First such as concernholines, respecting ourcommunionwithGodinChrist Jesus.2. Such as concernrighteousnesse, respecting others.3. Such as concernsobriety, respecting our privateselvesandpersons.
First such as concernholines, respecting ourcommunionwithGodinChrist Jesus.
2. Such as concernrighteousnesse, respecting others.
3. Such as concernsobriety, respecting our privateselvesandpersons.
Incomprehensible nature of God.
First, then it is anargumentof thestrength, andhealthful temperof theinnerman, when ourapprehensionsofGodare always such, as bring us to holywondermentandamazement, at thenatureof incomprehensibleGod, at hisproperties, andworks, from theSunin theFirmament, to the poorestWorme, at his wonderfulldispensingof hisjustice, andmercy, anddisposing, andrulingall things inHeaven,Earth, andSeas, from the highestAngelsinheaven, to the lowestDevilsinHell.
Gods children ought to walk in constant amazedness of spirit as to God his nature, works, &c.
This wasDavids temperwhen he cried out, (Psal: 104.) Oh Lord howwonderfullare thyworks, inwisedomehast thou made them all! Also (Psal. 8.) OJehovahour Lord, howwonderfullis thyNamein all theearth! AndPsal: 139. he brings this wonder nearer tohimself, saying, I will praise thee, for I amfearfullyandwonderfullymade. As if he would say,fearfullyandwonderfully bredin thewomb,fearfullyandwonderfullybrought forth; and we may further say, ever since we came thusfearfullyandwonderfullyinto theworld,fearfullyandwonderfully broughtup,fearfullyandwonderfully preserved,delivered, &c.
Obj.But may notnaturallmen, andHypocritesadmire theNature, andworksofGod.
I answer, yes, but thewonderwhich doth possesse achildofGod, causeth him to cry out withDavid,Psal. 119. Thyhandshave made me, and fashioned me, give me understanding that I may learn thystatutes. Tis such a wonder asdrawethup theheartuntoGod, withlongingsto beunitedunto him, to fear hisName, to partake of his divineNature, and to be like untoHiminholines, andtrue Righteousnes.
Obj.TheDevillsbelieve, and tremble atGod.
I answer, to tremble at thewordofGod, is alone thepropertyofGods Servants, Isa. 66 TheDevillsmay wonder and tremble at the just sentence, and threatening part ofGods word: ButGods childrentremble at thecommandingpart, yea at thecomfortingandpromisingpart of it also, least they should depart or fall off from it, or loose, though but for a time asDavid, the joy and sweetnes of it.
The glorifying of God the great work of Gods children
Secondly, it is anArgumentofhealthand spirituallstrength, when thehallowing, themagnifying, andglorifyingof thenameofGodis our greatworkandbusinessin thisworld, unto which all thebusinessesandworkswe have in hand in the world beside give way, &c.
ThusChrist Jesusteacheth all his to make it theirfirst requesttoGod, that they mayhallow, orglorifiehisname: Thus he professeth (as it were upon hisdeath bed)John17. that he had done hiswork, that he hadglorifiedhisFatherupon theearth: Hence he professeth at his most solemnArraignment,Job 18. for thisendwas I born, and for thisendcame I into theworld, that I might bearwitnessto thetruth; that is, to give hisFatherthegloryof histruth, and to destroy thelyesof thedevillthefatherof them, who belyethGodin all his holyattributes, andworks, andservants, andordinances, and profaneth and dishonoreth his holynamein them all.
Obj.Hypocritesprofesse to glorifieGod, and to say,Isa. 66.Let theLordbe glorified.
I answer: Nohypocritecan make it hisworktoglorifie God, when it crosseth his ownglory: Nohypocritecan purely and simply, out oflovetoGods nameandglory, be content to loose the offer of akingdomasMosesdid, when theLordhimself offered it him, and asChrist Jesusdid, when the people offered and would have made him aKingby force, and thedevilproffered him all thekingdomsof the world, and the glory of them.
Delightfull privacie with God argues strong affection.
