3. Such as concern _sobriety_, respecting our private _selves_ and
_persons_.
[Sidenote: Incomprehensible nature of God.]
First, then it is an _argument_ of the _strength_, and _healthful
temper_ of the _inner_ man, when our _apprehensions_ of _God_ are
always such, as bring us to holy _wonderment_ and _amazement_, at the
_nature_ of incomprehensible _God_, at his _properties_, and _works_,
from the _Sun_ in the _Firmament_, to the poorest _Worme_, at his
wonderfull _dispensing_ of his _justice_, and _mercy_, and _disposing_,
and _ruling_ all things in _Heaven_, _Earth_, and _Seas_, from the
highest _Angels_ in _heaven_, to the lowest _Devils_ in _Hell_.
[Sidenote: Gods children ought to walk in constant amazedness of spirit
as to God his nature, works, &c.]
This was _Davids temper_ when he cried out, (_Psal: 104_.) Oh Lord how
_wonderfull_ are thy _works_, in _wisedome_ hast thou made them all!
Also (_Psal. 8._) O _Jehovah_ our Lord, how _wonderfull_ is thy _Name_
in all the _earth_! And _Psal: 139_. he brings this wonder nearer
to _himself_, saying, I will praise thee, for I am _fearfully_ and
_wonderfully_ made. As if he would say, _fearfully_ and _wonderfully
bred_ in the _womb_, _fearfully_ and _wonderfully_ brought forth;
and we may further say, ever since we came thus _fearfully_ and
_wonderfully_ into the _world_, _fearfully_ and _wonderfully brought_
up, _fearfully_ and _wonderfully preserved_, _delivered_, &c.
_Obj._ But may not _naturall_ men, and _Hypocrites_ admire the
_Nature_, and _works_ of _God_.
I answer, yes, but the _wonder_ which doth possesse a _child_ of _God_,
causeth him to cry out with _David_, _Psal. 119_. Thy _hands_ have
made me, and fashioned me, give me understanding that I may learn thy
_statutes_. Tis such a wonder as _draweth_ up the _heart_ unto _God_,
with _longings_ to be _united_ unto him, to fear his _Name_, to partake
of his divine _Nature_, and to be like unto _Him_ in _holines_, and
_true Righteousnes_.
_Obj._ The _Devills_ believe, and tremble at _God_.
I answer, to tremble at the _word_ of _God_, is alone the _property_
of _Gods Servants_, Isa. 66 The _Devills_ may wonder and tremble at
the just sentence, and threatening part of _Gods word_: But _Gods
children_ tremble at the _commanding_ part, yea at the _comforting_ and
_promising_ part of it also, least they should depart or fall off from
it, or loose, though but for a time as _David_, the joy and sweetnes of
it.
[Sidenote: The glorifying of God the great work of Gods children]
Secondly, it is an _Argument_ of _health_ and spirituall _strength_,
when the _hallowing_, the _magnifying_, and _glorifying_ of the _name_
of _God_ is our great _work_ and _business_ in this _world_, unto which
all the _businesses_ and _works_ we have in hand in the world beside
give way, &c.
Thus _Christ Jesus_ teacheth all his to make it their _first request_
to _God_, that they may _hallow_, or _glorifie_ his _name_: Thus he
professeth (as it were upon his _death bed_) _John_ 17. that he had
done his _work_, that he had _glorified_ his _Father_ upon the _earth_:
Hence he professeth at his most solemn _Arraignment_, _Job 18_. for
this _end_ was I born, and for this _end_ came I into the _world_, that
I might bear _witness_ to the _truth_; that is, to give his _Father_
the _glory_ of his _truth_, and to destroy the _lyes_ of the _devill_
the _father_ of them, who belyeth _God_ in all his holy _attributes_,
and _works_, and _servants_, and _ordinances_, and profaneth and
dishonoreth his holy _name_ in them all.
_Obj._ _Hypocrites_ professe to glorifie _God_, and to say, _Isa. 66._
Let the _Lord_ be glorified.
