3. Learn also in this to be confident, that thy sufferings have their sound and a voice before G.o.d and men. First, Before G.o.d, to provoke him to vengeance, "when he maketh inquisition for blood"
(Psa 9:12; Gen 4:9-11). The blood of Abel cried until it brought down wrath upon Cain; and so did the blood of Christ and his apostles, till it had laid Jerusalem upon heaps. Secondly, Thy blood will also have a voice before men, and that possibly for their good.
The faithful Christian, in his patient suffering, knows not what work he may do for G.o.d; who knows but thy blood may be so remembered by thy children, neighbours, and enemies, as to convince them thou wert for the truth? Yea, who knows but their thoughts of thy resolution for Christ, in thy resisting unto blood, may have so good an effect upon some, as to persuade them to close with his ways? The three children in the fiery furnace made Nebuchadnezzar cry out there was no G.o.d like theirs! Indeed, this is hard labour, but be content, the dearer thou payest for it to win the souls of others, the greater will be thy crown, when the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall appear; and in the meanwhile, thy death shall be as a sacrifice pleasing to G.o.d and his saints.
[WHAT IT IS TO BE NOW READY TO BE OFFERED.]
SECOND. The second thing that I would inquire into is this: What it is to be "ready to be offered up"? Or how we should understand this word "ready": "I am now ready to be offered up." Which I think may be understood three manner of ways.
First. With respect to that readiness that was continually in the heart of those that hated him, to destroy him with his doctrines; Second. Or it may be understood with respect to the readiness of this blessed apostle"s mind, his being ready and willing always to embrace the cross for the word"s sake; or, Third. We may very well understand it that he had done his work for G.o.d in this world, and therefore was ready to be gone.
[Readiness of enemies to destroy the apostle and his doctrine.]
First. For the first of these: The enemies of G.o.d and his truth, they never want will and malice to oppose the Word of G.o.d; they are also always so far forth in readiness to murder and slaughter the saints, as the prophet cries to Jerusalem, "Behold the princes of Israel, every one were in thee to their power to shed blood" (Eze 22:6), that is, they had will and malice always at hand to oppose the upright in heart. And therefore our Lord Jesus saith, "they are they that kill the body"; he doth not say they can do it as relating to their will, and their custom, if let loose; and we may understand thereby that it is no more to them to kill the people of G.o.d, than it is to butchers to kill sheep and oxen. For though it be indeed a truth that G.o.d"s hand is always safe upon the hilt of their sword, yet by them we are killed all the day long, and accounted as sheep for the slaughter (Psa 44:22; Rom 8:36). That is, in their desires always, as well as by their deeds, when they are let loose, as Paul"s kinsman said to the captain, "There lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with a curse,[2] that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him; and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee" (Acts 23:12,13,21). And hence it is, that by the Word they are called dragons, lions, bears, wolves, leopards, dogs, and the like; all which are beasts of prey, and delight to live by the death of others.[3] Paul therefore seeing and knowing that this readiness was in his enemies to pour out his bowels to the earth, he cried out to Timothy, saying, "make thou full proof of thy ministry, for" I am now ready to be slain; "I am now ready to be offered" (2 Tim 4:5,6). These words thus understood may be useful many ways.
1. To show us we live, not because of any good nature or inclination that is in our enemies towards us; for they, as to their wills, are ready to destroy us; but they are in the hand of G.o.d, in whose hand is also our times (Psa 31:15). Wherefore, though by the will of our enemies, we are always delivered to death, yet "behold we live" (2 Cor 6:9). Therefore in this sense it may be said, "Where is the fury of the oppressor?" It is not in his power to dispose of, therefore here it may be said again, he is not "ready to destroy"
(Isa 51:13). The cup that G.o.d"s people in all ages have drank of, even the cup of affliction and persecution, it is not in the hand of the enemy, but in the hand of G.o.d; and he, not they, poureth out of the same (Psa 75:8). So that they, with all their raging waves, have banks and bounds set to them, by which they are limited within their range, as the bear is by his chain. "Surely the wrath of men shall praise thee, the remainder of wrath thou shalt restrain" (Psa 76:10; Job 38:10,11).
