The teachings of Christ in the soule. Opened in a sermon before the Right Honble House of Peers, in Covent-garden-Church, upon the solemne day of their monthly fast, March 29. 1648. / By Peter Sterry, M.A. sometimes fellow of Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge: and now preacher of the Gospel in London. Published by order of that House. Sterry, Peter, 1613-1672. 1648 Approx. 120 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 31 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2009-10 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A93880 Wing S5486 Thomason E433_30 ESTC R204205 99863875 99863875 116091 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A93880) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 116091) Images scanned from microfilm: (Thomason Tracts ; 68:E433[30]) The teachings of Christ in the soule. Opened in a sermon before the Right Honble House of Peers, in Covent-garden-Church, upon the solemne day of their monthly fast, March 29. 1648. / By Peter Sterry, M.A. sometimes fellow of Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge: and now preacher of the Gospel in London. Published by order of that House. Sterry, Peter, 1613-1672. [8], 54, [2] p. Printed for R. Dawlman, and are to be sold at the Signe of the Crowne and Bible at Dowgate, neer Canning-street, London : 1648. The first leaf bears an order to print. The last leaf is blank. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. 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Fast-day sermons -- 17th century. 2007-03 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2007-03 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2009-01 Judith Siefring Sampled and proofread 2009-01 Judith Siefring Text and markup reviewed and edited 2009-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE TEACHINGS OF CHRIST IN THE SOULE . OPENED In a SERMON before the Right Hon ble House of PEERS , in Covent-garden-Church , upon the Solemne Day of their Monthly Fast , March 29. 1648. By PETER STERRY , M. A. Sometimes Fellow of Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge : AND Now Preacher of the Gospel in LONDON . Published by Order of that House . LONDON , Printed for R. Dawlman , and are to be sold at the Signe of the Crowne and Bible at Dowgate , neer Canning-street . 1648. Die Lunae 3 0 Aprilis , 1648. ORdered by the Lords in Parliament assembled , That M r Sterrey one of the Assembly of Divines is hereby thanked for his great paines taken in his Sermon Preached the last Fast before their Lo ps in the Covent-Garden Church ; And he is hereby desired to cause his said Sermon to be printed and published , which is to be done onely by Authority under his owne hand . IO : BROWNE , Cleric . Parliamentorum . To the Right Hon ble , the House of PEERS , Assembled in Parliament . Right Hon ble , I Have principally endeavoured in this Sermon to search , What that is , to Which we may Trust our Soules ; and What Foundation we are to Lay in our Religion . If we were once Established in this maine Point concerning the Next World , we should Enjoy our selves with much more Setledness , and Security in This World. For how quietly should we repose our Selves for this Outward , Short Life in the Body on that Power , to Which we commit the Care of our more Excellent , and Immortall Part ? What Difficulty would there be in Trusting to Him for our Preservation from Death , to whom we trust our Selves in Death , for Eternity ? Our Lord Jesus seems to this End to be Shaking Heaven , and Earth , Church , and State , all Outward Powers , and Inward Principles in Both ; that the True Foundation of Heaven , and Earth may be Discovered . Saint Paul saith , Other Foundation can no Man lay , than that which is laid , Jesus Christ , 1 Cor. 3. 11. God Hath laid no other Foundation ; neither May we , neither Can we . On This alone hath God built the World , His Church , His Glory . He hath made All Things by Jesus Christ , Coloss . 1. 16. On this alone must we build our Belief , and Obedience in Divine Things ; our Wisdome , and Power in the Things of Man. For All Power is given to Him in Heaven , and Earth , Mat. 28. 18. Whoever raiseth any Outward , or Inward Frame of Things upon any other Ground-worke , he makes a Lie , he works the Works of the Devill , whose End is to be Dissolved ; to Vanish into Ayre , or Perish in the Fire . S. Paul Divides Man into Three Parts ; Spirit , Soule , and Body , 1 Thess . 5. 23. The Body is an Outward Image made of Dust , Gen. 2. 7. God formed Man of the Dust of the Ground . The Soule is a Breath of Life Inclosed in This Image , Clothed with It , and Giving Life to It : He breathed into his Nosthrils the Breath of Life , and Man became a Living Soul. The Spirit is the Fountain of Life , which flowes forth from God , to Feed , and Maintain the Breath of Life in the Body . When the time of Death Comes , This Spirit draws back to Their Head again Those streams of Life , by Which It went forth into the Body . Then the Outward Image falls to the Ground , and moulders away . Thus doth the Dust return to the Earth , as it was ; and the Spirit returns to God that gave it , Eccles . 12. 7. Now of These Three the Higher lives In the Lower , and Above It. The Lower lives by the Higher . And the Highest of all Three , the Spirit of Man hath a Higher than That , by which It Self lives , even the Spirit of the Lord Jesus , who is the King , and Father of Spirits . Our Saviour reasons after this manner , Is not the Life More than Meat , and the Body than Rayment ? Mat. 6. 25. My Lords ! We are all well assured of This : that , Nothing can Give More , than It Hath . These Bodies of ours , which have a more Noble Image , and Life , than any other part of this Outward World , in which they are ; cannot receive Either , or continue in Either by any Inferiour , and Outward Thing ; but by a Soule , which dwells in the Body , as a Silk-worm in her Work ; which lives in the Body , as a Fire in the Flame . Food , and Rayment may be the Fuell , by which the Soule maintains the Flaming Appearance of this Bodily Image . But the Vertue goes forth from the Soule . Our Saviour again teacheth us ; that , Nothing , which comes from Without , can make the Soule Miserable , or Happy ; Clean , or Unclean . This is done by that which comes from a more Inward , and Higher Principle ; from the Spirit of Man. In like manner this Spirit it self derives Its Life from the Right , or the Left Hand of Jesus Christ ; His Love , or His Wrath. From Hence our Spirits convey Life into our Soules , and thorow them into our Bodies . Thus our Bodies live not by Bread alone , but by that Vertue , which comes forth from our Soules . Our Soules live not by their Counsels , and Courages alone ; but by every Stream of Life , that descends from our Spirits upon them . Our Spirits live not by their own Eminencies ; but by Every Word , that comes forth from the Mouth of Jesus Christ . S. Paul said , The Head of the Woman is the Man ; The Head of the Man is Christ ; The Head of Christ is God , 1 Cor. 11. 3. So the Head of the Body is the Soule ; the Head of the Soule is the Spirit ; the Head of the Spirit is Jesus Christ , as He comes forth to us in the Ministery of Angels . Therefore let us have a Covering over our Heads , a Power over our Soules , and Spirits , holding them in Subjection ; for these Angels sakes , Amongst Which , and By Which Jesus Christ the Head of our Soules , and Spirits doth now raigne over us . Our Lord Jesus calls Himself the Sun of Righteousnesse . O that men did once Know ; that there can be no Right Judgment made , no true Distinction , or Discovery of Things ; but by the Shining out of Jesus Christ in their Hearts ! Are there not Invisible Things , as well as Visible ? Have not They also Their Sun ? The Sun , the Brightest Body , is the Foundation , and Fountain of all Light , Vertue , Forme , and Being in this Globe of Bodily Substances . If the Sun be quite hid , all Shapes are lost in an Utter Darkness . The Lord Jesus among Spirits , and Spirituall Things is the onely Foundation of Truth , Life , and Power . All Truth , and True Life is lost in Doubt , Uncertainty , and a Spirituall Death , to those Spirits , in which He withdraweth Himself . Why is the Heaven of our Religion darkened with Clouds of Dispute , with so much Diversity , such Uncertainty of Opinions ; that he begins to seem the Wisest among us , who is most of all a Sceptique , that is , a Scorner , or an Atheist ? How comes our Reason to such a Losse , that She cannot Find , or Know Her self ; She can give no Cleer , or Constant Account of Her self , in any One Man , or in any One Particular Thing ? Doe not These things manifestly declare not only a Negation , but a Privation of some Great Light , which should by It's Immediate Presence rule the Day of our Religion ; and by Its Beams falling upon our Reason , as the Lesse Light , rule the Night of of Nature , and Civill Affairs ? The Watch-men watch for the Morning , so doth my Soule wait for the Rising of the Lord Jesus upon Her , and upon the whole Earth . He is the Image of the Invincible God ; the Light , that is Sowne even in This our Darkness . But He shall breake these Chains of Darkness . For it is not Possible , that He should be Holden by them . I have onely One Thing more to say , which is this ; that , There are Some things , which I could not speake before your Lo ps , though I had prepared them . These things I have now taken the Boldness to present to your Lo ps Eyes , together with those , which I had formerly offered to your Lo ps Ears . That Jesus Christ may discover Himself a Living Corner-stone in your Hearts , out of which may grow up a Building of Eternall Peace to your own Persons , and Present Peace to This Kingdome , is , My Lords , the Prayer of Your Honours most humble Servant in the Lord Jesus , PETER STERRY . A SERMON Preached at the Monthly Fast , before the Right Honourable House of Lords . MATTH . 23. 10. Neither be ye called Masters : for one is your Master , even Christ . THE CONTEXT . OUr blessed Saviour directs his discourse in this Chapter against the Scribes , and Pharisees , men of principall esteem among the Jewes for piety , and learning : for Exactnesse in the letter of the Scriptures : Eminency of skill to Interpret , and Comment upon the letter ; Austerity of Life . Thus much they arrogated to themselves , and had ascrib'd to them by the people . Precious things these are , where they are true , and no more to be undervalued , because they have their Counterfeits ; than Jesus Christ is , because there are Anti-Christs . The Lord notes Three things in these men : 1. Their Practice . 2. Their Principle . 3. Their End. 1. Their Practice . This is Two-fold . 1. Practice . Imposalls upon men . They require Vniversall Obedience . Men must Believe all , that they Say ; though Themselves Believe it not . Men must Observe their Rules ; though themselves neglect , and break them : v. 4. They bind heavy burthens , and grievous to be borne , on men's shoulders , but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers . Thus it is for the most part : They are such , as have too little in them , who take too much upon them . 2. Practice : Industry among men , v. 15. Wo unto you Scribes , and Pharisees , Hypocrites ; for ye compasse Sea , and Land , to make one Proselyte , and when he is made , you make him two-fold more the Child of Hell , than your selves . They spare no Care , Cost , or Pains to make a Convert ; but it is to themselves ; by a Blind obedience , and Implicite Faith. While they promise to bring a man to Heaven , they make his heart like Hell ; full of bitter zeale , a violent heat , without any light at all . This was their Practice . 2. Their Principle , which is Hypocrisie . Wo unto you Scribes , and Pharisees , Hypocrites ! v. 13. They pretended to come in the Name of God , as sent forth from God : yet they had nothing of the Divine Presence resting on them , working in them , or going forth by them : but were , as other men . It is a vain thing to hope to put Life into the Dead child by the Staffe , without the Person of Elisha ; or to divide the Waters with the Mantle , without the God of Elijah . Whoever attempts to conjure down any Devill by the sound of Christ's name , without his Spirit , and Presence ; let him take heed , lest the Devil flie in his face more enraged . This is the second thing , which our Saviour notes in these men . 3. Their End. This is Two-fold : 1. Vainglory , v. 5. All their Works they doe to be seen of men . 