LECTƲRE VII.

THe second thing which here I note, is the testimonie which the Apostle giues vn∣to the Philippians of their zeale for the gospell, of their loue of him, and of their growth in godlinesse, through the effectuall preaching of the gospell a∣mongst them, in that he saith, that both in his bands, and in his defence, and confirmation of the gospell they all were partakers of his grace. This was a sure token that they had well profited in the schoole of Christ, in that whether the Apostle were bound for the gospell, or defended the gospell, or confirmed the gospell, still they stucke close to him, and tooke part with him, and were, though they were absent from him, yet in zeale and in an holy affection, in some sort in bands with him, and in defence and confirmation of the gospell with him. Hence then I obserue a notable argument how we may haue proofe vnto our selues, and giue also proofe vnto others of our zeale for the gospell, of our loue of the Page  82 Ministers of the gospell, by whom we haue been taught in the word, of the power of the word in our hearts and soules, and of our growth in godlines through the prea∣ching of the word. Is there any persecution of the gos∣pell of Iesus Christ by any cruell tyrants, Pope, Turke, or Spaniard, or any other? Are your Ministers and Tea∣chers attached, and brought before any bloudy inquisi∣tion for the gospels sake of Christ Iesus? Are they brought vnto the barre there, as felons or traitors to de∣fend that truth, which in all simplicitie and sinceritie they haue taught amongst you? Are they beaten and scourged, and cast into prison, and bound with bands, and their feete made fast in the stocks for the defence of the gospell? Are they brought to the fire and fagot, to the rope and hatchet, to Lyons and wilde beasts by their bloud to confirme the gospell of Christ Iesus? Such times and tyrannies, beloued, our forefathers haue seene, and it may be that some of you haue seene them: but ô Lord, let neuer our eyes see such times and tyrannies againe, neither let our seede see them, nor our seedes seede from henceforth for euer. But put case it were thus as hath beene said. Doe yee thinke yee should stand close to the truth in such time of trouble, and not start aside like a broken bow? Could yee finde in your hearts to vndergo with your Ministers and Teachers, the mer∣cilesse cruelty of any bloudy inquisition? to stand with them at the barre in defence of that truth, which they haue taught you? To be tried with them by mockings and scourgings, by bonds and imprisonment? to goe to fire and fagot with them, and with your bloud to seale that truth which they haue taught you? Here were zeale for the gospell in deed, here were loue of your Mini∣sters, here were a proofe of the power of the word in you, here were an argument of the effectuall preaching of the gospell vnto you. And such proofes and arguments, many in the primitiue Church both had vnto them∣selues, and gaue vnto others, as the Apostle witnesseth to Page  83 the Hebrewes, where he saith,* that some were racked and would not be deliuered, that they might receiue a better resur∣rection; others were tried by mockings and scourgings, yea moreouer by bands and imprisonment; others were stoned &c. So powerfully had the word wrought vpon them, that nothing could daunt them, but through persecution, and anguish, and tribulation, and famine, and nakednes, and perill, and sword, and all they went.

