SERMON XXIX
SERM . XXIX .
The Method of Grace.
Fifth ufe, for confolation.
Itonly remains, that I fhut up all with a few words ofconfolationunto all that are under the mortifying influence ofthe
Spirit.
Much mightbe faid for the comfort ofſuch.
Inbrief, First, Mortified ſin ſhallnever be your ruin : 'Tis only reigning fin that is ruining ſin, Rom. viii. 13.
Mortified fins, and pardoned fins, ſhall never liedown with us in the duft.
Secondly, If fin be dying, your fouls are living ; for dying unto fin, andliving untoGod, are inſeparably connected, Rom. vi.
11.
Thirdly, Iffin be dying in you, it is certain that Chriſt died for you, and you cannot defire a better evidence ofit, Rom. vi.
5,6.
Fourthly, If fin be dyingunderthe mortifying influences of theSpirit, and itbeyour daily labour to reſiſt and overcome it, you arethenin the directway to heaven, and eternal falvation; which few, very few in the world ſhall find, Luke xiii. 24 .
Fifthly, To thut up all, ifyou, through the Spirit, be daily mortifying the deeds of the body,thenthe death of Chrift is effectually appliedby the Spirit unto your fouls, and your intereft inhim is unquestionable: For they that are Chriſt's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lufts, and they that have ſo crucified the flesh with its affections and lufts, are
Chrift's.
Bleffedbe Godfor a crucified Chrift.
** ** SERMON XXIX.
Ofthe Imitation ofCHRIST, in holiness ofLife, and the neceffity of it in all Believers.
I JOHN ii. 6. He that faith be abideth inhim, ought himselfalfo fotowalk, even as hewalked.
HE exprefs, and principaldeſign ofthe apofile in this and positive, for the trial and examination of men's claims to Chrift ; amongstwhich (not to ſpend time about the coherence) my textis a principal one; a trial of mens intereſt inChriſt, by their imitation ofChriſt. It isſuppoſedby ſome expoſitors, that the apoſtle, in layingdown this mark, had a ſpecialdeſign
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The Method of Grace.
to overthrow the wickeddoctrine of the Carpocratians, whe taught (as Epiphanius relates it) that men might have as much communion withGod in fin, as induty. Infull oppoſition to whichthe apostle lays downthis propoſition, wherein he afferts theneceffity ofaChrift-like converſation,inall that claim union withhim, or intereſt in him. The words reſolve themselves intotwo parts, viz .
1. Aclaim to Chriſt ſuppoſed.
2.The only way to have our claim warranted.
First, We have here a claim to Chriſt ſuppoſed;" ifany man " ſay he abideth in him:"Abiding inChriſt is anexpreſſiondenotingproper, and real intereſt in Chrift, and communion with him; for itisputinoppoſition to thoſe temporary,light, andtranfient effects ofthe goſpel, which are calledamorning dew, or an early cloud ; ſuch a receiving of Chriſt as that, Mat. xiii. 21. which isbut a preſent ſlaſh, ſudden and vaniſhing; abiding in Chriſt notes a folid, durable, and effectual work of the Spirit, thoroughly and everlastinglyjoining thefoulto Chriſt. Now, if anyman, whosoever he be (for this indefinite is equivalent to an univerſal term) let him never think his claim tobe good, and valid, except he take this courſe to adjuſt it.
(2.) Secondly, The onlyway tohave this claim warranted, and that must be by so walking even as he walked ; which words carryinthem the neceſſityofour imitationofChrift.
But it is not to be understood indefinitely, and univerſally of all the works or actions of Chriſt, ſome of which were extraordinary andmiraculous; ſome purely mediatory, and not imitableby us: In theſe paths no Chriſtian can follow Chrift ; nor may fo much as attempt to walk as he walked. But the words point atthe ordinary, and imitable ways, and works of Chrift ; thereinit must be the care ofall to follow him, that profeſs and claim intereſt in him; they muſt ſo walk as he walked, this [fo] is a very bearing wordin this place; the emphasis of the text ſeems to lie in it; however, certain it is that this sowalking doth not imply an equality with Chriſt inholiness, and obedience; for as he was filled with the Spirit without meaſure, and anointed with that oil of gladneſs above his fellows, ſo the purity, holiness, and obedience of his life are never to be matched, or equalizedby any ofthefaints. Butthisſo walking, onlynotes a fincere intention, deſign, andendeavour to imitate and follow him in all the paths ofholiness, and obedience, according tothedifferent meaſures ofgrace received.
The life of Chrift is the believer's copy, and though thebeliever cannot C2
The Method ofGrace.
SERM. XXIX.
drawone line, or letter exact as his copy is, yet his eye is ſtill upon it, he is looking unto Jeſus, Heb. xii. 2. and labouring to drawall the lines of his life, as agreeably as he is able, unto
Chriſt his pattern.
Hence the obſervation is, Doct. That every man is bound to the imitation of Christ, underpenalty offorfeiting his claim to Chriſt.
The faints imitation of Chriſt is folemnly enjoined bymany greatand expreſs commands of the goſpel; ſoyou find it, 1 Pet,
1, 15, " But as he that hath called you is holy, fo be ye holy in " all manner of converſation :" So Eph. v. 1 , 2. " Be ye there- " fore followers ofGod as dear children, and walk in love, as " Chriſt alſohath loved us."
" Chriſtians (faith * Bernard) " receive this name from Chriſt ; and it is very meet that as " they inherit his name, ſo they ſhould alſo imitate his holi- " neſs." Now to ſtate the method ofthis diſcourſe, it willbe needful todiſcuſs, and open three things in the doctrinal part.