Thirdly, it is anArgumentofstrengthof Gods grace and Spirit in us, when we performactionsofgodliness, with asingleand uprighteyeuntoGodhimself in secret.Frequentandconstantdelight in privateconversesargues strongaffectiontoGodormen:Hypocrites(saithChrist Jesus) willprayandfast, and givealms, but with asquinteye ofprivateandsinisterself respect to beseenof men, &c. ButGods childrenpray, and do good, and fast in secret, regarding no eye but the eye of an heavenlyFather, who seeing insecretwill not fail to rewardopenly.
Ob.But may nothypocritesspeak andpreachagainsthipocrisie, againstself-love,self-respect, andfleshly andworldlyendsin the performance ofspirituall duties? And is it not possible forGods childrento performspirituall dutieswith carnallendsandrespects?
Hypocrites pretend far in glorifying of God.
I answer:Hypocritesmay do this, and pretend pure and uprightendsforGod, asJehudid: yet discover theyhypocrisie, in the very pretence ofsinceritie, for not content with theLordseye and approbation, Come see myzeal(saith he)Jonadab, which I have for theLord.
2ly,Gods children(doubtless) may look aside, and mark whoseesandhears, andrewardstheirperformancesofserviceuntoGod: But this is either insinsofignorance; as forinstance, many ofGodsdearchildrenperformservicetoGodinpreachingashirelings, and conceive themselves not bound although to glorifieChrist Jesusin savingsouls) to preach without anhire, and so in othercases.
Or 3ly, this may be knowingly and discerningly, asPaulsaith,Rom. 7. When I would do good,evilis present with me: suchtemptationscome in as water into a ship, or asdustanddiseasesinto a sound eye, and thenGods childrenbe never quiet untill suchdistempersbe cleansed, and got out again.
A frequent & constant spirit of prayer an argument of much of Gods Spirit.
Fourthly, it is anArgumentofspirituall strengthwhen theSpiritofprayerbreatheth forthfrequently, andconstantly, and ferventlytoGodin us: HenceDavidprays and cries in themorning, atnoon, and in theevening, he riseth atmidnightto pray, and prevents thedawningof thedayto pray: ThusDanielis thrice each day on his knees toGod, and would not be beaten off, with thepowersandterrorsof cruelenemiesandlyons.
Thus the LordJesusfrequentlyretired alone to privateprayer, and sometimes spent the wholenightinprayertoGodwith strongcries,tearsandsupplications: And therefore is it that all trueChristiansare thespirituall Israelites, that is,wrastlersandstriverswithGodin prayer; like unto theirFather Jacob, who wrastled all night in prayer withGod, withweepingandsupplications, and would not let theAngelgo until he blessed him; and therefore his name was calledIsrael, awrastlerorprevailerwithGod, as well asJacoba supplanter and prevailer with men.
Ob.But may notHypocritesbe frequent and fervent in prayer toGod? Did not thePhariseesandJewspray and fast often? Do not the veryTurkssolemnly pray five times each 24. houres? And thePapistsnot onely keep their solemn morning and evening times ofprayer, but many other solemn prayers unto which the severall orders ofFriars,MonksandNunsbind themselves? And how easie is it by worldly engines to wheel about theIndiansofAmericato become frequent prayers unto God, &c.
I answer: Many are the differences between the true prayers of Gods children, and the false of dissemblers and hypocrites: I will name a few for instance.
True prayer is the souls breathing unto God.
First thenhypocritespray but in aformandlip-labour, as ataskandworkto be done forcarnall respects, to merit atGodshand, or to stop the mouth ofconscience, which tels them they cannot be Gods children except they pray: But true prayer is the pouring out of the heart to God, the true breathing of thesoulto God, arising asIncenseandperfumeunto God: Hence (no doubt) althoughPaulbefore his conversion prayed much untoGod, (for he was a Pharasie) yet he never praidindeed, untill his greatchange, and the descending of the holySpiritof prayer upon him; And therefore the Lord sendsAnaniaswith this incouragement untoPaul: Behold he prayeth,Act. 9.
and hath more or lesse some soul-pleasure in it.