2. This should encourage us not to forsake the way of our Lord Jesus, when threatened by our adversaries, because they are in his chain: indeed they are ready in their wills to destroy us; but as to power and liberty to do it, that is not at all with them; who would fear to go, even by the very nose of a lion, if his chain would not suffer him to hurt us.[4] It is too much below the spirit of a Christian to fear a man that shall die (Isa 51:12,13). And they that have so done, have forgotten the Lord their Maker, who preserveth the hairs of our head (Luke 12:7). Yea, let me tell you he that so doth, he feareth to trust the Lord with his life, estate, and concernments, and chooseth rather to trust to himself, and that too out of G.o.d"s way; and though such persons may lick themselves whole now, while they are fallen and senseless, they must count for these things again, and then they shall see that fear of men, and to be ashamed of Christ, will load them with no light burden. Also, it is an uncomely thing for any man in his profession to be in and out with the times; and to do this when winked at by men, that they would not do if they frowned. Do such fear G.o.d?
nay, they fear the fear of men, when they should sanctify the Lord himself, and let him be their dread, and let him be their fear (Isa 8:12,13).
3. Let the readiness that is in the enemies of G.o.d to destroy, provoke thee to make ready also, as I said a little before; go out to meet the armed men; "David ran to meet Goliath"; rub up man,[5]
put on thy harness, "put on the whole armour of G.o.d, that thou mayest be ready," as well as thy adversaries, as blessed Paul was here, "I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand" (1 Sam 17:46-48). But because this will fall in fittest under the second head, I shall, therefore, discourse of it there.
[The readiness IN MIND of the blessed apostle to suffer.]
Second. The second thing considered in the words is this, that to be ready might be understood with respect to the blessed apostle"s mind, that was graciously brought over into a willingness to embrace the cross for the Word"s sake; and thus in other places he himself expounds it. "I am ready," saith he, "not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 21:13).
That also implies as much where he saith, "Neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of G.o.d" (Acts 20:24). As the enemies, then, were ready and willing in their hearts, so he was ready and willing in his. This man was like to those mighty men of Solomon, that were ready prepared for the war, and waited on the king, fit to be sent at any time upon the most sharp and pinching service (2 Chron 17:12-19). A thing fitly becoming all the saints, but chiefly those that minister in the word and doctrine. Understand the words thus, and they also teach us many things, both for conviction and for edification.
1. Here we see that a Christian"s heart should be unclenched from this world; for he that is ready to be made a sacrifice for Christ and his blessed Word, he must be one that is not entangled with the affairs of this life: how else can he please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier? Thus was it with this blessed man; he was brought to G.o.d"s foot with Abraham, and crucified to this world with Christ; he had pa.s.sed a sentence of death upon all earthly pleasures and profits beforehand, that they might not deaden his spirit when he came to suffer for his profession (2 Tim 2:4; 2 Cor 1:8,9; Gal 2:20, 6:14).
2. This shows us the true effects of unfeigned faith and love, for they were the rise of this most blessed frame of heart; read 2 Corinthians 4:8-13, and compare it with 2 Corinthians 12:9,10; and men may talk what they will of their faith and love to the Lord Jesus, and to his holy gospel. But if they throw up their open profession of his name for fear of those that hate him, it is evident their mouths go before their hearts, and that their words are bigger than their graces. "If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small," and so thy faith and love (Prov 24:10).
Herein is love, "that a man lay down his life for his friends"
(John 15:13).
3. This shows us the true effects of a right sight and sense of the sufferings that attend the gospel; that they shall become truly profitable to those that shall bear them aright. What made he ready for? it was for sufferings; and why made he ready for them but because he saw they wrought out for him a "far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory?" (2 Cor 4:17). This made Moses also spurn at a crown and a kingdom; to look with a disdainful eye upon all the glory of Egypt. He saw the reward that was laid up in heaven for those that suffered for Christ. Therefore, "he refused to be called the son of Pharaoh"s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of G.o.d than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ grater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king, for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible" (Heb 11:21-27).