1. What the faints imitation of Chriſt ſuppoſes, and comprizes.
2. Inwhat particulars they are eſpecially bound to imitate Chrift.
3. Why noclaim to Chriſt is valid without this imitation of him.
And then apply thewhole in divers uſes.
(1.) First, What the ſaints imitation ofChriſt ſuppoſeth and compriſeth. Now there are divers great, and weighty truths ſuppoſed and implied in this imitation of Chrift; or walking as he walked, viz .
First, It ſuppoſes, that no Chriſtian, is, or may pretend to bearuletohimſelf, to act according to the dictates of his own will and pleaſure, for as no manhathwiſdom enough to direct andgovern himself; ſo ifhisown will were made the rule of his own actions, it would be the higheit invasion ofthe divine prerogative thatcouldbe imagined: 4 I know,O Lord, (faith Je- " remy) that the way ofman is not in himself, it is notin him
" that walketh to direct his own ſteps," Jer. x. 23.
We may asweil pretend to be our own makers as our own guides.
It is a pretty obſervation of Aquinas, that if the workman's hand were the rule of his work, it were impoſſiblehe ſhould ever crr in working : And if the will ofmanwerethe onlylaw andguide
* Chriftiani a Chrifto nomen acceperunt, et operæ pretium eft, utficutfunt hæredes nominis, itafint imitatoresfanctitatis. Bern. fent. lib. p.436.
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ofhis way, we might then say nomanwould fin in hiswalking.
The apoſtle indeed, faithofthe Heathens, Rom. ii. 14. "That 66 they are a law to themselves;" but it is not his meaning, that their will is their law, but the law ofGod engraven upontheir hearts; the light and dictates of their own confciences, did oblige, andbind them as a law.
Secondly, This imitation ofChriſt implies, that as no man is, ormaypretendto behis own guide,ſo nomereman,howwife, orholy foever he be, maypretend tobe arule toother men ; but Chritt is the rule ofevery man's way, and walking.
It is true, indeed, the apoſtle faith, " We ſhouldbefollowers ofthem,who 66 through faith, andpatience, inheritthe promiſes," Heb. vi . 12 .
And, again, James v. 10. " Take, my brethren, the prophets, " who have ſpoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of " ſuffering affliction, and of patience."
But you muſt always remember, that there is a two-fold rule ; 1. Regula regulans, the rule ruling.
2.Regula regulata, the rule ruled.
The wifeft, and holieſt among men, may pretendno higher than a ruled rule.
The great apoſlle, though filledwith as great a meaſure of the Spirit of wisdom, and holiness, as ever was poſſeſſedby any mere man; yetgoes no higher than this,
Cor. xi. 1. " Beye followers of me, as I, alſo, am of Chriſt."
The beſt ofmen are but men, at beſt'; they have their errors, and defects, which they freely acknowledge; and where they differ from Chriſt, it is ourduty to differ from them : We may not pin our faith upon any man's fleeve, for we know not where he will carry it.
It was the commendation which Paul gave of the Theffalonians, I Thef. i. 6. " And ye became fol- " lowers of us and of the Lord."
The noble Bereans were alſo commended for ſearching the ſcriptures, and examining theapoſtles doctrineby it; and it was agood replyofthe father to a clamorousdiſputant, crying,Hear me, hear me ; " * I will nei- " ther hearthee, nor do thou hear me; but let us both hear
" Christ."
Thirdly, The imitation ofChriſt implies the neceſſityof fanctification, inall his followers ; foraſmuch as it is impoffile there ſhould be a practical conformity, in point of obedience, where there is not aconformity in ſpirit, and in principle ; all external conformity to Chriſt's practice, depends upon an internal con. formity to Chriſt, intheprinciple, and Spirit of holiness.
Itis very plain, fromEzek. xi. 19, 20. thatanewheart must be giv.
Nec ego te, nec tu me,fed ambo audiamus Chriftum.
Aug.
SERM. XXIX.
The Method ofGrace. enus,andanew Spirit put intous,before wecan walkinGod's ſtatutes; wemust firſt live in the Spirit,before we canwalk in the Spirit, Gal. v.25.
A Fourthly, The imitation of Chrift plainlyholds forth this, that chriftian religion isavery preciſe, and ſtrict religion ; no waycountenancinglicentiouſneſs,orindulgingmenin their luis ; it allows noman to walk loofely, and inordinately; but rejects every man's claim to Chriſt, who ſtudies and labours not to tread exactly in the foot-ſteps of his holy, and heavenly example.
Prophaneneſs, and licentiouſneſs, therefore, can find no ſhelter, or protection under the wing of the goſpel ; this is the univerfalrule, laidupon all the profeffors ofthe chriftian religion; " Let every one that nameth the name of Chriſt, depart from iniquity," 2 Tim. ii. 19. (i. e.) lethim either put onthelifeofChrift,orputoffthe name ofChriſt ; lethim ſhew thehand ofa Chriſtian, in works of holiness, and obedience, or elfethetongue,and languageofa Chriſtian, muſt gainnobelief, orcredit.
Fifthly, The imitation of Chriſt neceffarily implies the defectiveness, and imperfection of the beſt of men in this life; for ifthe life of Chriſt beour pattern, the beſt, and holiest of menmuſtconfess they come ſhort inevery thing, ofthe rule of their duty.
Our pattern is ſtill above us, the beſt of men are aſhamed, when theycompare their lives with the life ofChriſt :
Itis true, avain heart may ſwell with pride, when a mancompareshimſelfwith other men; thus meaſuring ourſelvesby ourfelves, and comparing ourſelves among ourſelves, we ſhew our folly, and nouriſh our pride; but ifanymanwill compare his own life with Chriſt's, he will find abundant cauſe, at every time, and in every thing, to be humbled.