Yea, but you will say, there was no such matter with the Philippians, whose example I vrge, they gaue no such proofe of their zeale, or loue, or growth in godlines tho∣row the preaching of the gospell, as now we speake of. Well then, could yee willingly be partakers with your Ministers and Teachers in their bands, and in their de∣fence and confirmation of the gospell in such sort as the Philippians were with Paul? Would yee not be ashamed of their chaines? Would yee communicate to their affli∣ction, and supply that which they lacked? Would yee be carefull, that some might minister vnto them such things as they wanted? Would their bands so affect you as if yee were bound with them? Would yee count their sufferings for the defence and confirmation of the gospell, as common to you with them? Would yee in heart & soule be ioyned vnto them, both in their bands, and in their defence, and confirmation of the gospell? This also should be a notable proof both vnto your selues, and others of your holy zeale for the truth, of your godly increase in all spirituall vnderstanding through the word, and of the effectuall power of the spirit in you, through the ministerie of the word. Such a proofe Onesiphorus had vnto himselfe, and gaue vnto others, as appeareth by that testimonie which the Apo¦stle giueth to him, when he saith, that he often refreshed him, and was not ashamed of his chaine;* that at Rome hee sought him very diligently, and found him; and that in many things he ministred vnto him at Ephesus. Not once, but often he refreshed him, he shunned him not, nor was Page  84 ashamed of him because of his bands, but comming to Rome, and vnderstanding that Nero had cast him into prison, hee sought him very diligently, and would not rest till he had found him, and before at Ephesus, hee had in bountifull sort cared for him. Here the word had ta∣ken roote downeward, and brought forth fruit vpward, and powerfully wrought on him. And so the blessing that followed hervpon.* The Apost. prayed for him, say∣ing, the Lord grant vnto him that he may find mercy with the Lord at that day; nor for him onely, but for his whole house,* saying, The Lord giue mercie vnto the house of One∣siphorus; and in that the Apostle prayed for him and for his house,* it was in effect a promise of blessing and mer∣cie vnto him and to his house. The like testimonie the Apostle giueth vnto the Thessalonians, where hee saith, that they receaued the word in much affliction, with ioy of the holy Ghost. When there was much affliction, when there was great tribulation and persecution, because of the word, yet they receiued the word willingly and ioyfully. Which the Apostle, bringeth as a plaine proofe vnto them of their spirituall coniunction with Christ, and e∣lection vnto life. So that when the word hath wrought thus vpon vs, that in much affliction wee can delight in it, that wee gladly cherish and refresh them that suffer trouble, euen vnto bands for the Gospels sake, that we are so affected therewith, as if we also were in bands with them, that we count their sufferings for the defence and confirmation of the Gospell, our sufferings, it is a nota∣ble argument that the word hath had great power in vs, and that we haue well profited in the Schoole of Christ.

But, if many in these our daies should examine them∣selues, by this rule of what power the word is in them, and vnto what growth in godlynesse they are come, it is to be feared that their triall would not be much to their comfort. Our blessed Sauiour expounding the parable of the Sower, saith, That he that receaued seed in the stonie ground, is he which heareth the word, and incontinently with Page  85 ioy receiueth it: Yet hath he no roote in himselfe,* and endu∣reth but a season: for as soone as tribulation or persecution commeth because of the word, by and by hee is offended. And our Apostle complained,* that at his first answering no man assisted him, but all forsooke him. Not to speake of those which refuse to hearken to instruction, and to pre∣sent themselues in our assemblies, is not much seede now sowen in stonie ground, if tribulation and persecution should come, because of the word, would not many of vs be offended, and rather turne, as they say, then burne? If our Paules and Preachers should bee brought to their answere in the defence of the Gospell, would they bee much assisted, or would they not be vtterly forsakē? Yes, beloued, a great many of vs that now giue them reaso∣nable good countenance, would bee ashamed of their chaines: a great many of vs that now heare them pati∣ently, would feare or disdaine to looke on them in their trouble. We think our selues now reasonable good fauo∣rers of the Word, and of the Ministers thereof, if we be not enemies vnto them. But if we come vnto them, and countenance them, then wee thinke our selues very for∣ward indeede, and that the word hath much preuailed with vs. And it were to be wished, that the number of such were farre greater then it is. But if a tempest should arise, so that our ship should bee couered with waues, would not a great many of vs wish our selues out of that ship wherein we saile, and in another that sailed in a more calme sea? If our Ministers & teachers should be carried vnto the Guild-hal, there to answer in the defence of the gospell, would we not as Christ his Disciples did forsake them & flie; & as Peter did forsweare them? Here would be indeed a triall of the power of the word in vs. And how we would stand in this triall, may in part be conie¦ctured by some present experience. For where the word & the Ministers therof are fauoured, if the painful Mini∣ster be poore and bare, because of his small portion and and maintenance, how many of vs will yeeld vp our Page  86 impropriations vnto him, which properly belonge vn∣to him? Or, if wee haue no such, how many of vs will yeeld vp vnto him our couenant with him for our tithes? Or, if wee haue no such, how many of vs will take care that by our defrauding him of any due, he be not poore or bare? Or, if we be not guiltie herein, how many of vs will ioyne our heads & our purses together to encrease his maintenance for his encouragement, & bettering of his estate? Likewise, if some popishly or naughtily af∣fected, bring him vniustly into trouble, how many of vs will assist him? how many of vs will goe to the high Commission with him? how many of vs will doe our whole endeauour for him? how many of vs will com∣municate vnto his charges in such trouble? Doe wee faile in these lesse things, and would wee hold in greater things? Will we not part with some of our liuing to him, and would we hazard our life with him? Will wee not now assist him, and communicate to his charges in trou∣ble, and would we then cleaue close vnto him, and com∣municate to his affliction? I leaue it vnto euery man to thinke of it. For conclusion of this note, we see how wee may haue proofe vnto our selues, and giue proofe vnto others of our zeale for the Gospell, of our loue of the Ministers of the Gospell, of the power of the word in vs, and of our growth in godlinesse through the preaching of the word. Let vs therefore willingly and gladly take part, if neede be, with our ministers and teachers in their bands, and in their defence and confirmation of the gos∣pell; and in the meane time let vs giue them what coun∣tenance and encouragement, what helpe and assistance we can, that so the power of the word in vs, and our pro∣fiting thereby, may be testified both vnto our selues and to others.

