■v m ■W m w /T<-V\y«/v,*C'c- 'f ^ t tt scifdom>teacbit>g4ndadmonijbingone ^ *£ another, &c. *&■ X *■ £ E'DIN'BVRGH, «j» ^ Printed by Cbrifiopher Higgi»s , in Hartf- <«• *» CIofe,ovcr againft the Trone-Church, 1659. jjt #** To the Right Honourable and noble Lords, Alexander ',Earl of Sglintoun^c. AND Hugh, Lord ?(*L%$. 32, 33. and that When they are judged, thej are cbafiened of the Lord, that they Jhould not be con- demned with the World, 1 Or. 11.32. AH this, and much more to this purpofe, hath the Lord made known by His Word, and doth daily inculcate and make more and more known by His fent Minifters, who, according to their Commiflion, do open up and apply the rich treafure of holy Scripture unto the Lords People of their charge. And, as if all this were not fuffictent, He hath befides ftirred up the fpirits of many of His Servants in every age to com- mit their Labours upon Scripture unto writing, for the more publick ufe of the Church of God , not only in the prefent , but alfo the fucceeding gene- rations* Asformyfelf, I ingenuoufly profefle, that, being confeious of mine own weaknefle , I did much incline to reft fatisfied with cxprefiing my Commiflion by word only in preaching to, and conferring with, my Flock and thofe of my charge : But, being earneftly requefted;and in a manner commanded by fome Re- verend Brethren, whom I honour and reverence in the Lord, to draw up briefly in writ, a plain Ana- lyfis, a fhortand found Expofition of, and the chief Obfervations grounded upon fucb Scriptures as I had either largely preached upon, or more briefly opened- up to the Lords People of my charge , I (hewed them fome of my weak endeavours of that kind to be difpofed upon at their pleafure : which whea they were pleafed to publifh and to call for ipore work of the fame nature, exprefling their confidence, A 4 thai ^ The Mfifile Vtdicdtorf. that what I bad already done, was acceptable to all that love the Truth, and would be edifying to the prefent and after- ages ; and , being thereunto alfo encouraged by diverfe faithfull and undcrltandmg perfons, I have, in obedience to their defires, given- out this other Piece to be difpofed of by them as theyftiould fee good. And fang they have advifed the publifhing of it, To whom could I, with more confidence and con- science of duty, dedicate thefe my mean labours than to your Honours ; considering, that God hath ap- pointed me to\X*atchfiry$Hrj*H/s9 4* one who mu ft give *n Mccount, and that your Honours have endea- voured, for your parts, to encourage me to go about all the parts of my Miniftery With jej, andnetVtitb grief J My Lords , when I called to remembrance how long each of you was detained thefe years by-paft from enjoying the benefit of my publick Miniftery, by your neceflitated abode elfewhere , I thought the btft way to give you an account , and to make you reap fome fruit of my labours in your abfence, was, to prefent thefe my weak endeavours to your Ho- nours : and what you have heard from me upon thefe Scriptures in publick, when you were permitted to be my hearers , I hope this little piece ftiall con- duce to bring it to your remembrance, and the Cord Himfelf convey it into your hearts, there to remain, to make your Honours more and more wife to falva- tion, that in the day of the Lord Jefus ye may be matter of joy, and a crown of rejoycing to thofe who have laboured among you and fpoken the Word of God unto you. And Ibt IftflU-Vediuttrf. And for you, Madam, who hath had liberty to be my hearer more frequently and conliantly than my noble Lords, as I truft your Honour will obferve there is a good harrocry betwixt that which I taught in the Congregation and whd J r< w putlifh to the world ; tnd that this little piece (ball ( according to your uiuall diligence in fearcbing Scripture, ard in keeping fellowftup with Qod in the practice of all commanded duties ) be improved by your Honour for your further edification and encouragment to W*/£ fterthy of the Lord untp *ll Wetl*pleafingi So, when I confide r how refrtfhfull it hath beep often unto me to behold your fweet fubmifiion under the Lord's band, > our truly Chriftian courage under va- riety of afflictions, your tradable difpofuion to re- ceive wholfome counfels, your willmgneffe to be in* ftru&ed in the way to life, and, in order to that endf to attend publick duties beyond many of your equals; your (lengthening my hands in the work of my Mi- niftery, as by other means, fo efpectally by your good example amongft the People of my charge , I fliould jud^emy ielfvery unanfwerable to God, and ex- ceeding much blame-worthy if I did not encourage your Honour to make progrefle in that good way, wherein ye are already engaged. And if my prefent eflay upon this Piece of tacred Truth do contribute anything to this end, it {hall be matter of thankf- giving from me unto the Lord, who alone doth teach His People to profit. And finally , I do profeffe unto you all ( Right Honourable and moft dearly beloved in our Lord ) that thofe words, 2 Pet.j. 12,13, 14, 15. found much in mine ears, and do fomecimes work upon my heart The Epijllc Vcdiutorf. heart i if fo I may in fomc meafure follow the ex- ample of that blefled Apoftle who wrote them, Wherefor* ( faith he ) / will not be negligent to put you alwayesin remembrance of thofe things, though ye know them, and be eftablifbed in the prefent Truth. Tea, I thinly it meet% as long as I am in thu taber- nacle % toftir you up, bj putting you in remembrance. Knowing, that ere long ("or, not knowing how foon) / mujl put off this tabernacle. Moreover, J Vtill endeavour, that you may be able after my deceafe% to have thefe things alwajes in remembrance. Now, it is the Lord alone who bleflfeth the endeavours of His Servants, and givcth increafe both to our plant- ing and witering. To whoferich and faving grace I commend your Honours moft heartily, and fhall ever pray for all manner of bleffings on you and all your rifing pofterity, as is the duty of, 7V*r Honours obliged Servant, Vrh* beggeth grace to approve himfelf your faithfull T^ajlor, Jambs Fergusscn. To To the Reader. Chriftian Reader, 2) kju this upon the Whole Scrip' ture^ is much mfbrd for by many , andWould prove acceptable and pr ficable to the Church of Chrift j So, many of greater abilities and fitnejfe than I for Jucha tasl^% who did lie-by , might be firon^ly in- duced to contribute their endeavours towards it , if any effay of mine fhould be atcepted , Wtierctp , / blcfie the Lord% I have not been in a n>iftak*> as may appear by What is fent abroad to the World fines the fublijhing of my former cPiece% by a Reverend Brom ther. To the Reader. ther my near e (I fellow- labourer in the Worl^oftbe Mini fiery, upon the two Spijtles of Pe t E R. tAnd, feeondly, I W m one of thofe, Who, fome ten years ago, without my knowledge, were pitched upon by fome Reverend "Brethren of the Aiini/lery for carrying* en this IV or kj at which time, I almofl perfected the Whole tasl^ then allotted for me • butt through fome fad accident in thofe times of trouble^ all the ^Papers J had writ ten upon that fubjett, were deftrojed and loft% anl fo a great part of my time and life in a manner loft with them : Which , netwithfianding , did not fo difcourage me% but the remembrance of What fweetnefje I tafled in that ftudy, and of the manifold advantage Wherewith it did recompenfe mj pains % didmak* me full feven years after more eafie to be Wrought upon and per/waded by the eamefi Ac fires of others to make a new effay , as bein% confi- dent from former experience , / my felfat leaft (hould be no lofer by it. If any /ball thinly this pre font Piece to be of greater length than my former , and fome others of this kind are , / hope they will ( for fatisfaftion) eon- fxier ', that feing the Apoflle doth difcuffe a great and needfuU contr over fie in the E pi file to theGi- latians, it requirotk time and enlargement to find and follow the three i of an intricate difpute ; and to explain thofe excellent Truths, which the ApoStle doth fo much labour to affert. tsfnd as for the Epiftle to the Ephefians, it u Well known to be fo comprehenfive ( as containing the whole fubftance cf Chriftian Religion in fo little bull^) that hard- ly can any mm ( at leajl not I ) faiisfie either bimfelf, or his Reader, Without inlarging bimfelf feme- '■- To the Reader. fomewhat in opening up fkch a rich treafure and excellent fubjett. I kj>o**> there may be tnntk coincidencie of Deft- rines, which do nativly arife from thofe E fifties and from thofe others to the PhilippianSrfif^CoIoflians j But, theKttdermay, for his fatisfattion, confider that ( befides I have frequently referred him to thofe places, where fuch Doftrines were formerly raifed ) feing the Spirit of God hath thought it necejfary to affert nectffary truths oftner than once, infeverall Scriptures^ for our further confirmation, U fhould not be thought an idle repetition in a Writer to draw cut the fame conclnfions from the fame truths when they occurr : for, hereby is given apr$of of the fu- ffciency and fruit fnlneffe of Serif turey as furnifb- ing many arguments to eftablifb one and the fame neceffary truth 5 To write the fame things to you, to me indeed is not grievous , but for you it is fafe, faith our Apoftle} Philip. 3. 1. / truft it fhall not offend, that in fome places I do not only hold forth the doBrine andcenclujion^ which flow naturally from the text • but alfo couch-in fome explanations, cautions, reafons, andfomtitnet fome fhort ufes ; fory thofe ferve to obviate mtfiakes about the truth in hand, and to leave fome impre- fjion of it upon the heart and ajfeftions. If any take exception that Scriptures are to* frequently cited, and think, they are hereby retard- ed from making progreffe in reading the treatife, They maj be pleafed to covfidcr% that I cite no Scrim ptures to confirm the Doftrines themfclvcs* which, as I conceive, are fufficientty grounded upon, and confirmed from the text, but only the cautions rea- fons To the Reader. fons and ufes of thofe DoClrines 9 Vohich not being grounded upon the prefent Scripture^ I defired none tota\ee off *>7 band npon trut. However, if any mnderfl*yd the purvo/i to be tru>h. and grounded upon Script u e , he needeth not (la«a to feel^ the particular parage f Vthuh u brought to prove tt% except he plea'e and juuo^e it convenient y that hi may have /owe further ground of meditation upon the truth in hand thereby afforaed. And now ; beloved Chriftia*ss let me exhort you allyand ( fp cially ynpt to tovom the Lord h nth carved cut fuch a lot tn things Worldly that je have abundance of time and Uafute from your other im- plojmentst Give more of your tiwe to the fearch- ingofStriftur*% and labour to under (land the mind ef Cod concerning your Salvation revealed there- in. Hereby [ball you be preferved from being led afide by Sdtans emtjjaries, who do erre, not knowing the Scriptures, Maith. 22. 29* Hereby ye [hall be made wife unto Salvation, andrendercd vitloriow ever your ftrongefl lu/ts$ ani throughly fitted for them ft difficult duties , Vrhtle the Lord by Hid Spi- rit pjall make the Scriptures prohtible unro you for do&rine, for reproof, f »r correction, for mftruftion in righteoufnefle , and the reby make you perfedt, throughly furnifhrd unto all good works * Tim 3. I^t 17. On/f in order to the gaining of tho/e riqh advantages by reading Scripture , ye wu/dread, not fuperficiallf f but confc'ienttoufly , a.tentiw'y, and devoutly • and do not (light to tale' what helps ye can get from the Labours of others for attaining to the inert d/e of /olid knowledge and (dnQtfying grace. irbdt 10 tne iveaaer. What humane frailties you difcerne in this piece cf mine ( which doubt left* are not a few ) pitie them and fomuch the more pray forme that I may dif- cern and amend them : and if any will be (o faith- full and free as to advertife me either immediately, or by caujing others to acquaint meVtith them, I (hall (God willing) be humbly thankfully and endea- vour to make the befi ufe lean of their freedom, knowing that fuch reproofs will not break my head, but be as a precious ointment. The great and gra- cious God bleflc all your endeavours for advancing your [elves and your relations in knowledge and grace. Soprajetb, Kilwinning , Your fervant in the Lord, 2{ov.i2. 1658. James Fergusson. ERRATA. ERRATA. Pifrlinc, Rest € 1 1 fubfcribe 10 14 5. 1| 28 had defer ted it 18 their 7 bclieting 6 their if dele to 9 wukedneffe **. 39 1* Mi our %X n acquired 14 ** 2. 20 *i *4 3* 37 i< 39 i* 40 i* 61 24 iWJ j 5 •4 11 it 1 10 itfi 16* 1S0 10 H 20 I 7 12 Hud. compofing 9** rifi, and partly alfo from their own Works, chap. 3. 2. and 4, 21 ♦ and that Paul Was n$ lawful Apofile, no Wayes to be compared With the other Apo- files who bad feen firift in tbepejh, ( a* may be gathered from chap. 2. 6, 9.) and therefore his doftrine Was butfa!fe0 Ubon Which occafionjthe dpoftle Writeth unto them this Epifile: Wherein hu fcope, is, to convince thofe Galatians of their Er~ tors ; to reduce them to the right Way ; to confirm them m the Truth, andtoprejfe upon them the duties of an boh lift, chap. 1, and fy&c. Which he labour eth toefeBuate (after prefacingJoVer.6, cbap.x*) Fir ft, by ajfertingtbe truth of the GoSftel preached by him , and the Authority of his oWn Apofilejhip, to Ver.i 5. of chap. 2. Secondly, by Vindicating the true doBrine of juftification by faith, and of the tempo- rary ufe and abrogation of the LeVitical LaWy and of the whole legal difpenfation of the Covenant of Grace, to the end of chap, 4. Thirdly, by inftruBing them in the right ufe of Chrifiian Liberty, having exhorted them to ft and to it , and pointingout, andpreffing upon them the exercife of federal Chrifiian Vertues, to \>er. 11. of chap, 6. From Whence be mtludetb the Epifile > to the end of chap. 6* B CHAP< A brief Ex f option of the Epiftlc Chap. i. CHAP. I. fN the firft part of this Chapter,* the preface to the whole Epiftle, containing the party who did write it, ver. 1,1— the party to whom it was written, ver. —2. thefalu- tation, ver. ?. a defcription of Jefus Chrift from the work of Redemption, ver. 4. and a thanks- giving to Cod for this work, ver. 5. In the fecond part, he reproveth the Gsittum for their defeftion from the Gofpel, ver. 6. toErrors, which did overturn it, ver. 7. In the third part, that he may juftifie this reproof, he affertcth the divine authority of the Gofpel preached by him , Firft, by curfing thofe who fbould hold out another Gofpel, differing from k, ver. 8, 9. Secondly, from the fcope of his dodtrine, and his aim in preaching k, ver. 10. Thirdly, becaufe both the firft faviog know- ledge which he had of the Gofpel, and his office to preach it, were immediatly from God, and not from men, whether Apoftles or any other, ver.i 1 , 1 1. where- of he giveth feveral evidences > As firft, that ever untill the inftant of his converfion, he was a learned, but per- fecting Pharifee, ver. 1 3, 14. Secondly, chat being mi- raculoufly converted and called, he went prtfently with no frnall pains and hazard to dificharge his Apoftolick Office , without inftruftion or authority received from any Apoftle, ver. 1$, 16, 17. Thirdly, that after throe years he went to Teter, but not to be informed by him, or to receive ordination from him, or fironi any other Apoftle, ver. 18, 19, The truth of all which hiftory he confirrncth by an oath, ver. ao. Fourthly » that he preached as an Apoftle in SyrU and £XZ*i*, with the ap- probation of the Chr iftian Jews,wbom formerly he had perfceuted, ver. 21, i%> *3,H« Yctf. Chap.ii '/Paul^/AfGAiATiANS. 3 Vcrf. I. CpA ULdn jfpcjtte, not ofmen, neither by man, 1 hutby Jefu6 Cbritt, and G*d the faker, tobo raifed Him from the dead, 2, And all the brethren r^hicb are frith me , unto the Churches of Galatia. IN thefe two Verfcs is the Infcription of the Epiftle, holdinp forth, I. Who did write it, to wic, Paul, defcribed from his Office*and his Call to that Office* which were both wholly divine, as being immediately from God, ver. I . And the brethren frith him •, fuch were eminent Profeflbrs, but efpeciaiUy publick Preachers, who then were with 'Paul> and did give their ceftimony to thofe Truths contained in this Epiftle, though they were not the immediate Pen-men of the holy <§hoft in k, as Paul was. 3. To whom the Epiftle was writtcn> Ver. 3. From ver. I. team, i. Free- grace doth oftett light upon the moft unworthy, not only by giving grace and (alvation to themfel ves, but alio making them fome- times inftrumental for the Kingdom of Chr ift, and for bringing about the falvation of others : for, Pdul, once a wicked perfecutor, I Xiwm .1 §-r is now made an emi- nent Apoftle; PdklanJptftle. 2. Faithful and called Miniftcraof JcfusChrift,are to be fo far from cowardly ceding, or heartlcffe fainting under the bold, bitter and unjuft afperfions of thofe who would labour to queftion their Calling , and thereby weaken their Authority, and render the truth of their DoftrinedQubtfom,A&f»2i. 23* that they ought fo much the more» for the credit of theic Office, fym. 1 1. 1 3. and for the Truth's fake which they preach* 1 Car. 7. 25, avow their Calling againft all, who do queftion ic Thus T*#/, writing to thefe Gal*. tidns arnongft whom, by means of the falle Apoftks, his Authority was qucftioncd more than in any other Church, ( chap. 2. 6, 9, 6rc.) cxprefleth himfelf more largely in avowing his Call to the Apoftolick Office, than in any other Epiftle : not only affirming that he £ 1 V73S 4 tA&ritf Exfofition 9f t he Epifile Chap, i ; was called by Jcfus Chrift, and God the Father} but alfo denying that he was an Apoftleofmen, or, by man. 3* The Apoftolick Office had this common to it with . all other Church-offices > whether ordinary, or extra- ordinary, fyht + u. that it was not the invention of man , or founded upon authority meerly humane, but was inftitutcd by Jefus Chrift, to whom only it apper- taineth to appoint Office-bearers in His Hou(e,i Cor.i 2. 28. for which re fpeft, ?rf«/affirmethhe was an Apojilc not of man, as the Ambafladors and Officers of Princes and States are : Minifters are Ambaffadors for Chrift, representing Him , and having their Authority from Him, ^ Cor. 5. 20. - 4. The Office of an A poftlc had this peculiar unto it felf, that the defignation of the pcr- fon to undergo that Office , was not mediately by the eleft ion and fuff rages of men, as it is in the calling of ordinary Office-bearers, AH. 14. 22. but immediately from God ; fo that the Fun&ion of the Apoftles ceafed with them, and did not paffe by fucceffion to a Pope or any other : for, in this rdpe&> Paul affirmeth he was an Apojtleynot by man, to y/\t> mcerman, but by Jcfm Chrift, and God the Father. He was called immediately by God, Act. 9.1 j. Vott. 5. That Jefus Chrift is not meer man but God alfo, appeareth from this, that the Apoftlc here oppofeth Chrift to man , and fo He behoved to be more than man: and dm was not an Angeh Heb.2.16. and therefore He was alfo God ; Keitber by wan (faith he) to wit, meer man, but by jefm 0>rift. 6. When Scripture afcribeth an aftion to the Father, the firft Perfon of the bleffcd Trinity, as done by Him, it is not to be fo under- ftood, as if the Son and holy Ghoft were excluded from having hand in that attion ; but that they are rather in* eluded in the Father> as perfonsof the fame Godhead : for, the calling of the Minifters of theGofpel, which is afcribed to God the Father,is afcr ibed to the holy Ghoft, ML 20. 28. and taul, who is here faid to be called by God the Father, is by the holy Ghoft feparated and fent forth unto a particular irnployment in his Calling , AS. Chap.i; ^Paul/^f^GALATiAtfs. 5 1 5* i, 4. attd the raifing of Chrift from the dead in like manner afcribed to God the Father here> is afcribed to Chrift alfb, Job. 10. 18. and to the holy Ghoft, fym> 8* if. And God the father Jbbo raifed Him from the dead* AH the external a&ions of the Godhead towards the crea- tures, are common to the whole Trinity, Joh. 5, ip^ So that the afcribing of fome a&ions to the Father, is not»as if any of the reft were not concurring, Jkit becaufe of the order of working , which is among the Three Pcrfbns ; the Father being the firft fountain of working, as doing all things from Himfelf ( 1 Cor&. 6. ) by the Son (1 Cor. 8. 6, ) and holy Ghoft, 1 Cor.i 2. 6, 8. becaufe of this order, thofe anions which are common to the whole Trinity, are frequently afcribed unto the Father. 7* As Jefus Chrift who hath life in Himfelf, Job. 5. z6> and is the fountain of life unto others, ( Job. 6. 33. } was ones among the dead ; fo He was raifed again by the power of the Father from death unto life* and is alive for ever- more, Amen, %v,i. 18. it being impoflible that He ffiould be hokkn by death, MK 2. 24. and Divine Ju- flice having received full fatisfa&ion from Him for aU which He undertook to do or fuffer, as our Caucioaes» Job. 1 6. 10. Wbo raifed Him from the dead, (akb he. 8. So blinded are men ufually with prepofterous xcal to- wards their erroneous opinions, that frequently they do alleage thofe things for to uphold them, which of all other things are moft contrary unto them iThus the fa\fk Apoftles, that they might (hake the Truth preached by foul, and eftablifh their own contrary Error ydhi alkage that he was no lawful Apoftle, as for other reafoas, f*> & would feem mainly for this , Becaufe he had not feea Chrift in the flefti, 1 Cor, 9+ 1* nor yet was called before His death ; and that theretore his Do£hine was not jo be much regarded : Which rcafon 3Wdoth here lefyte, by thewing he was called byChriftafter He wasraifed feosst the dead, and had taken poffeffion of Hjs glorious Kmft- dom ; leaving unto them to gather > that therefore his Call ng had at ieaft no leffe dignity and glory in it %hm B 3 $ 6 A hrief Sxf${*hn of tht S fifth Chap.r. if he had been called by Chrift when He ww here upon the Earth in thedayesofHisflefh ; And GUtbe father 9 XPbo raifed Him frm the dead. From verf. 2. Learn. 1 . The moc they are whom God raaketh wfeof to hold out the beauty ot Truth and Holi- nefle unco us > that we may irpbrace and follow it ; or, the deformity and danger of Error and Vice, that we mayfly from, hate, and abhor it > We arethemoreto take heed how werejetfor irabrace, dilpife or obey what is foprefled upon us; as knowing there will be the moc to bearwitntffe of our guilt, andfeek to the equity of God's judgment againftus, if we obey not, £"fa 9. 5. for,?4w/doch joyn the confent of all the Bre- thren who were with him, unto what he writeth ; that fo his Doftrine and Reproofs might have the more weight ; fadalUbe Brethren ibhich are ^itb me. 2.Though the fins of a Church, whether in Do&rinc or Manners, are not to be reputed as no fins by us, because they are connived at,or pleaded for by a Church, Jer.*>. Jt. and though the fins of Churches are to be pleaded againft by private Chi iftians in their places and ftations, Hof. a.1. So far arc they to be from tallowing ot a multitude to do evil, Lxw/, 23. 2. Yet we are not fo to Rumble at the many finful failings ; yea, grofle enormities, which may be in Churches,relating either to Faith or Manners, as ptrfendy to unchurch them, by denying them to be a Church , or to feparate from them , by refufing to keep eommun ion with them in lav ful and commanded Or- dinances, being purely adminiftrated according to the prefcript of God's Word , chiefly if their Error be not contrary to fundamental Truths , or at leaft if the^f errc of humane frailty, and not obftinatdy or avowedly ; for, the Churches ofGalatia had made a grievous revolt, even from a fundamental Truth, ver. 6. and chap. $. i# and yet becaufe they were rather through frailty fedu- ced by others, than aftivc fed ucers of others , therefore he ufcth much meeknefle and moderation towards them, allowing them the name of Churches, and csercifing his Apo- Chap. i. 4fPaul***4*GAi.ATiANs. 7 Apoftolick care towards them as a part of his charge, aiid thereby keeping communion with them, aswith Churches which were fickly and under cure ; Unto the Churches of GaUtia : which Truth makes nothing againft our feparation from the Church of ^ome , as being after much pains tajken in order to their reclaiming, and not untill we were driven to it by perfecution ; befides that the RomHh Church had erred in the foundation obfti- nately, and avowedly. VerC 3. Grace be to you and peace, from God the father, and from our Lord Jefus Qbrifk. IJEre is the Salutation, wherein he wifheth unto them * God^ gracious favoar and good- will, whereby He is well-pleafed with the Ele6t in, and for Chrift, %« ♦ j# 24. and $eacey that is, firft>Peace of confcience,and with God, fym. $. 1. Secondly, peace with the creatures* as with the Angels* CoLi. 20. with the Godly, If a. 1 r. 9. with our felves, all within us being conform to the rule pfthe renewed mind, ^om-S.-i* and in fomc refpecSt with our enemies, P/'oV. 16. 7. and with the beafts of the field, Hof 2. 18. Thirdly, Profperity and good fucceffe, Pfal. 1 22. 7* All which he feekech from God the Fa- ther as the fountain of Grace, and from Jefus Chrift as the conduit or pipe to convey Grace from the Father unto us, Job. 1. 16. ®oB. 1. God's gracious favour and good- will is to be fought by us in the firft place* whe- ther for our felves (Pfal. 4* 6. ) or others : that being a moft difcriminatinp mercy betwixt the Godly and the wicked, Epbef.i. 6. and a mercy which of any other bringeth manieft mercies alongft with it , &faL 84. 11. Yea, all things are mercy to a man, who hath ob- tained that mercy, T^otn. 8. 28. for, the Apoftle wifheth for Grace unto them firft ; Grace and peace. \%\ Peace alfo is to be foaght, even Peace with God, Peace with the creatures, together with profperity and good fucceft 5 imt withall,Tw* \% to be fought after Grace, and not to B 4 be % %A brief Expoftticn $f the E pi file Chap, i . be expe&ed before it. Peace without Grace, is no Peace : there can be no peace with God , no fan&ified peace with the creatures , nor fanftified profpericy or fuccefle to our undertakings, except through Jefus Chrift we lay hold on God's favour and grace j Yea, there is no peace Uthe^icl^dJaithmyGod, Ifa. 57. 21. Thus the Apoftle wifheth unto them alfo Peace , but fo as it flow from Grose ; Grace and Veace. g. Grace and Peace are fuch, as we cannot acquire unto our lelves by our own indu- ftry or pains : they come from God, are to be fought from Him,and His blefling is more to be depended upon for attaining of any thing,which comcth under the com- paffc of Grace and Peace, than our own wifdom, in- cjuftry or diligence ; So Paul feeketh Grace and Peace from God the Father. 4. Whatever favour we feek from God, we arc to (eek it alfo from Jefus Chrift as Media- tor : for, He hath purchafed it, Epb.i.j. He is appoint- ed Lord of Hisownpurchafetobcftowall, AH. 5.31. and there is no coming to, or tryftingwith the Father,' but in Him, Job. 14. 6. Thus Paul feeketh Grace and peace from $ur Lord Jefu* Thrift. 5. They to whom Grace and Peace belong, areluch as acknowledge Chrift for their I-ord to command and rule them, and do yeeld fubje&i- on to Him in their heart and life : for, while the Apoftle wifheth Grace and Peace to them, he doth lead them to thoughts of ChrifVs Soveraignity , he himfelf taking Him up as Lord, and holding Him forth fo unto others ; from our Lord JefuA Q)rijl. Vcrf. 4. Who gave Himfelf for our fins, that He might de- liver us from thisjrefent cYtl nor Id, according to the mil $fGod, and ota t other. TTHe Apoftle (having but mentioned Chrift, ver. 3: * that he may in the very entry draw the minds of thefe Galatiam from off their errors and fupetftitions to imbraceHim, as one in whom is fulneffe of fufficiency for the redemption and juftification ot loft (innersj doth dc- Chap;i. of Paul to the G a i at i a n s . 9 defcribe Him from one eminent a&ion of His, whereby, as the great High- prieft over the Houfe of God, Heb.i o. «. He did offer up Himfelf, Soul (Ifa. 55. 10--) and Body ( Heb.i. 14.) by death upon the Crofle, Job. 19. 17,18. that He might expiate and take away ( Job. r. 29.) the fins of the Elcft, Jtb. 17. 9. and that hereby He might deliver them from this fttfent elil florid, or from the fin, mifery and cruelty of wicked men in the world, who get the name of iborld, 1 Job. 5. 19. and all this He did in obedience to His Father's will, who had fore-ordained this to be the only way of bringing left finners to Heaven, Heb. 10.8,9. t>o&. 1. Th^ lively impreffion of Chrift's worth and excellency, doth ordi- narily fo fill the hearts of thofe , who know Him , and have tafted how gracious He is, as there will be a readi- neffe, upon any occafion of mentioning Him, to break- forth in His commendation : for, fuch is the conftraining power of love on haul's heart, that ufually he doth not fo much as make mention of Him, but prefently he muft extol h and at large commend Him ; fo doth he in this verCcWbo gave bmfelfj&c. which his attainment, fhould be our aim 5 and his pra&ice, ourcopie, 1 Cor. 11. 1. 2. The well- grounded knowledge of what Chriftis to us, and hath done for us, together with the frequent re- membrance of it , is a foveraign Antidote againft all thofe Errors and Superftitions, which tend to draw us fromChrift, either in part, or in whole > and that, both to prevent them, and to purge us from them : He is that Sun of righteoufnefle,A4<*/.4.2. the arifing whereof doth eafily difpel and fcatter all thofe fogs and mifts, AB. 19. 18, 1 9, 20. for,T4«/, in order to this end,doth in the very entry hold forth what Chrift had done for them 5 Who gA\>e kimfelf&c. faith he. 3. So deep and deadly was the guilt of fin, Gal.x 3. 10. Soexaft was the jufticeof God, and fo unalterable was His faithfulneffe in executing the judgment, which was denounced for fin, ( Gen. 2 .17* ) that there was no delivery to the Eleft from it, without |thc payment of a ranfom and fatisfaftion for the wrong done jo A brbfSxpjUUn §ftbt Epi/tl* Chap.r. done by fin to the provoked juftice of God : for, flrift gorld: which Chrift doth not by talring them presently out of this world by death, orocherwife, Job. 17.15. But, firft, by renewing their natures, and fo fe* parating them from the condition of unregenerate men, who are called the toorld, 1 fob. \<$. 19. And, feoondly, by guarding them againft thole baits and fnares of hn- full temptations, which are mainly prevalent in the men of this world, 1 lob. 2. 16. Thirdly, by defending them, fo fir as He fecth conducing for His own glory, (Pfdl.76. Io.) and their good ( P/i/. 84. —11.) from the milici- pus cruelty of wicked men of this world, P/i/. 1 05. 1 4. And, laftly, by taking them at the dofc of their time fa Cor. 5. 1. ) from Earth to Hearen, that they may be forever with Himfclf, fob. 14. 3. for, He £*>* bimfclf9 that He might deliver ut from tbu profeut Ttorld. %l lurid. 9. This evil world, wherein fomuch wickednrffe> fo much mifery, and fo many wicked men abound, is but prefent y notlaftingj tranfient, not continuing ; it is battening to its end, fytn* 8. 19. and at laft (hall be confumed wkh fire, 2 Ptt. 3. 10. and a new World, new Heavens, and a new Earth, are to fucceed untoit, wherein fhall dwell righteoufnefs, 2 Pet, 5.13. for, hecalleththis a prefent toor Id, import- ing that there is another to come. IO. That Jefus Chrift did offer up Himfelf in fatisfa&ion to provoked Juftice for the fins of the Eleft , was a thing decreed and ap- pointed by the Father, which, as it fpeaketh the Fathers unfpeakable love unto loft finners,Iofc.3 itf.fo it fheweth the ground whereupon the fatisfa&ion given by Chnft, is accepted for thofe, who by faith lay hold on Him, lob. 6. 39, 40. it was fo tranfa&ed betwixt the Father and the Son, even that He (hould give bimfelffor our fins, ac- cording to the mil of God, to wit, the Father : for, when Go^isoppofedtoCAnj/J, then God fignificth the father ; Yet fo> as the other two Pcrfons of the Godhead are not excluded, as is noted upon Ver.i . ©off. 6. 1 1 . By rea- fon of this fiuisfa&ion given by Jefus Chrift to provoked juftice 12 A brief Expofition tftbe Epiflle Chap, r jufticc for our fins, God, who was before a confuming hre to finners, #*&. U. 29. a ftri& fin-purfuing Judge, Exod. 1 4.7. becomcth now our Father : for,jufticc being fatisficd , and that fatisfaftion laid hold upon by faith, Q(oni. 5. 1. the enimity ceafeth, and wc become children; yea, heirs and joynt-heirs with Chrift, having received the Spirit of adoption, wheicby we cry, Abba, father, fym. 8. 1 S,i6,i 7. This is imported, while it is faid> A- tor ding to the Kill of Cod, and our Father. Vcrf. 5. Tq tobotn be glory for e^er and e>er. Amen. OEre is the dofc of the Salutation : in which, by hold- ing forth his own prafticc for an example, he com- prehended the duty ot the Redeemed: they are to afcribc lafting glory and praife to God the Father for His good- will to this work of our Redemption by Jefus Chrift. 2>0#. 1. As God, in this great work of our Redemption by Jefus Chrift, hath made the glory of almoft all His Attributes, efpecially of His Juftice, as to Chrift, %omm 8. 32. of His Mercy* as to us, Efb.i. 7. and confequent- lyofHisinfinitWifdom ( iTim. 1. 17.) to kyth and fhinc forth: So it'is the duty of the Redeemed, andfuch a duty as ufeth willingly to flow from the very making mention of that io excellent a Work, in a heart duely af- filed with the wor th thereof, even to acknowledge that glory of His which is manifefted therein , and to wi(h that His glory may be fet forth more and more, both by our fclvcs and others : and thi9 not only by fpeaking to the commendation ot His Glory and Qreatneffc, T/i/, 145,5,6. but by making our whole life and conven- tion to be nothing elfe, but a tcftimony of our thank- fulnefleco Him, 2 Cor. 5. 15. for, theApoftle, having mentioned t'ut ^rcat Work, afcribeth plory to God, at God's due, and bis own duty ; To Xtbom be glory. 2. This dutyofafcribingplory to God for the great and excel- lent work of our Redemption, is fuch, that \ican never be fufficicntly difcharged : there is no leffc required tbaa a (\XQr Chap.i. of Paul fa j^Galatiahs. ij a (ucceflion of Apes to Ages ; yea, and Eternities Ieifurc to afcribe glory to God : for, fo much is imported, while he faith, To V>bom be Glory for ever and ever. 3. The Glory of the Redeemer, and of God who fern His Son to do that Work, fliallbe the long-lafting and never- ending fong of the Redeemed-ones through millions of imaginable ages* even to all eternity : fo much doth the word, rendered for ever and ever, bear : for, it fignifietfa to ages of ages, or innumerable ages. 4. Our praife and thankfgiving to God , muft not be formal or verbal only, Mat. 1 5. 8. but ought to be fervent and ferious, as proceeding from the moft intimate affe&ion of the heart* ( Lu^. 1. 46, 47. ) fignified by the word, dtnen, that is, tit it be fo* an earneft wifli* Vcrf. 6. 1 marvel, tbatyearefofoon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Chrifl, unto another Go f^ek iNthefecond part of the Chapter, that the Apoftle A may reclaim thofe GalatUns from their Errors, he fal- leth upon them with a fad, though moft gentle,reproof; wherein, by way of admiration at their unconftancy, he chargeth them with the fin of fuffcring themfelves to be Co eafily and fo foon feduced by their falfe Teachers from the Truth, which they had once imbraced : whereof he mentioneth three dangerous confequences , firft, That hereby they had made defe&ion from God, who called them; and confequcntly were ungratefull, as walking unworthy of their heavenly calling, Epb.q. 1. Secondly* That herein they had the do&rine of Free-grace through^J i^% Jefus Chrift, without which they could not be faved, £pb. 2.8. And, thirdly, They had imbraced another Gofpel and way of Salvation, held forth by the falfe Apoftles, concerning which he declareth his judgment in the following Verfe. ©off. 1. It is the duty of Chrift's Minifters, nqt only to hold out the pure and fincere truth ofthe Gofpel unto the People of their Charged. 20. 27. But alfo to defend it, by convincing of gainfayers, and by 14 A brief Exp$Jtti$n t>fthr£jiftlt Chafer. by reproving thofe ladly, who arc carried away wkb contrary errors : for, (b doch the Apoftlc here reprove thofe Gaiatians, ImarVel, that ye are fo foov removed* 2. The Minilier^ of Jct'us Chnft,are in-all their reproofs* chiefly againtt fuch who arc carried away with the fpinc of error, and are not incurrigibie in their error, to ufc much moderation and mcckncflc, cfchewing all (harp- nefle of fpeech, at leaft uncil pains be taken to inform ihcir judgment ; and this, left the evil which they intend to cure* be otherwife made worfe : for, although Paul intend afterwards, chap. }♦ ver I. ( having once con- firmed his Do&rine from Scripture ) to rebuke tbem raoft fharply ; yet he doth not here, at the firft entry, in an upbraiding way, (hame them , but ufing much mo- deration and meckneflc> with admiration and erief, ma- kcth mention of their levity unto them ; and this, be- caufe many of them atlrattwere not yet incorrigible, chap. ?. io* / marlfci&c. faith he. ?. They are alfo in all their reproofs, to ufc much warineflc and circum- fpeftion, not omitting any circumftance which may juftly extenuate the fin reproved, or furnifliwith any ground of hope concerning the amendment of him who is reproved : for, hereby the bitter potion of a medicinal reproof is much fweetned, & the guilty patient allured to the more thorow- receiving of it: 2W uleth this circum- fpeftion, while he faith, not ye of your (elves do remove to another Gofpel, but y* *re remind, paflively ; there- by laying the chief part of the blame upon others; and while he fpcaketh of them in the prefenc time, not that they were already removed, but as being in the aS of removing, fo that their calc was not defperate ; I war- W, thai ye art remo>ed : In the Original, it is a w ord of the prefent time. 4. The moft quick fi^hted of Chnft's Minifters, may be much deceived and difappointed in their cxpeftation of good things from fomc eminent Pro* feffors ( for, in charky they are obliged to hope the befl of all 1 Cor. 1 $.7. iii whom the contrarv doth not ap- pear, Tit. 1. 16. ) and to may readily fall fhorc of their hope Chap.i. ff Paul t$ the G a laTians. iy bopcas^Wftewethhe did, while he faith , 1 marvd, that ye are removed; importing > that their dcfe&ion had fallen forth beyond hiscxpe&ation ; for, at fuch things men ufe to marvel, Mar\. 1 5. 44. 3>o#. 5. The Servants of Jefus Chrift, arc not, under the pretence of warincfie and ckcumfpe&ion in reproving , to omit any circum- ftance, which may defervedly aggrcge the fin reproved, whereby the guilt may be charged home with greater weight upon the tinners conference, 2 Sam. 11. j. pru- dence and faithful freedom may well confift, MaUio. \6. Thus Paul heapcth together feveral things, whereby their apoftafie was aggreged, as that it was fudden, a turning from God, and to another Gofpel ; I marVel that, ye are fofwn remind) &c. 6. How great need have they who ftand, to take heed left they fall, 1 Cor. 10. 1 2. feing fuch is mans ioconftancy, cfpecially in the matter of Religion ; that they who are flourifliing Profeflbrs of faving Truths now* may upon a fudden* and with very little ado, be carried away to foul-deftroy inf Errors be- fore it be long : for, fuch were thofe Errors, unto which the Galatians were removed, chap, 5* 2. and thztfojoon, either after their firft coriverfion, or after the time when they were firft affaulted by the falfe Apoftles , which doth not militate againft the do&rinc of perfeverance, fcing Paul fpeakcth to the whole vifible Church, among whom fome had never feving grace ; and for the few truly gracious, which were among them, there is nothing here to prove that their falling away was either total or final. 7. This aggregeth the fin of any perfon not a little, when he doth fuddenly without difficulty or refift- anccand with eafefuccumbe and yeeld unto the tenta- tion: for, hereby is their defeftion aggreged, even that they were fo foon removed • they did not long refift the temation. 8. Though aftive feducers of others from Truth>be more inexcusable than fisnple creatures that arc feduced by them, %om. 16. 1 8. Yet, even thofe of the lat- ter fort, are not altogether free of guilt ; when the blind do lead the blind; both fall together in the ditch : for, herein 1 6 A brief Expofition 0ft he Sfiftle Chap, r ; herein were thefeGalatians guilty, that they did differ chcnifelves to be (educed, or, /i foon removed from Him that called them. 9. As the dangerous confequenccs which follow upon Error, ought to be prefqntcd unto People, that thereby they maybe made the more to ftie from it ; So there are fomc Errors in Doftrine, which do no Jeflc feparatc the pcrfon erring from God and in- tereft in free-grace,than profanity of life doth : of which Errors, this is one, the maintaining of Jurtificatiotl by works : for, Taul fheweth that by this Error they y*cre removed from God, Tbbo bad called tbemy and from the grace ofCbrifl. 10. As the inward effe&ual calling of finners from the ft ate of nature unto grace) is the work of God, which He bringcth about by the preaching of His Word, l Cor. 1,21. Yea, and the external calling of men from Idols , to be Members of the vifible Church, which is attended with profeflcd fubjeftion upon his part, who is called, unto God's Laws and Ordinances, is his work alfo, though in an inferiour degree and rc- fpeft : So it is no fmall aggravation of fin or error in any perfon, when it is evidently inconfiftcnt with, or re- flecting upon, that ftate, unto which he is called : for, TW defer ib?th God here, aselfwhere, chap. 5.8. from His calling of them, and choofcth to defcribe Himfo, while he is fpeakinp of their defection ; that hereby he may asgrege it, as rcfle&ing fo much upon their calling ; from Him that called you. ) 1 . The Gol pel is a Doctrine which holdeth forth much of Chrift's free-grace and good-will to finners, and fpecially in this, that Heaven and Salvation , though purchafed at a dear rate by Chrift, Job. 3. 16. is notwithftandinp freely offered unto all, '^v. 22.17. and really to be beftowedupoa all who do out come to Him. J#0.?.4o. and by faving- faith lay bold upon Him, \jb. ;. 36. for. God's calling them to receive the Doftnne of the Golpel, is here ter- med His calling them unto the grace of Cbrifl. 12. It is ordinary for Seducers, and thofc that are aftcd byafc* dncinglpirit, to u(her-in their Errors by fomc excellent defig-* Chap>i» o/Paul to the G a t a t i a n si 17 defignations , as of New-Lights, amorepureGofpel- way, and what not ? as here they defign their Eerror, by the name of another Gofpel ; and this doubtleffe* as they would have had the people believe, a more excel- lent Gofpel than what foul had preached : for, Paul in imitation of the falfe Apoftles , calleth their Errors /»- other Gofpel. Verf. 7. Which is not another • hut there hefome that trouble you, andtoeuld pervert the Gofpel of Cbrip. HTHe Apoftlc taketh away that excellent title from the * error of the falfe Apoftles, whereby themfclves did defign it, and denieth it to be a Gofpel at all ; yea, and to be any other thing but the invention of men, whereby they troubled the Churches peace> and laboured to over- turn and corrupt the doftrine of the Gofpel. ©0$. I. Ic is the part of Chrift's Minifters to undeceive a (educed People, by taking off the vail of fair pretences, where* with Error ufeth to be covered , and fo made the^more taking, and to fet it forth in its vileft colours,that People may loath it: for ,2W doth take the name of Gofpel from this error, declaring it to be nothing elfe but a perverting of the Gofpel ; Which is not another. 2. There is but one Gofpel, one in number, and no more ; and but one way to Salvation held out in the Gofpel, which is by Faith laying hold upon the righteoufndOTe of Chrift,7<^.' 3. 16. Whatever doftrine holdeth forth any other way to Salvation than this, it is no Gofpel, no glad-tidings of Salvation, but a perverting of the Gofpel : for,fo doch 2W affirm of the doftrine taught by the falfe Apoftles ; Which is not another, (?c. 3. The proper eflfe& of Error, is, to trouble the Churches peace; firfb their outward peace among themfelves, the patrons of Error being zea- lous of nothing fo much as to gain many followers,^**. 23. 15. for attaining whereof, they fcruple not much to make woftill rents and deplorable fchifmes within the Church, %n. 16, 17. Secondly, their inward peace of C con- 18 AhritfExfo[ttion tfth* Sfifile Chap.i. confcicttccj while feme are thereby rendred firft per- plexed, and anxious what to choofc or what to refuie, and it laft are made to qucttion all Truth, i Cor. 1 5, 32. and others to imbrace Error for Truth, and fo to ground their peace upon an unfurc foundation, which can give no (olid peace, no not in the mean time ; and whatever falfe peace is thereby offered, it will afterwards end in trouble* Jude 1 }. Hence it is laid here of the falfc Apo- ftles by Paul , Tbere be fume tbdt trouble you> to wit, by their Errors. The Scripture- ufe of the word, is, mainly tofignifie inward trouble, anxiety, fear and perplexity of mind, Mat. i. 3. and t+. 26. The word ieemeth to be borrowed from the troubling ofr waters* Job. 5. 4, 7. which ufually comcth to pafle by great winds, Jo»4. 1.7. and applied to the troubling of the Galatians by the winds of erroneous do&rinc, Epb. 4. 14. 2>ptf. 4. Then h ufually the defign of Satan, and of his inftruraents, againft Truth.moft dangerous> and fo moft to be watch- ed againft and feared, Mat.j.i 5. when they fpeak faircft and endeavour to palliate their Errors with ipecious pre- tences : for here, when they pretend to no h ffe than the holding out of a more excellent Gofpel than P^i's, ver. 6. they endeavour even to pervert and overturn the Go- JpeUf Chrijt. 5. However people> who are in hazard of frduftion* or already (educed unto Error , arc to be tcndered,and by all means fervently to be laboured with, in order to their confirmation or recoveryi Jude 22, 23. Yet thefcobdured Leaders and defperate Seducers, are not much to be taken notice of: ?£.2.7, 8, 9. 1 Job.i.j. Hcncethe falfc Apoftle?* w they Chap. i* */PauI ^^Galatians. 19 they preffe juftification by works, as appeareth from the tenourot the following difpute, arc faid to pervert the GofylofCbriJi. Verf. 8. $ut though toe, or an Jngel from Heaven, preach any ether GoTpel unto you , than that tobicb toe bate preached unto you, let him beaccurfed. TN the third part of the Chapter > theApoftle, that he A may juftifie his former reproof , aflerteth the Divine Authority of that Gofpel, which he had preached unto them. And firft,by denouncing the terrible curfe of eter- nal feparation from Chrift agamft thole who (hould corrupt thatDo&rine by preaching another way of Sal- vation differing from it.The certainty of which denoun- ciation he confirmeth from the fuppofition ot an impof- fible cafe, That if either he himfelf, or the other Apoftle* with him , Yea, or if an Angel from Heaven fliould teach other wife, they were not to be exempted from this curfe j and therefore much leffe (hould there be exempti- on for others. $*&* 1. The written Word of God, without the help of unwritten traditions, containeth in it all Truths neceffary for bringing about the falvation of thofe who yeeld themfelves to be inftru&ed by it : for, the written Word comprehendeth the fum and fubftance of all that ^aul preached or believed, Jit. 24. 14. and no Doftrine, differing from what he had preached, was to be taught under the hazard of a curfe , which could not be, except he had preached all neceffary Truths ; Let Hmbeaccurfedy faith he, *toho preacheth any other Gofpel. 2. Whatever Do&rine is propounded unto the Church, as a part of God^ Word and neceffary to Salvation, if it be diverfe and differing from , or befides the written Word , though it be not dire&ly contrary unto it, it is a curfed Do&rine, and the Authors thereof accurfed : The Ambaffador who fpeaketh any thing befide his Commiffion, is as well in a fault, as he %vho fpeaketh the contrary, though not fo much : for, faith the Apoftle, If C » *# *o A brief Sxpofitlon of the EpiftU Chap.i toe preach unto you any other ^Doctrine than that ( the word fignifieth befides that V>e baVe preached unto you) let ua be ac- turfed. 3. So affurcd ought Minifters to be of the truth of what they hold forth as the way to lite and falvation, that nothing imaginable,no not the authority ot an An- gel from Heaven may prevail to brangle them in their leaving of it ; yea, and that knowingly and with confi- dence they may be able to denounce the curfc of God againft thofe who would dare to hold out another way of Salvation contrary unto it : fori fo doth f*ul -y If an Angel preach befides \»bat toe ha\e preached, let htm bt ac- turfed, 4. The Minifters of Jefus Chrift ought to be faithftill unto the fouls of thofe over whom they arc fet, hy declaring the whole Counfel of God unto them, AH. 10.27. a°d keeping up no Truth neceffary for Salvation from them : for, Paul was thus faithful to the Galatians, elfe he could not denounce thofe accurfed who would preach any thing, to wit, as neceffary to Salvation even hjties that Ttb'ub be bad preached unto tbem% as he doth here- 5. So much of glory to God's Juft ice and Mercy is manifefted in the Dodtrinc of the Golpel, Eph. i.6tj, 12. the keeping of thisDo&rine pure and uncorrupt is fo neceffary for the falvation of finners, \Txm. 4.16 the pu verting of thisDotf rine by adding any thing of mans inventions to it, is fo difhonourable to God, whole wif- dom is hereby taxed as defeftive ; fo deftru&iveto the Doitrine of the Gofpcl it (elf, ver. J. and fo pernicioufly poifonable to the fouls of People ( *#. 1 5. 24.) that they who are guilty of this fin, anei labour to feducc others to imbracc their pernicious Errors, are liable to the terrible curfe of eternal fcparation from Chrift, and ought, to be pronounced fuch judicially by the Church, Xif.g.io.£r* bvn le accurfed, or, Let him be Anathema, which was one kind of that dreadfull fcncencc of Excommunication, as it was ufed with the Jews ; and the word fignifieth that which is put apart from the ufc of man, and dedicated unto God, with the accurfingof them who fhould con- vert it to their own ufc ; and fo, by a tranflated (enfe, it fignifieth Chap.^ */Paul to ^Galatians; %\ fignifieth eternal reparation from Chrift,%». g. j. i Con 16. tu ®otf* 6. The more impartial the Minifters of Chrift be in reproving of fin > and denouncing of threat- ningsagainftall without exception, who are guikyof the fin threatned, the word of reproof and threatning will have the more weight from his mouth ; and when the Word is difpenfed with evident refpefik to perfons, fo that the faults of fome are fharply rebuked, when the fins of others equally guilty forby-refpe&s are wholly connived at, ufiially no perfon careth for it : therefore* Paul, that the judgment denounced may have tfie more weight with others,exempteth not himfelf, if fo Ke (hould be found guilty of the fin apainft which he threatneth, Though ( faith he) e>en 1 ^aul, or any other of the Apoftles, preach any other Dottrme, &c. 7. As people, when they difcern any excellencies or perfections, whe- ther in gifts or graces in Minifters* are ready to take up- on truft whatever they deliver j fo nothing of that kind (hould make faich to what they preach, if it be not foun- ded upon the Word of Truth : the firft of thefc is fuppo- fed, the other more dire6Uy expreffed, while he faith> If Tbe , or an Angel from Heatoen, preach any other IDottrine, let bim be occur fed. 8. The Authority of the Gofpel and written Word, is far above the Authority ofthemoft truft-worthy Men ; yea, and of the glorified Angels, So that neither Man nor Angel, Church or any other, can adde any Authority to it, as though without the tefti- monyof thofc it had not fufficient Authority ink fclfi (2 Pet. 1.19.) and from God the Author of k> iThn. j# 16. to give faith unto it ; neither can they detraft any thing from its Authority, though they (hould all in one voice contradift it , as it appeareth from this impoffible cafe, fuppofed by the Apoftlc > Though toe* or anjvgel from Heaven, preach any other GoFpel, let bim he accurfed. C 2 VcrC again. 2. Though zeal for God and Truth, with fervency in the delivery of Truth, chiefly in the rep; oof of fin ( 1ft. ^8. 1.) be required in a Mimftcr; yet he is carefully to guard , left, under pre- tence of zcal,hc vent his inconsiderate and flcfiily pri- ons* or, left he give any ground for people to conceive fo of him : tor,?Weuardeth againft this, by repeating ad- vifediy what he had prefently fpoken ; A / fdd before, Jo fay I noft again. 3. It is not enough for the Salvation of peoples louls , to have the Gofpel preached in purity among Chap. i. *f Paul totheGAtATiAXt, ^ among them, except it be alfo received by them, as la- bouring to underftand the purpofe of it, Ait.%. 30. giving atfent unto the truth of it ifi their underftanding, Heb, 4. 1. and imbracing the good things offered by k in their heart and affe&ions, t Timti. 1 5. for, whereas ( ver-8.) faul laid they are accurfed who teach otherwife than he had preached, here he faith, they are accurfed tob* preach otberVrife than they had received : whereby it appeared1** aslWhad preached the Gofpelof Chrift, (otheGala- tians received it, to wit,thc whole bulk of Church-mem- bers come to age> the two firft wayes mentioned in the Dcxftrine , and fincere Believers among them in the laft way. Verf. 10. f$r3 do I ncfo perfaade meny or God? $r do I feekj&pleafe men i for, if I jetpltafed men % Ifhould nrt be the fcrtant ofCbrift. TJEreisa fecond Argument, proving the Divine Au- *■ thority of the Gofpcl, which 2W had preached to thofe Galacians, taken partly, from the fcope of his Do- ftrine , which was not to per ft ode men, that is (by a ne- ceffary Ellipfis and a conftru&ion fomwbat unufual) he did not by his Do&rine perfwade men to be heard and obeyed (as the falfe Apoftles, who did al wayes inculcate the Authority of men upon the hearers, that hereby they might gain credit to their Doftrine;) but the drift of his Doftrine was to draw men to God, per foading Gtd, that is, to be heard and obeyed ; that fo the faith of the hea- rers might rely only upon the Authority of God, and not of men ; partly, from the fcope of the preacher,SW himfelf, which was not to hunt after the favour of men3 (as the falfc Apoftles did preflfethc Legal Ceremonies that they might herebv gain the applauteof, and decline persecution from, the Jews> Galt6. tx) but his aim w*s* fingly to approve himfelf to God* however men fhotsld efteemofhim, tC$r. 4, ?. and withal!, giveth a reafon inducing him to be thus fingle and fincere * to wit' if he C 4 Should *4 t^ brief Ex ffttion of the Epifile Chap. I fhould fet himfelf to hunt after the favour of men, as he did when he was a Pharilee, he could not be an appro- ven Servant of Chrift , but of thofc whofe favour he ftu- diedtogain. 2>o#. I, The faithfull Servants of Jcfus Chrift, befide their many other (ufferings, muft relblve to fuffer fomewhat fometimes in their credit and eftima- tion from thofe, who, being fet on by afpirit of (pighc and malice, willf^rcad finiftrous reports in fecrctofho- ncft Minifters, the truth whereof they dare not avow or publickly ftand to, when they arc put to it, and have fair opportunity to do it it they could : for,it appeareth T*uh adverfaries had been fecretly whifpering, as if the fcope of his Doftrine had been to fet up his own Authority and Teftimony in the Points controverted , not only above the other Apoftles, to whom they falfly boafted of to have favoured them (as is collc&ed from chap. 2. 6.) but alfo above the Authority of God fpeaking in the Old Teftament, and that he was not conftant to himfelfc fometimes difprovingCircumcifion, and fometimes ap- proving it, chap. 5. 1 1. as he might beft plcafe the hu- mours of men with whom he had to do : and T The firft part of the queftion hath the force of a denial ; the fecondofa vehement affirmation, as if he had fa id, I do not perfwade men* but God. 4. It is not enough that a Minifter preach nothing to people, but that which is the Truth of God ; he muft alfo preach Truth fincere- ly, not concealing any part of ncceffary Truth, or mis- applying Truth fo,as that thereby he may pleafe the fin- full atfeftions, humours and difpofitions of men ^ but aiming fingly to approve himfelf to God in doing of his duty , a Cor. 2. 17. Thus Vaul denieth that his aim in preaching, was to pleafe men ; Or do I feebjopltafe men I 5. As true converfion doth work a real change in a man from what he once was in his unconverted ftate, 1 Cor. 5. 17. fo particularly in this, that where before he did proftitute his gifts and parts i yea, his very confeience to theflavery of mens finfall humours whom he converted with, and by pleafing of whom he did expe& any profit, credit or contentment* Job. 5. 44. he will not now abafe himfelf, or difhonour God by doing fo any more : thus was h with faul ; Vor if I yet plea fed men ; where he in- finuateth that formerly, and while he was a Pharifee, he did pleafe men, but he would do fo no more. elpccially in a Minifter, and which is inconfiftenc with fidelity in Chrift* lervicc, to wit, when he concea- led* any neceffary Truth, which he is otberwife called to delivery left he difpleafe men, I I(ing. 22. 13, 14. when bis higheft aim is to gain applaufe from men, 2 Cor.4,j-, and fteoerally when he is Io timerouflydifpofcd, as to venture rather upon the difpleafure of God, by omit- ting any part of His duty, than to irritate and difpleafe the finfull humours of men, by faithfulnefle in thedif- charge of his Calling, Ait. 4. 10. A Mmifter who fctteth himlelffotopleafemen, and who refolvcth not in thefe refpedis to meet widi the difplea(ure of fomc men, can- not be a faithful Servant to Jefus Chrift ; for>#a man cannot fcrve two matters, Mat. 6. 24* tf l J** fle*fci wtn, lJbould)i9tbctbeScry>dntofCbr*Jt* 7- Afaithfull Servant of lefutChrift, will prize his acceptation with Chriit, his bemg approven of Him, and the tettimony of a good confeience for fidelity in His Service, more, than all the favour, countenance, applaufc or any ad- vantage flowing from tbefe, which he can receive from men *, and before he hazard the lofle ci the former, he will rather a thouiand times imbrace with gtadncflfe the moft certain lofle of the iatter : for* TW maketh this an argument, why he did not feck to pkafc men ; becautc that Ch*P- %• */Paul to the Gal atiaws! 27 that hereby he (hould lofe the approbationof Chrift: far, if I yet pleafed men% I foould not be the Servant ofCbriJl. Veif. II. ®* * 1 certifieyou, Brethren, that the Gofpel Khicb Kfrtf preached of me, ts not after man. 12. tor I neither received it of man, neither Km I taught it, but by the revelation ofjejua Cbriji. 'T'He Apoftleaddeth a third Argument, to prove the * Divinity of that Gofpel which he had preached* whereby he afferteth alto hh own lawfull Call to bean Apoftie, which was qutltioned by his adverfaries, affir- ming (as it appearcth from his fo much infiftingto de- monftrate the contrary from ver. 1 $. chap. 1. to vcr.if. chap. 2.) that he was no Apoftle, but fome ordinary Frcacher, who had received the Doftrine of the Gofpel at the fecond hand only, and having fo received it , had now himfelf corrupted it, contrary to what was taught by the other A pottles, James and Cefbat, of whofe Au- thority and Patrociny his adverfaries did falfly boaft, whereby they created a prejudice in the minds of thofc Galatians, both againft Paul's perfon, and bis dcftrinet which he wipeth off, while he profecuteth this Argu- ment at large. And, inthefiift place, he propoundeth the Argument as a thing known, atleaft which could not be contradi&edj to wit that the Gofpel preached by him was not after man, ver. n. that is, as he explaineth prdently, he natber received it of man, or, he received not his Office to teach and preach the Gofpel from any meer man, and fo was no ordinary Preacher > Keither Jha he taught tt by man, that is,the knowledge which he had of the Goipel, was not by any ordinary mean or inftrufti- on from men, and fo he had it not at the fecond hand* but it was immediately revealed to him by Jefus Chrifl; and therefore behoved to be divine, ver. 12. ©0#. 1. It is the part of a faithful and prudent Minifter by loving and affectionate infinuations to bear himfelf in upon the affe&ions of people , even though deeply prejudicate againfl 58 A brief Exf$jiti$n $ftbe S fifth Chap, u agaifift him,fb long as there is any hope of gaining them: for, thus doth Paul to thdc Galatians, while he called* them brethren, a. It is the ufual cuftom of Hcreticks and adverfaries of Truth, when they have nothing to fay in reafon againft the Do&rine it (elf, to caft reproach upon the perfons of thole who preach it , and efpeciallv to queftion their Call and Authority to preach ; that to they may indireftlyat leaft refleft upon theDoftrme which they preach. So do the Papifts now againft the Miniftcrs of the Reformed Churches* and fo did the falfe A pottles then againft Paul, as we cleared in giving the fenfc of the words > and appeareth from his afltrting his Call to be an Apoftle ; U u not after men, neither received lit from man. g. When fubtil wits do thus puzle the People of God by fuch diversions from the main pur- pofe, and by Arguments which do not dire&ly ttrike at the Truth in queftion;it is nevertheless the part of Chrifts able and faithftill Miniftcrs, to take off thofc indireft prejudices, by (hewing how groundlefle they are ; and particularly they are not only to clear the truth of the Do&rine, but alfo their own Call from God to jircach that Doftrine : for, fo doth Paul here, and to the end of the Chapter; Ho*> I certijie yM^retbren^e. 4. As none may take upon him to difpenfe the Word of God publickly unto others, without a lawful Call from God to do it^ow.io. 1 5. So there arc feveral forts of callings, one, of mem and ordinary, when God calleth by the voices and confent of men , following the Laws of the Word, 2 Tim. 1. 1. another of God, and extraordinary, when He do:h call immediately, the Call of the Church not interveening , Job . IO.lI. for, Paul doch not preach untill he receive the Oifice to preach, and this not of man, in the ordinary way ; and fo of God extraordi- narily ; For neither received I it of man, faith he- J. They who arc to teach others, are firft to be tanght themfel ves, to wit» ordinary Preichers by ordinary means, whereby they may be enabled by found Doftrine both to exhort aod convince gainfayers, Tit.i* 9. The Pricfts lips (hould keep Chap* i* *f Paul to the Ga l a t i a n *• *p keep knowledge, and they (hould feek the Law at his mouth, A&/.2.7. for,as Vaul received an Office to preach the Gofpel ; fo he was taught and inftru&ed in the Go- fpel ; I neither received it , neither fta* taught it> hut by re- velation. 6. It was required to the Office of an Apoftle, that the perfon called to it, (hould have the infallible knowledge of the truth of the Gofpel , and this not wholly by the hdp of humane means > as we do now learn Knowledge at Schools of Learning, and by our own private ftudy, but alfo and mainly by immediate infpiration from the Spirit of God: for, P Deity ♦ See Verf.i. iDoff.S. Verf. !?♦ for ye have heardofmyconVerfatim intimepaft, in the lefts Ityigion, hoft that beyond meafure I perfe- cted the Church of God, and ftafled it : 14. And profited in the lefts fyligion above many my equals in mine $ftn Ration , being more exceedingly jealous of the traditions of my fathers. *D Ecaufe the Argument prefently mentioned , is moft weighty, therefore the Apoftle doth at large profe- cute it , and giveth, in this Chapter, four Evidences of the truth of what he afferted in it, to wit, That neither the knowledge which he had of the Gofpel was from humane perfwafion, or by ordinary means ; nor yet his Call to preach die Gofpel was from the fuffrage of men, Of 36 J brief Expofition of the Spifile Chap. t9 or any Authority conveyed by man ; but both of them were immediately from God. The firft Evidence,rela- ting mainly to the firft branch of the Affertion, is, The hoftile mind which he carried againft the Chriftian Church, while he was a Phanfce, Act. 76. J. in perfe- cting and making havock of ic, ver. 1 3. together with the great meafure of knowledge he had 111 that Religion which he did then profelfe, and of abilities co defend it beyond many of thefe who were equal in ape wich him, and his zeal and fervour for his Religion* and che worft part of it, to wit, unwritten Traditions received from tbeir fathers, without any ground in the written Word of God, Mat. 1 5. 3, 9. All which he fpeaketh as of a thing publickly known, ver. 14* leaving them to gather hence> that his fo fudden change* from being fo zealous, fo deeply engaged, and every way foable a perfecutor, to irnbrace the Chriftian Religion* could not flow from humane perfwafion, or any ordinary means, but imme- diately from God. 9>ocf9 1. Ic is a matter of no final} difficulty ; yea, and in an ordinary way almoft impok fible for a man, deeply engaged in a courfe of error, ha- ving kythed aftive for it, and endued with ability to defend it, to be reclaimed from his error, to imbrace the way of Truth : forJ?W maketh his fo deep engagements to the Pharifaical Errors, an evidence that his fudden change to Chriftianity did not flow from any ordinary mean, but was wrought immediately by God > F#r ye t>a\t beard, &c. 2, A fincere Convert will not ffrnn to make an open and ingenuous confeflion of his wicked life, not omitting any thing which may tend to che juft aggravation of it : and this not in a boaHing or a rt joy- cing manner, Jam.$. 1 6. but that hen by the freedom of God's grace may be commended, 1 Tim. 1. 1 }, 14. and that other vile finners, in their own eyes loft , may have fncotiragcment from God's dealing with him to believe on Chrift for life everlafting , 1 Tim. 1. 16. and thac God* honour one wayor other may be thereby brought about: for, TW doth iugenuonfly confeffe here , that in timeptjl be Chap. li *f Paul ta the GaihtiahsI gg bebaclperfecutedthe Church of C$d e*trcamly, andXtafted it ; that he may thereby make evident that his conver- fion flowed from the immediate and extraordinary work of God, and fo flopt the mouth of thofc who were ad- versaries to Truth. 3. That the Scriptures of the Old and New Teftament were endited by the Spirit of God, and that the Pen -men thereof were not afted with hu- mane policy, but immediately infpired by that unerring Spirit, appeareth from this, joyntly with other evidences held forth in Scripture it felt, that they concealed not their own faults, but blazed them to the world when the glory of God did fo require, as *F*ul doth here ; $ey*ni meaftirelperfecutedtbe Church of God, faith he* 4. This open and ingenuous confeflion of our bypaft wicked life, is to be extended only unto fins already known, that here* by the publick offence may be removed ; but not to the making notour of fuch evils as have been keeped fecrct from the knowledge of others, the divulging whereof would but multiply fcandals and ft umbling- blocks , 5fym. 2. 14. for ,T W confeffeth only what they had al- ready heard ; Ye babe heard of my conVerjatimin timepajt. J. There is no particular Church on earth? though never fo famous for, and orthodox in, the point of Religion, who may not fo far degenerate from what they once were, as that Religion both for Do$rine and Worfhip may be wholly corrupt , from which thofe, who would be faved, muft deliver themfelves quickly, and which God will not own for His, as not being prefcribed by Him , but will father it on thofe who dft> profeffe it, as their Religion, and as invented by them : thus the Jews, once right in the point of Religion, Hof.n. 12. had now, invars time* fo far corrupted Religion inthedoftrinc of Juftification, %om. \o> 3. of the Trinity, Jcb. 8, 9. of Manners, or of the Moral Law* as if it required nothing but external obedience, (Mat. 5, tf, 7. chapters) in affcr- ting the authority of unwritten Traditions, and inwor- fhiping God according to thofe, Mat. 15, 3, 9. and re- jelling JefusChrift the promifed Meffias, 1 Tbejf. 2. 1$. that jx A brief Expifition pfthe Epiftle Chip. r. that TW fccth a ncceflity co quic that Religion, calling ic tcirSy not God's > Mj cotton fation in times pajt in the Je\»$ fyligion. 6. Croffcs, afflictions and pcrfecutions from wicked men, are the ordinary loc of God's Church and People : and thi> by rcafon of thacenimity which is be- twixt th« feed of the Woman, and the feed of the Serpent* Gen. g. 15-. together with Satan's malice againft the Church, Gen. j. - 1?. and his prevalent power over wic- ked men, whereby he inciteth and drawcth them on by fuch inducements, as he knoweth will be moft prevalent with the different tempers of thofe who are acted by him, J*b. 12. 6. compared with Af«tf. 16. 1$. to be exe- cutioners of that his rage and malice, %>. 10.7,8, and becaufe of God's tolerance and permiflHon, that thereby His Church may be tried, (\e\>, xio.) everyone, whe- ther good or bad, being made to appear what really they are, Van. ir.^2. and that by the fufferings of His People the way of Truth may be made more lovely, further fpread, and more imbraced by others, dlt, 8. 4, 5,6, &a and that they may be alfo corrcfted for their bypaft fins, as abufed peace and profperity, Judg. 10. 6, 7. and that hereby alfo they may be reftraincd from many fins in time coming, I/a. 27. 9. and this either by removing the opportunity of fuch fins through the rod , tiof.i.6> or by renewing the hearts of many through fan&itying grace, a greater meafure whereof is beftowed ufually by God upon His People under perfecution and affliction ( Hof. 1, 14, 1 5.) than at another time : thus, taut per- secuted the Church of God extreamly. 7. Though the Church of God, as to the inward eftatc thereof, which ftandeth in Elc&ion and the fruits of laving Grace flow- ing therefrom, cannot be utterly wafted, Job. 10. 28, 29. neither can the outward ftate of the vifible Church be fo far decayed, as that the vifible Church (hould alto- gether ceafc to be, at leaft in all places, Mat a 6. -18. Yet the Lord may fo far give way to the rage of perfecutors, for the reafons mentioned in the former Doftrine, as that thereby the outward face and beauty of the vifible Church Chapii. . ^/Paul ^^#Gaiatian$^ 33 Church (hall be totally marredi the Members thereof being partly killed *Job. 16. 2. partly fcattered, Act. %• 3, 4. the publick Ordinances of divine Worfhip being altogether for a time fuppreffed, and the publick Aflem- bliesofthe Church interrupted, Van. 11. 31, ThuslW Rafted the Qhurch: the word fignifieth the vaftation of Lands, burning of Houfes, and utter depopulation of Countries* which ufe to be accomplifhcd by an inraged prevalent enemy > I Rafted it. 8. The Church of God may expeft to meet with pcrfecution and fuffcrings, not only from men avowedly wicked and openly flagitious, but alfo from othersi whofe carriage i> fmooth>free from fcandal, and in all things, according to that falfe way of Religion which they profeSTe.blamcleffe : Satan labou- reth moft to have fuch engaged* and fuch being once engaged, are moft bitter and implacable per/ecutors, as having fome refpeft to confeience in other things, and being afted in this from the principles of a deluded con- feience,/*#. 16.2. which of all other ties, doth moft ftri&ly bind, and moft effe&ually drive forward to ful- fill its dictates* efpecially in things of religious concern- ment, MK 13. 50. for, T^aul, toho profited in the Jefts 3^- ligionabfte hu equals, andtoas exceedingly %ealousy did per- secute the Church. 9. The life and way or fome who arc engaged in a falfc Religion, may be fo blameleffe , and* according to the diftatcs of their deluded confeience, fo ftri&> as that it may be a copie unto thofe, who profeflc the true Religion, and a reproof to many fuch for theic palpable negligence : fo was T aul's way, while he was a Pharifee, even fuch, as may ferve for a copie unto Chriftians to walk by in feveral things , as firft, to be aftive in fpreading the true Religion in our places and ftations>and bearing down of contrary Errors, as he was in pcrfecuting the Chriftian Church ; becaufe k was oppofite to the JewiCh Religion profeficd by him. Se- condly , that what we do in Religion, or for God, wc do ic not negligently, but with all our might, Ecd.9- 10. and to the uttcrmoft of what our power can reach, ashe D did 34 A brief Expo fityon of the Efiffk C^p-j did pcrfecHtttbcCbuYcb, not lazily, but above nfuafur** ov extreamly. Thirdly, that wc labour to profit, ad- vance and grow in Religion, both as to the knowledge of Truth contained in it, fob. 6. I. and praftife accor- ding to thofeTrutbi, 2 fet. 1. ?, as he profited in the Jctoijh Religion. Fourthly, that in the matter of growth, there be an holy emulation and ftrife wixh others -y that \ve may outftrip them , as he profited alpoVe many of bit <\ :.'*. Fifdy, that wc be zealous for oyj; Religion, as having love to it, and to the honouring of God whether by our fclves or others according to ic, *AtK 1 5. 3. toge- ther with grief and anger when God is dilhonourcd and Religion wronged, Job. 2. 1 5, 1 6> 17. as faal was^/4- lorn of the Traditions of bis fathers : for, %eal hath in ii a mixture of love and anger. t*oB.^ to. As love to the honour of God may engage a man ibmetimes to fpeak to hisowa commendation ; So there would be that mo- defty and fobtiety of fpirit, as it may appear he doth not fpeak from arrogancy or pride* and that he fceketh not his own commendation in fpcakiog : for, *?*«/ com- raendeth his own diligence and abilities , that thereby he may commend Free- grace, which delivered him out of that ftate, but with great modctiy : for, he faith not* be profited more than all, but mort than many ; and not* more thari bit fuperiours, but, more tbavhis equals % towit, for time and age i and thole not in all the world, but*/ his o\Vn nation. 1 u As our affeftions of joy, love> ha- tred, anger and grief are by nature fo corruRt{5/>K2,3 ) that even the choicdiof them, lfchey be not brought in fubjc&jon to the Word by the Spirit of God , will lay forth chemftlves rather upon forbidden and unlawful!, obje£U,than that which is warrantable and commanded by the Lord : So our zz*\ and fervency of fpirit in par- ticular, will brnd it felt mor toward the maintenance of Error, than of Truth : for, Erroj isthe birth of our own invention, Gal. 5, 20. and hath the rile from fonic un- modified luft within, which it doth pratific, (2 /"*»/, 4,3.) fo is not Truth : Thus Taul fhevvtfh that liis. if al tended more Chap.i . rf/Patil to the G a t at i aw s. 35 ttiore to maintain that part of the Jewiffi Religion, Whith Was unwarrantable, to wit> the unwritten Tra- ditions, than all the reft of it ; And 'kxu much more jealous if the Traditions of my fathers p faith he. Veff. if. BuiftbenittltdfedGod, Kbofeparatcd me from my mother % Womb, and called me by hu grace, 1 6. To reveal his Sbn in me, that I might preach Hiin among theHeathtn\ irttmidtatelyl conferred not Kith fkfh and lj. TSQither toeiit I tif to Jcrufalem, totbemtobicbrtere jifoftlis before me, but 1 ^ent into Arabias and returned again unto Vamdfcm. "LlEre fea fecond Evidence of the truth of what he for-' L merly afferted , ver. 1 i . and 1 2. ta wit, that as God in His providence had been making way, both in Paul's birth and education, for that which He had pur poled to imploy him in ; fo When rt pleafed God at the time of his gracious and dffe&uai calling 1 ver. I J. to make Chrift,and the doftrine of Redemption byChrift.knowti untb hirh by extraordinary and immediate revelation, ^#-♦9.4. that as an Apoftlejimmfcdiately called by God* ver. 1. he might publifti the knowledge of Chrift among the Gentiles • he was fo much perfwaded of his irtrne- diateCall from God, that he did not debate the matter neither with himfelf nor others,who might have diffwa- ded him from giving obedience to it* ver. 16. but imme- diately went about the difcharging of his ApoftoIicE Office, not without great hazard and pains to himfelf, in jirabiazndtiantdfcM, without fo much as oncevifiting anyoftheApoftles,ver 17. far leffe went he to be in- ftrufted in the knowledge of the Go fpel by them, or to receive Oidination unto the M'uiifterial Office front them, as his adverfaries did falfly alleage of him, the' falffiood whereof he is here making evident. From Verf. 15. Learn, 1. Such is the power of God's gobd pleafurtj whereby He doth whatfoever He willeth; D z itf •5 6 tA brief Exposition of the Epifilc Chap, u in Heaven and Earth, (Pfi ?J.6.) that the will of man, though never (o deeply engaged in the courfe of fin and wickednefie , cannot refill it, but moil willingly doth yeeld unto it, whenever the Lord thinketh fit to let forth that His good pleafure in its gracious and powcrfull ef- fects ofdrawing a finner out of Nature to the ftatc of Grace, as icappeareth from the adverfative particle>£«f, whereby the Apoftle oppofeth Gods pleafure to his own former weakne(ie,as prevailing over it ; ®«* token it plea- fedGod&c. 2. The fountain- ciufe of man's falvation, and of all things tending to it, cfperially of his effe&ual callings and of that, whereby he is made firft to differ ftom another* is, God's good- pleafure, and nothing pre- fent ( Epb.2ti.) or forefeen to be ( %w.9.i I .) in the per- fon, who is called : for, the Apoftle afenbeth all of that kind in himfelf, to the pleafure of God ; 2*tf token it plea- fed God to reveal His Son in me, 3. Thcdifpofing of events, or of things which (hall fallout, together with the time when they (hall fall out, are wholly ordered by God's will and pleafure : for, this pleafure of His, cir- cumfcribcth even the time of Paul's calling ; ®ut token it pleafed God, tken, and neither fooner nor later, too* Qkrifl revealed to kirn. 4. The Lord,by His working in us,and particular afts of providence towards us,is oftenmaking way for fomc hid defign and purpofc of His about us* which for the time we are ignorant of, but when it ap- pcareth by the event, a wonderfiill contexture of provi- dences making way for it, and tending to it* is alio ma- nifefted with it : Thus the Lord bad feparated Fafil from ike mother* toomb, to preach the GoFpel among the Gentiles ; whereby is meant, that God was without Paul's know- ledge, preparing him for that Office, by His providence about him from his very birth, as, that he was born of fuch parents, with fuch a bodily temper, fitted, as ic would appear ,to endure much travel and hard{hjps,*that he was educated at the feet of Gamalie I, thzt he was aPha- rifce, inftru&ed in all humane and divine learning ac- cording to the LaWj &*• 5* The effectual calling of tht Chap. i» ofVzxil to the G al at iaxs^. jy the Eleft in time, whereby they arc drawn to Jefus Chrift> Job.6. 44. and inabled to imbrace Him as He is offered, \Timm i. 15, their minds being favingly illu- minated, £&• 26, 18. and their wills renewed, £^f£. 36. 26. is, the work of God's almighty Power and Grace; in the firft inftant of which work,man doth only receive the impreffion from Grace, and hath noa&ive influ- ence in it, Epb. z. 5. This' doth !*W affert* while be faith, God c died me by His Grace. FromVerf. 16. Learn, 1. However mail, by the light of Nature, tym. 2. 14, 1 5. and by the works of Crea- tion (%w.M9, 20.) and Providence, ( SP/i/. ift.i.) may attain to know there is a God, and that this God fhould be ferved, ( 4#. 17*23.) and will be terrible to thofe who ferveHimnot (^ow.1.23.) Yet the knowledge of Je- fusChrift the Son of God>and of Redemption purchafed to loft finners through Him,is a thing which the grcatefl Wits, by the fore-mentioned helps, cannot reach, excepe it be revealed unto them, either by an ordinary or extra- ordinary revelation : for, even *2aul had this knowledge by revelation 5 It pleafed God to repeal His Son iu me. 2. As there is an ordinary way of revealing Chrift to fouls, to wit, by the Word preached, (%».io. 17.) and God's bleffing upon the Word, I Cor. 3. 7; fo there is another extraordinary, without the Word preached* whether by voice , inftinft or apparition : This latter way was Chrift revealed to 2W, as appeareth not only from the hiftory of his converfion, Alt. 9. and 22. chap- ters, but alfo from the expreflion here ufed, to repeal His Son, not, to, but> in me; whereby, as fome conceive, is fignified, that the grace and knowledge of Chrift* 'did from Heaven immediately break-in upon his fcuK 3« The knowledge of Jefus Chrift , which Minifttft efpecially do receive from God , is not only for ihern- felves, but that it may be communicated by them untd others : So that the Lord doth beftow the more liberal* ly upon them for His Peoples fake, 2 Com . 4* Thus, G$i rttotki His Son in Paul > that be might pratb Him *m*g D3 *h* 3? A krief Button oftba EpifiU Ghap.i. the Heat6ep. 4. Though before Chrifts coming in the Al^i, the do&rine of Salvation was by God's appoint- ment confined in narrow bounds , Tfil. 147. 19, 2o« Yet by Chrift's death, the partition- wall was removed, and the divifion which was betwixt the Jews and the Gentiles, quite abohfhcd, Epb.%. 1 3. fo that the do&rine of Salvation was to be fpread among the Heathen ; and this , that the Prophecies of the calling of the Gentiles might be fulfilled, Pfal. i. 8. //i.2.2. That ljhould breach Uim among the Gentiles, faith Taid. 5. The Call ot God, whether to amendment and newneffe of life, or to un- dergo any lawfull Office, efpecially an Office in His Houfe, it being once known to be His Call, ought not to pe fh i feed - but immediately and without delay obeyed, Htb. 1 7,8. becaufe our life is uncertain, Jam.+ iq. wc fcnow not if we (hall again get fuch an offer, dtf. 1 3. 46. pr, though we get a new offer, yet the longer we delay, there will be the greater indifpofition to unbrace it, ]er. I?. 2Ji for, this made Void immediately to follow the Call of God ; Immediately 1 conferred not *bisb jiejh and hloui. 6. Becaufe flt(h and bloud (whether thereby be meant carnal men, friends or any other, or our own car- nal and natural reafon) will furnifh abundance of feem- ipgrealbas, ehherforquettioning the reality of God's Call, or for not obeying > or at leaft for poftponing obe- dience to His Call, chiefly when obedience to it doth carry hazard, lofle, or probability of difcredit with it, Mat. 16. 22. Therefore, in the things ofGod, and in the matter of obedience to the will of God , we are not to confult with flefli and bloud , but once knowing'what the will of God is, we arc without dcliberation,whcther \vc (hall obey or not, to put it in execution, committing all our cares and fears about the itlue to God, Ejfo. 4. 1 6- for, Paul conferred not \itb fitfb and bloud : the word fignificth to lay down our cares and difficulties, as a burden, in fomc friends bolom ; but he looked noc on flefh and bloud as a friend to be advifed with in the prefene cafe. From Cha£. u *f Pabl to thi Ga l ati an*; 39 FrortiVtrf. t?. Learn, 1. that extraordinary way of revelation, whereby the Lord thade known His riiind tb the Penmen of Scripture, Wis fo infallible iri it felf, atld fo evident to thofe uhto vv horn it came, to hi ho dc- lufiom but the Very mind of God, that they were above all doubt to thfe cbtltrary, 4nd needed not fo much is to advife With the beft ot men in order to their thorow- cbrifimiation about the rcaiitiepf it : for, Paul was fo perfwaded bf his immediate Call from God to be an Apoftle, and of the infallible* truth of the Gofpel* which was revealed tintb him , that he did not confult with the very Aporftes about it ; Neither Wnt I up to Jerufaltm to them tobicb Tvere Apoft'lts btfote me , to wit, that he might Ccnfuit With them, and obtain a Perrniffion or Commif- fibn from them tbdifcharge his Office \ otherwife it is probable, from Alt At, 17. thatPaa/ fhortly after his converfion went to Jerufaleni, going through it in his way to Arabia, but went not, at that time to any of the Apoftles, bding difcharged by God to ftay any longer there. 2. Thete may be more ground of hope to Bring the mbft vfrild and barbarous favages to the favlrig knowledge of Jefus Chrift, tha& a people outwardly civilized1 lining under the drop of Ordinanccs.and there- by inured to a form of godlincfle withbut the power thereof: for, Paul being commanded to make haft out of Jerufalem ( there being no hopes that his Teftirnofty would be received there, Aft* 22. 18.) is fent to the kic- ked and fava£e Arabians ; ®«t ' 1 Kent to Arabia. ^Tfcc Lord maketh fometimes the firft piece of publicfc fervice, which He putteth His Minifters upon>as hazardous, un- couth, and unfucceftful-like as any wherein He doth ever imploy them afterwards ; that hereby they may be taught to d^pertd more on God's blefling, than upon atiy humane probabilities for fucccfle to their pfcinsr, 2 €arm 1.9- artd that they may give proof of the fititerity of their obedience tb the Call of God, when no apparent ha- zard vsfill'make thefti repent their undertakings, Jtr* ij. }6. and Withdrthkttheymay,ihthdfirfteiltry, receive D 4 a proof a\o tA brief Expofition of the Epifih Chap.i i a proof of God's fidclicy in bearing them through all hazards, which they may meet with in following of His Call, zCor.i.io. Thus was it with Mofes9Exod.2.io,&,c* (o was it with Jeremiah, J er. i. 19. and fo here with Vaul, whofe firft work, after God had called him to be an Apoftle, was to preach the Gofoel among the wicked and favapc Arabians ; I Kent to Irabu. 4. The Apo- ftle* by their Office, were not fixed or tied unto any cer- tain Charge* as ordinary Minifters now are, %>. 2. 1, 8. but their Charge being the whole World, Mat. 28. 19. they went from place to placcas the neceflities of People required, (fym.i.n.) rules of Providence (^w. 15.20.) or God by His Spirit did immediatly diredh^#. 16.9,10. Thus 'Paul Kent unto Arabia^and returned again toflamafcus, near to which he was converted, Ail. 9,3, at which time of his return, did fall out that hazard, wherein he was, from the Jews, mentioned ^#.9. 23. &c. for,thc hiftory (hcweth,it was many dayes after his converfion,and that immediately afcer his delivery from it, he went to Jeru- salem and convcrfed familiarly with the Apoftles, and therefore it could not have been before his journey to Arabia, elfe that hiftory (hould contradift Paul himfelf, affirming here, that be Kent up to Jerufalem to them Kbe \>ere Apoftles before him. Verf. 1 8. Then after three yean 1 Kent up to Jerufalem, u fcefeter, and abode Kith him fifteen dayes. 19. But other of the Apoftles faK I none,faVe James the Lord's Brother. U Ere is a third Evidence, to wit, that three years after •*•** his conversion he went to Jerufalem, to give a fami- lijr,!cnou< and friendly vifit to Peter, in token of mutual content and agreement to one and the felf-f3me Truth, which was preached by them both,but not that he might Jearn tic knowledge of theGofpcl fromP*ttr,ashisad- ▼crfaries alleaged : foi,his abode with Ptf*r,was but for fifteen dayes only, ycr. 18. And left any ihould objed, tha( Chap.i; */Paul to tbeGh i at i an «• 41 that he had been taught at that time by fome other Apo- ftlc, hefheweth he faw no other Apoflle there but James, and that he did fee him only, as it were, upon the by : which James, was not the fon of Zehedetu, who was beheaded by Herod, AH. 12. 2. but the fon of Jlpheus, Mat. io. 3. who either himfelf, or his wife? hath been of kinrcd with Mary the mother of Jefus. Hence James their fon is here called the Lord*s brother, according to the cuftom of the Hebrews, who called men of the fame kinredand bloud, Brethren, Gm.13.8. ®otf. 1. That nothing of Peter's fuppofed fupremacy over T*«/and the reft of the Apoftles can be gathered from this place, as the Papifts do alleage , appeared) from this , that Paul went firft to his Work^before he came to Peter at all, and that his bufinefle with Ptfcr,was not to receive ordi- nation from him, or to evidence his fubjeftion to him, but from the refped and reverence he carried to him, to give him a friendly vifit ; Befides that, it is the Apoftle's fcope in a great part of this Epiftle, to (hew that he was nothing inferiour to Peter, or to any other of the Apo- ftles. 2. We ought foto fpendour time for diligence and faithfulneffe in our Rations, that we may be able to give a good account how time hath been fpent both for dayes and years : Paul giveth fuch an account, while he ftieweth he preached three years io .Arabia and $>amajf- *m> and after flayed in Jerufalem fifteen dayes ; Then after three years I Kent up and abode fifteen day es. 5. Ic ought to be the endeavour of Chrift's Minifters to enter- tain love and familiarity one with another , as alfo to make their fo doing evident unto others ; it being moft unfeemly for thofe who preach the Gofpel of Peace unto others, to live in difcord among themfelves : for, Paul Kent up t$ Jerufalem to fcePeter, as for other reafons, Co that hereby he might evidence that love and harmony which was between them. 4. The Lord doth fodireft the fieps of thofe who do acknowledge Him in all their wayes, Frov.3. 6. that His glory and their good is fome- limes eminently brought about by fome 01 the ordinary paffages 4? A hiffExfofttion of the Epiflle Qwp> I. paffages of their life* even beyond their own intention or purpofc: as here Paul's deferring to go to Jeru/kkm for the fpacc of three years,hb abode there only fifteen daye*, and his feeing none of the Apoftles there fave Peter and fames, do ferve as an evidence to refute that calumny of his adverfaries againft his DoArine and Orficcartd hath been ordered fo of God for that end ; although ZW in the mean time knew not fo much, being then ignorant that ever he fhould meet with fuch a calumny. 5. As Minifters may and ought to meet fometimes together, to evidence and entertain mutual love and concord, and becaufe of that mutual infpeft ion which they onghtto have one of another ; So their meetings ought neither to be (b frequent, or of fo long continuance, as that there- by their Flocks may fuffer prejudice : for, the word im- portcth that this was a ferious vifit » and about ferious things made by faul to Ttf?r, and yet he remained with him bat a (hort time untill he returned to his Charge again ; Hettent to fee Peter, and abode Mth bim fifteen VerC 20 Nob the things tohicbl T»rite mh ym, behold, before God, I lie not 9 THe Apoftle, having to do with adverfaries, and fome ■ alfo amongft the (educed Galatrans , who gave not much credit to his Word,afferteth the truth of allhe hath faid, and is to fay, in matter of faft, through the whole Epiftle, and confirmeth it by an oath, where, according totheafe of Scripture ell- where, he expreffeth but one principal part of an oath, to wit, a confeflion of God's prefence and power to witneflb and judge the Truth, and includeth the other parts, fuch as our invocation of God to bear witneflfethat we fpeak the truth, 2 Cur.1.23. and imprecation, that God would be a Judfec to take re- Tenge upon us, if we lie, %rfr 1 . ij. Dott. 1 . The Spi- rit of God in Scripture hath not left us deftkute of fuffi- cicoc evidences to be found in Scripmrtr it feiP, from if hence Chapa. ofVtvX to the Gal An ah*. 43 whence the truth of it may be made out, and all atheifti- cal doubtings to the contrary removed, among which this is one, the folemn Oath of thofe who write it, being men otherwise godly and worthy of truft > attefting the truth thereof, and taking God to witneffe againft their own foul* if they did he in what they wrote ; ®ehold% befor? God, I lie not. 2. The choiceft Servants of Chrift may be looked upon as liars.and unworthy to be trufted, even by thole to whom they are lent : and yet they muft not give over to preach , as knowing the Word lpoken by them doth Hill get credit from fome, 2 Cor. 2, 15. and will beget truft to it lelf from others, whom God hath ordained to be faved, Ait. 1 3. 48. and tor the reft, it will leal up their condemnation and make their, inexorable* 2 Cor. 2. 1 6. for>^W his purging of himfelf from lying, doth impo; t iome did fuipeft him tor a liar , and yet he ceafeth not to take pain* upon them ; I lie not. 3. Jt is not unlawful! for Chnftians under the New Teftamcnc to take an Oath, providing it be with thefc conditions, 1. That the thing which we fwear be truth $ fo was it in^tfft/'s Oath; I lie net. 2. That there be weighty reafons for taking an Oath; fowas it here, the glory of God, the dignity of his Apoftlefhip, which was que- ftioned by his adverfaries; the confirmation of the Faith of thofe Gajanans, and of all Chriftians, as to the truth of the thiags aflerted,did call upon Paul to fwear. ?.That we fwear only by the Name of God, and not by the creatures, Zeph. 1. 5* feing none but God can bear wit- ncfle to the fecrets of his heart who doth (wear, Mi- 15. &. So did P**w/, Behold, before Cod. 4. That we do noc fwear rafhly, but with great attention, preparation and reverence, feing an Oath is a kind of invocation, 2 Cor. I. VL and a part of divine Worftiip, leadcd-for unto any of them, there fhould be more pre- tence of reafon for placing of it in Ta*l% than in Peter, or any of che reft; Paul being particularly ordained to be the Apoftleof the Gentiles, A7.9.IJ. and acknowledged heartily by the Jews to be lb 1 and having aftually dis- charged his Office far and near, as mArab'Uy and then in Vamafcut, ver. 17. and now in Syria and Cilicta, as al- foatfyw,^#. 23. 11. and having been the firft planter almoft of all the primitive Chriftian Churches among the Chap.i, cfPaulf* the Gaiatians^ 45; the Gentiles, as appeareth from the hiftory of the Mfs> and^W'sownEpiftles; and all this he did by imme- diate Authority from Jefus Chrift, ver. 16. and was not fentoutby Ptfer, as his Deputy or Suffragan, but mall things was his Equal, chap.2. ver~6,7-8. So little ground have the Papifts to plead that Peter was univerfal Paftor above all the reft, and much lefle, that the Pope is Perer's Succeflbr in this Charge ; Afterwards 1 came into the regU $us of Syria andCilicia. 2. A faithfull Minifter of Jefus Chrift, will labour mainly to be known unto> and ac- quainted with the People of his own Charge , not ingy- ring himfelfupon the Charge of others, or labouring fo much as indiredtly to draw the affe&ions of People to- wards himfelf from thofe who are their own Paftors,and particularly intrufted with the a&ual charge of their fouls : thus Paul was unknown by face unto the Chur- ches cfjudea, as not having converfed familiarly with them, though he had fomctimes occafion to be among them in his frequent going to, and returning from Jcru- filem&nd that becaufe they were a part of Peter's charge, chap.2. ver. 7. ©*#♦ 3. Immediately, or very (o6n after Ghrift's Death and Refurrc&ion the preaching of the Gofpel hath been marvcloufly bleffed, in converting of numerous multitudes to Jefus Chrift j yea, and more bleffed than readily it hath been in any age of the Church fince , whereof this is one evidence amongft many other* which are in the hiftory of the dtts, and in Paul'% Epi- ftles, that at this time whereof PWwriteth, which is fuppofed to be the fourth or fifth year after Chrift's Af- cenfion, there were feveral Chriftian Churches planted with Officers* and conftituted according to the Rule of the Gofpel, even in Judea amongft that people,who had hardened their hearts againft the light, Mm. i 3. 1 5. and re jedted and crucified the Lord of life, 1 Tbejf. 2.1 j.Thc Gofpel was then new, and frelh,the Preachers of it una- nimous among themfelves , the Truths infifted upon moft by them, were fuch as did relate to Faith in Chrift, and Repentance trom dead works; and the moftnecef- &ry 46 A brief Ex fofitlon of the Spifiie Chap, i . (ary duties of a Chriftian-life, befides that God% defign ¥f*i to bring the Gofpel once in credit and requeft with a blinded and idolatrous World at the firft bteakirfg-up thereof, and therefore the preachinp of it was attended wirti more fucceffc, and a richer blefling at that time than ordinarily it hath been fince ; Unto the Churches in Judc*. 4. Noc only particular Believcrs,but alfo whole Vifible Churches, arc in Chrift, though in a much diffe- rent way : real Believers are in Him fovin? ly, fo, as to be freed from condemnation by Him, 'l\om$ i-# being folk to Him by the band of laving Faith, Eph. 3.17. and receiving the influence of faving graces from Him> Job. 7- 3^, 59. Again, vifible Churches are in Chrift in tfi* fefpefts prefently mentioned, only as to the better part of them, and with regard had to real Believers who al- wayes are among them : but befides this,the whoie bulk of vifible Churches,and of vifible Church- members, are in Chrift, fo, as they enjoy from Him outward privi* ledges and divine Ordinances>P/4. 1 47. 19, 20. the com- munication of common giks from the Spirit of God* I Cur .11. 8. and fome meafure of divine proteftion more than the reft of the world, Ifa, 27. 2, 5. and thefc all by fettue of their union with Him; the bond whereof, is,the profeflion of His N^tmc> and of thofe fubftancial Truths which relate unto Him either perfbnally or parentally; which external union betwixt Chrift and the vifible Church, is fealed up by Baptifm ; The Churches of Judca, TtbicbKere in Qorip. f. Such poaer hath Chrift over the hearts of very enemies, fo deep are His engagcpicntg to enlarge His own Kingdom, ( Pf*l 2. 9. ) that before means and inftruments be deficient for the propagation of the Gofpel, He will turn the hearts of defperate enc- mies> and make moft bitter persecutors to be eminent, lively, and painful Preachers : lb was it here , He nbo perfecuted vs in times fiajt. net* preacbttb tht faith Tthtch once he dejlroyed. 6. How patient ought the Church of Chrift to be under faddeft perfections, and how far from bafc defpondency of fpirit , as it her cafe wore wholly Chapux. tfPaul u j^Galatians; 47 wholly defpcrate and remediltfle, leing JefuaChrift at an inttant can carry captive her chiefeft adverfaries, and make tbcna to be ha flouted friends* as appeareth from this* He rbkiperfivited Jtf, wcrtfc preacfath* 7. As godlcfle pedecutors propofe antothemfelvesnolefie than the to- tal overthrow androoting-outof Truth, though neither Men. nor Devil* fhali be ever able to effectuate itt Mat. 16. it* fo men may look, if they repent not , Lufy 1 3^ 3. to be juftly charged with the guilt of all that evil* which once they intended, as if they had actually ac- comaplifficd it , akhongh it was without their reach fa to da: for, tbatEutfc, or Dofitrine of Faith C as IV*. 1. 13.) which Paul at this time did preach, is (aid once to have been deftroyed by him; hecaufe he aimed at no leffe; and his. fin before God was no leffe than if he haddoneit, although the Lord jn mercy did pardon it, iTim*i. 1;. 2^?ia> preachetb the Fatibtohicb once be dtfiroyaL 8. We ought fo to look upon notable changer which do fall out, whether in particular perfons or pubiick.fodetie** whether to the better or the worfe* as: that ws may. fee fomewhat of God manifeflcd if* them > either Hisjiuftice or Mercy Wifdom or Power, fame one Attribute of His. or other , and io as we may give a fuitable return ; whether of fear or joy, thank- fulneffe or admiration , or of any other fanttified frame of fpirit and holy performance, for which, fuch a ma- nifestation calleth : for, thofe Chriftians in Judea> did fo look upon this notable change in Vaul , as to fee God's mercy and power manifefted in it j and accor* dingly with joy, did give God thanks : fo much is im- ported in this , They glorified Cod in me , faith he« 9i Whenfoever God is pleafed to make a man inftru- mental , whether for our own particular good, or the more publick benefit of Chrift's Church, as we would not be ingrateful unto the inttruments themfelves* Judgi 9« 16, (?c. fo neither are we to reft upon them,afa ibing the praife of what they do to them , but as we would pot proyokc the Lord to fmite them, or at leaft to make shea* 48 A brief 8xf$fitUn of tbt Epiftle Chap.iV themufeleffe to us, I Cer. 4. 6. we are to look unto God more than them > afcribing the praife of what they do unto Him t as that which is His proper right and due : Co do they afcribe to God the praifc of any good, which Painm THc Apoftle, firft, mentioneth another journey of his to Jerufalem, together with the time, when, and the companions with whom he went, and that extraordinary Inftindl and Command from God, which moved him to undertake that journey, ver, I, 2-- And fccondly> (heweth that when he came to Jerufaltm, he did privately communicate the Doctrine which he had preached amonp the Gentiles, to the moft eminent of the Apoftlcs ; that by their fubferibing unto it, as to the fame with that which thcmfelves did preach, his by- paft and future labours might have the more fuccefle* which (as it lecmeth) was in hazard to b« much retarded by the calumnies of his adverfaries, affirming that the other Apoftlcs did not approve of the Dodhine which he preached ver.- 2. So that here is a fifth Evidence, that both his Doctrine and Oifice were divine ; in that not only they were fuch as might abide the cenlure of the other Apoftles , but alfo that he in the court of his Mi- niftry was fingularly owned and approved of by God, as being direftcd by immediate reflation from Him, 0: Chap.2. ©/Paul to the G a i a t i a k si 5 1 2>0#. I. It plcafeth the Lord often* in mercy toward His Church , to prefcrve the lives of profitable Inftruments for His Work for a long time,notwithftanding of all the endeavours of Men and Devils to the contrary : for,PW, whofe bloud was much thirfted after, and whole ha- zards were fo many in (everal places, and from feveral hands? ( 2 Cor. 1 1 ♦ 26.) is yet preferved, in defpight of all, in the free exercife of hisMiniftery., for the fpaceat leaft of fourteen years together, even though the fpace o£ time here mentioned were to be reckoned from his fir ft eonverfion , which yet fome do reckon from the third year following > to wit, the time mentioned, Chap. I. ye:r. 18. Then fourteen years after I Kent up, &c. 2. Ic may be fometimes lawfull ; yea, and neceffary al(b, for a Minifter, to go abroad from the Flock committed to his charge for a feafon, to wit>when and where the glory of God in defence of Truth, and in removal of what may mar the edification of the Lord's People, doth call him : fox f? ml here taketh journey to Jerufakm\ew\n% the Gentiles for a fea£bn,who were his own more proper Charge* Att.g. 1 5. that his confent in Do&rinc with the other Apoftles might be made evident, and fo the edifi- cation of thofejto whom he did preach, more advanced ; I "bent up to Jerufalcm, faith he, and that left I Jhould run in vain. Jerufalem was feated on a mountain, and com- pafled with mountains, TfaL 125.1, 2. whence it isfaid he went up to it. 3 . It is the part of all, and efpecially ofChrift'sMinifters, the moe they are who mark their fteps, and mif-reprefent their adtions, to walk the more circumfpe&ly j that fo far as is poflible, the mouth of adverfaries may be flopped, 2 Cor. 11. 12. Thus 2W, being to make it evident that the other Apoftles did ap- prove the Doftrine preached by him, taketh with him Qarnabu and Titus as two witneffes, according to the Law, fufficient (®eut. 1% 6.) to give teftimony to the Apoftles what Doftrine he had preached to the Gen- tiles; and again toteftifie to the Gentiles that content* which was betwixt him and the Apoftles $ And this,left 5 i tsf brief Expofition of the Epifile . Chap, i his adverfaries might have obje&ed that hc^iad lyed in both, or eicher of theie ; With (Barnaba4t and toof^ Kith me Tittu alfb. 4. Though wc arc not now to cxpeft im- mediate revelation* horn God, whether for direction in oncdutv or information of future events, fuch as were in ule before the Canon of the Scripture was complcated, and the gift of extraordinary Prophecy had ceafed,Hf£. I. l« Yet feing the written Word is given unto us as a compleat Rule both for Faith ( Job. 20. Jt.) and Man- ners, ( lTm. 3. t6, 17.) and as that which may abun- dantly fupply the defect or want of all thofe extraordi- nary wayes, whereby Cod did make known His mind unto His People then, Heb. 1. 1. Therefore we ought to advifewith God's Will, revealed in Scripture, and re- gulate all our a&ions, motions and journeys according to it, both for the lawfulneffe and expediency of what we undertake, PfiL 119.9. that thus while we acknow- ledge God in all our wayes, He may direit our paths, ProV. 3. 6. ThusT^w/ advifed with God in his journey : for, he tent up by reflation ; in place wherrof, as faid is, we have the written Word now. S. How little ground the Papifts have to infer from Paul's praftice here, that the Church otfyme, and particularly the Pope, the head thereof, is the fupream Judge upon Earth of all qucfti- ons pertaining to Religion ; and that all Preachers, after Paul's example, fhould fubmit their De&rinc to be tried and judged by Peter's Succeflbr, appeareth from this, paffing by other things* that Paul did not fubmit his Do&nnetobc juJged by Peter^ovby any other, as if he had been either infenour to them, or uncertairf of the truth of that which he had preached : both which had been contrary to Taul's fcope, which, as faid is, was to evidence, that both his Do&rine and Office were imme- diately from God: Neither will the words bear further than that he did in a friendly and brotherly manner ac- quaint them with thcDodtrine preached by him, that their approbation being given unto it, the mouth of ad- verfaries might be flopped : for, the word, rendred to torn** Chap. a. of Paul to the Gal at i ans. 53 communicate, fignifieth to make any thing known to an- other in a familiar and friendly way, which in ftritt Law wc are not bound to. See Act, 25. 14. where the fame word is ufed : And communicated unto them. 6. Though the Minifter of Jefus Chrift is not to depend upon the approbation of others for confirmation of his Doftrine, as if he himfelf were uncertain of the truth thereof, before their teftimony be added to it , chap. I. ver. 8. Yet he is not to be fo (elf-willed as to mifregard what others do judge or think of what he preacheth, but ought to dimic himfelf fo far, as, when there is neceflity, he may give a friendly account unto others of the Do- ftrine preached by him ; that to,if it be pofllble,miftakes arifing through mifiuformation, may be removed, and the joynt content of others to the truth of what he prea- cheth may be obtained : thus *Sauly that he might gain their approbation, did communicate unto the Apoftles that GeFfrel fbbicb be preached among the Gentiles, 7, When the approbation of others is fought after unto any a&ion or deed, chriftian candor will , and ordinary prudence may teach a man to report the matter of fait truly,which he would have approved of; left otherwifc an appro- bation furreptitioufly required, and given upon mifin- formation and through miftake, may, upon a difcovery, tend unto the informer's greater prejudice : for, Paul here, being to gain the approbation of the Apoftles un- to his Doftrine, did give them a faithfull account of that fame Do&rine which he had preached : I communicated that uUtion. 1 1. It is the part ©fa faithfullMiniftcr, not only to preach theGofpel, and go about all the other parts of his MinifteriaJ Office faithfully and painfully, and fo as he may be approver! lunothcconfcienccsofall; iTim. 4, 5. but he muH be alfo Chap.*. */"Paul t$ the G al at i ah $. 5$ alfo follicitous about the fucccffc of his pains towards thofe among whom he laboureth : for,fo was Paul, who compareth his continual labours and painftilneffc in his Miniftry to running in a race > and yet was carefull, left he had run in vain, that is, left his labours had wanted fruit among the hearers; tor other wile* and as to the end intended to be brought about by God, i Cor. 2.15,16* or as to the promiled reward, If a. 4 ?. 4. the work of a faithfull Minifter is never in vain; U/l by any means I (hwU run m Vain, faith he* 12- Nothing marreth the good and (uccefle of the Gofpd among the hearers more than difference of judgments , and ftrifes and debates about thefe differences among the eminent Preachers thereof: for, hereby are people carried unto fchifmes, 1 Cor. 1. ii. the Truth of God received with refpeft to perfons, l Cor.<\.6. and atheilm given way toby many,as revolving to believe nothing till Preachers agree among themfelves, ML 18. 17. and many ft umbling- blocks caften before people of all fores by the venting of paf- (ions, jealoufies, animofities, and (bmetimesafpiritof revenge > which do ufually accompany fuchdivifionst % Cor. 1 2. 20. for, SW (heweth he endeavoured fo much to get the joynt confent of the other Apoftles, to the Do- ftrinc preached by htm, left by the calumnies of his ad- yerfaries> who affirmed that T^m/ did differ from the reft, his preaching and other pains fhould have been ufekffe j Left by any means l/heuld run} or bad run in Vatnm Verf. 3. %ut neither Tttus&bo tons Mtb me, being a Greedy M>m compelled to be circumcifed. JJEre is a fixt Evidence, efpecially of the truth of his x Doftrine, to wit, that in the point controverted, be- twixt him and his adverfaries, the other Apoftles did joyn with Paul judging Circumcifion to be a thing in- different, and not of abfolute neceflTtcy to Salvation , elfe they would have required titmxo be circumcifed, which they did noti but received him in fellowfhip with them, E 4 though )6 A brief Expo fuion of the Epijlle Chap. 2 though he was an uncircumcifcd Greek. ^oB. 1. A* mongft thofe controverfies which did very early trouble the Chriftian Church, this, concerning the neceflity of obferving Circumcifion, and the reft of tbofe Levitical Ordinances > was one, which appeareth ( as from fe- veral other Scriptures,^. 15. 1, 2. fo) fromthis,where Paul, mentioning how the Apoftles joyned with him in that controverfie* which was betwixt him and his ad- versaries, doth give the inftance in Circumcifion 5 Nd- ther Tittu teas compelled to be circumctfed. 2. Though Circumcifion,and the reft of thofe Levitical Ordinances* were necetfarly to be obferved by vertue of a divine Pre- cept, Gen.i 7.10, &c. and as the external part of Wor- fliipthcnprcfcribed, Heb. 9. io. untill Chrift (hould come in the flefh, and offer-up Himfelf a Sacrifice upon theCroffe, Epb.i. 15, Yet,after he was come, they were aboli(hed,and all neceflity to obferve them, through ver- tue of a divine precept, removed : the body being come, thefliadowdidevanifh, Col. 2. 17. the Jews and Gen- tiles were then to be united in one People , and fo that partition-wall was to be removed* £pb. 2. 14, 15. the Church alfo then , to wit, under the New Teftament, was bound to believe, and accordingly to profefle, that Chrift had already come in the flefh, &offercd-up a per- fect and fatisfattory Sacrifice to God, which was whol- ly inconfiftent with the oblerving of thofe Legal Cere- monies and Sacrifices, which by vertue of divine infti- tution did ferve mainly for type* and figures of Chrift %o come, Heb. 8. 5. and 9. 8, 9. for» becaufe of thoie reafons, the Apoftles did admit of Titus, a Greck,to their fcllowfhip, not requiring him to be circumci(ed; $ut neither Titus V*u5 compclL d to be circumctfed. 3. It is not unlawful, but a duty incumbent to thofe who are in place, not only to in joyn attendance upon, and prafti- finpofthe external commanded duties of Divine Wor- fhip but alfo by rebuke and other Church- cenfures, to fonftrain and uree thofe who aredifobedient : for, V*ul puked) the Apoftles their not compelling of JiM to be circura- Chap. !• «/ Paul t$ the Gal at i an Y. 57 circumcifed, an evidence that they did not judge Cir" cumcifion at that time to be a part of commanded Wor- ship, which imports, if they had thought otherwife, they would have compelled him to it (to wit) by the force of Church-cenfurcs ; for they had not the power of the Magiftrate to compel him by pecunial mul&s imprifon- rnent, or fuch like ; $ut neither Turn toe place byjuhjeftion, no not for an hour, that the truth of the Gojpel might continue Kith you* "LIE giveth the reafon, why Titus was not compelled to ** be circumcifed, to witi becaufe fomexalled here falfe brethren^ having been urgers of the neceffity of Circuit* cifion, and of the other Levitical Ordinances, and were brought in to be members of the Church at Jerufakm by fraud , and through reafon of their large pretences to piety , whereby they covered their heretical fpirits for the time : for , fo much doth the word, rendted unawares brought in, hold forth : thefe men, I fay, had fecretly conveyed themfelves to that meeting, which Paul had with the other Apoftles : and this of purpofe to try tffaul would ftand to the defence of that liberty from the Ceremonial Law before the Apoftles, which he had preached among the Gentiles, as a part of Chrift's pup- chafe: $8 A hrief Ekfof$tion ofth$ gpiftle Chap.*. chafe • which if he had noc done, but ceded to them in that one particular of circumcifing rift* >ehen they would hare triumphed over Pant, among the Gentiles, as if he had recanted before the A pottles , and fo would hare en- deavoured to bring back the A potties* Gentiles, and the whole Church, to the bondage of the Ceremonial Law, Ter. 4. Therefore was it that neither TW, nor the other Apottles, would yeeld to the importunate defire of thefc falfe brethren, no not for an hour, that is, in ufing of Cir- cumcifion but that once ; and that becaufc,this had been to fubjrft the Apottles, and their Doftrine in the Truth controverted, to their adverfarics ; which the Apottles did rcfolutely withttand, that fo the Dottrinc of the Go- fpel might remain fincere and uncorrupt among the Churches of Chrift, and particularly among the Gala - tians, ver. 5. From Verf. 4. Ledrn, 1 . Though the Ceremonial Law ofAfa/tf was abolifhcd by Chrift's coming in the fljflij (Seeupon>er#3. doit, i.) Yet the ufeand pra&ice there- of was not in it fclf finfull , but indifferent for a time, chiefly to the Jews,and in fome points at leaft ; the Lord from refpeft to that> which was once His own Ordi- nance, and from condefcendence to the weaknefle of the Jews, who being educated in the practice of thefe Levi- tical Ordinances, could not be fo (oon convinced of their being laid afide> did proceed flowly to the total abroga- tion of them, removing firft the tyc of neceflity through vertueofadivine precept, whereby they were obliged to obfervethem,and leaving for a time the praft ice law- full and indifferent, until the Doftrine ot the Gofpel and freedom from that yoke by Jefus Chrift, might be Tuff?- cicntly cleared, the term whereof is affixed for the moft part to be the deftruftion of Innfakm both of City and Temple by the fymans, whereby the moft obftinate in it, confidcring that Chrift had nowfuflrred* mipht havo been convinced thit an end was put to the Jcwifh Po- licy, both Civil and Ecclefiaftickjby God ; after which time, the u(e of the Ceremonial L aw was not only dead and Chap. 2* offavXtothc Galatians^ 59 end unprofitable, but alfo deadly and damnable : thus the Apoftles did not compel Titus to be circumcifed ; not as if the ufe ot Circumafion had ber 11 at that time Am- ply and in it felf unlawfull and finfull : for, *2aul himfelf did circumcife Timothy upon grave and weiphty consi- derations , much about, and probably after that time, \Att.\6. 3. but becaufe that falfe brethren, then prefent, would have made bad ufe of their doing otherwife, to the prejudice of the Gofpel ; fad that buaufe of falfe brtthren&rc* 1. Though the practice of the Ceremonial Law was for that time a thing in it ielf mditfcrent ; Yet ( which alfo holds, of all other things in their own na- ture indifferent 1 Cor, 8. 9,io,eirc. ) it might not al- wayes and upon all occafions lawfully and without fin be ptatStifed, but the practice thereof was to be ruled ac- cording co charity and p udertce ; So that in the cate of giving fcandal by the negleft thereof to the weak and infirm, it was to be praftifed, as Paul did, ^#.16. 3. but in cafe of hardening the obftinate, and confirming them in their opinion of its neceffity to Salvation, and thereby giving the ad verfaries of Truth advantage againft the Truth by the pr aft ice thereof, it was to be foreborn : fori the Apoftles here, did not circumcife Tttus,becaufe of falfe brethren, brought in unbares, who would have taken ad- vantage from the praftice of the Apoftles, if they had circumcifed him, to bring the Church of Qhrift again into bondage. 3. It hath been the Churches lot in all times and all places, to have a mixture of wheat and tares, re- generate and unregenerate, godly and profane in it: even the Church which was planted and governed by the Apoftles themfelves, had falfe brethren : for, faith Paul, Secdufe of falfe brethren unawares brought in. 4. Heretical fpirits, not only can, but ufually do fo far diffemble their Errors, a P/vit, tone Church ac Jerufalem\ they carried the matter (o hinifomlv, what by diffembling their Er- rors, what by their pretences to Piety, that the Apoftles thcrnfelves, a£tmg as ordinary Mimfters in the admiflion of Church-members, ( 48. 6. 5, &c.) could fee nothing for which to ftumble at them, or rejeft them. S. Here- tical fpirits are molt a&ive , vigilant, and foeffronted as to ingyre themtelves upon the moft private Societies and Fellowfhips of oihers , if their preterfce may contribute any thins to advance their pernicious Errors : Thus thofe falfc brethren do intrude thcmfelves upon that tneeting,which Taut had with the other Apoftles>thougfi i was but of few, and private > ver. 2. Who came inpri- +*tely tojpy out our liberty. 6. It is too too ufual for ma- ny, to frequent the meetings of God's People and Ser- Tants> not that they may be edified from them ; but that they may find occafion to carp at what they hear , and malcebadufe of it to the prejudice of Chrift's Servants, and to their own further confirmation in a finful courfe, who carry about their own judgment with them, they come to enfnare others , and the Word of the Lord pro- veth a fnare unto them, E%e^. 14.4. Thus thofe fdfe bre- thren came in privately to Jpy out their liberty , refolving whatever had been done* they (houid have ground from it to make Paul invidious; if Titus had been circumcifcd, they were ready to traduce him to the Gentiles, as a man who preached one thing to them, and pra&ifed the con- trary among the A poftles; if he had not beencircura- cifed, they had ground to incenfe the Jews againft, him, as a contemner of that divine Ordinance. 7. Jefus Chrift having by that only Sacrifice of Himfelf upon the Crofle, fulfilled all thofe Legal Types and Shadows of things to cone, ff^.8. 5. and 9-9- hath parchafed li- berty unto the Chriftian Church , and made them fully free from the obfer vie ion of thofe Levitical Ceremonies, chap. 5. 1. hence this freedom is called O.ir liberty tobich +c b*)>c in Cbrijl J'fus. 8, The Ceremonial Law of Mofes Chap^ 1. of Paul to the Gal at x am Y 6i Mofes was a great bondage > and moft burdenfome yoke («/4#*r?. 10. ) to the ancknt Church, what through the multitude of performances which were thereby in- joyned s iome whereof were extreamly expenfive, LeV9i9 2, 3, 4, 5. chapters , others painfull and hazardous to the natural life? Gen. 34. 25. and others moft wear ifom to the flefh, 3>eut.i6.i6. and what through the punctual oblervance of all thofe Ordinances enjoy ned under moft terrible Certifications, ®eut. 27. 26* for>the Apoftle cal- kth the return of the Chriftian Church to the obfervati- on of the Ceremonial 1 aw, which was endeavoured by thofe fal(e brethren, a bringing of them unto bondage; That they might bring us unto bondage. From Vcrf 5. Learn, 1. When things inthemfelves indifferent, are urged as neceffary, and required as an evidence of our affent unto an untruth,or quitting of any part of Truth,in that cafe,which is indeed a cafe of con- feffion, the praftice of a thing indifferent, is finfull, and to be abftained from : for, fo did the falfe brethren urge the Circumcifion of Titus, even as an evidence of Paul's receding from the Doftrine of Chriftian Liberty , and therefore he obeyed them not ; To tohom "toe gave place, no not for an hour. 2. Though much may be done for comopfing of Church-differences > by ufing all meek- neflc and forbearance towards thofe who oppofethem- fclves> iTim.2.2f. a&ing joyntly with them in thofe things, wherein there is an harmonious agreement,, Phil. 3.10. holding off publick debates in thofe things, where- about the difference is, %om< 14. 5. providing they be not of the moft weighty and fubftantial Truths, G4/.5.2, 3-Yet we are not for peaces caufe to quit the lcaft part of Truth, whether by a formal denying of it, or doing thas which in reafon may and ought to be fo expounded: thus *W, who for lawfull ceding did become all things to all men, 1 Cor. 4. 19, tfc. would not give place by way of fubjeftion, fo as to yeeld the caufe controverted to the adverianes, neither would he do any thing, though ne- ver fo little, and in its own nature indifferent > which might 6i tA brief Exposition of the Eptflle Chap. a. might be an evidence of his yeclding ; To x»bm ThegaVe plate byfubjettton, no not for an hour : he would not u(e Circumctfion, no not that once, he would not cede one hair breadch to them. ?. A Miniftcrot Chnii, when he ii called to confdle and avow Truth, hath npc only his own peace with God, and keeping of a Rood con- fidence to look unco, a Itm. 2. 1 1 > I z. but alio the con- dition of his Flock, who will be much fhakenor con- firmed in the Truth, by his faint, or bold and faithfull confeflton : Thus Paul, in the prefent bafineffs, had an eye to the convened Genciles, of whom were thefe Ga- latians, left their Faun had been (haken by his wcon- ftancy \ We ga*e nut place faith he, t»it the truth of the Gcfyel mtz bt continue Mtbyou. 4 It is not enough that people have the name of the Gofpel among them,or fomc Truths of it being mixed wuh feveral Errors , but all, and cfpccially Minifters, fhould endeavour to have the Gofpel in purity and integrity, free from any mixture of contrary Errors ; for. a little leaven ( to which Error is compared, A4*M< 11.) leaveneth the whole lump, 1 Corm J. 6. Thus it was Paul's endeavour that the truth of the Gofpel might antinueMHtb them, chat is, the whole Do- ctrine of the Gofpel not corrupted \\kh any Error. Verf. 6. $ut oftbefe^bofeeined to befomeMbat (tobatfom e*er tbtytocre, it mafctb no matter tome, God acceptt'tb no mans perfon ) forthex fthofeemed to befometobat, in conference added nothing to me. COlloweth a feventh Evidence* that bah Paul'* Do- ^ ftrinc and OHice were divine, containing the event of that meeting which he had with the Apoftles, in three things ; the firft whereof, is in this Vrrle, to wit, that of tbefey or from thole who were looked upon as chief among the Apoftlcs of whom Paul\ adverfaries did boaft,as if they had been his fuperiours, *W had learned nothing ( which laft words, or fome iuch like, arc to be fupplicd for making out the fentence ) and becaulc their per* Chap.S t/Paul u ^Galatiam$; ^3 perfonal prerogatives fuch as that they had fecnChrifi in the fltth, were Apoftlcs, when he was a periecutor, might have been objefted to his prejudice ; he ftieweth thefe were not co be taken notice of by him, neither would be taken notice of by God , whofe judgment is not fwayed by any thing which is extrinfecal , and be- longeth not to the caute in hand ; and therefore their being A potties before him, would not make his Office or Do&rine more uncertain , or lefle divine than theirs ; feing he was an Apoftle now, afwell as they , and his Dofitrine fuch as cculd not be queflioned by thernfelves: for, after that conference* wherein he related to them the Gofpel preached by him, they corrected nothing and added nothing to what he had laid, but approved all. Q>octmi. It is nothing contrary to, butagreeth very well withChriftiansmodefty and humility, for a man to fpeakto his own commendation in fome cafes ; efptci- ally when he labourcth under reproach, and when the honour of God and the Gofpel doalfo tuflfer with him: for, 'Paul avoweth that he learned nothing from the chief Apoflles, and was not in any thing inferiourtothem ; becaufe if he had yeelded to the contrary, his adverfaries would prefently have retorted that he was no Apoftle, but,at the moft, an ordinary Preacher, and his Do&rine in time by paft had been erroneous 5 $ut of tbefe, or from thofe, Ttobofeemedto befomeftbat, fupply (for making out the fenfe ) 1 learned nothing; which Paul corcealeth in mo- defly, it being that part of the phrafe which ffiould have expreffed his praiie moft, and leaveth it to be fupplicd by the reader from the fcope of the purpoie. and from the like expreflion in the clofe of the verfe : The like form of fpeaking is ufed, 1 Cbrm.^io. Ob that thou •toouldeji&c. or, If thou Mtouldefi. 2. It is not unufual for heretical fpirits, to cry- up fome of Chrift's fakhfull Minifters above the left, and fo to have the perfons of men in ad- miration \ and this oot from any refpeft to them, but for their own advantage >Judey vcr.- 16. as hereby rendring thofc, whom, they fo cry-up, fulpeft offarouring their Error, $4 A brief Expofttion of the Spifilc Chap. % Error, and bearing down the reft with the pretended (hew of their authority : Thus Paul's adverfaries did ex- t Ureter y James% and John, as much prcferible to him, becaufe of their pcrfonal prerogatives above him, as ap- peareth from Pauls labouring fo much to prove that they Were no wayes fupcriour to him, and to take off any prejudice which might rife againft himfclf from their Krlbnal prerogatives of feeing Chrift inthefklh, and ing A port les before him; But from tbofe I learned no- tbingy'tobofoever they Kerefirc. 3. In our efteem of perfons and twines, our judgment ought not to be ruled by the approbation of men.foas to put a price upon every thing which is commonly eftcemed of among n\zv\>Lukf i6.iy. but by the approbation of God, fo that every thing may have more or leffe weight with us according as He eftec- meth of it : Thus Paul regarded not the perfonal prero- gatives of the other Apoftles, as bearing any weight in the prefent bufinefle, becaufe God regarded them not ; It makgtb no matter to me% God accept? tb no mans perfon. 4. The Lord , in parting judgement upon perfons or things, is not fwayed with anything which is extrinfe- call, and belongeth not unto the caufe whereabout He Kdgcth : He refpeð not the perfon of man, that is, e will not approve or difapprove of a mans caufe for his perfon, if it be not otherwife worthy of approbation or reproof; becaufe moft frequendy a man s caufe and perfon come under different confiderations : for/aith he, Cod acceptetb $f no mans perfon : whereby in this place is meaned , that the perfonall prerogatives of the other Apoftles did not bear weight with God to make Vaul's Office or Doftrine more uncertain, and leffe divine than theirs; feing whatever other ufe thofe prerogatives did fcrve for ; Yet they appertained nothing to the prefent caufe. 5. Though fome of Chrift's faithftill Servants, may be cryed-up by light wits, or heretical fpirits,to the down-bearing of the defcrved eftimation of others 5 Yet fo far ought they themfelves to be from being tranfported with groundleftc applaufc , and from dclpifing thofe others. Chap, t* */ Paul fo the G a l at i a k s ^ 6$ others, beyond whom they are fo much efteemed of, that they arc to bear-up their credit fo much the mote by withholding no approbation of theirs from them which is their due , although they fhould thereby contradict their own flatterers, and make them lyars: for*, thofe Apoftlesi who were fo much cryed-up by the falfe bre- thren, to Paul's prejudice, did throughly approve his Do&rincdeclaring him to be an orthodox Preacher and an Apoftle of Jeliis Chrift as well as themfelves, con- trary to what his adverfaries and their flatterers affirmed of him ; In conference they added nothing to me : and, ver* 9. Theygafrc me and iarnabu the right bands of felloe/hip. Verf, 7* 8«* wtratWife> *tohen they fa^o that the Go/pel of the Hncircumctpon toot committed unto me} 44 the Gcffrel of the Circumcifion TtM unto *teter : 8# ( Vqr he that "brought efeftually in feter $0 the Apoftlefhty of the Circumcifion, the fame TM mighty in me towards the Gentiles) 9, And^hen fames9Cephas, and John, Voho feemedto hepiU Urs,percehed the Grace that X»tsgi\>en unto meytbeygaVe to me and Barnabas the right hands offelloVbfhip, that W fhould go unto the Heathen>and they unto the Qircumcifioni TJEre is a fecond part of the event of that Meeting at Jerufalem, to wit, that when the Apoftles, James, Cephas, (that is> Peter, J oh. r. 42.) and John had by cer- tain evidences found that theGofpel of the Uncircum* cifion, or the A poftolick- office to preach the Gofpel among the uncircumcifed Gentiles, was concredited by God to T aul as well as the Gofpel of Circumcifion, of the Apoftolick-officc to preach the Gofpel among the circumcifed Jews, was committed unto Peter , ver. 7, which they did gather from this, that the like divine affiftance, blcfling and fuceeffe, did accompany the la* fcours both of Peter and Paul towards their refpeftivq Charges, and to their Office behoved to be equally dj«? ipe> ver. 8; sind when thofe three Apoftle? ( who were 66 AbricfEx}ofitionofthe8fiftle Chap.2; commonly, and no lefle defervedly, reputed pillars of the Church, as being,under God,the upholders of it by their Miniftry, gifts* diligence and fidelity) had feen the grace, or gifts, both ordinary and extraordinary, which were beftowed by God upon fW,fitting him every way for the Apoftolick-office> they did wichout more ado ac- knowledge both "Paul and Barnabas for their Collegues or fellow Apoftles, giving them the right hand in evi- dence of the fame , as alfo of their mutual agreement in d ividing of their Chargd fo asthat 2W and Eartubas fhould go on to difcharge their Apoftolick-office among the Gentiles, and the other three among the Jews,ver.9» which paction is nothing contrary to what is held forth, Ml. 15. 7. for, Teeter fpeaketh not there, that his ordi- nary Charge was to preach unto the Gcntiles,but of that one aft of his, mentioned dtt. 10. whereby he was at one time imployed to preach to them at the firft begin- ning of their converfion : All whichjdoth evidence that Paul was an Apoftle, immediately called, and acknow- ledged to be fuch by the other Apoftles. 2>*#. 1. This Scripture doth many wayes refute that dream of the Pk- pifts concerning Te ter's primacy, or fupremacy over the reft of the Apoftles, and over the Catholick Church, and of the Pope's fucceeding to *Pcter in that fnppofcd illimi- ted truft : for, I. the Apoftlc's drift in all this, is.toffiew that he was every way equal withTettr, and the reft of the Apoftles, arid no wayes inferionr unto them , and that he was acknowledged to be fo by *Peter himfelf ; fo that fl*ter was not fuprcam over all : When they fato that the Gofyel of uucircwncifmi Kas committed unto me', (?cm 2. Taul doth here compare himfelf mainly and particu- larly with Peter, while he cxpreffeth him by name, even when he is fpcaking of thefc things, which were com- mon to Peter with the other two James and John, as that the Gofpcl of Circumcifion was committed toYeter, and this becaufc it fecmeth ?aul s adverfarics did mainly cry-up P;ter> as fuprriour to him ; fo that this of P' t primacy above the other Apoftles hath been an old plea3 but Chap.i. */PauIf0/^GALATiAN$." 6j but ill grounded, andexprefly confuted by Paul in this place; As the Grips I of Circumciji'on Kha committed unto heter. 3. We find here a divine Ordinance, chat Heter fhould exercife his Office among the Jews, as their Apo* ftle , of which Ordinance they can produce no change ; and fo if the Pope plead to be Petei*s fucceffor, he muft challenge a fuperiority over the Jews, and bath nothing to do with us ; ds the GoFpel of the circumcifion Xta* unto Peter, 4. 1W, by vertue of the fame divine Ordinance, was to exercife his Office among the Gentiles, as their Apoftle, and endued with the fame Authority in all points, Which Peter had o er the Jews; and therefore Peter was not fupream : B tifthe t^ope give-out him- felf for univerfal Paftor over the whole World, he muft not plead his fucceflion to Vtter fo much as to Pauly who had the Gofpel of the Uncircumcijion committed to him : which was a Charge extending almoft to ail the univer- fal World. 5. While there is a queftion here of dignity anent the Apoftles, fames is firft named before 'Peter, as being of eminent Authority among the Apoftles , who was Prefident at the Council of JerufaUm ; for, he fpake laft , and concluded all, dtt. 15. 13, &>c. to whom Paul did betake himfelf, and with Whom all the Elders did conveen in a matter of great concern- ment, and not with Peter, dB. 21. 18. fo that James hath rather been fupream than Peter ; at leaft, it fol- loweth, the firft naming of Peter in other places, ( Mat^ 10.2. Mar fa. 16.) is no futficient ground whereon to build his fupremacy : Jnd When James,Cepbas, and John* 6. Peter was at this time at Jerufalem , and without doubt had not yet feen ^we>fevehteen years at leaft after Chrift'sRefurre&ion, ver* 1. compared with chap. I • ver. 18. Yea. neither was he at %pme a lone time after this, wheft Paul was there a prifoner, Col. 4. 11. 2 Tim. 4, 16. How then could he have fitten Biflbop at %omc twen- ty five years before his death ? as is alleaee^ for one main ground, upon which the Popes fucceflion to Peter, jtt univerfal Bi&op over the whole World, is founded t f % Am f J58 'AbriefSxpofitionoftbeEpiftU Chap^; And, itoben James, Qe\>has and John perceived. 7. There is here a folcmn and mutual agreement, that Tan/, and not Teter, (hould be the Apoftle of chc Gentiles : and there- fore,How could Peter have been twenty five years Bifliop at 'Jf(pme9 except he had violated his folemn paftion con- firmed by giving his hand , which were moft abfurd once to mention ? They gale the right bands of felUmrfbip, that M>e Jhould go unto the Heathen, fioft. 2. The more we wait upon God for His Call and Direction to our Undertaking, we have ground to ex pc&> that the more of fuccefle and of a blefling will accompany them : fort *Paul, who did not undertake this journey to j erufalem Vvithout the Call of God, ver. 2. hath all things fuc- ceedingwith him according to his hearts with ; lb that not only theApoftles, did not condemn the Do&rinc preached by him, ver. 6. but> on the contrary, gave him their approbation , acknowledging him for their Col- league and fellow- Apoftle, whereby the mouthes of his adverfaries might have been fully flopped : ®«/ contrary toife they gave to me and 'Barnabas the right hands of fellol*- Jty ; for, fo are the words to be conftru&ed , all that which incerveeneth being the reafon which moved James, Ptter, znd John to do what they did. Vott. 3. The Note which arifeth from dividing of the Charge of Jews and Gentiles betwixt Veter and Paul$\% at largc,^/. 1. 25. doll. 3. Dott. 4. The Office of preaching the Go- fpel, is a fpecial Truft, whereby a rich treafurc of faving Truths ( 2 Cor. 4. 7.) is concredited to weak men, who muft be anfwerable to God how they keep, maintain and difpenfe that Treafurc for the good of louls : iiencc he faith, the Gofpeltoas committed, or, as a rich Treafure, intrufted to him ; The Gofprf of the Hmircumcifion nas committed unto me. 5. It is not the pains of Mini- fies, Ifa.qj.d. or anyvertue which is in the Word preached, as of it fclf, 1 Cor.i.i8. from whence the fuc- cefle of the Miniftry among a People flowcth, but from the effectual working of the Spirit of God, whereby Ht •ffcvftually worketh that whigh tl\c Word doth prefli upoa Chap. 2 . cf Paul to the G a t a t i a k s . 69 upon us, I Cor. 3. & for, P*«/ afcribeth the fuccefle both of his own and Peter's Miniftry to this ; He that brought effectually in Peter, the fame We to mcand Barnabas the right bands of fello\(bip. Verf. 10. Only they Vtouldtbat tocjhould remember tbepoor9 the fame fbbicb I alfo Teas forward to do. TTHe third thing in the event of that Meeting , which x did alfo evidence, thatiW and the other A pottles did part good fnends,and in all things one among them- felves,was* That the other Apoftles did earneflly recom- mend to Paul and Barnabas thccolle&ing of fome cha- rity among the Churches of the Gentiles, iC$r. 16. 1. to fupply the poor Jews who were turned Chriftians, fym, 15.25, which they performed fpeedilyarfd dili- gently. See the places cited, and iCor>%, and 9. chap- ters. $>ott. 1. It is frequently the lot of thofe who are rich in Grace, to be poor in the things of a prefcnt life ; and who arc hers of a Kingdom, ( tukg 1 2. 32 .) to be driven unto fuch ftraits, as they are forced to live upon iomc charitable (upply from others ; God feeing it con- venient hereby to wean them from worldly content- ments, chat Heaven may be the more longed after , and more n Chap.2.' efV&Ato the CALAtiAv si 71 more fweet when it cometh : Thus the Chriftians in Juaea> for the moft part, were poor, and fuch as needed fupply from the Gentiles ; Only tbey toould that toe JheuU remember the poor. 2\ Though thole who are our own poor within the bounds where we live, are cheifly to be relieved by us , becaufe of our nearer intereft in fuch, 1 Tim. 5. 8. Yet, in cafes of extremity, even thofe poor who live remote from us ( becaufe they are alio of our own flefh, Ifa. 58. 7. and members of the fame myftical body, if Believers, Gal. 6. \o.) are alfo to be fupplied by us : for, Paul was to ftir upthe Gentiles to contribute for the poor at Judea ; Only tbt^ftbuld tbat^e Jhould re- member the poor. 3. The care of the poor, and fupply of the outward neceflities of the Saints,is an imployment not unworthy of the very chief Apoftles, and which Minifters and other Officers of the Church ought to nuke conference of; for, the care of the poor, was the laft farewell of thofe Apoftles : Only they Kould that be (bould remember the poor y w>bkb Paul alfo V>a$ forward to do. 4. The Minifters of JefusChrift, ought to prefle upon the People not only duties which are ea(ie> and coft them nought ; but alfo thofe that are burdenfome and expenfive* efpecially that they would willingly give of thole things which they enjoy,for the fupply of others which want ; and are to be as forward in preffing the one fort of dudes as the other , as being equally profit- able to the Church, and moft evidencing of an inward work of Grace in the heart, 1 Job.-$. 17. Thus £W was forward to preffe upon the Gentiles to give fome fupply to the poor Jews ', The fame Vtbicb I "to as alfo forward to d9, or did fpeedily and diligently* as the word fignifieth. Verf. 11. But Men Teter toas come to Jntiocb> I totobftood him to tbeface, becaufe be v>as to be blamed. CRomthis Verfetothei5. there is a further evidence x of that Truth, which he had formerly afler ted con- cerning the authority of his Office and his divine Do- ftrine, even in that point which was controverted be- F 4 twist ^ a A brief Expeftion of the Epifile Chap, t twixt him and his adverfaries ; which he makcth ap- pear from this, That, as an Apofile, and by vertue of his Apoftolick Office, he did with Authority rebuke Peter one of the chief Apoftlcs, when in his orafticc at An- tUcb he declined from the Do&rine taught by him con- cerning the abrogation of the Ceremonial Law, and that> for any thing which appeareth to the contrary,1?*- ter in this debate did y -clH to "Paul, as having Truth for him* rhisattionof fauh towards Peter, u firlt fum- marly propounded in this Vcrie, wherein "Paul fheweth that boldly and freely he did oppofe himfelf to Ptter&nd that becaufe his carriage, as he doth clear more fully af- terward, was moft blame- worthy. 2>c#. i. No band of friendfhip or confederacy, which parties have cntred, no fear of occafioning the breaking-off of friendfhip ( whatever may be the confluences thereof) ought to make thofe, who are fo con joyned, connive at others in a finfull courfe, or withhold a teftineony againftthat which is finfull in their friend, when the hazard which may enfue from his (in co the Work and People of God, doth call for it : for, though Paul had come to Jeru/alem of purpofe to purchafe a good underftanding betwixt him and Peter , ver. I > 2. and though they had given,not long fince, mutual evidences of their harmony and agree- ment, ver. 9. and though their renting aflunder, was the thing which adverfaries to Truth would have been moft glad of, as making much for the advantage of their bad caufe ; Yet not long after this agreement was made, when P ter falleth in a fin reproof-worthv, which had dreadfull confequences to the People and Work of God (as will appear afterward) following upon it, Paul doth freely and boldly give tettimony againft his finful courfe; Sut toben Peter v>as comet* Antioch, I nithjlood bim to the face. 2. AstheMiniftcrsof JcfusChrift are bound to reprove fin and vice * fo they are to reprove it, firii, with much boldncffc and relolution , not faintly, as if they were imrefei red for the offence of man, than grieved for the dishonour of God: fo Paul, in reproving P-ter, Mb/hod toitkftood him : In the Original, it is a military word and fignifieth to ftand againft* whether it be by force of arms, or arguments : it is a word of defiance, and com- bating, ask were, hand to hand, facetoface, and foot to foot, not yeelding a hair breadth to the adverfary, 9(pm. 13.1. Epb.6. 13. Secondly, with ingenuity and candor, fo as not to conceal the man's fault only from hirafelf, and in the mean time tofpeak of it broad and wide unto others for his prejudice, U\\ 1 9.16. But they arc to declare his fin even-down to himfelk and rebuke him for it: Thus Paul, Mtbftoed Peter to the jace : for, the word in the Original, doth not import that he with- ftood him only in (hew, and for the fa(b icn, making the beholders think they were ferious when they were not, asfomeof the Ancients did alleage : fuch diffimulation had been raoft bafe in thofe two eminent A pottles , and Vdul had not here fpoken truly, affirming that Peter was Mfortby to be blamed, and that be y*alfyd not uprightly ; fo the word muft read, as it is here rendred, to the face , or to his face, as 2 Cor. 10. 1. Thirdly, with certainty and knowledge of the deed reproved, both for the truth of the faft, and the vicious quality of it : Paul before he re- f»roved, was affuredef both thefe; Becaufe be tots to be lamed, faith he. ©off. 3. The moft eminent Saints on earth, are not free of their own finful and blame- worthy failings; that hereby they may be keeped humble, and from being lifted up with their gifts , graces, and other excellencies, 2 Cor. 12.7. and others may hereby learn not to think of them above what is written, 1 Cor. 4. 6. for, even the Apoftles thcmfelves and Penmen of Scrip- ture, though they could not erre in writing Scripture, being therein guided by the infallible afliftance of the Spirit, zPet.i.ii* Yet in other things they had their own finful failings, as is evident in Peter j Secaufe he ftat to be bimtd. 4. It is the part of every man, though ne- ver fo eminent and efteemed of by others, when he meeteth with a juft and deferved reproof, to ftoop to it, without repining to imbrace ic , and with filence to cor- rect 74 A *r$cf bxpofinon of the tptftle Chap, gj rc£ thfc error, and amend the fault which is reproved: for, he rhachatech reproof, (hall die, ft^.lj.ia So doth P^r, who,beingflurply rebuked by ?*ul} defendeth noc his fault) contendech noc with his reprover, buc patiently taketh with his reproof, as appeareth from his filence ; for he rcplicth nothing. Verf. 1 2. for before that certain came from 7 antes \ be did edttoitb the GentUts : but "token they Ktere come, he Vtitb- dretoy and feparatedhimfeif] fearing tbem^hich^ere of the Circumctfion. I J. And the other Je\\>s di/fe>nblcd li{e^ife toitb him, i»fo~ much that Barnabas alfo toas carried a^ay vitb their dif* (imulation. T^Ext, the Apoftle enlargeth what he had briefly pro- A^ pounded : and>firft,he fheweth Peter's fin for whicb he was reproved, to wit, that whereas before fome Jews did come from Jerufalem, where the Apoftle James had his refidence, Peter did keep fellowship with the Chrifti- an Gentiles, and had eaten freely with them, (wherein he did right according to the Doftrine of Chriftian Li- berty.by which all differences of meats, and betwixtjew and Gentile, are removed under the New Teftament, as Peter himfelf was inftruftcd by vifion, AEt. 11.9.) but when thofe Jews did come, he did feparate from the Gentiles, as if it had been unlawful to eat wirh them,and this through fear of offending thofe forementioned Jews, who were moft tenacious of the Ceremonial Law. ver. 12. by which bad example of Peter's, the other Jews, which were at Antiecb, were moved to withdrawfrom the Gentiles, as if it had been unlawfull to have intirc fcllowfhip with them ; Yea, and 'Barnabas alio did the like, ver. 1?. From whence we Uarn% \. Such influence have circumftmce* upon our aftions, that though an n^ionjconfidcrcd fimply afid in it felf, be not finfull ; Yet, by rcafon of accompanying circumftancrs, it may become exceeding finfull : for, the exceeding finfulncflc of Chap.2? */Paul to theG& i at I an s. 75 of Peter's a&ion, for which he was here reproved, did not confift in his fimple abftinence from certain kinds of meats, to efchew the offence of the weak ; for, TW did fomphing like to this himfelf, Mi. 16. 3. and 2r. 26* but in the circumftanccs which did accompany that his abftenance, which will appear by pointing at fome of thofe circumftances, whereby alfo the Text will be fur- ther cleared ; as firft, That he did withdraw from the Gentiles in eating, as if they had been no Church-mem- bers., with whom it was lawfull to have intire fellow- (hip; He fritbdrety , and feparated bintfelf. Secondly, That he abftained not among the Jews at ]erufalem\ which had been more tolerable, but at dnticcb, where, a little before, he had openly dpne the contrary, in ufing his Ghrifti^n Liberty : fpr, before he did e<$t Kith the Gen- tiles; buf itobenibey' tyere' come, be tyitbdreti\ Thirdly, That he did withdraw, ppt as if it had been a thing in- different to have done fo,or otherwise, and therefore would do it for a time to gain the Jews ; but as if if fiad been a thing in it felf finful to have paten with them, contrary to what himfelf knew, and was informed of by the heavenly vifion > and therefore it is called di(lir mutation in him, while it is faid> Ibe other JeKs dijfem- tied \ub hifn hfytoife. Fourthly, That his abftinence Was not for gaining of the weak Jews, whom he mifcht afterwards have informed qf the abrogation qf thefe Le- vitic^l Ordinances, but from fear of lofing efteem with, and incurring the hatred of, thofe who were fpyjng-out their liberty, and would doubtlefic make bad ufeofthat his abftinence, for confirming themfelves in, and draw- ing oyer others to, their Errors ; Fearing them Kbicb Kere rftbfCitfutnafion. Fiftly, That by his example he did hurt to the other Jews, who were beginning to be in- formed concerning the abrogation of the Ceremonial taw, and in evidence of^it, had been eating with the Gentiles ; bjut now, by this pra&ice of Peters, did again drink- in their former error ) And the ether Jefts dijftmbled U^ife. Sixdy, This praftice of his (as is clear from the jS A irief8xf$ftion of the Epiflle Chip.i.1 the following 1 4. rcrfc) did tend to force theChriftiati G: Kile* to take on the yoke of the Cerennnial Law, (which hid been rmft finfull in them, th:y b:ing never under ic) as they would not have been debarred from the fellowfhip of Peter, and of the Church ; IVvy compiled thou the Gentiles to live at tbc Jem * And, fevenchly, He hereby gave a great dafh to Paul's Doftrine, and the Doilrine of the Gofpel concerning Chriftian Liberty, and the abrogation of the Ceremonial Law; for> his prafticc did fpeak as much, as if ic had been yet in force; He bitbdreXb and fepxrated himfelf , and the other Jetot dijjembled li{ev>ife. Vj:t. 2. So weak and unconftant are the b:ft of m:n, that, being left to themfelves, the leaft blaft of tentation will make them break off the courfe of doing-well in the very midft, and, without refpeft had either to confidence or credit, openly to de- fert it : for, Peter having begun well in the ufe of Chri- ftian Liberty, by eating with the Gentiles, giveth evi- dence of great levity, in that for fear of man's offence he did prefently flip from it ; Before that certain came from Jara:s, be did eat Kith the Gentiles j but *>hen they V>ert tomtybeMtbdrcT*. $. Tofeparate from, and to break- off communion with, a true Church, and the received Members thereof, is fuch an aft as cannot be attempted without (\n, no not though hereby we could efchew the offence and ftumbling of m my : for, this was it that mide Peter blame-worthy, even his fcparating from the Church of the Gentile?, as if it had been unlawful to keep communion with themi notwithftanding the Jews would have been offended if he had done other wife ;,He 'toitbdre'toandfeparatedb'mfelf, fearing them Tobicb hereof the Circumcifim. 4. It is of great concernment to men of grace and parts, who are in publick place, and do enjoy the applaufc of many, to b: both men of courage, andfclf-dcnyed fpirits ; and even when th?y enjoy the applaufc of all, to b: dead and dying to it ; left, if they conceit more of it than they ought, through their flefhly fear of loliog applaufc and incurring hatred from men; they Chap.£ */Paul to the G a i a ti ah %l 77 they venture upon the difhonour of God : for, even ¥e~ fr^fearing too much hislcfieof efteem among the Jews, did fin againft the Lord ; He Ttitbdn'to tndfefaratedbim- felfy feamg them Kbicb \tere of the Circumciftov, or the Jcws,who art frequently fo defigned- 5. As good men lometimes, under the fit of a violent tentaticn, will in practice condemn that which in their judgment they do approve ; fo for any to fin thus againft their light, is an high aggravation of their guilt : f or> this is the difllmu- lation wherewith Peter is charged, and whereby his fin is here aggreged : by his pra&ice he pretended, that fellowfcip with the Chriftian Gentiles was unlawful!, in the contrary whereof, he was inflru&ed by the hea- venly vifion, Mi. II. 9. And the ether Je^s dijjmbkd liiftoife Kith him. 6. Of fo great force is the bad ex- ample of men, eminent, gracious and learned, that not only the weak and infirm , but even thofe who arc ftrong, and richly endued both with grace and parts, will fometimes be corrupted by it : It is ufual for us un- awares to eftecm of fuch, as of feme what more than men, and being once that far engaged in our eftecm of them, w£do not fo narrowly examine their adtions, as we would of other men, Hence all is taken for current that cometh from them : thus not only the vulgar Jews, but even Yamaha* himfelf, an eminent Apcftle, (Mt. 13, 1 , 2.) was carried away with Peter's bad example ; Mi the other Je^s diflimbled HfyVtife toitbbim, wfmttcbtbat IBarnaba* toas carried aftay *toitb their diffmulatirn : and ver.i4« his example had a kind of compulfion in it to- wards the Gentiles, to make them do as he did ; Why tompellejl thou the Gentiles to Ifte as do the Jens * 7. A fpeat and inundation of evil examples, though even held forth by private Chriftians, efpecially if they be other- wife pious, is fo impetuous, and of uich force, to carry others along in their pradtice vyith it ; that even the very beft of men can very hardly ftand out againft it: for, fBarnabas his diflimulation, is afcribed not only to Peter's bad example, but alfo, if not mainly* to that influence whick 78 zAbritfExpofttion of the BftftU Chip.*; whrch the evil example of chefc other Jevvs had upon htm; And the other Jew dijjembled Ukefttfe ; infomuch : ■: Barnabas ft as carried aft ay ftlth their di'Jl mutation. 8. Ic is of great concernment unto all Superiors, and chiefly thofc who are eminent for piety and parts, to cake dilifcnc heed left thry give bad example unto otfrcrsjand this not only becaufc of what is partly ex prrfled in the two former Doctrines, but alfo becaufe the fins of others, which are occafioned by the evil example of any, will be juftly charged upon him whofe bad example they do follow: for,thediflimulationofthe Jews and [B*rn*- has, is mentioned as an aggravation of Peters fin, which had fuch dreadfiill confluences j And the other Jens di/Jembledlikeftife. Verf. 14. But Kken \ faft that the? ft allied not uprightly, acordm; to the truth oftheGofp*!, I faid unto reter before them all, If thou, h ing a J eft, li\>ett after the man- ner of the Gentiles, and not as do the J efts % fthy compile Jl thou the Gentiles to live as do the J efts i CEcondly, The Apoftle enlirgeth what he faid ver.x 1. 0 of his wichftanding feter* fhewing that when he had perceived they walked not uprightly , or with a ftrcightfoot, according to the fincere Dodrine of the Gofpel, without more ado he did openly fall upon Pe- ter, whofc example had given the occafion of that fin unto all the reft: and the fault which he chargeth him with, and chat which did aggrcge his fin moft, wa§,that by his example he did conftrain the Gentiles, as, they would no: have been caft ouc of Vita's fellowfhip and (Jf the Chu ch, to obferve the Ceremonial Law of Mo~ pes, as the J ws did : the iniquity whereof he flicweth in this that Prtfr'himfdf, who was a Jew, and lb more bound to obferve the Ceremonial Law,which wasgivea riot to the Gentiles, but to the Jews, had caft off that yoke, and lived after the mmner of the Gentiles, as is clear ftora vcr« 1 *• wd therefore there was no tcafon foi r Chap.*. o/Paul ^/^Gaiatians. j$ it, that h? fiiould inforce that yoke upon others. ®ctfm i. The multitude of thofe who fwerve trcm Truth; fheuld not make Truth the leffe lovely unto, or blunt the edge of others in the defence of it againft Error : Though Truth (hould be deferted by all except one only, it is Worthy to be owned, flood to, and defended by that one, afcd this againft all who do oppofe it : fcr^thouph Peter, the other Jews, Barnabas and all did difl'emble, and bale from the I ruth ; Yet Paul alone doth ftafcd for it : Mi V»hen 1 fa^o that tbey talked not uprightly according to the Ttuth, i fM unto Peter, &c. 2, It is the duty of all profeffors to walk fo both in the matter of opinion and pra&ice. as is (uitable unto, and well-agreeing with the fincet-e Truth of God, held out in theGofpel, evenfo, as that in opinion they hold nothing , which is, though but indireftly, contrary to that Truth , or in practice aft noching which may refleft upon that Truth 5 and when they halt , or walk not with a ftreight foot in either of thofe, they are blame- worthy : for, the fault of Peter and the reft, for which they are here repioved, was » That thy toalf^d not uprightly, or with a ftreight foot, according to the truth of the Gaff el. Their practice and their opinion concerning the lawfulnefle of grati- fying the Jews in the prefent btifineffe, did indire&ly at leaft contradift and refleft upon that great Gofpel- truth about the abrogation of the Ceremonial Law. 3- When many are giiilty of one and the fame fin* the Minifter of Jefus Chrift ought to reprove wifely and without re- ipeft of perfonS) making the weight of the reproof light upon them, as they have been more or lefle acceflory to the fin : for, becaufe Peter's example had been the occa- fion of fin to all the reft, *Baul direð the reproof to him by name, and this before the reft ; that they might fee themfelves, indireftly at leaft, reproved alfo for fol- lowing this bad example; I faid unto Peter before them *H* 4« Though private fins, which have not broken forth to a publick fcandal of many, are to be rebuked in private, AAtf.i8.i 5. Yet?publick fuuareto receive pub- lick 83 v* brief ExpofitU* of the E pi file Chap. iP lick reb ike? ; that her:by the pubUck fcandaf may be removed, and others may be feared fro mtaktrijp encou- ragement from :hofc tins to do the like i Ti n 5 >o. Tnusf becaufeT^? as do the Jetos } as if he had fail Hiou :n neither anfwer to God nor man for it. 7. It is no (mill (in for Superioursto bind where the Lord hath left free, by urgiig upon their I:if :riours the obferving of a thing, in its own nature in- different, as ncccfliry ; -xc pc it b: in thef • cafes where- in the Lord, by thofc circumlhnccs wnichdo accom- pany Chap. a. 0/PauU0fAe as do the JeV>s i 8, In the primitive times of che Chriftian Church, the People of God did wonderfully lubject themfelves to the Miniftry of the Word in the hand of His Servants y and much more than People now do : for if the actions of the A softies compelled men to do this or that > as Peter's ail on did compel che Gentiles, what then did their Doftrine and heavenly Exhortati* ons ? Why compellejl thou the Gentiles, &c< ? Verf. 15. We *tobo are Jew by nature, and notfinners tf the Gentiles, 16. I{noMr.gtbat a man is not juftifiedbytbeV?orl{5of the LaV>, but by the Fditb offefus Cbri/l;eVen "toe haVe believed in Jefws Qbrift that "toe might be jujttfied by the Faith of Cbritt% and not by the *toor\s of the LaV? : for by the "toorkg sftbe Latojhall noflejh bejujUfied. COmc Interpreters do conceive that f aid's fpeeth to 0 Peter doth yet continue in the(e two Verfes 5 Yea>and fbme think that it is extended to the end of the Chapter* but others conceive* that*W> having clofed the narra- tion of what paffed betwixt him and Yeter, ver. M. doth here return to fpeak to the Galacians : and chough thofe laft do feem to have moft of reafon for them ; yet which ofthefe opinions do ft and, it is all one to the main pur- pofe : for, it is clear that the Apoftje doth here ft ate and fall upon one of the main queftions, which were be- twixt him and his adverfaries* to wit. That we are ju*- ftified, or accepted of, and declared righteous in God's fight by Fakh in Chrift, and not by die work* ot the taw, &n$ % the hzm imdejflancUng of the thrced&methoc* 6j • ^ 8x iA 'brief Ex fofit ion of the Epifllt Chap, i] of the Apoftles difpute^together with the ftattfof the pre- fent qucrtion, and the fenfe and force of thofc arguments which he maketh ufc of to confirm the Truth in contro- vcrfie We (hall premie three things in general, Firft, the ApoftleS adverfanes erred in two things mainly, I. they urged the rigid obfervation of the Ceremonial Law, as neceffary by vertucof a divine Precept (landing yet in force, as may be gathered from the A poOlc's realoning, chap. ?♦ r9, 25. and chap- 4. ?> 4, <>. x As Seducers wax worle andworfe, zTim. JOJ, fo they went higher, and urged the obfervation of thefe Ceremonies, as that whereby, joyntly at leatt with Chrift, finners arejufti- fied before God, as appeareth from chap. i. 16, 21. and 3. 1 r. Now the Apoftle addrcfleth himfelf to the refu- tation of both thofc Errors : and becaufe the latter Er- ror, rowic, That finners are juftified by their obedience to the Law, is rnoft dangerous, therefore he doth refute it firft, and apart, to ver. 19. chap. 3. And next, he re- fuccth that fiift Error joy ntly with the other, proving there was no neceffity at all of oblerving the Ceremo- nial Law, or any part of that Mofaical Pcdapogie, now under the New reftaroent , and that it ought not now to beobferved, the date prefixed by God for the obfer- vation of it being already expired, to ver. 13. chap. 5. Secondly, while the Apoftle, ail-along this difpute, de- nyeth we are juftified, or that righteoufnefle and the in- heritance do come by the Law, he underftan^eth by the L*+ 9 pot the whole Doftrine delivered by Mofcs upon Mount Sinai • for, the £•***, being fo taken, was a Cove- nant of Grace, as appeareth from the Preface and Pro- mifes of the Decalogue, and from the Ceremonial 'Law, which fhadowed forth Chrift and remiflion of fins through Him, Heb. 10. 4, 8, 9. fo that Believers under the Old Teftament may be faid to have been juftified, and to have had righteoufnefle by the Law in this fr nfc: for, it implyeth no further than that they were juftified according to the tenour of the Covenant of Grace, as it was wrapped- up in that ancient kgal difpenfation. The Apoftlt Chap.£ */PauI /o^Galatians. g* Apoftle therefore takes the £*tt more ftrittly, and, in the fenfe of his adverfaries, for the mere precepts and threat- nings of the Law, as it requires perfedt obedience, and curteth thofe who have it not, abftra&ing from Chrift, and Grace, which were held forth ("though but obfeure- ly ) in it ; for, in that fenfe his adversaries maintained juftification by the Law,and therefore the Apoftle while he refiiteth juftification by the Law, muft be underftood to fpeak of the Law in the fame fenfe alfo3 which Some- times he clearly expreffeth, while he explaineth his mea- ning by denying we are juftified by the works of the Law, verf. 16. and chap. ?♦ 5, 10. Thirdly, that the Apoftle may ftrike at the root of this their moft dange- rous Error of Juftification by Works, he excludeth all Works in general, not only thofe of the Ceremonial Law, but the Works alfo of the Moral Law ; Yea, and all Works of ours whatfoever, from having influence upon Juftification : for, as (hall be obferved in the Dif- puteit felf, the Arguments ufed by the Apoftle to prove that we are not juftified by Works, are applicable to the Moral Law equally, if not more than to the Ceremonial Law> Yea, and do exclude the Works of the Regene- rate, as well as of thellnregenerate: Befides, it isfure that none profefling the Name of Chrift, as the Apoftle's adverfaries did, would have urged the naked external performance of thofe Ceremonies, as having influence upon Juftification , except as it was con joyned with in« ternal love to God and our neighbour, commanded by the Moral Law, and fignified, expreffed, and fome one way or other advanced by thofe outward performances; Neither is it conceivable how they, maintaining a ne^ ceflity of Faith in Chrift, could imagine that any Works whatfoever, whether done in obedience to the Ceremo- nial Law, or to the Moral, being fuchWorks only as are done by the power of Nature and ftrength of Free* will, without the Grace of Chrift, fhould have juftified a finner, and made him righteous before God ; So that if Paul in this Difputc had excluded from Tuftificatioa 9 1 ^ ppI/ 84 4 brief Expo fit ion of the £piftle Chap. l. only the external Works of the Ceremonial Law, and not the Works of the Moral Law alio,or only all Works whatibever flowing from the lirength of Nature, or, the Works of the Unrcgeneratc , and not the Works of the Regenerate alio , which arc pc rformed by the Grace of Chrift, he fhould have quite miftaken the queftion, and not at all refuted his adverlaries. It doth therefore of neceflity follow, that the Apoftle reafoneth againftju- ftification by Works, done in obedience to the Law in general, and that he affirmeth we arc juftified only by Faith in oppofition unto all Works of ours whatsoever; which he proveth by two Arguments in this Chapter. Firft, becaufe he himlelf and other Jews, who, though they enjoyed by birth and education ( as being born Members of the vifible Chuich ) many priviledges be- yond the Gentiles, who were profane finners and born aliens from God *, and therefore might have cxpt6tcd to be juftificd by their good works , if lo any could be juftified that way ; Yet they (knowing perfeftly that all their Works,done in obedience to the Law, could ne- ver juftifie or make them righteous before God, and that only Faith in Chrift would make them fo righteous) even they, who had as much reafon to boaft of their Works as any other, had renounced all confidence ia their Works, and betaken diemfelvcs only to Faith in Jefus Chrift for Juftification, and hereby he leaveth un- to them to gather what madncfle it were for thoie Gala- tians, or any other of the Gentiles, to rely upon the Works of the Law >fo as to be juftificd by them ; which he further confirmeth, as it feemth, tromT/"*/. 143, -2. affirming that no flefli, whether Jew or Gcntile>(Hall be juftified, to wit, by the Works of the Law, which is here fupplyed by the Apoftle, without adding to the fenfe- The like addition of words for explication, with- out wronging the fcnlc, is frequently uied in the New Teftament, where Scriptures are cited out of the Old, as Mat. 4. 10. compared with 2>«tf. 6. 13. Btb. 10. J. compared with Ifal. 140.7, 2) is here oppofed to finners of the Gentiles ; fo it muft relate fome way to their fpiritual ftate , neither doth it import that much, as if they had inherent holi- neffe, and were altogether finlefle by nature : for, this is contradifted by Scripture^w.3.9. So the meaning muft be, that from their birch, andbecaufe of God's love to them in making choice of them to be a Church to Him- feif above all Nations, 2>«tf .7. 6. they were ( externally at leaft) in covenant with God, fDeut. 29. 12. whereby they had a ri?ht to allChurch-priviledges, as of being under God's fpecial care and government, Ifc. 4. $, 6. of enjoying the ordinary means of Salvation, as they were capable of them, Gen. 17. n. And as it was with the Jews then, fo is it with thofe that are born within the vifible Church now : they are Cbriftians by birth,to wit, in the fenfe prefently mentioned :for> the vifible Church under the New Teftament,and among the Gentiles, hath fuccecded to thofe priviledges* which were enjoyed by the Church under the Old, 1lgm.ii. 17. So that even young Infants are exprefly called boly> iCor.j. 14. to wit, with an external and federal holineffe : and on this account they have right to Baptifm, the feal of the Co- venant, which no Infidel can claim, JtlK i> 38* 19- *f* G 3 ~k %i A brief Expdfttia* efthe Sfiflk Chap. 2. tobo are Je*tos by nature, and not firmer* of the Gentiles; 2. The Do&rine of free Juftification by Faith in Jefus Chrift, and not by Works, was early oppofed by Satan and heretical fpirics. and no Doctrine fo much oppofed as it was, and chat becaufc no Truth is more neceffary to be kecped pure than this is, it being fuchaTruth as if ic be keeped pure, feveral ochcr Truths are keeped pure alio ; and if it fall, many other Truths do alfofall with it : Therefore is it that Satan did fo much labour, and yet laboureth to bear it down : for, the defacing of this Truth was mainly aimed at by the falfe A poftles among thofe Galatians, as appeareth from the Apoftle his fet- tingof himfelf (b much to defend it; Tbattoe might be ju(tified by the Faitb of 0orift, and. not by the Wor\s $f the Lato, faich he. 3. Concerning the nature of Juftifica- tion, we learn feveral things; Firft, That Juftification is not the Lord's making one, who was before unjuft, to be juft by working of habitual and inherent righte- oufneffe in him, asthePapifts do take it, confounding Juftification and Sanftification, contrary to Scripture* 1 Cor. 6. 1 U But it is a judicial aftion, whereby the Lord abfolveth the (inner from death and wrath, and adjudgeth him to life eternal : for, the word expreffing this grace here, is a judicial word taken from Courts of Juftice, which,being attributed to the Judge* is oppofed to cmlemnfUomS. 1 $,34. and fo (ignifieth to abfolvc,and give fentence : neither doth the Scripture ever make ufe of this word in any other fenfe, where the juftification of a finner before Go J is fpoken of ; I(jwT*ing that a man is not juftijied, arc. and that *>e might be juftified. Second- ly, The ground whereupon, and thecaufe for which fin- ners are thus juftified or abfolvcd from wrath , and adjudge 1 to life eternal, is not any Works which they do in obedience to the Law of God, whether Ceremo- nial or Moral : for, Worfy are excluded, while he faith, d man U mt juftified by the \>or{s eftbe La*, but by the faitb *f Jefiis Chrtjl \ ic is not, except b) tbe faitb, art. as if Works were only excluded, when Faith is not joyned with Cha[% 2. if ?2iU\tO the GaI AT I ASS. 87 with them , as the Papifts do read it ; but the word is well turned here by the ad verfative particle, S«f, as it is frequently in Scripture. See chap. 1.7. Mat. 12. 4. So that Works are fitaply excluded, and Faith eftabliffied, as only having hand in this bufineffs : which is more plainly aftrted afterwards ; That T*>e might be juftified by the faith of Chrift, and not by the Worlds of the LaV> : by which are meancd boch the Works of the Moral and Ceremonial Law, as we cleared in the Expofition. Thirdly, The Works which are excluded from having hand in Juftification, are not only thole which are done before con verfion, but alfo which follow after> and flow from the working of God's Spirit in us; even' thole Works are imperfeft, If a. 64. 6. and fo cannot make us compleatly righteous, and we do owe them to God in the mean time, Lufyij. 10. and fo they cannot fatisfic divine Juftice for the failings of the bypaft time, They are the work of God's Spirit in us, Philip. 2. 1 ?♦ and fo we can merit nothing at God's hand by them : for, He excludeth the Works of the Law in general ; now the good Works of the Regenerate are fuch, as are com- manded by the Law, and done in obedience to the Law, befides thatthofefalfe Apoftles did admit a mixture of Faith and Works in Juftification , fo that if the Apoftle had not excluded even Works which flow from Fanh, they might have quickly agreed upon the point ; Man is not juftified by the Works of the Lato. Fourthly, That, through vertuc whereof we are thus juftified and absol- ved by God, is the rishteoufneffc of Jefus Chrift, perfor- med by Himfelf while He was here on Earth, both in doing what we ftiould have done, Mat. 3. 15. andfuf- fcring what we ou^ht to have fuffered, G4/.3. 13. which righteouinefle is not inherent in us, but imputed to us, %om.y 17, 18, 19. as the fum of Money paid by the Cautioner, ftandeth good in Law for the principal Deb- tor , So we are faid to be juftified by the Faith of Chrift, or Faith in Jcfus Chrift,as laying hold upon His riffhtcouf- aeflc, which is imputed to us, as faid is, and by which G 4 only £ S A brief Ex fofnion of the Epiftle Chip. 2 only we arc made righteous. Fifthly, Though Faith be Hot alone in the pcribn juftificd, but is ever accompanied with all other laving graces; for, it worketh by Love, chap. 5 7 Yet Faith is that only grace which hath in- fluence in our Jurtification : for, all other Works, even thofe that flow trom Grace, are cxcluded,and only Faith admitted to have hand in this bufineflc; A man ts not jujlificd by the iVorly of the La*>, but by the Faith of Jefu* ' 1 1% and, that x»e might bc]uftifieU by the Faith §f (jhrifk% and not by the Worlds of the La,yt>. Sixthly,Faith hath in- fluence upon our jurtification, not as it is a Work, or becaufe of any worth which is in it felf, more than in other graces, or, as if the a6t of believing, whether ic alone, or joyntly with other graces, were imputed unto us for righteoufneffe, but only as it layeth hold on Jelus Chrift , and giveth us a right to His Righteoutneffe, through the merit whereof alone we are juftificd : for, it is by the Faith of Jefus Qhrifl, or, Faith receiving ( J oh. 1. 12. ) and refting on Jelus Chrift ( If a. z6. 3, 4.) that We are juftified ; befides that all Works of the Law, or commanded bv the Law, are here excluded, and by con- fequence Faith it felf, as it is a work, is excluded alfo- Scventhly, This way of Jurtification by Free-grace ac- cepting of us for the Righteoufneffe of Jefus Chrift, and not becaufe of our own worth, is common to all who ever were, are,or fhall be J!iftified,whether good or bad: the moft eminent and beft of men muft quit the conceipt of their own righteoufnefle , and rely upon Him who jurtificth the ungodly by Faith : for, even thofe who Mere Jexts by nature, Taut and the other Apoftles, betook themfelvcs to this way, Even Ke (laith he ) have believed in jtfuA Q>rifk% and the Scripture cited by W, fpeakcth univcrfally of all; For by the Workj of the Lafo jhall no flefhbejuflt/ied. Eightly Before man be juftified through Vertueofthis imputed Righteoufneffe, he muft firft be convinced of his own utter inability to fatufie divine Jufticc, and fo to be juftificd by any thing which him- 1cl£ can do : So natural is it to feck for a righteoufneffe of Chap. 5. of Paul to the G a l a t i a fc s ~. 8$ of our own and in our ielves, thac we will never feek ih carneft co the Righteoufneffe of Chrift until we be madfc to deipair of our felves>^om.io.3. for,thc Apoftle fhew- cth that this conviftion went before their J unification ; I(nG*toing that a man u not jujttjied by the Workj of the Lafy9 Next* he muft be convinced alfoot a worth in Chrift^ Merit to fatisfie divine Juftice, and that this Merit of Chrift's is offered to all, who (hall lay hold on it by Faith, fo as that it (hall ftand good in Law for them in order to their Ablolution , as if they had given an equi- valent fatisfaflion to God's Juftice themfelves ; for,none Will venture his> immortal foul upon that , the worth whereof he doth not know. Hence the A pottle (heweth that the knowledge of this alio did preceed their Justifi- cation; I(noKingtbatamanunotjuJhjiea butbyibcFattb cf Jefm Chrift. And laftly, being thus convinced) he muft by Faith receive and reft upon jefus Chrifl and thatmoft pcrfedt Righteoulneffc ot Hjs, by making his foul adhere and cleave to the Word of Promiie, wherein Chrift isoffered> 68.2.39,41. whereupon followeth the real Juftification and Abfolution ot the man, who fo doth : for Paul markeththis as a third thing going be- fore their Juftification ; E^n *toe ba\>e belteVedin jefm Chrift, that toe might be Rifled, ftotf. 4. The former pradices of ancient Believers, eminent for parts, privi- ledges and graces , vvho have quit their own righteouk nefle, and ventured their foul wholly upon this imputed Righteoufneffe of Chrift, laying hold upon it by Faith, ought to be looked on as a ftrong argument inforcing us to do the like : for, the Apoftle's Icope is to prevail wich thofe Galatians by this argument ; We tobo are je^ps by nature, faith he, baVe believed in Jefus Chrift y that tie wight hcjuftijied. 5. Though the approved praftices of emi- nent godly perfons, may have their own weight in order to our encouragement to deny our felves and lay hold on Chrift ; Yet it is the Word of the Lord which can only quiet a man's confeience in this matter , and make bis mind fully aquiefce to it ; for, the Apoftle unto thek example ijo A brief Expo/it ion of tht SplfHe Cbap. example fubjoyncth a Scripture-confirmation of the Truth in hand ; By the Worki of the U*> Jhdl no fiefh bt iufiiped. Verf. 17. But if»Mk >e fee{ to bejuftlfted by £hrift, \>e our fehes alfo are found fmners, u therefore £hrifl the nuni[ier of (hi God forbid, tJE prcoccupieth an Objc&ion, which might have ** * been framed againft the prefent Doctrine, thus, If the Do&rine of Juftification byChrift, doth fuppofe that even the Jews themfelves, who are fanftified from the womb, are equally finners with the Gentiles, and that,being unable to attain tojuftification by the Works oftheLaw, thcymuftonly relyonChrift by Faith, as 3W had but prelently affirmed, ver. 16. Then it would feem co follow, that Chrift were the mimfler of fin, or, that the Do&rine of the Gofpel did make men finners, both by taking away that Rightcoufneffc of the Law, which the Jews thought they had, and were warranted, as they conceived, by the Scriptures of the OldTefta- ment foto think, as alfo by furnifhing both Jew and Gentile with an occafion to caft-by all care of HolinefTc and good Works, feing that thereby they were not to be juftified , buc by Fakh in Chrift only (See the like Ob- je&ion propounded, fy>». ?. 31.) Which Objeftion the Apoftle anfwereth, firft, by repelling the Inference as abflird and blafphemous in this rerfe ; and next,by con- futing icinth? following, ©off. 1. The Minifters of Jefus Chrift, in holding forth Truth, would carcfolly fbre(ee,and prudently take off what atheiftical, loofe or erring (pints Ho ufually objeit againft it, to make it odi- ous : fo doth PW here ; Sut ifx»hik »* feck^% &c. i. It istooufual for people to conceit too much of their ex- ternal Church prmledges, as if by having them, they had laving Grace, and ftood not in io much need of Chrift1* impute! flishteouihcfle as others : for, this is that which ca: adversaries did ftumblc at, that the Jews by -\ Chap.£ *f 1?au! to the G a l a t i a n s . p r by nature, who enjoyed fo many rich privilcdges, fhould be fonnd finncrs, and as unable to be faved by their own works as others : for if awhile toe feeh^ to be jufttfied by Chrijl> tocw fehes are found alfofinners. 3. Whatever be a mans priviledges otherwife, he muft, if fo he would be juftified by Chrift, take his confidence off them> and reckon hknfelf equal to the moft vile and worthleffe fin- ners, in the point of unability to merit any thing from God by his own Works : for, this is fuppofed, as that whereon their Obje&ion is grounded , and Paul doth paffeit as granted, and fpeakethonly againft their In- ference from it ; ©«* if tobile toee feef^ to be juftified by Chrift > toe our ft foes are found alfo [inner s. 4. It is no new prejudice, though a moft unjuft one, whereby the Do- ftrine of Justification by Faith alone , and not by Works, hath becnunjuftly loaded, that of its own na- ture it doth tend to fofter people in fin : The Papifts do object fo now , and the falfe Apoftles did fo of old ; Is therefore Chrift the minifter of fin i fay they, or, the Do- &rine preached by Chrift the occafion of fin ? 5. To take occafion from Free-grace* or the Dodrine of k, to live in fin, is, fo much as in us lyeth, to make Chrift the minifter of fin, and therefore a thing which all chnftiari hearts fhould skunner at and abominate : for, in the place of faying the Doftrine of the Gofpcl doth occa- fion fin , it is faid, Is Chrift; the minifter of fin ? And Paul doth abominate the very thought of it, reje&ing it as moft blafphcmous and abfurd ; God forbidy faith he : it is a dcniall 1 joyned with a deteftation of the thing denied. Sochap.^2i. and 1 Cor. 6.1 5. ^orn.g. 14, Verf. 18. for if I build again the things tobicb 1 dejlroyed, I mafy my [elf a tranfgrejfor. THe Apoftle rcfuteth the former Inference , next, by * fome rcafbns taken from that indiffoluble tye which is betwixt Justification and San&ification* which he holdeth forth in his own perfon j that he may hereby pro* gz *A hritf Expofit ion of the E pi 'file Chap. 2 propqfe himfelf an example unto others. The firft , if, that Tauly'm preaching che Doctrine of Juftification,had joyntly wich ic picft the mine and deftru&ion of fin, as neceffarily flowing from that Doftrine : and therefore if he ftiould again build up fin > by giving way to the practice of it, he fhould contradict himfelf in what he nad preached, not walking according to the Dodtrineof the Gofpcl> but contrary to it : and fo hirnfelf fhould be the tranfgreflbrand the Gofpel free from giving him any occation fo co be. ©a#. t. The Do&rincof Juftifica- *ion by Free-grace, cannoc be righdy preached, except the Doctrine of Mortification and deftroying of Cm be joyntly preached with it : for, the fame Faith which layeth hold on Chrift for RighteoufnefTei doch reft upon Him alio for grace and ftrength to (ubdue corruption and fin, A;t. 15. 9. and if He be not imployed for the latter, He will not b:ftow the former : thus fin and cor- ruption w re thofe things which 2Wdcftroyed, in fo far as he did hold forth the moft folid and ready way how* tp g^t them deftroyed, while he taught the Doftrine of Juftification ; If I build again the things xtbicbl deftroyed. Z. From this it followeth, that the untender lives of thofe who profclf: this Doftrine, do not refleft upon the Do- ftrine, as if in it felt it did give occafion or encourage- ment unto them fo to live ; but upon themfelves, who do not make the rig^it ufe of that Doftrine, but abufe it, and walk quite contrary to what is prefcribed by it : for, fo doth Paul infer > For if I build again the things *>bicb I de- ftroyed , I make mi ftlfatran/gre/for j or j the fault is not in the Doftrine, but in my (elf. Verf i9„ For f through the Lai* am dead to tU £<**, that I might live unto God. TJEre is a fccondReafon by preoccupation of an Ob- * jeftion ; for they might fay, The Doftrine of Jufti- fication, as taught by Vaul% did free Believers from the law,%».7. 4* and therefore did give them encourage- ment Chap. i. o/fcaul to the GalatiakS* pj menttofin. TheApofllc anfwerech , by granting theY were freed from the Law, but denyeth that inference de* dticed from it, upon two realons : and his Aniwer doth furnifh us with three Doftrines, which will further clear the meaning of the words. Fiift, P*ul and all Belie- vers are dead indeed to the Law , that is , io, as they put no confidence in their obedience to it for the it Ju* ftification, fbilty. 3.9. io, as they are freed from the condemning power of it, Chap. 3. 13. and as by its rigorous exattion of perfedt obedience under hazard of the curie, which we were not able to perform , k did make usdefperateandcarclefie, and fodid cccaficnal- ly provoke and ftir- up corruption in the heart, '^ew.7. 5,6. I am dead totbeLaVr. Secondly* It is the Law it felf, which maketh them thus dead to the Law 5 the curie of the Law putting them lo hard to it, that they are made to defpair of getting Heaven and Salvation by their obedience to it , (i{crr>. 3. 20, 2 1. and are forced to fly untoCbrift, by being in whem, they are freed from condemnation , %ow. 8. I. and get their cor- ruption fo far mortified, as that it takcth notcccafica to fin the more from the Law's diicharging of fin as it was wont, %m. 6. 14. for I through the Lrtfc am dead to tbeLa'to And, thirdly, Though Believers are delivered from the Law in the former reipefts ; Yet not as it is the rule of an holy life : for, the very end of their freedom , is, That being fo delivered, they might, by venue of the Spirit of Chrift dwelling in them, live xighteoufly and holily to the glory of God ; for> faith he , I am dead to the La^ that I might ItVe unto God. By all which* it doth evidently appear , That the Do- ctrine of Juftification in it felf, ooth give no encoi:* ragement to fin : which anfwereth theObjeftion, and refuteth the blafphemous Inference, which is ipade* yen 17. Veif.20., 94 A brief Exfofttion of the SpifiU Chap.i. Vcrf. 20, I amcrucifiedtoitb Chrift m Hsvertbclefi I live ; yet not 1, but Chrt/l Ihttb inmc\ and the life Ktbich I. no\t> live in thefltfh, I live by the Faith of the ion of God, tobo loved me, and gave Htm/elf for me. UEreis a third Rcafon to the fame purpofc with the A * former , fhewing more fully thai juftified pcrfons are moft ftri&ly tyed to mortify fin and lead an holy life, if fo they walk accotding to the prefcript of the Do- ftrine of Juftification which was taught by laul • for he, and by confequence all real Believers, were crucified yvUBCbriJly towiti the old man of their indwelling cor^ ruption, T\om. 6* 6. it did receive the ftroke of death \yjf His death, He having by death redeemed them from the flavcryofit, Tit.214. which crucifixion with Chrift, doth not deftroy the natural life of Believers > for fo Paul flic weth he did live : only the old man of corrupt tion doth not live in them, fo, as to aft them in what they do, but Jefus Chrift doth live in them, He being united to them, as the root to the branches, or head to the mem- bers, and fiirnifhingthem with fpiritual life and mo* tion , whereby the very natural life, which they live, and thofc things which concern that life are ordered and gone about by vertue of ftrength drawn from Chrift, by Faith in Him : and the confideration ofChrifts love to them, and His dying for them, becaufe he loved them, is a great inducement unto juftified pcrfons fo to live. Now, this being true in Paul, and in fome meafure in all Believers, and feingthe principles of the Doftrihe of Juftification did bind all to this, It is evident, that to affirm this Doftrinc did tend to fofter fin, is but a foul- foreed calumny. Volf. 1. As Jefus Chrift did die a moft (hamefol, painful and curfed death upon the crofle, Gal. 3. 1 3. fo in His dying He did ftand, not as a pri- vate, but as a publick pcrfon in the room and place of alltheElcft; for He was their furcty, Heb.j.ii. and died for them, Job. 11. 50. fo that vvhen they lay hold upaq Chap*^ of Paul ^^Galatians, 95 upon Him by Faith, and thereby are made one with Him, Epb. 3' 17 the croffe and paflion of Chrift, as to all thofe benefits which were purchaied by it , whether in order to the removal of the guilt of fin ( Mat. 26. 28.) or to the iubduing of its ftrength, and quickning of them in the way of holinefle (2 Cor. 5. 15.) or to the pur- chafing of life eternal for the m, Cjob.%. 16. ) is as verily made theirs, as if they had been crucified in their own perfons : for, Paul faith of himfelf, as an inftance of all Believers, I am crucified Kith Chrifl. 2. The former con- fideration of the Believer's right to Chrift's purchafe, in order to the fubduing of fin, layeth a ftrong engagement on him , and giveth a great encouragement unto him to oppofe, refifi and fet about the mortification of fin in himfelf: for, TW maketh this an argument to prove that the Do&rine ot Juftification, in its own nature is no friend to fin ; becaufe, according to the principles thereof, the juftified perfon is crucified Kith Chrift. 3. God's infinit wifdom hath found out the way where- by the threatning of death (Gen.t. 17.) is fulfilled in the EU&, fo that chey die, and yet their lives are fpared ; they die* and yet they live : for, they arc reckoned in Law to have died, when Chrift their Surety died for them; fo that He was taken, and they go free* iob.ii.S. thus is that riddle folved, which is here propounded by Paul. I am crucified Kith Chrift, yet I live. 4. Though not- withftandingof fulfilling the threatning of death upon the Ele£t,they do live ; yet upon their believing in Jeius Chrift. the old man of corruption and power of fin is fo fat weakened in them , that it doth not bear the chief fway in their heart, to command, execute, and order all their anions, as formerly it did , Gen. & 5. for, thus is that other riddle folved, which is here propounded, >fr- yertheUlil lit*, yet not 1 , to wit the old 1 : the body of death and corruption did not live in him> but was mor«t tified and the dominion thereof removed, %om. 6. 14, ©off. yf The Doftrine of Juftification by Free-grace, revealed in the Gofpd,layeth on ftrong obligations upon the 96 A brief Expo fttion of the SpiflU Chap. i. the juftified perfon to fct about the whole duties of San- ftification,not only tho(e,which relate to the mortifying ot fin, buc alto tohisquicknmg in the way of grace: both thole muft ?o together, and die juftified man is obliged to both , and furnifhed wit1! help and encouragement from theO ortrine of Judication to fet about both : for, /Wfluwth they vverc both conjoyned in himlelf ; the firft, while he faith, ^fy* I/m ; enc lecond, while he faith, Chrift h\>eth in me : whereby is meant his follow- ing the motions of Chrift's Spirit, as the guide of his life, 3{om.%. i . and this he fp:aketh of nimfelf, as a thing chat he was obliged unto, and furnifhed for by the Doftrine of Juftification which hetaugnt ; otherwile he fhould not have refuted the calumny of his adverfaries. 6. That Chriftians may liv° the fpiritual life of grace, they muft, I. be uniccd toChrift, an t have Chrift dwelling in them by Faith, Epb.^jy. for. fp -akin? of the (piritual life which he lived, he fuppofeth Chrift to be in him ; But Cbnft Imtb in m\ 2. Befiie* this union with Chrift, there muft be a communication of influence from the Spirit of Chrift to excite them unto, (Cant. 5. 2.) enable them for, (John. 1 5. 5. ) mike them perfevere ( Philip. 1.6.) and effc&ually to order and dircft them in (Pbiltp. 4* *?•) the pra&ice of every thing that is fpiritually good : for, this is to have Chrift living in them, to Wit, as the head in the members, or root in the branches, which do furnifh the members and branches with all things neceflary for life and gro vth : and Chrift's quick- ningofB -lie vers in the way of grace > is frequently fee forth by fimilitudrs drawn from thofc. Col. i. 19. Job. 1 5. $. ?. The Believer, if lb he would live this fpiri- tual life, muft not only have the habit of Faith in his heart, but alio muft keep it in daily exercifc, fo as firft thereby ro trv what he is to do, if ib it be warranted by the Word ofTruth,and how it is to be circumftantiated* (^om. 14 2?. Secondly, thereby to draw furniture from the Spirit of C hrift for exciting, enabling, and dire&injj him in the way of duty, zCor. 3. 5, And, thirdly, n apply Chapi*. o/Paul M»£t Galatzans. 97 apply pardoning mercy for covering the defers of duty, when he hath gone about it, and for removing che guile of all his other fins, Mat. 6. 1 1, for, this is co live by the faith of the Son of God, or , in the Son of God, which Paul fpeaketh of as a neceffary ingredient in this spiritual life. 4. This fpiritual life, and lite of Faith, muft be extended not only to fpiritual duties, and of God's im- mediate Worlhip, but alio to all the aftionsof our na- tural and temporal life, in fo far as chey fall under a Command, even to our eating and drinking; iCor. 10. 3Z# duties of our lawful imployments,H^. n. 33. and co our carriage under croffes, Heb. 11*24. 25. for, by the life which Vaul lived tn the flejh> is meaned this natural life, Heb. 5. 7. I Pet. 4. 2. and his living this fpiritual life of Faith* was extended even to the things of that life ; The life tohicb I no^ live in tbeflcfb, u by the Faith of the Son of God. Epb.i. 1 3. for, faving Faith may be without it, I fa. 50. 1 o. Yet k is a thing which may be had without extraordinary revelation, the Spirit of God enabling the Believer to difcern in himfelf thofe graces ( 1 Cor* *• l20 which are fet down as marks of His fpecial love and favour in Scripture, 1 J oh. 3. 14, 18, 19, 21 , 24. and beating wit- neffe with FfisySpiric that he is a childe of God, %^m, 8. 16. and thfc affurance (hould be ajmed at in the right method by all, zPet.i. 10. tot* Paul, fpeaking in the name of other Believers , fheweth he had attained it ; Who loVed nte, and gave Himfelf for me, faith'he. 9* This full perfwafion and affurance, in its own nature, is fo far from making thofe, who have it, loofe the reigns to wic- fedpeffe and fesuritya that upon che contrary* it ferveth H a* 98 A brief tXfojitiou of the Sfijtlt Chap.2 • as a ftrong incitement to make them mortifie fin,and live chat fpintual life of Faith which is here fpoken of : for* kfrrved for this ufe unco TWj I live by the faith of the Sen of God, Kbo hired me, and gave Himfelf for me. VerCll. I do not fruflrate the grace of 'God: for ifrigbtc- oufnejje come by the Lafo, then Cbrift U dead in Vain* pJ Aving removed the objc3ion,thc Apoftle proceedeth *• ^tocftablifh Juftification by Faith, and not by the Works of the Law, by a fecond argument, to this pur- pofc, It we be juftified by the Law, or works done in obedience to the Law,Then thofc two abfurdities ri ould follow, i. God's free grace and favour fhould be reje&ed* dcfoifed> fruftrated and made ufeleffe, ( for the word fig- nineth all thefe ) and the reaton of the confequence lyeth in tbis , That if Justification be by Woiks, Then it can- not be by Grace, %»#n. 6. 2. Chrift's death had been in vain without any necefiary caufe or reafon, if the Juftification of finners could have been attained by Works or by any other mean. #•#. 