HenceGods childrenfind a kind of holypleasureanddelightinprayer, whatever be the event or issue, it pleasethGodto give, like as a man finds delight in casting off an heavyburthenfrom hisshoulder, or in theunbossomingof agrief, into thebosomeof afriend. ThusHannaopprest withgriefweeps no more, when she hadpowredforth hersupplicationbefore theLord: And theLord Jesuspowredforth hisprayers, andtears, in the bosome of hisFather, and then rests quiet in hisFathers pleasure, as touching thepassing by, ordrinkingof thebitter cup.
Obj.But may not thechildrenofGodwant holypleasureanddelightin prayer, and depart fromGods presenceasheavyas they came?
Gods children are most in private with God.
I answer, somespirituall distempersmay hinder, andobstructtheoperationsof theSpirit of prayer: nevertheles thesoulandspiritpraies and mourns for theabsenceof holypleasure, anddelightin this holyexercise. HenceDavids mourning(as aTurtledove) in hisprayers, andJeremies lamentingsfor theobstructions, between theLordand theirsouls, in this holyCommunion.
The seconddifferenceis, theHypocritesprayers more respect theearsofmenthenGod, as theLord Jesustells us; They pray that men may know so much, and esteem themReligious:Gods children, like truelovers, delight to be private, and fervent with their heavenlyFatherandHusband.
The prayers of Gods people most respect spiritual and soul mercies.
Thirdly,Hypocritesin theirprayersmost commonly respectearthlythings, (and thereforeHos. 7.) they cry and howl upon theirBeds, forcornandwine: or at the best they respect butthemselves, &c. although it be in thepardonof theirsins, andsavingof theirSouls: But theprayersofGods children, chiefly eyeheavenlythings.
Hence the wonderfullspirituallityofChrists prayerto hisFather, (John 7.) for theglorifyingof hisname, andspirituall Grace, andmercyin thesoulsofBeleevers: Hence the admirablespiritualityofDavidsprayers, forspirituallandsoulmercies,Psal: 119. And the fervent prayers ofPaulin all hisEpistlesfor heavenly and spirituall mercies to theSaintsofGod.
HypocriteslikeDogshowl and fawn forbonesandcrusts, &c. ButGodschildren beg the propertokens, and characters of a spirituallFather, to his spirituall children, and Beloved.
Gods people wait for, and rest in Gods answer.
4thly,Hypocriteswill not always cry untoGod(Job. 27.) but at last withSaul, ifGodanswer not, they run to theDevillinevilmeans, murmur and despair: ButGodschildren can no more cease to cry untoGod, then to live a spirituallife, and therefore resolve to giveGodnoRestuntill they receive ananswer, and therefore also wait for his holypleasure, andleasure, and at last are satisfied with theLordsholy pleasure, and sentence, although it seem crosse, add bitter toflesh, andblood: SoMosesin respect of his suit toGod, for his going into the land ofCanaan: SoDavidpraying for hischild: SoChrist Jesusin respect of hisbitter cup. SoPaulpraying against his greattemptation.
Obj.But may notHypocritespray long, and also wait uponGod?
I answer, they may, yet at last, out of unbelief, and anger, like anangry Dog, orsturdy Beggar, they cry out in murmur, and wrath, as the unbelieving King ofIsrael, what should I wait uponGodany longer? ButGodschildren never give over: for when they grow weary, they (likeMoses) beg help to their fainting hands inprayer, and desire theireyesmay never cease trickling tears untoGod,untillhe look down fromHeaven,Lament: 2.
A 5th: Argument ofspirituall health, andstrength, is a constant holy sence of our ownunworthines,vilenes, andbasenesinGodspresence: HenceJacobprofesseth himself less then the least ofGodsmercies, that is, then the leastcrum, ordrop, orrag, orlookof mercy: Hence theCenturionprofesseth himself not worthy thatChristshould come under hisRoof: HenceElizabethher holy wonder, whence is it (saith she) that theMotherof myLordshould come unto me? HenceMephibosethwonders thatDavidshould look upon such adead Dog.