The third thing which here I note, is that the Apostle saith that all the Philipp. were pertakers of his grace, both in his bands, &c. They onely relieued him, & refreshed him, and were carefull for him being in bands, and were Page  87 in their soules and affections knit vnto him, both in his •ands, and in his defence and confirmation of the go∣spell, and for this cause he saith, they were pertakers of his grace in his bands, &c. Whence I obserue a good note of such as are ioyned in the communion of Saints, and that is this, howsoeuer they abound in the measure of grace a∣boue others, yet in the grace they preferre not them∣selues before others. So we see the Apostle Peter writeth to them that had obtained like precious faith with him, saying, Simon Peter a seruant and an Apostle of Iesus Christ,* to you which haue obtained like precious faith with vs, &c. In the measure of faith no doubt he excelled all them to whom he wrote, yet in the grace it selfe of faith, ye see, he equalled them vnto himselfe. So wee see the Apostle to the Hebr. saith vnto them, Holy brethren,* pertakers of the heauenly calling, &c. In measure of gifts by the heauen∣ly calling, no doubt, he was farre before them to whom he wrote, yet touching the grace it selfe, he counteth thē pertakers with him of the heauenly vocation. And so our Apostle in the measure of sufferings, excelled not not the Philippians onely, but all others, yet in the grace it selfe he saith, that they were pertakers of his grace both in his bands, &c. And this is the blessing of the holy Com∣munion of Saints, that they which are ioyned in this ho∣ly fellowship, willingly equall themselues vnto them that are of meaner gifts, and doe not stand vpon their prero∣gatiues, either in blessings or in sufferings, but as they that haue one God, and one Lord, and one Baptisme, and one hope of their calling, so they esteeme of others graces as of their owne.

Which may serue for a bridle vnto such ouerweaning spirits, as too hastily and sharpely censure them that come short of themselues in the measure either of other blessings, or of sufferings. For, to speake onely of the latter sort, are not there some that so brag of their suffe∣rings, that if others of their brethren come somewhat short of them, they condemne them for white-liuered Page  88 souldiers, and faint-hearted brethren? And tell them that you were affected with their sufferings, as if ye had suffered with them, that yee were not vnmindfull of them, but cōmunicated vnto their afflictions, will they count you partakers of their grace in their bands? or ra∣ther would they not tell you, that this is but cold charity in regard of that zealous courage w^ch should be in you, & that this is nothing in comparison of their sufferings? So vaine a thing is man, as to esteeme best of other his owne graces, so most of his owne sufferings, and so to stand vpon his owne measure of grace, that he makes lit∣tle reckoning of the same grace in meaner measure in others of his brethren. But we see the practise both of our Apostle, and of other of the Apostles, which may serue for our instruction in this point. Let vs therefore after their example, howsoeuer we abound in the mea∣sure of any grace, make reckoning of them in whom that grace is, as partakers of the same grace with vs: for it is the same spirit that giueth the same grace both vnto vs and others, and the same spirit distributeth to euery man seuerally the measure of grace as he will. Let vs not therefore for our measure of grace whatsoeuer it be, be it in wisdome, learning, patience, suffering, or any other, exalt our selues aboue our brethren, but let vs make much of the grace of the spirit in them, and let vs reioyce ouer them, as hauing obteined the like precious grace with vs.