1. They who have attained unto the pcrfwafion and full affarance of God* favour and love in Chrift > ought above all others., to maintain the glory of His Grace and Mercy in faving of finners freely, not admitting of any thing, whether in prattice or opinion, whether in themfelves, or, fofar as is polfible, in others , which may incroach upon it, obfeure it, or weaken the thoughts of the excellency of it in the minds of men : forjTW, who was perfwaded of Chrift's love, ver 20. doth look upon this as his duty, flowing from that aflurancc; i do not frutirate tbfGrdte of God, faith he. 2. The joyning of Works with Faith in the matter of Juftification, is a total excluding of God's Free-grace and favour from having any hand in this Work : for* Grace admittcth of no partner ; fothat if Grace do not all, it doth nothing ; if any thing be added to ic> that addition makcth Grace to be no Grace,fym#4. 4. for, the Apoftle; rcaioning againft thoiic who \vould have Chap.52 i/PauI to /** G a x, a t ian il $9 have made Works to (hare with God's Free-grace and favour in Juftification* (heweth his joyning with them in that opinion, would be a total reje&ing, and making ufeleffe of God's Grace* I do not fruftrate the Grace of God. 3. That the Apoftle doth exclude in this difpute from having any influence in Juftification, the Works, not only of the Ceremonial, but alfo of the Moral Law* appeareth from this , That he oppofeth the Merit of Chrift s death, to all Merit of our own, whether by obe- dience to the one Law, or to the other 5 neither can any reafon be given for which our meriting by obedience to the Ceremonial Law maketh Chrift to have died in vain, which isnotapplicabl to the Moral Law : For, if righteoufneji come by the La- , then Qhtiftixed in Vain. 4. That he excludeth alfo, not only the Works oV the Moral Law, which are performed by the natural and unregenerate man , but alfo thofe which the Godly do perform by vertue of Faith drawing influence from Chrift, appeareth from this , that the Apoftle ufeth this argument taken from the ufelefneffc of Chrift's death, not againft the unconverted Jews, ( who had not received the Gofpel, and fo would eafily have granted>that Chrift was dead in vain) but againft thofe who had received the Gofpeli and fo would never have pleaded that any Works done by a natural man, but thofe only which flow from the Grace of Chrift, could juftifie a finner ; and yet *?<*«/ reafoneth againft thofe, Ifrighteoufnep come by tbebfo, then Chrift is dead in Vain. 5, Jhat he doth exclude alfo all Works of ours whatfoever from being the meritorious caufe of our J uftification , not only in whole and therr alone without the Merit of Chrift, but alfo in part and joyntly with His Merit, appeareth from the former ground that he is reafoning againft profeffed Chriftians, who doubtlcflTe did give Chrift's Merit and Death fome Chare at leaft in Juftification ; elfe the ab- surdity, which is deduced from their Doftrine by Void, Chould have had no weight with them, as being no ab- surdity in their mind ; Then Chrift U dead in Vain< 6. If H a there I oo A brief Expofition of the Epiflle Chap." 3 2 there had been any other way poflible in Heaven or Earth, by which the Salvation of loft finners could have been brought about, but by the Death of Chrift, then Chrift would not have died ; our difeafe was defperate as to any other cure : for, while he faith, If rigbte$ufneji t07tiebytbeLay>y tbtnQbr\\\ is dead in Vain, he affirmeth twothings, 1. That to fuppofe Chrift hath died in vain, or without caufe, is a great abfurdity no wayes to be admitted of. 2. If the Juftification and Salvation of finners could have been attained by Works, or any other mean, then His Death had been in vain ; and io that it were an abfurd thing to fuppofe he would have died in that cafe. CHAP. III. IN the firft part of this Chapter, the Apoftle (having; flurply rebuked thefe Galatians for their defeftion, vcr. I.) ufeth five other Arguments to prove that we are juftified by Faith, and not by Works. Firft, They had received the faving Graces of God's Spirit, by hearing the Do&rine of Juftification by Faith, and not by Works, vcr. 2* Which Argument, is further urged, ver. 3,4. and enlarged unto their receiving thefe other miraculous Gifts of the Spirit by the means of that Do- ftrine, and *s confirmations ot it, ver. f. Secondly, jibrabam was juftified by Faith, ver. 6. From which he inferreth, that Believers are Abraham's children* vcr. J. and that ail of them, whether Jew or Gdhtile, muft be juftified by Faith alfo, ver. 8, 9. Thirdly, Thofc who feek to be juftified by the Law, are under the curfc of the Law, and therefore not juftified, ver. io. Fourthly, Scripture tcftifieth that men fhall be juftified by Faith, vcr. II. Whence he inferreth and proveth his Inference, that therefore they cannot be juftified by the Law, vcr. 12, Fifthly, Chrift's redeeming of us from the curfeof the Chap.?.1 */Paul to the Ga l a 1 I an £ 101 the Law, and all the fruics following upon His Death, are received by Faith, vcr. 1 3, 1 4. In the fecond part of th« Chapter, he anfwereth (bme Objedfcions, and joyntly (heweth the date prefcribed by God, for keeping the Ceremonial Law, was nowpaft. Object. 1; It feemeth the way of Juftification bypaith in the Proroife made to Abraham was changed by the Law given upon Mount Sinai. He anfwereth by a fimi- ' litude taken from humane Covenants, ver. 15. that the Covenant of Grace made and ratified byGod with Abra~ ham in Chrift, could not be altered nor abrogated by the Law, which was given fo long after, vcr. 16, 17, 18. Qbjeft. 2. The Law feemeth to be given in vain and tp no purpofe, if it do not juftifie. He anfwereth by (hewing another end for which the Law was given, to wit, for the discovery and rcftraint of fin ; and that God's de- fign was not, that people fhould be thereby juftified)ver* 1 9,20. Objett. 3. The Daw feemetlf then to be contrary to the Covenant-promife, if the one difcover fin, and the other forgive and cover it* He anfwereth, firft, retort- ing the Ob je&ion againft the Propounded, to wit, that by their way the Law would be contrary to, and de- firuftive of the Promife, ver. 21. Secondly, (hewing the Law in difcover ing fin, and condemning for it, was fub- fervient to the Promife, while it did neceflitate guilty finners to believe, and apply the Promife, ver. 22. Objett .4, It feemeth the Ceremonial Law, and the whole ancient difpenfation ought to be obferved under the Go- fpel for the fame ufe and end at leaft. He anfwereth, (hewing the Law was for good ufe to the ancient Church, ver. 23. which he illuftrateth by comparing the Law to a Schoolmafter, ver. 24. but dcnieth that therfore it (hould be obferved now; becaufe the Church was come to perfett ape , and fo could not be any.loagee keeped under a Schoolmafter, ver. 25, 26. Objetf. 5. Ic feemeth Circumcifion at leaft ought to be obferved ; ic- ing it was not added upon Mount Sinai, but inftitutecf long before* He anfwercth> (hewing that Baptifm doth H 3 fervc k joz t^f brief zxpojttton *f t*e uptjtit cnap.3. fcrve for all thofe fpiritual ufcs now, which Circumci- fion did fcrvc for then ; and confequcntly chat Circurn- cifion wai not to be any longer pra&ifcd , vcr* 17, 28, 19, Ver£ I. r\ Uolijh Galatians^bo bath helritcbed you, that ^ you fbould not obey the Truth, before tobofe eyes Jeftu Chrift bath been evidently fe$ forth, crucified among you* THe Apoftle ( being to infift further upon the for- mer difputc, left their affertions had been there- by rend red dead and dull ) quickeneth them a little, by inferring a (harp reproof, wherein he chargcth them with folly; in that they had fuflfered dicmfelves to he (educcd,by a fort of fpiritual forcery or witchcraft>un- co dilobedience to the Doftrine of the Gofpel 5 which difobedience he aggregeth froifi the perfpicuicy and plainncffe in which that Do&rine was preached unto them , even fuch, as if Chrift, together with His bloudy pa(fion,had been dravtn and painted upon a board be- fore them. ©o#. I. The Minifter of Jefus Chrift, when he is called to infift upon the clearing-up of Truths un- to the underftanding , whether pofitively, by (hewing what is revealed in Scripture concerning them , or, con^ troverfally, by refuting contrary Errors, would mix his difcourfe with anoccafional word of Exhortation, Re* proof, or fomewhatof that kind, which may tend more immediately and dire&ly to excite and quicken the af- fections of hearers , left they other wife wax dull and languifli : for, Paul caftcth-in a fharp reproof \n the rnidft of hisdilpute, 0 fo$lifbGalatians,c?c. 2. Where the precious Truths of the Gofpel are preached, and di£ obeyed, People neither labouring to be perfwaded of the Truth in their underftanviings. All. 17. 32. nor to prize it in their heart and afFe&ions, Mattb. 11. 17. ror to pradife it in their life and conversation, Mattb. 7. 26. *hi* is a fin, the cyil whereof cannot be fufficicntly ag- grcged, Chap.? J */Paul to the Ga i at i an $1 103 greged, or fpoken againft, as being a fin againft the re- medy of fin, Heb. 2. 3. for, this is the fault, for which the Apoftle doth foftiar ply reprove thofeGalatians, even that they did mt obey the Truth : the word fignifieth, the not believing of, and difobedience to the Truth when it is believed. ?• Hereticks, who by fair words deceive thefimple, (%»♦ 16. -18. ) area kind of fpiritual Sor- cerers ; and Herefie and Error is fpiritual Witchcraft: For, firft; as Sorcerers, by deluding the fenfes, make Sople apprehend that they fee what they fee not; So ereticks and erring fpirits, by cafting a mift of feeming reafon before the underftanding, do delude it, and make the deluded perfon beleive that to' be Truth which is not> chap. 1.6, 7* Andfecondly, as Sorcerers, in what they do of that kind, are in a fingular manner aflifted be- yond the reach of their own ability and skill by the De- vil, who really doth the thing upon the Sorcerers pra- ftifingof fome Satanical ceremonies, which are pre- fcribed unto them by the Devil, as a watchword where- at he is ready to anfwer: So heretical fpirits are often more than ordinarily aflifted in drawing of multitudes after them, and this by Satan's concurring with them, 2 TbeJJ,2.9. Thus the Apoftle, fpeaking of that influence which falfe Teachers had upon them, in drawing them from the Truth, he faith, Who hath bewitched you t It's a word borrowed from the praftice of Witches and Sor- cerers , who, being aflifted by the Devil, ufe to caft mill before the eyes to dazle, and fo delude them* 4. For a people to have the Gofpel among them, and not to make ufe of it, but to rejeft it, and make defedtion from it, ar- gueth them to be fools indeed, whatever be their wife- dom otherwife in things relating to this pr'efcnt life : for, the Do&rine of the Gofpel containeth faving WifHom* which makeih wife unto Salvation, 2 Tim. 3.1 j. which Wifdom they re jeft. Thus Taul calleth them fiolijh Ga- latiam, becaufe they obeyed n$t the Truth. 5. Though neither Minifters, nor any other, ought to charge men with folly, with a mind to reproach them; or in way H 4 of 104 tA brief Exposition of the EpiflU Chap.3 ; of private revenge, Mat* f. 22. Yet the Miniftcr of Jefus Chrift, or any other who hath a Call to it, may up- braid a man with folly, if, firft, the party reproved be guilty of folly, as thole Galacians were. Secondly, if the reproof flow from love and companion in the perfon who doth reprove* and an honeft defire after the fin- nert good, as it was here : for, he caftcth not up their folly in paffion, but in compaflion , defiring nothing but their good and amendment. Thirdly 1 if the reproof carry along all lawfull and allowed moderation with it , as here, he calleth them not V>ic%edy but more gently, fooltfb or imprudent , and withall layeth the great weight of their fins upon their Seducers, who had bewitched them. And, fourthly, That the reprover not only himfelf do Jtnow that there is reafon fo to charge them, but alfo hold forth thefe reafons to them 1 that they may be con- vinced alfo: for, fo doth Paul, he demonftrateth their folly, from that they obeyed not the Gofpel, which was fo plainly preached among them ; Ofoolifh Galatiamfircm $>ott.6. Minifters ought not to reft upon acoldrifeway of preaching Truth, Mat 7,-29. but are to endeavour the delivery of it, with that perfpicuity and plainnefle, Col. 4. 4. that power and livelineffe, 1 Cor. 2. —4. as it may penetrate the confeience of the hearers, and be fo clear and evident to them, as if it were piftured and! painted out before their eyes : and in order to this, they would not only laboqr to understand throughly what they preach, 1 Tim.\. 7. but alfo to believe it themfelves, 2 Cor. 4. 15. and to have their own affeftions in fomc meafure warmed with love to it, 1 rim. 1. 15.. And above all* would labour with God, that the cffeftuall operation of His Spirit may come along with what they preach, 1 Cor. i% -4 that fo the Truth delivered may be the more lively, and convincingly reprefented to the hearers : for, Taul did fo preach 5 Jefus tyri/l 1fe*5fW- dentlyfet forth, crucified amon? tbcm, before their eyes : He didibreprefentChriH and Himcrncified to their cars, by the preaching of the Word* as if they had fcen H im with Chapr. f. tf Panl totheGhihti aks^ 105 With their eyes. 7. Though JefusChrift and His fuf. ferings are to be painted out , vively reprefented and piflured by the plain and powerful preaching of the Go- ipel ; Yet it doth not follow, that they are to be artifici- ally painted with colours upon flone or timber, for re- ligious ufe : for, God commandeth the former, but con- demneth the latter, Exod. 20. 4. And, the graven image is but a teacher of lies> Hab. 2. 18. ©o#, 8. The more clearly and powerfully that the Gofpel hath been prea- ched among a People, their defe&ion from it, and noc giving obedience to it, is the more aggreged : for>TW aggregeth their not obeying the Truth, from this, that before their eyes, Jefwi Chrifl bad been evidently fet forth , crucified among them. Verf. 2. This only toould I learn ofyotL, Received ye the Spi- rit by the Vorfy of the LaV>, er by the hearing of faith $ HTHc Apofile, having ftirred them up to attention by a * reproof, doth now return to his former difpute, pro- ving that we are juftified by Faith, and not by Works, (See chap. 2.16.) And this he proveth, firft, becaufc the Spirit of Regeneration and other faving Graces of the Spirit of God (called here the Spirit, as being fruits of the Spirit, chap. y. 22.) were wrought in thofe of them, who were regenerate, not by the X^ort^s of the La)b, that is, by the Doctrine of Justification by Works, but by the hearing of faith, that is, by hearing the Doftrine of Tu- ftification by Faith : for here, as ufually elfwhere, (See chap. 1, 2?.) faith is taken for the Do&rine that is be- lieved : And for the truth of this affertion, he appealeth to their own confeience and experience, leaving them to gather, that therefore they were juftified and reconciled by the Do&rine of Faith, feing God beftoweth His Spi- rit upon none but fuch as are reconciled unto Him, '^om. 5-*>* &c. ©*ff. i. There is not ordinarily any Church fo corrupt, but God hath fome who We truely gra- cious among them ; for, faults Argument fuppofeth thac to6 A brltf 'gxpjition cf tht Efiflle ChapiyJ that the Spirit , and faving graces of the Spirit, were in fome of thofe Galatian* , becaufe of whom , he foeaketh generally unto all ; fyceiVed ye the Spirit} (aith he. 2. Even thofe who arc truely gracious, - may dagger ftrangely in reeling times, and be in a great meafurc overtaken with the moft dangeroui Errors of the times, though they cannot totally (1 Te»f. i.aj.j nor finally (Ifa. 54. 7,8.) fall away : for, Paul fpeaketh even to them who had received the Spirit, as to thofe who were taken with the common Errors *, Received ye the Spirit i 3. As Regeneration and faving Grace is the work of God's Spirit in the Eleft ; So the ordinary mean whereby He conveyeth Grace to the heart,is, by hearing the Word preached : for, they had received the Spirit by the Bearing of faith. 4. Though the hearing of the Law * preached, doth work conviftion of fin, terror of con- science, and legal contrition, Mt. 2. 37. whereby the heart is in fome fort prepared for receiving of the Go- fpei; Yet the Law* asdiftin&fromtheGofpeL and as it preffeth perfeft obedience in order to our Juftification before God, (in which fenfe it was miftaken by the falfc Apoftles,and is fb fpoken of in thisdifpute; See upon chap. 2. 1 5.) can never be a mean of begetting Grace in the heart ; for fo it driveth the foul to deipair , and workcth wrath, 'fym. 4. 1 5. Thus the Apoftle affirmeth , they received not the Spirit by the Ttorfy of the L/fo> y. It is the Gofpel preached and heard, which the Lord maketh ufe of, as a mean for conveying Grace to the heart, be- ing firft convinced of fin and mifery> by the preaching of the Law , Aft. 2. 37, 3$, for, the Gofpel 9fFerc tn Ghrift freely , from whom, being laid hold upon by Faith, we do all receive Grace for Grace, Joh.i. \6. Thus the Apoftle affirmeth they had received the Spirit bf the hearing of Faith. 6. Though a gracious heart, may be overtaken with Error, as faid is, ( See ^oit. 2. ) Yet there rem a ineth fome what ofconfeience in vigour with them, info far as that being appealed unto, about the truth of things weighty, and which belong to the reality of Chap*3* o/Pau! to the Ga l ati a n si 107 of God*s W)rk in their heartland the way of His work- ing in them,they dare not readily lie,and contradift their own known experience : for, Paul at leaft fuppofeth fo much, w^hile he doth appeal to their own confciencc and experience how faving Grace was wrought in them ; This only Kould I learn of you, fycefred ye, (?c. j. Our Juftification before God, and the renovation of our na- tures by the Spirit of God, are fo much con joyned, that the Do&rine, which,through God's blefling>i5 the mean of working the former, is alfo the only Doftrine ap- pointed of God, for holding forth the right way of at- taining the latter : for, 2W argueth, that the Dofitrine of Juftification without Works, is divine ; becaule that Doifaine was the mean of conveying fandtifying Grace unto their hearts • as appeareth from the fcopeofthe Argument here ufed, Received ye thetyirit by the toorf$ of the Lato>% or by the hearing of faith i Ver£ 3. Jreyefo foolifh? having btgtmintbe Spirit, are ye.no* made perf ell by the fltjb } TJEre is an Inference from the former Verfe>That feing ^ their beginning in the way of Chriftianity was fpi- rituall, ( the Doftrine of Juftification by Faith having communicated the Spirit of Regeneration , and other Graces to them, as ver.2.) it (hould be an aftofex^ream folly and madnefle in them to quit that Doftrine, and to imbrace the Doftrine of Juftification by Works? as if they could be perfected by it; feing it is but a fleftily dead Doftrine, and therefore is here called fkfo, becaufe fltftl and corrupt nature do plead and ftand for it, %om* 10 3. and becaufe it doth produce no fpiricual effefty but rather the contrary in the fouK who doth imbrace it, 'l{om. 7. 5. ©off. 1. The Text fpeaketh nothing againft the Doftrine of Perfcverance, as if thofc who were once renewed, and truly fpiricual, might lofe the Spiritof God altogether, and turnflefhly : For befides, firft, that the Apoftle doth not pofitively affert, that tfvy * yvere f o8 "A brief Expo fttlen of the Epifile Chap.} were changed already t but only, by way of queftion, holdech ouc che hazard which fhould follow upon their change. Secondly, he fpcaketh not of a change of qua- lities or dilpofitions from good to bad , but in their judgment, from the Doftrine of Faith, here called the Spirit, to the Doftrine of Juftification by Works, here called jU[hm Thirdly, though hedid implv a change of qualities and difpofition from Spirit to flefa and from holineffc to lin, as a confequence of this change of judg- ment and opinion ; Yet there i9 nothing here importing that any total or final change of that kind,either had fal- len, or could fall upon thofe who were truly gracious. i- ThcDo&rine maintained by the Papiftsnow, That Faith in Jefus Chrift doth begin our Juftification, in fo far as it difpofeth us unto good works, and that by thofe our Juftification is compleated,is no new error > but that which hath been held or old by thefe Hereticks, who had feduced the Galatians, and whom Taul here refuteth : for, he fuppofeth,that in anfwer to the prefent argument, they might readily affirm , that though the Doftrine of Faith ( here called the Spirit, as 2 Cor. g, —6.) did begin the work ; yet the Doftrine of Works, here called fiefb, did perfect it ; having begun in the Spirit , are ye noto made ferfeit by the frjhl 3. The fore-mentioned Doftrine, hach fo many abfurdities following upon it, That the imbracing of it doth argue no leffe than folly and mad- nefle: for, Juftification by Faith and Works, cannot confift, '^om. n. 6. muchleflfc can the former take its perfection from the latter , the more noble from that which is mo e bafe : hence 'Paid condemneth it of folly ; Are ye fo fooli/b ( faith he ) bj]rin% begun, (?c. 4: Our after-carriape, and walking in the things of God and re- ligious m ttcrs, ought to be conform to our good begin- nings! which we once had in thofe; and the contrary hereof, is incomparable folly and madnefs : for,hc faith, Are ye fo foolijh ? baVmg be^m in tbe Spirit , are)e nf* made perfdt by the fic/b > VcrC Chap# rfVml to t he Gai a jiahY. jc^ Vcrf. 4. Ha\e ye fufered fo rrnny Mugs in lain} if it * be yet in Train. IJEclearethwhat he faid of the folly and madnefle* ** which is in following the way prefentlv fpoken of» by (hewing, if they fhould hold on to feek Jufnfication by Works, or partly by Faith, and partly by Works, they would lofe all the fruit of their former cenftancy and fufferings, fuftaincd by them for that Truth which be did now preach 5 this he fpeaketh not pofitively but as it were doubtingly, and fulpenc'ing its certainty.upon the hopes he had or their amendment. (Dott. 1. It l9 the lot of thofe who profeffe Truth,to fufFer many things in the defence of it. See chap. 1. ver.ij. dc&.6. The Galatians found the truth of this , HaVe ye fufered fo many things* 2. They may fufFer. many things tor Truth, who afterwards will make foul defedtion from it : for, as the example of others , particular intereft , wrapt up in the publick,and the general applaule which fufferers for Truth do receive from the lovers of Truth, will make even Hypocrites fuffermuch; fo.continued fufferings,will make even the godly faint for a time;yea, the beft, being left to themfelvcs,in an hour of tentation, will turn their back upon Truth,fo that no engagement* by a profeflion, no experience or remembrance of that joy and fweetneffe, which they have found in the way of Truth, nor yet their former fufferings for Truth, will make them adhere unto it : for, thefe Galatians had fuf- fered many things for the Do&rine of Juftification by Faith 5 yea, and had found much fweetnefle and fatif- fa&ion in it, chap; 4, 15. and yet now they have made defe&ion from it; Have ye fufered fo many things in Vain i 3, Affliftions and fufferings for the Truth, are very ufeful and profitable to the fufferers, though not to fatisfie God's juftice for fin, neither in its guilt nor pu- nifhment, neither eternal nor temporal j for, thefe arc folly done away in Chrift, 1f**$l' S« Yet for other ends> as no A brief Exfofition of the gpiftle Chap, j: as for the trial of their Faith, I Tet* I. 7. for conforming chem to Chrift their hcad> Philip. 5. — 10. who was a man of forrows, If*. J}. 3. for making them die to the world, chap.6.14. and to fit them for Heaven ; afflicti- ons and croffes being the beaten way which lcadeth to it, Ait* 1 4. xi. for, while he (aith, Hate ye fuffercd f$ many tlrings in \>am ? he importeth their luflferings would have been ufefull for them, if they themlelvcs had not hindered ic. 4. Whatever have been the futferings ofa people or perfon for Truth, they are all in vain, loft, and lonopurpofc, as to anything which can be expected from God to the party who hath fuffercd, if fo he make defection from, and turn his back upon Truth after- wards : for,2W infinuateth this as an undoubted Truth, while he lakh, Ha\>e ye fuffertd fo many things in Vain} 5. Though thefe who have fuffered much for Truth* fhould afterward make defection from it, we are nrver- thelcffc to keep charity towards chem, as hoping God will give them repentance, and reclaim them : Yea, all our (harpneflb towards them whether in aggreging their fin. or in holding out the terrible conlequences which are deferved by, and probably will follow upon, rheir fin, ougiu to be wifely tempered, by cxprefling thole chari- table thoughts which we have of them : for, io doth the Aportle here, while, fpeaking of thefe Galatians, who had formerly fuffercd much for Truth, and threacning them for their prefent defection with the lofle of all thofe advantages which they might have cxpe&cd from their fufferings, he fufpendcth the certainty of the threatning, upon their hoped-for repentance? If b be yet in Vain, faith he. Verf. ?. He therefore ihit minijlreth to you the Spirit, and y*9>l{etb miracles among you. doth He it by the fcorfc of the £*tt>, or by the hearing of faith ? TJE a^ain returncth to the Argument for Juftificatioa A * by Faich, fee down, vcr. 2. and cnlargeth it thus, That she Lord had not only accompanied that Do&rinc among ;hap^ if -Banl to the Gal a ti am s T i ii imong them with the fruits of the Spirit of Regenei a- ion and laying Graces, wrought by it, but alfo with nher extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, fuch as the work- ing of miracles, fpeakingwith ftrange tongues, curing Df difeafes, which were fo many confirmations , that the Dc&rine was of God. ®oB. i. Though the faving Graces of God's Spirit, are conveyed to the hearts of hearers* by the preaching ofthc Gofpelj Yet God is the author and worker of them, and the Gofpel only a mean by which He worketh : for, having fpoken of their re- ceiving the Spirit, when he firft propounded this Argu- ment, ver. 2*.he doth here in the refuming of it, explain how they received it, to wit, by God's beftowing of it ; Be therefore that miniftrttb U you the Spirit. 2. When the Doftrine of the Gofpel, as it is now difpenfed under the New Teftament, did firft break up , the Lord, to confirm the Truth thereof, did accompany the preaching of it with the working of miracles (which properly arc works above natures ftrength, and fo could be wrought by none but God ) and this, that hereby the truth ofthc Doftrine might be confirmed, which being once fuffi- ciently done , there is no further ufe for miracles now ; for, the Apoftle flheweth that miracles were wrought among the Galatians, by the hearing ot Faith, and that t his was one Argument of the divinity of that Do&rine, while he {aith, He thaftoorfyib miracles among you% doth H* it by tbCtoorlQofthe Lato>, or by the hearing of faith? 3. So ftrong and prevalent is the fpirit of Error, where it is letten loofe, and fo weak are the beft in themfelves to refift it ; that for love to Error they will quit Truth, though formerly never fo much confirmed and fealed untothem, by the faving fruits of God's Spirit in their hearts accompanying it: for,though thefe Galatians had theDoftrine of Juftification plainly preached, ver.i# and lealed to them by the faving Graces of God's Spi- rit, and by many miracles wrought among them; yet they make defe&ion from it : He therefore tbrt mu nittretb to you the tyiril , and Vorfab miracles amon^ you, &c9 " Verl. 1 1 1 A brief Expofihon of the Bpifile C&ap.'j; Vcrf. 6. Even as Abraham believed God, and it Tma ac- counted to him for rigbteoufnejt. 7, l(noy»ye therefore, that they Wich are of faith, the fame are the children of Abraham. OAving put a clofc to that Argument, which he * * brought from their own experience , proving that we arc jultified by Faich and not by Works , he addeth another from a Scripture-example of Abraham, to con- firm the fame Truth, who, though he did abound in many vertues and good works , yet he was not juftified by thefe, but by Faith only ; which he proveth by the tcftimony ofMofes, Gen. 1 5. 6. where it is affirmed, that Abraham believed in the Lord, to wit, not only by giving aflent unto the Promife fpoken of immediately before about the multiplication of his feed, and giving unto them the Land otCanaan, Gen. 1 5. 5, 7. but by aflenting unco, and imbracing of the prime Promife of the Cove- nant made by God with him, that in the Mejfithe wholeWord of God con- fiding of Hiftories,Threatnings Commands and Promi- fes, both of temporal and eternal blcflings; for, Faith giveth firm affent unto the whole Woid, becaufe of that divine Authority which revealeth ^#.24.-14. yet the principal objeft of juftifying Faith, is the Word of Pro- mife holding forth Chrift and His Righteoufnefle, as the meritorious caule of the Believers Salvation : for, this Promife which Abraham did believe,and the Faith wher- of was imputed to him for righteoufnes,had Jefus Chrift in its bofom> it being a Promife of giving unco Abraham 2l numerous feed. Gen. 1 5. 4, 5. and fo a Promife of Je- fus Chrift' to come of hiob in whom all the Nations (AH. 3. 2$. ) znd Abrabamh mfelf ( ver,--9. ) were to be bleffed : E^en a* Abraham believed God. 2. That it may go well with a foul,and be accepted in God's fight, who can endure no unclean thing, HabA.il—. it is ne- ceffary that it be. cloathed with fome righteoufnefle of one fort or other: {or>Fattb nai accounted unto Abraham for * righteoufnejfe. 3, It being wholly impoflible for fallen man, to attain unco that perfonal, perfeft righteoufncffet which the Law requireth, tym. $. 10.&C theWifdom of God hath found out another way of making him righteous, to wit, that, whereby Faith is imputed, rec- koned or accounted unto him for righteoufnefle : for, jibrabam's Faith ^^ accounted unto himy to wit, by God, for righteoufnejfe. 4 Faith is not in a proper fcnfe im- puted to the Believer for righteoufnefle* as if the work of Faith it felf were imputed tous> and accepted of God> whether freely, or becaufe of the merit of Ch rift, for our total and perfect righteoufnefle, but it's imputed in a figurative fenfe, with refpert had to that which Faith ap* prehendejh and layeth hold upon, to wit, the obedience and fufferings of Jefus Chrift, thefe being laid hold on by Faith, become our righteoufnefle, '^om. 5. tp. and 10.4. for, the Apoftle, all alongft this Chapter, oppofeth Faith and Works : now his Arguments would be of no force, if Faith did juftifie as a work, and for any worth X in H4 A vrttfcxpofitloM of the Epiftle Chap. 5 ink felf; lt^t6 accounted to bim for rigbteoufneji. 5. Jn the matter of Juftification, Faich is oppofed not only to thofc Works which go before Convcrfion, but to tbofc alfo which follow after it,and are the real fruits of God's Spirit in the Believer : all Works> whether of the one fore or other, are excluded ; for, even to Abraham many years after his Convcrfion, when be had abounded in good Works, and many gracious Vertues, ( Gen. 1 3,1 3, 14. chapters) hu faith r*a* accounted fir rtgbteoufnefft. 6. As there is a fecond and reiterated Juftification of one and the fame perfon in this fenfe, that upon our renewed apprehending of thePromife by Faith, the fentencc of our abfolucion and adjudication to life eternal, is alfo renewed; fo this fecond Juftification is not upon the account, or for the merit of our good Works, no more than the former. It is alwayes Faith that juftifieth : for* Abraham who was juftified long before,upon a renewed aft of his believing, hath his Faith of new, and not his Works, imputed to bim for rigbteoufneji. 7. The Godly under the Old Teftamcnt,and the Godly under the New, are juftified one and the fame way : as we are juftified freely, %nn. 3. 24, fo were they, Ifa. 43. 2$. as we are juftified fully, and abfolved both from the guilt and pu- niftiroentof fin, 1 Job. 1. -7. !fym.8. I* foweTethey, V** 53- ?• otherwife the Apoftle could not argue from Abraham\ Juftification to ours, as he doth here} I{noT» ye therefore (faith he ) that they Tvhicb are of the Faitb, &c, 8- The? ^ho are of the Fattb,cx who feek after Juftifica- tion by F nth, are ^Abraham's children and his feed ; cbey who are Members of the vifible Church, and profefs the DoSrine of Faith, are his children outwardly, becaufe thev walk in the fteps of their father Abraham, by pro- fcfllns of, and aflenting to that Doftrine of Faith, which he believed, fyw. 4. 12. whereby they have title to the Covenant of Grace, ML 1. 39. 4(mmn. 16, 17. which title of theirs to the Covenant, implyeth a right to enjoy all divine Ordinances, (del. 2. 38, 39.) whereof they are capable , and from which they do 00c debar themlcl ves by Chap.^ o/Paulf* the Gal at xiltf • 115 by ignorance, ( 1 Cor.i 1.28.) or fcandal, A&u8.r7, It implycth alfo all external Church- priv Hedges leading unto Salvation, %». 9. 4. Yea, and a right to Salva- tion it felf, upon God's tearms, required in the Gofpel, job. ?♦ 16. In which refpeft, Salvation is faid to be of the Jews, J oh. 4.-22. They again, who do not only pro- feffetheDoftrine of Faith > but alfo imbrace it in their hearts, by the grace of faving Faith,are Abraham's chil- dren inwardly ; becaufe, they have not only a title to the Covenant of Grace* but alfo come up to the conditions required in it; and fo do walk in the fteps of faving Faith and Repentance* wherein Abraham walked, who is held forth as a pattern and father for imitation unto others, whereby they enjoy not only outward priviledges, but alfo faving benefits and bleffings , and have not only a conditional* but an abfolute and aftual right unto Hea- ven and Glory, the covenanted Inheritance of Abrahams children , Heb. 1 14 12, 1 3, 14, 1 5, 16-. This diftinftion of Abraham** children outwardly and inwardly, is foun- ded upon, %om. 2. 28, 29. and is neceflary, as for the right understanding of other places of Scripture, (6 of this $ They ysbkb be of the faith , are the Children of Jlbrabam. Ver f 8. tAnd the Scripture fore feeing that God Tbouldjuftifie the Heathen through Faith, preached before the Gefpel unto Abraham , faying , In thee fhall all Rations be blejfed. 9. So then they tobicb be of Faith 9 are blejfed *toitb faithful Abraham. TiEcaufe the former cotifequence from Abraham** Jufti- ■^ficationtoours, might be qucftioned to hold in the Gentiles, who were not of Abraham's pofterity , there- fore the Apoftle doth clear it ftom the words of the Pro- nnfe made toAbrabamfien.i 2.3*that in Ww,or,in his feed, Jefus Chrift who was to come of him ( Gen. 22. 18. ) all the Nationsi ox Gentiles, were to be blefled; which I 2 Pro- 116 A brief Expofition of the 8 y file Chap.; J Promife, he fheweth, was no other than the Gofpcl or fcladtydings, that all the bleflings to be purchased by Chrill Abraham's feed, (among which Juttification by Faith was one ) were to be bellowed by God upon the Gentiles, and that the Sci ipture, or Spirit which fpeaks iq Scripture, fore- knowing , to wit, in the Decree, that God was to do lb, did contrive the Promife in cheie words, of purpofc that it might bear fo much, ver. 8. from which he inferreth, that all Believers indefinitely, the Nations not excluded, but included, do partake of all thofe laving bkffings which Abraham did partake of, by Faith, among which> free Juttification was the chief; for of that is the queftion, ver. 9. Wdl and Decree, that fuch things fhall come to pafie ; in which Decree of His, He doth foreknow them. Act. 2. 23. Whatever forefightof this kind is in any of the creatures, they have it by bor- rowed light from Him, and (as we lay) by lighting their Candles at His Torch : for, the foreknowing that the Gentiles would be juftificd by Faith, is attributed to Scripture, or the Spirit of God (peaking in Scripture 5 And the Scttpture foreftcing, (?c. 3. The calling of the Gentiles, and their attaining to Salvation by free- grace, and all the fpiritual priviledges of Abraham's feed, was a thing hardly credible at the firft breaking-forth of ihe Gofpcl , the cafe of all Nations, except the Jews, teemed Chapij* cfVmlt* ^Galatians. 117 ieemed to be fo defperatc and damnable, Eph.i. 11,12. Hence the Apoftle feeth it neceflary upon all oecafions alraoft , to clear , that the calling of the Gentiles had ground from Scripture, as here* The Scripture forefeeing that God Vfiould juflipe the Heathen by Faith. 4. Hence %/ve learn feveral things? tending to the right undemand- ing of that Prornife made to cAbrabam} Gen. 1 2.3 In thee, or in thy fed (Gen. 22. 18) to wit, Chrift, all Nations/ball be blejfed 5 As, fir ft, That the Covenant of Grace made with Abraham, whereof this Promife is one Article .was extended not only to Abraham's carnal feed > but to all Believers in every place* even among the Gentiles : .for, m thee all Rations fhall be blejfed. Secondly, All men by nature, and confidered without refpeft had to, and as not having intereft in this gracious Covenant made with .Abraham in Chrift, are deftitute of all ble(Iings,under the drop of God's wrath and curfe, Ephm 2. — 3* and to are really curfed : for, this is imported, while he faith, in thee, and not other wife, dilations (hall he blejfed. Thirdly, That we who by nature are curfed creatures, (hould be freed from the curie, and do partake of the contrary blef- fing , it cometh to paflfe by vcrtue of that gracious Co- venant made with Abraham : and more particularly, it is through Jefus Chrift Abraham's feed, in whom we, being ingrafted by faitfxare delivered from the curfe,vei. Ig. for. In thee, ox tn thy feed, (Gen.21. 18.) all Nations [hall be blejfed. Fourthly , The Bleffings promifed to .Abraham's feed, in the Covenant made by God with him, were not only temporal, carnal, and appertaining to this life, but heavenly and fpirituaL The former in- deed were often inculcated upon the Ancient Church, (Dent. 28* 2, 3, &c. not, as it thefe had been all, or the main Bleflfinps of the Covenant, but as they wcrefha- dows only of things more heavenly, Reb^ 11.14, 1 5> f & for, the Apoftle explaineth one part at le^ft of the Blef- fings promifed, to be Juftification by Faith; The Scrip- ture fore feeing that God M^ould ju/ltjie the Rcathen by faitb^ fi$i!b? In thee fall Nitons be blejfed. Fifthly, The man I 3 who it 8 A brief Exfefitin cfthe € fifth Chap. 3 • who is juftified by Faich it a blefled man ; and there i* no bleflednefle under the Sun comparable unto this > for a man to have his fin pardoned, T/i/. 32.1. and the Righteoulnefle of Chrift imputed unto him, and foto be placed in a ftate of favour with God : for, the Apo* ftleexpoundeth the BlelTing promifed, by being juflified • The Scripture fore feeing that God Xeould Jtiftifie the Heathen hy faith . Sixthly, This Promife made to Abrabam,con- taineth in it the (umme of the Gofpel, to wit, the glad tydings of all fpiritual bleflings, and particularly of a free- gifted Righteoufncffe , purchafed by Chrift, to be beftowed upon all who by Faith (hould be ingrafted in Chrift, and that the Gentiles fhould have acccfle in the dayes of the Gofpel, to thefe Biddings among the reft : for, the Promife holdeth out all this ; and 'Paul calleth the revealing of this Promife, the preaching of the Go- fpel; The Scripture preached before the Gofpel wito Abra- ham. Seventhly, The Gofpel therefore is no new Do- ftrine, but the fame in fubftance with that which was taught to Abrahaniy and to the Church under the Old Teftament : for, faith he, The Scripture pre ached before tbt Gofpd unto Abraham, Eightly, Though the Gofpel, or glad tydings of Salvation, was not unknown to the An- cient Church ; yet it was but a very lmall glimmering light which they had of it, in companfon with what we do now en joy : all that Scripture recordcth tAdam and the Patriarchs to have had ot it, was in that obfeure Promife Gen. 3. 15. and all that Abraham had of it, was in this Promife here mentioned, which, though it was much clearer than the former , becaufe the day-light of the Gofpel under the New Teftament, was theri draw- ing nearer ; yet it was far fhort in clearnefle and plain- neflc of thefe Gofpcl-promifes which we do now enjoy, as jfoh, j. 16. Scripture preached before the Gofpel urit* Abraham , faying , In thee fhtll alt Kations be blejfed. Ninthly, Thebkflingofjuftificationby 1 aith, and of other fpiritual favours promifed to the Nations in Abra- tarn, wasfuch> as Abraham was not the author of it, but a (barer Chap. 3 . *f Paul to the G a l a t i a n s I 1 1 9 a- lharer it* it with the reft of thofe to whom it was pro- mifed : fo he inferreth from the Bleflin? promifed ta Abraham , That toe are blejfed With fakhfill Abraham. &oit. 5. Eminent Prtviledges beftowed by God upon particular perfonsvdo not exempt them from walking to Heaven in the common path- way with others, if fo they look for it at all : for, Abraham, though highly priviled- ged to be the father of Believers, ver. 7. in whom all Nations were to be blefled, Gen.%2. 3. yet behoved to enjoy the Bit-fling, not becaufe of his own merit* but freely and by Faith as well as others , as is imported in the Epithet of Faithful, given to Abraham; We arc blejfed •toitb faithful Abraham, ; not with circurncifed vertuous Abraham. 6. God, in beftowingofBletfhgs promifed upon condition of Faith, doth not fo much look upon the greatnetfe of Faith, as the truth and fincerity of it • for, though every one ^ho are of iatth, believe not fo ftrongly as Abraham did ; yet they are blejfed toith faith- full Abraham. Verf. 10. For as many as are of the toor\$ of the Lato, are wi- der the curfe : for it is Written, Cur fed is e\>ery one that continuetb not in all things tohich are Mitten in the boof^ of the Lato to do them. TLJEreis a third Argument, to prove that we are jufti- fied by Faith, and not by Works ; becaufe they who feektobe juftified by the works of the Law, are under theturfeofGod, and fo not juftified; which he pro- veth, becaufe according to Scripture ( Deut. 27. %6*) the Law pronounceth the curfe upon every man, who ful- filleth not the whole Law in every tittle or jot of it: now he taketh it for granted that none fulfill the whole Law,and fo doch leave unto them to gather that the Law doth fatten the curfe upon all who feek Juftification by it. 2>o#. 1 j That Paul doth mean the Works not only of the Ceremonial Law,but alfo of the Moral, all alongs thisdifpute, while he excludeth Works from being the I 4 • cauic 555 A brief Expo fttion of tht Sfiflle Chap. 5 caufe of Juftification, appeareth from the Scripture here cited, which is verified mainly in the Moral Law, as it appeareth from theie fins in particular, againft which theLevites were to denounce the curfe, all of them be- ing tranfgreflions of the Moral Law, Vent. 27.1 5,16,6?^. to the end : for it t* Written, turfed U every one. 2. Fallen man, is fo far from attaining; to a ftate of favour with God and happineffe here or hereafter, by any Works which he can do ; that when he hath done the utmoft, even of what his natural itreneth or renewed faculties of grace can reach, if he feek to be justified by it, he rc- imincth under God\ curie and wrath, notwithftanding of all : for, the Apoftle affirmech univcrfally of all, that areoftbe^ork^oftbcLato, that is, who feek to bejufti- fied by works done in obedience to the Law, ( for there- in was the great controverfie ) that they are under the turfe. 3. The curfed eftate of man by nature through fin and mifery, together with that impoflibility he lyeth under, to be recovered from that wofull eftate, and to regain a ftatc of favour with God by any work of righ- teoufn effe which he doth, is a thing known, not by thcdifoiirfiig of natural reafon, which, being blind in the things of God, cannot judge aright neither of its ownmilcry, nor of the way of recovery from it, 1 C$rm 2. «4. The knowledge of thofe is borrowed from Scrip- ture-lighr, whofe fentence alone is to be Hood to in this mitter : hence Paul appealeth to Scripture for probation of what he hath herein affirmed; f$ri$it%riHens faich he, Curfed u frery one. 4. Every fin, even the If aft, as bing a wron* done a^iinft God, ( Jdm.2. 11.) who is infinit in all His Attributes ( Job 11. 7, 8 9 )' and a tranfgreffion of His holy and righteous Law ( 1/06.3.4. ${o>n.y, 1 1.) de'erveth no leffe than that the curfe of God fhoulJ light upon the (inner ; under which curfe is com- prehend d all the miieries of this life (Lam. ?. 39 ) death itfelf, ( fy'W. 6 13- ) and the pain? of Hell for ever, '. 25. 4. i-4<5 w lb the Scripture cited affirmeth, Curfed u every one fbal mUnmtb not in alUbin^s} that is, # who Chap-3* '*f Paul *0ffoGALATiANS. i%t who tranfgreffeth in one thing. 5. There is noperfon whether rich or poor, noble or ignoble, learned or un~ learned,whofe fin deferveth not the forementioned curfe : The confideration indeed of theperfonof fome finners, doth aggregc their fin beyond the fin of others, $\pmm z> 1 7. to 25 but no confideration of theperfon of any can fofar extenuate his fin, as to make it not deferving of God's wrath and curfe : for, faith he, Curfed u everyone, without exception, *bo contmuetbnot. 6. Not only fins of commiflion, or doing of that which the Law tor- biddeth, butalfo fins of omiffion, or the leaving un- done of what the Law commandeth , do deieive the curfe : for, faith he, Cm fed u eUry one , not only who doth what the Law forbiddeth, but it ho continuttb not in all things that are Written in tf:e bovl^ of the Lato to do them. 7. It is not the bare knowledge of our duty, nor yet a fair piofcffion of love and refpefet to odr duty fo known, which cometh up to thatexadt righteoufnefle, that the Law requireth under hazard ot the curie ; there muft be practice alfo according to that knowledge : for, Curfed ue\>eryme toho contimietb not to do them. 8. This real obedience and praftice that the Law of God requireth under hazard of the curfe, is universal, extending it felf totheconfcience-makingofall duties commanded, to- gether with the way wherein they are commanded,A4zf. 1 5- 8. anJ to the abftaining from all fins forbidden, to- gether with their occafions, Job 31 .1 . for, Curfed U every one tobo continuetb not in all things, hciaith not, in fome thingsonly. 9* This obedience required, is allocon- ftant, from the fir ft minute of a mans life, to the hour of his death ; fo that though he {hould but once fin, he is under the curfe ; for> Curfed U eVeryoneVtbo continuetb not to dothm. 10. It is altogether impoflible for any one of fallen mankind, either ot himfelf ( Job. 1 5. -5.) or, by any grace received in this life (ijcb.i. $.) to keep the Law perfectly, or to attain to that exadt mca- fure of nghteoufhefle, that the Law requireth ; which appeareth, not only from what the Law requireth, as ic hath I ii iA brief Exfojitisn of th€ Epifile Chap,} ; hath been formerly cleired, but alfo from this; ?aul takes it here for a confrffed an J granted conclusion : for, if any could keep the Law. then every man who leekech tobs juftified by the works of thcLaw»fhouldnoc be cur fed, providing they did what they could, as 'Paul here affirmcth, feing the Law doth curfe none but thofe who do no: keep the Law ; F" ^ n*ny ** *re of the v>$r\s of the Lib , are under tbe curfe : for it is Written , o*cm ii. Though every man doth break the Law, and fodc* ferveth thac curfe, which is pronounced againft fin by the Law ; Yet all are not left to perifh under this cur(e, feme are delivered from it, to wit, thofe that are of Faith, or, who by Faith lay hold on Jefus Chrift for righteouf- nefTe, who was made a curfe for them, ver. 13. fuch ha- ving fled from the fentence and curfe of the Law, and laid hold on the Covenant of Grace revealed in the Go- fp:l, (hall be judged not by the Law, but theGofpel, which admitteth of the Righteoufneffe of a Cautioner im? Jted ( Philip. 5. 9. ) inftcad of an exa& perfonali righteoufneffe , required by the Law : for , faith the Apoftle, As many as are of tbe \»orJ^ of tbe La*% Are under the curfe, and fo, not chey who are of Faith. 1 2. Thofe who do not betake themfelves to the Covenant of Grace, muft ftand and fall according to the fentence of the Law, or Coven ant of Works; and therefore feing the Law doth curfe them (as not having come- up to the exact ri^hteoalaalTe required in it) curfed are they, and curfe J fh ill they be: for, faith lie, Tbeytobo areof the La*, or, leek Justification by the Law, Are curfed; becaufe the Law lecketh more than they can perform. Vcrf. ii- 5 a that no nun is julified hi the La* in tbe fight ofG >l/itis eViient : for, The Ju(l lh til li\>e hy Faith. 12. An I tbiLt* is not of Faitb : but, tbs man that doth them Jb til live in them. TN chefe Varies is thcfourdi Argum-ntt to prove the ■*■ negative part of the main Condufion, to wit, Tiiac no man is juttiftei n God's fight ( who judgeth not ac- cording Chap^ i/Patil u the Ga t at i an Si i a$ cording to outward appearence, but according to Truth, lSarn»i6. -7.) by his perfonal obedience to the Law; and that becaufe righteoufneffe and life come th from Faith, as ta proveth from Babba\. 2. -4. and therefore not from the Law, vcr. Itfi The force of which conie- !ucnce, as the Apoftlc declareth>doth ly in this, that the }zs ftri&ly taken for the meer precepts legal promifes, and threat* nings of the Law, See chap. 2. ver. 1 5.) doth not confift with the way of Juftification by Faith ; becaufe the Law promileth lite to him only who obferveth what the Law prcfcribeth,and fo hath a perfeft inherent righ- teoufneffe, as he proveth from Lev. 18.5. but Faith coo- veyeth life to him who is deftitute of that righteoufneffe, if he believe on Him that juftifieth the ungodly by Faith, as he bath cleared frequently before ( Sep ^om.4. 5.) and fo doth not expretfe k now, ver. 1 2. ®o£t. 1 . There is a twofould Juftification of a (inner, one which is in thtf fight of God, and is here exprefled, whereby he is reputed arid ftandeth righteous and juft in the eftima* tion of God the Judge, whofe judgment is unerrmg,and alwayes according to Truth, Jet.i 1.20. Another, which is before men, and is here implyed , whereby the (inner is reputed and ftandeth righteous in the cftimation of men , whofe judgment, as flowing from charity ( 1 Cofm 137.) and grounded upon outward appearance (2 Sam,, 16. -7.) mav frequently erre and be deceived 3 ®«* that no m*n u juftified in the fight of Gtd. 2. Though God do not juftifie any, or efteem ot him as righteous for any works done in obedience to the Law* Yet that a man may be juftified in man's fight becau(e of his works, is not here denied by the Apoftle : for Juftification befgifc men is nothing elfe, but a charitable judgment paft up* on the perfon, that God hath juftified him by Faith; which judgment is grounded upon the evidences of the perfon's faith, manifefted in the fruits of good works* Jam. 2. -18. $ut that no man if juftified by the Lav* i# Gods 1 24 A brief Expofition oftht SpifiU Chap. 3 1 G$dsfigbtt ere. 3. The fpiric of Error being once given way to, doth fo far blind the understanding ( //i.44. 20.) that it cannot fee, and fo far engage the will and affecti- ons to the maintaining of it ( 2 rim. 4. 3. ) that the perfon erring will not fee what Scripture faith againft that Error, though it be never fo evident to an indiffe- rent eye: for, though the maintainers of Juftification by Works, would notor could not fee it ; yet the Scnp- tures>even of the Old Teftament,did give clear teftimony againtt that Error, and for the contrary Truth; It is e\>%- dent, ( faith 'Paul ) for, the fujlfhall live. 4. The Do- ftrine of Juftification by Faith, and not by Works, is no new-fangled opinion, the Scriptures, even of the Old Tcftamcnc, give teftimony to it, as the only way of Ju- ftification before God, which then was : for* Paul pro- veth, that none are juftified by the Law, from an Old Teftament-Scripture, cited out of Hah. 2. -4. The Ju/l Jhall live by Faith, J. The Scripture cited , tcacheth; firft, That the way of juftifying a finner, or of making him righteous under the Old Tcftament, and under the New, is the fame ; and therefore we may fafcly draw arguments from the one to the other : for, fo doth the A poftle here, It is evident : for, The Ju[llhall live by faith. Secondly, Faith in God, and His Promifes, efpecially thefe wherein Jefus Chrift and His Righteoufnefleare offered, is that which maketh a (inner juft and righteous in God's fi^ht 5 for; the words may be rendred thus, The jfn/l by biitb Jhall live ; fo that they (hew what that is, which makes a man juft and righteous. Thirdly, The mm who is thusjuff by Faith, is recovered from that /hte of death, wherein every man by nature lycthr, Epb. 2. 1.) and doth live; which life of his, doth alfo flow from faith : for, both ri^htcoufnefle and life are here afcnb d to faith ; The J tut /hall live by Baith. Fourth- ly, This life by F nth, which the Believer doth enjoy, is fuch , as fiirnfhnh him with comfortable through- bearing in the midft of hardeftdifpcnfacions, without apoftafic and fainting , in fo far as hw doth not walk by Ghap."3^ i/Paul totheGAlKtiAXil 125 by prefent fenfe, but taketh up God as reconciled to hirn in Chrift, % Cor. 4. 18. and looketh upon his prefent croffe, as an evidence of God's fatherly love, Heb, 12. 6. and knoweth it will have a bleffed event to him in God's way and time, %cm* 8. 28. and that his life is hid with God in Chrift, C°l> 3* ?• &r above the reach of any trouble ; for, this is the Prophet* fcope, from whom this place is citedi even to fhew that the Juft (hall fo live by Faith>as to ride out the ftorm arifing from the prefent trouble, which was to overwhelm others, (See &ab. 2.4.) the Jufl /ball hve by faith. Fifthly, This life of the Be- liever which he en joyeth by Faith, though it be be£un here in the knowledge of God and Jefus Chrift, Job. 17,3. and in freedom from the deferved fentence of death, ${om. 8.1. whereupon followetft a right to eternal life, Job. 3. 3. ahd in the lively praftice of all commanded duties, to which the Believer is enabled by drawing life and vertueout of Chrift through Faith, fbtlip. 4. ij. Yet, this life is not circumfcribed with the prefent time, it's to be perfefted afterward in Glory, fo that the life flowing from Faith, is a lafting, never-ending , ever- continuing and eternal life : for, the Promife is ex- tended unto all imaginable future duration, without any reftri&ion : The Jujljhall live by faith. From Verf 12. Learny 1. Though the Law and Faith, ortheGofpel which is the Doctrine of Faith, be not -contrary each toother ( both of them being the Truths of God ) but are mutually fubfervient one to another in many things , the Law making fin known, %(pm. 3.-20, theGofpel holding forth the remedy of fin, fob. i. 29. the Law pointing forth our need of Chrift, fi\om. 10. 4* and theGofpel giving us an offer of Chrift for life and righreoufnefle , 1 Cor. 1. 30. The Law again holding forth thofe duties wherein the man, made righteous by Faith, ought to walk, and toteftifie his thankfulnefle; £^.5. 1,2. and/the Gofpel, or *aith in Jefus Chrift of- fered in the Gofpel, furnifhing him with fpirituall ftrength to walk in thefe duties, which the Law pre- fcribecb, 1 26 A brief Exfofititn tftbe Spifllc Chip. J. fcribeth, iCor.i.-69 Yet, the Law and Faith arc mutu- ally inconfillcnt in the point of Juftification \ fo that if Juftification be fought by the works of the Law, it can- not be had by Faidi 5 and if it be had by Faich, it can- not be attained by the works of the Law ; there can be no mixture of Law and (3ofpcI,Faith and Works in this matter : for. in this fenfe the Apoftlc affirmcth, The La* u not tf faitb. 2. The Law doth offer life to none up- on eancr terms than pcrfedt obedience, and the conftant and univcrlal pra&ice of whatfocver the Law prefcri- bcth ; for, the voice of the Law is , Ihe man that doth them, to wit thole things that the Law enjoyneth, fodl U)xin them, or attain eternal life by his fo doing. 3. Tbe way of Juftification by Faith, doth wholly exclude our doing and workst and thofe of every fort, from having influence as caufes or conditions , either *n part or in whole, upon our Juftification before God : for, the Apoftleproveth the inconfiftency of the La* and faith in the point of Juftification from this, that the Law fuf- pendeth our right to life upon the condition of doing and works ; and therefore the way of Juftification by Faith, niuft wholly exclude Works, elfe the Apoftle (hould not cogently have proved the thing iutended , to wic, That the Law is inconfiftent with Faith, from this, That be Mtbodotb tbcm full live in them. Verf. 13. Chrifl bath redeemed us from the cut ft if the Ltfo, being made a curfe for tis\ for it U Written, Curfcd ts tVery $ve that banpetb on a tree : X4. That tbebleffin* of Abraham might tome on tbt Gen- tiles through JefnA 0>rijl : that \*t might reteiVe tbe pro- wife of tbe Spirit through Faith. UE addeth a fifth Argument to prove thr affirmative •*■ "*■ part of che main Conclusion, to wit* That we are juftificd by Faith ; and withall (heweth how Faith doch juftifie, not for any merit or worth in it lelf, but as it icccivcth Jcfus Chrift, whereby all the bkfliogs purcha- sed Chap.?* of Paul to the Gaiatiaw$; Yi-j fed by Him, are applied to Believers : for, the Apoflle, obviating an objection* which he forefaw might arife from ver. io. ( towit, If the Law docurfe all men,how then are any freed from the curfe ? ) &eweth,that Jcfus Chrift hath delivered u. from God's wrath, or the Sen- tence of the Law's curfe, by taking upon Himfdf the curfe due to us, while He was obedient to death, even the death of the crofle, Philip. 2. 8. Which kind of death was pronounced to be accurfed, as he proveth from2W. 3i.. 23. This is contained ver.i 3- And hence he (Lewes a double fruit did flow : the firft, to the Gentiles, the blefling of Church-priviledges* divine Ordinances, and of Reconciliation , Adoption, Grace here, and Glory hereafter jpromifed to theNations in dbrabamfien.22.1S. being now purchafed by Chrift, and refiding in Him as the Head and Fountain, did come through Him to the unrighteous Genciles, who before the time of Chrift's death were ftrangers to Chrift, and to Abraham** blefling purchafed by Chrift, Epb.t. 1 2. The fecond fruit of Chrift's death, did accreffe to the Jews ( among w horn he reckoneth himfelO joyntly with the Gentiles, who being by Chrift's death joyned in one , did enjoy the Promife of the Spirit, or the fpirkual Promife, as being now denuded of thefe earthly and external Ceremonies, wherewith it was vailed formerly, and fet forth in its native and fpiritual beauty and luftre : both which fruits of Chrift's death he iheweth are conveyed unto, and en- joyed by both Jews and Gentiles only by Faith : So that the Apofi^e in thefe two Verfes,doth not only prove the main Conclufion, That Faitbjaying hold on Chrift, is that which delivereth from the Law's cur(e,and which conveyeth Abraham's bleffing ? together with the Cove- nant-promife, unto us, and fo doch juftific us 1 but al(b indirectly , and ( as it were ) at the by, hinteth at two other Truths, tending alfo to clear the main controverfie between him and his adverfaries, which therefore he is to aflert more direSIy afterwards , to wit, firft, That now after Chriffo death>the Gentiles being called by the Gofpek 1 18 A brief Expofitlon of the Epiflh Chap. jl Gofpcl, were to be joyncd in one body with the Jews* and ooch of them to m le Iced to Abraham, and equally co partake o\yibrahaoi\ bleflfct, whereof free Juftificacion through Faith, Ipoken of, vcr. 9. was a, tmin pare. AndJecondly, thac the Covenant- promifc ( that God would be a God to Abraham and to his feed, Gen. 17. 7.) was now after Chrift's death to be held forth more dearly and fpiritually, the types andflha- dowsof earthly Ceremonies, and of that legal Difpen- fation, under which it was formerly hid , being laid afidc. From Vcrf- 13- L**rnt 1, The threatningsofthe Law, denouncing a curfc againft thole who yecld not perfonal obedience to it, did not exclude or forbid a Surety to come in che finners room, and to undergo the curfc due . unto Him : for* though it be clear from ver. *o. that the Lawdorhcurfe all] yet this impeded not, butChrift might corned redeem us from the cur fe of the L*\>9 bhg made a curfe for us. 2. Every man by nature, the fclcdt not excepted, Epb. 2.-?. are under the ientence of the Law's curie, whereby in Go "s juftice they are under the power of darkneffe, (Col. 1. 15.) flavery and tx)ndage to Cm and S ic^p, C Epb 2. - 2. ) lb to remain until they be caft in utccr darknefle, J-*de, 1 3. except delivery and re- demption do interveen : for, while it isfaid, Cbrijlbdtk redeemed us from the curfe oftbeLatoy it is fuppofed that by nature we are under it. }. There is no delivery of cnfhved man from this wofull bondage, but by giving fiuisfaction, and by paying of a price for the wrong done to Divine Juttice, either by himlelt, o by fome furcty in his fteid ; God's fidelity (Gen.i. 17.) His righ- teous nature ('P/'al. 11. 6,7. ) and the inward defert of fin ( T\<»».i.i2.) do call for ic ; for, <- redeemed us from the cur ft oftbt La* • the word (ignificth to deli- ver by giving a price. 4. It is noc in the power of fal- len man to acquire a ranfom for himfelt by any thing he can either do or fuflfer, whereby Juftice may befatif- ficd, and he delivered from this ftatc of flayery and bon- dage. Chap.?* , */Paul*0*A*GALATiANs; 129 dagc. The redemption of the foul is precious, and cea- feth for ever (to wit ) among men, Vfalu^gA. for, if mart could redeem himfelfi Chrift had not been put to it to redeem m from tbecurfeoftbe LaV>t ■. 5. Jefus Chrift the fecond Perfon of the blefled Trinity, hath undertaken this great work of redeeming captfve-man from his (la- very and bondage* and accordingly hath accomplifhed it. The work was indeed undertaken at the appointment (of all the Perfons, Luk? i« 68. to whom alio the price was paid, Epb. 5. 2. only the execution of this work, was by that wife defign of fending the fecond Perfon in the flefh to become man ; that fo he might not only have right as our near kinfman, %rf> 3. 1 2, 13. but alfo be fit- ted to redeem > as having a price to lay down for our ranfom, Hth. 10. 5. O0*® b*tb redeemed m. ' 1. Our Redeemer, Jefus Chrift, is true God, who being man's Creator, and having entrcd a Covenant of friendfhip with man at the beginning , by vertue whereof He had intereft in man, not only as His creature, but as one in ftace of friendfhip with Himfelf; from which blefled ftate man did fall, Ecdef.j. ig. and fo brought himfelf and all his pofterity (1C0M?. 21—) to this ftate of bondage wherein he now is : for, fo much is imported, while Chrift is faid to redeem ; Redemption being pro- perly of thofe things which 5nce were our own* but for the time are loft ; Q*rifl batb redeemed m , faith he. 7. This work of man's Redemption, undertaken and accomplifhed by Chrift, was a Redemption properly fo called ; our freedom and delivery being obtained, not by power or ftrong hand meerly, nor yet coming from the fole condefcenfion and pity of the injured party, without feeking reparation for former injuries, but by the payment of a fufficient price, and by giving a juft fatisfaefcion to a provoked God •, as appeareth not only from the word rendred redeem \ which, as faid is, figni- fieth to buy Ttitb a price, but alfo from this, that the price is condefcended upon, to wit, Chrift's undergoing the curfcof the Law due to us j and this He did/or #*, thac n hi I jo A brief Sxf option of the SfiflU Cfiap.j; 1 is, not only for our good, buc alfo in our room a&d ftead: for, by His undergoing this curfc, we arc treed from it, fo 'I i that although to buy or redeem, be fometimes taken ina- | properly, and doth fignific to obtain a thing without any price, (/i. 52.3. yet what is prefently faid, and other circumrtancci do evince , that in this work of Redem- ption performed by Chrift,the word muft betaken pro- perly for a delivery obtained by a payment of a juft f>nce ; Cbrift bath redeemed us from the curfe of the Lal>9 emg made a curfe for tu. 8. The price paid by Ghrift, in order to our redemption was no leffc than His under- going that curfe of the Law , which was due to us : whence it followeth thatChrift's futferings, byway of fatisfafction, were not only in His body, but alfo in His foul: He did not only wrefilc with the fear of death, Heb. 5. -7. but was alfo deprived of that joy and com^ fort , or the icnfc and feeling of God's favour and help, which He formerly enjoyed; and had His own fad confli&s and agonies ariling in His Soul hereupon,A4*f. 27. 46. which, though in us they would neceflarily pro- duce fin, yet in Chrift they did not, Hefc. 4. -1 5. becaufc of His molt pure nature, H^.7. 26. for, He too* made the curfe of the La^to for as. Now the curfe of the Law did reach to the terrors of the foul, as well as to the pains of the body. 9. Though Jefus Chrift, as considered in Hii ownPerfon, was altogether holy and innocent, //*. 5?. -9. and al waves, even when He wai made a curfe, molt beloved of the Father, Mat.^. 17. yet being confidered asourSurety (Heb. 7. 21 .) and fuftainingourperlon, He was theobjedl of iin-purfuing juftice, and no more fpared than if we our felvcs who linncd, had been in His place: for, the Text faith, He was not only accur- fed, but made a curfe, in the abftraft, to (hew howgrcat- ly he was accurfed in death ; neither was this execration only in refpect of man, who indeed did judge Him exe- crable, \[** 5?. 3, 4- but alto in refpeft of God, as ap« peareth by the teflimony allcagcd out of *#«<*. 21.23. tor, though the Apoftlc, intending the fenfeonly, and not Cbap-3* '*f?&\x\t* the Ghi ATI kn$, 13? tux the words, omitteth the mentioning of God; Yet in the place cited we have ic thus , He that U hanged, is afa cur fed of God. 10. The malefa&or among the Jews, who was adjudged to end his life by hanging on a tree, was pronounced by God to be a curfe, or accurfed ; not as if every one who died that death, even notwithftand- irtg of their repentance, had been rejefted of God, and coridemned, tukf 23. 39, 43* but partly, becaufc that Was a molt odious and infamous death in it felCas being aflifted only for atrocious and heinous crimes ; and part- ly, becaufe it was fore- ordained of God, that Chrift our Surety fliould end His life by that kind of death, in order to our redemption and delivery from the Law's deferved curfe; for which caufe mainly, God was pleafed to pronounce that kind of death accurfed above any other ; as appeareth from the Apoftle's alleagingthis Scripture, to clear that Chrift was made a curfe for us ; It is toritteri, faith he, Cur fed u everyone that hangetb on a tree. FromVerf 14. Leirn, 1, So wonder full is God in working, rfpecially in that great work of our Redem- ption, that He bnngeth about one contrary by another i He giveth life by death , and the bleffing by the curfe ; and frequently in His way of working , our choiceft mercies do come through greateft miferies : for, Cbrijl toas made a curfe, that the bleffing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles. 2. The bleffing promifed to Abra+ ham , and to the Nations in Abraham , or rather in Chrift Abraham's feed, (Gen. 22.18.) wasnotoftem- porall things only , as of Corn and Wine , of a fat and rich foile : thefe were only the (hell, but the ker- nell of that Promife were bleffings of another fort, even fpiritual,fuch as Grace hercand Glory hereafter; which appeareth from this, that before this bleffing could be conveyed to Abrahams believing feed, a price of infinite value behoved to be paid for it, a price too precious to purchafe any temporal bleffing by 5 for, even Chrift toas made a curfe, that the bleffing 0/ Abraham might come up- eh the Gentiles, 3, The fpiritual bleffing of Grace here K % and 13* [*A brief Exfofttion of the Epifile Chip.;.2 and Glory hereafter , promifed to, and in Abraham, at i* was purchate J by Chrift at a dear rate, (o it rcfidc th and isexftant in .Him,wl»o is a* it were the ftorehou(e,wher- in die blcfling is laid up ( Col.i.i. ) and the dilpenler of it unto.y' . J. ?i.) in whom believers arc truly blcflcd (Gcn.iz* 18.) and from whole fulncfle we do all receive, and Grace for Grace, Job. 1.16. for, faith the Text , That the blejjlngfif Abraham might tome upon the Gentiles through JeftvsQhrifl ; or, a but the Jews alfo, of whom laul was one, ao receive the promife of the Spirit, that is, after the manner of (peaking ufed by the Hebrews, the Jjnritual promife, in oppofition to thofe ex- ternal rites and (hadows under which ic did formerly lurk, 2>ocf. 5. Though by the grace of faving Faith, a Chriftian believeth to be true whatever he knoweth to be revealed in the Word, dtf.i^ -14. and js in fome meafure (efpecially when Faith is lively^ affefted, and doth prafctife according to what each Truth calleth for, yeelding obedience to the Commands, %om. 16. — 26* trembling at threatnings, I/i. 66. -2. and imbracing the Promifes of God for this life ( Vfal. 2?. 1. ) and that which is to come, He b. 11.13. Yet, the principal afts of Faith, as it is faving and juftifying, are the accepting and receiving of the Promife, and of Chrift's fatisfa&ion to the father's juftice, held forth in the Promife: for, ?W, fpeaking of Faiths part in Justification , fetteth forth the exercifeof it thus, That Ke might receive the pro- mife by faith. 6. Faith doth juftifie and make us blefied, not for any worth in it felf, as if the work and merit of Faith were reckoned to us for righteoufnefle, but be- cause it is the inftrument, and, as it were, the hand of the foul, whereby we receive the Promife, and Chriftin the Promife, whofe fatisfa&ion alone is our only righteouf- nefle before God, %w, 5. -19. for, that ^auC\% to be underftood thus all alongs this difpute, appeareth from thefe two Verfes, wherein he afcribeth our delivery from the curfe,and partaking of Abraham's bitfling, to Chrift's merit, of to His being made a curfe for us, giving unto Faith only the rcceeiving and imbracing of that latis- faftion, as it is offered in the Promife ; 7 bat V>e might rmm tbc Promife through faith, (aich he* • K J VerO 134 A brief Exfofition of the Epiflle Chap. 3; VcrClJ. Brethren, ljpea^aftcr the manner of men: though it he hut a mans Covenant , yet if it be confirmed , no man difanulleth, or addcth thereto. 1$. Kf^to Abraham and his feed Tcere the Promifcsmade. He faith not, And td feeds, having confirmed the truth of his Do- * ftrine by feveral Arguments, doth in the fccond part of the Chapter, anfwer fomc Objeftions, and joyntly herewith refuceththc other Error, maintained by his adverfaries, about the neceflicy of oblerving the Cere- monial Law; (hewing, that however the£**> or the legal way of difpenfing the Covenant of Grace prefcri- bed unto Mofes upon mount Sinai, was for good ufc , fo long as by God's appointment it was to ftand in force ; yet, Chrift being now come in the flefli , the date, pre- fixed for it* continuance, was now expired, and fo the Chrift ian Church of Jews and Gentiles wholly freed from the obfervation of it. The firft Objection , as may be gathered by his An- fwer, was tothispurpofe, That granting what the Apo- ftlehad faid concerning Justification by Faich in the Promife, and not by Works, did hold true, before the Law was given by Mofes ; yet afterwards that tvay of Juftification feemcch to have been altered, and Juftifi- cation by Works eftibliftied according to the tenour of the Law given by God on mount Sinai, feing that latter A&s and conftitutions do not only ftand in force , but alfo abrogate the former, in fofar, atlcaft,asthcy are ipcoufiftcm with the Uctq: The Chap^3- cfPml to the Gal atians. 13$ The Apoftle anfwcrcth by a companion, which he flieweth is taken from humane affairs 5 and, firft, lecteth down the fimilitudeto this purpofe, That a Covenantor Paftion made among men for prelcrving mutual peace and friendfhip , being once confirmed by Oath, and other ufual tolemnities, cannot without imputation of levity or injuftice be difannulled and quite broken, nei- ther can any condition deftru&ive to the former, be ad- ded to it , ver. 15. And, fecondly, That he may apply this fimilitude with greater evidence and force, he firft ftieweth,the nature of thatCovenant,made by God with Abraham, did confift in Promifes, wherein the blefling promifed is given freely, and not for the merit and worth of our obedience and works ( as the word rendred 5Vo- . wii/edothfignifie) and next he flieweth, that all %Abta- ham's feed, not only thofe who lived before the giving of the Law, but thofe alfo who lived after ; and not only the Jews, but- alio the Gentiles were comprehended in the Covenant, and to partake of the promifed Bleffing , according to the tenour of it; which he proveth from the formal words of the Covenant- tender, which exprcfe all thofe who were to partake of the covenanted Bleffing, by the name of ^Abraham and of his Seed, in the fingular number, to (hew, that it is under one and the fame con- fideration, that they all are his feed, and do partake of his promifed Bleffing ; otherwife, if it had been Gods purpofc to convey the heavenly Inheritance unto fomc upon their Faith in the Promife, and unto others ior the merit of their Works, Then the Promife fhould have been made unto his Seeds in the plural number, as point- ing at the different grounds of this their fpirkual relation unto Abraham, and not unto his Seed in the fingular ; which feed of Abraham, is here called Chrift , to wir, Chrift myftical, which comprehendeth Chrift the Head, and all Believers, whether before the Law or after, whe- ther Jew or Gentile , as the Members of that Body whereof Chrift is the Head: all of which are defigncd by the name of (thrift, as I Cor. 1 2. -1 z% Col. i5 24. and K 4 6 l %6 A briif Expofition of the EpifiU Chap. 3 • *o here, to fhew, that not Mofe s, not the La w,not Works, but Chrift, the Promife, and faith in Chrift, and the Promife is the bond and ty of this Union plcaded-for in Abrahams feed, vcr. 16. Thirdly,Hc applyeth the fimili- tude taken from die unchangeablneffe of humane Cove- nants, andinrcrrech> that much leffc can that Covenant which was made with ^Abraham and his feed be abro- gated, or any condition dcftru&ive be added to it by the Law, which was giv.n tour hundred and thirty years after: which confequence, isinforccd by four Conside- rations, i . It was a Covenant made with Abrabamyr\GtfH.i 5. 9, 10, &c. And, 3. a Cove- nant, not only made and confirmed, but a Covenant confirmed in Chrift, or, (as the Original will bear} looking toward Cbrijty as Him alone, upon whom the ful- filling of that Covenant did depend, Gen. 22. 18. So that if this Covenant had been abrogated, whether by the Law or any other thing > there had been no neceflity of fending Chrift. And, 4. becaufe this Covenant, upon Gods part was a free abfolute Promife, the performance whereof did not depend upon the works of the other party, and fo their unworthineffe could be no pretence for the abrogation of it : this inference from the compa- rifon,is ver 1 7. And, fourthly, Becaufe fome, in follow- ing forth the pre/cnt Objection, might have urged, that though the giving of die Law did not tully abrogate the way of Juftification by Faith in the Promife; Yetthis much behoved to be granted, that the Law and Works .were to be conjoyned. at leaft, with the Promife and Faith in the point of Juftification ; Therefore the Apo- ftle anfwereth, ver. 18. that even this much cannot be granted ; and that becaufe Works and Faith, Law and Promife are mconhftcnt as to the point of conveying a right to the covenanted Inheritance, fothar if the works pf the Law have any influence upon our Juftification, and Chap^ o/Paul ftffe Gaiatxans; 137 and right to Heaven, the free -gifted Promife made of God to Jbrabam , and Faith in that Promife can have none , and thus the confirmed Covenant fiiould yet be abrogated 5 the abfurdity whereof he hath already (hewen, to wit, ver. 17. From Verf. 15. leamy I. Thoup h the Servants of Je- fus Chrift will be necefluated iometimes to ufe fome more than ordinary (harpnefs of fpeech in their reproofs toward the People of God committed to their charge ; yet they are carefully to guard, left their affc&ions be imbitteredagainft them, and would alwayeskeep love andaffedhon toward them; yea, and teftifie their love to them, even when they do moft fharply reprove them: for, theApoftle, though he upbraided thefe Galatians With folly, ver. 1. Yet,here he teftifieth, that neverche- leffe he loved them, while he calleth them Brethren • Brethren, IJpea^ after the manner of men. 2, Ic is not only lawful, but alfo exceedingly conducing for the edi- fication of hearers, that Minifters make ufe of fimih- tudes and examples, taken from things natural, ( 1 Cer. *$• 38, &c.) artificial (Jam. 3.7*) or from common cuftom among men, for clearing or confirming of fpiri- tual Truths to the underftanding , and for inforcing the praftice of fome fpiritual duty upon the will and affe- ctions, iCor.p. 24. for, fimilitudes from things earthly, as being more notour unto us, do conduce much, not only to illuftrate things fpiritual, but alfo to bring them frequently to our remembrance afterwards , efpecially, when thofe earthly things, from which the fimilitude' is taken, do occur in our daily imployments : Hence the Apoftle profefleth he would ffieal^ after the manner of men, that is, he would make ufe of a fimilitude taken from the cuftom of men in their civil affairs for clearing of the Truth in hand- 3. As itx is lawfull for men, whether particular perfons or Nations, to enter a Covenant or pa&ion for keeping of mutual peace and friendfhip, and to confirm their Covenant fo made by fubfcription, oath ( I Sam. 20. 16, 17,) and other iawfull and accuftomed folem* \ 5 % A brief 8 xpo fit ion of the Epiflle Chap.j; olcmiittes, (?*».} i. 51, &c.) that hereby it may be the more eft*emed-of as facred and inviolable: So it is a mark of extream inconftancy. andcarryech with it the guile of hi^h prrRlic for chofe who have once entred fuch a Covenant, to difanul, alter, oraddcto it at their pleafure, or toitiadto it no longer than it nuketh for their own advantage : for, faith he, though it be but 4 ntsns CoVcnvit , yet if it be confirmed, no man dtfanulleth, craddeth therrto : \jmtn, to wit, even the men them- felves who nude the Pa&ion ; elfe the fimilitude would not quadrate to che Truth, for illuftration whereof it is madeufeof, towit> that even God Himfelf that made the Covenant with AbrahAm and his feed, could have no fuch purpofe in giving the Law* as to alter and abro- gate that Covenant, as is clear from ven 17. From Vcrf. 16. Learn, \. The Covenant of Grace madewidi Abraham and his fpiritual feed, is a Cove- nant of proiiife, wherein the thing promifed is freely beftowed , and not from the merit or worth of our obe- dience and works ; and herein the promifes of this Co- venant do differ from the promifes of the Law or Cove- nant of Works: for, by the Promifes, which fignifie a free promife, i? meaned the Covenant of Grace ; to Abra- ham and his feed xterc the Promt fes made* the word fig- nificth a free promife. 2. This Covenant of Grace is alfo a Covenant of Promifes, as containing many Pro- mifes ; for although it fometime have the name of a promife, in the lingular number, as ver. --17. from • thatcomprehenfive and chief Promife, I *>Ulbe a God unto thee, and to thy feed after thee% Gen. 17. -7. yet it con- tained a numerous number of other promifcs,which are as fo many rivulets and ftrcams, flowing from that feun- tain-promifc prefently mentioned, even the Promifes of the life that no v is, and of that which is to come, 1 Thn. 4. 8. for, faith he. To Abraham and bis feed Vnre tbeTro- mifes made. 5. This Covenant of Grace, or Promife, was entred by God with Abraham, as accepting the ten- der of id not only tor himfclf* but for his feed, wncrc- by Chap. 3. o/Paul ^/^Galatians. 1391 by all his natural iffue, excepting thofe only who were exprefly excepted by God (to wit,all the poflerity of l(h- tnael and Efau, who continued and waxed worfe in the apoftafie of their forefathers from Abrahams God, ifywi. g. 7, 1 3.) were comprehended within the Covenant, by vertue whereof , though none did attain Salvation, but thofe only who did come up to che conditions of the Co- venant-, whereupon Salvation was tendred, to wit, Faith ( Haba{. %. 4. ) and Repentance ( J/M5« 7* ) yet all of them did enjoy the jpriviledge of Ordinances (Gen.ij. to.) and had Salvation offered unto them, (J oh. 4, 22.) not ablolutely, but upon Gods terms revealed in His Word, to wit, if only they would believe and repent : bence, faith the Apoftle, To Abraham and bis feed Ken the Tromifes made, 4. As the Chriftian Church of the Gentiles js Abraham's fpiritual feed , as well as the Church of the Jews , and was looked upon as his feed in that Covenant- promife made to Abraham and his feed, Gf0.17.-5. compared with %» 4. 16, 17^. So it is un- der one and the fame confederation that both Jew and Gentile* and all who reckon fpiritual kindred to Abra- ham are his feed, to wit, as they follow the ftep$ of his Faith, and at leaft do profefle that Do&rine of free Ju- stification by Faith* wherein Abraham walked, %dythe Church, made up both of Jew and Gen- tile, who reckon fpiritual kindred unto ^Abraham, upon one and the tame account; and therefore are defined in the Promifc by fed, and not feeds ; tie faith not, And to feed\ , 44 of mvny ; but as of one , and to thy feed. 5. So ftridt and near is that union which is betwixt Chrift and the Church, that no: only is He the Churches Head ( Kpb. I. 22. ) but alio as the Church is His Body and fulncfle, %ph. I. 23. So Chrift is myftically and virtually the fulnefle of the Church, info far as it is He dwelling and working in them by the efficacy of His Spirit , who feparateth them from the world, maketh them one myftical Body among themfelves , and one with Himfelf, and worketh all their works in them, even thofc which belong to Him, not only as the Head , but, which alfo belong to them, as Members of the Body, I Cor. 11. 1 1, 12. for, hence is it, that the whole belie- ving feed of Abraham, is here called Chrift , He being the bond of their union, job. 17, 21. the fountain of their life and motion, Job; 4. 14. and the aftive immediate principle from which all their fpiritual aftions do flowj Joh.i]^. And to thy feed, nhichis Chrift, faith be. From Verf. 17. Learn, 1. That though God might have dealt with man by way of foveraignity, as an ab- foluct Monarch, enjoyning to man his duty , without giving him any ground to hope for a reward of his (er- vice ; yet He hath been gracioufly pleafcd to wave fuch right,and to deal with him by way of covenantor pacti- on and agreement, upon juft and equal terms, prefcribed by God tfimfclf, in which God promifeth true happi- nefle to man , and man engagah himfelf by promifc for performance of what God requireth : for, as thefe' arc the terras in general upon which God did ever enter any Covenant with man ; (b the Apottlc luppofeth , that I s dealing with man is by way of a Covenant, while hefar A this I fay, that the Covenant that X>a4 confir- med b fore of God. 2. So merciful is God, that after the Covenant of Works, made with man before the fall, was broken Chap. £ of Paul to the G a % at x a x S ? 141 broken by Adam ( Gen. 3. 6.) and made ufelefle unto all his, potter icy , as to the obtaining of Heaven and happi- nefle by it, ver. 10. he was gracioufly pleafed to Ater a Covenant ol Grace with fallen man, to deliver him from theeftace of fin and mif rv, and to bring him into an eftate of ialvation by a Redeemer, '%». 3. 2< , 22. This is that Covenant here fpokcnof; the Covenant that ia*j before cohfiimedQfGod in Qhrifi. 3. Though the Cove- nant, 01 Paftion, entred bv God with the Church, be- fore Chrift came in the ft (h, did differ in the way of ad- min iftration, and in fome considerable circumttances> from that Covenant which Cod hath entered with His people in thedayes of the Gofpel , upon which account they are diftinguifhed by the names of Otd and '2ie\t>9 (Beb 8.1?.) ftrft and Second Covenant, Htb.S.j. yet both thefe Covenants are one and the lame in iubftancc, and do fully agree in all theeffential parts : fonthe A po- ttle's intent, is, to prove, that we are juftified under the New Teftament, by that Covenant, wtach VtTbe Covenant y*u confirmed before of God in Cbn/l, or, tending towards Cbrtjt, as the Original will bear. 6. The Knowledge of Scripture-chronologie, whereby we know not only thofe things which arc men- tioned in Scripture-ftory, but alio the time when every thing did fill out, fo far as may be gathered by the . Scripture it fdf chiefly, is neceffary and profitaole for the br.ter underftanding of God's mind in divcrfe parts of His Word : for here, the Apoftle obferveth the time when the Law was given, and laycth the great ftrefle of his argument upon it , whereby he proveth, that the Law could not difanul the Covenant of free-graccmade with Abraham, even becaufe the La* Vrat four hundred and thirty years after the Covenant not confirmed of God in Cbri/t : The beginning of which fpace of years, is to be reckoned from the fir ft folemn fanftion and confirma- tioaof theCovenint by God to Abraham, Get. 1 5.8,&c. and the cloie of ir was at the giving of the Law upon mount Sinai, which was the firlt year of Ifraels coming out of Egypt, Exod. 19. I . Do:t. 7. God's intent in giving the Law, and urging exaft obedience to it under hazard of the curfe , neither was> nor is, thar hereby peoplertiould be taken -off from fecking righteoufnefle and life eternal only by faith in the Promife or,that they fhould fet about the praftice of duties commanded by the Law, as that which was to make them righteous before God : the Law wa* given for other ends, as the Apoftle doth after declare ; but not for this : for. he flicwech here, that Gods defign in giving the Lawtcould not difanul the Covenmt made y*itb tAbraham, or, makf the fromife of none effett. From Chap.3- */Paul to the Gai AT I AM s^. pfc From Vcrf. 18. learn, I. So iubcil is the fpirit of Error, that it will feem to cede fcir*evv hat to Truth, as hereby intending to prejudge the Truth more than if it had ceded nothing : for, the oppugners ot Jufiification by Faith,'did fometimes give Faith fome place in Jufiifi- cation, and pleaded only for a joynt influence ot Works and Faith, of the Law and the Promife : which conceit oftheirs, the Apoftle doth here refute; For, if the Inhe- ritance be of the tato, it ts no more of Iromife. 2. The ftate of Grace and Favour with God here, and of Glory hereafter, is the inheritance, portion and heirfcip of the Lord's People } there being no temporal worldly inhe* ritance which can fufEcicntly furnim the heart with fa- tisfa&ion, ^Bfal.^ 6, 7. of which fpiritual and heavenly Inheritance, the Land of Canaan vvas a type : for, the Apoftle fpeaking of Jufiification, and all the fpiritual bleffings which Sow from ic> callcth them the Inheritors?, by way of excellency ; 1/ the Inheritance he of the Latom ?• There are only two wayes of attaining a right to this Inheritance; one, by the Law, or by Works done m obedience to the Law* chap. 2. 16-. which was the te- nour of the Covenant of Works ; the other, is by the Promife, or, by Faith in Jefiis Chrifi offered in the Promife, chap. 2. -16-. according to the tenour of the Covenant of Grace. The Apoftle fpeaketh of thefe two wayes here, If the Inheritance be ef the Lato% it is no more offromifc. 4. Theie can be no mixture of thefe two, (b that a riaiKto Heaven (hculd be obtained, partly by the Serit orWorks , and partly by Faith in tbp promife ; e one of thofe removeth the other : for, faith he, If the Inheritance be of the LaTc> it is m more of Promife. 5. The only way of attaining right to this Inheritance now fince the fall, is, by God's Free- gift, without the merit of Works : for, Cod did gi*e it to Abrah.my the father of all juftified perfons : the word fignifieth , He gave it freely, without refpeft had to Abraham's works, t* The tender and offer of this gracious gift, is made in the pro- mifes of the Gofpcl ; which, being laid hold upon by Faith, 144 tA brief Expofition of the Epifile Chap.} m Fakh, do entitle the Believer to the tendered Inheri- * tance , i Job. 5, io> II, I a. for, faith he, God gaU it by Ttromifc. Verf. 19. Wherefore then ferVeth theUXt* It X»as added betaufe oftranfgreJfionSytill the feed/bould come> to xtbom the pr$mifeT*.u made, and it TM ordained by%Angeh m tbf hand of a Mediator. 20. ^?^ a Mediator is not d Mediator of one, but God is one. OErc is a fecond Obje&ion. to wic, If the Law, or ■** works done in obedience to the Law, do not juftifie, Then ic feemeth the Law hath been given by Mofes up- on mount $in*i in vain and to no purpofe : which Ob- je&ion is expreffed in a Qjieftion, the meaning where- of, is, For what end was the Law at that time delivered, containing fuch a number of precepts, enjoyning Co many moral, judicial and ceremonial duties, promifing lite unto the obedient ? LfV. 18. $. and threatning Gcxte wrath and curfe to the dilbbedient, t>*ut. 17. 16. where- fore was all this,ifthe inheritance of life eternal come noc by the works of the Caw? The Apoftle anfwereth, fhewing , firft, one main end for which the Law wai added to the Promife, and fo much inculcated at that time, to wit, for the difcovcry ( '^om. 3. —20.) and re- ftraintoffin,^«m£ 15.39. and for the more throagh- conviftion of the finners loft and curfed cftatettp himfclf becaufeof fin, %n, 3. 19. HcQieweth, feconaly, that this fervilc and childifh difcipline, as having more of terror than love in it, was to continue only during the infant-ftace of the Church, until at Chrift's coming in theflcfh that fpirirual feed of Abraham, to whom the Promife was made, (hould appear compleat in its prin- ci pal parts, and both Jew and Gentile be gathered into one-Body. But, thirdly, left he (hould lecm to debate the Law too much, hecommendeth it, partly from the miniftry of the Angels ufed therein, Heb.z. 2, Att,*7* ?8. mm! Qiap. 3* a/FaUl^f^UALATlANS. 14^ and partly from the mediation ofMofes> who did com- municate the Word of the Law from God to the people* 9>eut. 5. 5. Which latter, as it ftrvcth co commend the Law > foallb to intorce the Apoftle's main icope. to wi:, That the precepts and threatnings of the Law were only added becaufe of tranfsreffions , and that God intended no fuch thing , as thereby to hold forth co the people of Jfrael a Covenant of life upon condition of obedience to what the Law required, feing there was a neaflity to make ufe ot Mefes, asamidf-man, to fpeak between God and the people ; which did argue them to be con- fcious to themfelves of their own fcuilt, and therefore durft not approach unto God, Exed. 20.-18/I9. And therefore, fourthly, The Apoftle proveth this cbnfe- querice, (ver. 20. ) from the office of a Mediator., which is not ufed but only betwixt difagreeing parties, whence he leaveth them to gather that it had been altogether in vain for God to have entred a Covenant for life, upon condition of works, with fuch a guilty finfull people, as could not fulfill the condition required in that Cove- nant ; and confequently could reap no advantage by it, efpecially feing, as he exprefly affirmeth,God is alwayes one, confonant to Himfelf, and doth not difpenfe with one jot of that perfeft, univcrfal and conttant obedience, required as the condition of obtaining Salvation accor- ding to the tenour of the Covenant of Works, 2>eut. 27. 26. FromVecf. 19. Learn, i. So bent are men upon the abufe of things, in themfelves good, (whether divine Ordinances, or any other gifc beftowed by God upon them) that they cannot difference betwixt the right ufe and the abufe of thefe things, and are apt to conclude, if they may not abufe them to gratifie fome one luft or other, that they can ferve for no ufe to them , and fo are given by God in vaifc : Thus the falfe A poftles conclu- ded, that if the La\fr was riot given to juftifie , if. was wholly ufeleffe ; Wherefore then fer\>etb the LaM i fay they. 2. As the Moral Law ( G^. 13-80 together with h (he l46 A foii/SxpofitioH of the Epiftlt Chap. 3 the power fu] I working of Gods Spirit in the Regene- rate, Gods remaining grace ( Gen. *o. 6. ) the difcjpjine of the Church, ( Gen. 9. 25. ) and the PqjA'crof Magitfracy which then was (Gen. 9. 6.) did fcrvetodilcovcr and retrain tranfgrcfTions, and to con- vince finncrs ot their loll cltate becaufe of fin, before the Law given upon mount Sinai, and do yet lcrvc tor the fame ufes and ends to the chriftian Church : So the Lord was pleafed in renewing the Covenant of Grace with His People upon mount Sinai, to cart it in luch a legal nx>uld, as that hereby He might bringdown the pride ofthatftift-neckcd people. and the more effectually con- vince them of hn, and of God's curfe due to them tor fin: which legal difpenfation of the Covenant* did ftand in this mainly, that the duties and curies ot the Law were held forth frequently, fully and clearly, Exod. 20. 2, &c. Vert. 5. 6, err. 27. 1 5, ore. and 28. 15,6^. and the Promilcs chiefly of eternal lite; yea,and of Chntt and re- milFon of fins, but fparingly, and tor the 010ft part very obfeurely under the vail of earthly (Tiadows and cere- monies , 2 Cor. 3. 13, and under (bmedark prophecies, ^•5*. 7^3 compared \ 8. 54. And befidesaU this, there was a yoke of other duiies, over and above the duties ot the Moral Law , laid upon them, to wit, the duties of the Law both judicial and ceremonial, Exod. 24. Lev. 1. aud obedience to them moft ftnftly urged, and diat under hazard of the fame io much reiterated curfe, ®eut. 27. 2<5^for, laith he, The LaK Mai added, to wic, on mount Sinai, an 1 added to the Covenant- pro- mile made to Abraham, becaufe oftranfgrt]J;$mm Now, he cannot mean the Moral Law, as to the fubftancc of it; for, that did perpetually found in the Church ever fincc it was a Church, even before Aii/r j, Gen. i8, 19. and fo it was not then added : neither doth he mean by thcLafc, that whole DcxSnnc, which was delivered from God upon mount Sinai; for, that Dodtrincdid contain in it a Cov nam of Grace, the very proraifc of falvation and pardon of fin through the Media* to comet Chap.3 • of Paul ^/^Galatiaks. 147 Lukf 24. 29. which was formerly made to Abraham, only ic was cloathed with a more legal diipenlation 5 and fo the Law taken fo generally, cannot be laid to have been added. It remainech thcreforc?that by the Lartv, which was then added to the Promiie becaufe of tranlgreflions, muft be meaned that legal diipenfation of the Co/enapt of Grace, fet down in the body of this fecond Do^rine, whereby it did at the firft view, and without very ac- curate infpe&ion, appear to be a Covenant of Works, although it was really a Covenant of Grace. 3. This legal difpenfation of the Covenant of Grace, was not to continue alwaye* in the Church, but until the partition- wall being broken down at Chnli's death ( Ej>b. 2. 14, 15,16.) the Gentiles (hould be called unto the fellow- ship of the Church , and, together with the Jews, make up one compleat feed unto Abraham : then was the yoke* of judicial (Gew. 49.ro*) and ceremonial duties {All. 15. 10.) to be taken off; the vail of fhadows and dark prophecies, whereby Chrift and free-grace were hid and covered, to belaid afide> 2 Cor. 3. 1 1, 1 2* And though the duties of the Moral Law are yet to be prt fled (CoL 3.18, arc.) and the curfe of the Law to be denounced againft all who are in their natural eftate,£ to redeem us from the curfe of the Law, are more clearly Htld forth now in the dayes of the Gofpel ( ver.i ?.) than they were formerly : for* faith he, & to*a added becaufe of tranfgre/fions, till the feed [hould come% to Vbbom the Tromife YM* made. 4, The Gofpel is fo to be commended and preferred unto the Law, as nothing of that honour and refpeft which is due unto the Law, be taken from it ; and theDo<3rine of the Law and Gofpel are to be fo bounded, as neither may encroach upon the other : for, left ^wl in fetting limits between the Law and the Gofpel, (hould feem to vilifie the Law> he commendcth it from this, T-hat it km $rdained by cAngels in the handy or, by the miniftry and fcrvicc; 9fa Mediate. 5. Though Mofes was the Media- L % tot 148 A hritf Ex f option of the SpiJIU Chap, j, tor here fpoken of, ( Qeut. ?. 5.) yet it followcth not, that Angels and Saints arc Mediators in Heaven ; for Mofes was prefent with the people , and ordained a Mediator by God fllr this one ait, which was to relate and report the Law from God to the people : now it can carry no (bew of reafon, from this to conclude, that therefore the Saints, who are able nt in Heaven, and fo arc ignorant of us, (lfd.63.l6.) or > that either Saint or Angel fhould be COnftitutcd Mediators tp report our prayers and the fecrets of our hearts unto God, efoc cially icing no Scrip- ture doth prove that any fuch office is put upon them by God ; It MJ ordained in the hand of a Mediator. From Verf 20 Learn, 1. Confciencc of guilt pre- fenteth God as terrible, and takcth away all confidence from the guilcy (inner to approach in a friendly manner by himfelr to a provoked God : for, no entcrcourfe can be between God and His people, when they are not one, but differ by reafon of His peoples fin ; A Mediator is not of one, faith he : there was a difagrecment through fin, which called for a Mediator. 2. The Covenant of Works, entred with Adam in the (iate of innocency,was immediatcno Mediator intcrveening to make them one, wherein it differeth from the Covenant of Grace, Hek. 8. 6. for, God and man, before the fall, weie one , and no difagrecment betwixt them becaufe of fin; and fo there wasnoule fofa Mediator in the Covenant that was then made : tor, A Mediator is not a Mediator of one, faith 'Paul. ^No man can attain to Hcaven,or reap any advantage by a Covenant of Works, except he were perfeftly holy, and as free of fin as Adam was before his fall : for, the Apoflle, proving that God made no Co- venant of Works with them upon mount SiutfJ, and that they could have reaped no benefit by fuch a Covenant, thinketh it fufficicnt to evince, that they were then a fin- full people ,' which he cvinccth from this, that they flood in need of a Midf- man betwixt God and them; * a Mediator is not a Mediator of one, lakh he* 4. The Lord in all His difpcnlations is alwayes one > and like to Him- Cfaap.g. 0/PauIf* rfeGxiATiANS, I4p Himfelfc without any fhadow of turning, Jam.l.-ij* His work and way of dealing, may, and hath changed* even His way of difpenfing the Covenant of Grace to His Church, Heb. 8. 8, 9. but He remaineth unchange- able, there being no change of that kind which He hath not fore-' ordained by His unchangeable decree, Eph.im -11. Thus he faith, God is one, that is, with relation to the prefent fcope ; It any plead a right to Heaven, for the merit of their works* God will abate nothing of what He Himfelf did once prefcribe and require of man in the Covenant of Works. Verf. 21 ♦ h the Laft then Againft the Promifes ofGoh ?God forbid: for if there had been a Loto given tyhicb could haVegiVen life, Verily ^ighteoufneJS Jhould have been by theLato. 21. But the Scripture hath concluded all under fin, that the fromife by iaith offefm Qhrijl might be given to them that believe. COlloweth the third Obje&ion, to wit, If the Law be A given to difcover and condemn for tranfgrefltons , as is affirmed, ver.i 9. Then it is contrary to the Covenant- promife, which doth cover and pardon (in, quicken and juftifie the (inner. He anfwereth, 1. by denying and reje&mg the confequence as abfurd and abominable. 3. By retorting the Argument againft the Adverlanes themfefves: for, if the Law, or, if our works done in obedience to the Law, could procure eternal life, as they affirmed , Then our righteoufiieffe before God, fhould confift in Works > or, the Law fhould juftifie ; leaving them to gather, that this would fuppofe the former Co- venant by promife to be abolifhcd and quite deftroyed by the Law ; fo that, according to their Db£trine, the Law was both contrary unto, and d^ Mruftive of the Promife, ver. 21. 3. He anfwereth directly, fhewing the Law, called here*^ Scripture^ ( or, that bcripture, as k is in the Original ) while kconvinceth , accufcth and L 3 con- ■if 150 A trie f Exp option of the Efifile Chap. 3 ] condemneth all mankind for fin, and fo concludeth and incloleth all men under fin and the curfc due to fin, as the Judge doth the malefactor in prilbn, is not con- trary, but fubordinacc and fubfci vient to the Promife, in fofar, as that hen by the guilty (inner, ( being made to lay inde all confidence in his own righteoufneffe, fyw. 7. 9.) doth flee bv Fiich in Jefus Chntt tor a refuge to the Promilc 5 an except their errone- ous fenie and interpretation of Scripture be received, as intended by the Spirit of God : for, theie falle Apoltlcs did affirm, if fo the Law did not give life, but did only difcover and accuie for tranfgreflions , then God's mind in the Law fhould have been contrary to His mind revealed in the Promife: Hence Vaiil pro- pouniteth thisqucftion unto himfclf to anlwer» b the LaV> then againft the Ttomifcs pf God * 2. However Here- ticks may labour to fatten fuch abfurdities upon Truth, as if ic were contrary to fome other part* of God* mind revealed in Scripture ; yet their bold allegations will be found alwayesfalfe, and Truth to be ever moft confo- nant, and never contrary to it felf: for, fo theApoltle fheweth of the Truth in hand ; God forbid, faith he; 3. There are fome fins (chitflv thofcthatdo molt di- rectly reflect upon any divine perfection, or attribute of God) the very firit motions whereof, ought to be enter- tained with abhorrency and deteftation ; and this either when a tentationto commit fuch fins 13 prelented to us* Job 2.9,10. or, when the guilt of them. as already com- mitted, is intended to be unjullly faftned upon u$ : fort whcnPatifi advcrlaries would have charged him with making the Law to contradict* the Promiir, and io God to be changeable, and not conlbnanr to Himlelf; here- jcitcth this blafphemous charge with a God forbid 5 an ex- Chapj. 0/ PauIf0/£*GALATiANs; i'i cxpreflTton frequently uled by the Apoftle to fet out his high indignation againft fomewhat, wherewith his per- fon or dodrine was charged*, 'fym. 3. 4,6. fI{om. 6. 2. 2>o#. 4. As thefe abfurdities, wherewith the adverfaries of Truth are ready to brand the Truth un juftly {do often- times by direft and juft confequence moft direftly fol- low upon that Error> which they themfelves maintain : fo, in order to the refutation of Error, ( befides the al- leaging of fuch Reafons and Scripture-Truths as do di- rectly overthrow the Error J it is lawfull and alfo conve- nient, to prefent thofe abfurdities which do natively flow from it ; that in thefe the abfurdity of the Error ic felf may be fee n>fring n© abfurd andfalfe pofition can be drawn by juft confequence from that which is a Truth : Thus the Apoftle, refuting^hat error of Juftification by Works> doth charge it with that abfurdity which his adverfaries didlabour to fatten upon the contrary Truth, even of being contrary to the Covenant- promife* while he faith, If there bad been a Lfto given fvbicb couLi baVe given life, Verily rigbteoufnejs fhould baVebeenby tbeLa\^9 and fo thePromife had been abolifhed and made ufelefs. 5. No man can attain to life eternal* being deftituteof fome righteoufneffewhereby he may be made righteous: for, according to the Apoftle, If the Laft eoiild give life, to wit eternal life, ic behoved alfb to have given righte- oufneffe; Verily rigbteoufnefi JbouldbaVe been by tbeLafo. 6. So exaft and full is that righteoufnefle that is required in order to life, (See veMo.) and fo far fhort do all man- kind come of that righteoufnefle in themfelves, %»*. 5. 23. that no works of our own, done in obedience to the Law, can amount to that righteoufneffe : fonhe fpeaketh of it as a great abfurdity once to imagine* that rigbte- oufneffefbould baVe been by the L whereby he may either deny his fin, or efcape deferved wrath, by any thing which can be performed by himfelf : for, The Scripture, or. that Scripture, to wit, the Law efpecially, bath concluded ati under Jin, as in a moft ftrift prifon or dungeon ; for> fo the word beareth : and although by the Law here, be mainly and firftlymeaned that legal! difpenfationofthe Covenant of Grace, which flood in force during the time ot the Old Teftament, (Sec vcr.19. do6t. 2 ) that thereby this convift ion mi?ht bettie more effectually brought about ; vet the preffing of the duties of the Moral Law, and inculcating the curfc thereof up- on thofc who are in an unrenewed eftatc, dofcrve to conclude all under Cm yet, L^lV ?• ^ocf. 5. The Lawof God doth fcrvc to convince all men, notonly ^hat they are finners, but alfo that all their actions, coun- sels* endeavours, and Vfhatfoeyer procccdcth from any of Chap.3* */PauI/* the Gal ati an s. 153 ofcheir unrenewed faculties (Get*. 6.5.) are altogether fintul, and mctt juftly deferving Gcd'b wrath end curfe: for, he faith, ?be totyturt bath concluded all ( not only all iDen> but all things, tovvit, all things proceeding from iren) under fin. 4. So ignorant are men of Gods righ- teouiheffe revealed in the Gcfpel, and foaverie are they from clofmg with it, when it is made in fomemeafure known, lob, 5. 40 So bent are the^to eftabhfh their own righttoufnefie> according to the Law, ${pm. 10. 3. thacuntill the Law of God convince them of their alto- gether finfull and curled eftate by natuie ; yea, and that they can do nothing but fin , they will never be induced to quit all confidence in their own rightecufncfle> and flee> by Faith in J fus Chrift, for obtaining of rightecuf- nefleand lalvation, according tothetenour otthcGo- fpel and rromile : for, God did not only under the Old Tf /lament, but aho doth under the New ( *AB, 2. 37.) u(e that piece of d. vine artifice, to conclude all under jmy that the Vromife ( or, thine promifed) by iaitb in Jtfus Cbrifl may be given ; the Promife is not given, becaufe ere tyt under the tk+% fh.{% tip unto the Faith, ftbicb (hould afterwards be regaled. 14. Wherefore the LaW rt or that legal Difpcnfation of the Covenant of Grace, was fo ufefull unto the ancient Church, arid fo fiibfcrvicnt to the Promise, as is affirmed, vcr. «• Then why did Taw/ cry down the ufc of it , cfpecially the pra- ctice of the ceremonial Law now ? The Apoftle arrive- rethbydiftinguifhing times, and flicweth> that before Faith came, whereby he meaneth not the grace of favmg Faith, C for, that was alwayes in the Church, Heb, 1 1. 4^f.) buteichc Chrift, called Faith, becaufc He is the (tor it's the fame word, and chat fame purpole more fully expreffed,which is ver. 22,) under fin and the curie due to fin, that here- by they might be in a manner prepared, and, as it were, neceflitated to imbrace tie Do&rine of Salvation by Faith in Jefus Chnft> which was then but darkly, Mrf. 11. u • and afterwards more clearly revealed, the full revelation wl errot , they were by this mean, kept more intent upon, ver 23. Which latter ule of the Law,heil- luftrateth and concludeth, by (hewing the Law, as a Pe- dagogue or Schoolmafter, did with much rigor and fer- vitude, govern and rule the Church then in her infancy and chil hood , and there bv did lead the Elcft unto Chrift,that they might be juftified by faith. The Apoftle having thus (hewed (ver,2:,?4J that the L*fr, that is, the legal difprnfation ot the Covenant of Grace, was for good ufe to the ancient Church, denyeth that therefore the ufc of it (hould be continued now, when the doctrine of Faith is clearly manitefted ; yea, by the contrary, he (heweth it was then to be abrogated, and the Chriftian Church freed from theobfervationofit, becaufeit ex- erced only the office of a Schoolroafh r over children.and fo can have no authority over the Church, and efpeci- ally Believers now, ver. 25. which he proveth from this, That the Chriftian Church, and all ot them, to wit Jew and Gentile, were like a fon come to age, becaule of their faith in Chrift Jefus already come ; and fo was to be dealt with no longer as a childe under a SchooJ- mafter, ver. 26. FromVerf. 23. Learn, 1. Though there was Gofpel, or the Doftrine of Salvation by Free-grace, held forth, to be laid hold upon by Faith, unto the ancient Church, yer* 1 56 A brief Expofitton of the Epiflle Chap, f * ver .8. yet it was fo obfcurcly and fparingly propounded them and fo clearly and largely man ifefted now, That the Scripture fpeakech as U chat Do6trine had not been at all in the Church then, but only revealed now in the chyes of the Gofpel : for here, he callcth all the time of the Old reftanvnt, the time before faith came, or before thcDjftrine ot Free-grace, the objeft of Raich came, and that thu faith Was afterwards to be reVeahd, to wit> becaufe it was but fparingly revealed then. 2. Befides other differences betwixt the adminiftration of the Co- venant ot Grace under the Old Teftamcnt, and under the New, this was one, the old adminiftration was ex- tended only to the Jews. PfiL 147. 19, 20. and to tome of other Nnions* who, forgetting their own People, (P/4/.45.10 ) joyned themfelve* to them ; but the new is extended to all Nations, Mat. 28. 19. for,this difference is here hinted at, while the Apoftle ( f peaking of thofc who were under that old difpenfation. ver. 22, 24. ) fpeaketh of them in the firft perfon, We Were fcpt un- der 9(?c. We, that is, the N it ion of the Jews, whereof Paul was one ; but, fpeaking ot thofe who are under the newDifpenfatjon , he mentioneth not only the Jews, unHer the pronoun of the firft perfon, We, ver. 25. but alfo the Gentiles, under the pronoun of the fecond perfon, Ye ver. 26. for yey faith he, to wit, the Galatians of the Gentiles, are all the Children of God. 3. The adminiftra- tion of the Covenant of Grace under the Old T.ftament by fomany Rites, Sacrifices, Ceremonies, fuch a fyftem of politick Laws, fuch rigid preflmg of moral duties, with the annexed promifes of eternal life, and threat- nings of Gods wrath and curfe> (the Gofpel prom^fe all the while being hid,as it werc,bchind the curtain) among other ufes, did ferve tor a hedge, or a place of military defence, to keep that ancient People, of whomChrift was to come* diftinft and feparate from all other Nati- ons, as a befieeed city is guarded by walls, ditches, and armed fouldiers from the irruption of enemies : for, this is aimed at while he faith, We Were peeped under the Li*% to Chap. 3. ofVzul to tktGAi at iavs. 157 to wit, as by a military guard ; for lo the word figni- fieth. It's true, they were alio keeped from going aflray, either in Religion, or in life and convention • but that ule of the Law was meniioned,v.!9. Km our Scboolm* ;r but no^( being com: to grown nee. fhe i> no longer un- der a Schoolrmfter. i* The Lord's way of diipenfing Grace under the Ol i Teftamcnt , as it is let down in the Law given bv Mofes, was very liiitable to the childifh and infant- ftate of the Church, the Lord dealing with them in a way much like to that, whercbv Schoolma- fters do train up children at Schools : for, under this dilpenfation there were, firft, a whip and rod, to make therefra&orv ftand in aw, 1 ven the frequent inculcating of God\ curie (Deut.ij i^&c ) nnd comminations of temporal calamities ( ^e.r.28 if,C?*0 aod alio many ceremonial penances, in their manv *\ rfhings and puri- fications, ^v. 15 through the whole chapter. Secondly, there were allurements alio for tbofe, who wcrr ot better and fotter natures to gain and keep chern in ob-dicncc, fuch as did befit the ftate and condition of cipat People, even frequently reiterated promifes of temporal blcffings* ( toas eur Schoin after, faith he* 4* God's great defign and fcope in all this pedagogy of the Law, was, that thereby fouls might be dirtied unto Chrift, and made to dole with Him fcr righteoufnefic, %om. 10.4* The frequent inculcating of the Moral Law and Promifes of life upon their obedience, did convince them how far they were from that exaft rightcoufneffe* which God required; and that therefore they behoved tofeekforrighteoufneffe fome-where elfe, which wa* inforced by the threatnings of the Law, (hewing. that otherwifc they would perifh. The Ceremonies, Sacri- fices, and frequettt Wafhings, did alfo tend to this, even to convince them of > and to keep their eye fixed upon their own filthineffe and deferved damnation, and to make them feek tor rigbteoufneffe, fatisfa&ion to pro- voked Jufticcand the expiation of their fin, in that alone facrifice of the death and b!oud of Chrift, Beb. 9 9, 10, 11. for, faith he, ^he Life ft** our Schocimafier to bring m unto thrift; 5, The Godly, under the Old Tefta- ment, were juftified by Faith , laying hold upon Chrift for righteoufneffe, even as we are now : for, faith he, The LaV> did bring us to C^rifl> that toe might be juftified by Faith. From Verf. 25. Learn, 1. The propefingunfo our {elves to bring abouta good, neceffary and spiritual end, is not fufficicnt to juftifie our ufe-making of whatfeever means, we may conceive to be, or fometimes have been approvenof God, as conducible for that end, except thofe means have a pretentfismp of divine approba- tion for the ufingofthem; God's end is to be endea- voured by Hjj> own means : for, though the bringing of us to Chrift for righteoulneffe be as neceffary now un- der the Gofpel, as it was under the Law, and though the pedagogy of the Law of Mofes was an approven mean for l6o }^A brief Expo fit ton of the Epifrle Chap.3. for bringing about that end under the Ol I T< -fitment ; yet Paul will not grant. That therefore ic (hould now be made life of in order to chat end, becaufc under the dayes of the Gofpch the ty of divine authority enj >ynin? the life-making of that Schoolmiiler is ccafed; But afte, tl et faith ueomty "toe arc no longer und?r a $cho$lmallr faith he ; and therefore arc not to fubfdS our lclves unto him. xThoueh che curie ot the moral La m i< to be denounced againft all impenitent finners in the Chnftian Church. that hereby they may be conftraincd to Are unto Cbrtft forriphtcoufneffc, Job. 3, 36. and the precepts thereof are to b.* ursed upon the Regenerate, as the rul<* of their ob di nee, Epb. 6. 1, (?c. and though the exa& nehtc- oufnefle, required in the Law, doth fcrve a. 1 gl lfle, wherein even the Renewed mav fee their manifold fail- ings, %o>n. 7. 14, (yc. and lb be nccHfi uf.1 to betake thcmfclves daily to the bloud of fprinkling for pardon* ^onirj. 15. ( In which refpefts, the moral L*w maybe called a Schoolmafter even to the chriftian bui ch, and a Schoolmafter to bring them to Chr .ft ) vet the chnftian Church is fully freed from ti^at legal rttipenfation of the Covenant of Grace, which was added to tj»c Covenant- promife upon mount Sinai, which what it was, is ex- plained, ver. 19. doft. 2. and ver. 24. dofct. ?. for after that Faitb is come , tttf are no wore under tb*> scbtofrnajter, faith he. From Verf. 16. Lear;i> 1. The Church of God under the New Teftamefit* as to her otkwan ftJte, is in a ftate of Sonfhip or Adoption, which notcth her freedom from that rigor and fervitude.undcr which the ancimtChurch was through the outward lepal difpenfnion of the Co- venant of Grace* chap. 4 ;. and the truly godly have fome peculiar dignity added in relation to cheprace of Adoption over and above what Relievers under the Old Teftament had , in fo far as the vail of that legal d if pen- fat ion being removed, the generality, at lcafhof Bel e- vers now have more ready acceflc to the Covenanr-pro- mite, and a clearer infight in, and knowledge of all rhofc privi- Chap. £ of Pari to the Ga i at i Tan si r6i priviledges* which belong unto them as the fons of God» Heb.it. 22, 25, 24. for, taking what the Apoftle faith of their being the children of God in both or either of thofe refpetfs, his intended fcope is brought about, which is to (hew, That the chriftian Church is not under the pe- dagogy of that Mofaical difpenfation, even for, or, be- cause ye are all the Children of GU> faith ho. 2 Though Faith in the Meffiah to come, did entitle Believers under the Old Teftamcnt, to the dignity of Sons and Daugh- ters to the Lord Almighty ; yet Faith in JrfusChrift already come, doth addefome peculiar dignity of Son* (hip upon the chriftian Church , and elpcciallyupon Believers in it, even that which is prefently mentioned in the preceding Do&rine , the Lord having been plea- fed to make the Churches full growth, and utmoft per- fe<5tions, ( as to her priviledges, and outward ftate ancf meafurc of accefle ) to tryft with His Son's coming in the flefh, that Kb His entry to the world might be more (lately, as being accompanied with fuch a meafure of royal munificence, Heb. 1 1 . 40. for, faith he, Te are all the children of God by tiatth m Jefus Qhrifi , to wit* al- ready come. Verf. 27. For as many of pu as ha\e been baptised into Cbrift, haVeputon {Jorift. 28. There is neither J ev> norGree^, there is neither bond norfreey there is neither male nor female : for ye are all one in £britt Jefu*. 29. And if ye beQhrifl's, then are ye Abraham's feed, and heirs according to the Promife^ TTHe Apoftle (having proved that the chriftianChurch A is freed from the mofaicaldifpenfation, which was added to the Promife upon mount Sinai ) feemeth in thefe verfes> not only to confirm that, which he had prefently affcrted, of our being the children of God by Faith, be- caufe we are baptized intoChrift* have put onChrift, arc one in Chrift j butalfo and raainly# to obviate an M Ob- J 62 vf brief Expofttion of the E piffle Chap, j Obje&ion yet more made ufe of by the faltc A poftlcs in behalf of Circumcihon , which was not added upon mount Smat unto the Promife. but given to Abraham with the Promife, as the initiatory feal of the Promife Gen. 17- 10. whence, it feems, they argued, That notwith- ftanding all that which was added upon mount Sinai, was now abrogated ; yet Circumcifion was to be kept in the Church, as that without which none could oe Abraham^ iced, or an heir according to the Promife. The Apoftlc'b Anfvvcr comcth in tftedt to this, That Bap- tifm into Chrift, that is, which Icalcth and fipnifieth our ingrafting into Chrift, (%».6. 4.) was fubftituted in the place ofCircumcifion, and lufficient for comparing all thole ends, for which Circumcifion was inftitutcd ; and that becaufc they who arc baptised into C^ijtydo put vn Cfaijt, and fo arc in a manner incorporate, and make one body with Him, as a man is incorporated with his garments, from which the word is borrowed, vcr. 26. Which incorporation of the chriftian Church, and ma- king all the members thereof one in Chrift, hcftieweth is effeduatcd without any refpe&had to any difference of Nations, conditions worldly, or diftin&ion of fexes, leaving them to gather, that Circumcifion (which, by vertue of its inftitution, did lerve for keeping up a diftin- £tion between Jew and Gentile, ( Exod. 1 2. 48. ) could have no influence upon this bufineflc, ver. 28. From all which he concludeth , Seing Baptifmdodi teftific and feal up ChrilVs intereft in thofe who are baptized, as His and their union with Chrift, who is the real Head of the blefled Race, through whom alone Abraham and his feed were to be blefled, That therefore ipfo faHo> and without any more ado, they were Abraham** feed, and apparent heirs of that heavenly inheritance given unto dbrgbmm by promife, and fo, that there was no ncceflitv, in order to this end, of joyning them to the blefled Nation by Circumcifion, as the ancient Profclytcs were, and, as the fallc A pottles allcagcd, (hould yet be praftifed* Tcr. ip. From ChaptV ^Paul to the Gal at iav$^ j6i Vrom Vcrf«l7. learn, 1. Though Circumcifion the initiatory Seal, and leading Sacrament of the Covenant under the Old Tcftament, (Exod. 1 2*48* be now abo- lished with the reft of that ancient difpenfation; yet^ feing the Church of God, even under the New Tefta- mentis not wholly fpiritual, but in part earthly and car- nal, (%w.7*f4.j finding in need to be inftru&ed and confirmed in fpiritual Truths by things fenfible and earthly, J oh. 3. 12. it hath therefore feemed goo4 unto God to en joyn the celebration of fomc Sacraments in the chriftian Church unto the end of the world. Mat, 28, Ip, 20. which are in Signification more clear, and in ufe leffe painfull and burden lorn ; and particularly, He hath fubftituted Baptifm in the place ot Circumcifion* Which doth ferve for all thefe fpiritual ufes now, which Circumcifion did ferve for then, to wit, all thefe ufes which were of common concernment to the Church at all times,and not peculiar to the difpenfation which thea was : for, the Apoftle, clearing how Circumcifion was now abrogated, doth {hew how Baptifm doth it in all thofe neceflary ufes for which it did ferve ; for at many of you 06 ha\e been bapti^fl into Cbrift, baVeput on Cbrijt. 2. Among other ufes for which Baptifm doth ferve, this . is the firft and chief, to fignifieandfealup our ingraf- fing into, and union with Chrift : there is an external vifible union, confifting in external covenanting, and fe- rious profeflion of chriftian Truths , either personally or parentally,which is fealed up to all vifible Profeflbrs ab- folutely ; for, they are in Him externally, Job, 1 5. 2. There is a real and faving union fignified and fealed up unto all the Regenerate abfolutely ; for* they are in Him favingly, fym.8. 1. and to all the Members of the vifible Church conditionally, if fo they come up to the termes which Scripture calleth for, as neceflary in order to uni- on with Him, to wit, faving Faith : for, this much the Apoftle doth import, by faying, ^e are baptised into Cbrifly even that our ingrafting into Him is fignified and fealed by Baptifm. 3. Baptifm doth alfo fignifie and M 2 feal 1^4 A brief Sxpefitipn of the Epiftte Cbap^: fcalour putting on of Chrift, to wit, by Faith; for, by Faith we make application of Chriltunto ourfelves, J$b. 6. 40. and Chrift lb applied, fervcth for thi fame ufc to the foul, which garments do fervc to the body ; He covercth oui loath fom nakedncfle, %V. 3. 18. and is alio for an ornament unto us, Epb. 5. 27. He communi- catcth heat and warmnefle, even thole fweec refrefhing influence^ of His Spirit, for life and godlinefle, Cmt. 1. u and 2^5,6. And Chrift is thus, and tor thele ends put on in Baptiim ; partly becaufe Baptifm engageth all who are baptized, to put Him lb on X(om.6.4. and partly,bc- caufe thole who are baptized inwardly by the Spirit, as well as outwardly by Water* do aftually and really put Him on, I Pet. MI. A many 44 are baptised into Qbrijl, ha)>cputonCbritt; It's a metaphor taken from garments which men put on to cover, adorn, and keep themfelves Warm. From Verf. 28. Learn, I« Though Chriftian Religion abolifh nor thofe civill diftin&ions, which are between Nation and Nation, Mafter and Servant, 1 Tfl. 2. 18. or the dignity of the one fex above the other, 1 Cor. u. 7>8,9. Yer it laycth no weight upon any of thefc as to the point of acceffe unto Chrift and ufc-making of Him. Whatever Nation, rank, orfexaperfon be of, it is all one in this matter ; none are debarred from Chrift nor yet the more accepted by Him for any of thefe things ; for, havinf fpoken of putting on Chrift* he lubjoyncth, there u neither JeK nor Gentile. ^reef^y CTf. 2. After, and upon Chrift's coming in the flefh the door of Free -grace hath been much more enlarged beyond what it former- ly was 5 <° that the Greek and Gentile have all reftraints taken off, and a like read> accede with the Jews to Je- fus Chrift : for, the Apoftle's main fcope in this verfe, is tofhew, that there is no difference now between Jew and Greek ; and by confequence> that Circumcilion, which was one main part of the partition-wall betwixt them, was not any longer to ftand in force ; and what is fpoken of the bond and/w, male znd female, fecmeth to Chap.j. *f Pzul to th? Galatians. itfy to be added for illuftration and confirmation of this Truth only, except he doth alfo hint, that thofe rcftraincs which were upon bondmen, and the female fex, as to the enjoying of fome priviledges under the Old Teftament, (Gen.tj. lo. £*K it. io.) were now alfo taken off; Tforcts wither JeHftnr Greel^, bond noi free, male nor fe- male. 3. There is an union among all thole who are baptized, whereby they make up, as it were, but one man, to wit, all vifible Church- members of all Nations* of every condition, and of both fexes, make up one po-» litick Body, having by divine appointment the fame Laws, Government, the fame kind of Office-bearers, andTpirkual Courts , and enjoying the fame priviled- ges, 1 Tim.6. 1 ?>»4- And all real Believers make up one myftical and fpirkual Body, as being animated, act^d and ruled by one and the fame Spirit of jdus, rf#. 1 5. 8,9. for, faith he, Tbey are all one, or, one man. 4. The bond and ty of the Churches unien, is Jeiiis Chrift. And according to the nature of that union, which is between Him and them, whether external and by a profefltoti only, or internal and by vertue of faving Faith alfo, So is the nature of that union which is among themfelves* either external or political only, or internal and myftical alfo ; and the more that any be united and keeped near to Chrift, he will be at greater nearneffe unto chefe who are Chrift's : for, having fpoken of their putting on Chrift, he fubjoyneth, ye are all one in Chrift Jefm. From Verf. 29. Learn, 1. By vertue of our Baptifm, and our putting on of Chrift in Baptifm, a right and intereft in, and over us, doth accrelTe to Chrift , Co thac we become in a peculiar manner His, feing in Baptifm we enter an open and profeffed engagement to be wholly and only the Lord's : for, in place of reluming, If ye, be~ ingbaptis^edinto Cbnji, ba\>e put on Cimfl, (which was the foundation of the prefent inference laid dovtfn, ver. 7TJ.) he rifurreth, If ye be Chrijs, implying the one of tbefe doth follow upon the other. 2. The Chriftian Church, or all who are given over unto Chrift in Bap- M 3 txhh \66 tA brief Expofttio* of the EpiflU Chap.3; tifm, are Abraham** feed, and heirs of the promifed in- heritance, to wit> with regard had to that diftin&ion of feed, ver.8. do^.8. And hence it followeth, that the •harter of this inheritance, or the Covenant betwixt God and His People, hath been alwayes for fubftance one and the fame , and that the Church of the Old and New Tcftament are both one, even the felf-famc feed of Abraham^ differing in nothing further than a man ot per- fect age, doth differ fromhimfelr being a childe, and that there is but one Faith, one Salvation, and one way of obtaining the fame, under both Teftaments : for,faith he> If ye bt Cbrijh, ye art Abrahams feed, fpeaking to the Chriftian Church. 3. Though all thofe fore-mention- ed, be the fame under both Teftaments, yet there arc fome accidental differences, whereof one lyeth in the different wayes of incorporating perfons unto that blcf- fed fbeiety to whom the heavenly inheritance doth ap- pertain* which then was by being circumcized , in evi- dence of their fubjefting themfdves wholly to that bur- denfomadminiftration, under which the Church then was ; But now it is fufficient to be baptized, and by (b doing to fubjeft our felves unto Chrift : for, ( in oppo- sition tothefaKe Apoftles, who ftill maintained that none could be Abraham's feed, except they were circum- cifed, and would fubjeft themfelvestothe Law of Mo- fes ) the Apoftle affirmed), Iff* be Cbrifis, then are ye Abraham's feed} o*c. CHAP; Chap.4* */Paul to the G a l a t i a n s . I 6y CHAP. IV. JN the firft part of this Chapter, the Apoftle doth further clear theChurche's freedom from thac ancient Policy of the Jewifh Church by the fimilkude of a Pupil, and his Tutors-, which fimilitude is propoun- ded, ver. 1 3 2. And applyed, firft, to the Churches bon- dage under the Old Teftamenc, ver. g. and fecondly, to her freedom from that bondage under the New, ver-4> 5* whereof he giveth an evidence? to wit, God's beftowing upon them the Spirit of Adoption, ver. 6. and fo conclu- ded the difpute, ver. 7. In thefecond part, he laboureth upon their affe&i- ons, firft, by a (harp reproof for their defeftion, which heaggregeth, ver. 8, 9. and giveth fome inftances of it, ver. 10. and hintcth at the great hazard they were in becaufe of it, ver. 1 1 • Secondly, by a moft affe&ionate infinuation,wherein he exhorteth them to be affe&ionate towards him, and (heweth how dearly he affe&ed them, ver. 1 2* inforcing the former, and evidencing the latter, from his thankfull acknowledgement how aflfe&ionate they were once to him for the Truths fake> to ver. 17. Ar>d obviateth an objedtion taken from that intenfe af- fection which the falfe Apoftles feemed £0 carry unto them, by (hewing wherein their zeal and affeftion was defective, ver* 17. and the nature of true zeal, veM8. Giving evidences, that this true zeal and affe&ion was in himfelf towards them, ver. 19, 20, In the third part, he confirmeth and Hluftrateth the whole preceding difpute by the hiftory ofeAbrabam's fa-' rnily. And firft, he prefaceth, defiring them to make the Old Teftament judge in this controverfie, ver. 21. Se-? condly, he propounded! the typical hiftory, ver, 22, 2?. Thirdly, he expoundeth the myftery of the two Cove- nants prefigured by the hiftory, ver. 24, 25, 26. Fourth- ly, he confirmeth the truth of this myftery from Scrip- Mi 4 ture, f 68 A brief Sxpfition of the Epijtle Chtpu^ cure, ver. 17. Fifthly , hemaketh application of the whole purpofe, firlt for information of the way to at- tain the heavenly inheritance, ver, 28. Secondly, for conlblacion againlt piclcnt pcrlecucions, to the end. Vcrf. !♦ *Kf 0* / fay, that the heir at long u he U a ^ X childe , differetb nothing from a fer^ani, though he he lord of *ll. a. But u under Mori and governors, until tbt time appointed of the father. THc A poftle ( b?ing yet further to clear the Chur- ches freedom from that legal external policy of the ancient Church, whereof he lpake fo much, chap. 3. vcr.19, err.) doch ule another (irailitude taken from a pupil, and his tutors and curators. And, firft, having made a transition ufual to him. when he is more fully to explicate any former purpofc, (Srcchap 5. 16. I Cor. 1 j, 50. ) he fctteth down the Similitude in thefc verfes to this purpofc, That a childe though he be heir and owner of all his fathers inheritance in hope,and as to right, yet fo long as he is a minor, and under age, hedif- fcrcth nothing from a fcrvant in point of fubje&ion, and as to free government and enjoyment of his rights and poods, ver. 1. and this becaufe he himlelf is ruled, and his cftate managed by tutors and curators ; the conti- nuance of which fubje#ion, the Apoftlefhewcth is or- dinarily limited unto the tims prefer i bed by the father, longer than which the heir is not to remain in that ftate of (ub jeftion to his tutors, ver.2. There are indeed other limits of childrens minority prefixed by the Law, behdes the Will of the father ; but he mentioneth this $ becaufe it only doth quadrate to the prcfent purpofe, for which the fimilitude is made life ot. From this ufual cullon among men, approved of here by the Spirit of God, being confidered jn it Cclf, and without refpedt had to that fpintual purpofc unto which it is applied afterwards* Learn, I. So licentious is youth. where Cbap.4* ffVm\ to the CAtAriAVtl it9 where there is do rcftraint, ^nd fo toolifh, as being defti- lute of experience » and more ruled by the inundation of impetuous paflions than force of reafon, That it is much conducing ( both for a man's ielh and tor the publicfc good oftheiocietv among whomheliveth) he be firft iubje£tc-d unto others, and made to obey as a fervant, (wheuby in proerefieof time he may attain fome wif- dom and experience ) before he have abfolute power to dilpofe ot his own eftate , and obtaiji dominion over others * otherwile it could not be to generally agreed unto by all parents and in all nations: that the heir at long as he is 4 cHUefhould differ nothing from a ferVant, which the Apoftle foe aketh of as an approven cuftom* and excepted againft bv none* 2. It is theduty of pa- rents, ab to provide a competent portion for their chil- dren whereupon ti ey may live^when they themielves are dead and gone , fo to do what in them lyeth tofecure their portion for them 5 left it be delapidated by their childrens follv> or any other way rendred ufelefle unto them : for5unto this end are tutors and curators provided by the rather unto the childe; $ut be is under tutors and governors. 3, Though parents are not to give unto their children jnft caufe of irritation. Col. 3.21. yet they ought not to plf afe them to their hurt, but in lome things muft crofle their humour, to wit, < Specially when their fo do* ing tendeth evidently to their childrens good: fonthough the heir, even when he h a childe, would affeft liberty, and abfolute dominion over his own eftate ; yet the wife parent muft kecphim under fubjection to tutors and gover- nors. 4. It is no fmall mercy unto children when God doth prolong the life of parents untill they themfelves at- tain to lo much age and experience as may enable them to manage their own affairs ; k ing otherwife their per- fon and eftate muft come under the tuition, f overnment* and reverence of others, who poffibly may prove their unfriends : for, they muft even be under tutors and go- vernors. 5. Parents would labour to carry themfelves With fo much equity, wifdom and ftreightneffe in pro- viding tjo A brief Expofition of the Epifile Chap."^ viding a worldly portion for their children to live upon, as they do not diibblige thofc with whom they have commerce ; that (o they may with fomc mcafure of con- fidence commit the tuition of their children and means to the care and ovcrfight of others, even thofc whom they (hill be necefTuaccd to appoint for tutors and gover- nors. 6. ft is the wildomot parents to place no fuch truft of their children and means upon any , thouph orherwife never fo much truft-worthy, burthat they be limited in, and at a fct time be obliged to give an ac- count of their truft. Power and truft is a thing fo dan- gerous, that if it be at the intruded parties option, there are but few who willingly do part with it : Therefore, as for one reafon, it is marked here, as a part of the fa- ther's providence to prefcribe a time, longer than which his childe is not to be under tutors and governors ; Until the tine appointed by troe father, faich he. Verf. 5. Even fo Vte, XfihenTM toere children, Wrereinbenm d.igc under the elements of the xtorld. OEreheapplyeththe fimilitude, (hewing the Church *• when (lie was in her infant- ftatc under the Old Te- ftamrnt, was kept in bondage and fubjeftion under that rigid and drift adminiftration or outward policy which then was, and ferved for an A (& C, or, a rough Rudi- ment, whereby the ancient Church was inftru&ed, for the moft part, by refemblances taken from earthly and wordly things. The firft Doftrine which arifeth from his u(c-miking of an earthly fimilitude to clear a fpiri- tual Truth, is already marked, chap. ?. ver. 1 ?. doft. 2. Learn, 2. The Church of God under the Old Tcfta- mcnt,was in a ftatc of nonage, and as an infant or childd firft, for quantity, as being contained in narrow bounds, once of one family, Gen. 4, 3, 4. and at moft, but of one nation, "P/i/. 147 l9» 20. Secondly, in underftanding ) for although fomc perfons were then endued with more excellent gifts of wifdom and knowledge, than any now, fuch Chap.4* °f pau^ t0 thi G A L ATI AN s ^ 171 fuch as Jbrabdtn, VaVtd.&c. And though many, even under the New Teftament, are but in underftanding children and babes, Htb.%. 1 2. yet (confidering tfa more dear revelation of the Gofpel, which now is, 2 Cor, 3* 18.) we not only have an opportunity of attaining to much more knowledge now, than they had then, Matt,; 13.7. but alfo the generality of Chriftians are much more knowing of Gofpel- my fteries than the body of the Jewifh Church was,A^*t.iia 1. Yea, and thofe of them who excelled moft in knowledge, did fee but afar off, 2>tf«M8. 18. and through a cloud of many dark Cere- monies, Heb,9> 9' which now are removed : for, fpeak- ing of the Jewifti Church before Chrift came, of which himfelf was one , he faith , When *toe "here children. 2>oB< 3. The ancient Church was alfo in a ftate of bon- dage : not as if the Godly among them had not been heirs by Faith of the heavenly Inheritance, and parta- kers of the priviledge of Adoption, (for fo the fimilitudc (hould not hold, which compareth the Church then to a childe who is heir, and by right, lord of all things) but, firft, they were tyed to a number of ceremonial obfer- vances, or worldly rites and figures, which were a kind of bondage and flavery to the outward man, &£t. 1 5.-I0* Secondly, their inward man was under fbme degree of bondage alfo, in fo far as by the rigid adminiftration which then was, duties were with much ftridtnefle pref- fed, and covenanted influence for through-bearing in duty, and grace forpardoning their negledt of duty but fparingly revealed, job.i .17. Wey token yn>e toere children, fare in bondage, faith he. fDott. 4. The multiplying of bodily fignificant rites in the matter of Worfnip, is a bringing of the Church unto a kind of bondage, and a reducing of her to a ftate of infancy and minority : for, therein did confiftagreat part of that bondage wherein the ancient Church was, even that they V»ere under the elements of the toor I df Verf; 17* vJkriefExpfithw *f thi EpiJN* Chap.4; Vcrf. 4. ®«i **<* thefulnefje of the time Xhu come, God fent fortb Hu Son rntde of a townath made under the LmH>, 5. To redeem them tb*t *ere under the La>} tbat^e might reeeM the adoption of font. TJE applyoch the fimflitudc yet further unto the Chur- ^ches freedom from the fore-m ntioned bondage, which he (heweth was brought about at the time re- folyed upon by God, as molt fit tor that bufinefle ; ac which time* and in order to the purchalc of this free- dom, God (cm Hi9 own Son, the fecond Perfon in the Meffed Trinity, to the world, who was in a miraculous way incarnate* as being conceived in the womb of a virgin (//i. 7. 14. ) without the company of any man, Mat. 1. -18-. and being lb incarnate* did iubjed Him- fclf both to the precepts ( M*t. 7. i$ ) and curie of the Law, Mtfft.fc 8. This is, ver. 4* Wliercby was brought about, firft, the delivery and redemption of thole who were under the Law, to wit, of all theEleft, from the curfcof it (chap. ?. i;-J and of the whole Church in general from that rigor and fervitude under which fhe was as to her outward ftate, #/>&. 2.15-. for, except this be taken- in under the redemption fpoken of, the Apo- ftlc's main fcope ( which is to put a difference betwixt the Church under the Old Tettament, and theChurch under the Ne w, as to her bondage and freedom ) fhould not be touched ; efpecially (eing Believers then, were redeemed from the curfe of the Law, as well as Belie- vers now, Habak^x. -4. And, (econdly, hereby was pro- cured our receiving or enjoying the Adoption of Jims, whereby is not meaned only the benefit of Adoption m it fclf, ( for Believers under the Old Teftament were the adopted children of God, Jf. ?i.-9. ) but alfo, and mainly a clearer manifeftation of that priviledge, and a more free ufc and fruition of it , whereby the Godly un- der the New Teftament do not only attain to a clearer infighc in their Adoption, and the dignity following up- on Chtp»4* *fPaul ***^Gaiatians. 175 on ic^ow.8. 15. but alfoto the aftual enjoyment of ihcir Inheritance in part, or of the graces ot Goch Spirit in a greater cneafuie than the ancient Church did , jer. 31. 33, 34. which is held forth as a conlequence of our freedom from that rigorous discipline and government under which thty were* FromVerf 4. Lev*, 1. The time when Cod in His providence beftoweth a mercy upon His Church, or particular Believers in the Church, ( 1 Pet. 5.6 ) will, upon an exaft iurvey of all circumftances* be found the fulltime> in fo far as it is in the moft confiderable re- fpefts the fitteft time for the beftowing of it, which hoi- deth alfb with the time wherein He afflið His People, l ¥ct9 1.6, He doth all things welh and in feafon, TfaL 94.18. for> in place of faying Chrift was lent unto the world at the time appointed of the Father* relative to that part of the fimilitude, which is, ver.-2. he faith, When tbefulnefe of time fto* cmey Codfent forth His Son. 3. We are not to wonder , or curioufly enquire, why Je- fus Chrift did come no iooner to the world, or why the Churches delivery from her external bondage was fo long delayed , feing all thefe things were fo ordered of God, arid did come to pafle in the full and fit time; When the fulnejfe eftime Veto come, Cod fent forth His Son. 3. Jefus Chrift had a being and fubfiftance before His incarnation He was even from all eternity truly God, Trrt.Z. 23. for,Heisfirft/f«*/t>*tfc before HeVasmade tfa \toman. 4, The Father cannot but accept the obe- dience of Chrift in name of thofe for whom it is offered, and who do lay hold upon it by Faith ; feing Chrift did not come of Himfe!f> but was fent by the Father to payf in obedience to the Law, that He might redeem thofe that were under the Law : for, Codfent His Son, to wit, not by difpatching Him from one place to another ( for the Son being God> is prefent in all places* and can be abfent from none ) but by making Him appear invefted with the humane nature,which before He w as not.5.Je- fus Chrift is Gods Son in a way proper to Himielt alone as 174 A *>ruf hxpojttion of the EptJtU Chap.4; as being His only Son by nature, Job.i.xq. the eternal- ly begocten Son of the Facher, Pf*l. a. 7. and checxprefle Imag? of the Father's Glory, Heb. f . ?. for, it is of Him he fpeaketh, while he faith, God fent His S$n. 6. It be- hoved our Mediator to be true man, God's unchangable juftice fo requiring, that the fame nature which finned fliould alio iuffer for fin : for> He *>as mtde of a Xtoman. 7- Chnft's humane nature was miraculoufly formed by the holy Ghoft in the womb of a virgin without the company of any man ; whence ic followcth, that He was free from the guilt of Jdam\fa({ fin , and confeq lently of original fin, which defcendeth from Adam unto all his poftericy,who come of him by ordinary generation,^. 5. 3. butChriftdid not fo come of him ; for, He ^41 made of- a Katun, and not begotten by a man, Mat. 1. 18. 8. Tnc body of Chrift was not created in Heaven, and conveyed to the womb of the virgin, and from her to the world without taking of its fubftance from her, as water is conveyed through a conduit) but it was framed in the virgin and of her fubftance : for, He was made of 4 I t*n. 9. Though th^re be two natures ifi Chrift, as b. ing both God and man, yet He is but one perfon ; for, the fame Son who was fent by the Father is made of 4 Ttoman. 10, By vcrtucofthis perfonal union of the two natures in Chrift, thofe things which are only verified in the one nature, are attributed unro, and fpoken of the whole Perfon; for, to be made of a woman (which agrceth only to the humane nature ) is alcribrd to the Perfon of the Son ; God fent forth Hu Son, made of a fco- man. 1 1 . Jcfus Chrift being thus incarnate, was in re* fpeCt of Hi* humane nature, while in theftateof humi- liation, truly fubjedted to the Law , and accordingly conformed Himfclf unto it , whatfoevcr Law ic was, whether general or moral , which all men are obliged unto, Lu\i z. 5 c . or more (pedal, pofitivc, and ccremo- niall, which the Jews and children of Abraham were bound to obey* Mat. 3. 1 ?• or vet more particular of a Redeemer and Saviour, which He Himlelf only was ob- liged Cbap.4* *f Paul tcth Gaiati ans. 175 ligcd unto, even to die for us, Vfal. 40. 6. 7 8. for. faith theApoftle, BeVeasmade under the Laf*. 12. Hough Chnft,as He was a creature, whofe will cannot bt the fupreamLaw, was thus bound to fubjeft Hiinlelt to the Law ; yet it doth not follow hence, that therefore He did not fulfill the Law for us, but for Himielf only, tecaule this obligation did flow from His taking- on the humane nature, which He did freely and for our good : for, up- on His being maae of a tooman, He was alfo made under the Late, otherwayes He was free from the Law. From Verf. 5. befides what is marked upon chap* j« ver. !$♦ Learn9 l« , Not only Chrifl's death and fuffer- ings, which commonly go under the name ot His paffivc obedience , but alio His aftive obedience to the Law, in all thofe things, and thofc things only wherein we were obliged, is imputed unto us as our righteculnefs & price, whereby we are redeemed from the Law's curfe : for, He was made under the Lato, that He might redeem them that toere under the Lato. So that the price of our Redempti- on and His fubje&ion to the Law, are of equal extent- 2. As all men by nature arc under the curfe ( Eph. a« 3. ) and irritating power of the Law ( fym.j. 5.) and the JewHh Church were under that ancient rigid difpen- fationofthe Law, binding them chiefly to the obferva- tionof many coftly and burdenfem ceremonies; (See ver. 3.) fo no kffe was required in order to a Redempti- on, whether from the one or the other, than the incar- nation of the Son of Gcd, and His obedience ( both by doing and fuffering) to the whole Law of God : only with this difference, the Eleftwere redeemed under the Old Teftament from the curfe and irritating power of the Law, by venue of Chrifl's obedience, while it was yet to be actually performed : for, though it be other- wife in natural caufes, yet a moral caule, not prefert in being, but only iuppofed as future, may have its (ffeft: but the Redemption of the Jewith Church from that ri- gid difpenfation of the Law, was not tffeftuate before Chrift was a&ually incarnate, and did give real obedi- ence 1 76 A ftrmf Bxpo/Htin */ we SftjtH Cbap.4; etice to the Law, God having lb order* d chac thole legal (hadowsfhouldnotcvamfti until Chnft the fubftance of chcrn did come : for* it is with relation to this, as a main part of hi« prefent fcope, that the Apoftie faith, Cod fent forth Hit Son, to redeem them that x>ere under t \ e La*. 3. The outward admin iteration of che Covenant of Grace under the Old Tcftiment, had fome infl jence upon the ancient Church, even a>. to the inward (tateof particular Believer* i in fo tar chic though the Godly Chen did partake of the fame fpi kual bletfings whereof we partake now ; yea, and fome particular persons were endued with greater sifts ofr the Spine than many now are; Yet greate- pit ntv and abumiancr of Grace is be- flowed upon the Church in cue tunc of the Golpe 1, if wc refpeft the body of thi Church md Faithfull in general, than was beftowed be fore Chnft came : tor, the Apoftle putting a difference betwixt thofr two times, fpeaketh of receiving the adoption $f font, as a thing proper to the dayes of theGofpel ; not as if the Spirit of Adoption had been altogether withhoklen from the ancient Church , but becaufe it was then tempered with the fpintof fcrvitude, the wav to Heaven not as yet clearly manifefted. H-eb.g.%. and is now beftowed in a more ample, clear and plentifull meafure ; for, it is not un- ufual in Scripture that this fhould be affirmed of onefand as it were tacitly denyed of anothen which is more illu- irious in one than in another, though it be common to both, Mat. 15 14. according to which rule the fol- lowing fixch verle muft be expounded. Vfrf. 6. %And becaufe ye are hm> God bath fent forth the Spirit of Hit Sou into your hearts, crying, Abba, father. LIE giveth an evidence of their having received the * adoption of fons in a more clear and plentiful! meafure under the New Tcttamcnc. ro wit God's fend- ing forth the holy Spirit, the thin! Prion in the blcfled Trinity, and making Hjmmanifcft His prtfence by His fpecia) Chap.4* ofVzul to the Galati ah s. 177 fpecial and fupernacural gifts in the hearts of Believers* whereby they were enabled like htde children to own and incall upon God as their Father ; and this without anydiftin&ionof J eK 01 Gentile, which feemeth to be hinted at by the two epithets given to God , both figni- fying the fame thing , the one *Abbay a Syriack word* which language was then commonly fpoken among the Jews, the other a Greek v\ord> rendred Father, which wag moft commonly uied among the Gentiles : Now this of God'fe fending forth His Spirit under the New Teftament, is not to be (o underwood, as. if He had not been fent forth into the hearts of Believers under the Old Teftament > but that He is n w poured-out in a greater meafure, Joel 2. 28. ®octm 1. There are three Perfons in the bleffed Trinity, the Father, the Son,and the Spirit? all fpoken of here ; God hath fent forth the Spirit of His Son. 2. The Spirit here fpoken of> is not a naked qua- lity, or operation and wodc only, but a perfon fubfifting of Himfelf, as appeareth horn this, that He is faid to be fent forth, which agreeth only to perfons , God hathfenO forth the Spirit of Hu Son. 3. He is a divine Perfon, and no meer creature 5 for He dwelleth in the hearts of all Believers, which can be faid of no perfon but God ; God hath fent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts. 4. The holy Spirit proceedeth both from the Father and the Son ; for, He is fent by the Father, and is the Spirit of His Son; and is fo called here, becaufethe Apoftle is te evidence their fonfhip by the operation of this Spirit; which fonfhip of theirs, is grounded upon Chrift, fym. 8. 17. Voft. ?. Whoever have this high dignity of Adoption conferred upon them, muft alio have the Spi- rit of God given to refide, not in their brain only , to fill them with the gifts of knowledge, as He may be in Hy- pocrites, Mat. 7. 22. but in their hearts alio, bv making a gracious change there, Ej>b. 4. 2}. tobediffufed from thence , as from the firft principle of life, ( Tro*. 4. 23.) through all the faculties of the foul, and members of the body, I Tbejf. 5, 23, for, faith hc,fyuufeyearefonsp Be N tot 1 7 S A brief Expdfihon of the E fifth Chap. 4 hath fent ftrtb the Spirit of His Son into your hearts. 6. Ac- cording as Bdciversdo attain to a larger infight in this excellent benefit of Adoption, and a greater meafurcof the fruits of it > there will be a proportionable meafure of the Spirit's in-dwciling and manifefting of Himfclf in His gracious operations, efpecially in Hisaffifting and furnifhing for the duty of Prayer : for, he proveth they had received a clear infight in this privilcdge of Adoption, and the more free ufe and fruition of it, be- caufe the Spirit was more plentifully beftowed to dwell in their hearts ; And becaufeye arefons, faith he, God bath fent forth, c?t. 7. Though the exercile of Faith , Love, Hope and other graces in the duty of Prayer, and at other occafions, doth flow from the renewed foul, as the proper inward and vital caufc of thole aftions, fothat proptrly we, and not the Spirit of God, are faid to be- lieve, repent, pray.&c. ^oni. 10. 10. Yeubecaufe the Spirit doth not only create, and preferve thofe gracious habits in the foul, (^V^. s6. 26.) btitalfoexciteth the foul to aft, and afliftcth it in a&ing according to them, Philip, z. 13. without which actuating, exciting and afliiiing grace, habitual grace in us could do nothing , Job. 1 5.-5. Therefore is it, that the exercifc ofthofe gra- ces is afcribed to the Spirit of God, as the external effi- cient caufe thereof; for which reafon, our affe&ionace and believing Prayers are afcribed here unto Him ; G$d bath fitoi forth the Spirit of His Son, trying, Abba. 8. There is an holy vehemency and fervor required in Prayer, op- pofitto carelefle formality, anddeadneffe : for, pray- ing is here called trying which is an ufual evidence of fervency and earnertnefle ; and the doubling of the word father, maketh for the fame purpofc; drying, Abba,,fatber% or, Father, Father. 9. This holy vehemency and fervor confiftethnot Co much in tie lifting up of the cxternall voice, as in the inward benfal and ferious frame of the fpirit; it is a cry, not of the mouth, but of the heart 5 Into your hearts, crying. 10. Bcfides this fervency and c arntltncffc rcquific in Prayer , there vvould be alfo a con- Chap.4» *f Paul totheCxLAriA k i . 179 confident familiar owning of God, joyned with reve- rence to Him as a Father : for, the Spirit maketh them to call upon Him by the name of dbba, Father. Verf 7* Wherefore thou art no more afery>antybut afon • and if a fen, then an heir of God through Chri/i. t-IEre he concludeth from what is faid, firft, That *•* under the New Teftament we are no more fervants, as being redeemed from that legal yoke ot bondage, un- der which the ancient Church was ; And, fecondly, That we are fons, and by confequence heirs of God, which is verified mainly in rc.1l Believers under the New Teftament , in fo far as they a e fons come to age, and heirs paft tutory, actually partaking of their father's in- heritance in a larger meafure than Believers did under the Old Teftament, as was explained, ver. 5. All which priviledges are beftowed upon us through Chrift, and through vertue 'of His coming unto the fleflh* ®oU* i. It is a fafe way of reafbning upon the obfervation of the favingeffe&s of God's Spirit in our felves> to conclude! that we are in a ftatc of grace,even the adopted Children of God: for, the Spirit of God by the Apoftledothfo reafon in this place, Secaufe He hath fent forth His Spirit into your hearts : therefore thou art no more a ferVant, but a fon. 2. The rare priviledges which are beftowed upon Believers* chiefly under the New Teftament, as they do exceed in fome degrees thofe, which the generality of Be- lievers enjoyed under the Old 5 fo they are many, and all of them fo linked together, as in one golden chain* that where one of them is, the reft are alfo : and it is our duty, having attained to know our enjoying of any one of them, thence to gather that we have all the reft: for* the Apoftle reckoneth a number of fuch priviledges, which, as to the deeree wherein they are beftowed, are proper to the dayes of the Gofpel, and doth alwayes From the former infer the latter 5 Wherefore thou art ni more a ferVant, but afon ; and if afon, then an heir of N a Godt 1 5o A htefgxfofition of the Epift/e Cbap.4 God, j. Though the natural Son of God be only onc» even Jcfus Chnlt, the only begotten of the Father, J*h% I.I4- yet every man who hath the Spirit of God dwel- ling in his heart, is His foil by £racc and adoption, even they who by nature art 1 of wrath, Eph. 2.3, for, from God* s fend ing forth His Spirit into their hearts, he conclude: thou art a fan. 4. Our right to the heavenly inheritances* alfo the pofltifionof it, whe- ther that which is be?un hen Kingdom of Grace* or, which (hn! pleated hereafter in the Kingdom Worv, doth follow upon our fonlbip and adoption; fo that God, of rebel* doth firft make up tons, and then none cm challenge Him of injuftice for beftowing upon le inheritance of children ; And if af$n, tbensnbtir of Gr>./, faith he. 5» As none fince the tall ever was, or fhall be lifted up to that high dignity of being fons and daughters to the Lord Almighty, or could lay any juft claim to Heaven and Glory as his inheritance, but by vernic of Chriii's obedience and death, whereby all thofc 1 and precious priviledges, being formerly forfeited and loft, were again recovered : So, the a&ual exhibi- tion of Chrift in the flefh , and the real payment of the price by Chrift, did bring with it (God having fo ap- pointed) a larger meafure and higher degree of thofe priviledges to be beftowed upon Believers after that time, than was ordinarily enjoyed by Believers for- merly: for, he is fpeaking here mainly of that higher degree of freedom, and of that more evident and clear fight of, and right to the inheritance, together with the fuller meafure of its pofteHion in the Graces of God's Spirit, which is proper tothedayesofthe Gofpel 5 and fheweth all this comrth through Chrijt , to wit, His aftual incarnation, obedience and death. Vcrf. 8. Chap^4« rf Paul "*£*Gai.atians.' i8i Verf. 8. Hcfcheit,then'toben ye fyelt> not God, ye did fer* Vice unto them ^>b\cb by nature are no gods. 9. bith by nature and really were no gods, but in opinion only ; and coniequently they were not born or brought up under the pedagogy of the Law* as the Jews were, who therefore might pretend fome excufe for their un willingneffe to depart from it, which thofe Galatians could not, ver 8. And fecondly, that he may make their defection yet more inexcufable , and convince them of great ingratitude to God in it > he mentioneth the happy condition which they were brought unto before they made this defeftion, to wit, they had attained to the knowledge of God in Chrift, and this not by any in- duftry of their own, %om. 9. 16-. or for any merit or worth in them, $>tu.u 7. 7. but were herein prevented by mercy in God, who had firft known them, having from all eternity elc&ed (^.-1.4.) and in time effectually called them to the knowledge of Himfelf, Gal. 1 . 1 5, j 6~9 Thirdly, from thofe grounds he doth with a kind of ad- miration at their ingratitude and folly; fall upon them N 3 With 1 8 2 A brUf Expo ft ion of the Sfljlle Chap. 4 with a fad reproof for their turning again, and defiring to be in bondage* and under fubje#ion to the obfcrvati- on of thofc Mofaical Elements, or Ceremonies, ( See vcr. 3.) which he callcth tMl, as having never had any power in themfclves to produce any fpiritual effeft, Heb. 9. 9. and now imdci the Gofpel have not fo much as any figurative or facramcntal ufef which formerly they had, as being fhadows of Chrift to come, Col. 2. 17. he callcth them alfo beggerly and poor, as not being able to afford any folid conlolation unto thofe who oblcrvcd them : now the Apoftle calleth their defedtion a turning again, and defirtng to be again in bondage ; not as if they had been ever under that yoke formerly ( for, this were contrary to ver. 8.) but it was a going backward from that meafure, towards which they had already advanced; and the Aord again, relatcth to their aft of turning , and defire of bondage, for they had been under bondage formerly, to wit , unto Idolatry , from which they were converted : But it doth not relate to the weak and beg- gerly elements under which they never had been,ver. 9* FromVerf.8 Learn, 1. However Nature's light doth ferve to make us know there is a God, and that He ought to be ferved, fym. 1. 19. yet all the knowledge of God th ercby attained, is nothing elfe but ignorance* in fo far as it leaveth us deftitute of the knowledge of God in Chrift, without which there is no falvation, Act. 4. 12. for, in this reipeft, thefe Galatians arc faid to have been ignorant of God, while they lived in gcntilifm> although even then they had fomc knowledge of God, as other Gentiles had, 5v?m.i.)9, Ho^beit^then Xtbtnye lyie'tomt Cod. 2. When people arc deftitute of that knowledge of God which the written Word affordcth , or 'though they have it, yet will not follow it, but give themfclves up to be guided by thofe notions of a Deity with which the light of Nature doth furmfh thcm> they cannot but xnifcarry far in their apprehenfions of God, and in the nature of that worfhip which is due unto Him ; for,thc Galacians, following this guide, didworftiip plurality of Chap-4« */Paul/* *£buh by nature^eremgods. N 4 from 1 84 W 'brief Expo fit ion of the E fifth Chap.4.' FromVerf. 9- b#1» i. Such arc the riches of mercy in God, that He doth (bmenmes convert and (avc the 010ft debauched andgraccldVi (inners ; and therefore wc are not to defpair even of luch : for, thefc Galatians, who did once fcrve idols, were afterwards made to fcwty God, as the word funifictii , and Kere tyoftn of uoi. %. People would labour to inform thcmfelvcs in the knowledge of God according to the written Word, as they would remove an othei 1 vincible bar (land- ing in the way of their convcrfion ; for,God can neither be icrved, obeyed or trufted upon, except He be known : Hence the converted ft itc of thele Galacians is let forth by their knowing ot God ; But noT^ after ye L: Cod. 3. Then is God known aright and favingly,when He is known in Je'us Chrift, according as He is held forth in the Gofpcl , without whom,God is a confuming fire, and in arid through whom, He is well picafed.Mtf. 3.17. for then, and not while then, are the Galatians laid to know God, when they Jcncw Him in Chrift re- •cd in the Gofpcl ; But no*> after ye baVe faoKn God. a) So tender ought we to be of God's honour in the yvork of nun's convcrfion, as that we maintain or affirm nothing which may, though but fcemingly , atenbethe praifc of that work, either in whole, or in part, to man* own face- will induftry and pains,or withdraw any part of it from the alone efficiency of Gods powerful and free grace, who workcth in us both to will and to do,5? 2.r 3. Hence the Apoftlchaving fpoken of their knowing God at their con verlion, which might (ccm to attribute fomewhat to thcmfelves, he addeth by way of cor rcfti- on, or rather Aril^io^nof God, afcribing thus the whole • work of their convcrfion to God's prcvcntingf grace. 5. Sinners in an unco wcrt dilate, arc luch of whom God takcth no notice or knowledge, to wit, (b as to be familiar with them, or to communicate (pecial and fa- ving blcffiigs upon rhem ; as alto the contrary is im- plycdtobe the priyiledgt of true Converts, while he faith thofcGaluuus, no\v converted, were known of God, £hap. 4* tf/Paul tfi the Ga t ati an s* 185 . Though Apo- 1 %6 A brief Expoption oftbt Spiftle Chap.' 4 Apoftates and authors of defe&ion pretend to never fo muchofrcafon tojuftific their apoftahc and declining, fyw.j.ji. and 6. 1. Yet, upon an exa& furvey, all their reafon3 will appear to be m*er pretences, and their pra- ctice (b abfurd and irrational, that men of compofed fpirits, and notdemenred as they are, cannot but wonder at it : for, the Apoftle falleth upon their defeftion, not without admiration at their abfurdity and folly , Ho*> turn ye avrin to the toeal^ and beggerly elements i faith he. 10. As defection andapoftafic is a voluntary fin, and ufually flowcth from an itching defire after new-fangled Errors, arifin?; from a kind of loathing at old Truths, 2 Tim. 4. 3. fo, the more a man is carried with the full benfal of affc&ion and defire towards a fin, he is the more guilty before God • for, their fin is aggreged from this, that they de fired again to be in btndagc : the word rendred dejtred, fignifieth tawilla thing earneftly and with great defire. Vcrf. 10. T$ obferte dayesyand monetised times >and years; UE givcth an inftance or example of thofc elements, unto which they had turned, to wit, their obferving filch diminutions of times for facred ufe,as were obferved by the Jewifh Church, according to God's direction by Mofes;*nd he giveth inftancc of a fourfold diftinftion of times, firft, inbayes, fuch were their Sabbaths, and new- moons, ^jwib.iS. 9, 11. Secondly, Moneths, to wit, the fir(* 'X'^.28. 16.) and tht feventh, ^umb. 29. 1, &€% Thirdly, Times or feafons, whereby arc mcaned their an- niverfary feafts, as the Pafle-over, Bxod. 12. }, Wr, Pen- ticoft, £.'K2j. 1 5. and fcaft ofTabernacles, £*v. 2j. 24. Fourthly, Tears, to wit, every feventh year of releafe.LfV. 25.1. and the fiftieth year of Jubile,£?v. 25. 8. Vocf. 1. A Minifter is no: to infift upon the reproof of fin in ge- neral, but wo ild wifely condefcend upon fomc particu- lar inlUnccsofthofc fins whereof the party reproved is guilty : for, hereby reproofs are more convincing, pier- cing Chap. 4. *f Paul to the C a 1 a*t i a k s • 1 87 ring , and not fo eafily flighted , or forpotten as other- wife^ thus the Apoflle giveth an inftance of the fin for- merly reproved* in their obferVwg dayes, and mnetbs, wi times, and years. 2. Though the placing of fen e diffe- rence among dayes and times be lawfully as the keeping one day of feven holy to the Lord above the reft? accor- ding to the fourth Command , and the fetting apart of fome times and feafons for certain civil afes, as fowing, reaping> keeping Fairs and Markets Gen$>. 22. asalfo the occafional fanftifying of fome dayes w hen God cal- leth us to it,for the work of humiliations thankfgiving, Mar{ 2; 20. Yet all fuperftkious obfeivation of dayes ( See upon Col. 2. \6. $>ott. 5. ) is unlawful], as being here condemned either exprefly or by confequence ; Te obferVe dayes } and monetbs, (?c. Verf. 11. I am afraid of yen, left 1 ba\e left c*toed upon you labour in Vdin. XJE concludeth the former reproof, and maketh it fter- * * vous and peircing , by (hewing their defc6tion was fuch, as if continued in, would render al) the great pains and labour, which he, as a Mjnifler of Chnft,did under- go amonpft them, tobefornopurpofeand in vain, as to any pood which they (hould reap by them; in a word, it would condemn them : and to make his reproof the more taking, he doth fweeten it fomewhat, while he expreffeth their hazard, not as one unconcerned, and caring nothing for it, but as a tender father foreca fling, and fearing what may hurt his deareft childe. (Dotf. 1. The Office of theMmiftry, being faithfully gone about, will not be found a life of eafe, but hath fo much of toil, labour, fainting and wearineffe goinpt alongs with it, as any other imployment whatfoever : for, ¥aul expreffeth the confeientious difcharging of his Miniftry by a word, fignifying not fimply to labtur, but to labour painfully, with much travel, toyl, ftrife, and earncftneffe, even ufi- till fainting and wearineffe ; left 1 ka\>e beftoKed upon you kbour, faith he* 2. A Minifler ought not to fatisfie him- It S A brief txfofition if the EpiJI/e Chap. 4 himftlf in this, that he hath done his duty, without fur- ther care what fruit his laboars have upon the people ; but he muft alfo be no lefle anxious and folicitous about thelucccfle of, and the peoples profiling by his pains, than he was concerning hjs own through-bearing in the cxCTcifc of his Calling before the People; for, iW did fear left be bad be/toted bu labour in Vain upon tbem. 3. The moft lively Preachers and painfull Miniftcrs, will fometimes fee (o little fruit of their labours, and Co much iniquity among the People of their charge, as may furnifh them with juft grounds to profeflc their fears, that few or none are faved by their Miniftry : for, even Paul doth fear left be bad laboured in Vain among tbofcGa- latum. 4. A faithfull Minitter is not to fie down dif- couraged, and quit hisftation upon hisobfervation of little or no fruit of his labours amongtt the People , but muft hold on in his duty nocwithftanding, as Knowing his labour will not be loft as to himfclf and from the Lord J/M9 4. for,iW ceafeth not to warn, reprove and inftruft theft Galatians > although he feared left be bid laboured in Vain among them. 5. It is hardly conceivable how men can live and die, maintaining both in opinion and practice the do&rine of juftification either in whole, or in part, by their own works done in obedience to thfc Law, and yet be faved : (oi^aul cottceivcthhis labour Jlould be in Vatn among diofcGaiatians>and confequently that they would be damned, if they did continue in that error chiefly, whereby they joyned the works of the Ce- remonial Law with Chrift in the point of juftification. Verf. 12. Brethren, I bcfeeebyou,beas I am*, fori am as ye are, ye baVe not injured me at all. THHe Apoftle , knowing that thefc Galatiafts were * alienated in their affections from him, and fearing left from his pr-fent ftverity and ftiarpnefle cowards them, they fhould apprehend that he wai alienated from them alfo, Therefore he fettcth himftlf to cure both the certain Cbap.4« if Paul t$ the Ga i at i ans! 189 certain evil, and feared miftake ; and this by requefling them, as Brethren* that they would keep intimate affe- ction towards him as to another felf, or as if he had been themfelves ; for, fo much doth the expreffion (be 46 1) bear ; and affureth them that he was (o a ffedied towards them, even the fame which he formerly was, and that his prcfent fevcrity did not flow from hatred, or a fpirit of private revenge againft them , feing they had never done any pcrfonal injury to him , to wk> but in fc far as they had wronged Chrift and Truth ; and therefore lea- veth it unto them to look upon him, as a man* who was pleading the caufe of Chrift, and not venting any pri- vate grudge of his own. 2>0#. 1. Though the Servant ofjefus Chrift muft ufe feverity in the way of reproof and rebuke towards thofe who are gone aftray ,• yecbe- caufe people are apt to conceive, that his fo doing doth flow from an imbittered fpirit, and fo to flight both him and his rebukes, (2 Chron. 18. 7. ) therefore he would in wifdom fomctimes mix his feverity with gentlenefle, and his rebukes with exhortations and intreaties, as looking not fomuch upon what their fin deferveth, as what is moft convenient for gaining them to repentance : Hence the Apoftle, having fufficiently rebuked them, cometh now to requeft and Entreat ; Brethren, Ibefeechyou, faith he. 2. As Error above any other fin, doth eftrange the perfon erring from any who oppofe them in their way, though they were even their moft faithfull Paftors : So it is the duty of Minifters not to be carclefs whether they have the affe&ion of fuch or not, upon pretence that no caufe of difrefpeft is given by them ; but they are to fol- low on upon their erring people, and beg their favour and affe&ion, if it cannot be otherwayes gained j and this mainly for the1 people's profit, and that hAeby they maybe put in a capacity to do them good /for, "Paul, apprehending that thefe erring Galatians were eftranged from him in their affeftions, be beggeth their favour, while he faith, Ibefeecbyouybe i of another, as of themlclves, conftm&ing aright of the a&ioos of another, as they would have others co lft u A of their own, and rejoycing ac the advantage, and grieving for the hurt of one ano- ther, as if it were their own; and this becaufe Satan doth by all means labour to drive in fom? wedge of jealoufic to rent them afunder , that fo the Mimfter may be ufi> lefle unto the People, and they a heart-break unto him : thisinti;mcy of affe&ion, is here intreated-for by?W from the Galatians , $e*slam; and was made confer- ence of by him towards them, fir I am as ye arc, faith he. 4. It is no fmall part of that divine wifdom required in aMmifter, fo to hate, and teftifie againft the fins of People, as not to relent in his refpe& to their perfons ; lb to perfecute their ill, as to remain tenderly affectionatcd towards their good : for, thus did Paul • I am as ye are, faith he, 5. As People arc apt to apprehend that the zeal of a Minifter againft their fin, doth flow from a fpi- rit of revenge and fpight againft their perfons for fomc real or apprehended injury done unto him by them : So it is molt bafe and finfull for a Minifter to intend and (harpen his zeal, even though againft fin, from any con- fideration of that kind ; and a thing, the very ground- lefle fufpicions whereof , he would labour to wipe off: forfo doihTaul here, by (hewing they had done him no wrong ; and therefore it could not be in realon fup- pofed , that in his (harp rebukci he was venting his fpleen , or a fpirit of private revenge ; T$ have not in- jured me at all, faith he. Verf. I ?• TV fyo* boX> through infirmity of the jlefb , I preacbeJt'V Gi Jpd unto you at thejirjl. 14. %And my temptation Khubvw fimy flefb ye defy fed not, nor rejeSed, hut received me as an Angel ofG$d, even as Qhrisl jefwf. xj. Where is then the blejfednejfe M^cofi for I bear Chapi£ «/ Vmltotbe Galatiaks. ipi you record , *6rf if it had heen pofl, b!e 9 ye Kould bate plucked out pur oVn eyes, and baVegiVev tbcm to tne, HTHc Apoflle infifteth to clear that he was not changed * in his affe&ion towards them; and withall, by (hewing how affe&ionate they were once to him for the Truth's fake which he did preach , he pointeth at their great inconftancy , if fo he may, even by fetting forth their deferved praifes, make them a(hamed of their pre- fent eftrangednefs unto him, and put en fhe fame affecti- on towards him and to Truth, which once they had, ac- cording to his propofed fcope, v. 12. In order to which, hedeclareth they werelo far from doing him any per- fonal injury > for which they might apprehend him to bear them at hatred, that upon the contrary, they had fliown much love and reverence unto him ; which he cleareth , 1. by bringing to their remembrance, how that when he came to preach the Gofpel fir ft unto them, while they were yet in paganifm, he did preach though much infirmity of the fl(jh $ whereby is meaned, not only his humble way of deportment in his whole Miniflry without the (hew of humane wifdom and authority, (as Vfieatyejfe or infimity is taken, I Cor. 2. ver. 3. compared with ver- 1.) but alfo and mainly thofe many fufferings he did undergo from the enemies of the Gofpel among them, which Yaul calleth elfewhere his infirmities, 2 Cor. 1 2. io* and they are called of the fiejh, becaufe his fief hf or outward man, wasmoft affiifted by them, the fpirit, or inward man, being underpropped by God, 2 Cor. 4, 16. This is contained, ver, 1 $• Which fufferings are dc- fcribed from the end which God propofed to Himfelf in them, which ytzsPauhtentation, or trial, to wit, of his faith, patience, conftancy , and other graces. 2, By ac- knowledging with thankfulnefs their refpe&ive carriage - towards him all that time ? particularly,they did not dc- fpife his fufferings, as taking no notice of them, neither did they rejeft him, or his Miniftry, becaufe of his fuf- ferings ; but did receive him, and the Truth delivered by him, 191 A brief Sxpoftt \nn cf thi g fifth Chap.4; him though an affiled prrfecuted man, wich as much reverence and obedience, as it it had been preached by an Angel, or by Chntt Himflt in His own Pcrfon : chib b all he mcincth by their receiving him do read Ho"to grc#,ovyof "kbit fort**** tbeblef. ft I .) he clcareth their reflect to him yet further, bytcrtifying it was not counterfeit and in words only, but real, and fo fervent 3 that they were ready to have be- fto wed any thins upon him which poflibly they couldj and fright ten J to his advantage and encouragement in the work of the Gofpel, even their very eyes nor being excepred , if lb it had been poflible, that they being plucked out, could have been uletull unto him. This is contained ver. 15. From Verf. t ?. te*rn, 1. It fcemeth good unto God to commit the heavenly treafure of the Gofpel unto ear- then vcffcls, and to exeicile thofe whom He imployeth to preach the Gofpel , wha:> wkn the ienle of their own infirmities from within , what, with heavie trouble from without; ti.atlb, while nothing appcareth in them to outward appearanccjbuc what is fubjeft to reproach and contempt , we may afcrlbc the t lory of any good which is done by them, not to men, but to God, 2 Cor. 4. 7. for, this is the ordinary lot of other Preacncrs , which ''Paul (h wcth here was his, even that t finntty of tbr fi lb he preached unto them. 2. When the Gofpel com:t;r fii ft into a phce, tticn efp-cnllv dot S I in (tir up all his malice, and all that interett which he hath in wicked men, for creati ig trouble unto thole whom God :.ie preaching of it; it (o he may give che Gofpel adafh, at its very fit It entrv : thus PAutpretclxd the Gospd at Jifjl through mprmit) of tbc jit/b $ \if hereby is Chap.4» o/Paul to the Ga t att an s. 195 is meaned mainly,if not only,thofe hard fufFerings which he did meet with, as appearech from the name of tenta- tionf or trial, which he giveth to this infirmity* ver. f 4« 3. It is the duty of called Miniflers to go on with courage in the Work of the Lord, notwichliandm^of any difcouragement of that kind, receiving manfully the firftonfet chiefly of Satan's fury, as knowing their ce- ding to him will make him more cruel , and their re- fitting of him will make him flee from them, Jam.+ -7. for^lW, even tbroUgb infirmity ofthejiefh, preached tothem at fir ft. 4. Whoever do thus fet their face againftthe fury of perfecuters, it (hall be no grief of heart, but mat- ter of joy unto them afterwards, to call tominde what hardfhips they have been made to undergo of that fort, as finding the Truth preached by them to have been them by confirmed , and their own fidelity in their Calling , and to the good of fouls, manifefted, and the power of God madeknown,by making His Truih fpread the fur- ther, the more it was oppofed : for, Paul calleth to mind his fufferingsjwhen he preached the Gofpel, as not being aftiamed of them , becaufe thereby all the advantages prefently named^ were attained ; Te knoto boV> through infirmity of the fiefh, I preached the GoFpel. FromVerf. 14. Learn, I, God's defign in meafuring out an hard lot and great oppofition to thofe who are engaged in the work of the Miniftry, is not todifcou- rage, but to try them,by making His grace in them fhine the more clearly, the more they are put to exercile it un- dej: their hardfhips and (iraits : fox,*? aul calleth his in- firmity or fufFerings, his tentation or trial (See Jam. 1. - 2# Lu\e 8. -13. and 22.28.) and my tentation'tobicb "toot in myflefb. 2. As it is too ordinary for thofe who are at cafe, to contemn, negletSt, and be carelefle of the heavie affliftions and fufFerings of others, chiefly of theMini- ftersot JefusChrift, as if they were wholly unconcer- ned in what they fuffer : So it fpeaketh much 'to the commendation of a People, when thev lay to heart, and take notice of the fufFerings of their fakhfull Minifters, O as 1 94 A brief Sxpofition of the Epiftle Chap.4. as if chcy were their own, and do fympathize with them under all their haidlhips : for, he commendeth the Ga- latians from this , that the) desjnfcd not hu teutatton, or trial and affliction ; the word lignificth, they did noc let it at nought, as noc worthy to be taken notice of, and (b they have been ducly affected wkh it. ?. So little love have men naturally to the GofpeL> that they are ready to take occafion from any chins . to make them caft at it : even the neceffary trials and affliitions. with which God feeth fie to cxercifc the Preachers of che Gofpel, arc luf- ficient ground for many torc|e£t both the pcrionsand do&nne of Minifter. : for,'Y*«/, commending the(e Ga- latians for their not rejecting of him, bccaule of his in- firmities, fiicwcth the contrary fin to be very ordinary ; Kor rejected, but received met faith he. 4. Ic is high mat- ter of commendation unto a people,when the outwardly bafe and contemptible condition of Miniftcrs doth noc diminilh any thing of thac due refpeft which they owe to the Mtflage which they carry : tori thefe Galatians are commended from this, that notwithftandingof his tentation, they rejeUe/i not, bat received Bim as then your blef- fedneffe i 2. 'Injuries received afterwards will not obli- terate the inward fenfe > or mar the outward acknow- ledgment of favours formerly refceived in a thankfull mind : for, though the Galatians had done no private injury to foul, ver. — 12. yet> in their defe&ion from Truth* they had wronged him for the Truth's fake, and notwithstanding he proclaimeth thofe evidences of their love and refpedt, which he had received formerly both in the former verfe, and more exprefly here, while he faith, 1 bear you record, ye toould ba^e plucked out your eyes, &g. 3* The love and reverence which People owe to Mini- fters, ought not to be verbal, and in profeflion only, but real alfo, even fuch as may evidence it felf in the hearty beftowing of any thing which may be for their encou- ragement , or for advancing the Work of God in their hands: for,?W proveth xhdk£alatian$ had received him as they ought, from their readihefle to impart unto him all things neceffary and poffible for his encouragement ; Te received me, (aith he, for I bear you recorAye Tbould ba\>e plucked out your eyes. 4. Though, m'M ufually faid, Charity begins at home, and we be commanded tolove our neighbour only as our felf Mat 22, 39. Yet there is a certain cafe, in which we muft confidcr our neighbour, not only as a neighbour, but as a fpecial inrtrument of God > and thns we are in fome refpedts to love and pre- fer him unto our felves ; and efpecially when he is an in- ftrument imployed by God for the defence and propa- gation of the GofpeL we ought to be ready to forfakc the deareft things we have in the world, though it were our own hands, eyes, feet ; yea, and our very life, if fo it- may promote the Work of God in his hands: for, in this afe? it is not our neighbour, but Chrift and the Go- O 2 fpeJ 196 tsfbritfExpofitionoftkeEpiftle Chap.4; fpel which we prefer unto our fclvcs, according to Mat. 10. 37. Hence, becaufe laul was fuch an inftrument, the Gilatians arc commended for their rcadincfle to plnc\out uidtogiY . 5. The wildom and goodndlcofGod hath ("0 provided, that the hand$» cycs» and athti members of our body , beinp cut off, or pluck ^annoc be IcrYiccable, or ufefull unto the body of any other* hereby preventing the cruelty and tyranny of the greater fore, who would make no fcruplc co mutilate the bo Iks of their inferiours, if thofc mutila- ted members could ferve for any life to themfclves after- wards ; tor, faith he, If it I ^Jfibki they Kould btYc pltickid out their 0V.7; eyes , importing, it was iropof- (iblc, not (imply to pluck them out , but that their eyes» Licked out,couId ferve for the fame ulc to hicn for 1 they did feivc unio themfclves. Vcrf. 16. Am I therefore become your enemy , beuuft I tell . you the truth i TTHe Apoftle concludcth from what he hath faid of * their former kindncflc to him, chat he was not now turned their enemy, norcftran^ed in his affeftion from them ? (for, the interrogative hath the force of a vehe- ment denial) and that they had noreafon to think fo of him, this only excepted, that with much candor and in- genuity he had declared the Truth unto them, inoppofi- tion to the Errors of the falfc Apoftles ; the abfurdity of which reafon, is alio imported by the interrogative pro- pounded to them, 9*fk 1. For Chriftians to entertain malice>or a fpirit of private revenge one againft anodicr. as it is in any cafe finfull > fo when there hadifccn no perfonn! injury offered, it is abominable; and hardly can i d, that a man ot conference will be guilty of ving declared that they had done him no injury>but fhown much love and reverence unto him > denyeth that there was any juft reafon* why they could fo much a* conceive that he was turned an enemy Chap»4* •/Paul ^^GalatianS. 197 enemy unto them ; Am I therefore become pur enemy i 2. When men are once engaged in a finfull court, and especially in the way of error , they are fo dementate wichic* that they can put no difference betwixt it and themfelv^s ; they have common friends and enemies ; and ve miftaken for his freedom and ingenuity in the reproof of fin, as if he were an unfriend and enemy to the perfon reproved (when really he can give no fuch evident proof of his love and refpedl, T/*/. 1 41. 5',) he is nevertheleffe to go on in his duty, labouring to obviate all fuch tpiftakes and prejudices, as he beft may : for, 2W ceafeth not to tell them the Truth, although he was looked upon as an enemy for his fo doing > only he la- boureth to clear them of their miftake ; Am I therefore become your enemy , (yc. Verf. 17. Tb^y %eahufly affect you, hit not toell : yea, they \y>ou.ld exclude you, tb4t you might affect them. 18. But it u good to be^ealouflyaffetfedafoayesinagood thing, and not mly "token lamprefentftitbyou* HTHe Apoftle, in further profecution of the former pur- * pofe, obviateth an obje&ion, arifing from that fer- vent zeal, or that intenfe love joyned with lerious endea- vours to oppofe, and a kind of indignation againft any thing that might prove hurtfuil unco them, which the falfeApoftles teemed to carry towards them, beyond what T*«/ did * (o that yet they had reafon to doubt of his affe&ion to them. The Apoftle anfwereth , It was true indeed that the falfeApoftles pretended great love to, and zeal for them, but their zeal was not of the right ftamp, as not having that which i3 truly good for its objtil; , to witj whol<. zeal towards thole Galatians, firft, was io ordered, that the thing whereunto his zeal for them did carry him, was in it felfgood, and for their good and edification. Secondly, it was conftant, lb that diftano ol placc,which occafionrd an alteration in them towards him, had not made him to alter towards them* ver. 18. 2)/k7.i. See chap.i. vcr.7. doit. 5. concerning his fupprcfling the name of the talfc A pottles, whereby he (heweth more of indignation towards them, nor he could have done by giving them anvdefignation,though never fobafe; They ^ealou/Jy af eft you. 2. Hereticall Preachers and Seducers will be exceedingly fervent and zealous for their erroneous opinions, and pretend much love and affeftion to the People of God, while they arc about to make them imbrace their Errors : for, faith he» 2%,ro wit,thc falfe A pofWcs^aloufl) affeftyou. j. Eve- ry thing which gorth under thcnamcofzcaL or which truly hath much of zeal and fervency in it, whether for opinions; or per (bus, is not to bcapproven, there being fomuch of finfull zeal which an hypocrite may have* and therefore is net to be valued or regar. 5 ) doth the A poftle fpeak of their zeal, lkey^ealou/ly affeti you, IL 4 There is a renting zeal winch carrieth the perfon wherein it is, v^ ith a violent fervor to rent the Chinch of Chrift. and to create prejudices in the minds pt people againft their faithfull Paftors while they exte- nuate Chap.4» c?/PauI ^/^Gaiatians^ ipp nuate their good, 2 Cor. 10. io» and above meafure ag- gref e their fins and infirmities; all fuch zeal is finfull,and unworthy to be taken notice of : for , the A pottle pioveth that then zeal was not good from this, that it carried them to rent thofe Galatians fromTaw/, and the Body of the Chriftian Church }T%^owW^f/«rffjo«. 5. There is alelt-feekingzcal, when men, pretending much love to God and to the good of (buls, are really hunting after the breath ot applaule to themfelves, and that they alone may have greatett weight in peoples aft'c&ions, all fuch zeal is alfo finfull : for, he condemneth the zeal of the falfe Apoftles, becaufe their great defign in what they did, was to make thofe Galatians ^ealoufly to ajfett them. 6. Asthc great defign of falfe Teachers, andtheupfliot of all their moft zealous and fervent endeavours, is, to gain credit among the people to their opinions and per- Ions ; So the ufual method whereby they walk for at- taining this end, is, firft to alienate the minds of people from their own Paftors, that fo they themfelves may be looked upon as only worthy to have room in peoples affeftions \ for, this was the method of the falfe Apoftles, They itoould exclude you^o wit, from us, that you might af- fell them, faith he. 7. The Mmifters of Chrift would fo condemn the counterfeit of faving graces, which may be found in hypocrites, as that they do not in the leaft meafure rcfleft upon the real graces of God's Spirit* which are found only in true Believers : for, ^W having condemned their falfe zeal,falleth immediately upon the commendation of true zeal ; (But it u good to be^edoujlf affected atoayes in a good thing. 8. It is not enough that the thing which we do, be in it felf good, except our affe&ions be fomewhat warmed with love to the duty, and ftirred up with an holy indignation and revenge againft any thing which would divert us from it: for, this is that zeal which is here commended. It is good t& . be%eahu/Iy affelied, faith he. 9. It is required in godly and approven zeal , firft* that it be orderly, neither ma- king nor upholding rents or fchifajs in the Church, and O 4 betwixt . jioo *A brief Exposition of the Epifile Chap-4. betwixt the People of God and thofe who are over them in the Lord : for, the falfc ungodly zeal of the fallc A a\el in birth Kith than again , that f$ hi beformrdin them : which fuppofeth, that the Image of Chrift in them was much darkened, the beauty there- Chapi4* °f Paul t0 *h* G a i at i an s . 203 thereof marred , and their fpiritual life and motion hid and hardly difcernable, as the life and motion of an un- born childe in the womb. 5. The great end of a Mini- fter's pains, and that, which not being attained, he is noc to ceafe, or to reft fatisfied , is pot fo much his own ex- oneration, as to hare a near conformity to Chrift, and the draughts of His Imagcconfifting both in knowledge ( Col. 3. 10.) and holinefle ( Epb. 4 24.) wrought in the hearts and lives of his hearers : for , this was aimed at by Paul ; Until Qhrift be formed inyou> faith he. FromVerf. 20. Learn, 1. The prefence of a Paftor with his Flock,is fo neceffary in order to the entertaining of mutual affeftion, and the fuppreflion of prejudices when they are yet in the bud, and before they come to any great height, and in order to a Minifter's better up- taking of the peoples cafe and condition, and to his ap« plication of fuitable and feafonable remedies ; that, ( though a Minifter may fometimes be neceffarily with- drawn from his Flock, yet ) he ought alwayes have a } faith he. Verf 22 Fjr it uKritten, that Abraham had Vtoofons9 the one by a bin /->/ui./, the other by a free Xtoman. 23. fiuhcKboVusof-t^ebond-Vfomany V*u born after the Jit/h : but be of the frec-Koman, Xtas by promife. T^Hc Apoftle, in the fecond place, propoundcth the cy- * pical hiftory of Abraham's family taken from, Gem 1 6, an I 21. chapters. The fum whereof is, that as Abra~ bam had two Tons, to wit> l(hmael and lfa*ct ( he had al- fo fever a 1 others by I(eturab, Gen. 25. 2. but thefctwo are only mentioned, as being appointed by God to pre- figure the prcfent purpofc) the condition of which two fons did differ in two things, firft, That the one» IJbnael, was born of a bond- woman orfcrvant, to wit, Hagar9 Gen. 1 6. 1. 1 5. and fo was but as a feivanthimfelf, and not the heir, Gen. 21. 10. The other, Ifasc, was born of a free-woman, to wit, Sarah, (Gen. 21. 2, 3.) who had been never a fervant, but miftris, and joynt in the go- vernment of the family with her husband, and there- fore Ifaac himfelf was no fervant, but a free-man, even the heir, ^er.22v A fecond difference did ly in the prin- ciple of their generation and birth; fovjfomael was born after the p(hy or by the ordinary ftrcngth of nature- his mother Hagar being a young woman and fit for concep- tion, Gen. 16.2. but Ifac was not conceived nor born from any fuch principle, b*rab his mother bcinp ninety years old when (he conceived, Gen. 17.-17. and (o, ac- cording to the courfe of naturcunfit for conception ,Heb. 11,12. but he was born by promt] V, or by venue of that promife made to Abraham, Gen. 17. 16, and the mira- culous operation of God> ver. 2 From this hiftory of Abraham** family, confidered in it felf, -and leaving the myftery prefigured by it , to its own place, We Learn, 1. The beft ot men arc not pcr- fcftjtherc haying been fomc things even in the holy Pa- triarchs, Chap. 4; o/Paul to the G a i a t 1 a n s ^ 207 triarchs, which were not commended, but only tolerated by God, as a leffer evil for prevention of a greater. Such was their polygamy or marrying ofmoe wives than one, which though contrary to the firft inftitution of Mar- riage ( M*L 2. 15. and A^^. 19.4,5,8.) yet wai>pra- ftiied by many of the Patriarchs, asnotkncw'rg, or at leaft not confidering what fin was in it , being blinded, partly by the tyranny of common cuflcm* and partly by that great defi re which they had to multiply their pofte- rity, that if it were poffible the Mtffias might have de- fended of their line : Thus even Abraham had two wives* a bond.maidj and a free-toman. 2. The be ft of men arc in no fmall hazard to be fo far overpowered with tenta- tions to mif- belief under the delayed performance of di- vine Promifes, and the want of all lawfull probable means for the performance of them,as to clofe with finful means for bringing of it about* and to repute themfelves free from guilt in lb doing, as if a good and neceffary end could commend a finfull mean for attaining to it : for, Abraham, having a proroife that the bleffed Seed {hould come of him (Gen. 12. -3.) and having waited for 2 childe until Sarah his wife through age had loft all hopes of conception, is moved, at her defire, to go- in unto #*- gar his bond- maid > that he might obtain feed by her (Gen. 16. 