I answer: No _hypocrite_ can make it his _work_ to _glorifie God_, when
it crosseth his own _glory_: No _hypocrite_ can purely and simply, out
of _love_ to _Gods name_ and _glory_, be content to loose the offer of
a _kingdom_ as _Moses_ did, when the _Lord_ himself offered it him,
and as _Christ Jesus_ did, when the people offered and would have made
him a _King_ by force, and the _devil_ proffered him all the _kingdoms_
of the world, and the glory of them.
[Sidenote: Delightfull privacie with God argues strong affection.]
Thirdly, it is an _Argument_ of _strength_ of Gods grace and Spirit
in us, when we perform _actions_ of _godliness_, with a _single_ and
upright _eye_ unto _God_ himself in secret. _Frequent_ and _constant_
delight in private _converses_ argues strong _affection_ to _God_ or
_men_: _Hypocrites_ (saith _Christ Jesus_) will _pray_ and _fast_,
and give _alms_, but with a _squint_ eye of _private_ and _sinister_
self respect to be _seen_ of men, &c. But _Gods children_ pray, and do
good, and fast in secret, regarding no eye but the eye of an heavenly
_Father_, who seeing in _secret_ will not fail to reward _openly_.
_Ob._ But may not _hypocrites_ speak and _preach_ against _hipocrisie_,
against _self-love_, _self-respect_, and _fleshly and_ worldly _ends_
in the performance of _spirituall duties_? And is it not possible for
_Gods children_ to perform _spirituall duties_ with carnall _ends_ and
_respects_?
[Sidenote: Hypocrites pretend far in glorifying of God.]
I answer: _Hypocrites_ may do this, and pretend pure and upright _ends_
for _God_, as _Jehu_ did: yet discover they _hypocrisie_, in the very
pretence of _sinceritie_, for not content with the _Lords_ eye and
approbation, Come see my _zeal_ (saith he) _Jonadab_, which I have for
the _Lord_.
2ly, _Gods children_ (doubtless) may look aside, and mark who _sees_
and _hears_, and _rewards_ their _performances_ of _service_ unto
_God_: But this is either in _sins_ of _ignorance_; as for _instance_,
many of _Gods_ dear _children_ perform _service_ to _God_ in
_preaching_ as _hirelings_, and conceive themselves not bound although
to glorifie _Christ Jesus_ in saving _souls_) to preach without an
_hire_, and so in other _cases_.
Or 3ly, this may be knowingly and discerningly, as _Paul_ saith, _Rom.
7_. When I would do good, _evil_ is present with me: such _temptations_
come in as water into a ship, or as _dust_ and _diseases_ into a sound
eye, and then _Gods children_ be never quiet untill such _distempers_
be cleansed, and got out again.
[Sidenote: A frequent & constant spirit of prayer an argument of much
of Gods Spirit.]
Fourthly, it is an _Argument_ of _spirituall strength_ when the
_Spirit_ of _prayer_ breatheth forth _frequently_, and _constantly,
and fervently_ to _God_ in us: Hence _David_ prays and cries in the
_morning_, at _noon_, and in the _evening_, he riseth at _midnight_ to
pray, and prevents the _dawning_ of the _day_ to pray: Thus _Daniel_
is thrice each day on his knees to _God_, and would not be beaten off,
with the _powers_ and _terrors_ of cruel _enemies_ and _lyons_.
Thus the Lord _Jesus_ _frequently_ retired alone to private _prayer_,
and sometimes spent the whole _night_ in _prayer_ to _God_ with strong
_cries_, _tears_ and _supplications_: And therefore is it that all true
_Christians_ are the _spirituall Israelites_, that is, _wrastlers_
and _strivers_ with _God_ in prayer; like unto their _Father Jacob_,
who wrastled all night in prayer with _God_, with _weeping_ and
_supplications_, and would not let the _Angel_ go until he blessed him;
and therefore his name was called _Israel_, a _wrastler_ or _prevailer_
with _God_, as well as _Jacob_ a supplanter and prevailer with men.
_Ob._ But may not _Hypocrites_ be frequent and fervent in prayer to
_God_? Did not the _Pharisees_ and _Jews_ pray and fast often? Do not
the very _Turks_ solemnly pray five times each 24. houres? And the
_Papists_ not onely keep their solemn morning and evening times of
_prayer_, but many other solemn prayers unto which the severall orders
of _Friars_, _Monks_ and _Nuns_ bind themselves? And how easie is it
by worldly engines to wheel about the _Indians_ of _America_ to 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.