2. Covetousnesse , v. 14. Ye devoure Widows houses , and for a pretence make long Prayers . Gold , and Glory are the baites , which the Devill layes for men . He hath escaped the hooke of the Devill , who cares not for these . He that cares not to have any Possession , or to make any Appearance in this World ; he is already in Heaven , and dwells with God. This is the Way of these men , whom the Lord reproves , and condemns . He warns his own Disciples to take heed , that they follow not their Examples . He gives them two Cautions to this purpose . The first Caution is in the Verse before my Text : And call no man your Father upon the Earth ; for one is your Father , which is in Heaven . The second Caution is my Text : Neither be ye called Masters : for ye have one Master , which is Christ . You see the Context . THE TEXT . THese words , with those foregoing them are to be opened by a two-fold Distinction : 1. Distinction , between Naturall , and Spirituall things . These Cautions concern the Latter of these ; but reach not to the First . The Heaven , even the Heavens ( the true Heaven of Spirituall things ) are the Lord's : but the Earth ( all things of Nature ) hath he given to the Children of Men , Ps . 115. 16. Naturall things are shadows of Spirituall . The Naturall man is an Image of God , and no more . An Image may raigne , as Father , and Master among shadows . But in Spirituall things , which are substantiall , God himself , who is the only substance , and truth , will be , and appear All alone . 2. Distinction . The second Distinction is a two-fold Consideration of man : one , as he is in God ; the other , as he is in himself . As man is in God , so he may be owned , and acknowledged for a Father , or Master in Spirituall things themselves . Saint Paul attributes so much to himself ; but marke , how he doth it . For though you have ten thousand Instructers in Christ , yet have you not many Fathers : for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you thorow the Gospell , 1 Cor. 4. 15. Saint Paul hedgeth in his expression on both Sides , with Christ , and the Gospell ; that the Glory might be all given to God. . In Jesus Christ I have begotten you thorow the Gospell . I , as I am , not in my self , but comprehended in one Spirit with Christ , in one Mysticall Person , which is Christ : thorow the Gospell , that is , thorow the presence , power , and appearance of Christ Jesus in me . Paul is ever carefull to speak with abundance of caution in things of this nature . Now I live , yet not I , but Christ liveth in me , Gal. 1. 20. I wrought more abundantly , then they all : Yet not I , but the Grace of God , which was with me , 1 Cor. 15. 10. So here , I have begotten you ; yet not I , but a man in Jesus Christ ; yet not I , but the Gospel , the power of Christ , which was in me . Man in this sence is but the Garment , and God is the Person , that comes cloth'd with this garment . While we call any man Master , or Father in this sence , we do , as Thomas ; who put his hand upon the fraile , the humane part of Christ , his wounds ; and cried , My Lord , and my God ; his eye being on the Divinity , while his hand was upon the Humanity . But he , that attributes any thing in Spirituall things to man in the other consideration , as he is in himselfe : he makes him a member of that man of sin , who sets himself up in the Temple of God , shewing himself : 2 Thess . 2. 4. The Text being thus opened is easily divided into two parts : a Rule ; Be not ye called Masters : the reason of the Rule : for ye have one Master , even Christ . The Doctrine . THe Words thus opened , and divided , afford us from both parts this one Doctrine : Doctr. Jesus Christ is the onely Master in Christianity . Jesus Christ is Emmanuel , God with us , Mat. 1. 23. The Creatour in union with the Creature ; The Divine nature joyned with the Humane in one Person ; God living in the nature , and forme of man : man living in the person , and power of God. This Christ is Lord of all , as the Scripture speaks , and so he is a Master . But I speak not of him now in this sence , as a Master in power , but in precepts : as a Master over servants , but Disciples . I will give you one Proofe of the Doctrine , and one Reason for it : Proofe . The Proofe is that place , Matth. 11. 27. All things are delivered to me of my Father , and no man knoweth the Son , but the Father : neither knoweth any man the Father , save the Son ; and he , to whomsoever the Son will reveal him . There is nothing worth the knowing but God alone . Let him that glorieth , glory in this , that he understandeth me , Jer. 9. 24. There is nothing capable of being Known , but God ; or by the Knowing of him first . For all other things are meer Representations of him , and relate to him . Prov. 16. 4. God hath made all things for himself : that is , to resemble him , and returne to him . No knowledge can bring into your soules substance , or satisfaction ; life , or immortality , besides this . This is Eternall life to Know thee the only true God , John 17. 3. Thou art a good Christian , if thou Knowest thy God , thy Father ; from whence thou camest ; in whose house thou dwellest ; to whom thou must returne . But no man can Know the Father , except he be taught by the Son. Reason . The Reason of the Doctrine is the Office of Christ . Our Saviour hath a three-fold Office of 1. King. 2. Priest . 3. Prophet . It belongs to him by all these Offices , to be our onely Master . 1. Christ hath the Office of a King , Psal . 2. 6. God saith , I have set my King upon my holy hill of Sion . Christ is a King of God's making , and appointing ; the King of Saints ; a King in his Church , which is the true mount Sion . Saul the first King of the Jewes , was taller by the head , than the rest of his Brethren . Jesus Christ is higher by the head , than all the Creatures ; his head is ever above all Clouds in the light of the Divine nature . The head of Christ is God , 1 Cor. 11. 3. Thus is Christ crowned King by the Godhead . And by this Title hath he the Law of all Truth , and Goodnesse in his own Breast . For he is an absolute , supream King. God calls Christ , my King ; a King in my likenesse , in my stead . Therefore Moses speaks to Jesus Christ , in a Figure , after this manner , Deut. 33. 3. All his Saints are in thine hand , ( to be trained up , and form'd by thee , O Lord Jesus ) they sate at thy feet , ( as Paul at the feet of Gamaliel ) they received the words from thy mouth . It is a Spirituall Kisse from the mouth of Jesus Christ upon the soul , that can alone set the stamp of a Truth , or a Law upon any thing there . They received the words from my mouth . Christ is our only Master by his Kingly office . 2. Christ hath the Office of a Priest , Psal . 110. 4. Thou art a Priest for ever after the Order of Melchisedech . Some Divines tell us from the 7. of the Hebrews , that this Melchisedech was the Holy Ghost , or Jesus Christ in the Spirit , appearing to Abraham in the Form of a Man. Both are much at one . But however this be ; it appears clearly from the Chapter ; that this Order of Priesthood was absolute , incommunicable , immortall . The Priesthood , and Kingdome of Christ are both peculiar to himself . For he hath a peculiar anointing to them both , Psal . 45. 7. God , thy God hath anointed thee with the oyle of gladnesse above thy Fellows . The anointing which Jesus Christ hath is the powring forth of the Divine nature upon the Humane . This makes him both Priest , and King after an eminent , and singular manner . Now it was one of the Principall works of the Priest , to teach men the Knowledge of God. So you may read Mal. 2. 7. For the Priests lips should keep Knowledge , and they should Seek the Law at his Mouth , for he is the Messenger of the Lord of Hosts . This was the duty of Priests under the Law , as the Type . But this is the dignity of Christ alone in the Gospel , as the Truth to that Type . He is the Messenger ( the Angel ) of the Lord of Hosts . This is the living Spring of Knowledge , which is ever full , and flowes forth upon those Soules , that hang on his lips ; even the Spirit of our Lord Jesus . The Office , and aptnesse of Christ to Teach ; his Communicative nature in Divine things is sweetly exprest , Cant. 5. 13. His Lips , like Lillys , dropping sweet-smelling Myrrhe . The Appearances , and Discoveries of Christ to the Soule are those Lips , with which he Kisseth the Spirits of Men. Lillys are Flower-de-luces , Flowers of Divine light . Myrrhe is an Embalming spice of sweet savour , preserving from corruption . The Lips of Christ , his layings forth of himself to the Soul are exceeding faire with the brightnesse of heavenly Truths . They drop upon the Soule in the pretiousnesse , and power of those Truths , like Myrrhe , carrying the sweet savour of Life and Immortality along with them . This is the second Office of Christ , his Priesthood , by vertue of which he is our only Master . 3. Christ hath the Office of a Prophet , Act. 3. 27. Moses truly said to the Fathers ; A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you , from among your Brethren , like unto me . Him shall you hear in all things , whatsoever he shall say unto you . The Lord Jesus is a Prophet like Moses , because he is a Man , but unlike him , because he is God , as well , as Man. He is like Moses , because Moses was the shadow of this rising Sun , which went before him . Yet he is unlike , because he is the Sun it self . The name of a Prophet ( 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) Signifies two things in the Office : 1. To fore-tell things to come . 2. To tell forth the Hidden truths of God from the Secret of his Spirit to the Ears , or Souls of Men. A Prophet in the latter of these senses , is that Prophet , of which I now principally speak . And in this sense are Prophets spoken of , 1 Cor. 14. 29. Let the Prophets speak , two , or three , and let the rest judge . Ver. 30. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by , let the first hold his peace . Ver. 31. For ye may all prophesie one by one , that all may learn , and all may be comforted . A Prophet is the Oracle of God , for the delivery of Divine Discoveries to men . And in this sense God speaketh of Christ , Hebr. 1. 2. God hath spoken in these last times by his Sonne . Glorious truths laid up in God , concerning Himselfe , and the Heavenly estate of things are revealed first to Jesus Christ , and by him to us . The Lord Jesus is God-man , God and Man in Vnion . As God , he possesseth eternally all Divine Truths in Himself : then by vertue of the Vnion he drawes forth these Truths out of the Depth of the Divine nature into the Humane , as it were to the top of the water , that they may be visible there . Divine Truths can live no where , but in the Divine nature : neither can they appeare to us , but in the Humane nature . Therefore can there be a Spirituall Discovery no where , but in Jesus Christ , where he goes along with it , and carryes it on in his owne Person : Because in Him alone is the Vnion betweene both Natures . Object . But you may say , May we heare no Person in Divine things ? May no man speak to us the things of God , besides Jesus Christ ? Were there not Prophets before his Being in the flesh ? Have there not been Prophets , and Teachers in the Church , since his fleshly comming ? Ans . You shall have an Answer to this Objection from the mouth of an Angel , Rev. 19. 10. Saint John would have worshipt the Angel , which ministred to him the revelations of Jesus Christ : But he forbade it in these words , See thou doe it nor , I am thy fellow-servant , and of thy Brethren , that have the Testimony of JESUS , worship God , For the Testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophesie . Prophesie is a Discovery of Divine things by a Divine light . This is that which is called a Revelation , Ephes . 1. 17. The Spirit of Wisdome , and Revelation in the Knowledge of Him , that is , Jesus Christ . And 1 Cor. 14. 30. If any thing be revealed to another , let the first hold his peace . Nothing can come to us in a Divine light , except it come in Christ , and his Appearance . For this is that which makes the Day in Divine things . Ye are Children of the Light , and of the Day . We are to take nothing for a Divine Light , a Prophesie , or a Revelation , except the Lord Jesus give his Testimony to it by his Appearance in it . Worship God , saith the Angel , I am a servant , who beare the Image of the Living God , which is the Appearance of Jesus Christ in me . I am no more than the Precious Stones were under the Law , on which a Light from Heaven shone forth , to give answers from God. I am onely the Lanthorne , that carry the Light in me , which sends forth its Beames to you . The Prophet saith , To the Law , and to the Testimony , if they speak not according to these , they have no Light in them . Esay 8. 