1,2,) rather than the Promife (hould ly un- performed ; The one by a bond-maid, faith he. 3. The Lord ftandeth not in need of our finfull means for bring- ing about of His own gracious work towards us : for, after that Ijhmael is finfully begotten upon the handmaid, the Lord maketh Sarah conceive a Ion miraculoufly , in whom the Promife was to have its accomplifhment ; The other by afree-tooman. 4. The Lord hath placed in the natures,as of beafts and birds, fb of men and women* an ordinary power of generation and conception,wher- by one generation may fucceed to another, until the hea- vens be no more , and that men who cannot live any long fpace of time in their ownperfons, may in a kind perpetuate their life and memory in their pofterity unta io8 A brief Exp9fiticn of the Epiftle Cfaap. 4. all fucceedinf generation! ; Thu§ ifemael \*as born after the fiijh, or by the ordinary ftrength of nature. 5 As the power of God is engaged to fcm a being and fub- fiftance unto everything contained within the compafle of a Promilc, If*.*/). 11, So it doth accordingly per- form, even when all ordinary means and lecond caufes do fail, and become uiclc flc for bringing about the thing proraifed : for, a promiie being made to Abraham, that forfhoul i have achildc, fhe conceiveth and bearcch Ifaac, not feih> or according to the ordinary courle of nature, but through vcrtue of that Proroifc ; £zt be oftlx ; \mA km by pr$mtfe> faith be* Vcrf. 24- Which tbmgs are an Allegorie ; for thefe are the Wo Covenants ; the one from the mount Sinai, rtbtcbgen* dretb to bondage, Khicb is Agar. 15. for tbit sAgar umwint Sinai in Arabia, and anfxteretb to Jerufalem *>bkb noto a, and is in bondage \»itb btr ibildrou TN the third place, the Apoftleexpoundeth the myftery -1 which was lurking un^er, and prefigured by the for- mer hiftory. In order* to which hcffieweth, thatthofe things, or the Scripture prefently cited is an Mlcgorie, that is, bellies the literal hitioncal lenfe of the words, God intended that the purpole contained in themfhould fhado v forth the ftateof His Church in the following particulars, So that Abrahams two Wives did rcprefent the two Covenants, to wit, the old Covenantor the Co- venant of Grace under the old Admimttration, (Heb. 8. 7.) which Covenant was greatly miitaken, and did de- generate unto a plain Covenant of Works, in the foifc of many 1 v:io did adhere unto it. 2. The new Covenant or the Covenant of Grace under the new Admimftra- tion, Heb.%&. The firll of which Covenants he fheweth was prefigured by Amow the bond-woman ; and he dc- fcribeth it, f. from the place where it wasfirli given, to wk, upon mount Stnui. 2. From the like cttcft produced by Chap. 4* *f Paul to t he G aI at i ax il 5o^ by it with that of Aga r, to wit, that as Hagart fo this Co* venant cfpecially as it was generally miftaken for a Co- tenant of Wotks> did beget children unto bondage, thac is, they who adhered to that Covenant fo taken, were not thereby freed from their bondage to fin, Satan, and God's wrath (chap. 3. 10.) and were of a fervile mer- cenary difpofition, as doing whatever they did in God's fervice, not from love, butflavidi tear, andofpurpofc to merit Heaven by their good works,A4*r^io. 17. This is ver. 24. And, ( having, as it were in a parenthefis, (hewen the fitneffe of the former refemblance , becaufe mount Sinai, where the old Covenant was firft delivered* is alfo in God's providence caied Agar by the Arabians) he defcribeth this Covenant thirdly, from thofe, who in the time of the Apoftlcs did tenacioufly adhere to it , by (hewing that the earthly Jerufalem , or the Jewiih Church, not, as Qie was in her be ft times, but in thac prefent age did anfxter, that is, as the Original doth bear, was in the fame rank, or did keep a kind of harmony and concord with that Covenant, becaufe that Church* and the members thereof, called here her children, did remain in a fervile condition, which he fhewed before, was the fruit of adhering unto this Covenant, as k was fiow adulterated and corrupted, ver.25. Now, though the Spirit of God maketh ufe of the hiftory of Abraham's having two wives, to fet forth a fpiritaal myftery, not condemning his fa& • yet.this doth not juftifie his poly- gamy, no more than injuftice in ftewards is juftified by the parable, Lu%e i6.i. it being fufficient that the Word of God doth condemn polygamy elfewhere, MaLi.i$„ and Mat. 1 9.4,5, 6. Vott. 1. Though there be only one genuine fenfe and meaning of every place of Scrip- ture, which is fometimes expreffed in proper {Gen. u 1.) fometimes in figurative and borrowed fpee ches, Luke 1 3. 32- (otherwife, if Scripture had moe meanings than one, it fhould be ambiguous and doubefom) yet this hinder- tth not, but that the fenfe of Scripture may be fomtimeg not fittf ple> but comptoied > fo that there is one thing fig- P DN 2 to A brief Sxfofttion of the Efiftle Chap.4 mficd immediately by the words, and another thing im- rnediadv by the purpofe comprehended in the words>and but mediately by the words thrmfclvcs , as it is in types and allegoric* : tor, this hiltory did immediatly let forth the ftatc ofAbrahatn's family, and the liate of Abraham9* family did fhadow forth the ftate of God's Church in the particulars afore-mentioned s Wbicb things are an dU Ifgory, faith he. 2* Though the Spirit of God fpcaking in Scripture, giveth us exprefle warrant to expound foroc places of Scripture, as holding forth, by way of type or allegory, fomc further purpofe, than what the words do cither in their proper or ufual acception bear ; yet ic doth not follow hence* that we may without fuch war- rant expound other Scriptures after the fame manner* or hold forth our witty inventions of that kind, as a part of the meaning intended by the Spirit of God in thofe Scriptures : for, the Spirit of God exprefly (heweth,that this Scripture, or, tbofe things are an Allegory, g. It is a very ufual way offpeaking in Scripture, whereby the name of the thing fignificd> is given to that which doth onlyfipnifie and reprefent that thing; So is it in the words of the inftitution of the Lord's Supper, Mar^tq. -22. and fo is it here, where the Apoftle, fpcaking of Abraham's two wives, faith, Tbofe are the Vko Covenants • not that they were eflcntially (uch, but becaufe they did reprefent and prefigure them. 4. Though the Covenant or Grace, entred by God withfinners in Chrift, hath been but one for fubftance in all ages of the Church, ff^.13.8. yet, there hath been divers wayes of admi- niftrating it, one cfpccially under the Old Teftamentand another under the New : hence is it, that this one Cove- nant is held forth as differing from it fclf, and as if it M*re not one, but two; for, tbofe are the txto Covenants, faith he. y. The Covenant of (Grace, as it wasdifben- fed under the Old Tcttament, ( becaufe the Law, and the curfe of the Law, was then much preffed, and the grace contained therein but darkly propounded) wastherfore generally looked upon as a Covenant of Works, and the Chap.4- *f Paul to the G a l at i an s. Sit the moft part did Co rely upon it. and expe& life from it : for, the Apoftle fpcaketh of the Covenant made on Sinai, in this fenfe, while he faith, it did gender unto bondage, to wit, as it was miftaken for a Covenant of Works ; anci how it is faid in that fenfe to gender unto bondage, is cleared in the Expoficion ; The one from the mount Sinai, Itobieh gendretb unto bondage. 6- Hagar, Sarah's bond- maid, did fitly rcprefent and prefigure the Covenant of <§race,as it was delivered upon mount Sinai, not only for the reafons contained in the Text, but alfo becaufe as Hagarwus once afecondwife to ^Abraham, and lfimael her fon for a while Abraham's prelumed heir, Gen 17.18. yet,after (he began to conteft with her miftris Sarah (Gen. l<5.4.) and her fon to perfec tlfaac the childeof pro- mife, both mother and fon were caft out of Abraham9* Family, and deprived of all hope of any inheritance in' the Land of promife,Ge». 21.9, io. So, the Law of ' Mo~ feu or the Covenant given by God upon mount Sinai, while it was rightly ufed as a Pedagogue leading to Chrift, it did bring forth children to God, heirs of the heavenly inheritance, fuch were all fincere Believers un- der the Old Teftament ; but when it was abufed* and fet up as a Covenant of Works in oppofition to the Co- venant of Grace, it did then bring forth children unto bondage, and thofe who did fo adhere unto it, were de- tained under damnable flavery, and cut-off from Chrift, Gal. 5. 2. for, the Apoftle, fhewing that this Covenanc was prefigured by Agar, doth hint at one reafon which leadeth us to feek a(jer moe ; Which Covenant, faith he, u Agar : for Agar u mount Sinai in Arabia, 7. No Church or People hath Religion fo firmly eftablifhed, which in progrefle of time may not make fuch apoftafie from it, as that there will be a vaft difference betwixt what they once were> and what they now are : for, fuch a Church was Jerufalem once, ¥fal.j6. 1, z. but now her cafe was much altered ; Therefore, faith he, this Covenanc iotb anptoer, or keepeth concord with Jerufalem , noc which once vvas, but noto is (importing there was a P 2 foul II % A brief €xfofiti*9 of the Sfiftlt Cfaap.4: foul change to chc worfc ) •And is in bondage \ritb her children* Verf. 16. But Jerufalem tobitb is sb$Ve, is free, *bicb y the mother of its all. HTHe Apoftlc, having flicwen that Bagar did prefigure 1 the firft or old Covenant, doth now briefly defcribe that fecond or new Covenant which was prefigured in S*rab : Firft, by declaring where that Covenant did re- fide, or who adhered to it, to wit, Jerufalem which is above , whereby is not meaned the Church triumphant in Heaven \ for, it is clear he fpeaketh of a Church, whereof Believers upon earth are members, even the Mi- litant Church, efpecially of die truly regenerate, claim- ing to life according to the tenour of the Covenant of Grace, although theCatholickChurch-vifible be not excluded, feing it is a Church begetting children to God by the ufe of Ordinances, and is here called Jerufalem, becaufe that City was a type of the true Church, for her compattnefle and order ( ffal.122. j.) beauty ( TfaLtf. 2.) and divine prote&ion which did attend her, if*. 3 r. J. and this Church is kid to be *bo)?e , becaufe her ori- ginal is from Heaven, J Am. 1. 17. and the lively mem- bers thereof have their converfation in Heaven, Philip 1 3.20. Secondly, by (hewing the ftate wherein thofe who adhere to this Covenant are ; a ftate of freedom from fin, (Horn. u~ falem is the mother oftts all. 4. Though no Church, no, not the Church univerfall, which is raoft properly out mother, ought to be heard and obeyed, further than het Commands do agree with the Commands of God oar Father,G>4#,4. 1 9. yet, we are ftill to give Her refpefifc and reverence, as alfo to employ our parts and graces, and all that is ours, for the defence and advancement of her juft intereft in our places and Rations* and that becauic (he ts tk mother if mall. P3 VerC 5i4 AbriefExfofttion of the SpiJIU Chap. 4 Vcrf. 27. for it is rtritten, %'ojfff thou barren that bearcjl not ; brcal^ forth and cry, thou that traVelleJi not : for the de folate hath many m$e children than fbc »bicb hath an bujbmd. THc Apoftlc, in the fourth place, confirmcth the truth of the former myftrrie by a Scripture taken out of Ifa, 54.1. where the Prophet doth dircdl his fpcechto the Chriftian Church under the GofpeL as (he was to be in her beginnings, and about the time of Chnft's incar- nation and lufferings (whereof he had moH clearly pro- phefied. chap.5?.) and having dcfigned her by the name of a barren Koman that beared not, and tra\xlletb not, be- caufe of the paucity of Converts to the Chriftian Faith at that time ; and of a feemingly defolate woman with- out an husband* becaufe of the croffe and perfection, which (he was then to be under , he exhorteth her to re- joyce, and toexprefle her joyagainft all contrary dis- couragements ; and that becaufe her ftate fhould be changed* and (he made a more fruittull mother , by a nu- merous acccflion of converts to the Chriftian Faith from among the Gentiles, than the Jcwi(h Synagogue her felf, who formerly had enjoyed GodS grace and prefence, and at that time fhould feeni to be more owned of God becaufe of the great profpcrity> multitude of followers, and outward beauty attending her beyond the Chriftian Church. Qotl. 1. The fupream Judge, by whom all controverfies of Religion are to Be determined, and in whofe fentence we are to reft, is the holy Spirit (peaking in Scripture: for, Vaul in this prefent controverfie ap- pealed to Scripture; for ituKntten, faith he: 2. It is not the Churchc's lot to be alwayes alike fruitfull in bringing forth children to God ; (he hath her barren times, wherein the labours of Chrift's Minifters are at- tended with little fucccflb,and but very few arc converted by their pains, and this even fomtimes when outward i means are fuch, as may be moftpromifing of Iruitful- neflc, Chap.4« " */Pauif*wGAiATiAKS» 215 neffe, the Lord hereby inculcating this neceffary Leflbn. That the great work of converting fouls dependeth not upon moft promifing means, i Cor. 3. 6. for> the Pro- phet, having an eye mainly (as we Chewed in the Expo- fition ) to the firft beginnings of the Chriftian Churchy when ChriftHimfelf was a Preacher, ^w.15.8. cal- leth her by the name of barren that beareth not, that tra- velled not. 3. The Lord will fometimes for good and neceffary reafons (expreffed, chap.i, vcr.13. do£t.6.) give His Church and People fo far over to the rage of perfecuters, and own them as little under trouble to the view of the world, as if He had no intereft in them as their Lord and Husband : for, in this refpetft, the Apoftle calleth the Chriftian Church defolate, that is, without an husband in appearance ; tor the de folate, <&c. 4. Afalfc declining ; yea, an apoftate Church may be* to out- ward appearance, much more owned of God, as to the multitude of follower s,external beauty, outward profpe- rity and freedom from the croffe, than the true Church ; So that none of thofc things are infallible marl:s of a true Church : for, the Jewifti Synagogue, becaufe of thofc things, feemed to have an husband, when the Chriftian Church was defolate ; Than jhe that hath an btubdwL 5. The wife Lord hath thought it fit to make His Church, and real Believers in the Church, ly able, as to their outward condition mainly, to great variety and many changes, it being almoft impoffible that we who are of fuch changeable tempers our felves, fhould bear any one condition right for any long time together, and not mifcarry one way or other under it, T/i/0 55. -19, for, the Church, for that time barren and defolate, was to have many children ; The defolatebatb, or, as the words mayalforeade, (hall have many children. 6* It is the duty of God's People tocompofe their affe&ions, efpe- cially thofc of joy and forrow, fuitably to God's various way of dealing with them : for, the Church* before barren, and therefore fad, is to change her forrow into joy upon God's changing His way of dealing wish her ; P4 %siw 2\6 A friifExptfiti** of the Spifile Chap. 4 fyjoyce thou barren : for the de folate bah many moe chiU dren. 7. The enlargement of Chrift's Kingdom, and gaining of many finncrs to God , together with the weakning of Satan's intcrctt in the world, ought to be entertained with much joy : for, faith he, fyjoyce, breal^ forth and cry : for the dejolate bdtb many mot children than Jhc that bath an husband. 8. So many are the difcourage* ments of the Godly , and fomany caufes of grief,which are as heavy weights and ftrong bars to bear down and ke<-p in their joy, That this duty of rejoycing is not eafi- ly come at, even when God in His gracious providence giveth reafon for it : Hence the command is inculcated in feveral words , %ejoyce, cry, and breaks forth; which laft, fuppofeth that many rettraints from this duty are lying-on , which muft be broken- through before the heart can attain to it. Verf. 28. Ncrtb r»e> {Brethren, as Ifaac »a&, are the children $f promife. 'THe Apoftle, in the laft place applieth this typical A hiftory.and the fcriptural confirmation of the myfte- ry prefigured by it. And firft, by afferting what himlclf really was > and what in charity he yet conceived many of them at leaft to be, hefheweth the only way of at- taining the heavenly inheritance, as children, to be by vertue of the Covenant- promife, in rcfemblance of Ifaac */vho was fo begotten, ver.-2j. and tacitly implycth, that it is not attained by vertueofour own natural endea- vours, or fl.fhly privilcdges, whereof the Jcwifti Sy- nagogue and her followers did boaft, (chap. 6. ver. 11-) and wherein they were reprcfented by the childe of the bond-woman, Iftmael, ver. a?-. ®ott, 1. AMiniftcr ought to profecute general Do&rinc fo far, untill it be brought home to the particular ftate and cafe of his hea- rers, bypertinent and clofe application, as that where- in the lite and power ot preaching doth mainly confift, 1 Tim, 5. ao. for, ? Wreftctb not untill he maic appli- cation Chap-4* °f Paul t0 the "A iatians. 217 cation of the Do&rine in hand; Ke^xte, Brethren, as Jfaac v>as to point out their duty, and what he would have them to be, rather by (hewing his charitable thoughts of them that they are fo already, than by any dire& up-ftirring of them to it : for, fo doth fiW here point at their duty of quiting confidence in the flcfli,and of betaking themfelycs to Faith in the Promifc, by (hewing he did in charity judge of them as thofe who had done fo already ; Hf* &*, brethren, die children of tbepromife. 5. That any of J dam's loft feed, who are by nature children of wrath, do become the children of God, and heirs of eternal life, is only by venue of the gracious promifes of the Covenant of Grace, in fo far as, firft, they are begotten into a new and fpiritual life, not from any principle of natural ftrength and vigor, fym.g. 16. but by the force of thofe Promifes, enlivened by the Spirit of God, 2 Com 0.4* Andfecondly, their right to Heaven arifeth, not from any works which they do> Tit. 3. S; but from Faith in the Promife, Job. 3. 16. for, in this fenfe we are called children ofthepromife. Verf. 19. Sut as then he that Kas horn after the jtejh per- Jecutedbim that toas born after the Spirit, eyenfo it is nov>. XJE applyeth the prefent purpofe, in the fecond place, * for confolation to the true members of the Chriftian Church, againft thofe perfecution^ which they fuftained from the falfe Apoftles* and fuch others as adhered to the Jewifii Synagogue, and to the do&rine of Juftification by Works, firft, by (hewing that the like perfecution did befall lfaac, and was prefigured by thofe bitter moc- king* which Ifaaty who was begotten by the power of Gods Spirit, according to the tenour of the Promife, did fuffer -hom Ijbnael, who vva$ be&otten by the ordinary, ftrength 2 i S A brief Expefitian efthc £ pi/lie Chap. 4 ftrength of nature, and boafted in his carnal outward pririledgcs, (See Gen. 21.9.) *As it t*ju then, fo it u n$», fakh be. bod. 1. Ic hath been, and yet is the ordinary lot of God's Children , to fuffer hard things from the men of this world, the Lord having feen it rooft fitting, that by the croflc they come to their Crown,and through many tribulations enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, Aft. 14. 22. for, Paul fpeaketh of perfections, as a thing common co the Church in all ages ; But a& then, e\>en fo bUnov>, faith he. 2. The foreft perfections and trou- bles which the Godly endure, do frequently come from thofc who are otherwife tyed unto them by moft ftnA and nearcrt relations, of kinred, acquaintance, or fuch like ; This being Satan's aim herein, that their fufferings may ha?e fo much the more of bitter gall and worm- wood in them, as they are infli&ed by fuch, from whom better things in reafon might have been expecfrcd, PfaL «. 12, 1 ?. for, Ifac is perlecuted by his brother Ifbmad ; Slit u born after the Spirit. 3. Amongft thofc other perfections, which the Godly muft endure, the fcourge of tongues is one, and not the leaft, efpecially when god- lefle men, taking occafion from their low condition, do mock at their intcrcft in God, and labour to fhame them from their confidence, as if the Promifc of God were of none effeft : for, ljhnael's mocking of Ifaac, being yet a childe, fpokenof, G^«.2t. 9. (wherewith was doubt- lefle joyned his mocking of the Promife made to lfiac) is here called perfecution ; He that *ertbeleffe, faith he, tobat faith the Scripture ? 2* Though God be flow to anger, and is not eafily pro- voked wholly to diffolve and caft off a Church, or Peo- ple, who were once named by His Name, even when they turn perfecting apoftates ; yet if they be not gained by His long-luffering patience > but, notwithftanding, go on to perfecute truth, and to maintain their damnable here- **b A brief Exfofttion *f the SpiflU Chaf* 4 hcrcficst He will quit them at the laft, by differing them to make total a pott? fie from Him: for, the Jcwifli Sy- nagogue, thougn perfecuting Truth , and maintaining Juftification by Works, and fevcral other Error?, was not yet caft oft by God, but was to be rejected fhortly after this, as is not obfeurely hinted at by the Apottlc While he ciceth this Scripture, leaving the application of it unto themfclvcfc Cajl out the boncLftomau and berfonyO,c. 3. As it is no fmall difadvantage to Truth, and to thofe who do maintain it, when their perfecuting adverfaries do lurk under the mask of God's true Church, and are generally taken for fuch : So it is no leffc comfort when God takcth off that mask,and maketh it appear unto the world, that they arc not the Church of God, but the Synagogue of Satan : for > the Apoftlc's fcope, is, to comfort the ChriftianChurch , that the Jewifh Syna- gogue, who for the time gave out her felf and was gene* rally taken for the true Church , and thereby procured no fmall authority to her erroneous do&rine and way* fhould fhortly be caft out, and not have fo much as the face of a Church ; What faith theStripttirc ? Cart otti the hmd-Tboman. 4. There is no Salvation, nor any hope of Salvation unto any who are without the true Cnurch : for, the Jcwifh Synagogue being once un-churched, her children, and thofe who adhered in all things to her, were debarred from the heavenly inheritance , as Agar and l/Bmael once being caft out 01 Abrahams family • //&• tnael was thereby debarred from having any part in the promifed Land ; Cajl out the bondwoman and btrfon : for tbefon of the bondwoman fball not be bcir^c. 5. The Do&rine of Juftification by Works, when irt not only dowtrinally maintained, but alfo pra&ically walked in, doth exclude the maintaincr of it from having any part in the Kingdom of Heaven : for, fo much was prefigured bythefonof the bond-woman, againft whom a fim- tence is paffed, that be fodl net be heir iritbtbe fon of the Vcrfc Cbap-4^ •fPiul to the Ga i ati ar %l «? Vcrf. 31 . So then, $retbrent toe *re not children of the bond- tooman, hut of the free. HE comfortcth tbem , thirdly > from this, That they who for the time were perfecuted by the Jewifti Sy- nagogue, were not children of the bond-woman, ot members of that company and fociety, which was pre- figured by &*gAr> and fo in no hazard from the formec terrible fentence, but being children of the free- woman, or members of that Church which ^/vas prefigured by Sarah, they had right to the heavenly inheritance; where- by, as by all which he hath formerly faid, he doth indi- re&ly exhort thofe Galatians to quit their prefent error of feeking after Justification by Works, and their tena- cious adherance to that ancient Pedagogic of Mofes, as they would not exclude thcmfelves from the heavenly inheritance. 8>oft. 1. As a Minifter muft fometimes denounce moft terrible judgments againft the obftinate and godleffe ; So he ought moft carefully to guard (uch denunciations as thofe ; left they to whom they do not appertain make application of them, and bedifcouraged by them : for, SWdoth guard the former denunciation, while he faith, So then, toe are not children of the bond- tooman. 2. The heavie denunciation of fearfull judg- ments to come upon any , are fpeaking warnings unto us to flee from that way wherein thofe have walked who are fo threatned : for, having fhewn that the bond- wo- man with her fon> were to becaft out> heinferreth, S9 then toe are net children of the bond-toowan, but of the freey which hath the force of an indireft exhortation to quit all relation unto the bond- woman, as they woul4 efcape the threatned judgment. G H A P: *ii A brief Exfofition of the Epiflle Chap, fi CHAP. V. fN the firft part of this Chapter, he exhorteth them toperfift in their Chnftian Liberty, from the bondage of the Mofaical Yoke, and chiefly, that chey would not feek after Justification by thefc Ceremonial Obfcr- Vances : In order to which the obfervation of the Cere- monial Law was mainly urged by the falfc Apoftles, Ait. IJ. 2. Which exhortation he preffcth, l.dircflly; be- caufe, firft, Chrift had purchalcd that liberty, ver. I. Secondly, Circamcifion did deprive the perfon circum- cifedofall benefit by Chrift, ver, 2. Thirdly, it engaged him to keep the whole Law, and fo made his Salvation impofliblc, ver. 3. Fourthly, feeking after Justification by thefe Obfervances, was a renouncing of Chrift,ver.4« Fifthly, Tdtd, and other converted Jews, fought not to bejuftified by thefe, but by Faith, ver. 5. Sixthly, the Command en joyning Circumcifion, had now ceafed, ver. 6. Next, he preffeth the exhortation indirc6tly,firft, by reproving them for their dcfe&ion, ver.7. and by ob- viating two obje&ions, ver. 8, 9. Secondly, by profef- fing his hope of their recovery, ver. 1 o. Thirdly , by re- futing a calumny fpread of himfelf,as if he had preached Circumcifion, ver. 1 1 . Fourthly, by wifhing the prime feducers were cut off, ver. 12. In the fecond part of the Chapter, he exhorteth them to ufe their liberty arighc ; for which he eivcth two rules, 1. They would not eivc licence to their fifthly corrupti- ons. 2. They would fervc one another bv love, ver. I?. The latter of which he intorceth Bccaulcfirft, love is the compendofallduty, ver. 14. Secondly, dangerous cf- fe&s would follow upon the want of it, ver- 1 J. and pre- fcribeth an help for reducing the firft rule in praftice, to wit, walking in the Spirit, ver. 16,17118. And having cleared what it is to fulfill the luftsof chcflcfli, v. 19, 10* 21 . and what to walk in the Spirit, from the refpe&ive Chap.$i *f Paul* and the firft principles ot a fpiri- tuaJ life, ver. 25. and concludeth with a dchortaticn from ambition, provoking and envying one another, ver. 26. Verf. U CTand faft therefore in the liberty ^/here^b & Ckrift hath made ws free , and be mt i»- tangkd again ^itb the yo^e of bondage. THc Apoftle, firft, cxhorteth them ftcdfaftly,cofi* ftantly, and againft all contrary oppofition, to maintain both in judgment and pra&ice the for- mer do&rine of the Churches frecdom> Specially from the Levitical Ceremonies. Secondly, he dehorteth thera from coming under that intolerable bondage, which did attend the making confeience of thofc ceremonial obfer- vances, Aft. 15.10. and had fome refemblance with that bondage of Idolatry, under which they formerly were, with relation to which, he faith, be not again intangled* See chap. 4. ver* 9. Thirdly, he inforceth the exhorta- tion more direftly by fix arguments , The firft whereof which is in this verfe, is, Becaufe Chrift had purchaled this freedom to the Church by His Bloud. ©*#. 1. Then only is ic fcafonableto labour upon the aflfeft ions of an erring people by exhortation and reproof, when fuffici- cient pains have been firft taken to inform their judge- ments, and by ftrength of reafon to convince them of their error: otherwayes exhortations, perfwafions, and reproofs will prove but poor and weak arguments : for, Paul ufeth this method here, while having formerly gone about by Scripture and Reafon to convince them of their Error* he doth now exhort them ; Stand f aft tberefore&c. 2. Every man by nature is a bondflave, as being under the bondage of fin (%*•<$. 17-) Satan ( tyb.i* -2.) the curie a 24 A brief Expofition of the Epifile Chap, y curfe of the Law, Cat. J* to. The Jews moreover were under bondage to the Ceremonial Law, the oblerving •whereof was a bondage becaufc ot the great trouble, Jnininthcflefti and expencc which did attend theob- "crvationofit 5 and therefore it cfpecially is mcaned by the yoke of bondage in this place. See Act. 15.10. forf while he faith, Chrift batbmade m free, he fuppofeth a foregoing- bondage. 3. Jcfus Chrift, by his obedience and death ( chap. 4. 4, 5. J hath purchafed freedom and liberty unto His Church ; a liberty not to do evil, fyw. 6.r.nor from the yoke of new obedience, Af^. 11.29. nor from thecrofle, Mar\%. -34. nor yet from that due obe- dience and reverence which inferiours ow to fuperiours, Col. 3. 22. fym. 13. 1. but from the dominion of fms 9{om.6. 14. the tyranny of Satan, 1*^/1,2.15,26. the curfe (G4/. 3.13.) and irritating power of the Law,%tf# 7. f, 6. from obferving the Ceremonial Law of Mofes, toC 2. 14. and much more from fubje&ing our Con- fciences to the Rites, Doftrines, Ceremonies and Laws of men in the matter of Worfhip, Col. 2. 20. for, faith he, Cbrifl bath made tu free. 4. The confidcration of the worth and price which Chrift hath put uoon our free- dom and liberty in all the fore-mentioned particulars, even fuch as He hath given Himfelf for the purchale of it, ought to indear it unto us fo muchj as that contrary to all oppofition, and to the utmoft of our power and abi- lities, and upon all hazard whatfoever, we may with courage and conftancy, in our places and Rations, ftand to the defence of it : for, fo much doth the Apoftlcen- joyn, faying, Sundfafi therefore to the liberty, and that be- caufc Qbrifi batbmade us free. 5. Though civil liberty and freedom from bodily bondage be fo much defired, that even before we be called to it, we are ready to break all bonds and afpire to be at it, Jude ver. 8. Yet, fo ig- norant are we or that worth, which is in fpiritual liberty and freedom from fpirituall bondage, that hardly can we be excited to feck after it, or made to ftand to it when ic is attained, but arc in daily hazard to return to cht fledj- Chap.?. «/Paul***J&*GALATiANS. 215 flefti-pots of Egypt, preferring our former bondage to our prefent liberty. Hence the Apoftle findeth it neceffary to inculcate this duty fo much of (landing to the liberty , and of: not being tntangled again \»itb the yoke of bondage ; 6. Multiplicity of external Rices and fignificant Ceremo- nies in the matter ofWorfhip, is not only a burden and yoke to the confciencchard to be born,but alfo an intan- gling and infnaring yoke,efpecial!y when folk do place all their religion in thcfc,fo that when once the confcience hath ftooped to take on this yoke, hardly can it again be (haken off, the truth whereof doth hold in Rites and Ceremonies , which are even appointed of God, but inuch more in thofe, which are appointed only by men : for,the Apoftle calleth the Ceremonial Law a yoke, and fuch as would intangle them ; ®e not intangled again \\>Ub the yoke of bondage 1 healludeth to oxen whofe necks are tyed to the yoke with cords, or fomewhat elfe, that they may not (hake it off. Verf. 2« Behold* KPaul fay unto you, that if ye becircum* cifed, Cbrijl (h all profit you nothing. TLTE addeth a fecond argument to inforce the exhorta- A * tion , wherein, having oppofed his own Apoftolick Authority for confirming the truth of what he is to fay againft all who would contradidt it, he affirmeth that theoblervingof any one Ceremony, and efpecially of Circumcifion, (to wir, as of a thing, which ought of ne- ceffity to be done, and as a part of a mans righteoufneffe neceffary to fal vatioi\ ; in which fcnfc it was preffed by che falfc Apoftles, Mt. 1 5, 2. ) did cut off the obferver from all benefit by Jefus Chrift. Thereafons of which fentence, are, firfb the holding up of Circumcifion, and by confequencc the whole bulk of chat Mofaical Difpen- fation, did fay in cffeft that Chrift was not yet come, feing all thofe were to be done away at His coming, Jieb.g. 10. Secondly,, Chrift muft either be our whole fighteoufneffe and compleat Saviour,' or not at all, >/#?«; ii6 A brief Expo fition of the Epiftle Chap.f 4- 1 1. Ifs. 42.8, So that by fayning Circumcifion with Chrift, as a neceflary part of their rightcoufncffc, and a caufe of falvation, Chrift did ceafc from being a Saviour to them at all. excludeth from Juftification, not only works flowing from theftrcneth of man's free-will, without grace, but alfo thofe which flow from a gracious root wrought in the heart by Chrift, appeareth from this, that thofc againft whom hedifputeth profeffed faith in Chrift, ( and fo could not maintain that the w6rks of a natural man,deftituteofChrift>did juftifie) otherwayes, this had brcn no cogent argument to refute their opini- on, t\\M if tbey Tbcre circurncifed> Chriftjhouldproptlbtin nothing. 4 Mmy do profeffe Chrift who (hall receive no faving advantage by Him , efpecially they who rely upon any thing befides Him , or joyntly vnth Him, as Chap.$. ffPaul to the Ga LAtuNsi 227 as chc meritorious caufe of their falvation : for, faith he, if ye be circumcifed, CbriJI fall profit you nothing. Verf. 3. ?orl teftifie again toeVerymantbatiscircumcifed, that be is a debtor to do the Vtbole Lato. H Ere is a third Argument, to which alfb Paul premk- tcth his Apoftolical Authority, ferioufly affirming, and by a publick profeflton confirming, (for fo the word rendrcd teftifie doth fignifie ) chat whofoever now (Chrift the fubftance being come) did obferve Circum- cifion (to wit, in the way wherein it was urged by the falfe Apoftles, AS. 15. 2.) he was thereby engaged to keep the whole Law, and this, the whole Ceremonial and Judicial' Law, (Circumcifion being the initiatory Sacrament engaging the Receiver to the whole Mofaical Pedagogic Exod.iz. 48. ) and the whole Moral Law, and chat under the hazard of condemnation. The rea- fon whereof, is, That no leffe than univerfal and perfe& obedience to the Law in all its precepts is required unto this, that a man be juftified by Works, Gal. 3. io. £>off. 1 . Of how much the nearer concernment unto the falvation of hearers any Truth is, the Minifter of Chrift ought fo much the more to infift upon it, and with (b much the greater ferioulnefle and fervency to inculcate and prefle it, as a matter of life and death 5 that people may know he believeth,and therefore fpeaketb, and con- fequently maybe the more moved with what hefpea- keth : for, *2aul fpeaking of a Truth, the noc-receiving whercreof would have condemned thofe Galatians, he doth with much vehemency infift upon the prefling of it; I teftifie again, faith he, to every man that is cireumcifedi 2. Becaufe it is a matter of no fmall difficulty to get thofe reclaimed who are engaged in an evil courfe, Jet; 13. 23. therefore frequent teftimonies would be given by Chrift's Minifters againft them in it } that hereby, the guilty party may have the leffe of eafe and peace in their way , and thereby* through God's bleffing upon Qjz His ai8 A brief Exf option of the Spiftle Chap, j: His own mean be made to quint, 2 Twi# 2. 25. And at leaft. the Lord's Servants may be the more exonercd, ^bole Late. J\. Though Believers in Jcfus Chritt be not delivered rom their obligation to the leaft duty which is required by any precept of the Moral Law, Mat. 5.19. yet, they are not under that exaft rigor and condemning power of the Law, whereby eternal wrath is denounced againft the (inner for the meaneft breach of the Law, Deut. 27/ 26. for, while he fpeaketh of their being debtors to do the XL-bole LaTby as a fad terrifying confequencc of their being circumcifed, it mult be underttood not fimply of their obligation to obedience, but of an obligation under the penalty of the Law's curie; and hereby it is imported that fincere Believers arc not under this obligation, cllc the argument were of no force. VcrC 4. I come of no effell unto you, XtbofocVer of you are yufliped by the Lato ; ye are fallen from Grace. COlloweth a fourth Argument, to wit, Whofoevcr did * obferve the Lev it teal Ceremonies as they were preflcd bythetalic Apoftlcs, cr fought to be juftificd by thcif obferving of them , they by fo doing had renounced Chritt* and all benefit to be had by Him; (for, the word rendred Chap.y. of Paul to the Ga l at i a n s . 219 rcndred Cbrijl is become of no effect to you, fignifieth, ye are made void o£ and feparated from Chnft ) and had fallen from the way and dodlrine of Free-grace : for, Grace here feemeth to be taken for the doctrine of Grace, as Tit. 2. ii. The reafon of the confequence, is, that Grace and Works are not confident in tfie juftification of a finner ; if the one have any hand in it, the other hath none, %».i i. 6. Vott. I. Thofe fad confequences mentioned here, and in the preceding verfes,do not ftrike againft the obferving of Circumcifion fimply, and at all times and cafes, ( for, even at this very time the obfer- vance thereof was tolerated to the weak Jews, 2fyw*. 14. 6. and tofomeof theftronger fort alfo, as of a thing at that time indifferent to them,for efchewing the offence of the weak, Att. 16.3, ) but as jt was preflTed by the falfe Apoftlcs, even as the caufe of a mans Juftification be- fore God : for, to be chcumcifed, and to be ju/Iijud by the £} ye art fallen from Grace. Verf. f. For We through the Spirit Wait for the hope of rigb- teoufnejje by faith. JJEaddcth a fifth Reafon, to wit, That P*ul himfelf, * and other Jews who before their converfion to the Chriftian Faith were circumcifed* being now converted and taught by the holy Ghoft, did renounce all confi- dence in their own works or carnal priviledges* whether Circumcifion or any other, and did look for Heaven ( called here Hope, becaufc it is the object of our hope, as Tit. a. 1 3. ) only by vertueof that righteoufnefle of JcfusChrift which is laid hold upon by Faith, ©off. 1. The riches of a Believer, are not fo much in pofleflion, as in expeftation and hope; We Wait for theh$pe9 or, for Heaven hoped for. 2. None have right to Heaven here, or (hall enjoy ic after this, who are wholly unrigh- teous, and deftitute of all righteoufnefle ; for, it is called the hope ofrigbteoufnejje, as being attained unco by the Righteous only, and by vertueof their righteoufnefle. ?. No perfonal righteoufnefle of our own, doth entitle us to thi< blefled hope and heavenly inheritance, Ti* .3. j. but only the righteoufnefle of Chrifl imputed to us, %w. 5. 19. and apprehended by Faith, which therefore is called here ^gbteoufnejfe through faith. 4. Ic is only the inward c^icacious teaching of God's Spirit, which can fufficiendy inftruft us in the know ledge of this im- puted righteoufnefle by Faith, and make us with fecu- rity and conti ience venture our eternal well-being , and hope of Heaven upon ic : for, faith he, We through the it, or bring taught by the Spirit of God, d$ Wait for rpt of righteoufnejfm 5. The experience and example pf odier exercifed gracious Chriftians, ought to be of great ChapiJ. *f Paul to the Ga l at i an $• aji great weight to incline our judgment and affe&ions to- wards an affenting unto, and imbracing of thofe Truths 9 from which they have drawn fpirkual confblation : for, IW doth reafon, that they ought to receive the do&rinc of Juftification by Faith, becaufe he himfelf, and other believing Jews did venture their falvation in that bot- tom ; for Vbe %# for the hope of HghteGufneJJe through faith. 6. The example of none, though of never &> much reputation in the Church, is to be followed as an abfolute rule, but in fo far only, as their pra&ice is ap- proven by the Spirit of God fpeaking in Scripture, lfa£> 20. for, *aul% to make his example a fufficient rule for them to follow, fhewethhe did nothing but as he was taught by the Spirit of God; for TO* through the Spirit toait, faith he. Verf. 6. TorinJcftuCbrifit neither Circumcijion aVailetb any thing, nor MncirCiimrifiw, hut Faith *tohitb ^or^etb by lo\>e. XJErc is his fixth Reafon , which militates not only ■■" againft the obfcrving of Circumcifion, and thofe other Levkical Ceremonies, as a part of a mans righte- oufnefle before God, but alfo againft theneceffity ofob- ferving them at all ; Becaufe in Jefm £bri/l , or, in the ftate of the Church under theGofpel after Chrift was manifefted in the fteflb, neither the obferving of thefe things, nor the negleft of them, did commend a man to God, as acceptable fervice to Him ? the fervice which He now requireth> being only a true lively Faith, evi- dencing it fclf to be fuch by the fruits of a new life* com- prehended under the love of God and our neighbour, $(pm.i 3.8. ©o#. i. Though Circumcifion and the reft .of thofe Levitical Ceremonies were once enjoyned, and accordingly to be pra£Hfed as a neceffary part of Wor- fhip, Gen. 17. 10, 11, fo that the performance of them in the way required, was fervice acceptable to God, Gen. 8. 20> 21. and the negleft and contempt of them, was in a Q>4 high 132 A brief Sxpoftion of the Eft file Chap. 5 1 high mcafurc detcftablc, F xod. 12.19. Yet, Chrift being come in the fkfh, who was the iubftance of all thofc fhadows,( Col. 1. 1 7.) the command whereby they were enjoyneddidceafe* they remaining for a fealon chiefly to the Tews, an J fomc of them alio to the Gentiles, (Ad, 1 5.19.; in their own nature indifferent, io that the ufing ' or not ufing of them ( except in the calc of efchewing fcandal, Row. 14 2r. and of bearing teftimony to the do&rinc of chriltian liberty.Gi/. 2.^4.; did neither com- mend a man, nor make him guiltv before God : for,faith hcyln Jefus Qbrifi9neitber Qircumctjim aVatleth anything, nor Ifnch cumctfton. 2. To impofc the ty of a Command upon any thing as a neccfiary part of divine Worfhip, wherein the Word haih left us free, or to fubjedt our felves to any fuch Command, is a receding from, and a betraying of that liberty which is purchafed unto us by Chnft : for, he makcth their receiving of Circumcifion as a ncccfliry part of Worfhip, a re ceding from this li- berty ; bccaule now in the dayes of theGolpel there is no command from God to be circumcifed : For in Jefus Cbrijt (lauh he) neither Circumcifion aVaitetb any thing, nor ttncircumcifion. 3 The ceremonial Law being abolifhed under the New Teftamcnt, Chriftians are not left defti- tute of work, and idle : for, though in ft pis Cbriftjntitber Circumcifion aVaileth any thing , mr lincircumcifion • yet, Faith. tobicbtoorf{etb by loVe} aVailetb. 4. The fum of aChriftianman's task now under the Go! pel, is the ex- ercife of Faith, which is the great Command of the Go- fpel, iJob.i.2i. and of LoVe, or new obedience; for, Love is the fulfilling of the Law, 'Rom. 1 3. i o. neither is the ufe of the Sacraments ♦ and of other pieces of com- manded Worfhip hereby excluded ; for they ate helps of our Faith, K(,m' 4. 1 1- and a part of thofe duties of love which we owe to God, as being en joyned by thefe- cond Command : tor, faith he, in Q)tiB Jefus aVailetb Faith tbatXnrkftb by lo>e. 5. Though Faith only doth juftific , there being no other grace which concurreth wdi it in this work, GaL I. 16. Yet, Faith is not alone in Chap. 5. a/Paul t****GAi ati an s^ 233 In the beart>no not when it doth juftifie ; but is alwayes accompanied with the grace of Love to God and our neighbour : for* in Chrift Jefm no faith rtailetb any things or will be owned by Him as true and laving , but that Ttbicb Iborfytb by LoVe. 6. Though Faith and Love be alwayes conjovned ; yet, Faith, in order of nature, at leatt, hath the precedency •, it being impoflible that we can dtfehargeany duty of Love to God, orourneigh- bour,fwcerely or acceptab!y,betore we clofe with Chr jft for the acceptation of ourperfonsby Faith, Heb.n.6. and thereby draw covenanted furniture from Chrift for through- bearing in our duty, t 2*w. 1. 5« for, faith he, Fattb^or^etbbyLoVe, or is efficacious? and putteth forth it& efficacy in Love, as the fruit thereof. Verf 7. Ye did run toell, V»bo did binder you, tbatyeftouU not obey the Truth ? "LIE further preffeth the former exhortation indire&ly* A by tour Arguments, firft, By commending them for their former forwardneffe in the imbracingof this now controverted Truth ( which he calleth their running Kelt, or> with a fort of beauty and comlineffe ; for fo much doth the word fignifie) and (hewing no fatisfying rea- fon could be given for their prefent defection from ic, and from walking according to it. 9>ott. 1. A chrift ian life is like to a courfe, or race, from Earth to Heaven by the way of Holincfle and all commanded duties* cfpe- cially the excrafe of Faith and Love ; and therefore we ought to carry our telves in this way, as thofewhorun in a race ( See Tbilip. 3. 13. £><>#• 4. ) lor, the Apoftle fetteth forth their progreffe in Chriftianity by a meta- phor taken from Runners in a race; Te did run W/, 2. It is very ordinary for new Converts to be carried-on with a greater meafure of affe&ion and Zealand to make fwifter progreffe in this chriftian courfe* than others » :or they themfelves after wards,when they are of older (land- ing ; Tbe newnefle of the thing, the firft edge which is upon a$4 *A brief ExptfitioH 9fthe Eplfile Chap.y. upon their aflfc&ions not yet blunted by change of cafes* and multiplicity of duties, and Gods retraining for a time the violent aftault of multiplied furious tcntations, untill chey be a little confirmed and engaged in his way> together with His affording a more plentiful! mcafureof His fcnfiblc prcfence at firft, than afterwards, do all contribute hereto : for, thofc Galatians at, and for a lea- ion after their firft conversion, did run, and run rtelL 3- As diofc who once made good progreffe in the wayes of God may afterward fit up, their after-carriage pro- ving no wayes anfwerable to their promifing begin- nings : So, when it falleth thus out, it's matter of a fad regratc unto beholdersi and of a deferved reproof unto the pcrfonsthemfelves : for, dius was it with thole Ga- latians , whofe defe&ion is matter of aftoniQiment to 1ZW, and of a fad rebuke to them > Ye did run Mdl, tobo did binder you i 4. No fatisfying rcafon can be given, for which any, who once did enter the way of truth and hoIineffe,{houid alter his courfe,take up an hale, or make defe&ion from it,and thereby caufe the wayes of God to be evil fpoken of, a Pet. 2. 2. for, 2W's aueftion, Wbo did binder you i importeth that none in rcafon could have hindered them. 5. When people fall remiffc and lazie in giving obedience to known Truth, they are upon the very brink & precipice of defeftion unto contraryError* and of apoftafie from the very profeflion of Truth : for> therefore the Apoftle doth challenge them for not obeying the Truth, though their apoftafie from Truth be mainly intended; implying, that not obedience to Truth, and apoftafie from it, are near of kin each to other. 6. The ferious confideration of a mans former fotwardnefle in the wayes of Godi and how little rcafon can be given for his prcfent backfliding and remiflheffc, is a ftrong incitement to do the firft works, and by future diligence to regain what he hath loft by his tor mer negligence: for, chc Apoftle's icope, is, to incite towards a recovery :ir loft liberty by the confideration of thofc two, *V did run W/> fe£* did binder you I Vert Chap>$- *f Paul to the Ga t ati ans. 23$ Verf* 8* This perfadfeon cometh not tf Him that calktb you. TJE preoccupieth an objeftion; for, left haply they > *^ had (aid, They were fully perfwaded in their con- fcience> that the way wherein they now were, was ap- proven of God ; he reponeth, that whatever perfwafion they might have of that kind, it was but a meer delufion, as not coming from God, who had called chem to chri- ftian liberty, ver. 13. but from the Devil andhisemif- faries. Pott. 1. The greateft untruths and fouleft errors may be attended, in thofe who vent them, with no fmall meafure of confidence and perfwafion, that they are un- doubted Truths : for, Taul doth here fpeak againft fuch a perfwafion in thofe Galatians ; Thu perfwafion cometh notofHim, faith he. 2. There is much perfwafion and confidence, whereof God is not the author, and efpeci- ally that/which taketh darkneffe for light* and error for truth: this perfwafion is not of God, or real, but a ftrongdclufion* arifing from air ogancy and felf- conceit in the perfon erring ( 2 Tim. 3. 2, 4. compared with ver. 6. ) together with his ftrong engagements from credit, profit, or fome other luft , to follow that error , which do blind the underftanding, 2 Tim. 4. 3. but efpccially from the powerfull working of Satan, who blindeth the minds of thofe who believe not the Truth, 2 Cor. ^. 4. iTheff. 2. 9, 10. for, faith he, This perfwafion cometh not of God. 3. Whatever perfwafion cqmeth not of God, and is not grounded upon the Word of Truth, is not to be valued, but looked upon as a delufion, with how- much-foever confidence it be vented : for f^w/regardeth not their perfwafion upon this ground ; It u not of Him that calleth you, faith he. 4. This may evidence perfwa- fion or confidence, not to be of God, or real, but a meer delufion,when that thing, the truth or lawfulnefs where- of we fecm to be perfwaded of, is contrary unto that which wc arc called unto of God;by venue cither of our general *l6 tsftrUfExpefitioH of the Epifile Chap, j general or particular calling: for, the defcription here gm n ot God from His calling of them, importeth, their opinion was contrary to that chriftian liberty, to which they were called of God *, and therfore pcrfwafion about k, was not to be regarded ; Tbis perffrafon tometb not of Htm that tallah you, faith he. Vcrf. 9. A little Ica+en leaVenetb the \»bol$ lump. XJE obviatcth a fecond obje&ion ; for, if they flioulct ■* * have laid, There was no reafon why TW (hould make fo much noife , feing they had not imbraced the whole Jcwifh Religion, but did only obfcrve fome Ce- remonies thereof, and neverthelefle remained conttant in the Chrirtian Faith; yea, and poflibly, that even this much was not common to them all, but the deed of fome few only. He anfwereth by a fimilitude taken from Lea- yen, That a little falfe doftrinc ( to which leaven is com- pared, Mat. 16* 12.) mayeafily in progreffe of time corrupt a mans judgment in every other point of Do- &rinc, and that a fmall number of fcandalous or feduced perfons, ( to whom leaden is compared, 1 Cor. 5. 6. ) may very (pcedily infedt the whole Church, ^oit. 1. When they who are overtaken with fin and error can- not any longer hold off con virion, or defend their pra- ftice by (trength of reafon , it is ordinary for them to mince and extenuate the fin of which they are convinced, and to make but fmall matters of greatett offences : for. the fimilitude here ufed, fuppofeth there was an aptneflc in them thus to extenuate their error ; A little leaVin, faith he. a. It is the duty of Chrift's Minifters, not only by force of reafon to endeavour a finncrs conri£U- on, that his way is finfull or erroneous, but alfo to fore- caft thole fhifes, whereby the finner being convinced of his fin or error, may readily go about to extenuate it; and having found them out > to (hew the vanity and iightncfl'eof them : tor, the Apofllc doth forccaft, that readily they would cxccnuatc their fin froauhi*, that it was Chap. 5 ;i a/Paul to /^Gaiati an s^ 237 was but a little one> and maketh their extenuation to be without ground, (htVJin? that* little lea\>en leftenctb tbt •tobole lump. 3. The Church of Chrift, and every par- ticular member thereof , ought carefully to refift and watch againft the very firft beginnings and occafions of fin, but efpecially of error ; The Church by labourite authoritatively to convince thegain-fayers,T/*.i, 9. ane confidence 'in yon through the Lot d, thai you Kill be none otberftife minded ; but be that troubletb you, jhall bear bis judgment, tybofoeVer he be. TJEdcthindire&ly prefle the former exhortation* ft- *" condly, by (hewing his confidence grounded upon charity ( 1 Cor, 13.) that through the Lords gracious working with them,they (hould be reclaimed from their Error, and made yet again to imbrace the fame Truth, which he did preach ; But withall, left from this his charity to them, they fhould conclude the Error wherein they were> was not very dangerous ; therfore he (heweth his juft indignation againft it, by ..enouncing deferved wrath and judgment to be infli&ed, partly, in this life, partly, in eternal death, againft their prime feducers, without any exception, fave that of repentance, which is to be underftood in all threatnings, Jer. 18* 7, 8. © and zealous for the good of fouls, when he hath to do with thofe who are overtaken in a. fault, 238 A brief Exf of den of the Spift/e Chap, y# fault, will of ncceflity be toffed with the tydes of con- trary affc&ions, and, as it were, divided betwixt the excrcifc ct hopes and fears : love in '^W,did ftir up both thofc affe&ions, by making him fear the worft ofthofc Galatians in the preceding verfes, and yet hope the beft of them here ; / ha\>e confidence in you through the Lord, (kith he. ft. TbcMiniftcrof JefusChrift is nottode- fpair of their recovery who do oppofe themfel ves ; but ou^ht in charity to hope the beft of all men, fo long as they arc curable : I ha\e confidence inyou through the Lord, that ye **// be none otbeftoife nwided, faith he, which was not a confidence of Faith grounded upon a word of pro- mifc, and therefore infallible ; but a confidence of cha- rity and love to their good, which made him hope, that God would bring about their deliverance , wherein, though the event fhould have difappointed him, yet he had not trantgrcflcd, feing that in our judgment of per- fons, where things arcdoubefom, we are commanded to hope the beft fo far as may be, I Cor. 15.7. notwithftanding,by denouncing Gods judgment againft their prime feducers ; $ut he that troublethyou^JhaTl beat bit judgnent9 faith he* <5. How the native and ordina- ry cffe# of error is to trouble the Churches peace. See Chap* 1. Verf. 7. Do&. 3. ®ut he that troubled yon. *J. Though there were not a Chriftian Magiftrate to in- flift civil punifhment upon feducers, and thofe, who by drawing difciples after them do trouble the Churches peace, or, though the Chriftian Magiftrate do not make conference of that, which is his duty herein, %om. 1 3. -4. yet, fuch evil doers as thofe may certainly expe ft their deferved judgment from God, either here, or hereafter to be infli&ed, either immediately by Himfelf, Zeth. 10. 7. or mediately by fome one inftrument or other, 2ecbm 13.3. for, though there was now no Chriftian Magi- ftrate to punifii fuch •! yet *Paul with much confidence affirmeth, He that tnubleth you, (ball bear his judgment. 8. So juft is God, that when He maketh inquifition for bloud in His day of vengeance, He will fuffer no impe- nitent tranfgreflbr, how fubtil fbever, efcape His moft accurate fearch, nor yet paffefree from the dint of His avenging ftrokd who-ever he be for parts, power, or eftimation : for, he fpeaketh in the fmgular number, he that troublethyou9 to (hew, that every one, and, as it were, apart, and one by one, (hould be taken notice of, and {hall bear his judgment, Ifrbofttr be be, that is, without erf ception of perfons. Verf.' 24 3 A brief Sxpofition of the SpiflU Chap. 5; Vcrf. 11. ./fai I, Brethren, if I yet preach Circumcifiott, toby do I yet fujfer perfection i then U the offence of the creflc ceafed. IJE preffcth the exhortation, thirdly, by refuting a ca- *• * lumny, whereby, as it leemeth hisadverfarieb would have made people believe that TW , by circumcifing limotby ,to prevent the (tumbling of the weak Jews ( •*#. 1 6. 5.) had declared himlelf to be of the lame judgment with them in the prefent controverfie. And he anfwereth, denying that he did urge Circumci lion to be obferved by the Gcntilrs at all, (Act. 21.25.) nor yet by the Jews in the f.nfeof his adverfaries, and giveth two evidences of the truth of hi* denial ; Firft, if hie had preached Cir- cumcifion, the Jews would not have pcriecuted him> as they conftantly did. Secondly, they would not have ta- ken offence at the preaching of the Gol pel, or of Salva- tion through Chrift crucified, which is here called the Crofle, or do&rine of the Crofle, as 1 Cor. 1. 18. The truth of both which confequences lyeth in this, that the great reafon why the Jews did perfecute the Apoftle,and Were fuch enemies to hisdo&nne, was his preaching down of Circumcifion, and the whole frame of that an- cient legal adminiftration, under which rhey were born, and educated, AY. 21.28. ©•#. 1. It is the ordinary lot of faithfull Minittcrs, to be lubject unto {lander and reproaches, not only in reflet of their Jives, 7{oni. 3.8. but alio in refpeft of their Mmiltry and Dodrine, as if they were Hercticks : for, evcn?W is reported of as a preacher ofCircumcifion, which is fuppoled, while he lakh, // I yet preach CircHtncilton. 2. So aftive ajc here- tical feducers, as they leave no mean uneffayed which may fervc to confirm and cftabhfh their leduced follow- ers, if it were even to fpread reports of their chiefeft op- Vofits, that they are fccretly and under-hand of the fame opinion with themfelves, and that iometimes they de- clare their judgments to thatpurpofe: for, fodid they icport Chap. J '• */Pau! to the Ga i at i a n il 241 report of Haul, asishcrefuppofrd; ^ 1 yet preach CirJ cumcifion. ?. The faithfull Miniftcr of Jciits Chrift, though he be maltcioufly and bafely reported of, ought not to render evil for evil unto thofe who have invented or entertained fuch reports , but to return love for their hatred, and good for their evil , labouring more to vin- dicate himfelf, than to rub difgrace upon them, where- by he (hall heap coals of fire upon their head, %».I2# 20. for, fo doth 2W, while he laboureth only to clear himfelf to thofe Galatians, among whom he was mif- reported of,giving them the affe&ionate ftile of Brethren; And I, Brethren, if I yet preach Circumcifion, toby do I yet fujfer perfection i 4, While we labour to clear our fclves from falfe imputations or calumnies, we had need to ufe much circumfpeftion in declaring the matter of fadUeft we fail in any one circumftance.and fo be found lyars, while we go about to juftifie our felves ; for,^W is thus circumfped while he denyeth not that he did cir- cumcifeany ( for he circumcifed Timothy , Act. 16. 3.) or that he did ever preach Circumcifion ( for he did fa while he was a Pharifee, Gal. 1. 13, 14.) but that he did preach the obferving of it now as a thing neceffary to falvation ; If 1 yet preach Circumcifion, faith he. ?. A faithfull Minifter neither ought, nor will conceal any part of rffecelfary Truth, which he is otherwife called to preach, though he certainly know, he will incur hazard, loffe and periecution from men becauft of it • for, Paul knew he was perfecuced by-the Jews for his preaching againft Circumcifion, and yet he preacheth ; Why do I yet fuffer perfection > 6- Neither is he to conceal any part of neceffary Truth , when the eminent hazard of peoples falvation calleth for the preaching of it, though imbittered enemies (hould take eccafion from his preach- ing of that one Truth to xcjtSt all Truth: for, Haul preacheth down Circumcifion, though she Jews did lake occafion from his fo doing to rejeft the whole Go- fpel : for, faith he, Then9to wit, if he had preached Cir- cumcifion, the offence oftheCrojfe u ceafed9 7. If men. - R once 24* A brUf Exptftion of the Spiff U Cbap. $1 once place Religion and WorQifp in rites, ceremonies > and fuch extcrnall obfervances, the moft fubftantial* Truths of God and duties of Chriftianity, will not bear fo much weight with them in progrefle of time as the meaneft of thofe : for, though 2W did preach Chrift fincercly , I Cor. I. 23. and urged obedience to all the duties of the Moral Law, '^w.13. 8, 9. yet, fcing he did not preach Circumcifion he was perfecutcd by the Jews, who placed Religion in fuch external performances : Yea> they rc'jeit and Humble at the doctrine of Salvation preached by hiitijbecaufe he would not preach Circum- cifion alio; Why do lyetfufer perfection* then u the offence of the CroJJe ceafid : which implycth, that his not preach- ing Circumcifion, was the caufe why they perfecutcd his per Ion, and (tumbled at his dodtrinc. Verf. 1 2. * toould they \\>ere even cut offtobkb trouble you, TJE prefieth che exhortation, fourthly, by a wiflh that **• their prime feducers, who troubled their outward and inward peace> were cut off from communion with the Church ,by the fword of Excommunication : where- by he (heweth both, that their (in deferved to be fo ccn- fared, and that the good of the Church , if her prefenc diftemper could have born it, did require that thiscen- fure had been infli&ed. UH. 1. The Lord Chrift, King and Head of His Church, hath placed power and autho- rity in the Church-Guides ( 7ob.io. 2}. ) being con- veened together ( I Cor* 5* 4. ) to cut off from the body of the Church, by the fword of Excommunication, in- corrigible and obftinatc offenders, tor the dcliru&ion of the flefh, that their fpirit may be faved in the day of the Lord Jcfus , and that the Church be not infe6ted by the contagion of their fin, 1 Cor. 5. 5,6. for, by this cutting off, is mcaned Excommunication, as the firailitudc of leaven (ver.9.) doth teach, being compared with I C$rm 5.6. in which chapter Excommunication is fpokenof, and die Apoftlc alludcth p that phralc oi cutting of from Ggd; Cbap. JT . of Paul to the G A I A T 1 : A K 5 . 245 Cods People, frequently ufed in the Old Teftament, as Gen. 17. 14. which didexpreffethecenfure of Excom- inunicatioti then in ufe among the Jews ; and the Apo- ftle's wifhing, that they were even cut off who troubled them, iiippofeth that there was power to cut off fuch it* the Church, if the exercife of that power had been fea- fonable j I V>ould they toere e)>en cut off. 2. The fpirit of Error may fo far prevail among a People, that the exer- cife of difcipline can hardly attain its end amongftthem* to wit, the fhaming of the perfon cenfured ( 1 Cor.*}. - 5-) and the prefemtion of cheChurch from being leavened, x Cor. 5. 6. In which cafe the Servants of Chriil would proceed with a floV pace, and in all lenity and wifdom to the infliSing of Church-cenfures, left the perfon cen- fured and the multitude feduced by him, be thereby har- dened, and the Ordinance it (elf expofed to contempt ; and therefore would rather do&rinally declare, what cenfures fuch perlbns deferve, than actually inflift th$ cenlure it felf : for, though Waul by himfelf alone, had power to cutoff and excommunicate, 1 Tim. 1. 20. yet* the infe&ion had (o fpread it (elf in this C hurch, and the general diftemper was fo great, that he fatisfieth himfelf with a wifh, declaring: thereby what their fin deferved* and proceedcth no further ; I toould they ftere even cut off% faith he- Verf. 1 ?• for, &retbrei7, ye baVe been called unto liberty* only ufe not liberty for an occafion lo tbefitjh , but by loVeferVe one another. *T*He fecond part of the chapter beginneth in this verfe, wherein the Apoftle, having given a reafon of his former wi(h,veM a. (even becaufe thofe feduccrs did hinder the courfe of their vocation, burdening them with the obfervanecs of fuch things as are contrary to Evan- gelical liberty, to the en/oyment whereof they were cal- led by God ) heexhorteth them to take heed of tunning to die other cxtteara of abufing their Chriftian liber vL 144 A brsif Expo/itioft of the fyijlle Cbap. $ as if they were thereby freed from all obligation to fcrvc God or man in any thing, and giveth two Rules to di- reft them in the right ule of their liberty ,firft, They Kould notufe their liberty fir an oaajton to the fitjb ; where, by fltfois notmeanedthe fubltancc of our flefhly bodies, but the power of fin and corruption which is in every man, Epb. a. j. and is icated not only in our carnall flcHily appetite, but in all the powers of the foul, even theunderliandin? ( 'i^wi.8. 7.) and will, or rational ap- petite, ( Col. 2. -18 .) not being excepted. So the fenfeof the Rule prefcribd, is, That they would not take en- couragement from this dotfrine of Chrittian liberty to give licence unto the power of fin and corruption within them to break all bonds, and to fulfill its own lufts. Sc» condly, That they would by loVe ferVe one another j or, that notwithftanding of this purchafed liberty, every one without exception of perlons would from the fountain of love imploy himlelf in all the duties of love for bring- ing about the good of his neighbour, and by confequencc would ftraitcn, or enlarge himlelf in the ufe o^ his li- berty, as might be moft conducing to his neighbours fpiritual edification, r%». 14. 1 ?, 1 5. 1 Cor. 8.9. fDott. I. There is not any one thing which ought to be more defired and endeavoured by an honeft Mmifter, than that the People of God committed to his charge, do in fomemeafure walk anfwerably to their chriftian cal- ling , and nothing ought to ftir up his zeal and indigna- tion more, than when they either actually walk, or arc tempted to * alk in a courfe contrary unto it : for,there- by they not only mar the fruits of the Gofpcl to them- felres, ( lee vcr. 4. ) but alio caufe it to be evil fpoken of by others, 1 Tim. 5. 14 Hence is the Apoftle'sieal fo hot againft the fallc Apoftlcs as that he wifheth them to be cut oft, even bccaulc they tempted thofc Galatiansto undergo a yokeof fcrvitude contrary to that ftatc of li- berty, unto which they were called ; For, fBrethcn, ye baVe been called unto liberty, faith he. 2. Such is the power and fubtilty of inbred corruption* as that it perverteth the Chap. $• */*Paol to the G a i a t i a n s ] £45 the nature even of thofe things which are beft, and ta- keth occafion from them to do wickedly : for* there is hazard, left occafion be taken by corrupt nature, even from the do&rine of chriftian liberty, to break all bonds* and to become licencious, as is fuppofed> while he faith* Only ufe not liberty for an occafion to the jie[hm 3, The Minifter of Jefus Chrift ought with great circumfpe&i- on to guard and cautionate the Truth deliveredi>y him, and especially fuch Truths , as not being fufficiently guarded may readily be miftaken> and made ufe of for the encouragement of corrupt nature in any vice or er- ror: for, fuch was this dodtrinc of chriftian liberty, and tberfore the Apoftle doth feafonably guard k> Only, faith he, ufe not liberty for an occafion to tbefitfb. 4. That our chriftian liberty purchafed by Chrift,may be ufed aright* it is required that we do not abufe it as an occafion of flefhly liberty , whether* firft, by making thofe things indifferent and free, which God hath not made free, as the Gentiles did fornication, 1 £V. 6. ver. 1 2, tstc% Or, fecondly, by the immoderate and excefl[ive ufe of things in their own nature indifferent, as of meat, drink> appa- rel, which is frequently condemned, See ^orn. 13.13. for,, the Apoftle prefcribeth this as one rule for the right ufe- making of chriftian liberty ; Only ufe not. liberty for an occafion of the flejb. 5, It is not fufficient for the right ufe-making of chriftian liberty, that we do not from thence take occafion to fin ourfelvcs, bye wemuftalfb labour carefully to guard, left by the off en five and un- difcreet ufe of liberty we give offence, and minifter oc- cafion of fin and ftumbling unco others : for, he pre- fcribeth this as a fecond rule,chat in the ufe of their liberty they would byJsVef^Ve one another y having an eye efpe- cially upon their neighbours fpiritual edification, %om* M 1 3> 1 5* ©0#. 6. This freedom and liberty purchafed * by Chrift, doth not loofethe tyof any neceffary duty, which we are under, whether to God or man. The yoke qf duty is no wayes repugnant unto, but very confittent with chriftian liberty : for, the Apoftle, having at large [ R 3 exhorted 24* d irief Exp'fition dfthe SpiftU Chap, j exhorted them to ftand to this liberty, he fubjoyneth, by loVe/i'Vc one another, J. Though Chnltianicy doth not abolifh chc civil diliinCtion of matters and fcrvants Ejbm 6. J, p. And though all Chnftians be in lomr refpects the Lords tree- men, tCor.j.ii. yet, they arc all ( even thegrcitclt not beine excepted) mutually (ervants one to another, in io tar as being fellow-members of one body, ( i Cor . ii. 27 ) ihcy ought not to live unto themlelvcs only, but to ipend thcmfelves in their rcipe&ive imploy- ments, for the Ipiritual and civil advantage of the whole body, and of every particular member thereof, fo far as their capacity and calling ( 2 Cor* 8. 1 2, 1 }. ) do reach: for, the Apoltlc enjoyncth unto all without exception, ferVe one another. 8. It is not (ufficient we do thole things which are in themlelves materially good, or conducing to our neighbours profit and advantage, except what is done of that kind do flow from the fountain of chnltian love towards him, I C§r. I j.«. for, faith he, fer+e one another by love. 9. There is no duty fo onerous in it fclfi or fo far below us in our eftcem, but the grace of love, being lively in the heart, will makcu> pleafantly ftoop unto it, if it were even to ferve the mcaneft perfon in the world : for, he commanded) all, even the greateft, to /crVe one another by love ; importing, where love is not, this (ervice will hardly be undergon, and that love will make it eafie* Vcrf. 14. for all the LaXtis fulfilled in one rtord, eVen in tbu : Tboujbalt lo\e thy neighbour as thy felf. IJE inforcechthc laft Rule by twoReafons, firft/TMs * lervingone another by love, is the molt comwrndi- «ms way to keep the whole Law, fcing the whole Law is fummedup in that one Word or Precept , (for the ten Precepts of the Law are called Io many Words,Exod. 34. 27) of loving our neighbour (thaus, every one with- out exccption,to whom we have any opportunity offered cf doing good, UJf$ 10,36, 37.) and that, with as much finccruy Chap. J . */ Paul to the G a i a t i a n s 1 24^ fincerity as we do our felves : Now, love to our neigh- bour, is called the fulfilling of the Law, not as if Jove to God Were not thereby commanded alfo, Mat. it. 37. but becaufe love to our neighbour fuppofeth love to God, and floweth from it as a ftream from the fountain, I Jok$. 1. and is an evidence of it, I Job. 4. 21. (Do## 1. Though Believers in JefusChrift be delivered from the condemning fentcnce of the Law> %w. 8. 1. yet, not from the directing power thereof* The Law doth al- wayes remain a rule of our new obedience? though it ceafc from being a Judge either to juftifie, or condemn us : for, the Apoftle mforceth the duty of love from the authority of the Law, which doth en joyn it ; for, all the LaV> isfjufiUed in one toord, &c. faith he. 2. Love to our neighbour is a moft comprehenfive duty, as comprifing not only inward affe£tion>but alfo outward a&ion, and extending it felf to all the duties both pofkive and nega- tive, which are enjoyned by the whole fecond Table ; (See Mat .11. 39.) leVe thy netgbbour e our neighbour , (that is, as Chrift explaineth, Lufy 10. ;€ our neighbour I Job. }, 18. for, fo we do, and ought to love our felves; Now the Law commandcth to lo\>c our nctpbbtur a* our febes. * Verf. I J. But if ye bite and devour one another y ta{e bed Shot ye be not eonfumed one of another. TJEre is a fecond argument, to inforce the exercife of mutual love, taken from fome dangerous tflfe&s, which, doubtleffe, had already followed in part among thole Galatians, occafioncd by their debates and con- troverfies, and would yet follow more upon the want of love, to wit, firft, Their bitter ftrifes, backbitings, rail- ings, and reproaches, fet forth by the biting of wilde beafti ; And, (ccondly, other real injuries, by traud or violence, which feem to be pointed at, by devouring , which is more than biting : And laftly,as a confequence ofthe two former, a total vaftition and confumption of the whole Church. T>od. 1. As it is a matter of no fmall difficulty to entertain love among the members of aChutch, when they are divided in opinion and judg- ment about religious Truths; So where love groweth cold, Church-divifions have ordinarily fad and icanda- lous effects, which argue Ine of a tender frame of heart in thole who have thtm, even fuch as are here mention- ed 1 biting% and devouring one another \ 2. Howcvc r a kdanan Chap.5- */ Vw\t§ the Caiatians. 249 fe#arian fpiric doth ordinarily pretend to much fobriety andmeekneffc, elpecially when it fiift appearcth, and hath butttw tofcive it any countenance, '$om. \6. 18. yet? fofooi) as it hath gathered fttength, and gained ma- ny followers, it hath been alwayes found rr oft bitter and cruel: for, the rffidts of this renting fchiimatick fpint among dole Galacians, were no lefle than bitwgand de- louring ore another. v 3. In time of Church- idivifions, though that parry which is for ttuth and piety be al- wayes the moft lbbt xyJuae v. 20. xi. yet,con(idering that even they hav( much unmodified corruption apt to be provoked by the iniolency of their fchiimatick adverfa- ries there is no fmall I azard, left even they vent much of fltfhly zeal and pa(f on, and while they are defending Truth, become guilty ot feveralmifcariiages, andfobc rendrrdmuch theworfeof their tontefls and divifions: for, the fin which he doth partly reprove, and partly guard againft was mutuahand ot both parties ; If ye lite and devour out another, faith he. 4, When fchifm in a Church is no only maintained on the one hand with flefhly paflion, ftnfe, reproaches, and other real injuries, but when it is alio oppugned upon the other hand, not fo much with the fword ot the Spirit the Word of Truth, as with the fame flefhly and finfull means , Then efpecially is fchifm the fore- runner and procuring caufe of defla- tion and ruine to both parries, and to the whole Church; and this not only becaufe of that heinous guilt which is in it> but alio that Humbling- blocks are thereby multi- plied, which cannot but prevail mightily to make men doubt of all Truth, and in end prove nuJli-fidians : for, the Apcftle holdeth this forth as the confequence of their biting and devouring one another , 1al(e heed, faith lie, leslye be defiroyed one of another. j# As it is a matter of great difficulty to make men of credit and parts, being once engaged in their contentious debates, to projeft the confequences of their lo doing further than the hoped- for vitfory againft their contrary party, Act, 1 v. 37, e*rr# So it were no fmall vvifdoro, before folk meddle with flrifei fro A britf8xp$fition of the t fifth Chap. 5 ftrife. fo as to engage their flefhly pafliong in it, however they may be otherwife provoked , ferioufly to pfojeft and cenfider what wofull > fad and dangerous effefts may follow thereupon to the Church of God : for,faith he, Ta^e heed, left ye be deflroyed one of Mother. Vcrf. 16. Thisl fai tfen, Wdll^h the Spirit, and ye fait not fulfill the lujl of tbefiejh. JJE returneth to the firft Rule given, ver. 15. (to wk> x x That they *>ould not ufe their liberty for an occajion to the fiejh) by a tranfition ufuall unto him when he is fur- ther to infift upon any thing formerly ipoken (Se- chap. 4. ver. I. ) and furnifheth them with an help for redu- cing that Rule dnto practice, to wit> Wdking in the Spirit, or following the motions and direflions of the renewed part* or new-man of Grace in the heart ( for which the word Spirit, when it is oppofcd to flefh, is ufually taken, See Joh.^.6.) the fruit of their walking thus he (heweth fiiould be their mortify inland keeping at under tbtfle/b, or their corrupt and unrenewed part, in fo far, as though the lufts,or firft inordinate motions of inbred corruption ( for fo is lujl taken in the tenth Commandment) would not be totally fuppreffed, yet they fhould not be fulfilled , or brought unto the compleat aft, with deliberation and. confent* which doth more fully fpeak that which is, ver. I J. concerning their not ufing liberty for an occafionto the fl (h. 2>o#. i. There is not any poffibility of getting the power of inbred corruption fubdued, or the lufts of finfull 8cfh curbed to any favingpurpofe by a natural man , or by any man without a work of faring Grace wrought in his heart by the Spirit of God : forhepre- fcribeth unto them xtal^mp ht the Spirit, as the only reme- dy againft fulfilling thelitis of tbefiejh, which fuppofeth that the Spirit, or the work of faring Grace and Rege- neration wrought by the Spirit, muft be firft in them- a. The prevailing ofcorruption over Chriftians, even to the accomplifbing of the outward afts thereof after de- liberation Chap.?. *f Paul to ^GalatiansJ Sji liberation ( which fometimes hath come to pafle, as in cannot but gather ftrength, ano range abroad in the foul without any effcftual re- fiftance: fo:, Vaul laithnot, if ye have the Spirit, but if ye Vvdlk^in the Sptrit, ye /hall net fulfill the lujls of the fcfh. ?. The fin of luft and covetoulnefle, as it Ipeaketh the firft motions of corruption, whether in our underftand- ing, will, or feniual appetite* towards unlawfoll and forbidden obje&s, namely, fuch motions as are fudden, and run before our deliberate confent, they cannot be wholly abandoned by the childe of God in this life, no not> though he ufe the utmott of diligence and watchful- neffe : for, upon their walking in the Spirit, he doth not promifc that thole lufts fhall not be in them ; only, they Jbdllnot fulfill the lujts of the fiefb. 4. Jt is a Mi- nifter's duty to infift fo far upon any point of neceffary Truth, untill he make it, lo tar as he is able, fuffici- entlv plain according to the capacity of the hearers, as alio if the Truth in hand contain a praftical duty, the praftice whereof is attended with many difficulties, he is to infift upon it until he furnifti the hearers with fome pertinent helps and motive* unto that duty : for, fo dorh Paul infift Uf on that Truth delivered, ver. 1 3. This I fay then ; and by infifting doth explain it, ye jkall not fulfill the lufts of thefitfh ; and farnifheth them with an help how it (hall bepraftited, Wal\, in the Spirit, faith he. Vcrf. z 5 i A hrief Ex po fit ion of the Spiftle Chap. 5 Verf. 17. ftr *J* fUjh lHfleth agamfl the Spirit , and the Spirit againft the fUJf>, and theft are contrary the one to the other : f§ that ye cannot do the things that ye Xtould. OE provcth thac their following the motions of the A renewed part, fhould keep the unrenewed part at under, by two arguments ; firft, Becaufe the renewed, and unrenewed part, or spirit and F/r/&, do luft againtt, unceffantly oppofe and labour to fuppreffe one another, by reafon of that great contrariety, which is betwixt thofe two principles, as being of a different original,/**. 3.6. and fupported and aflifted with contrary powers, vcr. 19. and 22. whence he fheweth it doch follow, that we cannot complcatly efk&uate neither the good nor the evil which we would ; the flcfi alwayes oppofing that which we would according to the direction of the Spirit ; the Spirit again oppofing what we would accor- ding to the dire&ion of zhefiep? : which latter is the con- clusion he doth here prove, as it is cxpreffed, ver. 16. Qoft. i. As a Minifter ought to point at fome helps un- to the People for their better difcharging of any difficult duty ; So he ought to make it appear that thofe are helps indeed, and how they contribute for the more eafie pra«* Siting of the duty prcfl'ed ; otherwifc they receive no encouragement thereby, neither to fet about the duty, nor to make ufe of thofe helps in order to the duty : for, the Apoftle having prefcribed an help for keeping the fiefb at under, doth here demonftrate clearly, that the thing prefcribed doth really help, as appearcth from the fcopc. 2. As the regenerate man hath a renewed prin- ciple of Grace in all the faculties and powers of thp foul, wrought in him by thc^pirit of God ; So he hath in all thofe fomc remainder of corruption yet unmodified , whereby his whole mind, will and affc&ions are partly Spiritual, Partly carnal, both flrfi and Spirit arc in him j For the flejhLttcth againfl the Spirit, faith he. ?. None of thofe povvcrs or principles in thcrcgencratc man, are dead, Chap.*; of Paul fOffoGAlATIANS: 25} dead, dull, or mcerly paffive, but boch of them are work- ing and aftive ; tor, tbeflcfo lujletb, and tbe Spirit lujleth whereby ismeaned, that both of them dofway and in- cline the whole man to work in a way congruous to their refpeftive natures, the one to good, and the other to evil. 4- The activity of thefe two a&ivc principles is ma flat opposition the one to the other; fo that in one and the fame man, and while he is about one and the fame a&ion, there is a conflift and battel betwixt thefe two contrary parties, 9{gnt. 7. 19, 21. The fle/h lujletb againji tbe Spirit } and the Spirit againji tbe fiejb 9 5. As there is a mixture of both thefe principles in all the pow- ers and faculties of the regenerate man ; So there is a. mixture of their refpe&ive influence and efficacy in every a&ion of his, whereby, though there be a prevalency of the one above the other in fome anions ; yet there is not one aftion to which both of them do not contribute fomewhat : if not by a caufal influence ; yet by fome mcafureofa&iverefiftance", for thejiejh lujletb againfl tbe Spirit, and tbe Spirit againji tbejlefh. 6. Hence it fol- loweth> that as the aftions of the regenerate are not per- fe<3 and free from a (infill mixture \ So there i* fome dif- ference betwixt his worft anions, and thofc fame aftions as gone about by the unregenerate man, even this, that the flefti doth not advance vvith a full gale, but meeteth with the contrary tyde of refiftance from the Spirit in fome degree : for, as the fle/h lujletb againji tbe Spirit, (o tbeSpiritluftetbaiainJltbefleJh: and ye cannot de tbe thing that ye Mouldy faith he. 7. Though unregenerate men may have fomewhat like to this fpiritual combat,cven a conflift fometimes betwixt the natural confeience, and rebellious affe&ions, %w. 2«i. yet they have not this fame very combat here Ipoken of, therein one faculty is npt carried againft the other , bocevery faculty, as it is fiijb, is carried againft it felf , as it isfyirit ; now that this . combat is not in the unregenerate man, appeareth from this, that he is wholly fltfh> Ge «.6T 5, and not at all j^i* , And this combat is bet\mt fiejb zxx&$int ; for, tbe fiejb lujletb i J4 *A brief Expofition if the Epifile Chap.J; hjletb *l'i*ft tbt Jpirtt. 8. The muiual refinance and oppofuion of thofe two parties, flip? m&jLi u, j(1 the re- generate n>an,as it bepinneth at the very firft rife of every action in the underftanding, will or affections; Soic continucth and waxeth ahvayes more fierce, as the a&i- on is carried-on towards its full accomplifbmcnt by the executive faculties : for, faith be, Te cannot uo tb< t mp that yt toeuld ; importing, that our willing of good or cvil> is more free from this oppofi.ion ( though not alto- gether free ) than our actual doinfc or accomplishing of k, being fo willed. See ^^.7.-18. Verf. 18. #*/ if ye be ledbytbeSphit, ye are not under tin La*. T_IE proveth the fame conclufion, fecondly, (hewing *■ A that they who are led and guided by the regenerate part, or an inward principle of ^r ace wkhin ( which 11 all one with *alkptg m the Spirit, fpoken of, ver. 16.) arc not under the La*, whereby is not moaned, that thc-y are not under the Law as a rule and puide of new obedience; for, both the Word and the Spirit do guide, a^fhall ap- pear from the fir(t Do&rine ; but they are not under the condemning (^?>», 8. 1 ) nor yet tiie irritating power of the Law, whereby the more that unregenerate men are urged unto rigid obedience by the Law, the more doth their corrupt nature fpurn and rebell, as being defperatc to get all done which the Law enjoynetn. Tnis irritating powerofthe Law is fpoken of, i\o>n. 7. 5. Now>they who are led by the Spirit, are not thus under the Law, becaufc unco fuch a fountain of Grace is opene J-up for enabling them in (brae mcafure to do what the Liw en- joyneth. P/W/.4.1?. and for pardoning ehemwhereio they fall fhort, 1 Jd>. 2.1,2. So that corruption in them is not fo much irritated by the Law as in the unregene- rate, and by conlequencc the lulls of trie flefh arc not ful- filled, as was expreffed, ver. 16. Voci. r. The regene- rate parti or new man of Grace, per iormcch the office of a guide Chap.*; */Paul t$ the Ck t at i ans^ Sj 5 guide and leader to the godly in all their aftions which are truly ipiritual, in fo far as, firft, it fell is ruled by the Word, and to be tryed by the Word, lfa. 8. 20. which Word alone is the external light and lanthorn to dircft our fteps, Pjal. 119. 105* as the light of the Sun or candle is to the eye. Secondly, the work of Grace it felf, as the underftanding is thereby illightncd, is the internal light whereby the regenerate roan doth fpiritualiy un- derftand the things of God revealed in Scripture, i Qorm 2. »2. as by the internal light of the eye we difcern thole things which arc made confpicuous by the external light of the Sun or candle. Thirdly, the fame work of Grace, as the will and affe&ions are thereby renewed, being actuated by the continual fupply of exciting grace from the Spirit of the Lord, is a fttengthening guide to all fpiritual aftions, by whole influence alone the rege- nerate man (who as to any principle of nature and free- will within himfelf, is not fufficient to think any thing, iCor. 3. 5.) is rendred able, and made actually to walk in the wayes of God, Tbilip. 2. 13, for, while he faith, If jlf be led by the Spirit, he fuppofeth the office of the Spi- rit, and regenerate part is to guide and lead. 2. The natural man, fo long as he remaineth in that ftate, is lb much a (lave to his finful lufts, That thole things which are appointed of God to curb and make them weaker, are fo far from bringing about the end propofed , that his lufts are thereby inraged and made more violent: for, the Apoftle (being to prove that thofe who are led by the Spirit do not fulfill the lufts of the flefti ; which is laid down to be proved, ver. 16-) &\th,fucb *n n*t under the Ltf*> to wit, the ftrift and rigid exa&ion of the Law ; importing,that the rigidity of the Law,which of its own natere tendeth to reftrain fin, and to make it weaker, is turned by the unregenerate man unto an occafion for the fulfilling of his lufts, Verf. IJ6 A brief expefitien of the Epifile Chap. ? Vcrf. f 9. ^fy* the rtorkj of the fl*Jh are manife/l, Ttobich are tbefet%Ariulteryt forntcatim, untleanne e, as I ba\e alfo told you in time pa ft, that tbev, tohicb do fucb things, [ball not m- bent the I(ingdom of God. E Or the better undcrftandmg and obferving of the rule delivered, ver. I?, up not liberty for anoccajiontotbe fi{hy he maketh a Catalogue oMome works of the flefh, which were belt known to thofe Galatians : And, firft, he declareth the nature & condition of thole works, that though the inward root of concupifcence from whence they flow, be hid > and therefore it is not eafie to con- rince a man that he is led by it ; yet thofe effe&s and works of die flefh are evident and patent, lo that a man may pafle judgment upon the pre valency of flcfli and concupifcence in his hea-t, when thofe its effctts do break out in his life. Secondly, he miketh a particular enu Deration ot fevenr en of thole works, exprefly (hew- ing that there are frvcral other works of the flelh befides thele , only he thinkcth i: fuflfkient to have inftanced theft, and thefc rather than others , becaufe probably they have been too commonlv praCtifed among the Ga- Jatians: which worksofthefl-hher.* enumerated, are, Firft, tA luliery, or the fin of filthynefle betwixt parties, wher of one atleaft is married, secondly, fornication, or the fin of filthinclTc betwixt parties both free from the yoke of marriage. Thirdly, I* nclcannejj} ; under which arc ulually comprehended all other ibrts of filchy ljfts, and particularly that aeainft nature, fywM.14, Fourth- ly, Lafcivioufne/Je, or wantonnefle, whereby is mcaned all petulant and wanton behaviour tending to excite the liiftoffilchineile. whether in our fclvcs or others- Thefc arc,Vcr, 19. Fifthly, Idolatry, a (in whereby religious worship, Chap. f. o/Paul tothe Gai at tax {. - ijy worftiip, due to God only (Mat. 4. 10 J is given untQ thofe which bv nature are no sods, chap 4,9. or, where- by the true God is worfhiped in, or before lmages,£x* whereby we are p rieved at the good which is in others, not fo much from hatred to their good,as becaufe it over* (hadoweth us, and therefore is joyned with a defire to outftriptherri in that good, which we are grieved for, wherein it diffcrf th from envy. Tenthly, Wrath, where- by, according to the force of the word in the original, is meaned that fudden paflionate commotion, and pertur- bation of the affections, through apprehenfion of an in- jury offered, transforming a man to a very beaft , and thrufting him forward to ad fometiufchief, Lukg 4. 28, 29. Eleventhly, Strife, which, as it diffcreth from the eight work of the flefh formerly mentioned, doth figni- fiea certain kind of litigious driving, probably about civil rights and intereft9, which, when it is for trifling matters, or in defence of unrighteou&iefle, ( £ C°r*6* 8.) or feparated from a fpirit of Chriftian mceknefleand £' son-* 1 5 8 A hrUf Expo ft ion of the Efiftlc Chap. $ condefcendcnce ( I £>„ 6. J.) is a work of the flcfli htcc com; Twclfthly, Seditions, or renting of thofe into dive; s.who ought to be joyned in one cora- Fbctery : (for lo mu< jrd in the Original doth hint at) tohich renting work, when it fallcth out in the Statc,is called I .\mo(fedition and in the Church by the name of ' febijm, cfpecially when there is a rent not only in opinion, hue alio in affection and defignar endeavour , each party labouring to countermine the other- 1 v, Htre/ies, which are fomewhat more than fimple (chilm and faction, i Cor. if. 18, 19. even groti, us errors voluntarily held (Tit. 3. 11.) and faftioufly maintained by tome perlon or perfons within the viliblc Church ( A&k 20. 30. ) in oppolition to fome chief or fubftantial Truths grounded upon, and drawn from the holy Scripture, as the places cited, and die notation of the word in the Original will in a good • Thefeare, vcr. 20. Fourteenth^ En\ymgs9 h are thole bafr pafiions, whereby we grieve at the I and prolperity of others, without any endeavour tain unto that good our felve*. Fitteenthly, Muraers, or il which frequently follow upon the former, whereby is not meancd the execution of publick juliice upon malefactors 5 for, that is commanded Z^V.24. 2U biitthc (at'sfa&jon of private revenge, by fhedding of blour!, and the taking away of our neighbour's life un- juttly, though under pretence of publick juftice, 1 K^g* 21. i iy, Drunf{cnficJJey when mendodrink wine, or ll\ on* drink cxcdfively, and beyond thatmca- furc wh - 1 them both in foul and body for the icmce c ;nd duties of their calling. Sevcn- \ord doth uiiially iignific cx- celTc of bciiy-chear in riotous fcafls, joyned with all forts of lafcivioui behaviour. The A pottle* having made this enumeration, that he might terrific them from the pratf iveth them timous warning now by Lccccr, as he had done formerly by Preaching when he was with them* that iiupcniitnc pcililicrs in thefc Chap.5» e/Paul /^^Galatians. 259 thfcfe and fuch like fins, fhould never inherice the King- dom of Heaven, and by confequence (liould be eternal- ly damned, Mat^. 41. I fay,impenkent perfifters ; for, this and all fuch threatntngs are to be underftood with the exception of repentance, jfer. 18.7. 8. Dotf. c. It is not fufficient that a Minifter, having divided his hearers in tworanks,to wit,fpiritual and carnaI,or renewed and unrenewed* denounce eternal wrath to the latter, and promife God's favour and life eternal to the former ; but it is alfo neceffary, that he give evident and dii crimina- ting marks of bfch,and of the one from the other, where- by every one may be in fome meafure enabled without miftake to judge of his own inward eftate, and fo to know whether the judgment denounced, or mercy pro- mifed, be his allotted portion : for, the Apoftle giveth fuch difcriminating marks of fie(h and Spirit, from their refpeflivecffe#s; The "toor\s 0 f the fie/bare manifep, fakh he ; and,ver.22. the fruit oft be Spirit u lo\>em 2. As it is not fufficient for a Minifter to condemn and reprove fin in the general, without condefcending upon fome particular inftances and examples ; becaufe general do- ftrinc is not fo well underftood, and efpecially in the re- proof of fin, it is looked upon almoft by every hearer as if he himfelf were not concerned in it : So in the mat- ter of inftances and examples (becaufe he cannot, neither were it convenient to enumerate all) fuch would be con- defcended upon as are beft known, and moft commonly pra&ifed among thofe to whom he prcacheth : fon the Apoftle giveth fuch inftances of the works of the flefli, as for the moft part, the prefent defeftion, fchifm and diftemper flowing from thence, which was among thofe Galatians, did carry them unto Idolatry, berefle, Variance, ftrife^&c. and, as it feemcth, all the reft have been but too commonly praft ifed amongft them, as adultery, for- nication j&c 3. Sin hath featcd it felf, not only in the feji- (ual appetite, but in the more noble faculties of the foul alfo, namely our underftanding and will; fothat the whole man is corrupted by nature, and zltogcdpflefb ; S % for3 160 A brief Expofitton of tht gpi/lle Chap, y . for. the works of the fiejh here enumerated are of three forts, according to thole three parts of corrupt flefh, or na:ure,to wit,our rcatbn, will, and tenfual appetite : So asfomeof them arc feaced in, and have their rile from loftbofr; the four i'uft, Adultery, formation, un- cUannejfc and toantonncje, and the two laft, belong to tht fenfiul appetice, Idolatry and here fie to blind and corrupt reafon ; : ff, hatred, Variance, emulations, Wrath, Jbife, /editions, enVyings, murders, belong partly to the depraved will, and partly to the fenfual appetite. 4. Noc only arc grofkj fcandalous evils, woiks of the flefh, excluding thole who arcguilcy from the Kingdom of Heaven, {\iq\ua Adultery % witchcraft, Vc. but alfo fucK fins, as being icated in the heart, do not break forth to the view of tie world, of which fore are hatred, emulati- on f , 1 : for. even they that dofuch things fhall not in- kingdom of God. y. There is no fin fo groffe* as being againrt all piety, confeience, and the very light of natuie it felt, which people have not need to guard again(t, and Minifters to deter them from by the terrible denunciations of God's heavy judgement againftthofe, who fhall be found guilty of fuch like; And that be- caufc the feed of all fin is in every man, 'l{pm. 3. io,Crc. And there is no fin, into which a man given over of God will not fall, when he is tempted to it, Exod. 10. 27. for, thc^Appftle thinketh it neceflary to fear them even from Adult try, Witchcraft and murder f by fhewing that they Who do fuch things fhall not inherit the I(ingdom of God. 6. That a Minilier may beir down and fupprefle fin araongft the people committed to his charge to any purpofe , it is ne- ceflary lie inveigh by juft and neceflary reproof, not only againft the grofle and external afts of fin and wicked- ncfTc, but allbagainft the fiift motions and conception ofthofclins in thcheart# and every thing which may prove an occafion of breaking forth in thofegroffer evils; for,thc Apoflie ;e;tech forth the evil not only of Adultery, fonn. but alio of Kantonnefje ; not only tfpitdcraft, but alfo of hatred and Variance, which often Chap. J. */Paul to the Ga l At x an s. 161 often prove tentations unto witchcraft ; and not only of murdtrSybut alto oi^rath^n\ywgs^emuUtionsyflYife : all which make way for murders. 7. Miniftcrs are God's watchmen, E^ef^ 3. 17. and therefore are bound to give faithfull and timous warning unto every man of his fpirkual hazard ; left other wile the bloud of people be required ac his hands : This made *W often to fore- warn both prefendy, and in time paft, that they *>£• do tbofe things Jhall not inherit the fyngdom of God. 8. Though former warnings have not the expefted fucceffe > yet, the Minifter otChrift, muft not faint ndf defpair, as if there were no hope 5 but ought to renew his zeal, and reiterate thofc very fame warnings and threatnings., as not knowing when the Lord may give the long.wifhcd- for blcffing', 2 Tim. 2.25. Thultiid T 'aid ; Ofthttobicb I tell you bifore , as l baVe alfo told you in time paflm 9. As life eternal and the ftate of glory to be enjoyed after this, is a /(wg^w, becaufe there (hall be an or- der betwixt King and fubjeft there > the ofte command- ing , the other obeying, without anv hazard of rebellion and faftion, Mat. 6. -10. There (hall be perfeft free- dom from all oppreflion and fla very there, Epb. 4* -30. Yea, every fubjeft (hall -'enjoy a kingdom and wear a crown there. Jam. \. 12. So this Kingdom is given, not for our merit or works, but by right of fonfhip and by vertue of our adoption , even as the inherkaiice is conveyed unto the heir : for, faith the Apoftle, fpeaking of Heaven, They f hall not inherit the J\ingdom of God. 10. Though there be a mixture of ftarep and goats, wheat and tares , godry an^ ungodly in the vifible Church, Mat. 1 3. 29, 3a yet in Heaven there (hall be no fuch mixture, no unclean thing (hail enter there ; for, they Kbo do fuch things (hall not inherit the l^ingdom cft^d* faith ?auh Verf. 22. But the fruit of the Spirit tiLo\>e, joy,ptacet long- fuffering,gentlmjfe> goodnej]e} faith , S3 ^ M**$c \6i tA brief Exfo(ttion $fthi E fifth Chap. J 1J. Mtckpejfc, temper Me : agaitijtfucb there u no La». THc Apoftlc,in like rmnnenfor the better underftand- mg, and the more eafie pratfifing of the remedy pre- feribed again/* fkfhly lufts, ver. 16. Hcgivcth a cata- logue of iome of thole gracious venues, and the excrcife of them, which flow from the Spinttor the root ot Grace in the heart : And having called the former inftances (vcr.i 9 J only \>ork% oftbejUJh> be defigncth thefe by the namt im\ b-cauie they are acceptable to God, T\»m.i 2. -1* and profitable to rhe man himlel£ 1 ltm.6. 6. asfavoury and wholrfom fruit> which the works of the flefti are not, I\om.6. 21-. Nrxt,he enume- rated! nine* f thole fruits, not as if chcy were not moe, for there are many moe^crtues than thote, as knowlcdg, hope, patience, 2^.1.5. ore bir, becaufc thole are vertue^ ftanding almoft in diredt oppofuion to the foi- nicr vices,, and luch as for the exercife thereof he wiflvd chiefly among thofeGalatians ; Which ar«, firft. Uye , or an holy affeftion whereby we love God for Himlclf, (MaCiz. 37-Jand our neighbour in, and for God,* Job. 4. M. Sccondly./oy, that holy affeftion of the (oul,de- lighting it fclf>and taking plcafure in thofe things, and in that rncafure which God alloweth. Thirdly, tetce, or that concord and agreement which a reconciled loul hath with God, 7(om. 5, 1. and which he endcavoureth to have with all men in God, £M\ 12. 14. Fourthly, Ung- fajftnng, whereby we moderate anger,do patiently bear* and forgive even many injuries, Col. 3.-12, 13. Fifthly, Gtnilnie/Je, or kmdneflc ^ whereby we labour to be af- fable arid plcal'ant unto our neighbour, and eafie to be intreatcd, even when he hath wronged us» %&*.*% 14* hfff. 4. 5 2. Sixtly, Goodne/Je, a vercuc whereby we are lined ) as faith and fidelity towards men , whereby from a renewed heatt and for God's glory we fpeak nothing but truth, Epb.q.2%. and make conference to perform wharibever is undertaken by us, Vfal. 1 s -4. Eightly, Meef{riejje9 a vertue whereby wc moderate anger, (0 as that we are not provoked but for juft caufo, and not more or longer provoked than the Word of God alloweth, whereby alfo we do fpeedily reftrain and fupprcfle anger when it hath tranfgreffed the juft bounds, Eph. 4. 16. Ninthly, Temperance* or continency, whereby our fleftily appetite is kept within bounds, in feeking after honour, meat, drink, pleafure or riches. Laftly, The Apottl?, having madcthis enumeration* that he may excite the Galatians to the practice of thofe vermes , he commendeth them from this, That the Law was not made againll them or the pra&ilers of them, eiiher to condemn or accuie chem. In which words, by a figure, or flowr of speech, more is to be underftood than is.fpoken, asPfil. 51. - 17* even that the Moral Law ( concerning the Handing whereof as to its directing power, there was no controveilie be- twixt Paul and his adverfarics ) doth exprcfly command and commend them, which could not be faidot thofe ceremonial abttinences or performances, So much urged by the falfe Apoflles. .lJ>oEk !♦ There is no way tpt gracious vertues, or the fruits of the Spirit to grow and thrive \n our heart, unlcfle the works of the flefli be fet againft, and in fome meafure mortified : thefe thirties and weeds muft be plucked up, die they draw the lap and ftrength of the heart from the good grain : The Apoftle's method pointethat fix much, while he enga- geth them to mortifie the works of thefiefhm the firft place, and next commendeth unto them the fruits of the Spirit ; %ut the fruit of the Spirit is Lo\>e9 )oyy peace, v c> 2. It is not fufficienc that we fet about the work of mor- tification and curbing of fin and vice, but muft alfo en- deavour to have the heart replcnifhed with the contrary gracious Vermes > othervvife fin, being as it vvereever- S 4 powered 2*4 A brief Exp* fition of the Spiftle Chap.* powered, may lurk for a fcafon, but w ill afterwards rc- yivcand take (irLnmh,AijM i.44 45. tor theApoHIe, having engaged them to mortitic the workg of the flefh, doch now excite them to the cxcrcilc of gracious vermes; Sut the fiuit ff I It u Love, )o),peaie, e,ioyt peace, faith he. 4 If we compare the graces of God's Spirit with the works ot the tfefh, the re will appear fuch a beauty in the one, fuch deformity in the other , fuch folid fatistadtion and contentment in the one , and fuch difquictneffe and vexation ot fpirh in the other, that laying afide the difference which is befvixt them by rea fon of their original and event, thole other consideration* may ferve abundantly to make us fall in love with the graces of God's Spirit- and abominate the works of the flcfti : tor, the works ot the flcfhi are yldul- tery, witchcraft , hatred, ft rife f ti:V)U;?s, murders f but the fruit §ftbe Sptrtt, is LoVe9 joy, peace, long- fuftertng, cr which is the ablolute fule of right and wrong, Truth and Error, doth pro- nounce concerning them : tor,2W judgeth it (ufficicnt to commend the practice of thole vertues from this that the Law ofGod did commend them, and approved of thole who m ide contctcncc of them i A$/\ Jt fuch there ituUy, (aith he* Ycrf. Ch3p.5» */Paul to th Gal atiansT i6 Vcrf. 24. ^w^ they that are Cbrifts, befte crucified tie flejf?t toitb the affcttions and lujls. THe Apoftle, in this Verfe, addeth a new Argument to intorcc chc practice ot that firft Rule given* ver. 13. and cleated, vcr. T$>, 20, 11. to wit, that they Jhould not gi\>c occajton to,ov fulfill the Iufts of tbefiefb • becaufe thofc who are Chrifts, as tbev all protefled themlclvesto be, have by vertue of Chritt's death , crucified and put to death their flefhly corruption, with all its finfull moti- ons , whether they be finfull afteftions and paflions, fuchas thole* whereby the mans mind dothfuflfer, is troubled and aftjftcd, as malice, envie^ anger, and the like j or whether 1 hev be fintul lufts, iuch as thefe which are ftirred up bv fl Ihly carnal baiis and pleafures, as motions to intemperance* uncleannefle, and iuch like. Now thofe who are ChnlVs, are laid to have crucified all thofe, b caufe every one who profefleth the Name of Chrift, hath engaged himfclf by his prokflion and cove- nant iealed in Baptifm lo todo/^oM.6.3,4. and the truly Regenerate b fides this engagement bv protcflion. have a&ually beeun this work : lo that hough this body of corrupt fl,(h be in them ; yet bv His Spirit (%omt g.i 3.) and by imitating HisCrofic (%>m.6, 6. ) they are upon the work of mortifying it, lupp vflit.g the endeavours, and fmochering the cflftfts of h, %w. 6. 1 2. 2>oft. 1. All they who are led by, and walk in the Spirit, or who are truly regenerate :, and who are aftually engafed in the workot mouitying their corrupt nature, are Cbrtft's in a peculiar manner, to wit, by right of donation from the Father. Job. 6. 57. by right ot emption or redemption, 1 Cor. 6. 20. and bv right of refignation , all iuch having actually refigned the mf Ives unto Chrift, as a manfion for Him to dwell and walk in, l Cor. 6. 1 9. and in every thing to be guided by Him, Aft. 9. 6. for, the Apoftle ufeth tho!e expieiVons indifferently as being of equal ex- tent, Walkjn tbe Sjwtf , ver. 1 6, and if ye be led by the Sj>t~ $66 A brief Sxpefttion #/ the Efiflle Chap.j ; rit, ver. 18. and in this verfe, they x*bo are QbrifliT^e crucified the flcjh. 2. The work of mortification ftrikcth at all fiii, an 1 fpareth none, afwell pbalant fins, where- by flefhly lufls are fatUfied.as ocher more vexatious evils, whereby the ramd doth in a kind luff. r, and is affiled : for, fpcaking of thu work, he faith, They that are Chrijh, bate crucified the fl /bt that is, the root of corruption and then they have crucified all its branches, not only affeili- iu> or vexing pafiions, but alfo defirable lu/ts. 3. There is not any argument more moving or cffeAually exci- ting unto the work of mortification with a finccre Chri- ftian, than that which is taken from his engagement to it by profeflion, and thefiril beginnings thereof wrought in him already by the Spirit of God ; for, this is the Apoftlesfcope, that they would not walk in, or fill/ill the lurts of the flefh, becaufc all of them were engaged by proteflion to crucifie the flefh, and fomc had actually begun to Ho fo already ; Tbcy that are Chri/is, bate cruet- jied the fle[b, faith he. Verf. 25. If toe lite in the Spirit, let us alfo *>al( in the Spirit. JJE inforceth alfo the remedy prefcribed againft flefh- ly lulls, ver. 1 5. and cleared, ver. 21, 23. even that they Xteuld toal^after the Spun ; becaufc they who live in the Spirit, or are made partakers of that new life of grace in Regeneration, Job. 3. j, 6. ( according as they all profefled thcmfelves to be ) muft of neccflity walk in the Spirit, by following in their life and con ver fat ion the motion* and dirc& ions of the new-man of grace in the heart. The force of which confcquencc lyeth in this, that as the principle of life is within, whether fljb or Jpi'tt, fo muft the anions, fruits and cffe&s flowing from that principled. Df& 1. The Miniftcrof Jefus Chrift is notro bind heavv burdens upon the Lords People, with- tXJt fo much as touching them with one of his little fin- gers himfelhA^f. 23.4. but dGght to lay the edg of eve- ry ncccfiary exhortation unto his own heart with the firlt, Chap. $• ofVml to the Gai ATI aus* *6j fir ft, and thereby to evidence, that as he doth not look on himfelf, as tree from the yoke of duty no more than others ; So he finccrely intendeth by his own practice to hold forth a real copie of that which he preffeth upon others, I ^iw.4. 1*. for, T**i/ diretteth this exhortati-^ on to himfelf as well as to them ; If Ke live in the spirit* let us alfo ifralk.tn the Sj?iri* , laith he. 2. The Lord's method in beftowing grace upon gracelefie firiners, is firtt>toinfufetbe principles of a new life, or gracioui habits and powers in the foul ; and next, to actuate thele pow ers, making them aftually to do thofe works which are fpiritually good : Spiritual motion and aftion prefuppoleth a principle of a fpiritual life, as a thing previous unto, and different from it : for, faith he, If T*e live in the Spirit , let m alfo W^ in the Spirit* 3. To walk in the Spirit, or to follow the conduft of God's Spirit, and of His gracious work in us, is a far other thing, than to caft by the rule of the Word, and to follow only whatever motions or impreflions are fct home with any forcible impullc upon our fpirits, as if thofe were the motions of the Spirit of God, which may haply be motions of our own corrupt flefh, or fuggefti- ons from Satan, 2 Thej]\ 1.1 1 • This walking in the Spirit here exhorted unto, is walking orderly and by rule, even by the rule of God's Word, I fa. 8. 20. for, fo much doth the word in the Original import, which fignifieth to W^ orderly, by rule, by line,by meafure, as Souldiers do march into the battel ; Let us W^te the spirit , faith he. 4. Though a man cannot pafle fentenceuponhisftatc before God, whether it be good or bad, by fome moe or fewer particular a&s of his life, 1. /(tog. 8. 46. yet he may and ought to pafic fentence upon it according to his way, and the ordinary Grain of his life and conversi- on. A godleffe convention argueth a carnal heart de- ftitutc of all fpiritual life, and a pious converfation doth argue a renewed heart, and a principle of fpiritual life within : for, fo much will the A poftle's reasoning bcar> If tot Iftt in the Spirit, let us alfo Walk in the Spirit, VcrC 26$ v4 brief Expofition of the Eptftle Qap.y Vcrf 2d- Let m not be defirous of Vainglory, proVokjng one anothtrt enVjing one another. HTHt A poftle (having hitherto profecuted and inforced the ule-making of chat firft rule given, ver. I ?. for dire&ing them in the right ufe of Chriftian liberty) re- turncth now to profecute the other rule, $y love fer>e one another; And in this Ver(e dehortcth them from fome vices, which do wholly impede this (crvice of love, efpc- cially from ambition,or an itching defire after vain glo- ry, estimation and applaufe; which vice is ufually at- tended with other two, firft, provoking of others,chiefly inferiors, by reproaching and doing of real injuries to them,as being nothing in the vain-glorious mans eftcem, heefteemethfo much of himfelf. Secondly, envying of others,chicfly fuperiors and equals, in fo far as any thing in them doth feem to eclipfc that glory and efteem of which the vain-glorious man is (b much defirous. 2>0#, i. Though a man may lawfully carry a due regard on- to, and have a care of his own good name and eftimati- on among others in its own place, ^om. ix -17. efpe- cially that hereby he may be kept in a better capacity to do good unto thofe with whom he doth converfc, Mat. 5. 16. Yet»defireofapplaufeand approbation from men is finfull, and to be efchewed , when we feek after, and are fatisfied with applaufe or efteem for thofe things which are not in us, 2l(ingm 10. \6 or which are not worthy of fo much efteem as we do feek for, Anos 6. 1 ?. or are not pra ife- worthy at all> as not being commended of God, Tbilip. 3. 19. or when we feek after applaufe from men, even for things praife-worthy , not in lbbor- dinationto, but equally with, or more than the honour of God, ( Af it. 6. 2.) or to be approven of Him, J oh. 1 2. 4}. for, this is the defire of vain glory, from which the A poftle dehortcth ; Let as not be defirous of Vain glory , faith he. 2« How this defire of vainglory impedeth Ioyc and pcace,and how all glory of this kind is but vain or Chap. 5 i *f Patil to the GA t ATI AHS. S69 or empty glory, Sec Philip. 2. Verf 3. Doft. a, 3. 2>o## 3. This luft and defire of vain glory is fo fubtil, as ta- king its rife fometimes from thofe things in us which are good, 2 Cor. 12, 7. and fo defirable, as tending to make others proftrate themfclves before the idol of thofe ap- prehended or real excellencies in us which we our felves do fo much adore ; that the beft of men, and thofe who arc endued with excellent graces, gifts and priviledges, have need to guard and watch? left even they be over- taken with it : for, therefore, as one reafon, doth ¥aul include himfelf in this exhortation ; Let tu not he defirou* ofvaingloty. 4. Though it be lawful and praife- wor- thy to provoke and excite one another to love and good works, Heh. 10.24. chiefly by our good example and forwardnefle in every commanded duty, 2 Cor, 9. 2. yet, when by doing of real injuries unto others we provoke and excite corruption in them to take fome finfull courfe for their own eafe or redrefle ( 1 Sam. 25. 33, 34.) we are herein guilty, and that not only of committing fin our (elves, but of being the occafion of fin unto others, and therefore would efchew it : for, this is it the Apoftle forbtddeth , even proving one another. 5. In fetting againft any fin, we would look not only upon that fin alone, but alfo upon thofe other poffibly lefle pleafanc and bafer fins, which of neceffity do accompany it ; thac fo our indignation may be heightned the more againft it> as carrying with it a train of fuch attendants : for, here the Apoftle, dehorting them from the defire of vain glory, that he may make them the more to deteft it, hol- deth forth the neceffary dependance which two other vexations and bafe evils have upon it ; ProVo^jng one an* other 9 ending one mother \ faith he# CHAP. 270 A hfhf Sxpfition of the 8 fifth Cbap.5. C H A P. VI. [N the firft part of this Chapter, he prefleth theexercile of mutual love in two exhor- tations And, firft, he exhorteth thtm to endeavour the reclaiming oi cholc who weretalhn. ver. 1. and to bear patiently MviththefiiffuII infirmities one of another ; becauic,firit, hereby they (hould obey the Command enjoyning mu- tual love, ver. 2. Secondly felf-conceit. which marrcth the exercife of this duty, is but a (eh- deceiving, ver. 3. And therefore he prefcribcth a remedy againtt that eviK to wit, felf-fcarching ; And inforceth it, becaule, firft> they fhould attain to fuch glonation as God alloweth of, vcrf 4. And fecondly, every man muft give an ac- compt of his own adions to God, ver. 5. In the fecond place, he exhorteth unto beneficence in the general, and cfpecially towards their Minittcrs, ver. 6. And. having held forth God for a party unto thofc who neglcft this duty, he doth preffe it from the fimilitudc of lowing and reaping, ver. 7. whichhecnlargcth,anda^plyeth toan ham ft of death and corruption to be reaped by thole whodocvil, and of life eternal by tMe who do welN ver* 8. whence he inforceth per fev ranee in the ftudy of beneficence , promifing the expe&cd fruit ok their lb doing in due titrr , ver. 9. and fo concludeth the exhor- tation, prefling upon them the ufe-making of the prellnt opportunity, ver. 10. In the fecond part, he concludeth the Epiftle ; firft, infinuating how much he loved them, vrr. II. Second- ly, infinuating that the fallc Apoltle* were not'a&cd from love to them, but from hypocrifie, worldly policy, ver. 12. and from viiivjory, ver. 13. Thirdlv, he op- pofeth his own truly Chriftian carriage to thofe fins of the falfc Apoftlcs, (hewing he gloried only \n the erode ofChrift, and that the world, and applaufc from men were undervalued by him, ver, 14. Of both which he giycth Chap.6. rf Paul to the Ga lati an$, 271 giveth two reafons, firft, nothing worldly is accompted of by Chrift, but the new creature only,veM 5, Second- ly, glorying in Chrift, and in the ftudy of piety, and of the new creature, is the only rule, in walking according to which, there is peace, vcr. \6. Fourthly, The A pottle ( having difcharged any to trouble him further, whether by their errors, or calumnies, feing the ftanding prints of his (ufltringsdid abundantly refute both,ver.i7,faluteth them with his ordinary iarewell- wiftu ver.18. Vcrf. I. Cjyl{(:tbren> if a man be overtaken in a faulty ye & Vbbkh are fyiritual , retfore fucb an one in tbejpirit ofmeetyejfe ; confidering thy ftlf> left thou alfo be tempted, THe Apoftle, having (chap. 5. ver. 26.) dehorted from feme vices which do wholly impede that ferviceby love, which isenjoyned, chap. 5. 13, he doth in thefirft part of this Chapter, exhort them to feveral duties, in which the exercife of mutual love doth confift. And firft, he fpeaketb to thofe who are J}hitual9 that is, fuch as had received a large meafure of lpiritual graces , whereby they were preferved from the fubtil fnares of fin and Satan, which had intrapped others ; and who are called ftrong, %om. 15. 1. and perfect, to wit> comparatively, ?&/#. 3- *5* Thofe he exhorteth to endeavour the reclaiming and rcftoring ( both to the fenfe of God's pardoning grace, and to amendment of life) of all fuch who were oy>ertafyn> and askwere,in- confideratly andfuddenly furprized with any fin (for, the a&ive Verb of the word overtaken, in the Original, fignifieth to do a thing prepofteroufly and in haft, 1 Cor. II. 21 J And in order hereto, that in the ufe of all means undertaken for this end, whether of admonkion,reproof> or neceffary corre6tion, they would exercife the grace of fpiritual mceknefle, fupprefling all flefhly paffions, and revengefull affe&ions. Which exhortation he inforccth by two argument*: the firft whereof is laid down by way 172 v4 brief Expofttion of the EpiftU Chap 61 way of admonition in this V r(: , that every man, even the befiwhile he dtakth with chc Tanks of others , would enter in adeepconfideration 61 hi* own frailty^nd how eafily under a tentation he mav be iurpriz?d with the (ame> the like* or a greater liu. 1>>J. 1 . 1 nough it be very ordinary for men tn bear too much with fin bxh in thcmfelvcs and others, 1 S-«w. ?•-'?. Yet there is ano- ther linfull extremity to be avoi led* to wit, when under pretence of hatied to, or ju(t mdign uion agaiuli the (ins of others, wc Rive them over as mcompible, and cannot admonjfh, reprove, or in any thm<; carry our leives to- wards them ifi the Ipirit o1 m ckneirc : tor, faith the Apoftle. lf*m*ny or,as the word may alfo read by way of obviating an objection, Though a man be o)>erta{e>i fa a faulty rejtorepich an meyS't. v\hicn fuppofeth that fome were apt to think themiclvcs freed horn the duty here commanded towards a pcrlon iuo«i ; while the rtfid critick* and lofty cenfurer of ano her mans faults doth not Co much leek aker his brother's amendment, as to beget in the minds of others a for k! opinion ot himiclt, 3s if he were fingular for holineis and h itred of fin above others: for, the connexion of the two Chapters doth fhew that this fin here guarded againii, hath fome kind of depen- danceupon vain-gloiv ; usofvam-glo- ry, chap. 5.26. And if a nun be iterkdifu in a fault, re- ftore him in the \}ih. 2.-2. that if the childe of God be not all the more circumfpeft and diligent, Maf. 26. 41. he cannot choofc but be furprized, as it were unawares, by fome one fin or other, and be thereby made todifhonourGod, and to lay a ftumbling-block before others : for, Paul fup- pofeth it as a thing incident unto all men to be thus fuf- prized, while he faith, If a man be overtaken in a fault* 6. Though it be the duty of all men to endeavour the reclaiming of thbfe who are lyipg under un-repentcd gniltinefle* (for the Command is given unto all, Lev, 19. 17.) yet, the more holy men are, and the further they have advanced in the wayes of piety, they are the more obliged to go about this duty > chiqfly, becaufe they are T iri 274 4 brief Sxfofttitn of the Epifftc Chap.tf in a better capacity to difcharge it ; as being Icflfc tainted with fin than others, and fo having more freedom to re- prove 'j as alfo being more knowing how to go wifely about that difficile duty, and more willing to perform it thanothcrs, vvhofc knowledge and love to God's glory and their neigh bour^ good>ccmeth fhort of theirs : for* the Apoftlc dirc&cth this exhortation mainly to fuch as had received a greater rncaiure of grace than others ; Te which arc jjiriinal, reflore fucb an one. 7. The greater ftore of graces and gifts a man hath reccived,hc ftandeth the more obliged to lay out himfelf and all his receipts for the fpiritual good and edification of others 5 provi- ding alwayes he move in his own fpherc, and tranfgrels not the bounds of his calling, #^.5.4. for, *Paul layeth this task of reftoring the backfliden Chriftian chiefly upon thole who had received a greater meafure of grace and fpiritual enducments than others ; Te ftbicb are Jpi- !y refiore fucb an one. 8. As fcandalous fins, and erroneous opinions being fallen into by a childc of God, do mar that orderly frame of the inward man, which he did before enjoy, wafting the confeience and eating out theedge of all his former tendcrneffe, iTfM.-n. So the pcribn who hath fallen in iuch fins, doth ordinarily prove backward to be reclaimed, and very ticklifh to be meclcci wi:h by others for that end ; as a man who hath a bone d:f joyntcd can hardly endure to have it touched: The word rendred rejtorefucb an one, doth bear fo much, as fignii ying to fet in joynt the diflocated members of the body, So that fin putteth the foul as it were out of joyftr. 9. As it is the duty of all, andefpecially of thofe who arc fpiritual, to endeavour the reclaiming of any who are fo fallen, by admonition (A^tf. 18.15.) repro6f(£*v. l9*ll-) prayer to God on their behalf, /<*'"• 5* x4» *?• ( all which, and other means in order to the fame end, are to be gone about by private Chriftians by vrrtue of that ty which chriftian charity, and their mutual relati- on one to another, arifing from their beine members one body, do lay on; and by publick Minifters and Church- Cbap.& cfV&ul to the Gai at i ah $1 27$ Church-guides, by vcrtuc of that authority wherewith Chrift the King of the Church hath invefted them, Eph; 4. 1 1, 12.) So in the uie of all thefe means, every one is to carry himfelf with much skill and tendernefle, if he would attain the propofed end : for, faith he, Ye Vt>ho arejpiritml, rejlerefucb an one, or>fet him in joynt again; It is a phrafe borrowed from Chirurgians, who, "being to deal with a dif- joy nted bone, will handle the fame with skill and tendernefle* 10. The grace of meeknefle, whereby we moderate inordinate anger, and fpeedily re- preffe revengeful paflions, before they come to any great height, Epb. 4« 26. is it is the work of Gods Spirit in us; fo the exercife of it is moft neceflary^owards thofe who are fallen, and that all the means we ufe in order to their reclaiming be feafoned therewith, as being in nothing tranfported with the fury of rage and paffion, but only ailed with zeal to God, love to the perfon fallen, and with fan&ified reafon ; for, thereby we evidence we are feeking the recovery of our brother, and not infulting 0V9 him; we are labouring to help him, and not feeking to difgrace him : for, faith he, fyftorefucb dn one in tm Jpirit of meefyejje, or, in meeknefle, whereof God's Spi- rit is the author. 1 1 . There is no man, no not the moft fpiritual, who can promife unto himfelf immunity from oeing fet upon with ftrong tentations unto groffe and fcandalous evils, or that he (hall ftand when he is tem- pted, if he be left of God under the tentation : for, he biddeth even the fpiritual man confider himfelf, left be dfo be tempted ; whereby he holdeth forth not only a poflibility that the fpiritual man may be tempted , but alfoof hisyeeldingto the tentation, when it fhouldbe prefented, otherwife the argument had not been of fuch ftrength to inforce upon him the exercife of meekneflb towards thofe who are overtaken in a fault. 12. As thofe who do moft rigidly and uncharitably cenfure the faults of others, are u(ually greateft ftrangers to their own hearts, and very little fenfible of their own infirmi- ties 5 So the ferious confideration of our own wcaknefler T a and VJ6 A brief Expo fit ion of the Epifile Chap.tf.' and how the root of our neighbours fin, and of all other fin is in us (5fyw.3.y.io, to 20.) how wc ftand by grace (T/i/. 94.. 1 S. ) and how, if God would (ufter the tem- pter ro break loofe upon us, we fhould lb much exceed the fins of others, as they rxceed ours : The (erious con- sideration, I lay, of all thole, though it fhould not bind us wholly up f«om reproving fin in others ; yet, it fhould caufe us exceedingly to mix and temper our leverity to- wards their fin with thecxercifc of mceknefle, pity and compaffion towards their perfon : for, the Apoftle, to inforce the former exhortation of reltoring their fallen brother in the fpirit of mccknefl'c, cteth en joyn, conjtder thy felf Ujt thou alfo be temped. 1 ?. So prone are we to entertain good thoughts of our felves, that it i3 a matter of no fmall difficulty to make a man rcfledt upon himfelf, and enter upon a lerious confidcration of his own frailty and weakneffe, and of every other thing which may keep him low in his own eyes, without in- fultingover.or defpifing of others , as appeareth from Pauls changing of the number : for, having laid, Te X*bo are fphituat, restore, &c. in the plural number ; here he faith, confidering tbyfelf left thou alfo fire, in the lingular; which he dorh to give the greater force and fharper edge to his admonition, as knowing he was preffing a duty, which very hardly, and not without difficulty, would be obeyed. Vcrf. 2. Setr ye one another $ burdens, and fo fulfill the La*> of Chrijl. 'T'He Apoftle, firft* enlargeth the former exhortation, both as to the perfons exhorted ( for now He exhor- teth not only thofe who arc fpiritual, but all of them) And alio as to the duty exhorted unto, which b extended not only to an endeavour of reclaiming thole who were overtaken in a fault , but alfo, to the tolerating and bearing patiently with the fins and infirmities of others, until! they be amended, and the finncr reclaimed : which fins Chapk(J. of Paul to the Gal at iak s^ 277 fins are defigned by the name of a burden ; partly,becaufe fome fuch fins are a burden and weight to the finner himfelfaither by reafon of his grief and forrow for them if he be a penitent, A£ 2. 37. or by reafon of chat vexa- tion and trouble which fome fins, as wrath, malice and envie do bring to the natural fpirits even of the impeni- tent finner. Job 5. 2. TroV. 14. go. And partly, becaufe fome fuch fins, though not felt by the finner himfelf, are yet heavy burdens unto thofe who converfe with htm> as his curiofity, back-biting, felf-feeking, and fuch like* 2VoV# 16*28. Secondly, he inforceth the exhortation* thus enlarged, by a fecond argument, to wit> That here- by they did fulfill the Law>or command of mutual Iove> which hecalleth the LaV> of'Cbrift y not as if love to our neighbour had not been enjoyned before Chrifl came in the flefti 5 for, it is a prime piece of the Law of Nature* , imprinted upon the heart of man at the Creadon, ami was renewed again by God Himfelf upon mount Sinai, ijoh.i.j. But becaufe,firft>Chrift did renew this Com- mand, not only by freeing it from the falfe gloffes and interpretations of Scribes and Pharifees, Matx $* 23, &c, but alfo by preffing it in its fpiritual beauty and nature, having laid afide and abolifhed the external cover of Mofaical Ceremonies Xfyb* 2. 1 5. ) under which it was vailed, 1 Cor .9. 9, 10, In whiqh refpect mainly it is here called the L of Cbri/i, in oppofidon to the faife A po- tties, whoprefled fo much the Mofaical Law of Cere- monies. And, fecondly, becaufe Chriftdid prefiethis Law, fo renewed, in a fingular manner upon His fol- lowers, as a mark of true faith in I-fim, Job. 1 3. 5^. And thirdly, becaufe Chrift did fulfill this Law in His own perfon, and thereby left an example of it unto us, 1 Job, 3. 1(5. 2>o#. 1 . As there are none free of finful infirmi- ties, which are burdenfom fometimes tothemfelves, and frequently unto others: So we ought not to tweak the bond of common fociety,which we areotherwayes tyed unto, becaufe of thofe j but are to perftft in k * patiently bear ingthofc infirmities whiqh we cannot otherwayes T 3 help; 178 A brief Expoption of th$ Sfiflle Chap, 6 help: for, faith he, ftctr ye one tnotbers burdens. 2. This duty of bearing with the infirmities of others, doth well confili with the uie"of luch lawhill means as God hath . Erefcribed, whether to the Magiftratc for retraining fin, y punifhing thofe who do cv\UA?m 1 3.-4 or, to Mini- fter» and private Chnftians, in order to the finner's re- claiming by admonition, reproof, and luch like: for, this dutv of bearing one anoibers burdens, muft agree with, and cannot be contrary unto, that other duty prefcribed, ▼. 1. which is to rettore the (inner unto that ftate where- in he was , fo far mult we be from giving him counte- nance, or partaking with him in his fins. 3. A com- panionate frame of fpiric, made evident by our meek and patient deportment towards thoic who are overtaken in a fault, without neglefting any duty wc owe nnto them, doth afford the guilty (inner no (mall cafe under his weighty exercife, and tendethmuch both to his prefcr- vation from fainting under heartleffedilcouragcment (if his confcience be touched with the lenie of his guilt) and to carry on the work of his conviftion and amendment: ( if he be yet going on fecurtly in his fin ) for , the Apoftle, having exhorted to fuch a meek and patient de- portment towards thofe who are overtaken in a fault, he calleth it here a bearing of their burden, or an affording of help to them under it ', $e*r ye one anotbers burdens. 4. There is no fuch evidence of love to our neighbour, as when it kytheth in our ferious endeavours for bring- ing about his fpintual good' and in taking the moft ef- fectual condefcending and affectionate way in order to his reclaiming from fin, together with our lupporting of him, and fympathizing with him under his fpirituall weights: for, the Apoftle calleth this a fulfilling of the LawofChrift, or of mutual love, as if that Law did call for this only; Anifo fulfill the Ld*> of Chijl faith he. j. In what fenfe and meafure the childc of God doth attain to evidence his love to his fallen brother by his ferious endeavours to rcftore him unto the enjoyment of ft favour, and to an holy and blamcleflc converfa« tion, Chaptf. o/Paulf0*Ztf Galatians. 279 tion, and by his bearing with him under his infirmities* 10 order to his recovery, in chat fame ienfe andmeafure he atcaineth co fulfill the Law ; whence it followed, be- caufe he is not able to do the former perfeCUy, and fo as to come fhorc in nothing for matter, or manner, (J^w.?. 2-) but only fincerely, and without diflimuIation,^>w. 12. 9. therefore neither can he. keep the Law perfe£ily, but only in fincerity, and in his honeft aim and endea- vour, P/i/. 119.6. for, faith he, Sear ye one another s bur* demand fo fulfill the LaV? ofCfmji. Vcrf. J. Far if a man thinks himfelf to be fvmetbing, "toben be is nothing , be deceive tb himfelf 'T'He Apoftle, in further profecution of the former ex- * hortation, doth fall upon the fin of felf-conceit and arrogancy,which caufeth men contemn others,and carry themfelves with a kind of fupercilious difdain towards fuch as are overtaken in a fault, contrary to what he had: exhorted them unto, ver. 1, 2. And, firft, he tacitly de- horteth them from this vice> by (hewing the man who is puffed up with a conceit of his^ own enduements above others, and to the defpifing of others bting compared with himfelf* doth deceive himfelf, and maketh his own mind to erre in patting judgment of himfelf (as the word doth fignifie ) and giveth a reafon of this affertion, be- caufe every man, even die bett is nothing, as having no good in himfelf, and of himfelf, 2 Cor. 3. 5. for which he ought to be puffed up, and todefpi(e others becauie of their infirmities. Ghih i# Then are duties preflki unto fome good purpofe by the Lord's Minifters upon His People, when a discovery is made of chofe lurking evils which do withheld from the pradiice of thofe du- ties, and pains are taken to fee them upon the task of fubduing fuch evils,if they would come fpeed in the con- feiencious practice of the commanded duty : for, 7 TroV.i6.i6. or, by overvaluing thofc excellencies, parts and other enjoyments, which they really have, above their jurt worth and cfteera, £%*{. 28. 3. or, by looking on them,not as receipts from the Lord, but only as they are their own, or the fruit of their own indultry or purchafe, £^^28. 4»5» So,where this fin of fclf-conceit istoftercd, it maketh the guilty perfon an infolent contemner of all others, a proud in- fulcer over their infirmities; as taking occafion from thole, to conceive fo much the more highly of himfeJf : for,this is the fin of a man's thinking himlclf to be fomc- thing, which 'Paul iiippofeth to be a common evi!, and fpcaketh agairrft ir> as that which maketh a man carry himfelfinlolcntly towards others, especially thole who are overtaken in a fault, as appeareth from the connexi- on, Ifamantbin^bimfelfto be fomething. j# Error in judgment hath fometimes its rife from fome unmortified and raging luft in the heart and affe&ions, the preva- lency whereof doth byafs the underitanding>and in pro- grefleoftime doth unperceivably incline it to aflent un- to thofe opinions as Truths which may moft fcratifie thofe unmortified lutts : for, faith he, He tobo thin\etb bimfelf fometbmg, dccciVetbbirnfelf] or, maketh his mind tocrrc; for fo the word fignifieth : importing hereby that thofc violent lulls of fclf-conceit, pride andarro- gancy, did make them apprehend fome real worth to be where there was none, wnereby they might have fomc- whatto feed upon* 4. For a man to be deceived by himfelf, is of more danecrous confcqucncc than to be de- ceived by any other, cfpecially when a man deceived) himlclf by having better thoughts of himlclf than there >und or rcafonfor ; for hereby arc men not only vainly puffed up by their fkftilymind, Col. 2.-18. but alio Chap.*. */Paul*0*^GALATiANS. a8i alfo made to cry Peace, peace, when fudden deftruftion comem, Mat. 7- «. *3- for>the AP°ftle >«f?™atcth '£«£ is nofmall hazard in leltdcceivHig.vvh.le he maketh this alone a fomcient argument to difiwade from . lelf- to to /iwrt^, «««™* btwfelf p As every man conuderedin himfelf is nothing, being dtftitute of a eood, 'Kom.j. i8- yea, though he be conndered in all Lenduemencs both of Nature and Grace ; yet he hath nothing tor which he ought to conceit or himfelf, and defpife others; for,whathath he which is not received? i C<*. 4.7. yea.and what he muft be comptable for,how he doth imploy it ? tuto n.48. So the ferious confede- ration of this truth would be aTingular engine to batter downthofe high mountains ot idf-conceit, which are ready to exalt themfelves in a man's heart by reafon of his apprehended or real excellencies,girts or graces : for, IPW maketh ufe of this confederation to convince them how vain any high thoughts of that kind were 5 If any man feem to himfelf to to fomethmg, *toa to u *tf4iHg,faith he-, which laft Sentence is fpoken of all men generally, andfervethtgr an argument to prove that the leif ad- mirer, is a fclf-deceiver, feing every man is nothing, Verf. 4. ®«* kt e\ery man prove hii oKn ft>or\ , and (km ' jhtllbe baVe rejoycing in himfelf alone, and not in anotitr. CEcondlyThe Apoftle ftriketh at one root and caufeof ^ felf-conceit and arrogancy,to wit,our comparing our felves with others who are worle than our felves (for, wc may, and ought compare with thole who are better than our felves, th^c fo we may be humbled, 2 Cor. 10.12. but this comparing with thofe whom we eftee m worle than our felves, occafioneth felf-conceit, LAe 18. 1 1. ) Now SWtaketh them off this way, exhorting them to tool*, and try their own work and carriage by the rule of Gods Word, without comparing it with the carriage of others (for, fo they behoved to try the work of others alio; and 282 A wrief Expofition of the Spifile Chap. 6. that they would (o prove their own work, as to approve k, and find matter of approbation in it, if it were to he found, ( for, the Greek word rendred prove, fignifieth alio to approve, as fym. 14. 22. 1 (,'or. 16, ?. ) Which exhortation is inforced by two realbns ; firft, Hereby they fhould find matter of fuch gloriation and boafting as God allowcth oh even in themfelves alone, that is, in the teftimony of a good confcicncc, 2 Cor. 1. 12. and (hould not need to borrow matter of boafting from the fins of others,which the Lord doth no wayes approve of, I Cor. 5. a-. Doct. 1. As a man who would fet againft a fin to purpofe, and with fuccefici mult fcarch oui, and fet againft every other fin which doth ordinarily prove anoccafion of that fin which he imendeth to fubduc and monifie > So the Miniftcr of Chrift, in the reproof of fin, ought to point forth unto the Lord's People thofe things which are the fewel and occafion of fuch and fuch fins, and prels upon thena an abftinencc even from thofe : for, the Apoftle, having diflwaded ( ver. 3. ) from felf- conceit, doth here point at the occahon of that fin, even their comparing themfelves with others , whom they judged worfc that>themfelves,and diflwadeth them from that al(b, while he faith, But let iltery man prove bis ol*n *toor\. z. As it is the duty of every man without excep- tion, to rcfleft upon his own aftions, and to take an ex- adl trial of them by the touchftone of Gods Word, Pfal. 1 19. 9. not only if for the fubftance of the adtion they be commanded or warranted in His Word, If*. 29. - 1 3. but al(o if they be done in the right manner, Luke 8. 18L that is, if they come from the root of a renewed heart, (Mat. 7. 18.) have their rife from right motives (PbiLi. 1 y.) and be dire&ed to the right end, God's glory, in the firft place (1 Cor.io.?.) or not: Sohcou^htnottorcft fatisficd with a fimple probation and trial of his actions, except he find them to be fuch after trial, as he may up- on juft grounds approrc them, and approve himfclf to God in them, lTim. 2, 15. for, faith he, Let eVtry me fro>ey and fo, as he may fatcly approve, kit Mn **£, as the the word fignificth ; and fuch a probation muft be here roeaned, other wife the Apoftle's confequence flaould not follow upon a mans proving his work, even that he (hall have rejoycing in himfelf. 3. Though Civil Magiftrates and Church-guides are to prove, even judicially^ the work of others , who are committed to their charge, %om.\srt, 4. Tit. 3.10. and though private Chriftians are alfo bound to prove all things by a judgement of chriftian dilcretion, that lo they may held what is good, 1 Tbe(f. 5. 21. and be provoked unto love and good works, Heb 10. 23. but not, that they have whereat to carp, !?/*/. 56. 5 6. or when by to be liked up widi an high and vain conceic of themfelves above others, 1 Cor* 5- 2. yet the great thing whereabout our moft accurate and daily feat ch and trial fhould be imployed, is, our own afiions, and by proportion our own fpiritualftate, 2 Cor. 13. 5. and hame ot heart, ffal. 26. 2. Yea, thofe, and only thofe are to be the object of our trial, when the end propoC d in our trial, is, to find out matter of boaft- ing in the ceftimony of a good confcience , and from which we may conclude* that we are approved of God : for, this is the end of the trial here enjoyned ; and there- fore iaith he, Let cVery man pro)>e bu fpeaking of this warrantable gloriation and boafting, affirmeth it . to be the confequence of a mans proving his titon toor^, and that it muft be in himfelf, and not in another. Verf. 5. for every manjhall hear his oton harden. XJEre is a fecond argument* infbrcing upon every man ** the duty of trying his own work rather than to be narrowly prying into the infirmities of others $ hrcaufe every man muft bear hisp wn burden,or give an account of his own aftions to God, fJ\om that the Apoftle exdudeth only the infirmities of other finfull men, like unto our (elves, from being the rule* according to which God will pafle fentence, and not the righteoufnefle of Chrift appre- hended by faith. ©«#. u That a man may prove an happy interpreter of Scripture* and find out the mind of God's Spirit therein,it is neceflary he do welLunderftand the fcope of the Spirit in that place* the fenfe whereof he intendeth to find out ; the observing whereof will ferve as a threed to conduct him in falling upon the genuine and literal meaning of the particular words & fentences; and wil preferve him from making theScripture in hand thwart or contradict any other part of facred Truth, ;Which without obicrving of the fcope he may readily Tallin : fbr, this verle ieemeth ar the firft view, to con- tradict that direftion given, ver. 2. but the fenfe of both being coUe&ed from the fcope, that fecming contrariety will 186 tA brief Exf option efthe Epiflle Chap.rf will evanifh ; for. by bea>hgfi*e atnthrn burdens, vcr. 2. muft be mcaned a bearing bv wa v of (vmpathy, chrifti- an forbearance, and diligent ule of means for reclaiming the pcrlon fallen } for, thac is it which the ApoHIc is prclTing there, as appeareth from ver.r. and in this lenfc every one ou_;ht to bear one anothers hardens : But by bearing our burden, in thisverfc, is meaned a bearing by giving an account to God for our own aft ions ( othcr- Mvifc it fhould not be a cogent argument to inforce the exhortation propounded, ver. 4. Let every rnsnprolK ba oVmVrorlQ and in thisfcnfefV^ manjhall bearbuolrn burden. 2. How light focver that mens fins do feem unto themfelves when they arc committed, yet they will be found not light, but heavy, when thev com<* to reckon with God about them : for, the pi ving an account of our a&ions to God, eoeth under the name ot bearing a bur- den, E\>ery manjhall bear hi* oVm burden. 3. Sorighrc- ous is God that He will call no man to an account for the fins of others, but only for his own , e\cept he hath uiadethofe fins ofothershi^ own fins alio, by not doing his duty to impede the committing of them, *3*^ ?. 18. or by following of andwalkif? inrhem, Exoa. 20. y. compared with E^e^. 18. 14 17. or by not mourning to God for them, 1 Cot. 5. 2. for, faith he, Every man fball bear bis o*n burden. 4. It were our wifdom fre- quently to minde that great Accompt which we muft give to God, and tobufieour felvtsmoft in and about tbole things whereof He will crave an account of us : hence the Apoftle maketh this a reafon why men fbould bemoft imployed in proving their own work, and not in accurate prying into the carriage and infirmities of others ; becauie it was their own work , whereof they behoved to give an account to God ; for e>ery mtnfhdll bear bis oTfti burden, faith he. Verf. Chap.6. ofVzxx\to »^Gaiatxan'sJ ri%j Vcrf. 6- £rt ibim *£** a taught in the Word, communicate tmtobim that teacbetb, in all good things. IN the fecond place, the Apoflleexhorteth them unto * beneficence> which may be looked upon as another piece of that ferving one another through love, enjoyned chap.5.-i 3. and becaufe love to the Word growing cold among thofe Galatians, by reafon of their fchifm and the prevalencyot error, it is probable that the due re- fpeft which they did owe to their Minifters, was much decayed,except to fuch only as were of their own faftion and way, Therefore, in the firft place, he exhorteth unto beneficence towards their Minifters, dire&ing his fpeech to thofe who were catechifed, that is, taught familiarly by word of mouth, as when children are taught the firft principles of Religion ; for, lb the word,rendred is taught, doth fignifie : or, more generally ( as the word is here tendred, and taken elfewhere, 1 Cor. 14. ip.%8.2.- 18.) thofe who arc inftrufted, or taught whether more fami- liarly and plainly, or more profoundly in the W$rd, whereby may be meaned either the Word of God in ge- neral, or of the Gofpel in particular, which frequently is called the Word by way of excellency (See upon Philip. 1. 14. ®oB. 1.) Thofe he exhorteth to communicatcand to give a (hare unto their Minifters of all their temporal goods, to wit, fo much as might ferve for their creditable maintenance, ©off. 1 . The Lord Chrift hath appointed two diftindt ranks and forts of people to be in His vifible Church , fome who are to be taught, fed, ruled and watched over, fuch are all private Church-members ; and fome who are to be Teachers, Paftors, Guides and Watchmen over the Flock by venue of their publick Office in the Houfe of God, the honour whereof is not to be taken by any man unto himfelf, except he be called as Aaron* Heb. 5. 4, And are all Teachers, 1 Cor. 12. 29. Let him that is taught, communicate unto him that teachetb. 2. As it was neceffary that fome (hould be Teachers in the k 88 A brief Exfofition of the Epiflle Chap.tf the Houfc of God ; fo the wifdom of God hath thought it fie, becaufc of our weakndle ( £<">. j. 2^yc^c.) to teach us not by His own immediate Voice from Heaven, nor yet by glorious AnccU bur by the Miniftry of men like unto out lelvc>, and thole uoc ulually of the grcateft fort but of fuch as ftand in need of the peoples benevo- lence for their wori stance, and this that the glory \ of converting fouls may be alcn into creatures, but untoCiod, 2 Qor. 4. 7. foi, io much is imported, while he Gticbj Let bim tb.it bim tbtt tcacbtth. 74 As ic is the duty of Chi ift*s Mini- fters to teach and inttruft the Lord's tJeopk',not fo much by their writings, as by vocal preaching and word of mouth ; So the thing wherein they arc to be intruded, is the knowledge not of humane writings • but of the WordofGod contained in Scripture; there being no word or writing befides, which hath a promife of fuch a blefling to accompanv it as this Word hath (See T{om. 1. 17. 2 Vim. 3.15, 17. Hcb.q.n.) for , faith he, Let bim t \gh ( or inltrudted by word of mouth ) in the Word% meaning the written Word of God. 4. Scin£ Ouitt's Minifters are to beftow themlelves wholly in the " work of the Miniftry, 1 Tim. 4. 15. and not to be in- tangled with the affairs of dm life, 2T/W.2. 4. and femg they are the Lord's Internments, by whom He conveyeth the richeft blefling* ituat unto His People* 1 C>> 9.11 T i'coplcofGod among whom they fpend their ftrength, arc bound even by common equity to give than worldly maintenance, that they may neither be diverted from, nor hlcouraged in that molt neceflary and painfull wor\ of witching over fouls, Hib. 1 5.17. tor, faith 1 innicate unto bim that teacbetb , in all goui things. 5. This worldly maintenance, which people are bound to give utro their M 1 though itfhouldbe mode- rate, nay not through its abundance occa- sion pride, luxury and prodigality In their Minifters; yet it would be liberal, and crcditabie, even fuch as may noc Chap.6. of Paul to the Ga l at i a n s J *8j> not only fupply their pinching neceflitics , but alfo as thereby they may be fuftained in a way creditable unto the Gofpel whereof they are Minifters, I Tim. 5. 1% and may have wherewith to fuppiy the neceflkies of the in- digent* 1 Tim. g, -2. and to educate their children fo, as afterwards they may fuftain themfelves, and be profit- able members both of Church and Commonwealth , 1 Tim. 5. 8. for, he commandeth the people to communi- cate to their Ministers in all their temporal good things ; h« faith, in all, and therefore liberally, though not laviflbly. 6. Though the Civil Magiftrate be obliged to provide fomefet aftdpublick allowance for upholding the Go- fpel and Miniftry thereof ; this way coming nearer to the order appointed by God for maintaining the Prieft- hood under the Law, ^umb. 35. 1, and being free of feveral inconveniences, which can hardly be avoided in the way of giving voluntary contribution by every one who heareth the Gofpeh towards thofe who preach the fame: yet, in cafe the Magiftrate provide notfuch publick allowance for them , or, if turning perfecuter,he take that which is already provided by the Law for that ufe from them, Then it is the duty of every one who is taught in the Word,to maintain their Preachers by libe- ral contribution out of their own means, fo far as is ne- eeffary for him that receiveth, and as he is able to fftere who giveth : for,this was the cafe of the Church in Paul's time, being under per fecuting Tyrants ; And therefore he commandeth, Let him that is taught, communicate unt9 him that teacheth9 in all good things. 7. The Churches maintenance is only due unto (iich Minifters as have abi- lities to preach the Gofpel, and are faithfull and diligent Labourers in the Word , according to thofe abilities wherewith they are endued ; And thereforc,though pri- vate men are not hereby warranted to withdraw the or- dinary and allowed maintenance from their Minifters upon pretence that they are either not able, or not pain- full, Mat. 23, 2> 3. yet it cdncerneth thofe whom Ghrift bash imr&fted to be Overfeers of His Houfe, to be care- %9 o A brief £xf»fiti$* of the Spiflli Chap^ full chat fuch who arc cither really unfit, or unwilling co preach, be removed from their Charge, and not fuffcred to eat up the Churches maintenance, feeding thcmlclves, and Itarving the fouls of people committed to their charge: Therefore the Apotflc, while he plcadethfor maintenance to a Mmiftcr, doth defcribc him from the aftifal excrcifc of his Calling, Utbtrntommuaiute to bim Verf. 7. 2fc not deeefocd, God is notmcl{ed: forKbdtfo* e\>tr a manfoVretb, tbatfhdU be alfo reap. THeApoftlc, fuppofing that thofe who wereaverfe from the duty of beneficence to their Minifters, did colour their own avarice and naughtineffe with a nun> ber of feemingly plaufible excufes taken from their pre- tended indigence,mulciplicity of other burdens, and fuch like, he fpeaketh to fuch witty cheaters as theie in this verfe.defiring them to advert, that though they might flop the mouthes of their honeft-hearted Minifters, ( as not knowing how, or not being willing tocontradift them in what they affirmed ) and might mock them for their Simplicity afterwards ; yet they had another party to deal with in this matter, even God Himlilf, who would not be deceived, or mocked with their lying pre- texts and excufes, and fbrbiddcth them to deceive or flat- ter themfelves by thinking othcrwifc ; and fo proceedeth topreffc the duty of beneficence towards Minifters, by in argument exprclTed in a fimilitude taken from lowers of feed, who may expedt an incrcafc in the time of reap- ing according to what they have fown, whether it be much feed, or little, good feed or bad : So accordingly as mens aliens arct whether good or bad, ( which arc compared to iecd, Pro*. 11. 18. and 22. 8L ) and more particularly as they imploy their temporal goods (the imploying whereof is alfo compared unco lowing, 2 far. 9*6) whether for good and pious ufes, or for pampering their tklLly luiis ( as he brancheth forth diis lowing in the Chap.6. #f Paul tothcCALATixusl 293c die following 8. verfr) fo they might expe& an aftfwer- able reward, or punifnraent from the Lord, to wicekhec here, or hereafter ; for, thus is the fame fimilicude ex- pounded, 2 Qwm 9.6,7, 8. ffs* 1 39. -a. and diicrrncth the very intents ot hearts, Htb.4. -1 x. and therefore cannot be let off w ich plaufiblc pre- texts : for, it is in this relpcft he faith, Cod is not mcclyd, as they mocked men by making them give credit unto their lying cxculcs. 5. Then doth a man moft dange- roufly deceive himfclf>when he rctteth (atisfied with this, chat he hath conveyed his fraudulent and covetous pra&ifcs (b handfomly that men (hall find nothing for which to blame him, as if, becaufc (hort-fiphted man cannot find him out, chat therefore he (hall efcape the accurate fcarchof the allfeeing God ; for, theApoflle affirmcth they would be deceived, if they did entertain any fuch thoughts of God ; ©c not decet\>ed} God is not Mocfyd. 6. Though men do ufually give all that for loft which they beftow tor maintaining the Gofpel, and for pious ufes • yet it is not fo, but (hall be returned un- ' to them in God's appointed time with incrcafe, if not in things of the fame kind, yet in things equivalent to, and better than thole : tor, fo much doth his comparing beneficence of this kind to the feed fown import ; What- fieVer a uian foxteth, that /ball be alfo reat>m 7. The re- ward which God hath freely promifed unto the good works of His People* and more particularly unto their chearfull, liberal and chriftian beneficence, is not to be defpairedof: nor yet the juftly deferved judgment de- nounced againft the wicked tor their evil works, and chjefly for their nigardly withholding a pan ot what God hath given unto them from charitable and pious ufes is to be doubted of, though boch ot them be lone deterred : for, both the promiled reward and threatned judgment, are compared to the reaping of the harveft, which doth moft cetcainly, though not immcdiately.tol- low upon the lowing ot the feed ; WbatfoeVer a manfo** etb% that/ball h? alfo reap. 8. As the faith of a reward co be freely given, according to the promifc, unto our works Chap.6. #/PaoI to the Gai ati aks^ 293 works of charity and bcncficence> is a ftrong encourage- ment to fruitfolneffe in works of that kind ] So it is law- full for Chriftians to have an eye to this reward, as a motive whereby to work up their backward hearts unto a willing complyancc with expenfive duties of that fort : providing, firft,it be not looked at as a thing to be merit- ed by their good works, %». 6. 23. Nor> fecondly, as the only or chief motive, 2 Qvt% £ 14. for, the Apoftle by this fimilkude doth minde them of the promifed re- ward) as an argument exciting them unto beneficence; Whatsoever a man fo^etb9 that (hall healforeap. Ver£8< For he that fo^etb to his fiefi, (hall of the pp> reap corruption: but he tbat£o'toetbtQtbe$ptrit) (hall of the Spirit reap life eyerlajlrng. T7\7Hat the Apoftle fpoke generally concerning that * * proportion which (hall be betwixt a man's fu- ture reward, and his preftnt work, he doth now, fol- lowing the fame metaphor of fowing and reaping, make it more clear by diftinguiflimg feveral forts of fowers, feeds, grounds, and feveral forts of harvefts anfwerable to each of thofe : The plain meaning whereof* is, i.That carnal and unrcgenerate men, who take no other care but to fpend their wit, ftrengsh, tirne> and particularly , their means upon the fervice of their own ffeflily luft$> 1 ( foch as are reckoned forth* chap. $• 1 9, 2a) they (hall at laft reap no fruit thereby but corrnptim+th&tis, eter- ; fial perdkion (for, corrqplhn is here oppofed unto eter- : nal life) and thistheyfiialkeapfromthefiefe> that k9 ' iheir own inbred corruption > which* with the Snfull ! effe&s thereof, is the true feed of death and perdition. ^ And, fccondiy* that renewed and fpirkual! men, who imploy their whole life, ftudy asdkbair> and particu- larly their worldly fubftance for advancing the works i of the Spjrk, whether in tbernfelves or others* { fiich as [are reckoned forth, chap*$, 22.) aod-partkukrly, for ijpholding theGofpel and a painful MiaiSxy, they (Kail V 3 receive t94 A kriefExptftit* oftbt SfiJlU Chap. 6. teceivethe reward of eternal life ; and this from die Spi- rit, that is, the grace of God in them, which is the true feed of eternity > not by way of merit, as deftru&ion and corruption follow upon the flefh, but from God's mercy and free gift , as the ApoUlc doth in plain and proper terms put the difference, fyw. 6. 23. according to which this metaphorick allegory muft b: expounded, and may not be fct in oppofuion to it. ®ott. 1. The whole world arc comprized in one ot two ranks : they arc either fow- ing to the flefh, living in their unregenerate ftate# and in flavery to their lufts, whole endfhall be perdition -y or, they arefowingto the Spirit, truly regenerate, and im- ployingthcmfelves for the advancing of diings fpiritual, vrhofc endfhall be eternal life; There is no neutral or midftate : for, TWdiftfnguifheth all in thefe two, He that ftftetb to hit flejk, and be that fourth to the Sbirit. 2. It may be frequently obfcrved, that they who hare not an heart to part with any thing of their temporal! goods for God and pious ufes, but plead prefent poverty, neccflity and fear of future want, when God doth call them to any thing of that kind , arc notwithftanding moft profufe and lavifh in fpending their means to make |>rovi(ion fortheftcfh, and to uphold thebeaflly lufts thereof > for, he tbatfoKetb not to the Spirit, foKctb to bu ftfo. 5. Though carnal men do think their own way the only witeft, while they fpend their wit and fubftance for attaining prefent profit, pleafure and preferment, and do judge the *vay of the Godly, but meer folly, while they imploy their ttrcngth and means for things ipiricual* and fuch as God* honour is mainly concerned in, and are not attended with an income of worldly advantage, but rather of lofle and detriment ; yet the end fiiall prove, that thofe who thought thcmfelves only wife men and gainers, have been but meer fools and gtcatcft Iofcrs, and that thofe others, whom they looked upon as mad- men and bad managers of their worldly affairs, have been the greateft gainers and wifeft adventurers ; for, he ibatJoVttb to lis lkfl>,fbail rtdp corruption j but be thai frtctb Chap.£. ff Paul to the Ga l a * 1 an %l 29^ ptostbU the Spirit, pall teap life e\>erlafting. 4, The ftate of the wicked after death, is a ftate of corruption, where- in though the fubftance of cheir foul and body (hall not be annihilated, but (hall be upheld unto ail eternity by the mighty power of God in the midft of unutterable torments, A4<*r^9. 44. yet all their glory, pleafure and gain wherein they placed their happinefle > and for at- taining whereof only, they fpent their time and ftrength, ClfaL 49. II.) foall then be confumed, 2 Trt, 3. 10. and they themfelves made to languid* and pine away under the wrath of an highly provoked and then unrcconciii- able God, 2 Tbejf. 1 .9. for , faith he, The Kufydjball reap corruption, meaning their ftate after death* 5. The ftate of the Godly after death (hall be a ftate of life, the life of Grace being then fwallowed up and perfe&ed in the life of Glory, which confiftcth in perfect freedom from fin and mifcty, Epb* 5. 27. in unconceivable joys, VfaL \&. 11. and the full enjoying of God, 1 Job. 3.2. which happy ftate of theirs (hall be eternal, they (hall never weary nor yet be deprived^of it • for, faith he, the Godly Jhall reap life eVerta/ting. 6. Whatever fin a man com- mitteth, it is moft properly his own work, as flowing from the root of his own corrupt fleftx ; but the good which he doth, is not fo properly,hisown as Gods, in (o far as it floweth from the Spirit erf" God and habits of Grace, which were wrought in him by the (elf-fame Spirit* $bttip.2. ij. CoL $.10, for, fpeakinp of the^^, he fetteth it forth by the appropriating Pronoun bis ; Hi that fofoetb to hisflf/^ ; but not fo, while be fpeaketh of the Spirit, He tbatfotoetb to The Spirit, not ta his fpitk. Verf. 9. And let us not be n>eary in Welldoing : for in due feafon M>e Jhall reap, if "be faint not, 'THe Apoftle, from what he hath prefently fpoken of * the reward of eternal lifcattending thofe whafow in the Spirit, inferrcth the former exhortation propounded, yer. 6. and enlargcth it , by recommending unto them, V 4 according S96 *A brief Expo fitiou ofthi Eplfilt Chap.6; according to the fenfc given of the former fimilitudc* the ftudy of good works, and cfpecially of bcneficcncy in the general, under the name of xtell-doing . whereby he meaneth not only the outward work, but alfo the doing of it in a right manner, Mat.6.i9(?c. and that they would pcrfcvcrc to the end inthatltudy, notwithstand- ing of all contrary difcouragements, without bafe and cowardly ceding unto them; and inforceth the exhor- tation by putting it above all queftion, that they (hall gather the fruit which God had promifed, though not prefcntly,yet in the due time, that is, the time which God doth judge moft convenient; butwithall, headdcth a condition of reaping in due time, required on their part* to wit, if they continued conftant in well-doing,even the fame unto which he had exhorted them in the former part of the verfe. ®oct. i . As all men by nature are ex- ceedingly backward from entring the couric of well- doing, and elpecially of exercifing beneficency towards thofe whom God hath ordained to be objetfts of it, Afdr£ io. at, 22, 23. So, confidering the many difcourage- mencs which occur to a man while he is in this courfe of beneficency, what from his own corruption what from the unworthineffe, ingratitude and multitude of objc&s, and what from the coldritedifpofition and bad example of others* who are equally if not more able, there is no fmall propenfneffe in all to fit up in that courfe, and to give it over immediately, or foon after they have cn- trcd it : for, Paul fuppoftth fuch a propensity, and guar- deth againft it, while he faith, Let ns not be toedry ottoell- do'mg. 2. It is not enough that men do fo far lubieft thcmfelves to the authority of God fpeaking in His Word* as once to enter the way of obedience, ancj to en- dure for a f?afon, Mar^ 4. (7- until poflibly they attain to a name for piety, %v. 3.-1. or meet with fome unex* pc#cd dilcouragementor tcntation, Mdrl^q.-i-j. But, fhcymuft alfopcrfift in their begun courfe fo long as fhey have any bcingi F/i/. 104. 3 ?. for, faith he, U I 1 1 I t vcarj in »W/ i*lng% 3. That Chrilljans may eye the Chapi£ o/Paul ittbe Gil ATlixTl 79J the proraifed reward , and with what provifions they may have their eye upon it, as a cfctive to obedience and pefeverance ; ( See vcr 7. doft. 8. ) for, the Spirit of God doth encourage them from this, that in due time they jbould reap. 4. Though God hath promifed a richTe- ward from free-grace unto His Peoples fincere and wil- ling obedience ; yet, He hath referved the date and time for the aflual beftowing of that reward unto Himfelf; So, that though it be long delayed, yet they have not ground to challenge Him for breach of promife, as fometimes even His dearcft Saints under a violent tenta- tion have gone very near to doflfal. 77. 8. for, f^th he, Tefball reap, but when ? not prefently, but tn the due and proper time, to wit, that which God doth judge to be fiich. 5. Though God, as faid is, doth not limit him- felf to a detetminate time when He will mafce His Peo- ple enjoy the wifhed- for fruits and comfort of their la- borious, expeftfive and long perfifted-in obedience ; yet the time made choice of by Him for His fo doing, whe- ther in this life, or immediatly after death, is alwayes the due and proper time, and hath a fitnefle in it in fome re- fpe As, all circumftances being well confidered , for the beftowing of that mercy beyond any other time : for, he faith, Tejhall reap in duey or proper time y the word ren- dred time, fignifieth properly an opportune time,the very article or point of time which determineth the fittcft op- portunity for doing any bufinefle ; and the epithet ad- ded, doth intend the fignification , as if he had faid. an opportune opportune time, or mofi opportune time. 6. That a man may upon juft grounds, and with confidence ex- peft the good thing offered and contained in a conditio- nal promife, he muft of neceflity come up in his practice to that condition and qualification which is called-foc in the promife ; Hence the Apoftle exhorteth them not to weary, becaufe the promife of a reward includeth their not wearying as a condition ; Ye/hall reap, if ye faint not: where by fainting we muft not underftand every flacfc- iiing and remitting fomewhat in our courfe j for, thk be- 598 A IrriifExpofitb* oftb$ 6 fifth Chap/* befalleth fometimes the choiccft Saints of God, Pfal. 7 j a, err. bucfuch a faulting as makech the fainter totally and fin illy abandon the wayes of God, which is noc in- cident to the real childe of God, Mat. 24* 24. Verf 10. j(sT>e ha\>$ therefor t opportunity, lettu do good unto all men, ejpecially unto tbcm fr&o are of the boujbold tffaub., tlE doth yet again repeat, and (6 clofah the former ex- ^•^hortationuntdbeneficency, as a conclufion drawn from |fre former arguments ; And fir It, he preffeth the ufe-making of the prefent opportunity which they had of exercifing this grace ; which rclateth,!. mainly to die whole time of this life » as that> which being ended, all opportunity of doing good by thofe, who did ever untill thai ncgleft to do good, doth end with it. And 2. to fbmeparts of that time> in which there is more ready accede unto duties of that kind, than at other times. And fecondly,he fheweth the perfons unto whom they fhoukf do good, firft, to all men whomfoever ; next andefpe- cially unto thole, who, being conjoyned by the ty of one common Confeflion of Faith in JcfusChrift, are Mem- bers of His Church, which is as it were His Houfhcld, lTim.i. 14. Z>o#. 1. The Minifter of Chrift who would (peak pertinently and cdifyingly unto his hearers, muft not hand-over-head deliver every Truth as k Com- eth to his mind without any method, or dependanceof purpofes ; but, having luch a fcope propofed unto him- fclf to aim at, whether the illuftration and confirmation of a truth, or the inforcing of a duty, or the reproving of fin, or confutation of error, he would digeft in his mind, and accordingly deliver in preaching all his other pur- pofe, Co as k miy be beft fubfervient unto that fcope, whether as illultrations, confirmations from Scripture and Reafon, or as motives, helps, cautions » or argu- ments, &c. Yea, and for the better help of peoples me- mory, and better carrying along of their attention* with ths thap.^ of Paul totheCh la tians.' 299 thejhreed of his whole difcourfe, he would frequently inculcate and re-affume that which is principally inten- ded by him in his difcourfe > and to which all the othef pieces of it are fubfervient : forjodoth the Apoftle pro- pole, ver* 6. the inferring of beneficency, as the fcope he aimeth at> making all he hath faid in the following verfes one way or other fubfervient unto it, and doth fre- quently reiterate the exhortation it felf, ver.6. ver. g. and here, Js toe baVe opportunity, letm do good. 2. Thefer- vants of Jefus Chrift fhould fo preffe the duties of bene- ficency upon others,as not to exoner and keep themfelves free from that duty, who ought to be examples unto the Lord's People* as in every duty, fo chiefly in thofe of be- neficency, 1 rim.4.i2» becaufe People being more averfi: from fuch expenfive duties than from any other, do more readily fnatch at every thing which may excufe their negleft , and will judge no excufe more plaufible than that even their Minifters do negkft all duties of that kind ; therefore the Apoftle,both in the former verfe and in this, includeth himfalf in the exhortation ; Let w not M>earyf and, let ut do pod, faith he. ?. As there are fome fit opportunities offered mnto us by the providence of God for doing our duty in any kind, and efpccially for this duty of beneficency, fuch as our meeting with con- venient obje&s, whofe neceflity calls for our help> Ifa.jS. 7. and our being fitted with abilities to do them good, 2 C0Y* 8. 14. So becaufe thofe opportunities are in paf- fing, and being paft, will not poflibly return ; therefore arc we to look upon them, as a preflTing call from the Lord to fet about the duty , and ought without delay or fore(lowing,clofe with that call : for, all this is imported by faying, Jls toe ba\>e opportunity let m do good , feing,as we (hew, this opportunity relateth in part to fome pieces of our time in this life, in which we have more ready ac- ceffe to the duties of beneficency than at other times, and it hath the force of an argument to preffe the duty, as fup- pofing it will not alwayes laft. 4. As all opportunities of this kind areconfined-withinthe narrow grecin& of this Jod A Brief Ex f>9 fit ion of the S fifth Chap. 6. this prefcnt life, there beins no portability of doing g^xj in the way which we now do ic> or, of bein* beneficial unto others after this life, the time ofrcpcntaiKc, of ma- king furc our elcftion by well-doing , of making our peace with God , is then paft, and where the tree falleth there it lyeth, Ecclef.w. 3. So becaufe the time of this life is uncertain ( J*m. 4. 14.) therefore we ought to be* ftir our fclvcs in the ufe-mikmg of the prcfcnt time, as not knowing how foon our time may end* and all op- portunity of doing good come to an end with it : for* fo much is imported in the words, as this opportunity doth hold ouc the whole time of thw life , Atyotfrbtle ** bdW opportunity, kt iu do good. 5. Tnis du:y of benefit cency is to be extended unto all men, even oar very ene- mies not excepted, as their necefltcy doth require, Exod. *3-4»5. and our own ability may furnifh,2 Cor.8.1 2. and that becaufe of Gods own example, Af it. 5. 45. and the ty of one commoa nature betwixt them and us, i/i.58.7. fbrXaith he, Let us do good unto all mtn. 6. As the Church is God's family and houfhold, whereof He himfelf is the head and mafter, (Ebb.^.i 5 ) His Minifters are Rewards, todifpenfe the bread of life, (1 tor. 4. 1 .) and particular Chriftians are members of this family, orderly conjoy- ned , and knic together by the profeffion of one common Faith in Chrift Jefus ; and therefore the Church is but a fmall number, a family, even an handfull in companion of the world, Lu^eu-fi. And being Chrift's family, cannot but be cared and provided-for by Him, 1 Tim. $# 8. So the members of this family are in a fpecial manner obliged to love one another, and to evidence their love by being beneficial one to another under their neceflicies *nd ftraits ( in which God doth fuflfer often even thpfc of His own family to fall for their own good, 1 ?**• 1 6.} and that as tor other reafons, fo becaufe of that near re- lation under which they ftand,as being children and do- mefticksof one fimily which is the LordV : for, faith he, Shfood e: fecial 1 1 unto them Xtbo art of the boufhold of faiib* thedeG&tuLon which he giveththen&of one boufhoki Chap. 6. o/Paal to the C At at j a k s . 30? containing the force of an argument, 7. There is an order to bekeeped in the cxercife of cur beneficency 3 Antf this* firft, that it bt cxacik^tothcfecf cur own family, 1 lim. 5.8. Secondly? to our parents, 1 Itm. 5. 4. Thirdly, to our kinred, 1 Jm. 5. 8-. And, fcurthlyt among Grangers, unto thofc who profefle the lame Faith with us, and among thole, to luch who do evidence moft the reality of their Faith by the fruits of a f cod life* iliro. 5. 9, io. And laftly, unro all men whoioever when occafion offereth: for, theApoftle dothexprefie the two laft links of this ordenand thereby giveth ground for fearching out the reft from other Scriptures ; ®ogood Wto all men, but especially to tktm nbicb are of theboujhttt ef faith ; he faith, tffrecially, becaule the companion is among thofe who are ftrangers, and not under any rela- tion of kinred to us* VerG 1 1. ?> fa bol* large a letter I hale Written untoycu Mpttbmm otonband. THe Apoftle, m the fecond part of the Chapter, being * to conclude the Epiftle,doth fitft infinnate how much he truly loved them, and defired their falvation , As it appeareth, I. from his writing fo large a Letter to them: 2. from his writing of it with his own hand, whether becaufe his flraits were fuch that he had not a Secre- tary to write for him, whom be might truft ; or, that he might hereby prevent the calumnies of the falfe Apoftlea who might have objefted that thisEpiftle was not Pauls, if he hadimployed a Secretary or Scribe, as he did in writing his other Epiflles ($(otn. 16. 22.) fubferibing the Salutation only with his own band, 1 Co/.i 6.21. 2 Tbeffl 3. 17. So that though he wrote larger Epiftles to feme other Churches, yet he never wrote with his own hand fo large an Epiftle unto any Church as unto thefe Ga~ iatians. 2>*#. I. TheMinifterof JefusChrift ought to retufe no toil or pains whereby he may reduce a ftraying people, and any way advance the good of fouls com- mitted to his charge : for, Paul, in order to the reclaim- ing 302 tA brief Exp ofititn of the Epiji/e Chap^ ing of thofc Galatians > notwithftanding of his other nnnitold diftrafctions,and of chc eminent hazard where- in he was for the time, doth undergo the great trouble of writing/i Urge a Letter nub bis oton bind. 2. h is no- thing contrary to chriftian modefty and fobricty, but vcrylawfullin it felf, and advancagious for the Lord's People that a Mmifter make known unto thcrn fomc- times,(though but lparingly.and as it were occafionally) what great pains he hath been at for bringing about their ipiritual good, providing this be not done from often- Ution and defire of vain-glory, 2 Cor, 10. 18. but from a purpofe hereby to excite the people to bring forth fruits anfwerablcto his pains: for, in order to this end, the Apoftle doch modeftly, and as it were on the by, pro- pound to their confederation what pains he had been at in writing this Epiftlc ; Ye fa, ox, confide* ye (for the word will read both wayes ) bc Hmtten utitoyouXntb mine cfon band. 3. The greater pains are taken upon a people in order to their falvation by Chrift's Mmiftcrs, they ought to be the more pcrfwaded of their aflfc&ion and love, and take the greater pains in making ufeofthc labours of luch Minifters,for working out their own falvation themfelvcs ; otherwile the more laborious Mmifters are, the more incxcufablc fhall peo- ple be, and their condemnation the greater, Mat. n. 22. tor, the Apoftle, toperfwade theGalitians how much he loved them, and that they might be excited to bring forth fruits aniwerable to his pains, doth (hew bo* Urge 4 Letter be bad Written unto tbem Mitb bis oton band. Verf 11. Jsmmj ai defire to rnaJcea fairfheJVtintbeHcfBt they ton fir ain you to be circumcifed: only lejl they fiould fuffer perfection for tbe erojfe ofCbri/i. CEcondly, in the Conclufion of the Epiftle, the Apoftle ^ inhnuaccth that the fallc Apoftles were not a&ed from love to thofe Galatians in their (o much urging Circuni- ciiion upon tbem, as a thing whuhout the vvhichchej coukft Chap.& ff Paul td tbeGh z*A? I AKSt 30J could not be faved, whereby they laid upon them a kind of ncceility , and conftsained them to be circumcifed, and (heweth three principles from which they did herein ad, cwowhereofareinthisverfe; firft, from hypocrifie, oc a defire to make a fair oucward (hew ofReligion by ob- ferving thofe flcihly and carnal rites, fuch asCircumci- fion, difference of meats, legal purifications, and the like, in joyncd by the ceremonial Law. Secondly, from pufillanimity, or a politick defign to efchew perfecutioa from their Country-men the Jews, and from the Civil •Power>at the inftigation of the Jews ( Mi. 18. 12, 13.) for preaching the fincerc do&rine of the Gofpel concer- ning Chrift crucified, which is here called the Crcflc if Cbrift : ( See chap* 5. ver. 11.) the fury of which pcr- iecuters was much abated towards fuch Chriftians as did obferve the ceremonial Law ofMofcs, the preaching down whereof,of any other thing, did inrage them moft, chap. 5. 1 i« ®<>tt. 1. Though an external profeflion of Religion (%$m. 10. *io. ) and the practice of fuch ex- ternal rites ( 1 Cor. 1 x. 24.) and other ordinances ofdi- vine worfhip as God hath commanded, (Col. 3. 16.) ar£ to be made confeipnee of; yct,when the pra&ice of chofe external things is oppofed to the inward fubftantial du- ties of Religion> the former being refted upon without the latter, ( Mac. 1 $. 80 or, when the pra&ifer affeftcth a vain (hew, and to be reputed religious becaufe of thofe things,much more than to be religious really and indeed, Mat 6. 16. this is the fin of hypoenfie loathfom both to Gbd and man ; and that efpecially when people affc and to be reputed as men lin- gular for piety and devotion ; that fo they may deceive the fimple, who take all for gold that gliftreth, \om. i6# -1 8. Sothofc Apottics dejired to rndfy a fair [be* hi the pfr. ?, An erring confciencc is of great force, and mightily prevalent with erring perfons to make them follow the di&atcs thereof; It being ufual for fuchto pretend confciencc as a reafon why they cannot fubjeft themfclvestoTruth,Godin His holy Juftice doth give them over to a fpirit of dclufion, 2 Thtff. 2. it. and maketh confeience to be their fnare, when it imbraceth darkneffe for light, (/i. 5. 20. and unceffantly vcxeth them untill they execute its moft unreafonable, irreligi- ous, unnatural and fomctimes moft blafphemous com- mands, 7ob.\6.i. J". 31. ?5. for, the falfe Apoftles diJ conjlrain them to be circumcifed, mainly, becaufe by teaching the abfolute neceflity of Circumcifion to Salva- tion, ( AH. 15. 2.) they pofleffed their confeiences with that erroneous opinion , and their confeiences fo mifled, did conftrain them to follow itsdi&ates. 4* As perfe- cucion do:h ordinarily follow upon thciincere preaching or the Gofpel ; So, when perfecution for the Gofpel wax- eth hoc, there are ufually mmy found, who, to decline a fuflfcring lot, do tamper with the perfecuccr9 of Truth, though not by total apoftafie from Truth, yet by coming a great length in making (hipwrack of faith and a good confeience, only to gracifie thofe who perfecute the truth, and to break the edg« of their rage and fury againft themfclvcs : who,notwithftanding, will labour to keep up their credit in the Church of God, as if they were d fromnofuch politick defign, but from a principle ot Iip.htmd co'ifcrnce : for, fo thofe falfe Apoftles ton~ jtratned others to be WC9omfti, pretending confeience foe their fo doing, when cheir defign was, only left tbcyfhould fuffer perfecution for the crojfe of Chrijl. 5. Though He- reticks and every one who are carried away with a fpiric of error, pretend to confciencc, as that which they detire Chap.& *fP*u\t* the Gal at iak si goy to follow, and dare not contradift in what they hold ; yet very frequently fucb>efpecially they who are feducers of othcrs>do but make a pretext and fhelcer of confeience to cover their pride, policick defigns, love to eafe in a troubleforae time, pufillanim/ty of fpirit.fear of perfec- tion, and a defire of vain glory, by which they arc afted more than from any principle of confeience : for> thofe falfe Apoftles pretended to light and confcience> as the rule of what they did, Att.x 5. 2. and yet they did it only, faith Paul, left they Jhguld fuffer perfection for the crojje of Chrifl • and, ver. 13. That they may glory in your flejh. 6. However they who perfecute others for Truth do alfo pretend to conicience, lfs.66. 5. yet, they are often found to be men deftitute of confeience, and more politick than confeientious, even in thofe things wherein they pretend mod to confeience, in fo far as they do difpenfewith fome profeflbrs of Truth, if fo they come but a little to- wards them, and comply with them in fome things on* ly» though not in all things, as intending hereby to work them up to a greater length in progreffe of time : for, fo the perfecuting Jews did not moleft thofe Chriftians who were circumcifed * though they did otherwife pro- ftffe faith in the Mefliah already come, whom the Jews had cmc'ified* a* is clear from this, They conftrdinyou to be €ircumctfed; only, le/l they (houU fuffer perfecution for the trojJeofCbrijl. 7, As a defire to efchew a fufferingloe and perir cution even forTruth by all lawful means,is no wayes finfiil, but commanded>A^t.io«2g. and commen- da ble, ProV. 22. 3. So, to difpenfe with the leaft jot of Truth, and to imbrace the (mailed of Errors contrary to Truth, that hereby the greateft of fufferings might be e£ chewed, is blame-worthy, and extreamly finfull $ feing the leaft of fins hath more of evil in it than the greateft of fufferings, Thofe are our affli&ion, but not our fin : for, the Apoftle condemneth his adverfarics, not that fimply they had laboured to efchew perfecution, but that they tonfirained others to he circumcifed; ouljjcft tbejjbouldfiif* ferferfemknfQr the troj? of Cbrift, X Verjg 3 o6 A brief Sxpofition of the Epifil* Cbap. 6. Vcrf. 13. for neither tbey tbemJelVes Ttbo are circumcifed l^eep the Latoy but defirc to baVeyou circumcifed, that tbcy m*y glory in your ji'Jh. TTHe Apoflle, firft, makcth good his former charge * againft his adverfanes, to wit, That they urged Cir- cumcifion not from zeal to the Law of God, and from contcience, but from a politick baiedefign ', becaulethcy made no conscience to keep the Law thcmfelvcs, that is, neither the moral Law> which they tranfgrcfled daily by their wicked and licentious lives, ^7^.3.18,19. nor yet the ceremonial Law, the keeping whereof they urged fomuch upon others, but did uiually and without chal- lenge neglcft it among themfclves, and where they knew none were to pubhfh it abroad, Mat. 2^.4. Secondly, he mentioncth the third principle from which they were aited in their io vehement urging of Circumcifion upon others, even their ambition and defire of vain-glory,that they might have wheuof to glory and boaft in the mul- titude of Profelytes among the Gentiles, who received Circumcifion in their flefh at their infiigation,and there- by did evidence that they were converted, or rather per- verted unto Judaifm. ®oct. 1 . As we would not lighdy, and without evident caufe charge any with hypocrifier diflimulation, and pretending of zeal for God, andrc- fpcdt to conscience, when there is no fuch thing in reali- ty and truth ; So this is ground fufficicnt for any to fuf- fpett, and for thole who are otherwise called unto it, to affirm, That they who give little or no evidence of zeal to God, or rcipeft to conicience in the ordinary flrain of their convention, are not afted from zeal andconfei- ence in thole particulars wherein they would fcem mod zealous and contentions : and rqorc efpecially, when Miniftcrs do make bold without challenge to negleft thofc things, the piattice whereof they preffe moft vehe- mently upon others i it cryeth aloud that they are men dcttuutc of coiUutucc, and that they fpeak and preach, Chap. 6. */Pauf/ that they may glory inyourflefb, faithhe. 3. Where the fpirit of fchifm and Church- renting hath once poffeffed a fouUt caufeth the man in whom it is to refufe no pains, trouble> or toil, for gaining of many followers, and to look upon thofe whom he fo gaineth as fo many trophees of his vidtory, and fpeaking proofs of his unparalleled abilities and parts, wherewith he is fo much taken up himfelf that he cannot diffemble his earneft defire to have all others ta- ken up with admirationat them alfo : for, thofe fchif- matick Church- renters (chap. 4. ver. 17. )' did defire, yea (ver. 12.) conflrained men to be circumcipd} that they might glory in their ficjh. Verf. 14- But God forbid that I fhould glory fa\e in the croffe of our Lord jefiia Cbrifl, by M?bom the tyorld is cru- cified unto me, and I unto the Tvorld. TTHirdly, in the Conclufion, the Apoflledothoppofe * his own truly chriftian and apoftolick converfation and carriage to thofe fins of hypocrifie, carnal policy, X 2 ' a hd 3 o8 A Inritf 'Expefition ofth € fifth Chap. 6 and vain-glory, which he hach (hown co be in the falfe Apoftles : And, firft, in oppofition to their vain-glory, mentioned, ver. -i ?• he declareth that the matter of his gloriation and boafting was only in the croflc of Chrift, chat isithe allfuflficient, expiatory and fatisfaftory facri- fice of Chrift upon the Croffe with the whole work of our Redemption, which is alfo hereby fynecdochically undcrftood, andrejeð all other forts of boafting, as a thing abominable ; for* fo much doth hisufual csptrffi- on> God forbid, import, fy**. 3.4, 6, (I* and 6. 2. Se- condly, he fhc weth, in oppofition to their hy pocrifie and defire to make a fair (hew in the ft fh, that by Ghnft, or byHis Croflc (for the article in the Greek language may relate to cither) the *or Id *>d* crucified to him, that is, all that is in the world , and in fo far as it is oppofed to the Kingdom ot Chrift , as honour, riches, pomp, pleafure, the favour, fear, wrath, praiieor dilpraileof men, all were undervalued and defpifed by him, to wit, incom- parifon of Chrift and the excellency and worth of His fufferings, Philip. 3.8. and hereby alfo he *>*& crucified im$otbt*>orUy that is, undervalued and defpifed by the men of this world} for, to be crucified in both fentences % fignifieththe fame thing, even to be contemptible and undervalued, as tho(e were who died by that ignomi- nious and curfed death upon the Croflfe, ©ewf. 21. 23, G>oH. I. It is praile- worthy in a Minifter,and advanceth much the cpnviftion of thole whofe fins he rrprovcth, when bis own carriage is fo exemplary* as the holding forth of it may point out their duty , and wherein they come (hort of their duty : for, the Apoftlc, haying men- tioned the fins of his adverfaries, vcr» 12, 13. doth here hold forth his own pradtice, wherein, as in a glafle, they and others mi^ht fee their duty in oppofition to thofe fins ; %ut God forbid, faith he, that I Jbould glory, &c9 2. Though the soodncflc or badneffe of men , who maintain and labour to propagate opinions, are not fuf- ficient arguments ro prove either the truth or falfhood of what ihey maintain; icing even the Godly may erre, and Chap.£. of Paul to the G a i a t i a n $ • 3 op and men,otherwife carnal, may difcern what is Truth or Error, right or wrong, in fome particulars better than they, zSam. 24. 2, 3. yet> when Truth is already de- monftrated to be Truth, and Error to be Error by found and folid arguments from Scripture and Reafon, then is it lawfoll and opportune to compare the pious conver- fation of thofe who are for Truth,with the impiety,pridc, and vain* glory olfrofe who arc for Error, that hereby fome taking weight may be added unto thofe former ar- guments* erpecially in the minds of thofe who are pre- judged againft the Truth ; for, the A pottle, in the body oftheEpiftle having confirmed his own Dodrine, and refuted the Error of his adverfaries by folid and nervous reafons, doth now in the conclufion compare his own life with theirs, and oppofeth his chriftian ingenuity and freedom from vain-glory, to their hypocrifie, bafenefie and vanity : and this to make his former arguments weigh more with thofe prejudicateGalatians, as ap- peareth by comparing the two former verfes with this . and thofe which follow ; ®ut God forbid that I JbmU glory, tfc. 3. Though it be lawfull in fome cafes fot men to glory in the good things of God beftowed upon them ( See ver. 4. doft. 5.) yet it is altogether unlaw- fully yea*,no leffe than abominab!e,to glory in any thing, fo as that we place our confidence in it, for making us accepted to, and righteous before God, but only the merit and fatisfaciion of Jefus Chrift* the accomplish- ment whereof was upon the Crofle, Jo£. 19.30. for, in oppofition to the falfe Apoftles their boafting in Cir- cumcifion, as the meritorious caufe of their Salvation, (See chap, J. ver. 4. do£h 1.) doth the Apoftle here fay, God forbid that I Jhould glory faVe in the Crojje of our Lord Jefm Cbrift. 4. A holy heart, which hath experimen- tally tafted the worth that is in Chrift, cannot eafily thinkupon Him, and efpecially upon His Satisfa&ion and Sufferings, but it muft be enlarged towards Him, and have high thoughts of that excellency and worth Which is in Bim> joyned with an earneft defire of a more £ i near 3 10 A br\$f Expo fit ion of the Sfifile Chap, 6 near union with Him, and with an acquiefcencc in Him as its own, if fothe heart be alrcidy perfwaded of in- tercft in Him j yea, and will fomctimes expreflc thofc thoughts of Him to the full, when occalion is offered to make any mention of Him : fori foTW, having occa- fion to ipcak o\ Chrift, defigneth Him fo as he exprc (Icth not only thofc high thoughts which he had of His Ex- cellency and worth, while he callcthftim Lordt and je- ftis, and Cbrtjl, but alfo the acquiefcing of his heart in Him a* his own, while he faith, Our Lord Jefus Qkrifl. 5. The croffe and fufferings df Chr ift effe&ually applycd by faith, have that much power and vcrcue in them, as to make all things worldly, even the very applaule and glory of the world, contemptible unto, and to bcaftu- ally abhorred by a fincere Believer , in fo far as the power, terror, beauty, allurements, credit, pleafure> or profit of thofc things would interpofc to mar that high eftecm he ought to have of ChriftS fatisfaftion and fuf- ferings , or his right ufe-making of them , or his fecking after God's glory as the chief end of all his a&ions, and above all thole things : for, in thofe ref pefts, the world was crucified, or as a dead carrion to Taul, wherein he could take no pleafure, and this by Cbrij}, and the vertuc of Hi* fufferings, and nothing elfe ; ®> ^homyoxyby Kbicb crojfe, tbeftorld u crucified unto me, 6. The more that high eftecm of, and glorying in JefusChrift doth grow in the heart of any, the more will ouraccompt of all things worldly, bfing compared with Him and oppofed to Him, decay : And where efteem of thofe things is up- on the growing hand, that high accompt which ought to be had of Jclus Chrift cannot but be decaying much ; for, with Puid% I glory in the crojj'c ofChrijt and tbeTkorld is crucified to me, did go together. J. As a man truly godly, and renewed by the Spirit of Chi ift, and in fofar as he is renewed at lcaft, cannot but be unfavoury unto, and vilipended by the world and wicked men in the world ; So this alfo dodi come from the death andfuf- ^sofChnt^ not indeed, as from a working c* • (for, Chap.*?. 0/Paul ^^GalAtians^ 31? ( for, Chrift by: His death doth work no iuch malicious difpofition in wicked men towards His People) buc as from an occafion ; for, from thofe gracious eftefls flow- ing from the Spirit of Chrift, and wrought in thofe who are renewed, wicked men do take occafion to hate, ab- hor, and to take no pleaiure in them, no more than they were the dead carrions of iome notorious malefa&ors put to a fhamefull death by the hand of Juftice; #y Whom, faith he, I am cructfied untQ the World. Verf. 1 5. For in Qbrift Jefm neither Circumcifion aVailetb any thing, nor uncircumtifion, but a new creature. UE giveth a reafon why he gloried only in the crofle **ofChrift> and not in thofe fl fhly priviledges, or ordinances, and why the world was crucified unto, and Undervalued by him, to wit, becaufe thofe things which ;ere matter of gloriation to the falfe Apoftles, and by making an outward (hew whereof they gained the world's applaqfe (one mftance whereof he giveth in Circumcifion, and illuftraceth it by its contrary uncircum- cifion, under which may be comprehended the fimple want of this ordinance, and all other things which the uncircumcifed Gentiles boafted of, as wealth, wifdom, ftrength, policy, and whatfoever is glorious in the eyes of the world) all which things he affirmethtobe of no account or worth in Chrift Jefus, to wit, fo as to make a man accepted of Chrift, or to evidence his acceptation by Him, or intereft in Him ; and wkhall, fhewefti that the new creature, or the renovation of the wholfeman by God's omnipotent creating power in knowledge, (Col. 3. io.) righteoufnelTc and true holinefle (^.4. 24.) is only that, in oppofition to thofe external and worldly things, which maketh a man acceptable to Goci in Chrift, and efpecially doth evidence his acceptation by, and intereft in Chrift. $0%. 1. As thofe things are moft applauded unto by men of this world , which are moft remote ftom, and have leaft relation unto Jefu? X 4 Chrift, 1 1 i A britf Expofition *f th$ E fifth Chip- 6 Chrift, and peoples intercft in Him ; So for that reafon, a godly heart will be more dead unco, and lefle taken up with applaufcfrom them, whether he have it* or want it : for, P*ul giveth this tor a reafon, why the world wa$ crucified unto him. Even that thofe things which had moft of the worlds applanfc> did no wayes evidence a man's intereft in Chrift as the new creature did , as ap- pcareth by the caufal particle for : for in Cbrifl Jefia .: cr Circumcijion aVaiieth any thingy nor uncircutncijnn. 2. Though other things befides the work of Regenerati- on and (aving Grace, fuch as wealth, honour, vtifdom, ftrcngch,ais of good ufc for the affairs of this life, Ecclef. 9. 15. Yetynone of thefe, nor any other thing elfe, if (c- paratcd from the work of faving grace* are of any worth or account to commend us to God, or to evidence a fa- ving intercft in Jefus Chrift and in thofe faving benefits which arc purchafed by Him : for,in thisrefpeft he faith, Jn Jefus Qhri(t neither Circumcifton aVailetb any tbmg, nor uncircumcifim. 