Ob.But may notHypocritesprofesse they are notPapists, that they can deserve nothing atGodshands, that if they had theirdesertsit were woe with them?
Gods people are only truly sensible of unworthines.
I answer,Hypocritesmay say so, but yet are angry whenGodseems to deal with them, as he deals with others. Hence they quarrell withGod, as if thatGodseemed not to respect their offerings ofprayer, andfasting,Isa: 58ButGodschildren confessing themselvesBeggarsatGodsdoor, andDogsunder hisTable, they wait for, and are humbly thankfull for everycrumof grace and mercy: SoChrist Jesusteacheth us to give thanks for the mercy of a littlebread, and then for a littleFish, (Mark 6.) So after most heavy and wonderfullafflictions,Jeremiecries outJehovaisrighteous, and professeth it ismercythat it is not worse, and that they were not burnt up and consumed.
6thly.
A 6th. Argument of the spiritualhealthandtemper, is when theaffectionswork strong and lively afterGod, afterGodfor himself, afterGodas aportionandinheritance, afterGodas anHusband: when as theHeartpanteth after thewater-brooks, so pant ourHeartsafterGod, when as the thirstygroundlongeth for theshowersofRain, so long oursoulsafterGod: When his words are sweeter then the honey, and honey comb, and of more esteem then thousands ofgoldandsilver.
Ob.But may notHypocrites(asBalaam) professe so much and that in earnest?
Hypocrite affection to God.
I answer, the deceitfullheartof a man will go wonderfull far this way: Yet certain it is anHypocriterespectsGod, but as aDogrespects hisMaster, yea sometimes astranger, and anEnemyfor a crust, or as anHirelingfor hiswages: ButGods children, in the want of all things, are content withGodalone, hisChrist, hisSpirit, hisFavour, hisWord, hisOrdinances: HenceDavidprofessethPsal. 4. Thou puttest morejoyinto myheart, then in the time when theircornandwineincreaseth: AndHabacuck, whenVine, andFig-tree, andFlockandHeardfail, he professeth to rejoyce inGod, and to glory in theGodof hissalvation.
God himself the portion of his.
2ly. In the losse of all things, in the greateststraightsandextremities,Godschildren yet find comfort inGod, thatGodtheir portion is not lost. Thus asDavidwhen hiswives, andchildren, andfriends, andservants, andcattellwere all devoured by an enslaving and captivatingsword, and he finds noRemainder, but burntwallsandashes, and his own company ready tostonehim, yet asDavidthey take comfort, and incourage themselves injoying theirGod.
7thly.
Ready obedience to God.
7tly. It is an argument of spirituallhealth, andstrength, when the holyCommandmentsofGodare not grievous, but pleasant and delightfull to us: when we can say as theLord Jesussaid, it is our meat and drink, to do our heavenlyFathers will: when we are active and ready at thecommandsofGod, and can say (when theLordasketh whom shall we send)sendme, as theProphet Esaysaid: And as theLord JesusPsal: 40. Here I am, I delight to do thy will O my God: when we can without repining, grudging, or delaying, obeycommandsmost grievous tofleshandblood, against not onlyfleshandblood, but against carnallreason, yea againstHopeandFaithit self, asAbrahamdid, in offering up his most dear and only sonIsaac.
Obj.But may notHypocritesobey thecommandsofGod, asSauldid,&c?
I answer, they may indeed obeyGods commandsby halves as he did, and as aservant, andhireling, serveGodforwages, and witheye service, with opinion ofmerit, and boast of theirhaltandlameservice, asSaul did. ButGodschildren imbrace all thecommandsofGodwith delight, even theleast, and most despised, with the greatest and mostdifficult, and when all is done, they confesse they have need ofmercy, and areunprofitable Servants.
Obj.But may notGodschildren live in thedisobedienceof somecommandsofGod, and yet be healthfull, and strong in grace?
The sins of Gods people.
