of Saul and bow of jonathan which returned not empty, 2 Sam. 1.22. As Moses rod to the Rock, turning the stoney into a repenting heart, Exod. 17.6. As eyesalve to the blind opening, the eye of the understanding, Rev. 3.18. Deut. 32.2. As due to the dry ground causing it to flourish abundantly in the grace of the Spirit, thus Phil. 2.9, 10, 11. Col. 2.9. and Ephes. 6.18.  
4. Abraham's Servant left all other inployments and attended this; so must the Minister of the Lord wholly employ himself in the duty of godliness, and the work of his Ministry, 2 Tim. 2.4. This is a task requiring our best abilities, our most serious thoughts, our whole time, therefore 1 Tim. 4.15. We must be instant in season, and out of season, 2 Tim. 4.2. take all opportunities, Isai. 62.5. be as vigilant to save as Satan to destroy the Souls of the people.  
5. Abraham's Servant gave this employment the pre-eminence, he would not eat till he had done this errand, Gen. 24.33. so must the Minister of God, leaving all other business, attend his; follow it with all speed, with all care, with all industry, neither pleasure nor profit must be an obstacle to it, but as all men, Mat. 6.33. So especially the Ministers of the Lord must seek the Kingdom of Christ, this must be their meat and drink as it was Christ's? joh. 4.34.  
6. Abraham's Servant related the great riches of his Master, and how he had given all to his Son Isaac, Gen. 24.35, 36. so must the Ministers of God acquaint the people with the gloriousness of God's nature, the honourable condition of Christ, the blessed estate they shall enjoy, the dignity whereunto they shall be advanced, that so their hearts may be affected with Christ, lead unto repentance by God's goodness, and moved to join themselves in wedlock with the Lord Jesus; 
Ro. 2.4.  greatness, riches, dignities prevail much in earthly marriages, a powerful loadstone to move and draw affections, 
2 Pet. 2.4.  all the excellencies in the World are in this Bridegroom; nothing can be desired but it may be found here in perfection, therefore 1 Cor. 7.1. Rom. 12.1, 2.  
3. Is it the chiefest labour of the Minister to persuade the people to turn to God, to join themselves in wedlock with Christ? do they cry day and might for this, 
Isa. 62.3.  do they leave all other inployments to accomplish this work? Then this must stir up the people to turn to God, to yield up themselves into the hands of Christ, Rom. 6.13. to give themselves unto God, 2 Cor. 8.5. and Rom. 6.17. for I. This is the chiefest end of the Ministry, the most comfortable use of the word, even the reconciling of men to God, 2 Cor. 5.20. therefore called the Ministry of reconciliation, vers. 18. as the special employment of an Ambassador is to make peace, so is the special labour of God's Ambassadors to make peace between God and his Servants, 
2 Cor. 5.20, 18.  therefore Acts 26.17, 18. II. This advanceth us to the highest dignity, this maketh us to be a chosen generation, 1 Pet. 2.9. the spouse of Christ, fair and beautiful as the great light of the World, Cant. 6.10. as the comeliest person decked with the choicest ornaments, Cant. 1.1, 11. This incorporated us into Christ, 1 Cor. 12.12. this maketh us citizens of the new Jerusalem, Ephes. 2.19. this maketh us Kings and Priests unto God, Rev. 1.6. No such way to honour as to leave the broad way of sin, and to set our feet in the way of God's cammandements, Rom. 2.10. to sow in righteousness is the way to reap in mercy, Hos. 10.12. Gal. 6.8: III. This bringeth us to the surest safety, the strongest defence, this maketh God to be a wall of fire, Zach. 2.5. this causeth Christ, Isai. 32.3. job 22.23, 25. No walls are so sure for defence, no weapon so successful for conquest as a godly conversation, a Holy Union with Christ, he will bear us as an Eagle beareth her young, Deut. 32.11. and Zach. 12.6, 7, 8. We shall be as fire, and they as stubble, we shall be as the wind, and they as the chaff, we shall be as a house builded on the rock, and they as the waves of the Sea dashing themselves in pieces, with the great assaults which they make against us. IV. This procureth the truest and sweetest peace, this turneth the tossing and raging Sea of a troubled conscience into a pleasant calm. This like Noah's dove bringeth an Olive branch of peace; like the Star to the Wise men filleth the heart with much joy and gladness, this uniteth us to the Prince of peace, reconcileth us to the God of peace, maketh our hearts the temples of the spirit of peace, for Rom. 5.1. and joh. 16.33. this is the fruit of holiness, Rom. 2.10. the attendant of an heavenly mind, Ro. 8.6. in this standeth the Kingdom of God, Rom. 14.17. and of this, all that walk according to the rule of God's Word, shall infallibly participate, Gal. 6.16.   

The 4th thing  
is the Commission, the Ministers of God have before they do undertake this calling, they go not of their own accord, but they stand & hear: they wait upon God for instruction, they deliver not their own devices, but they wait upon God for his counsel and direction.  
Doctr. GOds Ministers must be furnished with abilities before they undertake this calling, and be sure that the Word of God do warrant their Doctrine, they must be furnished with abilities, as the Lamp with Oil, for Mat. 5.14. as the well with water, for Mal. 2.7. Deut. 32.2. as the General with skill and valour, for 2 Tim. 2.3. as the Physician with art to discern diseases, and to apply right remedies, Isa. 61.10. As nurses have milk in their breasts, 1 Thes. 2.7. As Aaron was anointed, Exod. 29.21. So must the Ministers be anointed with the grace of the Spirit, Jer. 1.5. as they must be furnished with abilities, so their Doctrine must be warranted by the Scriptures, they are God's mouth, and therefore must not speak their own but God's language, jer. 15.19. God's Ambassadors, and therefore must not deliver their own but God's message, 2 Cor. 5.19. furnished they must be with abilities.  
1. Because the work they undertake, is a work of great weight, the glory of God and welfare, of the souls of men is so deeply interest; Onus vel ipsis angelis formidandum as Bernard speaketh, a task requiring the strongest arm to effect it, a building the laying of whose foundation requireth much wisdom, 1 Cor. 3.10. a labour so hard, that the Apostle proposeth the question, 2 Cor. 2.16.  
2. A work of great difficulty, the Scripture, 
Joh. 4.11.  like Iacob's Well are deep, our own arms are too short to reach unto the waters therein, a heavenly language to the unfolding whereof, the tongue of the learned is required, Isai. 50.4. The hearts of men are very deceitful, they must handle the Word of God skilfully, who will make it like a two edged sword dividing between the bone, & the marrow, the joints and the Spirit, Heb. 4.12. the new birth is a hard work, requiring a skilful midwife, much labour, Gal. 4.19. abundance of strength, the rooting up of these briers, the planting of the trees of holiness in the Lord's vineyard, requireth strong hands, men furnished with good gifts, 
jer. 1.10  if we look on the difficulty of bringing men out of the bondage of sin and Satan, we may say as Moses did in another case, Exo. 3.11, 12.  
3. A work resisted by forcible and subtle opposition, the emenies of man's salvation are many, powerful, crafty, violent, striving to hold the winds of the Gospel, that they may not blow, Rev. 7.1. standing at the right hand of Josuah that he may not Sacrifice, Zach. 3.1. an old and subtle Serpent, Rev. 12.9. his Soldiers are strongly armed, Rev. 9.9, 10. ready to withstand the messengers of the Lord, as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, 2 Tim. 3.8. and therefore God's Ministers must not be like naked men without arms; but thoroughly furnished with every good gift.  
4. It is the grace of the Spirit, which will make them abundant and plenteous in their labours, this will make them like the Sun rejoice to run the race which is set before them, 
Psa. 19.5.  like the full clouds pour out abundantly their waters for the refreshing of the Souls of God's people; This will make them that they shall not be silent, but as Job 32.18, 19, 20. This will constrain them to labour, make the Word of God be as fire in their bones, this will be as a spur in their sides, so that they shall say, as 1 Cor. 15.10.  
And as they must be thus qualified, so their Doctrine must be warranted by the Scriptures.  
Because that Doctrine alone, which is grounded upon the Scripture doth, I. Open God's counsel, will and purpose touching our eternal salvation, in these alone God speaketh; this is the letter wherein the mind of God is unfolded, the looking glass wherein we may see the beauty of God's holiness, Psal. 27.4. All other writings of humane learning are in this regard, but like painted lights, dark Lanterns, like the images, Psal. 115.5, 6. Men of the greatest wisdom, undertaking to declare God's counsel, without the sound study of God's Word, may say as Job did, Job 42.3. and confess as he did in another case, Ps. 139.6. therefore Paul who revealed the whole counsel of God, Act. 20.26. taught nothing but what was grounded upon the Law and the Prophets, Acts 26.22. Acts 28.23. II. This doth enlighten the understanding, make us wise unto salvation, 2 Tim. 3.16, 17. therefore Joh. 5.39. III. This doth comfirme the faith of God's people; This is a sure foundation a firm anchor, all other Doctrines are but sand, this is a sure Word, 2 Pet. 1.19. This is no deceitful bow, but like the bow of jonathan it never returneth empty, it always accomplisheth that whereto it is sent, Isa. 55.10. it is sure, Psal. 19.7. As the Lord said of Eliakim, Esa. 22.23. So may I say of the Word of God, Psal. 111.7, 8. IV. This is mighty in beating down the holds of sin, this maketh the mouth of God's Messenger like a sharp sword, Isai. 49.2. their Doctrine like sharp arrows in the hearts of men, Psal. 45.4. making them to stoop and humble themselves, Acts 2.37. this like Canon shot battering down the strongest walls; like a burning fire trying the Metal, making a separation, all Doctrine without this is weak, like a withered reed; like a dead carcase, Mat. 7.29. V. This hath a regenerating virtue, 1 Pet. 1.23. therefore likened to good seed, Mat. 13.23, 24. a voice awakening the dead in sin, joh. 5.25. therefore called the Word of life, Phil. 2.14.  
Use. This therefore showeth it to be a great misery to the Church to be pestered with insufficient Ministers, with such as have no competent abilities to discharge their callings, by reason whereof the Souls of men are as a diseased patient under the hand of an ignorant Physician, having no skill to cure him, as a barren field under clouds, which have no rain to pour upon them, as flock under a Shepherd that hath no pasture wherewith to feed them, as a family under a steward having neither new nor old to give them, a testimony of much displeasure in, God, Isai. 29.11, 14. an usual argument of much profaneness in the people, Mic. 2.11. a great advantage unto Satan: what may not the Lion do, when there is no Shepherd to watch over the flock; can it be that the weeds should not increase when there is no gardener? the army miscarries whem there is no expert commander, were not the Sheep scattered, Ezek. 34.4, 6. What comfort can you take in God's Ordinances, when you have not a guide to interpret and apply them, are they not as a pleasant light hidden under a bushel, which your eyes see not; as a sealed fountain full of delicate waters, which your palates taste not, as a letter full of love and glorious promises, as musical instrument making a sweet harmony, which ears hear not, Acts 8.31. What hope have you that your Souls shall be cured, if the Physician have no knowledge of the disease, do you not know that, Pro. 29.18. How can you think the walls of Jericho shall fall, if the Priest cannot sound the Trumpet of the Gospel, how shall the adder be brought to cast out his poison, if the charmer have no skill in charming, how can it be but that the Souls of the people must be like the sluggards-field, if the keeper of the Lords vineyard, be either ignorant and cannot, or slothful and will not dress it, nothing more prejudicial to man's salvation, than the want of a competency of gifts in them that must instruct them.  
Use. 2 Must their Doctrine be grounded on God's Word, then behold here the vanity of such as with Israel, are weary of the pure and plain Manna of the Word of God, and fall a lusting after the onions and Garlic of Egypt, humane traditions, poetical fictions, Philosophical speculations, which have no more virtue to cast out Satan, than the Sons of Sheva had, 
Acts 19.16. 1 Sam. 17.  no more power to overthrow this Goliath, than David had in Saul's armour, these are like a broken bow starting back in the day of the spiritual battle; Like a broken vessel holding no water of spiritual refreshment, to comfort the Souls of God's people; 
jer. 2.12 jer. 23.28. Mat. 23.27. Mat. 21.19.  Like chaff which will never take root, never bring forth any good fruit, like the Apples of Sodom, or a pharisees sepulchre, though fair without, yet it is but as dust and dead men's bones within, such as giveth no good nourishment; Like the fig tree, that had many leaves made a flourishing show, but bore no fruit, and to such as teach after this manner may that of Eliphas to job be well spoken, job 15.2, 3. and to them that delight in and rest upon such Doctrine that of Rabseca, 2 King. 18, 20, 21. may be filty spoken, and surely what job said of his friends, job 13.4. may be truly said of these Physicians and all their Medicines, they are all of no value; yea they are not only vain but dangerous, not only chaff that nourisheth not, but a snare that entangleth, a hook that destroyeth, jac. 2.14. therefore Col. 2.8, 22. and Isai. 8.20.  
Use 3 Are the faithful messengers of God fitted of God? have they their commission from God? is their Doctrine warranted by the Scripture? is it not their own, but God's Message? then. I. Receive it with all reverence; not as the word of man, but of God, 1 Thes. 2.13. though the men be a vessel of wood, the word is a rich treasure, and the power is of God, 2 Cor. 4.7. and the power of God indeed it is to save the soul of every one that doth believe, Rom. 1.16. and to such as tremble at this Word will God look Isai. 66.2. and it is the commendation, which Paul gave of the Galatians, that they received him as an Angel of God, Gal. 4.14. He that attendeth not with reverence shall never clearly conceive what is contained in it, never feel his heart thoroughly affected with it, nor be able with a lively confidence to rest upon it, the very Word of God unreverently received is entertained but as a humane testimony, looked upon but as a withered reed, trusted but as the language of an uncertain friend, therefore come with such affection and disposition of heart, as Cornelius did to Peter, Acts 10.33. and then thou shalt be convinced, the secrets of thy heart made manifest, and falling down thou shalt worship God, & say that God is in his Messengers of a truth, 1 Cor. 14.24, 25. II. Believe it firly, rest upon it assuredly, even as if thou didst hear the Lord himself speaking from heaven, the Minister is but the Ambassador, the Message is Gods, what they speak on earth, God doth ratify in heaven, Mat. 16.19. therefore let me exhort you, as jehosaphat did the people, 2 Cro. 20.20. build upon it as on a rock that doth not sink, upon a staff which will not break, upon a fountain, which never drieth up, Mat. 5.18. this worketh humiliation, repentance, jona. 3.5. maketh men desirous of sound instruction to be rightly informed, Psal. 119.66. causeth them to fear, Exod. 14.31. maketh them patient and constant in the midst of all adversities, Psa. 27.13. causeth to wait in the deepest trouble, Isai. 28.16. III. Reform speedily, thoroughly, unfeignedly, whatsoever their Doctrine finds to be amiss within you; as thou who art a drunkard, usurer, swearer, & woulest reform, if God did send an Angel from heaven, or did himself appear unto thee to rebuke thee; even so must thou reform now, when the messenger of God doth speak unto thee: say not as the rich Glutton did, Luc. 16.30. If God, or an Angel from heaven, or a damned Spirit from Hell were sent to teach us; we would repent; but remember Abraham's answer, vers. 31. It is a great mercy of God to speak unto us by men, that we may be able to endure their voice, to understand their language, and therefore we should with Israel, Deut. 5.27. with Israel we should put away Baal and Ashterosh, 1 Sam. 7.3, 4. with them, Acts 19.19. with Peter, Mat. 26.75. with David, 2 Sam. 12.12. with Ephraim, Jer. 31.18, 19 It is our reformation will prove we are good hearers: our obedience will testify the goodness of our affections; the casting away of our sin doth best argue a right entertainment of the Word, Ja. 1.21, 22. IV. Comfort yourselves sound in the Doctrine of life & salvation, God will make good to the faithful whatsoever good things his Messengers out of his Word do declare unto them. God will fulful them all in their season, Luk. 1.20. as Jos. 23.14. not one thing of all the good things whereof the Ministers of God do now inform you shall fail, treasure up the comforts which they propound out of the Word of the Lord, and be as sure of them, as if you did already enjoy them, Isa. 25.9, 10.   

The 5th thing  
is the comfort the Ministers of God, and all the people, that love Christ do conceive in hearing, meditating upon, and publishing the tidings of salvation, rejoiceth greatly, because of the bridegroom's voice.  
Doctr. THe study, meditation and publishing of the Gospel is very comfortable to God's faithful Messengers, Psal. 8.9, 10. jer. 15.16. and Paul called it a finishing of his course with joy, Acts 20.24. Herein they see the great things of God; the sight whereof is more pleasant to the eye of the mind, than the sight of the Sun is unto the eye of the body: as the Psalmist saith of the mariners, Psal. 107.24. so may I say of the Ministers of the Lord, they go down into the deep, and behold the holy and heavenly wonders of the Lord. II. Hereby the Word of God doth cast a sweet savour in their nostrils, and becometh as a warm fire in their bones: often travelling among the flowers refresheth us with their smell, the bruising of spice maketh the sent thereof the more odorifeous in our nostrils. III. They are glad to do any service to bring any honour unto God, it is their meat and drink to do the Lords will. IU. They are glad to do good to others, to inform their judgements, establish their faith, cleanse their affections, comfort their hearts, quicken them in the duties of holiness, and make them rich in the grace of the Spirit.  
Use 1 They are no faithful Ministers that do not the work of the Lord with cheerfulness, that rejoice not of all opportunities to publish the gladsome tidings of eternal happiness: but to go about the Lord's business by constraint, as a lazy horse driven with the whip; as a sluggard, that must be compelled to his labour, this want of delight in Ministers in their calling argueth want of love unto God, want of a lively feeling of the goodness and operation of the Word of God within them; want of zeal for God's honour, want of hatred against sin, want of true compassion to the Souls of God's people, inconsiderateness, unsensiblenes of the weighty calling they have taken upon them, of the fearful account they must render unto God for the Souls of whom they have the oversight.  
Use 2 This discovereth the cause why some Ministers are so laborious, so frequent, constant, earnest in the work of their Ministry, it is a great delight unto them: delight maketh hard things seem easy, irksome things seem pleasant, labour becometh no labour, sufferings are turned into joy; the work becometh as joyous as their meat.   

As this hath relation particularly to Ministers, so it is generally true of all faithful Christians, of every godly man that loveth Christ, every one that is his friend, heareth the Bridegroom's voice and rejoiceth greatly.  
Doctr. IT is a very great joy to God's faithful people, to hear the voice of Christ in the preaching of the Gospel, as Israel shouted at the presence of the Ark, 1 Sam. 4.5. so do the people of God at he presence of the Gospel, as appeareth by the examples recorded in this behalf, Acts 8.8. Acts 2.46. Acts 13.48. 1 Thes. 1.6. II. By the entertainment they give the faithful Ministers of the Word, Gal 4.14. Job 33.23. Acts 21.17. III. By the charge which is in this regard given, Phil. 2.28, 29. IV. By titles given & attributed to the Gospel, Psal. 89.15. Luc. 2.10. 1 Tim. 1.11 V. By the promise which God hath made, Jer. 31.12, 13, 14. Isai. 35.2.  
Reas. 1 From the nature of the Gospel and the preaching of it, it is of a very pleasant and delightful nature, therefore likened to the light, 2 Pet. 1.19. Ps. 119.105. for as the light is pleasant to the eye, Eccles. 11.7. so it is a pleasant thing to God's people to behold the light of the Gospel. II. To the dews; as the dews rejoice the ground, make it green and pleasant, so doth the Gospel rejoice the hearts of the people, Isa 35.1, 2. III. To milk; as that delighteth and nourisheth the Child, so doth this God's Children, 1 Pet. 2.2. IV. To wells of water, which afford much refreshment to the thirsty traveller; so doth the Gospel to the Souls of God's people, Isai. 12.3. V. To ointment poured out, because as that is very savoury to the nostrils of men, so is this to the nostrils of God's people▪ Cant. 1.3. even the savour of life unto life, 2 Cor. 2.16.  
Reas. 2 From the matter of joy contained in it, it is a letter full of the expressions of the love of Christ Jesus, replenished with exceeding great and precious promises, 2 Pet. 1.4. A garden overspread with sweet flowers, a shop full of precious ointments, and savoury perfumes, a tree, every branch whereof is loaden with most pleasant and comfortable grapes, a proclamation of peace, Acts 10.36. a treaty of Union, 2 Cor. 5.18, 19 the proffer of a free pardon, Mar. 1.4. a marriage feast between Christ and the people, Mat. 22.2, 3, 4. gladsome tidings, Rom. 10.15. a relation of the high and incomparable love of God to man; of the victories, which our Saviour won, the downfall of Satan, 
Rom. 10.15.  sin, and the shutting up of the gates of Hell, the large endowments, high & honourable privileges of God's people, all matter of the truest, sweetest, & most lasting joy, and therefore cannot but make the hearts of God's people exceeding joyful.  
Reas. 3 From the sense and feeling the people of God have of the want of the Ministry of the Word, as a sick man feeleth the want of Physic, a man in darkness the want of light, a hungry man the want of food, a captived man the want of freedom, a condemned man the want of a pardon, and therefore do much rejoice, at the presence and enjoyment thereof, as the Wisemen rejoiced at the appearing of the star, which formerly they beheld, 
Mat. 2.10. Luk. 15.8.  as the woman in the parable rejoiced at the finding of the groat which she had lost, thus the Apostle, Rom. 18.15. allegeth that of Isai. 52.7. to signify that the coming of God's Messengers unto such is very desirable, their preaching sweet and comfortable, their words being sweet as honey, as drink to the thirsty, bread to the hungry, alluring and drawing them, like a loadstone, their conversation being clear as the Sun, as their lips, their Doctrine, so their feet, their walking was holy and upright, and their Message altogether replenished with comfort.  
Reas. 4 From the sweet agreement which is between the hearts of God's people, and the Ministry of the Gospel, as between the ear and the best tuned music, the palate and the pleasantest wine, the nostril and the purest ointment: never did Jonathan & David better accord than the heart of a sincere Christian, and the faithful Ministry of the Gospel, and surely as David said of jonathan, 2 Sam. 1.26. so may every faithful servant of God say of God's Word, jer. 15.16. Ps. 19.10.  
Reas. 5 From the near Union between Christ and his faithful people, they are his friends, joh. 15.14. members of that body whereof Christ is the head, 1 Cor. 12.12. joined in wedlock with him, Ephes. 5.30. and therefore as the Bride rejoiceth to hear the voice of the Bridegroom, so do they to hear the voice of Christ, Cant. 5.16.  
Reas. 6 From the love which it doth breed in their hearts towards Christ; This like a bellows bloweth up the coals of their affections; like the warm Sun, it heateth their frozen hearts, causeth them to be rooted and grounded in love, Ephes. 3.18, 19 So to love him as to leave all for him, Mat. 10.37. to despise all in comparison of him, Luc. 14.26. an affection so strong, that nothing can breed a separation, Rom. 8.35, 38 and loving Christ so fervently, they cannot choose but rejoice abundantly in him; love and joy like joint companions go together, Gal. 5.22. like the Sun and the light they will not he separated the one from the other.  
Reas. 7 From the operation of the Holy Ghost which doth attend it, the Spirit of God which is the Fountain of all joy is given with the Ministry of the word, this is the key by which our hearts are opened, and the Holy Ghost admitted into our Souls; hence, Acts 10.44. 1 Thes. 1.6. Acts 13.52.  
Reas. 8 From the benefits which arise from hence, by this the understanding is enlightened, 2 Cor. 4.6. their faith is confirmed, Ephes. 1.13. victory over Satan obtained, jer. 31.11. their hearts are so softened and made tender, as ground by the dews, Deu. 32.2. Isa. 55.10. their affections are purified, as the Corn by the fan, Mat. 2.12. jer. 23.29 their consciences are purified, Isa. 57.19. their love and zeal is increased; of a small drop these affections become like a flowing stream, of few sparks become a burning flame, of weak plants they become tall trees full of good fruit, and hence as Acts 3.8. so Isa. 35.5, 6.  
Reas. 9 From the protection which by this means they enjoy: the Ministry of the Gospel is as Horsemen and Chariots to the people, a sure defence, God's Ministers the best Watchmen, the best Soldiers, 
Ios. 6.20 jud. 7.22. 1 Sam. 4.6, 7. Mat. 23.37. Mat. 24.1, 10.  the Word of God is the surest shield, the strongest shot; the sounding of the Trumpet prevailed more against the walls than much Canon shot, the shining of the Lamps, the cry of the Sword of the Lord and Gideon, put the Midianites to flight, sooner than an army of men: the Ark put the Philistines in greater fear than all the Israelitish army, when the Ministry of life was removed from jerusalem, their house lest desolate, than the Temple was cast to the ground.  
Reas. 10 From the grief which they conceive at the removing of it, as Phinea's Wife, would not be comforted when the Ark was taken away, 1 Sam. 4.21. joseph and Mary went up and down sorrowing when Christ was lost, Luk. 2.46. so the people of God are full of heaviness at the absence of the Word, La. 2.6, 12. Ps. 74.9.  
Use. This discovereth the misery of such as take no joy, as delight not in the fruition of the Gospel, to whom it is as light to the blind not seeing it, music to the deaf not hearing it, food to the sick not relishing it, want of delight in that Word of God is a sufficient argument of alienation from God, 
1 joh. 4.6. 1 Pet. 2.2, 3. 2 Sam. 6.16.  an apparent testimony that we are not of God, that we have not tasted of God's goodness; he that doth not with David dance before the Lord's Ark, hath not David's heart, wanteth David's love, is a strangers to David's sense and feeling of the working of God's Word and Spirit within him: He that looketh on this as on a vessel without water, a tree without fruit, a Lamp without Oil, 
Acts 17.18.  hath a heart without grace, who is it, but a Stoic, a man of a stupefied heart, a seared conscience that accounteth Paul's preaching to be but babbling, that saith Job 21.14. A thief hideth himself from light, joh. 3.20. Who but the deaf taketh no comfort in pleasant music? Psal. 58.5 Mat. 11.17. Who but they that know not the things belonging to their peace, Luk. 19.42. are not delighted with the Gospel of peace? how canst thou be the Child of God, if thou rejoice not to hear the voice of thy Father? How canst thou be the Bride of Christ, if thou art not affected with the language of thy Husband? How canst thou be a new creature, if like a new borne Child, thou art not delighted with the milk of these breasts? How canst thou be a traveller towards the heavenly Canaan, and not be glad to see this fiery Pillar shine before thee? How canst thou be a man of a hungry stomach, and not be glad of this honeycomb? How canst thou be experienced in the assaults of Satan, and not rejoice at the having of this weapon; he cannot be the faithful servant of God, that findeth no delight in the Word of God.  
Use. 2 This discovereth the cause why the people of God, do so desire God's Word, Psa. 27.4. Why they thirst after it as dry ground thirsteth, Ps. 63.1 Why they seek it, Amos 8.12. why they encourage one another, Zach. 8.21. why they wait, Pro. 8.34. as joh. 5.5. Acts 3.3. why they say, joh. 6.34. It is music to their ears, and they like David, 2 Sam 6.16. it is Isa. 25.6. and as Eccles. 10.19. it is the joy and rejoicing of their hearts, jer. 15.16. It is the Sun that giveth light to them in darkness, the staff that sustaineth them in their weakness, the Ark bearing them up in the deepest deluge of troubles; the Fountain affording refreshment when all their water brooks do fail, therefore no wonder they attend upon it.  
Use. 3 This must cause every one of us to try whether, we can find this joy in the Word of God, in hearing the Gospel preached, whether it be to our Souls as the voice of a kind friend, a gracious Father, a loving husband, whether these apples, these flagons, Cant. 2.4. comfort stay and glad our hearts, as they with their bottles, Hos. 5.3. made the King glad, and if we do rejoice at it indeed: it will appear.  
1. By our conscionable preparation to it, as sick men prepare their stomaches, and Husbandmen their vineyards before the one receiveth Physic, or the other soweth his seed; so do they that delight in the Word, for this is Physic and seed, which they, who wisely husband their Souls, and highly value the wored of the Lord will not suffer to be sown among thorns and briers, but as Exo. 19.10.  
2. By our frequent meditation upon it, man often thinketh upon that wherein he rejoiceth, thus Psal. 11.2. delight is a loadstone that draweth the thoughts, a Chariot that carrieth the mind with an irresistible force to the thing rejoiced in.  
3. By our constant attendance on the same, if we delight in it we will wait patiently and constantly upon it; we will hearken diligently what the Lord will speak unto us; we will be no strangers in God's house, but we will take every opportunity to go thither, desire to make it our habitation, Ps. 27.4. account it our happiness to have admittance within the gates of his house, Ps. 84.10.  
4. By our high valuation of it, as the Sun above the Candle, pure wheat above chaff, gold above dross, honey before gall, Psa. 119.72, 102. jer. 23.23. Prov. 8.10, 11.  
3. This must stir up every man to rejoice and delight himself in the preaching of the Gospel, as in the School of Christ where alone true wisdom is to be learned, in the food of our Souls, whence spiritual strength is to be gathered, in the light, which alone showeth the way to the life, which is eternal, and for that end we must be. I. Truly sanctified, and then as the Baptist leapt in his mother's womb, when he heard the voice of the mother of our Saviour, in whom Christ was conceived, so shall our hearts rejoice to hear the voice of our God in the Ministry of his Word, Psa. 97.11. Ps. 32.11. II. The Word must be hidden in our hearts, jer. 15.16. It must be as fire in our bones, jer. 20.9. as Wine in our stomaches, Mat. 13.45. III. Come with a longing appetite to it, as to a delicate feast, Isai. 25. Prov. 27.7. IV. Get assurance that the comforts thereof belong unto your own Souls: propriety and interest in the good things of God will fill our hearts with joy and gladness in the Lord, when we can claim them as our inheritance, than we shall rejoice in them, like the Psalmist. V. We must sell all, 
Ps. 119.111.  put away whatsoever may hinder the power and efficacy of the Word of God, the scales must be taken from Paul's eyes, or the light of the Sun will afford him no comfort, so ja. 1.21. 1 Sam. 7.3, 4. Mat. 13.45.  
This my joy therefore is fulfilled.   

The last thing  
is the great joy the Baptist conceived in beholding the people to convert and turn unto God, in seeing the Kingdom of Christ to flourish, the eyes of men to be fastened on him, the hearts of men to embrace him, the Ministry of his word to be effectual; whence note,  
THat the conversion of the people doth make the Ministers of God exceeding joyful, as the Bridegroom's friend rejoiceth, when he hath prepared a spouse for him, so doth every faithful Minister of God, when he hath prepared a Bride for Christ, likened to the joy of harvest when the Husbandmen and his Servants gather in the sheafs into the barn, to the joy of soldiers when they divide the spoil Isai. 9.3. as Moses rejoiced and sung when he had led Israel out of Egypt, from the bondage of Pharaoh through the Red Sea; so do the Ministers of God, when they, 
Exo. 15.1.  by the blessing of God upon their industry, have brought the people of God out of bondage of sin and Satan, hence 1 Thes. 2.19, 20. this filled his mouth with matter of glorying, 2 Cor. 9.2. The relation which Titus made to Paul of the repentance, faith, love, constancy of the Corinthians made him exceeding joyous, 2 Cor. 7.4, 13. Phil. 4.1. so great that it maketh them rejoice in affliction, the welfare of the people is very comfortable even when the Minister is in much trouble, Phil. 2.2, Philemon, vers. 7. joh. 3. Eph. 4. joh. 2.3.4.  
Reas. 1 Because the faithful Ministers of God, do bear a singular love unto the people, as the parent and nurse to the Children, they are their jewels and treasure under God and Christ, the object of their love, 2 Cor. 6.11. 2 Cor. 2.4. a love which maketh them, Phil. 2.17. and 2 Cor. 7.3. and therefore as they love them so they rejoice in their welfare vers. 4.  
Reas. 2 Because the faithful Ministers of God, do heartily and with much earnestness desire the spiritual good and everlasting welfare of the people of God, even more than they desire their own peace liberty, or welfare 2 Cor. 12.14. 1 Cor. 10.24 Phil. 1.8, 9 never did Rahel more desire Children, than they do the regeneration of the people, this is the choice of all their wishes, the most servant of all their longings, for this they make them petition, Ephes. 3.14. as Isaac for the opening of the womb of Rebecca, Gen. 25.21. as Hanna for the making of her barren womb fruitful, 1 Sam. 1.10. and as she showed herself joyful, thankful, when God gave her a Child, 1 Sam. 2, 1, 2. so do Gods Ministers, when God doth open the hearts of the people, as Acts 16.14. and Isai. 54.1.  
Reas. 3 Because they hereby see that they have not preached to no purpose, that they have not ploughed the sand, sown among thorns and briers, washed a blackmore, charmed a deaf adder, piped to the deaf, nor held a Lamp to the blind, they see that they have not, Isai. 65.2, 3. that they have not, as Hos. 8.7. But they see that the Word in their mouth hath been as a two edged sword, Heb. 4.12. as seed in good ground, Matth. 13.23. as the dews upon the Herbs, Deut. 32.2. Isai. 45.8. and 26.19. Hos. 14.6, 7. Psal. 133.3. and therefore Phil. 2.16,  
Reas. 4 Because it is their honour and dignity, as it is the honour of a soldier to win the conquest, so it is of the leaders of God's army to conquer Satan, to subdue sin, to cast down the devil like lightning, to open the Prison doors by the key of the Gospel, Isai. 61.1. to give deliverance unto God's people, to raise them out of the grave of sin, as the Prophet revived the dead Child, 1 Thes. 2.19.20. and as Luc. 10.17. so etc.  
Reas. 5 Because they take much pain to convert and turn them, as the Husbandman to make a barren field fertile, a rough way even, a mountain a low valley, Luk. 3.4, 5. jer. 1.10. 2 Tim. 2.3. encounter with many enemies, Ephes. 6.12. Gal. 4.19. and therefore as joh. 16.21.  
Reas. 6 Because it is a seal of their Ministry, an argument that God sent them, that he hath given endowments to them for the calling, and doth accept of their labours, 1 Cor. 9.10. jer. 23.22. as Leah said, Gen. 29.32.  
Reas. 7 Because it is a secondary evidence of their renovation, for God doth usually call and convert men by them whom he hath converted, Paul himself is first converted before he is sent to preach the Gospel, Acts 9.3. and Isai. 6.5. Mal. 2.5, 6, 7.  
Reas. 8 Because it is the chief end of their calling to gather home men to God, and to save the Souls of the people, therefore likened to Shepherds, Stewards, Physicians, Husbandmen, Nurses, Ambassadors, as the Shepherd rejoiceth in finding the lost sheep, the Physician in recovering his patient, the steward in the welfare of the servants of the family, the nurse in the growth of the Child, the Ambassador in the reconcilement of the people, so do the Ministers of God.  
Reas. 9 Because it is as great a grief to the Ministers to see the people continue in sin as a careful husbandman to see his field overspread with weeds, to the nurse to see the Child languish, to the Physician to see the patient grow more and more diseased, Psal. 119.136. Isai. 49.4. Jer. 9.1. Luk. 19.41, 42.  
Reas. 10 Because it is a pledge of the Ministers sharing in the highest degree of heavenly glory; the servant, Mat. 25.23. and so Dan. 12.3. Prov. 11.30. he, if any, layeth up a sure foundation against the World to come.  
Reas. 11 Because this doth enable him to present himself with singular comfort before the Judge; the good servant cometh with confidence, so he that can say Isa. 8.18. shall look on God with more boldness than he that can say, behold the many Benefices, Ecclesiastical Dignities that I have gotten, these will be miserable comforters then, but 1 Thes. 2.19. Prov. 11.4. 2 Cor. 1.14.  
Use. Most profane and impious therefore are such Ministers, as are grieved to behold the zeal, sincerity, love, faith, and holy conversation of the people under them, a sin even unnatural and monstrous; what more unreasonable, more vile, more hateful, than that the nurse should envy the growth of the Child? the General the courage and forwardness of the soldier? the Shepherd the welfare of the flock? the Husbandmen the growth of the Corn and pasture, the steward the welfare of the family; that Minister must needs be full of profaneness, who maligneth the spiritual prosperity of the Lords Servants, it is either weakness or sickness in the eye, that maketh the light offensive, it is an evil Master to whom a good Scholar doth prove unpleasant; he can never be the Bridegroom's friend that cannot brook his spouse, a good Ambassador that affecteth not the embracers of true peace, a good servant that liketh not the trees which grow & bear blossoms, in great abundance, it is fearful in any, but espeally in Ministers to dislike others for their holiness, Ezek. 34.3. Like butchers that kill the fat, with the pharisees account them accursed, Joh. 7.48.  
Use 2 This should acquaint us with the grief that we bring to the Ministers of God, when we walk profanely, 
2 Cor. 2.3.  reform not by their Doctrine; but continue like bad ground, Heb. 6.6, 8. Like deaf adders, Psa. 58.5. Like knobby timber that will not cleave, like a wild ass, jer. 2.24. this maketh them weary, jer. 20.9. this putteth them out of courage; Like Peter when he fished all night, and could take nothing, joh. 21.3. this doth provoke them to impatience, Jer. 9.1, 2. breedeth many complaints, Isai. 53.1. this filleth their Souls full of heaviness, as Anna's heart was of bitterness when her womb was barren, 1 Sam. 1.16. this maketh them complain of losing their labours, Isa. 49.4. as jer. 12.13. Hag. 1.6. maketh them grieve for the dishonour done to God, as Josuah grieved when Israel fled before the men of Ai, jos 7.9. filleth their Souls with sorrow, to see them still in the gall of bitterness in the bondage of Satan, as it grieved David to see his Son rebel, 2 Sam. 15.30. the parent to see his Child still abiding upon his languishing bed, 
Luk. 19.41.  as Christ grieved to see the obstinacy of Jerusalem, and jer. 13.17. Isai. 22.4. This is no small sin to grieve the Souls of Ministers, to frustrate their labours, to disannul their endeavours, to make them uncheerefull in their undertake, to make them, say, as Jer. 51.9. as 1 Sam. 15.11, 14.  
Use 3 This showeth us what course to take to make the faithful Ministers of God cheerful, exceeding joyful: the growth of the Corn maketh the Husbandman merry, the bearing of much fruit maketh the Gardener glad; fruitfulness in grace, sound obedience to God's precepts, a lively faith in God's promises, repentance from dead works, love to God's truth, zeal for God's glory, these are as a well tuned instrument making sweet music in God's ears, a precious ointment casting a sweet smell in their nostrils; as David, 1 Cro 29.17. Jud. 5.1, 2. So do the Ministers of the Lord rejoice to see the people offer themselves willingly unto God, this doth more comfort them than a feast of the choicest dainties you can provide for them, more delight them, than if you did bestow much gold and silver upon them, to win your Souls to God, is more pleasant to them than to win the whole World, as Psal. 69.30, 31. so in this case: therefore let this move your hearts, work upon your affections, provoke you to repentance, persuade you to holiness; that the hearts of God's Ministers may rejoice, and in making them after this manner joyful, you shall make them more fervent in their prayers, Col. 1.8, 9 more frequent in their labours, Isai. 52.5. a good draught giveth encouragement, to a second casting in of the net, as 1 Sam. 17.34, 35. more entire in their conversations, like a virtuous loadstone, it draweth them to a holy fellowship with us, more free and familiar in their counsels, more patient in their afflictions, more bold and couragions against all oppositions, more plenteous in all internal and external comforts.  
There are ways by which the people may administer much comfort, occasion much joy in the faithful Minister of the Lord. I. By their holy language, gracious counsels and encouragements, for the strongest is many times much comforted holpen and edified by the weak, the General is many times comforted by the common soldiers; the little sticks set the greater logs on fire, Prov. 27.9. Sometimes Jethro is able to advise Moses, Aquila can instruct Apollo's, Abigail give good counsel to David, and Psal. 8.2. therefore Rom. 1.11, 12. and the people may strengthen the faith of the Minister, by praying for him, by ministering inward and outward consolations to him, by expressing such subjection to his Doctrine, as may plainly testify that God hath sent him, and given him this honour to be an instrument of much good to his Church. II. By visiting the faithful Minister of the Lord, as the presence of the Children rejoice the father, the presence of the flock doth comfort the Shepherd, so doth the presence of the people refresh the Minister for, 1 Thes. 2.17. and as Prov. 27.17. so doth the face of God's people, like a Whetstone sharpen the affections of the Minister when they began to grow dull, and therefore Paul calleth it a refreshing, being like dew to to the ground, drink to the thirsty traveller, 1 Cor. 16.17, 18. 2 Tim. 1.16, 17. III. By amending at the reproofs they administer, censures they impose: it comforteth the parent to see the Child bettered by correction, it comforteth the Husbandman to see the tree bettered by pruning, so 2 Cor. 7.12, 13. IV. By being full of love to their fellow brethren, delighting in them that excel in virtue, joying together as members of one body, sheep of one fold, stones of one building, helping, comforting and edifying one another in their most holy faith; this the Minister of God knoweth will much adorn the Gospel, improve the graces of the people, strengthen them in the truth, make them rich in every good gift, and therefore, Phil. 20. vers. 7. V. By growing in all the graces of the Spirit, as the nurse rejoiceth at the growth of the Child, the Husbandman at the growth of the Corn, so 2 Thes. 1.3, 4. VI By the joyful entertainment of the Word of God, receive it as the dry ground the rain from the cloud, as the hungry Child doth milk from the mother's breasts; let their feet be beautiful in your eyes, Rom. 10.15. dance as David before the Ark, 2 Sam. 6.16. and then as Paul, 1 Thes. 1.2, 6. VII. By constancy in the ways of God, steadfast confidence in the Lord Jesus, when he seeth them like Job trusting in God, though God seem to kill them with letting Satan lose upon them, 
Job 13.15.  suffering wicked men to disturb and pierce them with their venomous arrows, when he beholdeth them rooted like strong trees, and builded like houses upon the rock, Col. 2.7. Mat. 7.25. when he seeth them like good travellers going from strength to strength, Ps. 84.7. when he seeth them like good soldiers keeping their ranks, following their leader, not shrinking for the presence, threatring, power, or malice of the enemy, when he shall hear them answer him, as Jonathan's Armour-bearer did him, 1 Sam. 14.6, 7. this doth rejoice him, Col. 2.5. VIII. By yielding him a competent maintenance, good wages increaseth the industry and cheerfulness of the labourers, strong and deep water, carry the Ship with pleasantness, and drive the mill swiftly, good pay and much spoil maketh the soldier's courageous in the fight; though it be baseness for any Minister to make his wages, his bodily advantage; prime end of his labours, yet when they see the hands of men are open to communicate things temporal to them, to yield such maintenance as may enable them to love both with credit and comfort, it proveth a great refreshment, no small encouragement, for this Paul did much commend the men of Macedonia, 2 Cor. 8.3, 4. 2 Cor. 11.9. IX. By their constant attendance on the Word of God, when they wait on the gates of God's house, as the lame man did for an alms at the gates of the Temple, when they flew to the house of God, 
Act. 3.3. Mic. 4.2.  as the streams to the Sea, as the diseased to the Physician, Luc. 4.40. when the whole parish can say to the Minister of God, as Cornelius to Peter, Acts 10.33. when they come men, women and children, Deut. 31.12. when as Acts 2.1. this maketh the Minister of the Lord cheerful, putteth life and courage into him, this maketh him frequent in his exhortations, comfortable in opening and applying the promises of salvation, many buyers make the Merchant glad, many guests make the cook laborious, much fish causeth the fisherman willingly to cast in the net, thus 2 Cro. 30.25, 26, 27. But on the other side the absence of the people is occasion of much grief, it troubleth the Master of the freast when the invited guests come not, & the nurse when the Child will not suck; 
Mat. 22.7. 1 Sam. 20.27. Luk. 1.4.  it troubled Saul when david's place was empty, it grieved the Prophet when the people came not to the solemn feast; think on this beloved, put these things in practice with diligence, if you mean to comfort and encourage your teachers, if you mean to have a blessing upon their labours, if you mean to fulfil their joy, as the people fulfilled the joy of the Baptist.    