[Sidenote: True prayer is the souls breathing unto God.]
First then _hypocrites_ pray but in a _form_ and _lip-labour_, as
a _task_ and _work_ to be done for _carnall respects_, to merit at
_Gods_ hand, or to stop the mouth of _conscience_, 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 the _soul_ to
God, arising as _Incense_ and _perfume_ unto God: Hence (no doubt)
although _Paul_ before his conversion prayed much unto _God_, (for he
was a Pharasie) yet he never praid _indeed_, untill his great _change_,
and the descending of the holy _Spirit_ of prayer upon him; And
therefore the Lord sends _Ananias_ with this incouragement unto _Paul_:
Behold he prayeth, _Act. 9_.
[Sidenote: and hath more or lesse some soul-pleasure in it.]
Hence _Gods children_ find a kind of holy _pleasure_ and _delight_ in
_prayer_, whatever be the event or issue, it pleaseth _God_ to give,
like as a man finds delight in casting off an heavy _burthen_ from his
_shoulder_, or in the _unbossoming_ of a _grief_, into the _bosome_ of
a _friend_. Thus _Hanna_ opprest with _grief_ weeps no more, when she
had _powred_ forth her _supplication_ before the _Lord_: And the _Lord
Jesus_ _powred_ forth his _prayers_, and _tears_, in the bosome of his
_Father_, and then rests quiet in his _Fathers pleasure_, as touching
the _passing by_, or _drinking_ of the _bitter cup_.
_Obj._ But may not the _children_ of _God_ want holy _pleasure_ and
_delight_ in prayer, and depart from _Gods presence_ as _heavy_ as they
came?
[Sidenote: Gods children are most in private with God.]
I answer, some _spirituall distempers_ may hinder, and _obstruct_
the _operations_ of the _Spirit of prayer_: nevertheles the _soul_
and _spirit_ praies and mourns for the _absence_ of holy _pleasure_,
and _delight_ in this holy _exercise_. Hence _Davids mourning_ (as
a _Turtledove_) in his _prayers_, and _Jeremies lamentings_ for the
_obstructions_, between the _Lord_ and their _souls_, in this holy
_Communion_.
The second _difference_ is, the _Hypocrites_ prayers more respect
the _ears_ of _men_ then _God_, as the _Lord Jesus_ tells us; They
pray that men may know so much, and esteem them _Religious_: _Gods
children_, like true _lovers_, delight to be private, and fervent with
their heavenly _Father_ and _Husband_.
[Sidenote: The prayers of Gods people most respect spiritual and soul
mercies.]
Thirdly, _Hypocrites_ in their _prayers_ most commonly respect
_earthly_ things, (and therefore _Hos. 7_.) they cry and howl upon
their _Beds_, for _corn_ and _wine_: or at the best they respect but
_themselves_, &c. although it be in the _pardon_ of their _sins_,
and _saving_ of their _Souls_: But the _prayers_ of _Gods children_,
chiefly eye _heavenly_ things.
Hence the wonderfull _spirituallity_ of _Christs prayer_ to his
_Father_, (_John 7_.) for the _glorifying_ of his _name_, and _spirituall
Grace_, and _mercy_ in the _souls_ of _Beleevers_: Hence the admirable
_spirituality_ of _Davids_ prayers, for _spirituall_ and _soul_
mercies, _Psal: 119_. And the fervent prayers of _Paul_ in all his
_Epistles_ for heavenly and spirituall mercies to the _Saints_ of _God_.
_Hypocrites_ like _Dogs_ howl and fawn for _bones_ and _crusts_, &c.
But _Gods_ children beg the proper _tokens_, and characters of a
spirituall _Father_, to his spirituall children, and Beloved.
[Sidenote: Gods people wait for, and rest in Gods answer.]