I answer, it is impossible that a child ofGodshould (either in spirituallhealthorsicknes) live in the breach of any knowncommandofGodhisFather. Tis true,Abraham, andJacob, andDavid, and others, lived long in the sin of many wives, out ofignoranceofGods will, andGodschildren to this day, even the holyMartyrsorWitnessesofJesus, (who accounted their heart bloods not too dear forChrist) have and do live in the breach of manyCommandments, that concern theworshipofGod: But they are herein like atravellerdeceived, by a false path, which when he once reallysuspects, he cannot walk a step with ease, now do they cry out withDavid,Psal: 119. I will walk atliberty, for I seek thy precepts: And whenGodsaith seek myFace, theirHeartsanswer,Lordthy face will I seek.Psalm 27.
8thly
The patience of Gods children, under Gods hand.
An 8th. discovery ofspirituall healthandstrength, is an humble, a patient and thankfullsubmissionto theaflicting, andchastisinghand ofGod. Thus it is said ofAaron, in that dreadfull stroak ofGodshand, depriving him of his two sons in thefloureof theirYouth, in the midst of theirsin, in theperformanceof theirPriests Office: it is said,Aaronheld his peace: I was dumb and held my peace, (saithDavid)Psal. 39. for thou didst it: ThusJeremiah(Lam: 1.)Jehovahis righteous, for I have grievously transgrest against him. YeaJobnot only exprest an humble and patient mind, but also (which is wonderfull, but proper toGodschildren, when in right temper) he blessedGodin the midst of so many fearfull and astonishinglosses, of so many Cattel, Servants, and Children, saying, Blessed be the name of theLord.
Obj.May notwickedmen andHypocritesacknowledgGodsafflicting hand, and humble themselves?
The counterfeit patience of Hypocrites
I answer,Hypocritesmay seeGodshand, and humble themselves as theEgyptians, and thePhilistinsdid, but cannot possibly be thankfull for it: They acknowledgGodshand as aDoghisMasterswhen he is beaten, but not as a child hisFathers. As a loving and dutifullWife, receivingPillsorPhisickfrom the hand of her lovingHusband, askilfull Physitian, who knows hersicknes, and out ofloveandcare, prepares them for her, she cannot but be thankfull for those bittermedicins, and earnestly desire a kindly working: ThusDavid,Psal: 119. I know OLordthat thou infaithfulnessehast afflicted me, for all thy commands arerighteous.
9thly.
The mournful confession of Gods people.
A 9th. Argument ofspiritual health, andstrength, is an humble freeconfession, and givinggloryuntoGod, in the rising up, or recovering out of anyscandalous transgression, againstGodHence theIsraelitesconfession of their sin in desiring aKing, (so impatiently, and imperiously as they did, with large confessions,1. Sam. 6.)
Hence the many bitter and lamentableconfessionsof holyDavidand other holy Servants ofGod, after their committing ofknown evils: Hence theCorinthiansrepenting of their fellowship with theincestuousperson in his sin, they give such an exemplaryevidenceof their trueRepentance, that their holypracticeis set as an holySamplar, andCopyfor allSaintsafterward to follow, and write after.
Obj.But did notPharaoh,SaulandJudasconfesse their sins,&c?
1.
I answer, not with intent to glorifieGodasGodsSaints do, taking shame before theworldunto themselves, lying down in the Dust thatGodmay tread upon them, and be exalted.
2.
False confessions.
Not with hatred of theirsins, but in horrour and trouble at thedangerof them, or in theevidenceof them flying in their faces. Thus aMerchantcasteth thosegoodsover boord into theseain a storme, which afterward he wisheth in again: Like aDog, they vomit up the filth which (after theirstomachis eased) they return unto, and lick up by newCommissions: But Godschildrenconfesse in hatred of theirsins, and loathing of themselves, and (like men in somesicknesses) are willing to take thosemedicineswhich mayprovokeand causevomit, which afterward they are so far from returning to, that they abhor to touch, or look on it.
Obj.But may notGodschildren return again to their vomit, and commit the samesins, which they have cast, up by humbleconfession?
The sins of Gods people distinguished.