20. This he speaketh of the Prophets . No Light , that is , no Morning . All Prophesies , or Spirituall Discoveries , before Christ appeared , were , as Morning light , which flowes from the Sun , though that be not yet seene it selfe . All since Christ are as Beames falling from his Face . S. Paul calls all Gospel-discoveries , The Glory of God in the Face of Christ , 2. Cor. 4. 6. Thus much for the Answer to this Objection , and the Reason of the Point . The Application . Use 1 FOr Humiliation . Right Honourable , Can you weep with your Saviour one houre ? You have set this Day , and many ; your Saviour hath set this Yeere , and many such Yeeres apart , to this end . Long did our Lord Jesus pipe to us with the sweet sounds of Peace , Plenty , Pleasures : But we danced not to the Musick of his Love. Now he hath long wept to us , he comes forth cloth'd with red garments , riding on the pale horse of Death in the midst of us . If we now mourne not to him , it is a Rebellion , as the sinne of Witchcraft ; it is to make merry with Devils , and exalt our selves with Lucifer . My Lords ! If a sense of your Saviour's frownes , and the sorrowes of your people have wrought your soules to a mourning temper , I humbly beg two things of you ; One , that you would mourne seriously ; the other , that you would mourne spiritually . 1. Mourne seriously . The Lord Jesus is our Master , He sets us serious Lessons of Sorrow . Let us raise our Spirits to their Watch-tower , to a wakefull temper . What doe we now see ? The Lord Jesus making three Kingdomes in a view , as three Wine-presses , Himselfe treading them ; where the Grapes are men ; the Wine , the precious blood , and the deare lives of many thousands of men . Yet his anger is not turned away , but his hand is stretched out still . Still he seemes to be gathering together under his feet the remaining Clusters , to tread them into streams of blood , till there be none left ; till the dry land of Peace , or Hope , be no more to be seene ; but a deluge of blood swallow up all . But , What doe we see ? The Lord Jesus making three Kingdomes as Bottles , filling them first with the winde of Vanity , and Pride ; then with the Wine of their owne Fury , and his Wrath ; so dashing them in pieces one against another , till they become as broken Pot-sheards . Yet his anger is not turned away ; but his hand is stretched out still . Still he seemes to be hissing fot a troupe of fiercer spirits from the darke , and fiery corners of hell below , to enter into these Pot-sheards ; that they may make a more confused , and crueller Warre , each with other . Are these things Dreames , and Fancies ? or are they seriously thus ? We reade of a Law , which God made among the Jewes , Levit. 23. 29. that if any one afflicted not himselfe on a solemne day of Humiliation , that soule should be cut off from his people . O God! let not this curse fall upon my Spirit , or upon any Spirit here present this day ; to be so far cut off from being a living member of Jesus Christ , or a naturall member of his native countrey ; as to mourne , but in shew , or slightly now ; when the Lord Jesus riseth upon us in such a Cloud of deepe , and reall Sorrowes . If any man at this time , regardlesse of that storme , which he sees in his Saviour's face , or of the sufferings of his Brethren , shall make himselfe red with Wine , and Laughter ; when Jesus Christ is red with anger , and blood ; is it not , O God , because thou hast made the heart of that man fat for a sudden Slaughter ? Let us then mourne seriously . 2. Mourne spiritually . Imitate Jesus Christ , make him your Master this way in your Griefes . We reade of him , Mar. 14. 33 , 34. He began to be heavy , and sore amazed . And he said , My soule is exceeding sorrowfull , even unto death . Alas our Brethren ! our Country ! our selves ! our Saviour ! Shall not the wrath of the one , and the sufferings of the other , make us sore amazed , and exceedingly heavy , unto death , even the death of all our fleshly delights ? It is witnessed of Christ , 1 Pet. 3. 18. He was put to death according to the flesh , and quickned in the spirit . S. Paul teacheth us , 1 Cor. 5. 5. that , after the same example , every Humiliation should be for the destruction of the flesh , and the saving of the Spirit . Who calls himselfe a Christian ? and yet can forbeare in these times to sigh forth such language as this : Lord Jesus ! thou art our Master , we will learne of thee , to die with thee . Make thou these Calamities , which our eyes see , our eares heare , our hearts feele , and feare on every side of us , to be our Crosses , set up by thy Crosse ; on thy right hand , like that of the good Thiefe . We have had power , pompe , pleasures after the flesh : But now let all these languish on these Crosses , till they bow downe the head ; and we give up the Ghost of all earthly strength and hope . Thus we will dye , and our death shall be sweet unto us , as the Spring of a better , and more blessed life . My soule ! breathe thou forth thy griefes , and feares into the bosome of thy JESUS , after this manner : My dearest Lord ! All these miseries round about me , shall be thy Crosse to me . Here will I lay me downe on this Crosse , in thine armes , who hast been crucified upon it before me . This shall be my rest in the day of trouble : For here will I lay me downe , and dye , for ever to the world , that I may rise againe in thy bosome to a new hope ; to sweeter , and surer Joyes . But , for what shall we mourne ? We reade in the Gospel of a people , that said of Christ , We will not have this man to rule over us . For this the Lord Jesus determines to go up , and slay them . Have not we refused the Lord Jesus , for a Master , to rule , and guide us ? Is it not for this , that he hath made these slaughters upon us ? Let us try our selves concerning these foure Masters , Out Humour ; Our Lusts ; Our Passions ; The Examples of men . 1. Our Humour . God complaines , Esay 52. 3. My people have sold themselves for nought . How often have we sold our selves , our soules , our Saviour for nought , for a Humour ? Let us thinke , and weepe ; that many a time the Lord Jesus hath dropt upon our soules the precious discourses of life , peace , and immortality , like the dew from the wombe of the morning , that is , from the eternall Fountaines of light , and truth : Yet we have cast it off , without consideration , meerly because our Humour lay that way , to be carelesse of these things . O stiffe-neckt spirits ! Jesus Christ hath come to us , eating , and drinking , that is , filling himselfe with immortall strength , and truths , with divine sweetnesse , and joyes ; that he might flow forth on us , and feed us with the same bread , and wine of Heaven . O hard-hearted Spirits ! He , who is the Beloved of God , the Beauty of the Godhead comes to us , neither eating nor drinking ; but weeping and dying ; testifying the greatnesse of his love by the greatnesse of his sufferings ; teaching us to hide our selves from griefes , and death in his wounds , and through them to passe into Paradise . Yet , we suffer all this to run waste , making no entrance into our eares , or hearts ; and that for a weak , empty Humour , for an inclination without reason ; because we are listlesse to such things , and have no pleasure in them . But now let us fall downe before Jesus Christ , and say , Lord ! thou art the Wisdome of the Father . None Teacheth like thee . Thy love , and wisdome have overcome me . Many Masters , many Hamours have reign'd over me , besides thee . But I bring my stiffe neck to thee with a halter upon it ; till thou please to take it off ; and put on thy yoke , which is light , and easie . I bring my hard heart to thee , and lay it broken at thy feet ; till thou gatherest it into thy breast , and make it whole there . 2. Our lusts . These are our second Masters . Psal . 12. 13. God saith of Israel , I gave them up to their owne hearts lusts . And then afterwards , O that my people would have heard my voice ! Lusts lead us away from Jesus Christ , and suffer us not to heare his voice . Let us try our selves concerning this thing . What in all the course of our life hath put us on the frequentest , or chiefest actions of our life ? Have the Spirituall appearances of Jesus Christ within us , conspiring with his Word before us , been the Oracle , with which we have consulted ? Or have our lusts prompted us , and thrust us on ? Have our eyes been upon the Eye of Christ to guide us ; or on some Wedge of gold , or the Babylonish garment of some power , office , or honour ? What is it in the great action of this Reformation , that hath put us to travaile so far about by the way of the Wildernesse , of a Warre ? to meet with so many fiery Serpents ? What is it , which now hath cast us into this feare , that we shall waste a weary life , and drop our Carkasses in this Wildernesse , before we see the Land of Rest ? Have we not loath'd Manna ; and lusted after Quails ? We have found no Savour , or Relish in the discoveries of Beauty , Sweetnesse , Rest in the Spirit , and Person of our blessed Saviour : But have been longing for the Bravery , Ease , and pleasures of the Flesh . Doe we thus requite Jesus Christ ? He hath spared no losse , trouble , or paine , to make his way to us , to make known Himself , his Father , and the Glory of Heaven to us . Yet now every motion of Ambition , Vanity , Covetousnesse , or foule Desire , hath more power to perswade with us , than the Life and Death of Jesus Christ , than all his Words , Teares , and Blood. Let our Saviour speak by his Providence , as loud as Thunder ; let him speak by his Promises with the tongue of an Angell , to our eares and affections ; let him speak by the power of his Spirit , with the voice of God to our Spirits ; we cannot heare him . But let a Lust whisper onely from out of the ground of our sensuall part ; we heare it with ease and speed . Shall we not be ashamed , and grieved for these things ? 3. Our passions . You have an admonition from the Apostle , Ephes . 4. 27. Let not the Sun goe downe upon your wrath : To that he addes , ver . 28. Neither give place to the Devill . Passions are Devils come up into our spirits , with the fire of hell burning hot upon them , and flaming from them . These are uncleane Spirits , which for the most part haunt the high places of Power , and the desolate places of Warre . When Passions are loud , God himselfe cannot be heard by the best men ; as we see in the example of Jonah . What griefe is it to thinke , that we should refuse the Prince of Peace for a Counsellour , when we take our passions in his stead ? that Jesus Christ should come with his wounds upon him , and not be able to quench the heat of our enflamed blood with his blood , that was poured out for us ? that Jesus Christ should come with all the joyes of heaven upon him , and not be able to put out the hellish fire flaming in our hearts , by these heavenly Beames ? that he should unbosome to us all his consolations , and yet not asswage some carnall griefe in us ? O how deepe a wound doth this make , if the time have been , when Jesus Christ in our soules hath been heard to say , Spare ; when our Passions have cryed , Ruine , Kill ; and have been obeyed ! It is good for us to take words to us , and pray , Lord Jesus ! thou canst make this Heathen , this Rebell , my Passion , thy Captive . Thou canst cut her nayles , and haire , thou canst take off her earthlinesse , and extremity . Doe this , and then make her thy Spouse . Let my Passion be subject to thee , beare thy Image , bring forth to thee the fruit of a true repentance , and humiliation for my Passion . O! that anger , griefe , revenge , which have been as the fire of hell upon my heart , may hereafter be as fire upon thine Altar to make my heart a Sacrifice to thee . 3. Examples of men : This is the third Master . Wee reade , that all the world wondred after the Beast , Revel . 13. 3. The Power of Man is a Beast : the Glory of Man is a Whore. Which of us hath not worshipt this Beast , and taken his mark upon us ? which of us hath not committed fornication with this Whore , and bred up children of adultery by her , while we have received opinions , or engaged in actions , as they have had the stampe of some persons , or partie , which hath been the most , the most potent , or the most excellent in our esteeme ? Are not the greatest part of all cases of Conscience in Church and Common-wealth thus ruled ? Have not the faith of Christ in respect of persons , saith S. James , c. 2. v. 1. The Apostle layes the weight of his Argument on a Contradiction cleerly implyed . That is not the faith of Christ , which we have in respect of persons , but the faith of men . If any one among us would take an impartiall account of those Principles , which his head hath taken in , or those paths , in which his feet have trod ; and would set , as sheepe at his right hand , those , which he hath had commended to him by the life of Christ bringing them forth from his Word in his Spirit , and confirmed to him by the cleere light of Christ shining in them upon his soule : and then set as Goats on his left hand , those , which have manifestly , or insensibly prevailed with him , because they have the Inscription of Man's power , or Image of Man's Glory upon them : how few would the Sheep be with the most of us in comparison of our Goats ? But hath God the Father sealed any man with the Brightnesse of his owne Glory , to be an Author of Truth to us ; as he hath done Jesus Christ ? Him hath the Father Sealed , John 6. 