Faul was a great proficient inholiness, and obedience; he hadbeen long Ariving to come up to the top ofholiness: yetwhen he looks up, and ſees the life of Chrilt, and rule of duty, fo far above him, he reckons himself ſtill but at the foot of the hill.
Phil. iii.
12. " Not as though I had already attained, either were al- " ready perfect, but I follow after, if that I may apprehend,
" thatforwhich, alſo, I am apprehended ofChriſt Jeſus." q.d.
Alas! I am not come up to my duty ; I am a great way behind: but Iam following after, if at laſt I may attain it : Per-
fection is in my expectation, andhope, at laſt, not in my attainment here.
Sixthly, The imitation of Chriſt, as our general rule, and pattern, neceſſarily implies the tranſcending holiness ofthe Lord
Jeſus; his holiness is greater than the holiness ofall creatures,
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TheMethod of Grace.
" For only that which is firſt, and beſt, in every kind, is the " rule, and meaſure, ofallthe reſt *."
It is the height of faint's ambition, tobe made conformable to Chriſt, Phil. iii. 10.
Chrift hath adouble perfection, a perfection of being, and a perfection ofworking: His life was a perfect rule ; no blot or errorcouldbe found therein; for he was " holy, harmieſs, un- " defiled, ſeparate from finners:" And ſuch an high-prieft, became us, as the apostle ſpeaks, Heb. vii. 26. The conformity ofprofeffors to Chriſt's example, is theteft, and meaſure ofall their graces; the nearer anyman comes to this pattern, the nearerhe approaches towards perfection.
Seventhly, TheChriſtian's imitation ofChriſt, under penaltyoflofing his claim to Chriſt, neceſſarily implies ſanctification, andobedience, to be the evidences ofourjustification, and intereſt in Chrift: Affurance is unattainable, without obedience; we can never be comfortable Chriſtians, except we be strict, and regular Chriſtians.
Gal. vi. 16. " As many as walk " accordingto this rule, peacebeonthem,andmercy ; andup- " on the Ifrael ofGod." A looſe, and carelessconverfation, can never be productive of true peace, and confolation. 2Cor. i.
12. "This is our rejoicing, the teftimony ofour confcience; " that in fimplicity, and godly fincerity; not with fleſhly wif- " dom, but by the grace ofGod ; wehavehad our converſation
" intheworld."
Letmentalk whattheywill, ofthe immediate fealings, and comforts ofthe Spirit, without anyregard to holineſs, or reſpect to obedience: Sure I am, whatever delufion they meetwith in thatway, true peace, and confolation, is only to be expected, and found here : "The fruitofrighteoufnefs
"ſhallbe peace, and the effect ofrighteouſneſs quietneſs, and " affurance for ever."
We have itnotforour holiness, but we always have it inthe wayof holiness. And fo much ofthe firſt particular, namely, what the imitation of Chrift implies andcomprizes in it.
Secondly, In the next place, we are to enquire, inwhat things all, who profeſs Chriſt, are obliged tothe imitationof him ; or what thoſe excellent graces, inthe life ofChriſt, were, whichare propounded as patterns tothe faints.
The life of Chriſt was a living law; all the graces, and virtues ofthe Spirit, were repreſented intheirglory, and brightest luftre in his converſation upon earth † : Never Man ſpake,
* Primum et optimum in unoquoquegenere eft regula et menfura ceterorum.
†Whathave you todo withvirtues, who are ignorant ofChrift's virtue ?
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The Method of Grace. as he ſpake ; never any lived, as he lived. "We beheld his " glory (faith the evangeliſt) as the glory ofthe only begotten
" of the Father, full ofgrace, andtruth," John i. 14. But to defcend to the particular, imitable excellencies, in the life of Chriſt, which are high patterns, and excellent rules, for the converſationof his people; we ſhall, from among many others, ſingle out the ten following particulars, which we are obliged to imitate.
Pattern 1. And firſt of all, the purity, and holiness ofthe life of Chrift, is propoſed as a glorious pattern for the faint's imitation.
1 Pet. i. 15.
Ashewhich hath calledyou is holy, "
ſobeye holyin allmanner of converſation ;" εν παση ανατροφης in every point, and turning ofyour lives.
There is a two-fold holineſs in Chriſt, the holiness of his nature, and the holineſs ofhis practice ; his holy being, and his holy working : This obligeth all that profeſs intereſt in him, to a two-fold holiness, viz. holiness in actu primo, in the principles of it, in their hearts; and holineſs in actu fecundo, inthe practice, and exerciſe of it, in their converſations.
It is very true, we cannot, in all reſpects, imitate the holiness ofChriſt, for he is effentially holy; proceeding, bynature, as a pure beam ofholiness from the Father : and when hewas incarnate, hecame into the world immaculate, and pure from the leaſt ſtain ofpollution : There itwas ſaid, Lukei. 25. " That holy thing which ſhall be born
" of thee ſhall be called the Son of God."
In this we can never be like Chriſt, in the way ofour production ; for " who " canbringacleanthingoutofthatwhich is unclean ? Not one."
The Lord Jesus was, alſo, efficiently holy, (i. e.) he makes others holy ; therefore his fufferings, and blood, are called a fountainopened " for fin and for uncleanness, (i. e.) to cleanſe other men's fouls, Zech . xiii . 1.
In this Chriſt, alſo, is inimitable; no man can make himself, or others, holy.
That is a great truth, though it will hardly go down with proud nature, Minus eft te feciſſe hominem, quam fanctum ; we may fooner make ourſelves to be men, than to be ſaints.
Beſide, Chriſt is infinitely holy, as he is God; and there are no meaſures fetto his holiness, as Mediator.