The last thing which here I note is, that the Apostle calleth his bands for the defence and confirmation of the Gospell, a grace: for so we vnderstand that they were partakers of his grace, in that they were partakers of his bands for the defence and confirmation &c. Whence I obserue, that to suffer bands, imprisonment, persecution, and the like, for the Gospels sake, is a speciall grace and gift of God. So the Apostle againe in the latter end of this chapter affirmeth, saying, Vnto you it is giuen for Christ,* that not onely yee should beleeue in him, but also suffer Page  89 for his sake. Whence it is plaine, that as faith in Christ Iesus, so to suffer for his sake is a speciall gift of God. And herevpon the Apostles reioyced when they were beaten,* that they were counted worthy to suffer rebuke for Christ his name.* And our Apostle reioyced asmuch in his sufferings as in any thing. And why, but because they counted their sufferings as speciall gifts and graces vpon them?

Where yet first we must note, that simply to suffer bands and imprisonment, persecution and trouble is no grace or gift of God, but to suffer these things for Christ his sake, for the Gospels sake, for righteousnes sake. And therefore Peter saith, Let no man suffer as a murtherer,* or as a theefe, or as an euill doer, or as a busie-body in other mens matters: But if any man suffer as a Christian,* .i. for Christ his sake and the gospels, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorifie God on this behalfe. Secondly, that to suffer bands and persecution for Christ his sake and the gos∣pels, is no grace or gift of God in it selfe, and in the na∣ture of the thing, but onely by way of consequent: for if to suffer bands or affliction for the gospels sake were in it selfe, and in the nature of the thing a grace and gift of God, then were we to pray for affliction and trouble for the Gospels sake, as we doe for other graces of the spirit. But now no man doth pray to be tried and trou∣bled, to be persecuted and imprisoned for the Gospells sake; neither is any man so to pray, because this were in deede to tempt God. But our praier is for strength, and patience, and helpe in trouble, whensoeuer it shall please the Lord by troubles for the Gospels sake to try vs, as the praiers of the godly at all times doe shew. To suffer bands then and trouble for the Gospels sake, is no grace of God in it selfe, but onely in euent and by consequent. For what is the euent, fruit, and consequent of suffering for the Gospels sake? First in respect of our selues, it bringeth forth the fruits of patience, experience, and hope, as it is written, We reioyce in tribulation, knowing that Page  90 tribulation bringeth forth patience,* and patience experience, and experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed. It is the meanes to make vs like vnto the Sonne of God, as it is written,* Whom God knew before he predestinate to be made like to the image of his Sonne. Where by the order of our election hee sheweth that afflictions in generall are the meanes to make vs like vnto the Sonne of God. And it causeth vnto vs eternall glory in the heauens, as it is writ∣ten,* Blessed are they which suffer persecution for righteousnes sake,* for theirs is the kingdome of heauen. Blessed are yee when men reuile and persecute you, and say all manner of euill against you for my sake,* falsly; reioyce and be glad for great is your reward in heauen. Againe, in respect of God, by suffering trouble, bands, and death for the gospels sake God is glorified, as it is written, This spake Iesus vnto Pe∣ter,* signifying by what death he should glorifie God. And thereby also the power of Christ dwelleth in vs, as it is written,* Very gladly will I reioyce in mine infirmities, that the power of Christ may dwell in me, because the power of Christ is most seene in helping our infirmities, in loo∣sing our bands, and deliuering vs out of troubles. And againe in respect of the Church, by the sufferings of the Saints for the Gospell, many children are strengthned, and many begotten vnto the Church, as it is written in this chapter afterward, Many of the brethren in the Lord are boldened through my bands,* and dare more frankly speake the word. To which purpose also it is said, that the blood of the Martirs is the seede of the Church. Because then of the grace which followeth our bands and troubles for the Gospels sake, both in respect of God, and of his Church, and of our selues, therefore it is that they are called a grace and gift of God. So that to suffer bands and troubles for Christ his sake, and the Gospels, is a grace and gift of God, nor in the nature of the thing, but because of the grace giuen vs constantly and patiently to endure those troubles, and because of the grace which issueth thence for the good of our selues, for the glory of Page  91 God, and for the benefit of his Church.