27. Hath any man sealed his Truth , and Faithfulnesse to us , by his blood , as Jesus Christ hath done ? was Paul crucified for you ? 1 Cor. 1. 13. Let us be ashamed of this double neglect of our Saviour , and our Soules ; of our Saviour , that we have thrust him out of His chaire in our Spirits , and set up Man in it : of our Soules , that we have made a man , who is a slight , and vanishing Shadow ; our Master , and Measure ; when we reject Him , who is the eternall Image it selfe , of all Truth . Let Heaven blush , let the Earth tremble ; if men blush , and tremble not at these things . God is come downe into our shape , our Saviour comes downe into our Spirits , to instruct us , and shew us what is good . And we will have none of our God for our Guide , but our fellow-wormes , which crawle on their bellies upon the same earth , and feed upon the same dust with our selves . The Clouds are a covering between Him and us , that we cannot learn of Him. He , who is the Image of God would shine upon us , and goe before us in his Glories , as a Pillar of cleere , and sweet Light. But He shall not rule over us . Our lusts shall leade , and our Passions drive us . We savour , and relish these things . But the light of Christ is too mysterious , high , and glorious for us ; we cannot see , or follow it with our eyes . Jesus Christ hath put himselfe out of the bosome of the Father , into the hand of men , death , devils , to make known to us the things of our peace , hope , desires , and happinesse . Yet we stop our eares without consideration , whether he speak right things , or no ; whether it be reason to refuse , or receive his words ; being carryed to it onely by an humorous carelesnesse . Have you any sense of these things ? I beleeve , I know , you have , if you have any sense of your Saviour . I have two sad words yet to speak for a double close to this Vse . 1. Close . These refusals to hearken to the Lord Jesus , have been the ruines of these Kingdomes thus far . I intreat you to reade a few words with me from the Psalmist , Psal . 81. 13 , 14 , 15. O that my people had hearkned unto me , and Israel had walked in my wayes ! I should soone have subdued their enemies : but their time should have been for ever . Saint Peter teacheth us , 2 Pet. 1. 1. that no Scripture is of private interpretation ; but hath an universall concernment for all estates , and times . I now pray , that each of us had a spirituall eye to see , a spirituall eare to heare spirituall things . Then should we see Jesus Christ hovering in his Spirit over these Islands ; we should heare him making this lamentation over them in his owne language : O that the Princes and people of these Lands had knowne me in my secret wayes of converse with the spirits of men ! O that they could have heard , and would have hearkned to what I have spoken by my appearances in the depths of their soules ! O that the Rulers and people of these Nations could have seene that path , which I have pointed out to them from heaven , by my light , invibsile indeed to fleshly eyes , but visible to the eye of Faith ! How soone would I have subdued their enemies , and enmities ? But their righteousnesse should have appeared as the Sunne : the time of their peace should have already been , and have been for ever . O that when I had spoken of the Law of my lips , and the Light from my face ; these had not been , as strange things to them ! But now they have walkt , as men , and taken to themselves the counsailes of men . For this their feares are increased , their troubles are multiplyed , as the waves of the sea . For this palenesse is upon every face , bitternesse upon every tongue , upon every heart a sad expectation of greater evills yet , of those dayes , when the Cities , that yet flourish , shall be laid waste , and a blacker , a more overflowing storme shall sweepe away all those comforts , that have been hitherto left them . Let us stand , and first looke backward on so much of this our day of visitation , as is already past , which hath been a day of blacknesse , and clouds . Then let us look forward upon the evening more terrible , and full of horrour , which is too likely to conclude this Day . Let us say , Because we have followed our owne counsailes , and not our Saviour's ; we have brought all these evils upon these Kingdomes . Let our hearts within us say this , then let them break , and dye , that Jesus Christ may revive them . This is the first Close . 2. Close . Because we have been no sooner , no more humbled ; our calamities are growne greater . Give me leave to pick some sad passages out of that thundring Chapter , Levit. 26. 21. If ye will not hearken unto me , ver . 16. I will doe this unto you , I will bring upon you terrour and consumptions . ver . 18. If ye will not for all this hearken unto me , I will punish you seven times more . ver . 19. I will break the pride of your power . ver . 20. Your strength shall be spent in vaine . ver . 21. If ye walke contrary unto me , and will not hearken unto me , I will bring seven times more plagues upon you . ver . 23. If ye will not be reformed by all these things , ver . 25. I will bring a sword upon you , ( to avenge upon you the quarrell of my Covenant : ) When you are gathered together within your Cities , I will send the pestilence among you , and you shall be delivered into the hands of your enemies . ver . 27. If ye will not for all this hearken unto me , ver . 28. Then will I walk contrary unto you in fury . ver . 29. You shall eate the flesh of your sons , and the flesh of your daughters . These are words to make the eare of Man tingle , and his heart ake . Why are all these dreadfull menacings ? For this , If ye will not hearken to me ; if ye will not be reformed by former sufferings . It were happy , if each man of us , when he comes home , would retire into his Closet ; or presently retire into himself , and say , Hath the Lord made so many breaches upon these Lands , and so few upon my heart ? Must he bring a Kingdome to absolute ruine , before he reach my heart , to break the pride of my power , wisdome , honour , and confidence ? Must I be brought to the extremity of publike evills , to the end of the Creature , before I will be brought to the end of my wits , to meet with Jesus Christ , that my eye may see my Teacher ? We have the story of a dreame , which Nebachadnezzar had , and the Interpretation which Daniel made of it , Dan. 4. Part of the Interpretation is exprest ver . 23. They shall drive thee from men , and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field , and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven , and seven times shall passe ever thee , till thou know , that the most High ruleth in the Kingdome of men . I say in our case , as Daniel said to the King , This dreame be to our enemies , and the Interpretation of it to those that hate us . Yet I very much feare , lest we be driven out of all forme of a Common-wealth , into a Wildernesse of Confusion ; that our nayles will grow longer , and sharper , like the clawes of birds of prey ; that our haire will turne into feathers of flight , and fury ; that we shall have our dwelling among beasts , not men ; that seven times more will come upon us , to wet us with the displeasure of heaven ; before we know , that the most high God , the Lord Jesus , hath wisdome , and might , that his hand disposeth of the Kingdomes of the earth , his lips alone utter knowledge , and discover truth to Man. Doe we not yet groane for the plague of our hearts , that they are so long so hard ? Doe we not cry , O the slownesse of our hearts to know the voice of our owne Shepherd , and to receive the teachings of the Lord Jesus ! Shall we now all joyne with an unutterable , and irresistable groane to aske one thing of our Saviour ? even this : That we may be ever in thy Temple , O Jesus ! Thy presence makes our soules thy Temple : That we may be still beholding thy face , and still searching out thine appearances within us , to make these the men of our Counsaile . Thus much for the first Use , which is for Humiliation . Use 2 For Information . Christ is our onely Master in Christianity . There is then no testimony , on which we can build our Religion , our Beliefe in Divine things ; save onely that Testimony of that most high Spirit , which is God , and Christ shining in our Spirits . It is one of the names of Christ , Revel . 1. 5. The faithfull Witnesse . It is his Prerogative , as to be King of Kings , so to be the Witnesse of Witnesses . Every Testimony is so far to be believed , as it hath him testifying to it , and in it , who is the faithfull Witnesse . It is onely the greatest Light , the Light of the World , the Spirit of Jesus Christ , that can enlighten , and informe us in the greatest things , which are the things of God. The whole world , especially the Christian part of it , is fill'd with violent , and voluminous Disputes , concerning this thing : What should be the Rule of our Faith , how we should distinguish the true Religion from the false . There are five Competitours for this Master-ship over our Spirits : 1. Reason . 2. The Authority of the Church . 3. Miracles . 4. The Letter of the Scriptures . 5. The Spirit . We will briefly examine all these , each apart by it selfe . 1. Master , Reason . This it selfe needs a Master . For it is corrupted , and depraved in all Man-kind . Where then shall we find right Reason ? Who shall refine , and define it ? By what light shall we discover ? by what fire sever the silver from the drosse ; Reason from the irregularities and corruptions of Reason ? Who can draw a cleane thing out of an uncleane ? saith the Scripture . And naturall Reason it selfe in its Phylosophie testifies , That nothing can bring forth it selfe out of Power , or Potentiality , into act ; out of an imperfect state into perfection . Saint Paul determines the state of Nature and Reason . Rom. 3. 12 , 13. They are all gone out of the way . The path of Reason was their way . Their throat is become an open Sepulchre . The inward parts of Man are now no more a Temple , in which Reason sits in its purity , and Power , as the Image of God , giving forth its Oracles : but a Grave , in which the dead , and rotten carkase only of Reason lies , without any true light , or life . But Reason at first , in its height , was not , could not be a suitable , a sure Judge in Spirituall things . 1. Reason at best is no suitable Judge in spirituall things . There must be a proportion betweene the faculty and the Object to unite them . Reason is but a humane light : Spirituall things are Divine . Reason is a naturall Power : Spirituall objects are Supernaturall ; of another rank , and kind . Spirituall things are spiritually discerned , 1 Cor. 2. 14. Can Sense , which is the light of Beasts , trace the workings , and flights of Reason in her Contemplations ; or discerne the things of men ? Can we see a soule , or an Angel by the light of a Candle ? Divine things must have a Divine light to discover them , a Divine power , and principle to comprehend them . 2. Reason at first was no sure Judge . It never was infallible . It was deceived . It may then be so alwayes . If it were againe perfect , it might againe be deceived . Man being in honour continueth not , but becomes like the beast that perisheth . Psal . 49. 12. The rectitude of Reason , was the Image of God , the Crowne , and Glory of Man. By this he grew up streight in the midst of the Creatures ; uniting them , heightning them all by a Harmony into the same Image . So he subdued them to himselfe , himselfe with them ascended into , and rested in the Divine Image . Thus Man was the true Orpheus with his Divine Hymnes in the midst of Beasts , Trees , and Stones dancing to his Musick . But vaine Man continues not in this Honour . Reason proves a degenerating thing . It is quickly tempted , easily overcome ; so it sinks downward first into a brutish , then a devilish state . Reason was the glittering , and circling Serpent in Paradise , more subtle then all the beasts of the field , or , subtle above all the beasts of the field , Gen. 3. 