John iii. 34. " ForGod giveth not " the Spirit by meaſure unto him." But, notwithstanding theſe excepted reſpects, the holiness of Chriſt is propounded as a pattern, for our imitation, fix ways. virtue ? Where, pray you, is true prudence, but in Chriſt's doctrine ? Or true temperance, but in Chriſt's life ? Or true fortitude, butin Chritt's paſſion ?
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First, He was truly, and fincerely holy, without fiction, or fimulation; and this appeared in the greatest trial of the truth of holiness, that ever was made in this world.
John xiv. 30.
" The prince ofthis world cometh, and hath nothing in me :"
Whenhe was agitated, and ſhaken, with the greateſt temptations, no dregs appeared ; he was like pure fountain-water, in a cryſtal glaſs. The hypocrite makes thew of more holiness than hehath, but there was moreholiness inChriſt,than ever appeared to the view of men. We may ſay, of the way of Chrift, what the philosopher faith of the milky way in the heavens ; thatthoſe faint ſtreams of light, which we fee there, are nothing elfebut the reflection of innumerable ſtars which thine there, though they are inviſible to us. There was much inwardbeauty in him, and ſo there ought to be in all his followers ; our holineſs, like Chriſt's, must be fincere, and real, Eph . iv. 24. shining with inward beauty towards God, rather than towards men.
Secondly, Chriſt was uniformly holy, at one time, as well as another ; in one place, and company, as well as another : He was ſtill like himself, anholy Chriſt; one and the fame tenor ofholiness ranthroughout his whole life, from firſt to laſt : So muſt it be with all his people, holy in all manner of converfation.
Chriſtians, look to your copy, and be fure to imitate Chriſt, in this; write fair, after your copy; let there not be here a word, and there a blot; one part of your lifeheavenly, and pure, and another earthly, and dreggy; or (as one exprefſes it) now an heavenly rapture, and by and bya fleſhly frolic.
Thirdly, Chrift was exemplarily holy; a patternof holiness toallthat camenigh him, and converſedwith him : O imitate
Chriſt in this.
Itwas the commendation ofthe Theſſalonians, that they "were enfamples to all that believed inMacedonia
" and Achaia ; and that in every place their faith toGod-ward " was ſpread abroad," I Thef. i. 7, 8.
Letno mango out of your company, without conviction, or edification; ſo exemplasy werethe primitive Chriſtians, Phil. iii. 17.
" Which Fourthly, Chriſt was strictly, and precisely holy :
" of you convinceth me of fin ?" The moſt envious, and obſerving eyes of his greatest enemies, could not pick a hole, or ‡ The Galaxy is averygreat multitude of ſtars of the ſmalleſt fize, whoſe ſmallneſs hinders their being perceivedbyus diftinaly like the other ſtars, and their beams are mutually intermingledand confounded.
Conimb. de Meteor. cap. 2.
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find a flaw in any of his words, or actions: It is our duty to imitate Chriſt in this. Phil. ii. 1 5. " That ye maybe blameleſs,
" andharmless, thefons,ofGod, without rebuke, in the midst of 66 a crooked, and perverſe nation, amongwhom ye ſhine" (or, as the word may be rendered, imperatively, Φαίνεσε ως φωσηρες,
66 amongwhom thine ye) as lights in the world."
Thus it becomesthe followers ofChrift towalk circumſpectly, or precifely; " for ſo is the will ofGod that with well-doingye may put
" to filence the ignorance offoolish men, I Pet. ii. 15.
Fifthly, Chriſt was preſervingly holy,holy tothe last breath ; ashebegan, ſo he finiſhed his whole life inaconftant courſe of holiness : inthis alſo he is our great pattern.
It becomes not anyofhispeople tobeginin the Spirit, and end in the fleſh; buton the contrary, their laſt works ſhouldbe more than their first: " Let him that is holy, be holy ſtill," Rev. xxii. 11 .
Sixthly, In a word, the delight of Chriſt was only in holy things, and holy perfons ; they were his choſen companions ; evenſoitbecometh hispeople to have all their delights in the faints, and in the excellent of the earth, Pfal. xvi. 3.
Thus, Chriſtians, be ye followers ofChriſt in his holiness; God hath decreedthis conformity to Chriſt in all that ſhall be saved,Rom. viii. 29. he baniſheth all unholyones from his gracious prefence for ever, I Cor. vi. 9. Heb. xii. 14.
The deſign of Chriſt in dying for you was to makeyou pure and holy, Eph. v. 25, 26.
O then, ſtudyholiness, eye your pattern, andas dear children, beye followers ofyour most holy LordJesus Chrift.
Pattern 2. The obedience of Chriſt to his Father's will, is a pattern for the imitation of all Chriſtians : it is ſaid of Chriſt,
Heb. v. 6. thathe" learned obediencebythe things which he " fuffered;" a text which labours under fome difficulties :
Chriſt learned obedience, and yet was not ignorant before of whathe learned afterward; hewas perfect inknowledge, and yet the apoſtle ſpeaks ofhim as a proficient inthe ſchool ofwildom.
But we must confider there are two ways of learning, viz.by 1. The comprehenſionofthemind.
2. By the experience of the ſenſe.
Chrift, as God, was perfect inknowledge; nothing could beadded tohim: butwhen he became man, thenhe came to underſtand, or learn by ſufferings, as the apostle here ſpeaks ; which though it added nothingto his knowledge, yet it was a newmethodandwayofknowing. Now the obedience of Chrift is our pattern, whereuntowe are obliged(as everwe will war
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rantourclaimof intereſt inhim) to conform ourſelves, in the following properties of it.
First, Chriſt's obedience was free and voluntary, not forced or compulſory; it was ſo from the very firſt undertaking ofthe work of our redemption, Prov. viii. 30, 31. " Then was I by " him asone brought up with him,And I wasdaily his delight,
" rejoicing always before him; rejoicing inthe habitable part " of his earth; and mydelights werewith the Sons ofmen."