Every one cannot thus look upon the afflictions and temptations that attend the gospel; no, not every one that professeth it, as appears by their shrinking and shirking at the noise of the trumpet, and alarum to war. They can be content, as cowards in a garrison, to lie still under some smaller pieces of service, as hearing the Word, entering in, to follow with loving in word and in tongue, and the like; but to "go forth unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach," and to be in jeopardy every hour for the truth of the glorious gospel, that they dare not do (Heb 13:13; 1 Cor 15:30).
Nay, instead of making ready with Paul to engage the dragon and his angels, they study how to evade and shun the cross of Christ; secretly rejoicing if they can but delude their conscience, and make it still and quiet, while they do yet unworthily (Rev 12:7-9).
4. By this readiness we may discern who are unfeignedly willing to find out that they may do the whole will of G.o.d; even those that are already made willing to suffer for his sake; they are still inquiring, "Lord, what wouldst thou have me to do?" not mattering nor regarding the cross and distress that attends it. "The Holy Ghost witnesseth" to me, saith Paul, that "in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me; but none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I may finish my course with joy," &c. (Acts 20:23,24). Counting that to see and be doing of heavenly things, will countervail all the trouble and sorrow that attends them; this therefore sharply rebuketh those that can be glad to be ignorant of the knowledge of some truths, especially of them that are persecuted; still answering those that charge them with walking irregularly, that they do but according to their light. Whereas the hearts that be full of love to the name and glory of Christ, will in quiet return and come; yea, and be glad, if they find the words of G.o.d, and will eat them with savour and sweet delight, how bitter soever they are to the belly: because of that testimony they bind us up to maintain before peoples, and nations, and kings (Rev 10:10,11). "I am now ready to be offered."
[Paul ready to depart, having done his work for G.o.d in this world.]
Third. The third thing to be considered in the words is this, That the apostle, by saying, "I am now ready," doth signify that now he had done that work that G.o.d had appointed him to do in the world.
"I am now ready," because I have done my work; this is further manifest by the following words of the text; "I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand"; namely, my time to depart this world. The words also that follow are much to the purpose, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,"
&c., much like that of our Lord Jesus. "I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do" (John 17:4). Now then, put all these things together, namely, that I am to be offered a sacrifice, and for this my enemies are ready, my heart is also ready; and because I have done my work, I am therefore every way ready. This is a frame and condition that deserveth not only to stand in the Word of G.o.d for Paul"s everlasting praise, but to be a provoking argument to all that read or hear thereof, to follow the same steps. I shall therefore, to help it forward, according to grace received, draw one conclusion from the words, and speak a few words to it. The conclusion is this: That it is the duty and wisdom of those that fear G.o.d so to manage their time and work that he hath allotted unto them, that they may not have part of their work to do when they should be departing the world.
[THE CHRISTIAN"S DUTY AND WISDOM TO BE THUS READY.]
This truth I might further urge from the very words of the text, they being written on purpose by Paul to stir up Timothy and all the G.o.dly to press hard after this very thing. But to pa.s.s that, and to mind you of some other scriptures that press it hard as a duty, and then to proceed to some few examples of the wise and most eminent saints. Which when I have done I shall, 1. Show you reason for it. 2. Give you encouragement to it. 3. Press it with several motives. 4. Make some use and application of the whole, and so conclude.
