Soul-prosperity in several sermons / by that eminent servant of Christ, Mr. William Benn ...

SERMON III. (Book 3)

I Proceed now to the second particular. To shew wherein the prosperity of the Soul especially consisteth: and when it may be said, to thrive, and prosper. This is the principal thing, the Text, and Doctrine engage to speak unto. And, in∣deed, to speak unto it, is exceeding necessa∣ry: You may well remember what was laid down in a Doctrine, not long since handled. That a living Christian, though alive to God, yet in respect of his Christianity, and Religion, may be in a withering, languish∣ing condition; as far from prospering, as those Trees are, whose leaves fall off, the boughs wither, and the root decays. It is so with many. As it is much talked on, that these times have brought forth many broken Merchants: So they have many broken, or almost broken Professors. Good beginnings (it is too often found) are not always seconded with suitable proceedings. Too many are too like the New Moon in its first quarter, then it gives much light, but it is down again, and it's dark again all

over before the Morning light. It was a sad question, which the Apostle put to the Galatians, chap. 5. v. 7, Ye did run well, who did hinder you? It was a question, with a very sharp rebuke in it; and it withal im∣ports, that no satisfying reason could be gi∣ven, why they should make such a halt.

Now in speaking to this necessary point, I shall first mention some things in general, wherein the prosperity of the Soul consists. And then something, which may more par∣ticularly demonstrate the truth, and reality of it.

1. In general. I shall premise; That as the first Rise, and Foundation of Soul-pros∣perity (as to any possibility of Evidence, that such a thing is begun) is laid in those principles of Spiritual life, which are recei∣ved by virtue of Union with Christ: So the growth and progress thereof consists in their increase. As they increase, so the prospe∣rity of the Soul increaseth, and no otherwise. It is possible a Man may grow in gifts, and be very forward in exercising them, and yet the Soul not thrive. It is said of the Corin∣thians, they came behind in no gift, 1 Cor. 1.7. but their grace did not thrive answera∣bly to their gifts. No, they were still but Babes, and very carnal. 1 Cor. 3.1, 2, 3.

2. I farther premise this: That there is a natural tendency in the principles of this

life to grow, as there is in the best Seed, that is cast into the ground to grow, and to bring forth fruit according to its kind: For they are the Seed of the living God; there is life in them, and every living thing grows ac∣cording to the measure, which the God of its life hath appointed. The Picture of a Child doth not grow: it hath the same di∣mensions now, which it had twenty years ago. But the living Child, to which these principles are compared, that, by receiving kindly nourishment, grows, 1 Pet. 2.2, As new born Babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. And cer∣tain it is, that no work of the Spirit is de∣signed for glory, but that which is growing. 2 Cor. 3.18, But we all with open face, be∣holding as in a Glass, the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glo∣ry, even as by the spirit of the Lord. Gifts may wither, but grace will grow into glo∣ry.

These two things premised, I come now to speak (and that first of those things in general, which are undenyable evidences of Soul-prosperity.)

1. When this thriving and growth is uni∣versal: The Body prospers, when there is a healthy constitution all over: When the Head is well, the Stomach is well, and all the vital parts are sound within: But in Chil∣dren

that have the Rickets, the Head is only growing, the inferiour parts of the Body being weak, and feeble: When it is so, we say; the Child prospers not. It is often∣times so with the Soul: It may seemingly prosper in some things, when it doth not really prosper in other things, or indeed in any thing. It was so with many in the Church of Ephesus: Their zeal was warm in externals, in a high and mighty opposi∣tion against false Teachers, Errours, and He∣resies, these they could not endure, Rev. 2.6. But it was not so in other things, in the best things, there was a great decay in the inward Man, in the vitals of Godliness, in those graces that accompany Salvation, ver. 4, 5, I have something against thee, because thou hast left thy first Love. Remember there∣fore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do thy first works. This is as far from true Soul-prosperity, as a Tradesman from thriving, who gains by some one pedling commodity, and loseth thrice as much in greater matters. The Soul prospers, when it grows up in all things. Eph. 4.15. But speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things, in him who is the Head, even Christ. It were endless almost to reckon up the thri∣ving and prospering in every grace. I shall therefore instance in 2 things, by the thriving whereof, we may take an estimate of the rest.

1. When the Soul thrives in those two graces, which by experience are found to have as great an influence on the health of the Soul, as Natural heat, and Radical moi∣sture, (so Physicians say, and Reason saith so too) have upon the health of the Body. The just temperament of these, is that which preserves life, and health, and strength. So when these two graces, that of Faith, which is as the Natural heat, and that of Repen∣tance, which is as the Radical moisture, are thriving, and growing toward their full height, then the Soul is in a very prosper∣ous way.