3. As we are fo far dead in fins and tret pafles, (Epb. 2. 1.) that no lefle than almighty creating power is requifit for working of a gracious change ip us; So this gracious change, thus wrought, doth reach the whole man,his foul and all the faculties thcreof,hu body and all the members thereof arc renewed and changedt 1 Thejf. 5. 25. for, this gracious change hath the name of a neK creature, importing it to flow from God^s creating power, and that it is extended to the whole man. 4. This gracious change of the whole man is for lingular ule and advantage to the mm who hath it , though not td give him a right to Chrift, or to juftifie him, except in fo far as the grace of Faith is included in it ; for, Faith alone doth intitlca man to Chrift, (tjoh.f. iz, 13.) and jufti- fie him, Gal. 2. 16. yet to evidence unto his own con- ference that he hath that right, and is a juftificd perfon, 1 Job. 3.7, M. for, with refpeft tothis, he faith, That in Jefus thrift a nt> creature dotb aVrM, vvith a little variation of the fenfc and meaning from that which wc gave of almoft the fame words , chap. 5. yct. 6. be- Chap. '6* */Paul to the Gai ati kxT. 313 becaufe his fcope there is fomewhat different from what it is here. 1 Verf. x 6. *Aud as many as ^al\ according to this rule, peace be on tbem,and mercy, and upon the l/rael of God. H E addeth a fecotid reafon, whereby he commendeth not only that glorying in the fufferings and fatif- fa&ion of Chrift, as the only fure ground to build our Faith for falvation upon ( fpoken of, ver- 14. ) but alfo the ftudy of piety, and of becoming a new creature, (whereof, ver. if* ) as the only rule according to which all ought to walk in their feveral imployments. And, fe- condly, doth excite all men to walk according to this rule, by a moft fure predi&ion and promife of a double fruit to be reaped thereby, even Peace, that is, peace with God, peace with their own confeience, and fo much of peace one with another, and of fanftified profperit* ( which alfo goeth under the name of peace, Gro.28.21) as God (hould fee convenient for them, *PfaL 84. -11. and Mercy, that is, God's favour, the fountain of the former peace, which (hould furnifh them with a timous remedy to all their evils and mifery. And, thirdly, be- caufe the falfc Apoftles did glory much themfelves, and boulftered up their followers much with this, That they were the only true Israelites, as being joy ncd to the Peo- ple of God by Circumcifion, to whom thofe promifes did belong ; hcftieweth that they who fq#Dwed this rule, though they were not Ifrael according to the flefh, %om. 2. 28. yet they were the Ifrael of God, the only true lfraclkcv7#Kx,47. at being the children of Abraham by faith, chap. 3. 7. for, the particle *nd> in this place, muft be exegetick of one and the fame thing, as tpb4 1. 3. and not copulative of diverfc $>oB, 1. The rule of a Chriftian man's walk, whether in relation to faith or manners, is not left indifferent for every man fo as he may choofe wfatt rule pleafeth him beft; neither is it kft arbitrary unto any man to impofe a rule of walking upon 5 1 4 A Mtf Expofition of the Epiftle Qi3p. 6 i upon others, but th?re is a fixt, determinate rule conde- feended upon by God for all, which no mm may eichec add to, or cake from : for, faith he, e>4r many as W^ ac- cording $o ibis rule, meaning a determinate, fixed rule. ' The word in chc original is borrowed from Archiceftors who cry their work by rule and fquare : now, whacever is defcftive, and rcquircch addicion : or fupcrfluous, and rcquircth diminucion, U not a perfeft and juft meafure or rule. 2. Though this rule and canon of faith and manners be the whole Ward of Go J contained in Scrip- ture. 2'Tct.i. 19, 20, 21. Yec, the pracc of Faith in JefusChrilit and repentance unco life, are adoftrinal lum of this rule » if we mean the Dottrine of Faith and Repentance ; or, a praftical Turn, if we mean the graces themfelves ; there being no point of Truth caught, and no duty preflcd in the whole Scripture which one way or other relaceth not to one of thek two : for, while he faith, At m my 4*W{, according to this rule, k is all one upon the matter, whether by chc rule he mean the Do - ftrine contained in the whole Epiftle, which is one and the fame in fubftance with the reft of Scripture, or the .graces of Faith in Chrilt, called ( vcr. 14.) glorying in thecrojfe ofCbnJl, and of repentance unto life, called ( ver. 1 5. ) the ne\\> creature, although it be more pro- bable, he mean the latter. 3. This rule of faith and manncrs,contained in the Scripture, is unchangeable,and ever to remain as that to which all men in all ages,to the end of chc vvorkl* ought to make themfelves conform : for, the won! rendred W^in the original, it in the future tenfe, as relating to all time ; A many oAJhall W^ actor* ding to this rule. 4. So accurate and orderly is this rule in it felf 'tfal. 1 1 9.9^- So ignorant are we of it in^many particulars relating both to faith and manners, ?/*/. 1 1 9, 18. And to many and fubcil are thofe tcntations which Satan letteth on foot to make us tranfgrefle and flight this rule, Epb.6. -11. chacchere is great necefficy of cir- cumfpe&ion , accuracy and accencion unco chafe who would rightly walk according co this rule : for* the word (endued Chap.<5. *f Paul to the G a l a t i a n s I 315 rendred W^, fignifieth to walk orderly, attentively, as Souldiers when they keep rank ; A many W£ -wr- ding to this rule. 5 Even thofe \toho walk according to this rule, are not lo mjjch freed from fin and mifery, but they ftand in need of mercy ; yea, all their receipts do come in the way, not of merit, but of undeferved mercy ; for, mercy relateth to fin. mifery 5 and to them that W£ according to this rule, there is a promife not only of peace* but alio of mercy, and of peace flowing from mercy ; Peace jhall be upon them, and mercy, faith he. 6. As ten- der walkers accoiding to this rule may expeft fufficienc encouragement and reward, even in this life and fuch as may counterbalance all contrary difcouragements and hardflaips which uiually occur in that way; So their encouragements are not from the world, but from above* defending from Heaven, and therefore iuch as cannot be hindred by the malice of men : for, peace /hall be upon tbemy and mercy, faith he ; the word rendred, upon them, is emphatick. and importeth that thole bleffings fall down upon them from above. 7. It is not fufficient for a Mi- nifter ofChrift who would comfort and incouragc weak Chnftians (who are otherwife apt to be difcouraged through multitude of tentacions in their Chriftian courie, Beb.12. 12.) that he find out, and apply fuch precious Promifes as arc pertinent to their cafe, but he muftalfo endeavour their fatisfa&ion in this, that they are in the number of thofe to whom fuch promifes do be- long, and who with God's allowance may lay hold up- on them, and draw out that comfort which is contained in them, otherwife the difcouraged perfon will look up- on ic as prefumption to apply any of thole precious Pro- mifes, Pfal. 77. -2. though otherwife he moft gladly would : for, the Apoftle fheweth, that thofe who walk according to this rule, and to whom he promifeth peace and mercy, are the Ifrael of God, to whom fuch Pro- mifes were made and do appertain ; dndupon the Ifrael *>fG§d} faith he* Verf. }l£ eAfricfExpoJition of tin EpifiU Cb*p.<5. Vcrf. 17. ?'<*» bcnct forth In no man trouble mtB for I bear m my body the nurfy of the Lord Jtfus. HTHcApoftle ( having now fuflfkiently vindicated his •* Do&rine, and juftified his practice, cfpccially from thofc calumnies which were fprcad of him, as if he had preached Circumcifion> chap. 5. 11.) doth here by his Apoltolical Auchority difchargc any wkomfoever to occafion further trouble to him,or unncceflary diver fions from the great work of the GofpeL whether by fpeaking againft his Do&rine> or by fpecading, or entertaining calumnies and (landers of him, cfpccially that formerly fpoken of ; and this becaufc the manifold fufferings which he had endured from the Jews his country-men and others, for his fincere preaching of the Gofpel, with- out any mixture of Jewifh Cere monies ( % Cor* l *«*4 ) the mark?, skars,or prints whereof, which were yet vi- fiblc and to be feen in his body, did fuflfkiently witnefle andfeal the truth of his Doftrinc, and cfpeciallydid abundantly refute that former calumny : for, if he had preached Circumcifion, hefhould not have been fo per- fccuted, chap. 5.1 1. and hereby alfo he oppofeth his own pra&ice and courage to the pufillanimity of his adver- saries, and their bale defire of cfche wing a croflc for the fpeaking of truth, vcr. -it. ®ott. r. Though it be the duty of Minifters to contend for Truth againft Error* .7w^,v.-?. and to wipe off that difgrace which adver- saries intend by unjuft imputation* and calumnies to fatten on their pcrfons,^***. ?.8. yet the fpending of much time in thole enftick debates ,may create nolinall trouble and heart- breaking vexation to their fpirtts, asdiycrting them exceedingly from diac far fweeter, and kifomt re- fpects far more profitable work both tothemfelv^s and others, even of preaching the politive and pra&icall Truths of the Gofpel unto their hearers , and of feeding bymcditationiponthofcT^ths themfelves: for> TW, fpeaking of tiicir concradiftion to Truth, aod calumnies agamft Chap.*. rfffcaul tithe Gal a tiaks^ 317 againft his perfon, faith ,t 'rem henceforth let no nan trouble me 5 importing his wreftling with thole, did by way of unpleafant diverfion trouble him, andfo as they conta- ined his ftrength ; for, fo much doth the wora, rendred trouble, fignifie. 2. When the mouthes of hereticks and flanderers cannot be flopped with reafon and fair per- fwafoxis, but rather they prove more infolent, it is the 1 duty of thofe who have authority, wifely to make ufe of it> for putting them to filence : for> fo doth Vaul, having ufed abundance of reafons and perfwafions already by his Apoftolick Authority , command, from henceforth Itt no man trouble me. 3. As it is the lot of Chrift s moft eminent Servants to meet with bafe and difgracetull ufage from raging perfecuters, as if they were the bafcft of (laves, malefadtors, and the verte off-tcounngs of men ; So, whatever hard meafure His Servants do de- ceive from fuch, the Lord Chrift \vill look on it as done to Himfelf ; He will own their fufferings, wounctaand . skars of thofe wounds, as His own,and allowcth His fuf- fering Martyrs to look fo upon them alfo*& that becaufc they are inflifted for the proftffion of His Name, 1 ft*» 4. 14. and becaufe of that ftrift union which is betwixt Chrift and Believers, whereby He and they are only one myftical Chrift, ^A.i.ag. for, ?*ul had received ftripes and wounds, the marks whereof did afterwards remain in his flefh ; the word fignifieth the prints and marks of fuch ftripes as flaves and malefa&ors ufed to be beaten with, and thofe he calleth the marks of Chrift; I hetr in my body the marfy of the Lord lefm. q. Though men of this world do but judge bafely of thofe who fiiffvr for Chrift, and of their fufferings, together with the prints and memorials of their fufferings, as they do judge of the- ftripes and skars of thofe who are juftly beaten for their faults, Ait. 24. 5, yCt the perfon who hath fufftred, Will not be afhamed o^but rather in a holy manner will glory in the very prints and marks of thofe ftripes and wounds which he hath received for the name of Chrift : yea> it is die duty of all to think the more honourably of 3 1 8 A brief Expofition of the £ pi file Chap. 6. of that perfon, fcing tho(e arc the marks of Chrift : for* IP***/ doth in a manner boalt off rkf which were imprinted by his p:riccucers of purpoie to dif^ace him ; f do bear in my body the m \bi Lord lefium 5- Though wicked hereticks may fuffet much before they renounce their erroneous opinions , Sothit a man's fuffering for his opinion will not prefentlv prove his opinion to be truth ; yec when other ftrong arguments from Scripture andReafon arc already made ule of by a Preacher to confirm the truth of his Dotfrine, this may adde weight to all his other arguments, and argue his fincererity and upnghtnefle in the defence of his Do- drine, even that with courage and conitancy, and that frequently, he hath fealcd the truth of it by his fuffrr- ings: for, the ApoftIc> having already Spoken fufficient- ly in reafon for the defence of his Doftrine apainft his • adverfaries,doth now make mention of his fuffcrings for the Truth as an additional argument to ftop the moutfts of thofe who did oppolc his Do&rine, and qucftion his fmcerity in the defence of it 5 from henceforth let no m*n trouble me9(z\\hhc l fir 1 bear in my bod) the marly of the Lord Jefus. Vcrf 18. Brethren, the grace of our Lord JefusChrift be Kith your jpiril. Amen. POurthly, the Anoftlc concludeth the Epiftle with his ■^ ordinary farcwell-wifh; wherein, having dcfigned them by the name of Brethren , hewifheth that God's grace and favour with ah fpiritual benefits fl iVfing from it, and purchafed and conveyed 1 nroiigh Jcfus Chrift (therefore called the grac* night refide both in the effctfs and lente of it in their fpirits and whole foul , and affixeth his an evidence of fervency and confidence in htl wifh, and as a confirma- tion of thr whole Doftrinc delivered by him in this Epi- ftle. Befidcs what is already obferved upon the like fare- wli-wilhin the clot of the EpiQlcs to the fbi^unf and and QQloflimiy Hence Learn, i. The rrore of prejudice a Minifter doth apprehend to be in a people or peifon againft himielf and hisdeflrine, he ought to endeavour the more by affe&icnate infinuatiens, and by frequent and feafonable reiterating of loving compellaticns, the rooting out of thole prejudices : for, befides all the infinuations which he hath ufed towards, and lovely compellations which he hath given to thofe Galatians, fo much poflefled with prejudice againft him, chap. 4. \6. he defieneth them by the name of ^Brethren, in his farewell-wifh, which he doth to no other Church, ex- cept to that of Corinth, 2 Cor. 13. 11. who at that time had deep prejudice againft him alfo ; $retbrent the grace of our Lord Jefus Chrtfl. 2. The main thing in people for which Minifters ought to care* and which fhould be moft adverted unto by people themfelves* is the fpirit and inward man, as that for which God doth mainly call, ProV. 23. 26. and being keeped right? will com- mand the outward man and keep it right alfo > Pro*. 4. 23. and without the concurrence whereof, all that is done in the fervice of God, is nothing but detcftabie hy- pocrifie, Mat. 1 5. 8. for, the Apoftle wifheth the grace of God to be with their fpirits, by feating it felf there* that it may command the body and all the members thereof from thence, The grace of our Lord Jefus Cbrifl be Vitbyourfririt, faith he. FINIS- A brief Exposition of the Epiftle of Taul to the Epbefians. The Argument. Aul, bating planted a famous Church at Ephcfus, CA&.ip.i ,io^ct)aptime City in the lejjer Afia, Rev. I. II. and having fonfeen by the Spirit of M>propbefie% that though this Church ( ** appeared fromthe ftraxnof the whole Epiftle) Was for the time free fromfchifm, andconjtantinthe doitrine of the Gojjtcl; yet falje teachers in progrejfe of time Would arife among them t$ pervert them, Aft. 20. 29, go. And fearing alfo , left his oWnprefentfuferings (he being now a prifoner at Rome, chap. 3. 1. ) fhould make them faint and fit up in their cbri* ftian courfe, chap. 3 . 1 3. Therefore, and upon thefe occafions he writeth this Epiftle unto them. Hit fcope therein , u, to excite them unto conjlansy anh further progrejfe in faith and piety, a* appear eth from the fubjeft matter of the whole Epiftle, and more c facially from chap. 3. li,&c> and chap. 4. 1 . In order to Which fcope (after the Infer iption, Ver. 1, 2. chap * l.) he propounded to their View afhortfum of the do- itrine of faith andfalvation by Chrift , which he dothfeVeral Wayesilluflrate, commend, extend both to J eW and Gentile $ and guar d from contempt occafioned by the croffe , exhorting them of tvmes indircftly to cleave unto it , and mafy progrejfe in the knowledge of it, to the end $f chap, 3. After which \he inciteth them to thejludy and practice of holinejje, both in the general and /lecial duties of achriftianlife, chap. 4, y. andt$ yer.it .of chap. 6. And fo (having recommended fome pri- vate affairs of his oWn to the care of Tychicust Ver. 21,22.) be concludeth the Epiftle with almoft the fame falutation b) "Which be made bti entry to it, ver. 23,14. i CHAP* 5 i4brhfExfofition of tht Epifttt Chap, i, CHAP. I. |N the firft part of this Chapter (after the In* fcription, vcr- 1 ', 2. ) the Apoftle unfoldetb the grounds and caufes of the falvation of finnerf, afcribing all unto God's free grace in Chrift : which he doth,firft> generally* by way of thankfgiving unto God , ver. ?. Secondly, more particularly : and firft, he treateth of the grounds, caufes and means of falvation, as they were prepared in (he eternal decree of ele&ion ; which he defer ibeth from chofe ends which God intended in that decree , as our fan&ification, ver. 4« our adoption or glorification, ver* 5. and the glory of His grace, ver. 6: Next, as they were purchafed by Chrift in the work of redemption, ver. 7« Andlaftly, as they are applyed unto che Eleft in their cffe&ual calling , ver. 8. which is illuftrated from the mean made u(e of for bringing it about, to wit, the re- vealing and publifhing of the Gofpel, ver. 9. and from che end intended by God in the ufe of this mean > even the gathering together in one of all the fcatcered Ele&, ver. to. And thirdly , he cleueth yet further the former doftrine concerning the freedom of God's grace through Chrift in our falvation , by giving fome inftanccs of it, I . In the believing Jews, ver. 1 1, 11. Next, in the belie- ving Gentiles, ver. 13**4. In the fecond part of the Chapter, he doth indircftly incite them to conftancy and progrefs in the knowledge of this doftrine ; firft, by (hewing how heblcffedGod, and prayed unto Him for themi ver. 1 5> *<$• Secondly, by holding forth a fhort fum of his prayer unto God oo their behalf,even that God would beftow a greater mea- sure of wifdom and faving knowledge upon them, ver* 17, 18 — whereby they might know thofe good things, which they were to partake of in Heaven, ver. - 18. k* gether with the working of Gods mighty power in, and cowards Believers, vcr. ig. Thirdly, by commending chn Cbap. ft */Paul to the Fp h b s i a n £ j this power of God unco them? from its mighty working inorderroChnft's exaltation, ?cr. 20. which exalted ftate of Cbrift, he ftieweth, doth include power and fifcr periority over all creatures in general, fef- 21, 22. and over His Church in particular, Ver, 22, 2j# Vcrf. i.TptAULm Apoflle oflefus drift by the Kill of * . Go^fo *&? sWnf 5 #iw£ 4/* 4* Ef>befus,and tg thcfaitbfullinCkrifiJeJus; 2, Grace be to you, and pace from God Our father, and from the Lord J efuS Cbrift, |N thefe two Verfes is the Infcription of the Epiflle* 1 containing, firft, a defcription of the Pen-man ; frcra his name Paul, from his Office, andpoftle, and call id his Office hy the Kill of God. Secondly , a defcription of thofe to whom the Epiftle was dire&ed, from the plaCfi of their habitation, atEpbcfus, and their fpirkual RiicJ they were Saints and faithful, ver# U Thirdly, the Apd** files ufual falutacion, or comprecation , wherebyhfi pray cth for grace and peace unto them, ver. 2. Befides what hath been already obfer ved upon the In« fcriptions of the Epifllcg to the Galatians^htlipianS ancf Colojfians, Learn, i. The wifdom of God hath judged it mod convenient to teach His People, not immediately by Himfclf or by the miniftry of Angels, but of men like unto our fclves: hereby to try His Peoples obedience^ Mat. 10, 40. and becaufe their infirmity could not well endure the miniftcry of others* Exod. 20. 19. For, Paul is im ployed by God to inftruft thofe Ephefuns by writing this Epiftle ; Tdulari Apoflle by the Kill of God,to the faints. 2. It doth not follow hence,that every man who thinketh himfcli fufificiently gifted, may take upon him the Office of the Miniftry, except he be called unto it of God : for, 'Paul ftieweth he was called to the Office of an Apoftle before he did meddle with it J An dpofile of Jefus Cbrift by the Ml of God. 3. The power of God not only can, but alio frequently doth gather and pi cfer ve a Church to A z Him-* 4 A brief £xf option of the SpiJtU Chap. I . Himfclf, even w here Satan's Teat is, and wickednefleof all forts docb moft abound : hereby fulfillinc what w as long fince foretold (Pfrf. 1 1 <>.- 2. ) chat Chrift fhould rule in the midft ot Hi! enemies ; for, there was a Church of Saints even at Ephfus , a City famous for Idolatry and Witchcrafts, AU* 1 9. v. 1 9,^4, 34, 3 5. To the Saints »bicb arectEphefus. 4. Even thoic who are Saints and Be- lievers, do Hand in need of Gcd'i grace and favour both to pardon and fubduc fin , feing the brft of them arc but farcified in part) idr. 13. 1 a having the i4regs of cor- ruption alwayes remaining, and frequently ftirring in them, %>t.7. 13. for, the Apoftleswifh in behalf of the Saints zifybtfus and fanhiul in Chrift Jefus, is, Grace be to you. Verf. 3. Blejfed be the God and Father of our Lord Jefus Ckri/1, \\>bo bath blefledttsTlitb all fpvitual bltjftogsm heavenly places in Cbrijl. THc Apoftle's fcope being to eftabli(h thofeEphefians ** in the fincere doftrine of the Gofpel already received by them , and for this end to unfold the grounds and caufes of their falvation , together with the freedom of God's grace in Chrift , upon which (alvation ( with all its caufes, and every ftep tending towards it ) is founded, he doth firft propound the grounds and caufes in gene- ral, and this not warftly, and inacoldrifemanner,but with an open mouth, and a more enlarged heart, by way of thankfgiving to God , whom he defcribeth from his twofold relation to Chrift, as being the Cod and father of ourLordJefm Cbri I : tor, the particle *i*4, in this place, is not copulative of things different but exepetick of one and the fame thing , as rfsl. 18. 46. And firft, Heist God to Chrift, chiefly becaufe of the Covenant of Re- demption betwixt God and Chrift as Mcdiator.the mu- tual conditions of which Covenant are, If. yj. 10, 11. Job. 6. 39. 40, And* fecondly, He is thcF^rofChrift, to wit, not only as Chrift is God , by an eternal and un- fpcakable generation, P/i/. a. 7. but alfo f as Chrift is Man, Chip. i. *f Vzxxltotke Ephisians. j Man, God is His Father by vcrtucof the perfonal union of the two natures in Chrift, Lu\g r. 52--. The reafon of which his chankfgivin* to God he fhsweth to be Gods beftowing of real blcflings upon Believer , and thofe not common or temporal only , but fpecial and fpiritual bl Jfings, which tend to a fpiritual and fupernatural end ; and thofe not fparingly , but fully , and with an open hand, tva\*Ubtefflngs, and this in bcrtenly places > that is, from Heaven His glorious Throne ; or becaufe thofe fpiritual ble(Tinp,s (hall not be confummated and fully pcrfc&ed until Believers be in Heaven : all which blef- fings , he (heweth are beftowed upon Believers in Cbrifi, He, as our Head, Auurney and Advocate (1 Job. 2. 1. ) having received thofe bicflings in our name, and for our behoof, Epb. 2. 6. by whofe merit alio they are purcha- (edjfa. 5 j4 5. In whom>and by venue of our union with Him and right to Him , we have a right to fuch of thofe bleflings as we have not yet a&ually received , 1 Job. 5. 1 1, and do come to the pofleflion of thefe which we al- ready enjoy, Job,i.i6. Votl.i. Though we cannot bleffe the Lord, as He bleffeth us by beftowing real blef- fings and favours upon us, which before we wanted,GV». 14. ? 5. there being fuch a fulneffe of bleffedneffe in God> as nothing can be fuperadded , Job 22.^. Yet it is our duty to bleffe Him fo , as that being convinced of that bleffedneffe, of thofe excellencies which are in Him, and favours which are beftowed upon us by Him > we do not only efteem highly of Him becaufe of thofe , Lul^e 1. 45. but alfo expreffe this our high efteem ♦ and that not only in words, whether by fpeaking to GodHimfelf in the duty of prayer and praife, Pfr/. 104. i. or by fpeaking of Him, and to His commendation unto others* Tfal. 34, 3> 4 &*£• but alfo and mainly in bur life and a&iofcs, 1 Cor. 10. ji. for , Paul doth here bleffe the Lord ; 8/f/l fed be God, faith he. 2. It is a looking to God with re- fpeft had to Jefus Chrift, which inSameth the heart with fuch a mixture of love and admiration at His excellen- cies and worth > that it mufl of neaffuy break forth in A 3 WetTwg fc A brief Sxpifitlon ef the E piffle Chip. i ; bleflmgof Him: God confined without Chrift being a confuming firc.to whom there can be no confident ap- proaching by finful creatures, neither in the duties of Eraycr, nor of praifc ; but the vail of Chrift's flefh doth reak the beams of His terror, fo that we may ftedfaftly behold His attributes and excellencies rejoycing in them, and bleffinf, Him for them* for, !FW, while be bltffeth God, doth look upon Him through thii vail ; $lttfed be C )t , and the father of our Lord Jefu\ Cbrift. 3. A holy foul, truly frnfible of his loft condition by nature, and of GodS mercy in his deliver* from that wofull ftate, can- not feriouflr think, or fpeak of that fubjeft, but his heart mutt be enflamed with love to God ; yea,and break forth inpraifes andthankfeivingto Him* when occafionof- fereth : for, fo doth Paul, Blefled be Cod *>ho bath blejjed us Kith all fptritual bleflings. 4. Though we are bound to bleffeche Lord even for temporal favours, and things ftectffary for the life which now is , PJal. '07. 8. yet a renewed heart is moft taken up with . and blclfeth God moft for fpintual bleflings, and fuch as concern our eter- nal wclbcinp 1 thofe being not only moft durable, Job. 0 27. but alfo moft difcriminating betwixt the regene- rate and unregenerate, Ecclef. 9. 1. 1 Job. j. 14. iotfaul blefleth God for thefc bleflings ; Who bath blejfedusxtub all fpmttul blejpngs. 5. God is the author and worker of all fpiritual bleflings in a fpecial manner , in fo far as He produccth them not by a general providence squa- ring and concurring wich natural principles and powers for producing of (uch and fuch effe&s. (as He is the au- thor even of common bleflings , health, riches* honour, and (uch like, F/4/.75 6,7.) but by his fpecial grace, whereby He createth in the heart (by nacure,dcad in fins and trefpifles, Fpb. 1. t J a power to do good, B^e\. 16. 76. and a£uateth that power, making it to work , PbiL ?• t J. for, rhe Apofllr afcribeth the production of all iriiual bfc flings ro God, while fpeakirg of God he faith, Wfo h*tb blejfed us pUh alt fptrUual blejfmgs. t. Though God, confidered as Creator and merciful up- holder Chap. i. *f Paul to the E p h b s i a n s ." 7 bolder of His own creatures, doth beftow temporal buf- fings upon the world, even upon thofe who never heard ofChrift, ?/*?. 17- 1 4- Y«* fpirkual bleffings, fuch as the faying graces of faith, hope and love> come from God j being confidcred not as Creator, but in, and with relation to JefusChrift, who behoved to purchafe thofe bleffings of new , before fallen man could acquire either a right unto them* or pofftffion of them : for, faith Paui% it is the God and Bather of our Lord Jefus Cbrifl, \>bo baib biejfedus Kith aiifpirUuai btejfinp; and again, He bath b\eJJidu5inCbrijt. 7. Spiritual bleffings, to wit, thofe of them which are abfolutely neceflary to falvation and eternal blefledncflc, are linked together , and cannot be feparated : where God beftoweth one of thofe, He be- ftoweth alUthere being a neceflary concatenation among them all,fyw. 8. 29,30. fo that they either cu- cxift,or at leaft in God's due time do follow one upon anothcr,P£i- tip> 1. 6, for, faith Paut% He hath btejfed m »itb aitfpirituat buffings. 8. Though there be lomc fpirkual bleffings, fuch as perfe&ion in hohnefle , and the full enjoying of God in glory, the pofleffion whereof is not attained unto by Believers fo long as they are here on earth, I Cor. 1 j# I?. yet, becaufeof the Beleevers undoubted right unto fhofc bleffings (1 Cor.^.n , 22,)and God's unchangeable purpofe to beftow them, T/ij. 84. 11. and becaufe of the firft fruits and earneft of thofe bleffings already befto wed upon the Believer ( See ver. 14. ) and of Chrift % having taken poffcffionof thofe in the Believers name, chap. 2. 6. he may be as much affurcd of his full enjoying of them»as if he had them already in hand : for, faith Paul, He bath hejjed us toith aitfpirituat hteffings% as if all, none being excepted, were already enjoyed. 9. Spiritual bleffings are of an heavenly rife and nature , there being no fecond caufe upon earth, or among things created, which doth concur with God in bringing them to pa(Te as in the produ&ion of other natural effe&s : for, as the word is well rendred, in bealrenty puces , and better than inbcaVcntf tbjngs\ (0 itfecmeth the beftovfing of thofe A 4 enlj placet. Verf. 4. Mending at He hath cbofen us in Him} before tht foundation of the Tborld, that Tte fhould be bolj, and Kith- out blame before Him in lo\>e. T"He Apoftle, in the fecond place , treateth of thofe fpN ritual blcflings more particularly, and lo doth branch forth ac large that reafon of his thankfgiving to God pre- sently mentioned , and this in purfuance of the former icopc, which istofhrw,thatfalvation with all itscaufes do flow only from God's free grace in Chrift ; that fo the Ephehans might be firmly rooted and confirmed in the faith of this Truth. And, firft , he fpeakcth ofthofc blcflings as they were prepared and appointed for Belie- vers in God cs eternal decree of Hlcttion and Prcdeftina- tion, to ver. 7. In this verfe he fheweth, firft, That thefc Spiritual bleflings arr beftowed upon Believers in timet not by chance, or rafhly, not from any worth in the re- ceiver, but according as God had fore- ordained in His decree of Elc&ion , whereby, before the foundation of the VrorU , that it, from ail eternity ( See Job. 17. 24. ) He did choofc fomccfminkind to eternal life (Mat. 25.34.) parting bv others , and did choofe them in Qbrijl, not, as if Chfifl'l .'eath had moved God to love and eleft ; for, His el cling love did move Him to give Chrift for fin- rers. Job. 3. 16. Neither did He choofe them in Chrift, as if they had been confidered by God as already in Chrif} by faith, and that becaufcof their faith thus fore- 1 they had been elefted by Him; for, fo faith (hould rot be a fruit fl nving from cle^ion, but a condition pre- reqnircd in the perfon to be elc&cd , which doth contra - did this fame very Scriprure, affirming that all fpiritual bleflings (whereof faith is one) do flow from» and are beftowed according to the decree of Ele&ion : He did : :orc choofc them in Chrift,as in Him,vvhom He did in Chap, it if Paul to the Ep he s i an s. 9 in one and the felf-fame decree choofe to be the Head of theEleft, andchieffoundation-ftoneof all that preci- ous building, His own Houfeand Church , 1 ?rt. 2. 6. and by whom that glory , and all things tending to that glory unto which He did choofe them , were to be pur- chafed ; thatfo ( without doing injury to provoked ju- ftice) they might be applied unto, and a&ually beftowed upon the Elcft ; for, fo is this purpofe more clearly ex- preffed,i Tbejf, 5. 9. Secondly, he illuftrateth this decree of Ele&ion from the nearcft end which God did defign to be brought about by it , even the fanftification of the perfons elc&ed, whereby they fhould be rendred blameleji before men,and fincere and upright before God, and that in /o>f, to wit 1 in the duties of love to their neighbour, flowing from love to God > Mat. 22. 37, 39. by which love, as a touch- ftonc> the foundneffc ot their fan&ifica- tion fhould be tried. 2>e#. 1. As God from all eterni- ty hath chofen fome of mankind , and firmly decreed to beftow upon them eternal life , Luk? 1 2. 32- fo there arc others whom He decreed not to fave , but to condemn- In which latter decree , and much more in the former, God hath done nothing unjuftly ; feing as foveraigti Lord over all the creatures He hath abfolute dominion to difpofe of them as He pleafeth,%». 9. 19, 20, 21. and chough fin in the reprobate was not the caufe of God's decree of reprobation , fym. 9. 11,12, 13. yet it is the caufe of the reprobates condemnation , fo that his con- demnation is jufl : for, faith he,H* batb cbofen us : which implyeth,fome were not chofen, feing where all is taken, there is no choice- 2. Though no man, (except he who hath finned that unpardonable fin , Mat. 1 2. -32. ) can certainly know he is a reprobate ; there being no marks, except that alone , fetdownin Scripture > by which re- probation can be certainly known j Yet> theEle&may attain totbe affured knowledge of their own eleftion, feing God hath fee down in Scripture » the marks and evidences of elcftion, Job. 6. 37. and hath promifed to give His Spirit unto His own > whereby they may infal- libly i'o A fritf e.tfftti$n $f tit Efifllt Chip, r; libly difcern thcfc mirks, at lctft , at fomctimcs in them- felves, i. Cor. 2. 12. for, although the Apoftledoth pro- nounce thofeEphefians to be clc&cd according to the judgement of charity only , which believeth the beft of others, where nothing appears to the contrary* 1 Cor. 1 3. 7. yet, he behoved to hate foroe undoubted perfwafion of hisownelcftion, before he could warrantably con- clude himfelf to be eleAed, (eing not charity, but certain knowledge , is the principle from which a man ooght to judge of himfelf, 2 Cor. 1 3. y. As be bath (bo fen us in Hint, faichhe. ^.Though thedo&rineof Eleftion and Repro- bation be luch, as the unlearned and unftable are apt to *rrcft and ftumble at , to their own dcftru&ion, a Tet» 3. 1 6. yet, it is not wholly to be fuppreffed and locked up in filence from the Lord's People, but would be fobcrly, and prudently fometimes propounded unto them ; and chat becaufe of the many and great advantage! which may be reaped, not only by the doftrinc of election, fuch as the affurance of falvation, fyro. 8. 29. 30 flroog in- citements unco holincfle, aPrt.t.to. and courage under croflesofall forts,fym.8. ?8, 39. but alfoby thedoftrinc of reprobation, as contributing much to promovethe falvation of the Elcft , by making them hate fin more, P/if. 1 19. r 19, 120, and prize the kindneffc and good will of God more, which made choice of them , parting by others as good as they, fym. 9. 22, 2?. for, the Apo- flle propoundcth this doftrine to the whole Church, and infifteth upon {^According as He bath cbofen us in Him fir v.- 4. Asele&ingloveinGod is of an old flanding , even from all eternity , and therefore moft free ; there being nothing in the Eleft, before they had a being, which might draw His love towards them : So the Lord' can, and ufually doch keep His purpofes and thoughts for good to a people or pcrfon for a long time hid, before He dodifcoverthcm, and make them known : for, He had fct His love upon thefe believing Ephefiansfrom all eter- niry» which yet lay hid from the beginning of the world, and did not kythumill their effcttual calling; tit b*\b wfen Chap. i. */Paul ^^^EphSsians. if thofen u* before the foundation of the toorld. 5. The Lord be- ftoweth fpiritual bleffings in time, according to what He hath inafted in that His eternal decree of cle&ion before time } So that every cleft foul fhall moft undoubtedly enjoy thofe bleffings: And all of them (even Faith it felf not being excepted) do flow from Ele&ion, and arc beftowed upon the E!<&> becaufe they are eleis joyncd with an honefl endea- vour after fuch a converlation as is blamclefs and ob- noxious unto no jufi reproof from men : It is not only inward and in the heart > but outward alfo 1 and in the hand and tongue : for faith he , He batbcboftnus,tbatXi>c (bould be holy and without blame, to wit, from nrn, as the word is taken Lufy 1. 6. i.Tm. 3,2. hgprcdeftinated us unto the adoption of children by fefusCbtijtto Himfelf, according to the good plea- jure of Hu toil/. 1 N this Verfe* the Apoftle doth firft expreffe Gods eter- nal decree of Ele&ion, formerly mentioned by another word, to viiuPrideftination, which fetteth forth the fame decree and purpofe, together with its eternity and extern, not only to the end propofed by God , but to the whole progreffeof convenient means, by which the end intend- ed was infallibly to be brought about. Secondly, he further defenbeth chia decree of Elcdtjon and Predcfli- nanonfrom another end, which God defined to be brou « he about by it, even the Adoption of children by Jem fusCbtijK to be beftowed upon the Elrfk : whereby is m anrd not only that begun Adoption which Believers poflcfle here, Job. 1 . 1 2. and whereby chey have a right to the heavenly inheritance, fym. 8,17. but alfo and mainlv that complear and perfeft Adoption, whereof the Eic& (hall partake hcrcakcr,cYcn the aSual poffeflion of their Chap, ii §f Paul to the Ep h b s i a n s. i j their glorious inheritance : See the word fo taken 5fyro«8. 23. He defcribeth it alfo from the caufes moving God to cleft any , or one more than another* which are fet down, firft, more briefly, tob'twfelf > ic is better rendrcd in him- felf x whereby arc excluded all caufes moving God to thi* aft, without Himfelf. Secondly, more largely and exprefly , to wit, God's abfolutc and foveraign will, fwayed with favour and good will towards chofe whom He did choofe. ®ott. 1 . God hath not only decreed to fet forth the glory of His mercy , by beftowing Heaven and Glory upon fome of mankind, lu\e 1 2. 32. buc, in that tame wife and eternal counfel of His , He hath fore- caften and accordingly decreed by what means and helps the perfon fo eleftcd may come to Heaven, and (hall un- doubtedly obtain it* And therefore none can warrant- ably expeft that this decree of predeftination will bring them to Salvation , if they live in the prophane neglcft: and contempt of thofe means which do lead unto it : for* the force and ufual acccption of the word predeftitotttd, i$ extended to the means afwell as to the end ; Having pre- deftinated us. 2. No not the Eleft themfclves arc chil- dren to God by nature, they are not born fons, but made to be fons by grace and adoption,who before were heirs of hell and children of wrath , £/>£.. 2. 3. for, a childc by adoption isoppofedtoachilde by nature; men are not faid to adopt their own children, but (hangers, £x- odus 2. io* Now God hath predeftinated the BUB unto the adoption of children. 3. (god is gracioufly pleafed in time, not only to call and juftifie thofe whom he did choofe for Himfelf before all time, %». 8. 30. but alfo to make them partakers of the grace of adoption, where- by a further dignity is put upon them than formerly was, even that being already drawn out of nature to grace in their effeftual calling, and reconciled to God in their juftification, they are now advanced to the dignity of fons and children to the moft High , and have a right to all the priviledges of fons 9 as the Spirit of Adoption, whereby they ctyjbbajatbtr, ^m* 8. 1 5. fatherly pity from 14 %A britf lxp*f*tUn$fthi efiftle Chip. \l from God under their infirmities, T/*/. 'oj. I J. procc&r on from chc rages of enemies, t roV. 14. ao. provifion and furniture for their ftraits and neceflkies . Mm, 6, ->o. ja. ncceffary chaftifemenc from God as their Fathert^fc. 1 2. 6. and a right to the inheritance of lite eternal, Htb. I. 14. not only as they arc friends with God , and cloched wich apertedt rightcoufnefle, which they have by ju- ft ificicion, but as God'* own ibis aiid heirs > which in~ hericanccbeingonce poficfled, their adoption, which is now but begun, (hall be full and compleac, fyw. 8. 13. for, faith the Apoftle, He hath predeftintted us unto the adoption of children* 4. Befidcs thofe other diffcrencei which are betwixt God's adopting of the Eledt to be H \$ own Children, and one mans adopting of another to be his fon and heir, this is one ; Men do adopt childrcn,be- caufe they have none of their own , but God doth noc adopt the Eleft from any fuch indigence or want, as ha- ving a natural Son of his own even J:fus Chrift the only begotten of the Father: for, the Apoflle having fpoken of the Adoption of the Eleft.doth prefently make mention of Jefus Chrift the Son of God by nature \ Un- to the adoption of children by Jefus Chri/t. 5. That any of chofe who are children of wrath by nature , are advan- ced to that excellent dignity of being children by adop- tion to themoft High, and of en joying all the fore- men- tioned priviledges of children,it is through Jefus Chrift the Mediator, in fo far as He having purchaicd Hraven the inheritance of children by His own merit, He hath abfolutc right and title unto it to beftow it upon whom Hepleafech, Mat. i3. 18. And havig united the Etcft by faith U'ltoHim'elf. and thercbv given them a right and intereft in H jmVrlf , they not only become the fons of God, Ub.\. 1 a. but are made heirs and co-heirs with Chrift, \on. 8. 17. and fo do enjoy a right tothc hea- venly inheritance through Him: for, faith he, bating predcitintttd us unto the adoption of children by Jefus Cbrijl. 6. As God harh in his eternal decree of Elc Aion firmlf rcfolvcd and determined to beftow this high priviJedge of Chip* i. '/Paul f th$ Ephjsiam u i? of Adoption upon the Eleft, both begun adoption hero and compleat Adoptiomor the aftualinft ailing of them in Glory hereafter* and by confluence did decree to give them fating Faith alio, fcing Adoption flowcth from it, and dependeth upon it, Job.i. 12. So, whom- foever He hath decreed to lift up to this high dignity of fons,He hath decreed alfo to renevt their nature , and to make them holy ; that fo their carriage may be fuitable to their ftate and priv Hedges : for, faith fauh vcr. 4,) Hebatbckoftn us , that Xtefbould U holy ; and herd ha- ving predeflindted us into the adoption of children. 7. AH was in GodHimfelfond nothing without Himfelf which moved Him to cleft and chooie thofc whom He did fee His love upon; fo that neither forc-fcen works, or the right u(e of natural parts, Epb. a. To. nor fore- feen faith, w. s j. -48. nor yet the merit of Chrift, 1 Job* 4. 9. nor outward refpefts, (ucb as nobility, wifdom, richest I Cor. 1. 16. yea.nothin^ prefent or to come in heaven or earth did move Him to choofe any, or one more then another ; for, faith he* God predeftinated us in Himftlf; wherehy arc excluded all caufes moving Sod to this aft without Himfelf. 8. God hath abfolute power and foveraign right to difpofe as He will of all His creatures, eventf reafonable creatures ; and this not only in their tempo* rary , but alfo in their eternal concernments : which fo- veraign will of His, is the fuprcam finleffe caufewhy God did eleft forac to glory ; yea, and why he did paw by others , %!**. 9« 58. for , the A poftle, condefcending upqn the reafon why God did defign fome for grace here and glory hereafter, doth pitch upon this foveraign will of His •, According to the good plesfure of His Kill. 9. The Lord God hath fweetly tempered His abfolute domini- on and foveraign will, with rich favour and condcfccn- dency towards thofe whom he did eleft: His will to them was good-plcafure and good- will* In fo far as when he might have fitted them for deftruftion as He did the reprobate, %». 9. w. or never have given them * bcio&or buuhQ being of bcafts,to be annihilated after death 1 6 *A brief £xpo(ition ef the S pi (I It Chip, f . death, or have drawn oat chcir life to all eternity upon carch, allowing them fome tolerable contentment there, every one whereof would have been a favor,being com- pared with the ftatc of damned reprobites; yet, Hii good- will hath been a better will to them, whereby He hath decreed to give unto them a rational being with a (hort Leafc of a mifcrablc life herei and endleffc joys and pleafurcsat His ris»ht hand forevermore» t.Tbe/J. 4. 17. for, faith the Apoftle, He bath frede/hnated us, not fimply according to Hi§ yvill, but According to the good pleafure of Hit Kill. Vetf. ?• To tbepraife of theory of His Grace, therein He bath made us accepted in the Beloved. HTHc Apoftle (having already defcribed the decree of * Ele&ion from two of thofc ends which God propo* fed unto Hiiifelfto be brought about by it, to wic> the fan&ification (vcr. 4.) and glorification of the EIe&, ver. 5.) doth here in further purfuancc of the former fcope, mentioned upon yer. 3, firft, further defcribe this decree from a third and fuprcam end which God there- in defigned moft, which is> That as His grace , or free- dom of His love toward the Elcfl, is glorious and praife-worthy in it felf, and therefore called the glory of His Gracet or His glorious Grace, according to the cu- ftora of the Hebrew language '• So it might be acknow- ledged to be luch, and fet forth as fuch, efpecially by the Elcft thcmfelves. And , fe condly , That he may clear how defervedly this Grace ought to be praifed , having already fhowen that it was the fountain-caufeofour Elc&ion before time , ver. 5. he doth now declirc that this famcerace and good- will in God » is the only caufc vrhy Goddxhin time maniteft that His eternal lo*t in the effects thereof, by making the Eleft lovely.and fit to be accepted of by God as friends through JefusChrift the beloved, and bv accepting them both in their perfons and aition s, and being reconciled to them accordingly i for, Chap.i. ofVmXtothe Ephbsians.^ 17 for, the word fignifieth both to maJ{e accepted, and to de- tect. $>oct. 1. That grace, free-favour and good-will which GQd doth manifeft in faving of Joft finners, is al- together glorious, as having many and fingular excellen- cies in it. It is an ancient grace* ver. 4. mod free* Hof, 14.4, omnipotent, fob.12.3z* and a raoft liberal grace, P/4/.84. 11. and therefore a grace fo glorious, that no created underftanding can conceive, much Iefle tongue can expreffe thofe marvellous, ravifhing, and tranfeen- dent excellencies which are in ir, Epb. 5.19* for, hecal- lethit^^/arjio/to^ra^, or his glorious grace. 2, Ic is the duty of all the Eleft to praife, admire, and highly to efteem of this glorious grace , and to teftifie this their high efteem of it both by word and work, in the whole ftrain of their life and converfation , This grace being fo glorious and praife- worthy in it felf, fa rich and be- neficial towards us , and this duty of praife being all which we can beftow,T/i/. 116. 12, 13. and God doth call for from us in way of thankfulneffe for this His glo- rious grace, "ifd. 50. 15. for, feingGodin Ele&iondid propound to Himfelfthe up-ftirring of the Ele6t to praife the glory of bis grace, it mutt needs be their duty to praife it. 3. This eternal decree of Eledt ion and Predeftina- tion is fo contrived, that when it is made known, matter of praife to God's glorious grace is abundantly mani- fefted in it : for, its rife is of grace, preventing all aflual or fore-feen worth in thofe who are eleded, (See ver; 4. doft. 6.) and all the midfes, whereby the execution of this decree is carried-on to its utmoft period, are alio of frace, (See ver. 5. do£t.i«) So that all-alongs it brea- theth grace, and nothing but grace : for, He dideboefe us to the praife of tbe glory of bis grace ; and therefore matter of praife,for grace behoved to be manifefted in His choo- fingofus, when it is revealed, otherwifeHefhouldnoc have taken a convenient mean for bringing about the intended end. 4. That great and fupream end, which God intended moft to be brought about by this eternal deqree of Ele&ion* ( and to vvhiqh the other two ends,1 B for? 1 8 A brief Expoftt'un of the Spiffle Chap, i formerly mentioned, to wit, the fanSification and glo- rification of the Eleft, art but fubordinatc means for bringing of it abou that hereby M mine fee matter of praife and thankfgiving unto His rich mercy and frco-gracc and be excited to fet forth the praifes thereof accordingly ; nor, as if He ftood in need to have His glory acknowledgcd,or praifed by creaturest nor as if their praifing of Him could adds any perfe&i- on to Him, who was complcatlv glorified in Himfelf from all eternity, Job. \j. y. bur He hoi leth forth mat- ter of His own praife*, that the . v be perfected in praifing of Him : for, faith th< defiinated us to tte praife of the glory of 5. There* ought to be a fwect concord m betwixt a Miniltersdo&rine and praftic^* his hand and tongue would joyndy preach ahdpreffethe fame Truck ] for, fohisdoftrine (hall have greac with hearers, when he doch commend and fcal the truth of it by his own example and prafticc ; Thus Taut, while he is pointing out the duty of the Elcdt1 to be the praifing of God's glorious grace, he himfelf is practifingthis duty ; for, as is clear from vcr. 3. he is fpeakingall-alon?sof this purpofe by way of praife and thankfgiving to God. 6. Though the Ek6t from all eternity are loved by God with His love of benevolence, whereby he willed good unto them, and decreed to beftow good upon them, ver. 4. Yet there is a love of cotnplacency,or delight in God, whereby He not only willeth good unto the perfbns fo beloved, butacceptcth of thcm>acquic(ceth in them, as in His own children and friends reconciled to Him, and de- lighteth Himfelf in His own graces bcttowed upon them, in which refpeft rhe Elc n of wrath by nature, arc not from eternity bdoved of God, nor accep- ted of by Him; yea, not before they be efFedtuall yea I- k and reconciled toGodthroup' ^JefusChritt, Keb.ii.6-. for '?. :h of Go is making us ac- cepted and lovely, c j us> as of an a&ion done in ume^Vbcrein He both made us aucftcd in tie Boo- ted. Chap. i. ofPamitotheEvnzsiAHS. ip Ved. 7. Whomfoever God hath elefted before time,thofc He acceptetb of, and is well pleafed with in time> both in their perfons and aftions, if they be good; having firft made them lovely and fit to be accepted of by Him : which He doth by working in them a conformity (both as to their ftate and aftions) with the rule, according to which He doth accept ', not the rule prefcribcd by the Law, which requireth no lefle than a perfeft and per- fonall righteoufnefle in order to our acceptation by God, Gal. 3. 10. but the rule prefcribed by theGofpel, which admitteth the imputed righteoufnefle of a cautioner in place of a perfeft perfonal righteoufnefle whereby our perfons are accepted and made lovely to God>%>w#ya9. sfnd of finccrity in our aftions in place of perfe&ion, whereby they are alfo accepted, 'Pfal. 119.6, for, faith Paul, fpeaking of the Ele&, He bath made us accepted. 8. That fame grace* free-favour and good- will, which •moved God to eleft us before time, mpveth Him alfo to make us accepted, lovely and well- pleafing to Himfelk and to accept of us in time • whence it followeth, that as the eternal decree of Election wasmoft freehand in nothing dependent on our works ; So that work of God, whereby He draweth fouls out of nature, cloatheth them with Chrift's righteoufnefle, and beftoweth grace upoji them, is wholly free alfo as to us, and cometh only from His moft free grace without refpeft had to any worth of ours: for> faith he, Wherein, ot} in ftbich grace, where' of he fpoke formerly as the fountain- caufe of Election, He bath made us accepted. 9. Chrift is beloved and ac- cepted by the Father, being confidered even as Media- tor, in fo far as that He was (ent and intrufted by the Fa- ther to difcharge that office, Job.^o* and carryed Him* felfinthedifchargeof it according to what was enjoy- ned by the Father, Heb.io. 7. and did finifti all in order to the redemption of the Eieft, which He had undertaken to the Father, Job. 19. 30. for, theApoftle, fpeakingof Chrift as Mediator, calleth Him Beloved j He bath made us accepted in the Cloyed. 10. Chrift as Mediator is fo B a much 20 A brief Expo ft ion of the E pi file Chap, t much beloved of the Father, That all the Elcft being once effectually called, arc made lovely 3nd acceptable to Ciod through Him ; Neither doth God accept of the perfonsor adhons ot any, but through Him who is Je- hovah our rigbtcotifnejje, fer.i^.6. and being laid bold upon by faith, we who arc in our Iclvcs unrighteous! arc made righteous, 2 Cor. 5.21. and the finfull failings of our belt aftions hid and covered in Him ; So that both our pcrfons and 2: pted : for be bath made us accepted in the BcloVed. 11. God's free-grace, and Chrift's merit are no wayes inconliiiencbut do wc 11 agree together as the procuring caulcs of our acceptation and reconciliation with God : lor, though Chrili hath purchafeda ftate of favour and friendfhip unto us by the payment of an equivalent price ; yet all cometh from grace unto us, in lo tar as it was grace in God that made him give his Son to die for w%Job. 3. 16. So it was grace in Chrift that made him undertake to die in our place, Job.io 18. And it is no leffe ot frcc-pracc5that the price payed by Him is accepted of in our name, Job. 53, 24. for, the Apoftle doth mention grace and Chri(Vs merit, as the joyntcaufes of our being accepted ; Wberein,ov, in tobicb grace be bath made us accepted in tbe Beloved. Verf. 7. In Xbbom *fre baVe redemption thnugb bis blond, tbe forgi\>enefioffim j according to the riches of bis grace. THe Apoftle (having already fpoken ofthofc fpiritual * bit flings* mentioned vcr- 3- as they were prepared, and appointed for Believers in God's eternal decree of Ele&ion) doth now fpeak of them, as they were pur- chalcd by Chrili in that great and marvellous irork of redemption, by (hewing, fir ft, That Jclus Chrift hath given a ranfom,cven his own bloudjn iatisfattion todt- vine jufticc for our wrongs, whence floweth our redem- ption from fin, Satan, and God's wrath, which is begun hcrc'-fywi. 6. 21. and (hall be complcated hereafter at the laft day,5v?w.S. J3. Secondly,hc explained) this great be- nefit Chap i» of Paul jo^Ephesians. 21 tiefic of redemption by tbeforgftencjfe of our fins in juftifi* cation, which is an effeft of redemption, as redemption is taken for the laying down of the price by Ghrift, and a principal part of redemption* as it fpeaketh our a&ual delivery and freedom through vertue of that price. Thirdly, he fheweth the impulfive caufe which moved God to beftow fuch a benefit, even the riches of thac fame grace and free-favour in God formerly fpoken of : By all which he carrieth on his main fcope, which is> to confirm thofe Ephefians, that falvation and all the fleps leading to it do flow from God's free- grace in Chrift. , 2>0#. i. All men, the Ele# themfelves not being excep- ted, are by nature under flavery and bondage to fin; Job. 8. 34. Satan, Epb. 2. 2. and to God's wrath, Job, 3. 36. for, redemption prefuppofeth bondage ; In Mr-bom "foe bo\?e redemption. 2. There was no delivery to be had from this bondage by prayer and intreaty, nor by exchange of prifoners,as in wars, nor yet by ftrong hand and meer force ; but by paying of a price not to Satan* who de- taineth the Eleft in flavery, as a rigid Tyrant, or mer- cileffe Jaylor, from whom they are delivered by force, Heb. 2, -14. but to God, Epb. 3. 2« whofe jufticewas wronged by the fins of the Eleft, and therefore behoved to Ije fatisfied : for, redemption, according to the force of the original word, is a delivery by ranfom and price. 3. Jefus Chrift is that Perfon by whom we have redem- ption from the fore- mentioned flavery; this work by thecounfd of the whole Trinity being put over upon Him, as one, who not only had right both of property to redeem the Eledfc being His creatures, Heb. 1. 10. and of kinred, Le\>. 25. 48. as being our brother, and of the fame nature with us, Heh.i. 1 4-. but was alfo fitted to be our Redeemer, (a price, to wit, His humane nature be- ing put in his hands to lay down, &eb. 10. -5.) and was able to redeem, as being alfo God, whereby His fuffer- ings, as man, became a ranfom of infinit value, *Acl<2o. -28. for, by faying , In tobom, or, in Ghnft V>? baVe re- demption, he faith, that we have it by Him. 4. We have B 3 this ii A brief Expofition of the Epiflle Chap. I ; this redemption not only byChrift, but alfo in him, which holdeth alfo in forgiveneffe of fins ; He being the common ftorc-houic, wherein the Elcft (hall have all itual blclTings trcafurcd up,even before they take ing from Him, or get thole blcfimgs lally applied unto them, as Mains poftcrity have their original guiltinefTe>whcncc all aftual tranfgreffions TOj/ti I up in Him, before they take their natural g from Him, %w.5.t 2. As alfo becaufe this redem- ption and the fruits of ic are not actually applied to the 3 until they be in Chrift, and by faith united to Him* 70*. g. 36. for, faith he. In whom, meaning Chrift, T*c b*te redemption and forgfanejje of fins. 5. The wrong donctoinnnk jufticeby our fin was fo great, that no- thing performed byChrift could beafufficicnt ranfom in order to our redemption, except he had crowned all his other actions and fufferings by laying down his life and rgoing a bloudy and violent death : for, We haVe his bloud, to wit, not as excluding his former obedience, Sfywi. %. 18, 19. nor yet his other fuf- igs, especially his foul-luftcrings, lf<*. 5?. 10. but as hcad-ftone and complcatingof all, 7ofc«i 9.30. • 6. Sin is a debt, as being a wrong done againft GoJ, obliging the (inner to repair God in his honoiy, or undtrly the wrath of a provoked God for ever, T\om. 6. 23-. for, the word forgtoenefc in the Ori- and as ic is u(cd in Scripture, is taken fromthofc arc loofed out of a priibn for deb: 7. There is no delivery from this debt of bligarion to wrath becaufe of fin, but by pardon e. It is an infinit debt, and fo cannot be by finit creatures : for, thus doth Tfaul ex prcflc the way how the 11 nbfforgivtneffe of ic guilt of fin be removed by forgive- et, that fin might - ith the £ood leave of provoked fin was puichaicdata dear rate by L. ,vc hayc redemption through bis bloud y " lo ' Chap. I • tffrauj 10 we jcr ut 5 1 an 5. 33 fo &oforgi\>enejfe of fins. 9. Jefus Chrift hath this rich treafure of forgivenefie of fins, which he hath bought byhisbloud, laid upinhimfelf; fo that whenibever a finner fenfible of this weighty debt doth lay hold upon Chrift by faith? and is thereby ingraffed in Him, his fins are freely pardoned, and his debt remitted : for* In bim, faith he, V>e ha)>e forgfttnejfe of fins. 10. A s that grace, favour and good-will, which God manif.fted in the fal- vation of finners is a rich, copious and abundant grace ; fo nothing argue th the riches of this grace more, than that from it do flow fuch excellent etfedts, as, the giving of Chrift the Son of God to redeem flaves and rebels together with forgivenefie of fins ; they being infink wrongs, and there being many of them in every ^par- doned finner, PfaL 19.11. And thofe not only ordinary infirmities, but fometimes alfo heinous tranfgreflions, tPfal. 51. 14. and yet free-grace pardoneth all, and this not only in one,but in all Believers, in all ages, and doth yet remain as full and overflowing in God, to pardon felf- condemned finners as ever ; all which,doth argue no lefle than a copious, rich and abundant grace : for, the Apoftle, fpeaking of grace with relation to thofe two, redemption and forgtotnefi, which flow from it, he calleth it a rich grace ; According to the riches of bis grace, faith he. Vcrf. 8. Wherein be bath abounded toward us in all \tifi* dom and prudence. TTHe Apoftle doth, thirdly, fpeak of thofe fpiritua!! -* bleflings, which were prepared in Elcftion,and pur- chafed in that excellent work of Redemption, as they are conveyed and applyed unto the Eicdt in their effectual calling, whereby he carryeth-on his fore- mentioned fcope, in (hewing , That as God did give evident proofs of his free-grace and favour in all the former fteps ten- ding to falvation ; fo he had manifeftedthe abundant riches of his grace in the effectual calling of thofe Ephe- fians > in fo far as his eternal loye, which was before al- B 4 wayes 24 * brtejtxpojinon of the LpiJHe Chap.i; waycs hid in a decree, did no longer contain ic fel£ but overflowed in itscftedts towards tbem, or in them , as the word may be rendred : which cftefts>wrought by Gods grace in them, he fheweth to be alltoifdom and prudence, under which are comprehended all the faving graces of God's Spirit in Believers, if we take, as we iafely may take, *ifdom for the faving knowledge of divine myfte- ries, and of fuch religious truths as arc only to be belie- ved and fall not under practice ; And prudence, for that grace and vcrtuc, whereby wc know our refpc&ive du- ties both to God and man, and our adtions and prafti- c s arc ruled and ordered according to the prefcript of I j l'sWord : for, lo the words arc taken, Col. 1.-9. ®ott. 1 . Whofoever arc clefted from eternity, and for whomloeverChrift did give a ranfom to provoked ju- (iice in the fulnefle of time, all fuch in God's due time have the effects of God's eternal love, and of the price payed by Chrift applyed unto them, and wrought in them, even the laving graces of God's Spirit : for, upon thofe Ephefians, who were eletted, ver. 4. and redeem- ed, ver. 7. did God beftowthe gracious cflfe&s of his eternal love, by working laving grace in them ; He hath abounded towards us inall^tfdom and prudence. 2. That thofe fpiritual bleflings which were prepared for us in Eleftion and purchased in the work of Redemption, are applyed unto us, and we made actually to partake of them, It is the alone work of God in our effe&ual cal- ; there being not fo much as either power or good- will in us, who by nature arc dead in fins and trefpafles, to accept of Chrift, or of any thing purchafed by him, uncillGod do quicken us: for, the Apoftle, fhewing how the Ephefians were made partakers of thofe blef- >hca(cnbeth this work wholly to God, making them but mccr patients in it ; He bath abounded towards ill fountain runneth over and watercth the adjacent ground. 3. As the fame tree-grace, and no- thing elfcwhich moved God to cleft us before time, and \ :on to redeem us in time, doth make himalfo in Chap.i. ojPaw/* t^ tPHisiANi, 25 in our effe&ual calling to work in us thofe graces, and to give unto us an adhial right to all thofe fpiritual blef- lings which we were chofen unto, and which were pur- chafed for us ; So nothing leffe than abundant and over- flowing grace is hereby made manifeft to be in God; confidering that there is not only a fimplewantof good will* but alio an utter averfneffe from dofing with his gracious offer, Mat. 23. -37. and that not only there is nothing in the Eleft before effcttual calling more than in the Reprobate, which might move God to bcflow thofe excellent blcflmgs upon them* but alfo much to fcare him from ever medling with them, E%e%. 16.3, &cm unleffe where fin abounded , grace did much more abound, %w. 5.-20. for, the Apoftle, fpeaking of God's beftowing grace upon the eleft Ephefians, doth afcribc his fo doing to his abounding grace 1 Wherein, or, m TbbUb grace ( formerly fpoken of) be bath abounded to- wards us. 4. All men by nature are deftitute of faving wifdom, that i?, the faving knowledge of divine myfte- ries, and things heavenly; feing there be many fuch things the light of nature re vealeth nothing of, Mat. 16. 17. And though the light of Scripture doth reveal them ; yet the natural man cannot look upon them, as real truths, 1 Cor .2. 14. and fo as throughly to venture his falvation upon them, Job. 5, 40. for, he fhewcth, that at their effeftuall calling God did abound towards them in ytifdom , importing , that untill then they had it not. 5. Though the Lord doth not beftow upon all, whom he effectually calleth, the fame meafure of faving know- ledge , 1 Cor. 1 2, 4. yet he beftoweth upon every one fo much as is ncceflary unto falvation , and as doth ferve for an earneft of that full and perfect knowledge of God, which they fhall enjoy hereafter : for, faith he> Be hath abounded towards tvs in Xtifdom. 6. All men by nature are alfo deprived of faving prudence, there being many duties which the natural man cannot be convinced of to be duties, Mat. 5. 29, 39, 44. and many things required to the acceptable performance of every duty ( %wi* 1 4. 23. \6 A hrUf Exp$(tticn of the Spiff ie Chap, i 25. Col.^ij.) theneccflity whereof he can be as little convinced of ; but chiefly, there being (uch imporcncy» and dUbrdef in his will and affections, that he can lead of all pradiilcaco what he kno a eth of his du- ties, Gtn. 6 ?. for, he (hewcth , that at their cfk&uall calling God did abound towards tbem inprudence, thereby importing,that until then they had nothing of that grace. 7. As God beftoweth this grace of prudence in (brae mcafureupon everyone whom he cffcttually callcth ; So wifdom and prudence, if they be fan£ifi:dand fa- ying , go alwayes together : a man cannot believe well, except he alfo live well : Though,to fpeak of them other* wayes, as they arc not laving graces, but only civil and moral vermes* they may be and often are fcparated : for, He batb abounded in Xtifdom and prudence, faith he. 8. Though God doth not perfcA the work of grace in the Eleft at the firft inftant of their conversion, but car- ryethjt on by degrees towards perfe&ion , until death, - Philip. 1 . 6. yet even then he beftoweth thr, feeds and ha- bits of every grace and faring venue upon them. This new man of grace is not lame, nor wanteth any of his members, G.;/. 3. 10. for, therefore, faith tail, He batb abounded in all toifdom andprudence9 Verf. 9. Having mide fyo^n unto us the myjlerk of bis TVi//, according to bis good pkafurc, Kbicb be batb purpofed in Imfelf. THcApoftlc doth illuftrate the former benefit of ef- -* fe&ual calling, from the mean which God maketh ufc of for bringing of it about, to wit, His making knov :trinc of the Gofpel, which is here called a Myfteric, (asclfewhere, Sccfyb. 6. 19. 1 Urn. 3. 16.) >, according to the ufc of the word in Scripture, a religioui and iacrcd-fecrct ; and this alfo he fheweth doth flow from the lame good-plcafure and free-grace formerly fpoken of the manifelling whereof was firmly rcfolvcd upo:i by God in his eternal purpofe, being mo- ved Chap. I. */PauI to the Ep he s i ans^ '27 ved by nothing fo to do without himfelf. 3>ett. i. The Gofpel* or dodtrine of talvation through free- grace, is a facred fecret,tranfcending the reach of ordinary know- ledge, a verymyfterie, even fuch, as nothing could -be known of it either by Man or Angeb, before it was re- vealed, Ephm J. 10. and fuch, as was but fparhigly re- vealed before Chrift's incarnation, even to the Jews on- ly> and to fomefew profelytes, fBfal. 147. 19, 20. and fuchasremainetha thing hid, even after it is revealed, unto natural men whofe minds the god of this world hath blinded ; So, as though they can difcourfe of, and preach the Gofpel, Mat. 7. 22. yet, they do not believe ic, 2 Cor.4. 4. Yea, and it is a myfterie, even to Believers themfelves, if their knowledge here be compared with what it (hall be hereafter, 1 Cor. 1 3. 1 2. for, by the -my- Jterieofbis'toill, he under ftandeth the Gofpel , and chief- ly, as it was now clearly manifefted both to Jew and Gentile, chap. 3. 6. Secondly, this myfterie of the Go- fpel now revealed , containeth and manifeftech God's will concerning the falvation of loft finners : though not his fecret will, or decree, concerning thofe whom in par- ticular he intendeth to fave, 2 rim. 2. 19— Yet his re- vealed will, holding forth the way of our duty, and the courfc condefcended u^on, by which, and not other- wayes, finners (hall be faved : for, hence it is called the myfterie of bis tti//. $, The ordinary mean>whereby God doth call the Eleft effe&ually, and convey the graces of his Spirit unto their gracclcffc hearts, is the re- velation of the Gofpel, and his making of it known, chiefly by the publick preaching thereof, $(om9 10. 14, 15. for, the Apoflle, having already fpoken of God's beftowing all faving grace upon them, doth here conde- scend upon the mean made ufe of by him in that work 5 Having made fyio'ton unto us the myfterie of bis TbitC 4. There Js nothing which moveth God to reveal his Gofpel unto one people, and not to another, or more ob- fcurely to one, and more clearly unto another, but only his ownjgood will and pfeafure (b to do : neither doth the A brief Expojition of the SpifiU Chaf* i the Lord any thing contrary to jufticc hereby , feing he is not obliged to fend the Gofpcl unto any, fJ\om. n . - . and all have more knowledge of God by nature than they make good ufc of, fym. i. 21. for, this alone is here Riven as the rcafon of his making known the myfteric of his will even according to bis good pleafure. 5. So care- full is God to maintain the intereft of his free-grace ift our falvation, as being the only fupream and fountain- caufc thereof; that hethinketh it not fufficient once to aflcrt, in the general, that falvation and all the means and Heps tending towards it , do flow from his free- grace, but that this be again and again inculcated, and ( all the particular fteps which lead to falvation being condefcended upon ) that his free-gracc,favour and good will be held out as the fountain of each ftep in particu- lar : for, the Apoftle doth fo, and that by an heavenly and divine artifice, Aiding down from one ftep to ano- ther,frora Election to Redemption, and from Redempti- on to effe&ual calling, and from cffe&ual calling unto God's beftowingthc outward mean of falvation, the Gofpcl; not only afcribing all to God's free-grace, but making grace the mid-link of the chain, whereby he joyneth the feveral parts of his difcourfe together ; fo, ver. 8. IVbercin be abounded ; and here, According to tbt good plea fur e Qf bis Kill, and tobkb be purpdfedin bimfelf, as having no caufe without himfelf to fet him on work. 6. As the decrees of God arc firm, fixed and unchange- able; So he doth nothing in the matter of man* falva- tion, even totheleaftcircumftance, but what he hath decreed to do : which ( as will appear from ver. 11. ) doch hold in all other things which God doth : for, by Go.l's fnrpofi is mcancd his eternal decree with'rcfpedt had to itsltabilicy and unchangeablcneffc, there being neither wan: o! fore-fight* nor of power in God to oc- cafion die aIt:ration of his purpofe, which are the mm arc frequently necetfkatcd to alter theirs; andthii p.irpofcand decree, is fpokenofhere as th: rule according to which God of his goodplea- fure -hap.i . of Paul to the Ep h e s i a n s . i?, ure did make known the myfterie of his will unto hofe Ephefians , in order to their falvation ; Which k bad purpofed in bimfelf, faith he. ^erf. io- That in the difpenfation of the fulnefje of times, be might gather together in one all things in Cbnjl, both \bbicb are in beaVen, and tobicb are on earth, even in bint. H Ere is the intended effeft which God did aim at in His gracious purpofe of making fully known the myftery of the Gofpel, both to Jew and Gentile, to wifc That at the full time and feafon, which God had difpen- fed, meafured out, and pitched upon, as moft fitting for the bufinefie in hand , ( to wit, the time of Chrift's in- carnation and fufferings, Gal. 4. 4. ) He might gather together in Chrift all His own Eleft ( whether already glorified or yet upon earth ) who before were feparated from Godjand one from another, and might make chem one with God, being united with Chrift their head by faith, Ep h^. 17-. and one among themfeives, being uni- ted by love.* C0^ ?• *4- Now, the Apoftleaftrmeth this gathering of all the Eletl, was to be in the fulneffe of times i for, though many of them were already actually gathered and glorified, to wit, the things in Heaven be- fore that time; yet the exhibition of that, by venue whereof they were gathered, was at, and not before that time, to wit, the time of Chrift's incarnation, obedience and fufferings, titb.g. 1 $. ®ott. 1 ♦ All mankind by na- ture, and being confidered in themfelves, are under a fearfull diflipation and fcattcring : Sin hath rent and fe- parated them from God,from man, and from the bleffed Angels : for, gathering prefuppofeth a foregoing fcatter- ■ ing ; and the word rendred gather together in one> being I taken from a word which fignifieth the head of a natu- ( ral body, or a (hort fum of a fparfe difcourfe, and fo fig- nifying here to gather together under one head, to wit, Chrift, and unto one fum and body amongft thcmfelves, it luppoleth that they are feparated from God , from Chrift A brief Expo fit ion of the Spiftle Chap. I . I ift, one from another, and from the Angels alfo : tor, they were to be gathered into one body with cholc ; : gather togetht i i. The Lord hath not left all mankind in this wofiill fcpara lcattercd condition: but, as He hath firmly pur^ and decreed from a;. v; lo in time He fcttct!i about to gather together lomc of fcactered mat unicc them to Himfclf, one to an< the word rend red to gather 9 implycth a ga- thering nnto all thefe, as i> faid ; Jnd be bath purpofed in biinfcify —that be might \ one. 3. The gathering together ot the ind making of them one with God and an* .Ives, doth no. pend upon the choice of th I , which could do no other bu: rcfufc to be gathera: and ioChritt (hould not hav fchc travel of His foul and b;en fatisficd, contrary co what is promiild,'/*. 5vi t. But upon thefix:dand unchangeable purpofeof I ', which engageth a potency to make them willing cob? gathered, :>. 3. and therefore they (hall be infallibly gathered : for, the Apoftle, as appears from thecontext>maketh tfai lg depend on Cods 4>urpofc ; He both pwrp> t ga- ther together in one. 4. It is only God > who by his om- nipotent power doth gather together the fcattered Eleiii, and maketh them one w elf, and with ont ano- ther in Himfclf We do fo much love to wa; 14.10. that wc would live and die elt omGod, if the Lord by ftrong-h 1 wan. hjtb purpofed 1 > in one. 5. The p; of tlu and making known that blcffcd roytteric, is the mean which God maketh u(e c work of gathering the rcnttercd Elcft : becaufe > though our a&uallgai is omnipotent power 9 yc:> Hcdealethwii with rational creatures, by givingus an offer of His friendship, commanding us to accept of it as it is often 1 the mean time fending forth Chap.1^ */Paul to the EpUesian*; 31 forth his power with the command,whereby He mzketh us to accept, X#. 16. 14. for, as is clear from the con- nexion, God's end intended in making known the my- fterie of his will, is, That he might gather together in one. 6. As God is the great Matter of his own Houfe and Fa- mily, which is the Church, to whom Hedifpenfeth and diftributeth all her mercies, comforts and croftes with no leffe; yea, with infinitly greater care, wifdom and fore- fight, than any man doth care, provide for, and govern his own family ; So, among other things, Hediipenfeth and ordereth times and feafons for his Church, as not only having fixed in his eternal counfel the general pe- riods of the Churches time,how long the Church (hpuld be in her ftate of infancy, how long under the bondage of the Law> and how long fhe (hall continue in her more grown and perfeft age under the Gofpel \ but alfo the time and feafon for beftowing of particular mercies, and inflifting corre&ions and chaftifements : tor the word rendred difyenfation, fignifieth the way of admi- niftrating the affairs of the family by the matter thereof and the times come under thofe things, which are admi- niftrated by God ; That in the difyenfation of the fulneffi of times. 7. As every time chofenofGod for beftowing of any mercy, is the full and fitteft time for his beftowing of it ; So the time of Chr ift's incarnation is in a fpeciall manner the full time, andfulneffeoftime; and that not only becaufe it was that full time which God had ap- pointed in his decree, and,fbr reafons known to his own unfearchable wifdom, condefcended upon as the moft fitting time for that great work ; but alfo, becaufe all the fore-going prophecies, promifes and types of the Meflias, were fulfilled in thole timess £^24.27. and the will of God concerning man's falvation was then, and not till then fully revealed,He£.i. 2. for, the Apcftle calleth thofe times, the fulneffi of times ; That in the dif- fenfation of the fulnejiof times. 8. Though the benefits purchafedbyChrift, and particularly that of effectual! calling, and gathering together unto God thofe whom fin J 1 A brief Expo fit ion of the E piffle Chap. r. fin did fcpiratc from Him, be intended for, and accor- dingly dochli^hc only upon few, hUt.-j. 14. Yet the Gofpilan:! Promife, by which Chrift and the benefits purchadd by Him are revcalcd# is drawn up in the mod comprehenfive exprcHnn>» : And this of purpofe, chat none may hereby b: excluded from laying hold upon that gracious offer, but fuch :is do exclude themfclves, Job. 5.40. for, faith he9Tbat he might gather together in one all things, both fthicb are in heaven, andxtbicb are on earth : by which broad cxpreflions are racaned only the Elcft ( tor there is an univerfality and world even of thofe, iCor. 5,19.) and not all the creatures, nor Devils or Reprobates, Job.ij.g. yea, to fpeak properly, nor yet the cleft Angels, who being never feparated from God by fin,cannot be gathered to him by Chrift,chough they may improperly and in fomc refpefts be faid to be fo ; to wit,becaufe otthofe advantages which they have by Chrift, as that they are now moft perfectly and inle- parably united with God, without hazard of being fe- parated from Him, Mat. 18.10. and have attained the knowledge of that wondcrfull plot of Man's Salvation through lefus Chrift , which was a myfteric even to them, Epb. 3. 10. and a greater mcafure of joy rhan merly they had, uponChrift's converting and iav:: loft finners Ufa I J. 7> 10. Vott. 9 All who belong to God's purpofe of Elcftion, and who are, orfhallbr thered together in Chrift, arc either in heaven or earth : Paul knew no purgatory, or third place for the fouls of the Eleft to go unto after death, to endure the temporal punifhment due to their fin : for, he dividcth thole all things, which wercto be gathered , in m beaten, and things on earth. 10. There is an union betwixt the Saints departed now in heaven, and thofe who are yec alive upon the earth, fo as they make up one myftical body under one head, Chrift, to whom the Saints de- parted are united (though not by faith, 1 Cor. 1 3 10.) yet ty fenfe, as we arc united to Him by faith : and as they arc united to Chrift, fo al(o one to anoihcr, and co usby love; Chzp'U */Paul to the Ep h b s i an $, |j love: for charity never faileth, I C^r. 13. 8. from whjch union riiere floweth a communion betwixt them and us, whereby they do pray for the Church in general, %K 69 10. ( though not for the particular conditions and per* fons of men upon earth, whereof they are ignorant, If*. 63. 1 6. ) and the Godly upon earth do in heart and af* fe&ion converfe with them in heaven> Tfbilip. 3. 20. de- firing continually to be diflolved and to be with Chrift? fPb'tlip. 1,23. (though they are not toprayunro chem, or give them religious worfhip, ^V. 19. 10.) for, faith he, That in the difpenfation ofthefulnejfe of times, be tnigH gather together in one* things in beaVen, and things on earth* 11. JefusChriftisthatperfon, in, and by whom vve are gathered together unto God by faith in Him, and to the Angels, and alfo among our fclves by the grace of love j He having united the two diffentient parties, God ancf man* inHisownPerfon, A4*J. 1.-23. and having fa-? tisfied juftice for that wrong which caufed the rent, lfa9 5?. 5. and working in us by His Spirit thole graces of faith and love 1 whereby we are made one with God and among our (elves, «^#. 5. 31. and having by His death taken away that wall of partition and enimity which was betwixt Jew and Gentile, Epb. 2. 14, 1 5, 1 6* it being alfo ncceffary that we be in Him by faith, be- fore we be united to God through Him ; for,the Apoftle is fo much delighted with this Truth himfelfi and would fo gladly have it well known & believed by others, thac he doth inculcate it twice in this one verf. That be might gather together all things in Chriji, and again even jn Him. Verf II. In Kbom alfo Ke ba^e obtained an inherit w** being predejlhated according to the purpofe ofHimtybo Tporketb all things after the ccunfel of his oVW will, tl. That toe fhotdd be to the praifeof hit glory, Whofirfi truftcdingbrijt, HTHe Apoftle, having hitherto fpoken of all the EIe6| * m general; doth apw make apf lk«*QB effhe former 34 tA brief Exposition cf the EpiJIU Chap, i do&rine, firft, to the Jews> and next to the Gentiles: and hereby he doth yet further , and thirdly, intorcc the forc-mentioned fcopc , while he fhewrch lneffrCt, that the prerogative of the Jews above the Gentries made not grace the lefle tree to tiicm , and that nothing which the Gentiles could pretend to beyond the Jews, made it leflc free to them cither And, firft, he applycth it unto the Tews , whereof PW was one ; tnd therefore he fpeakcth of them in the firft prrfon, We. And, firft, he (bewcth, that they, to wit, Believers among them (as is explained, ver. - \i.) had, in Chrift and by vertue of His merit and interceflion,obtaincd an inheritance, to wit, of Heaven and Glory, Co/. 1.12. andby conlcquencc, all the fore-mentioned bleflings which lead co ic ; and this not from their own merit or free choice , but freely, and as it were bv lot, wherein lcaft of man is teen : for,the word (ignifieth , to obtain An inherit vice by lot , inallufion to the divifion of the land of Canaan amonp the Tribes, which was by lot, Jo(h.\q. 2. Scconoly, he fheweth the reafon why they had obtained this inheritance, not their own worth ; but becaufe God had predeftinated them to it in His unchangeable decree of Elcftion : and with- all doth clear j that God did call them freely and accord- ing to Hispurpofc to the enjoying of this inheritance, becaufc He workcth all things according to his moft wife and free purpofe, and therefore this al(o> ver. f 1. And, thirdly^ he expreficth the end which the Lord propofed toHimfelf in calling them to enjoy this inheritancccven that thereby His glorious Attributes, manififted in that work might be acknowledged and praifed, efpccially by than whom He had called ; whom he defcribeth from this, that they were the firft whotrufted or hpped in Chrift : for, as the Gofpcl was firft preached among the Jews, Ma$, 10.6. *Act. 1^46. fo, many among them •lid imbrace thcGofpeh and were converted by it at the firft, and before there were any confiderable number of Converts among the Gentiles, ver. 1 2. From Vcrf.i 1. Uarn, |< It is the duty of Chriftiin Mi- niftcrs, Chap.i. o/PauI f mEpHisuNfi 3J nifters, as to preach found doftrine, fo to make prudent application thereof to the fevcral forts and conditions of hearers : for,the life of preaching,is,impertinent and live- ly application, in fo far as if the Word be left unapplyed by the Preacher, People will either not apply it at all, ot otherwife mifapply it,by taking to themfelves that which belongeth not to them : therefore the Apoftle, having fpoken of the freedom of Gods grace towards all the Eleft in general* doth make particular inftance of the freedom of it, firft, in the Jews here, and next, in the Gentiles, ver.i 3,1 4. h tobou alfo toe baVe obtained. 2. As Believers are God's portion and part of the world, even the lot of His inheritance ; fo they do obtain from Hint a lot and (hare in an inheritance incorruptible and un* defiled, and that fadeth not away, referved in Heaven for them, 1 Ptf .1.4. forf the word, rendred toe baVe obtdlnei an inheritance, may either (ignifie, that they were taken for a lot a»d inheritance paffively, or that they had got* ten a lot and inheritance aftively* 3* Every Believer hath already obtained this glorious* excellent and hea- venly inheritance, though not in perfonal complcat poA feflion, 2 Coir, 5. 6, yet, by right ( Job, 3. 16.) in beguri poffeflion (Job. 17. 2, 3.) and by compleat pofleffion in their head Chrift, Eph. 2. 6. for, the Apoftle fpeaketh in the bypaft time, We have obtained an inheritance. 4. This heavenly inheritance doth come to believers not by their own merit or worth, but freely and without their defer- ving or choice, as thofe things which come by lot : All the caufes bringing it about , whether God's eternal! cle&ing love, or Chrift's merit and the application of it, are free as to us, and were fet on work without any aftive influence as from us 5 for, as we (hew, the word fignifieth to obtain by lot, and therefore freely; WebaVe obtained an inheritance. 5. Jefus Chrift the Mediator \i that perfon, in whom Believers have this heavenly in- heritance : as they have all their other fpiritual bleffingg leading to heaven in Him ; fo alfo heaven it (clf>He hath ptfrqhafcd k> fitk>9 $i 12. He maketh as lay hold upon i Q t bj 3 6 yl brief Expofition of the SpiJUe Chip, i by faith, when it is offered in the promifc, Job. 12. 32. we mull be in Him before wc get a right to it, and there- fore He is the way to heaven, fob. 14. 6. He hath taken poflcflion of heaven in our nimc, as our Atturncy, Job. 1 4. z> 3* for, iaith he, In tt/;o»j,vvhich relateth to Chrift, ;Vf obtained an inheritance. 6. Thofe, who feem the vvorthicft people of any other f do come to heaven no other way than the moft unworthy, that is, freely, and as it were by lot : for, he laith, We alfo, that is, even we Jews, who might teem to have fomewhat whereon to rely in ouvklwcSyhave obtained a., . 7. As : come to heaven, but luch as arc from eternity pre- dominated to it by God ; So all thole things , whether they be mercies, (6ri 50. 10.) orcrofles, (Jws 5.-6.) chcome as it were by chance to us, or without our forefight, arc well forefeen, and wifely ordered by God : for, he mentioneth Predeftination, and God"fc purpolc to beftow this inheritance, which came to them, as it were by lot, and without their forefight ; Wt baVe obtained an inheritance , being predejlinated according to tbe purpofe. 8. The providence of God is extended to all things whatfomever, neither is there anything whkhfalleth not under His efficacious working : He not only gave a being unto all things created at the beginning, Gen. 1. 1. but doth continue them in their being, Heb. 1. 3. and concurreth with all the fecond caufes in their working , . 17. 28. yet (o> as God is not the author of fin : be- caufc, though thcrcalattion,to which fin adhercth, be from God, job 1.-21. yecthe deformity of that aftion, in fo far as it is a tranfgreflion of the Law, (cing it is not ft real being, but a deficiency from being ; no real effeft, but a dcit : ore it is no: from God, butfrom the finnerauly: for, iaith he, lp 'fcffc all things : whiebcannot be rcftntfed to theforc-men* tioned blellings,but mu(t be extended to all things w I foevcr , fcing it is cljar the A pottle doth argue from the general to the particular, He Vroilgtb all : and icicforc thofc thi: . 9. As God is an abfolutc YVCl; Chap. I. a/Paul /**£ foveraign Lord of all His actions, and bound co give a rcafon unto none for what He doth,His will being His only rule by which He worketh ; So His will is at- wayes joyned with;and founded upon the light of coun- sel and wifdom } and therefore He can will nothing but what is equitable and juft : for, the Apoftle holdeth forth thole two principles, from which God's working doth flow, infinit wifdom, pointed at in the yjotd counfel, and abfolute freedom and foveraignity over His aftions, pointed at in the word W/ ; Who x^or^eth all things accor- ding to the counfel of bis MIL 10. As God doth in time work all things; fo from all eternity, by the moftwite and holy counfel of his will? He hath ordained whatever comcth to patfe : Yet fo,as violence is not thereby offered to the will of the creatures, nor the liberty of lecond cau- fes,efpecially of tbe wills of men and Angels>taken away, but rather eftablifhed>^#. 2.23. and 4.27, 28. for, faith he, Who tyorfytb all things according to the counfel of his Kill, that is, as He hath moft wifely and freely decreed. 11. Though counfel and advice be afcribed to God in his decrees and works> in fo far as there is nothing wil- led or wrought by Him, but what is well, wifely and moft ri^&eoufly done ; yet, we would advert* left wc attribute to God upon this ground any thing favouring of imperfection, as if He did confab or deliberate con- cerning things to be dot^e, as men do from ignorance, or doubtfulneffe of what is raoft convenient, and there- fore do, firft, confute aodadvifc about thebeft expe- dient, and then make choice accordingly ; There is no fuchdoubtfull inquifition, or previous deliberation in God in order to his working ; His will alone is in ftead of all counfel and deliberation, feing his moft holy will hath all equity, wifdom and righteoufneffe joyned with it, fo that there is nothing more required to make an aftion be well, wifely and advifedly done, than that ic be willed ofGod : for, the Apoftle faith not, He Xvorketh all things according to the Kill of his counfel , as if counfel and deliberation wcot before, and the choice of the will C3 fd- 3 8 vf brief Expo fit ien of the Epijlle Chap. ! 2 followed after ; but, after the tounfel §f hit toill, (hewing, thac His willing of a thing to be done, is in place of all further confutation about it. FromVcrf. 12. Learn, 1. As God's giving grace un- to graccleflc finncrs, His drawing them out of nature to theftate of eracc > and beftowing the heavenly inheri- tance upon them, is a work which fctteth forth the glory of God's moft excellent Attributes, of mercy, goodneflc, juftice, power and beneficence, and giveth occafions un- to beholders to fct forth his praife in all thole, though the man himfelf upon whom this work is wrought,werc filent, the very work (hould fpeak for it felf ; So it is the duty ofthofeefpecially, whom God hath fo dealt with/ to take occaficn from hisgraciouv work in them to fet forth the praifes of Him, who hath called them out of darkneffe to his marvellous light, 1 ?tt. 1. -9. They arc not alwayes to dwell upon complaints of thcmfelves, but fometimes would mount up in the high thoughts of His commendation and praifes: for, this is thcenddc- figned by Go'd in calling them to obtain this inheritance, even that toe frould be to the praife of bu glory : which word* may be taken both paflivcly, the praife of His glory was to bemanifeftedin them, and *5&?4ely they thcmfelves were to fct forth His praifes. 2. THmorc early a man doth clofe with Chrift and imbrace Him by faith, as He is offered in the Gofpel,the leffc he doth pro- traft and delay his lb doing, the more of praife to God's glorious Attributes is manitcllcd in him, and the more of obligation doth ly upon him to fct forth God's praifes, who hath fo early broken the yoke of his flavery to fin and Satan : fcr,thcirtrufting, and firft trufting in Chritt before others, is fpokcnof as a meanconducihgtoHis praife, and engaging them to it ; Tlat toejbould be to the prai/e of kit glory, tow fiijt trufted in (^b ijl. 5. That any do believe in Chrift at all, and that fomedo believe in Himfooncr, and others later, dependeth not upon any difference in the perfons themfelves,but upon God's pur- pofe# cQUiifel and good plcafurc : for, their trufting, and Chafvi. o/Paul to theEv he si ah si 39 and firft trufting before others, is fubfervient to the end, which was propofed by God, to wit, thepraifeof His glory. Now, the neceffary means> and the end intended, do depend upon one and the fame purpofe, fo that if God have decreed the end , He muft alfo have decreed the means tending to that end 5 That Ke might be to htsj)raife% ifrhofirfttrujicd in Chrift. 4, The Gofpel , when it is preached to a People, though never fo godlefle andob- dured, will not want its own faving fruits among fomc of thofe to whom it is preached : God ufeth not to fend His Gofpel unto a People of purpofe to harden all , and to make them inexcufable h but becaufe there are fome belonging unto the eledtion of grace, who are to be converted by it : for, as the Gofpel was to be preached firft to the Jews, becaufe of the promife made to the fathers, 'fyw. 1 5. 8. So when it was preached it wanted not fruits among them, though they were a People tobecaftoff, enemies unto all good, had cru- cified the Lord Jefus, iTheff] 2. 15, 1 6. for, they were of thofe Jews v>ho firft trujled in Chrift. 5. Ic is no fmall priviledge for any, wether perfon or people, to be trufters in Chrift, before others > it is a matter of their commendation, %w. 16, -5. it glorifieth God, in fo far, as their example and experience may prove an encouraging motive unttf others, iTim. 1. 16. itcar- ryeth with it feveral advantages : for, the (boner a man doth clofe with Chrift , he- will get that work done the more eafily, he is the fooner freed from flavery to Satan and his own lufts, he is the fooner capacitated to do the more fervice to God , and his great con- cernments are the fooner out of hazards : for , Paul maketh it a prerogative and priviledge , which the Jews had beyond the Gentiles , even that they firft irufttd or hoped in Chrift. e 4 VerG 4<5 fdt brief Ex fofiti** of the Epiftle Chap.i Verf 11 Intobom ye alfo trufled After that ye heard the Word ofl ruth, the Golf el ofyourfahation : in »hom al- fo after that ye ielteVed, ye Kere fealed Kith that holy Spirit of promt fe9 to). Which u theearnejl of our inheritance, until the redem- ption of the pur chafed poffefficn, unto the praife of His glory. HTiic Apofte applyeth the former do&rine,in the fecond * place, to the believing Gentiles in the perfonof thofe £phcfians,That hereby he may fhew they were as much in the debt of God's free-grace for falvation, as the be- lieving Jews. In order to which he holdeth forth, firft, the benefit which they had received fromChritt, even tfie fame which he (hew was beftowed upon the belie- ving Jews * to wit* the heavenly inheritance, and all thole other fpiritual bleflings which lead to it: for, as it isneccflary that fomc word be added to the beginning of this vcrfc for making good fenfe ; fo it feemcth the word, trujle d, taken from the clofe of ver. 1 2. cannot be it : for, the word retidred thtxcfirft trujted, is but one in theQriginal, and cannot be applyed unto the Gentiles, its not bcin£ the firft who truftcd in^Chrift ; And there- fore it is fater, and more appoiit alio unto the ApoHle's fcopc to repeat that word (which is V. 1 1.) have obtained an inheritance, efpccially fcing he is applyinp here to the Gentiles* what he had applyed there to the Jews ; the principal part whereof, and that upon which all the reft fpoken of there doth dependt is their obtaining an inhe- ritance. Secondly, he fettcth forth the mean whereby llicy obtained this excellent benefit, even their hearing of thcclo&rinc of the Gofpel, which he defcribeth from its t*ccl lent nature, as being the Wudof Truth, and from that great c*ood which it rcvealeth and offereth,cven/*/- iation. Thirdly, he mentioncth a work of God's holy Spirit upon their hearts after they had believed, which is fertr called /m/»£» by a metaphor taken from the ufc of Seals Chap, i ; *f Paul^o^EpHEsiANs; 4f Seals and Signets among men , which are chiefly ufed for putting a difference betwixt true Writs, and thofe which are counterfeit ; To that this work here caljcd/w- ling, did ferve to evidence the truth and reality of fomc- what which might otherwife have been quefliooed,and particularly, with relation to the Apoftle's prefent fcope, it did ferve to evidence the reality of their right to the glorious inheritance, the truths of the Gofpel* and the fincerity of their clofing with, and believing of, the Go- (pel : now the work of God's Spirit, which maketh all this evident, and therefore hath the name of fealing, i$ mainly His renewing and fan&ifying work, and efpeci- ally His carrying-on of that work , whereby He ira- printeth the image of H jmfelf, which is hclineffe ( %w. 4. 24.) upon Believers, as an impreflion of the draughts and lineaments of the Seal* are by fealing put upon the thing fealcd; fo, zTim.i. -1 g. the grace of fanftifica- tion and departing from evil is called a Seal, though thofe other works of God's Spirit in Believers, whereby He giveth them fenfe of His pretence, comfort and joy unfpeakable flowing from ir, and full affurance* may be looked upon as lefle principal parts ofthis Seal. Fourth- ly* Cver 1 4.) by the metaphor of an earneft, which is ufed among Merchants for ratifying of their bargains, he fheweth a ufe,for which the beftowing of the holy Spirit upon them, and His fealing of them by His fandiifying grace, did ferve, even to be an earneft of the heavenly in- heritance, the full poffeflion whereof being delayed until the laft day, God gave unto them His holy Spirit with His fa ving graces, as an earneft, or fome (mall begin- nings, and a part of that glory which (hall then be re- vealed ; that hereby He might affure them of their ob- taining the whole in duefcafon. Fifthly, he flieweth the date and time how long they were to content thero- felveswith the earneft, even untill the redemption of the purcbafed poflefllon, that is, untill the day of judgment, at which time thofe who are purchafed by the bloud of Chrift, add are His poffeflion and peculiar people, (hall obtain 4 * A brief ExpofitioH of the Spifth Chap, i obtain compleat redemption and full delivery from Cm and nailery ; In which fenfe redemption is taken, fym. 8. 2?. And fmhly, he fheweth the end which God pur- pofeduruoHunlelf in all this, even the fame winch he mentioned formerly, vcr. 1 2- to wit, the praife of tits Glory. From the benefit which thofc Gentiles received, ( be- fides what is marked upon the parallel place, ver. 1 1-) Learn, I, Though it was the prerogative of the Jews above the Gentiles that Chrift was firft preached unto them, and accordingly fomc of them did firft truft in Him, (Sec vcr. -12.) yet God hath made both Jew and Gentile equally to partake of all other things, a£ well of thofc which concern falvation it felf, as of the means and way of attaining to it : for, the fame Chrift, the fame free-gifted inheritance through Chrift, and the fame Gofpcl which was beftowed upon the Jews, arc alfo beftowed upon the believing Gentiles ; in Vrbomye atfo ba\>e obtained an inheritance, faith he. 2. It is a thing highly obfcrvablc, and much to be taken notice of, that the Gentiles, who were profane dogs, (Mat. 1 5.26.) not a people, (I>eut. 52.21.) without God, (chap; 2. ver. -12.) fhould be fct down at the childrcns tablcand have full accelfc to free- grace and falvation, and all fpiritual bleffings tending to falvation equally with the Jews, who were God's only People, leparated to Him above all People, Ex$d. 19. 5. to whom did pertain the Adop- tion, Glory, Covenants, &c. %».9-4- for,T the Gofpcl lb preached doth not only propound and make known to the undemanding the ob. je& Chap. 1 • of Paul to the Ep h e s i an $ I 4 j jc6k of favitig faith, which was before hid •, but the I-ord alfo,at,or after the hearing of this Gofpel preached, doth work the grace of faith in the hearts of the Elcdt, MK 16. 14. for, faith he, Te obtained an inheritance, after that ye heard the Word of Truth, the Gofpel. 2, The Gofpel is the Word of Truth, not only lxcauie it containeth no- thing but truth, (for, fo the whole Scripture is the Word of Truth, ¥Tal. 19. -9-) but al(b the Truths of the Go- fpel are moft excellent Truths, as being moft remote from ordinary knowledge, Mat. 16.17. meft profitable to loft finners,ri*.2.ii. and do maniftft the praise of God's glorious Attributes (£^2.14.) more than any other Truths : befides, the Gofpel doth clearly hold forth the truth and fubftance of all thefe dark and legal (hadows, Job. 1 .1 7. for, by the Word of Truth he meaneth the Go- fpel, as he prefently cleareth ; After )e heard the W$rd of Truth, the Gofpel of your fahathn. 3. As the doftrine of Salvation is the deftrine of the Gofpel, or glad- ty- dings to loft finners ; ( for, the word rendred Gefpel, fig- nifieth a glad, or good meffagc ) So the doflrine of the Gofpel is a doftrine of Salvation, as not only revealing Salvation, and a poflible way for attaining to it, which the Law doth not, Gah ?• 21 . but alfo being the power of God to Salvation, ${om. 1. 16-. and the mean which God doth bl effe for making us unbrace by faith the offer of Salvation, f^?w. 10. 14,1 5. and tor vvcrking all other faving graces mthe Elc&> £W. 1. 6. for, the Apoftle calleth this doftrine the Gofpel, or glad tydings, of Sara- fan. 4. it is not fufficient to know that the Gofpel is a do&rine of Salvation in general, or unto others only ; but every one would labour, by the due application of the promifes of the Gofpel unto themfclvcs, to find it a doftrine of Salvation to them in particular: for, Paul hinteth at fo much, while he faith, not (imply, the Gofpel cf Solvation, but of your Salvation. From the Spirit's work of fealxng following upon be- lieving, learn, 1. As the Gofpel preached, and heard, doth not profit unto Salvation, except it be believed ; fo the 44 tA brief Exfofition if the Efijllt Chap.i. the Truths of the Gofpcl , andjefus Chrift that good thing offered in thole Truths, is that in the whole V. Qf God which faying faith doth chiefly clofe with, and rely upon, and is fully fatisficd with : It findcth death in thrcatnings, a burden of work in precepts, but in Chril and the Gofpcl ic findcth the way to Heaven made ; - tent, even a way ho*v the finncr may be faved and di- vine jufticc not wronged : ton the Apoftle, having ipo- ken before of their hearing the Gofpcl, doth addc. In tobom, to wit, Chrift ; the words may alfo read, In ft»l \ to wit, the Gofpcl* yc believed. 2. Though none can : 9 ally b?licvc before the Spirit of God come to dwell in them, bringing alongs His royal train of habitual! graces , and the habit of faith amongft the reft, unto the heart with Him ; And therefore is He called the Spirit of Faith, 2 Cor. 4. 1 3-. yet, upon the afetual cxercifing of the grace of Faith, the Spirit of God doth more fully manifeft Himfclf to be dwelling in Believers, by His carrying-on the work of fan&ification in them for their greater comfort, and turthcr ftrengthning of their faith : for, faith he, After ye believed, ye X*cte fededMritb that holy Spiru. 3. Whoever have rightly clofed with the Go- fpel, and Chrift in the Gofpl> by believing, will have the grace of fan&ification and holinefle of life following upon their fo doing , as alfo fometimes fome mcafure of joy, peace and fenfiblc comfort : for, as I cleared, by the fed is mcaned thofc graces ; And after ye belieVed,ye Itoerefeded, faith he. 4. Even real Believers have need of confirmation and fcaling , as being oftimes excrcifed and tolled with fcvcral doubts and fcruplcs, both con- cerning the truth of the Gofpcl, and promifc in general, Mar^ 9. 24. and the reality of their own clofing with, and intcrcft in the Promifc, Pfd. 83. 14. for, therefore is it, that after thofe Ephcfians had believed they were fealed, herebv to evidence the truth of the Gofpcl, and the fiiiccrity of their believing the Gofpel ; Jftcrye be- lieved, ye xtere feded. 5. The Lord hath provided, and accordiugly dodi beftov? fuffkicne means upon Believers yvherc- Chap. i ; •/ Paul to the Ep h b s *an s. 45 whereby all their fore- mentioned doubts may be folvedf and they abundantly fatisfied ; for, befides the writing of the Promife upon their hearts, and the outward feals of the Covenant of Grace, or Sacraments, which arevi- fibly dii'penled by Chrift's Mimfters> there is an jriward feal, to wit> the laving Graces of God's Spirit, together with growth and increafe in thofe, imprinted by the Spi- rit of Sod upon the hearts of Believers in order to their confirmation, although they fometimes cannot perfe&ly difcern, nor esaftty take up the draughts and lineaments of it ; After ye believed, ye fare fealed. 6. The faving graces of God's Spirit wrought in aBeliever>andcxer- cifed by him in all forts of holy duties, and efpecially growth in grace, is a rooft convincing evidence, not only that the Word of the Gofj-el > by which holinefle is wrought? is the undoubted Truth of God : for, this is the witneffe by water, fpoken of, 1 Job.f. 8» there being no other thing but the Truth of God able to produce fuch ftrange and fupernatural eflfefts as thofe ; but alfo it fcrveth to evidence the reality of the man's intereft in the promife, and of his right to the heavenly inheritance, in whom thofe faving graces and the fruits of holinefle are > feing holinefle of life is the infeparable efFeft of fa- ving faith and intereft in the promife, AU. 15. 9, for, by the Seal is meaned mainly the graces of fan&ification, and, as was (hewn? they get that name : becaufe,as Seals do confirm publick Writs, and make them appear to be authentick • fo the faving and lanftifying graces of the Spirit do confirm to thofe, in whom they are» the Truth of the Gofpel, and the fincerity of their faith in Chrift ; In ybborn after ye believed, ye fare fealed. j. Our doubts and fcruples , whether concerning the truth of the Pro- rnife in general, or our own particular intereft in the Promife, ought not in reafoo make us fufpend our be- lieving in Chrift arid the Promife, untiil wefirftbefea- led and fandtified, and fo receive fufficient confirmation ; but on the contrary, we are, firft, to let our Seal to Gcd's Truth, by believing and venturing our falyatiori upon ir, and \6 A brief Sxpofitio* of tbt Epifllt Chap, r .' and then we mayexpc& next to have God fating His Seal upon our heart in order to ourconfirmation: for, that is the order here fet down ; In tobom after ye bclielted, yextere fealed. 8. The fan&ifyingof our natures, and adorning of our hearts wich faying graces, together with any confirmation in the truth of the Promifc, or of par- ticular interclt in the Promifc which Believers receive fromthefe, is the work of Cod's Spirit only: for, it is afcribed to Him here, and with relation thereto He is cal- led the holy Spirit, not only becauC He il cffentially holy, and very holincffc it ielf , but alfo the author of fan&i- fication, and of all living graces in Believers, GjI. y. 2a. and the Spirit of promifc , not only, becaufe He was pro- mifed to be abundandy poured-out upon Believers un- der the New Teftament, Act. a, 16. but alfo His office is to feal and confirm by His gracious operations the Pro- oiifes of thcGofpel to Believers, '?\om, 8. 16. Te ftcre fealed, faith he, KUb the boly Spirit. From that ufc, for which the holy Spirit with his fa- ying graces was beflowed upon them, U*rn, I. As the Spirit of God is a pcrfon fubfilting > and not a created gift or grace; fo this holy Spirit doth not only beftow His gifts and graces upon Believers, but alfo cometh Himfelf unto them, and dwellech in them : In fo fan as though He be not perfonally united with them, as the di- vine nature is with the humane in Chrift ; yet He is not only with them in his eflence and bein^, as He is prefent cvcry-where,7^.23. 24. nor yet in refpeft of His work- ing by a general providence only, as He is prefent even with wicked men ; for> in Him they live, move and have their being, tAct. ij. 28. but He refideth in them, as in his own Temple by his fpecial and faving9pcra- tions> whereby He not only bcttoweth upon them the habits of all favin* graces at their firft converfion, £?«{• 36.15,26. but doth alfo by his immediate, (trong and fpecial influence daily prcfervc thofe graces in life, (Job. 10.28,29.) aftuate them, (Philip. 2. 3.) and ordinarily toakethchem to grow, (Hof.14. 50 for, whereas tbt word Chap! ?. of Paul to th$ Ep h e s x an s^ 47 word Spirit in the former vcrfc is in the neuter gefcder* he repeats it here by a mafculine relative ( which would be better rendred v>ho than nbiib) to (hew that the Spirit is a perfon fubfifting : Which Spirit, he faith, U given ns fir an earneft of our inheritance. 2. Heaven and glory is the only portion and inheritance of Believers ; all their enjoyments earthly , though never fo great, being but mean, fading in themlelves, and lyablc to fpoyl/ng and vaftation from others, fo that this inheritance, which is incorruptible, fadeth not away, and is referved in the heavens ( t Trt# 1. 4. ) is only worthy to be looked up- on as their inheritance : for, the Apoftle calleth it our inheritance, by way of excellency ; Which is the earneft of our inheritance, 3. As the right unto this inheritance is made-over unto Bclicvers> upon their rcfigning thera- felves to God by faith, in way of covenant and paction, ?/M5-3« So the Lord hath thought it convenient not to give them the poffeffion of it prefently upon their right, but to delay it for a feafon > that in the mean timethey may exercife their hope in longing after it, Philip. 1 . 25. And God may get glory from the heirs of heaven here Upon earth, and among eaithly men,by being the means of falvation unto fome, Mat. $. \6. and of conviftion and juft condemnation unto others, Heb, ir. 7. for, the metaphor of an earneft, ufed among Merchants, when the fum covenanted is not prefently given, doth bear Co much ; Who u the earneft of our inheritance. 4. As even Believers are apt to doubt, if ever the covenanted in- heritance (hall be beftowed and aftually enjoyed by them; So the Lord is moft willing to do all which in reafon can be required, for removing all doubts of that kind ; and more particularly He giveth them an earneft, or a part of this covenanted inheritance in hand,to affure them of his purpofe to beftow the whole in due time: for, the metaphor of an earneft doth bear this alfo, the end of giving an earneft being to affure the receiver of the givert honeft purpofe to perform all that he hath promifed, which otherwifc might be called in queftion ; Who 4? A brief Expofithn dfthe Spiff /e Chap, i Who is tbe earnejl of our inheritance.^ j. The Spirit of the Lord fcaling Believers, and thofe laving graces of rhc Spirit* which he workech in fcaling , do fcrve for the famcufes in relation to the Covenant of Grace, where- in heaven and glory is promifed to Believers, for which an earneft doth fervc in a civil bargain : for, as the ear- neft is a part of the fum,and ufually but a fmall part, and yetmiy afliirc the receiver of his obrainingthe whole; So the Spirit and His work of grace received here, is be- gun glory, Job. 17. ?• and though bat a fmall part of it, iCor. 1$. 12,13. y ct the fmilieltmcafure of grace may aiTuie the man who hath it,of his obtaining the full pof- feflion of glory in the day of the Lord Jefus, Philip. 1 . to wit, by paying a price to provokrd juftice, 1 Cor. 6. 20. and by force from Satan their old pofleflbr and maftcr, Heb.t. 14, 15, and purchafed them 1 for this end, that He might poflcfle them : for, fpeaking of Believers , he calleth them a purchafed pvjftjjion. X Though the redemption and delivery of Believers be already begun, and their bonds looted in part,£W. 1.15. vet their complcat redemption is but to come, to wit, from fin at death* Heb. 12.-25. and from mifery, not 1' the laft day ; then, and not while then (hall their bodies be railed up in glory and their redemption be full andcompleat, fywi.8. 23. for, the Apoftle Ipeaketh of cheir redemption as of a thine: yet to come ; Kntill tbt redemption of the purchafed j *. As this earneft, even the holy Spirit with His graces, being once given, cannot totally dc loft; So, it this day of redemption were once come, there (lull be no further ufe of an t neft: the covenanted inheritance will then be full vpof- feffed, and conlcqucntly no place left for fears or aoubt* Chap, it o/Paul to the Ep h e s i a n s 1 49 about the obtaining of it ; for, he faith, the Spirit was to be an earneft until! the redemption, and fo He muft continue with them untill then , but was not to ferve for an earneft any longer ; Who is the earneft untill the re- demption of the purchafid pojfejf^on. From the end propofed , fee what is already obferved upon ver. 6. andver. 12. Verf. 15. Wherefore I alfo, after 1 beard of your faith in the Lord Jeftu, and loVe unto all the Saints, \6. Ceaf€ n0* *<>£>&* thanlqfor you, maJ^ng mention of you in my prayers. ♦THe Apoftle, in the fecond part of the Chapter* taking ** occafion from what he heard of thofe Ephefians, breaketh forth in thankfgiving and prayer to God for them, whereby he profecuteth his main fcope : in fo far? as that by every fentence, and word almoft, he doth breath forth the high efteem which he had of God's free grace in Chrift* and thereby doth confirm their faith 5 befides that while he prayeth for their perfeverance* and growth in the faith and knowledge of faving truths, h« doth indirectly, at leaft , excite them to perfevere and make progreffe in the fame. Arid, firft, having (hewn the good report which was brought unto him of thofe fpiritual graces, which were eminent in them (whereof he inftanceth two, which are the fum and compend of all the reft, and doth illuftrate them from their principal objedt, faich in JefusChrift and love to all the Saints) ver. 15. he maketh known unto them what was his exercife upon their behalf, even that (being incited by the confederation of thefe fpiritual bleflings beftowed by God upon them, and mentioned* ver.i ?, 14. and by the report which he had of them,ver. 15.) he made confeience to continue in the duties of thankfgiving ind prayer to God for them, ver. 16. From Verf. 1 $. Learn, i. It i$ not fufficient that Chrifts Minifters do preffe duties upon the Lords People, P having jo A brief Expofitio* of the SfiflU Chap, i having conv in ccd I y cleared unco thfcir confidences the equity which is in chofc duties \ but they mull alfo hold forth unto them a copie of that obedience, which they fo much preffc, by their own example and practice : for, fothcApoftlc, having abundantly cleared, vcr. H, 14. that the Lord's converting and fcaling ot tho'e Ephefians did call upon them to praife the glory of His grace , he himfclfdoth here put hand to this work; Wherefore, faith he, I eeafe not $ogi)>e thanks for you. a. It it a great encouragement to blcflc the Lord, and to pray unto Him in behalf of thofe who are making conlcience of thefe duties for thcmfelves : for* while he laith, I alfg give thanks, \\c fuppofeth they were doing the like, and that he was encouraged from thence. 3. Grace i» like a preci- ous oymment, whofc (avour cannot be hid : the report of it» where it is in life, will fpread, and make his name, who'hath it, (avouryunto fuch, as are truly gracious themfclves: for, *IW, though at a great diftance being now at fame, beard ef their faith tn jftftu Chnji, and lo\>e to all the Saints. 4* It is the duty of Chriftians to be joy- fully reporting and fpeaking of the grace of God and good which is in others; providing it be wifely done* that is, firft, fparingly, and fo as not to place all our own Religion in fpeaking of the Religion of other*. Se- condly, not ra(hly. or without fuch grounds in the per- fon whom wc commend, as charity at lcart may reft up- on. Thirdly, impartially* and not hftioufly crying up ?, and deer ving others, who are equally deferving, Jude-16. for, Paul's hearing of their fatth and hVey im- plycth,that fomc had reported to him of that good which was in them. 5. Even in the beft Churches in thofe primitive times , who were moft commended i>y the Apoftlcs. every one had not faith, and fo is it yet; All are not \frael who are oflfrael, fym. 9. 6. for, the word rendred their faith, in the Original, is, fheftitb *hubu amonjryou' he could not fay positively that all of them had Uith, Dut faith was among them. 6. Saving faith is an excellent fruit of the Golpcl preached among a Pcoplcf Chap*^ */Paul tothe Ephbsian^ 51 People, without which the Word cannot profit, &eb. 4, ft. and by which we are united to Chritt, and have right to all the fpiritual bleffings purchafed by CHrift, who is the chief objeft of faith > whom it doth apprehend , as He is offered in thePromife : for, faul doth mention their faith in JefusChrift as an excellent praife- worthy fruit of the Gofpcl, for which he bleffeth God ; Ajnrl Beard of pur faith in Jeftti Cbrift, faith he. 7. The grace of love to our neighbour, with the duties thereof flowing from love to God in the firft placed ( 1 joh.4.1 1.) is an excellent praife-worthy fruit of 'the Gofpel preached among a People, efpccially, when the Saints have moft of this love as refembling God moft. And wheti their love is laid forth upon Saints, as they are Saints, and fort the reality or appearance of God iij them, and not for other by-refpe&s only, or mainly ; and in a word, when k is extended unto all Saints: for, Taul doth mention their love to the Saints and to all Saints, as another ex- cellent praife-worthy fruit of the Gofpel, for which he bleflcth God ; After I bsard of your love unto all the Saints. 8. As the graces of faith in Chrift,and love tothe Saints, are alwayes conjoyned, they being in a manner the two legs of a Chriftian, without any one whereof he can- not walk, and the other is but dead and withered, J*w* 2.17. lb faith in itsexercife hath the precedency of love, faith being the fountain from which the ftreamsoflove do flow ; in fo far, as faith laying hold upon God's love in Chrift, inflameth the heart with love to God; which love to God confifleth in keeping of His Command- ments, 1 Job. 5.3. and the chief of God's Commands, next urito love to Himfelf, is, that we love our brother, 1 Job.^ix. fon the Apoftle here, as elfewhere, CW.1.4. I Tbejf. 1. 4. conjoyneth thefetwo graces, and giveth faith the precedency ; After I beard of your faith in fa ft JeftM, and /oVe to all the Saints. From Verf.16. Learn, 1. As the duties, both ofthankf- giving and prayer, ought to be made confeience of by Chnftiansj fo the praftice of thefetwo duties do well D 2 to- 52 A brief Expo ft ion of the Spiftle Chap, t .' together : for, each of them cloth contribute for the help of another ; in fo far, as thanklgiving to God tor favours received, doth notably tend to fupprelle that fretting , quarrelling, imparicne hum lich ofrcn venteth it iclf againliGod in our ■•'••77 7 compared with lo, 11. and thccxeru'.e of prayer dotu elevate the heart fomewhat to >o the Apoftle (aith, I ccafe not to gi\>e thank} in my [>ra,er$ : he ceafed not , to Wit, fo far as his other neceffary imployments and du- ties of his calling did permit : for, what we do frequent- ly, and alwayes when occafion offereth, we arc (aid to do it without ceafing. 3. The Minifters of Jefus Chrift efpecially, ought not to be putted up with any (ucceiTc, which the Lord is plea led to give unto their labours, or facrificc to their own drag or net, Gal. 6. 13. but would afcribe the praife thereof to God, who alone maketh His People to profit, \f*. 48. 17, tor/*W, hearing of their faith and love, ceafed not to grte thanks for tbem to God. 4. As it is the duty of oneChiifiian to puv fcr ano- ther, and e(pecially of a Minitter for his Flock ; So our prayers for others will avail little* except we bt daily making conference of praying to God for our felvcs: for* faith Taut, I makf mention of you in my prayers : he had his own ordinary prayers for himlelff wherein he did remember them. 5. As to the occafion of his pray- ing for them, fee upon £W. 1. 9, doft. 1. Vcrf. Chap. i. ^Paul^ffoEPHESiAMs. jj '• Verf. 1 7* That the God of our Lord Jefus Chrift, the father of glory y may give unto you the Spirit of wifdom andreVe* lattun, in the knowledge of Him : l8« The eyes of your understanding being enlightened — T'He Apoftle, in the fecond place, giveth a (hort fum of * his prayer unto God for them. And, fir ft, he defer i- bethGod the Father, unto whom he prayeth, to be tjoe God of our Lord Jefm Qhrxft , to wit, as Chrift is man, P/i/. 22. 10. as He is our Mediator, '■?/*/. 40. 8. and with relation to that Covenant of Redemption betwixt God and Chrift as mediator, Heb. 2. 1 3. And the Father of glory ; fo called^ becaufe He is in His own nature in- finity glorious, T/i/. 145* 5. the fountain of the whole Godhead, and all the divine Attributes in the Son (Pfah 2. 7.) and holy Ghoft, Job. 14. 16. for, glory is fome* times taken for the Godhead and divine Attributes, Job. 2. 1 1. and becaufe He is the firft caufe of all that glory which is in any of the creatures, T/*/. 8. J. And laftly, He is the objedl of all glory, to whom all glory is due from the creatures, T/i/. 19. 1. Secondly, he (heweth what he fought in prayer , even wifdom, or a further en- creafe of that wifdom and faving knowledge of divine myfteries, whereof the Spirit of God is the author, men- tioned ver. 8. together with a clearer infight in Scripture where thofe myfteries are revealed by the fame Spirit. Which wifdom he (heweth, doth mainly conlift in the faving, believing, and operative kpoMedge of Him, that is, of Jefus Chrift, ver. 17. And having more clearly expreffed what he meaneth by this Spirit of wifdom* even the removing of the natural blindneffe of their un- derftandings, and enduing them with a clear difcerning in the things of God, ver. 17- he doth illuftrate it fur-*, ther from thofe ends , for the attainment whereof he would have this wifdom befto wed, as (hall be cleared afterwards. Hence Learn, 1. The more painfull and laborious that others, whether Minifters, parents, friends •54 A brief £xf oft tion of the Spi/fle Chap, i or neighbours, arc for bringinp about our falvation and fpiritual Rood, we ought to be fo much the more excited topainfulncflc and diligence about the fame thing our felves ; elfe their pains will not only do us no good, but alfomuch hurt, the Lord ulually judicially plaguing the man, whom every one would have doing well, only himfclf will QOCifajftbc ApotUc fheweth that he prayed, and what he prayed for from God unto them, not to gain applaufc from them ; (for that is condemned, Mai. 6 5.) but that he might excite them unto prayer for them* felves > and to endeavour after thofe things which he fought ; Mailing mention of you in my prayers, thai God may give you, that fo being made one with Chrift (Epb. 3. 17. ) we may be looked upon by the Fa- ther, as clothed with His righteoufnefs, PW/.3.9. where- by both our perfons and imperfeft prayers (hall be ac- cepted of by God through Him , Heb. 1 i. 4. for, Taul, whofe practice here is a directory for prayer * doth ap- propriate Chrift to himfelf as his own Chrift ; The God of our Lord Jefm $*$• 6. It is neceffary alfo in order to the fame end , that in clofing with Chrift we do not part or divide Him , but appropriate to our felves the fulnefleofall thofe perfeftions which are in Him *, this being an evidence of the fincerity of our clofing with Him, and no lefic than whole Chrift being neceflary to cover all thofe imperfections, to bear us up under all thofe difcoura?ements,to help us under all thofe infirmi- ties which we are incompaffed with in our approaches to God : for, 'iWdoth appropriate Chrift to himfelf under fuch titles as hold forth His com pleat fulnefle, to wit, of Lord, which implyeth His power and foveraig- nity over all things for the Believers good, Tbilip, 2. gt Xo, 1 1. Of Jefai which fignifieth a Saviour, and poin- teth forth His great work and errand t6 the world to fave finners , Mat. 1. 21. And ot faty * which fignifieth annointed, and fopointeth at His threefold Office unto which He was annoinced and furmfhed in order to that work,Pp/,45.7# the God of our Lord jtfmChrtft. 7. As toifdomy or the laving knowledge of divine myftcries, is neceffary unto a Chriftian ; So, even thofe who are ef- fectually called, and have a good meafure of this grace already! ought not to fit down upon the meafure re- D 4 ' ceived A brief Exp option eftbe E fifth Chap. I. ceived, but vvould conftantly afpirc after more of it, as being yet ignorant of many things , and not fufticicntly rooted in the knowledge of thole things, which they al- ready know, I Cor. t u 9. for, while 'Paul prayeth for a greater meafurc of wifdom unto thofc Ephehans , to- wardi whom God had already abounded in all wildom* vcr.8. he doch indircdtly excite them to endeavour to fcrow in this grace; MaygiVe unto you tie Spirit offtifdom. 8. The wildom and knowledge which Chriftians are to icck after, is not at all that carnal wifdom, which iseni- micy to God, Jam. 3. 15. nor yet chiefly that naturall ■om, or knowledge of the hid myflerics of nature, Ecclcf.i, 17, 18. nor yet that wildom or knowledge of divine myfienes, which is only a gift, and floweth from a common influence of the Spirit, 1 Cor. 8. - u. but that whereof the Spirit of God by His fpecial operation and influence is author and worker, and is more than a gift, even the grace of wifdom, which is not acquired by our own indurtry and pains only, nor yet puffeth up, neither is it weak and eoldrife, not warming the heart with love to the thing known, as the gift of wildom is: but this grace of wildom cometh from above, Jam.3. 1 7. by the ufe ofothcrlawfull means, Pro*. 2.1, err. andmuftbe fought from above, Jam.l.%. It humbleththeman who hath it, Job 41.3 j, 6, it is operative upon the heart,and worketh love unto the thing known, Job. 4. 10. for, die Apoflle prayeth, that God toould give tbem the Spirit of Mifuom, that is, whereof the Spirit of God is author by His fpiritual grace, c. Spiritual things, the objeft of this heavenly wildom and knowledge, arc not, for the moll part, conclulions drawn from natures light ; but arc revealed and made known by the Spirit of God, to wit, cither in an extraordinary, immediate way,without the help of humane means unto the Prophets and Apo- ftles, tpb. 5. j. or, in an ordinary and mediate way by the help of Scripture, and blclfingot God upon the pains of \ ublick Teachers, and fuch other means as He hath appointed for attaining to the mind of God revealed in Scripture* Chap.i. o/PauWof^EPHHSiANS. 57 Scripture, 2^. 3- *5»^f« for, joyntly with the Spirit ofwifdom hefeeketh the Spirit of revelation, implying, that this wifdom cannot be had without revelation- 10. The (urn of all faving wifdom, is,toknow Chrift, and what Scripture fpeaketh of Him as a ccmpleat Me- diator; and fo to know Him, as that we acknowledge Him; which fpeaketh fomewhat moie than our fimplc knowing of Him, even a knowing of Him as our own, and with fpecial application to our fclves , and To, as wc give due honour, refpeft and reverence unto Him : for, though we are faid to know even ffrangers, andthofc whom we contemn and defpife ; yet we are not in firift phrafe of fpeech faid to acknowledge any, but thefe of near relations, or whom we profecute with that refpeffc and honour which is due unto them, as the fervant is faid to acknowledge his matter. Now, Vaul giveth this as the fum and compend of faving wifdom, while he faith, In the knowledge of Him, to wit, of Chrift , or, in the ac- knowledgement of Him, as it is in the Original. 1 1. It is not fufficient for attaining this grace of wifdom, or fa- ying knowledge of divine truths, that thole truths be plainly revealed by the Spirit of God in Scripture ; there muft be ajfo a removal of that natural darknefle and blindneffc which is in our underftandings, whereby we may be enabled to take up that which is revealed , even as to the beholding of colours by the outward fcnfe.there muft not only be an outward light to make the objeft confpicuous, but alfo the faculty of feeing in the eye : a blind man cannot fee at noon-day, nor yet the fharpeft- fighted at midnight. Thus for the taking up of things heavenly, the Apoftle prayeth both for a fyirit of revela- tion, to make thofe truths confpicuous, and for a new power of difcerning in the underftanding , that they might be able to take up the truth fo revealed : The eyes of your underftanding being enlightened. 12. The natural faculties of the foul are not deftroyed in conversion, fo as if from that time forward the renewed man did nothing, and the Spirit of God refiding in him did all things : no, they 5 8 A frUfExpjitU* •ftht Epifl/t Chap, u ^ they arc only renewed by the implanting of new f raci- ous h . jnsinthcm, to chac our wit, will ant v u ban* renewed, quickened and wrought up->n bf cue Spine of God , do alfo thcmlclves work, fPvlip. 1.-11. tor.TW prayeth not that their under* ftandm* mi*lu bj dcltroyed but enlightened; 7 be eyes if jour under {landing being enlightened. Vcrf. i& --Tbdt ye may k*ot>T>bat is the hope of Hi* cal- ling , and\>bat the tubes of the glory ofHu inheritance tn the Saints. UEre is one of thofe ends, for attaining whereof, the ** Apoftlc would hare this wifdom beftowed upon them , even that they might know thofe good things, which they were to partake of in Heaven : which are, firrt, fummarly propounded under the name of hope, ta- ken here for the objeft of hope, or things hoped-for, as l^vi. 8. -24-. Col. I. 5. and the bopeoftbetr calling, bc- caufc at their conversion they were called to the partici- pation of thofe things ; next, more fully explained, while they are called an inheritance, which is moll excellent, as being both rich and glorious, and appertained only to the Saints and thole who are renewed by the Spirit of Go:l ; for, the pirticle rendered in the Samts,doth hgni- fie, in, or. amongst, and is (b read, Act. 26. i8. Voel. 1 . As effcduall inward calling* whereby we arc made a willing people in the day of God's power (?/i/. 110.3.) is only Chrilte work by His Spirit upon the hearts of the Elc<$, nuking them to give hearty obedience to the outward call by the mouth of His Mimfters ; So by this work lie opencth unto them a large door of hope, and callcchthem, who were before without hope, to partake of an excellent and plonous inheritance, which is here cillcl b§ft% ore \c thing hoped-for, and the bopeof cal- I to the enjoyment of it, which calling is a lb called £fc, to wit, God's, or Chrili's, be- caufc it is His work ; What tf tbe hope $f Hu calimg. 2. Though Chip*'** ofVaxAtttbi Ephhsians^ $£ t. Though thofc who are cffe&ually called, do receivc fome part of that happineffc, unto which they are called^ presently, and in hand, to wit, thofe excellent benefits of juftjfication, adoption and fan£tification,and fuch others as do either accompany, or flow from thofe in this life* I Cor. 6.1 1. yet; the preatand chief part of it is not given then in prefent poffefTion, but referved in the heavens for them, t ^tt. i . 4. fo that chey have it only in hope : for, therefor^ is it called the hope of their calling, a thing only hoped-for. ?• Though thofe excellent things, which are not yet poffefled, but only hoped-for by Believes, are known in part and in general, I Job. 3.-2. evep fo far,as the knowledge which we have of them is fufficient to terminate our hope j ( otherwife if they were wholly unknown they could not be hoped-for ) yet fo excellent are tbofe things in themfelves, and therefore remote from our knowledge,and fo much are we taken up with trifles and childifti toyes , that even true Believers , and they who know moft, and have their thoughts moft exerciiea about them, are in a great part ignorant of thenr: they neither know them fully, nor particularly, Ifa. 64. 4. So that heaven and glory will be found another kind of thing, than ever entred in the heart of man to think up- on or look after, I Cor. 2. 9. for, he prayeth, that even * the called Ephefians might k$oto\tbat is the hope of His calling, implying that they were yet in a great part ig- norant of it. 4. That meafure of knowledge which, may be attained here of thofe excellent things hoped-for, fhould be carefully endeavoured and diligently fought after by Believers,as being of great concernment to make them feek after thefe things being fo Vnovm>*Bbilip, 3.14. to fwecten the bitterneffe of their crofle, %».8. 18. for- ni(h them with matter for fweet meditation upon heaven and things heavenly, *£hiltp. 3.20. and to make them more vehemently long and defirc after the a6tual poffef- fion of thofe things, Philip. 1. 23* for, Paul's praying for wifflom, that they may fy©n> the f:ope of His calling , jm- plycth, that much more thcmfelYcs ought to feek after the 6o A brief Ex fo fttion oftki Epiftle Chap. r. the knowledge of it. $. As thofe exccllnt things which arc novf hoped- for, and really to be enjoyed in the other life* are of the nature of an inheritance, which is not purchafed by us, but freely bcliowcd upon us ; fo they are properly Chrift's inheritance, wlio hath proper right to it, as being the natural Son of God, and by vcrtue of His own purchafc ; but the right which we have is com* municaced to us through Him, In whom we have re- ceived the adoption of children, and fo arc made heirs and co-heirs wich Chtift, ^m. 8. 17. for, the Apoftle, explaining what thofe things hoped-for arc,calleth them an inheritance, and His inheritance •, Andnbjt the riches ef the glory of Hu inheritance. 6. This heavenly inheri- tance is a rich inheritance, as wanting nothing to make the ftate of thofe who enjoy it compleatly happy, and giving full fatisfaftion and contentment* Tfal. 17. 15. and therefore it is called the riches of his inheritance, that i$> after the mmner of fpcech much ufed among the He- brews, /t rich inheritance. 7. It is alfo a glorious inhe- ritances there being nothing there but what is glorious : The fight (hall be glorious; for, we fliallfeeGod, as we arc fren, 1 Cor. 1 ?. 12. the place (hall be glorious, a C$r.i 2.4. che company glorious, all the glorified Saints and Angels* Heb. 12. 22, 23. our fouls and bodies (hall b: plorious, Thilip. 3. 21. and our daily exercife (hall be glorious, even to give glory unto God for ever and ever, %K 7. pt 10. for, therefore it is called the glory of his in- heritance, or, his glorious inheritance. 8. Though fanfti* fication and holincffe do not merit this heavenly inheri- tance , firing it comech to us freely, and as it were by lot ; (as the word figdifieth) vet none have prefent right to it, nor yet thill have poftcllion ot it afterwards, but only the Saints, even tney who are renewed and inhe- rently holy : Without holincffe none (hall fee GoA>&eb. 1 2. - 14. for, he lakh, it is an inheritance in the Sdints, that is, whercot oWv Saints are poffeffors. 9. That we know and acknowledge Chrili aright, it is ncceffary to perpend much > and thereby endeavour to know ho v ufcfiill Chap.i. ofVmXto the Ephssians. fct ufeful a perfon he hath been and is unto us ; what great rich and glorious things He hath purchafed for vis, and doth preferve in heaven for our behoof : for, he menu- oneth their knowing the hope of His calling as one end or part of that wifdom which confifteth in the knowing or acknowledgement of Him, fpoken of, ver. 17. That ye may fyol* the hope of bis c&lling> ere. Verf. 1 9. And V>bat is the exceeding grettntjfe ofHuptftoer to us-tourd V>bo believe, according to tbe Voting of Hs$ mighty poller. TJ Ere is another of thofc ends, for attaining whereof *^ the Apoftlc would have this wifdom Ik flowed up- on them, even that they might know fomewhat of that which they partake, at leaft in this life, to wit, the greatnefle of God's pOwer,whach He exerceth in and to- wards Believers, in His beflowing upon them favine grace, and carrying-on of that work in defpiejn of men and devils from ftep to ftep, until grace (hall be crowned in glory, and they actually in flailed in the poflcflion of that rich and glorious inheritance : and he reprefenteth and defer ibeth this power, firft, from its greatnefle ; it is great, and fo great, that fufficient words cannot be found to expreffe the greatnefle of it, it is fuperlative, and hy- perbolically great ; for, fo the word in the Original fig- nifieth. Secondly, from the objeft towards whom this power is exercifed, to wit, Believers. And, thirdly,from the principle and fountain from whence this powerfiill working floweth, even God's own natural and infinit power : which he defcribeth from two epithets, It is mighty ; yeji, almighty, fo,.as nothing is too hard for it, Gen. 1 8. 1 4-. and it is a working power, or efficacious in working , and fo as it cannot be refitted , where it is imployed to work, 1/^27.4. and to folve thofe doubts which they might have had againft their coming to it ; eAnd Ttbat is tbt ex- tetdinggreatnejp of Hispo+er. 2. They, and they only fliall come to poflefle this heavenly inheritance after time, who partake of the working ot His mighty power upon their hearts in time : for* having fpoken of that rich and glorious inheritance, he fpcalccth here of the exceeding grcatnejfe of Hit pcfoer totodrds tbofe \tho belie>e : whereby he (heweth not only how we come to that in- heritance, but alfo who thofc arc, who fhall come to it. 3# The power which God excrces in convening and carrying-on the work of grace to glory in the Elc& , is not only great, but excecdeth all contrary power which might impede that work ; fo, that there is no power in the devil, the world, in fin, nor death, which this power doth not overcome; yea,nor any impotency in the Eleft thcmfelves, which this greatnefle of power will not help and ftrengthen : for , he callcth it the exceeding gredtnejje ofHisp$*cr. 4. There cannot a more pregnant proof be given of God's omnipotent power in working , than whatHcgiveth in converting finncrs from fin toholi- nefs, and carrying-on the work of grace in tlKtn againft all oppofition, until they come to heaven : The creation of the world, and working ot miracles, is no more evi- dent proof of Hisomnipotcncy in working than this is : for, he inftanceth the exceeding greatnefle ot His mighty powennot in any of chofc things, but in His working to- wardi Believers ; T$x>ards hs xtb$ believe, faith he. ?. So averic are men by nature from believing in JciusChnrt for Chap. i. *fPau!f0f£*E?HBsiANS. 6j for ri^hteoufncffc.fo great an enemy is Satan to the grace of faith above all other graces, Lufyti. 31,32. thatno lefie than the working of God's exceeding great and mighty power is required for working us up to the grace of faith, and theexercife of it : for, his dtfigning there by the name of 'Believers, while he fpcakethof the ex- ceeding greatneffe of this power, implyeth fo much ; T«- *toards ta *tob$ belifbe, 6. Thofc only are moft fit to fpeak of God's powerful and gracious working in hearts* who have found fomewhat of that woik in thcmfclvcs : fuch will fpeak both more confidently, and more throughly of this work, there being fomewhat of God's work in heart9,which cannot befo fully attained by meer reading or hearing, except experience ferve as a commentary to underftand what is read and heard, T/i/. 34. 8. for, therefore, faith he, not, towards tbofe who believe, but Msnbo believe, including himfelf, to (hew hefpolc of this power, not as a ftranser to it> but fr cm experiences that they might believe him the rather* 7. This mighty power of God in its working towards Believers, is ex- tended unto all times > without reftri#ion unto any dif- ference of time, either by-paft, prefent, or to come : It hath wrought in thdr firft converfion , and bringing them to believing, 706.6,44. it doth work by preferving them in the ftateof grace, tuf^ 22« 31. by aftuatkig their graces in them* Philip* 2. 13. and making them to grow, Can*A* *&• and (hall continue with them aiwaies working until their graces be perfected, and theycom- pleatly glorified, Philip. 1. 6. for, he cxpreffcth no dif- ference of time wherein it worketh, only that it doth work ; And Tbbat* u the exceeding greatnejfe $f His poitoer to n6-toard tobo belie\>e. 8. Gal's omnipotent and effi- cacious power, which belongeth unto Him naturally and effentially as He is Ge>d, is not only the fountain and principle from whence His powcrfull operation to- wards Belicversdoth flow, butalfo the rule according to which He doth work ; fo that He is not only omni- potent, who worketh, but alfo He vrorkcth omnipo- tently 64 A brief Expo/ition of the £ pi file Chap, i tently, and therefore irrcfiftibly : for, faith he, The great- nefje of His po^er to us-toardvrbo believe, is, according to the toorlyng of bis mighty po^cr. 9. E ven thofe who are Believers, in whom this mighty power hath already wrought* may be in a great mcamrc ignorant of the ex- ceeding grcatnefVc of it : they are deftitutc even of the no- tional knowledge of it in a great part, becaufe of the myfterioufnefTe of the fubjed, Job. 3. 8. and their little acquaintance with the Word, which revealcth the way of God's working in fouls, Tfal. 77. and 88. but chiefly of experimental knowledge; there being much to be wrought in them by His mighty power, whereof they can have no experience as yet, Tbtlip, 3.2c. there being much alfo already wrought in them, and they know it not, but doubt of it, Job 9.1 1 . for, though it be a mighty working power ; yet it hath a meek, fwcet, ( ?bal. 1 1 o. 3.) fecret, (Cant. 5. 4. ) and therefore a not eafie difcer- nablc work 5 Thus thofe believing Ephefians were in a great part ignorant of this power, elfc to what purpofe did the Apoftle pray that they might fyio'to ^b*t is the ex- ceeding grcatnejfe of bispofter * 10. The experimental! knowledge chiefly of God's way of working in, and towards Believers, is to be carefully fought after, as be- ing of great concernment to make us thankfull to God for His gracious working in us where it is known and felt, T/W. 116.8,9, &c as alfo in order to our own comfort arifing from that our knowledge, T/*/. 116. 7. and to ftrengthen our faith and hope in God, ?v?m. 5 4. for, while 2W prayeth for the knowledge of this mighty working power to them, heteacheth them to leek afcer this knowledge thcmlclves; That je may kpo^ xthat is tin exceeding greatnejfe of bis po^cr. 11. This experimental knowledge of God's power, is an eminent part of fpiri- tual wifdom, and of our knowing and acknowledging of Chrift aright : for,hc praycth,that they may kpo* * u the exceeding greatneji ofbispotoer, as one end or part of that fpiritual wifdom. which confiflcth in the knowledge or acknowledgment of Him, fpoken of, vcr, -17. VeiG Chap. i. «/Paal ^^#Ephb$iani . 6$ Vcrf. 30. Which He nr ought in Qhriji toben He mfedbim from the dead, and fet Him at bu titon right hand in the heavenly places. T^He Apoftle, in the third branch of this fccond part of * the Chapter, taking occafion from what he fpoke of the exceeding greatneffe of God's power in Believers* ver. 19. falleth out upon a commendation* and more large explication of that mighty power , taken from one of its adprwableeflfcfts towards c hrift, in exalting Him from His low condition whereby he doth yet profecute his main fcope ; for, what greater confirmation could bt given unto their faith in Chrift, than the making known unto them, how highly exalted Chrift is, and that the fame divine power 9 which exalted Him, had wrought, was working, and would continue to work in them> untill all thofe glorious things, which they had now on- ly in hope, fhould be a&ually beftowed upon them ? And, firft, that he may commend and clear that mighty Power, according to which God did work in the be- lieving Ephefians, he doth briefly propound two thing?, tyhich were wrought by it towards the exaltation of Chrift ; firfiHis refurre&ion from the dead ; Secondly, His being fet at the right hand of God in heavenly places, whereby, is fet forth that high glory and dig- nity,which after Chrift's rcfurreftion and afcenfion wag put upon Chrift, as God- man, far furpaffing the glory of all things created, Tfbilty. 2. 9. together with that high power and authority, which the fame Chrift God- man hath obtained over all things to difpofe of them for the Churches good, 1 Ttt. 5. 22. which glory and au- thority of Chrift is only vifible in the Heavens, and therfore it is faid to be in heavenly places* becaufe Chrift's humane nature, through which His Deity doth (hine and tnanifeft it felf, is only in Heaven, J-3. 3. 21* al- though the effe&s of this His power and authority may be and arc perceived elfewhere , Aii. 2. 33. And that E this 66 %A brief Ex pofition of the E fifth Chap, i this is intended to be held forth by Chrift's fitting at the Father's right hand, is clear, not only from the placet prefendy citrd,and the Apoftle's own ex plication, which ne (ubjoyneth in the vcrfes following , but alfo from the phrafc it felf, which cannot be proper ; fcing God hath neither right nor left hand properly, Job. 4. ia. and lb nauft be a metaphor borrowed from Kings and Princes, who do fet thole at their rieht hand, whom they highly honour, 1 Ktn&- 2- x9* or, place in any office ot chief authority and truft, Mat. 20. 21. Doti. 1. As our Lord Jefus was once among the dead ; So He did rife again from death, ( See upon Gal. 1. ver. I. clodt. 7. ) for, faith he, When He raijed Him from the dead. * The raifing of Chrift from the dead, as it was the Father's work ; So, confidering what an eminent perfon Chrift Was, and how low He was brought, T bthp. 2. 6> 7 8. and what a height of honour He was exalted unto, £fci- lip. 2.9, 10. and that He did fuftain our perfon in dying (the iniquities of us all being laid upon Him, If a. 53. • 6.) and in rifing again from death, Epb. 2. 5, 6. All thofe, I fay, being confidered, this work of raifing Chrift, was an eftcft of God's extraordinary and mighty power: for, as heafenbeth the raifing of Chrift to the Father, which doth not contradidt thole Scriptures which affirm Chrift to have rifen by His own powcijjobn.i. 19. and 10. 17, becaule it is one and the fame power which is in both Father and Son, they being one only God, 1 5.7. So he doth afcribe it to the working of His mi power, fpoken of. verf. -I* and related unto in this, while he faith, Whitby or according to Jtbuh Hi inCbrijl^bcnHc raifcdHim from the dead. 3, The: - fam: omnipotent power, which wrought in and towards Chrift's exaltation in all theftepsofit, is engaged for working grace, and carrying-on the work of grace in Believers, and for performing unto Believers what they have ground to hope- for from His Word: and therefore we may look upon the fcverall effefts and proofs ot this power towards Chrift, as fo many pledges, that Chap.i7 i/Paul to the Ephs $ i ansT 6f that God will againft all opposition perform whatever He hach undertaken to us : for, He makcth that DOwerf whereby He worketh in Believers, and whereby He rai- fed Chrift from the dead, to flow from one and the fame fountain and principle in God, and the one to be ac- cording to the other, while he faith, ^According to tbt forking ofBu mighty polber, fyb'ub Be brought in Cbri/f^ 4. This high honour and foveraign power, figmfied Dy fitting at the Father's right hand, was put upon Chrift* not before, but after His humiliation and refurre&ion from the dead; for, then in His humane nature He did receive dominion and honour, which He never had un- til! then, as man \ and,though being confidered as God, cloathed only with His own divine Majeftie> He was from all eternity equal in power and glory with the Fa- ther and holy Ghoft, Tbilip .2. 6. yet He did not reign as God incarnate, and cloathed with our fle(h,untill then, having hid His divine glory, fo that very little of it did appear under the infirmities of the humane na- ture from His incarnation untill then , Philip. 2.7,8* but then He did manifeft His divine glory , abfolutc power and authority in a way incomprehenfible by us, in and through the vail of His glorified fleflb : forf the Apoftle fheweth thofe things were done in this or- der* while he faith, When Be raifedHim from the dead, mdfet Bim atBu o^n right hand. J ♦ Although the di- vine and humane nature in Chrift are not confounded* but remain diftinft both in their cflence arid operations, each nature doing that which is proper unco it felf, Beh 9. 14. 1 Te*. 3. 18. yet, fo near and ftri& is that per- ibnall union of the two natures in Chrift, that thofe things, which are proper only unto the one nature, are afcribed unto, and fpoken of the whole perfon : for here* though this high honour and truft put upon Chrift, was in fome things verified only in the divine nature, in fo far • as it fpeaketh His manifeftation of His divine glory and exercifing His divine authority, as God incarnate, in* and through the humane nature; And though in fome E 2 things Ve all the creatures, by Chewing that He is exalted in glory, not only above, but far above the glory of all creatures whatfoever, whether principality , potter, might, or dominion, under which is comprehended every thing that is excellent among the creatures* 1 Chap. I . a/Paul to the£ p h b s i a n s I e? creatures, whether in Heaven,Earth, or Hell j for, fbme- times Rood Angels are cxpreffed by thofe tides , Eph. 3. 10. (bmetimes bad Angels, Epb/6. 12. and fometimes Civil powers* Ttt. 3. 1. And left any might apprehend fome dignity befides , not comprehended under any of thefe four, he addeth a general claufe, comprifing eVery name, that is, all things excellent or famous, and worthy to be fo named ; as famous men are called men of Name • So that he hereby Iheweth no creature can enter in com- petition with Chrift in glory, dignity and worth : and withall he extendeth this glory put upon Chrift in its duration, not only unto this world, but that which is to come, andfhall never have an end, ver. 21. And that he may exalt Chrift yet further, he fheweth, that He is not only above all creatures in glory, but alfo in dominion and foveraignky, the Father having placed all the crea- tures in a ftate of loweft fubje6tion unto Himj even un- der His feet, to be difpofed of as He feeth fie. FromVerf. 21. Learn, U The glory and fplendor of things created hath fome aptneffe in it,if it be not rightly looked on , or rather we are apt to take occafion from it to hide and undervalue the glory and excellency of Jefus Chrift ; for otherwife the Apoftje would not la- bour fo much to fet Him high up above them, and His glory above theirs ; far above all principality andpo^er* 2. Though Scripture give fome ground to affirm, that there are different degrees and dignities among the An- gels, {J>an.io. 13. and 12. 1. yet, what are their different orders, offices and dignities , Scripture doth nowhere determine : neither is there any ground tor us to deter- mine from this place : for, as we fhew> the Apoftle's fcope is under thofe titles, and the general claufe fub- joyned,to lay afide,not only Angels, but all civil powers, and all created dignity whatfoever from competing with Chrift in% the point of power, excellency and worth ; far above all principality , andpoMr, and might, and domi- nion, and every name that is named. 3. Even the humane nature of Chrifti and His glorified body by venue of E 3 that 70 A brief Expojition of the Spiftle Chap. I that utifpeakablc union which is betwixt the two na- tures of Chrift in one perfop, is lifted up fo high in glo- ry, that the glory of Kings and Emperors, of Sun, Moon and Stars, of the fouls of juft men madeperfed; yea, and of glorious Angels, is nothing to it, and leffe than the light of a candle being compared with the Sun in his brightncffe : for, he is fpeaking here of that glory,which Chrift hath by fitting at the right hand of God , which, as to fome pieces ot it, doth belong to Chrift, as man; and of it he aflfirmeth, that it is far above all principality, dndpofter, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, 4. As we do then only think aright of that high glory put upon Chrift, when we look on it as match- lefle, and not only above, but far, and infinitly far above all that glory, which can be found in all, or any of the creature? ; So the holding forth of Chrift in his glory by the Lord's Servants, is a point of great concernment for the good of God's People, to make ail created glory wax dim and bulkleffc, #<*». ?. 16, 17, 18. to draw their hearts up after and towards Him, Job. 4. io# to hearten them againft thofe difcouragements they ufualfymect with in doing fervice to Him, ^#-7 55* 5& and to make them more reverent in their approaches to Him, Heb.iz, 25. for therefore dothTe Him to be the bead fter all tbtngs t* the Cburcb, ij.mUbhbis body, tbefufyjhfmmtbatflktballinalL 'THe Apoftle, having fpoken of Chrift's glory and fo* * veraignity in general over ail the creatures, doth next hold forth His fpecial dominion and foveraignky over theChurchj by (hewing, that Chrift, oVer oxabo^e all% that is, in a fpecial manner, is given by the Father to be the Churches head ; which is a metaphor taken from the narural body> to which he compareth Chrift and hij Church. And,firlibe (heweth that Chrift doth anfwer to the head: which implyeth an eminency in Him above the Church, Hi* Body, Cant. 5. !o. together with autho- rity and power over His Church to rule and govern her, both vifibly by His own Officers, difpenfing the Word and Cenfurcs, 1 Cor. 5. 4. and inwardly, by the power- foil operation of his Spirit, Job. 16. 1 3, 14* It implyeth alfooneneflc ot nature betwixt Him and His Church, Hcb,2. 14. and fulneffe of per fe#ion> enabling Him to do all the duties of an head tofuch a greats neceflkous and kifirm body, as His Church is, CoL %. \. And it ictff plyeth a ftridt union betwixt Him and His Church, as is betwixt the head and members in the natural body : the tye of which union, as to the Church vifible (whkh is His vifible, political and minifterial body, 1 Cor. io. 16, 17.) is the bond of the Covenant of Grace, wherein they are externally, P/i/. jo. ?♦ together wkh a profefli- onoffaith in Chrift, ./*#.& 37 But as to the invifible Church of real Believers, they areas to the inward man, animated and enlivened with that fame Spirit, which was poured-fouh on Chrift, !fyro. 8 9. they have alfo faith in Him, and love to Him, wrought by His Spirit in them, CoL 1. 4. Epb.6.24. and hereby they are united mpft ftri&ly to" Him. And. laftly, the metaphor im- phyeth communication of influence from Chrift to the Church, to wit, an influence of common gifts horn His Spirit Chap.i. */Paul to the Ephe siaks. 7$ Spirit to the vifible Church, Epb. 4.7.&C. and an in- fluence of fpirituall lite, motion, andot faving grace to the mvifible Church of Believers, £0/. 2. 19. tven as the head is above, and ruleth the body, is of the lame na- ture with the body, hath all the inward and outward fenfes with memory and underftandinp feated in it for guiding the body, is united to the body , and conveyeth influence for motion and fenfc unto the body. And, fecondly.ver.23. he fheweth that the Church anfwereth to the reft of the body under the head, and is called Chrift'sbody, to wit, not His natural, but myftical bo- -dy : which impjyeth not only the Churches union with Chrift* but union and order alfo among the members themfclves, together with divertity of gifts and functions, as there are teveral members in the natural body 1 Cor. 1 2. It implyeth alfo their receiving influence for life and morion horn Chrift, £^.4. 16. and the duty of fub- j &Ton and obedience due unto Him a* head, Efb. 5. 24. He fheweth alfo the high honour which is put upon the Chuich by being Chrift's body, even, that hereby they become ChnfVs fulntfle , not as if Believers didadde any perfonal pcrfe&ion to Him, who is infinit in per- feftions, unto whom nothing can be added ; Only,they are members of that myftical body, unto which He of grace hath undertaken the relation of head , fo, that the Church is the fulnefle,not of perfonall, but of myftical Chrift , as both head and members of that myftical bo- dy are comprehended under that name Qhrift* See 1 Cor. 1 2. f 2. and therefore> left any (hould think that this cx- preffion did im^ly any want ot perfection in Chiift to be fupplyedby the Church, theApoftle fheweth, that Chrift, as God-man. Mediator , filleth the all of His body the Church (for,the purpoie in hand requireth this *'7;o be fo aftii^ed ) upon whom He beftoweth a ful- ncfle, partly of gifts, and partly of graces, a fulnrfle anfwerable to the prefent ftate of childhood and imper- fedtjon, wherein we live here on earth; as the Romans arc faidto be fuliofgoodnefle and knowledge, %?.i 5* 1* 74 *A brief Exposition of the Epiftle Chap, r 14 So, that Chrift is fo far from borrowing any per- fection from His Church, that all her perfe&ionsare but drops falling from that Ocean and fulneffe of grace which is in Him, Job. 1. 16. ©o#. I. As Jefus Chrift is the Father's gift unto the Church ; A gitt which is offered unto all within the Church, Job, $. 1 6. though not received by all, Job. t. 11. but by real Believers, who, by receiving Him, obtain a right unto Him, J$bm 3- 36. wich 1 Jobm 5, if, 12. and to all thofcexcellent faving privilcdges, which were parchafed by Him, Job. I. 12. So, whoever would receive this gift aright, muft receive Him as their head, to quicken them, to rule them, and to be reverenced by them: £or9&egay>e Him to be bead to the Cburcb. 2. The power and Superiority, which Chrift hath over His Church , chiefly , the invifible Church of reall Believers, as head, is of another kind than that which He hath over all other creatures befides, as being more intimate, amiable, and in a manner more native and natural, and accompanied with willing fub- jettion in His Church, T/i/. 1 10. 3-. even as the fupe- riority which the King's head hath over his own body, or his royal confort, being compared with that which he hach over his fubjefts, or rather his fubdued enemies? for, He gave Him to be bead oVer all to the Qhwrxb : 0\>er all, that is , in a fingular and eminent manner above the domination which He hath over all other creatures. 3. None in any fenfe can be an head to the Church, un- to whom the Church in that fame fenfe is not a body ; fo> that if the Church be not the Pope's body, the Pope cannot be the Churches head : fonthere is a reciprocati- on betwixt the head and body in this purpofe, as Chrift is the Churches head, fo the Church is His body; He ga^e Him to be bsad to the Cburcb, tobich is His body. 4. None can draw comfort from thofefweet relations of head, husband, king , &c which Chrift hath taken upon Him towards His Church, but they who ftand under a correfpondent relation towards Him , as being His body, fpoafe, and fubje&s, and who nuke confid- ence Chap.i.^ */Paul to ffoEpHESi ans. jf ence of fuch duties as each of thele relations do bind un- to: for, as Chrift is an head to the Church, fo the Church is His body ; Which it His body, faith he. $. As Chrift by taking upon Himfelt thofe relations towards HisChurch, which arefouad amongft men, doth ftand obliged untothof ducie* , which men are bound toby vertue of tuch relations. VfaL 23. 1 &c. So the Lord's People are allowed, add co mounded to learch unto the duties and priviledges following upon (uch relations among; men , and from thence to learn what to expefit from Chrift by vertue of that relation, and what honour and priviledges they do enjoy by ftanding under that relation to Chrift : for, from this, that Chrift and the Church ftand under the relation of head and body, the Apoftle inferreth that the Church hath this priviledge of being Chnft's fulnefife , even, astheflioulders, arms, breaft, belly, legs, and thighes, are the fulnefle of the na- tural body, fo that myftical Chrift made up of head and members , is not compleat and full without the Church, or the leaft Believer in the Church •, Which is HisMy,thefulmj(feofHm, faith he. 6. In fearching forth the grounds of thefe fimilitudesor relations, taken from amongft men, whereby Chrift fetteth forth to our capacity what Hehimfelf is to His People, we would carefully guard, left by preffing them too far, we afcribe any thing to Chrift which is not according to the ana- logie of Faith, or in any mcalure dilhonourable to Him: for,2W, having ftretched-for»h that fimilitude of the head and body to tar as to infer thence, that the Church is the fulnefle of myftical Chrift* be carefully guardeth againft a miftakewhereby people might think, that then fome perfection were wanting in Chrift tobefupplyed by His Church, while he faith, that Cbnjlfitlttb all in all. 7. As even Believers in themfelves are empty creatures till they be filled, being deftitute of all good which thejfr may call their own, ^?m. 7. 18. and unable to help themfelves, if it were but with one right thought, 2 Cor. 3. 5« So there isafupply to the full of allxheir empti- ncfle J6 A brief Sxfofttlon of the Epifile Chap.j; neffc in Chrift, who is made of Qpd unto them, wiP- dom , righteoufneffe , fanftification> and redemption, i Cor. i.go. and communicateth largely and to the full of His own fulneffc, unto fuch as are (enfible of their own emptineffej ob.i.i6. P/*/.8i.-to. ioxfiejiHttballinalL 8 Before that Chrift do thus fupply our emptinefs out of His own fulne(s,He muft firft be in us,and united to us by faith,f ^.3.17. for, He i$.i» all whom He filleth j He filletb allin all. CHAP. II. IN the firft part of this Chapter, the Apoftle doth commend the dodtrine of falvation by free- grace, firft, from the confederation of that mifery* under which, not only the Ephcfians and other Gentiles were before converfion ; as being fpiritually dead, ver.i. following the corrupt cuftom of the world, and Satan's fuggeftions, v. 2.^ but even the Jews alfo , as being in- flaved to their own corrupt lufts, v.*. Secondly,from the confideration of that delivery from fin and mifery,which was common to then* both. And, firft, he mentioneth the firft fountain and internal impulfive caufe of that de- livery , to wit, God's free-grace, ver.>4* Secondly! the feyeral branches of it, as their quickning in the wjiy of grace, vcr. 5. the refurre&ion of their bodies, and their glorification in heaven, ver. 6. Thirdly, the final caufe of this delivery, to wit, the manifefting of God's rich grace, ver. 7. And, fourthly, hecleareth, and proveth they were faved only by grace, by removing all ,other things inconfiftent with grace from having influence upon our falvation : And that, firft, generally, ver. 8. jguid then particularly, their good works : becaufe, firft, T>therwife they (houldhavc had matter of gloriatioo in themfelves, as to this purpofe , the contrary whereof is intended by God> vcr. $>• Secondly, power to do good vwks Chap. 2. o/Paul to the Ep h e s i a n s . 77 works was given them in regeneration ; So that though they be neceffary* yet they are not meritorious, ver. 10. In the fecond part of the Chapter, he maketh a more particular application of the former purpofe unto the Ephefians, and in them to all the Gentiles. And, firft, he layeth forth that mifery, which was in a great pare peculiar unto themes they were Gentiles ; and this both more generally, ver. IX- and more particularly in five feveral branches, ver* 12. Secondly, he dedareth their prefent happy eftate of nearnefs to God and His Church through Chrift, briefly, veM?. and explaineth more fully that Chrift was the peace-maker, and in order to His making peace had aboliftied the ceremonial Law, ver. I4> 1 J- and (heweth a twofold neceflity of Chrift's fo doing, both for uniting of Jew and Gentile in one Church, ver. -15. And for reconciling both of them to God, ver. 16. Thirdly, he (heweth that this benefit of nearnefle was published, and a&ually communicated unto them by the preaching of the Gofpel , ver. 17. which he proveth from the acceffe which both Jew and Gentile had to God, ver. 181 And laftly,he concludeth from what is faid, that the Ephefians were now in a bleffed ftate, comparing the whole Church to a city, a family, ver. 19. and to a ftately edifice founded upon Chrift, ver. 10, 21. And (hewing they were a part of this building , ver. 22, Verf. 1 . rf&dyou bath He quickened "toho toere dead in tref. ** pajfes and fins. THe Apoftle ( being yet further, to eftabliffi tbofe Ephefians in the doftrine of falvation by free grace in Chrift , and for this end, to fet forth the happinefle of that eftate, in which free grace had placed them) (heweth the mifery of their former eftate before co nverfion, even that they were dead not naturally, but fpiritually; there being nothing of that fpirkuallife in them which qonfiftcth in the union of the foul with God 7 8 tA brief Expofititn of the Epiftle Chap. J* God, Job. 5. 40. and in a vertue and power of the foul* flowing from this union, to do thofe things which are fpiritually good, and acceptable unto God/ Job. i y. y. even as the natural life confifteth in the union of the foul with the body, whereby the man is inabled to move* fpeak, and do fucn o;her afchons as arc competent to that life, fo chat their fpiricual deadneffe doch fpeak a ie- paration from God 'rfal 5 3. $. and total inability ta do any thin? which is fpintually good, %>m. 8 7. The efficient and formall caufe of which death he (heweth ta have been their hs and trefyi/Jes : whereby under two .words ufed indifferently in Scripture to exprefle one and the fame thing , and both of them in the plural numbcr> isfet forth the multitude of fins under which they lay in this their dead condition, as their original fin, their aftuaifins > finsofomiflion, commjifion, and efpecially their manifold idolatries, which are chiefly pointed at, as thofe fins, wherein, not only the Ephefians, but the world in general did wallow before Chrift came in the fleffi, Ait. 17. 29, 30. Hence Leant, 1. It is not fufficienc that the Servants of Jef us Chrift do only preach privi- ledges* and hold-forth unto Believers that happy eft ate unto which they are lifted-up through Chrift ; It is ne- ceffary alfo« that joyntly herewith, they be calling them to minde their wofulL miferable and loft eftate by na- ture; that, the one being fee foregainft the other, both may more clearly appear in their own colours, and that thofe dangerous rocks of growing vain becaufe of what they now are ( 2 Cor* 12.7.) and of turning difcouraged and diffident, Decaufe of what they once were (^fil- 2?. 7.) may beefchewed : for, the Apoftle,in the prcceeding chapter, having fpoken much of thofe high privlledges unto which the Ephefians were advanced by Chrift, he doth here minde them of that miferable ftate wherein God found them ; And you *tobo f^ere dead in fins and treFfraiJh. a. There is nothing contributcth more to commend the doctrine of free grace to peoples confei- ences, and fo to commend it,as to njake them clofely ad- here 1 Chapii. of Vim tothchtHEtiAHS. j? here unto it, both in profeflion and praftice, than the (erious perpending of mans wofull,and altogether hopc- leffe eftate by nature : This alone would do much to fcatter all that mitt, whereby humane reafon doth ob- fcure the beauty of this truth, by extolling man's free will as a co-worker with grace, %w. 3. 19, 20* and would neceflitate the loftfinner to imbrace ic , and to venture his otherwife hopelefle falvation upon it, 1 T%m. 1. 15. for this is the Apoftle's fcope through this whole Chapter, even , from the consideration of the wofull eftate of thofeEphefians before converfion, to illuftratc this do&rine of falvation by free graces and to confirm them in it ; And ycu tobo toere dead in (ins and trefyajfes. 3. Believers in Jefus Chrift are not to look upon their loft and raiferable eftate by nature feparately, and apart from, but joyntly with , God's free grace and mercy, which hath delivered them from that mifery ; for other- wife the thoughts of fin and mifery may, if God {hould give way, fwallow them up, Mat.ij. 4, 5. Hence is it the Apoftle hath fo contrived his difcourfe here, that all- alongs,while he fpeaketh of their mifery in the firft three verfes,the mind of the Reader is kept in fufpenfc without coming to the perfeft dofe of a fentence, untill Gods mercy in their delivery from this mifery be mentioned, ver. j. for, the Original hath not thefe words, be bath quicfyned, in thisverfe: but the Tranflators have taken them from ver.$. to make up the fenfe,without fufpend- ing the Reader fo long untill he (hould find them in their own proper place ; And you tobo 'toerc dead fire . 4. Every man by nature, and before converfio^ is dead, not toftn% (■for that is proper to the Regenerate only. Sce^ow.6. 2. where the grammatical* conftruftion is the fame in the Original with that which is here ) only the fenfe is much different ) but in Jin, whereby he is wholly deprived of all ability and power to convert himfelf, %om. 9. 16, or to do any thing which is fpiritually good, %w. 8. 7. for, while he faith, the Ephcfians were dead in fins, be- fore God did quicken them, he fpeaketh of a thing com- mon So A brief Expo fttio* of the Spiftle Chap, il mon to them with others, and therefore he reckoncth himfelf and the other believing Jews with them, ver. 3. And you v$ko toere dead in fins. 5. As the fountain- caufe of this jpiritual death was Adam's fin, in whom all have finned* fym, 5. 12. through the merit of whole fin imputed to us, we are deprived of original righteoufnefs, !%w. 7. 18. and a perverfe inclination unto all evil hath come in ks place, Gen. 6. 5. So every mans own parti- cular aftual fins do lay him lower under this ftate of death , and make his delivery from it more dtficuk, Jer. 1 %. 23. for , faith he , ft toere dead in fins and trefpajfes : under which are comprehended > as we Chew, both their original and actual fins* VerC 2. Wherein in time pafi ye xnalfyd according to the lotirfe of tbu Tirorld% according to the p>inct of the potter of the air, tbejptrit that wolfe ^orf^eth in the cbtldren of difobedtence* UE proveth they were thus dead in finj and trefpafles * from their walking in, and making a daily trade of fin, without ftrivins againft it, or any through rcmorfe for it : which wohill walk of theirs he doth illuftrate from two guides, which they followed , and by which they were carried-on , and incouraged in their finfult courfe. The firft was, the univetfal corrupt courfe and cuftom of the toorld ( that is, of wicked men in the worM, 9/al.ij. 14.) in all ages, which had become a Law for them to walk by ; The fecond guide was Satan, who is here called a prince ; not only , becaufe there beine a number of thofe unclean fpirits. they are joyned as one politick body among themfHves under one, who is as prince and head of the reft, Mat. 1 24 24. and 2 $. 41. but alfo and mainly, becaute of that power which all the Devils, and chiefly their head and prince, have over wicked men in the world, Job. 14. 30. 2 Cor. 4. 4. even over the children of difobedience , which princely power of his, is defcribed from the phce* where by God'* per- miffion Chap. il of Paul t$ the E P h b s i a k s "] St miflton he doth exercife it, to wit, the region of the air ; he doth exercife it alfo in the earth, and hell, I Pet. 5. 8. and therefore thefe muft not be here excluded > but ra- ther included, as being below the region of the air. It is defenbed alfo from the fubjefts of his kingdom, to wit* thofe, who are not only fo obftinate in evil, that they cannot be perfwaded by any means to relinquifb it ( as the word in the Original, rendred difobedience, implyeth) but alfo are judicially given over to difobedience, and fully under the power of it, which is expreffed, while they are called children of difobedience , according to the cuftom of the holy language , whereby thofe, who are fully given over, and under the power of any vice, are faid to be the children of that vice, Hof 2. 4. concern- ing which obftinat finners the Apoftle affirmeth that the fpirit of Satan did unceffantly and without intermiflion work moft powerfully in them, by driving them unto all manner of evil without any ft ay or hinderance. See Jok%%. 41, 44. KJ>oU. 1. The depth of man's natural! mifery is fo great, that even the renewed Children of God cannot reach it at one view> nor be fufficiently convinced of it, until the Word of the Lord do frequent- ly inculcate and lay it forth in itswofull parcels, yea, and bear- in upon them the truth of it by moft con-^ vincing reafons, taken from their own fenfe and ex- perience : for, the Apoftle, fpeakmg to the converted Ephffians, feeth a neceflity, not only to declare in the general that they had been dead in fins and trefpaffes, but alfo to prove it was fo, and to point- forth that wofoll death at large in this verfe; Wherein in time paft ye V>al{ed, &c. 2. Though even the Regene- rate have a body of fin and death dwelling in them* tym. y. 24. and do lometimes a<5tually fall in fin , yea* even very groffe fins, 2 Sam. 1 1. 4. and 12. 9, yet thef do not walk in fin, that is, fin is not to the Child of God, as the way to the travellor, fo as to make it his daily trade and imployment, T/i/# 1. 1 . or, to fin with- out any relu&ancy flowing from a (pirkuall principle F asainft 82 A brief Expo fitio* of the Epiftle Chip, i againftthat which he knoweth to be fin, Gal. 5,17. And fo, as to walk after fin, by making fin, and fuggeftions to fin his guide, whom he doth willingly follow, %w. 8. -1. although fin mayconqucr> and carry him as an unwilling captive, ^prn. 7. - 14 ere. for, Vaul maketh their walking in fin an argument to prove that they weredeadinfin, and therefore it cannot fall upon the Regenerate } Wherein in time Qaftye *toalf{ed. 3. Such is the power of converting grace, tnat it caufes men change their former way and courfe , though they have been never fo much rooted in ic, and habituated to it : for, while he (z\th,Whereinin time pafi ye talked, he implyeth there was a change wrought, and that they did not fo walk in the time prefent- 4. While Scripture affirmeth that Chrift hath taken away the fins of the world, Job. I. -29. and is a propitiation for the fins of the whole world, 1 Job. 2. 2. it is no cogent argument to prove, that Chrift hath died for ail and every one in the world ; feing the word fror/t/doth not alwayes* when mentioned in Scripture, comprize all who are in the world, bun muft be aftri&ed to the univcrfaiity of fome certain kind of people in the world, as the nature of the purpofe in hand will bear : for,hcre the TNrW, whole courfe the un- converted Ephefiansdid follow,muft be the toorld of un- renewed men only, and cannot be extended fo,as to com- prehend the godly and renewed, who were alfo in the world • Te iral\ed according to the courfe of this nor Id. $. The Lord is fo far from being moved with t\t merit or worth of thofe, whom He doth convert, to beftow converting grace upon them , rather than on others , whom He leaveth in their unconverted ftate, that He maketh this grace of His to fall upon fuch as tfre in no relped better than thofe whom He palTeth by : for,thofe Ephefians before converfion talked auording to the courfe of this Korldy that is, they were behind with none in fin and wickedneffe. 6. As the generall corrupt cuftom and example of thofe with whom we live, or who have lived in the former ages of the world before us,is a ftrong incke- Chap. 2. of Paul to the Ep h b s I an S. 83 incitement and fuffieient cxcufe in the minds of many to follow the multitude in doing evil without further en- quiry y So it argueth a man to be yet in an unrenewed cftate.whcn he maketh the example of others the higheft rule> according to which he walketh, and laboureth to conform himfelf unto it more than to the will of God : for, the Apoftlcfheweththe general cuftom andcourfe of the world,was the rule by which they walked, and an encouragement to them in their walk > and maketh this an argument to prove they were then dead in fins and trefpaffes ; Wherein ( faith he ) in timepaft ye 'toalkgd ac- cordtngto the courfe of tbtiVoortt. 7. All men in their unrenewed ftate, are very fla vcs to Satan, whofe wofull motions and fuggeftions they follow, and whom they refemble and imitate in their fin and wickednetfe : for, fo much is implyed, while he faith, They talked according to the prince of the poVoer of the air, that is, the Devil. 8. Though the Devils and fallen Angels have alwayes an hell, horror and torment in their confcience when- ever they are , 2 T^. 2. 4. yet they are not alwayes in hell, that place oi torment, which is prepared for Devils? and Reprobates, Mat. 25. 41. they are alfo prefent in the earth and air, and there through divine permiffion have no fmall power, even fo great, as they are able to move the elements, bring down fire upon earth, J oh 1. i<5, raifeftorms.Jct 1.19. to frnice mens bodies with feveral difeafo,/^ 2.7, yea, and to take away the lives of men ( Job 1. 29.) and beafts* Mar\ 5, 13. which power of theirs in itsexercife, is alwayes over- ruled and limited by God, Job I.T2- and 2. 6, in fo far>asHismoft holy and over-ruling providence dc:h thereby bring about His own delign and purpoie,. which is either to execute deferved judgment upon the wicked, Mar\ 5. 13, 17. or, to exsreife and try the godly, Jobj.u, &C. for, Sa- tan is called Prince of the po^er of the air, that is, wha hath power in the air. 9, As the Devils are of afpi- ritual nature and fubltance , and cannot be feen by bo- dily eyes, but when they appear cloathed with bodies, F a whicfe 84 A brief Sxf option of the Epiftle Chap.*. which belong not naturally unto them,but for a time arc affumed by them, I Sam. 28, 14. So, the way by which Satan doth impart his temptations unto us, is not al- wayes fenfible, but often unperceivable by the outward fenfes ; he doth moft certainly tempt to fin , and yet the tempted finner perceiveth him not : for, as this fpiritual and unperceivable way of tempting doth follow upon his fpirituall and immateriall iubftance ; So alfo the words, rendred tbejpiritjkkicbnorfytb, may relate either to his nature>as being fpiritual,or to his way of working, while he tempteth, to wit, by way of infpiration and a kind of breathing*, the words may be fo conftru&ed as to bear cither,though the firft be mainly intended; Tbejpirit that noto Ttoorfytb, or, bujpirit noto ^orkjng0 10. Though there have been, and yet are fome fair flourifhes of praif- worthy vertues and aftions feemingly good in men un- renewed, %om. 2. 14. yet every unrenewed man , and chiefly thofe who are come to age and underftanding , are very flaves to fin, and foaddifted totheaftualfer- vice, though not of all and every fin in particular (for, that were impoflible) yet of fome one idol or other, whe- ther of their pleafure, profit, or credit ; that they cannot but go on in the fervice of it, without all poffibility of being reclaimed by any created ftrcngth : for , fo much is implyed, while unregenerate men are called children of difobedunce, that is, men addi&ed and given over to difbbedience, fothat they cannot be perfwaded to re- linquifli it. 1 1. Satan's way of working in, and with obftinate godlcffe finners, is moft efficacious and power- full : he cannot indeed work any change upon the will, by creating new principles or habits in it, which before were not, as God doth, Jerm 51. 33. but,he can not only tempt to fin, by propounding aluring baits and obje&s to the outward fenfes, or inward fanfie , which he may do to any man, whether good or bad, zSam. 1 1. 2. but alfo, when God judicially givcth over a finner unto Sa« tan, withdrawing even His reftraining grace from him. Then doth Satan multiply his temptations without any inter- Cfiap. 2." o/Vml to the Ep h e s i am s ^ Sj intermiffion > ufeth the utmoft of created endeavours* whereby* and through God's up-giving the (inner for- merly mentioned, and becaufe of the feed and root of all fin, which is in the (inner by nature, there is no fort of wickedneffe, unto the afting whereof Satan will not gee him willingly driven and carried : for,faith \\t>Tke]}irit tobicb wot* (that is,even in the mean time, conftantly,and without intermitting the (horteft moment, or nov?) Work^ etb in the children of difobedience j the word doth (ignifie to work with pith and efficacy ♦ 12. Though even the godly are not free from being tempted by Satan ; yea, noj; yet from yeelding fometimes to his temptations > I Cbron. 21. 1 , 2* yet, he doth not work efficacidufly in them, and fo, as is defcribed il^the former Do6trine : for, he aftrifteth this way of Satans working to unrege- nerate men ; The fyirit that ncfo Vor{etb- tn tbe children of difobedience. Verf. %.Ammg V>bom alfo'toe bad all our confer fation in times paft9 in tbe lujls of ourflefb, fulfilling tbe defires of the fi ft, and of tbe mind, and Vcere by nature tbe children of toratb,e}>en Mothers. HTHe Apoftle doth now apply this Do&rine to the Jews, of whom he himfelf was one ; and therefore he defigneth them by the pronoun, We, and affirmeth _ them to have been before converfion equally miferablc * with the Gentiles. In doing whereof, and that he may more fully explain this Do&rine of man's mifery, he flieweth, foft, That even they had their converlacion among thole children of difobedience, as being no leffe obftinatdfjebellious againft God, than the difobedicne Gentiles, following the luftsy or the fir ft motions and fudden flafhes of their inbred corruption ( here called fiefh) which,ftowing from tAdams firft fin, hath infe&ed his whole pofterity (Chrift alone excepted, 2 Con J- 21 -) and featcd it felf in all the powers and faculties of their fouls and bodies, even the understanding and will noc F 3 bt'mg $6 Abricf Sxpoption of the S fifth Chap. 2; being excepted, %w. 8.7, Col.i. -18. for, fo is the word fiejf? ufually taken in the New Teftament, Job. 3, 6. GaU 5. I ?, 16. Now, all corruption and fin, even that which is in the mind, is called frfh ; becaufe it is conveyed by flefhly generation, J oh, 3. 6. the flefhly members of the body are the instruments whereby all is executed, %om. 6. 19. and every fin draweth the man from God to things earthly and fleflily. Secondly, he fubdivideth this inbred corruption of thrir natures into two heads, firft, the flefhy particularly (b called, whereby, as it is di- ftinguiflied from flefh before mentioned, and oppofed to the mind fpoken of afterwards, muft be meancd that corruption, which is feated in theinferiour part of the foul, to wit, the fenfual appetite ; and next, the mind, whereby is meaned the moft noble faculties of the foul, to wit, the will and underftanding, in (b far as they are alfo corrupted* Concerning both which he affirmeth, that even the Jews in their unconverted ftate were ful- filling their wills and defires ; by which de fires of the flefh, as they are diftinguiftied from the Iufts of the flefh formerly mentioned , are meaned their deliberate and fixed resolution to follow thofe lufts and fuggeftions of corrupt flefh, which accordingly he fheweth the^did fulfill and accomplifh to die utmoft. And, thirdly, he pointeth at the root and fountain- caufe of this thejr mi- serable flavery and fubje&ion to fin in the lufts and de- fires therof, even their natural fin and mifery, whereby they were from nature • that is> from their very cradle, birth and conception, children offtrath, as being by rea- fon of their original fin lyable to the ftrqjjte of God's eternal wrath , and as much lyable to it ast&e Gentiles were. ®oB. 1. There is not any piece of^Minifter's task wherein he hath more need of a fpirit of wifdom and impartiality, than when he is about the reproof of fin, and the difcovery ot peoples vilenefle by reafon of their wickedneffe ; left, if herein he refpeft perfons, thofe whom he refledls upon moft, be irritate, as concei- ving thcmfelves to be unequally dealt vvith, and left others, Gbap.2. of Paul /* the Ephesians^ 87 othcrs,co whom he doth apply that convincing do&rine, neither (o direftly, nor with fuch an edge and vehemen- cie, be puft up in their own conceit above others : for, the Apoftle holdeth- forth the reft of what he hath to fpeak upon this fubjeft of mans mifery by nature, in the perfon of the Jews ; left either the Gentiles had been irritated, or the Jews puffed up | Among whom Ke all alfo had our confer fatim. 2. Whatever differences may be among unregenerate men as to things civil, externals in Religion , or the particular fins unto which they are inflaved ; yet all of them are alike vile in God's fight, children of difobedienee, in whom Satan ruleth and worketh : in (b far as they are all walking in the lufts of theflefh following inbred corruption as their guide, and obeying it in fome one or o:her of its lufts : for, though there was neither civil commerce, nor religious fellowftiip betwixt the Jews and Gentiles, Job. 4. 9, though the Jews had many external religious privileri- ges which the Gentiles did want, 'fytn. 9, 4, 5. and though fome both of Jews and Gentiles were not en* flaved to fuch vile and flefhly lufts, as others were, fbil. 3. -6. yet £W pronounces of himfclf and all of them, thatjthey were children ofdifobedience-becaufe one way or other they followed the lufts of the ffefti; among fbkm alfo "foe all bad our eonVerfation in the lujh eftbefl.fh* 3» They* who in their unconverted eftate have led a blamelefle life before the world ( and therefore have thought their condition abundantly good, Tbitip. 3. 7-) will, when converting grace cometh, fee themklvesto have been as vile and wretched as any. Thcv will not only fee, that nothing they did was tosly good and ac- ceptable to God, as not being done in taith, Heb. 1 1 , 6*. but alfo that the root of all fin was in them, budding out without any. check or reftraint, except fromvefpeCt to felf-intereftj credit pleafure or advantage, Mat. 14. j. and that the more Wameleffe they were before the world, fpiritual pride did abound the more, tfhty* :* 7- and fo wre moreloathfom toGod,7^?»*4. 6. for}P^vvhoTe F 3 life S 8 A brief ExpofUion of the Spiftle Chap, a life, even in his unrenewed eftate,was blamelefle* Philip. 3. -6. being now converted, affirmeth of himfelf as well as of others, Among "tohorn alfo Tfce all in time pajl had our conVerfation in the lufts of the flefh. 4. As the unregene- rate man is powerfully tempted by Satan, and ftrongly encouraged by the common cuftome and example of others to fin againft the Lord ; So there is a corrupt na- ture within him , which maketh him readily entertain thofe external incitements , yea, and which would make him do mifchief, though there were not a devil to tempt, nor any evil example to be followed ; and therefore none of thofe allurements and temptations to fin from without, though never fo tirong , doth excufe the (inner; feing they are no more ready to tempt than corrupt na- ture in him is willing to be tempted : for, the Apoftle, having fpoken of two guides of a natural man's finfull courfe, which are without him,the cuftom of the world, and Satan's fuggeftions, ver. 2. headdethhere a third, which is within Jiim> and as forward as any of the for- mer ; We, faith he, had our confer fation in the lufts of the flrfl>. 5. The whole man, both foul and body, is in- fected with fin by nature, fo that not only the fenfual part, but even his will and undcrftanding are corrupted by it, there being not only ignorance, but alfo miftakes of God and good in the underftanding, 1 Cor. 1. 23. a crooked perverfneflc and averfnefle from that which is fpiritually good, in the will, ^ow. 8.7. for, Paul tec- koneth even the mind, to wit, as it is corrupted, to be a part of flefh: fulfilling the defires of the flefh ^ and of the mind. 6. There are Feveral degrees of fin, whereof, as the latter doth carry fin a ftep further on towards the height* than the former; fo the former maketh way for the latter : for, firrt, there is flefh , or the very inbred corruption of our natures. Secondly, Lufts of the flefh, thefe are the firft motions of inbred corruption towards unlawful! objefts, and fuch as go before deliberation and advice, and arc forbidden, in fo far as they relate to pur neighbour; in the tenth Command. Thirdly, the de- • fires Chap. a. o/Paul to the Ep h b s i ah s I $9 firesyot wills of the fle(h,wbich arc fomewhat more>even the hearts through- confenc to thevfinfull motion, and a fixed resolution to aft it after deliberation and advice, and is that kind of luft fpoken-of, Matth. 5. 28. And, laftly, the fulfilling thofe wills and defires of the fltfh, that is, theaftual committing of fin (o reiolvcd upon. 7. Every unregenerate man, come to age and difcretion, is a flave to fin in all the fore- mentioned degrees ; for, Paul affirmeth here of himfelf, the Jews and Gentiles before con verfion, that not only fle/h was in them, which did luft after unlawfull obje&s , but that thofe lufts did come the length of fixed re folut ions and defires > yea, and that they did fulfill and accomplish them : for, though civilians do not fulfill the iufts of the fkflily ap- petite ; yet they fulfill the defires of the mind by their pride, vanity of fpirit, felf-feeking and fuch like; We all bad our conVerfation in the Infls of thefleft, fulfilling the defires of the fieft> and of the mind, 8. As all men are guilty of original fin by nature, and from the firft mo- ment of their conception, T/i/. 51. 5. and therefore, in the courfe of divine juftice, liable to the ftroke of God's vindi&ive wrath and anger, and this by nature alfo; So the miiery of unregenerate men is never fufficiently feen, untill it be traced up to this bitter root and foun- tain, even the fin and miiery wherein they were born : for, his faying they were children of wrath by nature, implyeth they were alfo finners by nature ; feing wrath dcth alwayes follow upon fin, and this he referveth laft, as that which was the root, fountain and head- ftone of all their mifer y ; And toere by nature the children of \trath . 9- Though thofe, who are borne within the vifible Church, have a right to Church- priviledges even from their birth, and by nature, which others have not (See G*l.2.yer.i$.!D$ttmi.) yet all men, whether born with- in, or without the Church, are alikci^y nature, as to the point of original fin inherent in all, and the defert of God's wrath following upon that fin , which wrath is due to all: fori faith he, (peaking of the Jews, Wertere b 90 A brief Expefition efthe S fifth Chap, i by nature the Minn of toratb, elf en en when We Were dead in (ins> bath quieted us together Kith Cbrift* ( h grace ye arcfaVed ) HTHe Apoftle, having already fet forth that miferable "* ftate, wherein both Jew and Gentile were by na- ture, and before converfion , he doth in the fecond place hold forth their delivery from that wofull ftate, and that in fuch a lively, ravifhing and comprehenfive ftrain of fpeech, as might not only inform their judgments, but alio work upon their affe&ions to imbrace and adhere untothofe truths which he here delivereth, according to his intended fcope. And, firft, (ver. 4J he declareth God to have been the prime author and efficient caufe of their delivery, whom he calleth rich in mercy, to (hew that He was a&ed herein, not from their worth, but Hrs own abundant mercy , which attribute of mercy doth fpeak His favour and good-will, with relation to His Peoples miferie. And withall, he (heweth that it was only His great and ancient love towards them, which fet His mercy on work in order to their delivery. Next (Verf 5.) having refumed what he (poke of their miferable cafe, ver. 1. ( but fo, as he applyeth what was there fpok^n of the Gentiles only, unto himfelf and the other Jews, according to what was held forth, ver. 3. ) he propoundeth the firft branch of their delivery, to wit, God's quieting of them together With Chrijiy whereby is meaned the Lord's work of regeneration,and beftowing upon them a fpiritual life of grace, in oppofition to that fpiricual death formerly fpokenof, together with all thofe benefits which accompany and flow from regene- ration in this life. And they are fa id to havebeen quickned with Chrift, though not in their own perfons, ( for they were fo quickned a long time after Chrift's re- furre#ion3 Chap. 2. $fVm\to *£f Ephes i ans. pi furre&ion, in their tffc&ual calling ) but they were then quickned in their head and atturney Jeius Chrift, whofc quickning after death was a fure pledge that they, every one in his own time, fhould be quickned alfo, I Cor. iy. 20. and that the vertue purchakd by Chrifts death, ^ow. 8. 11. and to be applyed unto them by Him? who is now alive, and livcih for evermore for that end, Hebm 7. 25. AndthereforetheApoftleexpreffcthCods blow- ing of this Spiritual life upon them, by His quickning them with Chrift. And before he mention the other pieces of their delivery, he doth in the dole of this verf. afcribe the whole work of their falvation to Gods free grace, which is the fame ineffedt with His mercy and love fpoken of, ver. 4. Only it further exprefieth che freedom of thofe, in oppoiition to any merit or worth in the perfons to be faved,which might procure their fal- vation. tiott. 