VERSE 30.  
MEn of the best and most sanctified abilities are least conceited of their own goodness, the deepest rivers run with the greatest silence, the fullest vessel giveth the least sound, the more we partake of God's fullness, the more sensible we are of our own natural emptiness, the more fully we are encompassed with the light of the Sun, the more we see the deformities of our bodies and of our garments, the more fully we are acquainted with what is amiss within us, the more vile we are in our apprehensions, the more we see ourselves obliged unto God for his goodness, the more we see ourselves bound to give him the glory of all our abilities, and with the Baptist to become even ignominious, that God and the Lord Jesus may appear the more glorious:  
The Baptist in these words showed his Disciples, that as the day star, though bright & glorious in itself, yet when the Sun appeareth doth altogether vanish, so he, though greater than all the Prophets, in going more immediately before Christ, in pointing him out more plainly, more fully than any other, yet Christ the Sun of righteousness now appearing, he must become as a light that is extinguished, the eyes of men must be no more fastened on him, he must now become as nothing, and Christ must be all in all, his honour, applause, respect, attendance, and high estimation, which he had in the hearts of the people, must decay and become as nothing, and all men must now fasten their eyes on Christ, attend his Doctrine, believe in him for salvation, embrace him as the fountain whence all felicity doth take its original, as the tree of life, the Prince of their peace;  
In the Words we have set before us. I. The wonderful humility of the Baptist in translating all the honour unto Christ, in being contented to decrease. II. His care to have all the honour ascribed unto Christ, though with the loss of his own honour among men, he must increase though I decrease. III. The exceeding glory of Christ, or the gradual manifestation, of the honour of Christ, the glory of Christ was such, that the Baptist, though greater than all the Prophets; yet was nothing in comparison of Christ, and such was the honour of Christ, that it did not all appear at once but by degrees; it was an increasing honour, from the former we learn.  
Doctr. That Gods faithful people are of a meek and humble disposition, therefore likened to little Children, who of all sorts of people, 
Mat. 18.3. joh. 10.27. Mat. 10.16.  are least tainted with pride, ambition, and high conceits of their own worthiness, the sheep, the most gentle among cattle, the dove, the most meek among birds, this they are exhorted to put on as a garment to clothe them, Col. 3.12. this they are charged to seek, Zeph. 2.3. this is required more than all external sacrifice, Mic. 6.7, 8. this is one branch on every tree growing within the pale of God's Orchard, 
Mat. 11.29. Gal. 5.22.  the lesson of every Scholar in the School of Christ, the livery of every follower of the Lord Jesus, a fruit of God's Spirit in all God's Servants, and that God's Children are an humble people doth appear.  
1. By the sight and sense of their own unworthiness, they are in their own apprehension unclean as any leper, men of polluted lips, full of abominations, altogether vile job 40.4. full of corrupt, and unsavoury wounds, void of all soundness, replenished with loathsome diseases, Psal. 38.5, 7. the chief of all sinners, 1 Tim. 1.15. their estate in their apprehension, is as a house, wherein is no one good thing, no one clean person, Rom. 7.18, is as a garden full of filthy weeds, a vineyard overgrown with thorns, a tree that hath nothing but fading leaves, a fountain full of unclean waters, a body covered with rotten rags, Isai. 64.6. so that they abhor themselves, and repent in dust and ashes, job 42.6. and being thus vile in their own apprehension, they must needs be humble.  
2. By the stirring, struggling, and striving nature of sin within them, it is not asleep, it lieth not like a dead man, as it doth in the hearts of carnal, and unregenerate people, but it fighteth, and warreth like a Soldier, Gal. 5.17. It is not like a resty jade in the pasture, but in the bridle under spur whip; It is as pricks and thorns in their sides, as the Canaanites were to Israel, judg. 2.3. as a heavy burden on their backs, Psal. 38.4. as a dead body, a rotten carcase, unsavoury, noisome, hateful, a continual vexation, Rom. 7.24. afflictions are very available to make and keep a man humble, but the feeling of the nature and operation of sin, as working more immediately upon the soul & conscience, is much more forcible to drive man out of himself to make him humble, this will make a man endued with a prophetical Spirit to say, Prov. 30.2, 3. It will make a man of the rarest endowments of the greatest industry to say, Rom. 7.24. and for this it is that God doth leave sin in the hearts of his Servants, 2 Cor. 12.7.  
3. By the continual, subtle, and violent assaults that Satan doth make against them, he spreadeth snares, and layeth stumbling blocks in the way to make them fall, he seeketh as a Pirate to rob them, like an enemy he layeth continual siege against them, 
1 Pet. 5.8. Ephes. 6.12.16.  hunteth like a roaring Lion to make a prey of them, he casteth his fiery darts at them to affright such, and if it were possible, to burn, and utterly consume them, he raiseth many storms within and without to disturb and amaze them, so mighty, so incessant, so fraudulent are his attempts, that as Israel said in another case, Psal. 124.1, 2, 3. So do God's people in this case, and by this means it cometh to pass, that as the Princes of Israel, and the King humbled themselves when Shesack had taken some of their Cities and was come up against jerusalem, 2 Cro. 12.5, 6, 7. so the people of God perceiving how this Prince of darkness taketh advantages against them, how he is in continual war with them, how they are buffeted by him, do still walk humbly before the Lord, and this is one use God doth make of him, 2 Cor. 12.7.  
4. By the disposition and qualification of their hearts, of Lions they are become Lambs, 
Isa. 11.6  of hard they are become soft and tender ground, trembling at the Word of God, 
jer. 4.3.  contrite and break through godly grief and sorrow, as a high building beaten to the very dust, 
Ps. 51.8  as a strong body having all the bones broken, emptied of all conceit of their strength, abilities, excellencies, 
Act. 9.4.  cast like Paul from the horse back to the ground, denying themselves their own reason, affections, purposes, thoughts, ends, renouncing their own wisdom as folly; 
Psal. 31.12. Ps. 147.3.  looking on themselves as on a Lamp that hath no Oil, as on a broken vessel wherein is no liquor, as on a wounded body wherein is no soundness.  
5. By the nature and operation of true and saving grace, wheresoever this taketh possession, it maketh the heart meek and humble according to the sway, and dominion which it beareth, the full ear of Corn boweth downward, the full loaden ship goeth deep in the waters. The nigher Abraham came to God, the more humbly he thought of himself, Gen. 18.27. The more grace any man hath, the more he seeth the deformity of his own hearts; the obliquity of his ways, the unprofitableness of his works, Luk. 17.10. it maketh them loathe themselves, Ezek. 36.25, 31. This maketh them esteem others better than themselves, Phil. 2.3. to neglect temporal and external dignities, Heb. 11.24. Christ jesus, in whom was the fullness of all holiness, was the most complete, and absolute pattern of all meekness, Mat. 11.29. joh. 15.3. this is a jewel wherewith they be always adorned, a garment with which they be every day clothed, without this they think themselves naked, 1 Pet. 5.5. Humility waiteth on true grace, like the handmaid upon the Mistress, like the thread following the needle, the light attending the Sun, the Daughter the Mother, Ruth Naomi, Gal. 5.22. this is one of the waiting maids belonging to this Princess, one of the branches which springeth from this root.  
6. By the work of God's Word upon their hearts, this like a hammer doth break and bruise them, like fire doth melt them, jer. 23.29. like an axe laid to the root of the tree it doth cast them to the ground, Mat. 3.10. like dew it doth soften their hearts, which are hard as clay under a long Sun shine, Deut. 32.2. Like a warlike weapon it doth cast down the mighty Holds of sin, maketh high thoughts stoop, 1 Cor. 10.5. maketh hills to become low as the Valleys, Luk. 3.5. As the Priest looking upon & pronouncing the leprous unclean caused him to lay his hand upon his mouth, and to cry unclean, Leu. 13.44, 45. So the Minister of the Lord, presenting to God's people the leprosy of their Souls by the Ministry of the word, causeth them, Acts 2.37. Rom. 7.9. As David by his persuasions and proffers, 2 Sam. 19.14. so God by the Ministry of the Gospel doth bow the heart of the people, Psal. 45.5.  
7. By the opinion and apprehension they have of their own works, their best performances, their sincerest duties, they look upon them as on water running through an impure channel, on silver mingled with much dross, a heap of Corn mixed with much chaff, an apple having much rotteness within it, their understanding like Leah is blear-eyed, their faith like a palsy man's head hath much shaking in it, Joh. 11.44. their will, like Lazarus, comes forth of the grave bound hand and foot, Gen. 32.31. their love is but like a fire in green zeal, like the flying of a bird whose wings are broken, in their best duties they halt like Jacob, and find occasion of humiliation after the performance of their choicest service, need to pray for forgiveness of what is amiss, for job 9.3. Psal. 143.1, 2.  
8. By the afflictions which do befall them, 
Mat. 8.25. Luk. 22.31. Ps. 129.3. Hos. 6.1. Heb. 12.7.  they are a ship tossed, a tree shaken, corn winnowed, spice bruised, a field ploughed, a partridge hunted, a body Physicked, a Child corrected, an ox in the yoke, a tree under the pruning knife, Zeph. 3.12. Psal. 34.19. Heb. 11.25. and this will keep them low and humble, this will make them stoop, and bow down to the commandments of the Lord. 
jer. 31.18.   
9 By the base estimation the World hath of them, they are in the eye of the World as the dung, and the offscouring of all things, 1 Cor. 4.13. as monsters, signs, wonders, Isa. 8.18. Zach. 3.8. gazing stocks, Heb. 10.53. excommunicated persons, Luk. 6.22. pestilent people unworthy to live upon the face of the earth, Acts 22.22. Acts 24.5. driven into dens and caves, Heb. 11.36, 37. and by this means they are also kept meek and humble.  
10. By the sight and apprehension they have of God, which others have not, they by faith see him who is invisible, are sensibly affected with the beauty, brightness and Majesty of his holiness, so affected with it, that as Daniel, when he saw the vision, 
Heb. 11.37.  Dan. 10.8. So they in this manner beholding God, to be a God of infinite holiness, righteousness, wisdom, are ashained of their own corruption, and all thought of their own excellency departeth from them, this maketh the very Cherubins cover their feet, Isai. 6.2. and vers. 5. now put all these together, and they make this argument; that people, who are affected with the sense of their own unworthiness the struggling of their corruptions, assaults of Satan, whose hearts are broken endued with true grace, melted by the Word, basely conceited of the best of their works, loaden with affliction, reproaches in the World affected with the beauty of God's holiness, that people is an humble people, but thus are God's people.  
Use. This therefore acquainteth us with the dangerous estate of all men of high, haughty and ambitious Spirits, of men that are puffed up with the conceit of their own excellencies, that soar (at least in their own imagination) upon the wings of their own abilities, who will needs increase in the eye of the World, though it be to the decrease of the honour of Christ, and to the reproach of their brethren, such men are surely strangers to the Spirit of the Baptist, have little experience of the heavy burden, of the loathsome nature of their own corruptions, of the merit of their doings, the wages due to their labours, this is a sin arising from present and the increase of temporary and common endowments, either internal, or external: when men look on humane abilities as Nebuchadnezar upon his palace, Dan. 4.30. as the peacock upon his feathers; as Rabseca upon his Master's victories, 2 King. 18.33. than they swell, this is a sin arising also from the forgetfulness of God, men consider not that all they have is rain falling from the cloud of God's bounty, fruit gathered from the tree of God's favour, and hereupon they magnify the strength of their own arm, celebrate Philistia, like the Dagon of their own wit, and endeavours, Hab. 1.16. of this the Lord forwarned Israel, Deut. 8.14. and of this we have all great cause to be very careful, for. I. This is a sin repugnant to our very original and beginning, we are not our own workmanship, a house of our own building, 
Job 10.8, 9, 10, 11, 12.  but the hands of the Lord have form us, now shall the vessel magnify itself against the potter? Isai. 29.16. Deut. 32.18, 19 but Isai. 64.8. and besides God made our bodily part out of the dust, whereon our feet tread, Gen. 2.17. hence Job. 4.17, 18, 19, 20, 21. pride is a sin which doth repugn our very creation. II. This is a sin repugnant to the tenure of all our endowments, our goods, and lives are held at the will of the Lord, we are but stewards, he may take them when he pleaseth according to our abilities will be our reckoning, 1 Cor. 4.1. Luc. 16.2. so that in ourselves we are an empty vessel, having nothing but what God hath given, Gen. 31.9. jac. 1.17. III. This maketh us uncapable of the grace of God's Spirit, a full vessel is uncapable of new water, a full hand of a new gift, a full stomach of food, these say to instruction as Esau to jacob I have enough, Gen. 33.9. thus Rev. 3.17. joh. 9.41. While Paul was on horseback he was uncapable of instructions, therefore the Lord smote him to to the ground, Acts 9.3. IV. This maketh God to cross, curse and punish us, to be after a peculiar manner an enemy against us more than against any others: pride maketh a man set himself in God's seat, rob God of his honour, reject God's precepts, despise his fellow brethren which are God's Workman ship, and for this doth God become an enemy to the proud, and when he giveth grace to the humble, yet he resisteth the proud, jac. 4.6. When he doth increase the gifts of the meek, he will take away what he hath given to the proud, leave them destitute like a Well without water, a tree without fruit, leaf, or branch, hence Luc. 1.53. They who feel themselves empty like hungry stomaches, Matth. 5.6. thirsty like dry grounds, the Lord will give abundantly to drink out of the Wells of salvation, but the rich, such as be puffed up with the conceit of their own goods, these shall remain like empty vessels, empty of the true knowledge of God; joy of the Spirit, sense and feeling of the Word of God in his heart, as a man will send away him whom he knoweth to have money enough without an alms from his door, and as a King taketh away weapons, places of dignity from them, that lift up themselves and rebel against him, Luk. 14.11. The higher men do exalt themselves, the more God will abase them, as 2 Sa. 15.2. Acts 12.22. therefore let us take heed of all high conceits of our own excellencies.  
Use. 2 Since God's people are of a humble disposition, let us try ourselves whither we are endued with this humility or not, that so we may know whither we are the Children of God or no; and if you be endued with the humility proper to God's Children, you shall know it.  
1. By the instrument or means which doth work it; and that is the preaching of the Word of God, the Law and Gospel together, this doth awaken the conscience like a sounding trumpet, this throweth down high thoughts, as the sounding of the rams horns did the Walls of jericho, jos 6.20. this hath made you with the jailor, Acts 16.31. with Paul, Rom. 7.9. this light hath caused you to fall to the ground, like that Acts 9.3. this like daniel's vision, Dan. 10.8. you have felt how the Lord hath pricked your conscience with this goad, Eccles. 12.11. How the wounding of this arrow have made you fall down before the Lord, Psal. 45.4. How this looking glass, this Sun hath acquainted you with the spots that stick in your Souls like dirt in a garment, and hath made you vile in your own eyes, you have experience how God hath laydsiedge against your Souls, how by the Ministry of his word, he hath made you see your own weakness, caused you to lay down your weapon, yield up yourselves, and seek and sue for peace, you have felt how the Gospel of God hath shined like the warm Sun into your hearts, and hath melted your frozen affections, and how God, by his goodness hath lead you to true repentance, and made you truly humble, as Ios. 5.1, 7, 5. jud. 5.45. So the people of God have found at the coming of the Word, as Psa. 97.4, 5.  
2. By your reverend meek and lowly attention to, and entertainment of the Word of God, receiving it as from the mouth of God himself, 1 Thes. 2.13. as that which is the instrument wherein and whereby God will show himself, powerful in the work of salvation, Rom. 1.16. as the Sceptre by which Christ will sway in our hearts, as the Child attendeth with an awful reverence to the voice of the Father, the subject to the voice of the King, the Wife to the voice of the Husband, so do all God's people attend with all humility to the voice of God their Father, King, Husband in the preaching of the Gospel, Isai. 66.2.  
Use 3 By your experience, apprehension and feeling of the gracious presence of God in your Souls, Ephes. 3.17. by the comfortable Communion you have with him, blessed enjoyment of him, Ro. 5.5. by the experience of his love shed abroad in your Souls like dew upon the ground, 
Ps. 24.7.  of his dominion and sway in your hearts like a King in his Kingdom, of the rare endowments wherewith he doth enrich you, as the dweller doth adorn his house, and as the low valleys are clothed in the spring with grass and flowers: the humble soul is the house where God will dwell, Isai. 57.15. and as the inhabitant is present, ruleth, 
joh. 14.21. Ps. 149.4.  and manifesteth himself in his house, as he garnisheth, defendeth keepeth his house, so doth God the humble, and this doth every humble man find the Lord to be to his soul, joh 14.23. Rom. 8.9, 13, 14, 15.  
4. By the holy, gracious, experimental and saving knowledge you have of God and his Word, 
1 Pet. 2.2.3. Mat. 3.12. Isa. 61.1 Eph. 1.13 14.  that is, by the gracious taste you feel of the goodness of God in your hearts, of the working of his Word upon your Souls, in purging out your corruption, subduing the lusts which fight against the Soul, healing the wounds which sin and Satan, darts have made in the conscience, stablishing your faith, sealing up the forgiveness of sin, acquainting you with the counsel and purpose of God towards your Soul; the deep things of God, 1 Cor. 2.9, 10. are revealed to them who are humble as babes, Mat. 11.25. as the poor man by his wisdom delivered the city, so the poor in Spirit, 
Eccle. 9.14, 15.  they only have the wisdom to know the things of God, and to deliver their Souls, Prov. 11.2. Psal. 25.9. for these only do subject themselves to the Doctrine of life and salvation, Isa. 11.6. and Isai. 61.1.  
5. By the joy which you find in your hearts, when the Children and Church of God are delivered out of any dangers, enriched with any favours, and when the adversaries thereof are suppressed, Rom. 12.15. the meek do mourn with them that mourn, are afflicted with the affliction of Joseph, Hab. 3.16. Ezra. 9.3, 4. Neh. 1.4. and therefore they rejoice at their welfare, as at their own prosperity, take the mercies of God bestowed on their brethren as on themselves, therefore Psa. 34.2. Psa. 69.32. to rejoice at the promotion of the Gospel, increase of God's people, enlargement of God's Kingdom for the Gospel's sake, is as a sign we are humbled.  
6. By the emptiness and vanity which you find in the creature, in every thing, saving in God, in your own endowments, in your works, in your possessions, in all the furniture of the earth, when you look upon the wealth, riches, pleasures, applause of the World, and on all your own personal gifts, and can say of them all as the Psalmist in another case, Psa. 33.16. they are all vain, for the day of battle, wherein we must fight against Satan and our corruption; when we can in affection value them as an empty vessel, a broken cistern, a cloud without rain, a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint, as a sheath without a sword, a shell without a kernel, a Lamp without Oil, a vain thing, when we can set the World's counsel and proffers thereof at naught, as they did the counsel of the Lord, Prov. 1.25. When we can esteem it as the Lord calleth it, Amos 6.13. When we can look upon it as upon an Egypt, Isa. 30.7. the comforts thereof as on that, Zach. 10.2. when we can willingly account all loss, Phil. 3.8. and 〈◊〉 in this manner deny ourselves, and seek all fullness in God a loan, and cast ourselves wholly upon him, this is a sign that we are truly humbled, Mar. 8.34. 1 Pet. 5.6, 7.  
Use. 3 This must move every man to labour for this meek and humble disposition, that so he may be able by these evidences to assure himself, that he is the Child of God, and to comfort himself in the Lord, this was the charge our Saviour gave to his Disciples, the first lesson he would have them learn, Mat. 11.29. a lesson without the learning whereof they could not be his Disciples, Mar. 8.34. and it should be our care in the first place to learn this, as men in their buildings first dig low, and lay the foundation, else all the building besides will fall, so must we first lay a deep foundation, or else all our other labour will soon come to nothing, and to this let us be moved.  
1. Because the more we have denied ourselves, the better we shall be approved with God, the less we are in our own eyes, the more precious shall we be in the eyes of God, Isa. 66.2. things which in their own apprehension are poor and base hath God chosen, 1 Cor. 1.27. the deformed bush was the tree wherein God appeared, Exo. 3.2.  
2. Because the less we see in ourselves the more we shall see in God and Christ, the hungry see, abundance of goodness in that food which the full stomach despiseth, they who want this humility, say of God and his Ordinances, Job 21.14. Mal. 3.13. but the truly humble utter another language, Psal. 63.1, 2, 3. Psal. 84.10. Psal. 27.4. they who want this Isai. 53.2. but to others, Mal. 4.2.  
3. Because the more humble we are, the less irksome wrongs, injury and the burdens of affliction shall be, the lowest trees and buildings are least assaulted and endangered by the wind, thus Neh. 1 2 3. 2 Sam. 16.11.  
4. Because the more humble we are, the more we may be assured of our nigher, and more spiritual and familiar converse and acquaintance with God, for the more thoroughly we apprehend the beauty of God's holiness, the more apprehensive we are of, and the more we are affected with our own vileness, Gen. 18.27.  
5. Because the more humble we are, the more we shall fructify in the grace of God's Spirit, jac. 4.6. as Gen. 29.31. the low valleys do usually drink in most rain, bear most fruit, as Psal. 63.13. so Neh. 24.5, 6.  
6. Because the more humble we are, the more honour we shall have, Jud. 6.15, 16. Prov: 15.33. as Abigail who cast herself at the feet of David was afterward made his companion in wedlock, 1 Sam. 25.41. as Luk. 5.8, 9, 10. so Luk. 14.11. as Luk. 15.16, 22.  
7. Because the more humble, the more sweetness, nourishment and spiritual refreshment shall we suck from the breasts of the Gospel; this will make the Ordinances of God to be as a pleasant river to the thirsty soul, as Physic to him that is loaden with many and dangerous diseases, job 33.22, 23. as a hand taking of a heavy burden from another man's shoulder, Mat. 11.28. as the shadow of a great tree refreshing the wearied traveller, 
Isa. 61.1  God's Ordinances are not so sweet and delightful to any as to the truly humble, a lively sense of our own vileness, a true apprehension of our own unworthiness maketh Gods Ordinances much the more sweet and savoury to our palates, Prov. 27.7. Mat. 5.6. their understandings shall be filled with knowledge, their affections with loan, zeal, holy and fervent desires, their hearts with peace, and all manner of contentments, they shall find such fullness, such satisfaction in them, as all the World could not afford the like unto them, in trouble they shall be filled with peace, in affliction with patience, in times of opposition with courage, in the days of scarcity with contentment, hence Phil. 4.11, 12, 13. Psal. 22.26.  
8. Because the humble shall have a competent and comfortable portion of things appertaining to this life, they shall find a blessed contentment in their estate, a mervellous fullness in the little they do enjoy, God will so frame their minds, that a little shall quench their thirst, 2 King. 4.43. a little shall satisfy their hunger, a little shall fill their hand, God will put such a fullness into it, that they shall find no want, but shall say, Psal. 16.5, 6. their estate shall be like a little vessel full of liccour, a little tree well loaden, a little spring always running, a little shell filled with a good kernel, like that widow's cruse, 1 King. 17.14.15, 16. joh. 6.11, 12 13 as joh. 2.7, 9 So can Christ make the poor estate of God's people, which is weak and slender as water, to become pleasant as wine, when the great estate of others is like a great vessel empty of liccour, a great shell without a kernel, great dry bones without marrow, a high tree without fruit, as Eccles. 5.12. this is a privilege belonging to the meek, Psal. 37.11. Matth. 5.5. Psal. 34.10.  
8. Because the humble shall persevere unto the end in the way of the Lord, in the duties of true holiness, trees of deep roots endure the violence of the wind best; houses of a deep foundation stand longest: the more humble men are, the more earnestly they seek to be filled with that fullness which is in God, the more firmly they rely upon God, the more contentedly they receive and sustain all wrongs and injuries; the less advantage Satan hath against them, the more willing & cheerful entertainment they give to all whole some instruction, the more fully doth God pour out his Spirit upon them, and therefore these of all others continue most constant, Isa. 29.19.  

Thus of the humility of the Baptist, next of his care to give all the honour unto Christ, he must increase but I must descrease, the eyes of men must be fastened upon him, their hearts and affections must be carried to him, him must they entertain as the sole author of their salvation, and in less account must I be among them.  
Doctr. GOds Servants must willingly lose their own honour and praises, that Christ Jesus may be thereby made the more glorious, we must be contented to become as nothing, that Christ may be the more honoured in the eyes of the people, we must not seek ourselves, but the things of Christ, Phil. 2.21. we must cast a veil before the beauty of our own faces, if it may make that face of Christ appear the more beautiful in the eyes of the people, we must cast down our own crowns at his feet, that all may veil and bow unto him, Rev. 4.10. We must be content to wear a crown of thorns upon our own heads, if Christ's crown may be thereby made the more conspicuous, this was David's resolution, 2 Sam. 6.20, 21, 22. this was the practice of Moses, Heb. 11.24, 25, 26.  
Reas. 1 Because we are not our own, but the Lords, and we must not live unto ourselves, but unto God, 2 Cor. 5.15. our Souls and bodies must be yielded up into his hands, Rom. 12.1. our abilities, lives, services must be wholly devoted to him, we must study how to honour him, be glad of any opportunity to magnify him.  
Reas. 2 Because the honour of Christ must be more dear to us than any other thing, goods, liberties, lives, must not be so precious in our eyes, as the honour of God, this we must esteem before all our own substance and treasure, as the pearl before dross, the Sun before the Candle, Acts 20.24. Jos. 7.9.  
Reas. 3 Because it is more joy to God's Servants, to see Christ to be honoured than to see themselves held in great reputation, they rejoice more to see the prosperity of Christ's Kingdom, than to look upon the success of their own estate, it doth more comfort them to bring honour to Christ than to gain abundance of honour to themselves, hence Ga' 6.14.  
Reas. 4 Because Christ did willingly lose his honour to make us honourable, he became a Servant to make us free, poor to make us rich, a subject to the Law to make us Kings, ignominious to make us glorious, Phil. 2.6, 7, 8. 2 Cor. 8.9. therefore we should gladly leave our own honour to honour him.  
Use. This must therefore teach all God's people to endeavour to bring their hearts to a thorough and utter denial of themselves, to account their own privileges, honour and estimation among men as dung and dross, that they might honour God and the Lord Jesus, to become as worms and no men, to be contented to have their names cast out as odious, to have their faces covered with shame, Psal. 69.7, 8, 9 that God may be honoured; and for the framing of our hearts hereunto we must consider. I. What a vain thing it is to have the praise of men without the praise of God, what is it but an empty vessel that yieldeth no liccour, a deaf ear that beareth no grain, an empty language that giveth no comfort, at last therefore rightly termed by the Holy Ghost vainglory, Gal. 5.26. II. How to have the praise of men with the dishonour of God is the way to lose our praise at last both with God and men, and to be buried under the dust of irremoveable shame, Acts 12.22, 23. Dan. 4.26, 30, III. How the losing of honour among men for Christ is the way to get honour both with God and with all good men; the very dishonour cast upon us for Christ is a greater honour than any dignity the World could confer upon us, Heb. 11.26. 2 Sam. 6.26. Mat. 19.29. IU. How the approbation of God and of our own conscience is a thousand fold better than the approbation of all the men in the World, it is the praise of God, the witness of a good conscience that giveth peace to the heart, boldness towards God, confidence in the day of distress, assurance of a good estate, of a happy condition in respect of God, Rom. 2.28, 29. 1 Joh. 3.19, 20, 21. V. How there can be no saving grace in that heart, no acquaintance with Christ, no experience of the goodness, power, excellency, and efficacy of Christ in that soul which is regardless of the honour of Christ, that seeketh its own applause, Joh. 5.44, 1. Pet. 5.5, 6.   

The last thing in this Verse was the manner of manifesting Christ Jesus, he must increase.  
Doctr. CHrist Jesus is not fully and at once but by degrees revealed unto his Servants, the Sun appeareth by degrees; so doth the sun of righteousness by degrees manifest himself unto his people: the blind man in the Gospel saw men as trees, first he saw obscurely, afterwards he saw more plainly, thus Cant. 2.8. he was seen as on the mountains a far of; then vers. 9 he came nigher, Joh. 16.29. Luc. 24.31. And our Saviour doth after this manner reveal himself unto his people. I. Because of their infirmity, as we reveal things to Children, teach them a little, and things easy at the first, giving them milk and not strong meat, jac. 16.12. Mat. 9.16, 17. II. Because they shall be sensible of the difficulty of obtaining it: they shall be enforced to seek, Prov. 2.2, 3. search joh. 5.39, to wait, Prov. 8.34. III. This he doth to humble us for our ignorance and removing corruption.  
Use. Therefore we must strive to grow in the knowledge of Christ as Scholars in learning, apprentices in their trades, we are not perfect, 1 Cor. 13.9, 12. therefore with Mary, Luk. 10 39 with the lame man, Joh. 5.5. we must not set still, but 2 Pet. 3.18. we must not cease but strive to be filled, Col. 1.10.  
Use. 2 This will teach us that all such as are God's Servants, do find Christ Jesus revealing himself unto them more graciously, his Kingdom doth increase within them, the longer they are in Christ the more clearly they understand his will, the more sensibly they are affected with his love, the more glorious he is in their eyes, the more firmly they cleave to him, the more strongly they build upon him, the more abundance of contentment they find in him, the more cheerfully they follow him.    

VERSE 31.  
THe Baptist having endeavoured to remove from himself the sinister opinion which the Disciples conceived of him, now he plainly delivereth his opinion of Christ, showeth by another comparison how far he excelleth all others, how much he is superior to all others, likening Christ to a King or supreme Commander, who speaking from his throne or tribunal is to be harkened unto with all reverence, but likeneth himself to one whose seat is in the dust, infimetily inferior unto Christ, he who cometh from above, who is not only God-man, but also God, who teacheth divine and heavenly things, in whom is nothing but that which is heavenly and full of Majesty, he is above all in the excellency of his nature, authority, power, wisdom and ability to unfold God's counsel, being the only begotten of the Father, in the bosom of the Father; no creature, man nor Angel being any thing in comparison of him; but he who is of the earth, even every man, who hath an earthly original and beginning, is earthly, ignorant carnal, weak, savouring of the things of the earth, and can no further savour, perceive, or speak of the things of God, than as they are revealed to him, by him, who is from above. The Words set before us. 1. Christ's excellency. 2. Man's indignity. Christ's excellency is set forth. 1. By his original he cometh from above. 2. By his Dominion, he is above all. Mans, indignity is set forth. 1. By his original or from whence he is, from the earth. 2. By his quality or disposition, earthly. 3. By his practice; speaketh of the earth: first of Christ's original he cometh from above, that is usually in Scripture said to be from above, which is from heaven, Acts 2.19. which is excellent and of great account, of a spiritual and heavenly nature, Gal. 4.26. or doth belong to a heavenly life, Col. 3.1. The Son of God is said to be from above, because he is God coequal with the Father according to his divine nature; from the Father by eternal generation, as he is the second person in the Trinity, he is said to come from above, in that he assumed our nature into the unity of his person, dwelled in our flesh, appeared in the form of a servant to work out our redemption.  
Doctr. That Christ Jesus, who came to work out our redemption with a divine, and heavenly original and is even the Son of God by eternal generation, Prov. 8.22, 23, 24, 25, 30. Psal. 2.7. Phil. 2.7, 8. Mat. 3.17. and this it behoved him to be.  
Reas. 1 For the full expression of God's unspeakable love to his chosen: had God sent a man, an Angel, a mere creature, his love had not been so great, so excellent, so worthy of admiration, but now when he sent his own Son, his only Son, this did wonderfully disclose his love unto his people. If a King send not a common man, a counsellor, a favourite, but his own Son to be a ransom to redeem the captived, a Physician to heal the diseased, a teacher to instruct his ignorant subjects, it is an argument of singular love, so joh. 3.16. 1 joh. 4.16.  
Reas. 2 For the sustaining of his Father's wrath; a burden, which would have ground the rocks to powder, and the mountains to dust, a fire, whose heat would have dried up the deep waters of the Sea; a wind which would have overturned all the Cedars of Lebanon, and removed the pillars of the earth out of their places; an arrow, that would have drunk up the Spirits of all the mighty men of the earth, a Winepress which neither man nor Angel was able to tread; a cup, which our Saviour himself prayed might pass from him; a passion which made him sweat drops of blood, which constrained him to complain of desertion, Psal. 22.1.  
Reas. 3 For the satisfying of his Father's justice, it was in vain, Mic. 6.6, 7. Isa. 40.16. the debt was so great that all the World was too little to make satisfaction, Isa. 53.10, 11. as Psal. 49.6, 7.  
Reas. 4 For the revealing of his Father's will and counsel, a sealed book which none can open, Rev. 5.3, 4, 5. therefore ja. 1.18. Col. 2.3. Matth. 11.27.  
Reas. 5 For the making of us to be the Sons of God by adoption, Gal. 4.4, 5. He, that was the Son of God, became a Servant to make us the Sons of God by grace, who were the Servants of sin by corruption, he emptied himself that we might be filled.  
Reas. 6 For the sanctifying and washing away the sin of our Souls, no nitre could cleanse us, jer. 2.22. Abanah and Pherphar could not wash away the Leprosy of our Souls, nothing but the Jordan of Christ's blood could do it, 1 joh. 1.7. This quencheth our burning lusts, extinguisheth our carnal and worldly thirst, as Christ came by blood to justify us, so he came by water to sanctify us, 1 joh. 5.6, 8. these things he could not work for us, were he not omnipotent, alsufficient and from above.  
Use. This teacheth us whence our salvation and external happiness cometh, not from beneath, not from sheep, oxen, gold, silver, worldly friends, these are empty vessels, withered arms, broken cisterns, Physicians of no value, unable to give salvation, to lead to life eternal, as King. 6.26. so may all the creatures in the World say in this behalf, and as Psal. 33.16, 17. so much more in this case, therefore it is in vain to build on this; for these are as God said of Egypt, Isai. 31.3. It is to no purpose to cry to them for they will be as deaf as Baal, 1 King. 18.26. as the Psalmist said of promotion, Psal. 75.6. so it is also true of this spiritual promotion, it cometh neither from the Sea, nor from the Land, it cannot be gotten by strength, bought for money, won by policy, but as Solomon said Eccles. 9.11. so in this case, and as job 28.12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. so of salvation, for joh. 1.13. it is Christ, that is made unto us of God, 1 Cor. 1.30. earthly abilities have no power hereunto, these are a weapon too weak to throw down the holds of sin, Satan will say to these as to the Sons of Sheva, Acts 19.15. these have no power to enlighten the understanding, 1 Cor. 2.10. no ability to purify the conscience, Dan. 5.5, 6, 7. to cleanse the affections, it is the word and spirit that maketh wise unto salvation, 2 Tim. 3.17. that giveth peace, Isa. 57.19. reconcileth to God, 2 Cor. 5.19. our salvation is wholly from the Lord, jer. 3.29. and therefore let us regard and fasten our eyes upon the means, which is from above, more than on the means which is here beneath, let us seek for happiness from above where it may be had, and not here below where it cannot be found, let us not seek for grapes on thorns, and for figs upon thistles, like them Luk. 24.5.  
Use 2 This discovereth the cause why Christ, and his Ordinances have such slender entertainment, why they are no more respected among the men of the World, they are from above, they are not of the earth but from a foreign country, as the Sodomites resolved to deal hardly with Lot, because he was a stranger, Gen. 19.9. so doth the Sodomitish World with Christ, joh. 15.19. Joh. 9.29. 2 Pet. 2.12. these things are above their earth, 1 Cor. 2.14. as Joh. 4.11. they have no bucket to draw, these things have no savour in their nostrils, 2 Cor. 2.16. as Job 24.17. so joh. 3.20. the head stone of the corner is a stone of offence, the way to life is become a stumbling block, 1 Pet. 2.7. joh. 8.22, 23.  
Use. 3 Is Christ Jesus from above, is his original divine and heavenly? then we must also labour to be borne again from above; to be endued with divine and heavenly wisdom, that we may know him, so the many blessings which come by him, a carnal, an unsanctified knowledge cannot conceive him, an unregenerate, a profane heart hath no sense and feeling of these things, the carnal palate cannot relish these dainties, the unsanctified eye cannot behold this light, the profane heart cannot entertain these mysteries, Isa. 29.11. Christ appeareth as a worm and no man, Psa. 22.6. as a face wherein is no beauty, Isa. 52.14. as a store-house having no treasure, things heavenly must be looked on with a heavenly eye, holy matters must be discerned by a holy understanding, entertained with sanctified affections, therefore we must pray with the Apostle, Ephes. 1.18, 19 with the Psalmist, Psal. 119.33. and when our understandings are thus enlightened from above, then shall jesus Christ be glorious in our eyes, Cant. 5.10. as the appletree among the thorns and briers, Cant. 2.3. as the Sun among the clouds, as King David in the eyes of his subjects, more worth than ten thousand of the common people, 
2 Sam. 13.3.  like Saul the head above all the residue of the people, beyond measure more beautiful, more excellent than all the World. II. Then shall we behold in him all fullness, all sufficiency of all good things, such as eye hath not seen, nor ear heard of shall we find in him, 1 Cor. 2.9. we shall find him to be a living fountain, whose waters never fail, Joh. 4.14. to be a tree never barren but always bearing, Rev. 22.10. a sure rock never sinking, Isai. 32.2. a Sun yielding all fullness of contentment to his servants, Psa. 84.11. so that they shall say as Elkanah to Anna, 1 Sam. 1.8. and upon better ground than Esau, they shall say they have mongh. III. Then they shall cast themselves and their burden upon Christ, as upon a never failing friend, a sure foundation, a strong Pillar, a Sepheard able to deliver the flock out of the paws of the bear, and the jaws of the Lion like David, a wall of fire able to defend his Servants and consume their enemies, for Psal 9.10. IV. Then shall they have a low estimation of the things of the earth, look upon them as on waters, that pass away, as on empty vessels, as on cobwebs soon swept down, Job 8.14. as on a slippery place where is no standing, Psal. 73.18. as on dung and dross of little value, Phil. 3.8. as on things yielding no true contentment, no sound comfort, no sure defence, but are as changeable as the wind, as a garment, Psal. 102.26. and therefore they fasten not affections on things here below, but on things above.  
Use. 4 Is Christ from above? is his original divine and heavenly, than this may comfort all the Children of God. I. In regard of their emptiness, he hath all fullness, he can abundantly supply our wants, joh. 1.14, 16. as the Sea and full clouds fill the channels. II. In regard of our ignorance, he is full of knowledge, as the Sun of light, able to make us wise unto salvation. III. In regard of unrighteousness, he is from above, he is full, & altogether righteousness; he hath long Robes to cover us, jer. 23.6. IV. In regard of trouble of conscience, he is a Prince of peace, Isa. 9.6. Ephes. 2.14. Mat. 8.26.  