Andwhen the fulness oftime was come for executing thatblefſeddeſign, which had been in proſpect from all eternity, how chearfullydid the will of Chriſt echo to his Father's call, Pfal . xl. 7. "Then faid I, loI come, in thevolume ofthybook itis
" writtenof me."
I delight to do thy will, O myGod, yea, " thy lawis within myheart."
Nor was this a flouriſhbefore he came into the field, and ſaw the enemy ; for he laid downhis lifewith the greatest chearfulneſs and ſpontaneity that couldbe,
Johnx. 17, 18. " Therefore doth my Father love me, becauſe " I lay down my life, that I might take it again ; noman taketh
" it from me, butI lay it down of myself:" and indeed the voluntarineſs of Chrift, in his obedience unto death, gave his deaththenature, and formality of afacrifice; for ſo all ſacrifice, ought tobe offered, Lev. i. 3. and ſo Chriſt'sfacrificewas offer cd unto God, Eph. v. 2. It was as grateful a work to Chrift todie for us, as itwas to Mofes his mother to take him to nurſe from the hand of Pharaoh's daughter. O Chriſtians tread inthe ſteps of Chriſt's example ; do nothing grudgingly forGod, let nothis commands be grievous, 1 John v. 3. Ifyou do any thing forGod willingly, you have a reward; ifotherwise, a diſpenſa. tiononly is committed to you, 1 Cor. ix. 7. Obedince in Chrift was an abaſement to him, but in you a very great honour and advancement; you have reaſon therefore to obey with chearfulnefs.
Secondly, Theobedience of Chriſt was univerſal and compleat, he was obedient to all the will ofGod, making nodemur tothe hardest fervice impoſedby the will of Godupon him,
Phil. ii. 8. " He became obedient untodeath, even the death of " the croſs ;" andthough it is true,the humanity of Chriſt recoiled, and ſtaggered,when that bitter cup ofthewrath ofGod was given him to drink ; yet how foon was that innocent averſationovercome inhim, bya perfect submiſſion ? " Neverthe- "leſs not my will, but thine be done," Mat. xxvi. 39. Chriſtians here is your pattern: happy art thou, reader, if thou canſt ſay, whenGod calls thee to ſuffering, and ſelf-denying
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work, I am filled with the will ofGod.
Such was Paul's obedience, Acts xxi. 13. " I am ready not only tobe bound,but to " die at Jerufalem for the name of the Lord Jeſus."
Thirdly, The obedience of Chriſt was fincere and pure, without any baſe or by-end, purely aiming at the glory of God,
John xvii. 4. " I have glorified thee on earth, I have finiſhed " the work thou gaveſt me to do." He fought not honourof men.
This was the great defire of his foul, John xii. 28.
" Father glorify thy name :" and truly the choiceſt part ofyour obedience conſiſts in the purity ofyour ends, and in this Chriſt is propounded as your pattern, Phil. ii. 3, 4, 5.
Fourthly, The ſtreams of Chriſt's obedience flowed from the ſpringandfountain ofardent love toGod, John xiv. 31. "But " that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the " Father gave me commandment,even ſo I do :"
Thus let all your obedience toGod turn upon the hinge of love ; for " love " is the fulfilling of the law," Rom, xiii. 10. Not as if no otherduty but love were required in the law; but becauſe no act ofobedience is acceptable toGod, but that which is performedin love.
Fifthly, In a word, The obedience of Chriſt was conftant, hewas obedientunto thedeath, he was not weary ofhis work tothe laſt.
Such a patient continuance in well-doing is one part ofyour conformity to Chriſt, Rom. ii. 7. it is laid upon you by his own expreſs command, and a command backedwith themoſt encouraging promife, Rev. ii. 10.
Be thou faithful " unto the death, and I willgive thee the crown of life."
Pattern 3. Theself-denialofChriſt is the pattern ofbelievers, and their conformity unto itis their indiſpenſible duty, Phil. ii.
4, 5, 6. 2 Cor. viii. 9. " For yeknow the grace ofour LordJef- " usChriſt, that though he was rich,yet for our fakes hebecame
" poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. "
Jeſus Chriſt, for the glory of God, and the love he bare to the elect, deniedhimselfall the delights and pleaſures ofthis world Mat. xx. 28. " The fonofman came not to be miniſtredunto,but to " minifter, and togive his life a ranfor. for many;" hewas all hislife-time in the world, a manof forrows and acquainted " with grief," Ifa. liii. 5. more unprovided of comfortable accommodations, than the birds of the air, or beafts ofthe earth,
Luke ix. 58. " The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air " haveneſts, buttheSonofman hath notwhere tolayhishead" *.
Yet this was the leaſt part of Chriſt's felf-denial : What did * Vulpibus infaltu rupes excifa latebras
Præbet,et aereis avibus datfilva quietem :
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The Method of Grace. he notdenywhen he left theboſom ofhis Father, with the ineffable delights and pleaſureshe there enjoyed frometernity, and inftead thereof to drink the cup, the bitter cup of his Father's wrath, forour fakes ? OChriſtians, look toyour pattern,and imitateyour ſelf-denying Saviour.
There is a threefold ſelf you aretodeny for Chrift.
First, Deny your naturalfelffor him, Luke xiv. 26.
Hate yourown life, in competition with his glory, as well as your natural lufts, Titus ii . 12 .
Secondly, Deny your civilfelf for Chriſt ; whether they be gifts of the mind, Phil. iii. 8. or your dearest relations in the world, Luke xiv . 26.
Thirdly, Deny your moraland religiousfelf, for Chriſt , your own righteousness, Phil. iii. 10. Deny finful ſelf abfolutely,
Col. iii . 4, 5.