1. TheMinifters of Chrift would not only inculcatethe doctrine of fiu and rnifery, but, ha- ving infifted fo much upon thh fubjedt as may ferve to bring down that high conceit which people naturally have of their own righteoufnefTc, and to convince them of their need of J efus Chrift a Saviour, Then is ic ti- mous for them to open up the riches of Gods free grace and good will, tofave the vileft of finners, and what He hath freely done for bringing about falvation to thejr hand: for. the Apoftle, having fet forth unto the life the natural mifery of thofe Ephefians, doth now open- up the rich trcafures of Gods free grace in Chrift; ®«< God y^bo i6 rich in mercy. 2. The Lords Miniftcrs when they fall upon this fubjeft of Gods delivering loft (inner s from their natural ftateeffin and mifery throueh Chrift, they would labour to fpeak to it fo fully, affe&ionatly, fcnfibly, and with fuch life and power, as that chey may not only inform the underftandings of the Lords People in thofe truths, but alio inflame their affe&ions with love to them, and admiration at the wifdom, mercy, goodneffe and other attributes of God manifefted in this work: for, fo doth the Apoftle fpeak of this purpofe, not 9t A brief Sxpo ft tion of the Epiftle Chap." £• not fimply by faying God hath quickned us, but G$d Ifobo is rich in mercy, according to His great loVe, and (b for- ward in the two following vcrfcs. 5. There is nothing concributeth more to inable a Minitterto (peak to the commendation of God'* free grace in the falvationof finners with that fulneffe, (enCc> life and affe&ion, as he ought, than a deep infight in his own mifcry, and the great need which he himfelf doth rtand in of God's mercy : for, Paul, in the third verfe fore- going, doth (hew how fenfible he was of the depth and breadth of his own mifery ; hence he doth here (peak fo folly and movingly to the prefent purpofc : ButGod fybois rich in mercy ^c. 4. The quickning of finners, and drawing them out of nature unco grace is only God's work, there being no leffe required for bringing this about, than om- nipotent creating power ; See ver. 10. And there being not only no principle left in man, who is by nature dead in fins and trefpaffes, whereby he might work or concur with God in working towards his own quickning, !%»♦ 9. \6. but alfo much tooppofe and refift it, 2 Cor. 10. 5. So that in the firft inftant of his converfion, and untill a new heart be given him, and the feeds and habits of fa- ving graces inftifed in himy he is wholly paflive, as to any aftual influence upon the effeft which is wrought, Jer.gr. 3 3. for, Paul here, condcfcending upon thecaufe of their quickning, doth pitch, not upon their own free will in whole» or in part, but upon God only, while he faith , $ut God V>bo is rtcb in mercy— bath quickned mm 5. This attribute of mercy in God, whereby without any grief or perturbation of mind, ( which accompa- nied men in the exercife of mercy ) he hath a propen- fion and inclination to do good tothefinfull and mise- rable, fo far as His wifdom feeth convenient, is the only thing in oppofition unto all that is in a mans (elf whieh moveth God to quicken and beftow grace upon dead and graceleffe (tuners : for, the Apoftle, fpeakingof God's quickning of thofe Ephefians, defcribeth Him from His mercy, to (hew it was not their worth, but His own Chap.2. of Paul to the E* a s s i a n s. 93 own mercy > which moved Him to quicken them ; ®ut God *toho is rich inmcrcy—batb quietened m. 6. As God is rich and overflowing in the exercife of this at- tribute of mercy , which will appear, if we confidcr that there is no creature towards which He doth not exercife His mercy, VfaL 104*24. and that mercy is exercifed> not only without, but alfo often contrary to the defer- ving of thofe upon whom it is exercifed, £3*4.36.31, 32. fo there is nothing wherein God doth more mani- feft the riches and abundance of His mercy, than in the work of quickning dead finners, andof carrying-on the work of grace in them, untill it be perfe&ed in glory. Themifery (£^- 16. 3,&c. ) and bad defervings of the objett, (Jer. 14.7.) the great good things which arc beftowedupon thole miferable objefts, (Lukfit* 3**) the courfe taken for fatisfymg divine juftice, that fo thofe Rood things might be, without wronging of juftice, be- llowed, ( Job. 3. 16.) and the multitude of fins, which mercy covercth in thofe objeSb , not only before thcif converfion, (If a. 55. 7.) but alfo after it, ¥roV. 24. 16. All thefe. and many confederations befides thefe, do ma* niftft God to be rich in mercy in quickning of dead fin- ners •, But God "tobo is rub in mercy— batb qukkped mm 7* The higheft caufe which moveth God to manifeft this His rich and fpecial mercy upon any of loft man- kind, and from mercy to quicken them, and beftow His faving graces on them, was His love towards them r which is no other than His will and refolution to impart thofe good things unto them, together with His hearty acquiefcence in the thing> as that wherewith He is well pleafed. He did it becaufe He would do it, refolved to do it, and had pleafure in the doing of it : for> faith he, GodTbbo is rich in mercy for His great lo\>e~batb quictyedus. 8. As God's love towards thofe whom He converteth doth not begin when they are converted,but is of a more ancient, even an eternal rife3chap.i«4« So it is not an or- dinary, but a great love wherewith He loveth them. The infinit diftance betwixt Him and them (P/W.8. 4.) His {oving 94 AbriefExpofttioK of the Spijfle Chap, i loving them when they wer£ yet enemies, ( %om. y. 8. } the great things beftowed by His love ( ^om. 5, 6, 7, S.) and His unchangeablenefle in His love, , even notwith- standing of great provocations to the contrary, ffalm 89. ??• All thefe,and many befides chefe,do abundantly de- clare, that this love is a grear, wonderfull, and match - leffe love : for, faith he, for His great lo\>ey "tohere'toitb He lo^ed us. 9. The Lord hath bve to the Eledt, even when they are children of wrath, and liable in the cour(e of juftice to the ttroke of His vindi&ive anger: fori although God could not, with fafety of His own juftice, beftow Heaven upon them, when they were a&ually fuch ; yet nothing hindereth, why He might not love them being fuch, that is, have a will and fixed relblu- tion, even when they were liable unto wrath, to beftow Heaven upon them, having firft from that fame love given His own Son to deliver them from that ftate of wrath ; that fo what eternal love had refolved to give them, might be a&ually beftowed upon them, without doing injury to divine juftice : for, ver. %. he fheweth they were children of wrath , and here, that God loved them, and both thefe before He quickned them ; Where- *toitb He lo)>ed us , faith he, even in the by-paft time, io. The do&rine of our natural mifery* and fpirituall death through fin,is a leflbn moft neceflary to be learned, which we have no great pleafure to learn, and which we are prone to forget, as to a deep and lively irnprcf- fion of it, even when it is learned: for, theApoftle's repeating this doSfcrine, almoftin the fame words, by which he had cxprefled it, ver. 1. doth hint atall thefe; Even^hen fte ^ere dead in (tvs, faith he. II. There is no application of the doftrine of God's mercy in order to our delivery from fin and mifery, except the doftr ine% of fin and mifery be firft applied and taken with : for/ Paul, being to apply God's mercy in quickning finners, unto himfelf and his country-men the believing Jews, he doth firft apply the doftrine of natural fin and mifery unto them, while he doth now fpeak of himfelf and the Jews Chap. a. o/Pau! **/£e tocre dead infins> He bath quickjud us. 1?. The ftate of grace, which finners, dead by nature,arc brought unto at their converfion, and wherein they con- tinue untill death, is a ftate of life ; the fentence of eter- nall death which they were liable unto ( ver. -3 ) being taken off, ^m.8, 1. there being alfo new principles and powers infufed in them at their efteftuall calling, whereby they are enabled to do thofe aftions of a fpi- ritual life, E t^ef{. 36. 26, 27. which powers are alfo con- tinually aftuated and excited to their work by renewed influence from the Spirit of God, Philip. 2. 13. and ac- companied oftimes in their aftings with afiiirance of God's love(5fyw. 8. 16. ) peace of confeience (%cm. 5. 1,2.) and jny unfpeakable and full of glory, irrt.i.8. whereby alfo they have not only a right unto (Job.$. .16.) but alfo the firft fruits and begun pofleflion of eter- nall life, Job. 17. 3. for, the Apcfilc exprcfieth God's bringing them to, and continuing them in the ftate of grace by His quickning of them 5 bath quicktied m, faith ' he. 14. Though love and mercy in God do fet Him on work to quicken dead finners ; yec this work cannot be brought about or accomplifhed without che inter- vention of Chrift's merit and interceffion, who behoved to fatisfie divine juftice, and thereby acquire unto us thofe things which love and mercy had prepared for u$9 !/MM*' feing they were all loft in Adam, \om.$.i5f \6. and who, being now exalted, doth alfo apply them to us, Att. 5, 31. for, notwithftanding of what was faid (ver. 96 A brief Expo fition of the Epiflle Chap, ?.' (Ver. 4.) of God's mercy and love, as the inward impul- five caufes moving God co quicken them ; yet the Apo- ftle here (heweth, that their attualquickning had a nc- ceffary dependanceuponChrift's nrtrit and mediation, while he faith, He bath quickped m together rtitb Cbriji. 15. That Jefus Chrift behoved of necefltcy toftrike-in with His merit and mediation , hereby to acquire and apply faving grace and falvation unto us , doth in no- thing hinder, but that notwithstanding our compleat falvation, from the firft ftep unto the laft, doth wholly flow from God's free grace > feinp it was of grace that the Father did fend the Son to die for us, Job. 3. 16. It was of grace^hat the Son did undertake, Job. 15. 12, 1 3. And it is nolefle grace, that what He did or fuffered fiiould be accepted in our name, %2m* ?• H> 25. So that all is of grace and free good- will, as to us: for, the Apoftlc, having pointed at the necefluy of Chrift's me- diation, in order to their quickning, doth prelentlv adde, as in a parenthefis, by grace are ye fa\>ed. 16. There is an infallible connexion betwixt converting grace and falvation ; fo that all thofe, who are now converted and quickned, (hall be undoubtedly faved : for, what the Apoftle calleth quicfyed in the former part of the verfe, he calleth fated in the clofe* fo that he taketh the one for the other j He bath fuicfyed #*— $y grace are ye fated. Verf. 6. Jhdbatbraifedus up together, and made us fit together in beatenly places in Cbriji J efus. JJEre are the other two branches of their delivery, to * wit, firft, The raifing of their bodies at the laft day j for, their fpiritual refurredtion from the death of fin to newnefle of life was mencioned, ver. 5. Secondly,Thcir glorification in Heaven : both which are yet to come, 2 Tim. 2. 18. Mat. 2$. 34. And yet he fpeaketh of them as already paft , wsien the Facher railed and glorified Chrift i beqaule, feing Chrift, in His refurrc&ion and cntring | Chap, t ?. of Paul to the Ep h e s i a n %l 97 entering of heaven, did fuftain a publick perfon, repre- fenting alltheEleft, as their Head and Atturney-gene- rall, Job. 10. 15. Therefore He was judicially looked upon by God inthofe anions, as if all theEle&had rifen when He rofe> and taken poffeflTon of Heaven, when He did enter it : Hence it is, that in the clofe of theverfe it is added > inCbriJl, to (hew we are not yec raifed and glorified in our own pcrfons > but in Chrift our Head. And the Spirit of God doth choofe to fet forth their future refurreftion and glorification, by fhewing thefe are already aatomplifhed in Chrift their Head, rather than by faying , God (hall raife them up and glorifie them, that he may with one and the fame labour point out the dependence which their refurre&i- on and glorification have upon Chrifts , as the effeft upon the caufe , the thing promifed upon the pledge thereof, as alfo the undoubted certainty that thofe (hall come to pafle , a certainty greater than that of a fimplc predidtion and promife , even fuch certainty , as the giving of a pledge , and holding forth of an effe&uall and neceffary caufe do give for performance of the thing promifed ; for, Chrifts refurre&ion is both a pledge* ( 1 Cor. 1 5. 20.) and caufe of our refurreQion> %om* 8* 11. which holdeth alfo in His glorification. 2>0#. 1 . The fruits and efFe<9ts of Gods eternal love and! mercy, and of Chrifts merit toward the Ele&, are noc confined within this prefent life,but arc in a great part to have their accompltfhment after time > when the bodies of Believers (hall be raifed up in glory at the laft day, and they perfe£Uy glorified with Chrift in Heaven for ever : for, thofe two fruits of the Fathers love , arid of Chrifts merit, even the Refurre&ion and Glorification of Believers , are here expreffed , while it is faid, and bath raifed us up together , and made us fit together in bea~ Venly places. 2. Thofe, and thofe only (hall partake of *he refurreftion of the juft , which is to life everlafting* Job. j. 29- And (hall be glorified hereafter, whom God doth quicken by converting grace here i for, thole chtcd <3 pans 98 A brief Expofition of the Epiftlt Chap. 2. parts of the delivery of loft finners, are of equal latitude; He hath quickened us , raifed us u\>7 and made us fit in hea- venly places. 3. As it is a thing full of difficulty to be believed , that after worms have confumed this flefti of ours, it (hall be raifed up in glory, and that we, who are heirs of hell* and children of wrath , (hall one day reign with Chrift for ever ; fo thofe are things, not only fure in themfelves , but which the Lord would have converted and quickened Believers affured of; that fo their comfort under croffes might be more abounding, 2 Qor* 4, 14. with 1 6, 17, 18. and their courage againft death more ftrong , iTbeJff.^.i2. and that they in all things may live as becomcth thofe who not only (hall rife , and take pofleffion of glory in their own perfons, but alfo are already rifen and glorified with , and in Chrift their Head, Col. 3. 1, even by having their con- vention in Heaven , while they are yet upon earth, Philip. 3. 20. for, that they might be perfw*ded of their future refurreftion and glorification, the Spirit of God doth fpeak of them as already done, viz. in the fenfe given in the expofition; He hath raifed us up together , and made us fit together in heavenly places. Verf 7. That in the ages to come he might fhe^> the exceed- ing riches of hisgrace% in his fyndnefjc towards us through Chrift Jefus. 'T'He Apoftle, thirdly, propounded the final caufe, or x the end intended by God to be brought about by His gracious working, formerly mentioned, towards thofe Ephefians and firft Converts among the Jews, even that in all ages (ucceeding the prefent unto the end of the world, God might give an evident proof, 'and in- fallible demonftration ( for, fo much doth the word ren- dred Jbeft fignifiej of the exceeding riches of His grace,th*t is, how far the abundance of His mercy and favour to- ward finners doth exceed all expreffion and created com- prehenfion j the fetting forth whereof to the following ages, was intended by God? not only for His own glory M Chap. *. fl/Paul to the E* h e S i a n t. jg£ as chap. I. 12. -14. butalfo for the encouragement of all vile finners unto the worlds end, to draw nigh unto God for mercy in Chrift, as being animated hereto by this example and infallible evidence of the exceeding riches of Gods grace ; for fo doth the Apoftle more ful- ly explain his own meaning , 1 Tim.i. 16. And in the clofe of the verfe, he (heweth wherein that convincing evidence doth lye, by giving a fhort com prehenfive fura of all he hath fpoken from the beginning of the Chap- ter, even in God's kindnej]e> that is, all thofe effe6ts for- merly mentioned of His mercy, love and free grace, flowing from His good, gentle and bountifull difpofi- tion ; and thi>> towards them, whole mifery was formerly defcribed; and through Cbrijl, as the purchafer and ap- plier of all thofe. $>tiL i> As there is grace, yea riches and abundance of grace in God, even (uch as exceed all expreffion, 2$am.j. 20. all comprehenfion, Ifa> 55. 9, yea, and all the fins of crcatures> -fy»w. 5. 20, So, the more a man doth dwell upon this fweetfubjeft, his thoughts and apprehenfionsof it will be the more en- larged, and his expreffions alfo will in fome meafurego alongs with his thoughts: for, the Apoftle, having Be- fore ( ver. 4O exprefied it under the name of riches in mercy, and falling here upon the fame fubjeft again, his thoughts of it are more enlarged, and his expreflion doth rife accordingly ; fo that it is now, not only riches* but exceeding riches of his grace. 2. As it is a matter full of difficulty for thofe who are fenfible of their own vilencfs,to believe the exceeding riches of Gods grace to- wards loft finners,and to believe kefpecially with appli* cation unto themfelves, Act. 2.37. So, the particular in- ftances and examples of Gods mercy and grace towards others, have a peculiar fitneffe and efficacy in them to convince us, how exceedingly gracious God is, andfo to convince us, as we may be encouraged to draw nigh to that fame fountain of rich grace for pardon and life unto our felvcs, 1 Tim. xa6. a fitneffe beyond what is in the (imple do&rinal declaration of thofe riches of grace % Q * m 1 oo A brief Expofition of the gpijl/e Chap, i info far asthofe inftancesand examples do fpeak, not only that mercy and grace may be had, but that it hath been attained unto, and by thofe, who in allrefpetfs did judge themfelves, and were really a9' unworthy of it, as unable to lay hold upon it in the mean time* and tomakggoodufeofit afterwards, as we do judge our felves ; fo that the yce is broken,and the foord ridden be* fore us : for,theApoftlefteweth that God gave fuch in- fiances of mercy and grace in thofe primitive Chriftians, that he might Jheto forth, as it were,by demonftration and evidence, the exceeding riches of His grace, and this in or- der to the encouragement of others to venture their fal- vation upon that fame grace, as we fiiew in the Expo- fition. 3. The more finfull, miferable and wretched they are, to whom the Lord is gracious, there is the more convincing proof given of the exceeding riches of His grace, and fo a greater encouragement for thofe who are yet in their graceleffe ftate to roll themfelves over upon this His rich grace, and tocxpeft good from it : for, it was the quickening of fuch vile finners, whofe mifery is defcribed, ver. 1, 2. 5. which did tend to (hew forth the exceeding riches of His grace , which the Apoftle alfo hinteth at , while, (hewing wherein that convincing evidence did lye, he faith bis kjndnejfe towards u$: the word, us, isemphatick as to the purpose in hand. 4. It was a thing refblvedupon by God, re- vealed to His fervants, and accordingly made known by them to the Church, that the glorious light of the Gofpel , though oppofed by the fury and induftry of men and devils; yet fhould never be totally exftinft, but was to be preached, believed, and obeyed in fome places at leaft of the world throughout all ages to the worlds end : for, the Apoftle Gieweth it was Gods de- figfi to have the exceeding riches of His grace (hown forth in all fucceeding ages and generations ; that in the 4Lges to c$me be might fber*. 5. Gods bypaft dealing, whether in mercy, or judgement (1 Corinth. 10. 6) arc fpeaking lefibns unco thofe who are in the ages follow- ing Chap. £ of Paul to the Ep h e s i a n %l ioi ing, as holding forth both matter of praife uftto God manifefted in thofe, Pfal. 1 36. io, (?c. as alfo matter of inftru&ion, in our duty, to us, 1 Cor. 10, 6. So that the after-ages,in this refpeft, are better ages than the former, in fo far as the latter have the advantage of thofe exam- ples in the former ages>which they themfelves did want; for, the Apoftle (he weth, the benefit of God's gracious dealing with Believers in the prefent age,fhould accrefce unto the following ages ; 7 bat in the ages to come be might fheto the exceeding riches of bis grace. 6. As all thofe benefits which come to Believers , do flow from the liindnejfe of God, or His native willingnefle to imploy what goodneffe is in Him for the good of His creatures; So, though the effe&s of His generall kindneffe and be- nevolence , which are common to all the creatures, ffal. 145.9. do flow from God,asCreator,inthe chan- nel of common providence, Pfil.i 04.28. yet,the effefts of His fpeciall kindneffe, and fuch as relate to life and godlineffe, do all of them flow from God, as reconciled through Chrift, and are convoyed through the conduic of Chrifts merit and interceffion : for , the Apoftle, fumming up all thefe faving benefits, together with the way how they are convoyed, he faith, In bti kindneffe towards us through Cbrifl J ejus. 7. The lively and fen- ous confederation of thofe excellent benefits flowing from Gods mercy • grace , goodwill and bounty, to- gether with the confideration of the vilenefs and wr-etch- ednefle of thofe , upon whom thofe excellent benefits are beftowed, and of the way which infinit Wifdom, fet on work by eternal love, hath found out for convoy- ing thofe fo excellent mercies to fuch bafe and unworthy obje&s, even the incarnation, obedience, fufferings and t high exaltation of Jefus Chrift ; I fay, k is the confide- ration of all thofe joyntly, which tendeth to fct forth moft convincingly how exceedingly gracious God is : for, the Apoftle fheweth this convincing evidence doth lye in thofe three, firft, in bu kindneffe 9 fc condly, towards us9 thirdly, through Jefus Chrift. G 3 Verfc ia£ tAirltf Exf option of the Efiftle Chap, a Verf. 8. for by grace are ye faVed, through faith, and that not of your febes : it it tbegijt of God: TTHcApoftle, Fourthly, While he givcth a rcafon of x what is faid, ver. 7. (as appearcth by the caufall particle , for ) doth fum up all which hath been fpoken From ver. 4. in this one comprehenfive propofition, that their compleat falvation , from the firft ftep unto the laft> did flow from Gods grace and favour (for, by grace here mutt be meaned Gods free favour and grace in him , not the effe&s of this grace, good works, or grace inherent in us ; for thofc are exprefly excluded, ver. 9 ) and withall , that they were fo faved by grace , as faith was not excluded; This grace of faith being the hand, orinftrument, whereby we lay hold upon > and apply to our felves Jefus Chrift , and His righteoufneffe of- fered freely in the Gofpel , in order to our falvation, fywt.-g. 25. And, Secondly, Becaufethe eftablifting of them in this truth , is his main fcope through the whole fir ft part of the E piffle, therefore he doth here, not only explain in what fenfe falvation doch flow from grace , but alfo doth exprefly confirm it by arguments, Firft, by removing all things in generall, which could be called theirs > whether prerogative > priviledge, na- turallor acquired worth, from being the meritorious procuring caufe of their falvation , or of any part of it ; the truth whereof is more than evident from what is faid of their fpirituall death in fins and trefpaffes , ver. h 2, 3. and therefore he ncedeth not bring any new argument to prove it. Secondly , by affcrting from that fame ground , that their falvation was Gods gift, and therefore it behoved to be free , and of grace, elfe It could not be a gift. ®oit. 1. Though the afcribing of falvation unto works , is not wholly inconfiftent with , and deftru&ive of Gods grace from having any influence upon falvation, king Adam's falvation, even according to the tenor of die Covenant of works, had been Chap.2^ *f Paul to the Ephbsians, 105 been alfo of grace in fome refpcft , it being of grace that God did enter any Covenant with man at all, and of grace alfo that He did accept* even of mans per- fect obedience fo, as upon his performance of it to make him fure of eternall life ; yet the afcribing of falvation, or any part of it unto the merit or worth of works, doth obfeure, and is inconfiftentwkh that exceeding riches of grace* which God incendeth to fet forth by that way of falvation , which is propounded in the Covenant of Grace : for, the Apoftle being here to prove, that Gods way of faving thofe Ephefians, was a fit mean to fet forth the exceeding riches of His grace , giveth this for a rcafon , even that their falvation did flow only from grace, and from nothing in themfelves , nor any work of theirs , So that if it did not flow only from grace, and from nothing in themfelves , it could not demon- ftratethoie exceeding riches of His grace: for, faith hef ye are faVed by grace , and that not of your fel)>es ; not of toorfy. 2. Whatever differences may be among feve- rall perfons in other things ; yet all come of Adam by ordinary generation , are equall , as in their common nailery by nature *> fo in the way of their delivery from that mifery by free grace through a Redeemer, there being no other name under Heaven given among men, where- by we can be faved , but the name of Jefus , Act, 4. 1 2. for, therefore doth the Apoftle fo frequently change the perfon in this firft part of the Chapter , while he fome- times fpeaketh of the Ephefians and Gentiles alone in the fecond perfon , as , ver. 1. fometimes of himfelf > and of the Jews with them in the firft perfon > as ver, 5, 6. not, as if fome part of the purpofe did belong only to the one alone, and fome part of it unto both joyntly: for in one and the fame purpofe he changeth the perfon, as while he giveth a reafoninthis verfe, of what he fpoke ver. 7. but rather to (hew , that the purpofe here infifted on , which is mans mifery by nature > and their delivery from that mifery by free grace and Chrift, doth belong equally to Jew and G$ntik : and therefore he G 4 ftandeth 104 vf brief Expofitionef the EpiftU Chap.2 ftandethnot much to which of them he doth fpeak; fot by grace are ye faved> faith he. 3. As Believers are in fome fenfe already faved, not only becaufe they have falvation begun in their new birth, which is a parting from death unto life, 1 Job. ?. 14. but alfb they have compleat falvation in right and title, I Corinth. 3. 21,22. and in the earneft of it, Eph. 1 . 14. So, the whole work of their falvation, from its firft ftep in regeneration unto its laft ftep in their glorification, doth intirely flow from Gods free grace, and from none of their worth : for, he faith, ye are-faVed, in the time byp'aft, and afcribcth it to grace, by grace ye are faVed. 4. The maintaining of theintereftof free grace in our falvation, as being the alone iropulfive caufe thereof , inoppofition to our worth, is a thing that the Spirit of the Lord is very care* full of, the glory of His free grace being all which He feeketh after in our falvation, chap. 1. 6. and a thing, which men do naturally enclinc to intrench upon, and to rob Him of, either in whole or in part, ^*». 10. 3. for, therefore doth the Apoftle fo frequently (hew the dependance which falvation hath upon Gods mercy, love and free grace, ver. 4. - 5. and here, by grace are ye faVed. 5. Free grace, and faith do well agree in the bringing about our falvation : neither is falvation the leffe of free grace,that it is alfo of faith ; feing faith is not only a fruit of Gods grace in us , PbiL i. 29. but alfo and mainly, becaufe faith doth not juftifie, or favc us for any worth in it felf, or as it is a work, (for,all works are excluded, ven 9.) but for the worth of itsobjeft, Jefus Chrift, and of His righteoufneffe , *fyw. 5.-19* which faith apprehendeth, Tbilip. 3. 9, for,the Apoftle afcribeth their falvation both to grace and faith ; ye are faired by grace through faith. 6> Though Gods free grace, favour and goodwill doth freely beftow that fal- vation upon the Eleft, which Chrift by His merit hath purchafed ; yet the Wifdom of God hath thought it fitting, that this falvation (hall not be aftually beftow- cd, untill the^erfon to be fayed, do lay hold by faith upon* Chap.*; *f Paul to the Ep h b s i a n s i i 6 j upon the offer of falvarion in the Gofpel, and of Chrifts righteoufneffe, whereby falvation is acquired, that fo the heirs of glory may not only have a right to heaven by faith, before they come to the a&uall poffeffioii of it, Job.$.i6. but alfo be made meet to partake of that heavenly inheritance, Col. i . 1 2. their natures being re- newed, when the habit of faith is wrought in them by God, 2 Corinth. 5. 17. and their hearts alfo being puri- fied by the exercife of that grace, Jtfsi$>9> for, faith he, by grace are ye faVed through faith. 7. Theafcrib- ingof falvation to Gods free grace, though it doth not exclude Chrifts merit, and the aft of faith, as imbracing the righteoufneffe of Chrift ( See ©off. 5. ) Yet it ex- dudeth all things in our felves, whether dignity of our natures, the en joyment of civil, or ecclefiaflkk privi- ledges, nobility of difcent, all our common, or more fpeciall gifts and induements , whether of nature or grace, from having any meritorious, or caufall influence in beftowing, either a right to falvation, orthepoC- feffion of it : for, Paul oppofeth thefe two, by grace are yefaVed and that not of yonr fefaes. 8. As heaven ancf falvation are Gods, gift ; fo they are fuch a gift, as is freely given by God, who is not induced thereto by any thing in the perfon to whom it is given , whether fenfc of benefit already received, or hope of any benefit to be received from Him in time coming, which occafi- pneth the beftowing of gifts among men ; falvation is indeed a gift, but not fuch a gift : for, it is a gift with- out all rife from any thing in our felves ; *Andthat not of your felves, it u the gift of God, faith he. Verf.p. Kotoftyorfy, left any man fhouldbodjl, JJE further explaineth in what (enfe their falvation did •*" come from free grace , and proveth it by other two arguments, which do alfo confirm the two former. The firft) taken from theremoveall of thofc things in par- ticular frpm haying any meritorious > or caufall. in- fluence 106 AlriefSxpofition of the Bpiflle Chap, u fluence upon their falvation , which all men have a kind of naturall propenfion to rely upon for falvation, to wit , their works , and thofe even their good works ; for, fo doth he explain himfclf, ver.ro. whence itfol- lowcth , that they were faved of grace , and not of themfelves. The fecond is taken from the end aimed at by God in contriving the plot of loft mans falvation, to wit , that all ground of gloriation might be taken away from man , as being , in the meaneft refpeft, a faviour to himfelf , and that all the glory might be afcribed compleatly unto God in Chrift : ( See, I Cor. l*3o, 3 (•) which end could not have been obtained, except they had been faved by grace , and not of them- felves. © that no ground is left fot man to boaft in hin»- fclf Chap.it o/PauWoffoEPHHsiANS. 107 ielf for any thing, which his wifdom, goodnefle, power, or worth do contribute for bringing of his own falva- tion about , either in part or in whole : From the firft ftep thereof, ele&ion, unto the laft , his glorification, man and his worth are ftill deprefled , and God and His free grace alwayes exalted ; for > the Apeftle&ew- eth tins was the end God did aim at , even leaftavy man Jhouldboaft. 4. In fo far as works , even good works have place in the matter of mans falvation , fo for hath man mater of boafting, and afcribing the glory of his falvation to himfelf, and holding back the glory of it from God : for, although good works do come wholly fromtheSpirkof God, in fo far as they are good; yet they are our works > in fo far as they are wrought by us, being now renewed and enabled to work by influence from God ; and therefore h*eaven and falvation (hould in that cafe he *iven unto us for the vertue and worth of (bmewhat which is ours h for, foul affirmeth that works, even good works, which toe are created unto, in Cbrifl Jefit67 ver. io* are excluded from having any caufall influence upon falvation ; left any man fbould boaft , im- plying , if works were not excluded , man fhould have ground of boafting. See, %w, 3. 27. Verf. lo. For tot are Hu toorfynanjbip, created in Cbrifi fefusunto goodtoorfc , tobicb God batb before ordained that toe fhould toal\ in tbem* { Eft the Apoftle,by commending grace and excluding works from being the caufe of their folvation,fliould have feemed to jijftlp out >wotks > and an holy life, as altogether unneceffary; Therefore, in this verfe he (heweth that the ftudy of good works is of abfolute ne- ceflity required in thofe who are to be faved 5 becaufe all fuch, whether Jew or Gentile , ( for, he fpeaketh in the firft perfon , including himfelf and the believing Jews ) are Gods toor^manfbip , that is, renewed , and .made oyer again by Gods creatcing power through the inter- ib8 A brief Expo fttion of the Sfiflle Chap.' i interveening mediation of Chrift Jefus, and this of pur- pofc ; that they may make confcience of good works : yea, and further, God, who had prcdeftinatedthemto heaven , had alfo decreed and prepared good works for them , as the way wherein they behoved of necefficy to walk in their journey to heaven : which as it proveth the undeniable necefficy of good works ; fo it alfo con- firmed* that they neither were , nor could be faved by works ; becaufe the power whereby they did good works, did follow upon their regeneration , and was given them freely by God. As alio, God had prepared good works , that they fliould walk towards heaven in them, but not to merit heaven by them. ©o#. I. Be- lievers are Gods workmanfhip , not only by naturaH creation , but fupernaturall renovation ; they are not only once made , but madfc over again ; not by having the fubftance of their foul and naturall powers thereof deftroyed, and new ones, fubftantially different from thofe > fubftituted in their place , but by having the vi- tious qualities, which were in thofe , fubdued and weakened > and contrary graces and venues implanted in their ftead > Epb. 4. 22, 2 j, 24. for, faith Tjw/, toe are Hts toorfynanfhip z the word fignifieth a thing of His making , whereby he meaneth , not Gods firft making of them as men, but His making of them over again as renewed men > which appeareth from what follow eth , His creating them in Chrift, and unto good works. 2. As the making of finners over again and new crea- tures , is only Gods work ; So the power, whereby He fo maketh us , is no lefle than creating power , much like unto that power whereby in the beginning He made fome things of nothing , and fome things of pre- exifting matter, but fuch as was wholly unfit andiq- difpdfed for thofe things to be made of it , Gen* 2. 7. 22- confidering, that in this great and mighty work of God He maketh thofe, who were wholly indifpofed to good, and averfe from it, ( ffdl. 81. 11.) yea perverfe refifiers of all motions cowards that which is godly and holy, (M Chap. 7. a/Paul to the Ep h b s i a m %] iojt ( Joi 21. 14.) to be true lovers of it , and walkers in its for, this much is implyed , while he faith , toe are Ha r^orkmanJhipyCreatedydrc. 3. Chrift behoved toftrikc in as Mediator betwixt God and us, before we could be made this new workmanfhip; the life, which we have by this new creation 1 being purchafcd by His death, 1 Job. 4, 9. and applied unto us by His power , after He is now arifen from death , AH, 5. 31, The furniture* whereupon the aftions of this life are performed , coming alfo from Him , Job 1 5, - 5, for, faith he, toe are Htitoorkmanjhty , created in Cbrijl Je[m. 4. Believers are made new creatures , not to live idlely > or to work wickedly, but that they may in the whole courfe of their life make confeience of good works : which are not only works of charity, or duties of immediate worfiiip, but every duty > whether of worftiip > (AH. io.-a) or of our callings (Act. 9. 36. 39.) whether to God , or man, or to our (elves, (Tit, 2.12.) which is warranted in the Word as lawfull , or commanded as neceffary, (Mic.6.%.) gone about by a man regenerate, and in Chrift, (Mat. 7. 17,18.) by vertue of influence from the Spirit of Chrift, ( Tft/. 2. 13.) for Gods glory, as the main end of the worker, ( I Cor. 10. 31.) and with due refpeft had to all neceffary circumftances, t[ab\*-i- every duty of that kind, fo gone about , is a good work, which Taul faith they toere created unto in Cbrijl Jefa, even unto goodtoorl^s. 5. Though many aftions of un- regenerate men are materially good , and very ufefuli both for themfelves and others, fym, 2. 14. yet no unrcgenerate man can do any work, which is fpiritually good and acceptable to God : even their good works are but fhining fins , as being deftitute of a great part of thefe neceffary requifites unto a good work, mentioned in the former Do&rine : for, Paul ftieweth that a man muft be a new creature and Gods workmanfhip, before he can do a good work ; for, toe are, faith he, Gods toorf^ manfbip , created in Cbrijl Jefus unto good toorfc 6, Though gpod works b$ not neceffary to merit or purchafc 1 1 o A hriifExpofition of the S pi file Chap, i purchafe falvation ; yet are they neceffary unto thofe who are juftified and4faved, in feverall refpe&s , not only as they are the neceflary fruit and end of regene- ration , and as they are the way which leadeth to hea- ven ( their neceflity in both which refpe&s is grounded upon the prefent Scripture ) but they are neceflary alfo, as evidences of our right to falvation , i Job. 3. 14. as a guard to preferve peace with our ownconfciences, 2 Cor. i# 12. as evidences of our thankfulneffetoGod and Chrift > who hath freely faved us, 1 *2et. 2. 9. and for the edification of others, Adattb. 5. 16.- for, the Apoftle's fcope is to prove , that as we are not faved by works % fo that good works are neceffary in other re- fpefts; We are created unto good toorly 9 tohicb He bath fore-ordained, that B* fkould W/^ in them. 7. Chri- ftians arc like unto thofe whp walk in a journey from one place unto another , through a ftreight and beaten way which lyeth betwixt , in fo far as they advance from fin (£3^18.31.) to heaven, (Phil. 3. 14.) in the way of holineffe and good works : for, the word rendered to W£, whereby he expreffeth what (hould be the daily exercile of a renewed man, is ametaphore taken from thofe who travell in a journey , and he niaketh the way wherein they walk to be good ^orf^s ; Itobich God hath before ordained, that toe fbould W^ in tbem. 8. The Lord hath prepared , and made ready good works , as a beaten path , wherein His renewed people may walk without any difcourageing or perplex- ing difficulty , in fo far, as He not only bath ordained in His eternali and unchangeable decree > that they (hall make confeience of good works* which feemeth to be mainly meaned by His fore-ordaining of good V>orf(S here fpoken of, but He doth al fo hold forth the rule of good works in His Word,P/i/. 1 19. 9. and by examples alio, which make the rule more eafie to be followed , Heb- 12. u He rencweth their wills, and furniflheth them with inward power and ability to do thefe works, &%*(* 36. 27. and exciteth and a&uateth that power by His renewed Chap. 2. */Paul rM^EpHisiAKS. " * renewed influence, thereby making it to work* Philip, i. 1 3. In all which refpefts , good works may be faid to be prepared by God, as the word, rendred fore-ordained, may alfo read ; l*bkb God batb foreordained^ or prepared , that Kefhould Valftju tbem. Verf. 11. Wherefore t member that ye being in time paffed Gentiles in the fltfb , V>ho are called uncircumcifien by that vrbich ii called the circumci/ion in the Jiejh made by bands* fJEre beginneth the fccond part of the Chapter, where theApoftle, for the further eftablifhment of thofe Ephcfians in the Do&rine of falvation through free grace in Chrift , doth more largely infitt upon the for- mer purpofe contained in the firft part of the Chapter, with a more particular application of it to the Ephe- fians , and in them to all the Gentiles. And, firft, (by exhorting them to remember their formet mifery, while they were in Gentilifme ) he giveth , in this and the following verfe , a moft lively defenption of their then miferable ftate , as firft, that they were in the fifo>that is, the fleflh of their foreskine not being cut off by cir- cumcifion, they were not only deftituted of that ordi- nance, but alfo of all other foul-laving ordinances of Gods Worfhip , unto the enjoying whereof, circumci- fion gave a right and entrance, Exod. 1 2. 44. Secondly, This their miferable eftate was matter alfo of their re- proach ; the Jews making their want of Circumcifioa acontinuall upcaft unto them, which he hintethao by Chewing that the carnall Jews , who were only circum- cifedinthefleflibythe hands of men, but not in their hearts by the Spirit of God, did not ceafe to reproach the converted Chriftian Gentiles with uncircumcifi- on , even at that prefent time, when circumcifion and the reft of thofeLeviticall ordinances were now abro- gated. (Dotf. 1. Even Believers having attained to the fenfe of Gods mercy in Chrift > are yery prone to forget (has *I2 A brief EXfofition of the Epiflle Chap. 2. that wo and mifery , which they were under , before *heir delivery from it : for, the watchword here given to thofe Ephefians, fuppofeth fo much ; Wherefore re~ member , faith he. a. Thofe who are converted , ought frequently to remember > and call to mind their fin and nailery , under which they werd)efore God (hew them mercy> though not to take pleafure in the remembrance °f it , E%«i- *3- 19. II. nor to defpair of, or quettion Gods mercy in order to their delivery from it : I/i.i. 18. yet , that hereby they may be provoked to pity towards others* who are yet in that ft ate, Ti>. 3.2,3. to greater ftuitfulnefle in good works for the time to come > %w. 6. 19. and to magnifie the riches of Gods mercy in their delivery from that wofiill ftate , 1 Tim. i, 13. 14. and that they may be kept humble under their prefenc enjoyments, E^e{. 20,43. for, therefore doth the Apoftle exhort thofe Ephefians to remember their former fin and mi&ry ; Wherefore remember, faith he, that in times pdftye toere. 3. Chriftians,in order to the more effe&ual bring- ing about of the forementioned ends, ought not only re- member that fin and mifery, which was common unto them with others,but alfo, and chiefly would fearch out, and call to mind wherein their fin and mifery did exceed* thejfin and mifery of others : for,1W briddeth them here remember that mifery, which in a great part was peculiar unto themfelves as Gentiles, and which they had more than the Jews; Wherefore remember, that ye leing in time pafl Gentiles in the fiffb. 4, The confedera- tion of Gods rich grace through Jefus Chriftr whereby alone He carrieth on the falvation of loft finners in all its fteps, may be a great encouragement, and a ftrong argument to inforce this duty of fearching out and cal- ling to mind our matchkffe fin and mifery : and that becaufe this rich grace hath not only a remecty for all our fin and mifery in it, %om. 5. 20. but alfo it is moft perceived and felt in its fweet and lively effe&s, when the foul is moft aflfe&ed with the fenfe of its own vile- neffe, £^15.21,22, for* the Apoftle* having fpokefr of Chapi2. «f Paul to the ESHBSiANSi U3 of Gods rich grace, whereby we are faved through fyith in Chrift, he inferrech as a conclufion thence, Where* fere remember that ye being in time pafi Gentiles in the fiejh> 5. Though ic is now under the New Teftament no more> but much lefle miserable to be born a Gentile, than to be born a Jew , ^»*. 1 ^ 20. Yet, to have been born a Gentile, and not of tAbrabams race* was once* to wit, before Chrift came in the flefh, a fad and mife- rable lot : for, when he is calling to mind their former mifery, he biddeth them remember that they V>ere in time pajt Gentiles. 6. Thofe, who are born without the bounds of the Church, and live not under the drop of divine Ordinances, are in a poor and wofull cafe, as being not only under wrath* and deftitute of any a&u- all intereft in the bleffing ( which piece of mifery is common to them with all the unregenerate, whether within or without the vifible Church. Seever.-2.) but deftitute alfo of all thofe means, whereby the bleffing ufeth to be conveyed, fym. 10. 14, 1 5. fo that their fal- vation is not in an ordinary way poflible : for, while he is calling to mind their former mifery, he biddeth them remember the) Kere Gentiles in the fiep% that is, deftitute of Circumcifion the leading ordinance, and confequent- ly deftitute of all Ordinances, having no part nor com* munion with Gods Church neither outwardly 1 nor fpiritually, as he explaineth himfelf , ver. 12. 7. As the contemning , even of outward Ordinances, is no fmall fin before God, I Sam, 2. 17, with 14. So it is matter of juft (hame and reproach before men, which did hold efpecially in the contempt of Circumcifion un- der the Old Teftament ; it being then a feal of the Co-i venant, Gen.ij.io. the outward badge of the Lords people, Gen, 17. 14. and a leading Ordinance, giving right and entrance to the enjoyment of all other Ordi- nances, Exod. 1 2. 44. and it doth no lefle hold in Bap* tifm under the New Teftament, feing the Sacramcn# of the New Teftament are of as much worth, as the Sacraments of the OJd ; and Baptifm fei yeth for the j 14 A brief Expojition of the Splfile Chap. 2 fame ends now, which are prefently mentioned to have been the ufes, for which Circumcifion did ferve then : for, although *Baul doth only mention exprefly, that un- circumcifion was unjuftly caft up to the Chriftian Gen- tiles by the carnall and hypocrkicall Jews in the prefent time wherein he wrote , yet hereby he would have them to remember how this was matter of juft reproach and upcaft unto them, even from the godly Jews in former times* when Cireumcihon flood in force, and that this difgrace and reproach, was a part of their for- mer mifery, (See 1 Sam. 17.26, 36. ) ftbo are called un- tircumcijton, &c* 8. There are two things in every Sa- crament, to wit, an outward aft ion upon the outward man by the outward inftrument, and an inward action upon the inward man by the hand and Spirit of God ; for, fo was it in Circumcifion, the outward aition be- ing here ex prefled by Circumcifion in the flefb made Kith bands, which implieth there was another inward afti- on, fpoken of CoU 2. 1 1» 9, There are not a few with- in the vifible Church, who reft upon the outward acti- on done by man in the Sacrament, as if that alone were fufficient, and do not feek after that which God doth inwardly work upon the heart : And fo do ufe Sacra- ments as forcerers do their charms and fpcls, where the bare rehearfingof fome fet form of words, with fuch a compofed ftrain of outward carriage and gefture, is re- lied upon for the producing of wonderfull effe&s : for, of this (brt were thole who are here called the Qrwrnci- ,fion in the fle(h made by bands, that is, fuch who refted upon the outward a&ion, and fought after no more but ic« 10. They have very frequently leaft of Religi- on in reality and effeft, who are moft puft up wkh the conceit of their own Religion, and make greateft noife about things leaft neceffaryin Religion, or which arc in themfelves indifferent, as if the greateft ftreffe of tteligion did ly in thofe : for, thofe, who boafted them- felves of their Religion and Circumcifion againft the uncircumcifed Gentiles,, and did place their whole Re- ligion , Chap.2. ofVzul to the Ep h e is I a n il 1 i 5 ligion in Circumcifion, and the reft of thofc mofaicall Ordinances now abolifhed, were the Circumcifion in the flefb made Kith bands, that is, fuchashad only the out- ward form of Religion, but not the life and power of it. 1 1 . As it is a great reproach to be defpifers of Or- dinances ; So it is but a poor credit for people to have Ordinances, if they reft upon the outfide of them, not labouring to have life and power conveyed from God through them : for, Ordinances; fo refted upon, as they will increafe peoples judgement afterwards, MatAi.zi* So they prove a fearfull fnare in the mean time, in fo far as they are ufually relied upon for falvation, Tbilisi.?- and occafion is taken from them to nepleft all other duty both to God and man, Jtr. 7. io. for, *2aul doth herefpeakof it as a thing difgracefull; tobo are called, faith he, C^rct4mc^Pon *n w fir9 ma^€ ^itb bands. Verf. 12. That at that time yetoere toitbout Cbrifl, heing aliens from tbe commonwealth of Ifrael, and Jlrangers from ibe covenants of promife, baUngnobope, andtoitb- cut God in tbe florid. THe Apoftle, thirdly, doth here branch forth theic mifery at that time when they were unconverted Gentiles, in five particulars. Fir ft, They were toitb* outCkrift, as being not only without all faving and re- all intereft in Chrift, which was common to them with all the unregenerate, whether without, or within the vifible Church, Gal, 5. 2. but alfo without an offer of Chrift in the Miniftery of the Gofpel, as they were Gentiles, without the bounds of the vifible Church, Tfal. 147. 20. Secondly , They were aliens from tbe commonwealth of Ifrael, having no union or communi- on, neither with the invifible Church of true Believers, which was common to them with all the unregenerate, ^om. 2, 28. nor yet with the vifible Church of Profef- fors, which was in thofe times among the people of lf~ tatlt ©mj.32,8. And this latter alienation was peculiar H 2 to i 1 6 A brief Exf option oftht Epifile Chap. 2 to them, as they were unchurched Gentiles, 7/i/. j6. 1. Thirdly, They were jlrangers to the covenants of promife, that is, the Covenant of Grace made with Adam after the fall (Gen.3.i$.) and afterwards frequently renewed with Abraham , Gen. 17.7. I/wc, Gen. 26. 3* Jacob Gen.i%.\^ 14. with Ijrael upon mount Sinai, Exod. *f. 7. and in the plains of Moab , (2)«tf. 29. i.e&v. and with (David, i Sam. 23. 5. And therefore it is called Covenants in the plurall number , though it was al- wayes one and the fame Covenant in iuhftanee ; the fubftantiall fum thereof being alwayes comprifed in that one comprehensive and fountain- promife, Gen. 3. •15. or Gen. 12. - 3. which fcemeth to be here pointed- at by the word promife in the fingular number? of which promife, all the following promifes, made to Abraham y QaVid and the reft, were but branches , or more full explanations. Now, they are faid to have been ftrangers to this Covenant, not only, becaufe they had no aouall intcreft in the faving hlefiings of remilfi- on of fins, grace here, and glory hereafter, which vvere promifed in that Covenant, Gal. 3. 8, ( and this was common to them, with all the unregencrate, ^tfal. 50. i(5, 17,) But alio they had not fo much as this Covenant revealed unto them, neither that it was, nor of what kind, or upon what conditions it was 5 neither had they an offer of it by the pubiick Miniflcry of the Word, and fo were not within the very outward bond of it, neither had any right to the externall priviledgcs of this Covenant, Qeut.^jfi. which eftrangement was pe- culiar unto them, as they were unchurched Gentiles, ®eut, 29.10,11,12. Fourthly, They were without hope* not only without that faving grace of hope, which floweth from faith laying hold upon the Covenant of promife, %»*• 15. 13. and fuftaincth the heart in the patient and well-grounded expedition of the thing pro- mifed and believed , 1 Tbe/f. 5. 8. and this was alfo common to them with all the unregenerate, Job 8. 1 3,14. But alfo, they were in a condition fo hopelcfle* thar their falva* Chap. *• i/Paul^^EPHBsiANSi; 117 falvation was not in an ordinary way poflible, as being wholly deftituted of thofe means, whereby God doth ordinarily convert and favefinners, Tfal. 147. 20. and this was peculiar unto them as they were unchurched Gentiles, fym.9. 4. Fifthly, They were without God9 or atheifts, not as if they had been deprived of all fenfe of a Deity, (for they worfhipped falfcgods, dttsiq. I*, 1 3. ) nor yet* as if they had been without the reach and care of Gods over-ruling and all-upholding pro- vidence, A8s £7. 28. but they were without the know- ledge of the true God, Gal.^%. or, though they had fome confuted knowledge, even of the true God, fym. 1. 19. yet He was not their reconciled God in Chrift, Col. u 21. neither did they give Him that worflhip and glory, which is due unto God, and was prefcribed by Him in His Word , %». 1. 21, 22. And laflly, He addeth,that they were without God in the Korld 1 which words, iHtbetoerld, may be looked upon, as a generall claufe relating to all the particular branches of their mi- fery before mentioned. And he feemeth hereby to con* difcend, what that bypaft time was, wherein all that he hath fpoken was verified in them, to wit, when they were in the world, that is, without the Church, as the world is frequently taken in oppoficion to Gods Church, Job. 15. 19. and 17 14. andefpeci- allv to the truely regenerate in the Church, 1 Job.%. -19, ©off. 1. As thofe who are converted, would frequent- ly call to mind that fin and mifery under which they were when God did call them ( See Verf. 1 1. ®oct.i.) fo becaufe an abftraft view of fin and mifery in the general, doth not much afFe<5t the heart , therefore they ought to branch forth and call to mind their mifery in its fc- verall heads and parcels , that fo they may be the more affe#ed with it : for,the Apoftle, having exhorted them to remember their former mifery, he doth not only give them a general view of it>vcr*i 1. but here doth branch k forth in five particulars, which they were to remember ; TpM at tbaf time $t Tom without Chrijl, &c. 2, For a H 3 man i 1 8 A brief Expoption of the BpiflU Chap. ? man to be without an offer of Chrift , yea to be with- out a reall intereft in Chrift , though there be never fo frequent offers of Him , is a dolefull, fad and dange- rous cafe ; for , to want a reall and faving intereft in Chrift, is to want life , (t Job. %.n.) light, (jttfc'ii 4, 50 ftrength , ( Job. 1 5. - 5.) liberty , ( Job. 8. 36. ) and acceptation with God, Mat* 3. 17; And to have a faving intereft in Chrift, doth make a man truly happy, what ever be his mifery otherwifc : for, he maketh this the firft branch of their mifery , and that which virtu- ally comprifeth all the reft , even that at tbat time tbey *?ere without Cbrift. 3. Though Chrift from all eter- nity had a right unto, and intereft in the Eleft, they being given over unto Him in the Covenant of Redemp. tion , Job. 6. 39. yet they never have , nor can plead any intereft in Him , or in thofe faving benefits, which were purchafed by Him j untill they be effectually cal- led, and do a&ually believe in Him ; for, though God from all eternity had chofen in Chrift thofe who were truly Godly among the Ephefians , cap. I, 4. yet untill their effe&uall calling, they were without Chrift, as without Cbrijl did fpeak their not having an a&uall in- tereft in Him ; Tbat at tbat time ye \cere without Cbrijl. 4* Though Jefus Chrift was not fo clearly manifefted unto the Jewifh Church,as He now is under the Gofpel, aCor. 3. 14. yet, they were not then altogether without Chrift, they had Him revealed unto them , though but darkly in the Word , Gen. it, 3. and in their daily fa- crifices, which were types and fliadows of Him } Col, 2. 17. yea, and the Godly then had reall intereft by faith in Him, Job, 8. 56. and in thofe faving benefits, which then were to be , and now are afciually purchafed by Him, %om. 3.25. for, the Gentiles are here faid, in op- pofition to the Jews, to have been at tbat time without Cbrijl; whereby it is implyed, that the Jewifti Church was not without Him. 5. It is no fmall happinefle for men and women to have union and communion with the Church of Chrift; It is even an happinefle in its -own Chap. 2. ^/Paul^^EpHBSiANS^ zip own kind , and comparatively to be members of His vifible Church* for> thereby we partake of all the pri- viledges thereof . which are Gods fpeciall care and go- vernment , If** 4. 5> 6. proteftion, and prefcrvation in all ages, notwithfbnding the oppofition of all enemies, lfa* $*• 4> 5* the enjoyment of the ordinary means of falvation , VfaL 147. 19- and the externall communion of the Saints by partaking of the fame ordinances , 1 Cor* 10. *7- and the mutuall gifts one of another, I Tbejf. 5. 11. together with the offers of Chrift and falvation upon fuch terms as they are proponed in the Gofpel, Att. 13. 38. But it is much more happinefle to be members of the invifible Church of Believers ; for thereby we do partake of all the faving benefits and fpecial priviledges thereof: which are union with Chrift, as her head and Husband > Eph. 5. 23. 30. communion with Him in all the faving fruits of His Redemption, re- lating either to grace here, or glory hereafter, chap. 1.3. together with that communion, which Believers have among themfelves, in their mutuall partaking of the gifts and grace* one of another , 1 Cor* * *• 2?> 2& And to be deprived of all union and communion withChrifts Church, is a wofull, fad, and miferable cafe : for, ?W maketh this the fecond branch of their mifery,that they Were aliens from the commonwealth of JfraeL • 6. Softraic and nigh is that union betwixt Chrift and His Church, that feparation from , or union with the one, inferreth fcparation from , or union with the other : and in the fame refpeft and degree , wherein men are feparated from, or united with Chrift, they are in fome anfwerable refpeft and degree feparated from, or united with His Church: for, the Apoftle conjoyneth thefe two, as of equall extent ; Te Were without thrift , m being aliens from the commonwealth of Ifrael. 7. As the Lord hath been gracioufly pleafed to tranfaft with man about that obe- dience , which he oweth unto God , as his foveraigti Lord and Creator, in the way of Covenant, or mutuall paftion and agreement j wherein, for tus better encou- H 4 cagemenc f %? A \r\ef 8 xf oft ion of the g fifth Chap.iV ragemcftt to difcharge the duty required of him , the Lord doth affure him of a rich reward , Job. 3. 16. So, the Covenant which God hath entered with fallen man, is a Covenant of promife , wherein the thing promifed is freely given, and not for any worth in him to whom k is given: for, as his affirming that the Gentiles were ftrangers to the Covenants of promife , implyeth that the Church was no ftrangcr to the Covenant , but that God did deal with them by way of Covenant; fo the W>rd promife in the Originall, fignifieth a free promife, where the thing promifed is freely beftowed ; And fir an- gers from the Covenants of promt fe. 8. For men to live and die without an offer of the Covenant of grace made un- to them to be entered by them? isawoftill, fad, and dangerous cafe \ for hereby they are not only deprived of all the priviledges of the vifible Church, mentioned, 2>0#. 5. to which the tender of this gracious Covenant unto a people , and their profefled fubje&ion to it, doth give right, ( the Covenant being the Churches Chartor, whereby (he holdeth all thefe priviledges , A&. 7. 38. with 39.) but their falvation in that cafe is alfo rendered K In an ordinary way impoffible* there being not fo much as an offer of it, nor a making known unto them the terms and conditions whereupon falvation may be had : yeai, and further , to be without an aftuall intereft and right to the faving bleffings of that gracious Covenant* arifing from the grace of faving faith, laying hold upon thofe bleffings, and the offer of them in the Covenant, is a cafe in fome refpefts no leffe lamentable, fad , and dangerous ( which is the cafe of all who are unregene- rate,eyen though they be members of the vifible Church, and fo within the outward bond of the Covenant , and do enjoy the common bleffings thereof , (^?J^ 9- 4» Mattb. 20. -16.) for, fuch are not only dettitute of an claim and title to any of thofe fpirituall bleffings, which are offered in the rich and precious prbmifes of this Co- venant, J*r. 31. 33, 34. and 32. 39, 40. but alfo (hall hayeno advocate to plead for them* Mattb, 7. a?, arc ; bound Chapi t. *f Paul t o the E f h i s i a rt t . '■"%* I bound to fulfill the whole Law , clfe they can fcevet be faved , Gal. $. 3. and have no ftrengeh allowed upon them tor the fulfilling of it but their own , (for they are without Chrift ) muft ftand and fall at Gods tribunall, according to that dreadful! and terrible fentence of the Covenant of works, Gal. 3. io« yea, it thall gp yvorfe with them in the great day , than with thofe who.netsr heard the Gofpel, Mattb. it, 22, So that the czm$ fuch is moft miserable : for, the Apoftle maketh this tKfc third branch of their mifery , even that they ytere ftran^ gcrs from the Covenants ofpromife, without all tide or intereft either to the outward priviledges , or faving bleflings of that Covenant. 9. As thofe, who are with- out the offer of Chrift in the Gofpel, without the bounds of the vifibleChurch,and the external bond of the Cove- nant of grace,are in a cafe altogether hopelefle 5 their fal- vation being in an ordinary way altogether impoffible : So all unregenerate men, even thofe who arc within the Church , and have no real intereft in Chrift , or the fa- ving benefits of the Covenant of grace , by the grace of faith, and have no union or communion with the in- vifible Church of found Believers , all' fuch are defti- tuted of the true and faving grace of hope for heaven and falvation , and thofe other good things promifed in the Word , even that hope which is grounded upon the Word, ( T/i/# 1 £ 9. 49.) and the mercies of God, (?f*L 147. 11. ) and not upon our own performances, Mattb. 7.22. and beareth up the heart under all difcourage- ments, '?/*/. 119. 81. yea,andfetteththeman who hath it upon the task of purifying his own heart, 1 Job. 3. -3, All unregenerate men are deftituted of this hope, what- ever falfe hopes * blind confidence , and daring pre- fumption they may entertain in their hearts, Qeut 29.19. for, the Apoftle , having affirmed of thofe Ephefians* that at that time they were without Chrift , &c he ad- deth they were alfo without hope , that is , their falvation was in an ordinary way hopelefle , to wit , as they Were without the offer of Chrift, and the Po&rine of 122 A brief Sxpofition of the Eprfile Chap.aV the Covenant, and they were deftkute of the grace of hope , as being without aftinll intereft in Chrift by faith, &c. and unregenerate ; bating no bote. 10. To be wholly dcftitute of this true and faying grace of hope, is a moft wofull, dangerous, and lamentable cafe : for hereby men do live in continuall hazard of fpirituall (hipwrack , being deftkute of the anchor of their foul, Heb< 6. 19. hereby they are expofed to deadly blows from fin, Satan and worldly difcouragemcnts , being deftkute of their helmet, Epb. 6. 17. hereby they want a neccffary fpur and incitement to diligence in du- ties, 1 Job. 3.3. yea , and hereby they cannot choofc but die either in ftupid fenflefneffe, Job 21. 1 3. or in de- fperate diffidence, Gen. 4. 13. for, hemakcth this the fourth branch of their mifery , that they had no hope, which includeth mainly their wanting the grace of hope ; hairing no hope, faith he. 11. There is no know- ledge of God, as we ou*ht, or enjoying of Him, except we know Him in Chrift , and come to Him by Chrift • for, the Apoftle maketh their being without Chrift, and their being without God, to go together; And'toitbout God in the Tborld, fakh he. I*. As not only profane avowed Atheifts are without God, but thofe alfo , who do not know the true God , and give not to Him that truft , love, fear and joy, above what they give unto any other thing elfe , and who do not labour to have Him made their own God ; So to be thus withou^God, is a wofull, fad, and lamentable cafe , even the head- ftone of all that mifery which any creature can be un- der: for hereby God remaineth their enemy, Col t. n# All the creatures are againft them, Hof. 2. 18. and they themfelves are under the drop of Gods cternall wrath and vengeance : (See, ver* - 2.) for, the Apoftle affirm- eth here of thofe Ephefians , that before their c6nver- (ion they were without God, though even then they had fbme knowledge of the true God,^'*. 1.19. and he mentioneth this inthelaft place, as the fum and head- ftone of all their mifery * even that they yberftoitbout God intktoorld. Verft Chap.*. ofPaul m^Ephbsiams. I*} Vcrf. I }. ®«* w^ *w Chrifl Jefm, ye 'tobofomctimes ftere far off, are made nigh by the bloud ofCbriji. UErc bcginncth the fecond branch of the fecond part ** of the Chapter , wherein is fet forth the prefent happy eftate ofthofeEphefians, together with the way how, and by whom this happy lot was purchafed for them. And, firft, he briefly propounded that bleffed change which had befallen them, in fo far as they, who were before afar of, to wit, from Chrift, His Church, His Covenant, faving hope, and from God Himfelf, not through local diftance, tAtf. 17. -27. but through want of faving intereft, union and communion with God, with Chrift and His Church by faith, hope, love* or profeffed fubjeftion to Gods Law and Ordinances, as was explained, ver. 12. they, even they , were noto made nigh to God, to Chrift and His Church in the fame fenfe. And withall he briefly flieweth, not only the way how all things requifit to that bleffed change were purchafed for them, to wit, by the merit of Chrift's death upon the Croffe, which was theaccompliftiment of all His other fufferings and obedience, Job, 19, 30. but alfo, how thofe things fo purchafed, were aftually beftowed upon them, and applyed unto them, to wit, by their being in Chrift, and byvertue of their union With Him. Now as their diftance, and feverall pieces of their former mi(ery did belong unto them in two refpe&s } Firft,as they were without the vifible Church ; Secondly, as they were men unregenerate, in which refpeft , their mifery was common to them with all the unregenerate, whether without, or within the Church, as was cleared, ver. 12. So what is here, and in the vcrfes following fpoken of their delivery , and prefent happy ftate , is in many things, at leaft, applicable, not only to their in- ward ftate , as being a great many of them truely rege- nerate > juftifiedand fan&ified, and therefore mem- bers 1*4 v€ brief ExptfitUn of the Epiftlt Chap.I bersof the invifible Church of Believers; but alfo by proportion to their outward ftate , as being members of Chrifts vifible Church , whereby they enjoyed many rich priviledges , ( See ver. 1 2. xDoB. j.) And thofe alfo purchafed by Chrift, Epb. 4. S. n. and conveyed to the vifible Church, and every Church-member by reafon of their vifible and political union with him. Job. 1 5. 2. neither is Scripture hereby rendred ambiguous or doubtfome, as figmfying two diverfe things ; for, whe- ther we look to the priviledges of true Believers, or of vifible Church-members ( the priviledges of the latter being the enjoyment of tho(e bleflings in the offer of the Gofpel, and a living under fuch means and ordinances by which God ufeth to convey thofe bleflings, the aftual poffefli ig of which, or prefenc right unto which, are the priviledges of rcall Believers ) or if we look to that which giveth them a right, each one to their refpe&ive priviledgest to wit, the grace of faith, and a mytticall and faving unibn with Chrift upon the part of real Be- lievers, andaprofeffionofthe do&rine of faith, either perfonally or parentally, and an external and politica.il union with Chrift upon the part of vifible Church- members* I fay, which of thofe be looked unto, we will find fo much of likencfle and proportion betwixt what belongeth to the vifible Church, and what bc- longeth to the invifible? that both may fafely and with- out ambiguity be taken up as intended by the Spirit of God to be expreffed in one and the fame Scripture ; though the one more principally, and the other fecon- darily,and as it were by proportion* As for example here, feing the nighneffe and happineffe, which vifible Church-members enjoy, is only comparative, and with refpeft had to the greater mifery of thofe who arc wholly without the Church ; and that it is but a mifery and diftance > being compared with that ftate of nigh- neffe and happineffe which the truely Regenerate arc brought unto ; Therefore I conceive, that what is men- tioned of the delivery and bleffed ftate, here fpoken o£ WW Chap.2. e/Paul '"^Ephbsians. ijj was verified mainly and fully in the Regenerate and in- vifible Church of Believers among them, and but pro- portionally only and in pare in the vifible Church of profeffors : and therefore I (hall only coileft fuch do- ctrines as arife from it, being foconfidered. Hence Learn, I . The more nigh the confederation of our miferable and happy ftate be fet together in oppo- sition the one to the other before the eye of the foul, it commendeth and fweetneth our happy ftate through grace the more : for, the Apoftle's fcope being to fet forth the happineffe of that ftate, wherein free grace had placed them, he comprifeth all their milery in one word, Tbey toere fometimes far of, and all their happineffe in another, they toere ntito made nigh ; And fo giveth a joynt view of them both at once. i. The People of God are not fo to remember bypaft fin and mifery, as to make them queftion the fruits ot Gods mercy already received, or to defpair of receiving more in time to come : for, having exhorted them ( ver. 11.) to remember their former mifery , in the firft place , he exhorteth them here to remember that happy cftatc wherein mercy had placed them in the next ; ®ut noto ye are made nigh. 3. As it is the duty of Converts fre- quently to remember their former fin and mifery : (Sec Verf. 11. Doft. 2. ) So alfo to call to minde, and confidently avow that gracious change which free- grace hath wrought upon them in their converfion ; be- came as misbelief is ready to call itinqueftion, If a. 50. •10- So the remembrance and avowing of it, is moft profitable, in order to our own comfort againft the fenfc of bypaft or prefent fin and mifery, 1 Cor. 6. 11. in or- der to our incitement to the duty of walking fuitably, chap. 4* i« and to our incouragement againft the fear of all imaginary difficulties, which may occur in our way to heaven and glory, *Bhilip.i.6. and in order to our thankfulneffe unto God for His fo rich mercy mani- fefted in our delivery, 1 fet. 2. 9. for, the Apoftle ex- horteth them to remember this in the fecond place, That J* ji6 tA brief Expofition of the Efifile Chap. 2 ; ye tyfo y^ere fometimes far ojf9 are noto made nigh. 4. As converting grace fallcth often upon thofe who are moft graceleffc, and at greateft diftance from God , from Chrift and His Church ; So it bringeth thofe, upon whom it falleth, into a ftate of nearneffe to all thofe, becaufe of thefe many nigh relations, under which they ftand to God ; as of fervants, %om. 6. 22. of friends, C*l. r. 21. and fons> Job. 1. 12. and to Chrift, as of His Spoufe, Cant. 4. 8. members* Epb. 5. 50, bre- thren, (fc. Heb.i 11. And becaufe of thefe fweet in- fluences for the life and comfort of grace, which they receive daily from Him* as the members from the head, Col. 2. 19. becaufe of that near acceffe, which they have unto God in Chrift , both as to their ftate and per- formances $ whereof ver. 19* And becaufe of that uni- on and communion, which they have with the invifible Church of Believers, the congregation of the fir ft- born (SzzVerf.ii. Vott^.) for, with relation mainly to this gracious change, which was wrought upon reall Be- lievers among them in their regeneration, he faith, %ut noVi> , yee, *tobo fomctirnes ^>ere far ojf, are made nigh. 5. As this excellent ftate of nearneffe to God and His Church, wherein the truely regenerate do ftand, and all thofe excellent privileges which flow from it, were pur - chafed for the Eleft by no leffe price than the bloud of Chrift, whofe bloud was the bloud of God>- Acts 20. -28. and therefore of infinit value ; So none of thofe are actually beftowed upon, and applied unto the Ele&, untill they be united to Chrift, and in Him by faving faith, as the branches arc in the root, from which they draw fap and nourifhment : for, faith he, in Qbrtjl Je~ fm ye are made nigh by the bloud of Cbrifi ; they were in Chrift by faith, before they attained that ftate pf near- neffe, which was purchafed by His bloud* Verf. 14. Chap. 2. o/Paul to the £p he s I AKS. I27 Verf. 14. for He is our peace, tobc bath made both $ne,and bath broken du^n the middle rtall of partition between Hi : iy4 HaVmgaboHJhedin bufitfhtbe enmity, eVcn the latoof Commandments, contained in Ordinances HTUt Apoftle being, next, more largely to explain and 1 prove what he hath briefly aflerted,that the Gentiles were made nigh to God and His Church by the bloud of Chrift, doth, ffrtt, confirm it by an argument taken from Chrift's Prieftly office, according to which He is not only the Mediator for peace > and ^peace- maker be* twixt God and man , and among men themfelves 5 but He is alfo our peace, as being the propitiatory facrifice> and having purchafed this peace with His own bloud> lfa. 53. 5. and fo the very caufe and reafon of this peace* is in Himfelf, and nothing extrinficall to Himfelf. Se- condly, he doth prove that Chrift was their peace, by the effeft produced by Him, and the matter of working thiseffedfc* The effect itfelf, is, that where before the Jews and Gentiles were irrecoverably feparated by rea- ibn of their different Religion and religious Rites, He had now united them in one and the fame Church, which is faid to have been then done , becauft it was in part done: for, the reje&ing of Ifrael, is only in part, %om, 1 1. -25- but the full accompliflhment of it fhall be when all Ifrael, and the fulnefle of the Gentiles, (hall be called, fym. 1 1.-25, 26- The manner of working this effefl, is fet down in three phrafes, all fignifying one thing , though different in regard of diverfe confedera- tions. Firft, He brobg do^n the middle Kail *of partition, whereby ,as hcexplaineth himfelf in the following verfe, is meaned the ceremonial Law,and it is called themiddle toall of partition, or of a hedge and ftone-wall { for, the Original fignifieth both) with an eye, queftionlefle, to to the wall which was in Solomons Temple between the court of the People and of the Gentiles, which hindered all manner of paflage, fight> or communication betwixt them. m /l 2 8 A brief Expofltion of the Spifile Chap. 2 . ' them, R^f ^.42. 10. So the meaning is, that in order to this union He did abolifh the legall ceremonies, where- by the Jews were diftinguiflhed from the Gentiles , as two houfes, by a mid- wall going betwixt them , or as an inclofed Garden is feparaced from an out-field, by an hedge or dyke of rough ftones, vcr« 14. Secondly, He did abolifh the enmity : by which , enmity is meancd the fame ceremoniall Law , and that chiefly becanfe it was the occafion of a perpetuall ftanding ftrife betwixt Jew and Gentile, while the Jew reproached the Gentile with uncircumcifion and negledt of Gods worfhip, JIB. 10. 28. the Gentile again reproached the Jew with circumcifion , and the reft of thefe Legall rites , which they judged unreafonablc , irreligious and abfurd , Efthm ?. 8. although thofe ceremoniall rites may be alfo called enmity with relation to God , in fo far as the pra&ifing of them by the Jews was a real teftimony and confeffion of their own guilt , and the enmity which was betwixt tbem and God. See Collqf 2.14. And His withholding them from the Gentiles, was an evidence of His difpleafure, and enmity againft them, ?/>47.2o.and here the Apoftle expreffeth the way,how Chriftdid abolifh that enmity, or thefe ceremoniall rites, to wit , in HUo^nfiefh, that is, by His death, which He fuffered in His flefh , or humane nature » I Tet. 3.-18- Thirdly, he expoundeth what he meant by the mid-Kail and the enmity, which Chrift aboliftied, even the Loto of Commandments tn ordinances. The fir ft of which words , is more general , to wit, the LaV> , as comprehending, according to the cuftom of the Hebrew language /all Doftrine revealed to the Church, JP/i/.- 19. 7. and this is aftri&ed by the fecond word, which is more fpeciall, to wit , Commandments , fignifying that Do&rine only , which commandeth what tfiould be done , and forbiddeth what fliould not be done ; and both thofe are aftrifted by the third, which is yet more fpecial, to wit, Ordinances , whereby are meaned thofe Commandments only , which did relate to Gods exter- nal Chap.2. o/PauJ to tie Ep he i i ai*** 119 ttall worfhip , and were prcfcribed by God, as fo maffy types and (nadows of Chrift to come, and of thofe good things which were purchafed by Him , Hcb. 9. 9, 10. So that the Law and Commandments were only abo- lifhedi as to that part of thern which was contained in thofe Ordinances> ver. 1 5-. From ver. 14. Learn, 1. Every man by nature in himfelf, and without Chrift> is at war and enmity with God, with His Church, and chiefly thofe in the Church who are truely regenerate : he cannot be fubjeft unto the Law of God , %w. 8. 7. And , as therefore he hateth the Law-giver, and thofe who yeeld obedience to His Laws ', So he is under the Law-givers curfe, Gal. 3. 10. for, while the Apoftle fpeaketh of making thofe Ephcfians nigh to God and His Church by Chtift, he faith, Cbrifl^^tbeir peace: which implyeth that their diftance from thofe confifted in hatred of, and enimity againft them j for be U our peace, faith he. 2. This en<* jmity chiefly, which is between God and fallen man, was irreconciliable, andimpoflible to be removed, ex- cept Jefus Chrift that great high Prieft and Prince of Peace had (bed His bloud and fuffered death, by the merit whereof, as He hath given fatisfaflion to a pro* voked God , Eph. 5. 3. So by the efficacy and vertue thereof He fubducth that rebellious difpofition againft God, which naturally is in us, '%».£• 6. andmaketh us accept the offer of friendfhip and reconciliation with God, _ and yecld our felves fervants to rightsoufneffe un- to holincffe, MU%. 31. and fo upon both hands He niaketh peace : for, faith he> He u our peace, to wit, h His bloud, fpoken of in the preceeding verfe. 3. The uniting of both Jew and Gentile in one Church, is a branch of that peace which Chrift hath purchafed with His bloud : And that not only, becaufe their aftuall union was, according as God in His wife counfel had decreed, to follow upon Chrifts death, and not to go before it (See upon G*/. 3. \>erf. 14. Votf.q.) but alfo iu order to this union, the Law of ceremonies behoved I to ijo *A brief Exfofition tfthe Eflfile Chap.2 to be abolifhed, See^W*. J. and this called forChrifts death ; Scctcrf. 15. 2>*#.4. for, the Apoftlc having aflerted that Chrift was their peace by His bloud, he giveth this as an inftance , or cffe& of His fo being , Who bath made both one. 4. From the Apoftles defin- ing the cercmoniall Law by a metaphor taken from houfes divided by a mid- wall, or trom an orchard, garden or inclofure, feparatcd from the out- field, by a dyke or wall of rough ftones > We learn, feveral things relating to the nature , ufe and duration of the ceremo- niall Law , which are the grounds of the fimilitude. And, firft , as a wall is bujlded by the owner of the in- clofure, So the ceremonial Law was of Gods own ap- pointment, who only had power to choofc what part of the world He thought fie , to be an inclofure for Him- felf, 2)e«f. 32. 8. and to appoint thefe means and ordi- nances, whereby He would have them inclofed and fe- paratcd from others , Exod. 7.$. 40. Secondly , as a rough wall is made up of fo many hard unpolifhed ftones , not covered over with lime or plaifter ; So the ceremoniall Law confifted of many Ordinances , Hcb* 9. to. and thofe very difficult to be obeyed, and an un* tolerable yoke, **#. 15.10. Thirdly, as a wall or hedge inclofeth a peece of ground for the owners fpecial life, ( which therefore is more painfully manured ) and fcparateth that inclofure from the out-field which lyeth about it; So the ceremoniall Law did ferve to indofc the people of Ifrael, as the Lords own garden and vine- yard, for bringing forth fruit unto Himfelf, lfa< 5. 7; and to feparate them from all the world befides , 2>eut* 4.7,8. as being a worfhip wholly different from, and contrary unto the fuperftitious rites and worfhip ufed among the Gentiles , Qeuu 1 2. 2. and containing ftrift injunctions unto the Jews to avoid all conformity with the Gentiles in their garments , Nhm.ij. 38. cutting of their hair,£*M9.27. and fuch like. Fourthly,as a rough wall is but weak and ruinous,as not being built with ce- ment or mortcr* to make it ftrong , and therefore but to endure C&ap* *• ffPau! to the Ephssians. 131 endure for a feafon, untill the owner think fit to enlarge his inclofure , and take-in more of the open field; So theceremoniallLawwasnottolaft forever, but only for a time , untill Chrift fbould come in the flefh , and take in the Gentiles within the inclofure of His Church, who were before an open field, not poffeffed , nor ma- nured by Him , after which there was no further ufe of the mid-wall ; And bath broken doton the mid-Kail of partition between us , faith he, meaning the ceremonial! Law« ®olh 5. So long as the ceremoniall Law did fland in force and vigour , the Jews and Gentiles could not be united into one Church : for, feing by that Law the chief parts of Gods worfhip were aftrifted to the Temple at Jerufalem , therefore, though fcattered pro- felytes of the neighbouring Nations did joyn themfelves to the Church of the Jews , and in fome meafure ob- ferved the way of Worfiiip then enjoyned , A&. 8. 27. yet there was a phyficall impoffibility for the generality of many Nations far remote from Jerufalem , to have ferved God according to the prefcript of Worfhip,which then was : befides, there was fuch an habituate, and, ask were, an naturall antipathy tranfmitted from one generation unto another among the Gentiles againft the ceremoniall worfhip ; that there was little leffc than a morall impoffibility of bringing up the body of the Gentiles unto a cordiall joyning with the Jews in it : for, the Apoflle fheweth the ceremoniall Law behoved to be abrogated , in order to an union betwixt thefe two, white he faith, Who bath made both one, andbto- ken doKn the middle-^all of partition between m. 6. Whoever would make peace betwixt Godandhim- felf , or betwixt himfelf and others , he ought ferioufly. to think upon thofe things which (land in the way of peace , and fet about the removall of them , if it be in his power, and chiefly thofe evils in himfelf, of pride, vain-glory, felf-feeking, and a contentious difpofition, which are great obftruftions in the way of peace , Phil. *« 3i 4- dk> what ever be his pretences for peace , he is I 2 no i 3 1 A brief Expofttion of the Spifile Chap. ?; no real follower of it : for>Chrift, intending to make peace betwixt Jew and Gentile, did take away what- ever might have impeded it; He eVen broke doton tU middled ail of partition between them. Fromver* ly Learn, j. As Gods people in cove- nant with Him , ought to be highly incenled againft, and averfe from any voluntary intire fellowship with thofe who negleft and contemn the Ordinances of Worfliip prefcribed by God in His Word;So thofe who are without the Church, yea and all unregenerate men do look upon the ordinances of Gods Worfhip, as bafe, ridiculous and contemptible, and carry a kind of hatred and dildain to all fuch as make confeience of them : for, fo the ancient Worftiip, prefcribed in the cererno- niail Law > was the occafion of hatred and enmity be- twixt the Gentile , who contemned it $ and the Jew, who made confeience of it. And therefore is here called the enmity ; having abolijhed the enmity. 2. As themorall Law contained in the Ten Commandments, was no part of that mid-wall of partition between Jew and Gentile * feing fome of the draughts and lineaments of that Law are upon the hearts of all by nature* %om* %• 1 5- So there was no neceffity to abrogate this La w at Chrifts death in order to the uniting of Jew and Gen- tile ; neither was it at all abolifhed : for, the Law abo- liffied, was the Loft, not fimply, but the La»> of Command- ments, andthefe not all, but fuch Commandments as were contained in Ordinances , to wit > the ceremoniall Law, as we fhew in the Expofition j Even the Laf* of Commandments contained in Ordinances , faith he, 3. As God only hath power and liberty to prefcribe what manner of Worfliip He will be ferved by ; So He did oncegiveamoft obfervable evidence of this Hjis power and liberty , by changing that externall way of wor- ship, which was prefcribed by Himfelf under the Old Teftamcnt, unto another uader the New ? although the internals of His Worfhip, to wit , the graces of faith, love, hops, joy in God , do remain the fame in both ; Mattb. Chap.£ */Paul *'*£' Ephesians? 135 iW<*ttb. 22. 37, 39. for , He did aboltfb the LaTo of Com- mandments contained in Ordinances, even all the ancient Worfhip confifting in rites and ceremonies , fenfible and flefhly obfervations,which God did then prefcribe, not as fimply delighted in them, but as accomodating Himfelf to the childifti condition of the Church in thofe times , and hath now appointed a more fpirituall way of Worfhip, as more fuitable to the grown age of the Church, J oh. 4,21. 23. See further the reafons why the cercmoniall Law was aboliflhed , and concerning that ftate of indifferency, wherein the pra&ice of it was left for a time, upon Gal. 2. ver.3. ©off. 2. and ver. 4.2>0#,i. 4. It was Chrifts (ufferings and death , which put an end to the Law of ceremonies , and made the binding power thereof toceafe: for, feing His fufferings were the body and fubftance of all thofe fhadows, they nei- ther did nor could evanifh untili Chrift had fuffered, but then they did •, it being impoflible that a fhadow, and the body , whereof it is a (hadow , can confift in one and the fame place ; Having abolijhedin Bis flejhtbt Lato of Commandments contained in Ordinances. Verf *-i 5. Far to makg in himfelf \ of Main, one neV> man, fo making peace, 1 6. And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the crojje^ having fain the enmity thereby. THe Apoftle, thirdly, for further clearing of what he fpoke, ver. 13. that the Gentiles were made nigh to God and His Church in the bloud of Chrift, holdeth forth two ends, which Chrift propofedto be brought about in His abolifhing the ceremoniall Law. Firft, that He might by a manner of new creation make of thofe two Nations, of Jew and Gentile, being firmly united to Himfelf as to their head , one people and Church , here called one nev> man , to (hew the iritimacy of that union, asalfothe way how they were united, not by bringing any one of them to the faffiions and 1 3 cuftomes I $4 A brief Expofititn of the Spifile Chap- 2. cuftomcs of the other ; for; fo they fhouU have been made one old many but by bringing both off that way of worfhip whereon they were: the Gentile, both from the fubftance and external manner of their worfhip, as ha- ving been wholly idolatrous, Gal. 4. 8. The Jew, only from the external manner of their worflijp, confifting in fleftily and fenfible rices and obfervations, whereby He made them one new Church, with new Ordinances of divine worfhip, even fuch astheChurch now en- E" >yeth under the Gofpel : and fo he concludeth the verf. y (hewing that Chrift did hereby accomph(h what he had fpoken of Him, ver. 13, and 14-. Even chat He had made peace betwixt the two Nations, and confe- quently the Gentiles nigh to the Church by Hia own bloud : this is ver. -15. The fecond end why Chrift did abolifh the ceremonial Law, was, that He might reconcile both Jew and Gentile, being fo united among themfelves in one body, unto a provoked God • which He did by the facrifice of His own foul and body upon thecrofle, by the means whereof he did deftroythac enmity which was betwixt God and man, afwell the fin of che Elefl both in its guilt ( %».8. 1.) and power, %pm. 6. 6. which was the ground and caufe of that enmity , If*. 59. 2. as the ceremoniall Law , which was an evidence of it* See upon ver. 15-* This is the fum of ver. 1 6. From Verf. -15. Learn, 1. Union in the Church of Chrift,is a thing which ought to be prized by us highly, and fought after earneftly ; and fo much, as there is no- thing in our power which we ought not to beftow up- on ic, and difpenfe with for the acquiring and main- taining of it : for,fo much was it prized by Chrift, that He gave his own life co procure it, and did beat down all His own Ordinances which flood in the way of it ; Hee\>en abolifhed in Hit flejb the Lai* of Commandments contained in Ordinances, for to ma%ey of Main, one mn> man. 2. Thtre are no divifions more hardly curable, than thofe which arc about the Religion aad Worfhip of God, Chap.a. ffPaul^^EPHESiANS^ 155^ God, in fo far as they engage, not only the credit, but al/b the confeiences of the divided parties : hence one party, fo engaged, doth purfue what they maintain, as that wherein Gods honour and their own falvation arc moft nearly concerned, and doth look upon the other party ,as an adverfary,in fo far at leaft, to both of thofe • tor, the Apoftlcfpeaking of Chrifts uniting the Jew and Gentile in one Church and Religion,maketh uie of a word which fhewetb this was a task of no fmall diffi- culty , even fuch, that no leffe than creating power was required to it, while he faith, for to ma\e in Himfelf, (the Word fignifieth to creat in Himfelf) oft^ain^ne weOfo man. 3. So ftri£t and near is that conjun&ion and union which is cfpecially among true believers in the Church, that all of them, how far foever difperfed through the world, do yet make up but one man and one body ; as being all,whatever be their other di6Ferences,moft ftrift- ly united, as members unto one head, Chrift, 1 Cor.i 2; 27* and animated* as to the inward man, by the fame Spirit of God> redding and afting in them, %om. 8. g: for, the Apoftle flhewcthi that all of them, whether Jew or Gentile , were made, not only one people, one nation, one family, but one new man ; for to ma^e, of Wain, one iwUp mm, 4. As the eflentiall unity of the invifible Church, without which the Church could not be a Church, doth of neceflity depend upon, and flow from that union, which every particular member hath with Chrift, as Head ; feingthe grace of love (whereby they are knit one to another, Co/.g, 14 ) doth flow from faith, Gal. 5. -<$. whereby they are united to Him, £^.3. 17* So,the more our union with Chnft is improved unto the keeping of conftant communion and fellowftiip with Him, the more will be attained unto of harmonious walking among our felves, fuicable unto that eflentiall union which is in the Church of Chrift : for, the Apo- ftle maketh the conjunction of Jews and Gentiles in one Church . to depend upon Chr iftS uniting of them to himfelf i in to twkf in Himfelfyoft^amkon€ neto man, faith , 1 4 lie. 1^6 A brtef Sxpojinon of the Epftle Chap.£ he. 5. The peace which ought to be, and which Chrift callech for in His Church, is noc a fimple ceffation from open ftrife, which may take place* even when ihere re- raaineth a root of bitterneffe in peoples fpirits, $faU 55. 21. but it is fuch an harmonious walking together in all things as floweth from the neareft con jun&ion of hearts, and the total removal of all former bitterneffe of fpirits: for, the peace which Chrift did make betwixt Jew and Gentile , did follow upon His abolifh'mg the enmicy, and making them one man ; fo making peace, faith he. From Verf. 16. Leam, 1. Union and peace with men, even with good men, is to little purpofe, except there be peace and friendfliip with God alfo : for, the Apoftle flieweth, that Chrift, in abolifhing the ceremonial Law* did defign not only the conjunction of the Church among themfelves 9 but their reconciliation with God alfo , and the former in fubordination to the latter ; jtnd that Be might reconcile both Unto God, in one body. 2. As all mankind have fallen from that ftate of friend- fliip with God, wherein they once were before the fall, Ecclef.j. 29. So,the repairing of this wofull breach, and making up of friendfhip betwixt God and the Eleft, wasChrift's great bufineffe in the world ; for effedtua- ting whereof, whatever He did or fuffered, was in fome one way or other fubfervient : fort the Apoftle fhewech He fuffered in the flefti, abolifhed the ceremonial Law, united the two Nations, that Be might reconcile both unto God in one body. The word rendred reconcile , fignifieth the making up of old ftiendfhip. 3. Though the believing Jews under the Old Teftament, were reconciled unto God, even while the ceremonial Law flood in force, P/ah^i. 4, Yet the price, by vcrtue whereof they were reconciled, could not be a&ually payed, to wit,Chrifts death and fufferings , except the ceremonial Law had presently evanifhwl, (SeeVen 15- Do6t. 4.) neither could Jew and Gentile be united together in one body, and fo reconciled to God, while that Law was in force and binding. See Verf. 14* Do&< 5. Therefore* and in thofe j Chap.i. ofHu\ to the Evvmsi at* il 137 thofe refpc&s, k was neceflary for Chrift to abolifh the ceremonial Law, that He might reconcile both Jew and Gentile unto God : for, fo lakh Paul, He aboltjhed the L of Commandments in Ordinances— that He might recon~ tile both unto God in one body. 4. There can be no recon- ciliation betwixt God and us* except we be united by faith to Chrift, and to the body of all Believers in Him; So that none can be one with God who are not of the myfticall body of His Church : yea> and in fo far will thefenfeand fweet cffe&s of reconciliation with God be interrupted and obftru&ed, as perfons reconciled do give way untcrdivifions, rents and ftrifes among them- felves : for, the Gentiles and Jews, being in one body with Chrift and His Church, come to be reconciled unto God ; That He might reconcile both unto God, in one body , that is, being united among themfelves in one body under Chrift the head, as is affirmed, verf* 15* 5. As Jefus Chrift did interpofe as mediator and peace- maker to reconcile God and us ; So He behoved, in order unto this end, to bear the chaftifment of our peace, and to lay down His life by a ftiamefull, painfull and curfed death ; that fo, the juftice of God being fully Satisfied for our wrong, we might enjoy God's peace and favour with life : for, he (heweth the mean of their reconciliation, was the crofle of Chrift, not the material tree or matter of the crofle, but Chrift's fufFerings and death upon the crofle ; lhat He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the crojje. 6. Chrift in fuffering Him- felf to be overcome by death, did fully deftroy fin,death, the ceremonial Law, and every other thing which could impede the reconciliation of the Eleft with God > He, having thereby brought-in the fubftance of all thofe legal Chadows,CW* $. 17. fatisfied the juftice of God, and purchafed grace and ftrength, which afterwards He was to convey unto all Believers for mortifying and fubduing the body of fin and death in tbem^.j.ji. for faith Vaul, He hath /lain the enmity thereby, that is, by the crofle, and His death upon the crofle ; So that by being {Jain, He flew the enmity betwixt God and us. VerG IJ8 A britfSxpdfitton of the Epifik Chap. 2. Vcrf. 1 7. Jnd came, and preached peace to you tobicbtoere afar off, and to them that tocre nigh. TNthi9 and the following verfe, is contained tbc third ■* branch of the fecond part of the Chapter, wherein the Apoftle (heweth how that excellent benefit of union and communion with God in His Church, purchafed by Chnft for the Gentiles, was publiftied, and a&ually communicated unto them equally with the Jews, to wife by the preaching of the Gofpel And, firft, hedeclareth that Chrift Himielf did preach and publifh the glad ty- dinfjs of that peace and reconciliation which was pur- chafed by Him on the crofle. Sec ver. 1 y, 1 6. And, fe- condly, he fheweth to whom he did publifh it, firft, to the Gentiles who were far off, ( See Ml. 2. 39.) being compared with the Jews ; as being without the bounds of the vifible Church. Now, Chrift preached to the Gentiles, not immediately and in His own perfon, Mat* 15. 24. except to fome few, who were firft- fruits of the reft, Mat. 8. 5, &c. and 15. 28. but mediately and by the miniftcry of His Apofties, and their fucceffors, the Minittersof theGofpel, whom He fent unco them to preach, Mat. 28. 1 9. whofe Miniftery He doth al waye* accompany by His Spirit, to the convi&ion of fome>« and converfion of others ; and therefore He himfelf is faid to preach in them, 1 Pet. 3. 19. Next, to the Jews, who are faid here to be nigh, becaufe they were within the vifible Church, and therefore (though many of them, being (imply confidered, were far from God; yet) they were nigh, being compared with the Gentiles, as living under the drop of the means of grace and re- conciliation* Now, he mentioneth the Gentiles, firft, not as if che GolpJ had been firft preacheJ untpthem, Atf.ii.q6 buc co fhew that this priviledge of having theG^fpcl prcaoied, did now under the New Tefta- m-nt belong e \w illy both to the Jews anlGncilcs; Aa4 therefore ic was not of any moment which of them were Chap.2. 0/Paul ^^Ephbsuns. 139 were mentioned firft, and which laft. ®otf. i4 It is not fufficient, in order to our reconciliation with Godj that a price was payed by Chrift upon the croffe to fa~ tisfie divine juftice, but there rnuft alfo an offer be made of this purchafed friendfliip in the preaching of the Go- (pel ; that fo we may imbrace and lay hold upon it by faith ; otherwife the friendfliip is not a&ually made, CqL i. 21. for> the Apoftle, having (hewed (ver. 16 J that Chrift had fatisfied divine juftice upot, the crofle, doth here declare how His fo doing was publiflied and actually communicated both to Jew and Gentile ; Jni came, and preached peace. 2. Though we did commit die wrong which occafioned the enmity betwixt God and us, Col. u 21. yet, not only the firft motion, but the full profecution and through compleating of the friend- (hip, cometh from God through Chrift , in fo far as Chrift did not only upon the croffe fatisfie for our wrong, but &lfo maketh an offer of friendfliip fo pur- chafed, in the miniftry of the Word : yea,and bringeth us to a clofing with the terms upon which it is offered. Job. 6. 44. And came and preached peace. 3. As the fum of the Gofpel is peace, there being nothing contained in it but a declaration that peace and reconciliation with God and His Church may be had, and upon what fweet and eafie tearms it may be had,2fyw. 5. 11. and earneft offers of that peace, made unto all who would imbrace ic upon thofe tearms, 2 C0/.5. 20. together with the duties of thankfulneffe, which God doth call for from thofe who accept the offer, tMattb. 11.29. and the fearfull judgements which do await on (uch who will not imbrace the offered friendfliip, Beb. 2. 3. So the publifliingofthisdo&rineof peace, is thegladdeft ty- dings which ever (bunded in the ears of loft finners : for, the Apoftle, fpeaking of Chrifts preaching of the Go- fpel, faith, He came and preached peace • the word ren- dred preached, doth fignifie (and accordingly is tran- flated,%». 10. 15.) to bring glad ty dings. 4, When Chrift doth fend His called Minifters with an offer of peace i 40 *A brief Expo (it Ion of the Epijtle Chap, z peace and reconciliation unto a people, it is all one, as if He himfelf in His own perfon did come and make an offer of Him; And therefore the word of reconciliation in their mouth, (hould be received and accepted by thofe unto whom it is offered* with the fame readineffc, con- fidence and reverence, as they would receive it from Chrift Himfelf, Gal. 4.. 14. for, though Chrift preached immediately, and in His own perfon, only to the Jews, !%*M5.8. yet the Apoftle faith He preached alfo onto tUe Gentiles , becaufe He fcnt His Apoftles and Minifters to preach unto them • And came> and preached peace to you tohicb toere afar off, 5. They may be nigh to God as to their external and Church-ftate, living under the drop of means , and enjoying the privilcdge of all di- vine Ordinances , who are yet unreconciled to God , and holding up the enmity which is betwixt the Lord and them: for, Chrift behoved to preach peace, even to thofe who were nigh , to wit, in the refpetts prefently mentioned, which implyeth they were not yet at peace with God ; And to tbem that toere nigh. 6. For whom- soever Chrift hath purchafed peace upon the crofle , to thofe he maketh an offer of peace and reconciliation in the preaching of the Gofpel ; And therefore He hath not died for all : for, the Apoftle (heweth, that, as Chrift purchafed peace for both Jew and Gentile, ver. 16. fo He came and preached peace to both ; even to you Itobicb toere afar off, and to tbem that toere nigh. Verf. i8« For through him toe both baVe an accejfe by one Spirit unto the Father. HTHe Apoftle, thirdly, proveth that the Gentiles -* were effe&ually called , by the preaching of the Gofpel , to partake of purchafed peace and reconcilia- tion equally with the Jews; becaufe they both had equal acceffe and liberty to approach unto God in the praftice of all commanded duties, as unto their own reconciled God and Father ; for t the word rendered auejfc, Chap. 2 J ©/Paul to the Ep h b s i an i ; . *4T 4i«^, bath an allufion to the courts of Princes , where petitioners are admitted unto accefle to their Prince t even in the very presence- chamber. Concerning which acceffe, he (heweth, firft, that it is through Chrili He having removed all thofe obftruftions and impediments which might have marred it. And , fecondly > that it is by the one Spirit of God* who doth create, prefer ve, quicken, and a&uate thofe graces, in the exercife where- of, they obtained acceffe unto God. {Dott. i. One main fruit and evidence of reconciliation is accefle unto God > whereby reconciled fouls have not only li- berty to approach unto God in the enjoyment of all di- vine Ordinances, (which acceffe is the priviledge of all within the vifible Church, whether they be reconciled or not > !P/i/. 147. 19.) but alfo freedom, and liberty of ipirit to approach unto God in the exercife of all their faving graces > by which they do enjoy communion with God, andefpecially in the confident, bold and re- verent exercifing of their faith , both as co the change of their rtate in juftification, %$m. 5. 2. and as to their fanftification, and all the duties thereof, *ibilty. 4. 13. which accefle to God , is chiefly attained in the duties of prayer and praife, as having God for their dired and immediate obje#; This is that accefle , which in feme meafure floweth from peace and reconciliation with God, and is an evidence of it: for, the Apoftlc provcth , that the Gofpel was effe&ually preached in order to their peace and reconciliation, becaufe they had accefle to God ; We both baVe acceffe to the Father, 2. There can be no acceffe;or familiar approaching unto God by finners, who are not in Jefus Chrift, and come not to God through Him ; leing God isaconfuming iire unto fuch , Heb. 1 2. 29. Their fins having divided betwixt Him and them, Ifa. 59. 2. and fo clofed up all accefle unto God , untill Jefus Chrift do apply unto them the merit of His death , whereby He blotteth out their fin, %». 3. 25. and bringeththem unto aftateof favour with God , and fo maketh a patent door for ac- ceffe 141 tA brief Exf option of the Eplfile Chap.2; ceffc unto Him , 2fyw. 5. 1 > 2. and kecpeth it al wayes pa- tent by His continued interceflion , Heb. 7.-25. which their renewed provocations would otherwife dayly, and hourly clofe and obftruft, 1 Job. 2.x. for , faith he, through Him, that is , Chrift, toe both baVe an accejje to the father. 3. Chrift is the only Mediator betwixt God and man , by whom alone we hare acceffe and liberty to approach unto God in the exercife of our graces, whether in the duty of prayer , or any other way , and not by the mediation of Saints or Angels : for, faith he, through him toe babe an accej^ov manudu&ion to the father. 4. This acceffe, and approaching ;unto God, isnotlo* call by palling from one place to another ; efpecially feing there is no place , wherein acceffe to God may not be had, Job. 4.21. 23. but it is fpirituall , confiding in the motion of the heart towards God , in the exercife of faving and fpirituall graces : for, fo much is implied, while this acceffe is afcribed unto the Spirit, as the effi- cient thereof ; We have an acceffe by the Jpirit. 5. It is not fufficient, in order to our acceffe unto God, that ob- ftru&ions be removed » and a door made patent by Chrifts merit and interceflion , through which we may enter; but, fuch is partly our impotency, Job. 15.-5. and partly our averfneffe from making ufe of the offered opportunity, Z^.14.17, 18, &c. that except the Spirit of God do caufe us enter, by creating fpirituall graces in us, &%*%• 36. 26. by aftuating. and exciting thofe graces, Cant. 4. 16. and efpecially by helping our infirmities in prayer , and ftirring up a vehement flame of holy and ardent affections, which may ferve, as wings, to ele- vate our fpirits to God , %w. 8. 2(5. Except , I fay, the Spirit of the Lord did thus , we could not otherwife have any acceffe unto God : for, he faith , through him 1toe babe an acceffe by one Fpirit. 6. As it is one , arnd the felf fame Spirit of God, who breatheth upon the graces of Gods people j Cant. 4. 16. and thereby giveththetn acceffe unto God ; So it concernech us much , as we would find acceffe and liberty of approaching unto God, to Chap.2. *f Paul to the £* h b $ I AN s. j^ to keep the unity of the fpirit in the bond of peace ; there being nothing , that marreth accefle to God , and fellowftiip with Him more, than imbittered Jpirits, and divifion of heart among the people of God , 2 Corinth. I g. II. for, therefore doth the Apcflle mention the one Spirit of God, to (hew, that the Spirit doth unite thofc among themfelves , upon whom this rich blcffing of acceffc is beftowed ; We both ha\>e an aceffe by one 5/i- rtt. 7. As there arc three diftinft perfons in the God- head, the Father, Son, and Spirit', So the enjoying of the Father, is the highett happineflc , which can be at- tained , and in which the foul doih reft content , when it is attained ; the Son again is the way , by which we come to the Father 3 and the Spirit our guide, which caufeth us enter this way , and go alongs in it : all which is clearly hinted at here ; through Him , that is, Chrift, toe have an accejje by one Sprtt to the father. Verf. 19. Koto therefore ye are no more fir angers and for* reigners ,but felloto- citizens toith the Saints, and of the boufhold of God* TLIEre beginneth the fourth branch of the fecond part **• 1 of this Chapter , where , by way of a conclufioa drawn from what is faid in the fix former Verfes , the Apoftle fetteth forth that excellent and blefled ftate, wherein the Ephefians now were : which , though in fome refpefts , and in fome things at leaft , by propor- tion it may be applied to the ftate of the vifiblc Church, to wit > in fo far as the members thereof had all thofe priviledges here fpoken of in their offer, upon the terms held forth in the Gofpel , and were under the drop of thofe means which the Lord doth ordinarily blcfle, and make eflfe&uall for working a faving intereft in , and right unto all thofe : yea, and had a prefent adiuall right to the external part of thofe priviledges * even the vifible Church being in fome rcfpe&s GodsCity, Houftiold and Temple, at leaft, the liiburbs, utter-court, and porch 144 ^ brief Exfefition of the SpifiU Chap. *• porch thereof , and having her own anfwerable privi- ledges > which are in fome meafure proportionall to thofe of the invifible Church ; yet, feing (as was Abe wed formerly upon the expofition of ver. i;.) thofe excel- lent things, here fpoken of, are not fully , and to their outmoft perfc&ion verified in any , but in the invifible Church and the truly regenerate, the members thereof; Therefore I ftul open up the mind of the Spirit of God! as aiming mainly at thofe , and give the meaning of thofe excellent things here mentioned , as they apper- tain chiefly to fuch , in the mean time , leaving it urrto the judicious Reader to gather from what is faid,how> and in what refpe&s they are applicable unto the vifible Church. And fo that we may enter the expofition of the words, The Apoftle fetteth forth their prefent happy condition, firft, negatively, by (hewing what they were not, neither grangers nor foreigners , whereby with al- lufion to thof« , who are not free-men of an Incorpo- ration or City , but either Jirangers (that is, fuch who have neither the freedom of the City, nor a place of ha- bitation in it , but have their refidence far from it, ) or foreigners, (that is, fuch, who though they have their re- fidence in the City, yet are not free-men , but fojourners for a feafon,) he (fceweth that the fecond branch of their ~ former mifery, fpoken of, ver. 12. which included! all the reft (even their being aliens from the commonwealth of Ifraely deprived of all union and communion, either with the invifible or vifible Church) was now removed. Secondly , he fetteth forth their prefent bleffed condi- tion pofitivcly , under three fimilitudes , whereof two are in this verfe. In the firft , he compareth the whole Church , and efpecially the invifible Church of true Believers unto a City , and fheweth that thofe believing Ephefians had a right unto all the pri^iledges, and immunities of that city , the chief whereof are freedom from Gods curfe, %V. 22, 3. and a right unto eternal life, ^V. 22. -?♦ And this they had equally with all the other citizens and free members of that City Chap.*. a^Paul ^/^Ephbsians.' 145 City ; fori the chiefeft Saints were but their fello'to-citi- %ens. In the fecond fimilitude, he compareth the fame Church unto an houfhold * or family , and calleth ic Gods houlhold , affirming, that all of thofe believing Ephefians did belong to this houfhold. So that he doth hereby expreffe a greater degree of nearneffe to, and communion with, God and His Church, which they had attained unto , than was fet forth by the former fi- militude; there being a ftraiter tyof familiarity and friendship between the members of one family among themfelvcs , and with the mafter of the houfe , than is between the members of one city , whether among themfelves , or with their Magiftrates and Rulers. 2>0#. 1. So apt are even good men to be exalted above meafure with the excellent things of God beftowed upon them, a Corinth. 12. 7. that it is not fafe at any time to think upon thofe things, except our former mifery and vileneffe be joyntly thought upon alfo, that fowe may be keeped humble i for, the A poftle, while he is of pur- pofe to fet forth their excellent priviledges, doth not ob- fcurely prefent their former mifery unto their view alfo* by faying, ye are no more fir angers and foreigners , which implieth they were once fo. 2* As it is not an eafie matter to convince finners of their loft andmifcrable eftate by nature; So it is no leffe difficulty, when they are once made truely fenfible of fin and mifery , to con- vince them throughly of thefe riches which are in Gods mercy , and of that bleffed eftate which they are brought unto by Gods free grace in Chrift : for there- fore the A poftle findeth it necedary , not only to aflert there was a gracious change wrought in them , ver. 13. but alfo in the following verfes to (hew forth all the caulesof thismoft bleffed change, from which he doth here by an undeniable confequence lay down thiscon- clufion : Hot* therefore ye are no more fir angers and fo- reigners. 3. That we may highly prize,and think aright of Gods mercy in Chrift manifefted to Believers, we would look upop it, both in the privative and pofitive K effects 1^6 A brief Exposition of the Spifile Chap, i ttk&s thereof, both in thofe evils of fin and mifery, which He delivereth from , and thofe faying bleffings, whether relating to grace here,or glory hereafter, which He doth confer and beftow : for, fo doth the Apoftle here fet forth the rich effe&s of Gods grace towards thofe Ephefians, both negatively and positively; ye are no more grangers , but felloe citizens, 4. Though Be- lievers be ftrangers in the world , as to their outward condition ; fome having no certain place of abode, but driven from their own habitations, 1^.1,1, and all of them being difpofed to look upon earth as a ftrange countric, and the contentments thereof as uncertain, pe^ rifhing, and therefore not their own, Heb. 13. 14. Yec they are not ftrangers unto, but citizens of that city, not made with hands , even the bletfed fociety of the Saints, in which they live , Philip. 3. 10. unto whofe privi- ledges they have a right, and fhall at laft be brought to the full poffeffion of all its outnaoft bleffings and immu- nities in heaven, Job.1^2. 3. for, it is in this refpeft he faith, ye are no more ftrangers, and forreigners. 5. The ftate and priviledges of Gods Church confifting of all true Believers , are fuch , as fitly may be reprefented by lome great Incorporation or City, which is a fociety of people joyned together under one Magiftracy > ruled by the fame Laws , enjoying the fame common priviledpes and immunities , and ftronely defended by walls and bulwarks : In like manner all Believers are united under Ghrift their fupream Magiftrate and Head, Epb. 1.- 21. living under one common Law> the will of God re- vealed in Scripture, which is alfo written in their hearts by that one Law-giver, Jer. 31. 33. enjoying one and the fame common priviledges>(not only acceffe to divine Ordinances, but) of Juftification, (fymu 8. 30.) Adop- tion > (Epb.i,$.) San&ification, (Epb. 5.26.) peace of confeience, ( %*». 5. 1,) and a right to heaven , the inheritance of the Saints, Job. 3. 16. and all of them having Gods fpecial protection , T/i/. 91.1. yea, and faivacionfor walls and bulwarks, If4<76ti- for, this fimilitude* Chap.*, of Paul to the Ep h e s i a n s .' J47 (imilitude, whereby the Church is compared to a city, is implyed , while it is faid , Te an felloe-citizens eitb the Saints. 6. Though thole, who are federally holy* and externally Saints* ( See upon Tbilip.iMr.i.de&.f.) are members of this City, as it fpeaketh a fociecy of vi- fible profeffors,?/^. 48. 8* yet only thofe, who are in- herently holy, their natures being renewed, the feeds of faving grace implanted and growing up unto good works , only fuch, I fay, are free members of this City, as it fpeaketh the fociety of the Church invifible, who enjoy immunity from Gods wrath and curfe, with an aftual right unto eternal life: for, that the Saints only are free members of this City,is implyed, while he faith* fello'to- citizens v>itb the Saints. 7. Whatever differences are among Believers, as to their worldly condition, Epbm 6. 5, 9. their feverall fun&ions in the Church vifible, 1 Cor* I2* 28. and their different degrees of gifts and graces, 'fym. 1 2. 6. Yet, all of them do enjoy an equall right to all thofe faving bleflings of the Covenant of Grace, the Charter of this Incorporation, (Ifa. 56.4.) which are of abfolute neceffity to the life of grace here, or of glory hereafter, Tfal. 84. 1 1. and without which none can be a free Burgcffe of this City : for, he maketh the believing Ephcfians fellor»-citi%ens *toitb the Saints, even the chiefeft of them, as having the fame right with them unto all fiich immunities and priviledges. 8. As the whole fociety of the invifible Church chiefly is Gods own great hou(hold and family in a peculiar manner, and is therefore admitted to a moft near and intimate communion with Him, fuch as a man hath with his own domefticks, %v. 3. 20. yea, and is in a fpeciall way provided and cared for by Him, 1 Tim. 5. 8. So, whenever a man is reconciled to God by the bloud of Jcfus Chtift , he becometh a member of this holy and bleffed family, and enjoyeth all the priviledges thereof, whereof this is one, in which it differeth from other fa- milies, that in this houfhold there are no mercenary fer* rants, but all the domefticks are Ions and heirs, Job. u 1 48 tA brief Expofition of the E fifth Chap.* 12. Col. 3. 24. for, bythehoufholdofGodhemeaneth the catholick Church, affirming that thofc Ephefians upon their reconciliation with God became members of it; dndoftbebonjboldofGod, faith he. VerC 20. Jnd are built upon tbe foundation of tbejipoftles and Tropbets, Jefm Cbrijt bimfdf being tbe cbief corner. * Jlone* TN the third fimilitude he comparcth the Church unto * an edifice or ftately building , and fheweth that thofe Ephefians were a part of it. Which fimilitude doth hold forth a further degree of nearnefleto, and communion With God and His Church> than the former ; in fo far as the ftones of an edifice are moft ftri&ly joyned to- gether, both with the foundation and amongft them- felves : and herein he doth, doubdeflkalludc to Solomons Temple, which did prefigure the Church of the truly Regenerate. And, firft, that he may with greater clearneffe fet forth this their happy condition, he doth defcribe this fpiri- tual, ftately, and, in feveral things, admirable edifice from four things. Firft, in this verfe,from i:s foundation, or that which doth fupport the weight of the building , which he calleth the foundation of the (Prophets and Apo- files ; whereby is not meaned, that the Prophets and Apoftles in their own perfons are the foundation of the Church; for, they are built, as lively ftones, with the reft of the Ele6fc,upon the foundation, fbilip.'i.S, 9. And therefore we muft hereby under ftand the foundation, which was laid by them as wife mafter- builders under God, 1 Cor. 3. 9, 10. to wit, thcDo&rine of the Pro- phets and Apoftles, or rather Jefus Chrift the fumand icope of their Do&rine, ^om. io, 4, 1 Cor. 2: 2. as the Apoflle expoundeth himfelf, iCor. 3. 11. and is clear from If a. 28. 16. to which place he doth here allude, and which is alfo more plainly fet forth in the clofe of this fame verfe, where the Apoftle proveth, that they were Chap. 2. */Paulf*f£*EpHEsiANS.' 149 were builc upon that foundation ; becaufc Chrift is that corner- ftone, fpoken of, If a. 28. 16. and Pfal. 1 18. 22* So that the foundation and corner- ftone muft be both one in this place, feing he inferreth the one from the other, only with this difference, that Chrift is not only the loweft corner-ftonc, which lyeth under the whole building , and is a part of the foundation, to which corner-ftone He is compared, lfa* 28. 16. but He is ai- fo the higheft, to which He is compared, Pfal. 118. 22. Yea, and fuch a corner- ftone as reacheth all alongs the angle from the foundation to the top of the building, binding the two walls of the Church together, which are the two Nations of Jews and Gentiles: for, the word in the Originall fignificth the extream corner- ftone , that is , both the higheft and the loweft., and confequently comprifcth all which ly between thofc two extreams : neither doth the word imply , that there are any other fubordinate , or fecundary foundations, or corner-ftones , feing the word is better rendered ex- tream corner than chief. $>oii. 1. Thofe excellent privi- ledges beftowed upon Believers, confiding in, and flow- ing from union and communion with Chrift and His Church, are of fuch a fpirituall, fublime and divine nature ; and we are fo carnall, dull and flow of un- derftanding, that there are no proper fignificant words, whereby to expreffe them fo as we may underftand them: for, therefore is it , that the Spirit of God doth fpeak of them to us in our own language , and taketh (imilitudes from things earthly to fet them forth, that fo we may, at leaft, underftand fomewhat of them , as here he maketh ufe of afimilitude taken from aftately building for that end ; And are built upon the foundation* 2. So excellent and full are thofe priviledges, and fo compleat isthathappineffe, which is enjoyed by Be- lievers , that not any one fimilitude, taken from earthly things, can fully, or in any mcafure fatisfyingly fet them forth : for. therefore is ic, that the Spirit of God doth multiply (imilitudes co this purpofe, that what is want- K 3 tog i 50 A brief Expoftion of the Epiflle Chap, 2 3ng in otie,may be fupplicd by another ; as here, having fet forth the happy ftatc of Believers from thefimili- tude, firft of a city, next of a family, ver. 19. he doth in this verfe add a third fimilitude , taken from an edi- fice ; tAnd are built upon the foundation, faith he. 3. So fteadable is Jefus Chrift unto Believers,and of fuch uni- verfalufe, in order to their being built up in one temple unto God , that there is not any one piece of a building, by which His fteadable ufefulneffe can befufficiently reprefented. He is not only the foundation- ftonc, who, being the firft ftone which was laid in the building, ( %K 13.8.) doth fupport this whole fpirituall edifice, Mattb. \6. 18* who was brought fo low by His fuffer- ings , and dayly in the preaching of the Gofpel, that the meaneft Believer may be rolled upon Him, Mattb. 11. a 8. and upon whom the weights of all Believers great and fmall do hing, if a. 22.24. but He isalfothe corner- ftone , who reacheth from the foundation to the top of this fpirituall edifice , and joyneth Jew and Gentile , the two walls of the Church, together in one, (fee ver.iS*) yea, and all particular Believers are united in Him, job, 17, -22, 23. who breaketh the violent blafts of all thofe ftorms, which would otherwife over- throw the edifice, lfa. 25. 4. and ufe to beat moft vio- lently upon the corners of buildings , Job 1. 19. who alfo is the choice of the ftones of the building, ( as cor- ner-ftones ufe to be , Jer. 51. 26. ) as being of more durable fubftance , even the great and mighty God, lfa. 9. 6. and is in His humane nature adorned and po- lifhed with a variety and fulneffe of created graces above His fellows, Tfal. 45. 7. as corner- ftones are more curioufly ingraven and wrought than the reft of the building, P/i/. 144. 12. in whofe (lability and ftrength, the ftrength of the whole fpirituall edifice (Mtttb. 16. 18.) and of every lively ftone thereof doth confift , Job. 10, 28. as the ftrength of an artificial! building confifteth in the goodnefleof the foundation and corners, AUttb.j. 24, 25, fori the Apoftle,fpeak- ing Chap.2. % 0/Paul ^^Ephbsians.^ *jf ing of this fpiricuall edifice, giveth unto Chrift the place both of foundation and corner, while he faith, Te are built upon the foundation of the Prophets , Jejm Cbriji himfelf being the chief (otextream) corner.ftone. 4. That any man be a part of this fpirituall edifice* and do par- take of all thole glorious priviledges which flow from union and communion with God and His Church, and are enjoyed by all the lively ftones of this building, he muft be built upon Chrift the foundation > taking band upon Him by the cement of lively faith : for, the Apoftle, (hewing thatthofe Ephefians were a part of this fpirituall building, faith they were built on Chrift ; And are built upon the foundation. 5, There is no clofing with,& taking band upon Chrift aright as a foundation- ftone, or rock for falvation, except He be conceived and accepted of, as He is revealed and offered in the Scrip- ture* of the Old and New Teftament 5 for, He is called the foundation of the Prophets and jfpoftles, to wit, whom they ftt forth and placed as a foundation in the Church by their Doftrine and Writings* 6. Though God Himfelf be the principall author and builder of this fpirituall edifice , 7/i* 18. 1 6* 1 Corinth. 3. 6. Yet, He imployeth His called Minifters and Servants, as inftru- ments under Him, for carrying on this work, among whom He did make fpeciall ufe of the Prophets and Apoftles for laying the foundation/in fo fan as they firft did reveal and preach Jefus Chrift , and commit to writing fuch truths concerning Him, as areneceflary for falvation* Job. 20. 31, white other ordinary Minifters are imployed in the preaching of Jefus Chrtft, as He is revealed in Scripture, to build up the Eleft upon the foundation , which was laid by them , 2 Tim. 2; t. for, be calleth Chrift the foundation of the Prophets and Apo- ftles, that is, whom they placed in the Church by their Doctrine and Writings , by which He maketh them to differ from ordinary Minifters; And are built upon the foundation of the Prophets and dpofltes. 7. There is a fweet harmony and full agreement between the Do- K 4 ftrine 1 5 1 A brief Expo ft tton of the Spiff le j Chap. 2. ftrine and Writings of the Prophets and Apoftles : as in all other things; fo efpccially, in holding forth Jefus Chrift for a foundation and rock of falvation unto Be- lievers; the latter having taught and written nothing, but what was partly prefigured in types , and partly foretold in prophefies by the former, Mis 26. 22,23. for> 2W affirmeth, that the fame foundation, Chrift, was laid by both, while he faith, ®uilt upon the foundation of the Prophets and dpojlles. 8. How litde ground the Pa- pifts have from this , or any other Scripture, blafphe- rooufly to teach , that the Pope is the foundation of the univerfal Church vifible > in whofe voice and fentence the faith of all Believers ought to be determined and built, appeareth not only from the meaning of the words aflerted in the expofition , but alfo from this, that all the Apoftles are fpoken off as having equal influence upon this foundation, fo that ^rter, whofe fucceflbr the Pope doth plead himfelf to be, had no privilege in this above the reft; for, he faith, Ye are built upon the foun- dation of the Prophets and apoftles. 9. Though men are eafily moved to combine together in ill, $fal. 83. 3. as being naturally inclined to it, Gen, 6. 5. yet, fuch is the antipathy of every man by nature unto that which is truely good, {%$m* 34 2. and unto all other men in that which is good ; that nothing leffe was required for uniting all the Eleft among themfelves, fo, as to make them joyndy endeavour the bringing about of Gods glory in their own falvation , than that Jefus Chrift Chould interpofe as an arbiter with power , caufing the parties at variance to be at peace and become a center, wherein all thofe fcattered lines might meet, and a cor- ner, wherein the fevetall walls and ftones of the build- ing are conjoyned : for, faith TW, it was neceffary, in order to this union, that Jefus Chrift himfelf [houldbe the extream corner •fione, Verf, Chap.i* *f ram ***** EJHB&iAws. 155 Verf. 21. & ttfom <*//*&* luilding ftly framed together9 growth unto an holy ttmple in the Lord. THis ftatcly edifice is defcribed, fecondly, from the artificiall and altogether divine ftrudture, and joyn- ing together, of all its parts, which is the beauty of any building* This orderly frame and curious ftruftureof the Church, confifieth in thefe two. Firft, That the whole edifice, and all its parts arejirmly joyned in him% that is,in Chrift the foundation,^ wit»by faith; their life being framed according to His prefcript and example, Mattb. 11. 29. and their faith imbracingHim , accord- ing as He is held forth in the Word , without addition or diminution, Col. 2.6. even as the whole frameofa materiall building is made conform to the foundation. Next , That all the parts of this edifice are ftrongly joyned together among themfelves by the grace of love, Col. 3. 14. and orderly fituate, every one aft ing towards the good of another in their feverall Rations , 1 Corinth. 12.25,26. info far, as they are regenerate, and confe- quendy are parts of this building, I Corinth. 12. -5- even as all the parts of a materiall building have a commo- dious^ correfpondency one to another , and thereby are fitly framed together. This edifice is defcribed, thirdly, from its perpetuall increafe and growth, flowing alio from Chrift the foundation : which growth is to be un- derftood, not only with refpeft to the whole body of the Church> which groweth by the addition of new con- verts, Ifa. 54. 3. but alfo, and mainly to every member in particular , which do increafe and grow in gifts and graces, 2^.3.18. Andlaftly, it is defcribed from the end intended in rearing up this ftately growing edifice, even to be an holy temple unto God , wherein He may manifeft His prefence>and be perpetually ferved and glo- rified as it was in Solomons temple* Tfal.i 32. 1 3. ^oB. i# Tefus Chrift doth differ from the foundation of all other buildings in this, that the whole building; and every ftone *54 '<& brief Sxpofition vftbe EpiftU Chap.?; ftone of it doth take immediate band upon the founda- tion ; all Believers being moft intimately joyned to Him by faich , and not by the interveening mediation of others, as it is in materiall buildings: for, the Apoftle (heweth, that all the building ( no part thereof being excepted) is in Him> while he faith, ln^bomall the building. 2. As there is a ftrkSk conjunftion, and a kind of proportion between Believers and Chrift , as alfo among themfelves , even fuch, as is brancked forth in the expofition of thisverfe ; fo a great part of the ftrength and beauty of the Church, and of all its parts, confifteth in this con junftion and proportion ; and no- thing is more uncomely than for a Believer to be dif- propoftioned unto Chrift,either in his faith, or pra&ice* and to other Believers in his coldrife affe&ion to them, or his not atting orderly in hisftation for their good : foothe Apoftle defcribeth this fpirituall edifice from its divine ftru&ure and curious joyningofall its parts, as that, wherein a great part of its beauty and ftrength doth confift; hi Xbbom all the building fitly framed together. 3. As this fpirituall edifice doth differ from other build- - ings , that not only the whole edifice, but alfo all the parts of it (1^.2.5,) are indued with life; a life which is wholly fpirituall, and floweth from their union with Chrift the foundation ; So this life of theirs,is, for the time but imperfeft, their fpiritual graces having not as yet attained that fulneffe and ftrength which is re- quired: for, the Apoftle, while he afcribeth a fpiritual growth to all the building, doth imply both thofe, feing growth iupponeth life, and want of juft ftature and perfection ; In Tbhom all the building gro\\>etb» 4. As growth in grace , is a priviledge which appertained! to all the parts of this fpirituall building who are yet on earth ; fo this growth of theirs, doth flow frotn their union and communion with Chrift ; and the more their union with Him be improved to the dayly extra- ftingdf a renewed influence from Him, they cannot choofe but thrive the better in chi? their fpiritual growth : for, Chap* 2* ffPaul to the Ephbsians. 15^ for, the Apoftle afcribeth growth to all this building, and growth from their being in Chrift, and vertue com* ing from Him; In'tobomalltbe building growth , and in the Lord : which words, it feemeth, are added, to (hew, that not only the firft beginnings, but alfo the continued progreffe and increafe of grace do flow from the Lord Chrift. J. As growth of grace in every particular Be- liever; So the increafe of the Church ingenerall, by the addition of new converts , doth flow , not from created might, or power, Zech'4.6. but from the ver- tue of Jefus Chrift, who, having the nations given Him for an inheritance, (*2fal. 2. 8,) will in defpight of all oppofition, inlarge the bounds of His dominion, un- till He attain the full poffeflion of all to whom He hath a right : for, this growth is to be underftood alfo with refpeft to the whole body,by the addition of new mem- bers ; In which refpeft alfo the Apoftle here faith , It groVteth in the Lerd. 6. As all Believers joyntly , and each Believer a part , ( 1 Cor. 6.19.) are a temple for the Lord , wherein He doth manifeft His fpeciall pre- tence, and wherein He will bewoiftiipped, by offering up fpirituall Sacrifices of prayer , praiies and all the duties of new obedience, 1 T?et. 2. 9. So> that they may be a temple indeed for this holy God , they muft be much in the ftudy of holineffe , as in that which be- comcth His houfe, TM93.5. for, the Apoftle fbeweth that this whole building groweth up to be a temple for God> and an holy tefriple ; Alt the building growth unto an holy temple. 7. The more that Believers do endea- vour to grow in grace , without refting upon any mea- fure, they may expeft the more of Gods (peciall pre- tence to be manifefted in them, as in His own temple : for, it is the growing of this building mainly , which maketh it fit to be a temple for God ; Ml the building growth unto an holy temple. Vcrf I $6 %A brief Ex fofttion of the Epifile Chap.2j Ver£ 22. In \»bom you alfo are builded together, for an ha- bitation of God through the Spirit. 'T'He Apoftle doth now, in the next and laft place> ap- A ply what he hath laid of this fpirituall edifice, and of the Churches happy eftate under that fimilitude unto thofe believing Ephefians in particular , by (hewing, that even they were built up together with all other fin- cere Believers upon Jefus Chrift the foundation* and for this end, that they might be a place of habitation,where God might dwell, as manifesting His fpeciall prefencc in them , by the faving operations of His holy Spirit* [fioB. r. That our faith may be faving, and our com- fort (olid , it is neceflary • not only that we know and believe thofe excellent priviledges which belong to the Church of God in generall: But wemuftallo, ob- ferving the due order, make application of them unto our felves in particular : for, Taul teacheth fo much, while, having fee forth the happy eftate of all Believers in generall, hemaketh application thereof unto thofe Ephefians in particular ; . In whom alfo you are builded to- gether , faich he. 2* That this particular application may be made in due order, it is neceffaryi that in the firft place we make application of Chrift unto our felves, laying hold upon Him by faith ; that fo being in Him, we may have right unto all thofe faving priviledges, which are purchafed by Him : for, the Apoftle fheweth this was the order , wherein thofe priviledges were ap- plied unto the believing Ephefians $ they were firft united to Chrift , and fo had accefle unto all the reft which follow ; In ^bom alfo you are builded together for an habitation of God. g. That we may rightly apply Chrift unto our felves , it is neceflary that we lay hold upon Hi n in order to all thofe ends, for which He is of- fered in the G >fpel, even to thofe which imply an obli- gation upoa u\ of duty, both unto other Believers and unto Goi : for, thofe Ephefians were fo united to Chrift Chap.S; o/Paul totht Ephbsians^ 157 Chrift by faith ; that, as a confcquence thereof, they were alfo united one to another, and to all Believers by love > and made an habitation for God } In tohom you are builded together , for an habitation of God, 4. Je- fus Chrift doth differ from the foundations of other buildings in this, that every particular Believer is not only laid upon Him , and (upported by Him , as it is in materiall buildings ; but they are alfo indented in Him, and hid, as it were, in the clifts of that rock by faving faith -j fo that the foundation covereth the whole build- ing, and ferveth for a refuge from the ftorm, and a (had- dow from the heat, J/i.25. 4. for, he faith not, upon Itohom , but in 'tohom you alfo are builded. 5. As all Be- lievers* how far fo ever removed by large diftance, arc yet moft ftri&ly tied and joyned together ; So,by taking band with Chrift the foundation , they are fattened one to another,even as the ftones of a building : for,he faith, In nhom you are builded together; union among them- fclves did follow upon their being in Him. 6* The more deeply engaged that any have been before converfion in Sathan's fervicc and the flavery of their lufts , their after conversion , and being builded upon Chrift for an habitation to God, is the rarer priviledge, the more to be admired and highly efteemed of; for, he faith not fimply, in *tohem you art builded} but in tohom you alfo : which highteneth the purpofe, as a thing wonderfully and hardly credible,the apoftle having an eye doubtlefle to their former flavery unto Satan and their own lufts* fpoken of, ver. 2, 3. 7. So infeparable is that union, and connexion among the Perfons of the bleffed Trinity, that the prefence and indwelling of one is fufficient to prove the indwelling of all : for, they are an habitation to God the Father and Son, becaufe the Spirit did dwell in them and fan&ifie them • An habitation of God through the Spirit. 8. Though all the external aftions of the God- head do belong to all the Perfons of the bleffed Trinity ; Yet fome of thofe a&ions are ufualty afcribed unto one , more than the reft , according as they carry fome ij8 A brief Sxpofitien of the Epiflle Chap* 3. fome proportion and likcncffe to the perfonall proper- ties of each perfon : for, the fan&ification of Believers (in regard of which effe& God is faid to dwell in Be- lievers, feing He thereby doth manifeft His fpeciall pre- fence in them) is here afcribed unto the Spirit , while thofe Ephcfians are faid to be an habitation unto God through the Spirit. CHAP. III. IN the firft part of this Chapter (which beginneth ver. 2.) the Apoftle fetteth forth the dignity of his Apoftolick Office towards the Gentiles, with his calling to it, and qualifications for it. And, firft, he propoundeth the matter briefly y that this office was committed to him , verf. 2. Next , he doth more largely illuftrate it. Firft , by (hewing his ^qualification- and furniture for this Office, to wit, his knowledge and infightin themyfterie oftheGo- fpcl, which He was to preach : for proof whereof, her appealeth to what he had written in the two former Chapters, ver. 3,4. and having called the Gofpel a My- fterie, he (hewech the reafon why he did fo, to wit, be- caufe it was not Co known of old, as now under the Go- fpel, ver. 5. and giveth a brief fum of this myfterie, as to that part of it which was moft controverted, towic, the calling of the Gentiles to the free enjoyment of Go- fpel- priviledges, ver. 6. Next, by (hewing his call from God, and authority to difpenfethis furniture': where he taketh occafion to extol and magnifie his Office, and the grace of God>which called him to it, from eight diftindt confederations. Firft, from the gifts wherewith he wasi furnifhedtodifchargeit. Secondly, from the powerfufl affiftanceof Gods Spirit, which wrought in him and by him in the difcharging of it, ver. 7. Thirdly, from his owa unworthinefle * who was intruded with it, Fourth- Cha{%3. of Paul to the Ep hb s i ak s. 15? Fourthly , from the excellency of the fubjeft matter, which he was to fet forth, even the unfearcbable tubes of Cbrift , ver. 8. Fifthly , from the great benefit, which by his conicientious discharging thereof was to accrcfce unto men , even their more clear underftanding of that myfterie, ver. 9. Sixthly, from the fame benefit,which did thereby redound to the glorified Angels, ver. 10. Seventhly , from the eternity of Gods purpofe to intruft him in that office, for bringing about the forementi- oned ends, ver. it. And laftly, from three excellent privilcdges,^/rf»e//e, acce/fey confidence, whereof Believers did partake by the means of his Miniftery; as being thereby brought to Chrift* in whom they enjoyed all thofe, ven 12. From all which grounds he dehorteth them from fainting , notwithftanding of his prefenrfad fufferings in difcharging fo honourable an employment* ver. 1 3. In the fecond part of the Chapter , he doth indi- reftly incite them to perfevere , and make progreffe in the experimentall knowledge of, and in communion* with Chrift , by giving a fum of his fervent prayers un- to God for them to that purpofe. The occafioa of which prayer, is, ver.i. his gefture in prayer , and to whom he did pray > to wit, God,defcribed from his re* lation to Chrift and the Church, are, ver. 14. 15. The particulars prayed for, are, 1. Their ftrengtbening in the inward man by the Spirit, ver. i<$» 2. Chrifts inhabiting their heart by faith, ver- 17-. 3. Their ex- perimental! knowledge and comprehenfion cf Chrifts boundlefle love , flowing from their firm adhering to the love of God in Chrift by foith, ver. -17, 18,19- 4. Their full replenifhing with the perft&ion of all graces in glory , ver. -19. The conclufion of his prayer containeth a defcription of God , taken from His al- mighty power to do above our petitions and concept!- ons,'ver. 20. and athankfgivinguntoGod fo defcribed, and upon that ground, ver. 21 . Verf. 1 60 A brief Expofithn of the S fifth Chap. ?d Vcrf. 1. Z7<^ this caufe, I Paul, the prifoner of lefm * Chrijl for you Gentiles. J THis verfe belotigeth tothepurpofecotuainedfo the fecond part of the Chapter, which, being be- gun here, is interrupted untill ver* 1 4, The rea- fon whereof (hall be (hown , ver. 2, In the mean time he doth here declare the occafion of his following prayer to God on their behalf to have been , even that , which he hath but prefently fpoken concerning them , to wit, their being already builded upon Chrift by faith , toge- ther with all true Believers ; for, the vfovds,fer this caufe, relate to the clofe of the preceeding Chapter; And withall > that his praying to God fo fervently for them may have the more weight , in order to their up-ftirring to endeavour after that which he prayeth for , he de- fcribeth himfelf, who is to pray for them , from his pre- fent captivity and bonds , under which he was at ^ome for the truth of Chrift , and for the behoof and edifica- tion of the Gentiles : ( of whom thefe Ephefians were a part ) fon *W being intruded > in a peculiar manner, to be the Apoftle and Do& or of the Gentiles , 1 Tim. 2. 7. it followeth , that all his fufferings, in difcharge of that truft, were for their fake. Befides, that the neareft caufe of his fuffcrings from the Jews, his chief adverfa- ries, was his carrying oftheGofpcl unto the Gentiles, Jt&. 22, 21,22. tooth i • The pains of Minifters with, and for the Lords people, are fo far from being at an end , when people are brought to Chrift and built up- on Him by faith , that even their being brought this length, doth lay a new tye upon their Minifters , both to deal with God on their behalf, and to labour with themfelves fo much the more earneftly , that, not only they do not lofle thofe thingswhich are already wrought, 2 Job. ver. 8. but alfo they may make progreffe anfwer- able vnto their fair beginnings ; left otherwife they mar their own comfort, cP/i/. 5 *• 1 *♦ make the name of God to fchap.3. ej- raw to tioe fcP h b $ iaks. lor to be evil (pokenof, iSam. 12. 14. and thfereby draw down fore corre&ions upon themtelves, iSamziz. io# for, the Apoftle his praying fo f ef vend y upon their be- half, and thereby ftirring them up to endeavour afcer thatthemfelves, which he did pray for, was occasioned by their being built upon Chrift for an habitation unto God ; for this caufe, faith he , I Paul—do boV> my tyec*, as it followeth , ver. 14. which clofeth up the fentence begun here. 2. Such powerfull influence hath God upon hearts , that He can make thofe, who for the time are cruel perfccuters of truth, prove afterwards famou* Martyrs,and fufferers for it: fovfiaul vyas once a bloudy perfccuter, Gal. i.-ig. but is now a famous fufferer; I Taul, the prifoner, faith he, or, as it is in the Original, that prifoner , implying he was no ordinary # but a noted fufferer ; his futferings being in a manner Angular* 1 Cor. 11. 2 J, &c 3. Sufferings for Chrift and truth are fo far from being caufe of juft reproach to thofe who fuffer , from others , or from being matter of (hame and bluftitng to themfclyes , That they are rather a glory unto them , yea , and fometimes will be gloried in by them , as that , wherein their chiefeft honour ftandeth : for, ?<*«/, after the example of Kings and Nobles, who defign themfelves by their mod honourable ttiles,doth* in place of all, take this one, of a prifoner for Truth, untohimfelf; I Paul* the prifoner of J efm Chrift. 4. So far ought people be from (tumbling at truth , becaufe of the oppretted and fuffeting lot of thofe who preach it, that even their fufferings for truth thould make their pains the more acceptable, and addea weight unto the Word of truch in their mouth : for , *Paul delcribeth himfelf from his prefent fuffering lot , that both his per- fon and pains might have the more weight and efficacy with them ; I Tauljbe prifoner of Jefos Chrift m 5. The Lord doch fometimes give fo far way to the rage of* per- fccucers , as that the choifeft inftruments for carrying on His work may be , for a feafon , reftrained in their li* berty * and fo laid alide as ufeleffe ? eyea in a time L when 161 A brief Expofition of the Epiflle Chap, i when there is greateft need of their pains and diligence : for, Paul, an eminent inftrument, (i Corinth. 15. i0.) was at fuch a time caft in prifon j I Paul, the prisoner of JefuiCbrift. 6. No afflictions or fufFerings do loofea Paftor from his duty towards the Lords people , over whom he is fet : But when he is reftrained in his liberty from Preaching to them> he ought even then endeavour their edification by wrkting to them , and praying for them : for,2W, being a prifoner, doth yet write to thofe Ephefians, and pray for them ; I Paul, the prifoner— do bo^o my knees. 7. A prifoner for Chrift and truth, hath this advantage beyond all other prifoners in ordi- nary wars, he is a prifoner > not fo much to thofe who persecute him , as to Jefus Chrift , his own Lord and Generall : and that not only , becaufe he fuffereth in His quarrell, butalfoheremainethftillinHiscuftody, Gen. $9*ii. and at His difpofall* who ovcr-ruleth the rage of enemies fo as that they cannot do the mcaneft prifoner of His any further hurt than feemcth pood unto Him , 2>an. 3. 17. for, in both thofe refpefts , Paul doth call himfelf Chrifts prifoner ; he was imprifoned for His fake, and at, and during His overruling will and pleafure; I T<*«/, the prifoner $f JefmCbrift. 8. The Lord doth fo out-wit His enemies , as their very re- ftraining and imprifoning His fervants, doth, contrary co their intention > tend to the furtherance of the Gofpcl; all their fufFerings of that fort being real confirmations of the truth preached by them , Phil. I. -17. and fpeak- ing examples for others to imitate, Jam.%. 10. ioxyP aul Qieweth, that his fufFerings were for the Gcntilesjthough not for their redemption, iCom.-fj- yet for their good and edification in the mentioned refpetls ; I Paul, the prifoner- for you Gentiles, g. This may exceedingly fweeten the (harpeft fufFerings of Gods fervants,* when they confider , they fufFcr nothing but what is mea- sured out unto them by their Lord Chrift 5 that their fufFerings are not for evil doing , but for Him and His tiuth who fufferedfor them* aCor. 5. I4?i5# and that not Chap.j. o/Paul/0 the EphBSUNs; K5j not only their own falvation, but the falvation alfo of others , is fome one way or other advanced by their fufferings : for > Pauls fufferings are fweetned from this , that he was the prifoner of Jtfus Cbrifti and fortbi Gentiles. Verf. 2. If ye bate beard of tbe diftenfation of the grace of God, tohicb is given me to you^ard. Ill Ere beginneth the firft part of the Chapter, wherein •*" * the Apoftle, by way of digreffion, fetteth forth the dignity of his Apoftolick Office towards the Gentiles ; that thereby he may* not only guard them from (tum- bling at his fufferings, as is clear from ver. 1 J. but alfo give a reafonof whit he prefently faid, ver. 1. that he was a prifoner for tbem, to wit, becaufe he had his Office from God towards therp : for, left they had doubted of the truth of that affertion, he prefently breaketh off the former fentence in the very entry* without putting a clofe to it, untill ver. 14. as judging it more fafe to keep them a little in fufpenfe, and ignorant of that which he began to fpeak ofithah to leave them with a doubt about the truth of any thing which he had already fpoken ; feing ignorance of things, not yet revealed, is not fo ha- zardous as misbdief of thofe truths which was revealed and known. And therefore, in the firft branch of the firft part of the Chapter, contained iathisverfe, the Apoftle doth briefly declare, that the Apoftolick Office of difpenfing and minifterial diftributing the do&rine of free grace and falvation contained intheGofpel, here (called the grace of God, as, Tit, 2. 11.) was committed unco him tvith relation chiefly to , the Gentiles 1 and particularly, to thofe Ephefians. See upon Col. i. ver, 25, do$. ?. And as to the truth of this a(fertion,he appealeth to their own knowledge and conlcience, if they had not heard k, and were not fufficiently inftrufted in it : for, the conduionall particle if, implyeth not any doub: of thtf L 2 thing 1^4 ^ brief Exf option of the Spifile Chap. J; thing, but rather^ his great confidence, that they nei- ther could nor would contradift it , feing it was a thing publickly known from the hiftory of his converfion, Gal.x. 22 , 23. and doubtlcfle alfo from his own preach- ing while he was among them, Ait. 19. io. 2>off# i# Where aMinifter is called, and fent by God unto a People, not only his Sermons, but alfo his anions and carriage , yea, his very fufferings in the difcharge of his Calling, are bleffed of God to be powerfull preachings for the good and edification ofthofe among them, whom God intendeth good for : for, Paul proveth he was a prifoner for the Gentiles, or that his imprifonment and fufferings did contribute for their good and edification, becaufehc was called of God to difpenfe theGofpd unto them; If ye b*\>e beard of the difpenfaUen-—nbhb is given me to you-M>ard. 2. The minifterial Office is not a lordly dominion, but a ftewardfhip, whereby the Lordhimfelf, who is great Matter of that family, (ver» 1 5.) which is His Houfe and Church, 1 Tim. 3.15. doth intruftfome to break and divide the bread of life unto the reft : which therefore they muft do with that mea- fure of fakhfulneffe ( 1 Cor. 4. 2. ) and wifdom f Mat. a4« 450 as ^ey may be anfwerable unto Him who hath intrufted them ; for, he calleth the minifterial Office intrufted to him, the difyenfation, which fignifieth the ordering of things belonging to the family fo as may be mod for its behoof : and being applyed unto God,with relation to His Church , it fignifieth a moft abfolute power to difpofe of thofe things as He pleafeth, ( fo is it taken, Col. 1. 25*) but being applyed unto His Mini- fters, as it is here, it fignifieth only a fubordinate mi- Aerial power, for which the perfon intrufted muft be countable, fuch as is the office of a Reward in greac families* See I Cor. 4. 1,2. If ye ba)>e beard of the dif* penfation of tb? grace, &*. g* The great thing which Minifters are to difpenfe and diftribute unto the Lords family, is the doftrine of Salvation through free grace* They are indeed to difpenfe threatnings alfo, and to in- culcate Cfaap^ 0/Paul to the Evhks iaks^ 165 culcatc the terror of Gods wrath, Mat. 3. 1 2. Only their great defign in all (hould be, that people may be thereby fitted to imbrace the offer of grace and falvation in the Gofpel : for, the Apoftlecalleththat which he was to difycn(e,tbe grace of God, to wit, the do&rine of grace ; The dijjenfation of the grace of God. 4. The Lords People ought carefully to lay up and remember what they hear of the Lords Word from, or of His dealing with, His Servants 5 that fo they may make ufe of it af- terwards, when God calleth them to it : and more efpe- cially they would not forget what may convincingly clear unto their confeiences a Minifters calling , and his being fent from God unto them ; whereby his do&rine, life, and fufferings may have the greater weight.with them : for, 5W fuppofeth they did perfc&ly remember what they heard of his calling to the Gentiles , and therefore doth appeal to their teftimony, while he faith, If ye balte beard of the difyevfatton, &c. 5. As there is no leffe concredited unto called Minifters by God to hold forth unto the Lords People, than the doftrine of Salvation through tree grace, the ereateft of all trufls ; So whatever is committed or given by God unto them, is not for themfelves alone> but for the good of thofe alfo unto whom they are fent ; and therefore God doth ufu- ally deal the better with Minifters for the Peoples fake: for, the relative, V>bicb , doth relate to the antecedent, grace , and Paul faith , ^hU grace, or, the do&rine of the Gofpel, U given me toyou-Vbard. VerH 3. Hoft that by revelation be made fyoKn unto me the myfterie (a* I Xtrote afore in feT* 'toords, 4 Whereby tobenye read ye may under [land my tytitoledgt in the myfterie of Cbrifi* ) THc Apoftle, being ( in the fecond branch of the firft x part of the Chapter tover. 13.) more largely to il- luftrate what he did but briefly affert, ver*2. towir, that the Apoftoliqk office of difpcqfwg the Gofpel to the L 3 Gentile? 166 A brief 8 xf option of the £ fifth Chap.j. Gentiles was committed unco him, doth, firft, (hew, to ver. 7. that he was fufficiently furmfhed by God with knowledge and infight in the Do&rine of the Gofpel concredited to him. And in thofe two verfes he de- clared?, not only the nature of this Do&rine, that it is a myfterie, or facred fecret ; but alfo , that it was made known unto him by God , together with the manner how he came to the knowledge of it, to wit, by extra- ordinary revelation from God , and not by ordinary means, as is more clearly expreffed, Gal.i.u. and for proof of his knowledge and infight in this myfterie, hereferreththemto what he hath written (uccindly of it in the two former Chapters, in which he hath, by a moft divine and ravishing ftrain, fet forth the grounds, caufes and means of falvation, and made application of all both to Jew and Gentile, which is the very com- prehenfive fum of this myfterie; ver. 3. from which two preceeding Chapters , being diligently perpended, and read "by them, he doubteth not, but they (hould find he had not arrogantly,and without ground afcribed to himfelf a great meafure of knowledge and infight in that myfterie, which he calleth the myjlerie of Cbrift ; becaufe Chrift is the chief fubjeS of the Gofpel, 1 Qor. 2. 2, and the very myfterie of that myfterie, 1 2 iw.j.itf. This is contained, ver. 4. From ver. 3* Learn, 1. Whoever are called by God to undergo any office in His houfe,they are in fomemea. furcgreater or leffer, competently furnifhed and fitted by Him for that imployment : And therfore giftleffe Mini- fters were never fcnt by God ; for , faul, having flbown that the Apoftolick Office was committed unto him by God, ver. 2. he now declareth how God had furnifhed him for it ; Hofytbat by revelation He made kjw^n Unto me the myfterie. 2, That the Gofpel is a myfterie, and in what refpefts itisfo, fee chap. 1. ver. 9. doft. 1. Be made fyioton unto me the myfterie, 3. The Lord doth uTii- ally manifeft Himfelf more or lefli, unto His Servants, according to th* nature, weight and difficulty of thofe ijmploy- Chap.3. o/Paulfo/^EPHEsiANS. i6j imployments unto which He doth call them : for, He makcth Himfelf manifeft to'iW by extraordinary re- velation > becaufc he was to ferve Him in an extraordi- dary embaflige, as an Apoftle ; Ho\b that by revelation He made kpoTbn unto me. 4. As Chrift's Minifters may fometimes in fobriety fpeak to the commendation of their own knowledge, and of their other minifterial abilities* to wit, when they are ncceflitated to affert and avow their calling from God •, So it is mod fafe to fpeak no further to that purpofe, than they have formerly given fome proof of, in discharge of their calling , to vvhich they may appeal, as an undeniable confirmation of what they affirm j left otherwife their bare aflertion be taken for vain vaunting and arrogant boafting :.for, Paul, being called to fpeak of his own knowledge and abilities, as an evidence of his calling from God, re- ferred* them to that proof > which he had given thereof in his former writings, while he faith, M I ^rote afore in feV> fiords. 5. The Dottrine offalvation revealed unto, and Preached by theApoftles, is contained in their writings, and therefore there is no neceflity ot un- written traditions : for, the Apcftle, proving thac this myfterie was revealed to him, he doth not refer them to what he had preached unco them fcr the fpace of two years, *Atts 19. 10. but to his writings, which had been no adequate proof, except he had written the fum ofe all which was revealed unto him , at lcaft , of fo much as was ncceffary for them to know ; M I ^rote afore in fety Iberds. 6. The Spirit of God (peaking in Scripture, hath comprifed large and comprehenfive purpofe , even the whole plot of mans falvation, and the fum of mans duty, in a fmall bulk and few words ; asknowing>that reading much would be but wearifomenefletotheflefh, Ecclef.i%.-ii. and intending that the gift of incerpre- tation and exponing Scripture, (hould have place in the Church, 1 Q>rinthm 12.8. for, TW, the pen-man of the Spirit of God, giveth a comprehenfive fum of the wholQGofpclinthc two firft Chapters, with relation 1*1 t0 \6% tA brief Exp ofttion of the Epiftle Chap.3 to which, he faith here* 1 torote afore infemkords. Fromver. 4. Learn, 1. The brevity of Scripture ,and tomprehenfive largeneffe of the purpofe contained in it, do not occafion any fuch obfeurity in Scripture, but by diligent reading the mind of God therein may be found out and undcrftood : for, notwithftanding,^**/ hath ftiown he had comprehended that whole myfterie in few words ; yet, faith he , Whereby xtben you read, ye may underftand. 2. The Word of God therefore ought to be frequently read, and diligently perufed by all the Lords people ; this being one mean, and fecond to none (except publick preaching, !%w. 10. 14, ij*) which the Lord doch blefle, as for other ends, So for attaining to know and underftand the purpofe and fubjeft-mat- ter contained in the Word : for, Paul fupponeth it was their duty to read what he had written, and (heweth by reading theyfhould underftand hu fyoftledge in the myfterie, 3. Even private Chriftians, through diligent reading of Scripture , may attain to fuch a meafure of knowledge and underftanding , as may enable them to judge of the abilities, gifts and dottrineof Minifters : For, Paul, fpeakingeven to private Chriftiansamongft thofe Ephefians, faith, Wberby > token ye ready ye may un- derftand my hpofoledge in the myfterie of Cbrift. 4. Though private Chriftiansarenotto fift themfelves as publick judgesof the dochineof Minifters, 1 Cor.iq. 32. nei- ther fhould they delight much in venting their private judgement » efpecially their carping cenfures, jam.i. -19- yet they are not as ftupid blocks^ without triall and examination , to receive vvhat-ever the Minifter faith ; but ought to paffe a private judgment of dilcre- tion upon what they hear, whether it be truth or error, right or wrong , in fo far, at leaft , as may regulate their own practice in choofing , or refuting what they hear, 1 Theft, j. i%. for, Waul alloweth unto thofe Ephe- fians to paffe fuch a judgement upon his own doftrine and abilities; Tt may underftand my tyotolcdge intbemy-* fterie of Cbrift. Vet fa /Chap.3* •/Paul tothe Ephbsiaks; itfp Verf. 5. Which in other ages too* not made %no*tou unto the [mi of merit as it is noto repealed unto his holy Jpo- ftles and Prophets by the Spirit. T^Hc Apoftle giveth a reafon , why he called the Go- fpel ( the knowledge whereof was revealed unto him) a myjlerie, and thereby doth alio prove, that there was a neccflity of extraordinary revelation for bring- ing him to the knowledge of it; to wit, becaufe this Do&rifie of falvation through free grace by Chrift, and more efpecially the calling of the Gentiles to par*- take of this falvation in all refpe&s equally with the Jews ( which is chiefly intended by the my/lene here ipoken of, as is clear from, ver. 6.) was not fofully,and clearly made known in tk^former ages of the world, unto any of the fons of moi > whether without , or within the Church, as it was now under the Gofpel re- vealed immediately by the Spirit of God unto the holy Apoftles (who thefe were, (ee upon Co/. 1. ver. l.doft# 2.) and the Prophets of the New Tcftament, (fpoken of, Att. 15. 32. 21.8,9,10. Epb. 4. 11.) whobeing ex- traordinarily affifted by the Spirit of God, did not only open up the prophetical Scriptures of the OldTefta- ment, confirming and proving the Do&rine of the Gof- pel from thefe ; but alfo did foretell things to come^ 2>o#. 1. The children of men are naturally ignorant of Gofpel-truths, and know no further of them, than God is pleafed to reveal and make known unto them : for,the ! Apaftle (he weth, that the fons of men were paflive, as to the meafure of light which was attained unto of thofe truths : Which in other ages X»m not made ^no^n unto the fons of men , idy 2 Sam. 23. 5. and commented upon by the Prophets, Va- ??♦ ?> &c* an^ manY ^ profhefies alfo of the latter, which the Apoftles themfelves did make ufe of to con- firm the calling of the Gentiles, as ^#.13.47. cited from ^. 49. 6. zndMt. 15. 15. cited from Amos p. 11. for, the Apoftle doth not fimply deny that the former ages had any knowledge of this myfterie at all, but comparatively; It km not in other ages 'made kpoton, as it it noV> revealed. But, fourthly, neither the Doftrine of falvation , nor yet the calling of the Gentiles were fo fully » or clearly revealed under the Old Tcftament , as they are now under the New ; both of them being but fparingly fpoken to then, iMat.13.1j> and what was fpo- ken , for the moft part , wrapped up in a vail of types and (Iiadowes , fo that they could not ftedfaftly look to the end of that which isaboliflied, iCor.^.i}. The latter, to wit, the calling of the Gentiles , being only then fore-told > andprophefiedof; and therefore cbuld notbefodiftinftly, folidly and fatisfyingly known, as now when it is accomphlhed : Befidcs that the time when > and the manner how it was to be accomplifhed, and particularly , that the Gentiles fhould have acceffe unto the Church without an entrance by the door of cir- curacifion. Thofe(Ifay) were either not at all, or but very fparingly revealed , fo that even the Apoftles them- felves, after thrifts afcenfion, did doubt and hefitate much Chap-3 . of Paul to ^Ephesi ans! I71 much about the truth of this myfterie , untill it was more fully revealed, All. io.io,&c. for, faith faul% Which in other ages *to re* Vealed. y. As Chrifts fervants may be fometimesne- ceffkated co fpeak unto the commendation of their own receipts from God 5 So Chriftian lobriety will teach them to be fo far from ditparaging , or undervaluing the receipts of others > to render themfelves thereby the more efteemed of , That they will endeavour to have others, who are equally deferving, to partake with them in thacdeferved efteem,which they challenge unto them- felves: for, Paul, having begun to fpeak (ver. 3.) of that knowledge of this myfterie, which was revealed unto himfelf,doth here affirm the fame of all the A poflles and Prophets ; As it is n(to> repealed unto the Apojtlesand Prophets. 6. Though God might eafily communicate • the knowledge of Himfelf unto all, whom he intendeth tofavc in a way extraordinary, immediately and with- out the help of fecond means, AH. 2. ver. 3, 4. yet> He hath rather cholen to communicate His mind fo, unto fbme few only> who have, fome of them, at leaft? at His appointment (2?**. 1.-21.) fet down in facred Writ what they themfelves did immediately receive from God , 1 J oh. 1.1. by which means the knowledge of God may, in an ordinary way, be conveyed unto others, Job. 20.3c. The Lord hereby preventing Satansde- figne > who would other wife have obtruded upon people his own delufions , in place of immediate re- velations from God , itfmn. 18. 21 ♦ and trying the obedience of His people , if they will fubjeft themfelves unto His will and word in the mouth of His Servants, Matth. 10. 40. as alfo gently fparing their infirmity and weakneffe , who could not , one among a thoufand, carry aright thofe extraordinary manifeftations of God unto their fpirits, 2 Qor. 12. 7. for, faith Paul , this my- fterie was revealed by the Spirit, to wit, immediately, not unto all, but to His holy tAboJtlcs and Prophets. 7. As all the Lords Minifters ought to be inherently holy , not only J 7 2 ^f hrief Sxpofition of the S fifth Chap.3; only becaufe of the precept en joyning fo much in a fpc- ciall manner unto Minifters , Ill# 1. 8. but alfo for the »xmore fucceffefull difcharging of their office *, feing the T fccret of the Lord is with them who fear Him , Pfal. 25. 14. and the lips of the righteous feed many> r£ro\>. 10. 21. and as all the extraordinary Office-bearers (for what is revealed, Juda6 alone excepted ) and Pen-men of holy Scripture* were really fan&ified and holy ; So inherent holineffe, without a peculiar illumination of the Spirit of God, fuperadded for that endi is not fufficient for gi- ving clear light and infight in Gofpel-myfteries : fori He giveth the Apoftles and Prophets the epithet of holy, to fhew they themfelves were fo, and allMiniftcrs ought to be (b; and yet thismyfterie behoved to be repealed unto them by the Spirit , even to the holy cApojlles and Prophets. Verf. <5. That the Gentiles Jhould be felloe* heir s9 and of the fame body, and partakers of his promife in Chrift, by theGofpsl. TPHe Apoftle doth here give a brief fum of that my- ftery, which was revealed unto him, as to that part of it, atleaft, which was moft controverted, to wit , that the Pagan Gentiles were now called to enjoy, and real Believers among them a&ually did enjoy mofl excellent priviledges. Asjfirft, of being joynt-heirs of the heavenly inheritance with the Believers of the Jewifh Nation, Gal. 3. 29. and with Chrift Himfelf, (l{om, 8.17. Secondly, of being incorporated with the Church of God in one myfticall body , whereof Chrift is the Head. See, upon Eph* i#- 22, 23. And , thirdly, of partaking with the believing Jews of the Cov^nant- promife made by God to Abraham and his feed , Gen. 17. 7. fo that they were now within the bond of the Co- venant of Grace. He declareth alfo, that all thofe pri- viledges were purchafed for them , and freely beftowed upon them by Chrift j> and by vcKue of their being in Him Chap. 3. C/WUWn^HPHBSlANS, 173 Him by faith, in whom they had equal intereftwith the believing Jews themfclves ; and that they were brought to this happy eftate by the alone- preaching of the Gofpel , and by faith in it, without the ceremoniall Law andCircumcifion. All which were myfteriesto the ancient Church. See upon ver. 5,.^ S^ff. 4. Hence, Learn, 1. There is a neceflary concatenation among thofe three, to wit, a right to heaven, union with Chrift's myfticall body* and faving intereft in the Covenant of Grace. The enjoying of any one whereof, implyeth the other two : and if one of thofe be wanting, the reft are wanting alfo : for, the A pottle fpcaketh of them, as mutually depending one upon another ; That the Gentiles flmld be felloe- hem, <&c. 2. As every renewed childe of God is an heir of the heavenly inheritance; Spthe multitude of heirs doth not leffenthe inheritance/ doe make the priviledge of being an heir of heaven the lefle glorious ', yea, it addeth unto the glory of it : for , he placeth a great part of their priviledge in this, not (imply, that they were heirs , but felloto-beirs. 3. Ic is a great and glorious priviledge to be a part of that my- fticall body, whereof Chrift is Head -, and that becaufe of the ftrift union, which fuch have with Chrift (See, ver. 17.) and with all Believers in Chrift , Eph 2.- 1 5. and becaufeof that influence of life and fpirit* which, being in Chrift without meafure , Job. 3.- 34. is com- municated unto them , every one in his own meafure; Epb.q. 16. as alfo becaufe of their intereft in all the common privilcdges of that body , %om. 8. 30. and in the gifts and graces of every member thereof, 1 Cor. 3. 22. for, Taw/ fpeaketh of this, as an excellent priviledge beftowed on the Gentiles under the new Teftament, even that tbey/bould be of the fame body. 4. It is a priviledge no lefle great and glorious, to have faving intereft in the Covenant of Grace and the promifes thereof; for, thereby we have acceffe to both the former priviledges ; and all the faving bleflings of that Covenant, comprifed In the many^rge precious , and comprehensive pro* mifes 174 <* hrtefSxpofinon of the EpifiU Chap. jt mifes thereof, do become ours : for, the Apoftle fpeaketh of this , as of another excellent priviledge beftowcd upon the Gentiles, even , that they jhoukbe partners of His promife. 5. As Jefus Chrift hath purchafed all thofe glorious priviledges and faving bleflings, to which the people of God can lay any claim , or intereft ; So there is no aftolll enjoyment of any part of His pur- chafe , except by thofe who are favingly in Chrift, and united^to Him by faith : for, this expre/Iion, in ChriJ}, fpeaketh both that thofe things were purchafed by Him, and were enjoyed by their being in Him ; partakers of His promife in Chrift, 6. The Gofpel ( efpecially wheri it is preached by a fent Minifter , "fym. 10. fj.) is a powerfull mean> through Gods bleffing, for gaining ground upon moft defperate finncrs , and for prevailing with them to clofe by faith with Chrift,as He is offered; by vertue whereof their ftate is changed, and they made holy, happy and Heffed : for, the Gentiles , whofe de- fperate cafe in time paft was fet forth , Chap. 2. 12. are now made felloto-heirs of one body, partakers of His prom J mife in fbri^ or being united to Him, and this all by the Gofyl. Vcrf. 7. Whereof I *toas made a Minister $ according to the gift of the grace of God, gt)>en unto me, by the effectual Ttoor\ing ef His poster. TTHe Apoftle* having in the preceeding verfes declared -* how he had attained a large meafure of knowledge and infight in the myfterie of the Gofpel, doth now (in further enlargement of what he did but briefly affert, ver. 2.) (hew, that he was called by God to undergo the Apoftolick Office of difpenfing that myfterie, and doth joyntly extol and magnifie his Office, from eight djftinft confiderations, to ver. 1 3. And in this verfe , having aflerted his calling from God to be a Minifter of the Gofpel unto the Gentiles, he doth magnifie this his Office, as alio i%ke it appear, that that he was called to it, firft, from the gifts both ordi- nary and extraordinary, which he was furmfhed with in the difcharping of it. And,fecondly, from the power- full afliftance of Gods Spirit, enabling him to exercife thofe gifts, notwithftanding of many difficulties, and giving admirable fuccefle to his Miniftery both far and near, %on%. 15.19, 20. All which, to wit, his calling, gifts, and divine afliftance, he doth afcribe to Gods grace and free favour* $>oB. 1. The very Apoftolick Office it felf, was no lordly dominion, or place of honour and eafe ; but a laborious miniftery and fervice, wherein the perfon intrufted, was to beftir himfelf to the utmoft of his activity and diligence , for the honour of Chrift and good of His Church : for, the word rendred Mini/hr, which *BauI here taketh unto himfelf, doth fignifie a painfull, vehement labour, as thofe who make haft in travell, raifing the duft by their celerity and fpeed % Whereof I Tha made a Miniftery faith he. 2. It is not fuflkient warrant for any to meddle with the minifte- rial Office , that he hath competent gifts fitting him for it, except he have alfo minifterial power and authority conveyed unto him , either immediately by God, as it was in the calling of the Apoftles, Gail. I. or, mediate- ly, according to that order which God hath eftablifhed in His Church, as is in the calling of ordinary Mmifters, Act, 14, 23. for, faul diftinguifbeth thefe two, his being Efficiently furnifhed with the knowledge of the Gofpel, whereof he fpoke from ver. 3. and his authority and power to preach the Gofpel unto others, of which he fpeaketh here, while he faith, thereof I *toorfyng of His poV>er9 5* Though the Lord give competency of gifts unto all whom He calleth , yet He givcth not unto all one and the fame gift, or in the fame meafure ; but to fome a greater> to others a leffer, as He hath more or leffe to do with them: for, as^W was fmgularly imployed ; fo he had a lingular gift, and therefore he faith, the gift of the grace given tome, thereby implying there was fome- whatfingular in his gift. 6. So great and many are thofe difficulties which Minifters have often to wreftle with, what from without, and what trom within, before they can attain to freedom and boldneffe in exercifing their minifterial gift, G4/.4. 1 5,14. So difficult is it alfo to gain ground upon hearts by the miniftry of the Word, 3 Cor. 10. -4,5, that no leffe is required, either for the one or the other , than the power of God , His working power, and working effectually with a kind of pith and energie : for, Vault neccflity called for no leffe, even the ejfettual \*othjng of His potoer. 7. As it is no fmall grace and favour from God for any to be imploy- i(i the minifterial Calling , a;nd competently furtiifhed with gifts and parts for that imployment , and to have their labours bleffed with fucceffe in gaining many foufe to God j So a gracious Miniftcr will be ready at Chap.?. ©/Paul fof^EPHfisiANs. 177. at all occafions to acknowledge grace in all thefe, afcri- bing all to Gods favour, and His powerfull working in him, and by him, and not to his own dignity, diligence* or parts : for, fo doth Paul here ; Whereof I Kos made a Minifier, according to the gift of the grace of God. Verf* 8. Unto me, nbo am leffe than the leatt of all Saints f is this grace gi\>en , that I fhould preach among the Gen- tiles the unjearcbable riches of Chrift. TTHe Apoflle doth cxtoll and magnifie his Office i * thirdly, from the confidcrationoT his own unwor- thineffe , which was fo great, by rcafon, efpecially,of his enmity to Chrift and the Chriftian Church, white he was unconverted , 1 Tim. 1. 1 3. that to his own ap- prehenfion , and for what he knew of himfelf and others , he was more unworthy, and lefle to be efteemed of > than the meaneft of Gods children and Saints : and yet the Apoftolick office ( called here grace, becaufe it did flow from Gods favour and grace) was beftowed upon him. And, fourthly, from the excellency of the fubjeft matter , which he was engaged, by vertue of his Office, to preach and fet forth unto the Gentiles, event the unfearchable riches cf Chrifl , under which is compre- hended the whole Do&rine of the Gofpel , wherein are contained fuch things relating to Chrift in His Per- fon, Natures and Offices , and to the benefits of Jufti- fication, Adoption, Sanftification, of grace here, and of glory hereafter^ purchafed by Him , and beftowed upon the Ele6l ; and fuch thirigs alfo relating to His rtia- nifold wifdom manifefted in His various difpenfatioh t<* His Church in feverall ages , as are not only hid to na^ turall men , but alio above the reach of all created un- derftanding ( even though renewed by grace J to com-* prehend them fully in this life , untillwefec as we are feen, 1 Cor. 13.1 2. All which things are here called riches, not only becaufe of that unfearchable abundance , and worth i which are in the things therafelvcs* but alfo be- M caufe 178 AhriefExpofttion of the Spijtle Chap. 3 caufe they make the Ele& (to whom they are offered* and upon whom they are bellowed ) truly rich, 3^e>. 3. 18- and pofleffors of all things, even though they have nothing, a £W,6. -10. Vott^ 1 ♦ Though whenfoever a finner doth turn to God, all his fins are freely pardoned, and in that refpedfc forgotten , and paft over Dy God as if they had never been, E%el^ 18,21,22. yet the par- doned finncr himfclf (hould not forget, but fo far keep them in memory , as he may be thereby keeped humble, and little in his own eyes, fo long as he livech : for, Paul did fo much remember his bypaft , and pardoned blaf- phemies, as that he accounted! hirnlelf lejfft than the leafi cf all Saints, 2. Growth in grace , and incteafe in hu- mility , and in low efteemof a mans fclf, do ufually go together, fo, that moft eminent Chriflians, confi- dering what they have been before converfion, ( 1 Cor. 15. 9.) and what they yet are , becaufe of the remnants of fin dwelling in them, ( {%om. 7. 18. J fhould and will judge themfelves the leaft of all Saints, according to that deep infight and fenfe which they have of their own fins, being compared with the remote view , which they take of the fins of others, %w. 14. 10. for, fo doth Paul judge of himfelf from thofe grounds; unto me , *tobo am lejje than the k a jt of all Saints. 5, Senfe of fin , and of felf-unworthineffe, ought fo to abafe and humble the childeof God, as not to make him queftion , far lefle deny, that God hath any faving work in him ; this lat- ter not being true humility , but finfiill ingratitude , which frequently hath its rife from an unmortified root of crufhed pride, though it pretend to great humility: for, T^a/abafeth himfelf, and yet infinuateth that he is* a Saint , while he faith , I am lefle than the haft of all Saints. 4. As all Saints are not of one ftanding and fize, but fome greater, fome lefler.and fome kffe than the leaftf except themfelves; So it is no fmall honour and dignity to be among the leaft of Saints , and to have a work of faving grace , though but in the meaneft degree j feing cyen the meaneft of Saints have a choife room in Gods heart Chap.g. ofVml to the Evh* siKHS* 27* heart, Ffal.40. 17. for, while he faith , lam the lea/t tf all Saints , he declareth he thought it an honour to nave any room among them. 5. Deep fenfe of fin, and of felf-unworthincfie in a childeof God , do well con- fift with a confident pleading for , and avowing of an intereft in, yea, with admiration at, and extolling of the riches of Gods mercy and free grace towards fuch an unworthy wretch, as he is : for, both thefe were in T?aul; unto me , Itobo am lejfe than the lea/l of all Saints , U this grace gi)>en. 6. The Lord indeepcft wifdomdoth of- ten bettow the rarcftfifts and graces upon fuch , as. by reafon of their forrner wkkednefle , are mod confcious to themfelves of their own unworthincffe : yea , and ' fomttimes will employ them in moft eminent pieces of His fervice , as knowing fuch have fomewhat to keep them humble, and make them afenbe the glory of what they do unto God , 1^*15.9,10. whereas others would readily take the f lory unto themfelves , being puffed up with their gifts and lucceffe> and fofhould fall in the condemnation of the devil, I Tim. 3. 6. for, God's dealing with Paul , in giving him fuch excellent •gifts, and the Apoflolick office from grace, proveth fo much ; unto me, ftbo am lejfe than the leajl of au Saints , u this grace given. 7. The more unworthy that any is* upon whom the Lord beftoweth grace > and (heweth mercy , the glory of His grace is fo much the more fee forth , and (hineth the more brightly t whileas where fin hath abounded , grace doch much more abound, ${pm. $,-2o* for, Paul comrncndelh the dignity of his calling , and the worth of that grace, by which he was called to that office , from his own baienf ffe and un wor- th inefl'c; unto me, ftho am lejfe than the let ft of all Saints, is this grace given. 8. It concerneth a Mmiftcr much,as to be deeply affefted with the fenfe of his owp unwor- thineffe; fo,ferioufly and frequently to ponder the weight and dignity of that truft , which is put upon him > and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints, the difpenfing whereof , is committed unto M a him i 80 tA brief Exp ofition of the Eftftle Chap. 3 him ; that fo with greater fear and reverence, care and diligence he may take heed to his Miniftery , which he hath received in the Lord , to fulfill it> Col. 4. 17. for, *2aul conlidereth alfo the worth of that meffage , which he was intruded with , while he faith , that I fbould preach the unfearcbable riches of Chrijl. 9. Though others of the Apoftles befides Paul, were intruded to carry the Gofpel unto the Gentiles ; yet confidering > that he was fo fully inftru&ed in the knowledge of this myfterieof the rejection of the Jews, and calling of the Gentiles, ver. g. andfyw. 11. and had a perpetuall conflict with the Jews , through the whole courie of his life in the defence of this truth , as is clear from the Alls of the Apoftles : as aifo that he hath committed more unto fa- cred Writing to this purpofe for the ufe and benefit chiefly of the Gentiles, than any of the other Apoftles, Therefore is it that laul doth feem to have been intrufted in a peculiar manner with the charge of preaching the Gofpel unto, and being the Apoftle of, the Gentiles » which appeareth, as from other places , AH. 26. 17,18. 1 Tim. 2. 7. fo from this , unto me, is this grace ghen, that I fbould preach among the Gentiles, io* Offices, and com- petence of gifts for difcharging any office , arc given of God tothofe who have them, andcfpeciallytoMini- fters, not to keep them without ufe-making , Matth. 25. 27. or, to make ufe of them only for gaining applaufe, or advantage to therofelves, 2 Cor. 4, 5. but that they ma>y employ them for the glory of God , and the good of others : for, this grace was given to Paul, that he migH preach among the Gentiles. 1 r . As Jcfus Chrift, with all that rich ftore and copious abundance of created graces and divine perfeftions which are in Himfelf, and of fatisfa&ory fulneffe which is in thofe many good things purchafed by Him, fhould be the main fubjeft of a Mi- nifters preaching , whatever he preacheth befides of le- gall threatnings or duties , being made to relate fome one way or other unto Him 3 So Jefus Chrift and the riches of the Gofpel, are fo large a field and fubje£t, that the moft Chap."?. *f Paul to the Ep h e s i a n s ^ 1 8 1 moft gracious and able Minifters will find daily purpofe* and frefti matter furnifhed of new , whereof to preach concerning it; yea, and never will be able to go through it : for, ¥aul made Chrift and the Gofpel the main fub- jeft of his preaching , and did find them unfearchable $ that I fkould preach the unfearchable riches of Qhrlft. 1 2. Though thofe hid treafuresof wifdom and know- ledge in Chrift , and the riches of the glory of His inhe- ritance in the Saints, and of all thofe other good things purchafed by Him, and offered in the Gofpel, go beyond the reach of all created under ftanding to know them fully y yefitis the duty both of Paftors and people to fearch into them ; there being as much knowledge of thofe unfearchable riches attainable, even here, as may encourage all to fearch , Hof 6. 4. and nothing, being more fweet upon earth , than to be fwallowed up , and overwhelmed in this deep and bottomleffe gulf of the unfearchable riches of Chrift, when penuty of thoughts, and want of enlarged hearts to comprehend that incom- prehenfible fubjeft, neceflicate the foul fometimes to fuc- cumb under the weight, to ftand ftill , wonder and ex^ claim , 0 the depth of the ricbesy &c » 9{om. 11.33. for, though thole riches are unfearchable; yet Paul did fearch in them, for he preached them, and confequently, they to whom be preached, were obliged to fearch into them alfo ,• That I fhould preach the unfearchable riches of Cbrijt. Verf. 9. And to ma\e all men fee , fbhat is the felloftfhip of the myjlcriey Vobicb from the beginning of the *toorlat bath been hid in God, itoho created all things by Jefus Chrift. UE doth here, firft, more fully exprefle what he pre* * * fently fpoke of his preaching among the Gentiles, as alfo extoll and magnifie his office , fifthly , from the great good and benefit > which was by his conscien- tious difcharge thereof to accrefce unto men, even the M 3 making 1 8 2 A brief Expofttion of the Spiff It Chap, fi making evident unto all men* without any fuchdiftin- ftion of nations or perfonsr as was keeped under the Minifteryof the Old Teftament, (G4/.3, 28.) what chat myfterie of the union and affociition of Jews and Gen- tiles in one body was , whereby they have joynt ince- reft in the Covenant of Grace, in Chrift the Cautioner* and in all thofe fpirituall bleflings purchafed by Him. Next, he giveth a reafon why he called this communis onandfellow(hipawy[fer^, andfecret; becaufe it was a thing hid, untillthe times of the Apoftles, in Gods decree, and not revealed, at leaft, fo fully and clearly, as then it was> (See, ver. 5. doft.4 ) and having made mention of God , hedefcribeth Him from His work of creating all things by Jefus Chrift , the eternal word of the Father, Joh. 1. 1. and this moft appofitly to the prefent purpofe , to wit, the calling of the Gentiles; as intending hereby to (hew > that none hath reafon to wonder, why God (hould fave the Gentiles as well as the Jews by Chrift ; feing He hath equal intereft in them, as having created them both, and that by Chrift. fDotf. i. Though the Lords Minifters ought mainly to labour upon the affedtions of people , endeavouring to Work them up to fuch a frame and temper, as the Word of God doth call for, 2 Tim. 4. 2. yet, this alfo is a con- fiderable part of the minifterial task, which they would endeavour in the firft place , and in order to their more effeftuall and orderly moving of the aflfe&ions , even co make the Lords people underftand the mind of God revealed in Scrip: ure, as well concerning their fin and mifery , as the remedy thereof held forth in the Golpel, J&. i. 22, 23, 38 i9* and therefore they would affeft great plainneffe of fpcech , dimitting themfelves, fo far as is poflible, unto the capacity of the meaneft : For, SWfheweth that the information of the judgement, was that which he endeavoured with the firft in the dis- charge of his Miniftery ; Andtoma\edll men fee , faith he. 2. The Word preached by fen t Minifters , is the jLqjds ordinary mean and inftrument , by which he conveyeth Chap. 3* o/Paul to the Ev hz si ax s~i i8$ conveyeth the faving knowledge of Gofpel- truths unto the Eleft : and that both by making thefe truths evi- dent and plain ; that Co they may be known , being ochcrwife hid, C0/.4.4. and by opening the eyes of their underftanding, that they may fee, being otherwise blind, Jtl. 26. 18. for, the Lord imployed Taut in the mini- fteriall calling, To maf^e all men fee y *tohat is the felloe- ftipi&c. The word fignifieth both to make a thing . evident , that it may be fcen , and to give an in- ward principle of knowledge unto men , by vcrtue whereof they may fee. 3. The commiflion given by Chrift unto His Servants to preach the Gofpel under the New Teftament, is not aftri&ed unto the Jews only, as it was before Chrift came in theflefh, yea and after His incarnation before the midle-wall of partion be- tween Jew and Gentile was removed by His death, Math. 10. 5. But it is extended indifferenrly to all nations under heaven, and to all perfons without excep- tion, as God by His providence (hall open a door unto His Servants to go unto them : for, fo is Paul's commif- fion here to be underftood , even , to ma\e all men fee. 4. Thatfinners, loft by nature, may attain tofellow- (hip and communion with the true Church of God ,. by ftiaring with them in all their priviledges and good things purchafed by Chrift, and in Chrift Himfelf, the Covenant of Grace, and in all the prayers, gifts and graces of all Believers through the world , is the gladeft tydings that ever (budded in their ears : for> Paul, having fhown (ver. 8.) that his office was to preach (or , as it is in the Original, to declare good tydings) to the Gen- tiles, he (he weth here what thofc glad tydings are> even, to maf{e them fee , *tobat 1$ the fellQfy'bip of the myjlerie, that is, what that fellowship is, which they were now admitted unto with the true Church of God in all her priviledges , and formerly was an hid fecret. 5. The written Word of God is fuch a depth , that the quickeft wits cannot find the bottom of it ; there being many things contained in it,at leaft by juft confequence,which M 4 even 184 A brief Expo fit ion of the Epifile Chap. J. even they > who have their fenfes exercifed in it, cannot throughly difcern or colleft from it : for, even this my- fterie, that the Gentiles (hould have fellowship with the Church , without entring by the door of Circumcifion, was revealed, though obfcurely, in the Scriptures of the Old Tcftamcnt , as Paul doth gather by confequence from the tima of Abraham's Circumcifion, ^^.4.10,11. and from Melcbifedec^s Priefthood, Heb.7. 1 1. and yet, faiththeApoftle, this V>m a myfterie, 'tobicb from tbe be- ginning of thcftorld bath been bid in God. So that even the Prophets did not fully underftand it , nor the Apo- ftles themfelves untill it was more clearly revealed , *8s 10. 10. 6. Jefus Chrift is true God , equal with the Father in power and glory , having an eternal being before the world was made : for, the Father created all things by J e fins Cbrifl 9 to wit , not as by one inftrument, but as one working with Him, and from Him, Heb.i.2. Job. 1. 3, 7. Though the grace of Redemption be not of equal extent with the work of Creation, there being many created, whom God will never fave, Mattbrj.n. yet, Gods equal intereft in all by creation, doth abun- dantly plead His liberty to fave whom He pleafeth, and to fave one as well as another , whatever a fpirit of envy in fome may fay to the contrary : for,the Apoftle's fcope in faying God created all things by Jefus Cbrtfl , is, to (hew, that none could juftly ftumble at God's faving the Gentiles , as well as the Jews , feing Fie had equal intereft in both by creation. 8. The confederation of Chrift's God head, and of His creating all things, doth contribute much to the faith and right underftand- ing of His difcharging the mediatory Office, in uniting alltheElefttoGod, and among themfelves ; in fo far as this cotilideration doth hold Him forth to be one fitted and enabled to do what is undertaken, and fpeaketh His intereft in them as His creatures, and right to fave them, if He pleafe : for, that *laul may further clear this pur- pofeof uniting Jew and Gentile in one by Chrift , he mentioneth God's creating all things by Chrift as God c eyen jhat Angels might therein 1 %6 %A brief Expc fition of the Epiflle Chap.j; therein fee Gods glory made manifeft , and might ac- knowledge ic accordingly ; To the intent that noto unto the principalities and powers. 2. Ic is the dutie of Chrifts Minifters to commend and magnifie their Office, Dot for gaining praife and efteem to themfelves, 2 Qor. 3. i# but that the malice of Satan and his inftruments may be hereby fruftrated, 2£<>r. 11,12. who labour to bring that facred Calling unto contempt ; that fo it may have the leffe of fuccefle upon peoples hearts, 2 Tim, 3. 8. for therefore is ic that 2W doth fo much magnifie his Office in this and the preceeding Verfes ; To the intent, that not* unto the principalities and potters, &c. 3. This may com - mend the Minifters of the Gofpcl not a litcle unto men* and beget reverence in them towards the fame, that even the bleffed Angels are in fome fort bettered by it , and that it is therefore refpe&ed by them : for, Taut com- mendeth his Office from this, that by occafion thereof unto the principalities and powers, M?as made fyioton the mani- fold Xbifdom of God. 4. Though Angels be mod know- ing creatures , as enjoying the immediate fight and pre* fence of God* Mattb. 18. 10. yet they are ignorant of fome things , which, by Gods way of difpenfing the Gofpel to His Church , they come to a more full know- ledge of: and therefore , though their prefent ftate of happinefle doth give them full fatisfa&ion for the time i yet it is capable of fome addition , and to be perfected fully at the laft day, even as the torments of the fallen Angels (hall then , and not while then be complcat, 2 Pet. 2. 