Thus of Christ's original, next of his Dominion.  
Doctr. CHrist Jesus hath pre-eminence above, and Dominion over all creatures; therefore called the King of Kings, Rev. 1.5. the great King, Rev. 12.5. Phil. 2.9, 10. and Dominion he hath. I. In regard of creation, Col. 1.16, 17. II. In regard of gubernation, joh. 13.3. the very devils are subject to his command, Mar. 5.8. III. In regard of subjugation, 1 Cor. 15.25. IV. In regard of his office, for the executing of God's judgement upon all men and evil Angels, joh. 5.22. Dominion he hath over his own people. I. As head of that body whereof they are members, 1 Co. 11.3. II. As a redeemer having first bought us, 1 Cor. 6.26. III. In regard of conquest, having obtained victory over sin and Satan, Col. 2.15. IV. In regard of possession, having erected his Kingdom within them. V. In regard of protection being a continual defence unto them, Isa. 32.2.  
Use. This acquainteth us with the dangerous estate of such as disobey Christ, cast his precepts behind their backs, make him an enemy by their evil works, cause him, in steed of being a comfortable and shining Sun, to be a consuming and burning fire; needs must their estate be dangerous for Christ whom they dishonour, whom they provoke, is above all, none is able by his strength to make his part good against him, no wicked man shall by any device be able to escape from him, he will not be born down with might, he will not be appeased with money, he will not let any man escape for his nobility, or place of eminency, though your estate were as glorious, rich, strong as the image in Nebuchadnezars vision, Da. 12.32. yet vers. 34.35. none can exalt himself against him, but to his own destruction, Mat. 21.44. there will be no hiding place from his wrath, he is above all, all the creatures are at his command, like the Centurious servant, Mat. 8.9. They are his armies to execute his wrath upon his enemies, he is above all, there is no hiding of ourselves from him, Psal. 139.5, 6, 7. Amos 9.1, 2, 3, 4. The strongest shoulder is too weak to bear the burden of his indignation, the frownings of his face will make the stoutest heart to stoop, all the nations of the World are in his hand but as the drop of a bucket, Isai. 40.15. as chaff before the wind, as stubble before the fire, Nah. 1.4, 5, 6. Iniquity is so repugnant to his nature, to his honour, to his office, so advantageous to Satan, so averse to this Kingdom, that it shall not escape without punishment, where it is found without repentance: no hiding, no vailing, no vain and frivolous pretences shall excuse or patronise us, but as the arrow smote Ahab, 
1 King. 22 34.  though he disguised himself in the battle, so will the arrow of God's judignation smite all ungodly men, notwithstanding all their disguisements; for Prov. 21.30. though they be never so high, God will bring them down, Obad vers. 4. he will tread them as the dust under his feet, Psal. 110.1. If they want their garment, Mat. 22.13. If they refuse to be subject to his government, Luk. 19.27. As it was with Sodom, that would not have Lot to rule over them, they were burned with fire and brimstone, so will it be with such as will not suffer Christ to rule over them, however they may flourish for a time like the old World, promise themselves great things like the rich man, Luk. 12.19. yet 2 Thes. 1.8. Psal. 2.9.  
2. This setteth before us their folly, who neglect and leave Christ Jesus, and pursuing and following other things, turn their backs on him, who is from above, and turn their faces on the things which are here below: leaving the living fountain, and digging to themselves broken cisterns, a folly very manifest. I. 
Mat. 16 18. joh. 10.28.  Because Christ is above all in power; none so able to deliver out of danger to preserve in safety, he is a sure rock, they who are builded on him shall not sink, he hath a strong arm, there is none shall pluck his people out of his hand, he is a faithful keeper, Psal. 32.7. He is a Lion, at whose roaring all the beasts of the forest shall tremble; Deut. 32.11. he is an Eagle bearing his people upon his wings, an Ark sustaining them in the deluge of trouble: he hath power to restrain the fire that it burn not, the winds that they blow not, the Seas that they be not boisterous, all creatures are in his hands, and he can turn them for us or against us, Luk. 11.21. joh. 11.44. Gen. 18.14. Now is it not great folly to forsake this rock, and build upon the sand, like the men of Shechem, to leave the shadow of this tree, and to hide ourselves under the bramble, to leave this shield and to arm ourselves with brown paper, to forsake Christ, and trust to the World which will prove a leaking ship in the stormy day, a broken bow in the battle, able to do nothing.  
2. Because Christ is above all in wisdom, all treasures of wisdom are hid in him, as in a store-house, Col. 2.3. as light in the Sun, as waters in the Sea, he is able to endue us, to fill us with the truest, the sweetest, and most useful knowledge, he is able to frustrate the policy of all our adversaries, discover and defeat all the stratagems of the old Serpent, he knoweth how to heal all the diseases of our Souls, he can teach us how to get the favour of God, Ephes. 4.20. how to become the Sons and daughters of God, how to find sweetness in his Ordinances, Isai. 48.17, 18. how to attain peace in our consciences, contentment in all estates and conditions, how to make a healing Medicine of very poison, how to use an enemy's sword as a lancing knife: now what folly is it to leave him, to reject his counsel, and follow them who cannot teach us the Lords way, open God's counsel, make us wise unto salvation, that cannot show us how to win the favour of God, how to get freedom from Satan, this is a wisdom which the World doth not know, which her Schools cannot teach, which her treasure cannot buy, Job 28.12, 13, 14, 15. 1 Cor. 2.7, 8.  
3. Because Christ is above all in love, all the love of the Creature is but a sparkle to that flame which is in Christ, but a shadow to the substance of his love: jacob's love to Rahel, causing him to serve for her seven years in the heat, and in the cold was much: Jonathans' love to David was wonderful, but Christ's love doth far excel them, Joh. 15.13. never such love manifested, a love so strong, that like a mighty stream it did beat down all the banks of opposition, Cant. 2.8. a love like an ever living Fountain always yielding waters of refreshment, like the fire on the Altar always burning, Jo. 13.1. A Sun that never setteth, though sometime for a moment eclipsed, Isai. 54.7. This is a love as high above the love of men, as the Heaven is above the Earth, as the Sea in depth doth excel the shallow brook; a love so deep, so wonderful, that the line of our reason cannot fathom it, Eph. 3.19. A love so sweet, so pleasant, so full of contentment, that it beareth a man out against all the hatred of the World, it maketh a man cheerful in the deepest affliction, Rom. 5.5. Confident in the strongest opposition, constant in the duties of Religion, full of inward rejoicing, heavenly meditations, holy and gracious desires, Cant. 1.2. better than Wine: Wine is one of the most comfortable Creatures, rejoicing the heart of man, Psal. 104.15. maketh the life joyful, Eccles. 10.19. causeth to forget affliction, poverty misery, Psal. 31.6, 7. but the love of Christ sensibly felt in the hearts of his Servants, doth far excel all worldly pleasure, and causeth such as drink thereof to forget their bitterness, poverty and sorrows: Now is it not great folly to leave this love of Christ, so far above all love, for the love of the World, which like a shallow brook is soon dried up; like a tree of rotten roots is soon withered; like a morning dew soon gone, many times soon changed into deadly hatred; like Amos love to Thamar, many times full of fraud; like Dalilahs' love to Samson; like Judasses' kiss to our Saviour.  
4. Because Christ is above all in Care: No Watchman so vigilant, no Keeper so careful as Christ is over his people, he keepeth them as a man will keep the apple of his eye, Zach. 28. he maketh them up as a man will make up his Jewels, Mal. 3.17. he leadeth them like a careful guide in a desolate way, Deut. 32.12. becometh with them as a Shepherd with his flock, Isai. 40.11. As Jacob dealt with his Sheep, Gen. 33.14. so doth Christ with the Sheep of his pasture, Isai. 42.3. he dealeth with them as a Physician with his patient, Isa. 61.1. as a vine-dresser with his vine, Isai. 27.3. as Phil. 2.20. So it is much more true of Christ: and therefore it is great folly to neglect him, who is so careful for us, and to set our hearts on that, which hath no respect unto us, no care for us, no thought if we perish.  
5. Because Christ is above all in goodness and sufficiency; in him is all fullness, Rev. 22.1. he is a tree of life loaden with twelve sorts of fruit, whatsoever good thing the Souls of man can desire, 
Rev. 22 1.  it is fully in him above measure John 3.33. so fully, that we shall be able to desire no more in him, so much that he can quench our thirst, John 4.14. he will fill us with good things, Luc. 11.1, 52. he will satiate our Souls with fatness, and fill us with goodness, jer. 31.14. He can fill the understanding with knowledge, the heart with faith, love, zeal, and every good gift, in prosperity he can fill us with meekness, in adversity with patience, in a low estate with contentedness, in every condition, he will be enough unto us; If we do but embrace him, turn our hearts to him, settle our affections upon him, then as Solomon gave charge in another case, Prov. 5.18, 19 so shall we find in this, for they who convert unto Christ, have the promise, jer. 50.19, 20. His Ordinances are the breasts, which yield the milk that satisfieth, Isa. 66.11, 12. The River that refresheth, Psal. 36.8. Is it not now exceeding folly to leave Christ in whom is such and so great fullness?  
3. Hath Christ pre-eminence and dominion over all creatures, than this must teach us to give Christ pre-eminence.  
1. In our knowledge, if we know nothing else, let us not be ignorant of him, who ever be a stranger to us; let us get and maintain an holy entire, and gracious acquaintance with the Lord jesus, for he is our portion, Psal. 16.5, 6. and therefore as a man will know his own Lands, and revenues, though he remain ignorant of all other men's possessions; so must we know Christ jesus, and our interest in him, of whatsoever beside we are ignorant of, he is our Husband, our beloved, Can. 2.16. he is our Shepherd, Isai. 40.11. he is our Prophet, our teacher, Acts 10.38. he is our Physician, Isai. 61.1. he is our Friend, john 15.13. and therefore as a Woman knoweth her Husband above all other men, the Sheep know the voice of a Shepherd, and will not hearken to the voice of a stranger, as the Scholar knoweth his teacher above all other instructours, the sick man his Physician, and a friendly and loving man knoweth his friend which is to him as his own soul; Deut. 13.6. So must we know Christ jesus above all others, with a more clear, familiar, affectionate and delightful knowledge, than we know any other, we must study to excel in this knowledge, this must be the first lesson we learn, the art we should every day study, we must cry after this, Prov. 2.2, 3. strive to be filled therewith, as the air with light, Col. 1.10. to grow herein as good Scholars in learning, 2 Pet. 3.18. esteem all knowledge as vain without this, 1 Cor. 2.2. and account this our best gain, Prov. 4.7, 8. a tree bearing the sweetest fruit, Prov. 3.16, 17. a knowledge surpassing all other knowledge for profoundness, pleasantness, profitableness, holiness, as far as the Heavens are above the Earth, Ephes. 3.18, 19 therefore rest not till you are better experienced in this knowledge, than in any other knowledge.  
2 Let us give him pre-eminence in our fear: fear him above all creatures, fear to offend him rather than any other whatsoever beside him, fear the loss of his favour, the frown of his displeasure; rather, as the Wife fears the Husband more than the handmaid, the subject the King more than his fellow subjects, the Servant his Lord and Master, more than his fellow Servants: Christ is the Husband of his Church; the King of his people, the Lord and Master of his Family, all creatures are his subjects and Servants, yea, the very Angels are fellow-servants with us, Rev. 22.9. therefore let him have the pre-eminence in our fear, none so well able to recompense our obedience, none so powerful to revenge our disobedience, the loss we sustain for him turneth to our best advantage, Mat. 19.28, 29. the service, we perform unto him hath the best wages, Rom. 2.10. the headship which he hath over us, the price which he hath paid for us, the interest, which he hath in us, the great things he hath done for us, the good things he hath bestowed on us, the glorious things he hath provided in the Heavens, his ability to support us in all assaults, to comfort us in all afflictions, to deliver us out of all troubles, the many relations which are between us do challenge pre-eminence in our obedience, and bind us to exalt him in our fear, as God hath exalted him in his place, Acts 5.29, 30, 31, 32. Mat. 10.28. thus Heb. 11.26, 27. Pet. 3.13, 14, 15. all creatures are nothing in his hand, none can hurt us when he is pleased with us, none can defend or comfort us, when his indignation is kindled against us, therefore Rev. 14.6, 7. he giveth victory to such as fear him over their enemies, therefore Rev. 15.3, 4. and it is the charge, 2 King. 17.36. to 39  
3. Let us give him the pre-eminence in our thoughts: as he is above all, so he ought to be thought upon before all, his own worthiness, his goodness, compassion & love to us doth challenge: and the love which we should bear to him, aught to enforce us to yield him precedency in our thoughts, and the first fruits of our meditations, he should be the last we think on in the evening, the first we think upon in the morning, the companion of our thoughts in the whole day's travel, as the Wife thinketh on her Husband with more frequency, with more delight, with more seriousness, and affection, than on any stranger: so must we think of Christ the Husband of our Souls; this is the charge, Mat. 6.39. thus the spouse, Cant. 3.1. the Psalmist, Psal. 77.6, 12. We must think upon his loving kindness in the morning, as David did, Psal. 59.16. Meditate upon him and his works in the evening, as Isaac did, Gen. 24.65. yea Ps. 55.17. He must be always in our thoughts as the person whom we must fervently affect, the treasure wherein we principally delight, Mat. 6 21. The fountain whence we draw the waters of sweetest consolation, thus Psal. 119.97. we must think upon him in prosperity that we be not lifted up in adversity, that we be not overmuch dejected, that we run not to forbidden means for deliverances, in peace as on the author of our welfare, in sickness as on the Physician that can heal us, in heaviness as on the friend that can speak comfortably to us, in trouble as on him that hath authority to appease the stormy tempest, as on the eagle that hath wings to cover us, as on the rock that can cast a comfortable shadow to refresh us: in time of distraction and doubtfulness, as on the Counsellor which alone is able to advise us, in time of temptation as on the shield which alone is able to defend us from all the fiery darts of Satan, under the sense of sin as on the Jordan, which alone is able to wash and sanctify us in all wants, as on him that can give all fullness of contentment to us in the midst of our possessions; as on him, whom we must honour with all our abilities, we must think upon him, how to please him in every estate, in every undertaking: all our thoughts must be towards him as the streams to the Sea; as Moses charged Israel touching the Word, Deut. 6.6, 7, 8. the like charge let me give to you touching Christ, it shall not be in vain, for Mal. 3.16.  
4. Let us give him pre-eminence in our speeches, let him be the choicest and chiefest matter of our language, let our tongues become trumpets sounding his praises, and clouds plenteously dropping down the knowledge of Christ to others, as a man speaketh freely, frequently, fully, unweariedly of the beloved of his heart, so must we of Christ the beloved of our Souls, thus the spouse speaketh of him, when she had lost him, she speaketh to the watchmen, enquired for him, she spoke of him to the foreign congregations, maketh a large relation of his excellencies, Cant. 5.10, 11, 12. this is the charge given, 1 Pet. 4.11. Ephes. 4.29. this was David's promise, Ps. 119.46. this is a singular fruit of God's grace, and work of God's Spirit in the heart of his Servants, Isai. 19.18. a property of their conversion, as every man speaketh the language of his own country, he may now and then speak in another tongue, but this hath the pre-eminence above all others. This language is most seemly, most holy, most pleasant, most profitable, this like light showeth the way of life by informing the judgement, this like fire doth warm the affections, this like water doth wash away spiritual filthiness, this like dew doth make men fruitful in the grace of the Spirit, this like the crowing of the cock to Peter doth make men go out and weep bitterly for their sin, Matth. 26.75. This like the box of ointment casteth a sweet savour in the nostrils of God's people, Joh. 12.3. This like a goad driveth them forward in the ways of God, Eccl. 12.11. This discovereth our love of Christ, or delight in Christ; for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh, therefore renomce all profane, and abridge all worldy, language, and let Christ have the pre-eminence in your speeches.  
5. Let Christ have the pre-eminence in your choice; as he is above all, so do you chose him before all, it is usual with men to choose what is in itself most excellent, what will prove most beneficial, what will exalt to the highest honour, endow them with the greatest riches, give them the sweetest pleasures, now there is no creature in itself so excellent as Christ, for he is as the apple tree among the trees of the wood, Cant. 2.3. as the Prince among the creatures, Rev. 1.5. as the Sun among the Planets, Mal. 4.2. above all principalities and powers, Ephes. 1.21. he is the brightness of his Father's glory, and the express image of his person, and hath a more excellent name than the Angels, Heb. 1.3, 4. He can advance us to the highest honour, make us conquerors over all opposers, Rom. 8.37. make us Sons, Gal. 4.5. yea, Kings and Priests to God, Rev. 1.6. a chosen generation, a peculiar people, 1 Pet. 2.9. He can endow us with the best riches, he can bestow those gifts upon us, which are not to be found in the bowels of the earth, nor to be bought with the wealth thereof, job 28.12, 13, 14, 15. riches, which the World doth not know, 1 Cor. 2 9 joh. 14.16, 17. riches which the thiefs cannot steal, which death cannot take away, Mat. 6.20. Rev. 14.13. an abiding substance, Heb. 19.34. the unsearchable and glorious riches, Ephes. 1.5. and 3.8. the very reproach of Christ is greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: to be scandalised, traduced, persecuted, cast out as vile for the cause of Christ, is better and more gainful in the judgement of God's people, than to win the World with the denial of Christ: he can bring us in to the Paradise of the choicest pleasures, make our Souls as a watered garden, satiate us with fatness, jer. 31.14. make us drink abundantly out of the rivers of his pleasures, Psal. 38.6. every way replenish and content us, so fill us with his presence, favour, goodness, that we shall have no cause to complain of any emptiness, but whatsoever we want, we shall see it all in him. Therefore let us choose him above all others, as Moses did, Heb. 11.25, 26. as Paul did, Mat. 4.20. Psal. 119.30. Phil. 3.8, 9 Let him be in our eye the fairest of all persons, Cant. 5.10. let us join ourselves in wedlock to him before all others, for as Prov. 16.16. so it is much more true of Christ the giver of wisdom, the author of every good blessing, and Psal. 33.12. for as Jud. 8.2.  
6. Let us give him the pre-eminence in our faith, as he is above all, so let us trust him, and rely upon him above all; He is not sand, but a sure foundation, Matth. 7.24, 25. It is our best wisdom to build upon him; Let us not trust upon any arm of flesh, any created abilities, for these can do nothing without him, if he put not a fullness into them, they are an empty vessel, a dry breast, a fruit tree like that in the Gospel, Mat. 21.19. a rotten ship that breaketh asunder in the stern, a jonahs' gourd that is soon withered, Io. 4.8. there is no trust to be put in it, Ps. 62.9, 10. job 8.14 jud. 9.15. Ps. 78.22. Let us trust in the Lord jesus, draw nigh unto him with our hearts, cast ourselves and our burdens upon him, put ourself into his hand, trust him with our Souls, with our bodies, with our credits, with our possessions, trust him in prosperity, when we have the abundance of all things, rely on him alone as if we had nothing, trust him in adversity when we have nothing being as confident, as if we had all things, as the Apostle saith of patience, ja. 1.4. So let me say of faith, let faith have his perfect work, trust the Lord in every estate, in every undertaking, in every affliction, trust him in health, in sickness, in liberty, in bondage, in riches, in poverty, in temptation, in peace, trust him in six and be not doubtful of him in seven trouble, for he is above all, he can do all, nothing is impossible, if we can believe. Mar. 9.23. all things shall be according to our faith, Mat. 9.29. there is water enough in this Well, if we have faith like a bucket to draw, there is riches enough in this store-house, if we have faith, like a key to open, there is steadfastness enough in this rock, if we have faith like a sure anchor to lay fast hold upon it, there is no danger so great, but if we have faith in him, we shall pass through it, Matth. 17.20. by faith we shall do as they did, Heb. 11.29, 30, 31, 32, 33. By faith Christ dwelleth in us, is become ours, and then nothing can be too hard for us, when he is omnipotent who is within us, 1 Sam. 17.45. Goliath was better armed, but by faith the Lord was with David, by faith the Lord is our strength, Psal. 37.39. and Marc. 5.26, 29, 34. this is God's precept, 1 joh. 3.23. this is the way to prosper, jer. 15.5. therefore as 2 Cro. 20.30.  
7. Let Christ have pre-eminence in our love, as he is above all, so we must love him above all creatures, the choice, the strength of our affection must be bestowed upon him, Deut. 6.4. We must love him with all manner of love, as the work the of his hand that framed it, the creature the Creator, for we are the work of his hands, Col. 1.16. as the subject loveth his gracious Sovereign, for he is the Prince of our peace, Isa. 9.6. as the ransomed loveth him that redeemed him, for he is our Redeemer, 1 Tim. 2.6. as the Disciple loveth the teacher, for he is our Master, Mat. 10.24. as one friend doth love another, for he is our choicest friend, john 15.13. as the Wife the Husband; for he hath joined himself in wedlock to us, so we must love him with creatures love, a subjects love, a ransomed man's love of, a true love, etc. Hos. 2.19. none in himself so worthy to be beloved, none ever can so well deserve our love, none will, none is able so abundantly to requite our love, none doth or can so well entertain our love, none can yield such abundant satisfaction to our affection; therefore let us give him the chiefest room in our affections, let us have our hearts so wrought upon, that with the spouse we be even sick of love, Cant. 2.4. that Psal. 73.25. that 2 Cor. 5.14.  
8. Let Christ have the pre-eminence in our joy, as he is above all, so let us rejoice in him more than in Father, Mother, Child, Wife, or any other endowment, as Paul said of the Thessalonians, so let us say of Christ, 1 Thes. 2.19, 20. this was the Apostles charge, Phil. 4.4. and his resolution, Gal. 6.14. God's people can see nothing but Christ, worthy to be rejoiced in, the men of the World do hate them, joh. 15.19. the strength & riches of the world have vanity and changeableness in them, Psa. 33.17. Psal. 60.11. 1 Cor. 3.20, 21. the peace and pleasures of the World are great strangers to them, their way is full of thorns, their day full of clouds, their habitation is like a house in the wilderness, their condition like the condition of Pilgrims, Psa. 34.19. 1 Pet. 2.11. only Christ is their comfort, Phillip 3.3. He bringeth remission of sin, reconcileth them to God, and therefore in him they rejoice, Rom. 5.11. He maketh peace for them, worketh peace in them, he revealeth God's counsel to them, 1 Cor. 1.30. therefore vers. 31. they have nothing whereof to rejoice but it cometh from him, therefore behooveful they should rejoice principally in him, and turn all matter and occasion of rejoicing to rejoicing in Christ.  
9 Let us give him pre-eminence of Dominion in our hearts, in our lives above all others, above the World, above Satan, above our own corruption; Let Christ have the whole possession of the heart, let sin like Dagon be cast to the ground, 
1 Sam. 4.5.  and the Kingdom of Christ like the Ark erected: let the whole man be made universally subject to him, let the eye in seeing, the ear in hearing, the tongue in speaking, the hand in working, the foot in walking, the heart in thinking, the understanding in judging, the will in choosing, the affections in embracing or refusing, show their subjection, yield unto Christ the chief Dominion: every Member, every faculty must be so serviceable, that Christ may be able to say of it, as the Centurion of his Servants, Mat. 8.9. They must all wait like Ahimaaz for their commission, & run as soon as Christ shall give their charge unto them; This is the Apostles charge, Rom. 6.13. his commendation of the Romans, vers. 17. Christ must have no corrivals, he must reign as King alone, he will not live as a Servant, it must not be in this as Solomon saw it sometimes in another case, Eccles. 10.7. Christ will not walk on foot, and the World, Sin and Satan on horseback, no neither will he ride in the same Chariot with them, 2 Cor. 6.14.15. as he is above all, so he will rule over all.  
10. Let Christ have the pre-eminence in all our undertake, as he is above all, so let us above all things seek his glory; let us as it were set Christ upon our shoulders, that he only may be preheminent, that he only may be seen, and we like men stand in the crowd not taken notice of: if Christ may be honoured, let us be content to be reproached, if be may be enriched, let us be willingly made poor; thus the Baptist was content to be as a tree that withereth, that the beauty of Christ, the tree of righteousness might be the more glorious, to lose his honour, if thereby the honour of Christ might increase: so Paul 2 Cor. 4.3. he exalted Christ, did not preach himself, did not set forth himself, show his wit, learning, eloquence, hunt applause, but sought only how to make Christ glorious, as a man that carrieth a light to direct others, doth not put forth himself, but putteth forth his light that all may see by it; a man that goeth to take fowl putteth forth his bait, but hideth himself, so Gal. 1.10. Acts 20.24. 1 Cor. 10.31, 33. Acts 3.12. In all these things we must study to give Christ the pre-eminence.  
This serveth for the singular comfort of all God's Servants, who by a lively faith are engrafted into Christ, and have embraced him as their Husband, their portion, and the only beloved of their souls, there is no cause of repentance, of going back, of leaving Christ, though Christ be alone as Naomi was, in much affliction, in much reproach, poverty, envy, trouble, yet they may well say to him, as Ruth to Naomi, Ruth. 1.16. and to all that shall question with them hereabout as Pilate answered them, joh. 19.22. what I have chosen, I have chosen, I will not reverse it, and to all you that have laid hold on him, that have entered into Covenant with him, let me say as Paul in another case to the Galatians, Gal. 5.1. stand fast in the choice you have made, suffer not your hearts to be divorced from Christ, to be brought again in bondage to the World; let not honours, pleasures on the one side, nor taunts, reproaches, persecutions, losses on the other side divide your hearts from Christ, as once the evil spirit made a breach between Abimelech and the men of Sechem. 
jud. 9.23.  But ever remember whatsoever the World proffer, or threaten; Christ is above all, he will make a large satisfaction for all, and therefore having Christ, comfort yourselves.  
1. Against adversaries, be they never so powerful, subtle, violent, full of fury and indignation, Christ is above all, above all in wisdom, turning all the devices of the crafty Achitophel's of the earth into foolishness, 
2 Sa. 1●, 31.  and Isa. 44.25. he taketh them in the snares of their own spreading, in the pits of their own digging; there is, Prov. 21.30, 31. for he can do great things, job 5.9, 10, 11, 12, 13. he is above all in power, he can open the prison; Acts 12.7, 8. he can divide the Sea, Exod. 14.30, 31. he is a man of war, Exod. 15.3. he is a valiant Captain, Ios. 5.14. he can make us valiant, Psal. 60.12. he can make one of us chase a thousand, Ios. 23.10. If he be the leader of the army, he can overthrow the Walls of Jericho with the sound of a Ram's horn, 
jos 6.20. Jud. 7.13.21.  he can smite our enemies with blindness, send a trembling into their hearts, overturn them with a barley cake, and make their bowels sheaths for their own swords; it is all one to overcome with few or with many, to cast down with a stone or with a sword, with a Jaw bone or with a thousand men, with a goad or with a multitude of Canon shot.  
2. Against the strength of sin, the mighty power of Satan, though our lusts be as untamable as the wild's beasts in the forest, yet he can put a bridle into their lips, though they be like the bloody issue, which no Physician could cure; 
jer. 2.24 Mar. 5.26.  yet Christ is above all, he can dry them up, though they be like a deep, a strong, and swift running stream, he can stay them, though they be like Trees of a deep Root, of a mighty growth, yet he can pluck them up, though they be strong holds, yet he can cast them down, as David took the fort of Zion notwithstanding all the strength thereof, 
2 Sam 5.  so 2 Cor. 10.5. he can tame the Lion, Isai. 11.6, 7. the virtue of his death can make iniquity to moulder like a tree, whose roots are rotten, like a house, whose foundation is decayed, like a body which hath received a death's wound, though it be as strong as the buildings of the Temple, 
Ro. 6 4. Mat. 24.1, 2.  yet as that was cast to the ground, not one stone left upon another, so can Christ cast down our sins, that not one lust shall remain upon another: as David overthrew Goliath, and made all the Philistines fly: 
1 Sa. 17.  So will Christ overthrow Satan and put all our lusts to flight, the same power that opened the eyes of the blind, that healed the lame, that raised the dead, can and will do the like for us. He is above all, who is our Saviour, our Physician, our Husband, our Friend, the beloved of our Souls; therefore think of this and be comforted,  
3. Against spiritual assaults and grievous temptations, perplexity and anguish of conscience, though no bed can give us rest, no Sun can give us delight, no Fountain afford refreshment, no Music can give any comfort, no friend, no earthly treasure, no tidings give contentment, but all paths are paths of Thorns, 
Exo. 15.25. 2 King. 4 40.  every speech dreadful as Thunder, every Fountain as the waters of Marah, all manner of comfort that can be presented, like the Prophet's pottage, whereof they cried there was death in the pot, yet the Lord Jesus is above all, he is the Prince of peace, Isa. 9.6. he he can still the stormy Tempest, Math. 8.26. he can cast out the unclean spirit that casteth men into the fire and into the water, 
Mark 9.22.  into manifold troubles and perplexities, he can cure the stinging of the fiery Serpent, Math. 21.6, 7. he can bind up the broken heart, and heal the wounded spirit, 
Isa. 61.1.  though it be a burden in supportable, yet he can give us ease, Matth. 11.28. he can make our peace like a River, turn the winter of our sorrow into a pleasant spring, 
Isa. 48.18.  the Hail and Thunder of trouble into the Sunshine of sweet and pleasant rest.  
4. Against all reproaches & contumelies. Christ our head, our sovereign, our husband is above all, 
Isa. 53.2.14.  therefore though for the present we are in the eye of the world as our Saviour was, a face wherein was no beauty, a dry Tree without leaves, 
Isa. 8.18. 1 Cor. 4.9. Heb. 10.36. Joh 7.47. Jer. 30.17. 1 Cor. 15.19. 1 Cor. 1.26.  without fruits, signs, wonders, spectacles, gazing stocks, a cursed people, outcasts, the worst of all sinners, the most miserable of all base things, and things which are not; yet let us remember that Christ is above all, and that we are Members of the body whereof he, who is the head, is above all the spouse of that husband, who is the Prince of all Kings: let us remember whatsoever we are in the eye of the world, yet in, and through Christ we are, Exod. 19.5. as the Sun, Phil. 2.15. Jewels, Mal. 3.17. Kings, 1 Pet. 2.9. the most honourable and glorious people in the world, therefore Cant. 1.9, 10, 11. Cant. 6.10.  
5. Against all wants. Christ Jesus, who is ours; is above all, in him there is all fullness: Therefore let us comfort & assure ourselves in all our necessities, there shall no good thing be wanting, for all things are in Christ in a transcendent manner, after a more full & larger sort than in the creature, as light is in the Sun after a fuller manner than in the Gloe-worm, he, who hath him, if he be well experienced in him, shall find enough to supply himself; if a man want love from the world, the love of the Lord Jesus will abundantly recompense it, as the love of the King, of the Master, will abundantly recompense the want of the love of the beggar, of the servant: if a man want honour, estimation, respect among men, to be honourable in the sight of God, to have sonship with God, heirship with Christ will largely answer it: if a man want fellowship with men, fellowship with God, Christ sufciently countervaileth it: if a man want rich and glorious apparel, the royal robes of Christ's righteousness, the Needle-wrought Garment of sanctification will abundantly supply that want: if a man want dainty food, have nothing but the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, the spiritual dainties which God affordeth his servants will be sufficient, he who hath Christ hath all things, hath him, who is above all things, he hath Lands, Gold, Silver, honour, peace, pleasure, & more than all this, as he who hath the Sun hath the light which is in many Torches, and more: again if a man want an earthly object whereon to fasten his love, his trust, whereon to express his joy, whereto to reveal his mind; yet Christ is above all, and on him, and about him, he may with more delight and fullness of contentment express his love, his joy, his trust, desire & speech, than to any creature in the world, so that this should exceedingly comfort us in all our wants, for Ephes. 1.21.22.  
6. Against the fierceness of God's anger, the mighty force of God's displeasure, 
Isa 33.14.  though it be a fire which all the water in the world cannot quench, as the roaring of a Lion that maketh all the beasts in the forest to tremble, 
Amos 3.8.  like a mighty wind rending the rocks. Nah. 4.5. like that 1 Kings 19.11. an Arrow that drieth up the spirits, Job 6.4. a burden which no created shoulder can bear, a Sword whose prickings, a Scorpion whose slinging, a rod whose lashings none can without desperation endure, though it makes profane men at last say as once Job in the extremities of his anguish did, Job 3.3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. that Rev. 6.16. though like the appearing of the hand-writing, Dan. 5.4, 5. like the tidings, Jos. 5.1. though it be of all terribles the most terrible, of all noises the most hideous, of all fires the most hot the most fervent, of all Arrows the most sharp, of all Gall the most bitter, of all Clouds the most dark, of all ways the most Thorny, of all burdens the most heavy, of all tidings the most dismal; yet fear not, the Lord jesus is above all, 
Rom. 8.34. Heb. 12.24.  he is at the right hand of his Father interceding for us, he will stand between us, and his father's indignations, his blood speaketh better things than the blood of Abel, Rom. 5.9, 10. 1 Thes. 1.10. by him we have access to God, Rom. 5.1. Eph. 2.17. he will turn the consuming fire into a warm and shining Sun, the exceeding wind into a still voice, the stormy Tempest into a calm, the dreadful voice into a joyful sound, Mount Sinai into Mount Zion, he will bring us from Mount Ebal to Mount Gerizim, Deut. 11.29.  
7. Against the difficulty of attaining grace, working, perfecting true holiness, though it be a work of the highest transcendency, a work not to be wrought by the finger of men, or any angel: not sound in any earthly Mine, a flower not growing in our Gardens, a Tree not to be planted by the Art of the choicest husbandmen, though job 15.14. though 2 Cor. 3.5. though jer. 13.23. though Mat. 7.15, 16. though Isa. 11.6. though jer. 2.24. jer. 17, 9 though as Martha told Christ, joh. 11.39. so we stink in the grave of sin, yet Christ is above all, though Abana and Pharpar cannot wash away Naaman's Leprosy, yet Jordan can, though the Disciple cannot cast out the unclean Spirit, yet Christ is able, he can turn the Lion into a lamb, the thorn into a vine, as he turned water into Wine, he can open the eyes of the blind, the ears of the deaf, heal the hands that are withered, the feet that are lame, he can stop the bloody issue, cure all diseases, he can send his Spirit into our hearts, 1 joh. 1.7. joh. 1.29. joh. 8.36: 1 Pet. 2.9. 1 Thes. 5.23. Ephes. 5.26, 27. therefore think on this and be comforted.   