That this is the duty and wisdom of those that fear G.o.d, you may see by Christ"s exhortation to watchfulness, and to prepare for his second coming; "Therefore be ye also ready; for in an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh" (Matt 24:44). These words, as they are spoken to stir up the G.o.dly to be ready to meet their Lord at his coming, so because the G.o.dly must meet him as well in his judgments and providences here, as at his personal appearing at the last day; therefore they should be diligent to be fitting themselves to meet him in all such dispensations. "And because,"
saith G.o.d, "I will do this unto thee; prepare to meet thy G.o.d, O Israel" (Amos 4:12). Now death is one of the most certain of those dispensations; yea, and such, that it leaveth to those no help at all, or means to perform for ever, that which, shouldst thou want it, that is lacking to thy work. Wherefore Solomon also doth press us to this very work, and that from this consideration, "whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might, for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest" (Eccl 9:10). Baulk nothing of thy duty, neither defer to do it; for thou art in thy way to thy grave, and there thou canst not finish ought that by neglect thou leavest undone; therefore be diligent while life lasts.[6]
Another scripture is that in Peter"s epistle to those that were scattered abroad. "Seeing," saith he, "that ye look for such things, be diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace," &c. (2 Peter 3:14). He is there discoursing of the coming of Christ to judgment, as Christ also was in the other; and from the certainty and dread of that day he doth press them on to a continual diligence, and is to be understood as that of Paul to Timothy, a diligent watching in all things, that as he saith again, they may stand complete in all the will of G.o.d, not lacking this or that of that work which was given them to do of G.o.d and this world (2 Tim 4:5). Much might be said for the further proof of this duty; but to give you some examples of the G.o.dly men of old, whereby it will appear, that as it is our duty to do it so it is also our wisdom. And hence,
It is said of Enoch, that he "walked with G.o.d" (Gen 5:22), and of Noah, that he was faithful in his generation, and also "walked with G.o.d" (Gen 6:9). That is, they kept touch[7] with him, still keeping up to the work and duty that every day required; not doing their duty by fits and by starts, but in a fervent spirit they served the Lord. So again it is said of Abraham, that his work was to walk before G.o.d in a way of faith and self-denial, which he with diligence performed. And therefore the Holy Ghost saith, he "died in a good old age" (Gen 25:8); thereby insinuating that he made both ends meet[8] together, the end of his work with the end of his days, and so came to his grave, "in a full age, as a shock of corn cometh in in his season" (Job 5:26). Jacob also, when he blessed his sons, as he lay upon his death-bed before them, doth sweetly comfort himself with this, after all his toil and travel, saying, "I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord,"[9] as if he had said, Lord, I have faithfully walked before thee in the days of my pilgrimage, through the help and power of thy grace; and now having nothing to do but to die, I lie waiting for thy coming to gather me up to thyself and my father: so, when he "had made an end of commanding his sons," now his bottom was wound,[10] "he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people" (Gen 49:18-33). Caleb and Joshua are said to be men of excellent spirit, because they were faithful in this their work (Num 14:24). David was eminent this way, and had done his work before his death-day came: "After he had served his own generation by the will of G.o.d," then he "fell on sleep" (Acts 13:36). Which in the Old Testament is signified by three pa.s.sages, 1. By his losing his heat before his death, thereby showing his work for G.o.d was done, he now only waited to die. 2. By that pa.s.sage, "these are the last words of David," even the wind up of all the doctrines of that sweet psalmist of Israel (2 Sam 23:1,2). 3. That in the Psalms is very significant, "The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended" (Psa 72:20). In the whole, they all do doubtless speak forth this in the main, that David made great conscience of walking with G.o.d, by labouring to drive his work before him, that his work and life might meet together: for that indeed is a good man"s wisdom.
Job had great conscience also as to this very thing, as witness both G.o.d"s testimony and his own conscience for him (Job 1:8, 31).
Elijah had brought his work to that issue that he had but to anoint Hazael to be king of a.s.syria, Jehu to be king of Israel, and Elisha prophet in his room, and then to be caught up into heaven (1 Kings 19:15,16). What shall I say? I might come to Hezekiah, Jehoshaphat, Josias; with old Simeon also, whose days were lengthened chiefly, not because he was behind with G.o.d and his conscience as to his work for G.o.d in the world, but to see with his eyes now at last the Lord"s Christ: a sweet forefitting for death! Zacharias, with Elizabeth his wife, that good old couple also, how tender and doubtful were they in this matter, to walk "in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord," in a blessed blameless way! (Luke 1:6, 2:25). Their son also is not to be left out, who rather than he would be put out of his way, and hindered from fulfilling his course, would venture the loss of the love of a king, and the loss of his head for a word (Mark 6:17,18). All these, with many more, are as so many mighty arguments for the praise of that I a.s.serted before, to wit, that it is the duty and wisdom of those that fear G.o.d, so to manage their time and work, that he hath here allotted unto them, that they may not have part of their work to do when they should be departing this world. I might urge also many reasons to enforce this truth upon you, as,
[Reasons to enforce this duty.]