Deny natural felfconditionally, i. e. be ready to forſake its intereſts at the call ofGod. Deny your religious ſelf, evenyour owngraces, comparatively,notinthe notionofduties, butinthenotion ofrighteouſneſs : and to encourageyou inthis difficult work, confider, First, What great things Chriſt denied for you, andwhat ſmall matters you have todeny for him .
Secondly, How readily he deniedall for yourfakes, making no objections against thedifficultest commands.
Thirdly, How uncapable you are to put any obligation upon Chrift, todenyhimself inthe leaft for you, and what ſtrong obligations Chrift hath putyou under, todeny yourſelves in your greatest intereſtsupon earth for him.
Fourthly, Rememberthat your felf-denial isaconditionconſented to, and ſubſcribed by yourselves, if everyou received
Chriftaright.
Fifthly, In a word, Confider how much your ſelf-denial for Chrift, makesforyour advantage inbothworlds, Luke, xviii, 29.
O therefore look not every man uponhis own things, but upon the things that are of Chriſt; letnot that be juttly charged upon you, which was chargeduponthem, Phil. ii. 21. " Allſeek
" theirown, not the thingswhichare Chrift's.
Pattern4. The activity and diligence ofChriſt in finiſhing Heinf. in loc.
Aft hominis Nato nullis fuccedere tectis Eft licitum......
The craggy rock to foxes holes afferds, Thepleasantwoods a reſting-place to binds ;
For Chrift no fixed habitation's found, Butwhatwasborrow'd, or the nakedground.
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" He the work ofGod, whichwas committed to him, was apattern for all believers to imitate.
Itis ſaid of him, Acts x. 38.
" went aboutdoing good." O what agreat and glorious work did Chrift finiſh in a little time ! A work tobe celebrated toall eternity by the praiſes ofthe redeemed.
Six thingswere very remarkable in the diligence ofChriſt about his Father's work.
First, That his heart was intently ſet upon it, Pfal. iv. 8.
"Thy law is in the midst ofmy heart," or bowels.
Secondly,Thathe never fainted under the manygreat diſcouragements he frequently met withal inthat work, Ifa. xliii 4.
"He hallnot fail,norbediſcouraged.
Thirdly, That the ſhortnessof his time provoked him tothe greatest diligence,Johuix.4. " I must work the workofhim that " ſent me, while it is day, for the night comethwhen no man
" canwork."
Fourthly, That he improveded all opportunities, companies, andoccurrences to further thegreat work,which was underhis hand, John iv. 6, 10.
Fifthly, Nothing morediſpleaſed him than whenhe metwith diſſuafions anddiſcouragements in his work; upon that account itwas that he gave Peterſo ſharpa check,Mat. viii. 33. " Get
" thee behind me, Satan."
Sixthly, Nothing rejoiced his ſoul more, than the profperity and fuccefs ofhis work, Luke x. 20, 21. When the diſciples made the report of ſucceſs of their miniſtry, 'tis faid, " In that " hour Jeſus rejoiced in Spirit." AndO what a triumphant ſhoutwas thatupon thecroſsatthe accomplishmentofhiswork,
Johnxix. 30. It isfinished!
Now, Chriſtians, eye your pattern, look unto Jefus ; trifle not awayyour lives invanity.
Chriſt was diligent, be not you flothful.
And to encourage you inyour imitation ofChriſt in labour anddiligence, confider, First, How great an honourGod puts uponyou, in employing you for his ſervice : every veſſel of ſervice is a veſſel ofhonour, 2Tim. ii. 21. The apostle was very ambitious † of that honour, Rom. xv. 20. It was the glory ofEliakim tobe faſtned asanail in a fure place, andto have many people hang upon him, Ifa. xxii. 33 .
Secondly, Your diligence inthe work ofGod willbe your great ſecurity in the hour of temptation; for " the Lord is
" with you while you are with him," 2 Chron. xv. 2. The fchoolmenput the queſtion, Howthe faints in heaven became impeccable ? and refolve itthus,thatthey aretherefore freedfrom
†Φιλοτιμιομαι, ambio, dictum verbum ab amore honoris, Zanch.
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fin, becauſe theyare continually imployedandſwallowed up in the bleſſed viſions ofGod.
Thirdly, Diligence inthe work ofGod is an excellent help tothe improvement of grace.
For, tho' gracious habits are not acquired, yet they are greatly improved by frequent acts ;
" To himthat hath ſhall be given," Mat. xxv. 29. 'Tis agood note of Luther, Fidespinguefcit operibus, Faith improvesbyobedience.
Fourthly, Diligence in the work ofGod is the direct way to the affurance of the love ofGod, 2 Pet. xV. 10. Thispath leads you into heaven upon earth .
Fifthly, Diligenceinbedience is agreat ſecurity against backMiding: ſmall remiſſions induty,and little neglects, increaſe by degrees untogreat apoſtaſies, you may see how thatdiſeaſe is bred,by the method preſcribed for its cure, Rev. ii. 5. Dothy firstworks.
Sixthly, In a word, laborious diligence, in theday of life, willbe your fingular comfort whenthe night ofdeath overtakes you, 2 Pet. i. 11. 2 Kings xx. 3 .
Pattern 5. Delight inGod, and in his fervice,was eminently confpicuousinthe life ofChriſt, and isa rarepatternforbelievers imitation, John iv. 32,34." Buthe faid unto them, I havemeat
66 to eat that ye know not of, my meat is todo the will of " himthat ſent me, and to finiſh his work."
The delights of Chriſt were all inheaven.
The Son ofman was in heaven, in refpectofdelightinGod,while he converſedhere amongmen.