Thus of Christ's excellency: next let us look upon man's indignity,  
described by his original of the earth; Man is resembled to the earth; in regard of the bodily part whereof he consisteth; he was made of the dust, and in regard of the corruption he hath contracted, dishonourable condition whereinto his sin hath brought him; for as the earth of all the other Elements is most subject to men's feet, tendeth downward, is full of slime, corruption, and the receptacle of worms, vermins and many noisome creatures, so are the bodies of men brought into a low estate, even as low as hell through sin: the minds of men are altogether downward upon the things of the earth; dens of all uncleaness: such doth the Baptist show man's original to be to his Disciples, to teach them not to magnify man, nor to think over highly of him, but to ascribe all honour unto God and the Lord Jesus, who is from above: whence learn,  
Doctr. THat Man is of a very low and weak, original and beginning: dust and ashes, Gen. 18.27. composed of the dust in regard of his bodily, & visible parts, Gen. 2.7. his foundation is said to be laid in the dust, to note his frailty, easily cast down as a house builded on no better foundation than the dust, job 4.19.  
Use 1 This must teach us humility, we are but earth, dust, weak, poor, frail vessels, of a very base beginning, the earth which our eyes always behold, whereon our feet continually tread should teach us this lesson, this earthly garment of the flesh which covereth us by day, and is not put off by night, should always mind us hereof, be as water to quench, as a warlike instrument to throw down all high thoughts which exalt themselves, the flowers have beauty, the trees have blossoms, leaves, fruit, the Cattle have strength, the stars have brightness and glory, but what hath the dust whereof to glory; no Creature hath less cause of glorying, than man hath of himself, if we look either upon his earthly original or corrupt condition, since the fall of Adam; therefore as the blackness of the Peacock's feet take away the pride he would otherwise take in his feathers, so must the dusty condition of man take away all occasion of glorying, which may arise from the other endowments God hath bestowed on him.  
Use 2 This teacheth us to acknowledge the freedom of God in the Donation of his favours, it is earth and dust that God hath advanced, therefore let us not dream of any worthiness in ourselves, of any thing in us that might move God hereunto, but 1 Cor. 1.20. joh. 3.8. Exod. 3.2, 3. Zeph. 3.12.  
Use 3 This must teach us so much the more to admire the goodness, and the singular love of God in advancing us into so high estate, as to have sonship with him, hership with Christ, David, thought it much, that he having stood behind the Ewes, should be advanced in marriage with an earthly King's Son, how much more should we magnify the Lord for advancing us to Wedlock with Christ the Son of a Heavenly King, so did the Psalmist, Psal. 8.3, 4. Oh! let this till our hearts with love to God, with joy and confidence in God; let this cause us to study how to walk worthy of the loving kindness and mercy of the Lord, let us in nothing provoke him.  
Thus of his original, next of his disposition, earthly: before we proceed any further in it, how the Baptist could say he was of the earth and earthly, whether in saying so he did not offer wrong, and injury to his Doctrine in so saying, since it is said, joh. 1.6. and Mat. 21.25. also Luc. 7.30. Resp. this is a comparative speech, between the Baptist and our Saviour in regard of whom he was as nothing, no more than, no, nor so much as the Earth to Heaven, the Servant to his Lord, the Candle to the Sun. 2. the Baptist showeth what man is being once set in opposition against Christ, 
1 Cor. 3.6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Heb. 12.20.  even the most excellent, than he becometh earth, dust, corrupt, unprofitable, intimating plainly that if his Disciples did so fasten their eyes on him as thereby to neglect Christ, then how holy, how Heavenly, how excellent soever, yet he should be to them as an earthly and a carnal man. 3. He sheweth what man is being considered in himself, and of himself, nothing but earth, and earthly disposed. 4. Though his Doctrine and commission were from heaven; yet this was not a stream from his own fountain, a light of his own kindling; but he had it from above, it was the Lords and not his, thus you see how and why the Baptist said he was of the earth and earthly, thereby teaching,  
Doctr. That man's natural disposition is altogether earthly and carnal, 
Exo. 15.28. 2 Kin. 4.49.  a stream whose waters are altogether slimy, bitter, unsavoury, like the waters of Mara, unwholesome, like the pottage in the Prophet's pot till grace be infused; as the tree was cast into the water by Moses, and the meal into the pot by the Prophet, therefore likened to a corrupt tree whose nature and fruit are both naught, Mat. 7.17. to a vine bearing no other but sour grapes, Isai. 5.4. to evil ground bearing thorns and briers, Heb. 6.8. to swine wallowing in the mire of sin, trampling the precious pearls of the Gospel and sanctification under their feet, Math. 7.6. to a sick man whose Palate is altogether disordered, Rom. 8.7. 2 Cor. 2.14. to a dead man, whose inclination is wholly to the earth, Ephes. 2.1. and therefore Psal. 14.3. Gen. 6.5, 5. and this is moreover manifest,  
1. By the absence of all true & saving grace, there is nothing of heaven remaining in him, their souls like the pit, whereinto Joseph was cast, are empty, having no water of grace in them, Gen. 37.24. like a barren womb that hath neither birth nor conception, a barren Tree that beareth no fruit Hosea 10.1. like a man fallen into the hands of thiefs, like him, Luk. 10.30. stripped of all the apparel which should cover his soul, robbed of all the jewels of grace, wounded and half dead in his very natural habiliments, of whom that may be verified which the Prophet speaketh of Niniveh, Nah. 2.10. the natural man is empty and void, and waste, blackness covereth his soul, he is full of uncleanness, there is no heart nor courage for God remaining in him; and which the Prophet said of Nebuchadnezar, Jer. 51.34. the natural man may much more say of sin, and Satan, the great Nebuchadnezar, the great Babylonish Prince of darkness: He hath crushed them, and made them empty vessels, taken away their heavenly riches, and hath cast them out of God's favour and gracious presence, made him as a naked house, wherein is no inhabitant, no household implement, Rom. 7.18. all their abilities to good are now become like Jeroboams withered hand, which he could neither put forth nor take in, so they are neither able to reach forth to any good, nor take their hands in from any evil.  
2. By the presence and the fullness of all sin, 
Ps. 140.3. Ps. 5.9. Isa. 11.6  being full of uncleanness, as pits in a rainy day of water, as an Adder of poison, as a grave of rottenness, as a Lion of fierceness, as a Cage of unclean Birds, as the sluggards field of thorns and briars; as the Prophet said of the people, Ezek. 7.23. the Land is full of bloody crimes, the City is full of violence, so is the body of man full of iniquity, and the Soul is full of uncleanness, as the waters in Egypt, which were clear, were turned into blood, so that the fish died, and the Rivers stunk, so that all the faculties in the Soul and Members of the body are corrupted, perverted, and the grace, which once was in them, is utterly dead, and man is now become as an unsavoury carcase in the nostrils of God.  
3. By the Dominion and sway of Satan, he rules like a King Eph. 2.3. leads like a Tyrant, 2 Tim. 2.26. works like a Blacksmith upon his Anvil, Eph. 2.2. is worshipped like a God, 2 Cor. 4.4. affected, reverenced, obeyed like a father, joh. 8 44. as ready to execute his commands, as the servants of Absalon were to accomplish his, 2 Sam. 13.28. 29. If he bid then wait an opportunity to do mischief, they wait, bid them open their mouths to revile, blaspheme, use filthy communication, presently they swear, reproach, and utter unseemly, and corrupt language, etc.  
4. By the wonderful agreement which is between the carnal heart and sin, and the world, these like Simeon and Levi they are brethren in evil, like Herod and Pilate they conspire against Christ, the truth, the life, the power of Godliness: like Jehu & Jehonadab they give the right hand of fellowship one to another, and ride both in one Chariot, and what combats soever may seem to be between them: however, sin may sometime trouble the natural man's conscience, how sick soever it may make him for the present, yet with the Dog he will eat up again his vomit, he will never so fall out with sin, but he will soon be friends, he will be able still to call it brother, as Ahab after his wars with Benhadad could ask, is my brother Benhadad yet alive, and though the Lord command him to destroy his sin, give it into his hand, gave him all advantage over it; yet as Ahab made a Covenant with Benhadad, and let him go; so will the natural man with his sin: sin is the natural man's Absalon, David warred against Absalon, but hath had no purpose to destroy him, so the natural man (when his sin doth sometime disturb him) begins to make a little war against it, but never means to set himself so to work as to destroy it: sin is the natural man's Paradise wherein he doth desire to live, his path wherein he would always walk; the companion, with whom he delighteth to communicate, the forbidden Tree of whose fruit he delighteth to eat, the fountains of whose waters he thirsteth to drink, the only recreation wherewith they desire to be refreshed, Prov. 14.9. they can say of sin and the world, as Ruth of Naomi, Ruth. 1.15, 6. they will not be entreated to leave it, but when it goeth they will go with it, if it go into captivity, into prison, into noisome diseases, into poverty, reproach; nay, though they are surerely and infallibly showed that it goeth to Hell, yet they will go with it.  
5. By their dislike of holiness, and all the means teaching man to lead a holy life, this is like fetters to the man possessed with an unclean spirit, 
Mark. 5. Psal. 2.  they break these cords as he broke them, like the Sun to diseased eyes, Job 24.13. like a Candle to him that hath stolen goods, joh. 3.19.20. like the hand-writing to Baltazzar, Dan. 5.5. no weed so unsavoury to their Nostrils, 
Dan. 5.5.  no Gall so distasteful to their Palates, no noise so terrible to their Ears: this is a stranger, they will give it no entertainment, an enemy they will make war against it, Rom. 8.7. they watch an opportunity as judas to betray Christ, as Esau to murder jacob, so they to betray to destroy this if possible they might, it is as offensive to them as Mordecai to Haman, 
Hest. 5.13.  nothing can give them contentment as long as this prospereth, by which it is apparent that the natural man's disposition is altogether carnal.  
Use. This may teach us not to wonder, be astonished, or dismayed to see the whole world lie in wickedness, the greatest number of men carnally disposed, their affections tending downward to things here below, as the streams go down the Channel, or the earth moveth down towards the Centre; not think it strange that the carnal world wonders after her own lusts, 
Rev. 13.3. Judas 18.24.  as the Popish idolatrous world after their beast, that they pursue the earth and the vanities of the same as Micah pursued his Idol, that they lie overwhelmed in sin as once the world was overwhelmed with the deluge, that Hill and vale, high and low, rich and poor, learned and ignorant, even all (a few poor despised, yet sanctified Souls excepted) given unto covetousness and carnal lusts, as the Prophet long since complained, jer. 6.14. 
Matt. 7.13. 2 Chron. 10.21. 1 Sam. 20.27.  that the broad way is full, the narrow way hath few travellers, that Baal's house is full, the seats in God's house, like the seats in Saul's house in the new Moon, were empty, yesterday and to day, Sabbath after Sabbath, that the world, the earth, riches, honours, pleasures are in great request: heaven, religion, holiness, duties of sanctification in little, or none at all. Marvel not I say at this, shrink not back from God, leave not the Lord jesus, for this the three hundred Soldiers left not Gideon, though many thousands went back from him, 
Jud. 7.6.7.  joshua and Caleb turned not back from following the Lord, though Israel besides did, and perished: let Peter's resolution be your practice, though all men forsake him, yet go not you back from him, be not moved, be not shaken at the sight of the multitude of profane persons, for all men are earth and earthly, and 1. They are ignorant and see no beauty, no benefit, no pleasure in the way of Godliness, it is to them as a light under a bushel, a fountain shut up, Luke 19.42. these are like the Gods, of whom Daniel spoke, Dan. 5.23. these are, as jer. 5.4. Psal. 82.5.2. they are sick and cannot relish the good things of God; their Palate hath lost its taste; bread is as gravel, Wine as Gall, a feast of the choicest heavenly delicates, as the white of an Egg which hath no taste, or unsavoury meat which cannot be eaten without salt, job 6.6. what our Saviour said to Peter in one particular, may be universally verified of every carnal man, thou savourest not the things of God, 
2 Sam. 19.36, 37.  but of men, and what Barzillai said to David in another case, every carnal man may say of himself unto God, I am old in sin, and cannot taste the Word of the Lord, and let not me be pressed to this, and that duty of holiness to follow the Lord with such preciseness, but let me return to mine own way, fashion delights, etc. 3. 
Ephes. 4.18, 19 1 Tim. 4.  They are dead in sins and trespasses, no more feeling of sin than a dead man of the disease, no more sense of the working of God's Word, than feared flesh of the prickings of a needle, as Psal. 6.5. so there is no thought, no remembrance of God among carnal men, they have no thought of Heaven, life eternal, the way and means tending thereunto. 4. They know not things of any better nature than the earth, the Cattle know not any better thing than pasture in the field, water in the brook, and therefore never look after wine and other delicates: so the natural man knoweth nothing but this World, not knowing the comforts of the Gospel, the sweetness of God's love, the pleasantness of the peace of a good conscience, think there is no clearer nor warmer sun, no more pure nor pleasant stream, no sweeter music than peace and prosperity in this World; 
joh 4.10 joh. 6.26.  the Woman of Samaria knowing no other water than such, as was in jacob's Well, asked not water of life from Christ, knew not what he meant when he spoke of it, the unsound Disciples knowing no other bread than that which nourisheth the body, thought not upon the bread which nourisheth the soul unto life eternal. 5. They are inconsiderate, hasty, and violent in the pursuit of their own projects, in accomplishing their own purposes, in running their own way, in following their own counsel, in fulfilling their own lusts, therefore likened to the Adder, Psal. 58.5. the wild ass, jer. 2.24. mad men, Jerem. 17.9 they have in heart to consider what the issue will be of all their evil doings, though they set thorns, yet they think they shall gather grapes, 
Deut. 29.19.  though they serve sin, yet they think the wages shall be eternal life, though they sow to the flesh, yet they hope to reap life everlasting, thus Psal. 36.1. and though they be like them, Isa. 65.4. like him, Mar. 5.4. 5. Though they have fellowship with the workers of the works of darkness, though they be men of swinish condition and conversation, though there souls be full of the breath of abominable things, though they break the strongest bonds of God's precepts, wound themselves with many lusts as with swords and spears, yet like them, Isai. 65.5. they spare not to think to say they are better than the dearest of God's Children, so highly are they opinionated of their own goodness, so strongly are they wedded to their own afflections, that all admonition is but as water upon a black Moor, dew upon a rock, it maketh no impression, but as Solomon saith, Prov. 27.22. Now this being the qualification, order, disposition, bend and course of every natural man's heart and life, it is no marvel that the World is generally profane, nor let any go back, because there are so few, that set and keep their feet constant in the way to life.  
2. Is this the condition of corrupt man since the fall of our first parents, are they all earthly, carnal, full of sin; then this may assure us, that in this estate there is no salvation, the natural man's way will never lead him to Heaven, Rom. 6.23. 1. His work is evil, his wages will be death eternal, his seed is naught his harnessed cannot be good, Gal. 6.3. 2. There is nothing in him, but earth, and therefore Heaven cannot be his habitation, 
jer. 4 14 Mat. 15 19 Isai. 5.4. Deut. 32 32. Ri. 30.6 33. Then. 3.17. Isai. 5.20, 21. Act. 12.7.  his soul is a vessel full of unclean waters, his heart is a fountain of all abominations, the best of his fruit is, but sour grapes, Sodomitish Apples, guilded brass, fair without, soul, base, rotten within. 3. When he thinketh himself most rich, he is poor and blind, and naked, when he thinketh himself most wise, best sighted, he knoweth not light from darkness, sweet from sour, good from evil; when he thinketh himself most free, than he is as fast fettered as ever Peter was, when he lay bound between the two Soldiers, for so do they between the World & Devil in the Chains of their corruption, when he thinketh himself most secure, than he is nighest to destruction, 1 Thes. 5.3. like him, Luc. 12.19. that natural man is a stranger to God, Christ, the Covenant, Eph. 2.12. an enemy by his evil works, Col. 1.21. a habitation for the unclean Spirit, Luc. 11.20, 21. a Servant of iniquity, Rom. 6.17. a Soldier in Satan's army, a branch in the wild Olive, a goat and no Sheep, a thorn and no Appletree, a Lion, a Bear, a Swine, a Vulture; no Lamb, no Deer, and therefore in that estate must look to drink of no cup, but of the cup of God's wrath, to have no companions, but the Devil and his Angels, no lodging but eternal darkness, that is his portion, the Lord will surely give it him, there is no way, no hope of escaping, for Luc. 13.3. Unless you turn from the way of sin to the way of life you must perish, joh. 3.3. Heb. 12.14. no man shall see him here in his word revealing himself to be a gracious father to him, in his holiness sanctifying him, in his love affecting him with his savours, in his presence presenting himself in a loving manner to him, nor shall ever be filled with his glorious presence hereafter, therefore be not deceived, dream not of mercy before there be a desertion of all iniquity, of God's goodness before you be lead to true repentance, Psal. 104.4.  
3. This will meet with and discover their folly who boast of their natural abilities, inclination, and freedom to God, to renounce sin, to embrace salvation; to follow the call of God when they please, as if they had as ready a disposition to execute the Lords command, as ever the Centurion's Servants had to do his, of whom he said, Math. 8.8, 9 As if they were as strong in grace as Samson in bodily strength, able to break the cords of iniquity, 
Jud. 16.9. Jon. 1.6.  as if they were but reeds and rushes, as if they were but fallen a little asleep in sin, like Jonah in the bottom of the ship, the voice of the Minister was presently able to awaken them, as if sin were not like the skin to the flesh hardly pulled of, like the marrow to the bone uneasily gotten out, but an old outer garment upon the back easily cast off: But here we see that the Baptist doth not say we are fire whose sparks naturally fly upward, nor watery vapours, which are easily exalted by the influence and attractive power of the Sun, but earth and earthly, whose nature is ponderous, heavy and altogether tending downward, no more able, no more inclinable to any thing savingly good, than the earth is able of itself to ascend upward, or to speak in the language of the Prophet, than a black-Moor can make himself white, or a Leopard change his spots, jer. 13.23. and surely these men's error might easily be discerned, if they did but well weigh, and throughly consider.  
1. Their indisposedness to all good, yea, their averseness from it, their enmity against it, their indisposedness to it expressed by a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke, jer. 31.18. by a wild ass running over hedge & ditch, refusing to be taken, jer. 2.24. by a dead man that hath no disposition to rise out of the grave, Ephes. 2.1. by a Lion and a Leopard which are altogether fierce, Isai. 11.6. by evil ground which naturally beareth nothing; but Thorns and Briars, Heb. 6.8. by stones and Rocks which have no disposition, to turn into water or soft ground, Exek. 36.26. their enmity against all good is expressed by a Serpent refusing to hear the voice of the charmer, Ps. 58.50. by a thief striving against the light, job 24.13. an unruly subject breaking all the bounds, which are set him by his Sovereign, Psal. 2.2. an implacable enemy that will not, that cannot be reconciled, Rom. 8.7. and surely if we well weigh, if we have any true experience of the violence and mighty force of our corruption, we may say of that as St. James doth of the tongue, jac. 3.7, 8. so in this case, we may say of our corruption, all other fierce beasts have been tamed, but who can rule this, this is a horse of that force, that man cannot bridle it, a fire of that strength, man cannot quench it, a Lion of that fierceness man cannot tame it, a Sea of that force that man cannot stop it; none, but he that put a bridle into the nostrils of Senacharib can bridle this unruly monster.  
2. The power of sin, resembled to a conqueror leading captives, Rom. 7.23. to a Master whom we serve, at whose beck we move, Tit. 3.3. to a King reigning over the whole man, as a King over the people, Rom. 6.12. to a death which hath the whole command of the body; there is nothing remaineth to resist it, Col. 2.12. such a forcible disease it is, that as no Physician could heal the bloody issue, Marc. 5.25, 29. so none can cure this, but only he that cured that.  
3. The dearness of sin, it is tenderly beloved, the palace wherein the natural man delighteth to dwell, the pleasant wine which he drinketh, the only manchet whereof he desireth to feed, Prov. 9.17. the only Companion wherein he taketh comfort; 
Jud. 18. Gen. 24. Mat. 27. Psal. 7.  this is to him as the Idol to Micah, as the mess of pottage to Esau, as the forbidden fruit to our first parents, as the pieces of money to Judas, as the golden wedge and Babylonish garment to Achan, this is the Dalilah whereon they dote, the Child which they feed, the infant whereunto they draw out both their breasts, the game which they pursue, the Music whereat they dance, the treasure for which they search, they love sin as Jonathan David, they will strip themselves of their best garments to apparel it. 2 Sam. 18.1, 2. as Jacob loved Rahel, they will serve in the heat, and in the cold, in all estates, endure all miseries for it, this is pleasant to their eyes, Gen. 3.6. delightful to their Palates, Job 20.12 a precious pearl in their hands, as the signets on their finger, the mistress of their affections, they will spend all in the service of it, Prov. 23.21. they will suffer all miseries rather than forsake it, Prov. 23.34, 35. they will go weeping after it, as Phaltiel after Michall, so great is their love to it, that no persuasions, no threatenings, shall breed a rejection of it.  
4. The tenderness of it, therefore likened to the eye, it is grievousness to put out the eye, a man will endure any member to be wounded, any injury to be offered to any part of the body rather than to his eye, Mat. 18.1. for this also it is likened to the mortifying of the members, making the members of the body dead by giving them many blows, by piercing them with many wounds, Col. 3.5. the natural man will not have his sin, his beloved one to be touched, Amos 7.10. the Baptist must not meddle with Herodias, Ahab will not be crossed in his journey to Ramoth Gilead, they will not have the Hem of this Garment touched, 2 Sam. 18.5.  
5. The inherency and thorough mixture of sin with the soul, and deep die of it upon the heart, as water and wine are so mingled, that the skilfullest hand cannot make a separation, the Ivy and the stones so combined, that unless the Wall be thrown down, it can not be removed: so is sin and the soul so mixed, that no skill of man or Angel can divide them, it is as the marrow in the bones, as the juice in the root, as the roots enfolded & wrapped up in the earth, the bones must be broken, Psal. 51.8 the fallow ground must be ploughed up, jer. 4.3. before sin can be plucked up; it is a deep stain, water cannot wash it, nitre cannot purge it, the best humane abilities have no power to remove it, jer. 2.22. it is a Leprosy of that calour, depth and strength, that the Water of Damascus cannot purge it, no River but Jordan can heal it, Isai. 26.10. Prov. 27.22. Amos 4.6, 7, 8. Pharaoh, Exod. 5.6, 7, 8. Ahas, 2 Cro. 28.22. Isai. 1.5, 6. I might add many more, but by these things it is sufficiently manifest what strangers we are to all abilities of turning ourselves to God, and working out our salvation, before the Lord do put the life of grace into us, and by his Word and Spirit, as by his Horsemen and Chariots, do draw us forward in the way of life and happiness.  
4. This will teach us not to ascribe too much to any man, of themselves they are earth and earthly disposed, even the very best among all men, the excellency wherewith they are endowed is not of themselves but of God, it is the dew from his cloud that doth make them fat, the treasure of his store-house, that doth make them rich, the work of his finger that doth make them differ; we are all empty vessels, the fullness which we enjoy cometh from above, barren fields till the Lord doth water and dress us: therefore as we admire not the vessel which holdeth good liquor, but rather the Tree which bore the Grape that made the liquor, so let us not so much admire the Creature; the wooden vessel that hath the excellent Treasury, as the Creator that gave the Treasure to him, 2 Cor. 4.6.7. we are but the Casket, the Jewel is the Lords, we are but the Lamp, it is the Lord doth give the Oil, 
joh. 15.5. 1 Cor. 4.1. Phil. 4.13. Phi. 1.8.  without him we can do nothing, we are altogether dependant upon him, all our abilities are the Lords talon, we are but stewards, through Christ enabling we can do all things, but if Christ do not enable, man can do nothing, God is the Alpha and the Omega of all the good we enjoy or do, therefore as Mar. 2.11, 12. Acts 3.11, 12. I Gideon overthrow the Midianitish army, it is not so much Gideon as the Lord hath done it, therefore first they cry the Sword of the Lord, and then Gideon, 
jud. 7. Exo. 14.  the Rod was used in dividing the waters of the red Sea; yet Moses and Israel give the praise unto God, Exod. 15.6. therefore Col. 1.29. Paul laboured not of himself, but more or less according to the measure of Gods working in him, so 1 Cor. 3.5. intimating that they were but instruments, God was the chief Agent, 
Gal. 2.8. Acts 16.14.  that if they brought any to the knowledge of the truth, it was the Lord that did open the understanding, if they turned any man to the faith, it was the Lord did open the heart, if they brought comfort to any man's Soul, it was the Lord that spoke peace unto the conscience, teaching them whosoever were the instrument, yet to give the whole praise to God the chief Agent, to have God and not the persons of men in admiration.  
5. Let therefore our own worthiwess, our own indisposedness unto any good cause us to give the praise of our whole salvation unto God, acknowledging him to be the soul, and only fountain whence all water, which giveth refreshment to our Souls have their Original, the more we see our own emptiness, the more feelingly let us acknowledge the Lords fullness, the more we look upon our own poverty, the more let us magnify the full and open hand of God towards us, the more let us laud him, rejoice in him for his abundant goodness, the more let us study to please him, to honour him, to walk in all sincerity before him, striving in all things to make him glorious, utterly denying ourselves; saying as the Psalmist, Psal. 44.3. for as we are earth and earthly, so we speak of the earth, which is the third thing here noted, their practice, they speak of the earth, their employments are earthly, their actions are carnal.  
9 The whole labour and practise of un-regenerate people is earthly and carnal, as the whole fruit of a corrupt Tree is: so Matth. 7.18. men are all like Travellers out of the way, every foot they step is awry, Psal. 58.3. our whole work is but a Spider's Web, and increases no better than a Cockatrice Egg, Isa. 59 56.  
Reas. Because the Root and Original is evil, and as men speak of the Country and parentage whereof they are, so men being of the World, of the flesh, speak and do the works thereof, 1 joh. 4.5.  
2. Because the whole man is full of sin, as the Sea full of waters, a dead body of rotteness, an undressed Garden of weeds, the eyes are full of vanity, the tongue full of evil communication, the hands full of idleness, full of blood of unrighteous dealings, the heart full of uncleanness, and hence stream all kind of abominations, Matth. 15.19.  
Use. We have no cause to glory of our works, as long as we are carnal they are nothing but the fruit of the flesh, Gal. 5.19. Brass, Tin, Iron, base Metal, jer. 6.28.30. as the Psalmist saith of men, Ps. 62.9. so may the natural man say of all his works, whither of piety, or common equity; of his way towards God, or towards man, they are altogether vanity, & surely if God should lay our deeds in the balance as Baltazar was, that would be found of us, 
Dan. 5.  which was written of him mean mean tekel upharsin, you are laid in the balance, your works are weighed which are found too light, the Kingdom of glory is departed from you.  
2. We may behold here the recompense due to our works, as they are the work of sin, so death is the wages due to the same, an evil race, a dishonourable price, a bad seed an uncomfortable Harvest, an evil ground burning will be the issue of it.  
3. Therefore since our Original is earth, our disposition earthly, our talk of the earth, our whole practice carnal & worldly things, tending to the irrecoverable ruins both of soul & body, let us strive to get forth of this miserable and uncomfortable estate to find a gracious change and alteration wrought in our hearts, let us get the fallow ground of our hearts to be broken up, 
Jer. 4.3.  that we may sow no more among Thorns, that we way no more conceive Chaff, and bring forth stubble, Isa. 33.11. that we may be made free from sin, and become the servants of God, Rom. 6.22. that the old man with all his lusts, like a menstruous garment, may be put off, 
Col. 3.9.10. Luc. 1.79.  and the new man like a rich and royal robe put on, that we may no longer sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, but that we may behold the glorious light of the truth, and the comfortable light of God's face, and that our feet may be guided into the way of peace, that all old things may be put off, and all things become new, 2 Cor. 5.17. that we may lead a new life, speak a new language, love with new affections, discern with new judgements, and be made partakers of new favours, receive a new name, Rev. 2.17. let it be the choice of our cares, the strongest of our desires, the first of our labours, the chief of all our endeavours to put off sin, 
Rom. 13.14.  to put on the Lord Jesus, to make no more provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof, but provide for the welfare of the Soul, 1 Pet. 4.3, 4. but 2 Cor. 5.15. as David Psal. 132.2, 3, 4, 5. so let us enter into Covenant with our God, not to take any rest, any pleasure, not to seek any worldly store, any earthly contentment till our souls of a den of thiefs, of a lodge of unclean spirits be made a habitation for the Lord to dwell in, as Gen. 8.9. as Ruth. 3.18. so let there be no rest till you are returned unto your God, till you have made your peace with him, till you find in yourselves a sanctified and holy alteration, and to the end we may no longer continue in this corrupt and sinful estate; let us  
1. Be sensible of our sin, as a Thorn in our side, 
Judas 2.3.  a prick in our eyes, as sensible as Israel of the Canaanites, as the chased Hart of the wounding Arrow, and then as the Hart goeth to the water brooks, Psal. 42.1, 2. as the Traveller of a heavy burden, and then as Israel groaned under the burdens Pharaoh imposed, and sought freedom, so shall we: as a woman of her travel, and then as she hath no rest till delivered of her burden, so shall we take no rest, till delivered of the burden of our corruption by regeneration: the sense which David had of his sin made him earnest to be washed, Psal. 51.2. this made him pray, Ps. 38.1, 2, 3. thus Acts. 2.37.  
2. Be throughly affected with the vileness, the dishonourablenesse, the dangerousness and uncomfortable issue of sin. 1 Be affected with the vileness of it, as the eye with an ugly spectacle, the nostril with an ill savour, the palate with unsavoury food, the stomach with meat, repugnant to it, there the Psalmist was affected with his sin, as with a loathsome disease, Ps. 38.5.7. thus job 42.6. as jobs friends beholding the loathsome disease, how it disfigured him, how deformed and unpleasant it had made him to the eye, than they sat down and wept: so shall we do when we are throughly afflicted with the vileness of our sin. 2. with the dishonorablenesse of it, it leadeth into bondage, 2 Tim. 2.26. into poverty, strippeth the Soul naked, Rev. 3.17. it casteth into a ditch of spiritual filthiness, Ezek. 16.3, 4, 5. it clotheth the Soul with menstruous rags, Isa. 30.22. Isa. 64.6. as Isa. 20.4, 5. so sin leadeth us away prisoners and captives, not only the buttocks, but the shoulders, also, even the whole man uncovered, and were we throughly affected with this, we could not but be afraid and ashamed, Rom. 6.21, 3. with the dangerousness of it; how as long as this is not repent of, & renounced, your Souls are as a bird in the snare, as a condemned malefactor every day looking for execution, as bad ground nigh to burning, as a woman with Child, 
Heb. 6.8. Zeph. 2.2.  whose travel is near, as a rotten ship in a stormy tempest, every moment ready to sink, never able to return to the Haven, as Cattle in fat pasture, Jer. 12.3. 2 Pet. 2.3. an estate wherein is no escaping, 1 Thes. 5.3. Jer. 11.11. 4. The uncomfortable issue of sin, how the Honey will turn to Gal, the wine into water of Marah, the manchet into Gravel, Jer. 2.19. their Paradise into a Thorny wilderness, their pleasant stream into a tempestuous Sea, Amos 8.9.10. however with Agag. 1 Sam. 15, 32. yet vers. 33. as Dalilab to Samson, as Jael to Sisera, Isa. 24.6.7. were the hearts of men throughly affected with this, did this sink deep into their Souls, then surely they would never rest in that estate, but with the Jailor, Acts 16.29.30. as the Disciples in the storm, Mat. 8.25. this will make them run as the men of Gibeon, jos 10.6.  
3. Be careful and willing to be instructed, shut not the eye against the light, stop not thy ear against the voice of the truth, withdraw not thy shoulder, make not thy heart as an Adamant stone, Zach. 7.11.12. but wait upon the posts of God's house, Prov. 8.34. lie as the lame man for an Alms daily at the Gate of the Temple, Acts 3.2. fasten thine eyes on this Sun, be thou constant in Christ's School, behold & view thyself throughly in this looking glass, Rom. 7.8.9. jer. 31.18.19. let thine ear be open to the crowing of this Cock. Matt. 26.75. let thy heart embrace this as the ground doth the seed, and thereby thou shalt be new born, ja. 1.18.  
4. Come unto Christ by fervent prayer, as the blind men by the highway side, as the Centurion for his servant, the ruler for his daughter, open thy estate, discover the condition of thy Soul unto the Lord, pray with Ephraim, jer. 31.18. Psal. 80.7. as Solomon asked neither riches, nor long life, nor the life of his enemies, but only wisdom, 1 King. 3.9. so do you ask neither wealth nor honour, prosperity nor pleasure, but above all things ask for the saving grace of the spirit; pray for the dews of grace, as Eliah for rain upon the earth, and as the Lord caused a cloud to appear, which though little at first, yet at length it covered the whole heavens, so shall God cause the power of his spirit so to distil into thy Soul, that the whole man shall be cleansed from all iniquity, and to labour for this estate let us be persuaded;  
1. Because this will interest us in all God's favours make all things to become ours; to be comfortable, helpful, beneficial, this will make God to be our God, our Father, Christ to be our friend, Mediator, Advocate, Husband, Sun, Shield, Prince of peace, the Spirit of God to be our comforter, joh. 15.26. our guide, Io. 16.13. to be our earnest penny, and our Seal to assure us of the Lords mercy and loving kindness, Ephes. 1.13.14. a fire to warm us, 1 Thes. 5.19. water to cleanse us, Isa. 44.3. the Ministry of the Gospel to be a Ministry of reconciliation to us, 2 Cor. 5.18. a pleasant light to shine unto our feet, Psal. 119.105. a heavenly Manna, pure milk to feed our Souls, 1 Pet. 2.2. a goad to drive us forward, Physic to heal us, a weapon to kill sin, and defend our Souls, all the earth shall be serviceable to us, this life and the life to come shall be ours, 1 Tim. 4.8. we shall be the richest people upon earth, have better revenues than all the mighty men in the World, Psal. 34.10.  
Because this will enable us to find many sweet and heavenly comforts in God's ordinances, this will make them full of precious and choice delights to our Souls, this will make them be a delicate and dainty feast, 
Isa. 25.6.  this will cause us to behold them as a letter of love from the Lord Jesus, the Bridegroom of our Souls, this will make them sweet as the hony-comb to our palate, Psal. 19.10. even the rejoicing of our hearts, Jer. 15.16. this will make them more precious than any Treasure, Psal. 119.72. more pleasant than any tidings, Luke 2.10. this will make them the savour of life to our Souls, 2 Cor. 2.14. this will make them speak peace to our consciences, Isa. 57.19. this will make them as a banquet to the hungry stomach, Cant. 2.4. this will make them as the Dove to Noah, as the Star to the wisemen, as the water out of the Rocks to Israel, this will enable us to say of them as David of Jonathan, 2 Sam. 1.26.  
3 Because this will cause all to work for our good, if we be regenerate; whatsoever is against us, shall in the issue be with us, prove beneficial for us; as David said of Shimei's railing, 2 Sam. 16.11. So the fiery darts which Satan casteth, the venomous arrows which the evil speakers quiver shooteth, the heavy burdens which the hand of the potent enemy imposeth, imprisonment, sickness, poverty, temptations, disgrace, and whatsoever it be, it shall all by the gracious hand of God be turned to our good, if we like David be men after Gods own heart; for Tit. 1.15. all shall be for their welfare, all shall be blessed to them; the sword which is unsheathed against them shall like Goliah's sword become an instrument to cut off the enemy's head; 
1 Sam. 17.  the envious practices of their brethren shall be a means of their advancement as in Joseph; 
Gen. 41.40. Psa. 7.15, 16. Judas 14.  the pit which is digged, the snare which is spread for them, shall take and entangle him that spread it; every obstacle shall be turned into a furtherance; every burden into wings; every lion shall have a honeycomb in his belly. This is the privilege of God's people, the prerogative of sanctification, an inducement full of power to persuade all that are not past feeling to return to God by true repentance, to serve him in holiness and true righteousness.  
4. Since the natural man's works are all naught, water of a poisonous fountain, fruit from an evil tree, let us all examine and try ourselves what our works are, whether they be good or evil. And this we shall discern.  
1. By the fountain whence they spring; all good works must come from a good and a sanctified heart: The good ground which brought forth, 
Luk.. 1 5  good fruit, resembled a good and honest heart; and Matth. 12.35. Matth. 7.17. all the works of a carnal man are dead works in regard of their original nature and issue, none but a new creature can do the works of new obedience: All our actions are actions of uncleanness, till we be washed and justified by the blood of the Lord Jesus.  
2. By the rule by and in obedience to which they are done. They must not be done after our fancy, in obedience to our own will; our Sacrifice must be offered with fire from God's Altar; what we do must be that which God required, and it must be done, because God hath required it. Leu. 10.1, 2. 1 Sam. 15.22. out of conscience to God's precept.  
3. By the faith and persuasion we have in our heart when we do it. We must believe that God in Christ is well pleased with us; we must bear fruit as branches of Christ, else it will be in God's account as sour grapes, Heb. 11.6. As we must ask all, 
Col. 3.17.  so we must do all in the name of Christ.  
4. By the affection wherewith it is performed. It must not arise out of fear, nor proceed from constraint, but out of unfeigned love to God: This must be the first mover in all our undertake, 1 Cor. 16.14. 2 Cor. 9.7. as Judas 5.2.  
5. By the circumstances wherewith it is apparelled, as Prov. 25.11. for Eccles. 3.1. and Matth. 6.3, 4.  
6. By the end whereunto it is done. We must chiefly look unto God, all our arrows must be leveled to his glory, as to the chiefest mark; we are not our own but his, by our election he hath chosen us, Eph. 1.5, 6. By our creation he hath made us for himself, Prov. 16.4. By our redemption he hath bought us to himself, 1 Cor. 6.20. By our vocation he hath called us to show forth his praise, 1 Pet. 2.9. and to him must we live, 2 Cor. 5.15. If our works be thus qualified, we may be sure they come from a regenerate spirit, and are well accepted of him who is above all.  
This is a repetition of what was formerly spoken, to show his disciples that they must needs subject themselves to Christ, and to let them see how difficult it is; he doth again repeat it. So that you see the repetition and the reason of the repetition. The former may teach us.  
Doct. 1 1. It is very needful that God's Ministers should often urge and press the same material duties upon their hearts, Phil. 3.1. 
2 Pet. 1.12.  that they may understand it more clearly be awakened by it more effectually, affected with it more throughly, that it may be imprinted upon their hearts the more effectually; that it may abide with them the more constantly. People must not think it unprofitable to hear the same points of doctrine often pressed upon them. Naaman went seven times into Jordan, Peter's cock crowed thrice.  
From the other we may learn,  
Doct. It is a very hard thing to make men renounce all selfconfidence, and subject themselves unto, 

Rom. 3.27, 28. Gal. 2.21. Gal. 6, 11. Rom. 8.1.  
Eph. 2.8, 9· Eph. 2 12 Psa. 53.2 Luk. 19.42.  
Rom. 7.9. Rev. 3.17. Joh. 9.41.   and altogether rely upon Christ Jesus: therefore the Baptist doth again and again press it. This occasioned the Apostle so often to discover to the people the insufficiency and vanity of their works; the impossibility of attaining salvation by their own abilities; the necessity of cleaving unto, and relying upon the Lord Jesus. And the reason hereof is because natural men are strangers to Christ, they know him not, they have no feeling of his fullness and sufficiency. 2. Because men's eyes are very strongly fastened upon their own strength: and the worthiness of their own doings. 3. Because corruption is strong, sin is pleasant, the carnal heart is hardly brought to deny it: a tree of deep roots; a building of lime and sand; a rock with many strong holds.  
This must therefore cause us to search into, and to meditate upon our vileness, to be well acquainted with our unworthiness, with the sway which sin and Satan bear within us; with the propensity, yea violent inclination of our hearts to sin, with the punishment due to us for our transgressions, with our own emptiness, and all creatures disability to satisfy God's justice, that we may lift up our hearts unto, and fasten our eyes wholly and altogether upon the Lord Jesus; that being sensible of our own weakness, we may rely on his strength; being acquainted with our own emptiness, we may seek to be filled with his fullness; seeing our own nakedness, we may desire to be clothed with the rich and royal robes of his righteousness; beholding our own uncleanness, we may with Naaman have recourse to this Jordan; seeing our own weakness, and the strength of sin and Satan within us against us, we may with Jehosaphat, 2 Chro. 20.11. we may say with the Psalmist, Psal. 44.6, 7. Seeing the insufficiency of all earthly Physicians, looking upon all our earthly abilities as upon Physicians of no value, we may as Mark 5.26.29. being affected with our sin as with an insupportable burden, we may come to Christ to be eased, Matth. 11.28. Being acquainted with the evil of our own estates, we shall the more magnify the Lords mercy and loving kindness towards us: The more apprehensive the patient is of his disease, the more he is affected with the skill of the Physician curing him, Tit. 1.15, 16.  
This must cause us to endeavour to be throughly acquainted & affected with that fullness and alsufficiency that is in Christ Jesus, as the Baptist insisteth upon the same by repeating it again, that he is from heaven, that he is above all; so must we again and again fasten our meditations hereupon, daily search into the depth of this fountain, continually look upon the treasure in this storehouse; be ever fixing our eyes upon this bright and glorious As Zacheus ran and climbed up aloft to see him, 
Luk. 19.4.  so must we raise our hearts and our affections from the world, and ascend up unto God in our affections, that we may take a thorough view of Christ Jesus, as Ezek. 8.8, 9, 15. So also in this case dig through a wall, cast away all fleshly impediments, remove the sin which standeth as a partition-wall between us and Christ; labour for the key of knowledge to open this door, and behold the wonderful fullness that is in him: Look once, twice, ten times and again, and still you shall behold and find in him more than at the first: As the Prophet bid his servant 1 Kings 18.43, 44, 45. so go you up, look towards the sea, that ocean of goodness which is in Christ Jesus; and if you return and say you see nothing in him, yet go again, look and meditate seven times more upon him, and you shall see a cloud arise at length which shall have fullness of rain in it; you shall behold all abundance in him, as Acts 6.15. So when we look steadfastly on Christ, than we shall behold beauty, brightness and glory in him; then we shall see Col. 2.3. Phil. 3.8. 1 Cor. 1.24. And with this fullness of Christ we should labour to be affected.  
1. Because this will breed denial of ourselves, the contemplation of his holiness will make us ashamed of our own uncleanness. As the lookingglass maketh a man blush to behold his face which is full of spots; so Isa. 6.5. Job 42.5, 6, his riches will make us ashamed of our poverty; his beauty will make us blush to consider our own deformity; his holiness will make us ashamed of our profaneness; the contemplation of his all-sufficiency will make us see that in comparison of him our light is but a gloworm to the Sun; our treasure is but dross to the choicest pearl, our goodness but as the thorn and bramble to the Vine, Olive, and Figtree, 
Gen 41.4.  as Pharaohs lean kine to the fat.  
2. Because this will take off all confidence from the world, and make men say as John 6.68. Hosea 14.3. This will make them see that all the world is sand, and that he alone is a firm and sure rock; that all the world, 
Mat. 7.2. Isa. 32.2. Isa. 36.6.  like Egypt, is a withered reed, and Christ alone is an iron pillar, a brazen wall, a sure restingplace: This will cause us to esteem the world a spider's web, Job 8.14, 15. as a motheaten garment, as a rotten staff, as the figtree that bears no fruit, as a cloud without rain, 
Psal. 102.26. 2 Pet. 2.15. Rev. 22.1. Mat. 14.28 Mic. 4.1.  a well without water. This will make us look upon Christ as upon a tree loaden with the choicest fruit, as upon a fountain replenished with the purest water: This will make us resort to him as the Eagles to the carcase, flow to him as the waters to the Ocean, as Noah to the Ark when the earth was overwhelmed, or leprous Naaman to Jordan, as the lame man to Bethesda, Psal. 20.7. Isa. 17.7. Isa. 45.22.  
3 This will make us joyful in having Christ; whatsoever we have besides, be it much or little, be our estate rich or poor, 
Psal. 16.6.  honourable or ignominious; 
Psa. 16.6.  we see enough in Christ, and the more we see in him, the more we shall rejoice in having interest in him. This will make us say of Christ as the Apostle of the Philippians, Phil. 4.1. This will fill us with exceeding great joy, as the star made the wise men rejoice exceedingly, Matth. 2.10. This will replenish us with joy unspeakable and glorious, 1 Pet. 1.8. As a full feast rejoiceth an hungry stomach, a full hand rejoiceth a poor beggar, a full breast rejoiceth the hungry child; so that fullness which is in Christ putteth much joy into the hearts of God's servants, Jer. 31.13, 14.  
4. This will ravish our hearts with love unto Christ; this will make us long after him, make us sell all to have him; as a man will give many pieces of silver for one precious stone: This will make us serve in the heat and in the cold for him as Jacob for Rachel: 
Psa. 42.2.  This will make us leave all we enjoy, do all he requireth, suffer all that can be imposed; nothing shall be too hard to be endured; nothing shall be so dear to us but we will depart from it if the Lord require it; when we behold the fullness of his beauty, the most beautiful creature will seem to have no beauty. When we are once apprehensive of that power, majesty, and goodness which is in him; all the world will be as a dry tree, a withered arm, a vain thing: This will exceedingly ravish our souls, make us sick of love, Cant. 2.4. constrain us to do all for him, 2 Cor. 5.14. make us say with Peter, Matth. 7.17. & Prov. 31.29. Thus of the repetition of these words, He that is from Heaven is above all.    

Verse 32.  
The Doctrine of life and salvation is of all things the most infallible, the most certain; yet of all things hath the worst entertainment in the world: This is the surest guide, yet hath the fewest followers; the best merchandise, but hath the fewest buyers; the best Physic, but hath the smallest number of Patients; the truest narration, but findeth the smallest credence in the world. 
Mat. 7.  This is the Rock whereon the wise man builded, which the rainy tempest could not overthrow: This world, as the sand whereon the foolish man built, whose house soon fell: This like the bow of Jonathan which returned not back, and the sword of Saul that returned not empty: 
1 Sam. 1.22.  The world like Israel, a bow that started back in the day of battle: This like a fountain, always full of water; the world like the brooks of Tema, dried up in summer. Yet notwithstanding all this, the world hath audience, affection, attendance, acceptance, when little or no respect at all is given to Christ Jesus; for though that which he testifieth be no other than what he hath seen and heard, yet no man receiveth his testimony.  
As in the former verse the Baptist commended our Saviour from the excellency of his person; so in this verse he commendeth him by the certainty and truth of his Doctrine. That which a man doth both hear and see, and whereof he is able to persuade another man's conscience that he must needs know with a most certain and sure knowledge: But in such manner doth our Saviour know what he speaketh, therefore that must needs be most sure and most certain which he teacheth: And to the end the Baptist might persuade his Disciples to believe in Christ, he doth commend Christ's Doctrine to them from the certainty of it, intimating to them, whatsoever imperfection, error, or deceit might be in other men's doctrine, whatsoever occasion there might be of doubting, yet the doctrine of Christ must needs be true, free from all error: And though it be a doctrine thus void of all exception, so wholesome, good, holy, heavenly, profitable; yet there is no entertainment given thereunto by the world, few believe it, love it, subject themselves unto it.  
In the verse we have 1. The certainty of Christ's Doctrine in itself. 2. The entertainment given to it in the world. From the first learn.  
Doct. 1 That the Doctrine of life and salvation is a most sure and certain doctrine; it is that which Christ saw and heard; it is a light free from all darkness, a rule exempted from all crookedness, silver seven times purified, no dross in it, Psalm 12.6. Therefore called a sure word, 2 Pet. 1.19. A foundation whereupon whosoever is built sinketh not, Eph. 2.20. A word more durable than the world, Matth. 5.18. Letters more firm, more lasting than such as are written with a pen of iron, and the point of a diamond, they shall never be defaced nor blotted out; like the Laws of the Medes and Persians, they shall not alter. Likened to a fountain of living water, which is pure and constant, Jer. 2.13. And it is evident,  
1. By the nature of the Author of it, he is the truth itself, John 14.6. Without sin, without guile, 1 Pet. 2.22.  
2. By his fullness of knowledge, Col. 3.2, 3. John 3.33. As the Sun is full of light, the Sea is full of water; so is he full of knowledge.  
3. By his near union and communion with the Father, John 1.18. Matth. 11.23.  
4. By the opposition which this Doctrine was to meet with from wicked men and devils, who would surely have overthrown it, if there had been any error or imperfection in it; but this is tried silver, Psal. 12.7. A sure vessel, Luke 23.4. Acts 4.12.  
6. For the establishment of the faith of God's people, who must be builded thereupon, Eph. 2.20.  
6. For the discovery of sin, Heb. 4.12.  
7. For the pacifying of the conscience, against all assaults and accusations, Isa. 57.19. 2 Cor. 5.18, 19  
Use 1 If it be so, then believe, put confidence, and rest on this sure pillar, a tree that hath firm rooting, a light that cannot be darkened: other foundations may fail, and light too may wax dim; but this abideth for ever, therefore believe it.  
For the more full setting home of this upon you, to believe, put confidence on this Doctrine of Christ, take these following considerations.  
1. Because it is a Doctrine most beneficial, a doctrine of consolation, Heb. 6.17, 18. A doctrine healing souls, Matth. 8.13. and bodies, opening the eyes, Matth. 9.28, 29, 30.  
2. Because it maketh all prosper, 2 Chron. 20.20. Like the Ark of Obededom: it makes a man like the tree by the waters, Jer. 17.7, 8.  
3. Because it is the key that openeth the doors of the Kingdom of grace to souls, Matth. 21.31, 32.  
Now that we may believe, consider the following particulars.  
1. Cast away sin: if ever we would believe, we must have nothing to do with sin: read these places, Mark 1.15. Psal. 50.16. Psal. 66.18. 2 Cor. 6.14. John 9.31. 2 Tim. 2. 19·  
2. Deny yourselves: consult these Texts for this, John 5.44. Rom. 7.9. John 9.41. Rom. 7.18.  
3. See the fullness that is in Christ, meditate on it, Gen. 17.1. John 6.68. John 14.10, 11.  
4. Attend the word, Rom. 10.17. Acts 16.14. Eph. 1.13.  
Use 2 Follow this fiery pillar, sure guide, best light; say of this as Ruth to Naomi, Ruth 1.16. Follow it as a shadow, the body; and that you may do it aright, follow it  
1. Heartily, Rom. 16.17. Psalm 119.168. 1 Cor. 16.14.  
2. Fully: as 1 Kings 18.21. Num. 14.24. 1 Kings 11.6.  
3. Universally, Luke 1.6. Psalm 119.128. James 2.10. In every link, ingredient.  
4. Freely, willingly, Psalm 110.3. Psalm 119.32. 2 Cor. 8.3. Phil. 1.15.  
5. Holily, 1 Pet. 1.15, 16.  
6. Constantly, not going back like Israel, Judg. 7.3. Like those mentioned, 2 Pet. 2.22.  
Use 3 Get interest, and make sure of this doctrine of life and salvation to thy soul, cease not till thou find this.  
1. An instructing word, Ps. 119.99. 2 Tim. 3.17.  
2. A purifying word, Matth. 3.12. Jer. 23.29. John 17.17. purifying as Jordan.  
3. A quickening word, Phil. 2.14.  
4. A pacifying word, 2 Cor. 5.19.  
5. A rejoicing word, Jer. 15, 16. As the Star to the wise men, Matth. 2.10.  
6. A fructifying Doctrine, Matth. 13 24. Deut. 32.2.  
But to pass by that observation, and to come to a second, which may be gathered from the second particular, namely the entertainment this doctrine of Christ had, the generality of the world received not, entertained not, loved it not, no man: very few that is; whence observe  
Doct. That it is but a very small number that do faithfully, savingly embrace, and firmly build upon the doctrine of salvation.  
Of four grounds in Matth. 13.24. but one savingly received the doctrine of salvation.  
This the Prophet complained of, Isa. 53.2. Isa. 65.2. Jer. 8.6. We read of a few Pearls, a few Vines.  
Reas. 1 In regard of the Election, Matth. 20.16. now only those are capable of wisdom, Matth. 11.19.13.11.  
Reas. 2 In regard of the strong sway of corruption.  
Reas. 3 In regard that the natural man cannot see into Christ, or the Gospel, Job 21.14. Isa. 53.2.  
Reas. 4 Because there is an Antipathy between carnal souls and Christ, as between light and darkness, 2 Cor. 5.14. Saul and David.  
Reas. 5 In regard of the hardness of the leaving of all things for Christ and the Gospel: all must be rejected: every false way, that is clear: but this hard; therefore many men embrace not the Gospel.  
Reas. 6 In regard of the strong engagement of the hearts of men to the world, Matth. 6.24. 1 John 2.15. Matth. 8.34.  
Use. It shows that few partake of Christ, because few partake of grace and the Gospel: the number is but few: they are called a little flock: few entered into the Ark the Text tells us: few came into Canaan, and but few embrace the Gospel and receive it.  
Not to leave the way of life because few embrace it. It is no wise project for men to lodge among Tombs, because mad men did, as the Scripture mentions, or to forsake meat because sick men do: Nor is it any wisdom for men to leave the way of life Christ Jesus and his Gospel, because the generality of men in the world do.  
3 This must cause to try what entertainment we give unto Christ, whether our hearts be open to receive his testimony or shut against it; whether it be to us as the dew to the dry earth, or to the hard rock; as Music to the hearing, or to the deaf ear; as a friend, or a stranger; as a Physician, or a wounding enemy; and this will be discerned,  
1. By the abandoning and exiling of sin: no man giveth credit to the testimony of Christ, no man giveth entertainment unto Christ, but he thrusteth sin out of the doors of his heart. No man entertaineth his Sovereign into his house, but he cleanseth his house, beautifieth and adorneth the several rooms thereof; the woman that wiveth herself in wedlock, putteth off her menstruous and unseemly raiment; the Sun appearing in the Horizon, the darkness, clouds, misty and filthy fogs are dispelled; no man entertaineth Christ the Lord of life, the Prince of glory, but he purgeth his soul, 1 John 3.3. Departeth from iniquity, 2 Tim. 2.19. No man joineth himself in wedlock with Christ, but is Psal. 45.13. Ezek. 16.9, 10. The Sun of righteousness ariseth and shineth in the horizon of no man's soul, but with healing in his wings; he healeth their spiritual diseases, endoweth them with strength of grace, and maketh them fly from sin, as Moses fled from his rod when he saw it turned into a serpent, though before it was always in his hand, he made continual use of it; so when men entertain Christ once with their souls, though sin were never so pleasant, delightful, profitable to them, yet now they hate it as the only enemy of their souls, complain of it as the heaviest burden, labour to root it out as the most noisome weed.  
2. By the neglect; despising, rejecting of the world: When the Sun appears, the candles are extinguished; when the Prince cometh, the fellowship, the presence of beggars is not regarded; when Christ is once entertained into the soul, such is his Beauty, Fullness, Majesty, Glory, that then the world, though before very glorious, yet now it is as dung, Phil. 3.8. As withered grass, Isa. 40.8. As a dead thing void of life, beauty, profit, Gal. 6.14. As a thing of nought, Amos 6.13. This maketh them sell all for this pearl, leave all to entertain him; to forsake goods, Heb. 10.3, 4. Friends, Matth. 10 37. Life, Rev. 12.11. This maketh the grapes of the choicest worldly Vine be full of sourness; the cup of her sweetest wine to be full of poison; the purest manchet full of gravel.  
3. By the holy fellowship and communion we have with Christ, as many as receive him, put their confidence in him, have fellowship with him, as the Scholar with the teacher; they sit at his feet, they hear his voice, 
Lu. 10.39. Jo. 15.15.  as one friend with another; communicating their mind to him, he imparting his counsels unto them, shedding the warm & shining beams of his love into their hearts, and their hearts reflecting with love again to him, as the spouse with the Husband after a more entire manner then with any thing in the world, as the servants with the Master of the family, as the members with the head of the body; his presence with them, his dominion within them, his love to them, is vouchsafed and apprehended after a manner unknown to the unregenerate world; he is to the world a sun under an Eclipse Psa. 53.2. to true believers, as the Sun in a clear day Mal. 4.2. to sinful men as a stranger, Ephes. 2.12.1 Jo. 1.6, to others as a brother, a man well known Cant. 8.1.  
4. By the comforts we find in him, he refresheth and receiveth the souls of all such as entertain him, comforteth and delighteth their hearts, more than all the pleasant things of the world, Cant. 1.2. he is to the souls of believers, as the star to the wise men, Math. 2.10. As a feast to the hungry, Rev. 3.20. as the shadow of a great rock to the weary. Jsa. 32.2. as a precious pearl to the poor; Math. 15.44. when all the world like Baal, is dumb and cannot utter a word of comfort, then doth Christ rejoice the hearts of his servants Ro. 3.5. when the world is like an empty pit, then is Christ as a fountain of living waters, refreshing the souls of his children, 
Psa. 4.6.  when the abilities of the earth are as a candle extinct, then is Christ to his servants a glorious Sun Psa. 5.6. when the world is like a dry breast, than Isa. 66.10.11. God doth give comfort to all true believers, 2 Thes. 2.16. making their joy answerable to their sorrows, 2 Cor. 1, 5. he will speak unto them when their consciences are perplexed, as once he spoke to the disciples, Mat. 14.26.27. as john 14.1.18. Acts. 18.9. and 23.11.  
5. By the spiritual liberty and freedom we gain by believing in him, by opening our hearts to entertain him, though we are oppressed, reproached, assaulted within and without, burdened with variety of corruptions, ladden with manifold afflictions, yet entertaining Christ into our hearts by faith, we shall 1 Jo. 5.4. and Ro. 8.36, 37. be like Cyrus, Isa. 5.1.2. so 1 Jo. 3.8. Heb. 2.14. so that all that give credit to Christ's testimony do feel the fetters of sin smitten off, the burden of the iniquity removed, the holds of Satan cast down, they themselves delivered Isa. 1.74, 75. made free Jo. 8.36. from the dominion of sinful lusts, free from the tyranny of Satan the Prince of darkness, free from the world that it cannot carry us away captives, free to know God, free to love God, free to believe, receive, and delight in God. Rom. 6.18. no more the children of the bond, but of the free woman, Gal. 3 31 no more like Lazarus in the grave, but like Lazarus risen, walking after, following, and eating with Christ, obeying, delighting, and rejoicing in him; no more going about the duties of holiness by compulsion, but like the elders jud. 5.3.  
6. By the matter of our mediation having entertained Christ into our hearts, we think of Christ (the things appertaining to his kingdom, more than of any other thing whatsoever. As the Wife thinketh of her Husband, more frequently, more affectionately, with more freedom, fullness, strength, with more motion of love, then of any other man's; the good subject spendeth more, and better thoughts about his Sovereign, then about a foreign Prince; so all they who by a lively faith have betrothed themselves to Christ, given up their names to him, do frequently, and fervently, meditate upon him, and his testimonies, Phil. 4.8. Cant. 3.1. Psa. 1.2. Phil. 3.20. Heb. 13.14.  
7. By the simplicity plainness and integrity of our hearts, true believers, are true Nathaniels, like Christ, in whom there was no deceit, 
Io. 1.47. 1 Pet. 2.22 Io. 19.23.  their disposition, their conversation is like Christ's Coat, without welt or guard, therefore likened to Doves. Mat. 10.16. to little children, Mat. 18.3 & Rom. 16.19. like bounglers, that have no skill, no art in working what is unlawful, this is the exoration of the Apostle, Phil. 2.15. and this is the care of God's servants. Acts. 23.16. And this is the joy of God's people, 2 Cor. 1.12, and by these things may we know whither we have entertained Christ or not.   