4thly, _Hypocrites_ will not always cry unto _God_ (_Job. 27_.) but
at last with _Saul_, if _God_ answer not, they run to the _Devill_
in _evil_ means, murmur and despair: But _Gods_ children can no more
cease to cry unto _God_, then to live a spiritual _life_, and therefore
resolve to give _God_ no _Rest_ untill they receive an _answer_, and
therefore also wait for his holy _pleasure_, and _leasure_, and at last
are satisfied with the _Lords_ holy pleasure, and sentence, although it
seem crosse, add bitter to _flesh_, and _blood_: So _Moses_ in respect
of his suit to _God_, for his going into the land of _Canaan_: So
_David_ praying for his _child_: So _Christ Jesus_ in respect of his
_bitter cup_. So _Paul_ praying against his great _temptation_.
_Obj._ But may not _Hypocrites_ pray long, and also wait upon _God_?
I answer, they may, yet at last, out of unbelief, and anger, like an
_angry Dog_, or _sturdy Beggar_, they cry out in murmur, and wrath, as
the unbelieving King of _Israel_, what should I wait upon _God_ any
longer? But _Gods_ children never give over: for when they grow weary,
they (like _Moses_) beg help to their fainting hands in _prayer_,
and desire their _eyes_ may never cease trickling tears unto _God_,
_untill_ he look down from _Heaven_, _Lament: 2_.
A 5th: Argument of _spirituall health_, and _strength_, is a constant
holy sence of our own _unworthines_, _vilenes_, and _basenes_ in _Gods_
presence: Hence _Jacob_ professeth himself less then the least of
_Gods_ mercies, that is, then the least _crum_, or _drop_, or _rag_, or
_look_ of mercy: Hence the _Centurion_ professeth himself not worthy
that _Christ_ should come under his _Roof_: Hence _Elizabeth_ her holy
wonder, whence is it (saith she) that the _Mother_ of my _Lord_ should
come unto me? Hence _Mephiboseth_ wonders that _David_ should look upon
such a _dead Dog_.
_Ob._ But may not _Hypocrites_ professe they are not _Papists_, that
they can deserve nothing at _Gods_ hands, that if they had their
_deserts_ it were woe with them?
[Sidenote: Gods people are only truly sensible of unworthines.]
I answer, _Hypocrites_ may say so, but yet are angry when _God_ seems
to deal with them, as he deals with others. Hence they quarrell
with _God_, as if that _God_ seemed not to respect their offerings
of _prayer_, and _fasting_, _Isa: 58_ But _Gods_ children confessing
themselves _Beggars_ at _Gods_ door, and _Dogs_ under his _Table_,
they wait for, and are humbly thankfull for every _crum_ of grace and
mercy: So _Christ Jesus_ teacheth us to give thanks for the mercy of
a little _bread_, and then for a little _Fish_, (_Mark 6_.) So after
most heavy and wonderfull _afflictions_, _Jeremie_ cries out _Jehova_
is _righteous_, and professeth it is _mercy_ that it is not worse, and
that they were not burnt up and consumed.
[Sidenote: 6thly.]
A 6th. Argument of the spiritual _health_ and _temper_, is when the
_affections_ work strong and lively after _God_, after _God_ for
himself, after _God_ as a _portion_ and _inheritance_, after _God_ as
an _Husband_: when as the _Heart_ panteth after the _water-brooks_, so
pant our _Hearts_ after _God_, when as the thirsty _ground_ longeth
for the _showers_ of _Rain_, so long our _souls_ after _God_: When his
words are sweeter then the honey, and honey comb, and of more esteem
then thousands of _gold_ and _silver_.
_Ob._ But may not _Hypocrites_ (as _Balaam_) professe so much and that
in earnest?
[Sidenote: Hypocrite affection to God.]
I answer, the deceitfull _heart_ of a man will go wonderfull far this
way: Yet certain it is an _Hypocrite_ respects _God_, but as a _Dog_
respects his _Master_, yea sometimes a _stranger_, and an _Enemy_ for
a crust, or as an _Hireling_ for his _wages_: But _Gods children_, in
the want of all things, are content with _God_ alone, his _Christ_, his
_Spirit_, his _Favour_, his _Word_, his _Ordinances_: Hence _David_
professeth _Psal. 4_. Thou puttest more _joy_ into my _heart_, then in
the time when their _corn_ and _wine_ increaseth: And _Habacuck_, when
_Vine_, and _Fig-tree_, and _Flock_ and _Heard_ fail, he professeth to
rejoyce in _God_, and to glory in the _God_ of his _salvation_.