1. Yet this Serpent was the first seate , and instrument of that deceit , by which the Devill ruined our first Parents . But , if Reason were undeceived , uncorrupt , and should remaine so ; yet could it give us no assurance . For it is a derived , subordinate Principle . Reason may indeed be considered in a two-fold state : 1. State ; As Reason is supreame in God. So it is no other then Jesus Christ . For He is the Image , the Harmony , the Light , the Truth , the Wisdome , the Word , the Reason of God. John 1. 1. In the beginning was the Word , and the Word was with God , and the Word was God. Instead of Word you may reade Reason , as properly , according to the Greeke : for it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Reason ; or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Speech . Christ is that Reason , in which all things are knit together , and appeare to God ; that Reason , by , and for which God made all things . Reason in this sense is the Spirit . For Christ , and the Spirit are One ; not two Masters , but One. 2. State : as Reason is subordinate in Man. Thus it is a distinct Master , and Light from the Spirit . In this sense we have hitherto spoken of it , and doe so still . Vpon this ground we say , that Reason in Man , if it were pure , and could abide so , could have no full assurance in it selfe , could give us none ; because it is a derived , subordinate Light. It is subject to another , and depends upon another above it . So it cannot have any Certainty , or perfect Cleernesse , but in that other Light. Neither can it establish us in any Certainty , but as it holds forth that other Light in it selfe . That was the true Light , which lightneth every man that commeth into the world , saith Saint John of Jesus Christ : John 1. 9. Reason hath so much of a true light , as it hath of Jesus Christ in it . Reason in Man is an inferiour Light , and therefore imperfect . If we receive the Testimony of Man , the Testimony of God is greater , 1 Joh. 5. 9. As God is above Man , so is the Prinple of Light , by which God sees , which is His Sonne , and Spirit , above that Principle of Light , by which Man judgeth all things , which is his Reason . For this is the Testimony of Man his Reason ; this is the Testimony of God His Spirit . So far then , as the Light of Man falls short of the Light of God ; it must of necessity fall short of perfection ; have a negative , though not a privative want : be mixt with darknesse , uncertainty , doubt , feare . Though these in innocency were tempered with their contraries , reduced to a harmony ; and so had not deformity , or torment : yet even then the morning of light , and the evening of darknesse made the day of man's knowledge . God is light , and in him is there no darknesse , 1 John 1. 5. Reason at first , at best is but a Twi-light . This is Reason in Man , an inferiour , imperfect , dependent Principle ; unsuitable at best to Divine things ; unsure at first , apt to be deceived ; deceived ; now depraved in all men . This is that , which at first betrayed us , and cast us out of Paradise : shall we trust it now , when it is corrupt ? can it now bring us into Paradise againe ? We have examined the first Master , and found him unfit for the Schoole of Christ . Let us now try the second . 2. Master . The Authority of the Church . What doe you take a Church to be ? A Combination of men ? If you cannot trust your owne Reason , or that of another man ; because Reason hath a worme at its root , is adulterate in its Principle : O then doe not trust your foules , your immortality to a Councel of all mankind , if it were met together in one . For all men are acted by the same Principle of Reason . In vaine you worship me , teaching for Doctrines the Traditions of men ; saith Jesus Christ . Obj. But you will say , A Church is a Communion of Spirituall men in the Spirit of Jesus Christ . It is the Vnity of the Spirit , that binds men up into a Church . Keepe the unity of the Spirit in the band of peace . Ephes . 4. 3. It is the presence and power of Christ , who is the Image , and glory of God , that gives to any the Authority of a Church . I am with you to the end of the world , saith our Saviour , Mat. 1. 1. Paul saith , 1 Cor. 5. 4. In the name of our Lord Jesus , when ye are gathered together , and my Spirit , with the power of our Lord Jesus . Thus he describes a Church-meeting by the Name , which is the Discovery , and the Power of Christ upon them . Answ . If it be the Unity of the Spirit , and the Presence of Christ that make a Church ; then is it the Appearance of Christ , and his Spirit through any sort of men , that must discover the true Church to me , and distinguish them from every false , and pretended one . I will know , saith Saint Paul , not the speech , but the power of such , 1 Cor. 4. 19. For the Kingdome of God ( that is , the Church ) is not in word , but in power , ( that is , in the power of Christ working with them , ) ver . 20. The woman is the Glory of the man , saith Saint Paul. Christ is my Master . The Church shall be my Mistris , so far , as she is the Spouse of Christ , his Image , his Glory . I then submit my selfe to the authority of the Church , when I submit my selfe to the Appearances of Christ , and the manifestations of his Spirit in any society of men . See how S. Paul , as an Apostle , in whom the authority of the whole Church lay , commends , and justifies himself . 2 Cor. 3. 1. Need we Epistles of Commendations to you , or from you ? ver . 2. Ye are our Epistles written in our hearts . ver . 3. Ye are manifestly declared the Epistle of Christ , ministred by us , written not with Inke , but with the Spirit of the living God , not on tables of stone , but on hearts of flesh . These are the Commendatory Letters , which a true Apostle , the true Church carry about with them : these are the Commission , by vertue of which they challenge their authority : The Epistle , that is the Gospell , that is the Discovery of Christ shining thorow them into the hearts of men by the Spirit . These are the onely life , power , authority , discovery of the true Church ; the Manifestation of Christ ; and the Ministery of the Spirit to the hearts of men . We reade Gal. 4. 25 , 26. of two Hierusalems , one above , the other below , that now is , subject to temporary appearances in this world : or , that now is , whose time is now , whose being , and glory is of this world . These are the Two Churches ; one in the outward forme ; the other in the Spirit . To be subject to the Hierusalem below , to the Church in the outward forme for the outward forme's sake , is a bondage . For that Church is in bondage with her children . This Church is but our Mother-in-law . The Hierusalem which is above , the Church in the unity of the Spirit is the true Mother of us all . That Church is our right Mistresse , which is our true Mother . This is the Mount Sion , that cannot be toucht , that is not obvious to sense , or subject to a carnall discerning . Here is the great Congregation of the first-borne , the meeting of all good Spirits in this one Spirit : Heb. 12. 18 , 22 , 23. To be subject to the authority of this Church , is to be truly free . For this Church is seene onely in the Spirit , and in that Spirit justifies her selfe . This Spirit is the seale of the living God upon her . Thus the Authority of the Church is none , or t is that of Christ , and his Spirit in her . 3. Master : Miracles . Divines distinguish between Mirandum , and Miraculum , a thing to be admired , and a Miracle . That is to be admired , which is unusuall , or unknowne ; which proceeds from some unwonted , or undiscovered cause in nature . That onely is a Miracle , which is above Nature , which transcends the course , and power of Nature ; which hath the Divine Nature putting forth it selfe in the vigour of its abstracted Being . You have Miracles described , Mark 16. 20. They went forth , and preached , the Lord working with them , and confirming the Word by signes following . That onely is a Miracle or a signe from heaven for confirmation of the truth , which hath the Lord Jesus working , and appearing in it joyntly with some creature . There is no way of confirming the Appearances of Christ , but onely by the multiplying of those Appearances . How then shall I know , which is a Miracle ? I must have a Spirit large , as the sand of the Sea , that can put a Girdle about the whole Compasse of Nature , in her widest extent . I must fathom her in the utmost of her Power , before I can say of any thing , This is supernaturall , this is a Miracle . Or else , he that saith , He sees a Miracle , must say , he sees God as he is above all creatures , comming downe in his owne likenesse , into some particular Creature , and making a change of it , by that Discovery of himselfe in it . The waters saw thee , O God , and were driven backward , saith the Psalmist of the Miracles wrought in the passage of the Children of Israel out of Aegypt . No man can discerne a Miracle , 'till he discover God , which can never be done , but by the Eye of God in the Soul of man. Jesus Christ is the Head-miracle . For in him first the Face of God is seen in union with the Creature , as in a glasse . Each Miracle is the same Appearance over again in severall shapes , as the same Soul , which shines out in the Head , shewing it self in the various Members , and parts of the body . Therefore is the Working of Miracles , a Gift of the Spirit : and the working of a Miracle is by the faith of Christ , 1 Cor. 12. 9 , 10. Mat. 17. 20. But let us passe from Miracles to the Letter of the Scriptures . 4. Master : Letter of the Scriptures . Nothing is to be said of these , but reverendly . They are to be set below the Spirit alone . It is in comparison with this Spirit , that themselves undervalue themselves , and testifie of themselves these things . 1. The Scriptures in the Letter are Dead . But now we are delivered from the Law , that being dead , wherein we were held , that we might serve him , in the newness of the Spirit , and not in the oldness of the Letter , Rom. 7. 6. The Law , and the Letter are every where made of equall dignity , power , and extent . Both , as they are alone , are old , and dead . The Scriptures thus taken signifie nothing , except you bring some living Power , or Principle to them , to quicken them . Lay them before a dead man , and they are , as dead , as he . 2. The Scriptures in the Letter are Killing . 2 Cor. 3. 6. The Letter Killeth , but the Spirit quickneth . The Letter of the Scripture Kils two waies , by confounding , and condemning us . It hath so much darknesse upon it , so much difficulty in it ; it is subject to so many disputes , to such variety of interpretations : that it troubles , and distracts our Vnderstanding , making it able to see nothing , to settle no where . This indeed is the proper end , and best effect of the Letter , to put out quite all our Light , that we may wait for a higher Light from Heaven , which may restore the Letter without us , and Reason within us , as by a Regeneration . Saint Paul saith , I by the Law am dead to the Law : Galat. 2. 19. Happy is he , who can say in like manner , I by the Letter am blind , and dead to the Letter , that the Spirit may shine thorow the Letter upon me , and fulfill the law of the Letter in mee . 3. The Letter of the Scripture is an Outward thing . Rom. 2. 1. Saint Paul teacheth us , that he is not a Jew , who is one outwardly , in the Letter : but he that is one inwardly , in the Spirit . The Letter , and the Spirit are opposed , as inward , and outward . The Spirit is called a Sword , Ephes . 6. 17. The Scriptures are the Scabbard , in which that Sword is laid up , and out of which it is drawn . The Spirit in the same place is called the Word of God. This is the inward Word , the Scriptures are the outward . The Spirit is a Person : the Scriptures are a Garment fitted to that Person , and receiving their warmth from him , before they can give any to us . Yet every Principle , and Power of falshood , as well , as truth can cloth it self with this Garment . He is not a Jew , that is one outwardly in the Letter . Each Principle , and Spirit makes the Scriptures appear to it selfe in its owne Likenesse . Spirituall wickednesses can set themselves up in the highest places of Scripture . 4. The Scriptures in the Letter are but a Shadow . The Law having a Shadow of good things to come , but not the very Image it self , Hebr. 10. 