1. When Faith grows, which is the Na∣tural heat, as it did, 2 Thes. 1.3,—because that your Faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all, toward each other aboundeth.

Now this growth is best discerned.

1. When it grows in depth. So as the Soul is more and more setled, grounded, rooted, and built up in Christ. Col. 1.23, If ye continue in the Faith, grounded, and settled. And ch. 2.7, Rooted, and built up in him, and stablished in the Faith. So that the heart is fixed, and is at peace within, when all without is shaken, and the foundation of all Creature-comforts turned upside down. As a Tree, whose Root doth remain firm, when the top doth shake. Psal. 56.3, What time,

I am afraid, I will trust in thee. He could keep his faith above his fears, Psal. 112.7. He shall not be afraid of evil Tydings, his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. Job. 13.15. Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him. As if he had said: Though I read a sentence of Death upon what concerns this Life; yet I have somewhat to trust him for, be∣yond this Life. No danger, nor death shall beat me off from the holdfast of my faith in God, through Christ Jesus: When it is thus, that promise will be made good, Isa. 26.3, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee.

2. When it grows in breadth, so as it gives a firm, absolute, unlimited assent to the whole truth of God, and receives the te∣stimony of God, as in one thing, so in every thing, which it apprehends to be of God; and that purely, because God saith so, what∣ever Sense and Reason, can object to the con∣trary. So Act. 24.14. But I confess unto thee, that after the way, which they call He∣resie, so worship I the God of my Fathers, be∣lieving all things which are written in the Law, and the Prophets. Joh. 3.33, He that believeth his testimony, hath set to his Seal that God is true, (in every thing.) I speak this of justifying faith, not only considered in its most eminent act, which is to receive

Jesus Christ, and rest upon him alone, for whatsoever may give a title to, or a fitness for eternal Salvation; but in its most full, compleat, and perfect act, assenting to what∣soever is historically delivered in the word; believing every Command, every Threat'n∣ing, every Promise, both of this life, and the life to come. So as whatever is recorded in the word, is so believed, not without some gratious effect upon the Soul. Observe it in four particulars.

(1.) A growing, thriving faith so believes what is Historically delivered concerning the Creation of the World, as nothing is too hard for it. Although the things believed do not yet appear; yet that hinders not a full assurance of their future existence; seeing the same power of God, which created the World of nothing, can give a Being to what∣ever he hath said, shall be, when it seems good unto him. Psal. 121.2, My help cometh from the Lord, which made Heaven and Earth. As if he had said; I will never distrust his power for whatever I stand in need of, who could erect such a stately Fabrick from nothing.

(2.) A growing, thriving faith believes every Command of God, Psal. 119.66,—I have believed thy Commandments. He be∣lieves them to be holy, just, and good, and brings down every thought more and more

in subjection unto them all. Thus Abra∣ham's faith growing, and thriving hath ma∣ny eminent acts of obedience ascribed to it. Heb. 11.8. By Faith Abraham, when he was called of God, to go into a place which he should afterward receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. A hard tryal: For as it is in the Proverb; The smoak of a Man's own Chimney, is as good as the fire of another's. So that Com∣mand, which was yet more hard, of offering up his only begotten Son, that is, of his wife Sarah, the Son of the Promise, in whose Seed all the Nations of the Earth should be blessed, yet he submitted to it. Heb. 11.17. though he had but short warning, Gen. 22.2, 3. He received the Command over-night, and went about it next Morning.

(3.) A growing, thriving Faith believes the threat'nings of the Word; and this be∣lief makes the Soul to stand in awe of them. Psal. 119.161,—my heart standeth in awe of thy word. So Heb. 11.7. Noah's Faith takes war∣ning at the threat'ning: He was moved with fear, and prepared an Ark to the saving of his House. This is not too low for the best grown Faith to act, nor be acted upon. God thought it not unmeet for Adam to make use of, in Innocency, Gen. 2.17. Job found it in himself, chap. 31.23, Destruction from God was a terrour unto me: and by reason

of his Highness, I could not endure.