[Sidenote: God himself the portion of his.]
2ly. In the losse of all things, in the greatest _straights_ and
_extremities_, _Gods_ children yet find comfort in _God_, that
_God_ their portion is not lost. Thus as _David_ when his _wives_,
and _children_, and _friends_, and _servants_, and _cattell_ were
all devoured by an enslaving and captivating _sword_, and he finds
no _Remainder_, but burnt _walls_ and _ashes_, and his own company
ready to _stone_ him, yet as _David_ they take comfort, and incourage
themselves injoying their _God_.
[Sidenote: 7thly.]
[Sidenote: Ready obedience to God.]
7tly. It is an argument of spirituall _health_, and _strength_, when
the holy _Commandments_ of _God_ are not grievous, but pleasant and
delightfull to us: when we can say as the _Lord Jesus_ said, it is our
meat and drink, to do our heavenly _Fathers will_: when we are active
and ready at the _commands_ of _God_, and can say (when the _Lord_
asketh whom shall we send) _send_ me, as the _Prophet Esay_ said: And
as the _Lord Jesus_ Psal: 40. Here I am, I delight to do thy will O
my God: when we can without repining, grudging, or delaying, obey
_commands_ most grievous to _flesh_ and _blood_, against not only
_flesh_ and _blood_, but against carnall _reason_, yea against _Hope_
and _Faith_ it self, as _Abraham_ did, in offering up his most dear and
only son _Isaac_.
_Obj._ But may not _Hypocrites_ obey the _commands_ of _God_, as _Saul_
did, _&c_?
I answer, they may indeed obey _Gods commands_ by halves as he did, and
as a _servant_, and _hireling_, serve _God_ for _wages_, and with _eye
service_, with opinion of _merit_, and boast of their _halt_ and _lame_
service, as _Saul did_. But _Gods_ children imbrace all the _commands_
of _God_ with delight, even the _least_, and most despised, with the
greatest and most _difficult_, and when all is done, they confesse they
have need of _mercy_, and are _unprofitable Servants_.
_Obj._ But may not _Gods_ children live in the _disobedience_ of some
_commands_ of _God_, and yet be healthfull, and strong in grace?
[Sidenote: The sins of Gods people.]
I answer, it is impossible that a child of _God_ should (either in
spirituall _health_ or _sicknes_) live in the breach of any known
_command_ of _God_ his _Father_. Tis true, _Abraham_, and _Jacob_,
and _David_, and others, lived long in the sin of many wives, out of
_ignorance_ of _Gods will_, and _Gods_ children to this day, even the
holy _Martyrs_ or _Witnesses_ of _Jesus_, (who accounted their heart
bloods not too dear for _Christ_) have and do live in the breach of
many _Commandments_, that concern the _worship_ of _God_: But they are
herein like a _traveller_ deceived, by a false path, which when he once
really _suspects_, he cannot walk a step with ease, now do they cry
out with _David_, _Psal: 119_. I will walk at _liberty_, for I seek thy
precepts: And when _God_ saith seek my _Face_, their _Hearts_ answer,
_Lord_ thy face will I seek. _Psalm 27_.
[Sidenote: 8thly]
[Sidenote: The patience of Gods children, under Gods hand.]
An 8th. discovery of _spirituall health_ and _strength_, is an
humble, a patient and thankfull _submission_ to the _aflicting_,
and _chastising_ hand of _God_. Thus it is said of _Aaron_, in that
dreadfull stroak of _Gods_ hand, depriving him of his two sons in
the _floure_ of their _Youth_, in the midst of their _sin_, in the
_performance_ of their _Priests Office_: it is said, _Aaron_ held his
peace: I was dumb and held my peace, (saith _David_) _Psal. 39_. for thou
didst it: Thus _Jeremiah_ (Lam: 1.) _Jehovah_ is righteous, for I have
grievously transgrest against him. Yea _Job_ not only exprest an humble
and patient mind, but also (which is wonderfull, but proper to _Gods_
children, when in right temper) he blessed _God_ in the midst of so
many fearfull and astonishing _losses_, of so many Cattel, Servants,
and Children, saying, Blessed be the name of the _Lord_.