First. Otherwise, the great and chief design of G.o.d in sending us into the world, especially in converting us and possessing our souls with gifts and graces, and many other benefits, that we might here be to the glory of his grace, is as much as in us lies, frustrate and disappointed. "This people have I formed for myself," saith he, "they shall show forth my praise" (Isa 43:21): and so again, "ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain" (John 15:16). G.o.d never intended, when he covered thy nakedness with the righteousness of his dear Son, and delivered thee from the condemning power of sin and the law, that thou shouldst still live as do those who know not G.o.d. "This I say therefore,"
saith Paul, "and testify in the Lord; that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles, in the vanity of their mind" (Eph 4:17). What, a Christian, and live as does the world? (John 17:16). A Christian, and spend thy time, thy strength, and parts, for things that perish in the using? Remember, man, if the grace of G.o.d hath taken hold of thy soul, thou art a man of another world, and indeed a subject of another and more n.o.ble kingdom, the kingdom of G.o.d, which is the kingdom of the gospel, of grace, of faith and righteousness, and the kingdom of heaven hereafter (Rom 14:16-18). In these things thou shouldst exercise thyself; not making heavenly things which G.o.d hath bestowed upon thee to stoop to things that are of the world, but rather here beat down thy body, mortify thy members; hoist up thy mind to the things that are above, and practically hold forth before all the world that blessed word of life (1 Cor 9:26,27).
This, I say, is G.o.d"s design; this is the tendency, the natural tendency of every grace of G.o.d bestowed upon thee: and herein is our Father glorified, that we bring forth much fruit (Col 3:1-4; John 15:8).
Second. A second reason why Christians should so manage their time and the work that G.o.d hath appointed them to do for his name in this world, that they may not have part thereof to do when they should be departing this world, it is because, if they do not, dying will be a hard work with them especially if G.o.d awakeneth them about their neglect of their duty (1 Cor 11:30-32). The way of G.o.d with his people is to visit their sins in this life; and the worst time for thee to be visited for them, is when thy life is smitten down, as it were to the dust of death, even when all natural infirmities break in like a flood upon thee, sickness, fainting, pains, wearisomeness, and the like; now I say, to be charged also with the neglect of duty, when in no capacity to do it; yea, perhaps so feeble, as scarce able to abide to hear thy dearest friend in this life speak to thee; will not this make dying hard. Yea, when thou shalt seem both in thine own eyes, as also in the eyes of others, to fall short of the kingdom of heaven for this and the other transgression, will not this make dying hard?
(Heb 4:1,2). David found it hard, when he cried, "O spare me"
a little, "that I may recover strength before I go hence, and be no more" (Psa 39:13). David at this time was chastened for some iniquity; yea, brought for his folly to the doors of the shadow of death. But here he could not enter without great distress of mind; wherefore he cries out for respite and time to do the will of G.o.d, and the work allotted to him. So again, "The sorrows of death compa.s.sed me, and the pains of h.e.l.l gat hold upon me; I found trouble and sorrow: then called I upon the name of the Lord." Ay, this will make thee cry, though thou be as good as David! Wherefore learn by his sorrow, as he himself also learned, at last, to serve his own generation by the will of G.o.d, before he fell asleep. G.o.d can tell how to pardon thy sins, and yet make them such a bitter thing, and so heavy a burden to thee, that thou wouldst not, if thou wast but once distressed with it, come there again for all this world, Ah! it is easy with him to have this pardon in his bosom, when yet he is breaking all thy bones, and pouring out thy gall upon the ground; yea, to show himself then unto thee in so dreadful a majesty, that heaven and earth shall seem to thee to tremble at his presence! Let then the thoughts of this prevail with thee, as a reason of great weight to provoke thee to study to manage thy time and work in wisdom while thou art well.[11]
Third. Another reason, why those that fear G.o.d should so manage their time and work for G.o.d in this world, that they may not have part to do when they should be departing this life, it is, because loitering in thy work doth, as much as in it lieth, defer and hold back the second coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. One thing, amongst many, that letteth[12] the appearing of Christ in the clouds of heaven, is, that his body, with the several members thereof, are not yet complete and full; they are not all yet come to the knowledge of the Son of G.o.d, "to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ" (Eph 4:8-13); that is, to the complete making up of his body; for as Peter saith, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness, but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). And so also to the complete performance of all their duty and work they have for G.o.d in this world. And I say, the faster the work of conversion, repentance, faith, self-denial, and the rest of the Christian duties, are performed by the saints in their day, the more they make way for the coming of the Lord from heaven. Wherefore Peter saith again, "Seeing then that" we look for such things, "what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and G.o.dliness, looking for, and hasting unto," or, as it is in the margin, "hasting the coming of the day of G.o.d, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat" (2 Peter 3:11,12). When the bride hath made herself ready, "the marriage of the Lamb is come" (Rev 19:7). That is, the Lord will then wait upon the world no longer, when his saints are fit to receive him.