I answer, the sins ofGods childrenare either, 1.grosseorscandalous, which when they recover out of, and givegloryuntoGod, bypublikeconfession, we seldome or never find them returning to such theirvomitagain. Hence we hear no more ofNoahs Drunkennesse, ofDavid's Adultry, ofPeters deniallofChrist Jesus,&c.
Or 2ly. Theirsinsaresinsof a more private and ordinarydistemper, wherein theirpassionsofanger, orneglect, orforgetfullnesprevail against them, never without somebitternes, andgrief, andhumiliation, andendeavour, withresolutionof a more watchfull, and heavenly, and spirituallconversation?
10thly.
Gods people long alter visible enjoyments of God.
10thly. It is anargumentofspiritual health, andstrength, tomaintainorrecoveran holy vehement longing, after theenjoymentofGod, and ofChrist, in avisible, andopen professionof his own holyworshipandOrdinances, separate from all falseworships,Gods, andChrists, &c.
Hence that ofDavid,LordI have loved theHabitationof thyhouse, and the place where thinehonourdwelleth: Hence he professeth he had rather be aDoor keeperin the house of theLord, (that is in a low condition, inGodshouse,) then to dwell in thetentsofwickednes, though in never so safe and pleasant acondition.
Hence he sums up all hisdesiresin one,Psal: 27. One thing have I desired of theLord, that I may dwell in the house of theLord, &c.
Hence (thoughDavidmist of theLords Orderin carrying of theLords Ark, and afterwards he mist in histhoughtsabout the building ofGodanhouseandTemple: Yet in both he discovered his holy strongaffection, toGodspublikehonour, andworship. The very same which afterward the ProphetJeremy, andDanieldeclared in their bitterLamentations, for theRuineofGodshouse. And bothDanielandZacharie, andHaggie, mightily declare thisaffectionfor therebuilding, and setting up again thisTempleandworshipofGod, and what they prophesied, that bothEzraandNehemiah, and afterwardJehoshuaandZerubabelzealously performed and executed.
True Christians affection to Christ Jesus in his visible worship.
Hence it is that in the heavenlyLove Song, theloveofChristianstoChrist Jesusin hisordinancesis most elegantly set forth by asimilitudetaken from thestrong affectionofmarriedpersons: I am, saith theSpouse, sickoflove, and O ye daughters ofJerusalemtellChrist Jesusso: If I finde him without I willkissehim openly in thestreets, and will not be ashamed: True heavenlyaffection(likemarriage love) at first kindles from some privatesparks, to an open flame of publickprofession, without shame before all men.
Obj.May notHypocrites(asSaulin slaying theGibeonites, andJehuin slaying theBaalites) discover strongaffectionandzealto theLordand hisworship, and consequently in these times to ChristJesusand his holykingdom?
I answer:Hypocritesandcounterfeitsin their profession oflovetoGodspublick worship ever run upon one of these twoRocks. For,
First, either they set up, and maintain, and fight for afancie, acounterfeit, a falseChrist, according to theprophesieof the LordJesus, that many (that is,thousandsandmultitudesof people) should so use hisname, that is, with a willing ignorance and delusion.
Or 2ly, if it be the trueworshipof the trueGodaccording to theappointmentofChrist Jesus, yet ever in two things the sincerewife(the true love ofChrist Jesus) out-goes thewhoreandcounterfeit.
First, the truewifecontents not herself with the bareexercise,ordinanceoradministration(as thehypocritesdo) but in all is restless to enjoy theLordhimself: For as theordinanceisspirituall, and heavenly; so longs the truebeleeverfor aspiritualland heavenlycommunionwith theLordhimself in it, that he may become onespiritwith him more and more in all these outward andsubordinate meansandadministrations.
Hence it pleaseth theSpiritofGodto resemble hisworshipto themarriage bed, which satisfies not the heavenlySpouse, when theHusband Christ Jesus, is not spiritually embraced therein, but absent.