(4.) A thriving, growing faith, with all thankfulness, accepts the Promises, and with all heartiness relyes upon God for the per∣formance of mercy promised. Resting up∣on the promise, when he hath nothing else to avouch it; when there is neither Sense, nor Reason to second Faith. So Abraham, Rom. 4.17, 18, &c. He believed God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth things that are not, as if they were: Who against hope, believed in hope. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own Body now dead, &c. He staggered not at the promise of God, through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; being fully per∣swaded, that what he had promised, he was able to perform, 2 Cor. 5.7, We walk by faith, and not by sight. i. e. By the sensible enjoyment of what God hath promised, but by faith, believing, and waiting for the ac∣complishment: Notwithstanding all the re∣al improbability, and seeming impossibilities that are in the way: When faith thus grows, the Soul prospers exceedingly. Now the heart will be kept more sweet, and clean then ordinary, Act. 15.9,—purifying their hearts by faith. The World will be Conquer∣ed. 1 Joh. 5.4, And this is the victory that overcometh the World, even your faith. And hereby Satan himself is trodden under foot.

2. When Repentance grows (which is as the Radical moisture) then the Soul pros∣pers. Now Repentance grows,

(1.) When there is a growth and increase in the necessary adjunct of Repentance; in that which is as inseparable from it, as heat is from the fire; and that is in an hearty grief, and godly sorrow for sin. This is necessa∣ry, that the Soul may experimentally know the bitterness of sin, and taste, as it were, the Gall, and Wormwood that is in it. Jer. 2.19, Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore, and see that it is an evil thing, and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord God of hosts. And it is inseparable, for it cannot be rationally imagined, that a Man whose Eyes are opened, to see what great provocation there is in the least sin, as it is against the most high, and most holy God; it is impossible that it should be without some pricking of the heart, as they felt Act. 2, 37. Now, when this grows, and increa∣seth, so as it reacheth not only Beams, but Motes, not only Camels, but Gnats; melt∣ing the heart with godly sorrow before God, for the least vain word proceeding out of the mouth; yea for sinful silence, in not speaking, when and what we ought to speak: and for the least sinful thought in the secret

of our Souls, when this brings us upon our knees before God, and that with the first opportunity after the first discovery of it, as it did David, 1 Sam. 24.5. And it came to pass, that afterward David's heart smote him. When it is thus, the Soul is in the high way of prospering. For, what tender∣ness, what watchfulness, what humility, what high prizing of Christ, are likely to thrive, and prosper in such a Soul, when it sees how it forfeits all its hopes every day, and therefore hath such need of Christ eve∣ry day, that the forfeiture may not be ta∣ken:

(2.) The Soul prospereth when there is a growth, and increase in the Essential parts of Repentance, and they are these two: (1.) Turning from sin, and (2.) Turning to God. Herein the very Essence and Nature of this grace doth consist. To work this was the scope of the Apostles ministry. Act. 26.18. And this is that, which sorrow for sin (if it be godly sorrow indeed) doth work, 2 Cor. 7.10. For godly sorrow worketh Re∣pentance to salvation.

(1.) For the former of these: When the heart is heated with holy indignation against the least sin; and against it self, for being, through its own carelesness, surprized by it, and defiled with it, as Job was, chap. 42.6. Wherefore I abhor my self, and repent in dust

and ashes. And when holy and humble resolutions, in the strength of Christ, are more hightened to keep himself that the wicked one touch him not, 1 Joh. 5.18. so as to leave any of his polluting impressions upon him. Psal. 17.3,—thou hast tryed me, and shalt find nothing. I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. Psal. 39.1, I said, I will take heed unto my ways, that I sin not with my tongue. Hos. 14.8, Ephraim shall say, What have I any more to do with Idols. Isa. 30.22, Ye shall defile also the cove∣ring of thy graven Images, of the ornament of thy molten Images of Gold: Thou shalt cast them away, as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence.

(2.) For the latter part: Turning unto God; it is evident, that this is an Essential part of Repentance. For every sin, so far as it prevails, turns the heart from God. Jam. 1.14, Every Man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Jer. 32.33, And they have turned to me the back, and not the face. Now the repenting sinner, that prizeth the loving kindness of God as bet∣ter then life, then life with all its fillings up with earthly comforts, cannot but set himself to turn unto God; as they did, Ho∣sea. 6.1, Come and let us return unto the Lord, for he hath torn, and he will heal us. Turn unto God, and that,

(1.) As the chiefest good, out of an un∣feigned desire to have his good will, to live in his love, and to enjoy Communion with him. Psal. 4.6, 7,—Lord lift up the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put glad∣ness in my heart, more then in the time, that their Corn, and their Wine increased. Psal. 73.25, 26, Whom have I in Heaven but thee, and there is none upon Earth that I desire be∣sides thee. My heart, and my flesh faileth, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

(2.) As our utmost end; reckoning up∣on it, that therefore we live, that we may exalt him, and sanctifie his holy name in our hearts, and please him in all our ways, still endeavouring, that in all things our end may fall in with his. Rom. 6.11, Like∣wise reckon ye also your selves to be dead in∣deed unto sin, but alive to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. 14.7, 8, For none of us liveth to himself, and no Man dyeth to himself: For whether we live, we live unto the Lord, and whether we dye, we dye unto the Lord, whether we live therefore or die we are the Lords.