As he said to Lot when he came to burn down Sodom, "Haste thee"
to Zoar, "for I cannot do anything till thou be come thither" (Gen 19:20-22). So concerning the great day of judgment to the world, which shall be also the day of blessedness and rest to the people of G.o.d, it cannot come until the Lamb"s wife hath made herself ready; until all the saints that belong to glory are ready. And before I go further, what might I yet say to fasten this reason upon the truly gracious soul? What! wilt thou yet loiter in the work of thy day? wilt thou still be unwilling to hasten righteousness?
dost thou not know that thou by so doing deferrest the coming of thy dearest Lord? Besides, that is the day of his glory, the day when he shall come in the glory of his Father and of the holy angels; and wilt not thou by thy diligence help it forwards? Must also the general a.s.sembly and church of the first-born wait upon thee for their full portions of glory? Wilt thou by thus doing endeavour to keep them wrapt up still in the dust of the earth, there to dwell with the worm and corruption? The Lord awaken thee, that thou mayst see thy loitering doth do this, and doth also hinder thy own soul of the inheritance prepared for thee.[13]
4. Another reason why saints should press hard after a complete performing their work that G.o.d hath allotted unto them is, because, so far forth as they fall short, in that they impair their own glory. For as the Lord hath commanded his people to work for him in this world, so also he of grace hath promised to reward whatever they Christianly do. For whatsoever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bound or free.
Yea, he counts it unrighteousness to forget their work of faith and labour of love, but a righteous thing to recompense them for it in the day of our Lord Jesus (Heb 6:10; 2 Thess 1:6,7). This, well considered, is of great force to prevail with those that are covetous of glory, such as Moses and Paul, with the rest of that spirit. As the apostle saith also to the saints at Corinth, "Be stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord"
(1 Cor 15:50).
Having thus given you the reasons why G.o.d"s people should be diligent in that work that G.o.d hath allotted for them to be doing for him in this world, I shall, in the next place, give you some directions, as helps to further you in this work. And they are such as tend to take away those hindrances that come upon thee, either by discouragement, or by reason of hardness and benumbedness of spirit; for great hindrances overtake G.o.d"s people from both these impediments.
[Directions, as helps to further in this work.]
First. If thou wouldst be faithful to do that work that G.o.d hath allotted thee to do in this world for his name, labour to live much in the favour and sense of thy freedom and liberty by Jesus Christ; that is, keep this, if possible, ever before thee, that thou art a redeemed one, taken out of this world, and from under the curse of the law, out of the power of the devil, &c., and placed in a kingdom of grace, and forgiveness of sins for Christ"s sake.
This is of absolute use in this matter; yea, so absolute, that it is impossible for any Christian to do his word Christianly without some enjoyment of it. For this, in the 1st of Luke, is made the very ground of all good works, both as to their nature and our continuance in them; and is also reckoned there an essential part of that covenant that G.o.d made with our fathers; even "that he would grant unto us that we, being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness, before him all the days of our life" (Luke 1:74,75). And indeed, take this away, and what ground can there be laid for any man to persevere in good works? None at all. For take away grace and remission of sins for Christ"s sake, and you leave men nothing to help them but the terrors of the law and judgment of G.o.d, which, at best, can beget but a servile and slavish spirit in that man in whom it dwells; which spirit is so far off from being an help to us in our pursuit of good works, that it makes us we cannot endure that which is commanded, but, Israel-like, it flieth from G.o.d even as from the face of a serpent (Heb 12:20; Exo 19). As Solomon saith, "A servant will not be corrected by words, for, though he understand, he will not answer" (Prov 29:19). Get thou then thy soul possessed with the spirit of the Son, and believe thou art set perfectly free by him from whatsoever thou by sin hast deserved at the hand of revenging justice. This doctrine unlooseth thy bands, takes off thy yoke, and lets thee go upright. This doctrine puts spiritual and heavenly inclinations into thy soul; and the faith of this truth doth show thee that G.o.d hath so surprised thee, and gone beyond thee, with his blessed and everlasting love, that thou canst not but reckon thyself his debtor for ever. "Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh" (Rom 8:12).