Andifyou be Chrift's, heavenly things willbe the delight of your fouls alfo. Now ſpiritual delight is nothing else but the complacency andwell-pleaſedneſs ofa renewedheart, inconverſingwithGod, andthe things ofGod; reſultingfrom theagreeableness of them to the ſpiritual temper of his mind.
Four things are confiderable about ſpiritual delight.
First, The natureof it, which conſiſteth inthecomplacency, reſt, and fatisfaction of the mind inGod, and ſpiritual things.
The heart of a Chriſtian is centred, it is where it would be ; it is gratified, in the higheſt, in the actings forth of faith, and love uponGod; as the taſte is gratifiedwitha fuitable delicious reliſh, Pfal. Ixiii. 5, 6, Pfal. cxix. 14. 24.
Pfal. xvii. 18.
Secondly, The object of ſpiritual delight, which isGod himſelf, and the things which relate to him. He is the bleſſedocean intowhich all the ſtreams ofſpiritual delightdo pourthemſelves, Pfal. Ixxiii. 25. "Whom have Iinheaven but thee, and onearth there isnonethat Idefire incompariſon ofthee."
Thirdly, Thefubject ofſpiritualdelight, which isa renewed
SERM . XXIX .
The Method of Grace. heart, and that only fo far as it is renewed, Rom. vii. 22. " I delight in the law ofGod after the inward man."
Fourthly, Theprinciple and ſpring ofthis delight, which is the agreeableness ofſpiritual things to the temper and frameof arenewed mind. A fenfitive pleaſure ariſes from the fuitableneſs ofthe faculty and object.
So it is here, no delicious ſweetneſscanbe ſo pleasant to the taſte, or beautiful colours to the eye, or melodious founds to the ear, as ſpiritual things to the renewed fouls, becauſe ſpiritual ſenſes are delicate, and the objects more excellent.
But my buſineſs here, is not somuch to open its nature, as preſs you to the practice thereof in conformity to your great pattern, whoſe life was a life ofdelight inGod, andwhoſe work was performedwith the greatest delight forGod.
Idelight " to do thy will, O my God." O Chriſtians, ſtrive to imitate your pattern in this. And toencourageyou, Iwill briefly hint a few things.
First, Scarce any thing can be more evidential. of fincerity, than aheartdelighting inGod, and the willof God. Hypocrites go as far as others in the material parts ofduties, but here they are defective; they have no delight inGod and things ſpiritual ; but do whatsoever theydo in religion, from the compulfions ofconfcience, or accommodations offelf-ends .
Secondly, An heart delighting inGod will be a choice help and means to perſeverance.
The reason why many ſo eaſily partwith religion is,becauſe their fouls never taſtedthe ſweetneſs ofit; they never delighted in it; but the Chriſtianwho delights in the law ofGod, will be meditating on it day and night, and ſhall be like a tree plantedby a river ofwater, whoſe leaffadeth not, Plaf, i. 2, 3 .
Thirdly, This will repreſent religion very beautifully, to ſuch as are yet ſtrangers to it; you will thenbe able to invite them to Chrift by your example, the language whereofwill be like that, Pfal. xxxiv. 8. " O taſte and fee that God is
"good."
Fourthly, This willmake allyour ſervices toGod very pleafing, and acceptable through Chrift ; you willnow begin to do the will ofGod on earth, as it isdone in heaven ; your duties are fo far angelical as theyare performed inthe ſtrength ofdelight inGod.
Object. But may nota fincereChriſtian act induty without delight? Yea, may henot feel fomekind of wearineſs induties?
Solut.
Yes doubtleſs he may; but then we must diftinguiſh
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betwixt the temper, and distemper, ofa renewed heart; thebeſt hearts arenot always in their right frame.
Pattern 6. The inoffensiveness ofthe life ofChriltuponearth, is anexcellent pattern to all his people ; he injured none, offendednone,butwasholy, and harmleſs, as theapostle ſpeaks,Heb. vii. 26. He denied his own liberty to avoid occafionof of fence; asin thecafe ofthetribute-money, Mat. xix 27. "The " childrenarefree, notwithstanding left we shouldoffend them,
" go," &c.
So circumſpect wasChriſt, and inoffenſive among all men, that the' his enemies fought occafion against him, yet couldthey find none, Luke vi. 7.
Look unto Jefus, O ye profeffors ofreligion; imitate him in this gracious excellency of his life, according tohis command, Phil. ii. 15. " That ye may
** be harmless and blameless, the fons ofGod, without rebuke, " in the midst of a crooked and perverſe nation."
You are indeed, allowed the exerciſe of your prudence, but not ajot farther thanwillconfiſt withyour innocence. "Beye wife as " ferpents, andharmless as doves."
'Tis the rule of Chriſt, that you offend none, 1 Cor. x. 32. 2 Cor. vi. 3. And to engage you to the imitation ofChrift in this, I muſt brieflypreſs itwith a few encouragements, which methinks ſhould prevail with anyheart that's truly gracious.
First, For the honour of Jesus Chriſt, be you inoffenfive, his name is calleduponyou, hishonour is concerned in yourdeportment; ifyour carriage in the world give juſt matter of offence,
Chriſt's worthy name will be blafphemed thereby, Jam. ii. 7.
Your inoffenfive carriage isthe only means to ſtop the months ofdetractors, i Pet. ii . 15.