4. for,TWfhewech that by the Qbwrch Teas made fyovm the manifold Mfdom of God. 5, Neither the fouls of juft men made perfect , nor glorified Angels, though they enjoy the bleffed fight of God , do yet by vertue thereof come to the knowledge of every thing , which God Himfelf doth know ; and therefore it is without ground affirmed by Papifts,that by this mean they know the prayers, wnich are uttered here on earth : for, the Apoftle, (hew th that even the blefled Angels arc igno- rant of fome things , untill by tk Cbmb km madj kjto^n mta Chap. 3; a/Paul ***** Ephh si ans^ 287 unto them the manifold toifdom of God. 6. Though the wife and eternall counfcll of God for bringing loft fin- ners to glory, be one and the fame,and wholly unchange- able, ?/*/. ??. 11. and though the way ccndeicended upon in that His eternall counlell, by which finners QiaU be faved, hath been in all ages one and the fame for fub- ftancctowicJefusChriftjH^.ig.S. and faith inHim; Btb. 1 1# 2. Yet, fo many and diverfe are thofe wayes, wherein He doth execute that counfell in the feverall ages of His Church , Beb. 1. 1. and all of them fitted for the age of the Church , which then was, Galm 4. 5. So unworthy (2 C01* 4* 70 and contrary (Tbilip. 1 . 19) are thole means tor the moft part, whereby He worketh the end intended ; So fweet an harmony and concord betwixt infinit mercy and infinic juftice , doth appear in this way, each of thofe re joycing over the other* and yet ceding one to another , to the full (atisfaftion of both, (l{pm. 3.24. 18. So varioufly and wonderfully doth he confound the wifdom of men and devils, who would mar the falvation of the Ele& by making them ( nill they will they ) to advance it, Tbilip.i. 12. And gene* rally all His way is fuch , that ( as it evidenceth infinit wifdom in God , who hath contrived, and doth manage it; So) ic containeth many evidences of that kind: for, therefore is that* which the Angels do learn from the way of falvation revealed to the Church , and God s way of carrying on His people's falvation , callfd the manifold wifdom of God. 7. Then do we learn the know- ledge of Scripture , and obferve Gods way of dealing iin carrying on our own falvation and the falvation of others aright, when we obferve in Gods Word, or works His manifold witdom, or fome evident proof of His other attributes: for, this was it which the Angels did learn from Gods mind revealed in Scripture,and His way of dealing with the Church* even the manifold toif- 4om of God. VerC i88 AbriefSxpofttionoftheEpiftle Chap.j; I Verf. i t. ^According to the eternal purpo/e tobicb bepurpofed[ in Cbrifl jefm our Lord. OE magnifieth his Office, feventhly, by fhewing, firft, * that the making manifeft this manifold wifdom of God, in the difpenfation of grace both to Jew and Gen- tiles by his Miniftery, was a thing which God (who worketh all things according to the counfel of His own Will, chap. I ♦ i i.)'had refolved upon, and purpofed, not of yefterday, but from all eternity* though for wife rea- fons he did refcrve the making of Co much known until the times of the Gofpel. Next,that this eternal purpofe, was purpofed in Chrift, to wit, not only as He was God cquall with, and the eternal wifdom* of the Father, and lodid joyn with Him in all His decrees and purpofes; butalfojasMediatorjGod-man^by whom the Father was to effectuate and execute all His purpofes for good to- wards the Church. See upon Chap. !♦ ver. 4- for, the word rendered purpofed, may be alfo rendered, He made, or, did execute in Cbrijl. DoB. I. This may commend the Miniftery of the Gofpel , and gain refpeft unto it, that the plot and draught of mans falvation difpenfed thereby, is founded upon the wife and eternal counfel of God ; and therefore fuch as will endure all the contra- dictions of (inners, iSam. 2?. ?. yea, and the gates of hellfhall not prevail againft, Mattb.j. 24, 25. and felf- condemned (inners miy fafely venture their falvation upon, Mattb. 11.28. for, T!aul doch magnifie his Office from this, that the meffage which he carried, was *c-i cording to Gods eternal purpofe. 2. This may alfo, upon the fame grounds,commend theMiniftery of the Gofpel much, that Jefus Chrift, being chofen by the Father for that end, hath taken-on, and doth daily execute His mediatory Office for bringing about the falvation of the Eleft, according to the plot condefcended upon in Gods eternal purpofe, and dilpenfed by the Miniftery of the Gofpel : for, *?*«/ commendcth his Miniftery from this, that Chap.^ o/Paul/o the Ephbsians.^ 189 thac God had purpofed, and refolvcd upon that draught of faIvation,w Jefiti thrift our Lord. 3 . As God before all time hath fore-ordained in His eternal purpofe what- ever cometh to paffe in time, His works being known unto Him,and accordingly refolved upon by Him^before the worlds were made,^#.i 5.18. So, though Gods way of dealing in time with men , and more particularly with His Church, doth alter ; yet this inferrcth not any change or alteration in His purpofe, feing every difpen- fation remaineth fo long as He hath purpofed, and every alteration falleth out according to His purpofe : for, left from what the Apoflle fpoke of Gods manifold wifdom in difpenfing grace and falvation now, in a way diverfc from what He did formerly , any flhoald fufpe&, that therefore God had altered His purpofe, he fheweth here all this had come to paffe according to His eternal purpofe^ 4. As it is but fmall comfort unto a Minifter, that he is intrufted to carry unto others an excellent meflage and glad tydings of the plot and draught of mans falvation furely grounded upon Gods purpofe, and infallibly exe- cuted by Chrift in all its fteps^; except he make appli- cation, and take a (hare of thofe glad tydings unto him- felf; So the way for either Paftor or People to apply the Gofpeh and all thofe rich treafures of fpiritual ble£ fings contained in it unto themfelvcs, is, by taking hold upon Chrift, and pleading a well-grounded intereft in Him as theirs : for, if Chrift be ours, all things are ours, %w,8. 32. Hence is it thatPW, having magnified his Miniftery and Meffage, doth make application of thofe precious things which he was intrufted with, unto him- felf, by pleading an intereft in Chrift, as his, while he calleth Him Jtfa Christ our Lord. Vcrf, ipo A brief Exp fition of the 8 fifth Chap. 3. Verf. 12. In V>bom toe have boldneffi and acceffe Kith confi- dence by the faith of Him. ZJE doth magnifie his Oifice, eighthly, from three ex- cellent privileges, whereof Believers among them (fome in a greater, fome in a letter meafure, fome at one time, fome at another) Jid partake by the means of his Miniftery 5 as being thereby brought to Chrift, in whom they enjoyed all thefe, 1. $oldneJJe, or liberty to fpeak all their mind freely ( as the original word doth bear) whereby, as it is diftinguifhed from the other two, is meancd that holy freedom and boldnefle, which is in reconciled fouls to fpeak their whole heart to God, both in the duty of prayer and thankfgiving , and is oppofed to misbelief, terror of confciencc, or to whatfoever doth ftraiten the heart, or flop the mouth in difcharging thefe duties. 2. Accejfe, to wit, unto God, (See chap.2.18.) which is larger than the former, as comprehending free- dom and liberty of fpirit in reconciled fouls to exercife all their faving graces, in the exercife whereof commu- nion with God doth confift* 3. Confidence, or a well- grounded perfwafion, that both our perfons and perfor- mances are accepted of God. All which privil dges he flieweth were enjoyed by them by vertue of their being in Chrift, of whom he fpoke, ver. 1 1. and by the ex- ercife of faith relying upon Him« ®ott. 1. Whatfoever Worldly difadvantage may follow upon the preaching of the Gofpel unto a People, Mattb, 10.3}, ;j. yet, thofe excellent and Ipiritual privileges winch arc con- veyed thereby unto them who receive the Gofpel, may and ought fufficientlv comm.nd the Mmiftery of it unto all: for, -Paul doth nere commend h is Oifice from thefe ipiritual fruits which werr enjoyed by it, as their being inCbrijl , intohomthey had bold, e/fes and accejfe Kit > con- fidence. 2k A4nd more particularly, liberty and freedom to fpeak our heart to God in all our concernments ', and acceffe to God, or fellowship wich Him in the exercife of Chap*}, if Paul to the Eiphbsians^ 191 of all our graces (all obftru6Uons arifing cither from the apprehenfion of Gods terror, and our own guiltineffc ; or from our inability , backwardneffc of fpirit to good ; or, from thofe impediments which the devil, the world, or our own hearts do create and caft in our way, being removed) Thofe, I fay, together with confidence, and a well-grounded perfwafion that both our perfons and duties are accepted of by Cod, may and will abundant- ly ferve to commend the Miniftery of cheGoipfl unto thofe who have found it accompanied with fuchtffefts to their own hearts, whatever ether ttoubles they may be tinder for their receiving of it: for, the Apoftlecom- mendeth his Miniftery from their enjoying of thole pri- viledgcs in particular by the means thereof ; In tobom toe baVe boldnejfe, &c9 3. The more a Chnfiian doth find his heart enlarged, and his tongue lcofedto fpeak unto God in the duties of prayer and praife, he will find the more of accede unto, and of fellow (hip witb,God ki the exercife of all H is laving graces ; and the more a man be retrained of liberty in thofe duties, he will readily find himfclf the more rcftrained from the exercife of faith, hope, patience, humility, meekneffe, or any other of His faving graces : for, the Apoftle conjoyneth boldnejje, or liberty in prayer and praifes, with aeceffe, or freedom ; of fpirit; to approach unto God in the exercife of faving graces 1 h tobom toe ha\>e boldnefiand acceji. 4. A well- grounded perfwafion of our acceptation with God, both as to our perfons and aftions, doth ferve exceedingly to furniCh the heart with boldneffe in prayer, and with fa- miliar acceffe unto, and fellowship with God ; in fo far as a great many of thofe obftruQions, which mar bold- neffe and acceffe, doaiife from diffidence, misbelieving doubts, or ignorance whether God accepteth of us or not, 5fyw. 1 o. 1 4. for, the A poftle fpeaketh of confidence, or of this well-grounded perfwafion, as having fome in- fluence upon the other two, while he faith, boldneffe, md acceffe toitb confidence. 5, Thofe excellent priviledges of boldneffe? accede and confidence, are not only purchafed and ipx A brief Bpofitlon of the Epiftle ChapTj; and conveyed unto finners by Chrift • fas was explained in the point of acceffe, chap. 2. ver. 1 8. do&. a.) but al- fo they are enjoyed by none but fuch as are in Chrift, and united to Him by a lively and faving faith : and all who are not fo in Chrift, are eftranged from fpirituall liberty and boldneffe in prayer, though they be never fo much flowing in eloquence and difcourfe : They are eftranged alfo from acceffe unco God , being banifhed from His favour and prefencc, Pfal. 58. 3. and have no well-grounded confidence, that God doth accept either of their perfons or aft ions, feing He is well-pleafed only in Him, M**^. ?• 17. for, he faith, In tohom, meaning Chrift, toe babe boldneffe and accejfe toitb confidence : They werefirft in Him, 6. Faith in Jefus Chrift ( whereby we receive ( J oh. 1.12.) and reft upon Him for falva- tion, 2/4.50. 10.) is one thing , and confidence or per- fwafion or our acceptation with God is another ; the former being the caufe, root and fountain of the latter : For, PWfheweth, that confidence floweth from faith, while he faich,^/^ confidence by the faith of Him, or faith in Him. See Gal. 2. 20. 7. As faith in Jefus Chrift is that grace which uniteth us to Him; So it not only goeth before our boldneffe, acceffe and confidence , but alfo maketh way for, and is the caufe of thofe : and therefore, the more that faith is keeped in exercife, there will be the more or liberty and boldneffe; the more of acceffe to God and nearneffe , and the more of a well- grounded perfwafion of our acceptation by God , and confidence : for, he afcribech their be«*g in Chrift, their acceffe, boldneffe and confidence unto faith, while he faith> by the faith of Him, Verf 1 1 Wherefore I depre that ye faint not at my tri* bulations for you, tobkb is your glory* , THc Apoftle, having now fufficiendy magnified his Office, doth here, in the third branch of this firft pare of the Chapter, hold fortb his main fcope in all he hath fpokera. Chap. f. MK 22. 21, 22. And thirdly, they were not only profitable unto them in the former refpe^s ; but alfo glorious and honourable, in (b fanas-God did herein (hew how much He efteemed of them, by fending His Apoftles not only to preach un- to them , but alfo to confirm the Gofpel by their fuffer- ings : and that hereby the glorious priviledges of the Gentiles,as to their intereft in Chrift> and all the blefltugs of the Covenant of Grace, were afferted and confirmed in defpite of the defperate rage and fury of the Jews, Philip. 2. 17. ©0#. U It is an ordinary evil, incident even to thofe who have once made fwift progreffe in their Chriftian courfe , to faint and relent in it, fo as to give way unto lukewarmnefle and coldrifeneffe, in ftead of their former zeal and fervency, %V. 2. 4. to fecurity and lazineffe, in ftead of former wacchfulneffe and dili- gence, Gal. 5. 7. to droupmg difcouragement and back- wardneffe, in ftead of former courage and cheaTfulneffe, Heb. 1 2. 1 2. for, this is the evil of fainting , which Paul did look upon as incident to thofe Ephefians* and there- fore diffwadeth from it] Wherefore I dejire that ye faint not. 2. As tribulation for the Gofpel > whether immi- nent or already lying on, doth ufually make thofe faint, H and 1 94 A brief Bxpofition of the £ pi file Chap*j ; and turn remiffe in their Chriftian courfe > who have nottimeoufly fore- caften trouble before it came, Mdrk, 4. 17* So when trouble and perfection befalleth the Miniftersof Chrift, efpecially thofe who are primely inftrumentall in the work of the Gofpel, then are the Lords people moft apt to faint and be difcouraged 5 be- caufe that therein they do frequently with great anxiety and diffidence fore-caft irrepairable detriment to the work of God, as if God could not find out o*her hands to carry on His work,, when (uch and fuch are laid afide: for, Tin/ fore- fa w that his tribulation (who,having been {uch an eminent inftrument in the work of the Gofpel, did now every day expeft death at fytne ) would occa- fion their fainting , and therefore he doth guard againft it ; I de(ire> that ye faint not at my tabulation. 3. Afflicti- on and tribulation for the Gofpel, is a triall not only to thofe who are under it , but to others alfo , who look on, and are in no leffe hazard to be thereby branglcd in their confidence , blunted in their zeal , and rendered remifle in their former forewardnefs, than the perfon himfelf who fuffercth : for, ^^ul is more afraid of their fainting becaufe of his trouble, than of his own ; and therefore doth carefully guard againftit; / defire that ye faint not a my tribulation. 4. It is not fufficient for a faithfull Minifter, that he labour earneftly to rouze up people from their naturall deadnefle , and once engage them in the way of Chriftianity, Ej>b. 5. 1 4. but he muft alfo en- deavour to keep them moving, when they are fo engaged, forecafting wifely > and labouring to remove carefully what offences and ftumbling- blocks Satan and corrupt flefh may caft in their way to retard them in it, or make them turn afide from it: Thus Paul wifely forefeethand carefully laboureth to remove that ground of ftumbling and fainting , which they were apt to take front his fuf- feringsj faint not at my tribulations. j. A faithfull Mi- nifter, fuffering for trutht will not be to follickous for his own concernments relating to his outward eftate, as for the Church and people of God 9 left they be turned f afide* Chap. 3V •/ Paul to the E p h e s i a n s I 195 a(ide,ormade to faint by reafon of his fufferiftgs : for, Paul doth not fo much defite > that they would furnifh him with things neceffary in the prifon , or ufe means for his delivery from k> as that they fain) not at his tribu- lations. 6. It is not fufficient that Minifters exoner them- felves (imply in holding forth to people their dutie , un- Iefle they be vehemently ferious in prefftng upon them the practice of it : and this efpccially in hard declining times* wherein the dead and lukewarm affe&ions of people ufe not to be eafily wrought upon : for, Paul doth affectionately Jefire , or humbly beg of them (as the word fignificth) that they toould not faint. 7, This may Sufficiently guard the Lord's people from difcourage- ment, ftumbling, and heartleffe fainting,notwithftanding the fad fuffering lot > which isfometimes meafuredouc unto the Lords faithtull fervancs for the truths caufe, when they confider the excellent worth of truth , and how thofe, who fuffer for it , have not caft themfelves without neceflity upon their fufferings , but were neces- sitated to meet with them in the way of their calling • for, from what Paul hath faid formerly , from vcr. 2. of his calling to preach the Gofpel among the Gentiles,and the worth of that meffige which he did carry > and was thcoccafion of his fufferings , he inferreth this diflwa- iive , Wherefore^ I defire that ye faint not at my tribulations* 8. This may in reafon prevent the fainting and ftum- bling of the Lords people at the contempt, reproach, and other hardftiips, under which they who preach the Go- fpel, do for the nnoft part labour , if they would ferioufly confider, that all thole fufferings are occafioned in a greae part by them, in (o far, as if it were not for refpeft to the fouls of people, Miniftcrs might do much toftiiftthe crofle, as well as others : for, *Faul laboureth to prevent their fainting and ftumbling at his fufferings from thac confideration ; faint not at my tribulations, nhich are for youy faith he , implying, if he had not preached the Go- fpel unto the Gentiles , he might have been free from trouble* p* So honourable is it to fuffer for Chrift and N a truthj 196 X brief Expoption of the Epiflle Chap.j truch ; that not only the perfons themfelves , who fuffcr, are thereby honoured, ^tf.5.41. But alfo all fuch as have intercft in chem : and efpecially thefufFerings of a faithfull Minifter , are glorious and honourable unto his flock , as certifying Gods high efteem of them , in fend- ing His fervancs to fuffer for their good : which ought in reafon to prevent their fainting at his fufFerings; yea, and make them glory in them , and take encouragement from them : for, Taut fheweth > his tribulation Was their glory , and therefore defireth them not to faint. Verf. 1 4. For this caufe I boW my knees unto the Father of. our Lord Jefus Chrift, 1 5. Of whom the whole familie in heaVen and earth is named. TTHe Apoftle doth now follow forth the fecond part of the Chapter, which was begun, ver.i. and interrupted by a digreflion untill this verfe, for fuch reafon. as was given, ver.2. And in this part of the Chapter (while he giveth a fum of his fervent prayers to God for them,that they might perfevere and grow in the faith and experi- mental! knowledge of theDoftrine of Salvation deli- vered by them) he doth not only give an evident tefti- monyof his fincere afFcftion and endeavour after their falvation ; but alfo laboureth hereby to beget the like ardency of afFedion in them , and fo doth findireftly at leaft , though moft pithily ) by the example of his prayers > excite them to perfevere and make progrcfle in the experimentall knowledge of, and communion with* Jefus Chrift* In this prayer there is , firft, a preface in thofe verfes wherein he doth , 1. repeat the occafion of his prayer, which was mentioned,ver.i-. and doth relate, aj I there fhew,unto the clofe of chap.2. even becaufe they Were al- ready builded by faith upon Ckrift. 2. He denominated his prayer from the outward eefture he ufed therein , bowing of the Iqiee ,thereby exprefling the humble, reverent frame of his heart in prayer. And, 3. he (heweth unto whom he did Chap. 5 • */Paulf0*£*EPHH$xANS« 197 did pray, to wit, God the Father, defcribed>firft,from His relation to Jclus Chrift , as chap* 1. ver* 1 7-. This is the fumof veife 14. Secondly, from his relation to His Cburchi as being the Father by Adoption of the whole ijhurch of the truly regenerate > whether triumphant in heaven,or militant upon earth , whether Jew or Gentile, which is here called a family , and faid to have its name from God , as being His Familie, Children, Domefticks of His houfhold, and that both in name and thing > the one whereof, is not to be (eparated from the other > feing God beftoweth not empty names and titles upon any. Now, God is thus defcribed with relation to the purpofe in hand ; for, hereby the Apoftle breaketh down the ar- rogance of the Jews, who would have had the whole Church denominated from , and contained within- the Jewtfh Nation, excluding the Gentiles, whom there- tore Paul doth upon all occafions make equal fharers of anintereft in God through Chrift with the Jews-, and thereby fheweth his warrand to pray for per fever ance and growth in grace from God, even to them. From Verf* 14. Leam> 1. It is the duty of Chrifts Minifters, as to teach and admonifli the People of God committed to their charge, iTtm.q/2. So alio to pray to God for them: And that not only in publick with them, as being the mouth of the People unto G°d, Joel 2.17. butalfo in private to the Lord for them, feing their own pains cannot profit without the Lord's blef- fing, 1 £>*• 5. 6. which Minifters ought fervently to feek fomGod by prayer, elfe they have not ground to expeft it, E%e%j 36. 57. for, Paul, as he taught thefe Ephefians ; fo he prayed for them, and that not only in publick> but alfo in private, as he here fheweth ; tor this cauft I boto my f&ees. 2. It is of no fmall advan- tage unto the Lords People to have fuch a Minifter as is able to pray, and accordingly doth pray pertinently* fpiritually, and fervendy wichthem and For them, By whom* as by their mouth, they may have their feverall cafes made known unto God more dittin&ly than can Nj be h?Z A brief Exf option of the Spiftle Chap, j be exprcfled by many of themfelves, Joel 2.17. and they themfelves are edified and inftru&ed bow to pray with the like affeft ion and fervency, 1 CV.14J9. Bywhofe affeftionate prayers unto God for them, a blefling is drawn down from heaven to make the Word preached effectual in them,?*™.?. - \6. arid they themfelves inci- ted and rouzed up to feek after thofe good things prayed for unto them : hereby alfo they are comforted and en- couraged, as knowing their Minifter is fpeaking to God for them,when he is abfent from them, and cannot fpeak unto them, Philip. 1. 4. and when they through forhe one diftemper or other cannot deal with God for them- felves, at leaft in any meafure (atisfaftorj to themfelves, Jam. j. 14,15. for, as Paul's cxhortaiion anddo&rine was advantagious unto thefe Ephefians ; So alfo were his fervent prayers in order to their being kept from fainting , and to their up-ftirring to endeavour after thofe good things, which he fought from God unto them > and therefore doth be mention his praying for them in this place ; For this caufe I boto my fyees. 3. From the Apoftle's fcope in making known unto them, what, and how he prayed for them, See a further note, chap.* 1 4 ver. 17. do&. 1. 2 bo^ my tyees. 4. Our prayers unco God for others, efpecially the prayers of a Mini- fter for his Flock, fhould take their rife, aot only from their wants, affliftions and finfull infirmities, Jam. 5. 14, 15* but alfo from the grace and good things of God already received by them, that they may perfevere and grow in them,and be preferved from abufing them,feing the graces of the beft are but imperfeft, 1 Cor* 1 3- 9» fubjeft to decay, %K 3. 2— and may be abufed, 2 Cor* 12.7. for, the Apoftle taketh occafion to pray for thefe Ephefians from the good already received by them, even their being builded already upon Chrift, menti- oned^ chap. 2. ver. 22. unto which the words, for this f*nfe, do relate. 5. Though we be not tied by a divine precept or Scripture-example unto any one gefture in prayer, fejng the Saints haye ufed feyeral geftures, ac- cording Chap.j; cf?m\ tj> the Epke si ax %. 199 cording to the prefent frame of their heart thereby ex- preffed, il(jng. 8. 22. 2 Sam. 12. 16. Lufy 18. 13. 2 Sam. 7. 18. and though God be a Spirit who will be worshipped in fpirit and in truth, Job. 4. 24. and carcth not for the outward man alone, Mattb. 1 5. 7, 8. yet> feing God craveth fervicc both from the foul and body, as having created and redeemed both, 1 Cor. 6. 20. and feing an outward reverend gefture of the bodyin prayer, doth not only cxprefle and natively flow from a reve- rend frame of fpirit within , from which the body is a£ted in other things, but alfo ferveth to ftir up the affe- ctions in prayer, as being a man's remembrancer what his heart ought to do, if he would not play the groffe hypocrite with God, therefore it is a thing needfull and convenient (ifwebenot otherwife reftrained, Kebem4 2.4.) to u(e fome reverend gefture of the body while we are about the duty of prayer : for, :Saul did kneel in prayer; I bo** myfyiees, faith he. 6. We ought, efpe- cially in prayer, to draw near to God with deep reve- rence unto,and high efteem of,the ma jefty of God,being joyned with low and mean thoughts of our felves , be- caufe of our baleneffe and unvvorthineffe, feing God hououreth them who honour Him, 1 Sam. 2. 30. and giveth grace unto the humble> Jam. 4. -6. for, *Baul did evidence fuch a frame of heart by boding bU fyees when he prayed. 7. Deep reverence of heart towards the fa- cred majefty of God in prayer, may well confift with faith and confident approaching unto God, as a recon- ciled father. Both of them ought to be joyned together in prayer : yea, and both, when they are fincere and not counterfeit, do mutually ftrengthen and intend one an- other, fo that the more we put our truft in Him, the more will our hearts fear and adore Him, P/4/.130.4. for , the Apoftle exercifed not only reverence in his prayer, as is already (hown, but alfo confidence, while he taketh up God as the father of our Lord Jefu* Chrifti and of the whole family of Believers through Him. 8. Sec further (concerning this title given to God with N 4 relation soo tA brief Expoftfron of the Epiftle Chap.} relation to Chrift,) upon chap. i. ver. ?♦ intheexpofi- cion, and do6t. 2. and ver. 17. do6t. 3, 5, 6. unto tie father of our Lord Jefus Cbnjl. From Verf. I J ♦ Learttffa As there is but one Church univerfal , comprehending all the Eleft in all times and places> whether in heaven 6v earth ; So all within the Church are of one kinred and linage, descending of one common father : for, he defigneth the Church to be one tobole family in heaven and earth : the word fignifieth fuch a family as is the linage of one man. 2. As this one Church is Gods family and houfhold ; ( See chap. 2. Ver. 19. doft.8. ) So all the members of His Church and family are comprehended either in heaven or earth. Scripture knoweth nothing of a purgatory, or third place different fromthefe : for, the Apollle Qiew- cth thistohole family u in beaten and earth, and named of God. 3* Thofe near relations, under which God doth ftand towards His Church , are founded upon Jefus Chrift : and all the benefits flowing from fuch relati- ons, are conveyed unto the Church through Him with-* out whom God is a confuming fire to finners , and in whom H: is a reconciled father unto Believers: for, the A pottle looketh upon God, firft> as He is the Father of our Lord J~fus Chrift > and next, as He is the Father of all the Elect; Of tobom the tohole family is named, to wit, His children, Job.i. ix. and domefticks>^-2.i9. 4* The near relation which God hath to His Church, and His Church to Him, is fufficient ground and war- rant for faith to reft upoti Him, and plead with Him for fupply and furniture of all grace, and of every thing needfull : for,Oiall not He provide for His own children, who hath ptoiounced thofe among men to be worfc than infidelSj who provide not for theirs ? iTiwjf. 8# Hence the Apoftle maketh this a ground of his confi- dent^ to be anfwered by God in what he fought in be- half oF.thofe Ephefians, even Gods fatherly intcreft in themj 0/ jfibom (be ^hole family in beaten and earth is named. Verf, Chap. 3; - of Paul to the Ev h b s i a n il 201 Vcrf. 16. That be toould grant you according to the riches of bis glory , to be ftrengtbened Kith mighty by bis Spirit in the inner man. HTHe Apoftle doth, feeondly, particularize .thofe peti- '* tions which he pot up*to God in his prayer: and they are four. The firft whereof, is in this verfe, to wit, That God from the fountain of that in-exhauftible treafure of His divine attributes (called Bis glory , Exod. 33. 18. with 34. 6, 7) and efpccially of His mercy and power (which are let forth by the name and epithet of His glory, or glorious , Epb.i.6. Col. i« 11,) would furnifli them with a daily increafc of fpirituall ftrength, whereby they might refift the devil, and all fpirituall ad- verfaries in their Chriftian courfe, Chap, 6. 12. which ftrength was to be wrought by the holy Spirit in their inward man, whereby, as, 2 Corinth. 4. 16. is meaned the foul , ( not (imply in it felf , but as living the life of grace) and thofe things, which f elate to that fpiritual life : as the outward man doth comprehend all thofe things belonging to a mans outward eftate ; So, in a word, he praycth that they may beftrong andflourifh in all things which relate to the fpirituall eftate of their eternal fouls. ®otf. (, From the Apoftle his being able to give an after-account of what he prayed for , fee chap. I* ver. 17. doft. %xthat he ^ould grant unto you. 2. Whatever ftrength or natural parts of body^or mind, men naturally have to compaffe their effairs of this world,Gew.4.20, 21, 22. yet they are wholly deftitute of all fpiritual ftrength and activity for compafling heaven and happineffe, and for walking in the way of holinefle, which leadeth to it : for, the Apoftle findeth aninlack of this ftrength , even in the converted Ephefians; and therefore doth feek it from God unco them \ Much more muft it be wholly wanting in thofe who are not yet con verted j That be V>ould grant unto you to beflnngthenei in the itftojrd man, 3, Though there be a new principle of 102 *A brief Expo jition Qf the Epiflle Chap.3 of fpiricuall ftrength wrought'in thofe who are renewed at their firft converfion, Jerm 31. 33. whereby the re- newed heart, being wrought upon by the Spirit of God, doch really work that which is fpiritually good, Pbihp. 4« 13. Yet a conftantly-renewed fupply of grace and ftrength from the Spirit of God , is neceffary even to the renewed man , whereby thofe feeds of grace already wrought in him may be upheld in their being, Jer* 32. -40. preferved agamft the furious affaults of raging ten- tations, £^22.32. attained, and made to do that which istruelygood, 'Pbiltp.i. 13. and much more, that here- by grace begun in converfion, may be made to grow and advance towards perfeftion, Philip. 1.6. for, theApo- file prayeth even for thofe converted Ephcfians, that tbey may be (Irengtbened frith might in the inward man. 4.. Such is the vanity, lightneffe, and inconftancie of our hearts in good , Tfal. 39.-5. our impotencie to refift tentations , Mattb. %6. 34* our proneneffe to turn from the wayesofGod, Gal.f.j. Softrong, fofubtile, fo affiduous are our fpiricuall adverfaries , Epb. 6. 1 2. So many are thofe difficulties, difcouragements, diverfions and hinder arices , which we have to wreftle with > and overcome in the way to heaven, 6^3.14.-22. that excep: we be underpropped and ftrengthened by Gods almigh- ty power , we cannot ft and one moment , and much leffe advance in our Chriftian courfe : for, therefore doth Paul pray that they might be ftrengthened frith might in the iritoard man. 5. Even the regenerate children of God, in feeking increafe of ftrength, and of more grace from God, muft not, if fo they would obtain their fuit, plead from their merit, orany good ufe they have made of their former grace ; feing upon a ftri& account it will be found that grace hath not been fo improVen by the beft as it ought , If*. 64. ^6-. But they muft feek what they fo expeft as a gift from God's free grace with- out any refpeft had to their own worth : for, the Apo- ftle, while hefeeketh increafe of fpiricuall ftrength unto thofe converted Ephcfians > he prayeth that God r>wld^ grant,1 Chap. 3 :i *f Paul to the £f h e s i an $1 io£ ^4af , or give it as a gift ( for the word fignifieth fo much ) and that from the inexhauftible fountain of His glorious grace ; That He fbould grant unto you according to the riches of His glory, not, according to your worth. 6. As all the attributes of God,and efpecially His mercy and power, are not onely altogether glorious,becaufe the f lory of God is manifcfted unto the creatures in their feverall wonderfull effefts, T/i/. 19. 1, &c. but are alio infinite , and without meafure > as being indefatigable in working, wholly infuperable by any impediment or oppofition whatfoever , and inexhauftible by fupplying any want in the creature ; So in making our approaches unto God for feeking any good , and efpecially faving good, it is moftneceflary , that we lift our eyes above any thing that is ours* whether our good, or our evil., and fatten them by faith upon that inexhanftible foun- tain of mercy and power in God ? whereby , he is not only willing as mercifull ; but alfo able, as omnipotent, to beftow what ever we (hall ask according to his will ; for, the Apoftle, in feeking fpirituall ftrength for thofe Ephefians, doth look to the inexhauftible riches ofGods mercy and power , called here Hu glory ; that He toould grant according to the riches of His grace. 7. Ic is the Spirit of God, the third perfonin the bleffcd Trinity, who, taking up His place of abode in the truly regene- rate* (1 Job. 4. 13.) doth make it His work to renew their flrength by upholding and a&uating their graces, and making them advance from ftrength to ftrength in defpite of'all imaginable difficulties : neither is there any other ftrength or might , whether naturall or ac- quired , which can fufficiently furnifh us to rancounter all thofe difficulties, which are incident in our Chriftian courfe, but that whereof the Spirit of God refiding in us is the author and giver : for he prayeth they may be ftrengthened "kith might in the inner man from the J}iri$m 8. Though Chriftians are not to negleft their outward and bodily concernments , 1 Tim. 5, 8. 23. yet the fpiri- tuall eftatc of their etepnaj)! fQuls js to fc>« «prcd for moft, and ?04 A brief Sxfojttion of the Efifile Chap.j; and fo much , as if it go well wich that > and if the foul be ftrengthened with might for carrying on the concern-' ments thereof, their outward concernments may trouble them the leffe : and efpecially the care of Minifters (hould be employed about the inward and fpirituaJi cftate of their flock ; for , laul prayeth they may be ftrengthened in the inner man 9 his care did run moft upon that* VttC 17* Tbat Cbrijl may dtoellinyour hearts hy faith UEre is the fecond petition of the Apoftle'S prayer, *-i wherein he feeketh that which is the caufe of ftrengthning and corroboration by the Spirit, fpoken of, ver. 16. even that Jefus Chrtft by vertue of a continued aft of lively faith in Him, might be perpetually prefent in His Vertue > Grace and Spirit , working not only in their tougnes and brains , but alfo and mainly in their hearts. ©0#. 1. That we may partake of any faving benefit purchafed by Chrift , and particularly* that we may be ftrengthened with might by the Spirit in the inner man for doing any thing that is fpiritually good, it is moft neceffary that we partake firft of Chrift Himfclf, being moft ftri&ly united to Him > and even as the members arc to the head, from which Jthey receive fenfe and motion. Chrift giveth nothing of His purchafe unto any, but to whom He giveth Himfelf firft, 1 Job. 5. c 1 , 1 2. and to whomfoever He giveth Himfelf > upon thofe He beftoweth all things; Chrift in us being the hope of glory, £W. i. 37. the fountain of life, Gal.2.10. and of all things needfull, 1 Job. 4. 4* for, 5W, having prayed that they may be ftrengthened with might in the inner man , fubjoyneth the way and manner hoto this ftrength was to be conveyed unto them , even by Chrift's duelling in their hearts by faith. 2, There is a ft rift con* junftion and near familiarity between Chrift and Be- lievers, even fuch, in fome fort> as is between an indwel- ler, and the houfc , wherein he dwelled vvhereby Jefus Chrift, Chap^i of Paul to *J&* E* H E s I an *• 20? Chrift, God ancj Man in one perfon, is prefent with the Believer, not in His fubftance only, as He is God; for, foHe is every where, Jer. 23. 24. nor in Hisiubftance at all, as He is Man; for, fo the heavens do contain Him, Act. 3. 21. but by His gracious operation and fpc- ciall influence upon them, whereby He quickeneth them, (\om. 8. 10.) rukththem (Jtf.9.6.) and liveth in them, Gal. 1. 20. for, he prayeth that Cbrift may dtodl in their hearts, which petition is granted, in behalf of all Believers, feing he prayed in faith. 3, Though Chrift doth thus familiarly communicate Himfelf unto all Be- lievers, fo as to 3well in them by His gracious prefence; yet not unto all alike: but unto fome in a larger mea- sure than unto others , according a<> He worketh more, and more effectually in fome than in others : for,though Chrift did alreadv dwell in thofe converted Ephefians, chap. 2. 22. yet 2Wdothpray that Cbrift may dftell in ibem, which therefore muft be underftoodof a greater meafure and degree of His indwelling prefence, than formerly they had. 4. Where Jefus Chrift doth once take up His abode and dwelling in the heart,there He re- maineth conftantly and flitteth not : info far, as though fometimes He withholdeth that gracious influence of His, which is neceffary only to the wel-being, flourifh- ing , and vigorous thriving of grace in the heart , Cant. 5* £• yet He never withdraweth that influence, which is neceflary to the being of graccand without which grace would utterly die and perifh, Pfal. 73. 23. for, the word rendered to dtoell, fignificth to take up a fixed and im- movable habitation , and differcth from another word very like unto it, whkrh fignificth to fojourn in a place only for afeafon, I Pet. 1.17. That Cbrift may dtoell in your hearts. 5. Though even the bodies of Believers be temples of the holy Ghoft, and confequently of Jefus Chrift ; for Chrift dwelleth in them by His Spirit, I Cor. 6. 19. yet the heart, will and affe&ionsof man, are the chief place of His habitation, wherein He refi- derh as in His ftrong citadel* from which He coraman- deth *o6 A brief Exf*ftti$n $fthe € pi file Chap. £ dech the other faculties and members. And without His pretence there. He cannot have any habitation in any part of the man elfewhere ; the tongue cannot receive Him by fpeaking , nor the underftanding by knowing, nor the hand by external working,except He be received in the heart, from which proceed the iflues of life, Tro. 4. 23. for, he prayeth that Chrift may dtoell in tbeir hearts. 6. Though Jefus Chrift doth make His firrt entry un- to, and dwelleth in Believets by His Spirit, 1 Job^i^ whereby He uniteth them to Hitafelf , quickeneth and ruleth them , yea, and worketh the grace of faith in them, jf.0M.44. yet> faith being fo wrought, the Believer doch thereby lay hold on Chrift, Pbilip. 3. -12. giveth Him daily imployment, Job.i 5. - 5, and Chrift being fo laid hold upon and imployed , remaineth and refideth in the Believer : for therefore is it, that he afcribeth this indwelling of Chrift in the heart unto faith; that Qbrift may dtoell in your hearts by faith. 7. Such is the power and vertue of faith ; that thofe things, which are at fur- theft diftance, whether in refpeft of time (Joh.S.tf.) or of place, are prefent to it, and to the heart by it. Even as thofe things are prefent to the eye and ear, which are clearly (een and diftin&ly heard > though in refped of place they may be many miles diftant , fo whole Chrift both as God and Man is prefent to the heart in His me- rit, vertue and efficacy, laid hold upon by faith, though His humane nature be locally prefent in heaven only, J18.1.21. and therefore there is noneceffity, in order co oar fpirituall life, that His body be preient in the Sa- crament, and received by the mouth and ftomach : for» He is conveyed unto , and dwelleth in the heart by faitb9 befides that the flefh profiteth nothing* Job* 6. -$3-. Vcrfi Chap. 3* ffPaul to the Ep h b s i a n s.% 207 Verf. 17. — 'That ye being rooted and grounded in lo)>e9 18. May be able to comprehend Mpitb all Saints , *tobat u the breadth, and lengthy and depth, and height : 19. And to {no* the hire of Chrift, 'tobicb pajffetb fya>- ledge,— T^Hc third petition followeth, wherein the thing prayed for * is an excellent effeft of that fpirituall corrobo- ration , flowing from Chrifts dwelling in them by faith, fpokenof, ver, 16* 17- even that God would make them grow in knowledge , efpecially in the expe- rimental! knowledge of his love in Chrift. And, firft> he fetteth down the mean of attaining the thing prayed for , to wit , their firm and fure laying hold upon , and adhering to the love and free grace of God in Chrift, as it is revealed in the Gofpel, by the grace of faith > as trees are firmly fattened in the ground by their roots,and edifices are built > and lean upon their ftrong foundati- ons : for, the ttoo words rooted and grounded, are me- taphors taken from trees and edifices, ver. - 1 7* Second- ly, the requeft it felf, firft proponed more obfeurely, to wit, that they might be able to comprehend , or certainly to underftand what that love of God in Chrift is,wherc- of he hath prefently fpoken ♦ and is to fpeak immedi- ately afterwards ; and therefore it is moft agreeable to the prefent purpofe , that it be here underftood as the thing which he would have them able to comprehend in its infinit greatnefle and full perfe&ion $ according to all its dimensions, as of breadth, whereby it is extended unto all ages, Matth. 28. 20. and all ranks, 1 Tim. 2. 4. of length , whereby it reacheth from eternity to eternity, P/i/. 103, 17, of depth, whereby it ftoupeth down to the loweft depths of fin and mifery, and draweth finners from thence, ffal. 86.13. and of height, whereby it reacheth up to heavenly joyes and happineft,and carneth finners up thither, Job. 14. 3. which are the four ufu- alldimenfions and meafures, according to which we ordinarily ao8 A brief Sxpofithn of the Epiftle Chap. j. ordinarily take up the bigneffe of grea teft bodies. And withall > hefheweth that this compr ehenfion , or uj>- taking of Gsd* love here prayed for, was in part at- tained , andinitsfullnrafure attainable after time by all reall Saints and found Believers ; that hereby thofe Ephefians might be more animated and incited to afpire unto it, verf. 18. Secondly , the requeft is proponed more plainly, to wit, that they might know in fomc meafure , and chiefly from their own experience, this love, which is here called tbclo\>cof gbri/i , not tofe- clude the love of the Father, or holy Ghoft ; but be- caufe, the love of the whole Trinity is conveyed in the cffe&s thereof towards loft finners through Chrift and His merit , Job. 3. 1 6. and concerning this love he af- firmeth , that it doth pajfe fyotoledge , or created under- ftanding to know it , to wit , fully , and in its utmoft extent, feing it is infinit, as God Himfelf is infinic, ver. 19-. Fromver.-i7. Learn, 1. As trees cannot Iongftand againft the blafts of boifterous winds, except their roots be deeply fattened in fome good ground , and as houfes cannot remain long firm and ftrong , except they be built upon fome fure foundation; So neither can Pro- feffors hold out for any fpace of time againft the furious affaultsof many violent tentations, except they be un- der-propped by,and rely upon fome ftrong foundation ; for, theApoftle, expreffing that (lability and conftancy arifing from the faith of God's love , which he wiflied for to thofe Ephefians, by two metaphors taken from trees deeply rooted, and houfes ftrongly built» doth im- ply, that without the faith of this love they were as trees without a root , and houfes without a foundation \ that ye being rooted and grounded in lo^e. 2. The only fure foundation , whereon the foul being built and fattened, jsabteto ftand out againft the ftronseft blafts of moft violent tentations , is the unchangeable and free love o( God in Chrift revealed in the Gofpel , and laid hold upon by faith; and no conceit of our own righteoufnefs, natural! Chap>3- */Paui to the Ephbsians. top naturall courage , fixed refolutions, orfuchlike, Mdttb* 26.31. with 70. for,the Apoftle would have them roatei and grounded intone, to wic, the love of GodinChrift. ?. As this love of God in J efus Chrift , is a moft firm rock and fure foundation in it (elf} So it concerneth thofe, who would be fuftained by it againft the furious affaults of Sathans tentations from all hands , to be firmly fattened in, and built upon it: which is then done, when they do not reft upon thenotionall know- ledge thereof in the brain, foasto be able pertinently todifcourfeof it ; but when this marvellous love, and all the good things prepared by it are laid hold upon by faith , as they are offered : and this not faintly , but feri- oufly, as we would grip to a thing upon life and death, 1 Tim. 1. 1 5. for, Paul would haveihem firmely faftned in, and built upon God's love, as trees are rooted in the ground , and houfes are joyned with their foundations* And the mean whereby they were to be fo rooted and grounded in God's love, is the grace of faith, as appear- fth from a parallel place , £W. 2. 7. That ye being rooted and grounded in loV>, From ver. 1 8. Learn, t. As they who have found the faving effefts of Gods love in Chrift, and confequently cannot but know fomething of it, do yet know but a fmall portion thereof; So the knowledge , and chiefly the cxpenmentall knowledge of this abounding and marvellous love , from the felt and known effefts there- of, is of great concernment unto Believers, and oughc to be fought after by them accordingly : for, this know- ledge is not only pleafant , as being of a fubjeft won- derfull , but alfo edifying , both in order to our comfort, %w. 5.-2. with J.and to our incitement unto duty, 2 Cor. 5.14. for,he jirayeth for a greater meafure of this know- ledge , even to thofe converted Ephefians , who had fomewhat of it already ; That ye may he able to compre- hend ftbat is the breadth, &c. 2. Our embracing by faith the love of GodinChrift , and thofe good things pre- pared by it , as they are revealed and offered in the Go- o fpcb 2 1 o A brief Expofition of the Spifile Chap. 3 fpel , is a neceffary mean for attaining to fuller infight in the admirable nature of this love : yea, and to the fenfe and feeling of it, and cxperimentall knowledge flowing ihence : for, he premits their being rooted in the faith of this love, ver. -17. as a mean for attaining the more full underftanding > and efpecially the experimentall know- ledge of it; That ye being rooted may be able to com- prehend. 3. This love of God in JefusCbrift to loft finners, is fo large, ( Ifa. 55. 8, 9.) fo free, (Hof. 14, 4.) and in all refpe&s fo wonderfull, Tfalm 31. 19. Sonar- row are hearts to take it up, and fo ftrange are the wayes of conveying theeflfeftsand fruits of this love through ■ a wilderneffe of triall and humiliation going before, 8>eut< 8. 14, 15, 16. that though it be revealed in the Go- fpel, J oh. j, 16. yet«o man can attain to know it fo> as certainly to believe the reality of it , except it be given unto him gracioufly of God 5 and therefore prayer to God, would bejoyned with the ufe of other means for attaining to it , for, T*«/dotb pray to God that they may be able to comprehend, or certainly to underftand and know tobat is the breadth. 4. We are not to content our felves with a fuperficiall view of God's free love in Chrift ; but ought to take mod accurate infpe&ion of ic in all itsdimenfions, and in all thofe feveral refpe<3s and wayes wherein it is manifefted, endeavouring, at leaft, to know it fofar , as that which is infinite may be known by fink creatures,and to know it in its outmoft capacity, as reaching beyond all created underftanding , upward, downward, to the right-hand, and to the left; thatfo we may be the more conftrained to our duty by it ; more ravifhed with the thoughts of it , and may draw more folid comfort from it. All which profitable effe&s, arc obftru&ed by our narrow thoughts and (hallow appre- henfions of Gods love in Chrift: for, he prayeth, they, may be able to comprehend it in all its dimenfions of breadth and length, depth and height. 5. As every real Saint,and all who are inherently holy have their allotted meafure from God of the faving know kdge of Gods love Chap.3. of Paul to the Ep h b $ i a n 9^ Sir love in Chrift, and (hail attain to the full knowledge thereof afterwards; So whatever priviledge the Lord is pleafed to beftow upon the Saints in common, wc ought to afpire unto it> and confidently expedt to receive it from the Lord : for > as he maketh this comprehenfion and knowledge, here fpokcn of, a common priviledge of all Saints ; So he doth thereby animate and incite the Ephefianstofcekandexpe&it from God in anfwer to his prayers; That ye may be able to comprehend With all Sain ts. 6* As the love of Chrift is the common treafurc and allowance of all Saints, whatever be their different lot in other things ; So they who would clear an intereft in this love, mtift ftudy fanftity and holkieffe, as that without which no man can convincingly prove his M* tereftin k.job, 14. 21,23. for, he maketh the compie* hending ofChrifts love, a priviledge of thofeonly who are Saints and holy 5 Te may be able to comprehend With all Saints. From Verf. 19- Learn, 1. The love of God in Chrift, and of Chrift to loft finners, is fo rich and unfearcbable, (Epb. 2. 7. ) fovaft,boundle(Te, yea, and infinit, (Sec ver. 18, ) So matchleffe, and without any parallel to equal it, whereby wc might come to the exa& know- ledge* of it, %w. 5. 7, 8. that not only the naturall man cannot underftand it at all* 1 Qor. 2, 14. but even thofe who are truly renewed, do not take it up fully, as it is iti it felf , and fo, as they can expreflethofe infinit and un- fearchable riches which are in it : they do but know in part, 1 Cor. 1 j, 9. for, the Apoftle faith, tbuloVe ofCbrijf. pajjetb knowledge. 2. Though this love of Chrift paffeth knowledge in the fenfe presently mentioned ; yet every true Believer fhould endeavour to attain > yea, and doth attain to the knowledge of it in fomemcafure $ and fo far as is neceffary for their falvation and comfort t lor, though this love is unfearchable, yea, and infinit; yet created underftanding may fo far comprehend it, as to know it to be infinit ; and that there is not fo much known, but more doth yet remain to be known of it* O a The* 5 1 i A brief Expofition of the £ pi file Chap.' £ They may know itfo, as to ftand and wonder atit> as not being able pcrfe&ly to comprehend it : and they may know it thus, partly, from what the Spirit of God in Scripture , condescending to our capacity fo far as is poffible, doth fpeak of it ; and partly, from thofe etfe&s of this unfearchable love which they do find to be wrought inthemfelves by it: for, the Apottle prayeth they may kpoto this lo\>e of Cbrifi vbich paffetb kpoyt>- ledge : hereby implying, that the knowledge thereof may be attained in fome meafure, and that it is our duty to feck after it* 3 . The infinit and unfearchable nature of this love of God in Chrift to finners, fhould be fo far from difcouraging Believers to fearch after the know- ledge of it> that by the contrary ^ve ought to be fo much the more encouraged in that fearch, and this for the rea- fons given, ver. 8. dodt. 12. for, he addeththisof its pafling knowledge,,as it feemeth, of purpofe to provoke them fo much the more to feek after the knowledge of it; And to kno)\> the lo\>e ofCbn(l} ^bichpajfetb knowledge. Verf. 19* that ye might be filled Kith all the fulnejfc of God. OEre is the fourth and Iaft petition of the Apoftles prayer , wherein he prayeth for the full perfe&ion and accomplishment of all thofe other things, which he fought for them in the three former, even that they might be more and more filled with all the graces of God's Spirit, untill they (hould come to the compleat fulneffc of grace in glory , when God (hall be all in all , 1 Corm 1 5.-28. for, the original doth read , that ye may be fillei untoallthefulnejfeof'God, even while grace begun here be fully compleated in glory hereafter : which perfection of grace to be attained in the life to come , is called the fulnejfe of God : not, as if the effence of the Deity were either in whole, or in part to be communicated unto the glorified Saints, which is incommunicable unto any creature* but becaufe it floweth immediately from that His Chap.?; of Paul to the Ephesians^ 213 ' His infinic and incommunicable fulnefle* as ftreams from the fountain, 1 £briwA&. 15.-28. and doth confift in the full enjoying of Him, 1 Job. 3. -2. * which (hall be attained here- after, called here the fulnejje of God, and is made men- tion of as the journey's end , to be afpired unco and aimed at, asaftep far beyond any fulneffe which can be attained here : for , he faith, tbat ye may be JilledVtth% or untillj nil the fulnejje of God: where he implieth a two- fold fulneffe, the former attainable here, by which we advance to that other "fulneffe in glory, which (hall be enjoyed herafter. 3. The defires and endeavours of Be- lievers after Chrift and Grace, (hould not beeafily fatis- fied, nor ftand at a ftay for every attainment 3 but oughc to be inlarged , and alwayes advancing towards a fur- ther meafure than any thing already received , even-to that fulneffe of grace attainable here ; yea , and the out- moft meafure of grace here , is not to be refted upon, as fully fatisfying, nor any thing elfe , untiil grace be fully compleated in glory hereafter : for, the Apoftle , not being fatbfied with what he hath asked already , doth here pray, that they may be filled even mttlldlthe fulnejje of God 2 and hereby teaeheth them to be fatisfied with noleffe* 4. The ftate of Believers in heaven (hall be moft glorious and bleffed, as being no leffe than, firft, O 3 the % 14 A brief Spofition of the Epifile Chap, f. the enjoying of Gods immediate prefence by fenfe , not by faith or through the glafle of Ordinances , vvhich (hall then be laid afide > Godj Himfclf being all in all, I Cor. 13.12. And, fecondly, the enjoying of His pre- fence fully , and fo far as finit creatures can be capable of that which is infinic, 1 Job. 3, -2. for, this is to be filled \o\tb the fulnejfe of God , which (hall be attained in heaven. VerH 20. Wjjfo unto bim tbat is able to do exceeding abun- dantly above all that ^eas\ or tbin\9 according to tbe pWer tbat *toor\etb in us. THe Apoftle, laftly, cortcludeth his prayers with an x heavenly ftrain of thankfgiving to God, whereby he iabourcth, indire&Iy at leaft, to per fwade them that he would be anfwered in thole great and large petitions , which he had put up to God for them, feing he himfelf was fo much pcrfwaded of it , that he breaketh forth in thankfgiving to God for it , even as if all he fought had been already granted. And therefore he doth labour to perfwade them further by that appofit defcription, which he givech of God in the firft part of this thankfgiving, taken from God's infinit power , whereby He is able, not only to beftow moe things and greater than we can either expreflc , by feeking them in prayer , or compre- hend in our thoughts , which are oftentimes larger than can be vented by expreffions ; but alfo to beftow thofe greater things in a large and abundant raeafure. And becaufe this of God's power, abfolutely confidered, had been a weak ground for faith to lean upon > feing He is able to do manv things wjiich He doth not, Mattb. 26. 53. therefore he giveth an inftance, or proof, of tthis in- finit power in what He had wrought in Believers al- ready, by converting , quickening and carrying on the work of grace to fome good length in them, leaving un- to them to gather hence , that the fame power would be forth-coming , and applied unco work for them in time coming Chap-gt tffPauI ^^Ephbsians. 115 *oming, as the exigence of their cafe and ftate fliduM require. ®oft. 1. As the duties of prayer and thanks- giving, do mutually contribute for the help one of an- other , ( See chap. 1. ver. 16. doft. 1. ) So we can-* not ordinarily be fervent in prayer, but of heceflity our heart will fometimes break forth in thanklgiving to God ariiong hands , occasioned partly , by thofe hopes of an anfwer , which fometimes are in the very time of prayer fuggefted by God, P/i/. 6. 8. partly, from the remem- brance of mercies formerly beftowed, which are called to mind in prayer 1 as arguments to plead for our prefenc fuit, Pf*t. j5. 12, 13. and partly, from that feltaccefle to God enjoyed in prayer, PjaLsj.iy&c* with His gracious pretence and afliftance communicated to the heart, chiefly when we are difcharging that duty , Ufal. 138. 3. for, Paul, having prayed fervently, doth find his heart conftrained to break forth in a fong of praife 5 Koto unto bim that U able be glory. 2. As we ought not only to pray > but alfo ftudy what grounds of hope we may attain 9 for coming fpeed in prayer ; So we (hould have fuch conceptions of God , and expreffe them to Himfelf by way of thankfgiving in prayer , as may furnifti our hearts with grounds of confidence, that we (ball be heard in what we feek : for, Taul, in giving thanks to God>defcribeth Him from this,that He u able to do exceeding abundantly above all that v>e asl{ or thinks here- by giving them ground to believe, that fche fotmer great things fought by him (hould be granted* 3* We ought cfpecially to eftablifh our hearts in the faith of Gods omnipotency and power to beftow that which we feek, as a main prop for confidence in prayer, feing it is above all doubt , that God will do whatever He is able for granting our petitions > if we feck thofe things which He hath promifed, ijob. 5.14. and therefore ufually the doubts of Believers concerning God's good- will to grant , are but pretences to cover their Chamefull and atheifticall doubting about His power : for , Paul, to gtound|their confidence in expiation of an anfwer, de- O 4 fcribeth J2 1 6 tA brief Expo fit ion of the Epifile Chap.3 1 fcribeth God from His power , whereby He is able to do exceeding abunddhtly aboVe all that toe as^ or thin\. 4. As our prayers would be well digefted, and diligent consi- deration had of thofe things we are to feek* elfeour prayers are but lip- labour of the groffeft fort \ So our conceptions concerning things lawfull andneceffary to be fought in prayer , go oftentimes beyond our exprefli- ons: Eeicher we dare not exprefle them, they arefb great, Lu\. 15. 18, 19. or we cannot exprefle them , they are fo many, that expreflion is too narrow a vent or paf- fage for them, %om.%. -26. for, he joyneth thinking , or conceiving , with asking , and fpeaketh of it as being more capacious and comprehenfivethan our asking doth reach unto , while he faith , aboVe all that toe asf^ortbhf^ 5. So large is God in His bounty, and fo mercifull in His way of dealing with His people , that He doth far out- ftripe not only their prayers, but alfo their very concep- tions and hopes , in fo far as when they obtain not all they ask, even then they get above what they ask, delay or difappointment being in that cafe much better for fe- verall reafons than a prefent grant : for, faith Paul, He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that toe asf^ or tbin^ Now he fpeaketh not of His abfolute power* but as it is operative , and working in , and for Believers, as appcareth from the inftance given ; according to the potoer that toorfytb in m , faith he. 6. This fuperabun- dant work of Gods mighty power , tranfeending the hopes and apprehenfions of the moft inlarged hearts, is not referved wholly to be manifefted in the glorification of the Eleft ; but is manifefted already to every Believer in part ; in fo far as the work of their conversion at the firft, of carrying on the work of grace in them after- wards, of their through- bearing under, and delivery from crofE s and trials, the timous and unexpe&ed tryft- ins of feverall comfortable providences with their ne- cefltcies, are fo many proofs and inftances of Gods work- ing above what they do ask , or think ; for He is able U toor^fo, faith he, according to the potoer that toor{eth in {Chap. 3. */Paulf*f**EPHESiANs. 217 in us. 7. We ought to look upon the bypaft inftances of Gods graciou* and powerfull working in us, asfo many confirmations of our faith>that He will work powerful- ly in us for the time to come,yea,and above what He hath already wrought , according as our prefent ftate fhall call for it : for , he maketh God's working powerfully ■ in them at their converfion , an argument to confirm them, that God would work exceeding abundantly even to the fulfilling of all his petitions for them > the accom- pliQiment of fome whereof , to wit > their being filled with the fulneffe of God , was mere than any thing al- ready wrought in them ; according to the "boring of His mighty potoer, faith he, Verf. 21. Unto him ie glory in the Church hy Chrift Jefus, throughout all ages, frorld without end, Amen. T^ Ext, there is the thankfgiving it felf, wherein the A^ Apoltle ( having his own heart, doubtlefle, duely affefted and overcharged with high thoughts of Gods goodneffe, mercy, power, juftice, and other attributes manifefted chiefly in that admirable work of Redem- ption , whereof he hath fpoken at length from the be* ginning of this Epiftle ; arid havingengaged his heart to fee forth the glory and excellency of thofe praife- worthy attributes,both in word and work) doth further wifti that this duty of glorifying God may, and thereby alio doth forcprophefie that it fhall be gone about by Gods true Church> to wit, among vifible profeffours, members of the Church, and chiefly, fincere Believers, ( even all fuch a3 (hould find the faving effefts of Gods glorious attributes in their own experience ) and this in all ages and generations , fo long as the world {hould ftand, and to all eternity after time (hall be ended ; and by Jeftu Chrift, in whom all their facrifices of prayers and praifes, or of any other performance, are accepted of God. $>oct. 1. The fubje& matter of a Believers fongof praife and glory to God 9 is not only thofe things which God Si 8 A lrrief£xfofition of the Spifllc Chap.j. God hath gracioufly done already; but what He is yet < to do, together with the confideration of His power and goodwill to do them : for, the Apoftle doth here afcribe glory to God, even for what He Ti>m able to do abo\>e lohat they could **{, or thinf^, as appcareth from the connexion of the two verfes. 2. As we ought to make confeience of praife and thankfgiving to God our felves ; So, fuch is the weight of this duty in it felf, */<*/. I0&2. andfo far fliort doth the beftcomeinit, Neb. 9. -$• fo profi- table is this duty unto thofe who do pra&ife it, Tfal. 147. 1. that we would ferioufly wifh, and accordingly endeavour that many others would take a lift of it , and joyn with us in this weighty task of giving glory to God : for, this is a part of Taul's^ giving glory to God, even a wifh that the Church may joyn with him in it ; Unto Him be glory in the Church. 3. Though it be the duty of all reafonable creatures to fee forth Gods glory, yea, and all do let it forth one way or other, even dam- ned men and devils in a paffive way, fyrn. 9. 17. Yet only thofe are fit to go about this heavenly duty in a fpi- ritual manner, and only fuch will make confeience of it, whom God hath feparated from the world unto Him- felf, and upon whom He doth manifeft the gracious ef&ftsof His praife- worthy attributes : for. he enjoyn- eth this duty unto the Church, and efpecialiy to real Be- lievers in it, becaufe the Lord doth make His glorious attributes in their gracious efFe6ts,manifeft only to fuch, &fds]6. 1 , 2. Unto Him be glory in the Church. 4. Praife and thankfgiving is a duty to be performed, not only by Profeflbrs and Believers (everally and apart, but by all of them conjunftly in the aflemblies of Gods people, as being a part of that publick homage we owe to God, fPfal. 65. 1 . and a mean of mutuall edification, C0Z.3.1 6. for, he faith unto Him be glory in the Churchy 5. Though the duty of thankfeiving and praife be all which God requireth from us for favours beftowed on us, Pfal, 50, iy. yet, we cannot difcharge even this duty of our felves and acceptably , but by Jcfus Chrifi> through whom Chap. 4. «/Paul to the Ep hi si an %. %\i whom we have furniture and ftrength to do , *Pkilip. 4- 15. accefle unto God in doing , Epb. 2. iS. and accep- tation with God, when we have done either this, or any other duty , Eph. 1. - 6. for, he faith unto Him be glory in the Qhunb by Cbrijl Jefus. 6. As God (hall never wane glory from His Church ; So there (hall alwayesbea. Church through all ages to hold up this fong of praife and glory to God , againft which the gates of hell (hall not prevail , Mattb. 16. -i8« neither (hall the Church ever in any age want matter of praife : ( the faddeft times want not their own mercies, £3^,9.-13-) for a* this is awifti, foit is a prophefic, that unto Him /hall be glory in the Church through all ages. 7. See fur- ther (from the continuance of this fong unto all eternity, and from the Apoftles Jmen, whereby he clofeth the thankfgiving ) upon Gal. 1. ver. 5. do&. 3* and 4* Werldtoitboutend, tAmen. CHAP. IIII. THc Apoftle , having in the three preceeding Chapters given a (hort fum of faving do&rine, doth now, to ver. 21. chap. 6. exhort them to fuitable pra&ice. And, firft, being to prefie npon them the praftice of fuch duties as are more ge- neral and common to all,as they are Chriftians, to chap. 5. ver. 22. He doth, in the firft part of this Chapter, ex- hort them to unity : and, to make way for his fo doing, he firft premitteth a general exhortation to walk worthy of their vocation, ver. I. And next, fubjoyneth a more particular exhortation unto fuch graces, as have a more fpecial influence upon unity, as humility, &c. ver. 2. and lb doth fall upon his intended fcopc, which is to preffe upon them the ftudy of unity, ver. 3. Which he inforceth, 1. by an argument taken from feven things, which arc one and the; fame in the Church and all the true 5 20 A brief Sxfojltion of the Epiftle Chap.4 true members thereof, ver. 4, S> 6. Secondly , by an other argument, taken from thefe things which are not one, butdiverfe, almoft in every member, to wit, diver- fity of gifts and graces, and their different meafures; which diverfity he Qioweth doth alfo tend to union, firft, becaufe all thole gifts and different meafures do come from one author, Chrift, ver. 7* which hecon- firmsth from Pfal.jS. 18. cited, ver. 8. commented up- on and applied, ver.9>io. And further confirmeth it, by giving an inftance of thofe feverall gifts, in the feverall offices appointed by Chrift in the Church, ver. n. Se- condly, becaufe they are all given for promoting the fame end, the edifying of the Church, firft, propounded, ver. 1 2. fecondly, illuftrated from the term of its conti- nuance by thofe means, ver. 13. and from two of its fruits, to wit, prefervation from error, ver* 14. and growth in grace, ver. 15. by vertue of influence con- veyed from Chrift, ver. 16. In the fecond part, he dehorteth them from all impie- ty and profanity in the general ; firft, becaufe uncon- verted Gentiles did live in thofe, ver. 17. whofe godlefle converfation is fet forth diftinftly in its feveral branches and degrees, ver. 18, 19. Secondly, becaufe the know- ledge which they had of Chrift, was inconfiftent with fuch a licentious life, ver. 20. which he proveth from three things , which that knowledge did oblige, and ftrongly incline them to, firft, tomortifie the old man, ver. 22. fecondly, to have the mind or underftanding renewed, ver. 23. thirdly, to put on the new man in righteoufneffe and holinefle, ver. 24. In the third part of the Chapter, are fix particular pre- cepts, belonging to the fecond Table : The firft is to ab- ftain from lying,and to fpeak truth, ver. 25. The fecond, to moderate and fuppreffe anger, ver. 26, clfe they'did caft open doors for Satan to tempt them unto fome mifchief, ver. 27. The third , to abftain from dealing, and to labour diligently in fome lawfoll calling, ver. 2?. The fourth, to abftain from all corrupt cpmrounication, and Chap-4- of Vzxi\ to the Eva* si aks~. %ii and to utter edifying purpofe in their ordinary difcourfe* Yen 29. becaufe they would otherwife grieve the fpirit, ver. 30. The fifth; is, to abftain from all the branches, degrees, and effc&s of finfull anger, ver. 31. Thefixth is»toexercifekindneffe arid tender- heartedneffe in mu- tual forgivenefle, ver. 3*- VerC 1. T Therefore the prifoner of the Lord, heftecby§u ■* that ye W^, Worthy of the Vocation VehereVeitb ye are called. THe Apoftle doth here inforce one generall duty, which is a comprehenfive fum of all fuch other duties as he is to preffe afterwards , and where- of that unity, unto which he exhorteth inthefirftpart of the Chapter , is a fpecial evidence* Which general exhortation, is that ( fuppofing that they were effe&u- ally called,at leaft they took themfelves for fuchi and the better part were really fuch ) they *toould W^ Worthy of their Vocation , not, as if they had been to purchafe and merit by their walking , that God (hould call them : for, the text holdeth out, that they behoved to be called, before they could walk after the manner which the Apoftle here preffeth, and therefore were not to merit vocation by their walking: See2Xjw. 1.9. but thac they ought to walk fuitably, and as it becometh thofe who are dignified with fuch a calling , as the word is rendred,%w*i6. 3. Which exhortation is propounded by way of intreaty, arid backed with two arguments. The firft whereof, is hinted at in the illative particle, therefore, and it is taken from that excellent ftate , ia which free grace had placed them, fpoken of in the three preceeding Chapters. The fecond, is taken from the fuffering condition of Haul himfelf who did exhort, whofefad fufferings might juftly challenge from them obedience untothofe truths for which he fuffered, as that which would comfort him much under his (uflfer- ings ; and the)r denial whereof could not but adde af- flidion \liz AbrufExfofindndfthe epifile Chap.4 fliftion to his bonds. Hence Learn, 1. The Do&rine of falvacion through free grace in Jefus Chrift , is fo far from miniftring an occafion of fecurity, ungodlinefle or profanity y that there is no ftronger argument to induce men to the confeientious practice of holines in all the du« ties thereof, than fan&ified knowledge ,faving faith, and the (olid confideration of that Do&rine, efpecially feing the principles thereof do many wayes engage the Be- liever to lead an holy life , %«. 6. % ( and infeparable companion of the latter ; I therefore befeech you , that ye "balk, Worthy, 1. Though there be a neceffary connexion betwixt our imbracingthe do&rine of falvation through free grace, •and the ftudy of an holy life, as faid is ; yet fuch is our natural avcrfnefle from ho!ineffe> ^?w.8. 7. fo many are die tentations and difficulties which ly in our way to it, a Tim. 3* 12. that even, the beft of men do need the fpur of earncft and vehement exhortation to excite unto it: for , notwithftanding that 2W holdeth forth upright praftice, as the refult of imbracing the former doftrine ; Yet he feeth it nccdfiill to exhort and befeech them t that tbty W£ Worthy of their location. 3. A fuf. fering lot for Chrift, is fuch, as thofe who rightly im- prove it, will highly efteem of it, not onely in their firft thoughts , and at their firft engaging in it , buc olfo> and chiefly in their cold bloud, after a times ex- perience , and in their fecond thoughts : for > Paul having boafted (chap. 3. ver. 1.) of his being a pri- foner for Chrift , he doth here repeat the fame , to (hew he had not reafon to eat-in any thing of what he former- ly had faid; I therefore the prifoner of the Lord, 4. It fweetneth much the fufferings of the Saints > that he for vrhom they (uffer is Chrift > the Lord, as being worthy to Ch*p.4« o/Paul ***£*Ephesians^ iaj to be fuffered for , ML 5- 41* a°d mighty in power to fupport them under differing, (Mattb. 10. 19, 20. } to deliver from k, ( 2 Qomitb. 1. 10. ) to better them by k> (l%om. 5. 3, 4.) and to reward them freely for it , 2 Jbejf. l.j. for, Patd comfortcth himfelf in this, that he fc<# the pr if oner of the Lord, whom (chap. 3. 1.) he called Cbri/l. 5. The fuffering lot of Chrifts Miniflers ob- ligeth people to yeeld themfelves fo much the more obe- dient in the Lord unto their Miniftcry , by walking like theGofpel, there being nothing more comfortable to His fuffering Servants , than when their fuffering^ arc ufefull for that end, PW/.1.14. and nothing more weigh- ty than when it is other wife, 2 Tim. 4. 10, 1 6. for, Paul defigneth himfelf from his fufferings, hereby to.addc weight to his exhortation ; I therefore the prifoner of the Lord. See more from this ftile taken by Tad , chap. 3. vcr. 1. do,&. 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7. fDoH. 6. So tkklifli arc people to be dealt with in the point of preffing duty, and lb ready to caft at duty , when it is not pttffcd in a way fuitable to their own mind, 2 Ttm.q, 3. that though Mi- niflers are not to bq dire.&ed by people, as to the matter which they preach, l Cbr on. 18. 12, 13. yet as to the manner of bearing-in what is prefled>they are much to condefcend to that way, which will he moft taking with, and gaining upon, their humor : and particular- ly, they are to preffedie duties of holineffe , witha^ much of fervent, earneft* and infinuative entreaty , as if it were a matter of their own concernment only , or as if people by their obedience were to hurt themfelves for doing a favour unto their Miniflers; for, Taul doth prefle his exhortation by an infinuative entreaty, rather than by commanding; Ibefeecbyou, the ward fignifieth* ▼ehemently to entreat. 7. It is no fmali honour, which God doth put upon His people , when He effe&ually calleth them, and by His omnipotent and irrefiftiblc power (Job. 1 1, $it ) doth draw thefe, who were be- fore dead in fins and trefpafles ( Eph. 2. i, ) from under ibe power of darknefle, and tranflatech them unto the Kingdom 224 *A brief Expo fition efthe Epifile Chap.4; Kingdom of His dear Son, Co/.i.i 3. giving them aftu- all poffeffion of the ftace of grace , with all the pnvi- ledges accompanying that ftate here , 1 Job. 3. 2.. and a right unto, ( Lu^ 12. 32. ) with the well grounded hope of , glory, to be enjoyed hereafter, £pb. 1. 18. for he fpeaketh of their vocation, as a ft ate of much digni- ty and honour, requiring a Angular fort of walking an- fwerable to it 5 That ye ibalkjtoortby of the Vocationfibere- Kith ye are called. 8. So far are we from meriting by our holy and tender walking , that God fhall call us out of nature unto the ftate of grace , and confequently be- flow a right to heaven and glory upon us > that our ef- fe&uall calling doth go before our holy walking,as that, without which we cannot walk one ftep acceptably in the wayes of God : for , Paul fupponeth them to be al- ready called , and from that exhortech them to walk anfwerably; That yeXbalf^fyorthy of tbeVocatimytybere* %>itb ye are called. 9. Ic is the duty of called Chrifti- ans, and will alfo be their care and ftudy, to have a con- stant eye upon that dignity , unto which they are called j that fo they may walk worthy of it 1 and anfwerably unto it : which then is in fome m^afurc performed, when we have refpeft unto all the commandments, T/i/. 119. 6. and do in a fpeciall manner make confcience of all thofe particular duties > aftermentioned in this Epiftlc r for,he exhorteth them co walk worthy of their vocation, as their duty following upon » and flowing from , that dignity put upon them in effc&all calling ; Walk^ toor* thy $f tbe Vocation , V>berey»ith ye are called, io. But more particularly , Our carriage and pra&ice cannot be anfwerabletothis excellent ftate , to which we arc called, except? firft, we (hake off flouth and laz^nefle, beftirring our felves in the way of duty. Secondly, as we begin well* fo we hold on without down-fitting and turning afide. And, thirdly » we b- diily ad- vancing? and making progretfe in our Chriftian courfc; for, he defigneth a carriage anfwerable to this excellent ftate by talking , which iinplieth all chofe three; motion or Chap. 4. */Paul to the E* he s l ans^ 225 or exercife > conftancie in ic , and progreffc in the way 5 That ye toal^toortfry rftbe totation. Vcrf. 2. With all lotolinejfe and tneefyejfe, l»Ub long-fujfer* ing7 forbearing one another in lo>e. TJEdoth, next* exhort unto feverall graces and duties, * the exercifc and prafiticc whereof, are not only branches of that walking worthy of their vocation,fpo- ken of, ver. 1. and here preffed , as fuch , but alfo ne- ceffary helps and means for attaining and entertaining that unity, which he is after wards topreffe, as, firft* humility, or lotolinefle, a grace and vcrtue, whereby a man, from the fenfe of his own infirmities ( Gal. 6- ver. 1.) and the uncertainty of outward things which he enjoyeth, ( 1 Tim. 6.17.) doth efteem but meanly and feberly of himfelf > and of all that is his , Philip. 2. 3. Secondly, tneefyeffe, a virtue, whereby we arc rendered tradable, andeafietobe converfed with , Jam.^.iym whereby alfo we moderate anger,fo that we are not pro- voked bat for juft caufes, and not more, or longer pro- voked than the Word of God alloweth, and do fpeedily reftrain and fuppreffe auger, when it hath tranfgnftd the juft bounds ,' Epfo. 4. 26. Thirdly , long^fujfering, which is the fame in (iibftance with meeknvffe : only, it further implyeth the continuance of the exercife of meek- nefle , fo as it is not interrupted , neither with length of time, nor with multiplication , nor heightening of in- juries, Mattb. 18. 22. Fourthly, mutuall forbearance, flowing from ld\>e : for the right performance whereof, the former three are fpoken of as neceffary qualificati- ons, ( as appeareth from the grammatical! conftruftion of the words ) and it confifteth in our pleafant bearing with, and tolerating of whatfomever is difpleafing , or loathfome to us in the carriage of others , though not fo , as to connive at their fin , or to negleft means of re- claming them from their fin , Gal 6. 1, 2. yet fo , as we do not withhold any neceffary duty, which we Otherwife P *we 1*6 tA brief Expofttion of the Epifite Chap. 4; owe unto them , Matth.%.^. or ceafe from following after peace and concord with them, Beb. 11.14. Hence, Learn 9 1. How diligent (beveraChriftianbein pub- lick , or private duties of Gods immediate worfhip , or in the duties of his particular calling; yethedothnot walk anfwerably to that excellent dignity unto which he is called, except he be of an humble , meek and con- defcending fpirit > and do evidence himfelf to be fo , by his digefting of, bearing with , and paffing over the in- firmities and failings of thofe whom he convcrfcth with , in (b far as he do not make a breach upon the peace and unity of the Church of God : for , he doth inftance their v>al%ing Worthy of their Vocation in the exer- cife of humility > mcekneffe,long-fufFering, andinmu- tuall forbearance > in order to the keeping of unity , in this and the following verfes ; With alllo^linejie, &*c. 7. The grace of humility and lowlinefle , as it is moft befeeming Chriftians ; fo it is of neceffary ufe to fit men for the duty of mutuall forbearance in order to unity and peace; in 10 far, as the humble man, being confeious of his own infirmities , doth know heneedeth as much of forbearance from God and others* as others do need from him i ^pwi.7. 18, and through humility is made to think but meanly of himfelf, and highly of others, Philip. 2. 3, 4. and fo to efchew vain glory and pride, the uluall occafion of ftrife, 2V0V.13.io. for,he preffeth lowlinelfe, in order to forbearance and unity , while he faith, 'kith all lotolineft, forbearing one another, and ver. ?• endeavouring to fyep unity. 3, Humility and lowlinefle is alfo neceffary to the exercife of meekneffe and long- fuffering ; thofe only being able to moderate anger, and to reftrain the inundations of their impetuous Raflions, when ftirred and provoked by real injuries , who being confeious of their own infirmities , do judge but mean- ly of themfelves , and therefore not too good to have, by the Lords wife and gracious difpenfation, a fuffering lot from the wicked and injurious carriage of others, 2 Sam. 16.10. for, he preffeth humility in the fir ft place* as Chap.4- '/Paul « ^ Ep h b s i a n s 7 227 <*$ the foundation of, and enterance unto, all the reft; With all lefolineffe , and meefyeffe ; %ttb long-fuferfog. 4. There is an all-neffe > or univerfalky, which ought to be in the grace of lowlineffe, firft, with refpeft to the fubjeft : it ought to extend it felf to the whole man, as being feated in the heart, Philip. 2. - 3-. and kything in the outward carriage , Lu\. 14. 8. Secondly, wkh re- fpett to all objetfs : There muft be humility towards God, Jltt* 20, 19. and humility alfd towa ds men, Philip. 2. 3. and towards all forts of men,jnot only fupe- riours (Letit.19.31) but infer iours alfo, Job 31. i;j# Thirdly, with refpeft to the grace it felh as being with- out any mixture of the contrary vice> fo far as is poflible* T/i/. 131.1, l. and daily growing up towards pafefti- on, 2 Corinth, 7. i. Fourthly, with refpe&.o all ca(esf fo as it be exercifed in profperity (£3^. 16 49.) as well as adverfity : for , faith he , toitb all lo^lintjje , which note of univerfality, is oft made ufeof by the Apoftle when he would exprefle a great meafure and degree of any gift or grace. See t Cor* 1 . 5- Vhilty. 1. -9 ©off. Jf. Meekneffe and long-fuffering >as they differ but little in fubftanccand are commendable graces in chemfelves; fo they are notable means and helps to fie men for the duty of mutuall forbearance > in order to unity ; in fo far as they do render him, who is endued with them* gentle, affable and cafie to be converfed with , and do moderate anger , which is ready to blow the bellows of contention and toftir up ftrife, ProV.i5. 18. for, he exhorteth unto meekneffe and long-fuffering in order to forbearance and unity; Withmeel^eJJey longmfujfer- ing, forbearing one another endeavouring to J^ep unity 4 6. The beft of men have their own infirmities, miftakes and failings, mutually juftling and rubbing upon each other, whereby they prove often unpleafant and bur- denfome one to another : for , this is fuppofed , while they are commanded to forbear one another; 7. It is the duty of Chriftians mutually to tolerate, and forbear one another , even when there are real grounds of difplea- P 2 furc: £iS A brief Sxpofttlon of the Epiftle Chap.^i fure : for , hereby a man overcomech himfelf , and his own corrupt natute, which thirtieth after revenge, TroK 16. 32* hereby he overcometh and fhameth his party who did him wrong , I Sam. 24. 17, and keepeth Gods way in overcoming of 'him> (%om*i2*ij->2U and here- by a man alfo in fome comfortable meafure doth enter- tain peace with others , which otherwife upon every occafion would blow up and evanifli : for % he enjoyn- cth this mutuall forbearance , as a remedy againftthe clafhing of mutuall infirmities , and for entertaining of unity and peace ; forbearing one another endeavour- \ng to fyep the unity of the i>pirit. 8. This duty of for- bearance is to be exercifed to the perfon of our brother, rather than his faults : we are fo to bear with his perfon, as to endeavour the bearing down of his fin , by admen nition, ( 2 Tbejf. 5.15.) reproof (Letit.19.17.) or cor- rection , ( TroV. 1 3. 24. ) as we have otherwife acceffe : and yet we are fo to meddle with his faults , as in the ineantime we may give due refpeft to his perfon, not irritating, or provoking his corruptions > while we in- tend to cure them : for , faith he , forbearing one another, which relateth to perfons rather than to faults. 9. This duty of forbearance ought to be mutuall, and cannot in reafon be expe&ed by any from others to themfelves, who are not ready themfelves to repay it unto others; feing there is no man , who wanteth his own infirmities which call for forbearance , Jam. 3.2. and that every man is obliged to do , as he would be done to by others, Matth. 7. 12. for , faith he, forbearing one another. 10. Love to our neighbour , whereby our heart and in- moftaffe&ions are inclined and difpofed towards him for his good > as they ought , as it is the great root and fountain of all duties towards others , without which they are but counterfeit (badows , and not real and fin- cere, 1 Cor. 1 3. 3. So it doth in a fpeciall manner diC pofe and fit us for this duty of mutuall forbearance ; love covereth a multitude of fins , 1 Pet. 4. 8. and! snaketh us bear with many things in the perfon lovedj 1 Cor. Chap.i£ tf Paul t o the Ep h b s i an si tip I Cor. 1 3. 4, 7. which othcrwifc flefh and bloud would notdigeft , 2 Cor. 12.15. for, he holdeth out love as the fountain of all the reft, and efpecially of mutuall forbearance ; With all lofolinejje forbearing one ano- ther in loVe. 11. Whence it followeth , that this duty of mutuall forbearance ought to flow from a principle of love : and therefore , though we forbear from necef- fity , becaufe we dare not do otherwise ; or, from policie, untill we get opportunity to right our felves ; or, from refpeft to our own eafe only , left by refenting injuries ,and mifcarriages,we create trouble to ourfelves; or, if we tolerate, connive at , and fofter the fins of others , un- der a pretence of forbearing them, which is inconfiftenc with love to them, Le\>. 19. 17. In all thofe cafes, our forbearance is not acceptable fervice to God , nor yet in any cafe but when it is performed in love , and from a principle thereof : for, the forbearance he enjoyneth, is, forbearing one another in love. Verf. 3. Endeavouring tofyep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. "LIE doth now fall upon the main fcope of this firft * part of the Chapter, exhorting them by all poflible endeavours to keep the union of all the members of the Church, being united together by the holyGhoft, even in heart, and efpecially in things fpiricual : all which are implyed in this unity of the j}irit, and that, in order to this unity, they would be of a peaceable difpofition and deportment, to wit, fo'as not to make unneceffary rup- tures and breaches upon every difference , whereby they (hould be firmly knit together, as the members of one body by its fcveral ligaments and finnews. ©off. f. As there are feveral forts of union in the Church, and more particularly, befides( that union which is amongft the members of the invifiblc Church, the bond whereof is the faving graces of Gods Spirit, (all of them being uni- ted to CbJifti the head, by faith, Epb. 3, 17, and one to P 3 another sjo A brUf Expofition \cf tU Epifile Chap.-*, another bylovci Co/. 3.14.) There is anuftionalfoof the vifible Church and the members thereof amongft therafelves : and this is twofold, the one neceffary 10 the being of a Church and being of a Church- member, fo that a Church cannot be a Church,nor a man a mem- ber of the vifible Church without; it: thety of which union is Gods Covenant with the vifible Church, and the Churches profeffed imbracing and laying hold up* on that; Covenant , when offered in the Gofpel* T/i/t 50. 5, the other neccflary to the welbeiog of the Church, which is entertained by unity in judgement, ( 1 Cor. i# lo. ) in heart and affe&ion, (^#.4. 32 .) by concur- rence in purpofes anda&ings, Philip. 1.-27. So all thofe forts of union, and union in all thofe refpeds, is to be fought after and entertained m the Church : for, the Apoftle fpeakcth indefinuly, Endeavouring to %eep the union of the Spirit. 2. The union which God requireth among His People, is not an union in fin or error* lfa+ 8.12. nor yet a civil union only, in things worldly, upon politick and civil intercfts, Mt.ii* 2a oor yet a meer outfide agreement, or living together only,?/*/, jy. 21. but an union in heart and fpirit, in things fpirituaL and fuch an union, whereof the Spirit of God is author : for, therefore is it called the unity of the Spirit 5 Ended- louring to keep the unity of the Spirit. 3. The ftudy of keeping peace and unity in the Church, is a moft necef- fary duty > as being one prime inftance of walking worthy of our vocation, fpoken of, ver« 1. and yet fuch is the reftlefneffe of fornc. and the prevalency of pride, paflion, love to fclf-intereft , and fuch like dividing lufts in others, that it is a duty moft difficile to be pra&ifed, as being the refult of all thofe graces, mentioned, that except we be of fuch peaceable difpofitions as to digeft many things one in another, which other wife our corruptions would make much ftir about, we cannot choofe but fallatods, rent affunder as fo many disjoynted legs and arms, and upon every occafion involve ourfelves and the Church! ofChrift in feveral fad and dangerous broils and rup- tures : for, he adl&h peace, that is, a peaceable difpofiti- on,kything in all our deportment > the bond% or ligament, whereby the members of the Church are knit together ; in the bond of peace, faith he. 6. Whatever differences may fall out among the members of the Church in the matter of opinion and judgment ; yet they are not pre- fently to break the bond of peaceable walking one with another by countera&ings and faftious fidings ; but ought to ftudy unanimous and joynt practice in thofe things wherein there is agreement ; and where this pcaqeablc dcpoj;traent,flowing from a peaceable frame of P4 3 rPilici ajt^A brhfSxpofition of the Epiftk Chap. 4, fpirit, is, it tendcth much to prcferve what remaincth of this fpkitual unity, and to regain what is already loft : for, peace with man, which is the peace here fpoken of, doth efpecially confift in our harmonious walking to* gether, flowing from a peaceable frame of fpirit, and is here enjoyned as a fpecial mean for typing the unity of the Spirit, wen in the bond of peace. Verf. 4. There is but one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are tailed in one hope of your calling. TJEdoth now inforce the former exhortation to unity * and peace, firft, from an argument taken from thofe many things , which are one and the fame in the Church and all the true members thereof : and for this end, doth reckon forth feven unities , which may be looked upon as fomany bonds and tyes of the effential unity, efpe- cially of the invifible Church; and as fo many argu- ments alio, that therefore all, proftffing Chrift, (hould not only labour to be one in all thofe, as they would evi- dence themfelves to be fincerc Believers and members of that bleffed fociety ; but alfo improve their unity in thefe, for keeping unity and peace in leffer differences* There are three of thefe unities, which are fo many bonds and arguments , in this verfe. The fir ft is, that the whole Church is but one body , to wit, the invifible Church of real Believers isonemyftical body, knit by faith to Chrift their head, Eph.$. 17. and by the bond of love among themfelves, Job. 1 3. 35. And the yifible Church is one politick body, I Cor, 1 2. 27* con joyned with Chrift their head , and among themfelves by ex- ternal covenanting , ( Vfal. 50. 5. ) and their ferious profefling of faving truths, Jet. 8. 1 2, 1 3, with 2 J. and this body is but one, the invifible Church without all doubt is fo , and theCatholick vifible Church, made up of all Chriftians and true Churches in the world, is alfo one, becaufe they have the fame King, Laws, Word, Sacraments of admiffion and nutrition, which they vi- fibly Chaj>4- *f PauI u *b* Ep hi s I an s. 33 J fibly fubjeft thcmfclves to, and receive, and have a grant of the fame common priviledges from God in the Gofpel; and therefore they are all one vifiblc Church* *• There is but one Spirit , to wit, the third Perlon in the bleffed Trinity, who, rcfiding in Chrift, the head, OJa. 61. 1.) and in all the members (tym. 8. -9.) as the foul in the natural body, doth by His gifts and graces ani- mate, move and govern the Church, the body prefently fpokenof. 3, As the Church is one inthefe two; lb their bope> following upon effe&uall calling , is alfo one. Whereby hope is not fo much meaned the grace of hope, as the objeft of that grace or good things hoped for , as Col. 1. 5- cfpecially heaven and glory, the common in- heritance of the Saints, Col. 1. 1 2. which they get not in hand, but only do poffefle it in hope, *K<>m. 8. 24, 25* And this hope is faid to be one, to wit, for kind and fub- ftance, though there will be different degrees in glory, ®an. 1 2. 2,3. 2>*#. 1 . That the whole Church, and all the members thereof, are but one body, is a ftrong argu- ment inforcing the duty of keeping peace and unity; it being no leffe abfurd and prodigious for Chriftians to bite and devour one another, than if the members of one and thefelf-fame natural body, fhould rifeupagainft, JL tear and deftroy one another : for, he inforceth the ftudy T o( unity from this , That there U one body. 2. That any be a member of this one body, it is neceffary he have the Spirit of God refiding in him, whereby he may be quic- kened and afted, either by the faving operations of that one Spirit ; otherwife he cannot be a member of the in- vifible body, %om.%. g, 10. Or,by His common gifts and operations ; otherwife a man, come to age and under- ftanding, cannot be a member, no not of the vifiblc body, I Cor. 12. 11. for, hemaketh this one body, and one Spirit of equal extent ; There k one body , and one Spirit. 3. That the whole Church, and all the members thereof, are animated and afted by one and the felf-fame Spirit of God, is a ftrong motive to incite to the ftudy of peace and unity 1 feing divided lufts and pra&ices arc among thofe 2 J4 A brufExpofit$on of the Eptfllt Chap.4; chofe fins which grieve the Spirit. See ver. 30. 31. and that the difference of gifts and graces, wrought in us by that one Spirit, are given of purpofe to make each mem- ber either ufefull to another by that wherein it excelleth* or indigent of the help of others in that wherein it % cometh Lhor& and fo to have the fame care one of an- other, 1 0w\ 12. from vert 14. to the end : for,hepref- fcth unity from this , that there ts one spirit. 4* As an external call by the miniftery of the Word, and profeffed obedience thereto, is fufficicnt to make a man a member of the vifible body 7 and to partake of the common ope- rations of the Spirit; So that any be of this myfticall invifible body , and quickened and afted by the faving operations of this one Spirit , it is neceffary they be effe&ually called, and a&ually tranflated out of their natural ftate to the ftate of grace : for, he maketh their ixnng of this one body, and having this one Spirit, to be neceffarily joyned with their calling , to wit, their being of the vifible body, and having the common operations of the Spirit with the external calling , and their being of the invifible body, and having the faving operations of the Spirit, with the inward and effeftuall calling ; a Eton as ye are called. 5;. Though effectual calling be a y work of Gods Spirit, there being none who comes to Chrift except the Father draw him, Job. 6. 44. yet none is compleatly called, untill he yeeld obedience to Gods call , and being wrought upon by God, doth actually work and concur with God for that end : for, what he called (chap. 1. ver. 1 8.) Gods calling , is here exprefled to be their calling, becaufe then only are we called when we obey the call of God; In one hope rfyour calling, faith he. 6. As thofe, who are yet in nature, not effe&u- ally called, are in a hopclcfle ftate, having no right to heaven and happineffe, and confequently no ground to hope for it, how big focver they be otherwayes in their vain and groundleffe hopes, Vent* 29. 19, 20. So,effe&ual calling, doth open to the perfon called a large door of Well-grounded hope, that whatever be his mifery here, ycc Chap.4- *f Paul to the Ep h b s i a n s i 25*5 yet he (hall be perfe&ly bleffed in the full enjoying of God for evermore hereafter : for* the called man only hath right to thole rich promifes, 2 Prt.i . 3, 4. and God, by calling him, doth engage Himfelf to perform all that is promiled to the called man, according to his hope, I^&^j, 23. with 24. for, therefore are thofe glorious things hoped- for called the hope of our calling, j. The confederation of this, that called Saints are all of them aiming at one and the felf-fame prize of their high cal- ling , and (hall live together in glory, (hould be a ftrong argument to make them live in peace and concord , while they are here. Their joynt aiming at one mark ffiould make them of one mind and heart, efpecially feing there is that in glory which will (uffcealf; and their feeking of one thing necdeth be no occafion of ftrife and emulation , but rather of unity in heart, mind and affe&ion ; for, why (hould they ftrive together , who not only are brethren, Gen. 3.8. but alfo are heirs toge- ther of the grace of life, 1 Trt. 3. • -7. yea, heirs with Chrift, %om. 8. 17. and (hall one day reign together in glory ? for, he preffcth their keeping unity from this, thai they were efteftuaUy called, and heaven and glory hoped-for would fuflficc all, and be enjoyed by all; Efcm as ye are called in one hope of your calling. Verf. 5* One Lord, one faith \ one baptifm, TN this verfe are other three of theie unities , which arc alfo fo many bonds of> and incitements to, that unity exhorted unto, ver. 3. Fir ft, there is but one Lord : which title, though it belong ta all the three Perfons in the bleffed Trinity by right of creation > and accordingly is given to God under the name of Mafter, Mai. 1.6. yet, feing the unity of the Spirit is fpoken to, ver. 4. and of God the Father > ver. 6. therefore it ought in this place to be aftri&ed to Chrift , the fecond Perfon, to whom it is in a peculiar manner due by right of Redemption; in fo far a* Ht hath redeemed die Eleft from their natu- rall ?36 A brief Ex f option of the Eft [lie Chap. 4. rail (livery and bondage under fin , Satan and Gods wrath, to be a peculiar people unto Himfelf, 1 Pet. u 18, 19. and hereby hath purchafed a right to rule over them, as Mediator* Lord-depute, and Adminiftratot under the Father , Philip. 2, 9, 10, 1 c. And He is faid to be but one Lord, there being none , to whom, either as partner, or fubftitute, He will communicate this His glory of dominion and lordrtiipover His Church, ei- ther in whole, or in part, I Vet. $♦ 3. Secondly , there is but one faith, where, by faith may be mcaned the grace of faith, for that is alfo one, in refpe& of the au- thor God, Col. 2. 12, of the obje&> which it appre- hendeth, the whole Word of God, (^.24.14.) and efpecially Chrift, and the promifes, 9bilif. 3.9: Yet, by faith is mainly here mcaned the DoSrine of faith , pro- poned by God to be believed, as G4/.1.23. and this Do- ftrine is but one , becaufe , though in the feverall ages of the Church it was proponed diverfe wayes, and with considerable variation in fome weighty circumftances, Ephm 2. 14, 1 5. yet in fubftance it hath been, is, and ever ftnll be the fame, A^lt%.%\. Heb.t^.S. and from Chrifts coming in the flefh, even to the end of the world, it is to remain the fame, both for fubftance and circum- fiance, *&£. 12.27,28. and though there be different oph» nions in the Church about divine Truths revealed in the Scripture, which occafioneth different faiths $ ( See ver. I ?0 Yet, there is only this one faith allowed by Chrift, neither is there any other faith but this one in true Be- lievers, if we look to thofe Truths which are of abfo- lute necefficy to falvation ; there is an agreement in thofe, and one and the fame faith of thofe in all, whatever may be their differences about other inferiour Truths, ^3. 4. I a. Thirdly, there is but one SapUfm , whereby is meaned neither the Baptifm of affii&ion , Mi*. 20.22. nor of the extraordinary gifts of the holy Ghoft, *A3s *• ?• but the ordinary Sacrament of Bapcifra, the pra- ctice whereof is en joyned by Chrift under the Gofpel, Mittb. 28, 19. And it is (aid to be m , not in refpeft of Chap.4^ 0/Paul ***& Ephesians^ 237 of the perfons adminiftrating , or receiving this Ordi- nance, but of its nature and fubftance, as having the fan* author, Chrift , Mattb. 28. 19. the fame outward element fcr kind , AB. 8. 36. the fame way of admini- ft ration enjoyned , Mattb. 28. 19. the fame ends and ufes towards thofe who are baptized, %». 6. 3. 4. ©off. I. All thefe , who are of this one body , animated and a&ed by this one Spirit » and have well-grounded hope of glory> they muft, and do fubjedt themfelves to Chrift, as Lord , in fo far as they are ruled by His Laws , ABs 9. 6. and patiently fubmit to His correftions and cha- ftifements, &eb. 12,6,7. for, He maketh their being of one body, having one Jfiirit and one hope, and their fub- jeftion to this one Lord, of equal extent ; one Lord, faith he. 2. The confideration of this , that the whole Church, and all the Members thereof, arefubjefttothe dominion of one Lord and Mafter , Chrift Jefus, is a ftrong argument for inforcing this duty of keeping uni- ty and peace among themfelves ; this being a duty, which not only he did prefle moft vehemently upon His followers, when He was about to leave the world , and depart from them, 7^I3.34>35- but alfo did moft ear- neftly intreat the Father for > even that they might be all made one in Himjob.rj.ii ,22. Befides, what a (hame is it for the Servants of one Mafter to fall at odds among themfelves , and thereby negle& their Matters work committed to them ? for , he pre(Teth the fludy of unity from this , that there is one Lord. 3. The Law , by which the Lord Chrift will have His fubjefts ruled and governedJs not fearched out, and known by fenfe or na- turall reafon, but, being revealed in the Word, it is laid hold upon by faith , and credit given to it , becaufe of His authority who hath revealed it : for , fo much may be gathered from his making mention of faith , or the Docftrine of faith, immediately after he hadfpokea of the Lord Chrift ; one Lord, one faith, faith he. 4. The confideration of this , that the whole Church , and aJl the true and lively Members thereof, do profefle one and the 538 AbricfExfofttion oftki Epifile Chap. 4 die fame fundamental! Truths revealed in Scripture* as the only objefil of faving faith , and way to falvation, ought to be a ftrong motive for keeping concord and unity in all other things , which otherwise might occa- sion diffention and ftrife. This agreement in the main, in the journeys end, and the neceffary way, which lead- cth to it, fliould make them afliamed to fall at odds and ftrife about other things of Ieffe importance and mo- ment : for, he preffeth unity from this , that there is one faith. 5. The wife Lord hath judged it fitting to add the Sacraments , as feals unto the Do&rine of faith and falvation, contained in Scripture ; that hereby we may be the more enabled to take up and underftand that Do&rine, and be the more affefted with it , as having the purpofe of it, not only exhibited and reprefented to our ear in the Word , but to our eye alfoin the Sacra- ment , and that we may be the more confirmed in the truth of thatDoftrine » as having not only His word and writ for it, but alfo His feal and pledge : for , after mention made of the Do&rine of faith , he prefently addeth there is oneSaptifm. 6. The Lord hath added Sacraments to the doarine of faith, not only for the rea- fons mentioned, but alfo for engaging the party receiver unto fuch duties as the Doftrine of faith doth prefle upon him; a Sacrament being as a military oath, where- by we bind our felvcs to fight under the Lords banner* and in all things to be for Him : for* he doth prefle theta toduty, even to keep unity, from this > that they were partakers of this one Baptifm. j. The confederation of this, that the Church and all the Members thereof are dedicate to@od>in one and the fame Sacrament of Bap- tifm , unto the receiving whereof, all do accord* is a ftrong motive to make them keep peace and unity in other things , feing this oneneffe in Baptifm doth imply our communion in all other things , which are fignified and faded unto ns by that Sacrament > which are all thofe things wherein our falvation is moft nearly con- cerned » and that by Baptifm we are folemnly engaged to Chap.4- *f PauU**&*EPHH$iANs; 239 to go about our Matter's work, Sfyw.6. 4. atidfoto efchcw all renting, and falling out among our felves> by which His work is much retarded : for, he maketh this another argument to enforce unity , that they did all partake of one Saptifm. Onl v know > that though wc are not to re- baptize thofe who are baptized by fchit- maticall and hereticall Churches, even though they err in fome fundamentall truths > fo long asthefubftantiall parts of Baptifm are preferved , though mixed with much of their own fuperftitious trafii , and therefore in Come refpe& we may be faid to have one common Bap- tifm with them ; yet, it doth not follow hence, that we are tied to keep unity with them fimply and in all re- fpe&s. We are only hereby tied to feek union with them, not by joyning in their fchifm , or damnable he- refies , but by labouring to reclaim them from thofe : and if they be one in all the other effcntiall ties and bonds of union here mentioned, as of having one Lord, one faith, &c. this oneneffe of Baptifm doth engage to be willing, and endeavour,for our part, to keep the bond of peace with them in other things : for , thofe feven unities, or bonds, and arguments , are not to be taken Separately , but joyntly , as to the prefling of unity : yea, and though they be not one in all the reft, yet it engageth us to own them in thofe things wherein they arc right And owned by God, providing always we touch no un- clean thing , 2 C#r. 6. 17. In thefe refpe&s , and with thofe limitations wc deny not but unity ftiould be keep* ed with hereticall Churches , even the Church of tyme her felf. Verf.6. One God and father of all, nbo is above all, and through all, and in you all. tlErc is the feventb unity, which is the laft bond,or ty, *• xof the Churches effentiall unity, and ferveth alio for an argument perfwading to keep peace and unity in other lefier differences : which argument, is, firft, pro,. pounderf 340 A brief Expofition of the Spi/lle Chap. 4 pounded, to wit* all Believers have one common God and Father ; for, though God, as Creator, is the God and Father of all the creatures, .^#.17.28,29. yet, feing the Apoftle is fpeaking of the union of the Church, and of all the members thereof, for urging whereof, this confederation of one God andiatberofall, is ufedas an argument : therefore it feemeth He is called God and Father with refpeft to thofe,and chiefly to real Believers in the Church, to whom He is God and Father in a pe- culiar way* He is their God, by entering a gracious Covenant with them, whereof tbis is one article, that He (hall be their God, Jet. 31, 3$. that is, all in Him (hall be forthcoming for their good : He is their Father alfo, by receiving them into the number, and by giving them a right unto all the priviledges,of the fons of God^ Job. 1. II. Now though this may be meancd of all the Perfons of the bleffed Trinity 5 not only the firft, but alfo the fecond, and the third, being the God and Fa- ther of Believers, Job. 20. 28. «/*#. 5. 3, 4. yea, all of them being one, and the fame God, 1 Job. 5. j. Yet, feing the Son and holy Ghoft, are fpokch of before, ver. 4, 5. the firft Perfon is mainly to be under flood here, who is called one Gody not fecluding the Son and holy Ghoft, who are one and the fame God in eflence with the Father, but in oppofition to idols, who are no gods, 1 Cor. 8. 6. This argument or bond of unity* is, next, enlarged in a defcription of this one God. 1. From His eminencie ahd dominion above all His creatures, a. From His prefence and powerfull providence, whereby he run- neth through all the creatures, upholding them in their being, Heb.i.$. dire&ing , difpofine and governing all of them, 2)oct. i. As our ftrongeft union is to be one in God , and our greateft happineffe to have intcrcft in this one God 5 So, by making ufe of Chrift , as He is held forth in the Do&rine of faith , and fealed to us in the Sacrament , we may come up to plead intereft in God : for, as he placeth this unity of having one God, in the laft place , becaufe it is moft confiderable ; fo he doth fubjoyn it immediately to what he fpake of one Lord, one faith, one baptifm : Jbere is one God and father % faith he. 2. The unity of the God- head in the Trini- ty of the Perfons , ought to be a flrong motive to ftir us up to unity among our felves } feing there is nothing, wherein we can refemble God more, Job. 17 .31,22, 23. for , the Apoftle inforceth the ftudy of unity from this, that there is one God. 3. This motive for keeping unity, is fo much the ftronger, and more moving, when we confider , that this God hath gracioufly become the common Father of all Believers through Jefus Chrift , whereby they are all the fons and daughters of one Father, 2 Cor. 6. 18. and fo a matter full of ftiamc for them to ftrive and contend among therafelves » Gen. 1 3. 8. for, he ftrengthneth this argument for unity from this, that this owe God is the father of all, to wit, of all Believers. 4. Whatever be the other differences among Believers , and their difcouragements arifing hence , as thatibmc are ftrong , fome are weak , forne rich , foma poor,6rfc, yet this is a priviledge common to all, which may counterbalance all their other inequality , even that they have all equal intereft in one God , and that this one God is their common Father ; and thereforte will have a fatherly affeftion , (Mattb.j. 11 «) pity, ( T/i/. 1 03* 1?. ) and care of all, Mattb. 6. 25, &e. for* faith he, there is one God, and father of all. 5. It is the duty of Miniftcrs , when they are prefltng duty to God upon people, and of people > when they would charge fenfe of duty to God upon themfelves , to let forth and be much taken up with Gods excellency and great- er neffej 242 A brief Bxpofition of the Epifile Chap.4 neffe; this being a lingular mean to engage the heart unto high efteem of Him, and from efteem to ferve and honour Him* Atf*/. 1. preffiog upon thefe Ephefians the duty of unity, doth hold Him forth in His glory and greatnefle ; Who u aboK* all , and through all. 6. Gods foveraignity and greatnefle , doth not mar His low condifcendency to fupplythe empti- neffeand neceffitiesof His creatures : for, though he be above all'm dignity ; yet He is through all, upholding and over-ruling all by His powcrfull providence. 7. Whatever God is by His common providence unco all His creatures , He is all that , and much more to His own called people and real Believers : for, He is through allby His common providence ; but befides that , faith he, tie is in you all, to wit , by the prefence of His Spi- rit and fpeciall grace. 3. From all thofe (even unities joyntly confidered, and the Apoflles fcope in all, Learn, 1. The effential unity of thcChurch, which cannot be broken, the Church remaining a true Church , and the many things, wherein there is of neceffity an agreement that way , is aftrong argument to enforce theftudy of unity and peace in other things of leffe concernment : for , the Apoftle doth here preflc unity, by reckoning fi> ven unities > wherein they did agree , as if he had faid what a fhame is it for you, who are fo many waye9 one% to rent in pieces for thofe things, which comparatively are juft nought? 2. So near and intimate is that con- junction of true Believers , fo many ftrong and indiG- ioluble are theft fpirituall bonds , by which they are knit together among themfelves, that, if they were duely pon- dered, the hearts of thofe who fear the Lord , could not choofebut be mutually inlarged, and their affeftions in- flamed one to another , as to their deareft friends : yea, the nioft ftrift of civil , carnall and naturall bonds, fliould not bind fo firmly as thofe , Matth. 1 2. 48, &em for they are one body , one fpirity have one hope, one Lord, one faith , one baptifm and one God. And what con- junction or union can be fo firm , as what is grounded upon all thofe ? Verf# Chap.4« *f Vml to the Evn* si ah$2 343 Vcrf. 7. ®tit unto.tVery one of mU given grace accordingto the meafure of the gift of Cbriji. IJItherto the Apoftle hath inforccd the ftudy of unity, *■ * by an argument taken from thofe things that arc one and the fame in the Church and all the true mem* bers thereof. Now>followeth the fecond argument from thofe things which are not one in all > butdivcrfeal- moft in every one > to wit, the diverfity of gifts and graces beftowed by God upon the fevcrall members of the Church : which diverfity aUo he (heweth doth tend to union, becaufe, firft, all thofe feveral gifts and their diverfe meafures, do come from one and the fame author, to ver. 12. Secondly, they are all given for promoting one and the fame end, cover. 17. And, i. inthisverfe by way of correction , and pre- occupation of an ob- jection , he holdeth forth Chrift , as the author of all thofe gifts and different meafures , to this purpofe * that notwithftanding of what he faid of thofe many things, wherein they were one ; yet there were other things, wherein they did differ, which nevertheleffe were fo fat from diffolving in reafon the bond of union , that upon the contrary they did contribute much for keeping o* it firme ; in fo far as, though every true member of the Church had his own peculiar grace , and in foniere- fpefts, either as to the fubftance, or meafure of the grace, differing from the grace of others; yet all thofe diffe- rent graces of the feveral members , are beftowed by one and the fame Chrift , and received in the meafure and degree which feemeth good unto Chrift the giver to prefcribe and meafure out unto every one : where by gr&ce,\$ not meaned Gods favour ,or grace freely beftow* ing, as in other places, ( See upon Epbef 2.8-.) but the fruits flowing from this grace, to wit, grace freely given, as appeareth from the inftance given ( ver. 11. ^ of this grace in the minifteriall gifts and offices : Which graces are of two forts , Firft>faving> which arc only in the Q^ a regene- 544 A brief Expofitlon of the Spifile Chap. 4 rcgenerate> called grace , becaufe they flow from,and arc evidences of Gods grace and favour, t Job. 4. i wherein real Believers do differ , as to the fubftance of them, fome being given to one > and fome to another > I Cor. 12.8. whereas all have one and the fame faving graces, 2 let. 1. 1. although they differ alfo in the meafure and degree received of thofe , 1 job.i.i^. In which refpe6t, even faving graces may be alfo here meaned. Votf. 1 ♦ Though the Lord is not plealed to beftow upon all the Members of the Church an equal meafure of gifts and graces ; yet He giveth to every one fome gift and in fome meafure, and thofe either the com- mon gifts of His Spirit, as to all the Members of the Church vifible come to age , and the right ufe of com- mon reafon, 1 Cor. 1 a. 1 1. Or , faving grace alfo , as to all the truely regenerate , 2 Te*. I. ?> 4. for , be faith, unto every one of m is grace given. 2. The Lord is pleafed to difpenfc His graces and gifts to every one > not in the fame, but in a different meafure, fo that though the fame faving grace for fubftance be given to all the truely rege- nerate: yet» it is not given to ail in the fame meafure, nor yet to any in any meafure > who are vifible Profef- fors only : and though all have fome common gifts* whereby in fome meafure they may be made profitable in their ftation to the body , yet none hath all gifts , nor all the fame offices , wherein they may cxercife their gifts, ver. 1 1. nor yet do all receive the fame meafure of thole common gifts : for, fo much is implyed, while he faith , Grace is given according to a meafure. 5. The greateft degree of gifts and graces , which God beftow- eth upon any, is far below that fulneffc of grace which is in Chrift : He giveth unto none fo much , but there is a] wayes fomewhat wanting, and they who have receiv- ed moft, are capable of receiving more : for,, their receiving Cbap.4« v Paul** wEphesians. 245 receiving grace according to a meafure , implyeth their receipts are capable of increafe , and a difference, as to this, between their receipts and Chrifts , 7^. 3.-34, To every one is given grace according to that meafure. 4. The want of fome excellent gifts beftowed upon others* or of that excellent meafure of fa ving graces, which others have, doth not argue a man unregenerate , or wholly deftitute of faving grace : for, the Apoftlc fheweth that even thofe who had one hope , Lord , Faith , God and Father, and confequendy had faving grace, ver. 4, 5,(5. were not all gifted with one and the fame , but with a diverfe meafure of gifts and graces, while he faith , But to every one of utis grace given according to the meafure. 5. Diverfity of gifts in the Church, and diverfe mea- sures of faving grace, are an ordinary occafion of divi- sion and ftrife ; in fo far , as thefe dividing lufts of pride, contempt, envy, difcoura^ement, are apt to cake occa- fion to ttir and vent themfclves from thofe different mea- fures : for, the Apoftle his entering upon this argument for union from the diverficy of gifts by the adverfitivc particle But , doth imply that they were prone to take occafion to rent upon that diverfity , and therefore he doth joyntly preoccupy an obje&ion againft union, and bring an argument for it ; But unto every one of m is grace given. 6. Whatever be mens proneneffe and in- clination to rent and divide becaufe of different receipts and meafures ; yet that fame diverfity , if well confi- dered , would be found to be one of the ftrongeft ties and bonds of union ; in fo far as hereby none , no, not the moft eminently gifted , can fay he hath no need of others, but every one are made mutually indigent of one anothers help,andeven the meaneft in fome meafure fur- niflied to be helpfull unto others : (See Paul proving this excellently from the fimilitude of the different mem- bers in the natural body, 1 Cor 1 2.i^&c.) for, the Apo- ftle's fcope in this and the following verfes, is to enforce unity from the diverfity of gifts and graces amongft the Members of the Church ; But unto every one of us is Q.3 fft* %dfi tA brief Expo fition of the EpiftU Chap.4^ grace given. 7. This doth alfo inforcc the ftudy of uni- ty from this ground of diverficy of gifts, if we confider* that all we have of that kind, is freely given, and there* fore we are not co be putt up with it, nor to abufe it, con- trary to the mind of the giver; and that both our gifts and mealures , however diverfe , do yet come From one rife* fountain and author, and therefore we ought to be one in making ufeof them; and that this one author is the Lord Chrift , God Man , Mediator , in whofe hands are all things given of the Father,Af*j.i 1,27. that He may difpenfe to whom > and in what meafure He pleafech, and therefore we are not only not to quarrel for our own meafure , it being His allowance > who doth all things well and wifely , Marf^j. 37. but alfo ought to imploy our gifts and feverall meafures for the edifica- tion , and not the renting of His body , which is the Church: for, theApoftle inforceth unity from the di- verficy of gifts upon thofe considerations, that they were given by one and the fame Chrift; But to eVery one is grace given , according to the meafure of the gift of Chrift. Verf 8. Wherefore he faith , When he afcendedup on high, he led captivity capthe, and gave gifts unto men. HTHe Apoftle, fecondly, in this firft branch of the fecond generall argument for union , from the diverfity of gifts , doth confirm, from T/i/#68,i8. what he prefeotly faid , that Chrift is the author and beftower of all graces and gifts with their diffe- rent meafures. In which place of the Pfalm , 2>aVid doth look through the ark, a type and fhadow, to Chrift the fubftance, and in a prophetical way, fpeaking of things to conae as already part, to point-out the cer- tainty of their performance, he doth foretell that Chrift fiiould, in a triumphant manner, afcend up on high, or unto the heigheft heavens (Seever. ro. ) and that at, and by vertueof His afcenfion> He fhould.firft, teadcap* tiVity $aptiVt% that is, as he had upon tne crofle foiled His Chap.4^ ♦/ Paul tothc Ephesians." S47 His many enemies, and begun to triumph over them, Col. 2. 15. So in His afcennon He (hould continue the triumph, evidently declaring , that He had given a to- tall rout to all the fpiritual enemies of His Church and Kingdom. The cxpreflion ufed to fet forth this purpofe, hath in it an allufion to conquerors , who, in their tri- umphing folemnities, ufed to drive their captive enemies before their own triumphant chariots* See this expref- fion ufed in the fame (enfe* Judg. 5>* I2* And, fecondly, following the fame allufion to triumphing conquerors, who ufed to divide and (batter the fpoil> and other mag- nificent gifts among the applauding Citizens and Soul- diers, he (heweth that Chrift (hould at, and byvertue of His afcenfion, pour- forth and diftribute a large mea- fure of gifts and graces upon His Church andfeverall members thereof : which prophefic, the Apoftle, citing the place with fbme variation of the words, but keeping clofe to the fenfc and purpofe, doth (hew, was now ful- filled by Chrift ; and conlequently, that Chrift is the beftower of all graces and gifts with their different meafures, as was affirmed, ver. 7. ©off. 1. Minifters ought to hold forth nothing for truth, or prefle nothing as duty upon the Lords people but what they may con- firm and prove to be fuch from the authority of God fpeaking in Scripture : yea, and it is their duty fome- times to bring forward their proof, by making expreffe mention of it : for, thus doth 'Paul confirm what he fpake, ver. 7. by a teftimony cited from the Pfalms ; Wherefore be fditb, that is, f>a»id, or the Spirit of God, fpeaking by 2>irf, faith. 2. As there was much of Chrift revealed in the Scriptures of the Old Teftament, though but darkly, and under a vail of types and cere- monial (hadows ; So He was revealed and fpoken-of in thofe Scriptures as true God and Jehovah : for, that which is faid, Pfal. 68. was fpoken of God, even Jeho- vah, as appeareth from ver. 4. and all alongfti which Paul (heweth here was fulfilled in Chrift ; rfherefere Ufmb% k hjb tftwded, &cm 3. Though the very g, 4 iwords £48 *A brief Expofttion of the Epifile Chap,4 Words and phrafe of Scripture, arc much to be thought of and clofcly adhered unto fo far as is poflible ; left by our unneceflary cafting of Scripture* purpofe in an affe&ed ft rain of words unknown to Scripture , wc lofe at length the purpofe with the words, 2 Tim. 1. ig. Yet, the fenfe and meaning of Scripture, is mainly to be fought-after and kept in remembrance, fo that though we do not call to mind the very words of fuch a Scrip- ture, but only the fenfe, meaning and purpofe of it, wc may draw comfort, or information from it, or make ufe of it otherwayes : for, the Apoftle here, as oft elfewhere, doth noc fo much adhere to the precife words, as to the fenfe of that Scripture which he cites, in fo far as where inthePfalm it isfaid, Thou baft af tended, and received gifts for men, to wit, He received them to be given to: men, it is here , When He afcended, and gaVe gifts unto wen. 4» Our Lord Jefus Chrift , having fini&ed the v/ork which was given Him to do on earth, Job. 17. 4.* did locally afcend unto heaven, carrying His humane nature up thither, Aci. u 9, 10. that fo He might be exalted in that glory, which He had before the world was. Job. 17. 5. and take poffeflioa of heaven in our name, Epb. 2. 6. and there prepare a place for us, Job. 14. 2. for , faith he , When Be af tended up on high. 5. As Chrift did engage in a warfare on our behalf with many ftrong and potent enemies, to wit, the devil, the world , fin, death and hell ; So He hath carried the day of all, and gained an abfolute compleat viftory over all, in fo far, as, though the Godly muft have a battel with thefe, Epb. 6.12. yet Chrift the Head of Believers, is now above the reach of hazard from enemies , and consequently Believers in their Head : yea > and they themfelves are above all hazard alfo , in fo far as all their enemies cannot mar their falvation* l^om. 8. %%&?c* Sin and Satan doth not reign in them* %$m. 6% 12, 14* death hath loft its fting towards them, 1 Cor*l5* 5S» and become a paflage unto life, Philip* i.t?, for, by this f0Vityi which Chrift Ifd c^ptivcj is mcaned not thofe whom Chap. 4^ o/Paul to the Ep he si an si £49 whom He delivered from captivity, but whom He fought againft > brought in captivity, and triumphed over, even all His and our fpiritual enemies ; Be led captivity (or, a multitude of captivesj captrte. 6. The conftant oppofition, which Satan raifeth againft the Church and Kingdom of Chrift; doth not fo much flow from any principle of hope in him to prevail in that wofull work, as from his inveterate blinded malice againft the falvation of tinners* fo that he cannot but malign and oppofe it, though he know he cannot mar it : for, at Chrifts afcenfion he could not but know, that by all his malicious cruel a&ings againft Chrift, he had effeftuate nothing but his own eternal (hame and con- fufion, feing that Chrift did thereby openly declare He had led captivity captive. 7. As thofe, for whom Chrift did purchafe any good or advantage by Hi* death, and didmanifeft His purchafing good for them by His af- cenfion, were men, and not devils: So not only faving graces, which are given to the Eleft only, but alfo com- mon gifts, are a part of His purchafe* which arc given fonletimes to reprobates for the good and edification of His Church, Mattb.j. 22, 23. for, both thefe are com- prehended here under gifts, which being purchafed by His death, He did at His afcenfion in a larger raeafure than formerly give unto men, and to men indefinitly , even to rebels, ?/*/♦ 68. -18. Ver£ 9. ( No*to that he afcended , tobat is it but that he alfo defcended Jirfi into tbe lotoer parts of the earth f THe Apoftledoth, thirdly* comment upon, and apply the cited teftimony. And, firft, he (heweth what Chrifts afcending unto heaven (to wit, by His own di- vine power , otherwife the Apoftle's inference in this place (hould not hold) did prefuppofe, as neceflarily foregoing , even His previous humiliation and abafe- ment in all its fteps , exprefled by His defending to the IWerparts of the earth \ vvhere> the kj^tr parts are to be under- 250 A brief Sxpofitlon of the Epiftle Chap-fc underftood, by comparing noc the parts of the earth among themfelves, but earth with heaven, the earth be- ing the loweft part of the world ; and particularly, it pointeth either at His conception in the womb of the Virgin ( See conception fo expreffed, Tfat. i 39. 1 5. J or at His burial (expreffed by a likephrafe, Mattb. 12. 40.) wherein the ApoflJe's fcope is not only to prove,that the former teftimony is pertinently cited, and applyed to Chrift, but alfo to preffe humility in order to unity and peace from Chrifts example, as Tbil. a. 7. Now,Chrift is faid to have defcendedy not properly and locally, as man, (for, before Hi3 incarnation He was noc man) but as God, and therefore not properly by changing place, but improperly 1 and with refpeft had to His ftate* by taking on the humane nature upon earth, under the in- firmities whereof He did for a time hide His divine glo- ry, (o that very little of it did appear, and to fome few only, Ifa. 53. iz. 2>oct. I. Sacred Scripture is a great depth, containing much more than what is obvious ac the firft view ; and therefore we are to advert not only to that which is exprefly faid in Scripture f but what may be drawn from it by direft and juft confequence : for* Paul doth fo look on this teftimony of Chrifts af- cenfion, as finding another great Truth concerning His previous humiliation lurking under it, and by juft con- fequence deducible from it, while he faith, Nafc that He afcended, *tohat is it but that He firft defcenied ? 2, It is not enough for Minifters to cite Scriptures for confirma- tion of thofc Truths which they hold forth to the Lords People , except the Scriptures cited be pertinent , and the pertinency of them be alfo made clear and obvious : for, 1W, having cited a Scripture to confirm fomewhat which he faid of Chrift, doth prove the Scripture cited doth fpeak of Chrift, becaufe it impiyeth previous de- fcendingand humiliation in the partie fpoken of, which can agree to none other of the Perfons of the bleffed Trinity, but to Chrift only ; Nofc that He aftendedM** ts it but that He defended ? 3, Such was chc love of Chrift Chrift to loft CmtKt$>Job. ij. ij# and to the glory of His own and his Fathers mercy to be manifefled in their faivation, Job. 17. 4. that He did willingly lay afide His glory, which He had with His Father before the world was, Job a 7.5. by affuraing the nature of man to Rim- felf,and fuffering therein the utmoft of mifery and grief which the malice of men and devils could infl«6t, and which fcemed good unto the Father, in order to the fatisfaction of provoked juftice , to inflj 5. Then do we think upon Chrifts humilia- tion and abafement aright , when we confider it in its greateft depth and loweft ftep unto which He demitted Himfelf , even to the loweft parts of the earth : for therein we may fee the greatndfe of His love , the depth of our mifery , and the full (ufficiency of the price paid by Chrift in the ftatc of His humiliation , in order to our delivery; He alfo def tended firjl into the lo^er parts of the earth 1 by which is not meaned the place of the damned , nor any place near to that , where the fouls of the Patriarchs were before Chrifts death , as the Papifts affirm ; this being contrary to Scripture > affirming that Chrifts foul was after death to be in heaven, 1*%. 2$# 43- and that the fouls of the Patriarchs were there alfo, puke 1 6, 22, 23, 25, 26. but hereby , as I (hew in the cxpofition, 5'5 i A brief Exf option of the Spifile Chap. 4 expofition , is meaned His conception and boriall, with all the other fteps of His humiliation interveening. Verk 10. He that defcended, is the fame alfo that afcended up far above all heavens , that He might fill all things.) T^He Apoftle, in the explication and application^ the cited teftimany , doth, next, ftiew what it exprefly holdeth forth , to wit, Ghrifts afcenfion; and illuftrates it from this , that the perfon who afcended, though novv made mm , was the fame with him who defcended to take on the natUFe of man* 2. That He afcended to the higheft heavens , the feat of eternall glory , far aho\>e thofe vifible heavens, not only infituation, but alfo in duration and glory , and are called the heaven of heavens* ( 1 IQng.%. 27.) the third heavens, ( iCor.iz. 3. 4.) and fometime (imply by the name of heavens, J-B. j. 2C. And, thirdly, from the end of His amend- ing > even to fill all things , not all places, with His bo- dily prefence, (Tor Him muft the heavens contain, Jet. 3. 21.) but that He might fulfill all prophefies concerning Himfelf, and all thofe parts of His mediatory Office, which were yet to be performed in heaven : and parti- cularly, that He might fill His Church, and all the mem- bers thereof, (which are His all, even His whole body, Job. 6. 45» ) with a large and plentiful! meafure of the gifts and graces of His fpirit, Job. 7. 39, according as was foretold in the cited teftimony. ®ott i« Thedi- ftinftionof natures inChrift after His incarnation, doth not infer a diftinftion of perfons in Him ; He remaineth , one perfon ftill : for, the Apoftle fpeaketh of Him after incarnation, as of one ; He that defcended, is the fame alfo that afcended. 2. Jefus Chrift remaineth one and the fame perfon after His affuming the humane nature unto Himfelf with that which He was before, fo that neither is the perfon of God-mm. Mediator, any third thing, made up , or compounded of both thofe natures > nei- ther did the humane nature add *ny thing, before want- ing Chap. 4. 0/Paul to the Ep h b s i a m s I 15 j ing, to make up, perfeft, or work any alteration in the perfonall lubftance of the Son of God : only the hu- manity of Chrift, being deftituteof any perfbnal fub- filiance of its own, is, as it were, ingrafted in the fecond perfon of the God- head » the Son of God, and doth fub- iift in Him : for,£W fbeweth that He who afcended, be- ing now God- man , is the fame with Kim who de- scended before His incarnation ; He that defended , is the fame alfo that afcended. 3. By vertue of this perfo- nall union betwixt the divine and humane nature of Chrift > there arifcth fuch a communion of the diftinft properties of each nature , that thole things, which are proper only to the one nature, are afenbed to the whole perfon : fonthe fame perfon is faid here to defcend and afcend, though He did defcend, to wit > improperly, as Godt not by change of place , but by affuming to Him- fclf the humane nature > and did afcend properly by change of place, as he was man $ and according to His humane nature; He that defcendedjis the fame alfo that afcended. 4, Then do we profitably think on Chrifts exaltation , when we extend our felves unto the utmoft to look upon the height of that honour and glory* unto which the humane nature , aflumed by Chrift , is now exalted ; that fo we may be the more taken up with ad- miration, Heb. 2.6,&c. and the more encouraged in hopes of through- bearing , as knowing that our head and neer kinf-man is already poffeffed of glory, and refideth there , as our great and povtrerfull Atturney and Agent to mindeoureverlafiing concernments, as His own, Heb. 7. 25. for,T*«/holdeth forth His exaltation to be considered thus , when in ftead of what was faid in the Pfalm, He afcended up on high , he faith here , He afcended ub far abo\e all heavens, 5. Though Chrift did furnim His Church with a competent meafure of gifts and graces , even before His afcenfion or incarna- tion, Heb. 1. 1. yet, it pleafed the Lord to fufpend the pouring forth of His Spirit in fuch a large and plentiful! meafure upon His Church both of Jews and Gentiles, untill 25 4 ^ brief Exfo(ttion *f the Epiflte Chap, 4 untill Chrift, having overcome and fpoiled principali- ties and powers by His death, had rifen again* afcended* and taken aftuall poffeflion of His Kingdom j that fo the glorious ftate of His Church and fubje&s, as it now is under the Gofpel , might noc go before, but follow after the glory of their King and Head : for > faith he, He dfceudedy that He might fill all things. 6. The way of Chrift with His own , efpecially with His Church in generall , is fuch, that what is (ad and grievous in it, in one rcfpe& > is joyous and advantageous unto them in another; for>ChriftsremovaIl of His bodily prefence, was fad to His Difcipfes, Job.\6 6. and yet a forerunner of much good ; He afemded , that He might fill all things. 7. So large, and inexhauftible is that fountain of ful- nefle in Chrift, our exalted Lord, that, though all His followers and fubje&s be but empty things in them- ielves 1 yet, He can fill, not only one, but all, and all as well as one > yea and He doth really fill themi even here, to wit, with a fulneffe anfwerable to their prcfent ftate of child-hood and imperfe&ion , a fulneffe of grace in refpeft of parts , though not of degrees : for, this was the end of His afcenfion, that He might fill all things. VerC 1 !• Ani Hegttoe fome, apo/lles : and fome prophets ; and fome % ey>angeli(ls • and fome, pa/lours, and teachers. T^He Apoftle* fourthly, in this firft branch of that ge- nerall argument for union , confirmeth and illu- ftrateth what he fpake concerning diverfity of gifts given by Chrift, by giving an inftance thereof, not in gifts, but in the feverall Offices and Office- bearers in the Church: which is all one , as if he had given an inftance in the variety of gifts , fiing Chrift imploycth none in any office , but whom He doth furnifti in fome meafure with gifts anfwerable to the^ irnployment- Neither doth he enumerate all thofe Office-bearers , which Chrift hatfa appointed in His Church ( See others befides , 1 I*w. 5.17. tA3:6. 2, 3.) but only fo many as are fufficienc to Chap.4« */Paul to the Ep h e s i an s^ 5f % to his prcfctit fcope, even tbofe who labour in the Word and Sacraments , whofe various gifts are moft confpicu- ous in the fpirituall edification of the Church. Of which he reckoneth five , and faith of them all , that Chrift did give them at His afcenfion, though He dkf fend forth fome of thofe , to wit , the Apoftles before then, Mattb. 10. 1. Job. 20. 21. The reafon whereof, is , becaufe not only fome were then added to the Apo- ftles, as AB. 1.26. Alt. 9.1 5. but alfo all of them were then folemnly inftalled, and publickly confirmed in their office by Chrift , in His vifible pouring forth the gifts of the Spirit in an extraordinary meafure upoo them 1 AB. 2. 3, 4. Of which five , there were three extraordinary Office-bearers 10 continue for a time on- ly, firft, tApoflles, the (everall chara&ers of which of- fice , fee upon Col. ver. I •• doft* 2< to which this one is to be further added , that an Apoftle behoved to have feen Chrift in the flefh, 1 Cor. 9, i# Secondly, Prophets who thofe were , fee upon Epb. 3* ver. 5. Thirdly, Evangelifts , not thofe who wrote the Hiftory of the GofpeU whereof fome were Apoftles , as Matthew and John y but others , who being called mediately by the Apoftles ( 1 Tim. 1.6.) were their companions in tra- vels, Gal. z. 1, 3. and fent out by them , as occafion of- fered, to fettle and water iuch Churches as the Apo* files had planted, iCor.%.6. iTim.i. 3. and there to remain, notconftandy , butuntill the Apoftles (hould recall them, 2 rim. 4. 9. fuch were Timothy , Tim, Syl* Vanui, Apollos and Tycbkus, &c. The other two are or- dinary Office-bearers, Pafiors and Teachers ; I fay, too* though the d is junftive particle fome 9 be not caft hi be- tween them : for, they are diftinguifhed , tym.u. 7, 8L and the exercife of their refpeftive offices,is diftinguifti- ed alfo, 1 Or* l2«8. fo that by the faftors are meaned thofe, who, befides their ability to open up the Text of Scripture in fome meafure > are chiefly gifted with the word of Wifdom, wifely , and powerfully to apply the Word for working upon the aflfeftions, as the matter rcquireth a 5 6 A brief Expofttion of the Spiftle Chap.4. rcquircth; and the Teacher \s he, who is gifted with the word of Knowledge, or ability te fome dpojlles, ( rfpojlles; fomz% Prophets, &c. g. As Chrift doth put none in office , bat whom He furnifheth witlrgifts ; fo we are not to exercife our gifts in a diforderly way, but within the compaffeof our ftations, and in thofe offices unto which we are called by God : for , fo much doth the Apoftle teach , while > proving the variety of gifts, hcgiveth an inftance in thofe diverfe offices wherein thofe gifts arc to be excrcifed , %Anl he gave fome , e/*/?o- ftles ; fome , Prophets, etc. 4. The gifts , which God beftowcth upon His publick Minifters for the work of the Miniftery, are the prime and chief of all thofe gifts which the Lord Chrift doch beftow upon His Chdrch, and much to b* preferred to the private gifts of others » info far efpecially , as they are the ordinary mean ap- pointed by God for working faving Grace, fym.io, 14, 1 J. for therefore is it , that the Apoftle not only here, but elfe where 1 ( %»♦ u. 6. t Co . 1 2. 28. ) being to give Chap.4* *f Paul to the Ep h b s i a n s7 a jj give an induftion of chofe various gifts > beftowed by Chrift upon His Church , doth begin with , and infill mainly on chofe gifts, which are given to His publick Minifters and preachers of the Word; He ga\>e fome, dpoftles • fome, Tropbets. 5. A Miniftery fenc by Chrift, and fufficiently furnifhed with minifteriall gifts for the confeientiousdifchargeof that calling, isa fingulargift of God unto a people, whereby Chrift doth fupply the want of His bodily prefence among them, andbringeth about the edification of His Church , as efk&ually as if He Himfelf were prefent upon earth , Job^iq, 12. fon when Chrift afcended up far above all heavens, He g**e, in a fpecial gift to His Church, and as it were ia fupply of His abfence, fome, Jpojlles j feme, *2rophetu 6. The Lord Chrift hath never appointed fuch an office- bearer in his houfe as the Pope , whom Papifts call the vifible head of the univerfal Church on earth, fupplying the room and place of Chrift now abfent in heaven ; nor yet of a Lord- prelate > commonly called ®i]bop% who, according to the maintainers of that office, is one cntrufted with the a&ual overfight of many Congrega- tions, and of whole Provinces , with a degree of autho- rity flowing from their office,over and above all the Mi- nifters of Tefus Chrift wichin thofe bounds : for, if Chrift had appointed thofe great Offices and office- bearers as neceffary in His houie , how fhould the Apo- ftle have paffed them over, not only in all other places, where he (peaketh of thispurpofe, but alio here, where he is reckoning forth thofe gifts and offices whichChrift, afcending to heaven, hath appointed to fupply in a fpe- cial manner the want of His bodily prefence upon earth ? which without all doubt (hould be moft fupplied by thofe, if they were of His appointment : and therefore, though the office of ruling Elder and Deacon be not fo neceffary to be here mentioned ; Yet,thofe great Offices, the mentioning whereof would have been fo fubfervienc to his purpofe , could not be well omitted r Now, none •f chofe arc here ; for he gave fome, Jpojiles j fome , 2V#- R {fob 2 5 8 A brief Expo fition of the Epifile Chap. 4, fbetSy and their affe&ions wrought upon, and as God hath furniflhed Hisfervancs with anfwerable gifts " for effectuating both ; fo we are not to defpife either of thofe forts of gifts , neither the found , plain , able, teaching gift, though it be not fo operative or taking upon the affe&ions ; nor yet the pithy, moving, pafto- rall gift that worketh upon the affe&ions, though it be not accompanied with profound knowledge and great learning in thofe who have it : for, the Lord difpoifeth both thofe gifts, and oftimes not to the fame perfon > He gave "Taftors and Teachers, VerCi2. For the perfe&ing of the Saints, for tbeXtorl^of the miniftery, for the edifying of the body of Chrift. '"THeApoftle, having thus far enlarged himfelf upon * the fir ft branch of that general argument for union* taken from the diverfity of gifts in the Church, to wit* becaufe they all came from one and the fame author he doth now fall upon its fecond branch, inforcing unity notwithftanding the diverfity of gifts and offices, becaufe they are all given for promoting one and the fame end : ■which end, is, firft, propounded in this verfe in three different exprcflions, all tending much to the fame pur- pofe , but with fome difference in regard of three forts of perfons,to whom the minifterial funftion hath reference. Firft, in regard of the Saints, or people, the end of the Miniftery is to perfect ^ them, that is, to bring them out of thatdiforderly, disjoynted and confufed frame, po* fture and condition wherein they are , and to fix them in a well-ordered, compaft fpiritual frame and ftate, which is attained when they are joyned to Chrift by faith, and one to another by loyc: for, the word fig- R z nifie& 'i66 AbrhfExpofitionofthcEpiflle Chap. 4. nifieth to prepare, fie and difpofe things in an orderly frame, ${om.9. -22. and efpccially fuch things as were before rent afunder, Marf^i. 19. or out of their own due place and order, as disjoynted members , with allu- fion to which, the word is ufed, Gal. 6. 1. Secondly, in regard of themfelves who are in office and accordingly gifted : the end of their gifts and office, is, that they may labour diligently in all the duties of their calling , which is only a fubordinate end, and relative to the other two as a mean. Thirdly, in regard of Chrift, it is that all Believers, being fo perfe&ed and joyned together, as ftones of a building, by the work of the Miniftery, may become His myfticall body, to whom He will perform all the duties of an head. {I>ott. 1. That fcve- rall offices and various gifts are all given for promoting one and the fame end, and for promoting thole ends in particular , which are expreffed in the Text , is a ftrong argument to keep off emulations and rents, becaufe of thofe, and to endeavour after unity and peace ; feing di- vifion and ftrife do marre the fpirituall orderly frame of the Church, divert from the main work of the Mi- niftery , and obftruft the edification of the body of Chrift, and fo do croffe thofe main ends in all ref pedis, for which all gifts and offices are given : for, the Apoftle inforceth unity from the diverfity of gifts and offices, upon this confideration , that all are given for the pro- moting of thofe ends , even for \>crfetting the Saints for the toorfyftbe Minijiery^c. 2. That publick gifts and fifted Minifters are fent to* or continued in any place y God, is for the fake of the Eleft there, and to bring about their falvation : fo that though the Word be preached and Ordinances difpenfed, even to reprobates to make them the more inexcufable, and becaufe they are joyned in one civill fociety and externall Church- fellowfiiip with the Eleft ; yet if God had none of His own to be wrought upon by the Miniftery in a Congre- gation, Place, or Nation , it is more than probable He (hould not fend His Ordinances there at all : for,, all the ends Chap.4* *f Pau* ^/^Efhbsxahs. *6r ends of Chrifts fending a Miniftery, do relate chiefly to theEledt, even for per fitting the Saints , for edifying the body of Chrift. 3. Whatever outward, civill order may be among a people deftitute of the Gofpel ; yet as to their fpirituall concernments , they are wholly out of frame, rent and torn , even a diforderly confufed maffe and heap, as being at enmity with God, %om. 8.7. and deftitute of all found , folide and fpirituall unity among themfelves, %om. 3.13, 14,15. for,feingtheendofthe Miniftcry is to perfeH the Saints, that is, to bring them to an orderly fpirituall frame , it is fuppofed, that before a Miniftery be fent unto them they arc notperfe&, buc .wholly out of frame. 4. Even the Eleft already con- verted, are fometimes out of frame , their fpirituall fa- culties^ it were, disjoynted and unable to move, or ftir, fPJal. 51. 10. and one of them rent afundcr from another through prejudices, paflion, love to felf intereft, and fuch like, Act. 1 5. ?9, for other wife there fliould be but fmall need of a Miniftery toward them>the great end whereof/ is to place thofe things which are diforderly in a right frame, to joyn together things which are rent afunder, to recover ftrength and motion to the(e things which arc rendered weak , by being out of their right place, as the word,rendercd perfecting, doth fignifie ; for perfecting the Saints. 5. A publick Miniftery and the exercifc thereof, is the ordinary mean appointed by the Lord Chrift for perfefting the Saints and edifying the body of Chrift , whether by converting thofe of the Elefl who are yet in their unregeneratc ftatc , %om. 10,17. Or, by confirming and eftabl idling thofe who are already con~ verted, C0/.4 1 2. and making them to grow, Col.i . 28 or reftoring them when they are overtaken in a fault, 1 fim: 5. 20. and therefore it is a moft neceflary ordinance, without which thofe grea t ends in an ordinary way can- not be attained : for, He maketh the miniftenall offices formerly mentioned , the means of perfecting the Saints, and of edtfying the body of Chrift. 6. The higheft office chat is enjoyed by any within the Church, is only a Mi- ll i niftcry tf6 * A brief Sxpofition of the Epiftie Chap. 4 niftcry and fervice , and not a lordly dominion over the flock of Chrift : for , he calleth the fbrementioned offices > even the higheft of them ( the office of the Apoftles it felf not being excepted ) a Miniftcry , or fer- vice ; for the rtork^oftbe Mimflery. 7. Minifters are not called to idlnefle, or to live like lazie drones wafting the Churches revenue $ without executing the office for which it is given. They are called to work and im- prove their talents and gifts in that laborious work of perfe&ing the Saints and edifying the body of Chrift ; fort this hemaketh the end of thofe gifts and offices in regard of thofe to whom they are given , even the toorl^ ef tbeMinijlery. 8. The gaining of fouls to God, and carrying on the work of grace in thofe who are gained to fome perfe&ion > doth meet with fo much oppofition, what from within, and what from without, what from men , what from devils , and what from a mans own heart , 2 Cor* 10.-4, 5- c^at the minifteriall office which is imployed for bringing thofe about, is no eafie task : It is a work, and fuch, as, though it be a worthy work* I Tim. 3. 1. yet, it is a weighty and laborious work : a work that will take up the whole man,and being rightly minded, will give the painfull and confeiencious Mini- fier little time for any other wotk , 1 Tim. 4. 1 5. for, he cafteth this fecond end , relating to the Minifters them-» felves , in the middle betwixt the other two ; becaufe ic relateth to them , as a mean to the end ; and to flbew, ic is not naked gifts, or the credit of the office which will bring about thofe ends, but the painfull exercife and dis- charge of them ; for the V>or\,of the Minijlery. 9. The work of the Miniftery , if rightly gone about , is an uniting work of the Church of Chrift : Its great end» and to which all its other ends are fubordinate,* being to unite fouls, as fo many (tones in a building > or as fo many members in the body, firft, to Chrift the founda- tion of this building, and head of this body , by bring- ing them up to believe in Him ; and next , one to ano- ther , by bringing them up to mucuall love, and all the duties Chap* 4. 4 PauI ** th* E * H ■ * I a k s * 26$: duties thereof, and efpedally to mutuall forbearaftce,and the ftudy of unity and peace : for, he maketh this the great and laft end of the Kor^ of the Miniftery, even, the edifyingof the body of Cbri/l, ih&iisy the Church : (See wherefore it is fo called, chap. 1.25,) The word edi- fying is borrowed from mafons, whofe great work is, having prepared the ftones apart > to joyn them moft firmly, both to the foundation and among themfelves, Vcrf. 1 ?. TiUrte all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God , unto aperfeiiman, tmtt the meafure of the flature of the fulneffi of Chrift. IN the next place , he doth feverall wayes illuftrate and A explain what he pfefently fpake of that great end in- tended to be brought about by the Miniftery and mini- fteriall gifts. And firft , he illuftrateth it in this verfe, from the term of its duration, by (hewing how long(not all thofe forementioned offices* ver. 1 1 ♦ but ) that work of the Miniftery in edifying the body of Chrift, fpoken of, ver. 1 2. (hall continue and laft j The term whereofi in a word, is the day of Judgement : And it is fet forth by three expreffions , the latter whereofi is a further explication of the former , and all of them do hold forth that high degree of perfection, which the Church (hall not obtain before that day ; And firft, he (heweth that work is to continue untill all the Eleft ( fome whereof are not yet born , much lefle called , and fomc of thofe who are called , do differ in many things among themfelves ) do come or meet (forfothe word may read ) in that compleat Unity, not only of opinion, butalfo, and efpecially of heart and affe&ion* to be manifefted in that moft perfect and bleffed communion and feHowflhip, which the Saints (hall enjoy , both with Chrift , and amongft themfelves in glory , called the unity of faith, as having its firft rife from faith ; however faith, as to the diftance from Chrift implied in it , (hall then ceafe , 1 Cor. 13. 1 2. which grace of faith R4 he £64 A brUf Expoftth* of the gftflle Chap. 4; he defcribeth to be the fyoTtledge of the Son of God • or, as the word fignifieth , the tckpotoledgement of Him, which fpcakech fomewhat more than our (implc knowing of Him , even a knowing Him as our own, and with a fpeciall application to our fclves > and fo as we give/hje honour , refpeft and reverence to Him : See upon chap. I» ver. 17. doft. 10. Secondly , He fheweth what unity of faith he meaneth, even that which the Church and all her members (hall attain to , being come to the ftate and degree of perfe&ion in the life to come ; which ftate is here called a per felt man, or a man come to full and perfe& age; becaufe that ftate (hall be to the Church, and all her lively members, as their ripe and compleat age, in comparifon of their infancy, childehood and growing age here in the world. Thirdly , heflieweth when the Church (hall come to her ripe and manly age, to wit, when (he attaineth that meafure of perfe&ion ; ( called her feature , with allufion to the ripe age of a man, when he is come to his full ftature ) That meafure, I fay, of perfe&ion, which Chrift (hall fill them with in glory , or whereby Chrift myfticall (hall be fully com- pleat, there being none of His Members then wanting, and all of them come to their perfeft growth, or a mea* fure of pcrfe&ion anfwering , though not in equality, yet in likeneffc and conformity to that fulneffe of pcrfe- ftion which is in their head Chrift $ to whom all the members of this myftical body (hall be in feme meafure conform in glory , 1 Cor. 15. 49. This ftature of the fulneffe of Chrift may be taken any or all of thofe wayes , for they all agree in one and the fame meafure of perfe&ion. 2>0#. 1. The edification of the body of Chrift • is a work that (hall be continually in motion, and on foot, untill all that are given to Chrift of the Fa- ther, no. not one being wanting,even all the Members of this myftical body, be effe&ually called and united with Chrift the head, and among themfelves, and every one of them attain to their full and perfeft meafure of fpirituall growth 1 fo , chat Chrift (hall never want a (S hurch of Believers Chap.4* #/Paol to the Ephbsians. 26$ Believers, while the world enduicth : for, the teartn, to which that edifying work, mentioned, ver.12. (hall con- tinue, is, until! toe all come to the unity of the faith. 2. The Minifteryof the Gofpel is aftanding ordinance untill Chrifts fecond coming ; neither are there any other Church-offcestobegivenbyCbrift to the Church for edifying His body but thofe which are already given in the grant of the Gofpel : and therefore thofe are to continue either more vifibly or hidly in feme one place or other, in defpightof men and devils unto the end of the world , Matth. 28. 20. for , this work of the Mi- niftery in edifying the body , fpoken of, ver. 12, is to continue untill toe all come to the unity of the faith. %• There is none, no, notthemoft eminent Saints on earth, who are above the ordinance of the Miniftrie , fo as to ftand in no need of it , or to be without reach of being bettered by it : even Minifters themfelvcs muft be wrought upon , and edified by this Ordinance > other- wife they do not what they ought in laving both them- felves and others, 1 Tim. 4. 16. for, even *Paul reckoncth himfclf among thofe whom the Mimftery was to have its due cffe&s upon , while he faith , not ye all , but toe all come to the unity of the faith* 4. As the Eleft by na- ture are far removed from God , fromChrift, and one from another; So their great work, when once con- verted,(hou!d be. and in a great part will be, to tend and advance by degrees towards a compleat union and com- munion with God , and with one another in God , as the great fcope they aim at , and the point or center, which they propofe unto tberofelves to meet in : for, the former of thofe is fupponed , and the latter exprefled while he faith , till toe all come , or meet in the unity &C, 5* This perfect union and communion of all Believe rs# with God, and with one another in God: is not attained at the firft ; yea, not in this life, nor before the refui re- gion : untill then there will be alwayes fome alienation anddiftance, not only from God, iCor.^.6. but a^fo among themfelve$,and chat both in their judgenwt« and affections, 266 A brief Exfojirion tftbe Spiftl* Chip. 4 affe&ions, I Com 3. 9. for, he faith, till become in tbt unity • which implieth , there will be fometime before we come at it, even till the Church be zperftttman in glory. (J. Diverficy of gifts beftowed upon Minifters, and the exercife of them in the work of the Miniftcry, is the ordinary mean , appointed of God for working up the body of Chrift to this unity ; and therefore ought not to be occafion unto the people of ftr ifc and emulati- on, fchifra or faftion, 1 Corinth. 3.4. much leffe (hould they be improven by Minifters for begettting , or enter- taining divifions or rents, either among themfelves , or in the Church of God, Tbil. 1. r ?, 16. for, he ftieweth the work of the Miniftery* (Ver. 12) di verfity of offices ( ver. 11.) and diverfe meafures of gifts and praces, (vert 7.) are all given to promo: this unity ; and there- fore ought not to raife divifion : Fill be all meet in tie unity. 7. The grace of faith > and the exercife thereof, is the way wherein the Saints do walk towards this blef- fed and perfeft union ; in fo far , as faith uniteth us to Chrift > and through Chrift to God and one to another, chap. 2. 1 5. which union by faith, is a ftep towards, and endeth in, that perfeft union and communion with God and all the Saints by fight, or fenfe , which (hall be in glory, 1 ^ett 1. 9, And therefore the exercife of faith, and clofing with Chrift, would mainly be preffed by M'u nifters, and fought after by people, as they would attain to unity* entertain it being begun here, or meet in that perfe6l unity hereafter : for, therefore is ic called tbt unity offaitb,zs having its rife from that grace; tillbe all come in the unity of tbefditb. 8. As faith in Chrift cannot be without the knowledge of Chrift.and fuch a knowledge, as is a reall acknowledging of Him,implying applicati- on and high efteem of Him when he is known ; So faith cannot find a fure foundation in Chrift to reft on, while He be taken up, as God equal with the Father, and con- fequently endued with fufficient ftrength and worth for doing all thofe things, for which the Believer imployeth Him , for he defcribeth faith to be the kpoblcdge, or, ac- fyon* Chip. 4; of Paul to the Ep hb $ x a k $1 16 j fyotoledgemcnt of the Son of God. 9. The Church and body of Chrift , in refpe& of particular Believers, the Members of that body, hath its divine different periods of age, as the infancy of the Church and particular Be- lievers > fo called , becaufe of their childtfh ignorance and infirmities : this age is fpokenof, ver.14. Next their youth and growing age, when they are making progreffe in the way of grace towards perfcdtion : this is mentioned, ver. 15. And, laftly, their pcrfeft manly age , when grace is fully perfe&ed in glory, fpo- ken of in this verfe. Only they have no declining, fading, or oletage , but (hall alwayes remain a perfeft man unto all eternity, 1 Tbeff.4. 1 7. Till \*e all come in the unity of the faith y unto a perfett man. See the cxpofitioo. 10. As Believers ought to aim at do lower degree of pcrfeftion than conformity with Chrift , their glorious head ; fo they (hall at laft attain unto h : they (hall be holy, harmleffe, undefiled , feparate from finners , as He, Heb.y.i6. above the reach of all tentations, as He, Job. 14. 30. their vile bodies made conform to His glo- rious body, 'Pbilip*$. 21. and both foul and body con- firmed in that glorious ftate , unto all eternity , even as He , ^ow, 6. 9. that fo there may be a due proportion between the head and body of myfticall Chrift : and when all Believers are from the fountain of fulnefle in Chrift thus filled with a fulnefle of perfection, in fome meafure anfwerablc unto that which is in Himfclf, then, and not till then, hath myfticall Chrift attained His juft ftature , proportion and fulneffe : He doth in a manner reckon Himfelf imperfrft , empty and incompleat , (6 long as one member of His myfticall body is wanting : for, Taul maketh the meafure of the Churches perfe&i- on, or manly and full ftature, to be the fulneffe of Chrift, to wit, that perfe&ion, which, flowing from Chrifts ful- nefle > (hall complcat Chrift myfticall , and be conform to that fulnefle of perfe&ion which is in Chrift : Unto the meafure of the Jt attire of the fulneffe of Cbriji. Verfi p£S A brUfSxpofnon of the Epifile Chap.4 ; Verk 14. Tbatne henceforth he no more children , tojfed Co and fro , and carried about toitb every Veind of unto which the work of the Mini- fiery is fubfervient > even the removall of, and preferva- tion from , that which is contrary to it , and namely from errour and faUe Do&rines : the hazard whereof* together with the neceffity of guarding againft them, is let forth by three fimilitudes : the firft two do exprefle the temper of thofe who are fiirprized , or in danger to be furprized by errour. Firft, they are as little children^ to wit , for ignorance of what is right , inconftancy in their choife , and Simplicity, or eafineffe to be deceived, and to credit all. Secondly , they are as (hips deftitutc of skilfull matters, tolled and carried this way and that way with the tide and contrary winds among the waves and rocks > even fo arc they with the tide and winds of contrary and diverfeDo&rinesand opinions, fometimes flu&uating and uncertain what to choofe, fometimes taken with one opinion, and prefently changeing it with another. The third firailitude expreffeth the way how (iich are feduced unto errour, to wit> by the pernicious fubtilicy of feducers , fet forth, firft , more obfeurely* by a comparifon taken from the fraud or fleight of gam- fters, wno have devices, by cogging a die, to make it caft up any number they pleafe ; So do hercticks > by wrefting Scriptures, force them to fpeak that feemirtgly which rmketh for the defence of their errour , 2 Pet. 3.' 16. for, the word, rendered fleight of men> fignifieth the crafty deceiving of msn. Next, more plainly, while that fleighti or deceiving , is called cunning crafiinejje, to wit* ia herecicki ani inducers : the word fignifieth a Angu- lar dexcerity co do raifchief of any kind , acquired by long Chap.4* */Paul to the Em* si ak$1 269 long ufe and great mcdling in all affairs. And laftly* he (heweth the end to which this cunning craftineffe doth tend, and that wherein it is exercifed moft, even in a fubtile and compendious way of deceiving the fimple and drawing them from truth to errcur : for, the words do read in cunning craftineffe , tending to a compendious fubtile arte/ deceiving , or, to deceive by a compendious art. Hence Learn, 1. One firgular mean ordained by God for prcfervingus from theinfeftion of dangerous errours and fubtile feducers,is the work of the Miniftery; and therefore the work of Minifters is not only to preffe holineffe , and to reprove vice , but alio to contend for the truth , flop the mouth of gamfayers and guard the lords people againft infeftion from dangerous errours : and people ought to cleave unto their faithfull Minifters, as they would be preferved from being made a prey to feducing (pirits : for, Paul doth hold this forth as one fruit of the work of the Miniftery* mentioned, ver. 12. even that toe henceforth be no more children, toffed to and fro toith every Kind of ®o&rine. 2. Spiritual! edification, and walking towards pcrfeftion in glory , doth call- for not only holineffe of life* but alfo orthodoxie in point of truth ; herefie and errour being as great impediments in that fpirituall building, and as palpable deviations from the way to heaven and glory, as profanity and vice, 2 Tf*. 2-1-. for, having fpoken of that great end of the Miniftery , the edification of the body of Chrift , ver* 1 2. as the way to perfeftion in glory, ver. 13. he doth here fpeak of infeftion by errour and herefie > as impe- diments of that edification, and therefore to be removed; That toe henceforth be no more children toffed to and fro ' J. The moft holy and able Minifters are not more ready to preffe the fenfe of humane frailty, with tbeneceffity of keeping a ttrift watch againft it upon others, than , they are to take with it, and to watch over it in them- felves : for , even Paul includeth himfelfi while he faith, that toe henceforth be no more children, toffed to and fro % which implyeth an acknowledgement, that, at lea ft, he was 370 A brief €xfofiii§n of the S fifth Chap.4. w as once fuch a chiide, and that it was neceffary for him, as well as others, to quit that childifh temper. 4* As the renewed children of God arc once babes in Chrift, and weak in all the parts of the new man, even in knowledge , prudence, patience and other graces ; fo they muft not be alwayes fuch , but are to be grow- ing upwards towards perfe&ion : for> the firft of thofe is implyed,and the other exprefled, while he faith, that Ke henceforth be no more children* 5. Pronenefle to error and iafineffe to be carried away with every do&rine, which pretendeth to Truth, is a mark of one who is not grown in grace, and but a babe in Chrift , if he be renewed at all : for, he calleth thofe children, who arc tojiei to and fro Kith every Kind of doBrine. 6. That errors and herefies are not lefle damnable and dangerous than other fins, appeareth from this, that the fouls ha- xard from thefc is exprefled by the hazard of mafterlefie Clips, toffed by contrary winds among rocks or beds of fand, while he faith, tofit d to and fro Kith every Kind of do- Brine, j. The fpirit of error is alwayes turbulent, and when fuffered to walk abroad, doth raife moft ftrange commotions, both in the publick ftate of the Church, while hereby the lovers of Truth arc called publickly to contend for it, Jude yer. 3. and in the hearts of private Chriftians, chiefly thofe who are weak anduufetled, and hereby made to fluftuate among the rocks of feveral opinions, and fomctimes at laft to fplit upon fome one error or other. Gal. 1. 6. for, fo much is implyed, while he comparcth heretical doftrines to the boiftecous winds which drive the (hip of the Church to and fro Kith every Kind of doBrine. 8. There is no erroneous doftrjne fo hazardous and damnable, but Satan will find out fome a&ive fpirits to fprcad it, and to feduce others unto the imbracing of it : for, thofe are the men herefpoken of, by whofe freight and cunning craftines the winds of falfe do&rine are made to blow, and carry children to and fro 5 toffedby the fleight of men. 9, As thofe whom Sa- tan engageth to carry on a courfe of error and herefie in Chap. 4. */Paul f the Ephesians. 271 in a Church* arc ufually men of parts and gifts, exceed- ing far in abilities the generality of the Lords People* whom they intend to (educe, and as far as men of age and undetftanding go beyond fimple children and babes ; So thefe, whom Satan thus engageth, do ufual- ly prove men void of confeience, and Band not much upon fraud or falftiood , providing they may gain their point : for,the Apoftle calleth ihtvnmw in oppefition to thofewhoro formerly he called children, and flbeweth them to be fuch men as did make ufe of fleight and cog- ging craftineffe, and a fubtile compendious art of decei- ving,for carrying on their point ; by the (leight ofmenjnd cunning craftinejs, thereby tbey lie in ^aU to deceive. . 10. Though heretical fpirits and feducers of others, are men void of confeience ; Yet they make it their great work to hide their knavery, and to appear that which they are not>by their large pretences to confeience and piety, 2 Cor. 11. 15. hereby to deceive the fimple, and to carry on their wofull defign the more fecurely under that co- ver, 'fym. 16. 18, for > he compareth them to cunning gamfters , who carry the matter fo dexteroufly , thai their fraud and knavery do not appear ; by the fleight of men : He alludeth to fubtile coggers of dice > as faid vs. 11. Hereticall fpirits, and ringleaders of errour, are ufually more than ordinarily affifted in their wofull work 9 and fa as they fall upon dexterous means which they purfue unceffantly ', and are attended with marvel- lous fucceffe oftentimes in fo doing; the Lord permitting Satan fo to a<5t them, and to aft by them for heightening thetrialh and making a morefpeedy and through dif- covery of the unftabilky of peoples fpirits by rhofe means ; for , the expre (lions here ufed , do imply their more than ordinary affiftance in allthofc; by the fleight if men, their canning crajtinejfe , or fingular dexterity to doany mifchief, and their lying in ^ait to deceive , or. their deceiving by a compendious ftibcil art. 12. However fubtil feducers make a fair (hew of Reafon, Scripture* Piety, and Humility for procuring credit to their eirors, 2jl *A brief Expo fttion of the Epifile Chap.. 4 Col. 2. 2 j. yet the ftrong and only prop whereupon er- ror leancch, and wherein its great ftrength doth lie, is nothing elfe but vanity, falftnod, fubtil craftineffe and deceit : for,PW(hewethtfoat thefe are the arms of Hc- reticks whereby they defend their errors, even toinds of doctrines, fteigbt of men, cunning craftineffe, and lying in toait to deceive. 1 \. That great meafure of parts and gifts with which hereticall feducers are frequently inducdt their unwearyed diligence in making ufe of thefe their deceits, falfhood and Heights for gaining their purpofe and the more than ordinary fuccefle which they are at- tended with in trying times, ought not to difcourage the weakeftofthe Lords people, or make themdifpair of (landing out againft their aflaults > but rather incite them to watchfiilnefle, to feek after knowledge , a fpiric of difcerning, folidity in judgement, and (lability in truth ; that fo in the ftrength of the Lord they may refift their a&ivity and wiles : for, the latter part of the vcrfe hath an indirect argument in it for prelTing the doty con* tamed in the former, even that henceforth toe be no more children, toffed to and fro tolth every toind ofdottriney and that becaufe they had to do with the flight of men , the cunning craftineffe of thofe tobo lie in toait to deceive* Verf. if. Butfpeafyngtbc truth in loVe, may groto up into Him in all things, tobich is the head, even Qhri/l : tJE doth illuftrate the fore-mentioned end of the Mi- * niftery, thirdly, from another fruit of that fpintuall edification, unto which the work of the Miniftery is al- io liibfervient,even to growth in grace, or, that rqal Be- lievers by fpeaking the truth (or rather, as the word fig- nifieth, by clearing to the truth of heavenly do&rine) and by making confeience of the duties of love and good works, as the fruit of their fincerity in adhering to truth, may grow up, and make progrefle in all chriftian vermes, until! they attain to their full ftaturc and height of growth 1 even fuch a meafure of conformity with Chrift, Chap.4; of Paul to the £? h b s i an s^ 273 Chrift, as they be in a manner transformed in Him, and become mod perfectly one with Him, whom he calleth hercas often elfewhere, (See upon chap* 1 . 22.) the beadj to (how a reafon , why Believers fhould grow up in Him, and to through conformity with Him ; even, that fo the Members of this myftical body, may be in fome meafure proportionable to their head, wott.i. The ordinance of the Miniftery, is appointed of God , not only to awake thbfe who are yet in nature, and drive them to Chrift, Epb.f, 14. but alfo for the good of thofe who are already converted, even to make them grow up in grace untill they come to perfe&ion • and therefore none , who live on earth, can juftly account themfelves to be above this Ordinance : for, theApoftle (heweth ^ that alfo is one end of the work of the Miniftery , that * thole who are already quickened by it, may groTo up into bim. 2. The work of edification intended to be brought about by the ordinance of the Miniftery , is not at- tained upon fouls , though they be preferved free from Error, except they alfo know the Truth , adhere to ft, and be growing up in grace , and in making confidence of all the duties of an holy life : for, Taul, having men- tioned one fruit of that fpirituall edification, mentioned ver. 12. to be freedom from error and infeftion from falfe teacher, ver ♦ 14. he here addeth another, that fpeafyng, or cleaning to truth in loVe , Tfee may grolb up into bim in all things. 3. Our making confcience to grow in grace, is a foveraign remedy againft the hazard of being furprized with error , and toffed to and fro with every wind of do&rine, in fo far, as then we are fo much bu- fied about our heart, that we have not leifure to be taken up with vain and giddy notions of an unfeded head : for, &auly having dehorted them from being as children toffed to and fro with every wind of doftrine, fubjoyo- eth, as a prefcrvative from that unfetled temper , hut /peaking the truth in loVe , *toe may grot* up. 4. It is not fufficient for thefe who live under the drop of Ordi- nances 9 to attain to the being of grace , fo as they can S prov* 574 A brief Bxpofition of the Epifile Chap.4 prove by evident marks that they have grace ; but they muft alfo labour to grow in grace : for, hereby we glo- rifie God, and fpeak to the commendation of our Lorde table, whereat we feed , Job. 15. 8* hereby we attain to the enjoyment of many rich priviledges,which other- wife we are deprived of, 1 Job. 4. 18. and hereby alfo we are more enabled to ride out againft a ftorm in try- ing times, as appeareth from the connexion of thefe two verfes, teaching, that babes in Chnft and children arc toffed to and fro with every wind , when grown and crowing Chriftians will ride it out : for, TW, teaching ' that the end of the Miniftery is to make Believers grow, doth (how they ought to grow > while he faith , $ut fpetking the truth in hve3 toe may groto, 5. As we do then fincerely adhere to the truth of heavenly Doftrine, when we make evident ourfo doing by walking in all the duties of love, both to God and our neighbour ; { for faith worketh by love, GaL 5. 6, ) So our love is then truely Cbriftian , apd not a flefhly luft , or moral! vertue only , when it is grounded upon truth , and the refult of our adhering to it by faith : for, therefore *Eaul conjoyneth thefe two, making the latter, as it were, the refult of the former, while he faith, but fpeafyng, or ileaVtng to the truth in loVe. 6. That Chriftians may grow in grace, it is moft neceflary they labour to have both their underftanding enlightened with truth , and their heart and affe&ions inflamed with love , without either of which , our growth is not Chriftian and fpiri- tuall, but either fupcrftkious and blind, even a growth in error , if the underftanding be not enlightened ; or, «owth in pride,conceit, felf-love and arrogance, if, the Bead only being filled with light , our affeftions be not inflamed with love to God and our neighbour : for, therefore he prefcribeth, that by Jpeafyng the truth in loVe, Jbe fhouldgroto up. 7. This Chriftian growth muft not only be in one thing, but in all things 5 in fo far, as grace muft be growing, not only in all the parts of the foul) underftanding, yy ill and afte&i ons ; but the whole man Chap.4- */Paul to the E P h e s i a n s I *J$ roan alfo, and all the parts thereof muft grow according to all the ordinary dimenfions , or in all Chriftian ver- mes and duties, both of our gener all and particular cal- ling , 2Trt. id 5. even as it is in living bodies , who grow equally and proportionally in all their parrf of length, breadth, height and depth •, That W may groto up in all things , faith he. 8. Then do Chriftians grow as they ought , when they are in a perpetuall motion towards Chrift, foas to be daily more and more like Him, incorporate in Him and one with Him 5 thatriill conformity with Chrift, and that moft peifcft union and communion with Him , which (hall be attained in glo- ry , being the mark and fcope toward which they tend, and without attaining whereof they do not fit down fa- tisfied,as if they had enough : for, faith he, toe maygrcfo up into Him. ^Though there ought to be a (piritual emu: lation among Chriftians , fo as to ftrive who may grow moft and outftripe others, 1 Cor. 14,1 2. Yet there (hould be no divifion, envious ftrife>or carnal emulation among them upon this account , fo as to envie the progreffe of others , or caft ftumbling-blocks in their way to retard them, but an harmonious on-going and rejoycing in the progreffe one of another ; fcing they are to grow , as the parts of one body under one head, Chrift: for, fo much doth *l*ul here teach , We may groto up into Him, tobitb is the bead, even Qbri\U Verf. 16. fromtokom the tohok body fitly joyned together, and compattedby that f»bkb every joynt fupplietb , accor- ding to tbe ejfeBudl Vwrbjng in the meafure of every party mafytb increafe of the body y unto the edifying if it felf inloVe. TTHe Apoftledoth illuftrate the forementioned end of A the Miniftery , fourthly , and joyntly inforccth the fludy of love and unity > by (hewing how all gifts and offices do tend to the edifying of the body » and further- ance of that growth, whereof he fpake, ver . i 5. whila S z h* 276 tA brief Expo prion of the Epiftle Chap. 4 he defcribeth Chrift the Head, prefemly fpoken of, from His influence upon, and relation to the Church, His bo- dy; wherein he alludeth to a natural living body and the way how it, being orderly made up of its feverall nfembers , joyned together by nerves and finews , doth receive life, motion, nourifliment and growth from the head and heart , by the benefit of thofe bonds and liga^ mcnts , whereby the particular members do not only re- ceive life and notrifhment unto themfelves , but do alfo convey them unto others , fo that every member doth receive dueencreafe , and thereby the whole body doth come to maturity and growth. In allufion to which way of the naturall growth of the naturall body , be fiiewcth , firft , that by vertuc of fpirituall influence drawn from Chrift , who is as the head and heart of the myfticall body, the whole body, to wit, that which is militant on earth, or all fincere Believ rs , the true and lively members of this body, zxe joyned fitly, or orderly, every one in his own place and Ration , and alfo firmly or compaffly with Chrift , and among themfelves. Secondly, that they are thus joyned, by the means of fpirituall joynts and finews , whereby we are to under- ftand every thing that joyneth Believers with Chrift, and among themfelves ; and they are either joynts and bonds of inward union and communion , to wk , the Spirit,on Chrifts part, and faith and love on ours ; or of externall union, to wit, the Word, Sacraments, and thofe functions and offices, which Chrift hath appointed in His houfe : yea, and alfo all naturall and civil rela- tions, when they are fan&ified ; and they are all called joynts of fubminiftration, orfupply}(fot the words read bet- ter fo than as they are rendered , by that V>Ucb every joynt fupplyetb ) to fliew, that thofe do ferve , not only to con- joy n us with Chrift , and among our felves, but alfo lor channels and inftruments of communication , by which, fpiritual nourishment and matter of growth is conveyed both unto our felves and others. Hcftiewcth, thirdly, that the whole members, and every one of them, being Chap.'4* o/Paul tothehfuttiAus, £77 being thus con joyned, do not only themfelves, by vcrtuc of that furniture and fpirkuall nourifhment, communi- cate from Chrift,by the means of thofe joynts or bonds, , make encreafe and grow* but alfo make the whole body thus con joyned to grow, and this according to the effectual 'toorfyng of the holy Ghoft , whereby thofe joynts , or means of conveying fpiritual nourifhment are bleffed and made effe&uall to the effeft mentioned : which effe&uall working and bleffing of encrcafe and nourifh- ment following upon it, is not communicated unto the members or parts without meafure, as itwastoChrift the Head , Job. 3. 34. or unto all alike , but in the mea* fare of every pan or member , that is , fuch a meafure as Chrift judgeth fuflficient and moft convenient to every member , according to the place and funftion which they hold in the body , and the ufe which he is to make of them for the good of the body. And, laflly, he flhew- eth the end of the growth , and encreafe of the whole body in all its members , to be not fo much the good and advantage of the particular members , as the ad- vancement and edification of the body it felf, and of the particular members only, info far as their edification and growth is carried alongs in, and contributed for the edification of the body ; and that this floweth from the force and power of the grace of loVe in all the members, which doth not look to it felf only > i£0)% 13.-5- hue rnakcth every part contribute all what it is and can do for the benefit of others, and common good of the wholes Hence Learn, 1. As Chrift and Believers make up one myfticall body, whereof He is head, and they members ; ( See upon chap. 1. 22, 2?.) So all things requifit unto Believers to make them a body, do flow from Chrift : their union, order, bonds of union, fpirkuall nourifh- mentt and inftruments of communication, v/hereby it is conveyed , their growth, and meafure of their growth, and all is from Him , as the Apoftle doth here fully teach : from tobom the tobole body, &cm 2. As there is a moft orderly and firm union of all the members of this S 3 bodX 578 *A brief Expafinon of the Epifile Chap.4. body with their head > and among themfelvcs 5 fo this union is neceffary in order to their receiving fpirituall nourishment and making encreafe thereby » even as it is in the natural body > a member cut off, or feparated from the reft , cannot be nourifhed : for, he faith , the \obolt body fitly joyned9and compacted, dotbmak* encreafe: The firft word , fitly jojned t doth exprefle the orderly frame and proportion of all the members in this union ; The (econd, compared, expreffeth the firmneffe of this union. 3. As there are joynts and bonds both of the inter nail and externall union of this body , to wit , fuch as are held forth in the expofition > even the Spirit of God, with His fpeeiall graces and common gifts ; fo that God doth make ufe of all thofe, both as bonds of union, and inftrumems of communication, whereby He conveyeth fpirituall nouriflament unto the refpc&ive members, is a ftrong argument to fcare us from dividing , or renting upon thefe , or becaufe of the diverfity of thofe in the fe- ver all members : for, he faith, tbe'tobolebodyiscompaSed by every joynt ; and he calleth them joynts of fupply 9 whereby furniture is conveyed: his general fcopc where* in, is> to inforce the ftudy of unity, notwithstanding of diverfity of graces, gifts and offices, compared by tbat Mohicb eVery joynt fupply etb , or, eVery joynt of fupply * 4. There is no true member of this body either dead or idle, or living, and working only to it felf; but what life or nourifhment it hath received from the head, that it doth endeavour to communicate unto others : for* he faith , there is an effettuall ^§rf^ngfrom the Lord in every member , according to Xebicb it mafytbincreafc, not only of it (elf y but of the body. 5. As there is no member of this body , which receiveth the effentiall operation and gifts or graces of the holy Spirit without meafure § and as all receive fome meafure y lefle or more : So it is the duty of all and every one to contribute for the good of others , and efpecially for the advantage of the whole body, not by extending themfelves beyond their mea- fure, but according to it) that being all which God requketh ChaiM. tf Paul tothe Eiphbsians. tj& requirech : for, he faith, the ^bole body, or all the fcYcral members of the body > do ma\e increafe of the body , ac- cording to the tjfectuall toorfag , in the meafure of e\>ery part, 6. As it is not our improving of our meafure of gifts and graces received , which, of it felf, and with- out the effe&uall operation and bleffing of Gods Spirit, will bring about the fpirituall good and advantage , ei- ther of our felves , or others ; fo we ought not on this pretence to ly-by doing nothing , but are to make ufe of our meafure received , and depend upon the effectual] operation of Gods Spirit for a bleflmg to our fo doing : for he faith > increafe is made of the body according to both thofe, the Spirits effe&uall operation! and the afti- vity of every part or member , according to its meafure, even, according to tbe ejfectuall forking , in the meafure of eberypart, 7. As all the lively members of this body do make increafe , and grow in gifts and graces ; fo that is only true growth > and a growth, whereof Chrift the head is fountain and author , which addeth fome- what to the whol# body, and bringeth advantage to the Church in common, but not that growth, which feem~ cth to bring fome benefit to a few, with thedifadvan- tage of the reft : for , the Kbole body , or every member of the body, makftb increafe , not only of it felf, but alfo of the body , faith he, 8* As there is no fuch degree of growth attained here, neither by the Church in general!, nor its lively members in particular , but there are de- grees yet wanting of their full and juftftature; So the meafure of growth,and increafe already received>fhould be improved by us for attaining a further degree of growth and advantage , not only to our felves, but al/b toothers , chiefly to the edification of the whole body : for, he faidi, eye ry member ma\etb increafe of tbe body , 1 9 the edifying of it felf : fo that the increafe received, is to be improven for attaining more, even further edification. 9. The more a man do find himfelf inclined and con- ftrained to improve in his ftation , and according to his meafure, all his receipts, whether of faying graces, or S 4 common aSo A brief Sxpofition of the Epifile Chap. 4. common gifts, to the fpirituall advantage of others, and chiefly for the common good of the whole body , he may the more certainly conclude , that he hath the grace of finccre love and charity rooted in his heart , and is afted by it : for , he maketh love the impolfive caufe, why the feverall members do improve all their receipts for promoving the edification of the whole Church, while he faith , itmafytb increafe to the edifying of it felf inloVe. VerC 17. This I fay therefore, endteflifieintheLordythat ye henceforth W£ not m other Gentiles Wi^ in the Vanity of their mind. TTHe Apoftle ( being in the fecond part of the Chapter to dehort them from all impiety and profanity in the general* contrary to that walking worthy of their voca- tion, preffed, ver. t) giveth an example of that wicked- nefle, from which he dehorteth them? in the converfation of thofe other Gentiles, who were yet unconverted, and living in paganifm. And, firft, while he doth moft fe- rioufly and under a grave obteftation by the Lordjefas Cbrifl, as they would anfwer to Him, and evidence their efteem of Him, dehort them from walking as thofe other Gentiles , he giveth a (hort fum of that godleffe conver- fation of theirs, calling it a W^iwgw the Vanity of the mindy that is, a following and praftifingof whatfoever their unrenewed underftanding and mind did teach and prefcribe : to which he afcribeth vanity, and calleth the mind of unrenewed men vain , becaufe it is empty of the knowledge of God inChrift, 1 £or. 2. 14. .and what knowledge it hath of God, or of ri?htand wrong > is nothing but evaniftiing notions, ^om.i . 21 . and wholly unprofitable, as to the attaining of life and falvation, 9{om. 1 ♦ -20. for j a Vain things according to the common ?nd fcripture-ufe of the word, is an empty thing, lfa. 41. 29. an evanifhing thing , Trov.gi. -30- and a thing unprofitable to attain the end intended, !?/*/. 33. *?• Volt. Chap. 4. #/ Paul to the Ep h e s i a n si 281 ©off. I. To live in a courfcof profanity, and to be a member of Chrifts royftical body, drawing life, nou- rishment and growth from Chrift the head, are wholly inconfiftent : if the one be, the other cannot be ; feing profanity of life is not only dire&ly oppofit to that new life of grace, which all the members of that body do live* but alfo doth wholly obftruft the paflages betwixt the head and the members, whereby fpiritual influence for life and growth Should be conveyed, 1 Joh.i. 6. for, the Apoftle,from what he fpake of influence for life and growth conveyed from Chrift, the head, to all the members > doth infer here, that therefore , and as they would evidence themfelves lively members of that body, fothey would abandon profanity, while he faith, this I fay therefore, that ye T&W^ not not only (imply exhort- ing , but fomeiimes moft gravely obtefting them by thac which is deareftto them: whereby the Lords people may know, that their obedience to what is prefled, is no trifling matter, but fuch, as their eternal welbeing is moft highly concerned in : for, therefore doth 2W not only fay and exhort them, but alfo teftifie and obteft them in the Lord, that they W^ not henceforth who are captive (laves unto it ; providing we fo looloo it, as to make us abhor it » and carry at a greater diMkce from it : for , therefore doth Paul hold forth a map of that wickedneffe, which he dehortech them from , in the example of thofe unconverted Gen- tiles , that by feeing of it they might the more abhor it ; That ye henceforth toall^ not ai other Gentiles W£. 7. The converfation of all men unrenewed , is vain and fruit - Iefle,as fpending their money for that which is not bread, and their labour for that which fatisficth not, I/a. 5 j. 3.« fort he fpeaketh of all the unconverted Gentiles, that they W^ in Vanity. 8. Whatever vanity or wickedneffe is in the outward converfation of a naturall man , it doth wholly flow from the vanity of the mind and under- ftanding within ; and as the mind is > fo will the con- verfation be : and therefore even the mind it felf,the chief feat of reafon, is corrupted and vain, and fo vain, that from thence doth flow corruption and vanity to the whole man : for, he afcribeth the vanity of their walk- ing to the vanity of their mind ; Js other Gentiles W^ in the Vanity of their mind, faith he* VcrC Chap*4» •/Paul t* the Ef h* si ahsI i3j Vcrf. 1 8. Having the under ft anting darkened, being die* nated from the life of God, through the ignorance that is in them, becaufe of the blmdnejje of their hem. *M Ext, that the Apoftlc may the more effe&ually de- AX ter them from walking as thefe other Gentiles did, he doth more largely anddiftintfly fet forth that vain and godleffe convcrfation of theirs, by (hewing fevcrall branches and degrees thereof, both inward in their un- demanding and affeftions , and outward in their life and converfation : And,firft,hefheweth, thzttheirun- derjianding and knowing part,, or that part of it, where- by men do reafon , inferring one thing from another, ( for fo the word fignifieth) was wholly blind and dar- \ened> to wit, as to thofe things which relate to God and heaven, I Cor* *•**'• whatever was their under- standing and quickneffe of judgement in other things, Gen. 4. if, 22. yet, in thofe things they were altogether vain and Vrilde% ^om.i.n. And, fecondly, thatthcy were eftranged from , and wholly deftitute of, the life of &od, or that fpirkuall life , begun in regeneration , fob. ?. ?