Verse. 33.  
It is not the least, but the choicest labour of God's faithful ministers to breed faith in the hearts of God's servants, the nature of this is most excellent, the presence of it most pleasant, the use of it most profitable, the opposition against it very strong, the honour arising to God from it very great; therefore the baptist endeavoureth from the singular use & benefit of faith on the one side, and from the danger and damage of infidelity on the other side, to persuade his disciples to believe, tells them, that he who hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is good.  
He whatsoever he be, of whatsoever condition, or calling, of whatsoever place or Country, who hath received his testimony, hath harkened to the voice of Christ with his ear, comprehended the message of Christ with his understanding, opened his heart, embraced it with his affection, builded his confidence thereupon, that man hath put to his seal, consented, subscribed, acknowledged, confessed, published, declared that God is true, that all the words which Christ hath spoken are the words of God that there is no deceit in them, that God is faithful in fulfilling all his promises, from whence the Baptist teacheth us.  
That it is a great honour to God that his servants do by a lively faith embrace & build upon his promises, 
Rom. 4.29. Exo. 14.31. with. Exo. 15.1.  as man is honoured when his words are believed, his promises imbraed, so is God, etc. and God by this means is honoured. First by then acknowledging of of his truth and fidelity, nothing is more dear to God then his truth no sacrifice more acceptable to God, than a lively faith, whereby we publish him to be a true, a faithful, and a righteous God, a God of truth Deut. 32.4. a faithful God, Deut. 7.9.  
2. By the acknowledging of his power and Alsufficiency; hereby we declare to all the world that power belongeth unto God, Psa. 62.11. that he is Alsufficient, Gen. 17.1. that he can do whatsoever pleaseth him Psa. 135.4, 5. Gen. 18.14.  
3. By relying wholly upon him for life and salvation, not leaning on any arm of flesh, not trusting to any of our own, or others works, but acknowledging our own righteousness to be but rags, Isa. 64.6. our own Vessel to be empty, the fruit of our own Tree to be sour grapes, the wages of our own work to be death, & therefore going out of ourselves unto God, and relying on him by faith, we do glorify his name, 2 Cor. 12.9. 4. By departing from iniquity, believing the promises of mercy, the threatenings of Wrath, we humble ourselves for our iniquities, are moved to repentance. Jona. 3.5. Acts. 15.9.  
5. By becoming living members of Christ, 
Io. 15.9.  fruitful and bearing branches in the true Vine Christ Jesus, Jo. 15.8.6. by addressing ourselves to God by fervent prayer for comfort in heaviness, for deliverance in dangers, for peace in troubles, Psa. 116.10.  
7. By giving us victory over all assaults, Ro. 8.36, 37. 1. Jo. 5.4.  
Use. This therefore will teach us that it is a great sin not to believe, a great dishonour to God not to give credit to his word, to hear and not receive his testimony, to have the promise of life unfolded, and not heartily embrace it, not firmly build upon it, for hereby they call the truth of God into question, make God like a man, 
Nu. 11.19.  that may lie, & the Son of man that may repent; rob God of his truth, which is most essential, and proper to him, yea take away that which is most dear to him, and judge him unworthy to be believed, & therefore in the 1 e. of Jo. 5.10.  
2. Hereby they think of God, as a broken bough, a withered reed, a weak arm, a God insuffient to fulfil, 
Isa. 59.13,  what he hath promised, a God unable to provide for them that depend upon him.  
3. Hereby they build upon some other foundations, seek for somewhat in the creature which they imagine is not to be found in the Creator, 
2 Kings. 1.6.  with Ahaziah leaving the God of Israel and go to Beelzebub with Israel; forgetting the rock, 
sa. 30.1. Deut. 32.18.  that made them they go to Egypt for assistance in the day of trouble.  
4. Hereby they disobey and rebel against God, they shake off that yoke of subjection which God hath put upon them, therefore the unbelief of Moses and Aaron is called a transgression, Deut. 32.51. and rebellion, Num. 27.14. 2 Kings. 17.14, 15.  
5. Hereby they dishonour God in the eyes of others, give an evil example, become a stumbling block to their brethren, confirm many in evil, Numb. 20.11, 12.  
6. Hereby they despise the good things which God hath provided for them, which God hath promised unto them, the fountain of his loving kindness is reputed an empty pit, the glorious sunshine of his favours is looked upon as a lamp without oil, as a tree without fruit, as a hive without honey, Psa. 160.24.  
7. Hereby they grow discontented with their estate, repine against God as against a hard master that dealt not well with them, enjoining a labour not to be performed by them, as if God had brought them into a condition wherein he could not preserve them, into a danger out of which he could not deliver them, made a promise which he was not able to accomplish, Psa, 106.25. Hereby they deny God's Sovereignty and dominion, they hearkened not saith the. Psalmist. Psa. 106.25. that is, they detracted from God's authority and dominion, they would not be guided by his voice, ruled by his counsel, but would fight against the Amalekites, go into the land of promise, when God forbade them Deut. 1.42, 43.44. thus you see now greatly God is dishonoured by infidelity,  
2. Therefore as we do desire to make the name of God glorious, to do any thing pleasing in God's presence, let us labour to believe his word, to consent, subscribe, and yield to the truth of his testimony, to search after the through-knowledge of it, to embrace it with most hearty and unfeigned affection, to build upon it as upon a sure foundation, to rest upon Christ alone for life and salvation, to get a gracious persuasion in our hearts of the goodness of God in Christ towards our own souls, to stay upon Christ, as upon a sure pillar, 
1 Cor. 3.11. Heb. 6.19.  to build upon him, as upon the only foundation, a foundation which will not fail, to fasten our faith upon him, as the mariner his Anchor on a sure rock, and as 2 Chron. 32.8. so let us rest ourselves upon the promises of God; no other hath promised life and salvation, no other can confer the remission of sin, and life eternal, no other can deliver from Hell, sin and Satan, therefore let us take off our hearts from all other, and rely only upon him, Isa. 45.22. for there is no other name, Acts 4.12. and all the promises which God hath made in him are most certain, 2 Cor. 1.20. most constant; whatsoever change there be, this faileth not; Isa. 40.8. this like the Sea continueth full though other water brooks do fail, these are most pleasant and delightful, full of refreshment, delight and comfort to God's people, Psa. 23.4. and in believing Gods promises, in getting interest in them, in building upon them, we shall be drawn to attend God's ordinances with delight, 
1 Pet. 2.3. Job. 23.12.  as the child sucketh the breasts, as Job desired it more than his appointed food, to come as to our father's house, as into our friend's presence, to be glad with David Psa. 122.1.2.  
We shall stir up others to seek God in the use of his ordinances, we shall call others, Jsa. 2.2. we shall strive to bring them to the Physician of their souls, to make them partakers of his Grace, Lu. 22.32.  
3. We shall be full of love to God, and to his ways, Gal. 5.6, 7.  
We shall be rich in all good works, like a tree full of fruit, a garden full of sweet flowers, and thus shall we abundantly glorify God by believing, & to this we should be induced by considering the fullness and Alsuffici- of Christ Jesus; for,   

Verse. 34.  
He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God, for God giveth not the spirit to him by measure.  
The Baptist here rendereth the reason why they do put to their seal that God is true, when they do receive, the testimony of Christ, even because the testimony of Christ is the testimony of God, for Christ is come from his Heavenly Father, and God alone doth speak by him, for so, Jo. 7.16. Jo. 14.24. Heb. 5.5, 6. wherein we may consider.  
1. Christ's authority, he whom God hath sent speaketh the Words of God:  
2. His sufficiency, for he hath not received the spirit by measure; first his authority, he was sent of God, equal with God, in regard of his Divine Essence, but inferior to the Father according of his humane nature, office of a Mediator; the Sun is said to be sent, in that he was appointed, put forth, and furnished with gifts and authority to fulfil the office of a Mediator. Gal. 4.4. and to speak the words of God in that, as a Messenger declareth not his own mind, but his who sent him; So Christ doth deliver the mind and Council of God the Father, from whence we may learn, that the doctrine which is delivered by Christ Jesus, is most holy and infallible, the very word of God, who is truth itself, a doctrine of power, to convince, Mat. 7.28. full of light to give knowledge, Mat. 4 16. a key opening God's Council, which is hidden from the wise men of the World. Lu. 10.21.22. a Doctrine not to be reproved, but worthy to be believed, Jo. 8.46. therefore to this we should come, upon this we should wait, as upon the light which alone is able to show us the way of life, as upon the School wherein we may learn true wisdom, 2. Tim. 3.17. as on the Jordan, which will cleanse us from our iniquities, Jo. 15.3. This we should embrace as the seed which will beget us again unto a new life, Jo. 1.18. As the voice which will raise us, Jo. 11.44. Jo. 5.25. On this we should feed, as on the Milk, which will make us grow in the grace of God's Spirit, 1 Pet. 2.2. this we must follow as the fiery pillar which will lead us to the Heavenly Canaan, this we must use as the Spiritual weapon which will beat down the holds of sin & Satan, 
Exo. 13.31. 2 Cor. 10. Lu. 10.17.  which will cast him down as the thunder doth the lightning; thus we must affect, as the means of peace, and reconcilement between us, and our God. Much more might be said of this, but we have lately heard of this more largely.  
One thing more may be learned out of these words from the preparation of Christ to his office; as he coming to preach the Gospel had his commission from God, spoke no other but the words of God, so it setteth before us the duty of God's Messengers, and teacheth us:  
Gods Ministers must be sure, that God do give them their commission, and that they preach nothing but what is God's will and council. First they must have a commission as an Ambassador must have a commission from his Sovereign. So, Heb. 5.4.5. This is so needful that without it they cannot discharge their calling., Ro. 10.15. Therefore wisdom's Maidens? Christ's Ministers, went not of their own accord, but were sent, Pro. 9.3. And the Prophets of old, went not upon their own head, but the Lord sent them, Jer. 44.4. The disciples of our Saviour had also authority given before they undertook this function Mat. 10.16. as they must have their commission, so they must deliver none but God's mind and message to the people; an Ambassador may not deliver his own but his Sovereign's message to the people, it was the Lords charge, Ezeck. 2.7. It was Paul's care 1 Cor. 11.23. and 1 Pet. 4.11. And it was Peter's comfort, 2 Pet. 1.16. 2. Cor 1.11.12. 2 Cor. 4.1.2.  
Their commission they must have from God.  
1. Because otherwise they cannot faithfully open the mind and council of God; how can they preach accept they be sent, unless they be furnished and prepared by the Lord? how can the Sun shine if light were not put into him? the Soldier fight, if he be not trained up in military discipline, and furnished with weapon.  
2. Because otherwise they cannot preach Christ, but themselves; not seek the Glory of God, 
2 Cor: 4.5. Mica. 3.3.  but their own ends, as the falls Prophets did who ran when God did not send them.  
3. Because otherwise they will not convert the people from sin but confirm them in sin, not make them loath, but rather bless themselves in their iniquities, jer. 14.14. jer. 23.16. Not turn them to God, but drive them from God. 
jer. 27.15.  Neither must they preach any thing besides God's council.  
1. Because this alone hath power to discover men's sins, Heb. 4.12. This is a light discovering of all their spots, this will find it out, though never so deeply vailed, never so artificially hidden; as, Psa. 19.5. so it is true of this Doctrine.  
2. Because this alone can awaken the conscience like Peter's Cock, Eccles. 11.13: Acts. 2.37. This makes them cry, Rom. 7.24.  
3. Because this doth purify and cleanse the soul from sin, all other doctrines are but like the rivers of Damascus unable to cleanse the leprosy of Naaman. This is the fan Matth. 3.12. The fire, jer. 23.29. This doth drive away the evil spirit.  
4. Because this doth pacify the conscience, Christ's voice stilled the raging tempest, the Dove brought the Olive branch, God's word is the word of peace;  
5. Because this maketh men fruitful in grace, 
Jer. 23.28  the chaff is sown, in vain, the good ground bringeth the increase, the pleasant rivers makes the earth fruitful; other doctrines like the water, 
1 Kings 2.19.  about a Jericho make the souls of men barren.  
Use. Miserable is the estate of such people as live under, and content themselves with such ministers, as have not their commission from God, as open not faithfully the counsels of God, these are as a house without light, full of darkness; as a field without husbandmen, full of briers; as a Garden without Gardener, full of weeds as a child without breasts, a sick man without Physic; and more dangerous is the estate of such, as have libertine false teachers set over them, for these are as a traveller that hath a false guide to lead him, a ship that hath a false Pilot to conduct him, a patient that hath poison ministered unto him, a child that hath a stone given instead of bread as a Serpent instead of fish.  
2. Therefore this must cause the people, fervently to desire, earnestly to pray, and carefully to labour for such ministers as are sent of God, and duly qualified for that calling; as sick men desire a skilful & faithful Physician, as passengers desire a careful understanding Pilot, to convey them over rough and dangerous waters, travellers desire a good and circumspect guide, in a doubtful way, which must be run with much speed, and that upon pain of death; as the soldiers entering combat with potent and politic enemies, desire wise, courageous, and experienced commanders, and leaders. Sin is a disease of all diseases the most dangerous, a malady not curable by the hand of the most skilful Physician, a leprosy like naaman's, the Rivers of Damascus cannot cleanse it, no passage so dangerous, as the passage of a Christian between Egypt & Canaan; no gulfs, no rocks, no sands, no stormy tempests, no mischievous and bloody pirates so hardly avoidable, as sin and Satan; no snares so uneasily discerned, no by-paths so difficultly avoided, as the crooked ways of iniquity: no enemy so strong, so cunning, so violent, as Satan, no conquest so uneasy, no overthrow so full of danger, & therefore God's ministers who must heal this disease, conduct the people over this passage, make them conquerors over their enemies, must be abundantly replenished with all their utmost graces; & God's people must do their utmost to obtain the most fit means for this calling: men commonly desire the best food for their bodies, the best seed for their ground, the best Physic for their diseases, the best council for their weighty undertake, the best armour for the day of battle, the best coin to put in their treasury; it is a great shame that men should have no regard to their souls, whether they be fed with manchet or gravel, with wheat or chaff, whither they have wholesome Physic or poison given to them, whither they have good coynor reprobate silver, brass & tin, or led, given them & that you may a little more clearly see the folly of men, contenting themselves with blind and insufficient guides, the great necessity of able teachers look,  
1. Upon the secrecy and depth of sin, how deep it lieth, how uneasily found out, how roughly it is guilded over, like base with good mettle, how much it is loved, how men are uneasily brought to reject it, it is deep like a tree of deep roots, there must be much digging to find it, 
Io. 1.6.  like a deep wound there must be a skilful Chirurgeon to search out the depth of it; it lieth like Jonah in the bottom of the ship, so Jsa. 29.15. Josua. 7.21. Prov. 30, 18, 19.20. Therefore the ministers of God must be able to apply the word aright to make it pierce like a twoedged sword, Heb. 4.12. Psa. 49.2. that 1 Cor. 14.25. 
Heb. 4.12 Isa. 49.2.  It is also artificially vailed, curiously and cunningly covered, as the rotten bones under a whited. Sepulchre, as poison under a golden cup, or sweet Sugar; brutish and beastly lust is covered under the white & comely apparel of love. Pro. 7.18. Covetousness under the vail of frugality and application of things to better uses, Io. 12.5, 6. drunkenness goeth under the name of love, and preserving amity between men; profanation of God's day, under the vizard of recreation, thus jehorams, wife coming to the prophet, feigned herself to be another then she was; so sinful men that their iniquity may not be found out fain themselves to be others than they are. Jehu, 2 Kings. 10.20. Mat. 15.8. Mat. 8.2. Lu. 11.44. Therefore God's ministers must be replenished with much knowledge, that they may discover their deceitfulness and disclose their Hypocrisies, take away this deceitful vail from their faces, and make them see their own vileness as Samuel dealt with Saul, 1 Sam. 15: 13.14. That they may say as 1 Kings. 14.6. That they may convince them, and make them ashamed of that wherein they glory, and bring them to see, Num. 7.9.24. And as sin is deeply rooted, cunningly covered so is it also strongly loved, men are loath to depart from it, it is as pleasant wine Pro. 9.17: As sweet Sugar, Job, 20.12. They are loath to leave it as Rabel her father's Idols, the hearts of men are wedded to it; strongly set upon it, and with much violence & eagarnesse pursue it, Pro, 23.35. And there fore God's Ministers must be both skilful and earnest, to make men hate what they love so strongly, to make them trample under foot as dung what they esteem more precious than gold; to reject as gravel, what they delight in as the purest manchet, to distaste as gall, what now is pleasant as honey to their palate.  
2. Consider the strength of sin, and Satan's hold, it is a strong Castle uneasily beaten down, the Devil is no weakling, but a Prince, 
Ephe. 2.3. 2 Cor. 4.4. 2 Cor. 2.4. Mat. 7.24.  a Potent adversary, it is not every one can conquer him, a bow without arrows, a minister without abilities can do nothing to this adversary; powder of humane eloquence, though it make a great noise, cannot shake the powers of his Kingdom, an Axe without edge, a Sermon without Zeal, and courage cannot cut the roots of this tree; the Devil doth no more regard such men's preaching, as preach not with power, and in the evidence and demonstration of the spirit, than he did for the sons of Sceva conjuring, Acts. 19.15. Instead of casting him out of others, he will enter further into them themselves; therefore like good soldiers they must be well furnished with spiritual armour and 2 Cor. 10.5. Psa. 45.5. their arrows must be sharp.  
3. Consider the depth of God's counsels, how uneasily unfolded, opened, applied, how these are a riddle, which like Sampsons' riddle cannot be interpreted, unless we plough with God's Heifer; deep things of God which cannot be found out but by God's Spirit, 1 Cor. 2.11. A way that cannot be known without a guide, Acts. 8.31. A sealed book, which we cannot read unless we have some one to open it, Isa. 29.11. Neither are the Lamps which reserve the greatest portion of this oil so full of light; nor the fountains which hold the largest measure of knowledge so full of waters, but that with Paul they may say, who is sufficient for these things, 2 Cor. 2.16.  
4. Consider the number, the subtlety, and the power of them that seduce to sin, that lead to error, and that provoke to evil, that spread snares, and cast stumbling blocks in the ways of God's people. The envious man hath many servants that sow tares among this Wheat, Mat. 13.25. Many Factors that sell deceitful wares, that make merchandise of the souls of the people, 2 Pet. 2.3. Many mountebanks that apply healing salves before ever they search and open the wound, Jer. 6.14. Many unskilful builders that daub with untemperate Mortar upon a rotten wall, before ever they pull down the ruinous places, Ezek. 13.10. Many clouds without rain, many breasts without milk, 2 Pet. 2.17. Many lazy Husbandmen that sow before ever they break up the fallow ground of the hearts of God's people, Contrary to that, Jer. 1.10. Many deceivers transformed into Angels of light, 2. Cor. 11.11. Many Lions in sheep's Skins, Mat. 7.15. Many that with ahab's Prophets, bade us go on and proper, 1 Kings. 22.12. Therefore behooveful we should make choice of able ministers, that may teach sound Doctrine, convince opposers, lead us forward and build us up in the saving knowledge of Christ jesus in despite of all oppositions.  
5. Consider our dulness, deadness, security; backwardness, Israel cannot travel longer than the fiery Pillar doth shine before them, Peter will continue in the denial of his Master if the Cock do not crow to awaken him; 
Mat. 26.75. Exod, 32.1.2. Rev. 2.4.  Israel will erect a golden calf if Moses do but a little absent himself from them; if Jehojada once die, the Princes of Juda will leave the house of the God of their Fathers, and serve groves, and Idols, 2 Chro. 24.18. The best men with the men of Ephesus, will forget their first love, if they live not under faithful Ministers; as the best garden will grow barren if it be not weeded, the best tree will grow wild, if it be not pruned, the soil will become unfruitful if the dews fall not upon it, the strongest body will grow weak, if good food be with holden from it; the best ship will miscarry, if it want a good Pilot; therefore 2 Pet. 1.12. This is the Pillar which supporteth us, the word of life which keepeth life in us, Phil. 2.14. The breast which giveth food to us 1 Pet. 2.2. The cloud whose dews water us, and makes us fruitful in the grace of the Spirit, Deut. 32.2.  
6. Consider how hardly a true & lively faith is wrought without labour, men are persuaded and assured of their salvation; what industry constancy, fervency, and shill, is required, and must be used before the judgement can be informed, rightly to discern the things which differ, before the will can be inclined to choose the things which are most excellent, before the affections can be cleansed, the heart purified, the holds of sin cast down, the soul made free from the service of evil, and free to the love of God, and of what is truly good, as in 2 Kings. 4.32, 34.35. So the Minister must again and again exhort instruct and pray before the life of grace be restored, 
2 Tim. 5.14.  the conscience pacified, the fruits of a new life infallably apparent, and the heart throughly persuaded of God's goodness towards it in the free remission of all sin; all temptations quelled, all objections answered & the pardon of fine sealed: Naaman went seven times into Jordan before he was washed, 
2 Kings. 5.14.  the Cock crowed thrice before Peter awakened, our Saviour stood long at the door, before the Spouse stirred up herself to open, to come forth to him, 
Mat. 26.75.  she sought long ere she could and him & Cant. 2.5. she speaketh to the Ministers to comfort or sustain her by the Ministry of the word; & Rom. 1 11. & Acts. 14.2.22.  
7. Consider the sweet and singular comforts which the powerful Ministry of the word breedeth in the souls of the people of God, how it is unto the eyes of their understanding as the light of the Sun to the eye of the body, whereof Eccles. 11.7. So it is to them a pleasant thing to behold the things of God, as Mat. 2.10. So doth the light of the word rejoice joice the people of God. Isa. 9.2, 3. Lu. 10.23. How it is unto their ears as the harp in David's hand chase away the evil spirit; How a very joyful sound, Psa. 89.15. How it is unto their palate as the sweetest honey, Psa. 19.10. As the daintiest feast, Isa. 25.6. How it is to their feet a burning light, guiding them into the ways of peace. Lu. 1.79. How it is to their thirsty souls, as a wellspring of living waters to the thirsty; and their troubled consciences, as the Olive-branch to Noah, as the still voice to Eliah; to their weary spirits, as Horsemen, and Chariots, to drive, and carry them forward in their journey, to the high and Heavenly habitation, which God hath prepared for his people; and out of all this, we may abundantly behold the necessity of an able, constant and powerful Ministry, and the folly of them that content themselves with Lamps that have no Oil, with Messengers that have no tidings, with such at least as like the evil servants, hide and employ not their talon.  
3. This must occasion the people, to try whether the Ministers, who are set over them, be sent of God, or whether they be come of their own accord. This you may discern. 1. By the soundness, & the fullness, & holiness of their knowledge, in the matter of life and salvation, for as the Sun ruling, the world is full of light, the Sea watering the earth, is full of Waters, so must the Ministers of God be full of knowledge, therefore called stars, Rev. 1.16. And light, Mat. 5.14. Guides, Acts. 8.31. Shepherds, Ephes. 4.11. Captains, 2 Tim. 2.3. Stewards, Lu. 13.52. And it is God's ordinance, Mal. 2.7. God's promise, Jer. 3.15. The contrary to this, is an argument men are not sent, Hos. 4.6. Jer. 2.8.  
2. By the holiness and integrity of their conversations, Kings send not rebels to reclaim others, they who are tainted with the Plague themselves, are very dangerous Physicians; no man will willingly take Physic from them, but Lu. 4.23. therefore God doth purify and cleanse his Messengers from iniquity, Mal. 2.5, 6. And 1 Tim. 4.12. And therefore our Saviour, Matth. 5.16. and Isaiah was cleansed, 
Psa. 511 12.13.  Isa. 6.5. And Paul proposeth himself and the rest, for an example, Phil. 3.17. The contrary to this, argueth want of commission, Jer. 23.14. 1 Sam 2.17. Mat. 5.3.  
3. By the fervency of their Zeal & affections, they must be full of courage; coming forth, as it is said of the Sun, 
Psa. 19.5.  like Bridegrooms out of their Chamber, & rejoicing like mighty men, to run the race which God hath set them, being like burning iron, warming them that are about them; thus the word, as fire shut up in Jeremy his bones, Jer. 20.9. Examples hereof, we have in Eliah, 1 Kings 18.21. Zacharias, 2 Chron. 24 20. In the Baptist, Mat. 3.7. In Stephen, Acts. 7.51. In Paul, Acts. 34, 20. The want of this is taxed, Matth. 7.29. and Rev. 3.16.  
4. By their sincere and Heavenly Doctrine, such as God sendeth delivereth God's message, good nurses give wholesome milk to the children, good Stewards give not gravel, but good bread to the family, thus 2 Tim. 2.15. They give every man his portion out of God's word, knowledge to the ignorant, reproof to the obstinate, comfort to the afflicted, encouragement to the opposed, and 1 Pet. 4.11. Tit. 1.9. And then Jer. 23.22. But the contrary hereunto, Mica. 2.11. Lam. 2.24.  
5. By their industry in their calling, expressed by the similitudes of Husbandmen, builders, 1 Cor. 3.6, 9 Soldiers, 2 Tim. 2.3. It was prophesied, Isa. 62.5. Charged 2 Tim. 4.2. 1 Tim. 4.15. Practised, 1 Cor. 15.10. But the want of this, discovereth want of commission, Isa. 56.10.  
6. By their grief to see men sinful, as a good Physician to see his patient diseased, a loving Nurse to see her child sick, thus 2 Pet. 2.8. Jer. 9.1. Jer. 13.17. Psa. 119.136. But Acts. 4.2.  
7. By their seeking of the Glory of God, and the good of his Church more than themselves, or their own good, 2 Cor. 4.5. 2 Cor. 12.14. 1 Cor. 10.33. 1 Thes. 2.19. But 2. Pet. 2.3. These meeting together in a Minister, are assured evidence that God hath sent such one in mercy to his servants.  
8. By their constancy in their calling, and religious and holy conversation; such as God sendeth, are not like a broken Bow that starteth back in the day of battle, like the sluggard that would not walk because there was a Lion in the Street, like the slothful man that would not sow because it was cold; they grow not weary of the work of the Lord, their calling is a delight, no trouble; their work is pleasant no iron yoke to them, and therefore as Eccles. 11.6. So they sow in the morning, in the Evening are constant in embracing every occasion, looking unto God for a blessing; though they fish long with Peter, & catched nothing, yet at Christ's command, they cast forth the net in hope of a good draught at last, they know that God hath several hours for men's conversion, some at the third some at the sixth hour, some at the ninth hour, some at the last hour of the day, so must they continue constant to the last hour in their calling, and if none convert by their labours, yet they know that their endeavours shall not be altogether fruitless, Jsa. 49 4 And therefore they are not like Meteors, and blazing stars, shining for a season, and then fall to ground, but like the sun they are constant, in their care; this was God's charge to Jeremy, Jer. 15.19, 20, 21. And it was his practice, Jer. 20.9.10. This was Paul's resolution, Acts. 20.24. And this he verified, 2 Tim. 4.7. This the Apostles also manifested, it was within them, as a fire not to be quenched, as a stream not to be stopped, Acts. 4.19.20. But Apostasy from God, either in doctrine or conversation, may justly call into question their commission; Demas once accounted a fellow-labourer, Philimon, verse 24. afterward proved an Apostatical lover of the world, 2 Tim. 4.10. And Rev. 12.4. Faithfulness to the end in the Ministerial calling, is a gracious testimony that God hath given them a commission, and that he hath sent them for the good of his people.  
Thus of his authority; Next let us look upon his Alsufficiency. Authority without ability, is like a sword without a hand; ability without authority, is like a hand without a sword, both insufficient, both of little use, but where both concur, they make a man complete to fulfil the calling he hath undertaken; therefore that the Baptist might the better move, the more effectually persuade the hearts of his disciples, to embrace, believe, and build upon Christ, he commendeth him not only by his authority, whom God hath sent, he speaketh the word of God, but also by his Alsufficiency, for God hath not given the spirit by measure. Some extend these words to Gods abundant & common dispensation of all good things, why being the fountain of all goodness doth largely pour out his blessings, and yet is not emptied any more than the Sun of his light by Shining, or the sea of water by sending forth many streams to water the earth; he that draweth out of a vessel, what he giveth cometh at length to the bottom, but he that dippeth out of the Sea never cometh to the bottom, the abilities of the creatures are soon like a little vessel drawn dry, but God never giveth so much but there is a great fullness in him at the last, as there was at the first, his hand is never short that it cannot help, his arm is never weary that it cannot give assistance, it is never low water but always full Sea with this goodness; a singular expression of the transcendency of God beyond and above all creatures, a powerful loadstone, to draw men to God from the world, a singular encouragement to men to rely upon God, as on a sure foundation, which will never sink; to draw nigh to God, as to the fountain of living waters, which will most certainly refresh us, as to a tree loaden with all forts of fruit, bearing new fruit every month, an admirable comfort to God's children that their God is their stay, and their strength hath such fullness in him; but they who interpret these words to be spoken of Christ, give the best and most proper enterpretation, for the purpose of the Baptist was not so much to commend and set forth the fullness and excellency of God whereof, there was not then any question, but of Christ, of whose Alsufficiency the disciples of the Baptist were both ignorant & doubtful, therefore he setteth before them the full treasury of all goodness, which was in Christ, intimateth to them that in Christ alone was that sufficiency to be found, which would make them wise, holy, just, free, happy; from him they should derive and draw that which the world could not afford them, for God had given him the spirit not by measure, Christ and God the Father are one in regard of Divine Essence 1 Jo. 5.7. that is incommunicable and cannot be given, but God the Father gave the Son, his personal subsistence, as a Son, as a second Person, whereof David speaks, Psa. 2.7. And also Solomon, Pro 8.24 25 29.30. And God hath also given the Spirit that is the Grace of the Spirit unto Christ as man, as Mediator above measure, in a most abundant and large measure; as he is the Son of God by eternal generation so he hath infinite power, Wisdom, justice, Holiness, Goodness; as he is the Son of God, by Grace of Hypostatical Union, so he hath also all the former virtues, but not in that measure as they are in him, as he is God, but yet in such measure, as they do wonderfully excel all the excellencies in men and Angels, as the Sun doth the Stars in brightness, Col. 1.19. Others received and do receive the Spirit in measure 1 Cor. 12.7. That is slenderly, and this from Christ, Ephes. 4.7, as we receive water from the Sisterne but to Christ as man, it is given above measure, that is largely, abundantly, far more than to any creature.  
In the words, we have 