_Obj._ May not _wicked_ men and _Hypocrites_ acknowledg _Gods_
afflicting hand, and humble themselves?
[Sidenote: The counterfeit patience of Hypocrites]
I answer, _Hypocrites_ may see _Gods_ hand, and humble themselves as
the _Egyptians_, and the _Philistins_ did, but cannot possibly be
thankfull for it: They acknowledg _Gods_ hand as a _Dog_ his _Masters_
when he is beaten, but not as a child his _Fathers_. As a loving and
dutifull _Wife_, receiving _Pills_ or _Phisick_ from the hand of her
loving _Husband_, a _skilfull Physitian_, who knows her _sicknes_,
and out of _love_ and _care_, prepares them for her, she cannot but
be thankfull for those bitter _medicins_, and earnestly desire a
kindly working: Thus _David_, _Psal: 119_. I know O _Lord_ that thou in
_faithfulnesse_ hast afflicted me, for all thy commands are _righteous_.
[Sidenote: 9thly.]
[Sidenote: The mournful confession of Gods people.]
A 9th. Argument of _spiritual health_, and _strength_, is an humble
free _confession_, and giving _glory_ unto _God_, in the rising up, or
recovering out of any _scandalous transgression_, against _God_ Hence
the _Israelites_ confession of their sin in desiring a _King_, (so
impatiently, and imperiously as they did, with large confessions, _1.
Sam. 6_.)
Hence the many bitter and lamentable _confessions_ of holy _David_
and other holy Servants of _God_, after their committing of _known
evils_: Hence the _Corinthians_ repenting of their fellowship with the
_incestuous_ person in his sin, they give such an exemplary _evidence_
of their true _Repentance_, that their holy _practice_ is set as an
holy _Samplar_, and _Copy_ for all _Saints_ afterward to follow, and
write after.
_Obj._ But did not _Pharaoh_, _Saul_ and _Judas_ confesse their sins,
_&c_?
[Sidenote: 1.]
I answer, not with intent to glorifie _God_ as _Gods_ Saints do, taking
shame before the _world_ unto themselves, lying down in the Dust that
_God_ may tread upon them, and be exalted.
[Sidenote: 2.]
[Sidenote: False confessions.]
Not with hatred of their _sins_, but in horrour and trouble at the
_danger_ of them, or in the _evidence_ of them flying in their faces.
Thus a _Merchant_ casteth those _goods_ over boord into the _sea_ in
a storme, which afterward he wisheth in again: Like a _Dog_, they
vomit up the filth which (after their _stomach_ is eased) they return
unto, and lick up by new _Commissions_: But Gods _children_ confesse
in hatred of their _sins_, and loathing of themselves, and (like men
in some _sicknesses_) are willing to take those _medicines_ which may
_provoke_ and cause _vomit_, which afterward they are so far from
returning to, that they abhor to touch, or look on it.
_Obj._ But may not _Gods_ children return again to their vomit, and
commit the same _sins_, which they have cast, up by humble _confession_?
[Sidenote: The sins of Gods people distinguished.]
I answer, the sins of _Gods children_ are either, 1. _grosse_ or
_scandalous_, which when they recover out of, and give _glory_
unto _God_, by _publike_ confession, we seldome or never find them
returning to such their _vomit_ again. Hence we hear no more of _Noahs
Drunkennesse_, of _David's Adultry_, of _Peters deniall_ of _Christ
Jesus_, _&c._
Or 2ly. Their _sins_ are _sins_ of a more private and ordinary
_distemper_, wherein their _passions_ of _anger_, or _neglect_, or
_forgetfullnes_ prevail against them, never without some _bitternes_,
and _grief_, and _humiliation_, and _endeavour_, with _resolution_ of a
more watchfull, and heavenly, and spirituall _conversation_?
[Sidenote: 10thly.]