2ly, The desire of the truebeleeverin the enjoyment ofChrist Jesusin any of hisappointmentsis to be madefruitfullby him: but the desire of awhoreextends no further thenLustor aReward. HenceRom. 7. We are married untoChrist Jesus, that we should bring forthfruituntoGod: Awhoorish heartwillingly endures notfruitfulnes, but kills her ownconceptionswhich the trueWifecherisheth, and tendreth as herlife.
Obj.What should be thereasonwhy so many ofGods childrenwho in allageshave discovered their strongaffectiontoGodsvisibleworship, andcommunioninChrist, have yet so varied, and wandred from the right, and firstinstitutionof theChurch, andministry, andOrdinancesofworship?
I answer, Godscouncelltouching thespirituall captivity, anddesolation, must be fulfilled, when yet notwithstanding, the strength of theaffectionofGodspeople hath appear'd in theirmourningandweeping, and lamenting after, and contending for the truth of thespiritual injoymentof their soulsBeloved, in all themeansof his own holyappointments.
11thly.
11thly. Again it is anArgumentofspirituall health, & strength, in respect ofGod, when theHeartis fixed, and readily prepared for all the holypleasureofGod. HenceHezekiahpraies for such whoseheartswere prepared to seekJehovah, Godof theirFathers: Hence thisreadines, andpreparationof mind, is compared to theshoeson ourFeet, without which we are unfit fortravelling,walking, &c. and with which we arereadyfor anyspirituall imployment. HenceDavidprofesseth that hisheartwas fixed, and ready, and when theLordsaid seek myFace,Davids heartanswered,Lord, thyFacewill I seek,&c.
Obj.What is the reason thatGods childrenare sometimes hardly brought on to difficultservices, andduties?
I answer,unreadines, andunfitnesis aspirituall sicknesordistemper, which whenGods childrenrecover out of, then they say as theLord JesusinDavidPsal: 41.Lordmyheartis willing, myheartis ready to do thy will O myGod: And they say toChrist Jesus, as his holy servantJohn Bradfordsaid toQueen Mary; If she keep me inprison, I will thank her; If shereleaseme I willthankher; If sheburnme, I will stillthank her.
12thly
Lastly, it is anArgumentofspirituall health, andstrengthwhenGods childrenwalk in a continuall sence of their owninsufficiencies, anddistempers, when they discern the evillinclinationof their ownspirits, and theexcellency, andsufficiencyofGodsmost holySpirit: And therefore continually say withDavid,Psalme 143. ThySpiritis good, lead me,&c.and Psal. 139. Search me OGod, and try myheart, and see if thou findest any way ofwickednes in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
These and many more, are thetrialsofspirituall strength,health, andcheerfulnes, in matters concerningGod: We now come to the second Head oftriallsofspirituall health, andstrength, in matters concerning our selves.
Brokennes of spirit.
First, then it is an Argument ofspiritual health, andstrength, when (especially) after known sins committed, ourheartsare in abrokenframe and temper, when ourspiritsare as it werecontrite, and pounded likespice in aMorter, then yeelding the most delightfullsmellandsavouruntoGod.
Hence (Isa. 66) acontrite, and broken heart is anHousewhereinGoddwels, an House well ordered,swept, andgarnished.
Hence aSpiritoftrembling, (Isa. 66.) is anArgumentandcharacterof the most dutifullchildrenofGod: but of this formerly.
2dly.Spirituall battels.
2dly.
Spirituall battels.
2ndly. It is anArgumentofspirituall strength, when we make it ourworktoobserve,watch, and kill ourcorruptions, andrebellions, and labour to keep under, and beat down ourbodyto an holy fitnes, and readines forGods service, infasting, andprayeragainsttemptations.
Obj.But may notHypocriteshumble themselves, and labour to mortifie theirlustsandcorruptions?
I answer, no question, but in horrour ofconscience, and fear ofGods judgments, anHypocritemay humble himself in fasting, asAhab, &c. but to kill sin, as sin, and to desire to be ready forGodswill, indenying, andsubduinghis own, is only thecharacterand property of a child ofGod.
3dly. Godly loathing for sin.