1. a Giver, God.  
2: The gift with the equality of it, the Spirit.  
3. The measure, or how much is givers not sparingly, not niggardly, but plenteously, above measure.  
4. The receiver, the party to whom it is given, to Christ.   From the first we may learn.  
Doct. That God is the Author & giver of every blessing enjoyed by any person or people; the royal robes wherewith Christ as man was apparelled, came out of God's Wardrobe; the singular Jewels wherewith he was adorned, came out of God's Storehouse, therefore much more the blessings and endowments conferred upon people of inferior condition, as all the light in the Air cometh from the Sun, so James, 1.17. As the Rain cometh from the cloud, upon the earth; so doth every good thing come unto us from the Lord, nothing is due, nothing is merited, all is given, Jo. 3.17. Therefore God is by the Apostle styled the God of all grace, 1 Pet. 5.10. The God in whom all goodness resideth, as water in the fountain, from whom all goodness is derived, all blessings Issue as waters from the fountain, as branches from the root, a God giving both spiritual and corporal, temporal and eternal favours; all that we possess, is fruit from his Tree, grain out of his Garner, liquor out of his vessel, the Lords hand maketh all, Eccles. 11.5. We cannot gather if God do not scatter; we cannot receive, if God doth not open his hand; we cannot be satisfied, if God doth not fill us, Psa. 104.28.  
Reason. Because God hath in himself all goodness originally independantly, completely, and others have it by the communication, as God will work it in them, give it to them; as all nourishment is in the root, and from thence sent up into the branch; all waters are in the Sea, and from thence sent in the channels of the earth beneath, and in the clouds above, as in so many bottles for the watering of the earth; 
Exod. 34.  so all goodness in God he deriveth to us as he pleaseth, therefore the Psalmist, ascribeth all to the Goodness of the Lord. Psa. 68.9.10. And Psa. 65.8.9.10.11.12.13. And,  
2. Because God hath Sovereignty, and dominion over all, right and interest into all, he is the Lord, the creature the servant; he is the Workman the world with all the fullness thereof, his workmanship; he is the King, all the creatures his subjects; the servant can have nothing but what his Lord will allow him, all talents are in God's hand, he hath both the dominion and the disposition of them, 
Psal. 24, 1. Mat. 5.45,  he may do with his own what pleaseth him, and hence, 1 Chro. 29.11, 12. Deut. 8.18.  
3. Because all second causes, are no further helpful, comfortable, and beneficial to us then as God is pleased to put an ability, and fullness into them, as God is pleased to cause his blessing to accompany and go together with them, as Jo. 15.5. So without God all that we have can do nothing, and as Jsa. 30.7. So all abilities without God will help in vain, their strength will be to set still, as Jer. 10 5. So it will be in these, to do neither good nor harm, men may glory of their abilities, as Israel of the Ark, but if God be not there, the Ark will do no good·  
4. Because we are altogether empty, in and of ourselves, dry trees, barren fields, bearing no fruit; and empty Vessels, without any liquor of grace; we are, Rev. 3.17. desolate houses, in whom dwelleth no good thing, Ro. 7.18. & Hos. 10.1. Nineveh, Nah. 3.10. And therefore well might the Apostle say, what hast thou that thou hast not received.  
5. Because we are able to discern nothing, we are all gone astray Psa. 14.3. We are like a wilderness, like the sluggards field, as full of sin as that of thorns and briers, Pro. 24.30. After our conversion, when we have done our best, we do but that like Jacob, in the way of God's commandments, our best apparel is very menstruous, best grain hath much chaff, and our best coin hath much dross mingled with it, Jsa. 64.6. So that when we have done all we can do, we are unprofitable servants, we have deserved nothing, 
Lu. 17.10.  and therefore whatsoever we enjoy, it must needs be God's gift.  
6. Because all do expect, and look for every behooveful gift at the hands of God, as the eye waiteth on the Sun for light, the sucking child on the breasts for milk, the providence of God extendeth itself to all creatures, to all persons, to all seasons, occasions, and conditions, he doth not like the Carpenter build a house, and then forsake it, like a careless Pilot leaving his ship in the stormy tempest, but God guideth, preserveth, feedeth, and sustaineth all that he hath made in him, Acts. 17.28. From him, Psa. 104.27.  
Use. Is all we enjoy, all that doth relieve us, God's gift? is it he is the Author, and the giver of all, then let us seek to God for every good gift, whereof we stand in need, as. Ja. 1.5. So if any man want grace to subdue his corruption let him ask of God, for he giveth grace to the humble, 1 Pet. 5.5. If any man want wisdom to discern the things which differ, to know the deep things of God, let him seek it at the hands of God, for this is also God's gift, Matth. 16.17. If any man want faith let him ask of God for this is also the gift of God, Phil. 1.29. If any man want peace, let him seek it from the Lord, for it cometh from him. Ro. 16.20. If any man want love let him address himself to God for it, for he is love, 1 Jo. 4.8. And the God of love, 2 Cor. 13.11. If any man want patience, let him sue to God, for he is the Author of it, Ro. 15.5. As the lame men came to Bethesda to be healed, 
Io. 5. 2 Kings. 5. Act. 3.3.  as Naaman came to jordan to be washed, as the lame man lay at the gates of the Temple for an alms, so come you to God to be healed, to be cleansed, to be enriched with every good gift, he alone can supply your wants, Hos. 13.9. All other helpers are Physicians of no value, you shall be constrained to come to him at last, go whither ye will for the present, Mar. 5.29. You shall be constrained, Hos. 14.3. All the world shall say as, 2 Kings. 6.26, 27. He alone hath promised to lend the hand of assistance, to open the fountain of his loving-kindness, to warm us with the Sunshine of his countenance; to delight our souls with his comforts, Mat. 7.7. Mat. 11.28. Psa. 81.10. He alone knoweth our wants, is acquainted with our weaknesses, he knoweth what we need before we ask, Nah. 1.5. He alone careth for us in our distress, as a father for his child, a Shepherd for his flock, his eyes are upon us, Psa. 14.15. He is sensible of our afflictions, Isa. 63.9. As a mother of the affliction of her child, Isa. 49.15. Therefore let us not go to Egypt, to Baalzebub, to Endor, let us not go to the Physicians which have no skill, to the trees which have no fruit, to hives which have no honey, to the storehouses which have no treasure, to the lamps which have no light, to withered hands which have no strength, but let us go to God, in whom is all fullness, all goodness, all abundance, and he will surely give, if we ask in faith, jam. 1.5.6. In humility, jam. 4.6. In sincerity, Psa. 145 19 In fervency. jam. 5.16. In constancy, Lu. 18 3.  
2. Over all blessings: Gods gifts are the free favours of his hand, then be not proud of thy great abundance; art thou advanced above others, is the roots of thy tree, more abundantly watered than others, hath the Sun shined more warmly on thee and thy dwelling, than others, hast thou more feathers in thy nest, in thy wings than others have; be not proud, it is all the gift of God; what hast thou which thou hast not received, hast thou riches, hast thou honour's, are not these branches growing upno God's Tree, 1 Chr. 29.12. 1 Sam. 2.8. Psa. 75.6.7. Hast thou knowledge, is thy soul full of light; is not this a Lamp of Gods kindling, Col. 1 26.27. Hast thou faith is not this a work of God's finger, Jo. 6.29. Hast thou holiness, is not this a garment of Gods weaving, of Gods putting on, Ezeck. 16.8.9.10, Was not thine iniquity purged with a Coal from God's Altar, Isa. 6.5. Think upon any gift, any endowment, of the body, or of the mind, wherewith thou art adorned, and see if it be not a stream of God's fountain, a letter of his writing, an undeserved favour, of Gods bestowing; look upon the freedom of God's goodness, think upon thine own unworthiness, meditate upon God's end and purpose in the donation of his favours, be affected with thy walking unworthy of God's mercies, let thy thoughts be upon the strict account whereunto God will call thee, for the employment of all the favours he hath bestowed on thee, and then be not high minded but fear.  
3. Is every blessing, every good thing we enjoy God's gift? then let us give God the praise of all, let us so employ all that we may glorify God in the use thereof; as they have their original from him, so in their use they must serve him, Rom. 11.36. Who, saith the Apostle planteth a Vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? who feedeth a flock and eateth not of the milk? 1 Cor. 9.7. So shall God feed us, shall God plant us, shall God water us, shall God bestow upon us all manner of blessings, and shall not he have the praise thereof? shall not he be honoured with it? Prov. 3.9. Shall not all be so ordered, so disposed, that God may be magnified? according to that 1 Pet. 4.11. Is not God who hath made all, who hath preserved all, who hath done all for us, worthy of praise, Rev. 4.11. Is not this the voice of all creatures, do they not all say, Rev. 5.13. And shall not man who hath drunk deepest of the cup of God's mercies, tasted most abundantly of the River of God's loving-kindness, be thankful to him for his blessings; and study to glorify him in the use of such talents as you hath received from him? and to the end we may glorify God in the use of his gifts, and be thankful for his mercies,  
1. We must look upon, and take notice of every gift, of every blessing we enjoy, as of a gift coming from God's hand, as on a dew falling from God's cloud, as on fire taken from God's Altar; look not so much upon second, as upon the first cause; upon inferior means, as upon God who doth all in all; raise your hearts to this pitch, that you may be able to say with Jacob, Gen 30.8. Gen. 33.5. With Joseph, Gen. 48.9. As Moses taught Israel to say, Deut. 26.9. So thou must be able feelingly to say, God hath given me his Word, his Sacrament, his spirit; God hath given me health, strength, liberty, food raiment, Wife, children; take it all as a gift of God, and then thou shalt strive to give God the glory of it, Deut. 26.10.  
2 Labour to get your heart throughly affected with the goodness of God therein; strive to see it, to take it as a singular mercy from the hands of God, to read therein the lively characters of God's Love, to taste the sweetness, and goodness of God in the same, to be stirred up to rejoice in God thereby; and then we shall seek to glorify God therein, as 1 Sam. 1.27, 28. She was affected with God's goodness, in the gift, and therefore gave the same again unto God; and to this we are exhorted Psal. 34, 7, 8. And of this we have example, Psa. 38.17, 19  
3 Be thereby stirred up to love God, let it be as a Bellows blowing up thy cold affections; as beams from the Sun, warming thy heart, as a Loadstone to draw thee nearer unto God, Psal. 116.1, 2. And then he disputed with himself, casts about what course to take that he might glorify God, verse. 12. this will constrain them to do all for God's glory, 2 Cor. 5.14. This will make them esteem nothing to dear for God, Rev. 12.11.  
4. Be hereby drawn to rest and depend upon God, as upon an Alsufficient Arm; an iron pillar, a sure foundation; as a sick man upon a Physician, full of art and skill to cure him, as a poor man upon a rich friend, abundantly able to supply him, as a child upon a loving father, able to relieve him; to this the people exhort one another, upon the sight of the great things which God should do for them, in giving Christ to them, in working their spiritual feedom, Isa. 26.12.3, 4. Psal. 61.3, 4, 5. Confidence in God will, surely animate us to do good; a man cannot believe in God, but he must also live to God Psal. 37 3.  
5. Be hereby put in mind of God, let every gift you receive, every blessing you enjoy, be a monitor, to bring God to your remembrance; to make you think upon the Alsufficiency which is in him; from whom all these things flow, as water from the fountain; to make you consider how respectful God is unto you, how mindful he is of you, how abundant his mercy and loving kindness is towards you, every favour must be as an Ambassador testifying God's goodness, as the voice of Watchmen to bring the Lord to your remembrance, Deut. 8.13.18. Psa. 63.5.6.  
6. Be hereby occasioned to rejoice and delight thyself in God; as rich gifts and liberal testimonies of love from a friend cause the receiver to rejoice in his love, so must the many gifts which he bestoweth on us cause us abundantly to rejoice, and delight ourselves in God, who is so mindful of us, so openhanded and plenteous in his mercies towards us, this must be as sweet sounding Music in our ears cheering up our dull and drooping spirits; as Wine filling our heavy hearts with gladness. Psa. 28.6.7.8. 1 Sam. 2.1. Deut. 12, 7. Deut. 16.11.  
7. Endeavour to employ all thy abilities to the best uses, in the way wherein they may bring most honour to God, like a good Steward seek not your own, but your great Master's advantage, bestow upon the maintenance of God's worship, every man in his calling, place, and according to the measure of the gift God hath given to him, Exod. 35. from the 20. to the 30. and 1 Chro. 29.3.6.9.10. If thou hast knowledge instruct God's people, if thou hast courage, oppose God's enemies; if thou hast joy magnify God with praises; if thou hast sanctity, faith, patience, meekness, show it by thy contempt of the world; patient bearing of afflictions; holy, grave, and religious carriage; glorify God by giving a good example to others; if thou hast earthly abundance, say with the Psalmist. Psa. 16.3. As 1 Tim. 4.14. 1 Chro. 12.7.  
Thus of the giver next of the gift, not the world, not external, and transitory riches, not earthly and vanishing honours, but the Spirit, none dearer to God then Christ, none more regardful of God's Glory, none ordained to a more honourable service, and therefore without controversy God bestowed on him the chiefest gifts, the rarest pledges of his Love; and what are these but the gifts of the Spirit; from whence learn,  
Doct. That the holy and saving graces of the Spirit, are of all other gifts the most excellent: as the Sun excelleth the Gloe-worm, the Vine is to be preferred before the bramble, the purest and most perfect wine befor-the smallest water; so are the gifts of the spirit to be preferred before all the endowments of the world; these like Benjamins' portion are five-times as good as any of his brethren's; like Isaac's Inheritance, far better than Ishmaels' moveables; this is evident, by the titles and attributes given to these graces, as precious 2 Pet. 1.1. Exceeding great and precious, Verse. 4. unspeakable and glorious, 1 Pet. 1.8. Unsearchable riches, Ephes. 3.8. deep things of God, 1 Cor. 2.10. Excellency of knowledge, Phil. 3.8. Things more Excellent, Ro. 2.18.  
2. By the similitudes used to express the nature, excellency, worth, use and comfort, of them; the Sun and Moon, the most glorious among the stars, Cant. 6.10. Doves the most harmless among the birds of the Air, Cant. 2.14. Trees of Frankincense; the choicest of all spices, a Garden enclosed, wherein are trees of the choicest nature, a fountain sealed, a fountain of living and streaming Waters, of all waters the most pure and pleasant. Cant. 4.14.15. wine and ointments, the chiefest liquor of the grape, Cant. 1.3. Gold and Silver the purest metals in the earth, Cant. 1.11. An Inheritance choicest among possessions Col. 1.10.11.  
3. By the comparisons which the Holy Ghost, doth make between these and the choicest gifts of the earth, Pro. 3.14.15. Pro. 8.11. Cant. 4.10. Eccles. 9.16.18.  
4. By the price which Gods people have put upon them, Phil. 3.8.  
5: By the charge given to seek & embrace them before and above all other things, Mat. 6.33. Pro. 8.10. And these are of blessings the most Excellent.  
1. Because these have the most excellent author; all things are the common work of God's hand, but grace, holiness, and true righteousness, are the Crown of his Labours; the Glory of his workmanship, as the Sun to the Candle, as the Flower to the common Grass a fruit of ●he Sanctifying finger of God's Spirit, Gal. 5.22  
2. Because they are of the most pure excellent nature; these are Gold without dross, trees not having one fading leaf, nor one rotten branch, these are of a Holy, and Heavenly original; as it was foretell of men; in regard of the paucity of them, Isa. 13.12. So it is true in regard of the saving grace of God's Spirit, it is more precious than fine Gold even then the Golden Wedge of Ophix, Job. 16.28.17.18.  
3. Because these are the best, the choicest and most lively expressions of God's Image; it is not gold and silver, gorgeous apparel that maketh a man like God; but true holiness, Col. 3.10. Ephes. 4 22 Therefore God doth not say be ye rich, for I am rich, be ye strong, for I am strong, ascend you the steps of earthly dignity, for I am glorious, though this be true; but be ye holy for I am Holy. Leu. 11.44. other things are rich, as the earth hath store of treasure in her bowels, other things are strong, for so the Rocks are, other things are glorious, as the Sun, Moon, Stars, Flowers, but holiness is that which doth peculiarly express God's Image.  
4. Because this is the gift which God bestoweth on them that are dear to him, the Sun shineth on the bad as well as on the good, the worst men have often the largest portion of earthly good things, their tree is most fully loaden, their cup most plenteously filled, the wicked man's Barns must be enlarged to hold the fruits which God hath given him, Lu. 12.18.19. Psa. 17.14. But the saving graces of the Spirit; these are the jewels which God bestoweth on his own children, these are the riches with which he doth endow them, all things are God's gift, but in comparison of this they are as no gift, at all, Prov. 19.14. So etc. therefore, 1 Pet. 5.5.  
5. Because these are the choicest, and surest testimonies of the Love of God to our souls; he giveth common and worldly endowments to his enemies as well as to his friends, the Master of the Family giveth food, raiment, sometime money to the servant as well as to the child, the Rain falleth on the Rock as well as on the ground, Eccles. 9.1. But as the Master of the Family showeth his love to his children, in putting them to School, giving good education to them, so doth God show his Love to his Children in training them up in the School of Christ, in educating them with the saving knowledge of his will, in framing their hearts to love him, and to walk sincerely and uprightly towards him, when he leaveth others in darkness and in the shadow of death; as Christ showeth his Love to Lazarus, in raising him out of his grave, Jo. 11.44. So doth he show his Love to us, in raising us to a new life; as he showed his love to Israel, in causing the Sun to shine upon them; when all Egypt sat covered with darkness, so doth he open the Fountain of his loving-kindness in causing the light of his truth to shine among us, Jerem. 3.14.15. Isaiah 62.5.6. Psalm 87 2.7.  
6. Because these do most endear men unto God; these like a Loadstone draw the Love, care, and goodness of God towards us, cause him highly to esteem us, tenderly to affect us, carefully to watch over us, mightily to defend us, as 1 Sam. 16.7, 8. So it is neither for riches, honours, nor beauty that God respecteth us; neither Dives wealth, Absalon's beauty, Sampsons' strength, Achitophel's Policy, Senacharibs victories, nor Solomon's royalty, can move or draw affection from the Lord, but the holiness and sincerity of his servants, Isa. 57.15. Isaiah. 66.2. Pro. 11.21. Psalm 16.3.  
Use. Our spiritual gifts of all others the most excellent; are these the grain, and world the chaff? are these the sweet, & the earth the sour grapes? then behold and be astonished at the strange and wonderful folly of the greatest number of the world, who like the Jews of old prefer Barrabas before Christ, who like Esau value a mess of earthly pottage above a Heavenly birthright; like revolting Israel, are more affected with Egyptian Onions and Garlic then with the best fruit growing upon the Heavenly Canaan; what more frequent amongst men then to cry after the things of the earth; like the horsleeches two daughters, Pro. 30.15. what more common then to run after riches, honours, pleasures, as Mica after his Idol, Jud. 18.23.24. How many see we rising early, setting up late, and eating the bread of sorrowfulness, to dig silver out of this Mine? how many behold we wounding and piercing themselves with sharp thorney care, intangling, and wearing themselves with worldly snares; for trivial and transitory riches; how many see we making shipwreck of Faith and a good conscience, to load themselves with this treasure; what more usual with men then to deprive themselves of rest, peace, all true comforts, to neglect God, their souls, heaven, the Crown of Eternal Glory, for the vanishing cloud of worldly abilities, as if all our felicity, safety, comfort; stood in the having of the abundance of the earth, the saving grace of God's Spirit were nothing worth: but these men's folly will be easily discerned, if they would but look  
1. Upon the vanity of the world; what is the riches, and honour's, when thou hast it, without the grace of God's Spirit; but as the Apostle said of false teachers, 2 Pet. 2.17. It hath no filling, satisfying, nor contenting virtue in it, Isa. 50.11. Hag. 1.6. If at any time they have abundance, and seem like the first Kine in Pharaohs dream to be fat, yet presently one thing or another ariseth like the second Kine in Pharaohs dream to deceive and devour all the fat; so that still the soul is an empty vessel; a barren womb, not satisfied.  
2. The impotency of these outward things, they are weak, unable to defend themselves or their owners; like the Idol gods unable to keep themselves, and therefore must be kept by their worshippers; the rust will consume it, the thief steal it, the fire burn it; if the Lord smite thee with sickness, though with Asa, thou hadst a kingdom, it cannot procure health for thee; if God send an enemy, and thou hast horses swift of foot yet it will not deliver thee, Isa. 15. Psa. 33.16. If thou hast all kind of delights, art seated in a Paradise of worldly pleasures, yet if God doth send a dreadful noise into thy ears; then wilt thou run like Adam to the covert; If God awaken thy conscience it will be with thee as with Balshazar, Dan. 5.4, 5. Zeph. 1.18.  
3. The impiety, it is full of truble; as Achans golden Wedge troubled the whole army, so the things of the world if they be not sanctified, if men want grace, to esteem, affect, and employ them as they ought, they are a great trouble as Adam's forbidden fruit in evil men, as a heavy burden to the back; as a net full of snares to the feet, as a bed of thorns in the night, Pro. 11.17. Pro. 15.6. As the Sea, where are most waters; are most tempests  
4. Their commoneness a flower grown in the worst, as well as in the best man's garden; a livery worn by God's enemies, as well as by God's followers; a gift in the hand of a reprobate, as well as in the hand of Gods chosen; 
Eccles. 10.7.  Solomon saw servants on horseback, and Princes on foot, and we may easily see the servants of sin, the bondmen of Satan on horseback, on the Throne, in place of eminency, enriched with the abundance of the earth, men as Princes, men richly adorned with the grace of the Spirit; men who are conquerors over Satan, and their lusts, who are Kings and Priests to God, go on foot, are in a low state, of no reputation in the world; the most wicked usually are most favoured, and suck most milk out of the breasts of the world. Jo. 15.19. Job. 12.4.5.6. Is it not great folly to neglect the graces of the Spirit, which are so sweet, so pure, so full, so pleasant, so peculiar to God's people, so precious, as nothing in the world is sufficiently able to express it, and to seek after the things of the earth, which are so vain, so weak, so beggarly, so troublesome, so common, that he that hath the greatest abundance of them may be and often is the devil's bondman, an abomination in God's sight, a vessel of God's wrath, a firebrand of everlasting destruction.  
2. Therefore since the graces of God's Spirit are of all gifts the most excellent; this must cause us 1. To desire them most, earnestly to long after them, as Rachel after children, Gen. 30. 1. As the thirsty ground after water, the hungry soul after food, th', man that setteth in darkness after light Psa. 143.6. Psa. 42.12. Cant. 3.1. Isa. 26.8.9. 2. To use all diligence to get them, all business, set apart, all other gain neglected, let us seek to be partakers of Grace, of the Spirit, as the Wise men left their own country to come to Christ, the disciples left all to follow him, so let us take off our hearts from the world, from carnal friends, and from whatsoever is dear unto us, and seek to be endowed with heavenly riches; let us. Pro. 2.2. 3. Let us with David. Psal, 27.4. desire to dwell in the house of the Lord all our life, that we may behold the beauty of the Lord, & to inquire in his temple. Jer. 50.4. & Dan. 9.3. Let us by hearing, premeditation, fasting, and by all holy means seek this grace,  
3. Let us value it more highly than all the treasures of the earth, for Job. 28.19. Psa. 84.10. Psa. 119.72.  
4. Let us love it more entirely than any other endowment; give them the pre-eminence in our affections, the chiefest room in our hearts, let us enlarge desires of our hearts towards them, let us bestow the strength and quintessence of our love upon them, let us so affect them that with the Spouse, we be sick of love, Cant. 5.2. So love them that it make us long for them, Psal. 119.20. so love them that with Jacob we serve an apprenticeship for them.  
5. Let us rejoice and delight in it more than in all earthly treasure, as Matth. 2.10. So we to see any star of Grace appear in the heart, as Anna, 1. Sam. 2.1. So we for our new birth, thus Psa. 4.6.  
6. Let us receive it more thankfully, as Eccles. 16.1. Gal. 6.14.  
7. Let us treasure it up more carefully; when Achan had gotten a golden Wedge he hid it.  
8. Let us receive the saving graces of the Spirit more thankfully than any common endowments, and render more praise to God for this then for any other favour, let us be more thankful for our new birth then for noble birth, so for victory over sin then for conquest our all bodily enemies, for the riches of grace then for all worldly treasures, for knowledge, faith, love, meekness, patience, the joy of the spirit, then for all the choicest jewels, and most precious praises in the world. As we receiv a cup of pure and pleasant wine more thankfully than a cup of small water; a piece of gold more thankfully than a handful of ordinary and common earth; as Theodosius gave more thanks that he was a member of the Church than head of the Empire; so should we give more thanks that we are the members of Christ Jesus, than for the greatest earthly present whereunto the hand of the world can advance us: 
2 King. 5.  as Naman was thankful for the purging of his leprosy, so let us for the washing away of the filth of sin: 
Exod. 15.  as Moses sang praises to God for their deliverance from the hand of Pharaoh; so let us for our deliverance out of the hands of Satan; for the donation of the spirit and the grace wherewith we are enriched, Ephes. 1.3. This was the Saints practice, Col. 1.12, 13. We should say for this, as David did, 2 Sam. 7.18, 19, 20, 22. so should we come and stand before our God, and say, Who are we, O Lord God, that thou shouldest bring us hitherto, that of slaves thou shouldest make us thy free men, that of men dead in sin, putrified in the grave of corruption, thou shouldest raise us to a new life of thorns & briers thou shouldest make us fruitful and bearing vines, of strangers thou shouldest make us thine own adopted Children, of poor and blind & naked, thou shouldest make us rich with the saving grace of thy spirit: and this was yet a small thing, but thou hast also prepared everlasting mansions for us to dwell in, immortal crowns for us to wear upon our heads, a glorious & ever shining sun to give us light, 
Psal. 16.11.  even fullness of joy at thy right hand for ever: And what can we say unto thee, our God, for all these things? how can we sufficiently laud thee for thy goodness, for in this are all the motives and inducements of thankfulness. If you will sing for refreshment received in the day of drought, as Israël did for the spring of water, Num. 21.17. here is our wellspring of everliving water, Joh. 4.14. If ye will bless God for victory as Deborah and Baruc did, Jud. 5.1. Here is that which enableth you to tread Satan under foot, Rom. 16 20. and maketh you more than conquerors in all assaults, Rom. 8.36. If you will offer sacrifice and make vows as the heathen mariners for the appeasing of the tempestuous and raging Sea, Jona. 1.16. here is that which appeaseth a greater storm, which breedeth a sweeter peace, Phil. 4.7. If ye will give thanks for the opening of your eyes which were blind, as the blind man did, Joh. 9.38. here is that which openeth the eye of the understanding, enableth you to see the deep things of God, 1 Cor. 2 9.10. This is the sword which conquereth, the Physic which healeth, the music which delighteth, the milk which nourisheth, the wine which cheereth, the friend which comforteth, the hand which enricheth, therefore we should be thankful for this above all other blessings.  
7. Let us treasure up these gifts most carefully, as the husbandmen hide the good seed in the ground, that it may be preserved from the fowls of the aër, take root, and bring forth increase: as rich men lock up their jewels in strong chests, place them in close and sure rooms, that the hand of the thief may not reach them; so must we with all diligence hide, and with all carefulness keep the saving grace of the spirit; it is our choicest endowment, it will yield us most comfort, do us most good, stand us in most stead, as the people said of David, 2 Sam. 18.3. Thou art worth ten thousand of us: so the grace of the spirit is worth ten thousand of your sheep, oxen, gold and silver; therefore be as careful to keep it, as the people were to keep David, as a man would be to keep the apple of his eye, or his right hand. It was Solomon's charge to his Son, a charge often repeated to make him heedful of it. Proverb. 3.21. & 4.23. urged by our Saviour, Rev. 2.21. & 3.12. The like may be seen in Paul, Tit. 1.9. 1 Tim. 6.12.13.14. Satan, the the World, the Flesh will all strive to wrest from us the grace of the spirit, by force, by flattery, by promises and provocations: 
Jud. 16.16.  as Dalila laboured to cut away Samson's locks, so will these strive to rob us of God's saving grace; therefore we must give all diligence to keep it.  
8. Let all God's people be contented, how slender soëver their outward estate be, though you wash not your feet in butter, neither doth the rock yield any oil; though your root spread not out by the waters, nor the dew lay not all night upon your branch, though your outward glory be not fresh, nor the bow of your worldly strength renewed in your hand as Job's was, yet if your souls be washed in Christ's blood, if the, oil of grace be poured upon them, if the dew of God's grace rest upon them, if they grow in holiness as trees planted by the water's side, if the inward glory of the soul be fresh, if the strength of grace be renewed, if God's external ordinance & your internal grace be like the bow of Jonathan that turned not back, & the sword of Saul which returned not empty from the blood of the slain and from the fat of the mighty: if this conquer your corruptions, prevail against Satan and the world, though your earthly estate be like a small river, a lamp with little oil, a tree with few branches, yet having the saving grace of the Spirit, you have the best, having this they have enough. As God answered Paul, 2 Cor. 12.9. Complaining vers. 8. so may all men endued with the saving grace of the Spirit, if they complain of any want of absence of any outward good, or presence of any outward evil, be answered, The grace of God is sufficient: this is a feast to the hungry, Prov. 15.16. an inheritance to the poor, Psal. 119.111. armour to the assaulted, Ephes. 6.13. this is instead of all other blessings, as the sun is instead of all other lights, therefore all God's people should say as David did. Psal. 16.5.6. for 1. Tim. 6.8. and we should all resolve with Jacob. Gen. 28.20.21. grace is the best portion, the most abiding substance, the tree whose leaf doth never fade, the fountain whose waters are never dried up, the storehous which yieldeth the best riches, a garment like them once worn by Israel, it weareth not out with using, like the widow's barrel of meal and cruis of oil, it will feed & not consume, nor grow dry with drawing forth; a catalogue of blessings do ever attend it, the light of God's face (which ministereth more joy than the brightest Sun of worldly prosperity) doth always accompany it, a singular and satisfactory fullness is ever to be found in it, and therefore rest your selus contented with it. Prov. 19.23.  
Motives, quickening, stirring, moving, induceing, and leading us to the practice of all these duties may be drawn,  
1. From the dignity, Honour, Eminence, and Excellency of their estate above all other estates and conditions of men, and estate exceeding other estates, as far as life exceedeth death, as far as liberty excelleth bondage, light darkness, for others are dead in sin, Col. 1.22. bondmen to Satan, 2 Tim. 2.26. sitting in darkness and the shadow of death, Mat. 4.16. but these are alive to God, free from sin, Rom. 6.11.18. & have seen a glorious light, Isa 93. These have the most worthy and honourable original, they are the regenerate offspring of the everliving and most glorious God, Isa. 1.18. joh. 1.13. These have most honourable kindred, Heb. 2.11. Luk. 8.21. calling, 1 Tim. 1.9. 1 Pet. 2.9. These are not strangers but Sons, joh. 1.12. not rubbish but living stones in God's building, 1 Pet: 2.5. not thorns and briers in the forest, but fruitful and bearing trees in God's Orchard. Cant. 4.14. even trees of God's planting, Isa. 16.3. Holiness is the surest way to the best preferment, the only step to be unchangeably and gloriously advanced, this shall bring men (like joseph) out of the prison to be advanced into the second place not of an earthly but a heavenly kingdom, this shall make them shine as the Sun, Mat. 13.43. set a glorious crown upon their head, Rev. 2·10. for, Mat. 19.28. As Saul was the head of the people, so shall these be the head of all their brethren, Isa. 58.13.14. men do much for honour; be good, you shall be great.  
2. From the joy which doth accompany the true and saving grace of the spirit, the opening of the womb to the barren, of the prison to the captived, of the hand to the needy, the filling of poor with riches, of the diseased with health, of the heavie-hearted, glad tidings, of the hungry with the choicest delicates, cannot so warm the soul, so rejoice the heart, so solace the inward man as a gracious measure of true holiness. The joy of Anna for the birth of a child, 1. Sam. 2.1. the joy of Saul and the men of Israel, and the day of their enemy's overthrow and Saul's Coronation, 1 Sam· 11.15. the joy of the Citizens of Susan in the time of Haman. Est. 8.15. the joy of the rich man in filling his barns, Luk. 12.19. the joy of the Soldier in dividing the spoil Isa. 9.3. is not so great as the joy of the new birth & spiritual coronation of God's people, the overthrow of the holds of Satan, the filling of the soul with the saving graces of the spirit; this joy to other joys is as a full stream to a few drops, as a flaming fire to a few sparks, as a bright and shining Sun to the light of a candle, ready to extinguish, this is a full joy, joh. 16.24. great joy, Acts. 8.8. glorious and unspeakale joy, 1. Pet. 1.8. constant and abiding joy, joh. 15.11. a Sun which shineth when all other vanishing meteors of comfort are extinct, Prov. 13.9. all the causes of true joy do accompany a godly life, God's favour, God's presence, God's blessing, sense of God's goodness, assurance of a gracious issue out of all dangers.  
3. From the stability and steadfastness which doth attend it: men that are endued with true grace, are like a house upon a sure foundation, like a tree of deep roots uneasily moved, therefore likened to a tree by the water's side, Psal. 1.3. Psal. 52.8. and Pro. 14.11. they are held in a strong hand joh. 10.28. they are built upon a sure rock, Mat. 16.18. they are compassed about with a strong defence, Zech. 2.5. hence Psa. 31.20.21. 1. Sam. 2.9. Prov. otherwise Psal. 73.18, Hos. 13.3.  
4. From the presence of God vouchsafed to it: God's gracious presence is yielded only to such as are endued with true holiness, amongst them will he be as a General among his army, a shepherd among his flock, a teacher among his scholars, a father among his family, defending against adversaries power, instructing them in holy duties, encouraging them in all their undertake, feeding them with his ordinances, watering them with the dews of his spirit, he will frustrate all assaults of the enemy, Zeph. 3.15. he will fill the souls of his people with gladness, v. 17. make them a prais & glory among the people as flowers among the grass, as the lily among the thorns, Zech. 2.5. they shall enjoy all abundance, joël. 2.26.27. if they fall into affliction it shall not consume them, Exod. 3.4.  
5. From the happy, gracious, and comfortable issue whereunto it leadeth: how full of storms soëver the sea be, yet it always bringeth to a peaceable haven; though the seed twice be full of tares, yet the harvest is ever replenished with joy; though the godly man meet at first (like Samson) with a lion, yet at length he shall seed upon the hony-comb of consolation; though he pass like Israël through the red sea, the wilderness jordan, yet he shall have a land that floweth with milk and honey; though he now wear a crown of thorns, yet he shall hereafter wear a crown of glory; though his drink be now mingled with gall and bitterness, yet he shall drink out of the river of God's pleasures; though David was long oppressed, yet at length he attained the Kingdom; though the three children were cast into the fiery furnace, yet they attained honour in the province of Babylon. So Isa. 65.13.14.15 Isa. 35.4.5.10. Ecl. 8.11.12.  
From the gift descend we to take notice of the measure of the gift: not scantly, slenderly, sparingly, but above measure, abundantly, plentifully, fully. Whence learn,  
Doctr. That Christ Jesus was superabundantly filled withal heavenly gifts and graces. As the Sun in the firmament is full of light and brightness, so is the Son of righteousness full of true holiness, and even according to his humane nature exceedingly filled with all goodness, even full of the holy ghost, as the fountain is full of waters. This fullness of his was many ways evident: 1. by the fullness of his wisdom, his lamp was full of oil, it gave a very great light, a light enlightening all the world, a wisdom breeding admiration in them that saw it, Mat. 13.54 a wisdom whereby, as the Psalmist saith of himself, Psal. 119.98.99. so and much more may it be verified of Christ; for in him, Col. 23. and joh. 1.18. hath a most full and intimate knowledge of God.  
2. By the fullness of his power, it was not a withered arm, but an arm endued with fullness of strength, able like David to conquer the Bear, the Lion, the great Goliath, able to dash his enemies in pieces like a potter's vessel, Psa. 29. a stone hewn out of the mountains, breaking in pieces the image representing the glory, riches, and strength of all kingdoms. Dan. 2.44. Able to heal the sick, raise the dead, ransom the captived, nothing was too hard for him.  
3. By the fullness of his holiness, his face had neither spot not wrinkle, there was no defilement stuck in his garment, his soul was a field, no tares mingled with his wheat, a garden all flowers, no weed, a tree all bearing, no barren withered, no unfruitful branch upon it, as it is said of Absalon, 2. Sam. 14.25. so it is 1. Pet. 2.22. joh. 14.30. 1. Pet. 1.19.4. by the fullness of his love, a love like a full Sea, a flaming fire, a strong Chariot, that drew him from heaven to earth, from the highest honour to the deepest ignominy, from a paradise of pleasures, to a wilderness of sorrows: his love to us, of a Lord caused him to become a servant, Philip. 2.7. of a Sovereign a subject, Gal. 4.4. of rich poor, 2 Cor. 8.9. of a joyful man, a man of sorrows, Mat. 26.38. It brought him from the throne to the cross; from the highest heavens, to the lowest parts of the earth, Joh. 15.13. Joh. 15.9. As the Father so loved him, that he communicated all good things to him, sustained him under affliction, and delivered him from the power of hell and the grave; so doth the Son so love us, that he imparteth all good things to us, beareth us up in all our distresses, and delivereth us from all miseries. 5. By the fullness of his patience, he was the mirror of meekness, the perfect pattern of true humility, Isa. 53.7. 1 Pet. 2.23. He was one in whom patience had her perfect work, Jam. 1.5. patient in poverty, patient in ignominy, patient in sorrowfulness, patient in doing, patient in suffering, patient in life, patient in death; the patience of Job and the Prophets was marvellous, yet as 2 Cor. 3.10 so their patience compared with his, was no patience; therefore well might he propose himself for an example, Mat. 11.29. and thus full of all grace it was requisite our Saviour should be.  
1. In regard of the holy, precise, exact and perfect rule of the Law, which he was to fulfil; every letter of his life must without any the least variation answer the copy; every faculty of the soul, the disposition of the whole man must be suitable to this frame, every thought of his heart, every motion of his affection, every word of his mouth, every deed of his life, must be as arrows falling neither under nor above, but fully pitching upon this mark, therefore Gal. 4.5. Matth. 5.17.  
2. In regard of the love God beareth unto him, and wonderful delight which he had in him; as Elkanah, 1 Sam. 1.4, 5. as Joseph, Gen. 43.24. so our God giveth portions of grace to all his children; but to Christ he gave a worthy portion, more than five times as ample as to any of his brethren, because he had a more abundant love to him, Isa. 42.1 Mat. 3.17.  
3. In regard of the Office he had undertaken▪ to be a Mediator between God and man, a peacemaker, by appeasing of God's wrath in suffering for man, by making him just, Phillip 3.9. by being found clothed not in their own, but in the righteousness of Christ: the party dying and satisfying the law for another, must be innocent, and not, die for his own offence; the righteousness which maketh another just, must be free from all blemish, therefore 1 Pet. 3.18. 2 Cor. 5.21.  
4. In regard of our emptiness; we were all poor, and therefore it behoved him to have a full hand to make us rich: we were all blind, and therefore it was requisite he should be full of knowledge to make us wise: we were all sick, and therefore it was needful he should be a skilful Physician to make us whole: all unclean, and therefore behooveful he should be full of holiness to make us pure: all captivated and dead in sin, and therefore needful he should be full of power to ransom us. Hence that prophecy, Isa. 61.1. that invitation, Rev. 3.17, 18. Isa. 55.1. for Joh. 1.16. Eph. 1.21, 22.  
5. In regard of the enemies he was to conquer; Sin, Satan, Hell, Death; trees not able to be rooted up by any mortal hand, walls not able to be beaten down by any cannon shot, fetters not to be broken by any created strength, enemies not conquerable by the most valiant among men: as all Israel trembled till David came, 1 Sam, 17. so Heb. 2.14. this is the Moses dividing the waters, Exod. 14.21. this is the Samson bearing away the gates of Gaza, this is the David delivering his sheep, this is the Cyrus opening the two leaved gates, Isa. 45.1. this is the Angel bringing Peter out of prison, Act. 12.7.  
6. In regard of the depth of God's counsels which are to be opened; a well whereof none can drink, before Christ roll away the stone, as Jacob did, from the wells mouth; a riddle which cannot be unfolded, unless we plow with God's spirit; a sealed book, which none but the lion of the tribe of Juda can open; a vision, which none of the Astrologers, only Joseph and Daniel, can interpret it: for Mat. 11.27.  
7. In regard of the ministration of his kingdom, and government of his Church and people: none so great a charge, so many people to rule, so many great and strong enemies to oppose, subdue and conquer; therefore he is said to be girded with the sword Justice; by his Word, the sword of the spirit, striking the hearts of rebellious people, to bring them into subjection, to ride upon the word of Truth, by the ministry of the Gospel defending his chosen, beating down sin and superstition, working many wonders, striking terror into the hearts of his enemies, and for the accomplishment hereof, he is said to anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows, to have received more grace than all men or angels, Psal. 45.3, 4, 5, 6, 7. for thus also it is said, that the spirit of God doth rest upon him, filling him with all heavenly gifts and graces, the spirit of wisdom, fullness of knowledge in the things of God, the spirit of understanding, promptness and readiness to know all things of what nature or condition soever; the spirit of counsel, faculty and quicksightedness to free himself out of all perplexities; the spirit of might, courage to teach the truth, and to oppose, shake and overthrow all falls doctrine, and to reprove their wicked conversation; the spirit of knowledge, a sure and firm understanding of things; the spirit of fear, filial, cheerful and perfect obedience, Isa. 11.2, 3, 4.  
Observe. Isa. 512. 1. In external appearance, he was outwardly of low estate, Phil. 2.6, 7. but the more contemptible he was in his outward condition, the more evident was the work of the God head manifesting itself therein. 2. He wanted beauty in the eyes of carnal men; the sun seemeth not beautiful to the blind, but to such as have the eye of understanding savingly enlightened, he is the fairest of ten thousand, Cant. 5. vers. 10.  
Use. This by way of instruction showeth where to go to have all our spiritual wants supplied and furnished: Christ is the fountain in whom the Father hath put all fullness, he is the Physician that can cure us when we are diseased, the Conqueror able to deliver us when we are captived, the Counsellor able to advise us when we are doubtful, he is the Teacher which can instruct us when we are ignorant, Isa. 9.6. therefore when all the cisterns of the world are broken, holding no water, when no physician can cure us, when all storehouses are empty, and no hand can enrich us, when all lips are shut, and no tongue can comfort us, when all waters, like Abana and Pharphar have no healing virtue, no cleansive power; then, like the woman, Mark 5.11. let us come to Christ; like Naaman, 2 King. 5.14. let us come to the Jordan of his blood: for in his hand there is power to heal the wounded soul, in his blood is efficacy to purge away the filth of sin, which no nitre can purge; in his word is virtue to comfort the troubled soul, which no voice of man or angel can quiet, Isa. 50.4 in him (as the Apostle saith) dwelleth the fullness of the Godhead bodily, Col. 2.9. in him it hath pleased the Father that all fullness should dwell, Col. 1.19. all fullness, both for number and measure of graces: there is in Christ an absolute compleatness, 1. In respect of members, Ephes. 1.23. 2. In respect of inhabitation of the divine nature, Col. 2.9. 3. In respect of power and authority over all both in heaven and earth, Mat. 28.4. In respect of merit. 5. In respect of grace; in him is fullness of wisdom to make us wise, fullness of redemption to make us free, fullness of righteousness to make us just, fullness of sanctification to make us holy; and he is made to us of God, 1 Cor. 1.30. therefore to him let us come, Mat. 11.28.  
2. This by way of confutation, reproveth and confuteth all Saint-worshippers and Meritmongers: in Christ is all fullness; there needeth no supply from Saint, Angels, or Works; a fullness is no where to be had but only in Christ, he is able to save us to the utmost, his royal robes are long enough to cover us, his arm is strong enough to deliver us, he needeth not another to be joined with him; he trod the wine-press of his Father's wrath alone, Isa. 63. he is the lamb slain from the beginning of the world, which taketh away the sin of all believers in the world, John 1.29. neither Saint nor Angel, but Christ hath purged away our sin, and is set down at the right hand of God, Heb. 1.3. he maketh reconciliation, Heb 2.17. he offered himself, Heb. 7.27. all other are broken cisterns, weak shields, such as will not cover us in the day of God's anger: therefore it is not kiss the Saints, but the Son, Psal. 2.12.  
3. By way of exhortation, this seemeth to stir up men to labour for fullness of grace, to be replenished in measure, as Christ is above measure: as the members of the body are answerable to the head, the branches in the tree answerable to the fullness of the juice in the root of the tree; so we, who are members of the body whereof Christ is head: branches in the true vine should labour a blessed fullness of all graces; we should strive to be full of knowledge, as the sea full of waters, Isa. 11.9. abundant in love, 1 Thess. 3.12. perfect in patience, Isa. 1.5. full of joy and peace in the holy Ghost, Rom. 15.13. full of faith in believing God's promises, full of courage in maintaining God's truth against all opposition, Act. 6.8. rich in all good works, 1 Tim. 6.18. like trees bearing much fruit, lamps holding much oil, vessels filled with good liquor; like travellers going forward, like rich men building their barns greater, enlarging our hearts more and more towards God and his ways; this is the Apostle's charge, 2 Pet. 3.18. this is Saint Paul's earnest entreaty, 1 Thes. 4.1. and for increase of grace of grace we should strive.  
1. Because the more grace, the more sweetness shall we find; the more consolation shall draw from the ordinances of God, the more health; the more comfort doth the body find in the food prepared for it; the more perfect the eye, the more pleasure it taketh in the light of the sun which it beholdeth: the ordinances of God do good to them that are good, Mic. 2.7. to those they are sweet, Psal. 119.103. joyous, Jer. 15.16. comfortable tidings, Rom. 10.15. holiness maketh God's ordinances to the soul, like the chariots which Joseph sent to Jacob, an occasion of reviving, Gen. 48.25. like a wellspring to the thirsty, like dew to the ground, like a feast to the hungry, Psal. 65.4. Cant. 2.4.  
2. The more grace, the more comfort we shall have in God's presence, the more clearness we shall behold in God's countenance; the more obedient the child is, the more favourably his parent looketh on him; the more profitably the servant doth employ his talon, the more acceptable he is to his Master: so the more full of grace, the more God will love us, the more comfortably will he speak to our souls and couscifences, the more graciously will he manifest himself unto us, make us glad, Psal. 21.6. Job 33.26. he will speak to our consciences, as the master to the good servant in the parable, Mat. 25.23. for God will make his face to shine upon them that serve him, Psal. 31.16. so that when they come before him, have prayed meditated, heard his word, etc. they shall say, as Jacob of Esau, Gen. 33.10.  
3. The more grace, the more peace in our own conscience, the more boldness towards God: it is neither riches, nor learning, nor friends, nor any thing else but grace that can establish the heart, Heb. 13.9. other stays are but like Sampson's withes, easily broken as thread; this is the anchor which stayeth the ship of the soul, the foundation which beareth it up, the sun which giveth it comfort, the fountain which yieldeth it refreshment; this filleth the soul with peace in hearing, in praying; in doing; in suffering; Righteousness and Peace, like two twins, are born at one birth; like Ruth and Naomi, they go together, they walk in one way, dwell under roof, Psalm 85.10. Psal. 116.165. Mal. 2.6. Isa. 32.14.  
4. The more grace, the more patiently they shall bear all affliction; this, like Moses' rod, will divide and make a way through the deepest waters of trouble; like Noah's ark, it will keep the soul from sinking; this will make them, with Paul and Silas, to sing in prison, to rejoice that they are accounted worthy to suffer for Christ; to esteem it all joy to fall into manifold temptations, this will enable to receive affliction, as a purgation, to remove their corruption, as a testimony of God's love, as a seal of their living righteous in Jesus Christ; this will assure them of a happy passage out of all troubles.  
5. The most grace, the more delight they shall have in doing the will of God, in performance of all sacred and religious duties; the more strength there is in the body, the more easily the traveller passeth on his way; the fuller the wing is of feathers, the easier the flight is to the bird: so the fuller the soul is of grace, the more pleasantly he doth run the race of God's commandments; this maketh him say with Samuel, 1 Sam. 3.10. with the Psalmist, Psal. 40.8. this will make the commandment easy, Mat. 11.29. 1 Joh. 5.3.  
4. This serveth by way of consolation, to cheer up the souls of God's people in all estates; the fullness and sufficiency of Christ may be as a tree loaden with much fruit for the feeding of the hungry; a fountain filled with pleasant water for the refreshment of the thirsty; a lamp full of oil to give light to them that are in darkness; a singular stay, a strong supportment to God's servants.  
1. Against all wants: if they want wisdom, Christ is a glorious daystar full of heavenly light, able to discover the deepest mysteries, and make them like words written in great characters, so that he that runneth may read them, able so to elevate the lowest capacity, that it shall clearly discern things heavenly; counsel is his, and sound wisdom, he is understanding itself, Prov. 8.14. in him are all treasures of knowledge, Col 23. he hath opened the eyes of the blind, and made them that sat in darkness to see a great light, it was prophesied that in his time, Isa. 92.4. Isa. 35.5. Isa. 11.9. and as Pharaoh said of Joseph, Gen. 41.38, 39 there is not another to be found in whom the spirit of God is, as it is in Christ; none in heaven or earth, neither Saint nor Angel so discreet, so wise as he; the greatest wisdom in the world is to his wisdom, but like the wisdom of a child to the wisdom of the choicest statesman; like the light of a candle to the light of the sun; therefore if we want wisdom how to prevent, avoid, and save our selus from treacherous adversaries, how to order our conversations, how to manage our callings wherein we are placed, how to employ the talon we have received, how to discern the things which differ, how to understand the deep things of God; let us come to Christ, let us set our selus to school to him, and in him is fullness of knowledge, he is our head, he will not leave his members in ignorance.  
2. If thy faith be weak, if it be withered like Jeroboam's hand, 1 King. 13.4. if it shake like the hand of a palsy man, if thy soul be full of doubtings, as the sea of toss, if thy heart be full of agitations and rollings hither and thither like a ship without anchor; yet as the man of God prayed, and Jeroboam's hand was made whole as the other: as our Saviour cured the palsy man; so in him is fullness of ability to make thy faith strong like a tree of deep root, like a house of sure foundation, Mat. 7. like the arm of a strong man, he can make thee more than conqueror; he can so fasten the ship of thy soul, that thou shalt not be moved; he can so fill thee, so affect thee with the sense of God's love, that thou shalt say, Rom. 8.38, 39 he can strengthen thee to do all things. Phil. 4 13. he can establish and settle thy soul. 1 Pet. 5.10. Rom. 16.24, 25. 2 Thes. 4.3.  
3. If they want peace, sens and assurance of God's love, and joy in God's spirit; if their souls be as a stormy sea, like a sick man upon his bed, full of toss; like Israël stung with fiery serpents, in a condition altogether restless; like a hunted hare or chased hart, like David hunted by Saul as a partridge, like a besieged city full of fears, like Israël's bearing heavy burdens, working in an iron furnace, like the dove seeking a place to rest her foot and finding none, complaining, Psal. 38.3. in trouble, Job 30 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31. yet remember in Christ is all fullness, he is the Prince of peace, Isa. 9.6. Ephes. 2.14. he can, Mat 8.27. he is the brazen serpent, Numb. 21.8, 9 he is the physician, Isa. 61.1. the true Samaritan, Luke 10.30. therefore comfort thyself, come to him as those of Gibeon to Joshua, Jos. 10 6. and Christ shall remove the siege.  
4. If they want holiness, if corruption like a strong disease do waste and spoil the vigour of the soul, like an evil weed do overspread the garden of their hearts, like a foul spot do blemish their face, like a strong tyrant do lead them captive, like a heavy burden, fetters and tumbling blocks, do hinder them in holy duties, and make them go slowly about the performance of sacred exercises, if they hang like birdlime about the wings of the soul, as Canaanites in Israël's sides; yet let this sustain them, let this revive them, in Christ is all fullness of holiness, he hath healing in his wings, Mal. 4.2. he is like, Mal. 3.2, 3, 4. Isa. 35.6, 7, 8. he can, Mat. 1.21. Tit. 2.14. 1 Joh. 3, 8. as Joh. 11.44. he can bring you out of the grave of your corruption, though no nitre can purge you, yet Jerem. 2.22. yet he, Ephes. 5.25, 26.  
5. If they want temporal endowments, our outward estate be slender, our wealth small, our love, friends, honour, respect and place in the world nothing at all; if our outward abilities be like waters in a dry summer at a low ebb, like the heat of fire arising from a little wood, like the light of a lamp wherein is but little oil, though our backs be clothed with camel's hair, a leathern girdle, sheepskins, goatskin, or vile raiment, though we feed with pulls, barley bread, or a few fish, have nothing but a little oil in the cense, a little m●a● in our barrel, though with David we be set behind the ewes, with Amos be gatherers of Sycamore fruit; with Gideon, our family be poor among the families of the earth, and we the least in our Father's house; though with Jacob, we have but a stone whereon to lay our heads; with our Saviour, have no room in the inn of this world, (where none but they that have store of money in their purse are welcome) though we have nothing but a manger to rest in; yet remember that in Christ the head of the body whereof ye are members, the Master of the family whereof ye are sons & daughters, the husband of the souls, in him is all fullness, he is the heir of all things, Heb. 1.3. he is the maker, the preserver of all, the great Lord treasurer of the world, in him (saith the Apostle) all things consist, Col. 1.16. in respect of conservation, he continueth them in their being; in respect of precept, he prescribeth the laws by which nature, policy and religion are governed; in respect of operation, in that all things move by the influence of his hand; in respect of ordination, he appointeth all things to their end; in respect of disposition, he disposeth the means to the end intended; and therefore since all things are in him, thus dispensed by him, let us say in our needs, as the prodigal in his wants, Luke 15.17, 10. there is enough in Christ, and therefore let this sustain us.  
2. As this comforteth against all wants, so it is full of consolation against all evils; if we be full of sin, the blood of Christ is full of virtue to purge it out, 1 Joh. 1.7. Heb. 9.14. Zach. 13.1, 2. If the law be full of exactness and rigour, all the letters thereof written in blood, every sentence, a sentence of death, though it stand like the Cherubin and flaming sword to keep us from entering into eternal life, as that kept the way to the tree of life, Gen. 3.24. yet in Christ is righteousness exactly to answer every title of it, he hath fullness to satisfy it, so that it becometh as a serpent without sting, as a sword without edge, it cannot condemn the people of God; though God be a consuming fire, yet in the merits of Christ is fullness enough to appears his anger, to procure his favour, to turn his angry into a pleasant voice, his frowning into a shining face, of an enemy to make him a friend, of one dreadful as a lion, to make him gentle as a lamb, of a stranger, to make him the loving husband of our souls; though Satan assault with violence, though his holds be strong, his weapons venomous, his attempts incessant, his devices deep, his instruments subtle, his stratagems treacherous yet in Christ there is all fullness to prevail against him, to put him to flight, to drive him to his den, to roll a stone upon his cave, and tread upon his neck, as Joshua did upon the five Kings of Canaan. Jos. 10.18, 24. cast him down in his own pursuit, as he did the Egyptians Pharaoh, Exod. 14.24. disarm him as David did Goliath, 1 Sam. 17.51. Col. 2.15. Eph. 4.8. if our enemies be strong, many, violent, merciless, and we have no power, no helper, no way to fly but begin to despair, to hang down the head and lose all our comfort, then look upon Christ's fullness, and as Elisha said to his fearing, disquieted and perplexed servant, 2 King. 6.16, 17. so may you say to your own souls; for Christ will be with you, stand by you, work for you, and overthrow all such as rise against you, Isa. 54.17. Psal. 2.9. the stoutest opposers, the greatest disputers, the most bloody persecutors, iron-handed oppressors, and iron-hearted and brasen-faced despisers shall by the Lord Jesus be scattered as the chaff, trodden down as the dung, rooted up as thorns and briers, thrown out as the salt which hath lost his savour, and is good for nothing but the dunghill, therefore Mat. 18.6. Isa. 35.3. these and the like are the streams of consolation which flow from that full fountain of all goodness which is in Christ Jesus, this is the pleasant and soul refreshing fruits which grow upon this tree of life, the delightful and heart-rejoicing beams which descend to the souls of God's people from this sun; therefore let us all strive for interest in him, communion with him; let us in all estates depend upon him, in every condition rest our selus contented with him: he hath fullness of riches for all his faithful that are now poor, fullness of honour for all that are now in ignominy, fullness of peace for all his that are now in trouble, fullness of joy for all that are now in heaviness, fullness of liberty for all that are now in bonds, fullness of power to deliver all his which are in any distress: for   