[Sidenote: Gods people long alter visible enjoyments of God.]
10thly. It is an _argument_ of _spiritual health_, and _strength_, to
_maintain_ or _recover_ an holy vehement longing, after the _enjoyment_
of _God_, and of _Christ_, in a _visible_, and _open profession_ of
his own holy _worship_ and _Ordinances_, separate from all false
_worships_, _Gods_, and _Christs_, &c.
Hence that of _David_, _Lord_ I have loved the _Habitation_ of thy
_house_, and the place where thine _honour_ dwelleth: Hence he
professeth he had rather be a _Door keeper_ in the house of the
_Lord_, (that is in a low condition, in _Gods_ house,) then to dwell
in the _tents_ of _wickednes_, though in never so safe and pleasant a
_condition_.
Hence he sums up all his _desires_ in one, _Psal: 27_. One thing have I
desired of the _Lord_, that I may dwell in the house of the _Lord_, &c.
Hence (though _David_ mist of the _Lords Order_ in carrying of the
_Lords Ark_, and afterwards he mist in his _thoughts_ about the
building of _God_ an _house_ and _Temple_: Yet in both he discovered
his holy strong _affection_, to _Gods_ publike _honour_, and _worship_.
The very same which afterward the Prophet _Jeremy_, and _Daniel_
declared in their bitter _Lamentations_, for the _Ruine_ of _Gods_
house. And both _Daniel_ and _Zacharie_, and _Haggie_, mightily
declare this _affection_ for the _rebuilding_, and setting up again
this _Temple_ and _worship_ of _God_, and what they prophesied, that
both _Ezra_ and _Nehemiah_, and afterward _Jehoshua_ and _Zerubabel_
zealously performed and executed.
[Sidenote: True Christians affection to Christ Jesus in his visible
worship.]
Hence it is that in the heavenly _Love Song_, the _love_ of
_Christians_ to _Christ Jesus_ in his _ordinances_ is most elegantly
set forth by a _similitude_ taken from the _strong affection_ of
_married_ persons: I am, saith the _Spouse, sick_ of _love_, and O ye
daughters of _Jerusalem_ tell _Christ Jesus_ so: If I finde him without
I will _kisse_ him openly in the _streets_, and will not be ashamed:
True heavenly _affection_ (like _marriage love_) at first kindles
from some private _sparks_, to an open flame of publick _profession_,
without shame before all men.
_Obj._ May not _Hypocrites_ (as _Saul_ in slaying the _Gibeonites_,
and _Jehu_ in slaying the _Baalites_) discover strong _affection_ and
_zeal_ to the _Lord_ and his _worship_, and consequently in these times
to Christ _Jesus_ and his holy _kingdom_?
I answer: _Hypocrites_ and _counterfeits_ in their profession of _love_
to _Gods_ publick worship ever run upon one of these two _Rocks_. For,
First, either they set up, and maintain, and fight for a _fancie_, a
_counterfeit_, a false _Christ_, according to the _prophesie_ of the
Lord _Jesus_, that many (that is, _thousands_ and _multitudes_ of
people) should so use his _name_, that is, with a willing ignorance and
delusion.
Or 2ly, if it be the true _worship_ of the true _God_ according to the
_appointment_ of _Christ Jesus_, yet ever in two things the sincere
_wife_ (the true love of _Christ Jesus_) out-goes the _whore_ and
_counterfeit_.
First, the true _wife_ contents not herself with the bare _exercise_,
_ordinance_ or _administration_ (as the _hypocrites_ do) but in all
is restless to enjoy the _Lord_ himself: For as the _ordinance_
is _spirituall_, and heavenly; so longs the true _beleever_ for a
_spirituall_ and heavenly _communion_ with the _Lord_ himself in it,
that he may become one _spirit_ with him more and more in all these
outward and _subordinate means_ and _administrations_.
Hence it pleaseth the _Spirit_ of _God_ to resemble his _worship_ to
the _marriage bed_, which satisfies not the heavenly _Spouse_, when the
_Husband Christ Jesus_, is not spiritually embraced therein, but absent.