3dly. It is anArgumentofspirituall health, andstrength, when we so look upon oursins, and our sinfulldispositions, that we not only loath oursins, but also loath our selves for them: So saith theLord, (Ezek 6.) Mypeopleshall loath themselves for theirabominations, and for theirwhoorish heartagainst me: ThusJobwhen he recovers himself from hismurmuringsagainstGod, he cries out, Behold I abhor my self, and repent indust, andashes. AndDavid(Psal: 73.) looks upon himself for his murmuring againstGods providence, as anignorantperson, as afooland abeastinGodspresence.
Object.But may not anHypocriteloath and abhor himself forsin?
Hypocrites may in a respect loath themselves for sin.
I answer, It is possible for anHypocriteto be sorry for somesins, and to be angry withhimselfe, and to loath himselfe, but not properly for hissins, which he loveth, but (astheeves, whores, drunkards, &c.) for thedanger,damageanddisgracewhich his sin may bring upon him. It is onely the property ofGods childrento look atsinassin, with a loathingeye, and to behold themselvesvileandloathsome, even for the mostpleasingandprofitable, anddelightfull, and mostsecret sins.
Fourthly.
True selfe denyall.
Fourthly, It is anArgumentof thestrengthofSpirituall life, when we lay downe our selves at the feet ofGod, when as aServants will, ourwilsare subdued to theLords will, when theLordis become ourselfe, when hisendsare ourends, which give us content andpleasure, although ourselves, ourendsare lost and destroyed, that wee may finde newendsanddelightsinGod.
HenceEpaphroditusto further the worke of theLord(Phil. 2) he regarded not his health, and consequently not hislife; as a trueSouldierin the Service of his heavenlyKingandCaptaine.
Object.But may not anHypocritedeny himselfs; his owneends, hispleasures, hisprofits, hiscredit, hisliberty, hislife.
No Hypocrite can truly deny himselfe.
I answer, It is impossible; for all that he doth is still forhimselfe: likeIsrael,Hosea7. He is anempty vine, he bringeth forth fruit tohimself: All that he aims at in using the name ofGod, hisglory, hisChrist, is still to exalthimselfe, to savehimselfe: ButGods childreneye ever a greaterendthenselfe, to wit, the glorifying of theirGod, although it be in their owndestructions.
Fifthly.
Fifthly, Our hearts are then in an healthfull frame and disposition, when we arecordiallywilling to goe from hence, that we may be withChrist,Phil. 3. yet for the service ofChristand hisSaints, we are cordially willing to stay inhardanddifficultService.
Object.But may not anHypocritedesire to dye, and to be withChrist?
I answer, AnHypocritemay desire to dye, and to be withChristin a gloriouscondition, but noHypocritecan endure to dye, to be withChristin an holy and spirituallcondition, free fromsin: and therefore can he not endure uprightly, &c. toworkeforChristonEarth.
Sixtly.
Spirituall contentation in Gods will.
Sixthly, Then are we in an healthfullframeofGrace, whenGodhath brought down ourheartsto be content with the changes of hisright-handupon us: when we have learnt thelessonofPaul, to be content withfoodandraiment, with atravellersandstrangers portion, of so much as may serve us in ourJourney: When we can tell how to abound withoutPride, orsecurity, ortrustin earthly things, and when we can tell how to want all outwardmercieswithquietnesseandcontentation.
Obj.But may notHypocritesbe contented with smalmatters, and suppresse their desires of greatthings, and say withEsauuntoJacob: Keep that thou hastmy brother, I have enough?
All changes and losses are made up to Gods people only by himselfe.
I answer, the desires of all men are not alikegreedy; but yet the desires of men are truely satisfied withoutGod: Now whenchangesand thelosseof all things fall upon theHypocrite, he cannot finde thosechangesand thoselossesmade up inGod: NoHabakkuktels us, That it is theCharacterofGodschildren, when thecorneis gone, and theflocksand theheards, and thevine, and thefigtreefaile, to rejoyce inGodalone for aportion, and togloryin theGodof theirSalvation.