Verse 35. The father loveth the son, and hath given all things into his hands.  
THe Baptist having set before his disciples the authority of Christ, the commission which the father gave him to undertake the great and mighty work of our salvation, having also declared the sufficiency of Christ, the abundant effusion of the saving grace of the Spirit upon him, descendeth now to discover and lay open the ground hereof, even the love of God, as if he had said, The Father hath wonderfully enriched the Son with many choice and singular endowments, bestowed upon him a rich storehous of all graces; and why hath he done so, because he loved the Son: so that from the coherence of this with the former vers, we may learn  
Doctr. That the bestowing of the saving gifts and graces of the Spirit is the choicest testimony of the love of God; a greater testimony of the love of God to fill the vessels of the soul with sanctification, then to fill the barn with corn, the fold with sheep, the stall with oxen, the chest with gold, the life with pleasure, or to set upon the head a crown of worldly honour; therefore when God entered into Covenant with his people, promised to be their God, and took them above all the people of the earth, he doth not promise them a paradise of pleasures to dwell in, a river of worldly delights to drink of, a wardrobe of rich raiment, a treasury of gold and silver, an eminent place of worldly honour, but the grace of the spirit, a holy fear to displeas him, a holy care to walk uprightly before him, Jer. 32.38, 39, 40, 41. this is prophesied to be the sequel of God's love to his people, Jer. 31. is the promise of his love, ver. 3. the testimony of it, ver. 8, 9 I will bring them from the north country and all the coasts of the earth; literally from Babylon, Assyria, and the Medes, where they were detained captive; spiritually from the slavery and bondage of sin and Satan; and when will he bring the blind who cannot see the ways, the commandments of the Lord; the lame, who cannot walk aright in the path of his precepts; the woman with child, such as feel themselves heavy loaden with the burden of their sin, and did much long like a woman in travel to be delivered, and he that traveleth with the child the broken hearted, afflicted, and such as want spiritual strength to do good? but how in what manner shall they come from their bondage? with weeping, grief for their sin, and with supplication, with prayer for the remission of sin: but by what way shall they be led? by the rivers of the water, their spiritual thirst after rightetousness shall be quenched by the preaching of the Gospel, and their souls watered and refreshed by the dews of the Spirit in a right way by the doctrine of life, wherein is no terror, no obliquity,; and for why shall all this be? for I a father to Israël, and Ephraïm is my firstborn, that is, I love them with a most intimate affection, they are very dear unto me, and therefore I will bestow this spiritual favour upon them: this the Prophet Hosea after a metaphorical manner doth most lively and elegantly express, Hos. 14. v. 4. first he maketh mention of the freedom of God's love toward them; then he setteth forth the consequences thereof, the fruit growing on this tree of God's love, the gifts given by this hand of God so full of love unto them: and first by the similitude of a Physician healing; he setteth out the free remission of their sin; by the similitude of the dew, the grace of the Spirit regenerating and quickening to new obedience; by the similitude of the growing of the lily, which is an effect of the dew, he setteth out the adorning of the faithful with heavenly graces, that so both they and their services might cast a sweet savour in God's nostrils; by the similitude of casting out of roots as Lebanon, he expresseth their constancy and perseverance in the grace of the Spirit, notwithstanding all temptations; by the similitude of spreading their branches, he declareth their increase of the Church both in graces and also in persons, the great glory of the Church, and the sweet savour which they should send forth both in the nostrils of God & also of men; by the similitude of sitting under his shadow, he expresseth the safety, security and peace which they should enjoy under the protection of Christ; by the similitude taken from the reviving of the corn, he showeth their growth in grace, even by the storms and tempests of affliction which fall upon us; by the similitude of the growing of the Vine and sent of Lebanon, he proposeth the zeal of the godly and the fragrancy of their conversation, so that the forgiveness of sin, regeneration, sanctified and acceptable obedience, constancy in the way of God's commandments, growth in grace, joy and peace in the holy Ghost, zeal and courage for God's truth, these are gifts which (above all the gifts in the world) do testify the love of God: therefore 1 Joh. 3.1, 2. Eph. 2.4, 5.  
Reas. Because these of all gifts are the most excellent; these are as the Spouse said of our Saviour, Cant. 2.2. Cant. 5.10. as the appletree among the trees of the forest, the fairest of ten thousand: therefore called by the Apostle, the best gifts, 1 Cor. 12.31. preferred by Joh, above the choicest treasure locked up in the bowels of the earth, Job 28.16. by Solomon, before the chiefest riches in the custody of the merchant, Prov. 3.14. though other gifts are in their kind excellent, and of great comfort to such as can rightly apply apply them; yet as Prov. 31.29. so many other endowments deserve much commendation, but the saving grace of the Spirit excelleth them all.  
2. Because these gifts of all other are the most rare, most proper, and peculiar to God's own children; these are precious pearls given to a few, they are flowers growing in few gardens, a seed sown but in few fields, stars shining in the firmament of few men's souls, 2 Thes. 3.2. earthly endowments are a liquor put into every vessel, a sion graffed on every stock, a seed sown on every field; but these are bestowed only on the elect, Tit. 1.1.  
3. Because these gifts do bring a man nighest to God; in likeness of nature these make a man holy as God is holy, for the truth, though not for the measure of holiness: these make a man like God, as the child is like the parent, as the aër is like the sun, therefore 2 Pet. 1.4. being holy, wise, simple, sincere, immortal as God is; not in perfection, but in truth; not independently, but by communication: hereby we have fellowship with God, walk with him, have our conversation in heaven, are of God's counsel, Psal. 25 9 are his friends, Joh. 15.15. enjoy the light of his face, Psal. 21.6. a man may have all other gifts, be furnished with all other abilities, and yet be a stranger to God and Christ, Eph. 1.12.  
4. Because these gifts of all other gifts are the most pleasant, the most delightful and full of comfort, this maketh the soul of a Christian cheerful, and full of rejoicing, Lu. 10.20. Isa. 55.12, 13. 1 Pet. 1.8. Isa. 4.6.  
5. Because these gifts are of all others the most satisfactory and contenting, these like living springs do abundantly fill the vessel of their souls, like clouds full of rain they quench the thirst of the heart, as they doth dry and barren grounds, like trees loaden with plenty and variety of all good fruit they fill the hungry stomach; therefore likened to a living spring, whose waters never fail, Jo. 4.14. to milk and wine, which quench the thirst, Isa. 55.1. to a of the choicest dainties both filling and delighting the hungry soul, Isa. 25.6. to great gain, which quieteth the heart though enlarged with strong desires, 1 Tim. 6.6. when all other gifts like water to a dropsy man do inflame their thirst, and make them cry like a horseleech, and make them miserable as the grave, Pro. 30.15, 16. then they who have the grace of the Spirit are satisfied, as the child that sucketh milk from a full breast, Isa. 66.11. this is promised Psal. 22.26. where the Psalmist alluding to the sacrifices and feasts among the Jews showeth, as they fed delicately, filled themselves plenteously; so the people of God fed with the preaching of the Gospel, and administration of the Sacraments, should be abundantly filled with all heavenly comforts, with all saving gifts and graces, so filled that they should be therewith satisfied: the like expression to this is used Psal. 23.5, 6. the Psalmist thereby setting forth the large measure of grace which God conferred on him, the abundant holy joy, and rejoicing wherewith the Lord did replenish him  
6. Because these gifts are of all other gifts the most profitable; these like the Ark to Obed Edom, like Joseph to Potiphar, do cause all we have, all we do to prosper. The Apostle doth excellently express it, where he saith, godliness is profitable to all things, having the promise of this life, and of that which is to come, 1 Tim. 4.8. godliness profitable, helpful to every duty, to every estate and condition of life; it is profitable to us when we hear, it causeth our hearts to be to the word as good ground to the seed, as a healthy stomach to the food, it maketh the Word to us as the light to the eye, very pleasant and delightful: as music to the ear very comfortable, as a joyful tidings to the sorrowful, for Mica. 2.7. 2. It is profitable to us when we pray; it maketh us to come before the Lord with confidence, 1 John 3.20, 21. it enlargeth the desires of our souls, strengtheneth our affections, and maketh them more fervent, carrying them towards God like a strong flood which cannot be stopped, maketh the cry of our souls vehement, maketh them as incense the smoke of sweet wood in God's nostrils, Jam. 5.16. this is like Aaron and Hur to Moses, Exod. 17.12, 14. 3. It is profitable to us when we are assaulted, it enableth us to draw nigh to God with fullness of assurance, Heb. 10.22. it maketh us confident, bold and courageous, Prov. 28.1. It defendeth us like a breast plate, Ephes. 6.14. it is an Ark in the Deluge. 4. It is profitable when we are in any affliction, It maketh all troubles to be as fire to the gold, fan to the corn, the fiery furnace to the three children an occasion of nearer communion with God, holiness to God's people in the time of trouble is as Moses rod making a way through the red sea, opening the stony rock, as the tree making the bitter waters sweet, as the meal making the pot which was full of death to become full of health, as a wise Physician maketh a healthful and healing medicine of that which in itself is very poison. 5. It is profitable when we are to perform any sacred duty it is to us as wings to the bird, as horsemen an chariots to travellers, as wind, tide, sails to the mariner, as art, skill, and strength to him that undergoeth the labour of handicraft, it strengtheneth, enliveneth, and enableth the soul with a singular readiness, & marvellous joy, great content, and unspeakable delight to run that race, fulfil that task with God hath set him, 1 John 5.3. Psa. 40.8. Psal. 108.3. and Jud. 5.2. 6. It is profitable in the collection, gathering, receiving, affective fruition, and using of all outward blessings, it teacheth us to gain them lawfully, to affect them moderately, to rejoice in them sparingly, to use them holily, to order our selus in all our businesses religiously, wisely, graciously, as becometh the Gospel of God, making all outward blessings occurrents and occasions to be as feet to help us forward, and not as stumbling blocks to occasion our fall, to be as a garment not a burden, as a cup whereof to drink to refreshment, not a sea wherein to drown our selus. 7. It is profitable in sickness, in death: holiness enableth us to die with comfort, to embrace it as the most welcome of all guests, to look upon it as a friend of a most lovely countenance, as a messenger bringing most joyful tidings, as a Physician curing all diseases, as a key opening the gates, giving liberty from all troubles, entrance into all happiness, as the marriage day of our souls, this will make us (with Faninus the Italian) to kiss death as he kissed the traitor which brought him tidings of his execution: these are the fruits which grow on this and the like branches, this is the gain which is gathered out of this treasury, no gift so profitable; therefore no gift so sure a pledge of God's love to his people.  
7. Because these gifts are of all other gifts the most lasting, these are gifts without repentance, that know no change Rom. 11.29. a living spring that never faileth, Joh. 4.14. a seed that never dieth, 1 Joh. 3.9. a jewel which never consumeth, Prov. 4.18. a sun that never setteth; all other gifts of whatsoëver kind, worth or excellency, are but like a cloud soon dispelled, a vessel of clay soon broken, a sandy foundation soon sunk, but they who are endued with the saving graces of the Spirit, like trees of deep roots shall surely stand, like trees planted by the water side, they shall not wither, but shall be as the green olive, Psal. 52.8. as rich treasure in a strong hand, Job 10.28. God's covenant shall have no end, his grace shall never die, Jer. 32.39, 40. so that in all these respects, the holy and saving graces of God's Spirit are the chiefest testimony of God's love.  
Use. This will therefore discover unto us plainly; assure us undoubtedly, make us see infallibly who they are that are best beloved of God, who are the joy of his heart, the dearly beloved of his soul; not the men who have the largest earthly possessions, but they whose souls are replenished with most holiness; not they who are endowed with most lordship and authority over their brethren, but they who have most sway and dominion over their corrupt affections, the most holy, the most religious, the most sincere in heart, the most sanctified in their conversation, these are God's dear ones; God regardeth not the rich man for his abundance, the noble man for his birth, the great man for his high place, the wise man for his policy, these are in the eyes of God stars of no brightness, flowers of no beauty, pearls of no price, load stones of no virtue to draw the love of God towards the souls of men; he is moved with none of these things, Deut. 10.17. the best common abilities without saving grace are but like glorious apparel about a dead carcase unable to move any affection, or to beget desire of communion; the greatest living man will rather enter fellowship and hold communion with the poorest living beggar then with the dead carcase of the greatest princes of the world, though clothed in most rich and royal raiment: so will God have fellowship with and set his eyes upon the poorest soul that hath the life of grace in him, then with the most renowned commander on earth, being a stranger to the life of God; for Job 34.19. it is only true piety which maketh us dear and precious in God's eyes, which moveth God to fasten his affection upon us, and to delight himself in us; men may be admired by men for their endowments, because men judge according to external appearance, as 1 Sam. 16.6. but as vers 7. so God looketh not on men because tall in honours, high in external callings, great through a worldly abundance, but the holy man is the object of God's affection, Psal. 146.8. these are God's choice, Jam. 2.5. these are God's delight, Pro. 11.20. these are a diadem and a crown of glory in God's hand, Isa. 62.3. to these doth he look, with these doth he delight to dwell, Isa. 57.15. Joh. 14 23, 24. these are unto Christ in stead of all others, Mat. 12.50. And indeed upon whom hath the cloud of God's love distilled, on whom hath the light of his countenance shined, towards whom have the infallible testimonies of God's favour been manifested, but only to such as are endued with the saving gifts and graces of his Spirit, to whom hath he vouchsafed his presence as a father among his children, as a shepherd among his flock, as the sun among the stars in the firmament, surely only to such as fear him, Psal. 46.5. Zeph. 3.15. Gen. 28.12. upon whom doth he cast forth the light of his countenanee? whose soul doth he affect with the since of his love, but only such as by a lively faith embrace his promises, and keep their feet within the way of his commandments, Psal. 11.7. Rom. 5.5. to whom doth he make his Word a joyful tidings, a healing salve, a sweet savour, but only to such as pass their time in his fear, order their conversation in a holy manner, to them the meditation thereof is sweet, Psal. 104.34. common favours indeed are vouchsafed to the bad, as the rain falleth on the bad ground as well as the good, Mat. 5.45. but the special pledges of God's love are conferred only upon the righteous, Psal. 50.16.  
But it may be you will say, That riches and honours, and these external favours, that they are also blessings, they are water out of God's well, rain out of God's cloud, a gift from his hand.  
2. They are therefore very much deceived, who bless themselves as being God's dearest favourites, the choicest of his beloved, because they are most plenteously enriched with these common endowments, because their houses are fairer, their possessions larger, their dignities greater, their earthly delights, pleasures and comforts far excelling other: this is a sandy foundation to build upon, a deceitful balance to weigh themselves in, a falls rule whereby to judge of God's love; who had more pleasure than the glutton faring deliciously, and wearing fine apparel every day, yet a fire brand of hell? Luke 16. who richer than he that builded his barns greater, cheered up his soul with the thought of his great abundance, yet who at the last were his attendants but the devils? Luke 12. where was his dwelling but in everlasting darkness? who perished in the red sea, was it not Pharaoh king of Egypt? Exod. 14. who was eaten up of louse, was it not Herod that sat upon the throne? Act. 12.22. On whom came sorrow widowed, and loss of children in one day, was it not upon the Babylonish Queen that lived in pleasures? Isa. 47.7, 8. Who stand in slippery places, but they who have more than heart can desire? Psal. 73.18. Who perish like their beasts, but they that boasted of their wealth? Psal. 14.49. on the other side; Who poorer than Lazarus who had resting place in Abraham's bosom? Luke 16.8. Who had no other cradle but a manger? Luke 2. Who had not where to lay his head, but the Son of man Christ Jesus, who of all others was most dear to God? Who were in sheep's skins and goats skins in the wilderness, in caves, destitute, afflicted, tormented, but the good people of God, of whom the world was not worthy? Who were accounted as the dung and of-scouring of the earth, but the Apostles of the Lord Jesus? the transgressors they have grown as the grass; overtopped the righteous, as the tares the corn; advanced themselves in the world, like the cedars in Lebanon; they have been among men, as the Leviathan among the fishes of the sea; as the lion, bulls, bears among the beasts of the field; as the eagle among the birds of the aër; as the tree by the great waters, among the trees of the forest: the most unholy have many times the greatest abundance of outward favours, and therefore we cannot but falsely conclude them to be most happy, who have most earthly plenty, fatness and prosperity; for having nothing but this, 1. they are dead in sin: and whom judge we most happy, the dead with a goodly tomb, or the living that hath life in him? the widow living in pleasures was very wretched, because dead in sin while she lived. 2. these are destitute of God's image: it is not the adorning of the body with gold and silver, but the adorning of the soul with grace, which is in the sight of God of great price. 3. these have no communion with God: it is not by wealth, but by faith and holy life, that we have fellowship with God, 1 Joh. 1.6. 4. these are strangers to true peace: it is not worldly riches but true grace that bringeth peace unto the conscience, riches usually breed many troubles, they have unability to appears a stormy tempest of a troubled conscience, Ez. 19.7.  
But it may be you will say that riches, honours, and external favours are blessings also, that these are waters of God's well, rain out of God's cloud, a gift from God's hand, and therefore also a testimony of God's love; to which I answer, it is true, they are blessings in themselves, for every creature of God in its own kind is good, Gen. 1.31. they are all from the Lord the giver of every good gift, Isa. 1.17. for the earth is the Lord's Psal. 24.1. riches and honour come from him 1 Chro. 29.12. the Lord setteth one, and pulleth down another, 1 Sam. 2.7. all cometh from God's providence, but all cometh not from God's mercy and love to them who are possessors of it; it is one thing to have a thing by the course of God's Providence, another thing to have it from God in love, and in favour, for God giveth in wrath as well as in mercy, as Hos. 13.11. so God giveth wealth and riches in his wrath, and taketh it away in his displeasure; thus Israel had quails given, but it was in wrath, Numb. 11.33. better they had been without them. Thus Solomon saw this evil under the sun, riches kept for the owners thereof to their own hurt, Ecles. 5.13. when Absalon made a feast, he invited all his brethren, prepared dainties for them, some he invited in love, but Amon in hatred, for he gave charge to his servants, when they should see him merry with wine, that then they should fall upon him, and kill him, 2 Sam. 13.28. so when God prepareth dainties, bestoweth favours to all sorts of people, to some he doth in love, to others in anger. 2, God hath two sorts of blessings, common, and special; the common belong to all, and are no assured testimony of God's love, Eccles. 9.1. Mat. 5.45. the special belong to his children, and are a never falling pledge of God's love towards them, 1 Cor. 2.9, 10. as Abraham hath Movables which he gave to the seed of the bond woman, but an Inheritance which was reserved for the seed of the free woman. Isaac had two sorts of blessings, the best for Jacob, the fatness of the earth for Esau; the Master of the family bestoweth common favours on the servans, but the choice is reserved for the children. 3, external endowments are good of themselves, but without a further blessing they prove not only unuseful, but also hurtful; food is good in itself, but often is as poison to many sick men; wealth and honours without grace to use them, prove like large sails, and strong wind to a little bottom, an empty vessel, an occasion, and instrument to overthrow it: outward endowments without inward holiness make us proud, wanton, forgetful of God, Deut. 8.12, 13. exorbitant in our courses, like fat pasture to a horse not accustomed to the bridle, Jer. 5.8. 4. The goodness of a thing is not so much to be considered in what it is in itself, as in the end why it is given, afflictions which in themselves are a fruit of sin, and in that respect evil are yet in their use and end made good to God's people, pills which in themselves are bitter, and distasteful to the palate, are yet in their use and end of administration by the physician turned to the good of the patient, so on the other side outward peace and plenty are given to sinful men to the end they may live the more securely, sin the more freely, and at length be condemned the more justly, punished the more severely, fat pasture in itself is good but given to the beasts to make them fit for the day of slaughter, so Psal. 92.6. when Jehu prepared a large sacrifice for Baal, 2 Kin. 10. then he slew the priests of Baal, so when God prepareth a fat sacrifice for the wicked, than they are nigh unto destruction: and so much for answer to this, that outward things are God's gift and blessing; but no infallible testimony of his favour to the owner of them.  
3. This must occasion every man to try whether he be loved of God, whither he be dear unto him or not: For the discovery whereof, every man must examine, not what riches, what earthly preferments God hath given him, but what knowledge, what repentance, what love, what faith, what purity, what meekness, what zeal, what God hath wrought in him; these are the testimonies of his goodness and love to his children, by this he is known to be a friend, a fathér, a husband to him, Isa. 44.5, 8, 13. the love of the father is known to the child more than to the servant, when he setteth him to the school, giveth him good nurture, traineth him up in good learning; so the love of God to his people is known, when he giveth them the ministry of the Gospel, Jer. 3.14, 15. bringeth them unto the school of Christ, maketh the light of rruth to shine in their hearts, 2 Cor. 4.6. enableth them to comprehend with all Saints the height depth breadth and length of his love, Eph. 3.19. when he washeth and cleanseth them from their sins, Tit. 3.4, 5, 6. as Jordan cleansed Naaman from his leprosy, as the new born child is washed and cleansed from its native uncleanness, Ezeck. 16.4, 6. the Fuller's love to the cloth, the Goldsmith's to the gold is seen by purging it, Mal. 3.3, 4. as the fuller's soap doth purge the cloth, and the refiners fire the gold put into it, as our Saviour showed his love to Lazarus by raising him out of the grave, John 36.44. so it is a sure testimony of the love of God to thy soul, when he doth raise thee out of the grave of sin, putteth a new life into thee Eph. 2.4, 5. maketh thee a new creature, dissolveth the works of the devil, enableth thee to walk in the way of his commandments, affecteth thy soul with the light of his countenance, filleth thy heart with peace, replenisheth thine inward man with grace, when of unprofitable he maketh thee profitable, Philem. 11. of a stranger he bringeth thee nigh unto himself, Eph. 2.17. when of a thorn he maketh thee a fruitful vine, of a lion he maketh thee a lamb, Isa. 11.6, 7. of a ruinous heap he maketh thy soul like a polished palace, Is. 54.12. when of a man deaf, blind, lame, dead, he openeth thine ears to hear, thine eyes to see, thy feet to walk in his way, and of parched ground maketh thee a standing pool, Isa. 35.4, 5. filleth thy soul with the waters of life Isa. 44.2, 3, 4. then thou mayest assure thyself, thou art highly loved of God. It is not growth in wealth but growth in grace that can assure the heart of God's love.  
4, This directeth us how and in what manner to manifest our love to our brethren, to such as appertain, or are any way dear unto us, as God manifesteth his love by giving spiritual gifts to his children, so let us manifest and declare our love, by being instruments to convey spiritual blessings on such as have any relation to us, temporal favours can get none but a temporal, a natural love, they conduce but to the welfare of the body, they are transitory, there is no continuance in them, spiritual favours are the truest testimony, the best evidence of a good affection; therefore, thou that art a master of a family, show thy love unto them by teaching and commanding them to keep the way of the Lord, as did Abraham, Gen. 18.19. thou that art a father of children, teach them to retain the word of the Lord in their hearts, to keep his commandments, to get wisdom, as David taught Solomon, Prov. 5.3, 4, 5. thou that art a husband, show thy love to thy love to thy wife by dwelling with her according to knowledge, 1 Pet. 3.7. thou that art a magistrate, show thy love to thine inferiors, by abolishing and beating down sin and occasions of sin as Asa and Hezekiah did, 1 Kin. 15.12. 2 Kings 18.4. by giving thea religious, pious, and godly example, as David, 2 Sam. 6, 20. Samuel; as Jehosaphat did, by provoking and encourageing them to true repentance and amendment of life; as Jehoshaphat and the king of Nineveh did: thou that art a minister, show thy love to the people by giving them good, wholesome & sufficient food for their souls, as our Saviour charged Peter to testify his love; thou that art a common man, a friend, a neighbour, testify thy love by considering thy neighbour, by assembling together, by provoking to love and good works, by calling upon them to go to the house of God: spiritual blessings are of the chiefest use; they are profitable to all things, and in all estates, they are the choicest ornament, they are of the greatest price, they bring the sweetest peace, and are of the longest continuance; and therefore if you will show your love in any thing, show it in this; In making them whom love, partakers of these blessings.  
5. This must comfort all God's children, all such as are truly sanctified, all on whom God hath poured out the saving grace of the Spirit: though the world hate you, as Esau hated Jacob, Gen. 27.41. as Ahab hated Micaiah, 1 King 22.8. as Saul hated David; 1 Cor. 4.13. though you are of no reputation in the eyes of men, yet comfort your selus in this, the Lord loveth you, the Lord hath showed the testimonies of his choicest affections towards you; therefore be sure that in his love he will supply you when you want, solace you when you are heavy, deliver you when you are oppressed, raise you when you are cast down: as in his love he brought Israël from the iron furnace, the Egyptian bondage; so in his love he will in due season put an end to all your affliction, and let his love be a sufficient recompense for the want of all men's affection, a strong stay in all trouble; the King's love fully answereth the beggar's hatred; the Master's love, the servants displeasure; the light of the sun, the want of all other lights; plenty of wine, the want of small drink: his love is better than the richest treasure, the choicest dainties, the brightest sun, Cant. 1.4. his love is everlasting, a stream full of refreshment, a hand full of strength, a lamp of oil, Jer. 31.3. that which is (and may well be to all that have it) instead of all friends, peace, joy, dignity, riches, a thousand fold better than any earthly abundance.  
Thus of the Connexion: in the words themselves we have set before us, 1. the love of God the father unto Christ; The Father loveth the Son. 2. the sequel of this love; and hath given all things into his hands. 1. Of the love of the Father to the Son, whence two things are to be noted: I. That God the Father doth bear a singular affection unto his Son Christ Jesus. II. That the love of God to Christ Jesus is the fountain of all happiness which cometh to his chosen servants. First, of the former of these.  
Doctr. That God the Father doth bear a singular affection unto his Son Christ Jesus: the love of God the Father unto Christ is so great, so wonderful, so unspeakable, that no capacity can fully comprehend it, no tongue perfectly describe it, no similitude sufficiently express it; if I should liken it to the sun, the sea, the whole element of fire, the glory of the sun is but a glow-worm to it, the whole ocean but as a few drops, the element of fire, but as a few sparks of this, but slender resemblances of it; there is no comparison between things finite and infinite; but the truth of this is manifest by the title given unto Christ, called by a kind of excellency God's beloved, Eph. 1.16. twice testified to be so by an audible voice from heaven, Mat. 3.17. Mat. 17.5. the excellency of it, by way of comparison, far excelling the love that God did bear to the Angels, Heb. 1.5. the truth of this is moreover evideneed.  
Reas. 1. By the near union between the Father and the Son; the Son in respect of his Godhead being one substance with the Father, as the water in the stream is one and the same in substance with the water in the fountain, distinguished only by relation; as one and the same man may be a father and a son in several relations, yet but one man▪ hence God the Father and God the Son are said to be one, 1 John 5.7. John 10.30.  
2. By the similitude and likeness between them: as the Father so the Son is holy absolutely, independently according to his Godhead; and also as he was man, he knew no sin, there was no guile found in his lips, he was a lamb without spot, pure grain without chaff, 2 Cor. 5.21. 1 Pet. 2.22. 1 Pet. 1.19. Luke 23.41.  
3. By the high and admirable privileges wherewith he endued him even as he was man, he made his son; not only by creation, as the Angels; by adoption, as his converted people, but by grace of hypostatical union making the humane nature one in subsistence with the Second person in the Trinity: he hath made him head of the Church, the Fountain of grace to all his chosen, the Prince of peace, the Lord of glory, anointed King, Priest and Prophet of the Church, Eph. 1.22. Eph. 1.4. Isa. 9.6. 1 Cor. 2.8.  
Use. This must therefore establish the faith of all God's people, cause them to build upon Christ as upon a sure rock, a strong foundation; the love of the Father towards him is unspeakable; the Father so loveth him, that he will not deny any petition of his, but he is heard in whatsoëver he doth sue for, he putteth all into his hand, as Gen. 41.40. once Pharaoh put the government of his kingdom into the hands of Joseph, set him over all his house; and ordained, that according to his word all his people should be ruled, only in the Throne he would be chief: so hath God the Father put all into Christ's hand, committed the ministration of his kingdom unto him, only in the Throne God will be chief above Christ as Mediator, and therefore as a man having a friend in the King's Court whom the King loveth above all others, he cometh with confidence, is assured that he will prevail with the King for him; the love of God to Christ doth infinitely surpass the love of any King to his Favourite, or any other whosoever is most dear to him; the love of God to Christ is most pure, most perfect, most full, immutable and everlasting: and therefore let us be confident we shall find acceptance in him, for all the promises of God in Christ are yea and amen, 2 Cor. 1.2. and we shall obtain whatsoëver we ask in his name, Joh. 16.23. God for the love he beareth to Christ Jesus will not deny the suits of any of his servants.  
2. This serveth for the singular comfort of all the members of Christ, though they be unworthy of any love or favour, in regard of their failings and manifold infirmities; yet God hath a fervent love to Christ their head; though the clouds of their sin hide away the light of God's face, and the Lord seem to have forsaken them, yet he still loveth Christ their head, their husband, their friend: if the King should be highly displeased, threaten death to a woman for some offence committed, yet if she had a husband whom the King loved unfeignedly and earnestly, to whom he would deny no request, this would comfort her exceedingly. Such a husband have we, and therefore we may boldly approach unto the throne of grace in his name, we shall find acceptance for his sake, Hebr. 10.22. Rom. 5.1, 2. though Jonathan could not appears the anger of his father Saul against David, yet our Jonathan will surely prevail with our God for us; though we are unworthy, yet as the man of God looked on Jeboram for Jehoshaphats sake, 2 King. 3.14. so will our God look favourably on us for Christ's sake.  
3, This must quicken and stir up us to love the Lord Jesus: the children use to love where the father doth, the servants use to affect where their Lord; God the Father loveth the Son, therefore let us also get our hearts inflamed with love to him; to them that love him, all felicity is wished, Eph. 6 24. to them that love him not, all evils are denounced, 1 Cor. 16.22. and many inducements there are to move us to set our affection upon 1. the dignity, beauty, majesty, glory and excellency of his person, Isa. 45.3. Cant. 5.10. 2. The love that he hath showed to us, Joh. 15.13. Rom. 5.8. Jonathan's love to David, caused David again to love him; fire begetteth fire. 3. The great afflictions he hath suffered for us. 4. The great endowments he hath bestowed upon us. 5. The many enemies he hath conquered for us. 6. The great things he hath purchased for us in the heavens; these are as so many loadstones to draw our hearts unto Christ Jesus; as so many bellows to blow up the fire of our affections to inflame or hearts with fervent, sacred and constant love unto the Lord Jesus; and that so much the more, because we have hence seen,  
Doctr. That the love of God to Christ Jesus is the fountain of all the happiness which cometh to God's servants: as the waters come to us from the fountain, by and thorough the cistern; the light cometh from the sun to the eye, by and thorough the aër: so is Christ the medium whereby all the goodness of God cometh unto us; and God's love to Christ is the original and prime cause hereof; as Gen. 45.17, 18. the love of King Pharaoh to Joseph was the moving cause of all the favour and kindness he showed to his father, and brethren, when they were in great distress by reason of the famine; so the love of God the King of kings, viz. Christ Jesus, is the fountain of all the happiness, peace, comfort which is derived and communicated to the brethren of Christ Jesus, as the Ark was the cause of the welfare of Obed-Edom's house, so is God's love to Christ the cause of all our welfare: this was shadowed out by the ladder in Jacob's vision Genes. 28.11, 12. reaching from heaven to earth, the Angels ascending and descending, to show how all the goodness of God descendeth unto us by and thorough Christ, this was also prophesied, as the Lord hath put the grace of his spirit upon the son of righteousness, to enlighten them that sit in darkness, and why hath he done so, but because he delighted in him, and the Apostle speaketh plainly, that we are accepted in the beloved, Ephes. 1.6. Acts 2.33.  
Reas. 1. Because we are from all eternity elected in Christ, as the Apostle witnesseth, Eph. 1.4▪ saying, we are chosen in him before the foundation of the world, in him, noting the order in which we are elected, not the cause of election, the grace of election beginneth first with Christ our head, and descendeth to us in him, we are not first elected, and then Christ is chosen by reason of our fall, but God out of his love did first choose him to be the head of the body mystical, and then are we chosen to be his members, as the head corner stone in the building is first chosen, Psa. 116.22. and then the other stones which are to be put into the building; hence he is said to be the first begotten amongst his brethren, Col. 1.18. to have the pre-eminence, to be sealed John 6.27. & set apart to be the prince of our salvation, to be fore-ordained before the foundations of the world, 1 Pet. 1.20 by how much more excellent things are, by so much more timely and principally they be in God's decree, he doth not think of electing and predestinating us first as a body, and then come afterward by occasion to think of a him who is the head; he is the first pattern, and we are predestinated to be like him Rom. 8.29. and as the master-picture and pattern is first, and then the thing which is to be drawn by it, as in a natural birth the head cometh first, and then the feet after it, so, first was Christ chosen, then as the head or the elect and fountain of grace, and then are we chosen in him: things in their material existing, have one order in their intentional, another; as for example, a man that maketh a house intendeth to dwell under some covering, 2 he intendeth to build a house, 3. to hire workmen, 4. to prepare matter; but in the execution, he 1. setteth stone and wood in place, 2, he hireth workmen, then raiseth the frame, and lastly entereth in, and dwelleth there: In order of material existing, Christ is revealed, promised, exhibited after sin, but intended before sin; 1 Cor. 3.22, 23. The Apostle reckoning the order in which things exist, mentions 1. the world, 2, the elect, 3, Christ, than God, but giveth us to understand in order of intention, that God intendeth, first his own glory, than Christ, than the Church, than the world out of which he intended to gather such as should be saved by Christ, and thus Christ is the head of the elect, and the fountain of grace.  
2. Because all the promises of God are to us in Christ, 2 Cor. 1.20. he is the cistern by which God hath promised to convey the waters of life to our souls; It is he who of God is made unto us all things behooveful to our salvation 1 Cor. 1.30. it is in him that God hath promised audience and acceptance to our persons, Gen. 3.15. it is in him that the blessing was promised to all nations, Gen. 12.34. it is in his days that all peace, and felicity was promised to the Church Jer. 23.5, 6. it is he that brought good and joyful tidings Micah 4.4, 5.  
3, Because God hath put all fullness in him for the good of his Church, as he hath put all fullness of light into the sun, for the giving of light to the world, all fullness of water into the sea, for the watering of the earth; so hath God put all fullness into him, for our behoof that are in him, that we might receive grace needful to salvation, Col. 1.19. John 1.16. Isa 61.1, 2. as all Egypt fetched out of Joseph's store, as the ointment on Aaron's head ran down to the beard even the skirts of his garment, Psalm 133.1, 2.  
4. Because our life, the life of grace is hidden in Christ, even when we were dead in sin, Col. 3.3. as the life of the tree in the winter is in the root, the life of children, before they are born, in their parents, so our life is in Christ, the tree of life, the second Adam, the common parent of God's people; and as the tree when the spring cometh, and the sun shineth, it full of life, buddeth and blossometh, so when the sun of righteousness ariseth, and causeth the light of his truth to shine in our hearts, than that life is manifested in us which before was hidden in him, John 14.6.  
5. Because all the favours and gifts which God bestoweth on his people are bestowed on them in and through Christ, in him they have redemption, remission, in him we are blessed with all spiritual blessings, Ephesians 1.3.7. through him we have all things that pertain to life and Godliness, 2 Pet. 1.3. all that God giveth to any person in love, or in mercy, he giveth it in and through Christ, as the King by reason of some eminent man in the Court whom he highly favoureth, bestoweth many gifts on them of his family, kindred, and acquaintance.  
6. Because it is in him alone that God is well pleased, Mat. 3.17. through him he accepteth our services, through him he graciously casteth out upon us the light of his countenance, as David showed kindness to lame Mephibosheth for Jonathan's sake, 2 Sam. 1.1, 2, 11, 12, 13. so God showeth mercy and kindness to us who are lame, deformed, unworthy of any favour, even for his son's sake; for God is in Christ, reconciling us unto himself, 2. Cor. 5.19.  
Use. This may serve to assure the children of God of the stability of God's love towards them; were they loved in themselves, their disorderly conversation, their unholy walking, their unseemly carriage might avert the love of God from them, but being loved in Christ, the love of God will ever continue constant with them, for Christ is ever the same with God, always the beloved of God, ever dear in God's sight, and hence the love of God to his people is as a house builded on a rock, which neither wind nor water can overturn, as a sun that ever shineth, as a fountain that never faileth, an everlasting love, Isa. 54.6, 9, 10. a love more durable than the mountains, a love continued when we have no feeling of it, when we by our sin have deserved an utter extinguishment thereof, yet in Christ we are still beloved, God hath given us unto Christ for an inheritance, God hath joined us in wedlock unto Christ, and we shall be loved for our husband's sake, a great stay it should be to God's people, that God's love shall ever continue to them: Two things much commend Love, Antiquity, and Constancy, we say such one hath loved me 30, 40 years, and will not fail me.  
2, This moves us to labour for interest in and for a near communion and more entire fellowship with Christ Jesus, because through him the love of God descendeth upon us, men seek for infinite acquaintance with, and labour much for near communion with them that are in favour with earthly princes, that they may also enjoy the love of such worldly potentates; the like care should we use to enter communion with Christ, that so wee might gain the love of God; and great and sweet inducements there are to move all men to labour for this fellowship with the Son.  
1. The dignity of Christ; he is the Son of God, Psal. 2.7. the Prince of peace, the Lord of glory; the subject's much desire, highly esteem, entire acquaintance with the young Prince: the like and much more should we do to have communion with Christ.  
2, The honour whereunto we shall be advanced: we shall be the sons of God by adoption, the members of Christ, citizens of the new Jerusalem, the Lord's freemen, a royal Priesthood, a chosen generation; we shall be in respect of others, as the sun to the clouds, as the vine to the bramble, the lily to the thorn, the conqueror to the captive, the son to the servant, the richly arrayed to the naked, the Queen to common women.  
3. The near relation we shall thereby have with Christ: thereby we shall be servants of the family whereof he is Lord; subjects, of the commonwealth, whereof he is King; sheep of the flock, whereof he is shepherd; scholars of the school, wherein he is chief teacher; vines in the garden, whereof he is the dresser; soldiers of the army, whereof he is the leader; members of the body, whereof he is the head; the spouse to whom he shall be the husband.  
4. The clear and comfortable knowledge we shall thereby have of the will of God: the nearer we approach to the sun, the more light we receive; Christ is in the bosom of the Father, Joh. 1.18. in him are all the treasures of knowledge hidden, Col. 2.3. he can open the book with seven seals, Rev. 5.5. he can open the deep things of God, the hidden mysteries of our salvation, 1 Cor. 2 10. though as dark as Sampson's riddle, he will give light to such as sit in darkness, if they do but approach unto them, Luke 1.79.  
5. The sweet and heavenly sense and feeling of God's love which we shall hereby attain; hereby we shall feel the love of God shed abroad into our hearts, Ro. 5.5. be made exceeding glad with the light of his face, Psal. 21.6. this will enable us to look upon him, as a child on his loving father; as a malefactor on his reconciled Sovereign; this will enable us to rejoice in the light of God's face, as in the face of our dearest friend; and as Solomon saith of a friend, Pro. 27.9. so shall we be able to say of God; as ointment and perfume rejoice the heart, so shall the Lord our God rejoice our souls if we have communion with his Son.  
6. The blessed and unspeakable peace which we shall hereby enjoy, Rom. 5.1. the raging tempest of our souls shall be appeased, the piercing arrows of trouble removed, the fiery darts of Satan quenched, the hideous cry of an accusing conscience silenced, the deadly wounds of the soul healed; the heart so quieted, all sorrow and heaviness so taken away, Rom. 15.14. all inward comforts so restored, that we shall say as Peter said of the Mount, Phil. 4.7. It is good being here.  
7. The glorious victory we shall hereby win over all the enemies of our salvation; we shall hereby conquer Satan, as David did Goliath, 1 Sam. 17. subdue sin, as Joshua did the walls of Jericho, Josh. 6.20. 1 Job. 3.8. pass through affliction, as Moses and Israël thorough the red sea, Job. 16.35. and pass as the three children thorough the fiery furnace, Rom. 8.35.  
8. The stability and growth in grace which waiteth hereupon: this will cause the grace of the Spirit to be in us as a living spring that is never dry, as a light that shineth more and more, as an immortal seed which doth not fade; this will cause us to be as trees planted and willows growing by the river's side; as trees bearing much fruit in our old age; this will make us to be in the ways of God, as it was said in another case of Saul and Jonathan, lovely in our lives, aimiable in our conversations, strong as the lion, swift as the hind, full of courage, swift, speedy and cheerful in the ways of God's commandments, whose bow returned not back, nor sword returned empty, whose holy labours are not in vain, who faint not in the way of God's precepts, but move as water to the ocean, and eagles to the carcase. And thus of the first part, the love of God to Christ: the sequel of the Father's love to Christ followeth: and hath given all things into his hands.  
The ability of the Physician to heal, of the Pilot to guide, of the General to rule the army, to conquer the enemy, of the friend, to supply in time of need, causeth the sick, the passenger, the soldier, the poor man to be much the more confident; so the ability, fullness, and alsufficiency of Christ causeth all his servants to rely upon him, with so much the more firm dependence: therefore the Baptist, the more effectually to persuade his disciples to believ, rely, and rest upon Christ the more strongly, to entertain his doctrine the more reverently, to value him the more highly, to rejoice in him the more abundantly, to devote and resign themselves into his hands the more thoroughly, doth not only acquaint them with the love of the father unto Christ, which is the wellspring whence all the waters of salvation flow, but also acquainteth them with the authority, sovereignty, and kingdom wherewith he hath endowed him, he hath given all things into his hand, all things visible and invisible, all things without exception, are made his, he hath full and free power, and possession over all, and rule and administration of all; this he took not by force, he bought not with money, but received from his father, as the only begotten son of the father; places of government, and jurisdiction must be neither bought, nor injuriously usurped, but given freely to the best deservers: the father gave all into his hand, John 17.5. not that he ever was without them as he is God, or that he was unequal to the Father, but as in fullness of time he was incarnate, Phil. 2.8. so his assumed nature received many singular gifts and privileges, and this, not of that which was another's, but that which was his own, as he was God; and this he received not as a sealed fountain, to reserve all unto himself, but he received it for us, to bestow it freely on us, for our salvation, Math. 11.27. Math. 28.23. therefore the Apostle testifieth that all is ours, 1 Cor. 3.22. and thus the Father hath put all things into Christ's hands; whence learn,  
Doctrine, That God hath put all creatures in subjection to Christ Jesus, and hath endowed him with all fullness to save his chosen servants. As Pharaoh made all his people subject to Joseph, Gen. 41.44, and Joseph was endowed with wisdom how to govern them, and had plenty of Provision to preserve them; so hath God put all creatures in subjection unto Christ, and he hath all fullness of wisdom, power, & goodness to rule, govern, and supply the wants of his people; he hath the pre-eminence above all, as the lord over the servant, as the head over the body, Col. 1.18. Ephes. 1.22. as the Conqueror over the captived: This the Apostle doth abundantly prove. Heb. 1.2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. by the interest Christ hath in all, by the being he hath given to all, by his his equality with God, by his sustentation of all, by the purgation of sin, by the dignity and authority vouchsafed to him, by his pre-eminence above Angels, by the religious worship given to him by the Angels, by the eternity of his kingdom, by the measure of grace bestowed on him, by the subjection of all that rise against him: And this truth is moreover clearly evidenced,  
1. Reason, By the Offices which he was to execute; 1. the office of a king, and therefore he must have pre-eminence above all, as the king above the subjects, Psal. 2.6. therefore he is called a king set upon a holy hill, Psal. 45.6. an everlasting king, king of Jews, Math. 2.2. king of righteousness, Heb. 7.2. king of peace, and king of kings, Rev. 1.5. 2. The office of a prophet, Luke 4.18. and all are to wait on him, as scholars on their teacher, as sheep on their shepherd, Isa. 40.11. as the eye waiteth on the sun for light, Mat. 11.29. as the offender on the Ambassador of peace, Zech. 9.10. what Job said of himself Job 39.21, 23, must be much more verified of Christ, unto him men must give ear and wait, and keep silence at his counsel, they must wait for him as for the rain, and open their mouth wide as for the latter rain. 3. the Office of a priest Heb. 3.1, 6. and on him must they wait as sick men on the physician, as captived men on him that doth ransom them, 1 Tim. 2.6.  
2, By the pre-eminence given to him, the head, the husband, the prince, the first fruits of his people, as the head is above the members, the husband above the wife, the prince above the subjects, the first fruits before the residue of the residue of the lump, so is Christ above the rest of the people.  
3. By the miraculous works which he wrought, he turned water into wine, John 2. 8. walked upon the sea, Mat. 14.25. healed all manner of diseases, which no physician could cure, Mark 5.25. opened the eyes of men born blind, John 9.31. a work exceeding the abilities both of art and nature, raised the dead, stilled the raging tempest, Mat. 8.26. cast out devils, an evident argument of his dominion over all creatures.  
4. By the potent enemies which he overcame: Goliath, the Philistine, the Midianitish armies, Sennacherib's forces were no more to the enemies subdued by Christ, than a molehill to a mountain, than a child to a giant, than the shadow to the body, than rotten reeds to bands of brass, and iron. Col. 2.15. Ephes. 4.8.  
5. By the blessed change which he wrought in the hearts of men; of fierce as lions, he maketh men gentle as the lamb, Isaiah 11.6. of unclean, as the leper, he maketh clean, as Naaman coming out of Jordan, 2 Kings 5. of dead in sin he raiseth to a new life, of dens of devils he maketh them temples for the holy spirit, of a barren wilderness he maketh them as a fertile soil, of a field like the sluggards field, full of thorns and briers he maketh them a very fruitful orchard.  
Quest. How could the Father put all things into the hands of the Son? since he hath the same fullness, majesty, and power he ever had, and is no way emptied by any thing the sun hath received:  
Reas. As a fountain filleth the cistern and is no way thereby emptied, a king sendeth forth his son to a rebellious people, to reclaim, reconcile, subdue them, giveth him authority hereunto, yet his own authority is hereby no way diminished.  
Reso. 2. The son is the person which doth chiefly manifest himself in the administration of the kingdom, not that the Father and holy Ghost are excluded, but the work of the Son is most apparent, seen, and observed, and therefore to him it is chiefly attributed.  
Qu. If the Father gave all things into Christ's hands, how comes it to pass that he was in external condition so poor, loaden with so many reproaches, that he lived in the form of a servant? why had he not lived as a King, and glorious prince?  
Reso. Christ's Kingly Office, during his abode on earth, was to give place to his Priestly office; the priestly office was now fully to be executed, the kingly office but sparingly manifested, that the execution of his priestly office might not be hindered, which would have been, if his kingly office had now been fully manifested, 1 Cor. 2.8. and therefore he often charged his disciples to conceal the miracles which he wrought: These things thus answered, the Use serveth  
Use 1. To be terror in the hearts of all profane men, of all such as are enemies to Christ by their evil works; the power of a mortal enemy doth much affright us, he that is regardless at the barking of a dog will fly at the roaring of a lion; the great stature and strength of Goliath made all Israel tremble; Christ hath all things in his hands, he is endowed with all power, and authority, none shall be able to resist him, none can make his part good against him, he is a stone hewn out of the mountains, breaking in pieces the greatest opposing kingdoms, Dan. 2.44. a stone, whosoever falleth on him shall be bruised, on whomsoever it falleth, it will grind him to powder, Rev. 5.5. he is the lion of the tribe of Judah, if he roar in his indignation, he will make all the beasts of the forest, all the wicked men of the world to tremble; if he appear in his wrath, they will fly like Gaal before Abimelech; however they make a mock of the day of Judgement, 2 Pet. 2, 3. as Gaal did of the coming of Abimelech: as he is to his servants like the sun with healing in his wings, Mal. 4.2. so to his enemies, will he be, as a flaming fire, 2 Thes. 1.8. full of burning; as he is gentle like a gracious and sweetly disposed friend to the one, so will he be terrible, as a man of war to the other, Psal. 54, 5. as he appeased the storm, to the comfort of his disciples, Mat. 8.26. so will he raise a stormy tempest to annoy his enemies which never shall be quieted. There are 5. things in Christ which should make all the profane men on the earth to tremble. 1. The fullness of his power, her can dash them in pieces as a potter's vessel, Psal. 2.9. he can beat the mountains into dust, if he become an enemy, if he arm himself against us, it will be with us as when Joshua came, it was with the Canaanires, Josh. 5.1. there will no more spirit remain within us, no friend will help us, no shield will defend us, no walls will shelter us; he hath all creatures to command, the very devils are subject to him. 2. The knowledge of Christ, as the Psalmist saith of the sun, Psal. 19 so it is much more true of the Son of righteousness, he searcheth from one end of the, soul, from one end of the life to the other, and nothing is hidden from his eye; he will find out the sin that lieth like Jonah in the bottom of the ship, he will find out the Babylonish garment and golden wedg like Joshua; it was in vain for Jeroboam's wife to disfigure herself before the Prophet; it is in vain for any man to draw off the concealment of his sin, or the hiding of himself from the eyes of the Lord jesus. 3. The justice of Christ; he will not suffer sin to go unpunished; punishment shall as surely follow sin, as the thread doth follow the needle, as the heat doth follow the fire, there is no iniquity shall escape; as the careful husbandman rooteth out the thorns and briers; as the diligent housewife casteth the rubbish out of the house, as the chaff and tares are cast into the fire, so will Christ deal with the thorns and briers, chaff and tares, profane men of the world: therefore as the Angel said to Lot, as David to the people, so let me in this behalf say to you. 4. That Christ shall be Judge; it will much trouble a malefactor that his enemy shall be his judge: Christ, whose ordinances you have neglected, whose precepts you have transgressed, whose servants you have abused: he shall be your judge, therefore labour to be in with Christ, as men labour to be in with the Judge, and to make him your friend, or else you are for ever undone. 5. That Christ alone is the Saviour; if he do not deliver thy soul, as David the sheep out of the jaws of the lion; if he do not open the prison as the Angel did to Peter; if he do not cure you, no Physician can heal you; if his blood do not wash you, no water can cleans you: therefore there is no hope of entering into life, if you make not your peace with him; no beholding of God's face, unless you be united to his Son; no reigning with him, unless you be now made conformable to him; unless you now enter into Covenant with him, better all the world were an enemy against him; better beg like Lazarus from door to door, better be esteemed as a monster in the world, better live in goat's skins and sheep skins having his favour, then with all the pomp, pride, pleasure and jollity of the world with his displeasure; if he be angry, what will you do? whither can you go; who can help you? will not all creatures say, as the King of Israël said to Naaman, 2 King. 5.7. Am I a God to kill and to make alive, that you come to me? cannot all creatures join with Christ against us, as the soldiers with the General? are not all things given into his hands? oh think on this, even this fullness of the power of Christ, and tremble to go on in any sin against Christ, to continue under the wrath of Christ, (for bitter at the last will be the portion of all such as are not at peace with him, as walk not uprightly before him, Psal. 110 1, 2. Mat. 21.41. Mat. 22.13. I would choose rather to live in the poorest condition in the world with the love of my Saviour, than possess the highest places of the earth, and drink of the sweetest river of worldly pleasures, and be a stranger to the light of his countenance, and to all that walk as enemies to the cross of Christ, I will say as Jacob did to Simeon, Genes. 49.6, 7.  
2. Is all put into Christ's hands? then this must teach all God's people, 1. Obedience and a holy subjection to his will in all things; he hath all power and authority given him, and therefore Mat. 17.5. him we must hear; him we must obey, as the members are subject to the head, as the wife is subject to the husband, as the subjects are obedient to their Prince; for all this is Christ to us; his will must be our rule, according to which all our doings must be squared; the balance wherein we must be weighed, the light whereby we must be guided; his precept must be to us as the fiery pillar to Israël, at whose motion we must move, at whose stopping we must stay; his direction is most perfect, free from all error; most wholesome it will prove, the best counsel; most sweet, it will certainly yield the truest comfort; therefore as the disciples Mat. 19 22. left all and followed him: so, all impediments being removed, let us follow his comcommandement; this is his will, this is our wisdom; in this Christ would have us give pre-eminence above all other occasions, and not say to this (as Felix to Paul in another case;) yea, though it transcend the limits of our capacity, though we cannot render a reason of it, though it seem repugnant to our apprehension; yet it is enough that God hath enjoined it, and we shall find, that true obedience to his precepts is ever attended with the best success. 2. This must teach us to depend upon Christ with all steadfastness: in his hands are all things; he is a complete Saviour, a perfect redeemer; he is a sure rock to all that build upon him, a neverfailing fountain; though our sins be heinous, yet he hath ability in him to remove them, as he cleansed the leper; though God be at a great distance from us, his face hidden under the darkest clouds of his displeasure, yet Christ is able to reconcile him; though we be in more than an iron bondage, yet he can free us; therefore let us fasten our faith and confidence upon him, let our hearts rest in him, let us trust our souls with him, and his gospel shall surely prove the power of God to our salvation; he will be a propitiation for us; in him our sin shall be covered, and we blessed; in him we shall have peace, in him we shall have access to the throne of grace.  
3. Are all things in Christ's hand? then God's people must rest themselves contented with Christ alone; he is a rich husband, the Father hath given all things into his hands: therefore bless God all you that are partakers of Christ; say you have a goodly heritage, you have the tree which beareth all sorts of fruit, you have the pearl which is of more value than all other riches; you have the sun, and therefore cannot want light; you have the fountain, and therefore cannot want water; you have the Lord of glory, and therefore cannot want honour; you have the Prince of peace, and therefore cannot want joy; you have him that hath all things, and therefore cannot want any good things; you have enough, you have that (which if you be not defective to your selus) will be like Elkanah to Hanna, 1 Sam. 1.8. in stead of all other things. God hath done more for you in giving Jesus Christ to you, in joining you in wedlock with Christ, then if he had bestowed the whole earth upon you; he hath advanced you to greater honour, endued you with better riches, replenished your soul with sweeter and more heavenly pleasures than can be gathered out of worldly storehouses, or drink out of earthly fountains: therefore thirst not after the world, covet not great things, be not disquieted with the slenderness of your external estate, think not of using any forbidden means, suffer not your affections to be stolen away from the Lord, but delight yourself in Christ, and rest yourself abundantly contented with him.  
4. Are all things put into Christ's hands? is he so abundantly filled with all things? then this may comfort God's servants in all estates: whatsoëver ye want, it is all in the hands of Christ; if you want power to resist either bodily or spiritual enemies, in Christ there is power to overcome and subdue them all; if you want grace, if your knowledge, faith, patience be small, Christ hath a rich store-house, he can fill you; if your outward estate be slender, your provision small and poor, Christ can make a little go far, the course taste sweet, as he turned the water into wine, Joh. 2.9, 10.   