♦ and confifting in the faving knowledge of God, and the feverall pieces of Gods image* Col. 3, 10. called the life of God, becaufe not only God is the author of it, as He is of our naturall life ; but alfo it floweth , both in its being and operation, from the gracious prefence of God dwelling in us by His Spirit , Gal. 2* 20. And, thirdly , he fheweth that the caufe of thofe former two, was their ignorance of God, and of thofe things belong- ing to the worfhip of God and their own falvation , to wit, both fimple ignorance, or want of the knowledge of thofe things; which ignorance is in all by nature, and ignorance affe&ed and delighted in, whereby the things of God arc judged fooliffineffe, 1 Cor. 2.14. from which ignorance of theirs did flow a further degree of darknefle in the undcrftanding , and of alienation from ?he life of God * than what vvas naturall unto them. And, *&4 A brief Expfitlon of the Spifile Chap. 4 And, fourthly, that this their ignorance > vvith boththe forementioned effefts, did flow from their blindnejfe , o* rather , as the Originall doth read , hardne/fe of heart* whereby their heart , or that part of the foul , which choofeth and refufeth good or evil , did obftinately and againft all means uled to the contrary, refufe the light of God, which was proffered unto them, and were whol- ly inflexible to good, being obdured and hardeaed , not only naturally from their birth, tfal. 5c. 5. but alfo voluntarily by themfelves,£*W. 8 1 5. and judicially by God, Exod. 9. 1 2. (DaS, 1. That the vilenefs of fin may be fuSciently feen,and (b as we may abhor and deteft it, it is not fufficient to take a general view of it , and in the bulk , except we alfo dive into the particular branches, pieces and degrees of it, and by ripping up the womb of that abominable monfter, look upon the vile intrals of it, that fo we may be made to deteft and hate it with a perfe6l hatred : for , therefore Taul, being to deterre thefe Ephefians from walking as the Gentiles, doth not only give a brief fum of their wickedneffe in the bulk, ver. 17. but alfo here, and ver. 19. doth more diftin&ly lay open the feveral branches and degrees of it ; Having the underflanding darfyed, &c. 2. Man considered in his natural ftate,is fo vile and loathfom by reafon of fin, that being rightly anatomized and deciphered, there is no- thing to be feen in him but what may make himfelf and others to abhor him; there being no part of him, nei- ther in foul nor body, free from thofe wounds, bruifes and pucrifying fores which fin hath brought upon him, as appeareth by this difcovery, which in thefe two vetfes the Spirit of God by faul makethof him: his under m (landing is darkped, his heart hardned, his confcience pa/l feeling, &c. for, he fpeaketh this of all the Gentiles,* who were not yet converted, and confequentlyof all men in their unrenewed ftate : and though all fiich have not arrived at the utmoft height of that wicked nefle* which fome of thofe expreffions hold forth; yet that vain mind, fpoken of, yer. 17* which i$ the root of all the reft, is in Chap. 4. ofVm\ to the E P h e s i a n s. 2S5 in every unrenewed man, 1 Cor. 2. 14. and every fuch man is porting towards all that wickedncfle here ex- preffed : yea, and would arrive at the utmoft height of all, if reftraining grace did not hinder him, Gen. 20.6. and therefore in Gods fight he may be juftly charged with all ; haYmg the under (landing darkped, &c. 3. As every man by nature is wholly unskilfull to decern the things of God , or to improve thofe lurking principles of the knowledge of a Godhead,and of right and wrong remaining after the fall (%om> 1. 20.) by drawing fo- lid conclufions from them* for rules to direft him in the matter of worfhip,and walking in the faay to falvation; So this unskilfulnefle and darkneffe of his, doth daily increafe, and the longer hcliveth, and exercifeth him- felf in finding out what is right and acceptable to God in thofe things, by the direftion and guidance of his na- tural light only , he is the further from the mark: for, he fpeaketh of a further darkening of their underftand- ing, than what was naturall to them, even that, which did flow from ignorance and hardnefle of heart, as is clear from the conftruftion of the words ; Hating their understanding darkened through the ignorance that 0 in them. 4. As all men did once in their common root and firft father tAdam partake of the life of God , con- fifling in Gods image , Ecckf. 7. 29. and are now , by •Adams fall, from their very conception and birth, de- prived of it , %w. 5* 1 2, 13, 14. So , the longer they live in their unrenewed ftate,they are the more eftranged from it , while every fin they commit doth make them in a further degree uncapable of it : for , he fpeaketh of a further degree of alienation from the life of God, than what was naturall to them , even that which was after- ward contracted by their ignorance and hardnefle of heart ; Being alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance that u in them. 5. Hardnefle of heart is a wo- full evil , and the root and fountain of fcverall other evils, info far as when a man doth obftinatley refufe light, and walketh contrary to light , and fo hardeneth hit i%6 A brief Expofttion of the Spifile Chap.4. his heart to do mifchicf 9 he thereby provoketh the Lord to give him over to ignorance , and to lofe the fmall meafure of knowledge which he formerly had» %$m.im 28. And thus, hardnefie is the caufe of ignorance, and being thus both hardned in heart, and blinded in mind, he is further removed and eft ranged from the life of God, which confiftech in the faving knowledge of God in Chrift, Job. 17. 3. and his underftandingandrcafon rendered more dark and unskilfull to find out what is truth or errour, right or wrong 5 the common principles which were left in him after the fall concerning thafe things, being now through a continued cuftorae of ob- ft inacic in fin almoft wholly obliterated and blotted out : for, if welookexa&lytotheconftru&ionofthewords, we will find that the blindnejfe or bardnejje of their beam is mentioned as the caufe of that ignorance \bbicb toas in tbem , and both hardneffe and ignorance, as the caufe of their alienation from the life of God \ and the darfying of their under {landings. Verf. 19. Who being paflfeeUniMlte given themfilveso^er unto lafchioufhefsy to Korean uncleannefs Xfitbgreedinefs, £IE doth here fee forth feme 'other, andthofc higher * * branches and degrees of their impiety,profanity and godleffe converfation, which did follow upon, and flow from the former. As, 1. they had loft all remorfe of confcicnce , fear of Gods judgement , and fo did fin Without inward check or challenge. And, (econdly, vrhich followed upon the former, they gave them- selves with the full confent of their will and benfali of their affe&ions to think upon , and delight in the fulfilling of their lafcivious , petulant and filthy lufts. And, thirdly , which was the refult of all the reft> they a&ed all fort of uncleannefle with a fort of greedineffe, and, as it were , ftriving who (hould do moft mifchief for a prize and reward, ©off. 1. Though original! fin hath feazed upon the whole foul , undemanding , will and Chap.4- «f Paul ^^Ephisians, 287 and affe$ ions; yet the Lord hathkeeped fo much of the knowledge of Hiralelf > and of right and wrong in the undcrftanding of naturall men , as they may know in many things, when they fin and do evil* and fo much of confeience, as to accufe or excufe according to the na- ture of the fad, \om. % 15. whereupon followeth either grief, or joy in their affections 4 for, while he faith, they were pajl all feeling , and loft all remorfc, he implieth they once had it , before they came to that height. 2. Wicked men may arrive to fuch an height of fin, as to have no fenfe of fin, no greif nor check, nor challenge from confeience for it : for, this is to paffe feeling, which Paul affirmeth of thofe Gentiles ; Kko having paft feeling. 3. As one degree of fin maketh way for another ; fo in particular, hardneffe of hearti and obftinacie in fin , do cat out the edge of confeience, making it wholly fetff- lefle and ftupid, fo that it giveth neither check nor chal- lenge for fin : for, upon their hardneffe of heart did fol* low that which is here affirmed 5 Who being pa/l feeling. 4. A watching confeience, doing its duty, is the ftrongeft reftraint from fin: and where that is not, all other reftraints will ferve for little purpofe: for, up- on their having paft feeling, he faith, theygaVe them f elves over to lafcivioufnejf/e. 5, When men do give them- felves without check and reftraint to think upon their fin with delight, they cannot choofc but fallout in the outward aft of that fin, though it were never fo grofle : for, upon their giving thcmfelves over to lafcivioufnefle, they gave tbemfelves alfo to Korf^ all uncleannejje. 6. For a man to be given over to lafcivioufnefle, and to fulfill his beaftlylufts without all check or challenge, it ar- gueth a great height of impiety, and fuch as fpeaketh a man ignorant of God, judicially hardned in heart, and altogether paft feeling : for, he maketh this the rcfulc of all the fore- mentioned branches of their wickednefle, even that they gave tbemfelves over unto lafcivioufneffe, to Vporf^ all yvkftfdnejfc. 7. As upon fenfleffe fiupidity of confeience , through frequent refitting of light, there i88 *A brief Expofition gfthe Eplftle Chap.4; fblloweth an unfatiableneffe in finning, cfpccially in the fin o( uncleanneffc, that the more a man doth fin, he is the more eager uponiin, and can never have enough of it ; So, when a man cometh to this, he is then arrived at thegreateft height of fin, unto which ever the Hea- thens, deftituce of the knowledge of God , did attain: for,thisisthehigheft ftepofall, that through hardneffe of heart* being paft feeling, they did not only (imply aft uncleanneffe, but le themfehes to V>or^ all unclean- nejfe Mb greedinejfe. VerC 20. But ye baVe not fo learned Cbrift : TLIE preffeth the former exhortation, fet down, ver.17. x from this, That the faving knowledge of Chrift, wherein they were inftru&ed , was inconfiftent with fuch a licentious life as thofe other Gentiles lived in. ®oB. 1. The anatomizing of that vile monfter, fin, and fetting it forth in its blackeft colours, is not alone fuffi- cient to fcare the Lords people from it : but fuch is the intereft which fin hath in the beft, and fuch is their proneneffe to it, that befides, there muft be other ftrong arguments made ufeof to keep them from falling in it : for, the Apoftle, having fet forth the vileneffe of fin at length, feeth it neceffary here to fuperadd another argu- ment to inforce the former dehortation; But ye have notfo learned CjW/i,faith he. 2. As the giving of loofe reigns to fin, is inconfiftent with the ttate of grace and the faving knowledge of Chrift ; So, there is no argument more prevalent with a gracious heart to keep them up from profanity and loofneffe, than the through inculcating of this truth: for, among many other arguments Paul ma- keth choice of this, But ye ba\e notfo learned Chrifll 3. As true Believers muft be fchollars,daily learning fomwhat; So the fum of all they have to learn and know, is Cbrijt, He being the end of the Law, tym. 10. 4. and the great fubjeft of the Gofpel, £<>/. I- 27. in whom all the promifes arc Yea and Amen, 2 Cor. 1. 20. for, faith he, Chap4* *f Pau* ^ ^ E^ h i s i an s. 289 he j ye have not fa learned Chrift. 4. There is no reme- dy or cure of our naturall corruption , and of all thofe other filthy wounds and fores , that follow upon it, but in Chrift Jefus , being trueiy known , imbraced and made ufe of, as He is fet forth in the Do&rine of the Go- fpel. No moral precepts,though inforced by moft ftrong and moving confiderations , can reach the root of this wofull difeafe : for, he oppofcth their learning Chrift, as the alone antidote againft that vanity of mind , with all its branches and degrees formerly fpoken of; But ye have notfo learned Cbri/i. 5. Accordingly as we arc inftru&ed and learned by Chrift ; fo we ought to walk, andputthatknowlcdge, which we have of Him and from Him , in practice : for , his fcope is to prove they ffiouldnoc walk fo, becaufe they bad not learned Cbrift fo. Verf. 21. Jffo he that ye have beard bim , and ba\>e heeu taugbt by him, at the truth u in Jefus. UE doth here limit the former reafbn* by (Lowing the knowledge which they had of Chrift, wasincon- fiftent with fuch a licentious life > only upon this fuppo- fall, if fo by learning Chrift preached, they had beeii inwardly taught and inftru&ed by Chrift Himfelf in the truth , and as the truth ypas in him , who did not only know the truth , but alio pra&ifed what He knew , (0 that His life was a true copie of that holineffe, which is taught in the Gofpel> Mattb. 1 1. 29. 2)o#. I. It is not every fort of learning Chrift, or of knowledge, that may be had of Chrift, which excludeth profanity, and is inconfiftent with a licentious life. Many do in a fort learn Him and know Him , who abufe that knowledge they have of Him, for making them fin the more fecure- ly, %om.6. 1. eventhofe, who turn the grace of God to wantonnefle , Judeyzt.q, for, he (heweth what he fpake of that inconfiftency, which is between learning Chrift and the practice of profanity , doth not alwayes T hold 2p5 A brief 'SxfofitUn of the Epifile Chap.4; hold, while he addeth this limitation, iffo be ye ba\e beard him. z. Whatever grounds a Mimfter hath for chari- ty to judge of all, or any of the Lords people committed to his charge, as truely gracious; yet he ought to ex- preffe that his judgement of them , with fo much wari- neffe and caution, as ground may be given unto them to enquire in their own condition and fearch , ^whether it "be fo : for, Paul, having ( ver. 20. ) profeffed his cha- ritable judgement of them> that they had not fo learned Chrift, he givech a limitation here, whereby they might try if it was fo; iffo be ye bctoe beard bim. 3. That learning of Chrift > and knowledge of Him, which is the only remedy agairtft the power of inherent ctorupti- on, is begotten in us by the ordinary mean of hearing Him preached , and fee forth in the publick Miniftery of theGofpeh %orn, ioi4>iS. for, this is one piece of that condition > which is required to the learning of Chrift thus>even iffo ye balre heard bim. 4. The hear- ing of Chrift preached by fentMinifters, is not alone fufficient, in order to this effe&uall learning of Him, but ^Chrift Himfelf muft teach us inwardly and effe&uaUy by His Spirit, clfe we cannot fo learn Him : for, this is another piece , and the main piece of that condition required antecedently to their learning of Chrift thus, if fo ye ba\e been taught by him. j. Then do we rightly and favingly learn truth , when the knowledge of truth attained by our learning, is'fuch, as Chrifts knowledge was, to wit, not theoretick and fpeculative only , but prafticalland operative: for, fo was His knowledge of truth , 'Pfal.qo. §♦ and they were to be taught by Him , as the truth is in Jeftu , elfe they had not fo learned Chrift. Vert Chap.4* */Paaf to the Ep h e $ i ans I 291 Verf. 22* 2W ye put off concerning the former conVerfati- on , the old man , Vebicb is corrupt according to the deceit- full lufis : TJE doth, next, (hew, what it is to be taught by * * Chrift, m the truth u in him ; and thereby confirm- eth what he faid , ver. 20. that the faving knowledge of Chrift is inconfiftent with a licentious life , in fo far as this effe&uall learning of Chrift , and knowledge of Hion, requireth from, and effectually worketh in, the perfon fo inftru&ed, three things. The firft whereoG is in this verfe, to wit, a daily ftudy to put off&n& mor- tiRc the old man, whereby is not mcaned thefubftance of a mans foul and body, nor yet the tiaturall and eflen- tiall faculties of the foul > (for, thofe of neceflity doal- wayes remain , untill the man ceafe to be) but that na-> turall and inbred corruption , which hath kife&ed and polluted all thofe : which inbred corruption he Qieweth had manifefted it felf in their former godleffe converfa- tion, and doth grow daily worfe* and more corrupt, yea* and by little and little bringeth corruption and deftru- ftion upon the whole man , both in foul and bodv, where it is given way to in its deceitfull lufis : for, fo much doth he intend, while he faith, it U corrupt accord* i*g> or > by deceitfull lufis. Now, this inbred corruption* is here called theeldman^ and the mortifying of it, is called a putting of it off , by a metaphor taken from the laying afide and cafting off of old garments. Seethe reafons for both, upon Col. 3. -9, do6h 1. Hence, Learn, 1. So much may we reckon our felves to know of Chrift , and to be taught by Chrift , as we do pra- ftifc according to what we know. Thofe only are beft fcholers in Chrifts fchool, who are moft tender walkers: for, 2Wfheweth, that to learn Chrift, and to be taught by Him , is > in a word , to praftife all the duties of an holy life, even that ye put off the old man, &c. faith he* t. Then do we fet about the duties of falsification in ip 1 *A brief Expo fit ion of the Epifile Chap. 4 the right order, when we begin at the work of mortifi- cation in the firft place > and thence proceed to the pofi- tive duties of a new life : the plants of righteouinefle will not thrive in anunhumblcd, proud, impenitent heart, jM?*5.44* for, *?<«*/ fheweth the firft part of this leffon, is, 10 put off concerning the former converfation, the old man. 3. Then do we carry on the work of mor- tification right and to good purpofe , when we fingle not out fome one fin paffing by others , but do ftrike at all fin, and do not concent our (elves to lop the branches, but ftrike at the very root of fin: for, faul delcribeth this work to be a putting off the old man , that is , the bitter root of inbred corruption , in its full latitude and extent ; That ye put off concerning the former conVet fati- c», the old, man. 4. Though we muft begin to ftrike at the root of fin within \ yet we are not to reft there , but muft fet againft fin in all ics branches ; and whoever fetteth upon fin at the root and in the heart , he cannot choofe but fet againft the breaking forth of fin in his hand and outward converfation alfo : yea, the reality of bis fighting againft his inward corruptions , will make it (elf manifeft in an outward change in his converfation from what it formerly was: for, fomuch is imported, while he (heweth they were to put off the old man y the per- fon fo taught, even a lerious endeavour to have his mind and underftanding more and more renewed, or mada new, by getting a new quality of divine and fuperna- tural light implanted in it ; and he calleth the under- ftanding , or rational part of the foul, the spirit of their mind, that is, the moft fpiritual part of the foul ; or, by an Hcbraifm, their fpiritual mind, fo called, becaufethe mind, or underftanding , is lefle fubjeft to be wrought upon by the temper and difpofitionofthe body, than the will and affe&ions. {Dott. 1. The principal part of the foul, the very feat of reafon, the mind and underftand- ing in all men , is by nature infefted and polluted by this old man of inbred corruption : for, otherwife there were no need that we fhould be renewed in the Jpirit of our mind. 2. It is not fufficient in order to our effeftual learning of Chrift, and being taught by Him, that we ceafetodoevill, and labour to mortifie our inbred cor- ruption, with the fevcral branches thereof; but we m uft: alfo learn to do well, and endeavour to have the whole man adorned with the feveral graces of Gods Spirit, making confeience of all the potitivc duties of an holy Tj life: r*94 * *r$efExp*fitton of the Epijtle i^ftap. 4. life: for, the Apoftlc fheweth their being taught of Chrift, confiftcd,not only in the putting off the old man, but in being renewed in the fpirit of their mind, and ver.24. in putting on that ne^ man. 5. See three doftrines im- plyed in the notation of the word renewed, which figni- fieth to reftore a thing deformed and antiquated, to its ancient form and beauty, upon #>/. 3. ver. 10. do&. 4, 5, <5. Poil. 4. Right information of the mind and judgement, and the knowledge of truth and duty flow- ing therefrom, aremoft neceffary to be fought after by Chriftians , if lb they would lead an holy life : An er- ring mind will of neceflicy, at leaft in fo far, make a crooked heart and an irregular hand : for,T4«/flicweth that in particular it is neceffary to be renewed in the fyirit of the mind. Verft 14. And that ye put on the ne^ man, tobicb after God is created in rigbteoufnejfe and true bolinejje^ REftech the third thing, which theeffeftual learning of Chrift doth require from, and work in,thofe who arefo taught, even that it be their daily task to put on the n?b man , that is, to be more and more endued and adorned with new and fpirituall qualities , whereby their mind may not only be renewed, as was mentioned ver* 25. but alfo their will > affe&ions and aftions* Which renewing work he ftieweth is carried- on by Gods creating power , after the pattern of His own Image, which confifteth in perfect conformity to Gods Law, as well in the fecond Table, fet forth here by rigb- teoufnejje, as in the firft, fet forth by true botineffi, or 00- UneJJe of truth, to wit, that which is wrought by truth, Job. 17. 17* and is not counterfeit, but fincere, true and reall : which epithet doth alfo agree to rigbteoufnejfe. Now* thofc gracious and fpiritual qualities* are called the neto man, and faid to be put on, as new garments. Seethe reafons for both, upon £*/. 3. ver. 9, 10. doft* ?• Hence £w», 1. Where there is faying knowledge wrpught Qap-4* ofVml mwEphisiams. w? wrought intbt mind, fan&ified practice in all the du- ties of an holy life will follow: for, unto the renewing of the mind, ver. 2?« is here fubjoyned the putting on the nefoman in rtigbtpou[nej]e and holineffe. 2. So dead and ipdifpofed are we by nature to holincfle and grace, that no lefle than creating power is required to work it in as : It is neither implanted by nature, Pfal. 51,5. noc attainable by any yiduftry or pains of ours, %#. 9. \6. but is a work ofGodsomnipotency, though He make ufe of means for that end,2 Tim.q.z. for,he faith, this neto man is created, g. Only thofe who are renewed in know- ledge and have their fouls adorned with gracious and fpirkuall qualities of righteoufneffe and holineffe, arc like toQod ; andfuch, as are moftfo, are moft like unto Him : for, raul, fpeaking of being renewed in the mind, andofputtingonthe new man, faith, that it is after God, or, (as it is more plainly, Co/. 3. 10.) after the Image of God ; Which after God is created, faith he. 4. The Image of God confifleth, not fo much in the natural fubftance, or faculties of the foul, or the abili- ties of it, ( for thofe are in a wicked man ) as in fpiri- tual gifts and graces, even conformity with God in true knowledge , righteoufneffe and holineffe : for , the Apoftle, fpeaking of the renovation of the mind by knowledge, anfl piutingonthe new man in righteouf- neffe and holineffe, (aith, That this is after God, or, af- ter His Image* 5. This new man of grace , created after Gods Image, as it confifleth not in things external, $u>m. 14. 17. but in the inward and fubftantial graces of Gods Spirit ; fo it coraprehendeth all ipiritual habitSp andvertues, and the exercife of all ttpfe praces, in ail the duties of universal obedience, prefcribed in both the Tables of the moral Law: for>hc fheweth this new man confilteth in righteoufneffe and holineffe, which include a conformity to the Law of God in bocb its Tables ; . Which is created in righteoufneffe andbolineffe. 6. N'j performance of any one, or of all commanded duties whatfoevcr, is a fufficient proof of a renewed orind, or T 4 *fl £}6 mA brief Etffoftion of the Spifile Chap. 4 the new creature 1 but when it carrieth alofigs with it that neceffary ingredient of fincerity and truth , which maketh the performer of any duty , take God for his party, Gen. 17. i# bring up his heart to eyery duty, Jer% 3. 10. and level at Gods glory as his main fcope in all duties* 1 Com 0.31. and make confeience, not only of one, but of every duty> Lukg 1. 6. for, he giveth this epi- thet of truth and fincerity to that righteoufneffe and holineffe, wherein this new man of grace, created after Gods Image, doth confift ; in rigbteoafnejje and true bo- tincjfe, or in righteoufneffe and holineffe of truth. Verf. 25. Wherefore putting a^oay lying , ?fea\e\>ery wan truth toitb bis neighbour : for Vt>e are members one of an- other, THe Apoftle (being in the third part of the Chapter to preffe upon them the exercife of fome particular vertues, which do belong to all Chriftians of whatfo- ever rank or ftation equally, afwellas thofe formerly fpoken of, all of which are injoyned in the fecond Table of the Commands ) exhorteth them , firft , from what he fpake of putting off the old man, and putting on the new, to lay aftde and mortifie the fin of lying , forbidden in the ninth Command,whereby a man doth fpeak what he knoweth or conceiveth to be untruth, with an inten- tion and purpofe to deceive. He exhorteth them alfo to fpeak the truth every man with his neighbour , that is, to fpeak as they think, and to think of what they fpeak as it really is , fo that our fpeech may be conform both to the thing it felf , and to our conceptions of the thing. Which exhortation in both its branches , is inforced from thisi that they were not only members of ome bo- dy, but one of another, every member of this myfticall body being bound to contribute all its endeavours, as for the good of the whole body in the firft place, fo of pvery particular member in the next ; and therefore it had been alike unnaturall and monftrous for them* by lying Chap.4« of Paul to the E p h b s i a n $ I 297 lying and deceiving to circumveen one another, as it were for the eye in the naturall body to deceive the hand> or for any one member to contrive and carry on the ru- ine of another, VoB. 1. It is not fufficient for Chrifts Minifters to prefle upon the Lords people the mortifica- tion of fin > or con fcience- making of the duties of ho- linefle in the generall ; but, feing people arc apt to think that an fleight performance, or faint endeavours are fuf- ficient obedience to thefe generall exhortations \ there- fore Minifters muft condefccnd upon fome particular vices , chiefly fuch as are moft commonly pradtifed in the place where they are , and fome particular vertues, which are moft ordinarily fleighted , prefling upon the Lords people to evidence their renovation by abftinencc from the former, and praftifing of the latter : for, *?*«/, having indirettly at leaft exhorted them to put off the old man , ver. 22. and put on the new, ver. 24. doth now fall upon fome particular vices and vertues, dehort- ing from the one, and exhorting to the other; Where- fore putting afoay lying, 2. There is no fin more unfeem- ly in a Chriftian, and more inconfiftent with graccthan the fin of lying , there being no fin that maketh a man more like the devil , Job. 8. 44. more abominable to God, ¥roV. 6. 16, 17. nor more fhamefull in the eyes of men, fo that even they, who are moft guilty of it, can- not endure to be charged with it ; no fin more hurtful to the finner, as making him to be trufted by none, and no fin which tcndeth more to the utter overthrow of all hu- mane (bcietie 5 fidelity and truft among men , being that which maketh any fociety comfortable : for, the Apoftle dehorteth from lying , upon the ground of their putting on the new man , as is implied in the illative particle Wherefore • Wherefore putting atoay lying. 3. As all kind of lying is intrinfically fin , and to be avoided, whether the pernicious, officious, or fporting lie > (See upon Co/, 3. 8,9-. doft. 10.) So there isnfrperfon of wbatfoever rank, whether rich or poor, to whom God giveth any difpenfation to lie, or fpeak contrary to truth; z?% A hrkf Sx}fifiH though it be fufficient for a man to think what is truth, and not expreffeit, when he is fpeaking or meditating withhimfelf j yet he is to fpeak truth, if fo he fpeak at all, when he fpeaketh with his neighbour ; fa**\ e^ry m*n truth toitb bis neigh- hour, faith he. 5. This is a penerall rule to be obferved for the right underftanding of divine precepts,that where a fin is forbidden, the contrary duty is alio commanded, and where a duty is commanded , the contrary fin is al(b forbidden : for, theApoftle, expounding here the ninth command, doth not only exhort to lay ajide lying ; bat alfo to fpeali etery man the truth Tbitb bis neighbour. 6. Though it be finfull to lie , and fpeak untruth unto any, even to an infidel, #^,.17.16. yet, it is more (in- full, and moft odious for Believcrs'and Profeflbrs of the fame faith , becaufe of their nearer bonds and relations, to lie unto, and deceive one another : for , fo much the Apoftles reafon here ufed , which is aftri&ed only to fuch, doth teach 5 far toe are memben one of another, faith he. 7. It is not fufficient , that a man abftain from ly • ing, and endeavour to fpeak truth with his neighbour, fiom a motive of felf-advantage and intereft, as know- ing his doing other wife would tend both to his loffe and ffiame \ but he ought to be afted herein from a prin- ciple of love towards thofe with whom he fpeaketh, chiefly,if he conceive them to hcBelievers,as to members of that fame body , for whofe advantage and prefcrva- tion efpedally , he is bound to lay out himfelf in his place and ftation j fo far muft he be from feeking to un- dermine them> or deceive them; for, laul will have them Cbap. 4. •/ Pwl to the Ep h b s i ak s. S#> them to put away lying , and to fpeak the truths for this reafon , that tbey v>ere all nwnbtn one of another. Vcrf. 26. Be ye angry and fin not , let not the fun go doiton upon your Tkratb. 1LIE cxhorteth them , next, to reftrain and moderate A * their anger > forbidden in the fixth command, And* 1. he* as it were , giveth them way to be angry ifomc- times, and in fome cafes. 2. He diffwadeth them from finfull anger, or any un juft defire of revenge, which is, when anger is kindled raflbly, ProV. 14.17, for no caufe, Mattb. 5. 22. or a very light one > 1 Cor, x 3. - j-# or when it exceedeth the juft bounds, Gen. 49. 7. And, 3. if their anger at any time fhould exceed bounds, and turn to wrath, or bitternefle of fpirit, he exhorteth them to fuppreffe it fpeedily, even before the Sun go down, not cherifhing that ill* or forbearing themfelves in it, for the fpace of one night. 2>o#. 1. Seing anger is a natural! affeftion, planted in our firft parents at the firft creation : yea, and alfo was found inChriftHimfelf, who was without fin , Marfa. 5. therefore it is not in itfelfa fin, nor alwayes finfull ; but, as it is in its own nature indif- ferent , and becometh good or evil , according to the I grounds, caufes , obje&s and ends of it ; So it is fome- times , and in fome cafes a neceffary duty for a Chrifti- an to be angry , to wit , when anger floweth from xeal to Gods glory , Job. 2. 1 5. with 17. and love to our brother > ^roV. 13, 24. and when it is conceived upon juft and weighty caufes , fuch chiefly , as Gods difho- nour, whether by our own fins, 2 Cor. 7. 1 1 , or the fins of ofamfixod. 32. 19. when it is incenfed, not fo much againft the perfon of our brother, as againft his fin, and therefore agamft that fin in our (elves, as much as in others, Mattb. 7.5. when it doth not hinder other du- ties of love , which we owe to the perfon whom we arc angry with, Exod. 32. 19. whh 32. neither doth mar our acceffe to God in prayer, 1 Tim. 2. 8. and when W gp noc without the compaffe of our calling , by rivine 3 bo A brief Sxpofition of the Epiftle Chap.4 * giving way to private revenge in the accompliflhment of our anger, Lufy 9- 54- S5>« In thofe cafes,anger is praife- worthy and commendable : for , the Apoftle giveth way to anger r yea after a fort commandeth it, to wit, in thofe cafes ; be ye angry, faith ho. 2. As there is an eafie and ready paffage from what is moderation in our naturall affedions of joy, fear, grief, defire (and therefore lawfull and in fome cafe? neceffary) to what is exceffe, (and therefore finfull) T/1/.2. -11, So this doth chiefly hold in the affection of anger ; it being moft difficile to keep a meafure, and not to exceed, by tranf- giefliag fom* one o: o:her of the fore-mentioned limita- tions of juft anger when it is once given way to : for, therefore doth he add this neceflary caucion , ®e angry, bat fin not. 3. As it is potfible, even in the childe of G3d? for lawfull anger to degenerate in finfull wrath, whereby the mind is imbittered, and accordingly ragech againft the perfon of him who hath done the wrong ; So, an implacable fpirit, which cannot be worn out by length of time, is not fo incident to any fuch : for, the Apoftle fupponech they may have wratk; only they might not entertain it long, while he faith, Let not the fun go doibn upon your toratb. 4. The childe of God in his refifting fin, is not to fie down difcouraged, nor give the back when fin prevaileth ; but, having received a new recruit of ftrength from Chrift, by the excrcife of fauh in prayer, 2 £or. t2. 8. he is with renewed cou- rage to fct upon fin a-frefh , that fo he may recover what was formerly loft : for, *Edul enjoyneth, in cafe their anger (hould at any time exceed, tofet againft ic without delay ; Let not the fun go doton upon your ^rath. Verf. 27. Nrttber give place to the devil: UE giveth a reafon of the former exhortation,fctdown * "* by way of precept, to wit, that by giving way to exceflive an£er , and by perfevcring in it for any fpace of time 7 they (hould caft open doors to Sathan > the ca- pita Chap.4- */Paul to the E p h s s i a n f. 301 pital enemie of mans falvation, to enter their hearts, and to incite them by his unceflant fuggeftions to aft fomc mifchief. 2>o#. 1. As Sathan is dethroned and (hut to the doors of the hearts of all fuch as are true believers; So, though he (hall never reign again over them at his pleafure, %om. 6. 14. Yet, he is daily watching, and fearching out, if it were but the narroweft paflage, and leaft opportuniy,whereby he may again re-enter his old poffeflion,andexercife his former tyrannic : for, both thofe are implyed, while he faith, neither gxVe plate to the devil. 2. Where any known fin > efpecially exceffivc anger* is not only given way to , but alfo continued in, there doth Sathan get an open door to fetle himfelf in the heart > and exercife his power , by inciting the perfon guilty to commit more of wickedneffe and mKchief: for, heflieweth, that by their perfevering in wrath they would give place to the dtVil. 3* As Sathan doth not flip an offered opportunity of recovering his former in- tereft in the heart ; So where he gaineth any ground, though for never fo (hort a fpace,he flirreth his time,and through Gods permiffion maketh fcarfull havock, and a doolfull decay of the work of grace : for, while he hold- eth this forth as an argument againft their perfevering in exceffive anger , that thereby they (hould caftopen doors for the devil to enter, it is implyed, that he would take place when it were given > andbeftir his time in exciting them to aftmifchief, other wife the argument (hould not be of fuch force 5 neither give place to the devil. Verf. 28. Let him that flole, flealnomore • hut rather let bim labour , "toorfyng \tith his hands the thing or who were yet, after their profeffing faith in JefusChrift, guilty of that gbi A hrkfExpcftion of the €plfiie Chap.4. that fin in (bine degrees and refpefts , that they would fled no more • where by the fin of ftealing , is meaned all thofe fraudulent and deceitfull wayes whereby a man doth wrong his neighbour fecretly and without his knowledge in his goods or outward eftate, whether by *aking ( job 20. 19. ) or withholding from him what is his, Jam. 5. 4. or by partaking with fuch as do (oflfal. 50. 1 8. He exhorteth them alfo to the contrary duty, as a remedy of this evil* even that they would rather la- bour diligently, and to wearineffe ( astheword figni- fieth) in any good and honeft calling , if it were but in ibme mechanick or handy- trade : The ufe of which remedy is inforced from a following advantage, to wit, that hereby, and through Gods blcffing upon their dili- gence, they fhould acquire not only a competencie in things worldly unto thcmfelves, and fo be kcept from a ncceflicy of ftealing; but alfo might be able to beftow fomwhat for fapplying the neceflitics of others; 2>0#. 1. As JefusChrift doth not rejc& the vileft, no not theeves, nor worfe* for any thing they have been , pro- viding they amend their life in time coming ; So there are many, who, after they have taken on a name of pro- feflion, do fecretly live in the pra&ice of bafe and (ham- full fins, which hardly can be called the fpots of chil- dren : fo^whilc he faith, Let him tbatftole, or doth fteal, fas the word beareth) fteal no morey it is fupponed, that fome of thofe Efhefians, were guilty of this fin, before an offer of mercy was made to them in theGofpel; yea,and ihat fome were yet living in it. 2. It hath feemed good unto the wife Creator of all things, ( for efchewingof confiifion, ftrife, contention and other infinit evils ; for rryall of the charity of fome, and patience of others ) to cftabliGi property and dominion of goods and poffefli- ons, and not to leave all things common among men, fo that every one fhould have an equall right unto all : for, iftherc were no propriety of goods, there could not be fuch a fin as ftealing , neither were it neceflary to forbid it, as the Spirit of God doth here; Let bim that fiole, fteal Chap.4. «f Panlf * the Ep h e s i an 5* 303 fieal no more. 3. As want of a particular calling , er idlenefle in it, occafioneth poverty and want, byreafdn thereof men are caft upon tentations , to fieal and ufe fuch other finfull (hifts , to keep them fromftraits; So it is the Lards will, that every one betake himfelf to la- bour diligently in fome lawfull calling and employment, as a remedy* not only againft this evil of ftealing , but fevei all others alfo , which flow from idlenefle, and too much cafe, lThejf.^n. ^fal.j^.^ for, theApolHe, having forbidden them to ftcal > fuhjoyneth this as a re- medy, rather let him labour , forking "kith bit bands. 4. Though it be not abfolutely needfary, nor yet conve- nient , or poffible , that every man fhould betake him- felf to fomemechanick calling, or handy-trade, and therein to labour with his hands , feing every one is not able to go about any fuch calling; and there are other hwfull callings, which requite no lefle labour with the mind, than thofe do of labour with the hands, I Tim. 5,17. yet, there n no calling fo bafe, providing it be honcft,to which a man ftiould not betake himfelf (what. ever he be for birth, and nobility of defcertt ) and tpend his ftrength therein , even to wearineffe , rather than to fteal, or ufe any finfull fhift to tave himfelf from ftraits : for, faith he, let bim fteal no more , but rather let him U- boury ^orkjng^ith his hands. 4. Even thofe things that were impofod upon fallen mankind , for a curfe and pu^ niflbment of fia , have their nature changed unto Be- lievers, and are turned unto a bkfling and an effe&uall remedy againft fin : for, {Gen. 3.19.) it is impofed upon ytadwasa part of the curfe, in the fweatof his face to cat his bread; and here it is enjoyned, and commended by the Apoftle unto Believers , as an cflfetfuall remedy againft the evil of ftealing ; but rather let him labour, ftorkf ingtoitb bis bands. 5. Noneccflity,or want whatfoever, can warranda man to imploy himfelf in any calling, which is not lawful and honeft, or tendeth only to grati- fie mens lufts, of pride, vanity, prodigality and unclean- nefs: this calling ought to be fuch as he may therein ferve God 3 04 A brief Expofition of the Epifile Chap. 4^ God with a good conference, Col. 3. 2$. and promove the good, either of the Church, familie, or common wealth, Gal. 5, 13, for, to prevent dealing , he doth aftrift them in their choife only to good andlawfiill callings, while he faith, Let bim labour, forking Kith bis bands the thing *tobicb is good. 6. The Lords ordinary way is to blefle a mans confeientious diligence in his lawful! calling, with fuch a meafure of fucceffe, as he may have whereby to fuftain himfeff, and to be helpfull unto others, except the Lord fee it otherwife fitting , for the mans triall and the exercife of his faith, patience and other graces, 2 Cor. 8. 2. for, the end of labouring in a lawftill calling, here proponed, is for the moft part at- tained, elfe it had been no encouragment, even that be may have to give to him that needeth. 7. As it is the duty of all whom God hath bleffed with any meafure of world- ly fubftance, to beftow fome part of it for the help of others; So we ought in the exercife of our callings, as we would expeft the Lords bleffing upon it, to intend, not only the enriching of our felves and ours , but alfo that we may have whereby to do good unto others: for he flieweth they were to aime at this end, while they wrought with their hands ; that they might hal>e to give to him that needeth. 8* As not only the rich, but even the poor labourer, who hardly getteth his livelihood with the work of his hands, is bound to give his mite for the help of the indigent ; So we ought to give alms of that which is our own lawfully purchafed, and not of the gain of oppreflion, or hire of an harlot, (Deutm 2g. 18. for, (aith he, Let him ^orl{ that tobich is good, that he may baVe to give to him that ncedeth4 9. As the Lord feeth it fitting to keep alwayes fome among His People, poor and indigent, even objefts of charity, for the exercife of their faith and patience, and for the trial of the charity andcompaflion of others, ®eut. 15. 11. So thofe only are to be relieved by our charity, who are needy, indigent, and cannot relieve themfelves: but not fuch, as, being able to work in a lawfull calling, do rather Chap. 4. o/Paul ^^Ephbsiams^ 305 rather choofe a life of cafe and idlenefle , and to live upon the charity of others : for, he faith, that be may ha)?e togiVe to bim that ncedttb. Verf. 29. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, buttbat^bich U good to tbe ufe of edifying , that it may minifter grace unto the beare s. TJEre is a fourth exhortation, wherein he givcth di- *■ "* reft ion for the right ordering of the tongue : and, firft, he forbiddeth them to uiter corrupt, or unfavory and putrified communication, or fpeech , whereby is aieaned all difcourfe, not tending to the glory of God and edification of our neighbour, ( as appeareth from the latter part of the verfe, where edifying conference is oppofed to this corrupt communication ) but mainly all obfcene> fcurril, ranting and arrogant difcourfe is here intended; evenfuchas argueth a rotten and unre- newed heart, Mattb. 12,35. a°d proveth not only noi- fom and unfavory to honeft ears, but alfo contagious and infe&ing to ordinary hearers, 1 Cor.i 5. 33. even as a (linking breath ( unto which he feemeth here to al- lude ) argueth rotten lungs, doth prove unfavoury, yea* and ( if the party be taken with any contagious difeafe) dangerous alfo unto thofe who ftand by, left they be in- fe&ed by it. Next, he enjoyneth the contrary duty,that their difcourfe and communication (hould be good, and ufefull for the edification of hearers, even fuch as may minifter grace unto them, that is, which may be a mean blcfled of God for begetting or carrying on the work of grace in them, and for that end may be fo proponed, as it (hould prove molt taking , gracious and accep- table unto them. See upon Qok 3. -16. and, 4. 6* {Dott. 1. It is the duty of renewed Chriftians,as to watch over the heart and hand ; fo in a fpecial way to guard againft the fins of the tongue ; feing they muft make an accompt to God, even for words, Mattb. 1 1*36, and their finfull,vain, frothy and rotten difcourfe doth argue V feefc 3O6 A brief Ex f option of the Spiftle Chap*4 fuch a heart , from the abundance whereof the mouth dothfpeak, Mattb.u. 34. yea, and maketh the heart more perverfe and wicked, while the cbrruption which is in it doth ftrengthen it felf by getting vent , a Tim, 3. ig. and proveth alfo contagious to the hearers, 1 Cor0 15. 3?. fori the Apoftle, having diffwaded them from the fins of the heart and hand, doth now diffwade them from the fins of the tongue ; Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth. 2. As our corrupt hearts, which in the beft are but renewed in part, are very rea- dy to hatch impure, vain and unprofitable corruptions and to preffe the venting of thofe by the tongue, in vain and corrupt communication ; So it is the renewed mans duty, and ought to be his care, to keep a watch at the door of his Hps, T/i/. 141. 5. that, though he cannot get his heart keeped from framing fuch conceptions ; yet, at leaft, he may preferve his tongue from venting of them ; feing our corrupt conceptions do not only prove more difhonourabletoGod, when they are vented in expreflions, butalfo, in that cafe they prove offenfivc ajid hurtfull unto others* 1 C0Y* 1 5*3 ?• for, the Apoftle % fuppofing that fuch impure ftuffe would fomtimes breed in the heart, and feek a paffage, he commandeth, Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth. 3. As there is no fin which wanteth a remedy; Sothemoft proper remedy of every fin, is not only to fet againft the fin it felf, but alio to fet about the practice of the con- trary vertue : fotfiaul prefcribeth this remedy,as againft the fins fore- mentioned, fo againft this, Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but tbaftohicbu goody faith he. 4. it is not fufficient to refrain our tongue from fpeaking evil , keeping alwayes filence : but, feing our tongue is our glory, V/aLtf. 8. and given unto us,not only for the ufe of tafting & carrying down to the throat our meat and drink , btit aifo to exprefle the conceptions of our heart, to the glory of God, and edification of our neighbour ; therefore, we muft alfo exercife our tongue in fpeaking what is good: for,fo doth Chap.4* ^f Paul**/A*£pHisiANS« 307 doth the ApofUe command , Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth , but that fbbicb is good. 5. It is the duty > not only of Minifterst but of private Chri- ftians alfo (keeping thcmfelves within the bounds of their calling , Heb. 5. 4. ) to endeavour the edification of thofe with whom they converfc, while they labour either to beget > or carry on the work of grace in them ; and this not only by their good example , but by their edifying difcourfe and communication : for, he fpeak- cth t6 all indifferently , while he faith , Let no communu cation come out of your mouth > but that tobicb is good to the ufe of edifying. 5. We are not left to run at random in our ordinary difcourfes , as if we might fpeak what we pleafe, providing we fpeak not evil, but are tied only to fpeak edifying purpofc , and this at all times, and with ail perfons > Col. 4. 6. whether we be fpeaking of things religious, or which appertain to our particular calling, or recreations : for , as it is lawfull and neceflary for Chrirtians fometimes to fpeak of thofe things; fo there is fuch a way to fpeak of them , as the hearers may be bettered by our fpecch ; But that ftbicb is good to the ufe of edifying* 6. As godly difcour fe and conference ought to be heard , and entertained by thofe who are prefent ; So, although the Word preached be the ordinary mean of converting finners , %om. 10.14,15. yet, the Lord is fometimes pleated to blefle the familiar and fecret dif* courfes of private Chrtftians, being fpoken with grace, and feafoned with the falc of divine wifdom, by mak- ing them a mean of conveying grace unto others, even to fome, whom no publick preaching of the Word could ever move or work upon , 1 'Vet. 3. 1. for , the end of fpeaking good to the ufe of edifying here proponed, is attainable , elfe it had been no ftrong motive to the du- ty } Tfat it may mmifter grace unto the hearers. V a Vsr£ '308 isf brief Expofit ion of the Epifile Chap.4 Verf. 30, sAnd grieve not the holy Spirit of God, toberebyye are fealed unto the day of redemption. OE doth here inforce the former diffwafive , by a *■ * ftrong reafon fet down in form of precept : the force whereof, is, firft, propounded , that by their ob- fcene unprofitable and unedifyingdifcourfe, they would grieve the holy Spirit of God : who is called holy , be- caufe He is holy inHimfelf, lf*.6. 3. and the caufe of all holineffc in us , %om. 15. 16. And we are are faid to grieve Him , not , as if He » who is God > could be grieved properly ; for, thepaflionsof grief, anger, for- row> &** ( as implying fome defe& , or imperfection ) v are not in God, Numb. 23. 19. But improperly, and in fofar , as we do that, which in it felf is apt to grieve Him, if He were capable of grief , %om. 14,-15, and which provoketh the Spirit of God to do that which grieved perfons do, even to withdraw from the foul , to (hew His diflike, and to return grief for grief. This reafon is , next , inforced from one work of the holy Spirit in the hearts of Believers , which is here called fealing , by a metaphor taken from that ule of feals and fignets among men, whereby publick writs are con- firmed and made authentick, or, the wares of merchands are marked , and fet apart for their own ufe. In like manner, the Spirit of God, by renewing andfanttify- ing Believers, imprinteth the draughts and lineaments of His own image upon them , whereby they are not only fet apart and fealed » as His own peculiar goods, but themfelves alfo may be affured that they are His, and (hall be fafely keeped under that feal untill thedayof judgement , called here the day of redemption : (See, upon chapter 1 1 ver. 1 \.) and therefore by grieving the Spirk, they did hazard the removall of this feal, at leaft darken it much, and confequcntly mar their own comfort excee- dingly, ©off. 1. The holy Ghoft, the third perfon of the bleffed Trinity > is gracioufly pleafed to become in a Chap.4* °f P*ul t0 *&* Ep h b s i a n $ I 30P a Angular manner familiar with the truely regenerate* taking up a place of abode in their fpirics , and furnifh- ing them with fweet and neaffary counfel and advice from time to time, 1 job. 2.27, for, as we fihew , His being grieved doth fpeakHis withdrawing from them, and a ceafing from being fo friendly and familiar with them> as a ftranger willdofromaninne, wherein he hath received fome affront* which implieth that He was once preient and familiar with them ; And grieve not the boly Spirit of God. 2. How friendly, and familiar foever, the holy Spirit of God be with the believing foul ; yet fo holy and pure is His Nature, thathe<:an behold no iniquity, Hab. 1. 1 3. but when thofe that are dearefttoHim, give any way to known fin, He muft (hew Himfelf dilpleafd with it , and with them for it : for, fo much is fupponcd, while the Apoftlc,diflvvading them from fin, (heweth, this holy Spirit of God will be grieved by it ; And grieVe not the holy Spirit of God. 3. However many, by their obfeene and putrid dif- courfe, intend no further than to make themfelvcs, or others joviali and glad , Hof. 7. 3. yet hereby , and by fuch other fins of the like ftamp , as being againft the motions , light and dire&ibn of the Spirit , this holy Spirit of God is much difpleafed, and fo much, as per- fons grived ufe to be ; and therefore will withdraw His gracioUs and conforting prefence , with all thofe other tokens of His refpe& and favour from the perfon , by whom He hath been grieved , J/i. 57. -17. leaving him to be guided for a time by his own lpirit , and the fpirk of Satan , T/i/# 8 c. 1 2. and giving him over to a kind of defperate grief and hellifh horrour, rP/a/. 32. 3, 4. or fenfleffettupidity, lfa.6$. 17. as a juft reward for griev- ing the h6ly Spirit of God : for, faul (hewech, that by their putrid communication they would grieve the Spi- rit of God , and make Him do what grieved perfons ufe to do, while he faith, Andgrifts not the boly Spirit of God. 4, As thofe fpirituall plagues , inflicted upon our fpirics forgrieYing of the Spirit of God , and following .upon Y l Si* § to iA brief Expofition of the Eptfile Chap.4 His withdrawing from us, are moft terrible; fo the childe of God, not only may, but ought to skare at, and abftain from fin > even that he may be preferred from thofe fpirituall plagues and judgements , though neither love to duty , nor fear of an other correction do con- ftrainhim: for, the Apoftlc laboureth to deter them from the fin of loofe fpeaking, bv this confideration, as being of greateft force , even left thereby they (hould grieve the Spirit ; Jnd grieve not tbe boly Spirit of God, faith he. 5. Though the redemption of Gods children be perfefted, in regard of the price payed by Chrift, Job4 19*30. yet, in regard of the application of it unto us, it is but begun in this world , and perfected in the next : for, he fpeaketh of our compleat redemption , as yet to come > whereby ye are fealed unto the day of redemption. 6. Thofe whom God will compleatly redeem from all fin and mifery, both in foul «nd body, and from whofe eyes He will wipe away all tears at the laft day, are only fuch» upon whom the Spirit of God doth imprint the draughts of His own image, in righteoufneffe and ho- lineffe, as the impreflion of the draughts and lineaments of a feal , or by lealing put upon the thing fealed : for, Jic faith, bytobom, meaning the holy Spirit, We are fealed unto tbe day of redemption. 7. Upon whomfoever the Spiricof God doth imprint this feal and (tamp of true holincffe, and of joy, peace and comfort flowing there- from, all fuch fhall be fecurely keeped and preferved, as Gods own peculiar treafure by the power of God unto falvation, to be fully manifefted and compleatly beftow- ed at the laft day ; for, tbeyare fealed unto tbe day of re- demption , a metaphor > as we fhew , from merchands, who, leaving their wares behind them,do put their mark and feal upon them, untill fuch a day wherein they will come and own them. 8. By vertue of this fealing and ftamp of fanftification, peace and joy imprinted by the Spirit of God upon the hearts of Believers , even they themfelves may attain to know aflurcdly>that they arc ia the ftate of grace* and (hall be preferved in it untill the grcac Chap. 4* of Paul to the Ep he si an %. 311 great day : for,as this fealing of thereby imprinting the draughts of Gods image upon them, is adifcriminating mark betwixt them and others ; fo it ferveih, not fo much to make it known to God, that they are His, who knoweth who are His from all eternity, and anteceden- tally to their effe&ual calling, iTim. 2. -19-- or to make it known unto others, who cannot infallibly dis- cern the grace of God in any but themlelves* 1 IQng* 3. -39. as unto themfelves ; otherwifethc Apoftle would not have u(ed a forcible argument not to grieve the Spi- rit, from His fealing of them, if it were a thing which could not be certainly known, but gueffed at by them ; Gne\>e not the Spirit, by "tobwn ye are fealed unto the day of redemption. 9. So far is the work of grace in Belie- vers, or their affurance of being in a ftate of grace , flowing herefrom, and wrought in them by the Spirit of God, from breeding fecurity and loofneffe of life* that* by the contrary , there can benofuch prevailing argu- ment to make them abhor fin , entertain and follow the motions of the Spirit of God, and consequently to lead an holy life. Not only ingenuity and gratitude, for the favour received, will bind them to it, but alfo holy fear and circumfpeftion, left other wife they mar and darken ■ the feal fo as they cannot dilcern the draughts of it, and confequently lofe, though not the feal it fclf, 1 J 'oh. 3.9. yet the comfort and aftiirance> which they had by it, *2faL jo. -7. for> the Apoftle ufech this as an argument to keep them from grieving the Spirit by fin, even be- caule they 'tow* thereby feakd unto the day of redemption* VerC jr. Let all bitternejft , andvzratb, and anger, and clamour , and eVil-jpeaking be put aftay from you , T>itk all malice. t-JEre is a fifth precept , containing an amplification "■■ and tlluftration of the fecond>piven,ver.25« concer- ning the reftraining of anger : and he doch llluftrate it by forbidding the feveral branches, degrees and effefts of V 4 that 3 1 2 A brUf Sxpofition of the E fifth Chap.4. that evil, as, firft, all bitternejje , whereby muft be un* derftood here the loweft degree of finfull anger, even all fecret, fmothered difpleafure and alienation of afFe&ion* which hath more of difcontent and grudge, than of re- venge in it, Pfal. 37. 1. Secondly, toratb , or ficrce- neffe, which is an impetuous rage, and paffionate com* motion of the heart and afFeft ions, upon the fenfe of an apprehended, or reall injurie, preventing and obftrufting the ufe of Veafon , which being foon up , is as foon al- layed, iSanu 25- 21, 2Z* with 32. Thirdly, anger y which , as it is diftinguiftied from the reft , is an eager defire of revenge , and a fixed refolution, after delibera- tion, to have that defire fatisfied , Jct.t3.12. Fourthly, clamour , whereby is meaned boifterous words , loud menaces , and other inordinate fpeaches, which are the black fmoke , whereby the fire of anger and wrath kindled within, doth firft manifeft itfelf, ^#.15.39. Fifthly, evil Jpeakjng, or blajpbemie , as the word figni- fieth , a further fruit of wrath and anger , to wit , dif- gracefull and contumelious fpeeches, by which the par- ty incenfed doth endeavour to ftain the reputation of him j who either really , or to his apprehenfion only, hath done him wrong, 1 Sam. 20. go* And, fixthly,ww- lice, which is rooted anger> and continuing wrath, mak- ing the perfon ift whom it is, daily intent upon all occa- sions of revenge > and wholly implacable , untill he get his vindi&ive humour fatisfied , fym**. .31-. fi)oB. 1. SBitterneffe, *toratb, anger, clamour, eVil-fpeafyng and ma- lice do grieve the holy Spirit of God , and darken much the work of grace in the heart , whereby he fealeth Be- lievers; there being no fins more oppofit to the fruits of the Spirit ( mentioned Gal. 5.22. ) thanthofe are; fo, that where fuch fins are given way to , grace muft be upon the decaying hand: for, theApoftle, unto that command, grieve not the Spirit, immediately fubjoyneth this » let mhittermjfe , and^ratb , and anger - — be put atoay, implying, that otherwife they would grieve the Spirit, 2. So fybtile is fin, and fo impotent and unskil- ful! Chap.4* */Paul to i^Ephbsia-ms. 3*3 full arc we to rcfift it , where it once getteth entry > thac one degree of fin doth ftill make way for a further , and fo goeth on from evil to worfe : and therefore the wifeft courfe is to oppofe it betimes, left by forbearance* it ga- ther ftrength: for, the Apoftle doth here fetdownTeve- rail degrees of finfull anger » the former whereof j, doth flill make way for the latter, and the latter is alwayes worfe > and a ftcp nearer to the height than the former ; Let all bitternejje , Voratb and anger , &Ct g» It is not enough for Chriftians to refrain from the venting of their pafltons in their inordinate expreffions and aft ions ; but they mutt alfo , and in order to their refraining from thofe, fet about the rectifying of their inward affe&ions and moft fecret diftempers ot their fpirit : otherwife> if the flame of anger and wrath doth burn within , it will moft readily fend up a black fmoke of chmour and evil fpeaking, to the offence of others : for>¥ aul forbiddeth not only clamour and e)>il-fpea%ingy but alfo all bitternejje, M>ratb and anger* 4, Sins of the tongue and outward man, are to be put away and mortified , as well as fins of the heart ; they being in fome refpeSt more dange- rous , Mattb.1%.7. becaufe more fcandalous , and al- wayes implying a defiled heart, from which they flow, Mattb. 15.19. and which they render worfe than for- merly it was ; Let all clamour , and eVil-fpeafyng be put aV>ay9 faith he. 5. It is not fufficient D fupprefle , keep at under and weaken our corruptions : we ought to aim at, and reft fatisfiedwith nothing leffe than the totall fubduing, through removall, and plucking of them up by the very roots : for , he faith , Let all bitternejje, &cm be put afoay-: the word fignifieth, Let it be lifted up , and fo destroyed* Vcrfi 3 14 A brief Sxptfition of the Epifile Chap.4 Verf. 32. And be ye fyndone to another, tender-hearted Jor- giVing one another , e\>en en you. TJEre is the fixch precept en joyning the exercifc of fome *■ vermes, which are oppofite unto, and remedies againft * thofe vices prefendy mentioned* The firft whereof, is,mutuall kjndnejfe , avertue, whereby from a fweet and loving difpofition of heart towards all, (Kpm. 1 2. 10,) we labour to be affable , eafie to be en- treated, for the good of others > Jam. 3.-17* and of a fweet and amiable carriage towards thofe with whom weconverfe > %om. 12. 18. and it is oppofite, both to pride of fpirit, evidenced in a lofty carriage, Tfal. 10.2.C. and to morofity , or uncivil aufterity , 2 Sam* 25, 17. The fecond is ttnder^beartednejfe, commiferation, or mer- cy, whereby we are moft inwardly and in the very bowels (as the word fignifieth) touched and affc&ed with compaflton towards the miteries and infirmities of others, fo far would he have them from thirfting after re- venge* And, thirdly, he recommendcth unto them to give evidence oftheir kindnefle and tender- hearted nefle, in an hearty , fiee and pleafant pardoning of mutuali Wrongs, as the word fignifieth. And, laftly, he in- fotceth this ducie of mutuali formeneffe, from Gods example, in forgiving us all our offences for Chrifts fake. Concerning which ducy of forgiving and pardoning one another here enjoynedi know, firft, that, as to the wrong to be forgiven, in fo far , as it is alwayes an offence againft God, and fometimes againft the publick laws of the land, we have not power to forgive it , Ifa. 4?. 25. nor to meddle with it further than by prayer to God, Jam. 5. f 4, 1 5. and in fome cafes , by interceflion with the MaMflrate ; but in fo far only, as it is a wrong done to us wwe to forgive it. Know,fecondly, that this forgiveneffe implyeth a removall of all inward grudge and endeavour after private revenge, U»< 19.18. together With Chap.4« efVvsAtothe Ephesiaks^ 315 with a readineffc to do all duties of love and kindneffe to him who hath done the wrong, as God doth minifter occafion and ability . Exod. 23.415, Which yet, thirdly, doth not bind us up from having recourfe to the Magi- ftrate for attaining reftauration to our right, and repa- ration of our wrongs, providing we go not to law for trifles, 1 Cor. 6. 7. nor yet before all amicable means be privately effayed, for taking away the occafion ot ftrife, 1 Cor. 6. 5. See further upon £0/. 3. ver. 13. do&. ?♦ Hence, Learn, I. Theexercife of kindneffe in a fwecc and amicable carriage, is a lingular remedy againft fin- full anger and all its branches , in fo far, as thereby we not only give no occafion of anger unto others, but alfo do give place unto wrath, ^om. 1 2. 19. whereby it ftay- eth it (elf, and we do overcome evil with good : for, as a remedy againft all the branches of finfull anger, for- merly mentioned, heenjoyneth And be ye /{ind.one to another. 2. The exercife of mercy and tender- hearted- neffe, is another foveraign remedy againft finfull anger and all its branches, in fo far, as thereby we are inabled :o look upon the fooleries, infirmities, yea, and other greater injuries done by our neighbour with pity and compaflton, which otherwiic would provoke our anger and paflion : for , he enjoyneth this as another remedy againft all the branches of finfull anger , $e ye tender- hearted. 3. Then , and not while then, may a man conclude, that wrath and anger are fuffciently mor- tified, when he is not only in a readineffc to difcharge all duties of kindneffe and love to the party who hath in- jured him, but doth alfo look upon him for fo doing, as one, who is an object of compaflion and pity, rather than of paffion and anger : for , in ftead of bicterneffe, wrath, anger and malice againft thofe who had injured them, he in joyneth, And be ye kind one to another, and ten- der-hearted. 4. The exercife of kindneffe and tender- heartedneffe, ought, and will go together, where there is a fuitable object for both to work upon, fo that kind- neffe will &os be broken off, becaufe of the aufertes and in- mj6 A brief Expofttion of the SpiflU Chap.4. infirmities of thofe to whom we owe kindnefle > but ra- ther heightened and helped by an addition of tendcr- heartednefle and bowels of compaHion : for, he com- mandeth not only be ye lindane to another, which re- fpeð our neighbour under either date , whether of profperity , or adverfity , but alfo be tender-hearted , which refpeð him under mifery. y. Thofe graces of kindnefle and mercy, are to be exercifed efpecially in the cafe of wrongs and injuries ; yea,the reality of thofe graces are bett tried , not by our exercifing them to fuch as do us no hurt > but in bearing with, and pardoning of thofe who have given juft caufe of provocation by real injuries : for, the Apoftle will have kindnefle and tender- heartedneffe exercifed in forgiving one another, which fupponech a wrong done. 6. Even thofe, who have gotten a heart from God to forgive wrongs done totheaifelves by others, are not fo free of infirmities, but they will be fon:times doing reall injuries unto others, and cherfore ftind in need of forgiveneflethera- felves : for* fo much is implyed, while he calleth for mutual performance of this duty , even forgiving one another. 7. Only thofe whom Goi hath forgiven for Chrifts fake, can freely, pleafantly, and from the foun- tain of tru2 love in the heart, forgive thofe wrongs which are done to them by others : and the more a man hath attained to know, that God hath pardoned him - felfi he will b? the more inclinable to (hew forgivenefle unto others : for* he miketh their forgiving of others, a confequence of Gods forgiving them. And therefore, when the Scripture commandeth us to forgive, that we may be forgiven, Marl^ u, 2?. it doth not mean, that our forgiving others doth go before Gods pardoning of us, but is an immediate effeft of it, or at the npft an antecedent to our fenfible perceiving of it ; Forgiving ene another % even as Jod for Chri/h fake hath forgiven you. 8. That Gods practice in forgiving us, is an eflfe&uall argument for exciting us to forgive and pardon one an- other, fee upon C^bii* doffc.7* 9. The example of Chap. 5* */ Paul to ^Epkesiaks. 317 of God in forgiving us, is not only an argument exci- ting us to forgive one another, but alio a pattern, which we are to refemble in the manner of our forgiveneffe; not, that our forgiveneffe can match His inequality or perfe&ion, but in fimilitude and likeneffe : which con- fifterh chiefly in this, that we forgive fincerely, not hy- pocritically , freely and not unwillingly, fully and not byhalfes, irrevocably and not for a time only, as He doth, Mattb. 18. 35. Mica. 7. 18* #>/. 2. 13. 7^31.34.* fbr> he faith, Vor giving one another, even is not cxa&ed of us , but of Chrift who was made fin for us, 2 Cor. 5. 21. And therefore , though we are to imitate God in remitting the private in jury done to our (elves, and that in the manner mentioned in the prececdingdoflrine; yet we have not power to difpenfe with the injury done to the Jufticcof God, nor to the publick Laws of the Land; yea, in fome cafes, the Law of God alloweth that we purfue the party before the Judge, and notwithftanding of our forgiving him, to (eek that the Law may ftrike againft him, ®eut. 21. 18, &c. E vena* God for Cbrijls faks bath forgive* you. CHAP. V. THe Apoflle, in the firftpart of this Chapter (havings firft confirmed the precept given in the laft words of chap. 4» by preffing upon them to imitate God in forgiving one another, from the fountain of love , ver. 1,2.) doth yet exhort them unto fuch duties as belong unto all Chriftians in general!, And,firft, he forbiddeth fix vices, all of them almoft contrary unto chafticy : kecaufe* firft > they are un- 318 AfriefExpofitionofthe Epiftle Chap.yV uncomely for Saints* ver. 3. Secondly , inconvenient, ver. 4. Thirdly, they exclude from Gods Kingdom, ver. y. And fourthly , they bring down Gods wrath, ver. 6. Secondly , he dehorteth from partaking with wicked men in their fins, ver- 7. becaufe of that bleffed change wrought in them from darkneffe to light, ver. 8. The force of which confequence , is proved from the fruits of light, ver. 9* and (having pointed at the rule of right walking, ver.io. and explained the precept, fet down, ve^.7. by discharging all acceffion to the fins of the wicked, and enjoyning them to reprove them, ver. 11.) heenforceth yet further the duty fo explained, firft, from the abominable filthineffe of thofe fins, ver- 12. Secondly, from the good following upon reproof, even the convi&ion of the (inner, ver.i ?. And, thirdly, from Gods own example> who reproveth the world of fin, and thereby convcyeth light unto them,ver.i4. Thirdly, he exhorteth to circumfpeft walking, ver.i ?. which con- fifteth mainly in redeeming the time, ver. 16. and, in or- der hereto , that they would acquaint themfelves with Gods revealed will, ver. 17. Fourthly, he exhorteth ■ them to efchew drunkenneffe. And, fifthly , to be filled with the Spirit, ver. 18. and to vent that fulneffe of the Spirit, firft, in melodious fingtngof praifes unto God, ver. 19. Secondly, in giving of thanks for all things, ver. 20. In the fecond part of the Chapter , The Apoftle (ha- ving premitted a generall exhortation unto ail, to fubmit themfelves one to another, ver. 21.) doth preffe thofe duties, which belong to Chriftians, as they are members of Families; . And, firft , the duties of wives under the name of fubmiflion, fet forth by the manner of it , M un- to the Lord, ver. 22. Secondly, by the ground or rea- fon of it, the husbands headfhipjlluftrated from Chrifts, ver. 23. Thirdly, by the pattern of it, the Churches fubjeftion to Chrift. And, fourthly, by the extent of it, to all things, ver. 24. Next, he preffeth the duty of husbands under the name of hvc, 1. from Chrift's love to Chap.;'.' ofPaul io^/Ephisians; 319 to His Church, giving Himfelf for her, vcr. 25. and that for two ends, to wit, the fan&ification, ver. 16. and glorification thereof, ver. 27. Secondly, from the near union betwixt husband and wife, they being one flefh, and therefore he ought to love her, ver* 28. Becaufe, 1. all men care for their own flefh- 2. Chrift careth for His Church, ver. 29. becaufeof the ftri& union be- twixt Hira and the Church , ver. 30. And thirdly , the ancient law of Marriage doth exprefly enjoyn fo much, ver. 31. And becaufe he hath fpoken of the union be- twixt Chrift and the Church , he declareth it to be a great and unfearchable myfterie, ver. 3 2. and fo conclud- ed the purpofe, by fumming the duties of husbands and wives in two words, love and reverence. Verf. It 05 # ye therefore follower 1 of God as dear cbil~ -° drcn, THe Apoftle ( being to infift further irf exhorting to fuch particular vertues as do belong to all Chrift ians in general of whatfoever rank or Ra- tion ) doth, firft, illuftrate the fixth and laft prcceptt given, chap. 4. whereby he enjoyncd the excrcife of mutual kindneffe and mercy in forgiving one another, becaufe of Gods example in forgiving them for Chriftg fake. Which precept he doth illuftrate , firft, by re- inforcing the duty, together with the motive to it, from Gods example, while, 1. he commandeth them to be folloXtors of God, to wit, in the exercife of kindneffe, mer- cy and forgiveneffe : for according to the prcfent fcope, the imitation of God here enjoyned , feemeth to be aftriftcd unco thofe particulars , as Matth, 5. 44, 4?t and Luk 6. tf, &c. though otherwife it may be ex- tended, and elfewhere is extended , unto all thofe divine vertues, whereof fome reprefentation and fhadow , at leaft, ought to be in us, 1 Trt. t , 1 6, And, fecondly, he givech a reafon why they (hould imitate God thus, even betaufe they were His children by Adoption, and not 320 A brief Sxpofition of the S fifth Chap.?; not only children , but dear children, and dearly beloved by God their Father. Ail of them did, at leaft, profeffe themfelves to be fuch » Afj/. i, 6- and the better part of them really were fuch , Job. x.xi. and therefore they were to imitate Him in the excrcife of thofe vertuei , as they would evidence themfelves to be of His children. 2>0#.l. One and the fclf fame a&ion of God,and chiefly His works of mercy towards Believers > are more than one way advantagious unto them, in fo far , as thereby not only they are freed from fin and mifery , but alfo have an argument and motive* furnifhed both unto them on whom He (heweth mercy , whereby they may be incited to their duty of (hewing mercy unto others, and to others alfo to (hew mercy unto them : for , he (hew- eth, that God in forgiving them , had caft a copy to be followed by them in their forgiving one another , while he faith , ®e ye therefore followers of God. i. Though we neither ought, nor can imitate God in His works of creation ahd providence, I/i. 14. 13. r4« neither may we prefume to imitate Him in any thing further than His revealed will prefenbeth as out duty, If a. 8. 20. yet, what ever attributes or a&ions of His have in them any pro- portion , or refemblance with any vertue or duty pre- fcribed unto us, we ought to look upon fuch, as our copy and pattern to be followed by us : for, he faith, Se ye followers of God, with relation to His forgiving them for Chrifts fake. 3. It is not fufficient todofhe fame things to others, which God hath done to us, except we endeavour to imitate and follow Him in the way and manner wherein He doth them ; So as that we do them not from any bafe or inferiour motive , or for any wrong end ; but from a defire to be conform un- to Him, and unto what is required of us in the Word by Him : for , this following , and imitating of God here enjoyned, implyeth a purpofe and endeavour to conform our felves to Him ; 2fe ye therefore followers of God. 4. Gods example in fuch things a? igt imi- cable by us, is the only un-erring pattern, to beabfo- luccly Chap, fm ef Paul to the Ep h b s i a n s • 321 lutcly followed, and without any refcrve or limitation : and the praftice of any other > is to be followed butfo far as their example is conincident with Gods Word and pra&ice. See 1 Cor. iu 1 ♦ where 2Wcommandeth them to follow him with an exprefle limitation , to wit* as he was a follower of Chrift y but here his command is abfolute and unlimkted ; ®e ye followers of God. 5. The Lord doth enter into moft intimate friendfhip with, and taketh on moft neer relations unto thofe , whofe fins He pardoneth , So that He doch not only free them from deferved wrath , bat placeth them among the children, and maketh them adopted fons and daughters unto Him- felf: for,herehc calleth them God's dear cbildren,o{ whom He faid, chap 4. 3 2. that God bad forgiven them for Cbri/ls fakt. 6- All thofe who are dear children to God by adoption , fhould look upon their higheft priviledges, as ftrongeft engagements to duty , and particularly fet themfelves to imitate Him in the cxercife of mercy, kind- nefle, fbrgivenefle , and of fuch other duties as He hath made lovely and amiable by His own example : for, 2W maketh their priviledges ah engagement to duty, and to imitate God in particular ; Be ye followers of God 44 dear children. 7. Ic is not fufficient that we fet our felves to imitate God > except we do it as dear chil- dren , that is, firft, humbly , Mattb. 18. 2. 3. and next, with a kind of narurall'afFcdtion and propenfion ( for, fo do chiHren affcit to imitate, and by imitation to pleafe their parents) and not as fervants and flaves by compuTion : Hence he faith ^ dear children , pointing not only at the reafonwhy, but the manner how, they fhould follow Him. Verf. 2. And W^ in loVe> is inforced by a new argu- ment taken from Chrift's example, V>bo loVtdm, and did evidence His love by giving Himfelf freely , and of His own accord ( Job. io. 18- ) even unto death for m , or for our fins, Gail. 4. which aftion of Chrift is illuftra- ted, firft, from the end for which He did give Himfelf, even to be a propitiatory facrifice unto God, fot expia- ting all the fins of the Ele6t, as was fore-fignified and typified by all thofe expiatory leVitical facrifices under the Old Teftament ; whether thofe, which were gene- rally called by the name of offering , under which were comprehended all facrifices, both of living beafts, and of thingsdeftitute of life , as flowre, oyle, frankincenfc, and fuch-like ; or thofe, which were more ftri&ly called by the name of facrifice, and were of living beafts, and therefore conjoyned with (hedding of bloud , as the word in the original implyeth, which cometh from a root, fignifyingtokilland flay: hence it is, that our crucified Lord doth here get the name both of an offer- ing and facrifice. This aft ion of Chrift is illuftrtted, next, from its fruit and efficacy, to wit, the rendering of God well-pleafcd with Chrift His offering up Himfelf, and with the perfons and performances of true Belie- vers for His fake , as fweet fmelling odours, by reafon of their likenefle unto, and agreement with our fpirits, are well-pleafing and fatisfying unto fuch as find them. ®o#. I. Whatever duties of mercy and kindnefle we do difcharge unto our neighbour, we do not fufficiently imitate God therein , neither perform fervice acceptable to Him, if they flow not from a principle of love to our neighbours good and edification, and be not dirc&ed thereunto, as the great end of our work next to the glory of God: and therefore a man may do many external! duties duties of love , and yet not be accepted of Qod, whem his great aim is to be feen of men, MattlMMf,. or to merit heaven by his good works, %om. 9. gfly?. with- out any inward com paffion or affeftion to his neigh- bour, or a fincere aim towards his good : fori the A po- ttle Qieweth we do only then rightly imitate God in the duties of kindneffe and love, when all we do,floweth from the inward affeftion of love, and is from love to our neighbour, dire#ed to hk good, yvhile he faith, W£ in loVe. 2. Our walking in love to our neighbour , a$ it is formerly explained, and when it floweth from the fountain of love to God, is an evidence of adopt ion,and of on^who is a dear chUde to God : for, having fpoken of their near relation to God, as being His dear children, he prefaitly enjoyneth them to make lb much evident by their y>4lfyiginlo)>e. 3. That God the Father doth pardon the fins of the Eleft, having given His Son onto death to purchafe pardon for them, doth fpcak His love unto thofe whom He doth pardon ; and that Jefus Chrift did willingly give Himfelf to death for them.doth no lefle fpeak His unfpeakable love unto them alfo, So that they are equally loved both by the Father and the Son : for, he faith, as Chrijl alfo bath lo^cd m : the par- ticle alfo relateth to the love of the Father in pardoning forChrifts fake, whereof he prefently fpoke. 4. So neceflary is love among Chriftians, together with thofe many duties which flow from it ; So many are the fnaresand difficulties, which Sat^tr, our own corrupt natures, and our mutual infirmities do create in our way to keep us from it ; that God feeth it neceffary to propofe the Iqvc bbth of the Father and the Son, as two moft powerfull adamants to draw our backward hearts up towards it : for, faith he, Wall^inlo^ as Chrijl alfo bath loVedttA. 5. As Chrifts love to loft finners,being firmly believed, is a ftrong argument conftraining thofe whom He hath fo loved, to walk in love towards others ; that being one of the great things required by Him from thofe vvhom He lovcth, Job. 15. x 2. So, this love of X 2 Chrift 3 24 A b™f Exf option of the Epifile Chap, y • Chrift to^ ought to be a pattern and copy, to which we are flHpconformed in our love towards others : and* therefore our love ought to be free ; for,fo was His, Job. if. 16- It ought to be fruitfull ; for, fo was His, G<*/. 1.4. it ought to be conftant; for fo was His, Job. 13* I. it ought to be difcreet* not encouraging or humour- ing the per fon beloved in fin; for fo was His, Mattb* 16. 2?. tAnd^al^in loVe, or col>etoufnefs9 let it not be once named amongfi ym, o#. 1. True Chriftian-love unto our neighbour, whereby we endeavour his prefervation and good in his honour , perfon , chaftity , outward eftate and good name, ( fJ{pm< 1 J..9.) doth hugely differ from flefhly love flowing from luft, and from the love of the world, whereby we feek to fatisfie our own finfall lufts 1 with our neighbours hurt : for , the former was enjoyned, ver*2. but the latter is here forbidden; But fornication^ <$nd all uncleanneJfcyor cQlxtoufneJfey &c. 2. The generall prevalency of any fin, ought neither to make people give more way to it, norMiniftersfpeakleffeagainft it ; but rather, becaufe, the more common any fin is> God get- tedi the more dishonour by it ; therefore the zeal of pub- lick Minifters and private Chriftians ought to be fo much the more intended againft it : for , becaufe forni- cation was (b commoa among t the Gentiles , that it was hereby looked upon as no fin, therefore doth Paul, al- moft in all his Epiftles to the Churches of the Gentiles, v fall upon it, as he doth alfo here ; $ut fornication , and •til tmcleannejfe^c. 3. So violent is the luft of filthi- ncfie 0 that , if it be not all the more carefully guarded X 4 againft 3 2 * A britj £ xpoji uon of we gptjtle Chap. J . againft, there is no ftateof life, wherein it will not break forth , even although the ordinary mean of marriage appointed by God to prevent it ( I Cor. 7. 2. ) be ufed : for,he will have them to guard not only againft fornica- tion , which is the fin of ftlchineffe between parties un- married, but alfo againft all uncleannejje, that is, all other forts of filthy lufts, whereof filthineffe between married parties is one. 4. There is a great affinity and fibnefl'c between the lufts of filthineffe and covetoufneffe ; in fo far , as the former , given way to , doth neceffuate the lafcivious wretch to thirflf after > and by indircft means to purchafe worldly goods, that fo he may have where- with to uphold, (as his other lufts, Jam. 4. 3. fo) in a fpeciall manner this luft of uncleanneffe : for , there- fore doth he forbid thofe two luft* joyntly ; But forma- tion , and all uncleanneffe, or covetoufnejje. 5. It is not fufficient for Saints to abftain from the outward pra&ice of grofle evils , pxcept their outward abftmence do flow from inward deteftation of them; otherwife, outward abftinencc may well make a good Civilian, but not a fincere Chriftian : for, Paul will have them abftaining from the formentioned evils,fo as not to name them with delight, and without deteftation ; Let it not be owe named among you. 6. Not only the outward aft of filthineffe* but alfo lafcivious filthy difcourfe, is to be refrained from, as that, which is an evidence of inward love to that fin, Matth.ix.^. and maketh way for the out- I ward committing of it , not only by our feives , while the inward flame of luft is blown up by the bellows of filthy fpceches , Jam. 3. 6. but alfo by others, who an * cafily infeded by the peftilentious breath of evil com- munications, 1 Cor. 15.33. for, he will not have thofe evils fo much as fpoken of among them with delight and without deteftation *, Let it not be once named among you. 7. The only life befeeming Saints, is to keep themfelves pure in heart, in tongue, in hand, from the pollutions of flelhly lufts,and the immoderate love of worldly goods • and info far > as thofe are given way to by profeffed Saints, Chap. 5. •f*Ml "^'Ephbsiaks. 329 Saints, they walk unworthy of their high and heavenly calling; do ft am their profcrtion ; and declare them- felves unworthy of the name of Saints : for , he (hew- cth that not pratf-ifing thofe evils, and inward detettati- on of them, made evident by their not ipeaking oi them, was (uch a carriage as becometb Samts. Verf-4. Neither filthinejfe, nor foolifh talking, nor jeft- ing y nbicb are not convenient : but rather gMng of thanks. IN this verfe he forbiddeth other three vices, which belong mainly to the tongue. V hlthtnej]e} whereby is meaned, in general, whatfoever is contrary to decency and Chriftian gravity or modefty , whether in deeds, words, or outward gefture and adorning of the body: for, fo the word is uled, 1 Cor. 11.6. But here, becaufc this fin and the reft are oppofed to giving of thanks , it feemeth to be reftrifted to filthy Ipeaking, or fpeaking of thofe things which belong to the luft of uncleanneffe. 2. fooltft talking, which, as being contradiftinfttothe vice which goeth before, and to that which followeth after, doth comprehend all impertinent, fuperfluous, ra(h and roving difcourfe, which do:h rather bewray the fpeakers folly and indifcretion , than any way edific the hearers, though it be neither fikhy fpeaking, nor fa- tyrick jefting. 3. Jefting : the word in the originall, is fomcimes taken in a good fenfe, and foitfignifietha dexterity in allaying ( when it is neceffary (c to do ) the too much feverity of countenance and diicourfe with a quick and honeft fport, for begetting honeft recreation and moderate laughter ; that thereby the mind may be the more fitted to go about ferious things in a ferious manner, Ecclef }♦ 4. Such honeft and fometimes pierc- ing Ironies we find ufed by holy men in Scripture, I IQng. 18. lj.^biL 3.-2. But here ic is taken in an evil fenfe for fcurrility , when men do make it their ex- eicife to (hew thcfharpndTe of their wit in jefting , and 3 30 A brief Exp fition of the Epifile Chap. y. to beget not moderate recreation of fpirit in order to and edifying one another by difcourfc when they (hould meet , rather to recount what favours they had received from God , and to bleffe Him for them* 2>0#* 1. As there are many waycs by which a man may tranfgrefl'e with his tongue ; fb we ought to guard againft all tranfgreffions of that kind : not only thofe, which naturall reafon would blufli to patronize , but others alfb, which are pleaded- for by many, and de- fended as laudable ftrains of a quick wit: for, he for- biddeth not only filthinejfe , but alfo foolifh taking and jejling, 2. Satan and corrupt nature do take advantage of mens naturall temper and inclination , even of that, which in it (elf is not finfull, thereby to ftir them to fin- full courfes to get their inclination fatisfied : for , from this fociable temper and inclination in men to entertain one another by difcourfe > he taketh advantage to put them upon thofe fins of filthy fpeafyng, foolifb talking and jefling. 3. It is a task of no fmall difficulty to keep within the bounds of law full and allowed mirth and re- creation, efpecially in recreating our fpirits by pleafant and delightfull difcourfe, fo that we exceed not either in matter or manner > confiderlng that what is inoffenfiye at on<8 time and place, and to iome perfons, may be irri- tating and offenfive at, and toothers : for, therefore ic feemeth the Apoftle defigneth this vice in^fpeech by that name> which (as I Chew) agreeth alfo to that which is Chap.?. ofPaul fo/fo Ephbsiaks. 331 is lawfull and allowed, implying, that in this particular there is an eafie paffage hom what is allowed to thac which is forbidden ; And jefthg, faith he. 4. It is not fufficient for Minifters to forbid and reprove fins under fuch and fuch general heads ; but, king people either through ignorance cannot , or wickedneffe will not fee, or lazineffecarenottofecthe evil of feverall particular fins contained under thofe generall heads ; therefore they are bound in their reproofs and prohibitions co fall upon the particular branches and inftances of that cvill* which they fpeak againft : for, the Apoftle, chap.4. ver* 29. having fpoken againft corrupt communication in the general, doth here enumerate three diftinft branches of that evill ; filthy freaking, footifh talking, and jejling^ 5. Called Saints and Chriftians fhould befotenderin" walking, as that they fcare not only at thofe evils which are palpably grolTe and cryed-out againft by all ; buc alfo at every other thing which is unbefeeming their profeflion, or inconvenient and difadvantagiousto the Gofpel or their own peace : for, the Apoftle diffwadeth from thofe fins upon this ground, that they are not conve- nient 6. A choice remedy againft filthy (peaking , foolifh talking , jefting , and other fins in our ordinary communication, is, to have our hearts alwayes keeped fo fenfible of Gods goodneffe, and fo defirousio exprefle what fenfe we have thereof onto others , that, when- ever occafion offereth, we may gladly lay hold on that fubje& rather than on any other, and thereby provoke others to do the like : for, fo we (hould not be necefli- tated (as oft-times in a kind we are) to fall upon fin- full, vain and idle communication through penury and 4wantofb,ttcr purpofe: hence the Apoftle, as a remedy agairfft the fote- mentioned evils, prefcribcth giving of thanks, j. There is not ^ny cafe incident to a Cbrifti- ~an,butif> he feirch throughly, there will be found fome ground for thanklgivin^ andrejoycing , chough not in himlelf , yet in Gods dealing with him , whether for mercies beftoWcd, -orjudgments not inflicted, Vbilip: 2. 33 2 AbriefExpoftthnoftkeSpiftle Chap.y 2. 27. fori while Vaul commandeth them to exercife themfelves, and cheer up one another with giving of thanks, in ftead of foolifh talking and jefting, he Tup- poneth there will be-alwayes reafon of thankfgiving ; $ut rather gibing of thanks. 8. Though Saints may, and are bound fometimes, and in fome cafes to confefle their faults one to another* Jam. $. 16. and confequcnt- ly may regrate their fpiritual lofle* and decay ; yea, and may alfo fpeak of what concerneth their worldly affairs, Gen. 31. 38. Yet, it isnotonlymoftfeemly, but alfo a thriving way for the inward man, not to dwell alwayes upon heartleffe regrates for what they want; but to adde, at leaft, a mixture of chearfull acknowledgement of what they already have, giving hearty thanks to God for it : for, as the Apoftle doth not adrift them only to giving of thanks in their conference and difcourfe ; So he doth recommend it, as the choiceft fubjeft to be moft frequently infilled on: ®ut rather giving of than{s. VerC 5. for this ye fyoW , that no whoremonger f nor un- clean per fon, nor covetous man Who is an idolater, hath any inheritance inthelQngdom of Cbrift, and of God. LIE doth further inforce the dehortation by a new ar- n gumem, wherein is more of terrour than in the for* mer : and that it may be more terrible and pungent , he appealeth to their own confcience and knowledge for the truth of what he is to affirm, to wit, that all impeni- tent perfifters ( for of fuch only this and the like threat- ningsare to be underftood, Jer. 18. 7. 8.) in any of thofe three vices , mentioned , vcr* 3. ( which holdeth alfo by proportion in the ocher three, mentioned, ver 4* as being fo neer of kin to the former ) were deprived of all prefent right unto, and (hould never come to the pof- feffion of that bleffed ftate of eternal glory in heaven : which glorious ftate is here called a IQngdom and inhe- ritance , (See reaibns hereof upon Gal. 5. 21 ♦ doft-9-) and Chap.?. §f Paul to the Ep h b s i ahs! 335 and the kingdom of Cbrift, becaufe it is His, as He is Me- diator, by donation from the Father* T/il. 2. 8. in fo far as the Father hath intruded Him with the admimftra- tion of the Kingdom of grace here , Mattb. 28. vcr. i8# by which means , an entrance is made for the Eleft into the Kingdom of glory, Job. 14. 2, 3. It is called alfo the IQngdom of God (or the whole perfons of the blefled Trinity, diftinft from Cbrift as Mediator) becaufe ic is Gods by originall right, and as abfolute King of this Kingdom , who is accountable to none , 1 Cor* 1 5- *& This argument is further ftrengthened by joyning ano- ther upon the by with it ; while he deterreth them from one of the fore-mentioned evils, to wit > coMoufneJft, by calling the covetous man an Idolater ; becaufe he fetteth his prime affe&ions of love and confidence upon riches, l Tim. 6. 16. ^ro\>. 18. 11. holdeth them for an univer- fall good, fuflficient for all things , Luf^ 1 2. 19. as God only is> 2 Cor. 9. 8. and becaufe he beareth fuch refpeft unto them , that he dare not freely make ufe of them, Bcclef. 6; 2, and ferveth them with his heart as fome god-head, Mattb. 6. -24. Hence, Learn, 1. Softrong is the mtereftof fin, even in the beft ; and fo violent arc thofe tentations efpecially, which drive men towards the fulfilling of their flefhly lufts, That although a man be convinced of the great evil which is in them , and the loffe of heaven which doth follow upon his living in them ; yet there is no fmall hazard, when fuch tentati- ons are prefented, of yeeldingtothem : for he takethic for granted they knew the hazard of living in thofe fins, and yet doth fee it neceflary to fct them on their guard againft them ; for, this yefyioV>> that no whoremonger, &c. 1. The Lords fervants are not to flatter people in any beloved fin, upon pretence of rendering them thereby more tradable and obedient in other things; but rauft difcovertheevilof all fin, excepting none, though it were never fo generally- pra&ifed , yea, and pleaded- for by thofe to whom they preach : for,this fin of unclean- nefle, chiefly of fornication 1 was commonly pra&ifed and 5 34 'A brief ExptfitUn of the Epifile Cfwp. 5V and pleaded-for as no fin among the Gentiles; yet ?W, at his firft preaching the Gofpel to thofc Ephefians, had fpokea againft it , and convinced them of the ill which is in it : Hence, he faith fo confidently, for this ye know* that notoboremongerm-batb any inheritance in the J^ingdom tfCbrifl. 3. As this doth highly aggreage a fin , that k is committed againft our knowledge; So the moe and weightier aggravations that any fin is liahle unto, when it is committed , we ought to he the more deterred from the committing of it : for , he mindeth them of their knowing the danger that would follow upon tho(e fins, hereby implying, their guilt would be the more weighty, if they ftiould commit them, that fo they might be deter- red from them ; for tbpye {noto, that no whoremonger \&>cm 4- Prohibitions and threatnings denounced in Scripture againft any groffe externall fin , arc to be extended unto all the caufes, means, occafions and appearances of that fin , and provocations to it : for, this threatning againft whoredom and uncleanneffe , is to be applied unto filthy fpeaking , foolifh talking and jefting ( as being either cau(es, occafions, appearances of, or pro- vocations untothofe ) other wife the threatning would not be of force to prefle the former dehortation in its full latitude : N0 whoremonger t mr unclean perfon~-batb any inheritance. 5. The doolfull fad event , and dreadfoll conference of fin , would be ferioufly reprefcnted by Chrift's fervants unto the Lords people , and by people to their own confeience s there being nothing of greater force to cool the vehement heat of finfull lufts , than the frequent and ferious confideration of their dreadful iflue: for,'2W, to fcare them from fornication and unclean- neffe , prefenteth unto them the event of all fuch work, even lode of heaven and happineffe \ ^jf ^hore- monger- hath any inheritance m the JQngdom of Chrijl. 6. The reign of lin in the heart, cannot eonfift with true grace and a right to heaven • and therefore the truely regenerate , in whom the feed of God abideth, are ne- ver fo far left of God * as chat fin (hould reign in them, and Chap. 5 • •/ Paul to the Ephbs i an $• 335 and they give willing obedience to it with the full fwey and con fern of the heart : There muft be alwayes a party afting for God in fome degree lefle or more within them, at leaft not confenting to aft againft Him , even when they are it the worft , and pbflibly overcome with fome grofle tentation : in which refpeft , they cannot be the Whoremonger , unclean or covetous perfon here fpokea of, to wit > one in whom fuch fins reign : for, faith he* none filch have any inheritance in the l(ingdom of Chrift^ He fpeaketh of fomewhat which they prefently want, and others have , which muft be a right to the Kingdom of glory , #or a prefent portion in the Kingdom of grace. 7. To whatfoever a man doth give that outward or in- ward worfhip andfervice, which is only due to God» that thing , though it were never fo bafe , 11 that nian* god> who is thereby rendered guilty of Idolatry, and of giving divine worfhip unto a falfeGod,though he think dot fo : for, the covetous man is called an Idolater , and confequendy riches are his god ; becaufe he fetteth his prime affeftions of love and confidence upon them ia that meafure which is only due to God ; Nar covetous man ivbo is an Idolater. 8. There is no acceffe for loft fin- ners unto the Kingdom of God in glory, but by Jcfus Chrift the Mediator , who is the way, the truth and the life , and without whom none cometh unto the Fa- ther, J oh. 14. 6. for, it is the I(tngdom of Qhrift and of God : Chrift is firft named , becaufe we make entrance by Him in this Kingdom, Verf. 6. Let no man deceive you Kith Vain Xbords : for be- caufe of thefe things cometh the Toratb of God upon the children bf dif obedience* HTHe Apoftle, in this Vcrfe, doth, firft, give them a watchword to guard againft the fuggeftions of any who would labour to perfwade them , that either the practices reprovqd were no fins at all, or at leaft not fo dangerous , as he affirmed j and callcth all fuch fug- geftions 336 A brief Sxpofition of the Epifile Chap, y geftiofts Twin , or deceiving toords f as having no folidity of truth in them , but only foiiie plaufiblc pretext. Secondly , he confirmeth , and further ftrengtheneth th^ former argument , while he (heweth , that not only thefe fins do exclude from heaven, but alfobecaufe of thofe, Gods v>ratb , that is, temporall and eternall judge- ments , the effe&sof Gods wrath , or of His holy fin- purfuing juftice , doth come, and is alwayes , and at all times coming upon the children of difobedience , that is, thofe, who, having willingly hardened themfelves in wickedneffe , are judicially plagued with hardneffe of heart. See upon chap. 2. ver. 3. T>ott. 1. Thefervants of Jefus Chrift , ought to be through and ferious in the reproof of fin , not doing the work of the Lord negli- gently, or by halfs : they mutt not only ftart and dilco- ver thofe fins , which the Lord's people are in hazard to be furprize J with, and to lay open the dangerous,dread- full and doolfull coniequences of living in them ; but alfo purfue them through all the lurking holes and fub- terfu^es of fpecious pretences and fecklcfle excufes, under which they ufeto lurk, untili no place of refuge be left for them in peoples hearts : for , fo doth *2aul , having forbidden thofe evils, and fhowh the dangerous confe- quence of living in them , he ftriketh off at one word tie fi^-tree kaves of all fuch vain excufes, whereby fin- ners ufe to plead for them ; Let no man deceive you Voitb Vain XMrds, faith he, 2. So corrupt and fleftily are wc by nature , that we are not only prone and bent to com- mit fin, bur ilto ingenious and witty to excu(e and exte- nuate our fin, and thereby to feduce our own hearts into a belief that either fin is no fin , or that we (hall be free of judgment, though we live in fin : for, thofe who la- bour to deceive others this way, by making ihem think light of fin, do fi;ft deceive themfelves ; Let no man de~ ceive pu Voxth Vain toords, faith he. 3. It is the ufuall courfe and drain of thofe who have given themfelves over unto the (livery of fin , to ufe the utmoft of their wit and endcavoars to draw on others to do the like, and for Chap.5.' o/Paul/* the Ephbsians? 337 for this end to deceive them, by making them believe that (ins are but petty (lips , fmal.I efcapes , humane in- firmities, that God's patience (uffcreth all things, that His grace pardoneth every thing, that no man can be pcrfeft , and the rareft Saints have fallen in as great faults , and fuch like vain words , which the Apoftle doth here guard againft ; Let no man deceive you \oitb Vain Xtords. • 4. All fuch opinions and reafonings as tend to caft a covering over (in, to extenuate and hide the vile- neffe of it, and the terrour of judgment belonging to it* are but vain , even fpiders webs , fandy foundations! fig-tree leaves, untempered morter , and will ia end but mock all thofe who liften to them : for, fo doth the Apoftle affirm of them , Let no man deceive youtoitb Vain ikords. 5. Though we are to fear and avoid fin princi- pally , becaufe it is fin , and difpleafing to God , fup- poning there were no hell nor punifliment due to fin, Gen, Z9**9. yet, we may and ought in the fecond place fear and abftain from it, becaufe it draweth down Gods wrath and judgement : for , he holdeth forth the ter- rour of Gods wrath as an argument to fcare them from thofe fins -, for , becaufe of tbefe things cometb the Ttratb. 6. The terrible threatnings denounced in Scripture againft fuch and fuch finners , fome where- of declare the fioners exclufion from heaven, and others his unfpeakable torment in hell , ate verified not in all, who have once or often fallen in any fuch fins, but in thofe only , who have hardened themfclves in them, jgjefting all admonitions to the contrary, and do reofljp obftinate and impenitent untill death : for he expoundeth whom he meaneth by the whoremongers, whom he threatned, ver. 5. even children of difobedience, chat is, fuch as remain obftinate , and will not be per- fwaded, as the word rendered dif obedience doth fignifie. 7. See feverall other Do&rincs from the like words,upoa C*k 3. ver. 6. ^ Y VerC 338 A britf Sxfofiticn of the Epiftle Chap.5 . Verf. 7. $e not ye therefore partafyrsKitbtbemi TJErc is a fecond precept more gencrall than the firft, •*■ * and inferred as a conclufion from the former argu- ment, whereby he doth ingeneralldehort them from partaking , or concurring with fuch obftinate finners, either inthe forementioned fins, or any other > there- with they polluted themlelves and drew down the ftroak of Gods wrath, as they would not partake with them in their judgements 5 for fo he doth explain this precepc* ver. 1 If $>ott. 1 . As the Lord doth of purpofe inflitt moft memorable judgements upon obflinate finners , even in this life ; that thereby, as by one mean amongft many other , He may teach and inftruft His own called children to beware of their fins ; So, then do we make right ufe of Gods judgements upon fuch godleffe fin- ners, when we are not idle fpe&ators of them, as if we were not concerned in them , Lul(. 1 ?. 2, 3. or mur- murers againft the feverity of Gods juftice manifefted in them, %umb. 16.41. but do take up the voice of thofe rods , as fpeaking unto , and preffing upon our felves the excrcifc of repentance and tender walking, in ab- flaining from fuch like fins, for which they are fmitten : for , from what he fpoke of Gods wrath coming upon the children of difobedience, he inferreth this as a moft native ufe % %e not ye therefore partafgrs Kith them. 2# Though there be fome fins, for which the Lord doth punifh obftinate finners more than others, which ufually are more clearly written upon their xoAsy€mg. 1.7* yet, it is our wifdom to look upon their judgements > as fpeaking leffons , and real warnings , not only againft thofe evils, but all others alfb, whereof they are guilty : for, he inferreth that they would not partake with them, dot only in the fore- mentioned fins, for which in a fpc- ciall manner wrath came upon them, but alfoin any fin of theirs whatfoever > while he faith in generaJl ,' ®* ye mt therefore partakers Kith tbem. 3. The Lord taketh notice Chap.?. tf/Paul to the E? he si an s^ 339 notice of, and doth accordingly punifh finners, not only who are without the Church and heathens , but alfo thofe, who are within the Church > and do profeffe fnb- je&ion unto divine Ordinances ; and not only ring- leaders, and chief aftors inafinfull courfe, but alio all ailiflers, abetters* and who in any meafure partake of the fins of others , whether by counfelling, ( lSamm I J. 5.) alluring, (TwV. fc 10.) confenting , ( 1 !(jng. 21.19.) connivance, ( 1 Sam. 3. 1 5. J> or applauding fin when it is committed , tym. i. 32. tor, he will have the converted Ephefians take warning from thofe judge- ments, which were infli&ed upon the godleffc heathens* and fo, as not to partake with them in their fins , imply- ing, God would not fpare them more than others ; ®* yt not therefore partaken "frith them. Verk 8. For ye toere fometimes darfytejffe , hut noto are ye light in the Lord : 'fralf^ as children of light , JN this verfe, there is> firft, an argument to enforce the former dehortation , taken from that bleffed change which was wrought in -them from darkneffeto light * they Wre once dar{nefe : whereby is meaned their eftate before converfion : And it comprehendeth under it* ig- norance of God , and of the way to heaven , 1 J oh. 2. - 8. a godlcffc and profane life, flowing from a wicked and unrenewed heart, 1 Job.i*-6- together with fubje- ftion unto all miferies and calamities following upon the former , and efpecially to the wrath and curfe of God 5 for, a fad difconfolate cafe gocth under the name of dar\- nejffe, Amos 5. 18, 20. This is the ftate, undes the which they once were , and all unregenerate men yet are : they are in all tbofe refpe&s, not only dark , but darkpejje in the abftraft, as having nothing of the contrary light in them. But they were noto light : whereby is meaned that eftate wherein they now were> being converted, which is oppofed to their former eftate of darkncffe,and comprehendetiuipdcr k the faving knowledge of God Y 2 in 340 A brief Sxpofition of the Epi/ite Chap. %. in Chrift* If*. 9. 1, 2. a life conform to Gods Law* which (hincth forth in the rayes and beams of good works, as a light unto othcts9Mattb. 5. 16. together with deliverance from Gods wrath, and rcftitution to His fa- vour , with joy , peace , and filiall confidence flowing from the fenfe of thofe : for, a lightfome and comfortable cafe goeth ufually under the name of light, T/i/, i8f 28. This is the ftate > wherein the truely regenerate are ; They are in all thofe refpe&s not only lightfome,fplendid and fhining , but light in the abftraft , not as if there werenodarkneffeinthcmatall, 1 Job.i.%. Act. 14.22* for, in that refpeft only God Himfelf is light, 1 Jw.f.j. but becaufe they are fo in the Lord, to wit, Chrift, (chap. 4, 5.) as he here declareth , who not only is the pur- chafer and worker of that meafure of the light of know- ledge, holineffe, and of joy and peace following there- upon, which the regenerate do already enjoy, Job. 1.9. but alfo His moft perfeft light of righteoufneffe, know- ledge, wifdom and redemption, is imputed to them* 1 Cor. 5.21. fo that the dregs and remainders of igno- rance and corruption in themfelves, are not laid to their charge, 'Hjfmb. 23. 21. The Apottle , next, from this argument, doth infer the affirmative of the former ne- gative precept, ver. 7. to wit, that therefore they fliould rt>al^ as children of the light, that is, anfwerably unto that bleffed ftate of light , to which they were called, as be- ing now children of light , that is , not only born of God , 1 Job. 2. 29. ( who is that light unacceflible, x Tim. 6. 16.) by the preaching of the word, J am. 1.1%. which is called light y T/i/. 119.105. but alfo were endued with the light of knowledge and holineffe : In which refpeft, thofe, who are endued with wifdom, are called children of wifdom , Mattk if. -19. Hbnce> Learn, !♦ It concerneth thofe, in whom God hath wrought any faving change, as to be refle&ing frequent- ly upon that miferable eftate wherein they once were; So to look upon it under that variety of notions and fi- tnUkudes* whereby it is expreffed in Scripture; there being Chap.5. */Paulf0/**EPHESiANsi 341* being not any one expreffion fo comprehenfive, or fimi- litude fo far extended , as to point out all the dool , wo and mifery which is in it > and that hereby the heart may be the more fenfibly affefted with it : fonthe A po- file hath now fcverall times in this Epiftle reprefented it to their view* and at every time almoft under a different notion and fimilicude ; the latter alwayes expreffing fomewhat, which was not reached by the former. See chap. 2, ver. 1,2,3,12, 13, 19* and chap. -4. ver. 17, 18, 19. And here again, he mindeth them of it under the name of darfyejje ; for , ye fare fometimes dark- ntjje. %. Thechildeof God ought fo to remember what he once bynature was, as not to queftion, far lefle deny, but confidently avow what he now by grace is: and that becaufe not only the joynt confederation of boch,maketh them (bine forth more clearly in their own colours; but alfo our fixing our eye upon the former, without avowing the latter,doth breed difcouragement, unthank- hilnefle* and in progreffe of time heartleffc difpareof an outgate from the wofull ftate wherein we apprehend oar felvcs yet to be : for,the Apoftle reprefenteth to their view both thole joyntly ; Te Hire fometimes darfyejfe, but notoye are light. 3. Believers can never attain to read the happineffe of their prefent ftate through grace » fo long as they fix their eye only upon what they are in them- felves : nor yet untill they confider what they are in Chrift > and by vertue of that fulnefle of perfe&ions in Himiwhich not only floweth forth tQ them in the ftreams according to their meafure , Job. 1. 16. but alfo is im- puted to them in the fountain, 1 Cor. 5. 21. and there- fore may be looked upon by them as their own > for, although he calleth them darkpefle abfolurely , and in tbemfelves ; yet they are light , not in themfelvcs > hut in the Lord Chrijt. 4. Our former darkneffe of ignorance and profanity^ wherein we have for a long time lived, is fo far from being an argument to make us continue in our former wofull courfe ; that on the contrary 1 we ought from the confederation thereof be incited to take Y 3 W 34^ A brief Sxpofition of the Spiflle Chap.?; up our felvcs and live more tenderly for the time to come; feing the time paftof our life mayfufficeusto have walked in a godleffe courfe,i Tetf.4. 5. fotJPaul ma- keth this an argument, why they (hould not any longer partake with obftmace finners in their godleffe coiirfe : for, (aithhe, ye»ere [onetimes darkpefle. 5. Neither long continuance in (in already, even to wearineffe, nor yet any conviftion of the (hame and damrnage which do attend it. are fufficient to make a man abandon and quit it throughly , except there be a gracious change wrought in him > chiefly as to his inward ftate, from that which he fometimes was : for , he mentioneth this gracious change of their inward ft ate, as that , where- in the ftrength of the prelent argument doth ly, whereby he would diffwade them from being partakers with them ; for ye *toere fometimes darfyeffe, but no\y> are ye light in the Lord. 6. As all fpirituall priviledges in generall, are beftowed upon us» that we may improve them, both for our comfort, and alfo for enabling and inciting to duty* So the more we enjoy of light, whether external light in preaching of the Word , or the internal light of knowledge in the mind f we ought to improve it the more by walking according to that light ; elle our con- demnation fliall be greater , J ok .3.1%. for, from their priviledge of being light in the lord , he inferreth W£ m children of light. VerCp. (For the fruit of the Spirit urn all goodnejfe, and righteoufnejfe, and truth) TTHe Apoftle, in way of parenthefis, doth give a rea- * fon of the former confequence , or why their being no* tight in the Cord did bind them to vpalk^fU children of light • and confequently , not to partake with obftinate finners in their fin : and wichall , (heweth wherein that walking doth confift. The reafon is taken from the new creature and habits of grace in the heart > cal- led here the Spirit, as%fl*7.25. Gal. 5. 22, and are the Chap. 5. of Paul totheEv his ian s. 343 the fame with the light of grace by the Spirit of Godf fpoketi of, ver. 8. Now , he flieweth the fruit of this light, or of thofe gracious habits, confifteth in the ex- crcife of all Chriftian vertues , which are here fummed up in three , 1. Goodnejfc, whereby we are inclined to communicate what good is in us for the advantage of our neighbour, both in his fpirituall (1 Tet. 4.10.J and , bodily (Gal. 6. 10.) eftate. 2. %igbteoufneJJe, where- by we deal righteoufly in all our transactions with others. And 1 3. Truth , whereby we carry our felves fincerely, being free from error, hypocrifie, or diflimu- lation, whether towards God or men. So the force of the argument coqieth to this, Such a walking as he did enjoyn, was the native fruit and rcfult of their being made light in the Lord by the Spirit of God; and there- fore they were obliged to it. ®oB. 1. It is the duty of Chrifts Minifters, not only to preffe upon the Lords peo- ple the pra&ice of holineffe in generall, but alfo to con- defcend upon, and accordingly to preffe the exercife of thofe particular vertues both to God and men , wherein holineffe doth confift 5 otherwife people will readily place moft of holineffe in thofe things wherein it con- fifteth leaft, Matth. 23.13. for, ?*«/, having exhorted them to walk as children of the light, doth here ftiew wherein that walking doth confift, even in all geodne/Je, and ngbteoufmjfe, and truth. 2. None can walk as a childe of light, or praftife thofe duties wherein fuch a walk confifteth > in a way acceptable to God, but he who is a childe of light, truely regenerate , and að from a principle of grace in the heart* Whadfcrer flow- eth from an unrenewed heart , how fpecious foever, is but a fhadow, and imperfeft imitation of the childe of light in this chriftian walk , as an ape would imitate a man, or a violent motion doth refemble that which is natural, and floweth from an inward principle : for, he fheweth the exercife of goodneffe > righteoufneffe , and truth, wherein our walking as a childe of light confift- eth, is the fruit of the Spirit, or of the root of grace in Y4 chd 444 A brief Expofition of the S fifth Chap. y. the hearti wrought by the Spirit of God ; for the fruit of the Spirit is in atlgoodncfi, &c. 3. As it concerneth Chriftians to walk luitably unto their ftate and privi- leges; So they would ferioufly confider, in order to their walking thus , that holineffe of life is the native fruit and refult of their being in a gracious ftate , or of the work of grace in the heart ; and therefore, that they are not only obliged to lead an holy life in way of duty. and gratitude » but a neceflity alfo doch ly upon them to it, if fo they be renewed, and as they would not evidence themfelves to be yet in their unrenewed ftate : for, having exhorted them to walk as children of light, or fuitably to the ftate of grace , he inforceth the exhor- tation , by (hewing, that fuch a walking is the native fruit and neceffary refult of being in fuch a ftate ; for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodnejje, ( is a neceffary ingre- dient in the exercife of all other vermes ; So our walk- ing anfwerably unto that ftate of light, unto which we are called, muft be extended unto duties of all forts : not only to duties of goodneffe and righteoufneffe towards our neighbour, but alfo to duties towards God, fo as we imbracethofe Truths, which He holdeth forth in Scrip- ture without all mixture of Error , yea , and take Him ' for our party in every duty , as being the only judge of our fincerity; for, he faith, The fruit of the Spirit it in all £QQdncfli, and righteoufneffe, and truth. VcxQ Chap. 5. o/Paul to the Ep h b s i a m s i 445 Vcrf. 10. Proving *tobat is acceptable unto the Lord. "DEforc the Apoftle ufe any moe arguments to inforce *-* the former precept, he doth,firft, rcfume and explain the precept it felf. And , firft , he explained* the affir- mative part thereof, by giving one dire&ion , neceffary to be pra&ifed by thofe who would walk as children of light , even that by diligent fearch and enquiry they prove and try according to God's will revealed in His Word, (If a. 8. 20.) what is acceptable, and well plea- fing unto Him in every ftep of their way. 2>o#. 1. There is no walking as a childe of light , or fuitably unto that gracious ftate to which we are called, except we con- form our felves , not unto this world , J{om. 1 2. 2. or to what may bring about our own advantage, and fo gra- tifie our lufts, Matlb. $. 29. but unto what is acceptable to God, and prefcribed unto us as the rule of duty in His Word: for, this proving of what is acceptable un- to Him., is required not for it felf, or to reft thereon, but to regulate our praftice accordingly ; (See ver. Us doft. 1.) and is callcd-foras a neceflary concomitant of walking like children of light , as is clear from the grammatical conftru&ion,according to which this verfe is to be joyned with the clofe of the eighth ; fo that ic runneth thus, Wal\ a* children of the light proving tobat is acceptable. 2. We cannot conform our felves unto what is acceptable to the Lord, and confequently cannot walk as children of light* except we make a (e- rious fearch and enquiry into the rule of duty and acceptation revealed in the Word, yea, and do what we do , that we may come up to that rule : and there- fore we walk not acceptably, when cither we do things rafhly without deliberation, froV. 19. 2. or doubtingly after deliberation, %om. 14. 23. yea, nor when the thing done, is in it felf right and acceptable , but we do it not from that ground, but to gratifie our own lufts, Mattb: 6« 2. or the lufts of others, Gal. 1 < - 10. for, in order to this j4$ -A brief Exfofitien of the Spiftlc Chap, y • this walking, he requircth them to prove frhat is accept 4able to the Lord, as the rule by which* chey were to walk. 3. It is not fufficient to make this inquiry in order to tome few and weighty a&ions of our life, but in order to all, whether of greater or leffer concernment, whe- ther advantage or. loffe may probably follow upon our conforming of our felves unto this rule : for, the dire- (ftion is indefinit without any limitation or reftri&ion unto this a&ion, or that ; and therefore it ought to be extended unto all ; TroVing frbat is acceptable unto the Lord. 4. The finding out of what is acceptable unto the Lord, efpecially in forae intricate cafes, is not cafily atcained : there muft be an accurate fearch, together with anexccrcifing our felves in the pra&ice of thofe things, which wealready know to be acceptable, that fo wg may experimentally know them to be fuch , and get our knowledge bettered in thofe things, whereof we are yet ignorant, Job>j. 17. for, the word rendred proving , fignificth an accurate proof,noc fo much by arguments* by trial and experience,as gold is tried in the fire, /**»•• I. 1 2. proving ft bat is acceptable unto the Lord. Verf. II. And have no felloe/hip frith the unfruitful fror{s of dirfyeffe) but rather reprove them. OE explaineth, next, the negative part of the former *"* precept, as it was expreffed, ver. 7. Firft, bydif- charging them to be acceffory (any of thofe wayes men- tioned, ver. 7. doft. 3.) to the fins of wicked men, cal- led here V>or%j of darkjfejfe , bccaufe they flow ufually from the darkneffc of ignorance, Ml. 3. 17. and are the works of unrenewed men, who are nothing but dark- neffe, (See ver. 8. ) are contrary to the light of Gods re- vealed will, Job. 3. 20. and are ufually committed in the dark , the very adtortf being aChamed to do them openly, 1 Tfojf. 5. 7. and becaufe they bring thofe, who live and die in them without repentance > unto utter darknefle* Mattb%i^ 30. They are alfo called unfrutt- full Chap-S* •/Panlwf*'EPHBSiANs; 347 full yorfy ; bccaufe they not only bring no advantage untothofe who do commit them, fyw. 6. 21. but alio much hurt and dammage,even the wages of fin, which is death, ^?w. 6. 23. Next, by commanding them to re- prove convincingly thofe works of darknefle, and the parties guilty of them, and this, though chiefly by their contrary good works, Heb. 1 1. 7. yet not only by thofe, but alfo by the word of admonition and reproof, Ecckfi 7. 5. as occafion fhould offer, and Gods glory with the edification of their neighbour fhould feem unto fpiritual prudence to call for it, Befidcs what is already obferved from a parallel place, vcr.7. do5t. 1* hence Learn, 1. Then do we make an approven (earch and enquiry in- to what is acceptable unto the Lord> when we do not fatisfie our felves with the naked knowledge of what He approveth/i^w. 2.18. nor yet do only labour to defend by force of reafon, or fufferings, what we find to be truth after fearcb againft gain-fayers, i£w.i?* 2, 3. but do alfo make it the rule of praftice, by praftifing or forbearing accordingly : for, the Apoftle, having com- manded them, ver. 10. to proVe tobat u acceptable unto the Lord, doth here en joyn them to abftain from that which they could not but by fearching find to be difpleafing to Him, while he faith* and baVe no fello'tojhip Kith the un- fruitful Vtor{s of darfyejfe. 2. Though we are not (imply* and in all cafes to abftain from the fellowfhip of wicked men, but may freely converfe with fuch of them, as we are bound unto, either by the law of neccflity >?/<*/. 120. 5, 6. or by any civil> (iTet.z. 18.) religious, (1 CQr*l* I20 or natural bond, Epb. 6. 1,2. yeonoty of that kind doth give us warrant to partake with them in their fins ; and therefore we are to efchew all urine- ceffary and voluntary fellowfhip and familiarity with them, T/i/* 26.4. left thereby we be drawn to walk in theirwayes,cP™v.22.24, 25. and they be hardened in their evil courfe, and kept from being afhamed, 2 T-heff. 3. 14. for, he forbiddeth abfolutely all fellowfhip with diem in their fins, and confequently whatever may bring us 346 *A brief Expofition rfthe EpiflU Chap.?; us under that hazard* if fo it can be efchewed, without the negleft of any other duty \ And bave no feUoTbfbip toitb the unfruitfull Tfoorfc of darfyejfe. 3. We ought to look upon fin in its blackeft colours of fhame, difgracc, loffe of our time, ftrength, and of all other expence con- fumed upon it , together with the dammage both here, and hereafter , which foiloweth upon it; and lay afide the confederation of thofe pleafant deceitfull baits, which Satan doth busk it with to make it more taking j that fo we may be the more deterred from it : for^K/giveth fin a name implying all thofe and much more, that the very name given to it may fcare them from it, while he calleth ic the unfruitful toorly *f dtrfyejje. 4. Though the command enjoyningto reprove the fins of others, be an affirmative precept, and therefore not binding unto all, with relation to all perfons, at all times, and in all cafes, and Chrift Himfelf forbiddeth to caft the pearl of precious reproof before dogs or fwine, Mattb. 7. 6. that is , fuch who mock the word of admonition, or prove more inraged by it, whom we are to reprove, not fomuch by converting with them, or byfpeaking to them, as by fleeing from them ; yet as to others, our not reproving of their fin, when occafion otfereth, and Gods glory with their edification feemeth to call for it, is a finfull partaking with them in their fin : for, having difcharged them to have fellowfhip with the works of darknefle, he fubjoyneth, but rather reprove them, im- plying, that otherwife they would have fellowship with them. 5. Though this duty of labouring to n claim others from fin by convincing reproofs , whether in words, or in the contrary work, ought mainly to be dis- charged unto fuch as have neareft relation to us, Epb. 6. .4. or whom we have a more fpeciall charge of, 1 Tbejf. f. 12. or whom we are moft intimate with in fpirituall bonds and fellowfhip, vTbeJfal. 5. 14. yet we are not to neglefik this duty towards others , who (land no: under fuch near relations to us, no not eo thofe , concerning whom we have ftrong grounds to Chap. 5. •/ Paul to the E* h b $ 1 a n 3 . 349 to fear that they are yet unrenewed* and enemies in their hearts to JefusChrift, folong, atleaft, as all hopes of prevailing with them by thai mean are not cut off, 1 Cor. 7. 16. for, he commanded} them here to reprove the fins even of unrenewed Pagans* called therefore the unfruijuU Itoorfy of darfyiejfe ; but rather reprove tbem, faith he. VerC 12. for it is a fhame e\entoftt*\of tbofe things ^huh are done of tfam in fecret. TJE doth now confirm the precept thus explained ; * and, firft, be inforceth the diffwafive , from having fello^jhip Vtith the unfruitful! Vforkj ofdarkpefje, by an ar- gument taken from the abominable filth ineffe of thofe fins which the wicked Pagans committed in fecret, that they might efchew publick fhame, which was fuch, that it was a fhame even to fpeak of them, or to hear them fpoken of, leaving them to gather , it was much more ' fhamefull to aft them, or to be any wayes acceflbry un- to the a&ing of them. ©off. 1 . There fhould be fuch an holy ba(hfulneffe in converted Chriftians, as to think fhame in fpeech to utter, atleaft without deteftation, thofe things , which godleffe finners are not fo much afhamed to pradtife : and efpecially Miniftcrs in their publick preachings would be very modeft and fpariiig in the deciphering of filthy fins, left they thereby defile their own tongues, offend the ears of fome , and do teach others how to commit that fin, which they pretend to reprove : for , Paul giveth this as a reafon not only why they fhould not communicate with the unfruitful! works of darkneffe , but alfo why he did not make ex- preffe mention of thofe works in particular ; for it is a fhame ty>en to fpea^of tbofe things, faith he, 2. As all confeience of right and wrong , together with fear and fhame following upon doing wrong , be not fully ex- cinft in the unrenewed man ; So thofe fmall remainders, are not effe&oall to reftrain them from what is wrong, but being over-powered with prevalent Atheifm,do give them full liberty to aft abominable wickedneffe , if fo they 350 AbricfExpofition of the Epiflle Chap. 5. J they can hide it from the eyes of men , without any j effe&uall reftraint from the all- feeing eye of God : for, confcience of the difhoneft v , which was in thole un- fruitfull wocks of darknefle* made them efchew the eyes of men, but notwithftanding they committed them in fecret ; for it is a fhame even to Jpea^ $f thofe thing* X»hicb are done of them in fecret. 3. As fecrecy and (b- litarineffe are moft obnoxious to foulefl tentations, cfpe- cially to thofe, which tend to fatisfie the luft of unclean- neffe> Gen. 39. 1 1 . 1 2. and therefore would be efchewed by all, 1 Tbejf. 5. 22. much leffe fought after by any, Tro\>. 7. ver. 8, 9, 10. So when men do not feek the vail of fecrecy to cover their fins, but do glory in their fhame, and dare with Abfolom, {2Sam.16.11.) commit thofe fins openly, and before the fun , which very common honefty, and a naturall inftinft would feek to cover ; it • fpeaketh a man more corrupt than the very grofleft of Pagans, who hath put out the very common principles of naturall honefty , and made his own confcience dead and fenfleffe, fo that he knoweth not ftiame , Zepb. 3.-5. for, even the Pagans , whofc (in he doth here aggreage, did take the benefit of fecrecy to cover their villanies; Itobicb are done of them in fecret, faith he. Verf. 1 5. $nt all things that are repred,are made manife/i by the light : for ybbatfoeVer doth maf^e tnanifejl, u light. tlE doth, next , enforce the exhortation to reprove *■* * thofe works of darkneffe , firft , by an argument taken from one excellent ufe of admonition and reproof, while he (heweth that thofe (ecret fins of wicked men, being reproved, are by the light, whether of Gods Word in the mouth of the reprover or of his holy life , made manife/l in their black and ugly colours , to wit , not fo much unto others , as unto the a6tors and authors of them. See 1 #^.14. 24. Next, by proving that the light of reproof attaineth this end from the nature of light, which is to make all things that are within its reach, manifeft Chap.?. *fVm\ totheEmzsihnsl ' 351 manifeft and confpicuous; for, the words in the Ori- ginal! do read better thus, for light u that ^bicb manifefietb all things. $0. 1. The difcovery and conviftion of fin in its vilenefie, is of neceffary and profitable ufe unto the (inner; as being the firtt ttep towards contrition, ./*#.*. 3d. with 37, and conlequently to faith injefus Chrift and repentance unto lifc^.2.37. with 38, for,he maketh this an excellent ufe of reproof., and that which fhould be aimed at by the reprover, even that fin be made manifeft in its vileneffe to the finner ; for all things that are reproved, are made manifeft. 2, It is not a naked fight and knowledge that fin is fin , and in fome meafure fhamefull , which is of any great ufe to the finner , but a fight of it in its vileft colours, as it is a breach of Gods moft holy Law, enmicy againft the great God, and a bringer down of Gods cternall wrath : for, thofe heathens had fome knowledge of fin, and of the fiiamc was in it , and therefore they did run to fecret with it ; and yet he fpeakcth here of a further difcovery , and raanifeftatton of it by the light of reproof, which was ufefull and neceffary; All things that are reproved, are made manifeft. g. The Lord doth fometimes bleffe not only publick preaching, but alfo the word of reproof in the mouth of private Chriftians , and the example of their holy life, for making godlefle finners take occafion thence to reflect upon themfelvcs, and therein, as in a glafl& to fee the filthy vilenefie of thei*beloved fins, and to judge themfelves for them ; for, he faith, All things that are reproved, are made manifeft by the light , to wit* the light of verball, or reall reproof, held forth, even by pri- vate Chriftians : for, he doth not fpeak here to Minifters only. 4. The probable good, which God may bring about to the party reproved by the means of our reproof! ftould have more of weight to incite us towards the making confeience of this duty, than the feared incon- venience to our felves, arifing from the parties difplea- tyre, (hould have to fcare us from it : for, Taul vy ill have us to fet upon this dutie , becaufe of our neighbour's good 3$2 vi brief Exp ofttion of the Epifll* Chap.y#7 good , which probably will be brought about by it : reprove tbem, faith he ; For all things that are reproved, are made manifeft by the light. $. As there is no d uty, of the fflcceffe whereof we ufe to be more diffident than that of reproving the fins of others ; So there is not any duty* the fucceffc whereof we have better ground to be perfwaded of, even than of this , that difcovery of fin to the finners confeience , either to his cofiverfion or fur- ther obduration, (hall follow upon a timeous and well- guided reproof: for, he proveth that this effe&fliall fol- low upon reproof as natively as the difcovery df things dark and hid doth follow upon light j for that is light, faith he, tobkb difcoVereth all things. Verf. 1 4. Wherefore he faith, A^>a\e thou that Jleepejl, and arife from the dead, and Cbrifljhall give thee light. TJEre is a fecond argument to enforce the duty of rc- A * proving thofe unfruitfull works of. darknefle, which alfo confirmeth the former , to wit , that by reproving them they (houldbe made manifeft. The argument is taken from Gods own example, who in His Word doth reprove the world of fin,and thereby conveyeth the light of JefusChrift unto them, as the Apoftle proveth , by (hewing what is Gods great work and defign through His whole Word , whereof this verfe is a (hort fum, though it feemetfrmore particularly to relate unto If*. 60. ver.1.2. from which this place is thought to be cited, with fome variation in the words , but none in the pur- pofc. Which defign is threefold : The fitft branch whereof, is here implyed , even to convince all unre- newed men efpecially , how wofiill and dangerousttheir prefent cafe is , and that it is a fpirituall deep and death. I* Afeep, becaufe the carnall mm hath all his fpirituall fcnfes bound up,*/*. 43. 8. having no fpirituall fellow- Chip with thofe who live a new life , Epbef 4. 18. doth dream and fancy that he feeth, heareth , and converfeth with them, ^ev.^ty, which he will after find to be but Chaptj. tf/Paul ^/^Ephbsians. 353 but ameer fancy, when his confciencc doth rouze him up, 'Horn. 7. 9. neither hath he power over himfetf, buc iscxpofed as a prey to Satan , or any who mindeth his fpirituall hurt, 2 Tim. 2. 26. for, fuch is the cafe of thofe naturally who are in a naturall fleep. And , fecondly, a death > becaufe the naturall man hath not only his fenfcs bqund up» as in a fleep ; buc there is no fpirituall power orTaculty remaining in him to do any thing which is truly good , f^om. 8.7. as a dead man hath no principle of life, or vitall aftion. The fecond branch of this great defign is here expreffed , which is to point out unto all fuch what is their duty in that cafe , even to awake and rife from the dead, that is, in a word, to turn to God, to break off their fins by repentance , and to fet about all the duties of holineffe flowing from the principle of a new life. Which duty is here, and elfewhere> enjoyned by God unto dead finners , not, that it is in their power, Jer. 1 3. 23. but becaufe it is their duty fo to do ; yea* and fuch a duty as muft be gone about , otherwife they cannot be fa ved , Lul^ £3*3. and becaufe by fuch ex- hortations and commands, as by an outward mean, the Spirit of God doth effectually work that in chem, which He requireth from them, %oni. 10,17. The third branch of this great defign , is to encourage them unto this duty , from the promife of a greater mea- fure of the light of knowledge , holineffe and com- fort here ( all which are comprehended under the name of light. See uponver.8.) and of glory hereafter (cal* led alfo light % (>/,i. 12.) to be given unto them by Chrift upon their fo doing, ©o#. 1 ♦ The pains which God doth take upon godleffe finners, yet in nature^ to awake them from the fl:cp of fin, and to draw them un- to Chrift 9 is a ftrong argument binding us to commi- ferate the cafe of fuch , and from pity towards them to endeavour in our ftations to bring them out of that wo- full ftate wherein they are. Our obligation to help chem is greater than His , befides that we are bound to %vork with God , and to further His defign; for,hein- £ forcetb 354 A brief Ex f option of the Epifile Chap. 'jl forceih upon them the duty of reproving thofe godlefle Atbeifts , in order to their convi&ion and amendment, from Gods example j who doth the like; Wherefore be faith , dtoafy thm that /Jeepefl.. 2. That God hath ap- pointed reproof of fin to be the ordinary mean of awakning dead finners, and of bringing them toChrirt, and that He maketh ufe of this mean H imfelf all al^ngs His Word , in order to this end , (hould encourage us, as we have acceffc, in our ftations , to make ufe of that mean towards thofe with whom we converfe; as know- ing God may, and when Hepleafeth, will, bleffe the mean appointed by Himfclf,whatever unliklyhood there be other wife of fucccffc : for, he exciteth them to pra- ftife this duty from this , that God maketh ufe of ro- proof, as the ordinary mean of bringing fouls to Chrift ; Wherefore be faith, A*al{e thou that jleepeft. 3. Scrip- ture doth not confift fo much in the formall words, as in the fenfe and meaning of thofe words: and therefore chough we cannot keep in memory the very formall words of Scripture ; yet if we remember the fum of the purpofe contained in thofe words > we may make ufe of it, as of the Word of God * whether for confirmation of truth, refutation of errour, exhortation to duty, or re- proof of fin and vice , 2 Tim. 3. i<5. for , the Apoftle, being to preffe this duty of reproving upon them from Scripture, doth not cite the very formall words of Scrip- ture> but giveth the generall drift of all Scripture in few words* or the fenfe and meaning of one particular Scrip- ture , to wit, of Ifa. 60. 1 1 2. from which this verfe feemeth to be cited ; Wherefore he faith , Atoa\e thou, that fleepejl. 4. The firft Doftriae deduced from ven 8. bath ground here alfo,ia that he doth again mindetthem of their miferable cafe by nature , not only under the fimilitude of death formerly ufed, chap. 2. 1. but alfo of JJeeping. 5. Neither can an offer of Chrift unto a finnec be favoury , nor a command to imbrace this offer gee entertainment , untill firft a difcovery be made unto the finner of his fad and miferable cafe by nature : for , the Lord3 Chap. 5. of Paul to the Ep he s i ans. 3 j y Lord, in holding forth the offer of Chrift , and com- manding them to imbrace it , doth fo fpeak, as he firft difcovereth the wofull cafe* wherein they were, by the fimilitude of deep and death, while he faith, ^A^a{e thou that flleepcft, and arife from the dead. 6. Our utter in- ability to help our (elves? or to do any thing acceptable toGodj contra&ed by Adam's fall doth not weaken or abolifhGods foveraign right and dominion over us j in fo far as, though we be not able to do, yet He may juflly require and exa& of us to do : for, though they were dead, and confequently unable to help themfelves* yet He requireth them to awake and arife : Abaty thou that (Jeepejt, artfe from the dead. 7. Though it be the only power of God, which quickneth dead (inners, and bringeth them from nature unto grace, CoL 1. 13. there being no principle of a fpirituall life in us by nature, whereby we can quicken our felves ; yet the Lord is pleafcd to work upon us , not as upon feofleffe blocks, but as re afonable creatures, by commanding and per- fwadingustodo that which is our duty (though not in our power ) to do, and thereby, as a mean, convey- ing unto the Eleft the effeftual working of His power, whereby He worketh in them, what He requireth from them : for, He commandeth thofe who are dead, to arife from the dead, and fo maketh them to rife, %*». 4. \nm Arife fnm the dead. 8, Though the Word of God for the moft part be contrived in general precepts , threat- nings and promifes , without expreffe mention of one more than another , except in fome general qualificati- ons, to whom each of thofe in particular belong, Joh^. 16. Gal. 3. 10. yet, before a (inner be brought to Chrift, the Spirit of God doth make particular application of thofe unto his con fcience> as if they were direfted unto him by name : And the more a Minifter doth labour to reach the confeiences of people, by making particular application of general truths unto them, they are in a fairer way of gaining ground upon them> and doing good unto them by what they preach : for,theApoftle, Z 2 hold- \$6 A brief Expofition of the Epiflle Chap, j, holding forth a directory unto us, how to walk in or- der to the gaining of godletfe finners, from the Lord's example , doth bring him in fpeaking , as it were, to every one in particular ; A^cake tbou% arife tbouy Chrift /hall ghe thee light; 9. The holding forth of Chrifts excellency, and of that excellent ttate of light, joy.com- fort> knowledge, which, being once forfeited by Adam's fall, is again purchafed by Chrift, and to which He bringeth all fuch as do come unto Him, is one of the ftrongeft arguments ( though others alfo mutt be made ufeof,£w^ 13. 3.) to prevail, even with natural hearts to make them willing in the day of Gods power, and obedient to Him when He doth call them : for, *Baul {heweth, that cvrtiGod Himfelf doth make choice of this argument ; Arife and Cbrijifballgty>e thee light* Verf. 15. See then that J* toalf^circumfpetfly , not as fooh, but 06 toife, TIJEre is a new precept,the third in order of thofe which ■*• are contained in this Chapter, and it is deduced alfo as a conclufion from what goeth before, to this purpofe, That feing they were now light in the Lord, ver. 8. and obliged not to have fellowfhip with the unfrukfull works of darknefle, but to reprove them, ver. 10. there- fore they would fee to their W^, or take accurate in- fpe&ion of their life and converfation> whether in word or deed ; and to fee to their walk, as to be circumfpeft or precife in it, even willing to go to the outmoft (as the word in the original doth figmfie ) of what every com- mand required^ both for matter and manner, efpecially labouring as to approve themfelves unto God ; f@ to give no juft caufe of exception or offence at what we do unto others , no* not to thofe that are without, who are exprcfly mentioned, Col. 4. 5. where the fame precept is in fubftance proponed : Which precept fo proponed, he doth, firft, inforce by a realon 3 for, the particle **, doth not alwayes make companion, but fomecimes ren- dereth Chap. f. o/Paol to the Eva^ si ass • 357 dereth a reafbn : and the reafon is , that true wifclom doth confift in walking thus, and to walk otherwayes is extream folly. lJ>oft. 1. The more of light and knowledge a man hath received from God, he ought to take the more diligent heed, that in all things he pra&ife according to his light ; feing not only the way of fuch is moft eyed by wicked men, who watch for his halting, Jer. 20. 10. but alfo, if he doth not walk the more cir- cumfpe&ly, he defer veth double ftripes> Lufy n. 47. for> this exhortation may be looked on as an inference from what he faith , ver. 8. ye are nofo light in the Lord See then that ye toall^ circum?]>ettiy\ faith he. 2. So many are the wayes, by which we may become acceffory to other folks fins, (See ver. 7. do6l. 5. ) and fo many are thefnares, which Satan and his inftruments do lay in our way to intrap us, Eph, 6. II. that> if we walk not all the more circumfpe&ly, we cannot efchew but we muft partake one way or other with wicked men in their fins : for, this exhortation may be looked upon alfo, as an inference from what he faid, ver. 1 1- Have no felloK- foip V>itb the unfruitful "borl^s ofdarknejje See then that jetoal^circumtpetfly, faith he. 3. Thofe only are moft fie to reprove fin in others tofome good purpofe, who walk moft circumfpe&Uy, and live fo, as they cannot be juftly blamed themfelves: Even the very righteous walk- ing of fuch, is a forcible reproof of fin in others, though they fpeak nothing, Heb. 11. 5. and otherwifc their fp?aking will have no force, Mmtb. 7. 3, 4. befides that God doth ufually bleffe the pains of luch, 2VoK 10. 21 . for, this exhortation may be alfo looked upon, as an in- ference from what he faid, ver. -11. hut rather reprove them See then that ye W^ txuumtyeUly , 4. That a man may walk accurately and circumfpeftly, coming up ( fo far as through grace he is able J to theoutmoft of what every command requireth, both for matter and manner, it is ncceffary that he walk, not rafhly and in- deliberately, but, that he fee and diligently confider an- tecedently to his afting, to wit, not only what he is to % 3 do, 358 A brief Exfofition *f the Spiff le Chap. 5 . do, that it be neither evil nor appearance of evil, 1 Tbeffl 5.22. nor an occafion leading to evil, %w. 13. 14. but alfo from what principle and fountain, (Mdttb.j. 17, 18.) for what end, (Mattb>6. 2, 5.) and by what means, ( J°b * ?«7> 8.) he intendeth to aft in every thing which he i9 about to do : for, in order to their circumfpeft walking > he requireth of them that they Gioald/#, the word fignifieth to tafy heed, to fee ft>itb attention, and dili- gently to confider^ Matth.7. 3. See then that ye toal^arcum- ifettly. 5. As thofe are only truly wife in Gods account, whatever the world think of them, who labour to walk moft exaftly by the rule of Gods Word all alongs their chriftian courfe ; So where this true and fanftified wif- dom ( which cometh from above ) is , it will render it fclf evident, by making the perfon endued with it, walk circumfpe&ly, fo that he will forefee the evil of a courfe, andefchewit> Tro\>. 21,3. fearchout the mind of God in every thing , underftand it ( Hof. 14, 9. ) and obferve it, Pfal. 107. 43. keep filence when he fhould not fpeak, 2VoV. 10.19. fpeak advifedly, and the truth only, when hefpeaketh^roV. 16.23. hear the voice of the rod, and take with reproof and correction, ^wv, 17. io, be loath to ftumble any with whom he convcrfeth, Col. 4. 5. yea, and will labour to gain them toGod,TroV.ii.-3o. for, he maketh true wifdom to confift in, and to evidence it felf by, walking circumfpe&ly ; Not m fools, butastoife. 6. The leffe circumfpeft and exadt men be in walking by the rule of Gods Word > the greater fools they are in Godsefteem ( whatever the world do think of them) as being not only deftitute of all the fore- mentioned Evidences of true wifdom , but having alfo the con- trary evidences of extream folly } See ye W^ circum- Jl>c8ly> nop t* fools. Vert Chap.?. f/PauUoffoEPHEsiANS, 359 Verf. 16. Redeeming the time, beeaufe the dayes are eYtl. HTHe Apoftle doth, next, amplifie and illuftrate the x former precept, by pointing out one thing, wherein this accurate and wife walking doth mainly confift , which he doth therefore exhort them unto , even that they would redeem the time, that is, clofe with, and make ufe of every opportunity and fit occafion of doing good ( for, the word, rendred time, doth properly fignifie that nick of time, which is fit and opportune for doing any thing, GaU 6. 10.) and to ufe it with more than ordinary diligence , yea, and with the loffc of their own pleafures, eafe and worldly profit , and fo in a manner regain the time formerly loft by negligence , while they fhould do as much in the prefent time, as they might hay^done both in that, and in the time formerly mifrfpent, if they had uied but ordinary diligence : Even as merchants, from whom the word renderd redeem is taken, who ufe to buy their commodities while the fie time of buying lafteth, and having haply had great loflcs, or formerly fpent their time idely or unthriftily,do difpenfe with their own pleafures and eafe, and by dieir more than ordinary diligence, feck to redeem , and, as it were, to buy back again the time which is loft. Which duty of redeeming time he doth inforce upon them, from the evil of the pre- fent times through the wickednefs of men, and thofe ma- nifold troubles in the times,which were hanging over the Churches head, and whereby all opportunity of doing food might in a fhort time be taken from them , or they from it. SeeEcdef.it. t. Job. 9.4. 2>o#. i. As there are fome times and feafons more fit and opportune than others, for doing fome pieces of fervice to God , and of our duty to men ; So a great part of fpiritual wifdom and accurate walking, doth confift in diligent and time- ous going about of fuch duties* as God doth call-for at that time : and they, who for love to their eafe, profit, pleafure and credit > do mifpend their time ? and negleft % 4 that 3 tfe A brief Exp option of the E pi file Chap, j I that good one thing , which God's glory and their own falvationdocall-forto be gone about in the feafonable time, are but inconfidcrate fools : for,hefheweth,that circumfpetftj wife walking confifteth in this, even in re- deeming the time, 2. As we are naturally prodigall and lavifh in mifpending of time ; So it is no (mail part of divine wifdom to regain, as it were, mifpenttime by double diligence , and to buy it back again , fo far as is poffible, by breaking off our eafe, our fleep, and wean- ing our felves from our ordinary and allowed recreati- ons at other times : for, this command to redeem the time, doth fpeak fo much. 3. So far ftiouU we be from com- plying with the evils of the times , for efchewing the hatred , and gaining the favour of wicked men in the time, Ho[.$.ig,ii. that the abound ing of fin and wick- edneffe in the time , fhould make us to much the more conscientious and diligent in a profitable fpendingof the time, and in accurate and circumfpeft walking, by keep- ing at a great diftance from anything that is finfull in the time, %l>. 3. 4. as knowing not only that fuch evil times do threaten to remove all opportunity of doing good from us, or us from it, Ecclef 11 .2. butalfo that they carry alongs with them many tentations from evil example, from ftraits, from perfections , Mattb,!^. 24. which calleth for greater circumfpe6tneffe : be* fides, that the diflhonour which God getteth from many in fuch times > fliould make us honour him the more, fpfal. 119.136. for, he makeththe evils of the times a motive, not only to redeem the time , but alfo to walk circumfpe&ly ; tor the dayes are eVxl. 4. Times cannot be fo evil, but Gods children may, and will improve, even the evil of thofe times for Gods honour and their own fpiricuaii advantage : yea,and the worfe that times are, in fome refpefts they find a way to improve them the more for thofe ends : for , T^«/ maketh the evil of thofe times a fpur to incite the Godly unto their duty, while he faith, ^deeming the time , for the dayes are evil. Verf, Chap.5.' ofVm\ to the Evhx si ak si 361 Verf. 17. Wherefore he ye not uritoife , hut unierftanding tobattbetoillof the Lord is. TN the third place he inferreth a conclufion from the A evil of thofe times, containing a further amplification of the precept given , ver. 1 5. from the rule of, or the mean enabling us to, this circumfpeft walking, fet down both negatively and affirmatively, to wit, that, feing the time was evil and full of fnares, they would not be unwife, or without underftanding in the point of duty, cither for the matter or manner of it ; but would ac- quaint themfelves with God's will revealed in His Word, whereby they might be directed in relation to all duties, dangers, fnares, tentations and cafes. 2>off0 I. The great thing to be aimed at in feeking knowledge and underftanding, is not that we may only know, or be able to jangle about qucfiions, or that we may be known or efteemed of for our knowledge ; but that we may praftife, and walk circumfpecStly , according to what is made known unto us : for, he would have them undemanding, and knowing God's will, for this end, that they may walk circumf pe&ly in thofe evil dayes, as is clear from the illative particle therefore : Wherefore he ye not Hrftoife, hut underflanding&c. 2. No mother- wit, naturall philofophie, or carnall wifdom is afufficienc rule to walk by in a way acceptable to God , or to con- vey us fafely through thofe rocks and fnares , which are fpread for our feet in evil times, 1 #>M. 20,21. and 2.14. It is only the knowledge revealed in His Word , which is able to reach this end , as containing in it a moft per- fect rule both of faith and manners, 2X^.3.16,17. for , he would have them , in order to this end , undtr~ jianding *frb*t the Xtill of the Lord U. 3. There is that in God's will revealed in Scripture , and in no other writ- ings elfe , which is fufficient to make a man compleatly wife unto falvation,and to drive away thofe dark clouds of ignorance and folly > which are in the fpirit of every man S6i A brief Sxfofith* $f the 8 fifth Cb«p.y . man by nature ; there being no other feience, or know- ledge, which can giye a through difcovery, cither oi our loft eftate by nature, or of the way of our delivery from it by a Redeemer , nor yet of that obedience in its fiili extent , wherein our thaokfulnefle for a delivery confifteth: for, heoppofeth thofe two, IBeuot wftoife, but under (loading Itobat the Kill of the Lord it. 4. Ask ought to be a Chriftian man s ftudy to know the will of God revealed in Scripture ; So this is a fubjeft , which never will be perfe&ly known ; there being alwayes fome new thing to be learned of it and from it, even by thofe who are greateft proficients in the knowledge of it, 9fd. 1 1 9. 96. and therefore we mult be ftill fchollers at this fchool : for,2W fettcch forth their ftudying to know this fubjeft, by a word of the prefent time, implying it would be a continued lafting work, while he faith, «»- der [lauding tobat the Mil of God is. Verf. 18. *And be not drun\ Xbitbtoine, therein is excejfe: but be pled Kitb the Sfirit : I N this verfe are other two of thofe precepts, which do x belong ro all Chrift tans in general! , firft , that they be not drunfaitb toine ; where by *ine is meaned all drink, which maketh drunk , fet forth in one of its kinds, which is moft generally known. And the ApoftIcas fcope is not to forbid all ufe of wine ; feing it may be lawfully ufed (as all other good creatures of God, 1 Tim. 4. 4 .) for health , 1 Tim. 5. 23. for fatisfying thirft , \om. 1 2. 2o» as alfo for a Chriftian and fober chearing up the naturall and vitall fpirirs upon fome lin- gular occafion , Job. 2. 8. F/o>. 3 1. 6. but he condem- ned! all exceflive and inordinate ufe of wine, when more of k is taken than either natural neceffity calleth-forj or Chriftian fober recreation and chcarfultieffe doth allow* and fo much as our bodies and fpirks are thereby over- charged in fome me afure > leffe or more, and fo rendered unfit for God's fervice , l>u^ U. 1+ cve» although the ufe Chap,?. *fPauI to the Ephb$ians. 363 ufe of naturall reafon be net taken away by it > I/i. 5* 22. This diffwafive from drunkennefle is inforced from the fad concomitant and confequenceof this fin, called here excejje. The word fignifieth lavifti wafting, and definition ; which wafting dcftruSion is extended elfe- where to the drunkards means, (Troi\ 23.21.) hisre- putation and credit , (Hab. 2. 16.) his natural ftrength of body (Vro\>. 23. 29.) his wit and judgement , (&ofm 4, 1 1. ) yea, and to his foul for ever without repentance, 1 Cor. 8. 1 o. So that this one word hath a comprehen- sive fum of all thofe dreadfull conlequenccs, which do accompany this one fin. Secondly, in oppofition to their being drunk with wine, he exhorteth them to be filled vritb the Spirit of God, to wit, by labouring to have the • fruits of the Spirit in all goodneffe, righteoufneffe and truth, with joy, peace, and the comfortable lenie of His prefence abounding in them in a rich and copious mea- sure. ?>oB. 1. Chriftians , as in all other things , fo in their eating and drinking muftbe ruled by the Word, and neither by their own appetite, $ro\>. 23, 1,2. nor the pleafure of others, Hof. 7. 5. for, he prefctibeth a rule for their drinking ; ®c not druntyitb Kinc, faith he. a. So pernicious > and perverfe is our nacurall corrupti- on, that thofe things, which God hath given to man for his help and good,are perverted by it,for bringing about his hurt, both in foul and body , and outward eftate : for , "bine , which is given for health and glading the heart of man, (T/4/.104. 15.) is abufed to drunken- nefle , and consequently to God's diftionour , and the man's own prejudice: fo much is fupponed 1 while he faith, ®e not drunf^itb \t>'me. 3. There is no fin more in- confiftcnt with wife,circurafpe6tand confeientiousfpen- din* oftime>than the fin of immoderate drinking is. Ex- perience fheweth it confumeth time, cafteth open doors to all wickedneffe ; buriethfhame* which keepeth ma- ny from vice; and transformeth a man to a very beaft,fo that he neither knoweth nor careth what he doth *, it is the mother of ftrifes and luft } driveth to ftcaling , ly- ing* 3^4 A brief Expo fition of the Spiftle Chap.y; ing, f wearing, and what not? for, in oppofition to the duty of walking circumfpe&ly and redeeming the time, be mentioneth this fin of drunkenneffe and forbiddeth it; And be not drunf^Xbitb Vi>Uey faith he. 4. Such is the ty- rannic of this fin > that where it is once given way to, it carrieth a man headlongs in the fervkre of it , fo that he valucth no lofle , whether of credit> mean3 , body , or foul, if hemiy get hisbeaftly appetite fatisficd : for, *Paul fupponeth many were given to this fin » chough therein was exceffls , or deftruftion , and lofle of all the forementioned good things following upon it , while he fakh» therein, or in "tobub being drunf^, oviciVrbich drun- fynneft there is excej^ov lofle and definition. ?. Though a gracious perfon may through infirmity flip into this fin of drunkenneffe, Gen. 1 9. 3 2, 3 ]• yet a drunken courfe of life cannot confift with a mans having the fpirie of grace in any plentifull m?afure ; feing He is a fpirie of temperance > chaftity and moderation , Gal. 5. 23. and not of excefle : for,the adverfative particle £#*»implycth an oppoficibn betwixt thofe two, drunkenneffe, and en- joying the prefence of the Spirit of God ; %e not drunl^ Vfitb tome— but be filled tyitb the Spirit. 6- Wc ought not to reft upon , and content our felves with, a fmall mea- fure of the graces of Gods Spirit, but are to endeavour to be filled with them, and to hive the Spirit of God dwelling richly in us, by actuating all our graces, CAni* 4.15. and adding one degree of grace unto another; 2 Tet. 3. 1 8. for, he commindeth them not only to have, bu: to be filled toitb the Spirit. 7. What even fleflily finfull pleafure a man doth find , or imagineth to find from any finfull courfe , the fame, and much more is to bs had in a fpirieuall and divine manner in the way of grace : and particularly , a copious plentifull meafure of the fpirie of grace doth work the iikeeffe&sfpiri- tuilly* which wine immoderately taken doth bodily; Itfilleth the foul with joy and gladneffe, P/i/. 4^7. It nnkethamin forget his former mi(eries> Job in 6, it enlargeth his heart; loufeth his tongue > and raaketh him j Cbap>5. of?&u\totheE?n bsians. 365 him eloquent in letting forth the Lords praifes, Lul^.i. 67.68. for,herecommendethuntothemto be filled Kith the fpirit, as a remedy againft their filling themfelves with wine , and calleth the one a filling, or ebriety and drunkenneffe , to wit, in a fpiritual fenfe, as well as the other, in a bodily fenfe, becaufe of the likcneffe of t&t&i betwixt them. Verf. 1 9« Speaking to your felvts in Tfalms , andr Hymnes, and fpirituall fongSy finging and making melody in your bean to the Lord. 'TTHis laft precept is illuflrated , and the duty en joyned ** thereby recommended from two things , wherein this fill of thefpirit, and of fpirituall joy flowing from it, (hould and will vent it felf , which he proponeth alfo in way of precept. His fcope wherein mainly, is, to teach them, and us in them, how we ought to carry our felves in our times of mirth and gladneGe. The firft of thofe two things is in this verle , to wit , melodious and artificiall finging of praifes unto God : where he ex- preffeth, firft, the aft of finging in three words, ffcdp ing , finging, and making melody. By all which is meaned an intelligible, artificiall, and melodious tuning of the voice , together with an anfwerable orderly motion of the understanding and affe&ions within, going along with the matter which is fung. Secondly , An infer i- our, and fubordinate end to be aimed at in finging, even our mutuall edification, while he faith , Speaking to your febes , or, one to another : for, it is the fame word, which is chap. 4. 32. aud Qol. 3. 16. Thirdly , He expreffeth the matter to be fung , in three words , the very titles which are given to {DaVid's Pfalms, and other fcriptural Songs : and though there be fome difference among In- terpreters about the kind of Songs, which are expreffed by every one of thofe in particular ; yet the moft received and probable opinion is, that by f/alms are meaned all holy Songs in general] of yvhatfoevcr argument, whether they \66 A brief Sxpefition of the Epifile Cbap>y # they contain praycrs> praifes, complaints, deprecations, £rophefie,hiftory, or a purpofe mixt of allthofe; and y Hymnet are meaned fpcciall fongs of praife to God ; and by fongs , a certain kind of Hymnes , exprefling the praifesof Godforfome of His noWe a$s> great and wonderfull beyond others. And thofe Songs he calleth fpirituall ( which epithet is to be extended to the Pfalms and Hymnes alfo) as being framed by the Spirit of God, containing fpirituall and heavenly purpofe, and requir- ing the affiftance of God's Spirit and a fpiritual frame of heart for finding them aright ; and this in oppofition to the obfeene, filthy, and flefhly fongs of carnall men and drunkards. And fourthly , he fhewcth the chief thing to bemadeufe of, and employed as an inftru- ment in finging, to wit, not fo much the lips, tongue, and outward voice, ( though thofe be alfo neceffary in fing. ing, tAB. i(5. 25.) as the heart x which then is made ufe of in finging, when our heart goeth along with the voice* fo, as we under ft and (1 Cor. 14. 15.) and beinrentupon the purpofe, ( VfaL 57. 7.) and our affe&ions be ftirred and fuitably affe&ed with it, VfaL 98. 4. And lattly, he fheweth the great end , to which all our fongs ought to be dire£ted,even to the Lord ; the glorifying, and praifing of Himi being not only the remote fcope of finging , as it is of all ortter ordinances, and ought to be of all our aftions, 1 Cor. 10. 31. but its proper and immediate fcope ; fo that the heart in finging ought to be a&ually taken up with the thoughts of praife to God,arifing from the confederation of the purpofe which we fing. Befides what I have already obferved upon a parallel place, Col. 3.-16. Ledrn hence, t. The duty of finging Pfalms and fpirituall Songs, is not aftri&ed and limited tothe reft being filenc, but i> enjoyned to all the Lords people* even all the members of the Church : for , *W maketh the command to fing, of equal extent with that other of being filled with the fpfrit, ver. 18. Speaking to your fihes in f falms and Hymnes^ &q. faith he* 2. That Chap.j. */Paulf«/^£pm$iAN$. 367 we may go about this worfhip of finging praifcs to God acccptably/it is ncceffaryahat we be filled with theSpirit and have a rich and copious meafure of His prcfence and afliftance, though not to compofe new fongs : for> he pointeth at fcripturall Songs , as the moft fitting purpofe to be fung, under the titles of pfalms, Hymnes, andfpui- tuall fongs ; yet that we may be enabled to choole the fittcft fongs for the prefent occafion , and fing them with fuch a fpiricuall , elevated frame of heart, as fuch a di- vine and heavenly piece of worfhip requireth ; for he faith , be filled *itb the fpirk, fpeafyng to your fefoes in Tffalms, and Hyrnnes, and fpiritual fongs. 3. As even the children of God, when they have gotten a full draught of joy, peace, and other fweet fruits of the Spirit of God, are not above the hazard of venting their joy, by falling out in fits of carnall lightnefle; So there is nothing, which the childc of God oughc more to advert unto, than how to carry aright when his cup is foil according to his hearts wifh : and in order hereto , would expreffe his joy in the praifes of God ; left by doing otherwifc, and giving way to lightnefle of carriage or expreflions, in that cafe he provoke the Spirit of God to withdraw ftoai him , Spb. 4. 30. for, therefore doth he command them being filled with the Spirit to vent their joy , by fpcakjng to one another in pfalms ^ and Hynrnes, and fpiritual fongs. 4. As the Lord hath provided Songs and Pfahra to be (ting by us of diverfc arguments, containing par- pofe fuitable for every condition we can readily fall un- der ; So we ought to make fiich ufe of that variety , as co make choice of thofe Pfalms forour prefent finging, which are moft fit for the prefent occafion : for, as is faid, the titles here given , do relate ro the feverall pur- pofes, which are fet forth in fpiritual fongs j all of which arc to be fung , as God by His prefent dealing wirh His Church, or our felves (hall require h Speaking in Tfalms, and Hymncsyandfpirttuall fongs. 5, In finging of Pfalms to God , there muft be an inward harmony, and mis- call melody in the (bul and heart , as well as in the tongue : 1 368 tA brief Exposition of the Epiftle Chap. j. tongue : yea, the chief melody which foundeth molt fwcecly unto God, is that of the foul and heart ; and therefore the outward delighting of the ears is to be taken no further notice of, than it ferveth to make the purpofe we fing , work the more effectually upon the heart : for , he faith , finding and making melody in the hart : what this melody of the heart is, was (hown in the expofuion. Verf. 20. Giving thanks aboayesfor all things unto God and the father, in the name of our Lord Jefm Cbrifi. . IJEre is the fecond thin&wherein our being filled with the Spirit,(hould,and will vent it felf>even in giving of thanks , or in a fenfible acknowledgement of favours received > and in exprefling our fenfe of them , whether by word or work to the praife of the beftower. Which duty is amplified , 1. from the time, when it ought to be difcharged , atoayes> and at all times : not as if we Were tobealwayes, and without mtermiflion in the a&uall exercife of this duty of formall and direft thankf- giving ; ( feing there are other neceffary duties which fometimes muft divert us from it) but becaufe our whale life ought to be according to the will of God, and con- iequently a reall expreflion of our thankfulneffe to Him; and becaufe we are not to omit any occafion, when ic offereth, of formal and direct thankfgiving to God ex- preffedin words, flowing from the inward fenfe and feeling of our hearts , as they are faid to do a thing al- wayes, who do it upon all due occafions. See 2 Sam. 9* 1 3. Secondly , from the matter , for which we are to give thanks , for all things, whether fpirituall or tern- porall , profperous or adverfc ; for , God maketh all things , even thofe which are adverfe , work together for the good of fuch as love Him, %om. 8* 28^ yea , He pu- nifheth leffe than our iniquities deferve, E%ra 9. 13. and maketh faddeft correftions to afford moft neceffary and profitable inftruftions, Pfil.94. 12. and 119. 7 f« Chap. $1 of Paul to the E * h e s i a ti tl 169 fo that there is ground of thankfgiving , even forthofc* Thirdly , from the party to whom this duty is to be dis- charged, unto God and the father. See upon Col. ?♦ ver. 1 7. do&. 3. And, fourthly, from the party through whom* Jefm Cbrijl, by the vertue of whofe merit and (atisfa&i- on ( which are His name whereby He is known ) we are not only inabled to go about our duty, Ibilip. 4, 1 3. but alfo^ll our fpiritual performances , whether of prayer or thankfgiving , are acceptable and well-pleafing unto God, Epb. 1. 6. ®oB. 1. The more a man doth find his heart difpofed to give thanks to God at all times, and for all things, even for thofe things wherein divine dif- penfation goeth croffe to his own affedions, he may the more certainly conclude that he hath the faving work of Gods Spirit in him in a copious meafure ; and the more apt we are to miftake, repine and murmure at Gods dealing , and fo to waft our fpirits in heartlefle com- plaints, there is the lefle evidence of a gracious work of Gods Spirit in us, at leaft in any great meafure : for, he mdktth giving 0 f thanks al^ayes for all things , aneffe&of being filled Kith the Spirit. 2. So firm, fo calm and compofed is that man's ftate and inward frame of heart, who hath his foul repleniffied with a rich meafure of the faving work of Gods Spirit, that nothing can fall out fo croffe unto him , but, he may fee the hand of God working for good to him in it, and confequently be kept in perfect peace, and a joyful frame of heart, exprefling it felf in giving of thanks to God , notwithstanding of it, yea and for it : for, he fheweth , the man filled with the Spirit, may attain to this fixed frame of heart, even to be gibing tbanfy afoayes for all things unto God. 5. Spi- ritual exercifes , efpecially that of giving thanks , are fuch, that, being rightly gone about, frequency in them doth not beget fatiety and loathing , but rather a greater delight to continue in them; fo that the more we are acquainted with them , the more we love them : for* other wife this command of gtobig thanks afaayes> ftiould never receive obedience* 4. So Readable and ufefull is a A a cheery 57° A brief S^pejition of the Epiftle Chap.j .' cheery and thankful frame of heart unto a Chrittian,that it hringeth meat out of the cater , encouragement from matter of difcouragemcnt, and taketh occafion to lift it (elf up in the praifes ofGod,even from thefe things which are matter of down-cafting and heardefle drouping unto Others : for, a thankful heart will give tbankj afaxiyes and for all things , even for adverfe and croffe difpenfations. 5» Though we are bound to give thanks unto mm for Favours received, as unto inftrumcnts of Gods good pro- vidence towards us, Co/. 3. -15. yet, religious thankf- Rivingis only due unto God, as implying an eying of Him to whom we give thanks, as the fupream fountain and author of the favour received , having fufficiency in Himfelf , and receiving nothing from any other, I Chren. 29. 14. ,and implying alfo a religious fubje&i- on of the whole man, both in foul and body , unto his benefadtour, in evidence of a thankfull heart, 1 CQr* 6. 20. for, the Apoftle, fpeaking of this religious tbankf- giving, will have it afcribed to God only ; Giving thanks unto God and the father, 6. That we may imploy JefusChrift aright, whether for furniture and through- bearing in duty, or for acceptation of our performances by God, it is moft conducing and neceffary that we fo take Him up, as He is made known by the Word in His Perfbn, Nature and Offices, and accordingly clofe with Him by faith, as ours, whereby, our faith being a6ted in Him with relation to our ftate and perfons, upon un- doubted grounds, we may find more eafie work to zdt faith in Him for furniture to iiich a particular duty, or for acceptation to it when it is performed : for, faul fcemeth to imply fo much, while, teaching them to aft faith in Chrift for through- bearing and acceptation in this duty of thankfgiving, he doth hold Him forth not only under His titles of Lord and Jefas and CbriH, which do imply His diftinft Natures, with the unity of His Perfon, and His threefold Office, to which He was an- cynted, ( See upon chap. 1. ver. 17. do&. 6. ) but alfo maketh mention of His Hame9 which exprefleth what- ever Chap. 5. of Paul to the Ephbsian^^ 371 ■ ever other thing is revealed of Him , and whereby efpe- ciallyHe is made known; and withall appropriated Chrift unco himfelf* teaching them co do the like upon grounds of knowledge of what He is, while he faith, in the name of our Lord Jefus Cbrift. Verf. 21. Submitting your fe foes omto another in the fear of God. T^He Apoftlc ( having from chap. 4. ver. 1. exhorted x untofuch duties, as belong to all ChriiHans in ge- neral, ofwhatfoeverrankorftation) doth now* in the fecond part of this Chapter, exhort to thofe duties which belong to Chriftians, as they are members of families. And, firft, in this verfe to make way from the former purpofe to that which followeth, he doth premit a gene- ral exhortation unto all, whether fuperiors or inferiors, to be mutually fubplt one to another : where, fubmiffion* or fubjeftion, is taken, not ftri&ly for that which is the root of obedience in inferiors towards fuperiors , as Ver. 22. but generally, for that fervice of love which every one oweth to another for their mutual! good and advantage in their feverall ftations. Sec upon Gal. ?. ver. 13. And it is called fuhmiffion to our neighbour ; becaufek is notfufficicut that we fimply do the com- manded dutie unto him , except cur fo doing flow from a principle of love to him, and that we aftually intend therein his good and advantage ; and becaufe it muft be done with condefcendency of fpirit and ftouping , feing our proud and lofty fpirits do look upon every du- ty towards our neighbour, as below them. And he ad- deth in the fear of God: whjch contameth 1. a motive to the duty, this mutuall iubmiffion and ftouping unto all thofe duties, which we owe one to another, being an evidence of a man's fearing God, Gen. 4 2. 18. and, 2. the right fountain,from whence this fubmiffion (hould flow ; for, then do we our duty towards others accep- tably, and as we ought3 when our fo doing floweth from A a 2 the 37* ^4 brief Expofiticnef the Eplfile Chap.?; the fear and awe of God , Col. 3.-22; andt 3. the rule andmeafure ofthisfubmiffion, there being none bound to fubmit himfclf to pleafe his neighbour further than is confifting with that fubje&ion and obedience which he owcth unto Godi AH. 5. 29. (Doff. 1 . We are not, un- der pretence of going about the duties of Gods immedi- ate worfbip, to ncglcft thofe other duties of our parti- cular callings , and which we owe to mart in our feve- ralftations: God alloweth time for both, we arc to take time for both ; and confeientious regard of the one and of the other, aremoft confident : for, the Apoftle en joyneth both the former, and latter fort of duties, as it were with one breath, which is clear from the gram- matical conftruftion of the words ; Giving tbankj atoayes -*fubmitting your febet one to anothtr. Yea, fecondly, The confeiencious difcharging of thofe duties which we owe to our neighbour in our feveral Rations, in away acceptable to God, doth call for, and argue a copious meafure ofi the faving work of Gods Spirit in the heart no lefle than thofe other duties of Gods worfhip and fcr- vice : for, this verfe dependeth upon, and is conllrufted with ver. 18. Befitted Kith the Spirit- — fubmitting your felves. 3. There are none living, whom God alloweth to live only to themfelves ; but all are bound to lay out themfelves in their refpe&ive imployments for the good and behoof of others; even (uperiors for the good of inferiors : for, this command is given to all without exception ; Submitting yourfebes one to another. 4. As God hath tyed us not to live to our felves only, but alfo to others, whofe good we are to aim at in our place and ftation ; So, for a recompence, and that there may be a kind of equality, He hath tyed thofe others to live alfo unto us 3 and one way or other to be forth-coming for our good and advantage : for, the command and obli- gation founded upon it, is reciprocal *, Submitting your felves one to another. 5. Where the fear of God is rooted in the heart, it will make a man confeientioufly carefuH and tender of his duty towards man , (o that he vvill net only Chap.?* of Paul /'J^Ephhsians; 373 only do his duty t but alfo do it from a right principle and motive, and fo do as he will not overdo,by difplea- fingGod, while he goeth about to pleafe men: for, he holdeth forth the fear of God t as the fountain, motive and rule of that fubmiflion which is here enjoyned ; Submitting one to another in the fear of God. Verf. 22. Wives , fubmit your ftfoes unto your ofm huf* bands > 1 Tim. A a 3 2, Chap. 5. ie wives, is 374 A brief Expefitlon of the Sfiftle 1. 9, 10, ii» 1 2. Now, this fubmiflion of the wives, is explained , firft, from the party to whom they owe it, to wit, their own husbands, even though theyfhould come (hort of others in knowledge, wifdom, and every other thing, which doth deferve it , 1 Sam. i j. \j. And, 2, from the manner , motive and rule of their fub- miffive obedience , while he faith , m unto the Lord, to wit> Chrift, ex prtfly fpoken of , ver. 23. For, 1. It nrmft not be conftrained and feigned , but willing and finccre, refembling fo far, ac leaft, that fubjeflion which they owe to the Lord Chrift : for, though the compara- tive particle ^, doth not hold forth an equality in all things; yet it pointeth at a fimilkude and likeneffe in fome things. 2. It muft not flow from a natural principle only of law, cuftome, or defire of preventing domeftick broyles* but from confeience of ducy to the Lord Chrift, and from refpeft to His ordinance, who hath fo ap- pointed. And, thirdly, it muft be only in things law- fulled no wayes contrary to that fubmiffive obedience, which they owe to Him. 2>o#. 1. As the right order- ing of Families doth conduce much to the advancing of Religion and Policy ; ( combination in Families being the foundation of all other focieties) So the good and or- derly convcrfation of husband and wife, is of great con- cernment for advancing piety and godlinefle among all the other members of the Family : for, as the Apoftle preflech much thofe duties which belong to Chriftians, as they are members of Families ; fb he doth begin with the duties of husband and wife. Wives , fubmit jour fefoes. 2. When wc are to deal with perfons of feveral eftates and conditions, and to inform and preffe upon them their refpeftive duties ,we are to begin with the in- feriors, rather than the fuperiours; becaufe their duty, through the fubjeftion which is in it , is more difficile, and being made confeience of, is a ftronp motive unto the Superiour \t to be fubjctt to her own husband , fo that what cvct wives be otherwife for parts* tor birth , for beauty , for thrift, for breeding, if this be inlaking, they want their Chief ornament , are difhonourable toGod > and a dif* grace to their husbands ; for,?'*/ doth hold it forth as cheir great leffon, and the fum of all their duty ; Wives, fubmit your felves unto your oton husbands. 4. There is no wife, what ever be her birth, parts, or any other privi- ledge* who is exempted from this ty of fubje&ion to her own husband. The law 6f nature , God's ordinance* and her own voluntary covenant, do bind her to it ; for* he fpeaketh indefinitely to all wives ; fubmit your felves. 5. There is not any husband , to whom this honour of fubmiflk>n from his own wife is not due; noperfonali infirmityj frowardneffe of nature , no, nor errour in the point of Religion doth deprive him of it, 1 Cor. 7. 13. for, he fpeaketh indefinitely alfo of husbands ; Wives, fubmit your felves unto your oVm husbands. 6. A wife can never difcharge her duty in anymeafurc of confei- entious tenderneffe towards her husband , except (Tie have an highefteemof the LordChrift, and be in the firft place fiibjeft unto Him ; that fo from love to Him (he may (ubjeCt her felf to her husband, not going with- out thofe bounds of fubmiffion, which are confident with her love to Chrift : for, while he biddcth fubmit themfelves unto their husbands , ife,eVen as Chrift u the head of the Church : and bets the faVhur of the body. r He Apoftle doth, next> eftforce this duty of fubmiffivc VA obedience upon wives, from the ordinance of God, A a 4 \vhq 37<* A britfSxpofttion of the Epiftle Chap.?.1 who hath made thehosband to be an head to his wife: which fimilkude of an bead , taken from a naturall or Eolkick body , implyeth, firft, the husbands eminency y reafon of his fex> the woman being the weaker veffel, *f*t an helper to him, Gen. 2. 18.) and the man not for the wife , 1 Cor. 1 1 . 9. as the head is more eminent than the body. 2. It implyeth the husbands power and authority of govern- ment over his wife , as the head hath power over the body to rule and direft it : in which refpeft the man is called the image of God in afenfe peculiar to himfelf, which agrecth not to the woman , 1 Cor. \ 1. 7, And, it implyeth j thirdly, that ordinarily men are, at lcaft ffiould be, endued with a greater meafure of knowledge, prudence and other parts > which they are to employ for the behoof of their wives , 1 Cor. 14, 35. even as the head is the feat of wifdom, knowledge, nerves and fenfes, fending down influence for fenfe and motion to all the members : upon all which grounds , women ought in reafon to be fubjeft to their husbands. Which argu- ment he doth illuftrate and enforce from the fimilkude of Chrifts headship over the Church (whereof fee chap. I . ver . 2 2 ) fb that wives ought to fubmit themfel ves>be- caufe God will have fome refemblance of Chrifts au- thority over the Church held forth in the husbands au- thority over the wife. I fay , fome refemblance only: for , the comparative particle as , holdeth forth not an equality ,but a fimilkude and Jikeneffe>and in fome things only , betwixt Chrifts headlhip over the Church , and the husbands over the wife * even rn thofe things, which I presently (hew are implyed in the husbands headship, which are fome ftiaddows only of that eminency, power and fulnefle of grace and perfections > which are ih our head Chrift. But befides thofe , the A poftle doth here expreffe one thing , wherein this refemblance doth alfo hold, to wk, that Chrift, as head, is the Saviour of the body , thereby implying, that as Chrifts dominion over the Church, His body, doth tend to , and is exercifed in Pr0* Chap.' y; of Paul to the Ep h e s i an si 377 procuring and bringing about the Churches good and falvation ; So the husbands authority and eminency are given him for the like end , even to procure the good and fafetyof his wife, in defending her from injuries, ( I Sam. 30. 18.) providing for her , ( 1 Tim. 5. 8.) di- retting her in things neceffary , &o 1 Cor. 14. 3y. and therefore the wife , upon this confederation alfo, ought to fubjeft her felf J feing the husbands power and authority over her are given for her good. Befides thofe dottrines, which the Text thus explained dothex- prefly hold forth > we may gather thefe confequences from it , 1. It is not fufficient that wives do fubjett themfelves to their husbands from refpett to their own peace, eafe, credit, or to any thing of that fort ; but their fubjettion ought to flow from the confeience of , and re- fpeft to that ftate and dignity wherein God hath placed their husbands above them , fo that their perfonall in- firmities do not prevail fo much to make themdefpifc them, as the dignity of their flate to beget refpett , reve- rence and obedience towards them: for, Paul enforceth fuch a fubjettion , as floweth from this ground , while he faith , for the husband is the head of the "toife. 2. There is no fociety , though never fo ftri&ly tied together with ftrongeft bonds, which can comfortably (ubfift, and keep together for any (pace of time, except there be dif- ferent degrees of fuperiours and inferiours , fome to go- vern , and others to obey in the Lord,among them : for, the wife Lord did fee it neceflary fo to ordain, even in conjugall fociety of husband and wife , who are fo ftri&ly tied , that both are but one flefo , ( See ver. 31 .) and yet the husband is made the bead of the nife. 5. Chriftians ought to be of fuch an heavenly frame of fpirit , as to take occafion from things civil or naturall, which do occur in their ordinary employments, to af- cend to heavenly contemplations of things fpirituall, which have fbme refemblance to thefe other things , which are among their hands : for, the Apoftle teacheth fo much, while he leadeth husband & wife from the con- fideration 378 uflrUf Sxpofition of the Epifile Chap.5. (idefation of the union, order and duties of married par- ties, to contemplate that fweet union and order. which is betwixt Chrift and His Church,both here and in the fol- lowing verfes; Even as Chrift U the bead of the Church, faichhe. 4» Husbands, and confequendy other Supe- riors, have a fpeciall piece of the image of Chrift put upon them , in refpeft of their power and authority over their inferiours given them of God ; whereby both inferiours may be afraid to vilifie and contemn their au- thority , left they be therein found defacers of the image of God, and cheythcmfeivesalfo maybe taught to re- ferable ChrUi whole image they bear, in employing their ftate and dignity, fo as they walk anfwerably to it , if they would have that fubrniflisn and refpc6t from infe- riours which is due unto it : for, Paul maketh that cmi- nency and authority , which husbands have over their wives, a (haddow and refemblance of Chrifts power over His Church ; even as 0>ri/l is the head of the Church. 5. As the members of Chrift* body are by nature loft and gone , even dead in fin and children of wrath, Epb. 2. 1 . - 3. So there was no way for their recovery , but by Jefus Chrift His becoming man, and fuflfering death, and uniting Himfelf> being now rifen from death, unto them as their head, that fo He may beftow the influences of fpirituall life, with a right to heaven upon them, here, and at laft take them to Himfelf in glory hereafter 5 for, he (he weth that Chrift is become the Churches bead, that He might be a SaViourof bis loft body. is a moft neceflary duty ; So,confidering the inbred pride, arrogance and felf-willednefle , which is in all the fons and daughters of Adam by nature , it is a work of no fmall difficulty to get wives pefwaded to give that hear- ty , chearfull , loving and dutifull refpeft and obedience unto their husbands , which both the Law of nature, and the written Word of God do require from them : for , to what purpofe elfe doth he reiterate this exhorta- tion , and inforcc it by fo ftrong and convincing argu- ments? 3 So A brief Expofitian of the Spittle Chap, j ♦ merits ? Therefore and other places of Scripture, thofefew things which are excepted ; that thereby he may with one word cut off all unfcriptural exceptions , limitations and reftri&ions, which imperious, afpiring fpirits, impatient of the yoke, arc ready to bound and ftraiten this fubmiffion and obe- dience by ; Ut then be fubject in every thing , faitfy he* Vert '0 Chap. $• '/ Paul to the E? h i s i a n s. 38 f Vcrf. 25. Hushands , /oVe j/o«r T^fVc5 , even ed the Church , and gaVc Himfelf for it. THe Apoftle doth now exhort husbands to their duty: x which he , firft , proponcth fummarily under the name of love to their wives , whereby the heart , and inmoft affe&ionsof the husband ought to be lb inclined and difpofed towards his wife, as that not only he do wifli her good, but alfo endeavour unto his utmeft to bring it about : which is not to be fo underfiood , as if the wife were not bound to love her husband alfo, Tit. 2. 4* But he prefleth love upon the husband in particu- lar , becaufe he is moft ready to fail in this duty of Jove, and to abufe that fuperiority which God hath given him over his wife, by proving rigorous and bitter againft her, Col. 3. -19. Now this love enjoyned to husbands > is not that common Chriftian love> which is extended unto all Chriftian^of both fexes , as unto brethren and fitters inChrift, J oh. 13. 34. butafpcciall and conjugall love, which ought to be extended unto none, but unto a mans own wife: and it includeth co- habitation with his wife , and «ontentation with her love only, Tro>. 5. 18, 19. a patient bearing with her infirmities and frailties, 1 Trt. 3. J. with a fatherly care to defend hen 1 Sam. 30. 5, as a pattern : In fo far as the husbands love oupht to refemblcChrifis, to wit, in the chaftity of His love , who loveth none to His 38 i A brief Sxptfaion of the SpijlU Chap. j. His Church, Job.xj.g. the fincerity of His love, who lovech the Church, not for His , but for her advantage* Trob.S. 30. with G*/. 2. -20, not for what is hers , but forherfelf, Hof, 14, -4- and not in words only, but in deeds alfo, teftifyingHisloveby theeffe&s, Job, 15.1 3. and in the conftancie of His love , who loveth whom Helovethunto the end, Job. 13.-1. even , notwith- ftandingof their infirmities, P/4/.8?.3o,33. fuch ought the husband's love to be- ©0#. 1. Though husbands are not to fuffer their wives to exercife dominion and au- thority over them, that being contrary to the Ordinance of God, and the good both of husband and wife , ver. 22.23. yet, feing the nature of men, and of husbands in particular with relation to their wives , are fufficienc- ly bent of their own accord to exercife any power and authority they have* and rather to exceed their due, than to keep within it ; therefore neither ought they them- felves fo much to mind their power • neither is it fo ne- ceffary for them to be minded thereof by others, as to be carefull how to ufe their power and authority well, and as it ought : for, therefore the Apoftlc, though he com- manded the wives to fubmit 5 yet, he doth notcxprefiy bid the husbands rule over their wives, but, husbands lo\>e your bribes , as thinking it more fie to let them underfhnd how to ufe their power well , than to ftir them up to the exercife of it. 2. The great and main duty, which an husband , as an husband, ought to learn,and fo learn as to pra&ife it , is love to his wife \ and fo to love her , as to make love kyth in all his deportment to- wards her, and in all thofe other duties, which he oweth to her ', this being that one thing in the husband, which fweetneth the yoke of fubjeftion laid upon thet wife, giveth her courage under it , and maketh her willingly fubmit unto it , when it receiveth fuch a fweet return from her husband : for, JWdoth hold forth this as the husbands great leffon , and the lum of all his other du- ty $ Husbands lo)>e your toives. 5. There is no husband, whatever he be for birth , parts , authority , or power, vvha . Chap.,?. of Paul to the Ep h i s i a n s ; 38$ who is not tyed to love his wife, and to evidence his love to her in ajl thofe duties mentioned in opening up the Text: for, he fpeakcth indefinitly unto all; Husbands lo\>& your *3>#*. 4. Neither is there any wife, to whom all thofe duties , flowing from the fountain of love, ara not due by her husband. No meannefl'e of birth, (BJJber 2. 17.) no perfonall infirmity, ( 1 Srfwz. 1. 5.) adulcery being excepted, Mattb. 19. 9- nor frowardncfle of na- ture (Job. 19. 17.) do prejudge her of them: for, he fpeaketh indefinitly alfo of the wives ; Husbanas lo^e your Kives. 5. Though it concerreth husbands and wives, and others alfo, who are tied together by mutu- all relations , as matters and fervams , parents and chil- dren , to take fome fort of infpc&ion one of another, left any of their relations come ftiort cf their duty , * lQng* 5* x ?• y^c, it concernech every one moft,to make confeience of his own duty, not only to God,but alfo to his relations, and that, as for other rcafons, fo for this, There can be no greater encouragement to flir up his re- lations to make confeience of their duty to him : for, he commandcth every one to mind their own duty meft, the wives to fuhmit tbemfefoes , the husbands fc> hvetbtir toiVes, and fo in the reft. 6. As JefusChrift hath deigned Himfelf to undergo the relation of an husband to His Church ; So this, and thofe other relations taken on by Him, are not empty titles ; He doth the duties, which all fuch relations do bind to 1 even t;o the utmoft. And particularly, He is fuch an husband, that for love to His Church , and all other duties flowing from love > He is exemplary ijnto all other husbands ; feing greater love hath no man than this , that a man lay down His life for His friends, Job. 1 4. 1 3, for, as *taul implyeth here, and in the verfes following , that Chrift is the Churches husband; fo he holdeth forth His love as a pattern to be imitated by all ; Husbands loVe your y»i\>cs , even as Qbrifl alfo loVedtbe Cburch. 7. The love which a huf- -band carrieth to his wife ou^ht to be founded, not upon beauty, riches, health , or any fuch thing only which is 3 §4 A brief Expofition of the Spiff ie Chap, y • is fubjeft unto decay , but alfo, and principally , upon that unchangable foundation of the love ot Chrift unto His Church : which is here held forth, not only as a pat- tern , but as an argument alfo , and the reafon where- fore husbands ought to love their wives , even as Cbrijl alfo loved the Church. 8. Asthofe, whom Chrift doth love with a fpeciall love, are only His, that is , real Be- lievers, who are fubjeft to Him, ver. 14. So Jefus Chrift did give Himfelf to death , not for all and every one* J oh. 17. 9* but only for His Ghurch , which is His All% and confifteth of fome of all Nations , and of all ranks in the world , in which refpeft only Chrift is faid to have died for all, 1 Tint. 2. 