Secondly, For the sake of fouls, the precious and immortal fouls ofothers, be wary that you give no offence: " Wo to the " world, (faith Chrift), because ofoffence," Matth. xiii. 7. Nothing was more commonly objected against Chrift, and religion, by theHeathen in Cyprian's time, than the foofe and ſcandalous livesofprofeffors : * " Behold, ſaythey, theſe are themen,who "boaft themselves to be redeemed from the tyranny of Satan,
" to be dead to the world ; nevertheless, fee how they are o- " vercome by their own lufts." And much after the fame rate
Salvian brings in the wicked of his time, ſtumbling atthe looſenefs ofprofeffors, andſaying, Where isthat catholic lawwhich
Ecce quijattantse redemptisa tyrannide Satana, qui prædicantfe mortuous eſſe mundo, nihilominous vincuntur cupiditatibus fuis.
Cyprian.
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they believe ? Where are the examples ofpiety, and chastity, which they have learned ? &c. O Chriſtians, draw not the guilt ofother men's eternal ruin upon your fouls.
Thirdly, In a word, anſwer the ends ofGod in your ſancti . fication, and providential diſpoſe in the world, this way ; by the holineſs and harmleſneſs of your lives, many may be won to Chriſt, 1 Pet iii. 1.
What the Heathens faid of moral virtue, (which they called verticordia, turn-heart) that if itwere but viſible to mortal eyes, all men would be enamouredwith it, will be much more trueof religion, when you shall repreſent the beauty of it in your converſation.
Pattern 7. The humility, and lowliness of Chriſt is propounded by himself, as a pattern for his people's imitation .
Matth. xi. 29. " Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly."
He could abafe, and empty himselfof allhis glory, Phil ii. 5, 6, 7.
Hecould ſtoop tothe meanest office, even to wash the diſciples feet.
We read butof one triumph in all the life ofChriſt upon earth, when he rode to Jerufalem, the people ſtrewing branches in the way, and the very children in the ſtreets of Jerufalem, crying, " Hofanna tothe ſonofDavid,Hoſanna in thehigheſt ;" and yet with what lowlineſs and humility was it performed by Chriſt, Matth. xxi . 5. " Behold thy King commeth unto thee
" meek andlowly. "
The humility of Chrift appeared inevery thing he ſpake, or did.
Humility discovered itſelf in his language, Pfal. xxii. 6. " I am a worm, and no man."
In his actions, not refuſing the meanest office, John iii. 14.
In his condeſcenſions to the worſt of men, upon which ground they called him " a friend to publicans and finners," Matth. xi. 19.
But eſpecially, and above all, in ſtooping down from all his glory to a ſtate ofthe deepeſt contempt, for the glory ofGod, and our falvation.
Chriſtians ! here is your pattern ; look to your meek, and humble Saviour, and tread in his ſteps; be you " cloathed with humility," I Pet. v. 5.
Whoever are ambitious tobe the world's great ones, let it be enough for you to be Chrift's little ones. Convince the world, that fince you knew
God, and yourſelves, your pride hath been dying from that day.
Shew your humility in your habits, 1 Pet. iii. 3. 1Tim. ii. 9, 10.
In your company, not contemning the meaneft, and pooreft that fear the Lord, Pfal. xv. 4. Rom. xii. 16. In your language; that dialect befits your lips, Eph. iii. 8. " Leſs than
" the least ofall faints;" but eſpecially in the low value, and humble thoughts you have of yourſelves, I Tim. i. 15. And to preſs this, I beſeech you to confider,
First, -From how vile a root pride ſprings.
Ignorance of
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God, and ofyourſelves, gives riſe and being to this ſin : They that knowGod will be humble, Ifa. vi. 5. And they that know themselves cannot be proud, Rom. vii. 9.
Secondly, Confider the mischievous effects it produces : it elfrangeth the ſoul fromGod, Pfal. cxxxviii. 6.
It provokes God to lay you low, Job xl. 11, 12. It goes before deſtruction, and adreadful fall, Prov. x. 18 .
Thirdly, As it is a greatfin, ſo it is abadfign, Hab. ii. 4.
" Behold his heart which is lifted up, is not upright in him ."
Fourthly,How unſuitable it is to the ſenſe you have, and the complaints you make of your own corruptions, and ſpiritual wants; and, above all, how contrary it is to your patternand example : Did Chriſt ſpeak, act, or think asyou do ? O learn humility from Jeſus Chriſt; it will make you precious in the eyes ofGod, Ifa. lvii. 15 .
Pattern 8. The contentation ofChriſt, ina low and mean condition in the world, is an excellent pattern for his people's imitation.
His lot, in this world, fell upon a condition of deepest poverty, and contempt : Yethow well was he fatisfied, and contented with it! hear him expreſſing himself about it,
Pfal. xvi. 6. " The lines are fallen unto me inpleasantplaces ; " yea, I have agoodly heritage." Thecontentation ofhis heart with a fuffering condition, evidenced itſelfin his filence, under the greateft fufferings, Ifa. liii. 7. " He was oppreſſed, and he
" was afflicted : yet he opened not his mouth : He is brought as alamb to the laughter, and as a sheep before the ſhearers
" is dumb, ſo he opened not his mouth." O that in this alſo the poorest Chriſtians would imitate their Saviour, and learn to manage an afflicted condition with acontented ſpirit : Letthere benomurmurs, complaints, or foolish charges ofGod heard from you, whatever ſtraits, or troubles he brings you into :
For, First, The meaneſt, and moſt afflicted Chriſtian is owner of many rich, invaluable mercies, Eph. i. 3. 1 Cor. iii. 33.
Is fin pardoned, and God reconciled ? then never open your mouths any more, Ezek. xvi. 63 .
Secondly, You have many precious promiſes, that God will not forſake you in your ſtraits, Heb. xiii. 5. Ifa. xli. 17. And yourwhole life hath been a life ofexperiences ofthe faithfulneſs ofGod in his promiſes. Which of you cannot ſaywith the church, Lam . iii. 23. " His mercies are new every morning, and " great is his faithfulness ."
Thirdly, How useful andbeneficial are all your afflictions to E2