Yea but if to suffer bands, and affliction, and trouble for Christ his sake and the Gospels were a grace and gift of God any way, why should the children of God be of∣ten so much perplexed thereat as they are? why should they not alwaies be more welcome vnto them then they are? For answer whereunto we must vnderstand, that in the children of God there is the flesh and the spirit, an outward man, and an inward man. Are then the chil∣dren of God often perplexed at their bands and suffe∣rings for Christ his sake, and the Gospels? It may be in their flesh and outward man, but in their spirit and in∣ward man they are alwaies welcome vnto them; as our Apostle saith, though our outward man perish,* and euen sinke vnder the burthen of our afflictions, yet the inward man is renued daily, and made stronger and stronger through afflictions. And so we must vnderstand all the places of scripture where the Saints seeme to faint vnder their afflictions. Dauid in his Psalmes often complai∣neth of his troubles, no doubt because they were heauy vnto his outward man: but vnto his inward man they were so welcome, that he saith,* It is good for me that I haue beene afflicted, that I may learne thy statutes: and againe, Before I was afflicted I went astray,* but now I keepe thy word. So our Apostle saith, that he was pressed out of measure passing strength through affliction,* so that his out∣ward man no doubt was not able to susteine them; yet in his inward man he reioyced in them, and boasted of them, and fainted not vnder them. So our blessed Sa∣uiour himselfe saith,* My soule is very heauy euen vnto the death, so that by his owne will he would haue had that cup to passe from him: but knowing his Fathers will immediatly he addeth, neuertheles not as I will, but as thou wilt. So that howsoeuer by our owne wills we would auoide bands and troubles for the gospels sake, as heauy and greeuous vnto our outward man, yet as our wills are sanctified by Gods spirit and conformed vnto Gods Page  92 will, so they are welcome vnto vs, and acknowledged by vs to be a grace of God, giuen vnto his children for their good, and his glory.

Here then is a notable comfort, for all such of Gods children as suffer bands and affliction for Christ his sake and the gospels. For what are their bands? They are the grace of God; and in suffering bands for the de∣fence and confirmation of the Gospell, they are parta∣kers with the Saints of their grace. And as here they are called the grace of God, so elsewhere they are called the marks of the Lord Iesus.* Now may it not be a great com∣fort vnto vs, to beare in our bodies the marks of the Lord Iesus? Yet generally wee auoide bands and affliction, nay we murmure at them, nay we mocke at them, and hold them for simple men, that will not rather turne then burne, that will not rather renounce the truth, then en∣dure such sufferings for the truth. But tell me, should not he be iudged foolish and ignorant, that should auoid the gift of any grace? Should he not be thought ridicu∣lous, that should murmure or scorne to be marked with the marks of the Lord Iesus? And how then shall wee thinke of him, that refuseth or murmureth at bands and afflictions for Christ his sake, or that maketh a mocke at them which doe suffer afflictions for Christ his sake, which are the grace of God, and the marks of the Lord Iesus? Beloued, we know not what bands and afflicti∣ons bide vs for the Gospels sake. Surely for our sinnes we haue deserued to be deliuered vp into the will of our enemies, that they that hate vs euen with a perfit hatred should rule ouer vs. And if it shall please the Lord here∣in to deale with vs according to our deseruings, yet let this be our comfort, that in our bands for the defence and confirmation of the Gospell, we are partakers with many of the Saints of their grace, and that the life of Ie∣sus is made manifest as by most plaine tokens, in our bo¦dies,* when we beare about in our bodies the dying of the Lord Iesus. And in the meane time let vs giue all dili¦gence Page  93 that the word of Christ may dwell in vs plente∣ously, that the effectuall power thereof may be manife∣sted in vs, through our patient and constant suffering for Christ his sake and the Gospels, if the will of the Lord be such.

Now followeth the Apostles earnest protestation of his loue towards the Philippians, which was the third thing which I noted in this second branch of the Apo∣stles exordium, in these words, For God is my record &c. that so, they might the rather both assure themselues that such was his perswasion of them, as hath beene said, and likewise the more willingly hearken vnto the things that hee wrote vnto them. In the words I note a vehement protestation, and the thing whereof he maketh such pro∣testation. His protestation is a calling of God to witnes that hee lieth not in this that now speaketh, in these words, For God is my record. The thing whereof he ma∣keth such protestation is of his hearty loue of them, say∣ing, God is my record how I long after you all, .i. with what a longing desire to see you, I loue you all from the very heart roote,* for so the word here vsed is very significantly translated, not after the flesh, but in Iesus Christ, of whom yee are loued, and from whom this my loue pro∣ceedeth. Where first I note the Apostles vehement pro∣testation, not of a vaine and idle toy, but of his loue to∣wards the Philippians, not for any light or foolish matter, but for their great good, that they might hearken to the word of their saluation more gladly. Whence I obserue, that a protestation, or an oath to witnes a truth, when the glory of God, or the good of our neighbour doth re∣quire it, may lawfully be made.