1. I have already said , that the Law , and the Letter are much one thing . The Person of Jesus Christ in the Spirit is the Image it self of all good things . The Scriptures are the Shadow , which this Image casts from it self in the Light of the Spirit . All creatures are Shadows of those good things , which are in God , and Christ . The Scriptures are the largest , the exactest , the nearest , the best Shadow ; and such a one , as is rightly seen only in the Eternall light of Christ . It vanishes into a confused spot , when he withdraws ; and is clear again , when he appears . Saint Paul puts Timothy in mind of studying the Scriptures ; but then lest he should mistake them , he gives him this Vniversall Caution , 2 Tim. 3. 19. Knowing that every Scripture is , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , given by inspiration of God. Vnhappy is he , that trusts himself to any thing , as Scripture , any further , than it carries a Divine inspiration , the breathings of God , or his Spirit along with it . That is Scripture , which is the Word of God : and that the Word , which is in union with the immortall Word . This Word hath the words of everlasting life , John 6. 68. I will conclude this particular head of the Scriptures , with an Answer to an Objection , which the Papists make against us . So shall we fall upon the last Master , the Spirit . Object . They say , we run in a Circle , while we make not the Church the ground of our belief . For we pretend to Know all things by the Scriptures . But , how the Scriptures ? by the Spirit . And , how the Spirit ? by the Scriptures . Thus we run round . Answ . But if a man say , he converseth with my body by my soule , and with my soule by my body : doth he run in a circle , or speak vainly ? No : for both are true in a distinct , and proper sense . The Body is the appropriate , and immediate Instrument of the Soule : the Soule is the Breath that fills that Instrument , and gives it a distinct sound . The Spirit quickneth . As the Humane nature to the Divinity of Christ : so the Scriptures are a kind of Incarnation , or as a Body to the Holy Ghost , which alone is their proper Soule . The Scriptures are the materiall object of our Faith ; the Spirit the formall ; both the ultimate , the last object in their kind . The Truths , which I am to believe , lie in Scripture , as Colours in the wall , or in a Picture . The Spirit is , as the Light. I see the coloured wall by the Light , for that enlightens it , actuates its shape , and colours , brings them , unites them to my eye ▪ enlightning , and actuating that also . I see the Light by the Wall , for it reflects , and directs it self from that to my eye . So the Spirit , and the Scriptures , as Light , and Colours on a Picture are mutually seen in , and by one another ; without any Maze , or endlesse Circle . Thy Word is a Light to my feet , and a Lanthorn to my paths , saith David , Psal . 119. The Eternall Word in the Written Word is the Light in the Lanthorne . The Scriptures are my Spectacles , though the Spirit of Christ be my Light , or my Eye ; and his Person , the Word which I read . My God! Let me not want thee in the Humanity , while I am a Creature . Blessed Spirit ! let me enjoy thee in the Scriptures , while I am in the flesh . 5. Master , the Spirit . This is the Christ , the true Master , 1 Tim. 3. 13. Great is the mystery of godlinesse , God manifested in the Flesh , justified in the Spirit . The Spirit is God , and Christ in their Divine appearance , as they are invisible to carnall eyes , pure , simple , perfect in one . All Flesh is a Manifestation of God ; and each Manifestation , which is not the Substance it self , is but Flesh . The Spirit , that is , the Spirituall appearance of God in Christ , tries , and justifies , or condemns all Appearances of Truth or Falshood . This is the onely Judge , at whose Bar every Manifestation of God in the flesh receives its Justification ; even the Spirit . The Lord Jesus is that Spirit , 2 Cor. 3. 17. 1 John 5. 6. The Spirit is Truth , that is , the Highest Truth . Reason saith , There must be One , there can be only One first , and last Truth , from which all Truths primitively derive themselves ; into which they all ultimately resolve themselves for certainty , and evidence . Reason saith , This Truth can be no other than the Highest of all , the only true God , as he is , in his own Spirit , and Spirituall appearance . Thus the Spirit , which is above Reason , and can reveal it self at pleasure without Reason , is witnest to by Reason . This Spirit is the most high God. This God is our Jesus , as he stoops into our Natures , as he puts forth himself in our Persons to become the Fountaine , the Glasse of truth , love , life , joy within us . This is He , who calls to our fluttering , wandring Spirits , and points them to himself , and saith , Here shall be your Rest , build your nests on this Rock . His Name is , I am that I am . I am Certainty . I am Truth . All other things are so far certain , and true ; as they have a Certainty , and Truth in him ; being comprehended in his Appearance ; or carrying forth his Appearance in themselves . Come then all , that hunger and thirst after Truth ; sit downe at the feet of this Master , as Mary did . There are many Objections made against these inward Teachings of Christ by the Evidence of the Spirit . 1. Object . How shall I know this Spirit ? Answ . If you ask me , how you shall see other things : I answer ; by the Light. But if you ask me , how you shall see the Light : I have nothing to say , but the same thing again ; by the Light. That which makes manifest is Light. The Light comprehends the object in it self , flowes with it into my eye , unites it self to my eye , informs it immediately with it self , and with all shapes , and colours in it self . Thus if you ask me , how you shall know Divine things : I answer ; by the Spirit . But you reply ; how shall I know the Spirit ? Still I answer ; by the Spirit . 'T is the rule of School-Divines , when you come to objectum , quo ; sistendum est : when you come to the first Principle of seeing , or knowing ; you must stop there . For that discerns , and judges all ; but is discern'd , and judg'd only by it self . Saint Paul joynes them two : a Spirit of Revelation : and the opening the eyes of our understanding , Ephes . 1. 17 , 18. 2. Object . But how can this be , seeing my Soule knows not this Spirit , hath no sense of it , no suitablenesse to it ? Answ . Saint John satisfies you in this doubt , 1 Joh. 5. 20. The Son of God is come , and hath given us an understanding , that we may know him , that is true . Looke upward to the Mountaine of the Godhead , from whence Salvation comes . Jesus Christ will come by his Spirit into your Spirits ; he will come as an uniting , quickning , informing , transforming Spirit into your soules . He will give you an Understanding to Know him , a Will to Love him , a Power to Abide in him . Jesus Christ comes to a man , as Life from the dead ; as Eternall life spreading it self through the Soule . 3. Object . How shall I judge of this Spirit in another man ? Answ . Saint Paul replies , Rom. 14. 14. Who art thou , that judgest another man's servant ? that is , a man in his relation to God. He hath a Master of his owne , to whom he stands , or falls . Doe , as the Father hath done , leave all judgment to the Son , to his manner , and measure of appearing in thee . So judge not , that ye be not judged . Judge not the Spirit by carnall Principles , lest you be judged as evil doers , and busie-bodies , by the Spirit . 4. Object . Men may deceive themselves , and abuse the world under this pretence , saying ; I have the Spirit . Answ . What hath this Objection peculiar in the case of the Spirit ? The Jewes cry up The Temple of the Lord , to cry down the Lord of the Temple . May not men pretend falsly to Reason , Miracles , as well , as the Spirit ? May there not be Apocryphall Scriptures , as well , as Apocryphall Spirits ? false Churches , false Christs , and false Gods ? What strange thing is there in this ? Hath not Saint Paul determin'd the state , and manner of men universally in the world , so far , as they are not in Christ ? Deceiving , and deceived , 2 Tim. 3. 13. We read of the Law of the Spirit of life . The Spirit is no further my Law , then it is my Life . The Spirit in another man , is but the Letter to me , which is old , and dead , till it be justified , and quickened by the Spirit in my own breast . If I then be deceived , I deceive my own soul . 5. Object . But how ill is the Consequence of Impostures in this kind ? what confusions doe they beget ? Answ . The best things counterfeited are most dangerous ; as the Idol-gods for many years drowned almost the whole world in Temporary deceits , and desolations ; in eternall flames : yet is this no disparagement to , no argument against the Divine Nature . The Counterfeiting of Mony brings confusion upon a Common-wealth : yet men cannot traffique without Money . 'T is true , the aping of the Spirit , the setting up of mockspirits is a darknesse , a snare , a storm upon the spirits of men in civill , and religious affairs : yet can we have no commerce with Spirituall things without the Spirit . Ephes . 2. 18. We have accesse to God in one Spirit . There is no Communion with God , but in the Unity of the Spirit . These three the Father , the Spirit , the Soule , are made One in every act of Spirituall life , or enjoyment . Hear then the voice of Jesus Christ calling you by his Spirit : Come to me , and I will give you Light , Certainty , Rest . Man lives not by bread alone , but by every word , that commeth out of the mouth of God , Mat. 4. 4. This is the bread of Heaven , that alone feeds , and satisfies the understanding ; this Eternall Word , that comes forth from the Father ; and every word , as it comes forth from this Word , every Appearance , as it springs up in this Appearance . Oh! that He would Kisse our Souls with the Kisses of His mouth ; and so seal Truth upon our Vnderstandings ! The Philosopher describes Truth to be that which sistit intellectum , stayes the Vnderstanding . If you lay your Souls to rest upon any Opinion , or Principle ; besides the sweet Breathings of this Master : your Souls will sink thorow them . So let them sink thorow every Creature , till they fall below all , into the Spirit of Jesus Christ . This Spirit is the golden Girdle of Truth , which will bind you fast , and hold you in on every side . This Spirit , is the bed , which God makes , on which you may safely repose your selves . Here an eternall Certainty shall be under you , to sustain you : an Infinite Cleernesse round about you , as Curtains of Light , shining upon you , and shewing you all things in their lustre . Use 3 For Exhortation . It is often said , that great Persons are much flatter'd : They seldome know truth , because they see with the eyes , and hear with the ears of others . Right Hon ble , I humbly commend to you a Master , who is Truth it self . I beseech you to hear with his ears , to see with his eyes ; to make his Person your book , in which you shall read the stories of God , and Eternity ; to make his face your glasse , in which you shall see , how glorious you are in him , how to make your selves gracious for him . If you are willing to be his Disciples , I will point out to you some of those Lessons , which he teacheth . There are two Lessons , which are most principall , and most difficult . They are hardest to be understood , or believed . But when these are learned , they make all the rest easie . They are these two : 1. The Lovelinesse . 2. The Love of Jesus Christ . 1. Lesson : The Lovelinesse of Jesus Christ . I do not now wish , that I had the skill of a powerfull Oratour , to write the Lovelinesse of my Saviour upon your fancies , with well-chosen words . But I pray , that He , the Lord Jesus himself would write with the Spirit of the living God upon your hearts somthing , any thing , one Iota , one tittle of his own Lovelinesse : then I am sure , you would go from this place , as the Eunuch did from Philip ; rejoycing , and praising God. The Lord said , Psal . 27. 8. Seek ye my face . Divines well interpret this of Christ . The Face is the beauty , and majesty of man. Jesus Christ is the naked face of the Godhead . He is called , a Branch , or a Flower , Zach. 3. 8. Jesus Christ is the Godhead branch'd forth into its diversities of glories : the Flower of the Divine nature ful-blown . John 1. 1. The word was with God : Prov. 8. I , saith Wisdome , was , as one bred up with him , that is , God , I was his delight . Our Saviour's Person is the Word , in which all things are exprest : the Wisdome , in which all things have their form , and fulnesse . God is a Spirit of an infinite capacity ; yet he entertains himself eternally with the musick of this Word , and the beauties of this Wisdome . God pleaseth himself to the heighth with the lovelinesse , in the Person of Christ , and satisfies himself to the full , with the Varieties in that lovelinesse . Do you not now begin to perceive something extraordinary in the Person of the Lord ? Could you not exchange the whole world for a Sight , a tast of him ? When the Sop , and the Devill were entred into Judas , Jesus Christ saith , Now is the Son of man glorified , and the Father is glorified in him , John 13. 