That argument of Paul to Philemon is here true in the highest degree, thou owest to G.o.d for his grace to thee, "even thine own self besides" (Phile 19). This Paul further testifies, both in the 6th and 7th of the Romans. In the one he saith, we are "free from sin"; in the other he saith, we are "dead to the law," that our fruit might be unto holiness: that we might "bring forth fruit unto G.o.d" (Rom 6:22, 7:4). For, as I said, if either thy unG.o.dly l.u.s.ts, or the power and force of the law, have dominion over thy spirit, thou art not in a condition now to be performing thy work to G.o.d in this world. I have heretofore marvelled at the quarrelsome spirit that possessed the people that Malachi speaketh of, how they found fault with, in a manner, all things that were commanded them to do; but I have since observed their unG.o.dly disposition was grounded upon this, their doubting of the love of G.o.d, "Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us?" (Mal 1:2). And, indeed, if people once say to G.o.d, by way of doubt, "Wherein hast thou loved us?" no marvel though that people be like those in Malachi"s time, a discontented, a murmuring, backward people about everything that is good. Read that whole book of Malachi.
Second. If thou wouldst be faithful to do that work that G.o.d hath allotted thee to do in this world for his name, then labour to see a beauty and glory in holiness, and in every good work: this tends much to the engaging of thy heart. "O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; fear before him, all the earth" (Psa 96:9). And for thy help in this, think much on this in general, that "Thus saith the Lord" is the wind-up of every command; for, indeed, much of the glory and beauty of duties doth lie in the glory and excellency of the person that doth command them; and hence it is that "Be it enacted by the King"s most excellent Majesty" is in the head of every law, because that law should therefore be reverenced by, and be made glorious and beautiful to all. And we see, upon this very account, what power and place the precepts of kings do take in the hearts of their subjects, every one loving and reverencing the statute, because there is the name of their king. Will you rebel against the king? is a word that shakes the world.[14] Well, then, turn these things about for an argument to the matter in hand, and let the name of G.o.d, seeing he is wiser and better, and of more glory and beauty than kings, beget in thy heart a beauty in all things that are commanded thee of G.o.d. And, indeed, if thou do not in this act thus, thou wilt stumble at some of thy duty and work thou hast to do; for some of the commands of G.o.d are, in themselves, so mean and low, that take away the name of G.o.d from them, and thou wilt do as Naaman the Syrian, despise, instead of obeying. What is there in the Lord"s supper, in baptism, yea, in preaching the Word, and prayer, were they not the appointments of G.o.d? His name being entailed to them, makes them every one glorious and beautiful.
Wherefore, no marvel if he that looks upon them without their t.i.tle-page goeth away in a rage, like Naaman, preferring others before them. What is Jordan? "Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel; may I not wash in them and be clean?" saith he (2 Kings 5:10-12). This was because he remembered not that the name of G.o.d was in the command. Israel"s trumpets of ram"s horns (Josh 6:2-4), and Isaiah"s walking naked (Isa 20:3), and Ezekiel"s wars against a tile (Eze 4:1-4), would, doubtless, have been ign.o.ble acts, but that the name of G.o.d was that which gave them reverence, power, glory, and beauty. Set therefore the name of G.o.d, and "Thus saith the Lord," against all reasonings, defamings, and reproaches, that either by the world, or thy own heart, thou findest to arise against thy duty, and let his name and authority alone be a sufficient argument with thee, "to behold the beauty" that he hath put upon all his ways, "and to inquire in his temple" (Psa 27:4).