2ly, The desire of the true _beleever_ in the enjoyment of _Christ
Jesus_ in any of his _appointments_ is to be made _fruitfull_ by
him: but the desire of a _whore_ extends no further then _Lust_ or a
_Reward_. Hence _Rom. 7_. We are married unto _Christ Jesus_, that we
should bring forth _fruit_ unto _God_: A _whoorish heart_ willingly
endures not _fruitfulnes_, but kills her own _conceptions_ which the
true _Wife_ cherisheth, and tendreth as her _life_.
_Obj._ What should be the _reason_ why so many of _Gods children_
who in all _ages_ have discovered their strong _affection_ to _Gods_
visible _worship_, and _communion_ in _Christ_, have yet so varied, and
wandred from the right, and first _institution_ of the _Church_, and
_ministry_, and _Ordinances_ of _worship_?
I answer, Gods _councell_ touching the _spirituall captivity_, and
_desolation_, must be fulfilled, when yet notwithstanding, the strength
of the _affection_ of _Gods_ people hath appear'd in their _mourning_
and _weeping_, and lamenting after, and contending for the truth of the
_spiritual injoyment_ of their souls _Beloved_, in all the _means_ of
his own holy _appointments_.
[Sidenote: 11thly.]
11thly. Again it is an _Argument_ of _spirituall health_, & strength,
in respect of _God_, when the _Heart_ is fixed, and readily prepared
for all the holy _pleasure_ of _God_. Hence _Hezekiah_ praies for such
whose _hearts_ were prepared to seek _Jehovah, God_ of their _Fathers_:
Hence this _readines_, and _preparation_ of mind, is compared to the
_shoes_ on our _Feet_, without which we are unfit for _travelling_,
_walking_, &c. and with which we are _ready_ for any _spirituall
imployment_. Hence _David_ professeth that his _heart_ was fixed,
and ready, and when the _Lord_ said seek my _Face_, _Davids heart_
answered, _Lord_, thy _Face_ will I seek, _&c._
_Obj._ What is the reason that _Gods children_ are sometimes hardly
brought on to difficult _services_, and _duties_?
I answer, _unreadines_, and _unfitnes_ is a _spirituall sicknes_ or
_distemper_, which when _Gods children_ recover out of, then they say
as the _Lord Jesus_ in _David_ _Psal: 41_. _Lord_ my _heart_ is willing,
my _heart_ is ready to do thy will O my _God_: And they say to _Christ
Jesus_, as his holy servant _John Bradford_ said to _Queen Mary_; If
she keep me in _prison_, I will thank her; If she _release_ me I will
_thank_ her; If she _burn_ me, I will still _thank her_.
[Sidenote: 12thly]
Lastly, it is an _Argument_ of _spirituall health_, and _strength_
when _Gods children_ walk in a continuall sence of their own
_insufficiencies_, and _distempers_, when they discern the evill
_inclination_ of their own _spirits_, and the _excellency_, and
_sufficiency_ of _Gods_ most holy _Spirit_: And therefore continually
say with _David_, _Psalme 143_. Thy _Spirit_ is good, lead me, _&c._
and Psal. 139. Search me O _God_, and try my _heart_, and see if
thou findest any way of _wickednes in me, and lead me in the way
everlasting_.
These and many more, are the _trials_ of _spirituall strength_,
_health_, and _cheerfulnes_, in matters concerning _God_: We now come
to the second Head of _trialls_ of _spirituall health_, and _strength_,
in matters concerning our selves.
[Sidenote: Brokennes of spirit.]
First, then it is an Argument of _spiritual health_, and _strength_,
when (especially) after known sins committed, our _hearts_ are in
a _broken_ frame and temper, when our _spirits_ are as it were
_contrite_, and pounded like _spice in a_ Morter, then yeelding the
most delightfull _smell_ and _savour_ unto _God_.
Hence (_Isa. 66_) a _contrite_, and broken heart is an _House_ wherein
_God_ dwels, an House well ordered, _swept_, and _garnished_.
Hence a _Spirit_ of _trembling_, (_Isa. 66_.) is an _Argument_ and
_character_ of the most dutifull _children_ of _God_: but of this
formerly.
[Sidenote: 2dly.