Verse 36.  
Fullness of water in the fountain is unuseful, unless we drink thereof; fullness of light in the sun yieldeth no comfort, unless the eye be opened to receive it; the best apparel giveth no warmth, unless the body be covered with it: so the fullness, goodness and all sufficiency that is in Christ Jesus is no way beneficial, unless we get assured interest therein; therefore the Baptist doth not only acquaint his disciples with Christ's fullness, authority, sovereignty and all sufficiency; he doth not only let them see how he is a complete Saviour in himself, but doth also move, persuade, exhort and stir them up by faith to get interest in him; and this he doth by a double argument; the one drawn from the single felicity and benefit attending a lively faith in Christ; he that believeth in the Son hath everlasting life: the other drawn from the danger of not believing; but, he that believeth not in the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remaineth on him: wherein we have, 1. The felicity and blessed estate of all true believers; he that believeth, etc. 2. The infelicity and miserable condition of all unbelievers; he that believeth not, etc. First, of the felicity of true believers; he that, whosoëver he be, of what nation, of what estate or condition soever, rich or poor, bond or free, that believeth in Christ, that embraceth, buildeth, resteth and relieth sincerely, firmly and fully upon the Lord Jesus, that man hath life everlasting, hath already the life of peace inchoated and begun in him, that life of God wrought, that immortal seed of grace sown in his heart which never shall die: so that herein we may have, 1. The necessity of faith; he that believeth in the Son of God: it is true, that in the Son of God there is all fullness, all things are in his hands; but we must believe in him, or his fullness will no ways help us. 2. The gain of faith; hath everlasting life: 1. Of the necessity of faith; wherein we have the nature of faith, the object of faith, and the extent. 1. The nature of faith, believeth in Christ; that is, doth not only believe that Christ is, or that what he hath said or done is true, but believeth in Christ, pitcheth and resteth fully upon Christ. 2. The object of faith; Christ. 3. The extent; he that, whosoëver. 1. Of the nature of faith; believeth in: to believe sometime signifieth, and speculatively to know the Scriptures to be true; and thus the devils do, and all wicked men may believe. 2. Sometime it signifieth to assent willingly and use some kind of joy to the word of God for the glad tidings which it bringeth; thus hypocrites believe. 3. It signifieth to put confidence in that which we know and assent unto, and to make application thereof unto our selus; to depend and build thereupon; and thus the regenerate believe. Whence learn,  
Doctr. That the hearts of all true believers do rely and rest upon the Lord Jesus for everlasting life and happiness: for faith is a leaning or resting of the heart in and upon God, as the author of everlasting life and salvation; this is evident by the phrases used by the Holy Ghost, to explain the nature of faith. Pro. 3.5. Isa. 50.10. Psal. 37.3. Psal. 71.5. Isa. 31.1. Psal. 62.7. Rom. 10.11. for to believe in God, or in Christ, is to cleav unto God, to lean upon God, to rest in God, as on him who is all-sufficient to keep us here, and to bring us to glory hereafter. 2. It is evident by the titles given in scripture to saving faith, 2 Cor. 3.4. 2 Cor. 5.6, 7, 8. Ephes. 3.12. 1 Pet. 1.13. 1 Joh. 5.13, 14. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Rom. 4 21. Col. 2.2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Heb. 11.1. 3. By the similitudes used to express it; it is likened to an house builded on a rock: as the house resteth on the foundation, so doth the true believer rest on God: to a tree rooted in the ground, whereby it is stayed against the force of strong and violent winds: to a branch ingraffed into a vine, to a ship fastened by a strong anchor, to a sure rock, to the betrothing or joining of a woman in wedlock; all these express a strong and affectionate reliance of the heart upon the Lord. 4. By the charge given by our Saviour, Joh. 14 1. rest, rely and quiet your souls in God and in me; by the exhortation of the Psalmist, Psal. 62.8. and of the Apostle, 1 Pet. 5.7.  
Reas. 1 Because faith is not so much an act of the understanding, discerning and assenting to the promise of life of Christ, as it is an act of the will, whereby the will is moved to extend itself to embrace that good which it doth approve; and therefore faith is called a receiving of Christ, which is much more than to know Christ; it is one thing for a woman to know a man, it is another thing to receive him as her husband; faith is not only an action of approbation, but also of election, John 1.17. an action of the whole man, making the good whereunto it is carried to become ours, John 6.35. The wise merchant saw the pearl, approved of it, and, beyond that, chose it for his own, sold all to buy it, Math. 13.45. though faith doth always presuppose the knowledge of the Gospel, yet there is no man that attaineth saving knowledge unless this act and choice go before it, Rom. 10.10. and the other be dependant upon it; therefore the Apostle saith, With the heart man believeth, John 7.17. John 8.31, 32. 1 John 23.  
2. Because true and saving faith doth always choos, apprehend, and embrace Christ, and build upon him as a sufficient and fit means to deliver us from evil, to purchase and procure for us all manner of good, they see and apprehend in him all manner of fullness, and complete abilities, such as are no where to be found, Cant. 5.10. they look on him, and see more beauty in him than in all other creatures; they behold in him fullness of wisdom, to make them wise; fullness of power, to make them free; fullness of life, to make them live; fullness of all grace, to fill the empty vessels of their souls, John 22.5. John 6, 28. and therefore to him do their hearts cleave, & from him they will not depart, as the Shunamitish woman, apprehending the ability of the Prophet to help her, caught the Prophet by the feet, and would not let him go, though Gehazi thrust her, 2 Kings 4.17. so true faith causeth the believers heart to cleav to Christ, and so to embrace him, that it will not let him go.  
3. Because true and saving faith doth enable us to look on God as on our father, on Christ as on our husband; on the word, as on food well agreeing with our palate; on the sun, as on a light much affecting the eye; on the promises of God, as on a reconciled Sovereign; on Christ, as on our advocate; on the Word, as on an embassage of peace; this assureth the heart of the pardon of sin; this causeth God's words to be to our souls as the words of Christ were to the Palsy man, Math. 9.2. son, be of good cheer, therefore the Apostle saith, after we believ, we are sealed; as, in mutual contracts, men set to seals; and when we have a man's word in writing, and a seal to it, we rest upon it, we are confident it shall be verified: so, when we believ, we put to our seal that God is true, Ephes. 1.13. that he will fulfil what he hath promised, and God doth seal to the believer the salvation believed; a seal distinguisheth things, so God's people see themselves many ways distinguished from others; as a seal maketh things authentical, so true believers are fully assured of God's goodness, and their future happiness, and thereby their hearts do rest on God.  
3. Because true faith bringeth us unto a holy communion, and gracious fellowship, and comfortable and blessed acquaintance with Christ: hereby Christ cometh into their hearts, resideth, revealeth himself, Eph. 3.17. and ruleth there as a dweller in his house, Gal. 6.10. hereby they have fellowship with him, as the members with the head, Rom. 12.5. as the wife with the husband; by this they behold Christ revealing himself graciously, speaking unto them comfortably and hereby they are wrought upon to rest on Christ strongly.  
5. Because true faith enableth the true believer to find much peace, and sweet consolation in Christ, Rom. 5.1. it strengtheneth him to conquer Satan, to subdue the enemies of their salvation, Rom. 15.14 to rejoice in the midst of trouble, to overcome all worldly opposition, Rom. 8.35. 1 John 5.4. he feeleth faith in Christ to be to him as a shield in the day of battle, as the Ark in the Deluge, a shining star in the darkest night of trouble, as the honey comb to Samson in the belly of the lion; and finding this in Christ, his soul fasteneth on him, as on a sure rock; and leaneth upon him as upon a neverfailing staff.  
6. Because true believers clearly see, and infallibly know the variety and insufficiency of the world, they know there is a foundation whereon to build, no other bow wherein to trust, no other shield for their defence, no other fountain whence to draw the water of salvation, they know that Psal. 33.16, 17. that Psal 62.9, 10. that Prov. 11.4. that Psal. 44.6. they know that all outward abilities like Job's friends are physicians of no value, miserable comforters, and therefore their hearts do rest upon Christ Jesus, as the Dove finding no footing returned to the Ark.  
7. Because true believers do make Christ their portion, their joy, their crown, their riches, and their glory, he is to them instead of all, they will leave all to enjoy him, Mark 10.28. they esteem all to be dung in comparison of him, Phil. 3.3. all to be thorns in respect of this vine, Cant. 2.2. to be barren in respect of this fruitful tree, as the wise men rejoiced more in the star which lead unto Christ, then in all other stars in the firmament, Mat. 2.10. so true believers rejoice in Christ more than in all the world, and therefore their hearts cleav to him and rest upon him.  
8. Because true faith in Christ is always attended with a singular love to Christ Jesus: according to the strength of our faith is the fervency of our love; the more we apprehend the height, depth, and length of Christ's love to us, the more do our hearts burn with love again to him, Ephes. 3.19. the nigher we stand to a great burning fire, the more we are heated with it: so the sense of Christ's love, apprehended by saith, breedeth love again unto the Lord, Galat. 6.5.  
Use. This serveth to show us that a general consent to the word of God as true, is not enough to bring us unto life; but besides this there must be a peculiar resting, staying, and confidence of the heart thereupon: If an earthly man, of ability and truth, promise us this or that help, to bestow upon us this or that gift, we do not only know, and think, and persuade our selus that he saith true, but besides, we say, that we trust hereunto, rely hereupon, quiet our selus, and seek no further; the like resting of the heart must we find upon the promise of God in Christ; by this particular confidence, and resting of the heart upon Christ, do true believers go beyond reprobates, by this do they receiv nourishment from Christ as the zions from the stock; by this have they claim and interest in Christ, as the wife in the husband. John 15.2. Cant. 6.3. by this have they claim to the promises of God, 2 Pet. 1.4. as the tenant in lands granted him under hand and seal: by this is Christ very pleasant and delightful to them, as the sun to the opened eye, Mal. 4.2. pure and precious liquor to the thirsty, Isa. 55.1. by this are they distinguished from others, as children from strangers, John 1.12. by this they have maay sweet relations to Christ, which others have not, as the members to the head, the branches to the vine: by this they stand in the time of trouble, as a ship fast anchored, when others are tossed like a ship without an anchor, Heb. 6.19. by this Satan's darts are expelled, Ephes. 6.16. when others are wounded, like men that are naked: by this believers are bold and confident, as the lion when others fly like a hare before the the hounds, Eph. 3.12. Prov. 28.1. by this we have access to the throne of grace, Rom. 5.1. when others, like the foolish Virgins, having no oil in their lamps, were shut out: by this our services are acceptable unto God, Heb. 11.6. when others, like him that wanted a wedding garment, are cast into utter darkness, Mat. 22.12. by this the Word of God becometh sweet and savoury to our palates, Jerem. 15.16. when as it is like gall to others, Heb. 4.2. by this it is to us as good seed to good ground, and good meat to a healthy stomach.  
2. Therefore every man must try whether he find his heart thus to cleav unto and to rest upon the Lord Jesus, whether he be sensible of the life and operation of his affection this way; whether he feel his heart trusting and resting upon the Lord, as the child upon the parent, the building upon the foundation, the wife upon the husband; and this we must discern,  
1. By the denial of our selus, and the rejection of all humane abilities, as every way insufficient to bring us unto life; the more the heart resteth upon the Lord, the less it resteth on worldly and created powers, Prov. 3.5. the true believer knoweth the wisdom of the flesh to be foolishness with God, yea enmity against God, Rom. 8.7. to be a false prophet, a deceitful guide, a withered seed, and therefore will not lean thereupon, will not trust thereunto, any more than a traveller to a blind guide, a passenger to an ignorant pilot, a sick man to one that will as soon minister poison as good physic to him; but will search and seek out for a better instructor, for a surer guide: this the Apostle taught 1 Cor. 3.18. this the wise man gave in charge, Prov. 3.7. this the prophet persuaded, Isa. 8.19, 20 and declareth the doleful issue of the contrary, Isa. 50.11.  
2. By our constant abiding with God in the time of affliction, in the hour of temptation: the more true faith is assaulted, the more strongly the heart layeth hold upon God; the more the child is made afraid with any thing, the more earnestly he cryeth to his parent to keep him, the more closely he applieth himself to him: the furious assault of the enemy causeth men to lay the faster hold upon the sword, to hide themselves in castles, and places of sure defence: the seed sown in good ground held out to the harvest, Mat. 13 24. so the heart which resteth once upon the Lord, abideth constant with him, as a woman joined in wedlock abideth with her husband till death; so nothing can make a separation between God and the true believer; he findeth such sweetness, such goodness in the Lord, that neither pleasure nor torment, honour nor ignominy shall remove him, Job. 13.5. Ro. 8.35. Isa. 50.10, Psal. 55.22.  
3. By the blessed apprehension we have of God's goodness towards us: when we believe men will do any great thing for us, than we feel a love in our hearts arising towards them; so we first apprehend love of God in Christ towards us, and then our hearts rest upon him: in nature, nothing moveth in desire to this or that but as we see it lovely; no more do our souls move towards, or rest on God, till we apprehend him reconciled, the sinful soul doth see God forgiving many sins, and then it loveth much again, Luke 7.48. therefore the Apostle having mentioned our peace with God through faith, annexeth the shedding of God's love abroad into our hearts, Rom. 5.1.5.  
4. By our abundant delight and joy in God, and the light of his face; by our alacrity in running the race of his commandments, Psal. 37.3, 4. we must delight our selus in God with all manner of delight, as the rich man is delighted with his treasure, the soldier in his victories, the wife in her husband, Rom. 15.14.  
5. By our well-doing, Psal. 37.3. we must strive to be full of good works; to be plenteous in well-doing, to be fruitful trees bearing much fruit; as good servants well employing our talon; and so shall we give good evidence of our faith; according to that of the Apostle, 2 Pet. 1.5, 6, 7.  
Thus of the nature of faith: the second thing here noted was, the object of faith, in Christ; it receiveth, embraceth, resteth, and relieth upon Christ: whence observe,  
Doctr. That the Lord Jesus is the proper and peculiar object of the faith of all true believers. God is the object of our faith, not as he is considered simply and absolutely in himself, but as we do live to him through the grace, favour, and goodness we receive from him, 1 Tim. 4.10. the word and promises of God, by a Metonymy of the adjunct, are said to the object of faith, so far forth as they continue in them, and exhibit unto us that which is the object of faith. Christ, as a mediator, is the mediate, but not the ultimate object of faith, because we believ through Christ in God, Rom. 6.11. 2 Cor. 3, 4. 1 Pet. 1.22. and in this respect we are said to be in Christ, 2 Cor. 5.17. to have put on Christ, Gal. 3.27. to be betrothed to Christ, Eph. 5.23. this was the doctrine of the Baptist, as St Paul relateth it, Acts 19.9. the charge given by St Paul himself Acts 16.31. this is the gift of God to his chosen children, Phil. 1.29. and this is the foundation whereon the people of God have builded, John 12 11. and Christ must be the object of our faith.  
1. Because he alone is ordained of God to be a Saviour, Mediator between us and God: him God the Father heareth, in him he is well-pleased, Math. 18.5. him hath God the Father sealed, and set apart for this work, John 3.35. he is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, Rev. 13.8. he is the promised feed, Gen. 3.15. there is no other name Acts 12.1. 1 Tim. 3.5.  
2. Because in him alone is eternal life to be found, God himself without Christ is a consuming sire, Heb. 12.29. by reason of our sin; all the creatures are as a dead thing, they can do us no good; all the ordinances of God are a kill letter, God hath put all fullness into Christ, Col. 2.9. our life is hidden in him, Col. 3.3. and this was the ground of Peter's answer to our Saviour John 6.68. whither shall we go, no creature can save us, they are all as Physicians of no value, as empty vessels, blind guides, thou alone hast the words of eternal life, thou alone canst make the doctrine of salvation to quicken us when we are dead, 1 John 5.12. to comfort us when we are dejected, to encourage us when we are opposed, to make us wise wherein we are Ignorant: He that hath him, hath all; he that hath not the Son, hath nothing, 1 John 3.24.  
3. Because he alone is a sure foundation whereon to build; he is a rock which will never sink, Mat. 7.23 a friend which will never fail, a bow which will never break; he will save at the uttermost all such as come unto him, Heb 7.25. no storm shall make shipwreck of the soul which is fastened to him by the anchor of a lively faith, Heb. 6.19. no violent and boisterous winds shall overturn the trees rooted in him, Col. 2.7. nor cast down the house builded upon him.  
4. Because in his blood alone is efficacy to wash away our sins: no water but Jordan could wash away the leprosy of Naaman, 2 Kings 5. no Physician but Christ could heal the diseased woman, Mark 5.29. none but he could cl●ans the Leper; None but he can redeem us from iniquity, and procure remissionn of sin for us, Eph. 1.7. 1 John 1.7.  
5. Because in his intercession is efficacy to procure all good things for us, at the hands of God: Jonathan may strive to intercede with Saul for David, and not prevail; Solomon's mother may make suit for Adonijah and not be heard; men may make suit with men for others, and not obtain their request; good men make earnest supplication to God in the behalf of others, and their petition not accomplished, Ezek. 14.14▪ but Christ doth ever prevail with God for them that believe, Rom. 8.34. Heb. 7.25.  
6. Because in him alone is righteous to make us just, he hath robes to cover all our imperfections, he can make us righteous in God's sight, Gal. 2.16. Rom. 8.1.  
Use. Then this will acquaint us with the vanity of their faith, who rely on any thing besides Christ, who trust to their work, to the naked observation of some religious duties, to their civil righteousness; who lean on this, and make it the object of their faith, are like the foolish builder that builded upon the sand, like the Babylonish builders, that thought to escape the deluge to ascend the highest heavens by a building of their own making: these are men that go to a broken cistern for water, to a dry breast for milk, to a barren tree for fruit, to a dumb idol for counsel or comfort; and it will be with them as with the worshippers of Baal, 1 King. 18, 26, 27. their abilities will prove like a deceitful man, Prov. 25.19. like a spider's web, Job 8.14. like the Egyptians garments, Isa. 20.4. for so Isa. 59.5, 6. Isa. 64.6. when they shall come to the trial, what is said of men, will be verified of their works, Psal. 62.9. and when they think to find comfort, they will go away sorrowful as the young man did, Mat. 19.22.  
2. Therefore this must stir up every man to make Christ the object of his faith, to build and rest on him with lively and sure confidence, to be ingraffed into him, to become a member of that body whereof Christ is the head, to rest our hearts in him as the author of our salvation and everlasting life; this is the commandment of God, 1 Job. 3.23. this is the pearl, for the gaining whereof we should sell all we have; this is the price for which we should all strive, Judas v. 3. this is the riches for which we should labour; this is the blessing which we should uncessantly beg; we are cumbered with Martha about many things, but this is the thing which is most needful: some sell their birthrights with Esau for a mess of pottage for worldly and vanishing pleasures; some with Judas sell all the comforts they might find in Christ for a little worldly lucre; the most part spend their strength for that which is no bread, which yieldeth no sound and solid comfort; but if you will be rich indeed, if you will have that which shall bring true riches and everlasting consolations to your souls, than labour for a lively faith in the Son of God: And that you may be able to make Christ the object of your faith,  
1. You must labour clearly to see, & to be truly sensible of the vanity of all humane abilities, you must be able to say of all humane abilities, of all earthly endowments, as Solomon did, Eccl. 2.17. Eccl. 11.8. as Agur did, Prov. 30.8. look on these things as on a tottering fence, and then you shall be able to rest on Christ. The woman came not to Christ till she saw a vanity in all other Physicians, Mar. 5.29. no more do we rest on God, rely on Christ, till we see there is no remedy elsewhere to be found; thus Hos. 2.6, 7. this was that which caused the disciples to rest on Christ, they found not whither else to go, Joh. 6.68. 2 Chron. 20.11, 12. the contrary to this was the ground of Israëls' unbelief, Isa. 31.1.  
2. You must strive to be throughly humble, labour for a contrite and broken heart, you must become vile in your own eyes, be far from all ambition and vain glory, and so you shall feel your heart to be drawn, to rest and rely upon Christ, than the doctrine of salvation shall be sweet, than God will reveal himself unto your souls very graciously, multiply his grace upon you abundantly according to his gracious promise, Isa. 57.15. Psal. 25.9.14. Jam. 4.6. and then shall you be able to fasten your hearts upon Christ strongly, then shall you be able to rest in Christ firmly; for Isa. 61.1. Isa. 29.19. Psal. 22.26. the want of this continued the unbelief of the Pharisees, Joh. 5.44. Gal. 6.3.  
3. You must bring your hearts to this pitch, to seek the prais and commendation which God giveth to his people, to be approved in the sight of God, to make it your crown, your glory and comfort to be accepted before the Lord, to rejoice more in the inward witness of God's Spirit and our own consciences, then in the applaus of all the men of the world; you must with Paul 2 Cor. 1.12. and then you shall feel God will shed abroad his love abundantly into your hearts, seal up to your souls the pardon of your sin strongly, and enable you to rest upon him firmly, Joh. 5.44.  
4. You must meditate and acquaint your selus with the all sufficiency of Christ, be persuaded of his love, goodness, readiness to help you, see in him more beauty, more peace, more joy, more honour, more comfort, more power than in all the world; look upon him as on a glorious sun, and let all the world be a glow-worm in comparison, as an empty cloud to a full fountain, as a withered arm to a strong man, and this will work, frame and draw your hearts to believe in him. John 12.11. Joh. 10.28. John 7.31.  
Proceed we now to the gain of Faith; namely everlasting life: whence learn,  
Doctr. That everlasting life is the fruit of a true and saving faith.  
Everlasting life is God's gift in regard of the free donation of it, Rom. 6.23.  
It is Christ's purchase in regard of the price paid for it, in regard of the meritorious cause thereof, in regard of the head whence it is derived.  
It is the work of the Spirit, in regard of the principal cause efficient.  
It is the fruit of the Word, in regard of the external seed whence it springeth, and instrument which worketh it.  
It is the fruit of Righteousness, in regard of the way which tendeth to Christ, in whom this life is hidden.  
Therefore our Saviour in earnest asseveration to persuade his disciples, hereof John 5.24. And the Evangelist showeth this to be the principal purpose of God in inditeing the Scriptures, Joh. 20.31. hence Paul, Gal. 2.20. and plainly S. Peter speaks to this purpose, 1 Pet. 2.8, 9  
And that everlasting life is in this manner, a fruit of faith is apparent,  
Reason 1. By the union which faith worketh between us and Christ; it joineth us in wedlock with him, it interesteth us in all the riches of Christ as Mediator, it maketh us living members of that body, whereof Christ is the head; it build's us upon Christ, as the residue of the building upon the head-corner stone; it ingraffeth us into Christ, as as the branches into the vine; it maketh Christ to be ours, it fills us with fullness, it causeth him to rule within us, and to replenish us with all good things, Ephes. 3.17. John 2.16.  
Reason 2. By the interest which it giveth us God's promises; this is the foundation whereupon our faith is builded; and faith is the condition which God requireth to make us capable of what he hath promised, Gal. 3.13, 14. this is the hand by which we receiv all good things of God; this is the key by which we open the store-house of God's bounty, without which all the good things of God are to us as the Sun under an eclipse, as water in a sealed fountain, riches in a treasury locked up, as the tree of Life to Adam, when the Angel kept the way with a flaming sword; it is faith doth give us claim and entrance into all the great and glorious promises of Christ, 2 Pet. 1.1, 3, 4.  
3. By the application it makes of the righteousness of Christ; it covereth us with this, as with a royal robe; it healeth all our sins herewith, and maketh us just in the sight of God: for what else is our justification, but the gracious sentence of God, whereby, for Christ apprehended by faith, he doth absolve the believer from sin and death, and accounteth him just unto life, Rom. 3.22, 24. Rom. 9.30. Rome 8.1.  
4. By the victory which it getteth over whatsoëver is adverse or repugnant to this everlasting life; it conquereth sin, it purifieth the heart, Acts 15.9. it giveth an overthrow to Satan, as David by his sling to Goliath, 1 Sam. 17. therefore 1 Pet. 5.8, 9 overcometh the world, all the allurements, and all the oppositions of it; it trampleth them all under foot, 1. John 5.4. Like David's Worthies, it breaketh through an host of dangers to drink of the waters which are in the wells of Life, 2 Sam. 23.16. it will follow the Lord wheresoëver he goeth, it will leave him in no estate, it will endure any hardness, sustain any loss, bear any reproach, encounter with any danger, it will leave all rather than leave the Lord; the power of faith is invincible, nothing is too hard for it.  
5. By the gracious acceptation and spiritual adoption which it procureth for us with God, whereby we are become the sons of God, 1 John 12. 1 John 3.1. made heirs and coheirs with Jesus Christ, Rom. 8.17. for as Christ in justification is applied as a garment to cover our sins: so in adoption, he is applied as our brother, and Prince of our salvation, Heb. 2.10, 11, 12, 13. and by virtue of this adoption and communion with Christ, all true believers are called the first begotten of God, Hebr. 12.23. and this sonship of theirs remaineth unalterable, the dignity and happiness of their condition is unchangeable, John 8.35.  
6. By the use which it maketh of all the Ordinances of God, the Word, Sacrament, prayer, etc. which otherwise would be as unsavoury meat without taste, as a shell without a kernel, as a deaf ear of corn, as a cloud without rain, without comfort, without any benefit at all; yea, many times a trouble, a terror, a great disquietment, the very savour of death, 2 Cor. 2. ver. 16.  
Now a lively faith makes the Word of God as comfortable tidings to the sorrowful, Rom. 20.15. as a word of Reconciliation to them with whom God is at variance, 2 Cor. 5.19. as a healing medicine to the diseased, Isa. 61.2. as food to the hungry, as a light to the traveller, as dew to the weary ground, as good seed to good land, Job 23.12. It maketh the Sacrament to be as a seal to the King's pardon, Rome, 4.11. to confirm them in the assurance of the forgiveness of all their offences, it maketh prayer strong as wings, to carry the soul aloft to God, Jam. 5.16. it maketh meditation of God and his promises very sweet, Psal. 104.34. so that to him that believeth God's ordinances prove an effectual means to to draw him from sin, to turn him from every evil way, to bring him home to God, to enable him to grow up in all holiness, and to walk before the Lord in all wellpleasing; this the Apostle intimateth, Heb. 4.2. and out of all this it appeareth, That everlasting life must need's be a fruit of faith.  
Use. This must stir up every man to labour for a lively faith in Christ, to rest and rely wholly upon him, to get assured interest in him: it is not favour with men, places of eminency in the world, abundance of riches, nor any of these external endowments can make a man's days everlasting; this is a fruit growing upon none of the trees in this garden; this is a stream flowing from none of these muddy fountains; a treasure to be found in none of these storehouses: it is not the valour of the strong, the wisdom of the politic, the act of the learned, the honour of the mighty, the pleasures of the wanton, the wealth and great abundance of the rich can make their estate everlasting, Psal. 33.16, 17. Psal. 49.6, 7, 8, 9 The high cedars are cast down as well as the little shrubs; the flowers are plucked as well as the common grass: it is only a lively faith will bring us to everlasting life.  
Therefore use all means to be made partakers of it; with the wise Merchant, sell all to buy this pearl, Mat. 13. cast away all your sins, that you enjoy this gift; with the disciples, leave the world, that you may win Christ, Mat. 4.22. with Paul, esteem all but dung and dross, that you may be found in Christ, clothed with that righteousness, which is by faith, Phil. 3.8, 9 wait with all diligence at the post of God's house; let the Word be as your daily food, as your guide and counsellor, let it sink into your souls, let it work upon your hearts, let it dwell and rule within you, that so you at length have the fruition of this faith; pray for it, desire it, long after it, as earnestly as ever Rachel or Anna did for children, Gen. 30. 1 Sam. 1. go to God in his house, in thy family, in thy closet, morning, evening, at noonday, at midnight, and beg for a lively faith; say unto the Lord, Thou art undone, thou art but a dead man, if God give not this faith unto thee; say that all riches, pleasures, worldly endowments, are but hay and stubble as long as this is absent: Oh! think of this, go about this, as about a matter of most need, of greatest importance, of chiefest use, of sweetest consolation; and as Naomi said to Ruth of Boaz, Ruth 3.18. so take thou no rest till thou hast finished this thing, till thou hast by a lively faith joined thyself in wedlock with the Lord Jesus; make a covenant with thy soul in this, as David did in another case, Psal. 132.4. and when you feel your hearts beginning affectionately to lean upon and cleave unto the Lord Jesus; pray with the men in the Gospel, Mar. 9.24. you shall never have just cause to repent of your labour in this behalf; nothing can bring you so nigh to God as a lively faith; nothing can give you such access to God; nothing can enable you so to prevail with God, and to gain so many good things from the hands of God; nothing can stand you in such stead, and afford you so much comfort; the owner of this will not give it for the rich man's gold, the noble man's honour, the King's renown, and the time will come wherein such as now want, would give ten thousand worlds, if they had them, to be partakers of it, therefore while God giveth time and means, seek it.  
2. This serveth for the singular comfort of all true believers, if they have nothing but their faith, their condition is infinitely more happy than the world's choicest darling, as Prov. 7.1. so the poorest condition of life with patience & faith is better than a stalled ox with unbelief: this will supply all wants; as the presence of the sun supplieth the want of all lights: as David said of Goliah's sword, 1 Sam. 21.9. so I may say of a lively faith, there is none like that; neither riches, honours, nor pleasures; for this maketh both our persons and actions acceptable to God, which no worldly furniture can do: this in corporateth us into Christ; this giveth us the fruition of all the good things which are in Christ; this distinguisheth us from all God's enemies; bringeth us within God's Covenant; breedeth many sweet and glorious relations betwixt God and us; and at last bringeth us to peace and everlasting happiness.  
The gain of faith thus unfolded, the comforts thereof thus opened, and proposed; the danger and damage arising from unbelief presenteth itself, in the next place to be considered; which we shall find to be a root bearing as many uncomfortable branches, loaden with as many sour grapes, as the other with sweet; a spring as full of bitter, as the other of pleasant water; for he that believeth not, shall not see life; he that believeth not, whose soul cleaveth not unto, whose heart resteth not upon the Lord Jesus; who buildeth not upon him, as on a sure foundation; who cometh not to him, as to the fountain of living water; who getteth not assured interest in him; who joineth not himself in wedlock to him; who becometh not to him as the wife to the husband, in subjection, in affection, in use, in dependence, and in entire union, he that believeth not, shall not see life, shall not enjoy, no nor have the least apprehension or comfortable feeling of the felicity, peace, glory, and fullness of all goodness, which true believers shall enjoy in the heavens; but the wrath of God, diseases, uncomeliness, shame, sorrow, torment, all manner of misery, all kind of calamity, all the testimonies of God's displeasure abideth on him; abideth, not cometh, for we are born the children of wrath, Ephes. 2.3. and so continue through unbelief; therefore this wrath abideth, it will not wear with time like a garment, it will not overflow the body and soul for an hundred and fifty days, as the Deluge of old did overflow the earth, and then abode, Genes. 7.24. but this is a fire that ever burneth, a stinging worm, which without any cessation gnaweth; a cloudy day, whose darkness is never dispelled: so that here we have our loss arising from unbelief set before us privatively and positively; privatively inferring a denial, a removal or absence of all good, of all peace, of all comfort; positively, an imposition, inflicting, and presence of whatsoever may make man miserable. From the privative loss, we gather;  
Doctrine. That unbelief doth for ever exclude men from everlasting happiness, and all the joy of the next life: the foolish Virgins were shut out from entering in with the bridegroom, for want of oil in their lamps, Mat. 25. Israël of old entered not into the rest of God because of unbelief, Heb. 3.19. Heb. 4.6. the publicans and harlots believed, and found entrance into God's kingdom; the pharisees believed not, and therefore could not find any admission, Mat. 21.31, 32. this was the general scope and sum of the doctrine which our Saviour would have the Apostles to deliver to the people, Mark. 16.16. and no wonder that unbelievers are excluded from everlasting happiness: for,  
Reas. 1. Where there is no true faith, there is no union with Christ, no participation of the benefits which come unto us from the Lord Jesus: but men are as withered branches, dead members, Rom. 11.20. whatsoever profession we make of love to Christ, of fellowship with Christ, whatsoëver shows of goodness do appear, yet if we be destitute of a lively faith, we build upon the sand, our building will fall, Matth. 7.24.  
2. There is no purity, no sanctification, no saving grace: where the root is not, there are no branches; where there is no spring, there are no streams: it is faith that setteth the whole man a work in God's business, it is the apprehension of God's promises which causeth us to cleans our selus from sin, 2 Cor. 7.1. it is the persuasion of God's goodness that leadeth us to repentance, Rom. 2.4. it is our interest in Christ, it is Christ's dwelling in us by faith, Eph. 3.18. it is our participation of his fullness which giveth us victory of our corruption, 1 John 5.4. it is the meditation and persuasion of what God hath done, of what he hath bestowed already, of what he hath provided to bestow; this is that which causeth us to depart from every evil way, 1 John 1, 2, 3. hence, Acts 15.9. hence faith without works is said to be dead, James 2.17. not that the life of faith cometh from works, but because works are second acts flowing from the life of faith, and faith is said to be made perfect by works, James 2.22. not by essential perfection, as the effect is perfected by the cause, but by a complimental or filling perfection, as the cause is perfected or made complete in the production of its effect; as the tree is made perfect in the bringing of fruit, man in the generation of his like: it is the nature of the perfection and excellency of faith to be fruitful and where this faith is not, the soul is like a barren woman, at best but like the tree in the Gospel.  
3. There is no love to God, his word, or people; it is faith which joineth us in wedlock with Christ, that breedeth communion between us and God, that maketh his word sweet and savoury, that maketh us delight in them that excel in virtue, therefore Gal. 5.6. not that the efficacy of faith dependeth upon charity as the cause, ground, life, and being to faith, but that faith doth put forth and manifest its efficacy in the excitation and stirring up of love to God, and his ways; so that where faith is not, there ●s no love.  
4. There is no promise of life, for all the promises of God are to us through faith in Christ; 2 Cor. 1.20. Acts 2.39. without this we are aliens, strangers, and enemies Ephes. 2.12. and we have nothing to do with God's Covenant, Psalm 50.16. we have nothing to do with the fruit growing within the pale of this garden, nothing to do with the bread on this table, it belongeth not to the dogs but to the children.  
5. There is no sweetness, no benefit, no consolation to be drawn from the Ordinances of God: without faith they are as music to a deaf ear, as water to a vessel whole mouth is stopped, as rain to the hard rock, it doth not profit, Heb. 4.2.  
6. Because without faith there is no shield to defend us from the darts of Satan, no fence to keep us from the wild boar of the forest, no weapon to overcome the Prince of darkness, no stone to beat down this great Goliath: but we are as a field without fence, a city without wells, a soldier without armour, Ephes. 6.16. 1 Pet. 5.9. without this we can do nothing; so that unbelief separating us from Christ, filling our hearts with uncleanness, disabling us to love God, excluding us from interest in God's promises, making the Ordinances of God fruitless, exposing us to all Satan's suggestions, leaving us to be led captive by him, at his will; it must needs follow, that all unbelievers are hereby excluded from everlasting happiness.  
Use. This presenteth before us the uncomfortable condition of all such as live in unbelief, are not incorporated into Christ, in whom the nature and life of true faith cannot be found, whose souls cleave not to God, as the heart of a child to his father, as the heart of a wife cleaveth to her husband, the heart of one brother or friend to another, the heart of Jonathan to David, 1 Sam. 18.2. for this is the nature and property of faith, to cleav to God strongly, affectionately, feelingly, with the full power of the soul, Joshua 23.6. Acts 11.23. 1 Cor. 6.17. to choose and rest upon the Testimonies of the Lord, Psal. 119.30, 31. and such as do not in this manner believ, they shall never see life; whatsoever great and glorious things are revealed, proffered, promised, they shall never enjoy them; they are as fruit upon a high tree, which they have no hand to reach; as water in a deep well, which they for want of a bucket cannot draw; as the glorious sun to the blind, which for want of an eye they cannot behold; to them there is no help of rest, no promise of bliss: though the light of God's face be better than life, the presence of Christ be delighfull as the shadow of a great tree, though the Ordinances of God be as marrow and fatness now, Psalm 63.5. Isa. 32.2. Cant. 2.3. Psal. 65.5. and the ensuing comforts of God's people a thousand fold more glorious, yet unbelievers shall never taste hereof; they are in bondage from whence is no freedom, in a darkness where there shall never be no any sunrising, in a sickness out of which they shall never see a recovery, for the Lord hath denied them all good things, as, 2 Kings 7.1, 2. so whatsoëver God's plenty or fullness be to others, yet his hand shall be empty to unbelievers; all his gooness shall be to them as a sealed letter which they shall never read, as a light under a bushel, which they shall never see, Deut. 1.35. yea this shall be the least part of their misery, to be exiles from God's face, shut as strangers out of God's kingdom, this is a loss infinitely surpassing the loss of the whole world: yet this is little to the damage of unbelief; for besides this, the wrath of God abideth on them. From whence learn,  
Doctr. That unchangeable miseries and torments are the portion of all unbelievers: he that had not a wedding garment, was not only excluded the feast, but also cast into utter darkness: Matth. 22.12, the servant which made no use of his talon, had not only his talon took from him, but he was besides cast out, where was weeping, and gnashing of teeth, Matth. 25.29. God doth not only punish unbelievers with a deprivation of all good, but also with an imposition of all evil; he doth not only leave them as chaff and tares without the door, but he also burneth them with unquenchable fire, Mat. 3.12. Mat. 13.40. John 15.6. Therefore the Apostle saith, that all that believe not the truth shall be damned, 1 Thes. 2.12. the sentence of condemnation and destruction shall be executed upon them: they shall not only be excluded from drinking of the cup of God's mercy, but they shall also be constrained to drink up the dregs of the cup of God's indignation and fury: and the sentence at the last day will not be only from Gods gracious presence, but to everlasting burnings, 2 Thes. 1.8, 9 this was the judgement befalling, the portion given to unbelievers of old, Judas 5. and for this there is great reason.  
Reas. 1. Because it robbeth God of his glory, taketh from him the praise of his truth, goodness, power, mercy, and constancy; which in effect, is to make him no God at all, but an idol, Psal. 78.41.  
2. Because it is a great reproach to God: it maketh God a liar, which is an intolerable injury, 1 John 5.10. there is nothing more essential, nor more dear to God, than his truth: he that believeth not what God hath spoken, esteemeth of God but as of a vain and light man.  
3. Because it breedeth a base contempt of all the good things which God hath promised to us, it judgeth them to be but an empty vessel, a painted fire, a withered tree, Psal. 106.24, 25, 26.  
4. Because hereby men do continue, live, and die in their sins; unbelief, like a girdle, bindeth on sin as a suit of apparel, how much soever it be shaken and weakened, yet infidelity will be to it as bands of brass and iron to the roots of that tree, Dan. 4.15. there is neither removal nor remission, while we live in unbelief, John 8.24. Job 20.11. and this is that whereof the Spirit of God by the mouth of his Ministers doth now convince the world, the obstinate, the refractory, John 16.8, 9 1. That they sin in not believing, embracing, and entertaining Christ. 2. Of righteousness, that whereas they condemned him of guilty, they are now convinced of his innocency. 3. Whereas they run on in sin, as if there were no day of judgement, yet they are convinced in their consciences, that Christ whom they despised shall be the Judge.  
5. Because unbelief is the mother of all evil; hence it is that we run into all manner of sin, even because we believe not his word.  
6. Because unbelief doth violate the whole doctrine of the Gospel; whereas other sins are committed only against some part or parcel of the Word of God, but this maketh the whole Gospel of God to be of none effect.  
Use. This therefore setteth before us what a dangerous and fearful thing it is to live in unbelief: such are every moment under the wrath of God, exposed to everlasting destruction every hour; no assurance of freedom from everlasting burnings, no, not for a month, without refuge, without stay, without comfort; if God once begin to set himself against them, they are like a ship in the stormy sea, without anchor, like a tree in the midst of a violent wind, without roots, there is no safety, no deliverance, no salvation, Rom. 2.8. Rev. 21.8.  
2 Therefore let us all beware of an unbelieving heart; if this be removed, no other sin shall destroy us; if this sway in our souls, there is no entrance into God's Kingdom: therefore take heed, let not this weed grow in the garden of your hearts, let not this disease reign in your souls, let not this viper find any resting place in your bosoms: this will disable the Ministry of the Gospel to work upon us, it will make it as physic to a dead man, as music to a deaf man; it will work no change, no repentance, no reconciliation, no life of godliness; it will do little or nothing with us, Mark 6.5. it will disable us to overcome any sin, to withstand any corruption; it will give every base lust liberty to rule over us, Mark 9.18, 19 it will spoil us of the comforts which the word affordeth, make us fear when we should rejoice, make us go empty from the word of God, when we might depart replenished with sweet refreshment, Luke 24.25. it will make us like Pharaoh's lean kine, notwithstanding the fat which they eat, Gen. 41. notwithstanding all the means which God useth, yet we shall be poor in knowledge, in love, in peace, in joy, for it is faith maketh rich in'grace: this fetcheth plenteously out of the store-house, James 2.5. it will make us weary of the ways of God, it will open our ears to hearken to any seducing allurement, Heb. 3.12. it will give God occasion to withdraw the means of salvation from us, Acts 19.9. to leave us to ourselves, to give us over to vile affections; and therefore strive against it, as against a most mortal enemy; labour to be healed of it, as of a most dangerous disease; keep from it, as from a swallowing gulf, a kill arrow, an intangling snare; and strive by a lively faith to draw nearer to God, to build more strongly upon God, to taste more sweetness in the promises of God, to find more delight in your communion with God, and rest and peace everlasting in the heaven, that not the wrath, but the love of God may abide upon you for ever.   
FINIS.