31. Jesus Christ descends into the darkest shape , the lowest state of things among the Creatures . Yet by His presence He puts a glory upon it , he makes it fit for the Father to glorifie himself with it ; because he finds himself , and his own Heaven in it . 1 Cor. 6. 11. We read of abusers of themselves with mankind , Idolaters , Extortioners , &c. Such , saith the Apostle , were some of ye . But ye are wash'd , but ye are cleansed , in the Holy Ghost , and the name of the Lord Jesus . You that have the most foule and loathsome souls , heare this : The name of Jesus Christ , is the Image of his beauties . Doe but cast your selves into the embraces of these beauties : ( You are alwaies embraced by them . ) Let but this Person spread his armes about you : you shall immediately be changed , and cleansed ; you shall shine forth fairer than any Creature by His comelinesse ; you shall be made a sit Spouse for God. Doe you not feel the eyes of your understandings to open , and take in a Glory ? Doe you not now learn , that it is more honourable , and more pleasant to be in a Prison , on a Dunghill , on a Sick-bed , in a Grave with Jesus Christ ; than to be in a Palace without him ? Were it not a happinesse to be dead , that we might be for ever with him ? My Lords ! I beseech you to receive a short sentence from the mouth of a Worme , and lay it up in your hearts . When the houre comes , in which all your comforts shall forsake you , it will be of inestimable Vertue , and value to you . It is this : The Person of Christ satisfies the Father ; beautifies the blackest Soule ; glorifies the basest , and bitterest condition . This is the first Lesson , the Lovelinesse of Jesus Christ . 2. Lesson : The Love of the Lord Jesus . We read of Christ's sending his Spirit , to convince the world of Sin , Righteousnesse , and Iudgment , John 16. If the Lord would have you learn his Love , he must send his Spirit into your hearts , to convince you of Sin , that you may know , how much he bears with you ; of Wrath , that you may know , how much he bears for you ; of Righteousnesse , that you may know , how much he bestows on you . He must send his Spirit into your Hearts to stretch them all waies , to the utmost heighth , depth , breadth , and length ; that they may take in His Love. And yet then they will not take in the thousandth part . Saint Paul praies for the Saints ; that they may know , the heighth , depth , breadth , and length : and all this , but as a preparation ; that they may know the Love of Christ ; and yet then , he saith of it , it passeth Knowledge , Ephes . 3. 18 , 19. I will give you severall places of Scripture , to be as Hints to you of the Love of Christ , and His Teachings of it in the Soule : Revel . 1. 5. Who , that is , Jesus Christ , hath loved us , and wash'd us in his bloud . Acts 9. 4. Jesus Christ complains from Heaven , Saul , Saul , why persecutest thou me ? John 17. 1. Our blessed Saviour praies to his Father for his Disciples , that , that Love , wherewith thou lovest me , may be in them , and I in them . Come you , that yet wallow in your Lusts , and think nothing so sweet , as they are to you : Come you , that Welter in despair , as in your bloud ; and think , nothing can be sweet to you : Learn the love of the Lord Jesus , as He teacheth it . When thou hast polluted thy self with the greatest Vncleannesse ; then feel the drops of thy Saviours bloud trickling apace from his Wounds down upon thy Bosome , to Wash off that Staine : then heare the Voice of thy Saviour sweetly speaking forth these words in thy Spirit , Thus I die for thee ; yet thus thou Killest me , all the day long . Will not these words break your hearts , and kill your Lusts ? When you are at the lowest ebbe of grace , or comfort ; when your feet stick in the myre of clay : then look upward , see Jesus Christ in Heaven , heare him in the midst of all his joyes , speaking to his Father concerning thee , after this manner , O my father , why doest thou still persecute me with thy displeasure ? My joy is not full , while this man's sins , and sorrows are upon him . I suffer shame , fear , want , woe in him . Here shew , that love , which thou bearest to me , on this poor soule . When you seem to your self most neglected of God , and man , most afflicted from both : then look inward , see Jesus Christ in your own Spirits ; hear him thus comforting thee , Yet have I my Heaven here in thee : Yet hast thou thy Heaven , thy Righteousnes , thy Joy , thy Jesus hidden in the midst of thee , ready to be made manifest upon thee in their own Season . Doe not your Souls pant within you after this Jesus , now , that you hear so much of his Love ? Now let each one say , Depart from me , ye fruitless Delights , ye causlesse Despairs . For now I know that the love of the Lord Jesus towards me excells all things , that ever were . His loving kindnesse is sweeter than life it self . Skin for skin , and all , that a man hath , will he give for his life ; said the Devill . But skin , lusts , life and all will he give for this love , that hath once had any tast of it . All my contents are in this and in thee , ô Jesus ! These are the two principall , and most difficult Lessons in the school of Christ . There are many other besides these , of which I will cull out six : 1. Loath the World , and live in Heaven . Christ teacheth us to seek a City , not of this Creation , whose Builder , Building , and chief Inhabitant is God. He teacheth us to find this new Hierusalem , which is above us , within us , and there to dwell . He discovers this City with its Citizens in our Spirits , and draws us into it . 2. Hate Sin , and be Holy. Jesus Christ teacheth with a tongue of Fire in the Heart of man , which melts , and makes new ; which as it teacheth , toucheth , takes hold , consumes the drosse , and refines the gold . 3. Cast off your selves , and abide in Jesus Christ . The teachings of Christ run much upon two Creations , the one , Old ; the other , New ; and a dying to the one , that we may Live in the other . Take away the Earth , and Heaven is every where . Take away the old appearance of the Creature , and Christ with God appears . One Appearance is the Garment spotted with the Flesh ; the other is the White Rayment . 4. Have a beautifull Conversation among men . The rule of Christ is ; that good men should shine , as Lights in the world . Light is clear , the same in every posture , and motion . It enlightens , and cheers ; It draws , and directs . It is of the same stuffe , and appearance with Heaven . 5. Be a Servant to all in Humility . Learn of me , for I am lowly , saith Christ , Mat. 11. 29. The Son of man came not to be served , but to serve , Mat. 20. 28. He is likest to the most High , that can descend lowest to serve , and please others in Christ . 6. Be a Father to all in Charity . This is a Mystery of sweetnesse , which the Lord Jesus infuseth into the Soules of his Hearers ; to comprehend all things in one Spirit with themselves , by being themselves comprehended in one Spirit with God ; to look upon all things as their owne , and the out-goings of their owne Spirits , while they are one Spirit with Jesus Christ . Many such lessons Jesus Christ teacheth us ; but they all are easily learn'd and practised , when we thorowly understand those two great Lessons of the Lovelinesse , and Love of Jesus Christ . He that looks upon the Lovelinesse of Jesus Christ , as he looks , will feel himself by degrees transform'd into the same Spirituall beauties , 2 Cor. 3. 1. Beholding the glory of the Lord , we are chang'd into the likenesse of the same Image . He that dives into the Love of Jesus Christ will feel himself irresistibly drawn , and forc'd by it , to answer , and imitate it , 2 Cor. 5. 14. The Love of Christ constraineth us . The Lovelinesse , and Love of the Lord Jesus fall both into the same Path. He that hath found one , hath found both . This is the shortest , sweetest , plainest , and perfectest way to Heaven . What shall I now say to conclude this Exhortation ? If the Lord Jesus have been working with me this day , confirming the words , which I have spoken outwardly to your ears , with his words spoken inwardly to your hearts : then I know , your Hearts have been powerfully touch'd : and some one among you sweetly affected with Jesus Christ begins to say : I have hitherto sought my Honour , in the Glory ; the Sweetness of my life , in the pleasures of this world . But doe thou thus still teach me ; ô my Iesus ! Make me to hear from thy mouth the sound of thy Loveliness , and Love in my Spirit . Then shall I have more joy in these things , then ever I have had , when my Corne , and Oyle have abounded ; the treasures , and delicacies of the Flesh . Use 4 Direction . You shall know the Teachings of Jesus Christ , from all other by these Properties : 1. Love. 2. Life . 3. Power . 4. Perpetuity . 5. Infallibility in his Person . 6. Demonstration of his Doctrine . 1. Property : Love. The teachings of Christ fell upon the Soul , like the Soft rain upon the tender grasse . The Touchings of men have much of their own humours , and passions mingled with them , which often nip the young 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 the breathings of Christ are soft , and gentle , not quenching any heat , though never so weak , and dark ; but fanning the least smoke , till it be a flame . As the Eagle bears her yong ones upon her Wing , and so teacheth them to flie : thus doth the Lord Jesus train us up to Spirituality , bearing our infirmities . 2. Property : Life . Jesus Christ speaks quickning , creating words . As he instructs , he infuseth a Principle suitable to his Doctrine . He holds forth a Light , and makes a seeing Eye . He utters divine Mysteries , and makes a hearing Eare. He presents love , riches , joy , strength ; and gives a heart to receive it . 3. Property : Power . Jesus Christ speaks not Words , but Things . You have not so learn'd Christ , if you have been taught of him , and have learn'd the Truth , as it is in him , Ephes . 4. 20 , 21. Christ doth not teach by signes , but the sabstance it self . He presents the Excellencies , of which he discourseth ; He shews them to the life in his own Person . He plants them , and sets them in the Soule , to grow there . Christ so teacheth , that he makes his words , Spirit and Life , Iohn 6. 63. one Spirit , and Life with Himself , and you . He makes these three , one Spirit ; the Teacher , the Truths taught , the Disciple , that learns them . 4. Property : Perpetuity . 'T is said of God , that His work is for ever , Eccles . So are the teachings of Christ for ever . He gives us his Spirit to be a Treasury , and a Remembrancer of all Truth to us . He shall bring all things to your mind , Iohn . Thou hast the words of everlasting life , Iohn . The words of Christ will live in your Spirits , as long as ye live ; in your death ; eternally . 5. Property : The infallibility of his Person . Let God be true , and every man a lyar , Rom. 3. 4. Nay , man is not onely a Lyar , but a Lie. Surely men of low degree are Vanity , and men of high degree are a Lie : to be laid in a balance , they are altogether lighter than Vanity , Psal . 62. 9. Man is nothing more than an empty appearance . If he pretend to be , or appear any thing , he makes himself a Lie. The wit , strength , excellency of man serve only to make a strong delusion . Man hath infallibity no more , then he hath immortality . But Jesus Christ is more than man. He is God too . God neither tempts any man , nor can be tempted , James 1. 13. Jesus Christ cannot deceive any man , nor be deceived . If He appear , His appearances are true . If Jesus Christ say , It is I : the winds of temptation , the waves of doubt obey , and the greatest storm in the Soul is silenced into a Calme . There remains now only the last Property of Christ's teachings , which is the Principall one . I shall therefore be somewhat the larger upon it . 6. Property : Demonstration of his Doctrines . Saint Paul testifies of himself , 1 Cor. 2. 4. And my Preaching was not in the enticing words of man's Wisdome , but in the Demonstration of the Spirit , and of power . When Paul preached with an infallibility , it was not Paul , but the Lord Jesus , that spake , and gave a Demonstration , of that , which he spake , 1 Cor. 7. 10. Saint Paul makes a three fold Opposition : 1. Oppos . Between Words , and Power . 2. Oppos . Between Enticing words , and Demonstration . 