6. for, Paul aftrið both His love and His death to the Church ; Jts Chrifl alfo loved the Church , and gave himfelf for it. Sec fome fur- ther Doftrines gathered from the like words, ver. 2. VerC 26. That he might fanUijie and cleanfe it toitb the toajhing of boater ', by the Vord , T-JE infifteth upon this excelled pattern of love , by XI (hewing two ends, why Chrift from love did give Himfelf for His Church. The fir ft whereof, is attained in the prefent life , and expreffed in this verfe , to wit, that He might fanUifie thofe for whom He gave Him- felf. Which fanftifying work, as it is here taken* doth comprehend that whole complex bufineffc of tranflating the Eleft from the ftate of fin and death , to the ftate of grace and life, even our regeneration, juftification, and the gracious change of our difpoficions, or fao&ificati- on ftri&ly Co called , zsjob, 17-17. which he calleth a cleaning of us, exprelling the manner how Chrift doth fan&ifie His Church , even by doing away the guilt of fin, or obligation to wrath becaufe of fin in juftificati- on, %om. 8. I. and the filth, power, and aftivityof fin,in the renovation of our natures after His own Image, Xpm. 6. 14. which cleanfing work, is here defenbed from the eiternall means and inftruments by which Chap.?.' of Paul f theEt h*s ian $1 585 Chrift doth clcanfe His Church , and make application of the vertue and power of His deaih and fuffcrings, in order to that end. And thole are, r. the Sacrament of Baptifm, called the Rafting of Kater , becaule of the ex- ternail rite and element ufed in that Sacrament ; and clcanfing is afcribed to this toafiing, not, as if there were any vertue beftowed upon the water by God ; whereby grace is conferred and really wrought, 1 *Pct. 3. 21. but becaufe, though it be God alone, who wholly and eflfe- ftually doth fandiifie and cleanie us, 1 Cor. 3. 7. yet* this Sacrament, as alfo the other , are made ufe of by Him, not only to reprefent Chrifl , and tfiofc graci- ous faving works of His, 1 Corinth. 10. 16. but alfo to confirm the grant of them to us, if we believe, %om. 4. 11- yea, and to exhibit a greater meafureof thofc faving graces unto us upon our right ufing of them, I Cor. 11.24. therefore is it, that the thing fignified is afcribed unto the fign and feal. Now, the Apoftle doth mention Baptifm only, and not the Lords Supper, cither becaufe there is the fame reafon for both , and therefore it was fufficient to cxpreffe the one 5 or, becaufe Baptifm is the firft and leading Sacrament , and lealeth up our regeneration and new birth in a peculiar manner , Tit* 3. 5. and therefore it is moft appofitly mentioned here, where he fpeaketh of God's work in bringing finners out of nature unto the ftate of grace. The lecond mean and inftrument which God maketh ufe of, is the Word, to wit, the Covenant of Grace revealed in the Gofpel, and preached by fent Miniflers, ^m. 10. 15. which the Lord doth bleffe for conveying grace to gracelefle finners, and fo , for fandtifying and cleanfing them , not by any vertue in the found , fyllabs or fentences of this Word, but by the effe&uall working of His own Spirit, tActs 16.14. whereby He doth accompany His Word, when, and where He pleafcth, Job.^.S. e Htmftlf for tbeCbwcb, that He might fanBifie and clean fe per. 2. As Gods Image wafcloft and forfeited by JdJkft fall unto all his pofterity : (0 there was not any poffible way , for our recovering of it , except a price , and no leffe price than the bloud of Chrift , had been firft payed to provoked juftice for it : for* Chrift behoved to give Himfclf, and thereby purchafe fanftification for us , that fo fie might fanBifie and cleanfe the Cfiurcb. 3. Our dying Lord had an actuall intention in due time to fan&ifie, and accord- ingly doth regenerate , juftifie and fanftifie , yea, and bring unto glory all thofe for whom he died , and gave Himfclf a facriftce and offering unto God : for , His intentions cannot be fruftratcd , but He muft fee the tra- vel! of His foul , I fa. 5 j. 1 1. Now , that He intended to fan&ifieall fuch, is clear ; for He ga\>e Himfelf for it, that He might fanBifie and cleanfe iu 4. As all thofe> for whom Chrift our Lord did from love give Himfelf, and whom by His death He intended to fanftifie, were in themfelves polluted and unclean , lying in their bipud, defiled both with the guilt of fin already committed,and with the filthy vileneffe of fin yet indwelling, Epbm2+ I, - 3. So , fuch was the fervency of love in Chrift to loft finners, and fuch was the vertue of His merit , that no uncleannefle of this kind did make Him loath them* or defpare of getting them made clean 5 for that*Hega>e Himfelf for the Church to cleanfe it , fupponeth that they were unclean , and yet He loveth them > and from love fetteth about to cleanfe them. J. The ftain and blot of fin, both in its filth and guilt, hath fo much (unk down in, and polluted the whok man in foul and body , that no liquor under heaven canwalhkout, or cleanfe the foul fdul fropi it , but only the waftiing cleanfinp vertue of Chrifts raoft precious bloud; For He gave Himfelf for tbeQburcb , that Be might cleanfe it. 6. This precious liquor of Chrifts bloud did not cleanfe and fanftifie all thofe for whom He gave Himfelf, fo foon as it was died upon the croffe , no , there neither was , nor can be any cleanfing of any by the bloud of Chrift , untill it be c& fe&ually applied unto the filthy foul : for,he mentioneth the Word and Sacraments, as the means whereby Chrift appheth the vertue of His death, and afcribeth therefore this effeft of cleanfing unto them"; He gabc Himfelf, that He might cleanfe it, by the toajhingof toater, by the fbord. 7. As this work and duty of applying the cleanfing vertue of Chriftideach by a lively faith (w.i $•. 9') is of all the other mod difficult ; So the goodneffe of God hath provided many means , by the help whereof we may be carried on towards it, the chief whereof arc the Word preached, and the Sacraments adminiftrated* the former containing the charter, or grant of Chrift* and of all His benefits from God, unto every one, ^vho will receive Him, Job. 3. 16. The latter being the great fealof heaven annexed to this grant, ^om. 4. 11. that thereby we may be more and mote confirmed in the faith of it : for, His providing thefc means , doth point at both the difficultie of applying Chrift , and his care to have us brought up to it ; That He might cleanfe it , by the toafhing of totter , and by the toord. 8# The Spirit of God prefcribeth means unto Himfelf, by which He bringeth about the work of grace in graceleffe finners, not to ty Himfelf abfolutely > and in all cafes to fuch means , but that we may be tyed to depend on Him in the ufe of them % His ordinary way being to convey grace by thefc : for, though He may fan&ifie fome ftoni the worab , before they hear the Word , or receive any Sacrament, Jer.j.f. yet, Heholdeththefeforth,asche ordinary means, by which He cleanfeth , even tbttoafhm in? of toater by the toord. Bba V«£ 388 A brief Expofition of the EpiftU Chap. f. Verf. 27. That be might prefect it to bimfelf a glorious Church, not having fyot or Vt>rin%le} or any fuch thing : but that itjhould be holy and without blemijb. . U Ere is the fecond end of Chrifts giving Himfelf for ** His Church, asalfo of His fanftifying it ; which end is not attained untill the life to come : for, ( befides that he hath fpoken of the Churches ftate of grace, ver. 36) the words here ufed,are fo comprehenfive and large* that they cannot be well underftood to have their fulf accomphfhment, untill Believers be brought byChrift unto that full perfe&ion in grace which (hall be at- tained in glory. Which ftate of perfection is here fet forth,by that moft perfeft union and conjun&ion which the Church (hall have with Chrift, being prefented to Him as the Bride to the Bridegroom, for the through ac- complifhing of the marriage ; by vertue of which moft perfeft union the Church (hall be glorious, that is, per- feftly holy and happy, as he after explaineth , (hewing all evil, whether of fin or mifery, (ball be removed, even the leaft fpot of fin, or wrinkle through old age or mi- fery, not excepted ; and that all contrary good (hall be beftowed, both perfeft holineffe and happineffe, in fuch a meafure. that the moft rigid critick or Momm himfelf fliall not find any inlack or defeft in either, as the word, rendered without blemijb, will bear. 2>o#. 1. All thole who are juftified and (anftified here, and none but they, (hall be glorified hereafter : for, Chrift muft fee the travel of His foul, I/i. 5 J. tl. which is not only to fan- ftifie thofe for whom He gave Himfelf, ven 26. tut alfb to glorifie them, and to bring them to glory by the way of holineffe 5 That He mightprefentitto Himfelf a glorious Church. 2. Chrift hath purchafed by His death, not only fan&ification to His Church, but alfo heaven it felf , and therefore our glory in heaven is not merited by ©urliolinefle , but, being purchafed by Chrift, if freely gifted Chap. 5. */Paul to the Ev nzsi ah *l 389 gifted to us , %». 6. 23. He gave Himfelf for it, that He might prcfent it to Himfelf a gloriom Church, faith he* ^♦Though Believers>evcn while they are here,bc brought near to God in Chrift by faith, Bph.i. 1 3, and have fel- lowfliip with the Fathenand with His Son Jefus Chrift, I Job. 1. -3. yet all that fellowfhip and nearneffe,is but a diftance and kind ofeftrangement* being compared with that moft perfeft prefence and intimate fellowfhip, which (hall be enjoyed hereafter ; the former being but mediate, through the glafle of Ordinances* 1 Cor. 1 3.1 2, frequently interrupted, T/i/. 30. 7. and no wayes full, 1 Cor* 1 3,1 2. but the latter (hall be immediate, I Cor. 13. 12. conftant, iTbe/J. 4. 17. and fo full, that they who enjoy the meaneft degree, (hall find no inlack, Pfal.ijj 15. for, he fpeaketh of Chrifts prefenting His Church to Himfelf in glory at the great day , as if there were no- thing but uncouthnefie and diftance betwixt Him and the Church untill then ; that he might prcfent it to himfelf a glorious Church, faith he. 4. Though every believing foul is, when the Father draweth it to Chrift, contra&ed andhandfafted with Him, Hof. 2. 19,10. yet, for good and wife reafons , it pleafeth the Lord Chrift to delay the taking of us home to Himfelf, and the accomplish- ment and confummacion of the begun marriage , untill alltheEieft, being ctfe&ually called , (hall be prefented to Him at once; and fo this fpirituall marriage (hall be fully accompliflbed betwixt Jefus Chrift and the Bride# the Lambs wife, %?v. 19.7. even as in earthly mar- riages , there is firft, a Contract, or Efpoufals, and then, for juft and honeft reafons , (bme fpace of time ought to interveen betwixt that and the full accompliftiment of the marriage , ®eut. 20. 7. Mattb. 1. 18. for, *Baul (heweth that then, at the great day the whole Church of realBclieversfhall be prefented to Chrift , as the Bride is to the Bridegroom , for the folemn confummation of the marriage ; That he might prefent it to himfelf a glorU om Church. 5. As believing fouls > even after their be- ing contracted with Chrift by faith, and after they are B b 3 |c- |^o A brief Ex f option of the E pi file Chap . 5^ renewed and cleanfed in pare , do not get all their filthy garments put off > there being a body of fin and death which cleaveth unto the beft : So, at the finall folem- nization of the marriage in the great day , the Church of Believers, the Bride, and Lambs wife , (hall be clad ia garments of glory, being fully freed from the fmalleft remnant of fin and mifery , and made wholly glorious both in foul, (Mattb. 22. 30.) and body, as negative, or a knowing what it is not, by removing all thofe things from it , which imply the leaft degree of fin and mifery : for therefore doth *Faul fet it out here by four negatives , $(?* having fp$t or yvrin\[e , or any fuch thing , and without blemifb, and by one affirmative only, that itfhouU be holy, Verf. 28. So ought men to loVe their ^oivei , as their ofon bo- dies : be that loVetb bti rt>ife} loVetb bimfelf. FOlloweth the fecond argument to inforce this duty of love upon husbands towards their wives, taken from the near conjun&ion betwixt husband and wife, which he doth propound in this verfe, by (hewing that the wife is the husbands body, in fo far, as by the law of marri- age (which (hall be explained, Yer#3oO they two be- come Uiap.5» *j Paul tathe fc*HB$iANf. jpt come otic fleffi ; fo that in loving her, he doth love him- felf, to wit, not fo much, becaufe his fo doing tended* to his own good and peace, (though that be alfo truth, SVov, j. 17, i8,ip0 as that flic is his own body, a piece of himfelf, yea and his whole frlf, or a fecond felf, they two being one flefh ; and therefore he ought to love her, yea, and to love her with the lame fincerity and ardency of affeflioh, kything in tht fame or like effe#s, where- with he loveth nis own body , yea both his foul and bo- dy, which are himfelf: for the words, m their o^n bodies, are both an argument to inforce upon them the duty,and a rule to dirc& them in the right manner of pra&ifing the duty. lI>oft. 1, As love in husbands toward their wives, after the pattern of Chrifts love unto His Church, is a moft neceifary duty ; So ( considering the many quenoh-coals of love, which the mutual infirmities both of husbands and wives, do frequently furnifti, together with that naturall proneneffc, which is in corrupt man* being advanced and preferred above others, to abufe his authority, to domineer with a. kind of tyranny over fuch as are under him) it will be found a task not focafic, as at the firft it would appear, for husbands to keep this affc&ion and love flowing from the right fountain , and manifeilmg it felf in all its neceffary effe&s towards their i4d*: for, to what purpofeelfedoth he reiterate this exhortation, and inforce k by fo firong and con- vincing arguments ? So ought men to love their Kttvesy as their o^n bodies. 2. That place of honour and fuperio- rity, which God hath piven the man over the wife, as appointing him chcrifli her, and provide for her , and to all other things by pro- portion, which the head doth for the body: for, from whathefaid, ver. 23. that the husband is the head of the wife, he inferreth here, S$ ought men to /oVe their toms t as tbeh omhAiu. ?♦ Though there be a finfull 6b 4 lov<5 3 9i AbriefExpofttionofthe Sfiftle Chap.j. ! love to a mans (elf, whereby a man preferrech himfclfj and the fulfilling of his inordinate defires to Gods glory and the good of his neighbour > Ibilip. 2. 11 '. which by all means is to be efchewed and mortified , Lukg 9. 23. yet, there is an orderly, lawfull,and allowed love to filf, whereby a man doth feek his own prefervation, both in foul and body, by juft and lawfull means, with due fubordination to Gods glory, and without anyoppo- ficion to, or fetting hirofelf againft his neighbours good : for, '.*W fupponeth this love ought to be in every man towards himfelf, and doth urge it, as the reafon and rule of the love which the husband oweth to his wife, while he faith, men ought to loy>e their toiy>es, m their o*>n bodies : he that lo)>eth his wife, lo^eth himfelf. 4. The love which husbands do carry to their wives, ought not to have its rife from any fuch extrinfecal confiderations, as love to their own peace and eafe, fear of fhame and difgrace, if, through want of love , fecret difcontents break out to publick ftrife, or from any fatisfaftion which they find to their carnal afFe&ions, but from refpeft to Gods holy Ordinance, whereby their wives are made a piece of thcmfelves; hence their love ffullbe moft native, -ope- rative, yea, and infuperable by any provocations or in- firmities, when they fhall look upon cheu^wives as themfelves , and confequently upon their flWroities , (hame, hurt, as their own: for,TW will have their love to flow from this fountain, while he faith, men ought to lo\>e their tofoes as their o^n bodies , (pc. 5. That huf- bands may carry themfelves aright towards their wives, ( which holdech of all (uperiours wich relation to their inferiours) they would (erioufly confider,not fomuch what is in the power of their hand, and what t|iey are able to do, or may be for their profit and advantage, or tend to get themfelves obeyed, feared and refpe&ed to the ucmoft, as what they ought, and is incumbent for them to do, and what the Law of God, and theftate they are in. do reqiire from them as their duty : for, fhs Apoftie rcpeateth the former exhortation* held forth, yer# Chap. 5. of Paul to the E? h e s i a n $1 395 vcr. 25. with the addition of one word, to wit, ought, whereby he mindeth husbands , that the thing preffed was their duty, and therefore they were to mind it ; So ought men to loVe their toiVes, faith he. Verf. 29. For no man e\er yet hated his o^ton flefb • but mtu rijheth andcherifhetb it , e\en M the Lord the Qhurch : LIE proveth the confequence of the former argument ** to wit, that husbands are to love their wives,becaufe they are their own bodies , by three reafons. The firft is taken from the univerfal cuftom of all men, to wit, who are in their right wit, not demented and wofully deluded by the devil: which is fet down, firft, nega- tively , no man did ever hate his o*tonflejh , or from hatred did any dammage to it 5 and next, pofitively, every fuch man doth to his utmoft provide for, and allow upon his ownflefti, all things neceffary, both for nounjhing, or feeding it , and for cbcri/king and keeping it warm, with fuch a fort of care and tenderneffe , as hens have toward their young ones , while, by cafting their wings over thenwheydo with their own natural heat keep the young ones warm : for, the word rendered cherijhing, is a me- phor taken from the praSicc of thofe tender and loving creatures: By all which, he not only proveth chat huf- bands flhould love their wives, as being their own body; but alfo hinteth at fome of thofe eflfe&s, wherein their lovefhould be made manifeft, whereof particular men- tion (hall be made among the Obfervatiqns. Secondly, he proveth the fame confequence, and alfo further clear- eth with what care and tenderRefle the husband ftiould carry himfelf unto his wife, as to his own body, from Chrifts example, who nourifheth and cherifheth the Church, His body, by providing for her, and allowing on her all things neceffary for foul and body. V>ottm 1 . Ic is no leffe monftruous and unnatural , for a man to hate, and from hatred to carry himfelf aufterely, fauci- ly and undutifully to his vvife, than if in a fif of phren- fie 594 ^ br"f Expofitien of the Efifile Chap. 5." fie he fhould hate, and from hatred re fufe to do all duty to himfclf ; But in ftead thereof to be cruel agaioft him- felf : for, the Apoftle mentioneth this" no man, not de- mented, did ne^er bate bis o^n flefh, to (he w that therefore husbands ought as much to abhor and abftain from ha- ting their wives ; for no manner yet bated bisotonflejb. 2. It is not fufficicnt that husbands do not carry any ha- tred to their wives > but they muft alfo love them , and evidence their love to them , not in empty words, and flattering insinuations 9 but in providing all things fie- ceffary for them both in food and raiment : for , he holdeth forth indire&ly the husbands duty to his wife, in that allowed care which every man hath* or ought to have of his ownfleflh ; 2fy man t\>er yet bated bis oXtn fiejb9 but nourifbetb and cberifhetb it. 3, It is the duty of an husband to provide things ncceffary unto his wife, not grudgingly, or too fparingly, as to a ftranger, or to his childe or fcrvant ; but liberally according to her rank and ftation, as being his equal; and confidently, without craving an exaft accompt from her, of every thing which (he rcceiveth, as having a common right and intereft with him in all things that are his ; and cheerfully, by teftifying fuch contentment in her, even-* while he beftoweth things neceffary on her* as he would do in beftowing the fame or the like on hiiofelf : for, fo much is implyed in a mansnourifhing and cherifhing of his own flefh, which is held forth as the rule of the husbands* tender care and liberal benevolence toward his wife; but nourifbetb and cherilhctbit. 4. Thehuf- band, under pretence of cherifliing his wife, ought not to pamper her , or lavifhly to waft his eftate in up- holding her prodigality in apparel, utineceffary? cfpen- fivc ornaments , and fuch like vanities 3 but the rule ~ according to which he is to walk in thofc things , and more than wnich the wife ought not to expeft from her husband , nor yee complaine if he come up to it, is what his own rank rcquireth , hisneccflicy doih permit , and that tender cue which is taken by him Chap. j. o/Paul to the Ephb si ansI 395 him in nourifhing and cherifhing bimfelf: for, this is here held torth as his rule, ®«* nourifhnb and chtriffrtb *t, to wit, hisownflefh. J. Though there be an exceC- five pampering of theflcfh, which is finfull and forbid- den , when provifion is made for h to fulfill the lufts thereof, 'Upm. I 3. 14. yet there is a lawfull and neceffary care of the fltfli , or of a mans own body > whereby things neceffary for food and raiment are btftowed upon it, in fofar, that health and ftrength be not inlacking for difcharging the duties of our calling : for, faul doth not condemn, but approve this cuftom among men, that no man ever bated bis oV>n fie) £, but muri/hetb and cbcrifhetb it* 6. AsChrifts example in His dealing towards the Church, is a moft excellent copie, to be eyed and imi- tated by husbands in their carriage toward their wives* and that not only in their love, but in all thofe other du- ties, flowing from love, which they owe unco them ; So it doth concern both husbands and wives, to eye this pattern much, and to draw their motives and encourage- ments unto their mutuall duties from it > as that which will much conduce to keep their hearts in a fpirkuall frame, even in thofe performances , and to prevent that carnal, worldly difpofition which the mifguided care of performing fuch duties, as the married- ft ate of lifecal- lethfor, doth ufually contraft : for, as he propounded Chrifts example, tor a motive to, and pattern of the duty of love, ver. 25. fo of thofe duties alfo, of nou- rifhing and chcrifhmg, which flow from it, in this verfe, e\>m as the Lord the Qburcb. 7. A husbands care ought to extend it felf not only to nourifh and cherjfh his wife in things temporal, and which concern her body only, but alio in things fpirkual, and which concern her foul ; and therefore he would be circumfpedt, left ( under pre- tence of efchewing all fufpicion of difpleafure with her, and of giving neceffary tokens and evidences of his love and kindneffe to her, in order to his outward cher idling her) he doneither willingly neglcft the care of her fal- yation , or by fondneffe or lightneffc incapacitate him- felf 3 96 tA brief Exposition of the Epiflle Chap. $ • fclf to do her any pood in that refpeft : for, Chrift doth nourifh and cheriffi His Church, by taking care of, and prowding mainly tor, the fouls and eternall ftate of His People } and husbands are commanded here to make Him their pattern* E*en as the Lord the Cburcb, faith he.. Verf. 30. Far ** are members of bis body , of bis fie/6, and of bis banes. OE givcth here a reafon why Chrift doth focherifh *■ * His Church, where, in ftead of naming the Cburcb exprefly, which the fequellof hisdifcourfe did require, he mencioneth himfelf aiid other true Believers among the Ephefians under the pronounce; the Church here fpoken of, for whom Chrift did give Himfelf, being only made up of fuch: And the reafon is taken from that neer and ftriit union , or that fpirituall marriage, which is betwixt Chrift and Believers, whereof that ancient marriage betwixt Adam and E*a was a kind of type and fliadow, as appeareth from the words here ufed, , which are taken from Gen. 2. 23, and were ut- tered at firft by Adam concerning himfelf and his wife, but are hereby allufion to that marriage of theirs, made ufe of, to fee forth the fpirituall marriage betwixt / Chrift and His Cnurch , the tie and bond whereof is fo near and ftri& , thae as the Apoftle (heweth , all Be- lievers are members of His body ; yea, not only of one nature with him, which is common to them with all mmkind , but alfo as they are new creatures,they have their originall and nourifhment from Hinj> even from His fleftiand bones , info far, as they owe the begin- ning, pro^rcfle andaccomplithment of their fpiriftiall life, to Chrift His taking on of flefh , and His fuffering in thefl.'di, and by thevertueof thofe His fufferingrj* they arequickned and fed , and fo are of Hisfiejh , and of his boms. Dj:t. 1. Then do we fpeak> and hear to our comfort and edification , thefc trutns, which ex- l prefle the tender and warm care of Chrift unto His Church, Chap/5. */PauI to the Ef h b $ I a n s . 397 Church , when we make application of them to ou* felves , and by a lively faith do enter our felves among thefe for whom He doth foctre: for, the Apoftle, ha- ving in the precceding verfe fpoken of Chrifts nourifli- ing and cherifhing of His Church > applyeth that to himfelf, and other true Believers among the Ephefians, while he faith, for a the firft woman did owe it to her husband . But as they are renewed and born over again, they owe their fpirituall being , not to the will of the fle(h, or the will of man , Joh.i. 13, but to the vertue of Chrifts obe- dience, and fufferings in His flefh, 1 Job,q.g. for, he faith not , they are bone of His bones , and fief? of Hisflcjb, as 398 A hriefExf option of the Spifile Chap.y; as Adam faith of his wife* Gen. t. a$. to point that Che did owe her naturall being unto him » as being come and made of him , but that they were of His bone and fitfc to wit, in their fpirituall being , as they were re- newed and members of His body ; for toe are members of his body, of His bone and of Hisflcjb. Vcrf. 31. for this caufejhalla man lea\e bis father and mother , and fhallbe joyned unto his toife> and they too (hall be one flejh. TPHis verfe* in the literal, plain and hiftorical fenfe of x the words^holdeth forth the law of marriage, binding all married parties in all times, which was prorK>un- ced by Adam , Gen. z. 24, and approved by God Him- fclf, Mattb.19.5. And the words taken in this fenfe contain the third reafon , to prove the former confe- quence, ver. 28. that feing wives are the bodies of their husbands , therefore they (hould be loved* The argu- ment is taken from that law of marriage , expreily de- claring that/ir this caufe, to wit, becaufe the wife is bone of his bone, andflefhof his flefli, as the caufe is ex- preffed , Gen. 2. 23, 24. which is the fame in effeft with the caufe given , ver. 28. even becaufe (he is the body of the husband , to which this verfe literally taken doth relate , or to the thirtieth verfe immediatly preceeding, in fo far as the ftri& union , which is between married parties , is there alluded unto : Upon all which caufes, or rather one and the fame caufe expreffed in all thofe £ laces , that law doth declare > firft , That the man is to a\>e father and mother , to wit , not by cafting offnatu- rall affe&ion to his parents , Gen. 44. 34. or by refilling to help them in their ftrait, I • Tim. 5. 4. but by loving his wife more than them* and by leaving his fathers family, if he, his wife and they cannot live all together* and by joyning in a new family with his wife » Gen. 28. 5- as is further cleared bythefecond thing here decla* red, to wit > chat he ought to be joyned kifeperably to bn Chap.j* o/Paul ^^Epmbsians^ 399 hifbife , and that both in affe&ion, p™*\ 5. »9- and co- habitation > dwelling with her , 1 *Eet- 3. 7. The word in the original , doth fignifie fuch zjoyning , as that of two boards of timber , firmly glued together ; not as if a man were to refide conftantly at home : for , the Mar- chant, the Lawyeri and men of other imployments alfb, muft fome times go abroad , &ro\>; 7. 19, 20. Buthij fixed dwelling fhould be with her, and his pretence alfo, fo far as his neceflary calling (hall permit, fo that he is not without neceflity to be abfent f?om his own home, fro*. $.- xg. And, thirdly, this law declareth , that tbty ttoo (ball hone fie fb* which implyeth , firft, amoflftruS union » fo that they cannot be feparated, ( except ha tht cafe of adultery, Matib. 19. — 9 — ■ and wilfull defer- tion of the one party > perfiftcd in , after all meancs ufed to the contrary , 1 Cor. 7. 15 ) more than a piece of a mans body, may be cut off from the reft : And, fecondly, a moft intimate communion , whereby they have com- mon goods, common friends , yea, and all things com- mon , as if they were but one perfon : And thirdly , the lawfull and fan&ified ufe of the marriage- bed , allowed unco them of God , which out of the cafe of marriage is finfull and damnable , 1 Cor* 6* 16. Heb.13. 4.; But for further clearing of the words > know , that befide their literal and hiftorical fenfc , God intended that the purpofe contained in them , concerning the carnal mar- riage of man and woman> (hould represent and (hadow forth fomewhat of Chrift > and of that fpirituall mar- riage between Chrift and the Church, as appeareth from the fituation of the words>immediatly after ver. 30. which doth evidently lpeak of Chrift , as is already fhown; and before verte32* where he declareth, that the purpofe in hand is a myfterie , and to be underftood of Chrift and the Church : now , the purpofe hereex- preffed,doth hold in Chrift, by analogic and proportion, in fo far as Chrift did leave His Father , by laying afide the glory which He had with Him, lob. 16. 28. and caking on the form of a fervant, Tbitif, 2,8. and did leave 403 A brief Expo fition of the Spifile Chap. 5. leave His mother Miry alfo, and her houfe and family* Luke i. 49. chat He might purchale a bride unto Himfelfi ( See ver. 25, 16.) to whom He doth cleave infeparably* S^m. 8. 35. and with molt tender affe&ion, Heb. 4. iy. by vertueof which fpiritual marriage, Chrift and Be- lievers become, though not one flefh , yet one fpiric, 1 Cor. 6. 17* being moft ftricfcly tyed together by His Spirit, and the grace of faith, from which conjunction, Believers fo efpoufed, become fruitfull in good works, and do bring forth fruit unto God, fym.j. 4. From the literal fenfc of this verfe, Learn, 1. The love of rmrried parties ought to be very great, and fecond to noloveelfe, but that which we owe to God: for, even the love we owe to parents, from whom we have our being, ought to give place unto it; A man Jhalllea^e fa- ther and mother , faith he, and be joyned unto his Tt>ife> 2. It is lawfull and allowed of God unto all perfons of all ranks, being come to mature age, ( 1 C°r* 7- -36-) and cfpecially to thofe who have not the gift of continedcy , ( 1 Cor. y. 9. ) to enter the married ftate of life, only if they marry in the Lord, 1 Cor*7*~Z9- and therefore the dofkrine forbidding marriage to all thofe who bear of- fice in the Church, is the doctrine of devils, 1 Tim. 4. 1, 3. for, the text fpeaketh of all men indifferently ; %4. man J hall lea\e father and mother \ and be joyned to his totfe. 3. Divine commands are alwayes founded upon moft juft reafons, which would be eyed by us, that fo our obedience may be more willing and chearfull , yea, a pieceof reafbnablefervice unto God, 1{om. 12. 1. for* this command given here unto husbands, to cleave unto their wives, is not nakedly propounded , but with a ftrong reafon annexed for inforcing the duty enjdyned by it : for this caufe, faith he, /£.*// a man be joyned unto his toife. 4. As children are not to remain alwayes childifh* but being come to age and underftanding , ought tobe- flir themfelves in providing things neceffary and honeft, according as the ftation, wherein they are placed by God, (hall require ; So parents ought to remit fome- whac Chap»5. o/Paulf0/A*EPHEsiANs. 401 w hat of their fatherly authority over their children, as they grow in age and underftanding , not expecting nor requiring that children, now come to age, (hould abfo- lutely and in all things as formerly , depend upon the counfell and direction of parents, or give themfclves wholly to mindc their concernments, negle&ing every other thing elfe which may concern themfclves : for, this Law > fupponeth a ftate of childehood , wherein children are to be wholly under the authority of parents minding their concernments and at their direction > and that their coming to age > and entering the married ftate of life, doth give them more liberty to follow their own direction, and to do for themfelves ; a man fhall leave fa- ther and mother, and bejoyned to bis Vbife. 5. Whatever hath been the corrupt cuftome of men , to the contrary, Gw.4.19. Yet, according to the firft inftitution of mar- riage , only two , one man and one woman , and not raoe, either of the one fexe or the other, may be lawfully married together at once : for , the law faith , a man fhall be joyned to bh nife,not to his wives, and they Wo, not they three, or four, pall be onefle/b. From the myfticall application of the words* and of the pur pofe comprehended in them» Learn, i« So great a depth is Scripture, that in fome parcels thereof, which do appear moft plain and eafic to be underftood, many dark and hid myfteries do lye undifcovered : for, under this plain hiftory. of the marriage of our firft parents, that great myfteric of the fpiritual conjundlion of Chrift and His Church, was alfo held forth,as the Apoftle doth here make clear ; For this caufe fhall a man leave father and mother. See further to this purpofe* upon Gal. 4. ver. 24. iloft. I, 2. l&o8. 2. So holy and honourable is the ordi- nance of marriage in it felf, and fo highly ought it to be eftecmed of by us, that God makcth ufe of it to (hadow forth that bleffed union and moft holy communion which is betwixt Chrift and His Church : for,what was fpoken hiftorically of marriage, is here applied myfti- cally to Chrift ; [or this caufe fhall a man bate, &C. Cq 3vA* 402 A Brief Expedition of the € pi file Chap. 5. 3. As the Church of true Believers, is the Bride, the Xambs wife, efpoufed already to Chrift ; So never any man did more to purchafe a Bride to himfelf, than Chrift hath done for His* He laid afide the glory which He had with the Father, and became of no reputation, as was myftically foretold in this hiftory of the firft mar- riage; d manjhall leave bis father and mother. 4. The great travel and trouble which Chrift was put to for purchasing a Bride unto Himfelf, doth not make Him re- gard her the lefle now when He hath her : for, He doth infeparably cleave unto hen with moft ardent and ex - c mplary affe<5tion, as was alfo myftically foretold ; And jball be joyned to bit "toife. Verf. ?2. This is a great myflerie : but I f}ea\ concerning Chrift and the Church. HTHe Apoftle con cludeth this purpofe concerning the fpiritual conjunction of Chrift and His Church, here madeufeofto illuftrate that near conjunction betwixt husband and wife, with an obfervable acclamation, that it is * great myfierie : which word, as it is ufually taken in Scripture, doth fignific a thing fecret, not obvious to every underftanding $ and hid, either in it felf, or in its caufe and reafon , whether it be held out in plain terms, or under the vail of fome external fign or figure toreprefent it. See 1 Tim. 5. 16. Epb. 5. 3. 1 Cor. 15. 51. %om. 11. 25. 2?be]J.2.j. And left, by reafon of his fpeaking all alongs ot the bodily marriage betwixt husband and wife, any had fo far miftaken him, as to think he called that a myfterie , therefore he explaineth himfelf, by (hewing he was to be underflood, not of the bodily marriage, but of the fpiritual , or that ftrift uni- on or conjunction which is betwixt Chrift and His Church. Now he calkth this union 4 great myfterie, becaufeit is a thing hid in it lelf, before it be revealed, 1 Cor .2. 7,8. yea.and after, it remaineth unfearchable by the light of reafon, how Chrift, now glorified in heaven, can be one with us on earth, and can only be acknow* ledged Chap.f. of Paul /**A'Ephesian$; 403 ledged by faith,H^.n.i.Befide,the bonds of this bleffed union and conjunction, are not nacurall or bodily, but fpiricuallt even the Spirit of Chrift, Epb.z. 18. and the grace of faith, Ef>h.$. 17. and therefore, though the conjunction, following upon thefe bonds, be real, (Job. 17. 21.) operative, (J*h *5;50 and indifloluble. Job. 10. 281 29. yet the way of it, is wholly fpirituall and heavenly : and ^onfequently not fo much co be fearched into by reafon, what, or how it is, as to be believed thac it is, and improved for attaining and finding in our felves thofe blefiedcffefts* which do attend it where it is. Dott. i# That Papifts have not ground from this place to make marriage a Sacrament properly fo called* is clear from the Apoftle's own commentary, whereby be (heweth by the myfterie here fpoken of, he doth not undcrftand the bodily marriage, but the fpiritual : be- fide, that the word myfterie, as we (hew, in the ufc of Scripture, doth fignifie a facrcd fecret > not obvious to ordinary capacity, and therefore every myfterie is not a Sacrament, (See 1 Tbejf.i.j. %pm. 11, z^Tbisis a great myfterie : but I ifeif^ concerning Chrift and the Cmrcb. 2. The more a man doth attain to know of this myfterie of the myftical union and con jun&ion: which is betwixt Chrift and His Church, the more he will be raviffied with admiration at the uniearchable deepneflb and pro- fundity of it, fo far will he be from thinking himfelf able fufficiently to comprehend it : for, even 2W, who faw as far in this myfterie as any other, %fb. 3, 4. doth ftand, admire and cry, 'this is a great myfterie. 3. As Mini- fters are bound to fet forth to the Lords People that moft near and bkfled union betwixt Chrift and believing fouls , and to preffe upon thera the ftudy of the know- ledge of it ; So, both Paftors and People have need of much fobriety of fpirit in diving into this fobjeft, not trufting to the quickaeffe of their own wk, nor judg- ing of it by natural reafon, but refting upon what God hath revealed and made known concerning it, and choofing rather to remain ignorant where he hath not C c a re^ ^o4 tA brief Sxpofttien of the Epiflle Chap.? . revealed, than curioufly to fearch and pry further than is revealed : for, ^aul, while he is inft ruling them in this fubjeft, feeth it neceffary to minde thena of the pro- foundneffc of it ; this is a great myjlerie. 4. As we are " ready through ignorance, or inadvertence, tomiftake the right meaning andfenfeof Scripture; So the Spirit of God, fpeaking in Scripture, hath carefully guarded againft all fuch miftakes, while he doth clear the right and genuine fenfe of a doubcfomc and dark Scripture, by Scripture it felf, either in the fame place, or another: for, fo doth 'Vaul here, while, co obviate a pofliblemiftake, he faith, ®ut I fpeak^ concerning Qbrifl and the Churchy Vcrf. 33. NeVcrtbelejJe, let every one of you in particular fo loVe bis toife , even and mainly , and make fuch ufe of them as being fo taken , they will afford : for, TW, having fhown the myftical and allegorical ufe of Adam's words, doth divert from that confederation of them, and pointcth forth what the plain hiftory doth teach con- cerning the duties of husbani and wife, ^fWWf/2?, faith he , Le t every one of you in particular fo loVe bis "toifs; 2. It is not unprofitable for people, that Minifters do wind up their large exhortations in a fhort and pithy (urn of what they have fpoken at greater length, where- by the memory of people may be fomewhat helped,and their affe&ions alfo may be more forcibly wrought upon , when the ftrength of a large difcourfc is contra- ife. 4. As ma- ried parties are ready to forget their mutuall duties , yea, and to fport at fuch doftrine> which doth preffe and en- joyn thofe duties 5 fo the Minifters of Chrift > would not only inculcate them the more frequently, but alfo deliver their exhortation of that kind , with greater G c 3 weight 4o6 *A brief Exfofttion if the E fifth Chap. 6 . vveight and auchoricy : for* the A poftle not only repeat- cth, but> in an authoritative commanding way, bindeth this exhortation on them ; Let every one loVe bis toife • and the Tcife fee that Jbe reverence. 5. As we would labour to infix in our memories a ftiort ium of our moft necef- fary duties > fo alfo of the moft moving and taking ar- gument, to enforce the praftice of thefe duties,, other- wife the naked knowledge of our duty will prove but ineffe&uall, to lead us captive* to walk in it: for, Paul fummeth up both the husbands duty , and the ftrongeft argument to enforce the duty, taken from that near uni- on between him and his wife; Let every one of you fo loVe bis toife , as b'mfelf. 6. Then , and only then is the duty of fubjc&ionand obedience of inferiours toward their fuperiours, fincerely and heartily difcharged and accepted of by God , when it floweth from inward re- verence and hearty efteem , in the former , toward the place and dignity , conferred by God upon the latter: For he here commandeth wives to give reverence to their husbands, thereby pointing at the right fountain of that fubjeftion > which he had formerly preffed upon thefns ver. 22, 24. even fear flowing from love ; «4»rf the Vife fee that (be reference her husband. CHAP. VI. IN the firft part of this Chapter, the A poftle infiftcth further upon thofe duties , which are incumbent to Chriftians as they are members of families. And> firft , he prefleth upon children obedience to their parents, I. from the equity of it, ver. 1. which he cfeareth from the fifth command , vcr« 2, Secondly, from the Advantage which (hould redound to them by it, Ver. 3. Next, he prefleth upon parents , to hold off the two extremities of rigidity and indulgence towardf Kheir children, ver. 4. Thirdly, be prefleth upon fervants obedience Chap. 6. *f PauIfGffoEpHBSiANSt 407 obedience to their matters , which is fee forth by feverall of itsneceflary qualifications and properties , vcr. J, 6, 7. and infbrced from the great advantage , which they (hould reap by it > ver. 8, Fourthly , he preffeth upon matters their duty, which is to be accompanied with the like qualifications , fear and trembling only being ex- cepted, ver. 9- In the fecond part , he preffeth one duty which be* longeth unto all Chriftians in generall> even to prepare foraChriftian warfare. And, i. more gcncrally,that they would take unto them fpirits> by making ufe of the ftrength which they had without themfelvcs in the Lord Chritt, ver. 10. and of the faying graces of Gods Spi- rit inherent in themfelves , ver. 11. which he enforceth from the nature of the warfare and terror of the adver- fary, ver. 1 1> 1?. Next , he exhorteth them more par- ticularly, to put on, and make ufe of fix fcveral piece* of the Chriftian armour", 1. The grace of Sincerity • 2. The inherent righteoufriefle of an holy converfatioi. ver. 14- 3» A refolute frame of heart to charge through all difficulties, ver. 15. 4. The grace of faith, com- mended from its excellency and ufefulneffe, ver. 16* 5. The well-grounded hope of falvation. 6. Ac- quaintance w#h the Lords written Word , vcr. 17* Thirdly, he preffeth the exercife of prayer, asneceflary for the obtaining and right uie- making of all thofe, ver* 18. exhorting them to pray for utterance and boldnefle tohimfelf in particular , ver. 19. becaufc of his office and bonds, ver. 20* In the third part of the Chapter > heconcludeth the Epiftle, 1. by (hewing he had fent Tycbimy (whom he highly commendeth ) to inform them of his own parti- cular affairs, ver. 21. and to comfort them, ver. 22. Next , by his ufuall fare- well- with for them in particu- lar , ver. 23, and for all the lovers of Chrift in generally tcr. 24, G e 4 Vet£ 408 A brief Expofition of the S pi file Chap, 6; VerC I. /^Hildren, ohey your parents in the Lord : for this ^ u right. THe Apoftledoth now fall upon the duties of pa- rents and children. And, firft, beginneth with children : the word rendered children, fignifieth thefe who are begotten » even though now come to per- fect age. See upon Col. 3. ver. 20. do6t 2. Thefe he > enjoyneth to obey their parents : where, by parents are meaned not only the immediate, but alfo the mediate parents, as grand- fathers, &c. Gen. 50.23. yea, and thofe alfo, who are in the place of parents , Lu\. 2. 48, 51. Now, the obedience here enjoyned, is as compre- henfive, as that honour enjoyned to be given unto parents by children in the fifth command, which is cited, ver. 2. to enforce theobedienccherefpokenof: and it imply- eth, firft, inward reverence, or acknowledgement of that eminency, in which God hath placed parents above their children, joyned with fear , £e>. 19. 3. and love, 1 Tim, 5. -4- to be teftified , as by other outwaid fignes, fo by reverent fpeaking of them, and to them, 2VoV. 30. 17. 2. Obedience , more ftri&ly taken , fo as that children receive the inftruft ion of their parents , 2VoV. 1.8. execute their lawfull commands and direftions, even though they be burthenfome and hazardous , Gen. 37* 13. 1 Sam. 17. 20. and accept with patience their re- proof and corrc&ion , Tm\- 15. 5. even though their parents be in fome refpe&s faulty therein, Heb. 12. 9, 10. And, thirdly, gratitude and tbankfiilneffe, fo as that they help parents, when their neceflity requireth, 1 Tim. 5.4. and bear with, and cover their infirmities, Gen.p9 22, 23. TroV. 23. 22. Now, this duty of obediepce in children , is firft explained from the manner , motive, and rule of it,while he faith in the Lord. See this phrafc explained upon chap. J. ver. 22. Secondly, it is urged by two arguments, the firft whereof, is in this verfe, and Kikcn from the equity and righteoufneffc which is in it, even Chap. 6. of Paul u the Ep h b s x a n si 409 even that children (hould do all the forementioned duties unto their parents , to whom under God they owe their very being : The Laws of all Nations, even of themoft barbarous* do en joyn it ; and all creatures , who have life and fenfe , are carried in fome mcafurc by a kind of inftinftunto it* Hence Learn, I. The great and main duty, which a childe , as a childe, ought to learn , and fo to learn as to pra&ife , is to obey his parents, even to receive their inftru&ions, and execute their lawful com- mands ; this being a duty, which of any other, proud and rebellious nature is -mod averfe from, and yetfuch as nature it felf doth plead for its equity : fo, that what- ever children be otherwife for beauty, for ftrength , for quicknefle, wifdom, aftivity, learning, preferment or honour; yet this being inlacking, they fight againft the very law and light of nature , and fo are a reproach to their parents, ProV. 19.26. and do accelerate the judgement of God upon themfelves , 1 Sam. 2. 25. for, though the obedience here en joyned , doth draw with it all thofc other duties , which children owe to their pa- rents, as was (hown in the cxpofition ; yet, it doth, in the firft place, fignifie a fubmiflive hearkening unto, and obeying of their lawfull commands f as the word ki the Original dorh imply, which he doth mainly preffc upon children ; Children obey your parents. 2. This duty of obedience to parents, belongeth unto all children what- foever, fo that neither age, fexe, place, honour, or con- dition, do exempt them wholly from it , 1 %jng. 2. 19. for, he fpeaketh indefinitly unto all children , and of bothfexes; Children obey pur parents. 3. Children are bound to obey not only one, but both their parents, the mother as well as the father : yea, the holy Ghoft doth exprefly provide for the mother, giving her the pre- cedency, ^ev.19.3. becaufe, her fexe being weaker, (he is the more fubjeft to be defpifed : for , he ufeth a word common to both father and mother , while he faith, Children obey pur parents. 4. Ic is not fufficient that children obey their parents>eithcr from a natural inftinct or 4i o A brief Sxpofition of the E piffle Chap.*?. or fear of their difpleafure, or hope of great things to be received from them and enjoyed by them ; but their obedience mutt flow from confeienceof duty towards God, who doth enjoyn it, and be regulated by, and fubordinated to,that obedience, which they owe to Him ; otherwile their obedience is only heathenifh and natu- rall, but not Chriftian : for, hecommandeth, Children, obey your parents in the Lord. 5. The nature of man, is, fince the fall , become fo perverfe and backward > that there is need of a fpur of earneft exhortation , inforced with ftrong and evident reafon, toftirusup, even to thofe duties which are written in broadett letters upon every mans heart by nature: for, theApoftle feeth it neceffary, not only to exhort unto this duty of obedi- ence to parents , but al(b to enforce his exhortation by arguments ; For this is right , faith he. 6. The firft and chief motive* which ought to fet us on work to any du- ty, is not fo much the advantage, which may redound to us by the pra&ice of it , as the equity and righteou£ ftefle which is in the thing u(elf, as being commanded by God, and well pleafing in Hisfi^ht: for, heen- forceth obedience to parents, from the equity of it, before be mention (ver. 3.) the profit , which fhould accrefce unto children by it 5 Vorytktstsrtght, faith he. Verf. 2. Honour thy father and mother } ( *tohicb is the fir/i €ommandment toitbpromife. ) HTHe Apoftle (pafling-by all other reafons to prove the •* equity of the former injunction) doth pitch upon one, to wit, the Law of God en joyning this duty in the fifth Command. The fcope of which Command, is, to prefcribc all thofe duties which inferiours owe to their fuperiours , and* by confequence, which fuperiours owe to their inferiours ; where all fuperiours are exprefled by the name of father zndmother, becaufe the authority of parents is moft natural, and the yoke of it moft eafily comported with ; and thcrfore all other authority goeth under Cfhapitf. ©/Paul to the Ephb si ans.~ 411 under the name of that, to render it leffe invidious to thofe who are to be fubjeft unto ic. And the duty en- joyned to inferiors , is their giving honour to fupcriors, which implycth (as was fhown, ver. 1.) reverence, obedience and gratitude- Now > this command is de* fenbed from its precedency, as being the firft and moft weighty command in all the fecond table ; and from the manner of propounding it > not nakedly , but with a fpeciall promife of a particular mercy fubjoyned to this command in particular , and exprefled, ver. 3. which cannot be faid of any other command : for, the pro- mife annexed to the fecond, is a generall promife of mer- cy , made to fuch as keep all the commands. Hence Learn, 1, Whatever God hath commanded in His Word, is moft righteous , equitable and juft: for, he proveth that it is right for children to obey their parents, becaufe the Law of God en joyneth honour thy father and mother. 2. Though the Law of Ceremonies, given by Mofts } doth not oblige Chriftians, (Cbrift, the fab- ftancc of thofe fbadows , being come , C*U 2. 17. ) nor yet the judiciall Law, which was given to the Jewifh Commonwealth , and to ftand and fall with it > lswnbm %6.6, Ji yet,the moral Law,or the Law of the ten Com^ mandments, as being never yet repealed by God, doth ftand in force, and is binding unto Chriftians: for,Ttf«i doth urge this duty of obedience unto parents upon chil- dren , becaufe the morall Law enjoy neth it ; Honour thy father and mother , \ahub is the fir ft commandment Kith pro* mife* $♦ So far is God from abolifhing different ranks, degrees and ftates among men , that He taketh fpeciall care to have thofe, and publick order in thofe inviolably preferved, while He not only en joyneth the refpeftive duties of tuperiorsand inferiors, but alfogiveth them the firft and chief place among all thofe other duties whichmandothowctoman: for, faith he, honour thy father and mother , by whom, aswefhew, aremeaned .all lawful! fuperiois; and he addeth , Vtbicb is the firft twwndmcnt, towic, in the fecond table, + Though God> 4 1 i A brief Sxpofitlon of the Bpiflle Chap. 6i God , as abfolute Lord , might enjoyn us obedience to His commands without giving any promife of a re- ward; yet, fo backward are we to our duty, and fo mercifull is God, that , to overcome our backward un- willingneffe, He is pleafed fwectly to allure us by His gracious promife of a free reward unto our obedience : for, here is a commandment *toitbj)romife< Verf. ?. That it may he todl Kith tbeey and thou may eft live long on the earth. TJEre he (heweth what that promife is, and thereby A *giveth a fecond argument to inforce the duty of obe- dience upon children unto parents, taken from the profit and advantage which (hould redound unto them by it: for, the Lord doth here exprefly promife profperity, and long life to all fuch as make conlcience of this duty. For underftanding of which promife, knowf that though it was to be underftood, even in the moft plain and obvi- ous fenfe of the words, as it was held forth to the ancient Church, to whom God ufed to promife and beftow things carnall and earthly, asanearneft andfliadowof things heavenly, i Cor' *o. u. Yet, even then there was a tacite condition implied, to wit, in fo far as the thing promifed (hould fervc for Gods glory, i Chron. 35, 24. and the good of thofe to whomtne promife was made, 1 IQnZt !4* l3* But, now under the New Teft- ament, though this promife, even in the letter, be doubt- lefle fulfilled unto many ; Yet, it is chic fly to be under- ftood in a fprituall fenfe, in fo far as the godly obedient childe, whether he live long or fhort, doch alwayes live well, becaufe he hveth in Gods favour, T/i/. 6$. 3. and cometh to a full and ripe age* as having reached the prize and mark, for attaining whereof, life is given* even the falvation of the foul, Ifa. 65. 20. Hence Leam% 1. Though our firft and chief motive unto duty, ought to be the equity and righteoufneffe which is in the thing it felf > as Dcing commanded by God 5 Yet we may eye the pro- Chap.e long upon the earth : which ( as we fhew ) is accomplifhed fome- times in the very letter, 4. Then do we rightly apply unto our felves, under-the New Teftamenc, thofe things which were fpoken to the Jews under the Old, when* paffing-by what was in fuch things typical, or aftrifted to the infant- ftate of the Church which then was, we look upon what was fubftantial, moral, or of common equity as belonging unto us yet : for, fo much 1 doth the Apoftle teach > while^citing the promile annexed to the fifth 414 A brief Expo ft ion of the Eft file Chap, 6l fifth command,he fakh only,*^* tbo* mayeft live long up- on the earth, and omitteth the laft claufe of that prorfiifr, to wit, ^hich the Lord thy Godgiveth thee, Exod. 20. 12. whereby that promife was in a peculiar -manner aftrift- cd co the Jews, and to the land of Canaan, which He did give them to inherit. 5. The beft way to thrive, even in things worldly, and to attain profperity, health, wealth and length of dayes, fo far, at leaft, as (hall ferve for Gods glory and our own good , is, to live a godly life, by taking heed thereto according to Gods Word and efpecially by giving due reverence and obedience to our natural parents , and confequently to all our lawfull fuperiours > becaufe of the Command of God : for, un« to the Command, ver. 2. Honour thy father and mother, this promife is fubjoyned, that tt may be Veil Kith thee, and thou rnayejl live long upon the earth. Vcrfe 4. Jnd ye fathers ,proy>o%e not your ebildren to *rath : but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. pJE doth here, in a word,fct forth the duty of pareftts : ■* And becaufe they are apt to abuCe their parental! authority, and chiefly the fathers, therefore he enjoyneth to them, and by con(equence to the mothers, to beware of provoking their children co wrath , or of imbittering their fpirks * which is done , either by denying them that which is their due , in food , raiment or meanes of education , Lam. 4, 5. or , by commanding things in themfelves unjuft , i$am, 20.— 31. or, by unjuft and rigorous commands about things in their own nature indifferent > 1 Sam. 14. 29. or inveighing with biftcr words againft them, chiefly when there is no caufe, 1 Sam. 20. 30. and laftly , by beating them t either unjuflly , when there is no fault , 1 Sam. to. 33. or im- moderatly, unfeafonably or bafely, when there is a fault. Next , he doch guard them againft the other extremity of too much indulgence to their children , while he ex- horts Chap>6. as it is in the original, tonounftithem, which comprchtndeth not only their giving unto them prefent maintenance from the womb, Gen. 2i. j. but alfo their providing tor them againft the future , 2 Cor. 12. 14. and training them up in any law- full imployment, whereby they may be able under God to fuftain thcmfelvcs and theirs, Gen* 4, 2. And fecondly, to joyn nurture and admonition with their education : by the former whereof, is meaned the timous , ieaibn- ableand companionate correction of children which parents are bound to difpenfe , Pro)*. 1 3. 24. and by the latter is meaned the information of their judgement, how they ought to carry themfelves towards God in things religious, Gen. 18. 19. and how towards man in righteoufneffe* civility and good manners, which is alfb a great piece of the duty of parents towards children, Tro\>. 3 1. 1 , 8, 9. And laftly, he addcth, that their edu- cation muftbe in the admonition of the Lord Chnft* that is , luch as becometh Christians > and by which young ones are inftrudted chiefly in the knowledge of Gods Word , of Jefus Chrift , and of the way of falva- tion held forth by Kim. Hence Learn, 1. Such is the prevalencie and intereft of fin in the foul of man now fallen , that in fome it wholy extinguifiheth , or much weakeneth the moft intenle of our natural aflfc ftions, and makeththem run in a channel quite contrary unto what they ought : for, the Apoftle fupponeth, that even naturall afte&ion in fome parents to their own chil- dren will be fo far weakened , as by their unnatural carriage to provoke and imbitter them , while he faith, Fathers , provoke not your children to ^rath. 2. To pro- voke or ttir up others unto fin , maketh us guilty before the Lord, even of thofe fins whicl\ others commit, being provoked thereunto by us , Hof6.g. for, ^Wfcrbid- deth, and condemned) this as a fin in parents towards their children > fathers, prol>or^e net your children to ^ratb. 3. So fmall command have all men naturally over their paffions , efpecially when provoked by reall injuries txom 41 6 A brief 8xf option of the S fifth Chap.6. from others , that the ftrongeft of natural bonds cannot keep them in order , and at under > except they be re- ftrained by grace , but they muft tranfgrefs the bounds : even children cannot bear injuries from their very pa- rents i without being incited thereby to finfull anger ; yea , fuch is the corruption of foms children , that they can bear leffe at the hands of their parents than of any other elfc : for , fo much is implied, while he faith , F*- tbers , provoke not your children to Wrath. 4. A neceffary duty is not to be negie&ed upon pretence that others may cake occafion to (in againft the Lord from it , and particularly, parents are not to withhold feafonablc and neceffary corre&ion from their children , even al- though their children Qiould be enraged and provoked to wrath by it : for , nocwithftanding he fbrbiddeth fa- thers to provoke their children to wrath,' yet he will not have them upon that pretence negle&ing to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord* 5. As peo- ple are moft ready to run from the one extream of any fin unto the other , from prodigality to finfull parci- mony , from rigiditie to toa much lenity ; So the fer- vants of Chrift , while they are diffwading people from the one extremity > had need moft carefully to guard* left under pretence of efchewing that, people do ruQi upon the other : for > the Apoftle , while he forbiddeth too much rigidity in parents, he feeth it neceffary to guard them againft the other extremity of too much in- dulgence and lenity, while he faith bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 6. It is the duty of parents, not only to provide for the bodies and outward cftate of their children, but alfo, and mainly to care for their fouls, endeavouring by all meanes poflible to bring them up forfons and daughters to the Lord Almighty : for, as they arc to bring them up or nourifti them; fo alfo to beat down fin in them , by nurture or corre&ion, and to make them know Jefus Chrift the Lord ; ®«* bring them up ( faith he) in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 7. As parents arc to corrcft their children be- times Chap. 6. of Paul to the Ep h e s i a n %\ 41 7 times j fo they ought not herein to fatisfie their own rage and paflion, but to go about it withacompofed minde , as a piece of fervice injoyned by God , aiming mainly at the amendment of tne faulty childe , and , in order hereto , joyning inftruftion and admonition with correction ; yea, and fceking the blefling of Cbritt to ac- company it: for, the Apoftle will have nurture and admonition joyned together , and both of them in the Lord: In the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Verfe 5. Servants , be obedient to them that are your mafteri according to tbeflefh , i^Uh far and trembling, in (ingle- nefs of your heart, as unto fyiijl: LIE commeth now , in the hft place , to the duties of A * matters and feivants ; and , firtt , beginneth with fervants. See the reafons why he infiftethfo long on theirduty, uponCo/. 3, 22, Now, fervants were 06* two forts i feme didferve for hire, or as apprentices* Mai. 3. 5 . Others were bond-flaves to their matters, being either taken in war , 2 Cbron 10. or bought with money , Lev. 25. 44, The Apofllc fpeak- eth to both thofe forts ; and, firtt, giveth a (urn of their duty , to wit 9 obedience to their mafters according to the flefh : by which defignation of mafters, he limiteth their dominion and mafterfhip to the bodies of their fervants, to things temporall and of the flefii only , leaving the foul and conscience to God only, who is the alone Lord of confeience > Mattb. 23. 8, And the obedience here enjoyned to be given by fervants unto thofe , as it is largely taken, doth confift in a chearfull executing of all their lawfull commands, Mattb. 8.9. even though the thing commanded be laborious, painfull, Lufy 17, 7, 3, 9* and rigid , 1 Tef. 2. 18. in a meek and patient bear- ing of their rebukes, Tit.i. 9. yea. and corrections alfo, I Ttf. 2. 18,20, 21. and in wkh-holding their hands from picking, arid their tongues from abufing their ma- fters by ailed ging commiffions from them, which they P d have 41 8 tA brief Exp option of the Epiflle Chap.5.' have not , for their own advantage, 2 IQng. 5. 20, drc. and in abftaining carefully from all contriving and pro- curing of their matters prejudice for beneficing them- felvcs, or others, Luks ^ 6. 1 , z, &e. Secondly , he giv- eth fome properties of this obedience, as firft, it mutt be with fear and trembling : which property confifteth in a, follicitous and carneft care , and indefatigable diligence in following their matters affairs to his greateft advan- tage, (Gew. 31.38,39.) joyned with reverence flowing from love to their matters perfon, 1 Tim. 6.1. and with fear of his difpleafure, Mai. I.-6- and is contrary to pride and lazineffc See toorkjng ytitb fear and trembling taken in this fenfe , ^kil. 2. -1 2. Secondly , their obe- dience mutt be with fingleneffe of hearts which is op- pofed to a double heart > hypocrifie and deceit; and it implyeth that faithfulneffe , which ought to be in fer- vants towards their matters, as minding and intending. from their very heart the thriving and fuccefle of their affairs in all things and at all times , Tit. 2. 10. And> thirdly, it mutt be <** unto Cbrift, whereby he exprefletb the manner , motive and rule of their obedience* See upon chap. 5. ver* 22. Vott. i. Chriftian liberty, and fpirituall freedom from fin, Satan , and God* wrath, is not inconfiftenc with civil bondage and fubje&ion. Chrift and the Gofpel teacheth no man to caft off that yoke> but how they are to carry themfelves as becom- cth Chriftians under it : for, he fpeaketh to fervancs, as fervants , enjoyning them civil fubje&ion , though they were now converted and partakers of that fpirituall li- berty purchafed by Chrift> Gal 3. 28. Servants be obedi- ent to your mafters. 2. The condition of none is fo bafe ordefpicable* but free grace in God will ftoup fo low> as to take notice of them in it , yea > and beflow ttpoa them all thofe precious blefltngs purchafed by Chrift, that fo grace may appear to be grace, when it hath com- paflion on thofe who are in all refpc&smoft unworthy and vile : for, even fome of thofe fervants, who for the raoft part were bond-flaves, and as little efteemed of by their Chap.6. */ Paul /*/£*£* he si an s. 419 their matters, as their very beafts* were converted by the Gofpel , and are therefore here fpoken unto as converts; Servants be obedient to your mafters. j. Such is the fufficiency of Scripture, that there is no rank, ftate, nor degree of perfons, even from the King to the bond- (lave, to whom it doth not ferve as a full and perfect rule to dircft them how to walk acceptably in their ftacions : for here is in it a direction even for fervants ; Servants be obedient unto your mafters. 4. The great and main leffon which fervants , as fervants , ought to learn , and fo to learn as to praftife , is co be obedient to their mafters; and, in a word, faithfully and diligently and according to their mafters own lawfull dire&ions to go about their affairs; So that whatever they be otherwife for wifdom, breeding , or profeffion of piety, yet if they be Slack- ing in this j either negle&ing their bufineffe, or preferring their own wifdom in carrying of it on to the dire&ioa of theirYnafters > they are a reproach to the Gofpel , in fo far as they make not confcience of that which the Go- fpel requireth from them moft : for, this is it he doth mainly preffe upon them ; Servants be obedient unto your mafters. . $♦ This duty of obedience belongeth unto all fervants towards their mafters, So that neither birth, breeding, nor their near relation of kindred unto their mafters , do exempt them from it,, providing they be fervants : for, he fpeaketh indefinitly unto all fervants ; Servants be obedient unto your mafters. 6< This duty of obedience from fervants, is payable to all mafters with- out exception, whether they be good or bad, rich or poor* great or fmall , no diverfity of that kind doth de- traft from the matters authority , nor ought to leflen the fervants obedience : for , he fpeaketh indefinitly alfo of mafters ; Servants be obedient unto your mafters . 7. As the power of matters, yea, and all earthly power what- fomcver , doth only reach the body , and the outward temporall concernments of inferiors , and cannot reach their confcience* foul or fpiritualconcernmcnts,exceptt6 conftrain the outward man unto the obedience of what Ddi God 42o A brief Expofuion of the Spifile Chap.tf . God hath already prcfcribed in thofe ; So neither ought fuperiors to make their will an abfolute rule to be fol- lowed by their inferiors in all things , nor yet inferiors to give up themfelves wholly to follow all their dire#i- ons with a blind and implicit obedience; for, they are but mafters according to the flefb, that is, have power over the bodies of fervants only, 8. It is not fufficient to do what is commanded by God in any thing, except we do it in that manner wherein it is commanded : and particularly i fervants muft not only yeeld obedience to their mafters , and do them fervice ; but they muft do it in fuch manner as it ought to be done : and in fpeciall, their obedience and fervice muft be qualified, as the Apoftlehathexpreffed, even with fear and trembling, fingleneffe of heart, &c* See the expoficion of this, and the two following verfes. 9* A proud heart, evidencing it felf in a faucie , malapert , awleffe and carleffe carri- age, is moft unbcleeming the condition of fervants , and highly difpleafing to God in them, as being oppofit to that property of fear and trembling , which ought to accompany their obedience ; $e obedient ypitb fear and trembling io. Though fervants are to ftand in awe of their mafters difpleafure > and even from fear of that to go about their fervice i MaLi.-6-. yet they muft not beafted from fear alone, nor think themfelves exoner- ed, when fo much is done as his difpleafure will be cfchewed ; but, being a&ed from other motives alfo> they muft make conscience of feverali other things in the matter and manner of their fervice* which the awe and fear of their matter would never conftrain them un- to : for , although the matter know not the heart , and confequemly the fervants need not to trouble themfelves about their heart from the fear, or dread of him; yet, they are to obey in (inglenejjfe of heart. II. A fervant can never difcharge his duty with that fincerity and ten- derneffe , which he oweth unto his matter , except he have an high efteem of Chrift , and in the firft placd become an obedient icrvaot unto Him > that fo from love Chapi 6. ffPanl^^EPHBSiANsi 421 love to Chrift he may yeeld himfelf obedient to his mafter in Chrift , and fo far as obedience to him doth not croffe that obedience which he oweth to Chrift : for, he biddeth them be obedient unto their mafters as unto Cbrifi , and fo implyeth they muft be firft obedient unto Chrift. Verf. 6. Not V>itb eye-ferVlce, as men-pleafersy but as the ferVauts of Chrift y doing the Trill of God from the heart. UEre are moe properties of the obedience required from fcrvants, or rather an explanation of that pro- perty already expreffed, to wit, finglenefi of heart: which he explained^ 1 . negatively,while he oppofeth it totye- fervice, which is here condemned in fervants, who then are guilty of this fin when they feem refpe&ive to their mafters perfon, and carefull of what conccrneth him, himfelf being prefent ; or, when they know their de- portment will otherwayes come to his knowledge , but at other times arc unfaithfull aud careleffe : which fin of eye-fcrvice is aggreaged from this, that tbofe who arc guilty of ic arc men-pleafers • not as if it were fimply unlawfull for fervants to endeavour to pleafe their ma- fters , for that is commanded, Tit, 2. 9. but when they only feek to pleafe them, and that they may feem to pleafe them, care not to deceive them, by appearing to be that in their prcfence, which really they arc not ; and confeqaently, do not labour to approve themfelvcs to the all- feeing eye of God : This is the fin ofmen- pleajing here condemned in fervants, as being near of kin to eye -ferYice. Next, pofitively, by (hewing that then did they ferve in finglcneffe of heart , when, 1. they behaved themfelves as the fervants of Chrift , knowing that they behoved to be countable to Him.who knoweth the double dealing even of the very heart, Jer.ij. io* and that He will accept of their la wfull obedience unto their mafters, as fervicedonetoHim. And, fecondly, when taking God for their party, and looking upon the D d 3 law- 42 1 A brief Expo fit ion of the Sftflle Chap. 6, lawfull commands of their matters, as the will of God unto them, they do fet about to execute them cordially and finccrely, even from the heart, without diflimulation and bypocrifie. ®ott. I. A fingle heart is alwayes conftant in good, and the fame infecret which it is be- fore the view of others : for, eyc-ferVue, whereby fer- vants are one thing before their matters, and another thing behind their backs, is here oppofed to finglnejfc of heart ; not V>itb eye-fervice. 2. A man may fo walk, as to content the eye of thofe who behold ; and to pleafe men to the full, who can fee no further than the outfide, I Sdtn. 1 6. -7. and yet his way be highly difoleafing unto God: for, though eyc-ferUce be a fin dtfplcafing unto God ; Yet iervants may pleafe men with it , as is here implyed : not Kith eye-fervice , as men-pleafers. 3* When a mans chief defign is to gain applaufe, and to be well efteemed of by men,he hath no further regard of his duty, either to God or men, than what doth make way for the promoting of that defign : for, mm-pltafwg is the fountain of eye-fertice in fervants, or of their ne- glefting duty, but in u> far only as they may be fcen and approven by their matters 5 not Kith eye-fervice, as men- pleafers, 4, To propofe unto our felves the pleafing of men, and gaining of approbation, good liking and ap- plaufe from them, as our great defign to be gained upon ^ay tearmes, is inconfiftent with the work of grace in the heart, and with that fubjeftion which we owe to the LordChrift: a man cannot ferve two matters* Mattb. 6. 24. for, he oppofeth men-pleafcrs to the fervantsof Chrift y not as men-pleafers, but as the fertants of Qnift* faith he. 5. The meaneft and bafeft of fervices, which men go about in their lawfull callings, being done with "*the right qualifications, from right motives, for a right endi and in the right manner, is ferv ice done to Chrift, and will be accepted of by Him, asfuch, becaufe He doth command it ; and it is done, if done aright in obe- dience to His command : for, he will have the meaneft feryants tQ go about their fervice asferltants to Cbrijl, and Chap. 6. of Paul to the Ep h b s i a n s I 42 j <*w he explaincth how fervants may reckon themfelves as fervants to Chrift, even by their doing the Itoill of God fr$m their heart. 7. Our eyeing of God and taking Him for our partie , to whom we muft give an accompt, even in thofe things which we do unto men , is a fingular help to make us (ingle and ttraighc in all our affairs, and to banifh all double deal- ing, deceit, hunting after applaufe, and all fuch-like vices, which our heart prefumeth to make bold with, when we look to no higher partie than poor feckleffe man : for, that they may be fingle in heart, andefchew eye-fcrvice and man-pleafing, he dire&cth them to take God for their partie 5 but as fer\>ants to Chrift, doing tbc Kill of God from the heart, 8. Then is the will of God acceptably done, when not only the outward man, as tongue, hand, and other members of the body, do aft every one their part, but the heart and in-moft aflfe&i- ons are brought up to the work ; otherwife our per- formances are but a lame facrifice, as being deftitute of that which God doth mainly call-for, VroV. 23. 26. for, he faith, doing the vw//*/ God from the heart. Verf. 7. With goodwill doing ferMce, as to the Lord , and not to men: OEre is a third thing required to the fervice andobc- * '■'dience of fervants in finglnefle of heart, even that it be with goodwill and love to their matters perfon, and to the thriving of his affairs, which is oppofit to the doing of their fervice grudgingly,unpleafantly, or from fear of puntfhmenc and an eye to their own advantage only ; D d 4 and 4i4 A brief Expo fition of the Epijlle Chap. 6 . and that they may be encouraged to do fervice from this principle, even to their unworthie matters, hedireð them to fatten their eye upon the Lord, who hadfub- jefted them unto fuch m?flers,and to know that in ycel- ding ttyat obedience unto them, which was commanded by God, they did fervice to Him rather than to them, and might therefore doit with better will : for, thene- gative particle doth not deny limply, but comparativly 2 So that* as to the Lord> and not to men, is, to the Lord more than to men, Mark^g. 37. IDoit. 1. Fear and love of one and the fame perfon, may well confift, and both be a conjunct principle having influence upon one and the fame duty; yea, then only is that duty, which floweth from fear , acceptable unto God, when the partie to whom the dutie is done>whether it be God or men,is not only fearcd> but alfo loved : for, the obedience of fcr- vants mutt not only flow from fear and trembling, ver. 5. but alfo from love and good-will 5 toitb good-Kill do- ing fervice. 2, That a man do fervice to God,whether in the duties af immediate worfhip, or of his ordinary cal- t ling, it is of nccefficy required, that he do it cheerfully, not as of neceflity and conflraint, bat with a delight and pleafurc in it, as in that which God doth calUfor at his hands : the Lord doth love a cheerfull giver, 2 Cor. 9, ^7. for, that fervants may go about their fervice to their matters, as fervants to Chrift, and thereby do the will of God, it is required that ^itb goodwill they do their fcr~ Mce> $. The moft bafe, and meaneft of imployments, which God doth call us to di(charge,ought to be under- taken and difcharged by us with cheerfulnefle and good Will, it being no fmall credit for prodigal rebels to be cntrufted in the meaneft piece of fervice to Him : *yea, and the more mean and fecklefle the fervice be which wedifcharge, it ought to be gone about with more of cheerfulnefle ; that what is inlacking in the worth of the work, may be made up by the hearty afteftion and good- will of the worker: for, he will have even fer- vants going about their bafeft imployments with good- w\\l Chap. 6. */PauW0ffoEPHE$iAN$; 4*5 willi becaufc they did thereby fervice to God, ahd He did call them to it ; Kith good-Kill doing ferMce as to the Lord. 4. So ingrate is man for the luoft part, and fo flow to reward thofe from whom he receiveth favour and advantage ; yea, fo prone to requite them evill for good, Judg. 9. 17, 18. that a man can never heartily and with fuch good-will as he ought, do fervice to the moft of men, except he look to God in and above men* and know that they are thereby doing fervice to Him, whom to ferve in the meaneft imployment, is a fuffici- ent reward for it felf, iCbron. 29. 14. befides that He will have none to ferve Him for nothing, as the follow- ing vcrfe doth teach : for, the A pottle implyeth they can never ferve their matters with good- will, except they look to God more than to man: therefore he faith, Kith good-Kill doing fervice as to the Lord} and not to men, Verf. 8* I(noKing that KhatfoeVer good thing any man deth> the fame jhall he receive of the Lord, whether be be bond or free. FHe Apoftle, having thus held forth the neceffary re- quifits of that obedience en joyned unto fervants, h« doth, thirdly, perfwade them to it in this verfe, by an argument taken from the great advantage they Qiould reap thereby, while he flieweth,that though their reward from their earthly matters was little, or none > yet fo mcrcifull is God,that of His own free grace ( %om. 11. 35 ) and not for any merit in mans fervice ( which is none, Luke 17. 1 o.) He doth largely recompenfe ( fome- times here, Marf^io. 30. and alwayes hereafter, CoL $• 24. ) all thofe who make confcicnce of doing good, or of going about their calling as fervice to Him ; and that in this free retribution of a reward, He taketh notice of the poor bond- fervant, who fcrveth God in his calling, as well as of free-men and matters. And that this ar- gument may have the more force with them , he appea- led 4*tf A brief E xp option of the Spifile Chap.*. lech to their own confeience and knowledge for the truth of it, if it was not fo as he had affirmed, fiott. i. Then, and then only, may a man reckon himfelf to do goocLor a good work acceptable to God, when the thing he doth is warranted by Gods will revealed in His Word, when he doth it in fingtenefle of heart, from an inward prin- ciple of love and good-will within in the heart, and in obedience to Gods command r or as fervice unto Him : for, the obedience required from fervants, was to be fo qualified, ver. 5, 6, 7. and he doth here call it a doing good: Whatsoever good thing a man doth. 2. Even the bafeft drudgery of fervants being fo qualified, is a doing of good,and cometh within the compaffe of good works, which the Lord will take notice of as fuch : for, it is wkhaneyetotheimployment of fervants mainly that he here fpeaketh : Wb ytl foever good thing a man doth, the fame /ball he receive. 3. As it is la wfull to eye the pro- mifed reward for our encouragement in the way of du- ty ; So it is the mind of God that every one fliould in the due and right order, make particular application un- to themfelves of fuch promifes as are in Scripture held forth unto all in general : for, he holdeth forth the pro- mife of a reward, which is made unto all who do good in general, to be made ufe of by Chriftian fervants, for their encouragement in particular ; WhatfoeVer good 4 man dotb, the fame {hall he receive of the Lord. 4, Pro- mifes have no influence to excite unto duty , except the truth of them be known and believed, fo that ignorance and misbelief of divine truths , are a great caufe of abounding profanity and negieft of duty in all ranks: for , he laycth the weight of their encouragement, to duty from this promife upon the knowledge and faith which they had of it ; knowing that tobatfoeVer good thing any man doth, the fame Jhall be receive of the Lord. 5. The Lord, in difpenfing rewards, looketh not to the externall beauty, fplendour, or greatneffe of the work, but to the honefly and fincerityofit, how mean or inconfiderable foevcrit be otherwise : foi> the promife of a reward, is to Chap.6. of Paul to the Ep h e s i a n s "I 427 to the outwardly mean and bafe works of poor Servants, if fo they be honeft and fincere , afwell as to the more fplendid, honourable and expenfive works of their rich matters : The fameJhaU be receive of the Lord, whether be U bond or free. Verf. 9. *And ye ntafters, do the fame things unto them, forbearing tbreatning : fyefoing that your mafter alfo is in beaten , neither u their vefyelt of ferfons Voitb bimm 1LJE doth here, in the fir ft place* £t down the duties of JkA matters towards their fervants, i. pofitively, while he enjoyneth them to do the fame things : which is to be underflood, not of the duties themfelvcs>which are much different from the duties of fervants, ( See them briefly fiimmed up upon C°L 4. ver. I. dcxSt* t, 2.) but of thoft properties and conditions which are common to the du- ties of both ; fo, that the mafter is bound to difcharge his duty towards his fervant in fingleneffe of heart, as fervice toChrift, in obedience to the will and command of God, from his heart, with love and good-will, even as the fervant is hound to minde thofe qualifications in his duty towards his matter* Next, negatively, while he forbiddeth tbreatning , or rather commandeth to re- lax and moderate threatning , as the word doth fignifie ; and fo the thing forbidden isexcefle in threatning and boafts , when they are alway menacing , oftentimes for light occafions, and fometimes for none ; And by pro- portion, all fierce and inhumane way of dealing with fervants by matters , whether in words or deeds, is here forbidden alfo. In the fecond place he inforceth this duty, by minding them of that which they did know, at leaft ought to have known, even that they alio afwell as their (ervants had a mafter above them to call them to an accompt, to wit, God , who, to make the argument more pungent, is defcribed> 1. from His magnificent andftately Palace, where His glory (hincth, to wit, the Heaven ; not as if He were only there, aad nowhere elfe, 428 A brief Expofition of the Epifile Chap. 6» Jer. 23. 24. but to fet forth His abfolute dominion, zChron. 20. 6. His omnifcience, Vfal. 11. 4. Hisholi- neffctyi. 57. 15. andHisomnipotcncy,!P/i/.it5. 3. fo chat their fin could not be hid from Him, His holy Na- ture did hate ic, He had both right and power to puniffi it* 2. From His impartiality and juftice, in judging fo that He refpeð not perfons, nor faces* outward (hew and appearance, as the word fignifieth; and therefore, by perfons \$ not meaned the fubftance, or pcrfonal fub- fiftenceofmen, but their outward ftate and condition, even that which is confpicuous in man , and doth com- monly make him more or lefle efteemed among men, as country, ftate of life, riches, poverty, wifdom, learn- ing , &c and confequently to reflect ptrfons, istowreft judgement from a finfull refpeft to the outward ftate, condition of parties, andfuch other things which are wholly extrinfick to the caufe in hand, which vice the Lordis free of as being the righteous Judge of the world, who cannot be byafled by fear, love, pitty, or any other inordinate affeftion, as man is ; and confequently , the outward dignity, power* or wealth of matters, would not make Him fpare them , if they made not confeience of cheir duty. Hence Learn, 1. Though matters are freed from fubjeft ion and giving obedience unto their fervants ; yet not from doing duty unto them. Neither is there any power among men fo abfolute , no not that of Kings and fupream Rulers, %**♦ 1 3. 3. -4.-6. but it implyeth an obligation, through vertue of Gods Or- dinance, upon thofe who are inverted with it, to make confeience of feveral duties towards their inferiours and fubjefts : for, he faith, And ye majlers, do the fame things unto tbem. 2. It concerneth matters in their place as much as fervants in theirs, not only to go about their duty* but alfo to advert to the manner wherein they do it , even that it be done in fincerity, cordially, chear- fully , taking God for their party more than men : for, hckhh,Te maflers, do the fame things unto them, 3. It is not oqly lawfulL but ia fome cafes neceffary for matters force- Chap.tf. o/PauWof^EPHBSiANS. 429 fometimesto threaten, boaft, caft down their counte- nance upon negligent, lafcy > difobedient, and chiefly upon profane fervants, providing they do it moderatly* and keep off execfle: for, the Apoftle doth not (imply forbid all manner of threatning , but only pre fcribeth a moderation thereof ; iorbearing.ox moderating threatning. 4. The Servants of Chrift in the reproof of fin, ought mainly to guard againft fuch evils, as thofe to whem they fpeak,through cuftom, pervtrfe inclination, or a de* ludedmind, are moft ready to fall into; and fo ought people fet mainly againft fuch fins in themfelves, and thereby defend the wall where it isweakeft, and the enemies greateft force doth lie : for , becaufe matters are moft prone to break out againft their fervants in threat- ning, railing and reviling words, as thinking words are but wind, and their tongues are their own, Tjal. 12. 4. therefore he forbiddeth that evil mainly and exprcfly : Forbearing threatning, faith he. 5« As it is very ufuall for powers on earth,finfully to overfee,and not to punifh the crueli and unjuft dealing of matters towards fer- vants ; So thofe fins which arc moft connived at by men, are moft feverely taken notice of by God : for, the Apoftle mindeth them, that God would call matters to an accompt how they carried towards their fervants, though men did not take notice of them : JQietoing that your mafter alfo U in beaten. 6. Jt is too too ordinary for men in place and authority above others, to carry themfelves as if they had none above them to be count- able unto ; or, at leaft, to dream that the Lord will not take fuch ftridt account of them, as of their underlings and fervants ; for, the Apoftle obviateth fuch thoughts, and fo doth indireftly imply, that matters did (o think, while he faith, your majler alfo is inheaVen, and there is no refpett ofperfins Kith him. 7. Miniflers are bound to inculcate,even thofe truths upon the Lords people,which they in charity do judge to be throughly known already by them ; becaufe truths are better known than made ufe of by the moft part ; yea, the calling to mind of knowa 430 A brief Expofition of the Epifile Chap. 6. knowft truths by the publick Miniftery, doth through Gods blefling put a new luftre and efficacy upon them for inciting unto duty : for therefore,though the Apoftle fupponeth they knew this truth, yet he pucteth them in remembrance of it ; I(nor*ing that your mafter is in bea- ten. See what is obferved further upon this defcription of God, from His royal palaccand impartiality in judg- ing, upon Col. 3. vcr. 25. do&.4,s, and Co/. 4. ver. u do&. 4, j, 6. Verf. 10. finally, my brethren , be flrong in tbeL ord, and in the porter of bis might • TTHe Apoftle (having from chap.f, ver. ti« exhorted unto thofe duties which belong to Chriftians as they are members of families) doth now in the fecond part of this Chapter, exhort unto one duty, which belongeth unto all Chriftians in generall , the making confciencc whereof, isneceffary forpra&ifing all» or any of the fore-mentioned duties,even that they would prepare and make ready for a chriftian warfare. And being in the firft branch of this part of the Chapter, unto ver. 14. to inforce this duty more generally, he doth, firft> propone the exhortation* to wit, that finally, or notwithstanding of all he had formerly fpoken, this one thing did remain yet neceffary to be delivered by him, ( for, fo much the Original word doth imply ) even that they would be ftrong, fortifie themfelves, take to them fpirits and refo- lutions in order to their Chriftian warfare. And this, firft , by looking at , and making ufe of that ftrength which they had , and all Believers have without them- felves in the Lord Chrift , who is engaged with theni, as leader and generall in this warfare , fob. 10. 28. And particularly, they are to look at> and aft their faith upon the porter of His might , or His almighty power, in order to their being ftrong and refolute , as that, which alone was able to anfwer all their faintings and fears , arifing cither from their own weakneffe , %&. 4. 19. with al- oe Chap.6. *f Paul tothe Eiphisians.' 431 or the ftrcngth of enemies , Job. i<5. 33. Hence Learn, 1. It is noc enough for Chriftians to know what they ought to do by vertue of their feverall relations , except they alfo fet about the pra&ice of their duty according to what they know of it: for> theApoftle, having al- ready inftructed them in the knowledge of their duty, he (heweth this one thing was yet remaining, even to prepare themfelves w ith refolution and courage in order to their better pra&ifing of it: finally, or, this yet re- mained^ that yebeftrong in the Lord. 2 .As the duties of a Chriftian life, whether in our generall or particular cal- ling, will not be difcharged by us without a battell and conflict with ftrong difficulties and terrible adverfaries ; So it is the duty of Chrifts Minifters , not only to preffe duties upon the Lords people, but alfo to forewarne them of thefe difficulties and dangers which ly in the way of their duty , and to inftruft them how to wreftfc with and overcome them all : for, fo doth Paul, having already preffed upon them the duties of their generall and particular callings, he doth here not only forewarne them , but alfo forearme them againft difficulties and hazards ; finally, be ftrong in the Cord. 3. Though the Lords Servants fometimes may , and are alfo bound to command and charge the people of God committed to their charge , to make confeience of their duty , 1 iiwf. 6.17. yea, and alfo denounce againft them moft terrible threatnings , if they negleft it , 2 Tim. 4. 2. Tit 1. 1 5. yet, fo long as gentle exhortations , enforced with fweet lmooth infinuations andrationalldemonftrationsof the eqaity and neceffity of the thing, may prevail, they are lather to be followed by them, thereby teftifying their affe&ion unto, and charitable efteem of their hearers as of rationall men > who , are in a greater probability to be wrought upon by infinuations , defires and convinc- ing rcaforts, than by threats and boafts : for, theApo- ftle doth here gently exhort them , enforcing this exhor- tation by an infinuative compellation , while he calleth them brethren , and afterwards convinceth them of the equity 43 * A brief Expojitio* of the Spi/tle Chap. 6. equity and neceflky of that to which he doth exhort them ; finally , my brethren, bejlrong in the Lord. 4. So ftrong and terrible are thefe difficulties which Chriftians are affaulted with in, the way of duty, (Seever. 12.) that there is need of more than ordinary ftrength , refo- lution and courage* for meeting with them, and charg- ing through them. Faint hearted -cowards and lazie lluggards, will never face them, far leffe overcome them, 2VoV, 22. 1 3. for , in order to their rancountering thofe difficulties, hebiddeththem^ ftrong y that is, take to them fpirits and courage. 5. No naturall courage nor hardineffe of fpirit t arifing from mans naturall temper* (though in fome refpeft diffident for making men endure any temporall hardfliip without fuccumbing, Trov. 18. 14. ) is able to underprop and bear us up againft the fu- rious aflaults of fuch fpirituall adverfaries , and break- ing difcouragements, arifing from fuch multiplied dif- ficulties as daily do affault us in our Chriftian courfe : for, he biddeth them be ftrong , not in themfelves or in the power of their own naturall refolutions , but in the Lord^and the po^er of his might. 6. No ftrength of grace inherent , no fpiritual courage flowing from the graces of Gods Spirit in us , is alone , and by it felf fufficient to make us ftand and bear us through a* viftors in this fpirituall conflift : wemuft befides, be underpropped by the power and ftrength of Chrift the Lord without us, by whofe influence our inherent graces rnuft be actu- ated and applied to work, Philip. 2.1 3. dire&ed in their work , 2 Thejff. 3. y, recruited daily with a new fupply of ftrength, if a. 40. 29, and keeped from fainting under renewei aflaulw, Luke 22, 31, 32* other wife they can do nothing, Job,ifm.$m for, he forbiddeth them not only make ufe of grace inherent , as we (hall hear , ver* 1 1. but alfo and antecedently , be ftrong in the Lord , or in that ftrenpth which they had without themfelves in the Lord Chrift. 7. As whatfoever is in the Lord Chrift, muftand will be forthcoming, for the encouragement ftrengchening and bearing through of Believers in this fpirituall Chap.rf. o/Paul to$hcEvn*$iAH$l 43* fpirituall conflict ', So their grcateft ftrength,and ground of courage in all their confli&s > doth ly in , and ought to arifc from , not what they are in themfelves , or caa do for themfelves > but what the Lord Chrift is engaged to be and do on their behalf: for , he cxhorteth them, he ftrong in the Lord , thereby implying , that the Lord Chrift would be forthcoming for them, and that they were to draw their refolution and courage from thence* 8. Chriftian fouldiers, in order to their own encourage- ment and ftrengtbening for this fpirituall conflict, ought to lay hold upon , and by faith make ufe , as of whole Chrift , and of all thofe rich and glorious perfeftions which are in Him , So efpecially of His almighty power and ftrength, by vertue whereof, He doth all His pleafure, {/i. 46. -10. neither is there any thing coo hard for Him, Gen, 18. 14. The power of enemies and greatneffe of difficulties, together with our own weak- neffe, call for this: befides, that many of our difcou- ragements arife> not fo much or only from misbelief of Hisgood-willtohclp, asfromour atheifticall doubt* • ings about His power and ftrength , which fometimes are exprefled > if a I. 78. - 20. and fometimes work fub- tilly under ground , as if not His power but only His good- will were doubted of, which is clear from this, that His good-will is not ufually queftioned , but when difficulties are great, and to fenfe and reafon infuperable. Hence it is , that , having commanded them to aft their faith upon whole Chrift and all that is in Him, hebid- deth chem pitch upon His almighty power in particu- lar ; ®e ftrong in the Lord , and in thepo^er of Hit might m Verf. 1 1 • fut on the Mole armour of God, that ye may le able toftand againjl the Viles 0) the ieVih HTHc Apoftle will have them to be ftrong and fortifie x themfelves, next, by acquiring and making ufe of fpirituall ftrength inherent in themfelves , while he en- joynetiithem to putontbe *tohok armour of God , thai is* £ e the 43 4 A brief Sxpofition of the Epiftle Chap. 6 . the whole furniture and matter of Chriftian vertues,and all the means which God hath appointed for guarding the foul againft Satans temptations, as he cleareth after- wards in the particular pieces of this armour. Now, thofe graces of Gods Spirit, are called armour, becaufe they defend the (oul from , and ftnke out againft; Satan andfinfulllufts, as the armour of fouldiers in wars do defend the body and hurt the enemy ; and the armour of God, both to (hew ic muft be fpirituall and not carnall, i Cor» io. 5. as being fitted for the heart , foul and con- fcience, and not the bodily members; and that God is the author , maker and inventer of this armour , and accordingly doth beftow it , Jam. 1. 17. In the latter part of theverfe, he flieweth the end why they (hould be ftrong in the Lord, and put on this armour, even that they might be able to ftand , that is , to hold on their Chriftian courfe f as a fouldier ftanding orderly and keeping hif ground ) not running forth beyond the bounds of their calling to caft therafelves upon tentati- ons and hazards , nor bafely fleeing from or ceding to them when God calleth for valiant refiftance : which duty of (landing, is illuftrated from the party whom they were to encounter and to fight againft, even Satan, whofe fubtile wiles and ftratagems> whereby he labour- eth to intrap fouls, cannot be otherwayes refifted but by putting on of this fpirituall armour. Hence Learn, *• Chriftians are fo to rely upon and make ufe of the covenanted power and ftrength of Chrift > a6 not to ly-by lazie and idle themfelves: They muft alfo have, and accordingly make ufe of ftrength inherent in them, and beftowed on them by their Lord and General Jefus Chrift. Confidence in Chrift, and the confeientious ufe of all thofe helps and means appointed by Him, cahnoc be feparated : for , the Apoftle > having commanded them (verf.io.) to place their confidence in the power of Chrift, will have them here to acquire and make ufe of fpirituall ftrength inherent in themfelves , while he faith , T/rf on the tobolc armour of God. %. Ic is only the Qap.6. */Paulf*flkEPHBSiAN$; 43J. t he armour of God , the graces of His Spirit , afcd fuch ochcr means as are appointed by Him, which Chriftian* are to make ufeof in this fpirituall conflift ; whatever armour we u(e befides, (whether will-worfhip invented by our felves, C°i 2* l%* or carnall motives , to oppofe the power of fin , or poor fubterfuges to cover the guile of it, Jer. 2. 22.) will hurt, but cannot help in the day of battel : for, he biddeth them f ut on the armour of God, that is , the graces of the Spirit of God , and all fuch means as are appointed by Him. 3* That a Chriftian ipaybetruely valiant and come off with honour and fafety in this fpirituall conflict , he muft be wholly armed , and no power of the foul or fenfe of the body left naked without a guard. And in order to this, that not any faving grace be wanting, *¥**. 1. 5,6,7« or the ufe of any mean appointed by ©od , negle Mar\$. 29. there being work for all, and ufe of all at one time or other, under one cafe or other, in relation to one tentatioh or other : for , he biddeth pat on tbe*tobole armour of God , and that not any one piece thereof be wanting , or any part of the man be left naked. 4. It is not enough to have the root and habits of faving grace In the heart r but we muft alfo exercife thefe graces, and be alwayes a&ing fome one or other of them, 1 Cor. 1 y# 53. and all of them as occafion ofFereth, and as fuitable objefts are prefented by God , Gal. 6. 10. otherwifc we are not in a fitting poflure for this fpiritual combate. When grace is idle , fin and Satan are moft diligent : for, when he biddeth them put on this armounhe mean* eth not only a putting on by acquiring the feeds and ha- bits of faving graces at conversion 5 (for, fome of them were already converted ) but alfo a putting on by ufing and exercifine the grace which fome of them at leaft al- ready had : Hut on the *tobole armour of GoL 5. The great adverfary of the Saints , is the devil, who feight- eth againft them moft by lies and calumnies, fpeaking evil of God and His wayestotbem, Gen. 5.5. mifre- prefenting their own flate to themfeives, Ifo. 49.14. and E e 2 calum- 43 the devil is here fpoken of as their chief adverfary, and the name here given unto him , doth in the Original fignifie a, calumniator and flanderer ; That ye may Jland againft the idles of the detil. 6. As Satan is moft witty and fub- tile ; fo he imployeth all his skill and fubtilty for carry- ing on this battell againft the Saints, while he moft cun- ningly contriveth , and with no leffe fubtilty conveyetb fuch enfnaring tentations as he knowcth, all things be- ing confidered i will be moft taking with the perfon tempted : for, here he fpeaketh of Satans W«, the word fignifieth methodick witty ftratagems. 7. However Satan doth fometimes transform himfelf into an angel of light, zCori ii4 14. andcovercth his foul defigns with moft plaufible pretences to zeal for God,£«fe 9. S4, 55. to pity and natural afiFeftion, Mat. 16.22. or generally to fomething which is in it fclf commendable ; yet, his great defign in all his tentations, even when he fpeaketh faireft, is to drive the party tempted from his ftation, cither by making him turn the back as a coward, Neb.6. xo, ti. or driving him beyond the bounds of his calling, Mattb.26.51* or prefently to render up his arms and be- come captive to fomeone prevalent tuft or other,Gew.?£. 12. for, while he faith, that ye may able to /land againft bit ti?i/«, he implyeth,that Satans aim is to drive us from our ftationj 8. The great work of a Chriftian, in re- lation to thofe wiles of Satan, is not to imitate him, by bending our wits to enfnare others to a (infull courfe as he doth, Mattb. 16. 22, 23. nor yet fo much to know his wiles , to lay open the fubtilty and deceit that is in them for the ufe of others, Mattb. 7. 22. as to guard againft them, and to keep our ftation notwithftanding ofjhem, even when we are affaulted by them : for, faith T W, that ye may be able to ftand againft the toiles of the deVif. 9. It is by the alone vertue of this armour of God, that is, the faving graces of God's Spirit, and the careful! excrcife of thofe graces, that Chriftians arc enabled to ft and out againft Satans wic and wiles. A piece of na- tural Chap* 6* •f Paul te the Ep h b s x ak s^ 437 < tural courage and fixt refolutions, together with the deep engagement of credit and intereft , may do much to make a man (land out againft his avowed force and violence put forth bycruell perfecutcrs; but there is no fence in flefh and bloud againft his wiles : for, he biddeth put on the tobole armour of God 9 thai ye way be able to ft an A againft the "biles of the de\>il. VerC 1 2. tor toe tore/lie not againft flejh and bloud , but againft principalities , againft powers, a/akft the ruhrs of the dartyejje ofthuX*orld% againft fyiritual Vticfydneye in high places. HTHc Apoftle, having thus propounded the duty , doth next enforce it from the nature of this warfare 1 as being a toreftlingy which is a clofe combate betwixt two* handto hand, each exerting their whole force # ftrength againft one another : And from the terror and greacnefs of thofe adverfaries, whom we are to fight againft, de- feribed, 1. negatively, or comparatively, that they were not flefh and bloud, that h, any bodily or humane power, to wit, only, or principally ; for, the Believer doth fight againft thofe alfo, Job. 16.33. only they are but Satans 'auxiliary forces, whom he ftirrethup and imployeth, Next>poficively>the devils and damned angels, defcribed, firft , from their magnifick titles, principalities ; powers, rulers of the darfyicfl of this toorld : whereby is (et forth their great naturall power and ftrength, together with their prince- like authority and government, which by Gods permiffion they exerce in the world , and upon wicked men in it by reafon of their profanity and igno- rance, here called darfyefje, as chap. 5. ver. 8. Secondly, from their nature, as being for their effence fyiritual, im- material and without a body ; and for quality, moft wicked, and here called toick^dnejfe it fclf in the abftra&, thereby to aggreage their wickedneffe, as being wholly deftitute of all nioral goodneffe. Thirdly, from the place of their abode,the high air, whereof Satan is prince, chap. 2. 2. Or gather, by this particle in high places, ( as Ec3 many 4J 8 A brief Expo fithn of the S pi file Chap.tf. many Interpreters conceive ) he fetteth forth fomewhat more of the nature of this warfare, 'to wit, the main matter about which the quarrel is, even high and hea- venly things, which tend to the honour of God, and the eternal good of our iouls : for, the word in the original i$,in the heavenly without the fubftantive j>/*tfx,and it may be as well fupplied beaVenly thing*, as it is,H^.8.5.and 9. 23. and fo it readeth wcll/«, 01, beuufe of heavenly things ; for, this particle, rendered in, is fometimes caufall, and rendered becaufe. See Mattb* 26. 31. Hence Learn, n The Lord doth deal ingenuoufly with all whom He cal- lech to fight this fpirkual conflict , by letting them know the power, ftrength and fubtilty of the enemy ; and the height of thofe difficulties which ly in their way to hea* ven before they.engage , So that none may have occa- fion to fay they were deceived, and made to meet with harder work than they were told of at the firft : for, he fetteth forth the nature of this warfare , and terror of the adverfary to the utmoftof what could be faid by any, We toreftle againft principalities and powers, (?c. 2. So apt arc men to dream of the way to heaven as eafie, and to trouble themfelves but little for attaining to it, Mattb. 7. 21. that nothing leffe h required to make us (hake off fecurky, and minde the work of walking to heaven in carneft , than to fet before us all thofe dreadfull dangers, infuperable difficulties, and terrible oppofition, which of neceffity we are to meet with ki our way to it ; for, that they may be excited to ffiake off lazinefle and be ferious in this work, he feeth it neceffary to fet before them what dreadfull enemies they had co fight againft, as appearerh from the caufal particle/^,which coupleth this verfc with the formers Put on the tobole armour of pod, . for tye X»re(tle againft principalities and powers, 3. The malice of Satan, our fpirkual adverfarie , is bent, not only againft the Saints in general , but alfo againft everyone in particular, each of whom he fetteth upon, With fomuch fury, force and eagerneffe, as if he had pone to dealvvith but onetak>nc; for, the Chriftians conflift Chap.6. */Paulf**A*EPHEsiAN$; 43? conflift with Satan, is here called a toreftling , which is a clofe combat betwixt two, hand to hand ; and the original word fignifieth fuch a ftrifc as maketh the body (hake again ; We tore/lie, faith he. 4* Every Saint and real Believer is this one, whom Satan fo affaulteth • he forbeareth none> but fetteth upon all ; the ftrongeft are not a tetrour to him , nor yet the meaneft are fo far un* dervalued by him, as not to think them worthy of his wrath* and therefore all muft fight and wreftle : for, the Apoftle of purpofe changeth the pronoun ye, in the former verfe, into toe in this , to (hew that neither he nor any other was exempted from wreftling ; We toreflle, faith he. 5. No place, no inward cafe, or outward con- dition wherein a Chriftian doth fall, can give him eafe from, orafafe peace with, thisreftlcffe adverfary : his greateft fafety is to be wreftling daily and without in- termiflion ; for , he faith not, toe did toreftle , or (hall wreftle, but in the prefent time, toe torefile : which im- plyeth a continued a&ion. 6. Devils and damned evil fpirits, are a more terrible and dangerous party to wreftle with than any bodily or humane power #, yea, though all the skill, courage, valour, ftrength, which ever was amongft men, were united and placed in one, This dreadfuli adverfary , ( for ftrength , for craft, for unwearied diligence,for unpeaceablneffe of fpirit againft his party , for his malice, not fo much againft our body and outward eftate , as againft our choifeft part , even the immortal foul ; for his courage to affault, his nimble- neffe to putfue , his immortal nature, that he never dieth) goeth far beyond themoft terrible of men , yea, and all men : for, he extenuateth the power and terror of flefh and bloud, being compared with Satans making the lat- ter far more terrible than the former, while he faith , toe torejile net toitb fltjh and bloud , but toitb principalities and potoers. 7. As men in tempting us to findireftly or in- directly , are fubfervient to Satan , and in that refpeft aftcd by him, Matth.i6.7i. So, our fureftwayto guard againft all fuch tentations , is to look at Satan as E e 4 our 4 40 %A f brief SxpofttUn of the Epifile Cbap.£ our chief party, whomaketh ufeof manone way or other, to promove his foul-raining defignes , and upon our ceding to the tentation 9 as a giving place to the devil > Epb. 4. vj. for , while he faith , toe Vt>rejtle not Vrttb fiejh and bloudy but *>itb principalities and powers , he would have them to look at Satan as their chief adverfa- ry, even when they are tempted by men. 8. ItisSa- tans conftant work , not only to fin againft the Lord himfelf; but to incite and tempt others to do the like, and envie and hinder that happineffe unto others which he hath irrecoverably fallen-fromhimfelf: and there- fore fuch as are moft a&ive to entice others to fin and wickednefle* do refemble Satan moft>and are to be look. edupon, not as men, but incarnate devil*. It is their fathers work they do , and his lufts they fulfil! , Job. 8. 44. for , he maketh it Satans work to wreftle with the Saints and make them fin againft the Lord ; We Wreftle Kith principalities and powers. 9. As there is not only one but many devils feifchting under one head and chie£ Mattb. 25. -41 # So all of them are engaged in this fpiri- cuall warfate.againft the Saints ; and therefore none of Chrifts fouldiers fhould dream of eafe > there being a fufficient number of enemies to engage all: yea, fome- times many devils do fet upon one man at once , Mar^ 5. 9. for, all the ftiles here given to Satan,are in the plu- rall number , to (hew that they are a numerous enemy ; S>nncipalities,po^ersfrulers9 xt>icftfdnejfts9 1 o. The people of God ought not to extenuate or undervalue the force and power of their adverfe party in this fpirituall con- flict ; but look upon them in their outmoft ftrength, moft numerous multitude>greatcft a&ivity, and in whac- fbever may make them terrible: and this, not to wea- ken their own hands ; but to awake them from their fe- curky, and to chafe them to their ftrength : for, in order co this end, *W holdeth out their enemy Satan in his moft dreadfull colours; Principalities, powers .rulers of the darfyiejfe of this Xitorld/fpiritual Mckednejfes. 1 1. Though Angels by their fall 1 have iofed much> even all their mpraU Chap. 6. of Paul to tht E? h b $ i a n $ ^ 441 roorall goodneffe , Jofr. 8, 44. yet their effence and na- turall bein^ doth remain* yea, and iuch properties as do naturally flow from fuch an excellent being, as ftrength and ability to do, at Gods permiffion, whatfoever is not above the courie of nature , (See upon chap. 2. ver. 2. doft.8.) for which caufe they are here called^w,yea« and what through Gods permiflion , their own ufurpa- cion , and the voluntary fub jeftion of wicked men unto them, they exercife a prince-like authority over the children of difobedience : for, therefore are they called principalities and rulers. 11. Whatever prince- like au- thority Satan hath in the world , and whatever be his might and power to back his authority and make it dreadfull, he imployeth it all for carrying on this war againft the Saints '•> his kingly power over wicked men is made ufe of for ftirring them up fometimes to entice,Gew# 30. 7. fometimes to conftrain the truely godly to fia againft the Lord, ®an. 3. 2, ts-c, His power and might, whereby through Gods permiflion , he iJoth raife up ftormsj commove the elements, deftroycattel, fmkethc bodies of men with diverfe difeafes,, is all imployed for this to make men, and efpecially good men, break out in fome one or other finfull carriage, Jobi. n. with 14. and 2. 5. with 7. for, while the Apoftle defigneth pur adverfary by ftiles of principalities and powers, he (hew- cth whatever authority or power Satan hath, is imploy- ed by him for carrying on the war. 13. This prince- like authority and rule which Satan exerceth > is not abfolute and illimitted » but hath its own bounds ap- pointed for it by God. As,firft, his principality and rule is only in this v>Qrld, but not in that which is to come, no not over the wicked, in whom he now ruletb, but there he and they both (hall remain for ever clofe prifoners in hell, Mattb. 25, 4t. for, Chrift is ftill to rule as Mediatour and Lord Deputy under the Father, untill He put down all rule, authority and power , and eonfequently Satan's among the reft , 1 Cor. 15. 24. Hence it is they are called rulers of this toorld, that is, now 44* -^ iritfgxpefithn of the Eptfh Chap.£.J now, and not hereafter. Next, his principality is limited only to thofe who arc in their unrenewed ftate of dark- neffe, fin and ignorance of God. He may indeed ex- crcc a tyrannical power over the Regenerate > but no princely authority , unto which they give unwilling obedience, there being ftill in fuch, a party for God, I Job. 3.9. which in one degree or other oppofeth it felf, at leaft doth not content to Satan's ufurpation, %&. 7. 19. GaL$. 17. for, he confineth their rule to darkneffi, that is, thofe who are in a ftite of fin and ignorance ; rulers of the darfyejffe. 14. Though Satan cannot fo far prevail over the renewed man as to rule in him ; yet> he ceafeth not to affault him, if it were but to vex him,%w. 7. 24, yea, and he may fo far prevail with his affaults by drawing him on to fome particular groffe aft* of fin» i,Sam. 11. 4. and thereby to dKhonour God, iSam.i2. 14. and tomir his own peace, ?/i/.3^3,4- as that the beft of men have need to ftand upon their guard againft him : fonthough the Apoftlc doth limit his prin- cipality and rule to unrenewed men , yet he maketh even that, an argument, why hehimfelf and all the con- verted Ephefims were tp ftand to their arms againft him : which implyeth, that at leaft he would affault them ; yea, and might in part prevail againft them : for *to: Wreftle agahft the rulers of the darkpeffe of tbti toorld. *J. Natural excellency, greatneffe and dignity, are very confiftentand often-timss found to be ftained with the greaceft moral deformity ; yea, and moft excellent crea- tures, when they degenerate to wickedneffe, do ufually prove moft perverfe : for,tho(e glorious creaturcs,whom he prefencly called principalities and powers, having fallen fronGoi, becams not oily wicked, but wickedneffe it felf in the abftraft ; Agtinfl fpiritaal tyicfydneji. 16. "So bi(e,fo(him:full, fo defiling a thing is fin, that itpuc- teth a ftiin, a bloc, a note of ignominy>upon the greateft of created excellencies, if once it get place ; yea,the moe, and more choice excellencies that God hath adorned any pecfon vvich, he proveth the marc loathfom and abomi- nable * Chap.tf. o/Paulfof^EPHBSiANs; 44} liable to God, when he giveth loofe reigns to wickednefie for,thofe princely excellent creatures, byreafon of their fin , are branded with this ignominious ftile, they are Spiritual nickcdne/fe. 17. Itaddethmuch tothechriftian louldier his difadvant^einthis fpiritual conflift, that his grand and dreadfull enemy, the devil, is of a fpiri- tual and immaterial fubftance : for, being a fpirit, he is of vaft understanding , and able to take up our natural inclination, and what temptation will be moft prevalent with us, Job. 12.6. with Mar^ 14. 11. he is invifiWc both in his nature and approaches; he oft doth reach a deadly blow before we know it is he> 2 Sam. 1 5, 11. he petletrateth all material fubttance> and cannot be keeped out by locked doors ; yea.the external fenfes being doled, heworketh upon the inward fancy and imagination, Mica. z. 1. he is unwearied in his motions, and never ceafeth to purfue his defign,notwithftanding of growing difficul^es and multiplied repulfes, Gen. 39. 7. with io, 12. he\ath a lingular dexterity in driving us on to aft fpiritual fins,that is,either inward fins of the heart»or fins that are converfant,not about carnal paflions and flcQily lufts , but fpiritual obje&s, fuch as fpiritual pride, er- rour, unbelief, &c thefe being more like to his own fpi- ritual fubftance : for,he fetteth him forth in his fpiritual nature, to make him more dreadfull, as alfo ( according to the judgment of fome Interpreters) to hint at the kind of thole tentations, which with greateft dexterity and vigour he affaulteth the Saints with moft, even to fpi- ritual fins, agauift fpiritual Kic{edneffey or the spirituals of toicksdnejje, as it is in the original. 18. The malice of Satan doth bend it fell againft the Chriftian fouldicr, not fo much in his temporall and worldly, as in his fpiritual and heavenly concernments ; and whatever he doth to the Chriftian's hurt and prejudice in the former,it is thai he may hereby reach hinj a blow in the latter. Job 1.11. for, *2aul doth (hew the matter about which the quarrel is betwixt Satan and us , to be things heavenly, not fifthly j in high f fatfs, better,* emfe cf beaVenly things < 19. 444 ^ brief Ex f option of the SpifiU Chap.rf. 19. No worldly concernment or hazards ought togofo near us, as that which concerned* the eternal good and ialvation of our fouls, the hazard of lofing thofc con- cernments will ftartle a Chriftian fouldier much , as knowing it can profit him nothing to gain the whole world, if he lofe his foul : for, to make them take the alarm with greater fpeed, he fliewcth it was not things earthly, but heavenly, which Satan intended to fpoUe them of; For^e^rejlle for heavenly things, Therefore put on the tobole armour of God, as it is, vcr. 1 1 ♦ Verf. 1 ?. Wherefore ta\$ unto you the tobole armour of God, that ye may be able to toitb/land in the elril day, and ba- ting done all to /land. XJE doch here firft repeat the former exhortation with forne fmali variation , as a condufion following upon the former reafon , while lie commandeth them to tafe unto them this tohole armour, and for the encj formerly mentioned, even that they might be able to Kith/land and rcfift the enemy, as it were, face to face, foot to foot, hand to hand, dnd this chiefly intbeeUlday-y whereby is meaned not only the whole time of our life, which is full of tentations* and therefore in that refpetft, evil, but alfo and chiefly fome circuraftantiat time wherein ten- tations were to abound, chiefly the time of death, not excluding , but rather probably including that time which was foretold by 'Paul himfelf , J8s 20. 29, 30. Next > he enlargeth this end > which was to be attained by their putting on , and making ufe of their armour, not only to their withftanding at the firft onfet, and during the time of the fight ; but alfo to their Hand- ing after the viftory , and after they have done all, or overcome all: where by /landing , as it is diftinguHhcd from toithttanddng, prefently mentioned, muft be meaned the pofture nor of a fouldier, but of a conquerour, who uferh to ftand when the conquered arc thrown upon the ground, ffah ao.8. Hence Learn, 1, The dreadful! op- Chap. 6. of Paul to the E p h e s i a n s \ 445 oppofition which the Chriflian fouldier muft meet with in the way to heaven * fliould not difcourage or make him heartlefs , but only incite him to (hake off fecurity and lazinefs , and to prepare himfelf for the day of bat- tell : for , from what he hath faid , ver. 1 2. of their ter- rible adverfaries , he inferred* here , therefore tafyunto you the "tobole armour. 1. As our ferious fore-cafting and thinking upon together with our preparing our felves ac- cordingly for, this chriflian confli&i is a neafiary duty ; So , fuch is our love to carnal eafe and fecurity, ProV. 6. p. lo. that we are not eafily excited to this duty 5 one alarm will not do it: for, therefore doth he give them a fecond , almoft in the fame words ; therefore tafy unto you the Vrbole armour of God. 3. The graces of Gods Spirit, by which the foul is complcatly armed for this fpirituall conflift , are not of our own making or pro- curing , but being made to our hand by God , we have them for the taking : for, he calleth them the whole armour of God , and biddeth the Ephefians only take them ; tafy unto you the tobole armour of God. 4. As this fpiritual armour, or the faving graces of Gods Spi- rit , being once put on > may , though not altogether, 1 Job. 3. 9. yet in a great part, be wrung or wyled from us by the power and flcight of Sathan , our drcadfull adverfary , So we are not in that cafe to quit the field, and yeeldthe caufe: but by renewing our faith, re- pentance and former diligence in the ufe of meanes, (%V. 2. 5, to take them to us again; Neither are they ever fo far loft, but they may be recovered , our great Gencrall being alwayes at hand to renew our ftrengthf to make us mount up and not be weary , Ifau 40. 29—. 31. for, the word rendered , tafy unto you, fignifiethto ta\e again , or recover that which we have loft or let go. 5. As our fpiritual adverfariesinthisChriftianconflift are moft fierce purfuers,whcn ever we give them ground 5 fo we are not to expeft any truce or quarter from them , but muftftand to it, and fight it out, placing all our fafecy in a couragious refinance, avowed defyance, and none 446 A brief Expofitioh of the Epiflle Cfiip.^; none at all in bafc running, or cowardly ceding, or politick compliance : for , the Apoftle will have all their thoughts taken up how toT>itbtt*nd% which im- plyeth a furious charge and fierce purfuit upon the pare of enemies , and an avowed defyance with couragious refiftance upon ours: tbat *>e may he able to ftithftand. 6. What ever be the terrour and ftrength of our fpiri- tual adverfaries, and the weaknefs and inability of men, deftitute of the faving graces of Gods Spirit* to refift the meaneft of Sathans onfets, 2 Tim. 2. —26. yet of fuch excellent venue is this whole armour of God > or thofe Chriftian graces wrought in us by the Spirit of God, that when the foul is once endued with them, and attaineth to the dexterous life and excrcife of them , the weakeft of faints, will be enabled to receive, without lofing ground , the moft furious of Sathans affaults : for, it is promifed unto them all , even the meaneft of them, if they will put on the whole armour of God , they Jhall be able to toitbttand. 7. As there are fome evill dayes by reafon of tentations and trouble , awaiting Christians, and fome of thofe unavoidable by any , namely the day of death > Heb. 9. 27. So , we ought to be fore- arming and preparing for fuch dayes before they come>and wich Chriftian courage refift thofe violent tentations arifing from them when they come , as knowing we are chief- ly then called and fingled out to give proof of the reality of Gods grace in us , Epb. 5. 16. for , he forewarncth of an ill day approaching , and will have them to arme themfelves before it come ; Takf to you the tobole armour-* and to toitbjland in the eYil day. 8. There can no fuch evil day befall a Chriftian , but through help of this fpirituall armour , and the kindly exercife of faying graces, he may ride out the ftorm, and arrive with iafe- ty at the wifhed harbour when it is over and gone,chie{- ly if trial and trouble find him ready armed , and at his duty: for, if they will take to them before-hand this armour of God , he promifeth tbey {hall be able to Kitb- ftand in tU eUl day, 9. It is a lingular encouragement to the Chap. 6. cf Paul to the Ep h b s i a n s* 447 the Chriftian fouldier , that the time of his hotteft con- flict with aftiiftions^enrations3and the devil their leader, lafteth not long; ic is but a day , an hour, %v# 3. 10. a fliort feafon, 1 {?*t. 1. 6. yea, but a moment, compared with eternity , 2 Cor. 4, 17. for, in order to their encou- ragement, he calleth the time of their feightingbut a day; To Ttithftand in the toil day. io. The Chriftian fouldier in this fpirituall warfare , will meet with many affaults before he obtain a compleat vi&ory , there muft be variety of confli&s , exercifes and tentations , fo that ufually his coming out of one , is but an enterance into another : the malice of the adverfary is unfati- able , his hopes are never quite gone > but what he miffeth at one time and one aflault, he hopcth to acquire atanothcrt J oh 2. 4, 5. for , he faith they muft firft do all9 or overcome all: which implyeth there are many, things to be overcome before they ftand as conquerours. II. It is not enough that theChriftian fouldier doth once engage in this fpirituall warfare , and carry himfeltcou- ragioufly in withftanding fome few of Satans aflaults, and afterwards fall back, and lay flown his armes ; but he muft of neceflity endure to the end , and untill he re* ceive the very laft of Satans affaults and overcome them all, if fo he expeft to ftand as conquerour after the feight: for, faith he, and having doneot overcome, not only fome few affaults, but all ; To /laud. 1 2. It is only this ar- mour of God, thofe faving graces of His Spirit, and no common gifts or fair flourishes of temporaries and hy- pocrits , which will enable a Chriftian to feight all the battels that muft be ftricken before the compleat vifto- ry : for , only if they take this armour , he fheweth they /ball do, or overcome all. 13. How many foever the Chriftian's confli&s be> yet if he take unto him, and ufe this armour aright , he flball come through all, and ftand vi&orious after all. Cbrift our generally whofc vi&ory we have intereft, hath overcome all, Job*i 6.3 3. He is engaged in this battell, and feighteth with us, 5fW/i]p, 4. 13. yea, and prayeth for us , Lukf 22, 32. Be- fides/ 448 A brief Expofition of the Eplftle Chap, 6. fides* none can pluck the Believer out of His hand, bc- caufeche Father and He is ftronger than they , J*b. 10. 29. and confequencly, the field cannot be loft, the feight- ing fouldier muft one day be a triumphing conquerour : for , upon their taking to them this armour , it is pro- mifed, that having done all, they [ball fiand, to wit, as conquerours. Verf. 14- Stand therefore > baVmi pur lops girt ab$ut toitb truth, and having on the majlplate of rigbteouf- nejfe. THe Apoftle , in the (econd branch of this fecond part of tke Chapter, (having again exhorted them to ftand to it as valourous fouldiers by carrying themfelves watchfully and orderly in all the duties of their generall and particular ftation ) giveth an inventour of the feve- rail pieces of this armour, both offenfive and defenfive, exhorting the Chriftian fouldier to put on, and make ufe of, each of them ; and reckoneth forth all the pieces of compleat bodily armour wherewith fouldiers ufedof old to arm their bodies from head to foot , and affigneth fbme one or other of the graces of Gods Spirit > anfwe- rable to every one of thofc, for arming the fpirit. Concerning which, know, 1. in generall, that there is no piece of armour here ficted for the back parts , be- caufe there is noefcaping by flight in this fpirituall war- fare, Jam. 4. 7 ; Heb. 10. 38. Secondly , that we muft not fo precifly diftinguifh the feverall pieces, as to think that one may not ferve for the ufe of another: for, faith which anfwereth to thcfhield here,(See ver#t<5) is called the breaft-plate, t'Tbeffi 5. 8. And yet, thirdly, as/hall be made clear in the particulars , there is fome refem- blance between every grace, and that piece of the bodi- ly armour, to which it is here compared. In this verfe, are two pieces of this armour , the firft is truth: not the truth of doftrine» which is included un- der the fword of the Spirit, the Word of God j but the grace Chapirf. a/Paul ^/^EphbsiansT 449 grace of truth, or fincerity>whcreby a man cndcavourcth to be that really, both unto God and man > for which he giveth himfelf out , 1 Job. 3. 18, aad giveth himfelf out for that to both , for which the word of truth doth call upon him , Pfal. 119. 1, which grace of fincerity goetfr frequently under the name of truth, ¥fal.$i.6m Job. 4. 24. Now , he biddeth them have their loynsgirt about with this grace; and fo (heweth > it doth anfwer that piece of the bodily armour which was called the girdle, and was a broad belt wherewith fouldiers were girt about the middle > and did ferve both for ornament, as being fct with drops of bratle or filven and hiding the gap and want between the other pieces of the armour in that place ; and alfo for fafecy and defence , as keeping all the reft of the armour faft , guarding the belly and ftrengthening the loyns. In like maaner , this grace of fincerity > is the Chriftians ornament, Job. 1.47. co» vereth many other wants, Gen. 20. 6. is a neceflary in- gredient in all other graces , without which they are but counterfeit (hadows, Prov. 15. 8. and addeth ftrength and courage to the heart in the day of fore trial* Job 27. %>6. The fecond piece of armour is rigbtcoufneffei not the imputed rightcoufneffe of Chrift , which feemeth to be included under the buckler of faith ; but the inherent righteoufheffe of an holy converfation, whereby we are enclined , and do accordingly endeavour, to give both to God and man their due and right, tAUsi^.\6. ac- cording to both the Tables of the Commands, Lukf 1 . 6. and it anfwereth that piece of the bodily armour, which was called the breaft- plate , whereby the breaft and vi- tall parts therein contained were fecured : In like man- ner, this grace of righteoufneffe doth guard the vitall parts of the foul, and that wherein the life of a Chri- stian doth confift, to wit f the root and feed of inherent grace in the heart, 2 Pet. 1. io. and the faith of his in- tereft in God : for, righteous walking is an evidence of intereft, 1 Job. 2, 3. Hence Learn, I. None (hall after 4eath ftand as vi^orious over all their fpirituall enemies* f f but 45 o A kritf Exp$f$tion of the £ fifth Chap, 6. but fuch as here do ftand as fouldiers in a military po- fture. They mutt ftand as watchmen , Bab. 2. r. to obferve and take up their enemies motions and ap- proaches, i?rt. 5.8. and they rouft ftand as fighters, to refift and withftand all his furious affaults , 1 Vet. y# 9. otherwife , they (hall never ftand as conquerours : for, having fpoken (ver. 1 3.) of their ftand ing as con- querours at death , he exhorteth them in order to their ftanding , that they would here ftand as fouldiers ; Stand therefore. 2. Affurance, and certainty of through bearing and vi&ory over all our fpirituail adverfaries, is fo far from being in its own nature a pillow to fofter fecurity and carnalleafe, that it addeth courage aod (pi- nt to thofe who have it , and rendereth them fo much the more watchfull , aftive and diligent: yea, and no- thing weakeneth more the hands of a chriftian (ouldier, than diffidence and diftruft of fuccefle : for, from what he promifed, ver. 1 ?. that they (hould ftand as conque- rours , he encourageth them here to ftand in the con- flict; Stand therefore. 3* Whenever a man doth en- fage to fight under Chrifts banner > and betakethhim- (elf to his military pofture, he may expeft a prefent charge , and to be let upon without delay by his fpiritu- ail adverfaries : for > no fooner doth he bid them ftand, but with the fame breath he commandcth them to pat on their armour, and be in readineffe to receive a prefent affault ; Stand therefore , having your loyncs gut about. 4* The Spirit of God > fpeakingin Scripture, dothufu* ally frt out moft heavenly and fpirituail purpofes ^ by fimilitudes taken from things earthly, and fuch as do occur in our ordinary imployments, hereby teaching us fo to converfe among , and look upon things earthly, as to gather fome fpirkuall leffons from them : for , the A poftlc doth here refemble every piece of the fouldiers armour, to fome anfwerable Chriftian grace ; Hating your loyns girt about "tohk truth. 5. The grace of truth and (incerity t is a neceffary piece of the Chriftians ar- mour , without th c which we cannot choofe but be expofcA Chap.6. *f Paul *«/£ is, the preparation of the Gofpel of peace , that is* a prepared and refolute frame of heart to go through our Chriftian courfe with chcarfulneffe and patience, not- Withftanding of all the difficulties of the way ( for, the word rendered preparation , is ufed elfewhere for fuch firmneffe of refolution,^^ 21. 1 3.) which refolute frame of heart , is wrought and begotten by the Doftrine of the Gofpel, in fo far as it is the mean of making peace and fricndfliip between God and finners : and therefore is this piece of armour called the preparation of the Go- fpel of peace. Now, he biddeth them have their feet jhod with this preparation ; and thereby fheweth it doth anfwer that part of the bodily armour which is called thelegorfoot-harnefie, which did ferve to defend the legs and feet of fouldiers againft cold > thorncs , flones, J and other roughneffe of the way. In like manner, this f prepared refolute frame of heart to charge through all difficulties , doth not only guard the foul againft the I pollutioal Chap.6. 0fPaul*0*&*EPHE$iAN$« 453 pollution of filthy tentations which it doth meet wich in the way , T/*/. 11^. 105 but alio enfagcth the Chri- ftian fouldier to go through all the crolles , hardships and difficulties of the way with courage and chearful- nefle. 1>oU. 1 . The Chriftian fouldier is fo to ftand in the fight j as that he be alfo daily advancing and marching forwards in his way towards heaven. His duty is both to ftand and to advance at once in ftverali ref pedis : he istowithftandandftandagainfthis fpirituall adverfa- rv ; and yet to advance and make progrefle towards Chrift, perfe&ion in grace* and his journeys end : yea, and the more firmly he ftand againft the one , he ad- vanceth with greater fpeed towards the other : for , the Apoftle, having exhorted them to ftand, ver. i4-» he infinuateth here, that they muft be alfo advancing,while he biddeth them put on the foot or leg-harneffe of refo- lution : which piece of armour was ufefull for fouldiers chiefly when they were upon their march •, tAnd your feet food. 2. The way wherein the Chriftian fouldier is to march and advance towards heayen , is not plain and fmooth , or free from trouble and hazard , but be- fit with tentations and afflictions , as with fo many (harpftones, pierciiiR briers and thorns, which make a way impafliblc to bare-footed travellers; for, there was no need of the foot- hamefiei to which he here al- ludeth , but in fuch a way ; And your feet jbod. 3. The Chriftian fouldier therefore muft arm himfelf wich a firm and well grounded refolution and purpofe of heart, to charge through all difficulties , how dear focver ic may coft him ; this being another neceffary piece of the Chriftians armour > without the which weareexpofed and laid open to (everall deadly blows and dangerous tentations from our fpirituall adverfary > even all fuch as unexpe&ed difficulties and croffes do eafily and ufual- ly drive an unprepared heart to yeeld unto > to wit » im- patience, Gen. 50.1. repining againft the Lord, Jonah 4* 9- a fpirit of revenge againft ii ftiuments , 1 S&n. 1 6. 9. fainting in duty, Heb.n.u. clofing vvitli finfull F f 3 means 4J4 4 *r*ef Sxpdption of the Eptftlc Chap. 6% means for attaining air outgate, i Sam. 28.7. defpareof an outgate, 1 Sam. 27. 1 , queftioning an incereft in God becaufe of the croffe, Judg. 6. 13. and fuch like : for, the Apoftle commandeth theChriftianfouIdiertoarm himfelf with fuch a prepared and refolutc frame of heart ; And your feet fbod v>itb the preparation. 4. It is not every refolution and purpofe which will guard the heart againft thefefore mentioned blows and tentations, but fuchasfloweth from the glad-tidings and intima- tion of peace and friendftiip made up between God and us , all our other refolutions will be at length outwea- ried and broken by continuall crofles and hardfhips, Jfo. 40. 30. but the Chriftian > who is armed with this, endureth to the end, as knowing God is his friend, T/i/. 2? 4. there is not wrath in his cup, Ifa. 53. 5. his wea- rifome journey will ac laft have an happy clofe , Heb. 4. 9. for , the Apoftle commandeth them to put on fuch a prepared frame of heart as floweth from the intimation of their peace with God while he calleth it the prepara- tion of the Gofpel of peace. 5. The Gofpel is only that Do&rine which bringeth peace between God and rebels, the Law indeed difcovereth the feed, fym. 3. -20. but the Gofpel doth not only fhew > that peace and friend- ftiip may be had, Luly 2..iq. butalfo thetearms upon which it is obtained , 3fyw. 5. 1. yea, and by means of the preaching thereof , the Lord doth work us up to im- brace thefe tearms, %n. 1014,1 5, 17* for, he afcribeth the making up of our peace with God to the Gofpel, while he calleth it the Gofpel of peace. 6* Where the Gofpel is bieflcd of God > for making up of friendship and peace, it will be attended in all to whom it is fb bleffed , with a firm and ftedfaft refolution to foNow God in the way of duty , notwithftanding of all diffi- culties and hardfhips : for, he maketh their putting on this prepared frame of heart, to be the native rcfultof Eeace made with God by means of the Gofpel , while e faith, Having pur feet food Tlritb the preparation of the Gofolofpcacu VerC Chap. 6. */Paulf*ffo Ephesians; 455 Vetf. 1(5. JboVeall, talking the Jhield of foitb, V>hertTt>itf> ye /hall be able to quench all the pery darts of the HTHfi fourth piece of armour, the putting-on and ufe- * making whereof, is recommended to them above all the reft, is the grace of faith , by which We believe the truth of Gods Word in general, JB. $4. 14.. and in a (pecial manner do receive (JobA.it.) and reft upon Chrift ( {fa. *5. jr) for grace here, ( Tbili]). 4, 13,) and glory hereafter, iTim4 r. -16. as He is offered in the Gofpel* Gah 2. 16. And it anfwereth that part of the bodily armour, called the fhield, which was a broad and large piece, made of fome ftrong mertah and, being made ufe of by askilfull hand, did defend the whole body, fupply the weakneile of any other part of the ar- mour, and guard againft all fort of ftroaks from the enemy* In like mannerf faith is a grace of fo large ex- tent that it reacheth help to the foul in all itafeverall cafes, Haboi%>z.+$. it ftrengtbeneth andfupplyeththe inlacks of all other graces, *Att. 15* -9* yea, andguar- deth againft tentations of all forts* Afo^jM?. but more particularly >as the Apoftlc doth here expreffe, kquench- eth thefe of Satan, that wicked one his tent&tibns, which are called fiery darts, that is» violent and piercing ten- tations, whereby the foul is inflamed with a vehement heat, whether of boyling lufta or raging difpair: and faith doth not only repell fome of thofe tentatiotis before they feize upon the foul ; but alfo quench and extinguifh that heat, pain and horrour which boyleth in the foul, being wounded by thefe : All which the grace of faith effe&uateth , not by its own ftrerigth or force * but through the venue of Chrift whom it doth apprehend, whofe power and merit, imployed by faith, dotb allay and quench all that heat, whether of inflaming lufts, or of boyling impatience, horrour and dilpair, which thofe tcntations do kindle in the heart wherein they light F f 4 and! «$6 A briej bxpojitton oftbi Epijtle Chap.6. ttd are entertained i Hence Learn, i. Though the Lords Minifters ought to make known unto His People the whole counfel of God, Jet. 20. 27. there being no truth revealed in Scripturefthe knowledge whereof is not ufe- full either for the being or well-being , lor the neceffary food or ornament of aChriftian, ittrn.^. 16, 17. yec they are mod to inculcate and prefle upon peoples con- fidences the knowledge and pra&ice of moft neceffary and weighty truths, chiefly thole which are fundamental and of daily uie and pradice : for, the Apoftle, in pref- fingtheuieot the fpirkual armour, doth wilely recom- mend one piece* of fpecial and daily ufe, above all the reft, while he faith, dboVeall, talking the jhteld of faith. 2. The grace of faith is another neceffary piece of a Chriftians armour, without the which we are deftitute ofChrifts imputed righteouineffe, Philip. 3. 9. and fo expofedtothedintof fin-purfuing juftice, J oh. 3. -36. and to all the bitter accufations and challenges of the devil our adverfary, fym. 8. 33. We are deftitute alfoof Chrifts covenanted ftrength , which is communicated and engaged for our through-bearing in all our fpiritual conflicts only when it is laid hold upon by an aft of faith, Joh.i<$. 4, 5. and confequently, without the excr- cife of that grace, we are expofed as a prey to every ten- tation , and efpecially to Satans fiery darts, here fpoken of in the text , feing in that cafe we have no ftrength to refift them but our own , which indeed is none, Job. 15. — J. for, the Apoftle commandeth the Chriftian fouldier to arm himfelf with this grace 5 Aho\e all taking the (hkld of faith. 3. This grace of faith is the moft ex- cellent and neceffary piece of all the Chriftians armour, in fo far as faith ( though weak and imperfeft in itfelf, Lufyij ?♦ yet) laying hold on the promife, it cnga- geth the almighty power of God and Chrift to be for us, Mattb. 15. 28. it giveth life, being and vigour to the other pieces of this armour, even to all the lanftifying graces of Gods Spirit, *Afa 15. 9. iTim.i. ?. it mak- cjth up all imperfeftions by covering thera with Chrifti pioft Chap. 6. */Paul to the E* h b s i a k s \ 457 mod perfeft righteoufoeffe, T bilip. 3. 9. and fo defend- ed them againft the furious or lubtil affaults of Satan, whereby he endeavoureth to make us quefticn their re- ality, and throw them away as counterfeit, hypocritical and ufeleffe , Lam. 3. 18. it bringeth a frefli fupply of ftrength to the reft from Jefus Chrift when they are weakened, wounded, and almoft rendred unprofitable, Z/i.40. 31, yea, it alone doth fometimes keep the Be- liever from total fainting and quitting all, when the reft are fluttered, br angled, difappear, and for the time are ufelefie. Job 13. 15* for, the Apoftle recommendeth this piece above all the reft, while he faith, eAboVe all,ta{e tbejbield of faith. 4. As Satans great defign is to wreft and wring this piece of our armour from us, and that becaufe of its excellency and ulefulnefle, yea, and often doth prevail to mar our ufe- making of it; So it would be our chiefeft care to keep this grace ot faith in daily exercife, and without delay to return to the exercifeof it> when we have fallen from it : for, the word, rendred taking , fignifieth to take again that which we have loft or let go ; Ahcftt all, taking the fh'ield of faith. 5. It is theChriftian's duty to ftudythe excellency and ufefiil- nefs of any grace, and efpecially of faith, that there- by he may be incited to ftek after ic, and to make ufe •fit ; wemuft firft put a price upon grace, before we >e at any pains for it : for, that he may incite them to make ufe of faith , he informeth them of its excellency and ufefulneffe, while he faith, nbereKitb ye/hall be able to quench all the fiery darts. 6. Though the devils and fallen angels be many, ( See ver. 1 2.) yet fo united are they in wickedneffe and in carrying-on their wofiill work under one chief head and prince, Mattb. 1 2.24, 2(5. as if they were but only one : for, therefore doth he fpeak of the devil as of one 5 the fiery darts of the Kicked. J* As Satan, that wicked one, his great work and bufi- neffe is to draw and drive others to fin and wickedneffe ; So, he hath feveral fores of tentations which he maketh safe of for that end, according to the divcrfity of fins to & 4J8 %A brief Expofttton (of the Epiftle Chap.£ to which he tempteth , and the different tempers and dilpoficions of thofe whom he tempteth: he hath not only fubtil wiles and ftratagems, fpoken of, ver. II. but alfo fiery darts, whether of violent boy ling lufts, or raging defpair, which he chroweth afar off, and indiC- cernably with great force and violence , wherein they refemble darts ; All the fiery darts of the Kicked. 8. Among all the tcntations which Satan makech u(e of to carry- on his wofull work, his fiery darts are moft hard to be refitted, and, where given way to, moft dangerous, in fofar as they give a double hurt and dammage, even as materiall fiery dares do both wound and burn ; fo thofe tentations being entertained, do not only defile the foul with guile, but alfo difturb and difquiet it with their force and violence , Hof 7, 4, or , vex , perplex and put it to pain with that anxiety and horrour which they breed in it. Gen, 4. 13. for, he commendeth faith above all the reft , from its quenching thofe tentations, which implyeth, that they are both hardly refiftible, and moft dangerous ; Kherey^ith ye {hall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the Kicked. 9. The grace of faith, though never fo well exercifed , cannot hinder Satan to throw thofe fiery piercing tentations, nor yet doth it al- wayes repel them, but fometimes they pierce even the Believers foul, where, finding fuitable fewel, they raifc a burning flame, md make great vaftation and havock: for, while he faith, faith doth quench them, it is im- plyed , they will be fometimes boyling and burning within ; ye Jball be able to quench all the fiery darts. 10. The grace of faith not only fupplyeth the place of armour to ward off blows 3 but is alfo medicinall to cure thofe dangerous wounds, which the foul receiveth in this fpirkual conflict through the prevalency of ten- tations, and the negligent ufe- making of our other graces, it is bj.h defending and healing armour: for, thereby Ke we Mc to quench all the fiery darts of the Vricfyd. 1 1. There is no fphrituall difeafe or wound fo defperaee , no fin fo prevalent in the foul, but the grace I Chap.tf. a/PauWoffoEPHisiANSt 4J0 grace of faith, rightly made ufc of in laying hold on the merit and vertuc of Chrifts death > is fufficient to cure it and deftroy it ; yea , and to cure not only one difeafe, but many: for, he attributeth a vertue to it, to quench fiery darts ; and all the fiery darts of the Tricked. Verfei7. Jndtafytbebelmetoffafoation, and the ftoord of the Spirit t t^bkb u the Word of God. N this verfe are contained the fifth and fixth pieces of the fpiritaal armour which he will have them to take and make ufe of. The fifth is fafoation, or the hope offal* vation , the thing hoped for, being put for hope, as the Apoftleexplaineth himfelf, r Tbef. 5. —8. which hope, is a grace, whereby we patiently expert falvation, both temporal (T/i/. 61. r.) and eternal, Titm \. 2. but chiefly th? latter, according to the promife apprehended by faith, arid it anfwereth the part of the bodily armour called the helmet , or head-piece, which being the high- eft piece of all the reft, did defend the head and face, and was focompofed as to make the fouldier of dreadfull appearance unto his enemies. In like manner this grace of wel-grounded hope doth lift the heart upwards, Tfal. 16. 9. keepeth the head fafe and above water , fo that the Chriftian finketh not, 2 Cor. 4. \6> \om. 5. 34. andbringcth him to fo high a pitch of Chriftian cou- rage as miketh him formidable to hisadverfary, iSam. 17 . 45, 46. The fixth piece of armour is the written Word of God, which anfwereth that part of the bodily armour called thcfaord$ whereby the fouldier ufeth both to defend himfelf and wound the enemy* In like man- ner the Word of God,laid up in the heart, and made ufe of pertinently by the Chriftian fouldier, hath fomewhac in it to ward off the blow of every tentation » Mattb. 4. 4, 7, 10. and maketh Satan retire as one afhamed and wounded,M*tt£, 4. 10, 1 1 . and it is here called tbeftoord of the Spirit , becaufe the Spirit of God hath revealed this Word , sPtf. 1. 21 , ic worketh powerfully upon the 4^0 A brief Expo fit ion of the E pi [file Chap. 6. the fpirits of men, Heb. 4. 1 2. and ics efficacy in working dependeth on the Spirit, 2 Cor. 10. 4. fI>oct, 1, Though believers have heaven and falvacion already in right and by promife , Job. 3. 36-- : yet, the Lord, for good and wife reafons, feeth it neceflary to delay the per- formance > and not to give them prefent poffeffion upon their right : for > if there were prefent pofleflion given, there would be no need of this grace of hope > wherby the believer doth patiently expeft falvation promifed; dndtafy the helmet of fafoation, or of the hope of fabation. 2 The fincerc believer , during the time of the not per- formance of promifed falvation , may caft hisaccompt to meet with many fore affaults > and fad ftroaks from manifold tcntations upon all hands : for , what need of an helmet, if there be not appearance of blows ? and ta\e the helmet of fa foation. 3. A wel-grounded hope of fal- vation , according; to the promife , is another neceflary piece of the Chriftians armour, without the which he is deprived of one ftrong motive and encouragement to the work of fan&ification in generall , 1 Joh. 3. 3. ex- pofed and laid open to feveral deadly blows and dan- gerous tentations from Satan , and more efpecially , to immoderate grief for the death of near relations, 1 Tbef. 4. 13. to the evil of covetoufnefs and of placeing our portion and happinefs in this life , as knowing nothing of a better 1 TJal. 17 14. with 1 5. to the evils of faint- ing, difcouragement anddifpaire , artfing from delayed performance of what is promifed , T™v. 1 3. 1 2. from hard fuflferings and perfecutions for the Gofpel, 2 Cor. 4, 16, with 18. and from the fear of approaching death, the king of cerrours, TroV, 14. 32. for, the Apoftle com- mandeth the Chriftian fouldier to arm himfelf with this grace of hope; and tak>e the helmet offafoation* 4. Though this faving grace of hope be ftronger and weaker in feveral Chriftia:is , according as it hath more or lefs of a mixture of contrary diffidence, %om. 4, 18. and though the meaneft degree of hope doth ferve for good purpofc to defend the Chriftian in foqne meafure againft the fore Chip. 6. of Paul to the Ep h b s i a k s £ 461 fbrcmcntioncd tentations, %om. 5. 5—. yet it is the Chriftian fouldier's duty, in order to his better guarding againft thofe deadly blows , to aim at no lets than a foil affurance of hope , even fuch as make th him no lefs diffident to obtain Salvation promifed , than if he had it in hand: for, it ftemeth the Apoftle cxprcfleththc grace of hope by falvation, the objeft of it, to (hew their hopefhould be as much fixed as if they had falvation it felf already in pofleffion ; and tafy the helmet of fah>a~ Hon. 5. The Chriftian fouldier is not alwayes and only to be upon the defending hand , nor to think it enough to keep his finfull evils from prevailing further and growing ftronger : but he muft alfb endeavour to pur- fue them> weaken them > and not to think himfelf exon- cred untill he fully fubdue them : for > the Spirit of God injoyneth the Chriftian fouldier to make uie , not only of detenfive armour to guard himfelf ; but of of- fenfivealfo, to purfue and kill the enemy ; of which fort is the fword in bodily wars ; and the f^ord of the Spirit. 6. Acquaintance with the Lords written Word > toge- ther with a dexterous ufemaking of it > is another neceffary piece of the Chriftian his armour , without the which he cannot choofe but he expoied to fcveral dangerous blows and deadly tentations, feing he can neither know fin to be fin , i^w. 7. 7, nor the right way of refitting fin , or of difcharging duty , Vfal. 119. 9. and bearing afflictions with Chriftian courage and patience , Mattb. 5. 39. but by the word ; befides , that the timous calling to mind of a word in Scripture , for* bidding and threatening fuch an evil , prcffing the pra- ctice of fuch a duty , and (peaking incouragement and comfort to the foul exercifed with fuch a crofs , is often bleffed of God , to break the ftrengttfof the tentation which incitethto it, Mattb. 4. io, 11. to furnifh the heart with refolution and ftrength for duty >*% fat. 1 19.— 50. and with Chriftian courage under the crofs,2y*/.u#, 92. for, he commandeth the Chriftian fouldier to arm himfelf with the knowledge of, and acquaintance with, the \6z A brief €xpofiti*H of the Epi/fle Chap.tf. £he Word of God $ and the ftoord of the Spirit, tobicb tithe Word of God. 7. As it is the only vercue and power of Gods Spirit, which cnlivenetb the Word, andmaketh ic effe&ual ; So it is only the Word of God , and no humane inventions , or magical charmes, with which the Spirit of God doth joyn His power and efficacy to refift and drive away the devil ; for , therefore be cal- leth the Word the ptoord of the Spirit, and expoundeth it to be no other word,but the Word of God. Verfe 18. fraying altoayes toitb all prayer and /application in the Spirit, and hatching thereunto Kith allperfe+erance, and f application for all faints. TLJEre isafeventh piece of this armour, or rather a ■*■* duty, the pra&ifcing whereof is injoyned by God as a mean for obtaining all thofe forementioned pieces of the fpiritual armour from Him , together with the right ufe-making of themagainft the enemy, and the Lords fuccelsfull blefltng thereupon. This mean is the duty of prayer, whereby we offer up our defires to God* iBfal, 6i* 8. for things agreeable to His will , 1 Job. 5, 1 4. in the name of Chnft, Job. 16, 2 :. with confeffion of our fins , P/i/. 32. 5* 6. and thankfull acknowledge- ment of His mercies, Tbitip. 4. 6. Which duty is in- joyned, not (Imply, but with fix neceffary qualifications, the opening up whereof, doth ferve for fo many do- &rins. As , 1. we mu&pray afoajes , which is not to be underftood as if we were to do nothing elle but pray ; but the phrafe imply eth frequency in this duty, and at all times, when opportunity offers, ( the original word will bear fo much ) together with an endeavour to kfcep our hearts daily in a praying temper , that when God offereth occafion, we may not want a finable frame and difpofition. 2, We mult ufe all kinds of prayer , two whereof are here ex preffed, firft, prayer } ftri&ly taken, whereby we leek their good things which we want from God. Next t fupplicatwi , vvhereby we deprecate evils and Cbap.Luf{e 18. 1 . yea, and are to reiterate our petitions for one and the fame thing , fo oft as occa- sion offercth, untill it be granted, 2 Qor* J2. 3- a feemmg repulfe or deniall making us more vehement, Luke *8. $w Mattb. 1 ?. 22. &o Laftly , it muft be extended unto others befides our (elves, which others are firft exprcfled more generally in this verlc, to wit, *U faints, that is, all thefc, who, having given up their name to Chrift, are (landing Church-members , and efpecially thof^ who have more convincing evidences of favjng grace than others. See upon *Pbilip% 4. verfe 21. do&. 2. Which is not to be underftood , as if we were to pray for none butfiich: we ought to exclude none from our prayers who arc in a capacity to be bettered by them, 1 Job. 5- l6< no not our very enemies, Mattb, 5. 44. only the faints are to have the chief room, both in our hearts and alfo in our prayers, as in all other duties flowing from Chriftian charity , CaL 5. ver. 10. Hence Le4m further, 1. The Chriftian fouldier doth never receive fo much from God , while he is upon earth , as to ftand in need of no more ; he necdeth alwayes more grace to prefervc and improve what is already beftowed, tTet. 1. 5. and to fupply emergent neceffities and wants , whereof while ne breatheth there will be alwayes fome new dif- covcries made , 2 Cor. 1 1. 7. with 9. for, notwkhftand- ingof this compleat armour given them by God, he will have them yet to be alwayes pray mg and feeking more ; prying altoajes , faith he. 2. This whole an4 com- 4<54 '<* brief Expofition of the Epifile Chap. 6. compieat armour of God can do no good to the Chriftian (buldier, cither to defend himlelf, or to offend his adverfary , without the Lords fpecial afliftance, and concurrancc , whereby he a&uateth thofe graces , and without the which, habitual grace could never be im- proved or made ufc of by us to any good purpofe, Philip. *. i 3. for, therefore he direð them, having put on this armour , to make their recourfe to God by prayer far obtaining His fpecial afliftance to improve it aright ; praying afoayes. 3. Theexercife of prayer is moftne- ceffaryto be made confeienceof by the Chriftian foul- dicr, as that, by which he obtaineth all his other armour from God, E%f\. 36. 26. with 37. together with fpecial afliftance to improve it , and apply it to work, as faid is : hereby alfo he doth recover his armour when it is in a good part loft , T/i/. 51. 10. fourbifli, fljarpen and make it clear , when it is eaten and confumed with the ruft of fecurity, dcadnefs and hardnefs of heart, lfai. 6j. 17- and by diligent prayer, Satans affauhs andtenta- tions arc either kceped off,and diverted, fo that the other armour getteth not much a doc>Mattb. 26.41. Luk$ 21. 36, or otherwife vigoroufly refilled ; and the other armour, the feveral graces of Gods Spirit , made thereby tenta* tion-proof, Lu\e 21. 32. In a word, prayer is the fouls fwift and trufty meffenger to God , for receiving new orders , new ftrength, and all things the Chriftian foul- dicr needeth , cither before , after, or in time of fight, and never returaeth empty without an anfwer , Job. 16, 2?, for , he injoyneth the exercife of prayer as moft nc- ceflary to the Chriftian fouldier ; praying afoayes. . 4. As the Chriftian fouldier is never fully freed from all his ftraits , necefluies and wants ; So he ought to live in the daily fenfe of his own emptinefs , and in the faith of Gods fulnefs and willingnefs to fupply all his wants ; for, he fhould be praying altoayes , and therefore al wayes fenfible of his need to pray , and confident of Gods rea- dinefs to anfwer , Jam. 1. 6. As there are feverall forts of prayer, focne mental only, Exod. 14. 15. others vocal alfes Chap. 6. of Paul to the E* tt E s i a n U 46$ alfo,?/*/* J. 1. 2. fome fuddcn or ejaculatory, Ntbem. 2* -4, others more folemn and of greater length , %>m. 1 j.^ 30. And of chofe latter fort> again > fome pubhek or Church- prayers, 1 Tim. 2. 1. others private or Family- prayer, dSs 10.1,2,?, and others fecret . asCloflet- prayers, Mattb. 6. 6. Some, again, are ordinary tor or- dinary caufes, and performed at ordinary times,^/. 55. 17. others are extraordinary, upon fome fpecial and, weighty occafions, requiring more than ordinary af« fcftion and time of continuance , Joel 1. ij\, &c« So all thofe fever al forts of prayer, are to be made confeience of, andnonetobenegle&ed, as God doth call to any of them : for, the Apoftle , fupponing there are feve- rall forts of prayer > injoyneth them to pray Kith all prayer. 6. It pleafeth God to exercife his deareft children, not only with the want of feveral things ne- ceflary and good , but alfo with the prefence of many things in themfelves evil and hurtfull , and thofe evils both offin and pun ifliment, as for other reafons, to for this one, that of both the one *nd the other, they may be making daily errands unto God in prayer , for getting the former fupplied, and the latter either removed or pre* vented : for, as was (hown in the expoGtion, by prayer ftrickly taken , and as diftinguifhed from fupplicatton% we leek thofe good things which we want; and by Sup- plication we deprecate evils and judgement^ : Now, the A poftle en joyneth them to life both thofe, Wttb all prayer and fupplication , faith he. 7. However there be more intenfe affection, andfervencieof fpirit, together with more affiftance from the Spirit of God required in fome fort of prayers, to wit, extraordinary, ( Joel 2.1 2. to 18. ) than in others ; yet all our prayers, even thofe r which are ordinary, fudden and ejaculatory > ought to fee joyned with fome meafure of (pirituall fervencie and intenfe aflfeifcion > neither can any of tnem be dilcharged aright without the affiftance of, and influence from, the Spirit of God , as being a piece of moft immediate Worthip to God, who is a Spirit, and will be worfhip* Gg cd ^66 A brief Expftthn tfthe Splflle Chap. 6. cd in fpirit and truth, Job.q. 24. for, he rcquircth that*// prayer and fupplkation be in the Spirit. 8. There is not any duty which Satan is a greater enemy to , or our hearts more averfe from, than this of prayer in the fpirit, it being nofmall difficulty to bring our hearts up to it , to keep them at it, or make them walk like ic afterwards : for > fo much is fupponcd while he requi- reth theexercife of watchfulnefle, chiefly over the heart, in order to prayer ; Watching thereunto. 9. Neither is there any duty which Satan is more earneft to make us quit and fall from , after we have begun well>and which our hearts are more apt tobedifcouragedandtake up an halt in, than in this duty of praying in the fpirit, and chiefly under delayed anfwers : for, fo much is fupponed, while he requireth them to perfift xtitb all per- feterance , and this not only in fome, but all forts of prayer. 10. As Chriftians ought to pray for others as well as for themfeives ; So, the more lively > watchful! and importunate we are in praying for our (elves , the more our heart will be enlarged with defire tatake in- fpeftion of the neceflities of others, and to hold up their * cafe co God : for, having enjoyned them to pray for themfeives Tritb all prayer and fupplmtiony hatching there- unto toitb all perfeVerance , he biddeththem, next, mafe fupplication for others, even for all Saints. rf. 19. And for me, that utterance may be given unto mty that I may open my moutb boldly , to mafy fyoVmtbe my- lerie of tbe eofpel. Verf. fry Aw * wtw*my vr»ir "~J ' fterieof tbe gofpeL tJE doth here exhort them to pray for himfelf in par- A A ticular, (hewing , firft , what he would have them to ask from God on his behalf, even a gift and dexterity of uttering and cxprefftng his conceptions in publick preaching, together with courage andboldneffe to de- liver all his meflage , without flop or impediment, and left he either milcarry in the ufe of it , or otherwife facrifice to his own drag and net, when God is not depended on, and fo provoke the Lord to blaft his pains and make them ufeleffe : for, though Taul had already a gift of utterancchaving now preached fo long > and fo well; yet hcwilleth them to feek not only the continuance, but alfo the aftu all ex- ercife of it from God whenever he fhould be put to make ufe of it; Ani forme , that utterance may be gi)>en unto tne. j; A plaufible gift of utterance * is not all which is required in a Minifter , he muft have faithfull bold- neffe to deliver his meffage , without bafe fear or partia- lity, joyned with his utterance , otherwife he may tickk the ear 3 but cannot roufe up dead and fleeping confei- ences : for, with utterance he defireth he may be aflifted to open bit mouth boldly. 6. So much incenfed are people ufually at plain dealing in their Minifters , fo little can they endure to be ufed by them with holy freedom and boldnefle> Ifn. go.io. So much is thereof unmodi- fied fear of flefh, even in the beft of Minifters, Mattb* 10.26,28. together with a finfull loathnefle to intruft the Lord with the event or perfonall hazards which may follow upon their faithfull boldneffe , Exod. 4, 10, 1 ?. that there is need of fpeciall affiftance and prefent influ- ence from God , to make a Minifter open his mouth boldly , concealing no neceffary truth , forebearing the reproof of no known vice , and fearing no flefti , with- out regard had unto any hazard or loffehe may meet with for fo doing : for, *£aul will have them to feek from God on this behalf, T&at be may open bis mouth boldly. 7. The ferious perpending of the excellence, worth and myfterioufneffe of thefubjeft, the preach- ing and making known whereof, is intruded to Mini- fters , would tend to convince them abundantly of their own Chap. 6. */Pajil to the E p h h s i a n s i 46^ own infufficiency for fuch a task , and of the need they ftand in of afliftance from God , and the help of peo- ples prayers for obtaining His afliftance : for,this moved Paul to diftruft his own ftrength , and to feek the help of their prayers ; even that he Vat to ma\e fycfon the myfte- ftery of the Go/pel. 8. The great end for which Mini- fters fhould be earneft with God for furniture and through-bearing themfelves , and incite others to plead with Him on their behalf, is not that by vertue thereof they may gain applaufe , or get themfelves exonercd before men , but that the Lords people may be edified, and Chrift exalted , by laying open what rich and ex- cellent things are held forth of Him in theGofpel : for, the end why he defireth a gift of utterance and bold- nefle, is, to mafytyo'ton the myjlerie of the Gofpel. Verfc 20. For tohicb I am an amhajfadour in bonds : that therein I may fpea^ boldly , as I ought tojfieaf^. UE doth, firft, give two reafons, exciting them to pray ■* for him ; Firft* from his office, he was intruded by God, as an ambaffadour in Chrifts ftead, to publifh the glad tydings of Reconciliation with God, contained in the Gofpel, 2 £or. 5. 20. Secondly, from his bonds, which did not hinder him to preach,(eing as the original word, fignifyingw a chain, doth imply that at this time he was not bound with fetters , but in the cuftody of a Souldier with whom he might go abroad, having (as the cuftom of fome prifoners was ) a chain on his righc arm, which was tied to the Souldier's left arm. Next, herepeateth the gift which he would have them to leek from God on his behalf,even to deliver his rneffage with courage and boldneffe : and he extended* it further to all thofe other things which a Minifter ought to advert unto in preaching. See upon £W. 4. ver. 4. doft. if. Hence Learn, i. As Chrifts Minifters do in a fingular manner reprefent His Perfon, and being cloathedwith authority from Him, are fent to treat and tranfaft about Gg 3 47© A brief Expofition of the Epiftle Chap, & the greateft matters on earth ki His Name , even the making up of peace and friendftiip betwixt God and finners, 2 Cor. 5. 20. So, their deportment, for gravity, prudence and holineffe, ought to befuch, as may con- ciliate authority to their meffage, and bring no difgrace or rub upon Him whofe Perfon they do iuftain. It is their duty alfo to mannage their truft with faithfulnefle, fpeaking nothing but what they have a Commiffion for from Chrift their Matter i concealing nothing of what is intruded to them to fpeak,but delivering all of it with that authority and gravity> boldneffe and majefty which becometh the ambaffadours of Him who is Prince of the Kings of the earth, %)*/. 1 . -5- for, fuch is the ho- nour and duty of ambaffadours iraong earthly princes ; and though this title of ambaffadour for Chrift , did belong to the Apoftlcs in all refpe&s chiefly > and in fome refpe&s to them only , as that they were confined to no certain charge » or country, Mattb. 28. 19. and abfolutelytobetrufted as men who could notcrre , at leaft in what they wrote , 2 Tim, ?♦ 16-. yet, as to many other refpefts, and chiefly thofe which are mentioned in theDoftrine, it doth belong to all fent Minifters; and therefore they are called the Angels of the Churches, !%W. 2. 1, God fendeth ambaffadours with the Gofpel to finners : for rtbicb 1 am an ambajpt- dour* 4. That God doth gracioufly condefcend to fend an honourable embaffagc for peace and friendship to worthleffe traitours and rebels , it fhould make the Lords people mind and refpeft thofe who are intrufted with it , and particularly to hold up their cafe unto God by prayer for ftrength , wifdom , and every other thing which becometh thofe who are imployed in fuch an ho- nourable errand from the great God : for, he biddeth them pray for him , becaufe he was an ambaffadour fent from God with the Gofpel ; for tobicb I am an am~ bdjffddour. 5. Though our provoked Lord doth fend a meffage of peace and friendmip unto a rebellious world, and putteth refpeft upon them by fending ambaffadours to them in His ftead ; yet , fuch is their ingratitude, and fucb enemies are they to their own mercies, that in place of giving a thankfull meeting to fuch kind ufage > they do what they can to affront the Lord , not only by lleighting His meffage, 5P/i/. 8c. n. but by the di(- gracefull ufege of His ambaffadours , contrary to the law and pra&ice of all Nations : for , Tjw/, though Chrifts ambafjadour , was nevcrtheleffe put in bonds for the Gofpel. 6, As it concerned the Lords people to pray to God for their Mmifters at all times ; So chiefly when they are in a fuffering cafe,left through their faint- ing in the day of adverfity , they give the truth of God a da(h , f hilip. 1. 19, 20. and that they may be enabled by God to bear perfecution with fuch undaunted cou- rage as perfecuters may fee their labour to be but in vain, ^#*?-34>&*. and the truth of God, for which they fuffer , may receive no hurt hut advantage by their Of- ferings, Philip. 1.12, for, he urgeth them to pray for him , from this* that for the Gofpel be V> contrary to the law of Nations G g 4 impri-> 471 A brief 8xf option of the Spiftle Chap.tf imprifoned and wronged ; yet , he doth not prefently give up with them , and denounce an irreconcilable war againft them , but purfueth them with kindnefle, and in a manner beggeth their peace , and will not take arefufall : tor, His will was, that Vaulf being put in bonds by them , ftiould yet difcharge the office of an ambafladour towards them , and deliver the meffage of peace, even to thofe who put him and keeped him in bonds, if they would have come to hear him ; for rtbich 1 am an ambaffadour in bonds. 8. So zealous flhould Mi- niftefs be of Chrifts honour and the good of fouls , that no fufferings for thr Gofpel (hould make them quit the preaching of it ) but even when through perfecution they are reftrained of that liberty which they fometimes had , they ought to be alwayes doing and making ufe of what liberty they have : for* ?W, though in bonds, is yet doing the office of an ambafladour , and thirfting after a fpirit of courage from God , for difcharging of it faithfully and boldly; I am an ambafladour in bends, chat therein , or thererf, meaning the Gofpel * / may fp^ boldly, g. The Lord fetteth bounds to the wrath of men , in fofar as he doth eafily abate the extremity of their rage towards His Servants , and doth nor per- mit it to come to its fall height , fo long as He hath any ufe to make of them : for , though their rage carried them to put Paul in a chain, yet he reftrained them from making him a clofe prifoner > he had liberty to preach nocwithftanding ; That therein I may fpea{ boldly , faith he. to. The Lords Servants are to deliver the truths of God with much holy freedom and boldnefle , not only when they are far from apparent danger, but even when they are in the mouch of hazard, and really to be fw allowed up by it : If they fpeak at all, as fpeak they muft * when God doth call them to it , it mutt be done without all bafe fear of flefh , with fudi confi- dence and boldnefs as may evidence thev are not afham- cd of their Matter or meffage : for, 'Paul, even in bends, fclolyeth to fpeafcbe Gofpel boldly , and crayeth the help of Cfiap. 6. of Paul to the Ep h e s i an s.s 47 j of their prayers for that end. 1 c. However ah un- humbled heart > puftup with pride and confidence in his own ftrcngth > may judge it a task of no great diffi- culty to carry a fuffering lot with undaunted courage be- fore he be put to it, Mattb. 26. 33. and will readily con- demn all as faint-hearted cowards and bafe back- fliders who ride not out the ftorm with as much chear- fulnefle* courage and relolution, as they conceive them- ielves would do> Jobq. 5,6. yet, an humbled heart, acquainted with fufferings , will not judge fo , but fo confciousisheof his own weakneffe , and knoweth (b well how hard it is for flefh and bloud to deny it felf, to poftpone its own fafety to the keeping of a good confcience > how re^dy it is to faint under a continued croffe > and find out fubterfuges of fubtilediftin&icns, thereby to plead for eafe andfparingof it felf , that he dare not truft his own ftrength , nor negled , far lefle contemn , the ufe of any mean appointed by God for his encouragement and ftrengthening : for , Paul feeth it was no eafie thing to fpeak boldly when in bonds, and that only God could make him fo to do; and therefore beggeth the help of their prayers>asa mean appointed for obtaining courage from the Lord ; I am an ambajfadour in bonds, that therein I may fpeaf^ boldly. 12. It i3 not every fort of boldnefle in fpeach , which a Mmifter ought to aim at , but fuch as is befeeming the excellency of hismeffage, the gravity of his office, and may con- duce moft to the end of his Miniftery, the glory of God and good of the hearers ; It is not flefhly boldnefle > or rathet brazen-faced impudence, to vent every thing may tend to commend a man to his hcarers> or to pleaie their fl:fhly humours; nor is it foolifh temerity, or prefump- tuous raflineffe , to fpeak and utter the holy Oracles of God, without premeditation or ferious confederation of what is moft fitting to be uttered , and likely to have fuccefle , at fuch a time , on fuch perfons, and in fuch a place ; But it is a fpirituall holy boldnefle, con joyned with modefty, gravity and prudence } and fuch as car- rieth 474 A fritfExpifith* of the Sfifilt Chap. 6m ricth aloftgft with it in the perfoo where it is , the fcnfe and feeling of his own infirmities, i Qorintb. 2. 3. for, the befecroingneffe and decency, here fpokcn of, as ic may be extended to all thofe ncceffary qualifications re- quired in a Minifter •, So it doth chiefly qualifie that boldneffc prefently fpoken of; That I mayjpea[ boldly m I ought to fpeal^ Verfe 21. 8«* that ye alfo may JqioX* my affairs , and bofr I do 9 Tychicus a hliVed brother and faithful] minifter in the Lord, fhall mak$ [niton tiyiu all things* *THe Apoftle* being now in the third part ofithe chap- tcr> to conclude the Epiftle, doib, firft, (hew, that becaufe he neither could write > nor was it expedient to write of every thing in the body of the Epiftle , he had concredited much to the bearer, who was to give them an account efpecially of Pauls oXm affairs , as how ic went with him in prifon , how the work of the Gofpel did thrive by his Miniftery, and generally koto be did, or how he carried himfclf with courage and conftancy under every difpenfacion. And that the bearer mighf get the more refpeft and credit > heisdefcribed, i.from his name Tycbicus, Sec *4#. 20.-4. *• from his ftate as aChriftian, in which refpeft he is called a brother. See upon Philip. 2. 25. daft. 1. and a beloved brother, thereby to (hew that he was loved by Paul, and worthy to be loved by them for his piety and parts. 3. from his office , in which refpeft he was a minifter , and a faith- ful I minifter in the Lord, as anfwering the cruft repofed in him by the Lord Chrift , whofe fervant he was. 4. from the confidence which *2aul profeffeth he had of his fidelity in his prefent imployment , while he per- fwadeth them he would keep up nothing which it concerned them to know. Hence Learn , 1 . The writ- ten Word of God in Scripture is fo contrived, that though nothing neceffary unto falvation be omitted* Jib, ao. 31. yet our vain curiofitic to know other things Chap.tf. ifHultothe Ephb siaks. 475 things not fo neceflary to be known > is not thereby fatif- fied : for, Isul, having committed unto writing the futn of neceffary do&rine, relating both to faith and manners for the Churches benefit in all ages , doth not write any thing of his own particular concernments , but in- trufteth them to the bearer , as not fo neceflary to be known to the ages following as to the age then prefent 5 fBut that ye may alfo kjwft my affairs , Tycbictujhall mtkf kpolvn all thing. 3. The life and convcrfation of Chrifti- ans, and chiefly of Minifters, in publick and privat, un- der all cafes , ought to be ftich , as they need not to be afhamed , who do know it; yea, and edification to the Church of God may arife from the knowledge of it: for, fuch was Vauls converfatioft, he acquainteth Tycbicm with all , and fendeth him to Epbefus to acquaint the Church there with all. 3. It concerncth Chriftiang much to inform thcmfclves of the life and way of emi- nent men in theChutch of God , and chiefly of thofe who are , or have been fufFerers for truth , and of the feverall paflages of Gods gracious providence towards •fuch, though not to fatisfie their vain curiofity, Act. 17. 31. yet that thereby they may be incited to fimpathize with them, Heb. 1 3. 3. to follow their example* Jam. 5. lo. and to bleffe the Lord on their behalf, 3 Cor. 1. it. for , therefore doth Trf«/ fend Tycbicus to mafy them kpf* bis a fairs, and how he did. 4. A Minifter ought to be fo affeftionate towards his flock , as to prefer their fpi- ritual edification and advantage to his own private concernment : for , though Paul was now every day expe&ing death, and had few to attend upon him, a$ appeareth From zTim. 4. 6, 10. with 1 2, 16. yet he (end- eth Tycbicus unto them, choofing rather tnat himfelf fhould want an attender , than they a comforter } Tycbicus fhall make knoTto unto jou all things. 5. The Minifter of Chrift fhould in like manner be ordered with prudence in giving expreffions of his affe&ion to- wards the flock , lcaft otherwife his imprudent carriage in the manner of what is done , doth more hurt than the thing 47<$ e^ brief Ex f oft tion of the Epifile Chap. 6. thing k felfcan bring of good and advantage : for, there- fore die Apoftledoth not commit the evidences of hi? affe&ion co be carried to them by every man , but one whom he could truft , and they would refpeft , even to Tycbicus a beloved brother and faitbfull minifter. 6. As Minifters would ta loath to give their recommendation and teftimony to naughty perfons and thofe who are nocdeferving , leaft thereby they wrong the Church of God , and prejudge their own eftimation afterwards when the perfon recommended by them doth not walk anfwerably; Sotheyfhould not deny a teftimony to thofe whom they know to be deferving ; fo far (hould they be from labouring to obfeure and bear down the graces and gifts of God which are eminent in any of their fellow-labourers > of purpofe that they themfelves alone may bz thought of : for, Tycbicus was a man de- ferving , and therefore Paul doth recommend him, which without doubt he would not have done other- wife ; Tycbicus a beloved brother and faithful minifier in the lord. 7. Though God may make ufe of unconverted Minifters to do good in his Church, Matth. 10. 4. with 8* yet no man can be a faithfull Minifter, or approved of God in His work, except he have faving grace and be in Chrift by faith : for, Tycbicus is firtt a brother as a found Chriftian, and then a faithfull minifier in the Lord: 8. That Minifters are beloved one of another, and live in love among themfelves, is a ftrong inducement to make the Lords people allow them room in their affe- ftions , and receive their meffage with better will off their hand : and divifions* carnal emulations, and ftrifes amons Minifters themfelves, make both their perfons and office lofe much of their deferved refpedt among the people : for Paul fheweth , that Tycbicus was beloved by him, to make him have the more refpedt from them ; Tycbicus a beloved brother. 9. Ic is in a lingular manner required of a Mnifter , and the prime piece of a Mini- fters commendation, that he be faithfull, that is, diligent in his work , 2 Tm. 4. 2. fincerc in his aimes and en- deavours Chap.<5.' of Paul to the Ep h b s i a n s • 477 deavoars at the glory of God and the good of fouls» 1 ¥et4 4. 1 1. neither adding nor pairing unto what God hath committed unto him to (peak, 2 £or. 2. 17, What- ever a Miniftcr be for learning, prudence, utterance and other abilities , if he be not faithful! > he is but naught, Mattb.i$. 23, with 26. for, Paul commendeth Tycbicus from this , that he was a faitbfull minifter in the Lord. 10. A faithfullMinifter will give proof of his fidelity in all the pieces of his imployment > not only in publick preaching , but alfo in his private coverfing with the Lords people ; yea , and in every thing will labour to anfwer the truft repofed upon him : for , 2W (heweth Tycbicus would be faithfully even in relating the cafe and ftate of Pauls particular affairs ; he jhallmaf^e k$Wn unto you all things. Verfe 22. Wbom I baVe fent unto you for tbe fame purpofe^ that ye migfii fyoto our a fairs, and that be might comfort your hearts* TN profecution of the former purpofe, hefheweth, firft, "* he had not fallen upon Tycbicus accidentally > but had chofen and fent him of purpofe. And, next, declaretha twofold end for which he fent him, I. that he might ac- quaint them with haul's affairs, as ver. 21. And 2. that he might be comfortable unto them by his prefence, meflage, preaching and otherwayes. ®oiin 1. Tbe greater paines are taken by Chrift's fervants to bring matter of edification and fpiritual confolation unto the Lords people , they ought to receive it with fo much the better will and likeing : for > *Paul (heweth that both he and Tycbicus were at the pains , the one to fend , the other to be fent unto them, of purpofe , hereby to induce them the more to receive the meflage lent; WkomlbaVc fent unto you for tbe fame purpofe,, 2. The putting a right impreffion of the cafe of Chrift's fuffering fervants, and the ftate of theGofpels thriving upon the hearts of Chriftians in other remote parts cf the Church , is a work 478 AkriefSxffitionoftbiEpfile Cbap.tf work worth the care ahd pains of moft eminent Mtai* fters, if k were to make them undergo a long and tedious journey for that fame very end : for , Tychicus toas fent unto them for the fame purpofe, that they might tyoto bis affairs. 3. We fhould labour fo to inform our felvesof the cafe and carriage of others , and how it goeth with the affairs of drift's Kingdom elfewherc , as to be drawing matter of fpiritual edification thence* and con- fequently not to feed our curious humour : for , Tychicus in making known Taxis affairs, was to aim at their fpiritual confolation > much more were they to aim at k themfelves ; that ye might fyofc our affairs , and that be might comfort your hearts. 4. It is the duty of every Chriftian , and chiefly of a faithfuil Minifter > to hive this end propofed unto himfelf in all his friendly viWfe beftowed upon his acquaintance > and chiefly upon his flock in all his familiar conferences with them , in ali the intelligence he communicatee unto them , concern- ing Gods dealing with his Churches abroad , even that thereby they may not trifle- by precious time, or only fatisfie curious ears, but furnifli fome matter of fpiritual edification for bettering the inward man : for , Tychicus was to make them know Pauls affairs* for this end, that thereby he might comfort their hearts. 5. To know the feveral paffages of Gods gracious providence to- wards His futfering fervants , together with their un- daunted courage under fufferings* and the ufe which God doth make of their fufferings to advance His truth and caufe , is and may be fufficient ground of comfort and incouragement unto the Lords people, againftthc forrow and fadneffe, which their (harp fufferings, C91*- fidered in themfelvesi cannot choofe but affaft the lovers of truth with : for , F*«/ implycth , that their hearing of his fufferings had fadded them , and fhewtth the re- lation of Gods dealing with him would comfort them ; that ye might kpoT* oar affairs , and that be might comfort your hearts. 6. A Chriftian fuffcrer, fupported by God, will not be fo aaxious about his own cafe , as the cafe of Chap. 6. ff Paul to the E f m i s i a n $1 '47 j of others of the Lords people whom he knowcth to be in forrow and heavineffe ; yea, and ready to halt , and be fcandalized for His caufe : for, P*ul9 knowing their grief, and fearing their fainting at his tribulations, chapter 3. 14. doth fend Tycbkus of jmrpofe to comfort their hearts. Vcrf. i?. Ft** be to the brethren, and lot* Mtb faith from God the father, and the Lord JefmChriJl. T^Ext, intheconclufiotiof theEpiftle, is contained *^ the Apoftles ordinary fare-well wife : wherein, defigning thofe to whom he writeth by the name of bre- thren, he wiflheth unto them in particular , 1. Peacet that is, peace with God, with their own confeience, one with another , and all fort of profperky. 2. Mu* wall love among themfelves ; for , Gods love to them is comprehended under grace in the following verfe. 3. The grace of faith, the fountain of the former 1 Trmm I.J. All which he wi(heth from God the father, not ex- cluding but including the Son and holy Ghoft; (Sec upon Col 3. 17. doft. 3- ) and from Jefiu Chrijl the Me- diator , through vertuc of whofe mctk and interceffion all faving benefits are conveyed unto the Eleft. 2>c#. t. Minifters , who would have thek pains attended with fucceffe towards the Lords people , ought to beg that from God by prayer to be wrought in them, which by their preaching they endeavour to inculcate on them : for, peace, love and faith, are the fum of all which he hath been prefently inftru&ing them in , and preffing upon them, and here he feeketh all from God by prayer; Peace be to the brethren. 2. A Minifters prayers for ob- taining the Lords bleffing upon his pains towards his flock, (hould be ferious, fervent, infifted upon, and of- ten inculcated untill a gracious anfwer thereof be grant- ed : for , the Apoftle began with this prayer, or with, chap* 1.2. and here he clofeth with it; Teace be to the brethren. 3, Even Believers are not made perfeft in gract 480 tA brief SxpofttUn of the Epiflle Cbap.6. grace at the firft , the Lord doch carry on that work by fteps and degrees, that fomewhat of Him may be (een in every ftep ; and therefore as themfelvcs are bound to grow in grace, by adding one grace to another, 2 Tet.u 5> 6. and one degree of the fame grace to the former, aP^g. 18. So, it is the duty of others to help them on towards growth by their prayers and wifhes : for, thofe who were already regenerated among the Ephefians, had faich , love, and peace wrought in them at the firfl, and 'Paul wilheth here a further degree of , and growth in , thofe from God to them 5 Peace be to the brethren. 4. Though it be the duty of all to live in peace and love, yet a truely Chriftian and peaceable frame of fpirit, to- gether with love, which is not a meer moral vertue, but a faving grace flowing from the root of faith, is only to be found among true Believers , and fhould be fought- after by fuch efpecially ; coldrifeneffe of affettion, and unpeaceable walking , being more unbeteeming them than any others : for, therefore doth hewi'hfor peace and lo\>e to the brethren , chat i? ^ thofe chiefly who were brethren in Chrift and born of God. 5. There cannot be a peaceable frame of fpirit in any towards ochers, nor yet an harmonious walking with them, nor any thing elfe, except iinfull renting and (hamdeffe ftriving , but where the grace of love is ; whereby the heart is armrd againft all irritations arifing from the infirmities of others to break the bond of peace, Epb.q.i, 3. for, he con- joyneth thefe two in his wifh , peace , whereof, one branch is a peaceable frame of heart and harmonious walking, and/oVe: Peace be to the brethren, and loVe. the fountain and fum of all the former good things wiftied-for , and m- largcth his wifii towards all Believers , defcribed from this , that they lo\>e Jefus Qhrtjl in jhcerity , or incor- ruption (as the word fignifiethj that is, not for a time only, but conftantly , not in hypocrifie , or fhew Only, but fittcerely and really ; and fo clofeth up all with his Amen, as an evidence both of his affe&ionate defire and confidence of an anfwer. Qott.i. Though we may have a more particular eye to fbmethan to others, by making mention of them exprefly in out prayers becaufc of our charge of them, prefent imploymenc about them, or other near relations towards them ; yet , we oughc not to exclude any, efpecially of thefe who have relation to Chrift, but are to remember all fuch, at lea ft in ge- nerall, and feek the fame good things from God co them which we wifti for others : for, the Apoftle, having made exprefle mention of the believing Ephefians, under the name of Brethren, ver. 25. doth here extend his charity and prayers towards all who love our Lord Je- fus Chrift in generall ; Grace be^ith all them, faith he. 2. The more the heart is exercifed in fpirituall duties* efpecially in prayer, it groweth more warm and more enlarged to the exercife of all thofe faving graces, re- quired in that duty, and efpecially to publick- minded- neffe , and the exercife of charity towards the Saints, and of faith in Jefus Chrift : for, 2W, continuing his prayers and wifn untill this verfe, getteth his charity en- larged in the exercife of it , towards all Chriftians in generall , and his faith ftrenethened to the owning of Chrift as his own J Grace be with all that loVe our Lord. H h 3» Gods 48 i A britfExpbfition of the Sfiftte Chap.6 3. Gods grace, or free favour, is the fum of all which a man needeth to wi(h , either for himfelf or others , it is virtually all things* lb that the man that hath it> wanteth nothing ; he hath all pood and neceffiry things in their caufe and fountain , he doth alfo pofieflc all fuch things in that meafure God feeth fitting for him : fonin this oaro of hiswHh, which relateth to all lovers of Chrift in generall , he doth only make expreffe mention of grace, K as virtually compryfing peace, love and faith > which he wiflied to the brethren, ver, 2*. Grace bt Kith all them that lo\>e our Lord. 4, Love to Jcfus Chrift , is a fure mark of thofe who have favmg interett in the good things purchafed by Him,and one of thofe marks which are beft known to the perfon who hath it ; love to Chrift Where it is , cannot be well hid : for, *Baul , defigning thofe who might plead intereft in the good things pray- ed- for, defcribeth them by their love to Chrift, as being a mark both fure and eafiiy difcerned 5 With til them that lo\x our Lord. ?♦ The Lords Servants ought to endea- vour, that thofe, who are in a gracious ftate , and have right to the great and good things purchafed by Chrift, may know fo much, and for that end would furnifh them wich the knowledge of fuch marks and evidence* as may be moft eafiiy difcerned where they are , and in- fallibly prove the foul that hath them to be in a ftate of grace: for, Tdw/giveth fuch a mark of thofe who had intereft in the good things prayed-for , even love to Chrift , that they might knbw fo much of themfclves ; With all them that lo\?e oar Lord Jeftcs Chrift. 6. It is thfc • duty of Minifters to lay hold on alloccafions tore- commend this grace of love to Chrift, by holding forth * thofe many good and excellent things which do acconv pany it, and are made evident to be in the heart by it, that fo the Lords people may be the more incited to be- ftow their love and heart upon Him • for, T*nl, to ftirthemup to the love of Chrift* recommendeth this grace, by miking it the mark and evidence of the man that hath inteteft in all chc good things vvi(hed-for ;M& all Chapirf. o/Paul ^^EphbsiansT '48 j all tbem that loVe our Lord, 7. Though we are bound to pray even for thofe who are graclefie, chat God may beftow grace upon them ; yet the more fpcaking evi- dences there be of true grace in any, we may he the more encouraged to pray to God for them, and with greater confidence to expe& a gracious return of our prayers upon them : for, Pauls wifties to God, to which he affixeth an Amen, in evidence of his confidence to be heard, are put up in behalf of thoie who do loVeour lordjefus Cbrift. 8. As there are many who profefle love to Chrift, whofe love is, and, when it is tryed, will be found to be but counterfeit, unfitrc. 2. 30 Mark l0» 32 biddeth x and 28 G4 6. '• J \ r V