Third. Wouldst thou be faithful to do that work that G.o.d hath appointed thee to do in this world for his name? then make much of a trembling heart and conscience; for though the Word be the line and rule whereby we must order and govern all our actions, yet a trembling heart and tender conscience is of absolute necessity for our so doing. A hard heart can do nothing with the word of Jesus Christ. "Hear the word of the Lord, ye that tremble at his word"
(Isa 66:5). "Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling"
(Psa 2:11). I spake before against a servile and slavish frame of spirit, therefore you must not understand me here as if I meant now to cherish such a one; no, it is a heart that trembleth for, or at the grace of G.o.d; and a conscience made tender by the sprinkling of the blood of Christ. Such a conscience as is awakened both by wrath and grace, by the terror and the mercy of G.o.d; for it stands with the spirit of a son to fear before his father; yea, to fear chastings, though not to fear d.a.m.nation. Let, therefore, destruction from G.o.d be a terror to thy heart, though not that destruction that attends them that perish by sin for ever (Job 31:23). Though this I might add further; it may do thee no harm, but good, to cast an eye over thy shoulder at those that now lie roaring under the vengeance of eternal fire; it may put thee in mind of what thou wast once, and of what thou must yet a.s.suredly be, if grace by Christ preventeth not (Isa 66:24). Keep, then, thy conscience awake with wrath and grace, with heaven and h.e.l.l; but let grace and heaven bear sway. Paul made much of a tender conscience, else he had never done as he did, nor suffered what we read of. "And herein,"
saith he, "do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward G.o.d and toward men" (Acts 24:16). But this could not a stony, benumbed, bribed, deluded, or a muzzled conscience do.
Paul was like the nightingale with his breast against the thorn.[15]
That his heart might still keep waking, he would accustom himself to the meditation of those things that should beget both love and fear; and would always be very chary, lest he offended his conscience. "Herein do I exercise myself," &c. Be diligent, then, in this matter, if thou wouldst be faithful with G.o.d. A tender conscience, to some people, is like Solomon"s brawling woman, a burthen to those that have it (Prov 25:24). But let it be to thee like those that invited David to go up to the house of the Lord (Psa 122:1). Hear it, and cherish it with pleasure and delight.
Fourth. If thou wouldst be faithful to do that work that G.o.d hath appointed thee to do in this world for his name; then let religion be the only business to take up thy thoughts and time. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might" (Eccl 9:10). With all thy heart, with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. Religion, to most men, is but a by-business, with which they use to fill up spare hours; or as a stalking-horse, which is used to catch the game.[16] How few are there in the world that have their conversation "only as becometh the gospel"! (Phil 1:27). A heart sound in G.o.d"s statutes, a heart united to the fear of G.o.d, a heart moulded and fashioned by the Word of G.o.d, is a rare thing; rare, because it is hard to be found, and rare because it is indeed the fruit of an excellent spirit, and a token of one saved by the Lord (Psa 119:80, 86:11). But this indifferency in religion, this fashioning ourselves in our language, gesture, behaviour, and carriage, to the fancies and fopperies of this world, as it is in itself much unbecoming a people that should bear the name of their G.o.d in their foreheads, so it cannot be but a very great and sore obstruction to thy faithful walking with G.o.d in this world (Rom 6:17). Gird up, then, thy loins like a man,[17] let G.o.d and his Christ, and his Word, and his people, and cause, be the chief in thy soul; and as heretofore thou hast afforded this world the most of thy time, and travel, and study, so now convert all these to the use of religion. "As ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness, and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness" (Rom 6:19). Holy things must be in every heart where this is faithfully put in practice.
1. Daily bring thy heart and the Word of G.o.d together, that thy heart may be levelled by it, and also filled with it. The want of performing this sincerely, is a great cause of that unfaithfulness that is in us to G.o.d. Bring, then, thy heart to the Word daily, to try how thou believest the Word today, to try how it agrees with the Word today. This is the way to make clean work daily, to keep thy soul warm and living daily. "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?" saith David. "By taking heed thereto according to thy Word" (Psa 119:9). So again, "Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips, I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer" (Psa 17:4). And again, "Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" (Psa 119:11). He that delighteth "in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth meditate day and night, he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper" (Psa 1:2,3).