3. Oppos . Between Man's wisdome , and the Spirit . Enticing words , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , perswasive words , such , as are able to beget a humane faith to the highest . The Demonstrations of Christ in his teachings are above , not the Rhetorick only , but the Philosophy of man. They are more then words , fancy , wit , reason , or wisdome it self ; so far , as man , or any meer Creature is capable of them . There are four Questions , which being propounded , and answered , will give much light to this Scripture , and this Property : 1. Quest . What is a Demonstration ? 2. Quest . What is the Spirit ? 3. Quest . What is the Demonstration of the Spirit ? 4. Quest . How this is appropriated to Jesus Christ . 1. Q. What is a Demonstration ? Answ . A Demonstration is the Evidencing of things by an irresistible light , and clearness of conviction . The Philosopher teacheth us from the Principles of reason , and nature ; that a Demonstration must be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , by such Truths , as are the First truths in themselves , and most immediate in respect to us . The truths , by which you will demonstrate any thing must be , 1. First truths . 2. Immediate truths . 1. First truths : Such as have none above , none before them , on which they depend for Certainty , and Clearness . Demonstrating truths must be absolute , unquestionable , such , as no understanding can resist , when they are presented . That which manifests is Light , Ephes . 5. 13. That which makes clearly manifest without any deniall , or doubt , is Light , in which there is no darkness , as S. John speaks of God , 1 J. 1. 5. Such a Light must that be , which carries a Demonstration along with it . It must be the originall , and measure of all Truth , as Light is of colours . It must have pleni-potency , an all-sufficiency , a Divinity of certainty , and clearnesse , in , and of it self . No other thing can ever make the soul fully sure , without trembling , or wavering . A man must be of necessity double-minded , and like a wave of the Sea , as Saint James speaks , Iames 1. till he come to the Corner stone , the Bottom reason of truth , because the whole Building of truth stands on this . That only is a Demonstrating Principle , an assuring , a quieting truth , which is so first of all , that there lies no appeale from it to any : it self being the Fountain , which gives testimony to all truths , but receives , or needs a testimony from none . 2. Immediate truths . These are such , as have an immediate Vnion with the Soul , that there may be no dispute about their Evidence ▪ or diminution , or danger of corruption by any second hand . Saint Paul calls it a Demonstration of power , when the first Light , the first Truths communicate themselves nakedly , to the naked soule of man , both being uncloth'd of any intervening representations , or reports . Thus the Soul receives the Light of truth in the dignity of its strength , in the excellenty of its might , as Iacob speaks of his First-born . The power of Truth is the first , and highest Appearance , which is proper , perfect , substantiall . All inferiour appearances are Truth in its weakness , and shadowy . God made man , and woman One , that they might have a Holy Seed , ( a Sead of God , in the Hebrew ) Malac. 2. 15. The first Truth , as the Man , the Soule , as the Woman must be espoused , and married , joyn'd without a Deputy , or a Third ; they must be immediately , entirely One ; that they may have a Seed of God , a race of Truths cleer , and Sure , having the full brightnesse of a Demonstration shining in their faces . If any thing come between your understanding , or belief ▪ and the first Truths : you doe not trust to their Testimony , but to the report of some other thing concerning them . The men of Samaria said to the Woman , Now we believe , not because of thy saying . For we have heard Him our selves , and know , that this is indeed the Christ , the Saviour of the world , Iohn 4. 42. If thy Soul will have any one truth in the demonstration of power : it must be able to say to the Principle of Truth , the highest Truth , Now I believe , not because of any other testimony , proof , or evidence . For I have heard , and seen , and handled thee in my self ; and so I know , that thou art indeed ( in substance , and power ) the anointing Truth , the only Light and Anointing of all truths . 2. Quest . What is the Spirit ? Answ . The Spirit is a name of essence , or subsistence in God ; of the divine Nature , or one of the three divine Persons . I wil speak of it now , as it signifies the essence , or nature of God. God is a Spirit , and they , that worship him , must worship him in Spirit , and Truth , Iohn 4. 24. The Spirit is God unveil'd , and shining out in his true Appearance , above all the shadows , types , and Images of him in the Creatures . The Flesh profits not , but the Spirit quickneth , Ioh. 6. 63. Thus our Saviour opposeth the Created and Uncreated part of things in his owne Person under the names of Flests , and Spirit . Divines say that every Creature , even the highest A●●el hath something of materiality , darknesse , grosnesse , composition , carnality ; and so it is Flesh ; compared with God , who only is a Spirit ; as the Spirit is a name of unity , simplicity , purity . The Spirit then is God in the simplicity of his own Person , abstracted from all mixture , or composition with the Creature . 3. Quest . What is the Demonstration of the Spirit ? God in his Spirituall appearance to the Soul is the first Truth . For He is above All. He is the Immediate Truth . For he alone is most intimate with all things . Nothing can unite it selfe to the Soul , so inwardly , so immediately , as God : For all things are by Him. This is the onely Demonstration of every , of any Truth , the Spirituall appearance of God in the Soul , holding forth that Truth in his own Light. When Saint Paul had spoken of the Demonstration of the Spirit , he adds , that your faith might be not in the Wisdome of men , but in the power of God , 1 Cor. 2. 5. The Demonstration of the Spirit is above nature , reason , and all Principles of Wisdome , or Truth in any Creature . It is the power of God , as God ; bringing forth the discovery of himself ; and all Truths , as particular discoveries in that Vniversall One ; like branches in the stock of a tree ; or beames in the body of the Sun. In thy light shall we see light , Psal . 36. 9. In the manifestation of God within us shall we see the manifestation of each Truth . You are Light in the Lord , Ephes . 5. 8. Every Person , every appearance is Light , hath a power of evidencing , and manifesting it self , so far only , as it is in the Light of God. 4. Quest . How is the Demonstration of the Spirit appropriated to Jesus Christ ? Answ . Saint Paul shall answer this question , Acts 3. 3. Having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost , he hath shed forth this , which we now see . The Spirituall manifestation of God is the onely distinguishing character , the demonstration of every spirituall truth . This appearance is the Promise , the great , and last promise of the Father ; the great , and last expectation of all the Saints . The Lord Jesus received this manifestation of God in the Person of the Holy Ghost immediately . We all receive it , or wait for it in the Person of Jesus Christ by His Mediation . This Spirit , or this Spirituall shining out of the divine Majesty is the onely Seale of truth , Ephes . 1. 13. Ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise : in the former part of the Verse were these words , after that ye received the word of truth . They were sealed , that is , the truth of the Gospel was sealed in , and to , and on them by the Seale of the Spirit , which is , the Ingraving of the first Truth , upon each truth , or heart . The Lord Jesus is the Angel , that hath this Seale of the living God in his hand , Revel . 7. 2. For He himself is first sealed with it , and all other Members of this Truth , or Disciples of this Master are sealed by and in Him. Him hath the Father sealed , Joh. 6. 27. The Father is the Sealer primitively , by power , and authority . The Son , as he is the second Person in the Trinity is the Image , which the Father sets on , when he seals , Heb. 1. 3. the expresse Image of his Person : the Sealing Image . The Holy Spirit is the Impression of this Image in , and by the Father . In this sense the Holy Ghost is said to be received ; as the Wax receives Impression of the Image in sealing . So he is called the Sealing , wherewith we are sealed , in that fore-quoted place of the Ephesians . The Person of the Lord Jesus , as he is Mediatour , God-man , is the Sealer by place , and office , or deputation of the Father . He is the Seale , as he is God. He hath the Sealing power , for he hath the Spirit . He is the Sealed one , as he is Man in union with God. Every person , or appearance is sealed , onely , as it is in union with him , In whom ye were sealed , &c. Ephes . 1. The Glorified Humanity of our Saviour is , as fine Gold : his Divinity , the Image : the Holy Spirit , the Impression , the ingraving , the union of this Image on the Gold , and on every other piece , or matter from that Gold by fixing it strongly , and immediately on each Piece . Thus are Truths coyned , that they may be currant ; thus are they sealed , that they may be sure : thus doth Jesus Christ demonstrate his doctrines in the soule , by shewing himself in them ; and the Father , the first glory of the Godhead in himself , 2 Cor. 4. 6. God hath shined into our hearts the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ . Thus much for this Vse , the way of discerning the teachings of Christ , and distinguishing them from all other teachings in the Soule . Use 5 Consolation . I will conclude all briefly with four Consolations for the Disciples of Christ . 1. Consolat : Your Master teacheth the sweetest , and surest things by afflictions , Job 33. 16. Elthu speaks of God's opening ( or uncovering , unveiling ) the ears of men , and sealing their instruction . He tels you that God doth this by dreams , or visions , when men slumber on their beds , v. 15. He reckons up another may be chastenings , and strong pain , v. 19. Jesus Christ makes one darknesse to cure another : the darknesse of affliction , the darknesse of a fleshly mind . Our heavenly Master teares that vaile , which lies on our ears , and hearts , by the sharpnesse of our sufferings ; then he lets in upon us the sweet discoveries of God , and his kingdome . He seals these in the night of our trouble by the Sun-shine of the Godhead breaking from his own face ; and makes them sure by setting upon them the Image of the eternall day in his owne Person . He makes the defacing of all worldly Images , the darkning , and putting out of all earthly Light ; his blessed advantage for the bringing into our Spirits this Image , and Light. 2. Consolat : Your Master teacheth you a Conformity to himself by your Crosses : nay , not onely so , but a Fellowship also with Him , Rom. 6. 5. If we have been planted together ( that is , with Jesus Christ ) into the likeness of his Death . What comfortable cordialls are those teachings , which instruct us so in a right , and sweet understanding of all our sufferings ; that we enjoy them , as a representation of our Saviour , and a partnership with our Saviour , in our selves ? 3. Consolat : Your Master teacheth you to see your Conquest over the World by the Crosse . Heb. 12. 27. This once more , signifieth the removing those things , which are shaken , as of things , that are made ; that those things , which cannot be shaken , may remaine . Jesus Christ readeth such a Lecture , as this , upon the shaking , or ruining of any of our earthly comforts : Be of good cheer ; this fleshly appearance tempts you to folly , betraies you to fears , and miseries . It lets the Heavenly appearance of things from discovering it self to you , and it will let , till it be taken out of the way . But if this fleshly Image go away by being crucified ; then will the Comforter come , the Spirituall manifestations of God , which shall continue with you for ever . 4. Consolat : Your Master teacheth you to read a Heavenly glory , in Earthly troubles , Joh. 13. 32. If God be glorified in the Son of man ( that is , by forming upon thee those Images in flesh , of the utmost , and last varieties of highest Glory , which are Afflictions : ) then shall he glorifie thee in himselfe , and straight way he will glorifie thee , that is , then is God now finishing thy Pilgrimage thorow this Inferiour , fleshly Image , and even presently taking thee out of it into the Glory it self . There thou shalt see that dark Image , Affliction , in that Light of its primitive Glory ▪ and in the meane time thou seest it , as an Image of that Glory . FINIS .