Thus ye see when Repentance may be said to grow; and that in the growth there∣of, the Soul exceedingly prospers. Ye have likewise, the first evidence of universal growth, namely the growth of Faith, and

Repentance; when these two grow in the Soul, which are as necessary for the well∣fare of the Soul, as the Natural heat, and Radical moisture are for the wellfare of the Body, then the Soul prospereth. The God of all grace, bless us all with this prosperi∣ty: This is prosperity indeed.

But with sadness of heart, it may be said of these two graces, what is observed of some Out-landish fruits, that though with much cost, and care they are transplanted into this Countrey, yet they thrive not, as they do in their native Soil, because of the coldness of the Climate. Even so it is with Faith, and Repentance, though they are much spoken of, yet they thrive not: Though in respect of their Root, they may be in the Soul, yet what through the coldness, deadness, sluggishness, and unmor∣tifiedness of our hearts, they prosper not; and therefore our Souls prosper not, nei∣ther can they ever prosper, while these are neglected.

2. I proceed now to the second instance of universal growth: and that is, when that blessing laid up in that promise recorded, Hos. 14.5. is given forth; when the God of all grace is as the dew to the Soul; so that it grows as the Lilly, and as the Ce∣dars in Lebanon. The dew, ye know, is a very sweet refreshing moisture, to the dry,

and thirsty ground; which soaking into the Earth, makes it bring forth its fruits, and the fruit thereof to grow. So the dew of Heavenly influences, and Divine supplies of grace, when they fall upon the Soul, they make the Root of Divine principles to bring forth fruit, and the fruit to grow. And when it grows as the Lilly, and as the Ce∣dar, then the Soul prospers.

(1.) When it grows as the Lilly. The Lilly, ye know, is a very lovely Plant. So∣lomon in all his glory, was not like it. Now, the Soul grows as the Lilly, when it grows in those lovely graces mentioned, Col. 3.12, Bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering. Forbearing one another, forgiving one another. What a love∣ly sight is it to see (so far as Man can see) a Soul clothed with these graces? Lovely they are in the eyes even of those, that are stran∣gers to the life, and power of Religion; they cannot skill of the mysteries of Faith, of Communion with God, of the life of Faith, of the comforts of the Holy Ghost; but of these things they can judge, and cannot but commend. All commended Cranmer, that holy Martyr for his meekness; and kindness, even to those that had wronged him, that it grew to a Proverb, Do him an ill turn, and he will be your friend for ever. So likewise, it grows as the Lilly, when it grows

in gentleness, peaceableness, and easiness, to be entreated; when there is an ingenuous fa∣cility, either to be perswaded to what is good, or disswaded from what is evil, though in those things that are contrary to our former apprehensions, according to that in Jam. 3.17, But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easie to be entreated.—This is lovely as the Lilly. Some there are who are guilty of that which is condemned, 2 Pet. 2.10, Selfwilled; that will not let go their prejudices; as if to change their mind in what they are once engaged, were a disparagement to them. This is very unlovely, for this is the great∣est folly, not to give place to right Reason. This hath not been the way of those whose Souls have prospered. David hearkened to the counsel of Abigail, and thought it no disparagement unto him; yielding to the strength of her reasons, to alter his mind; and blessed God that he so happily met with her, 1 Sam. 25.32, 33. It is Prophesied, Isa. 11.6, The Wolf shall dwell with the Lamb, &c. When Souls prosper under the Govern∣ment of Christ, they will be so far subdued, and changed through the Spiritual efficacy thereof, that those who, by nature, were as fiery, as violent, as untamed, and untracta∣ble, as Wolves, and Leopards, and Lyons, shall be so ductile, teachable, and perswade∣able

to what is good, that a little Child shall lead them, and prevail with them, to alter their mind, bringing Scripture and Reason with them. This is lovely; when these Principles of grace grow in the Soul, the Soul grows as the Lilly.

(2.) The Soul then prospers, when it grows, not only as the Lilly, but as the Ce∣dars in Lebanon, which are much spoken of, in the Scripture. Of all Trees, these shoot up highest, and endure longest: The Tim∣ber whereof not being subject to rot, as other Timber. So that the Soul grows as the Cedar, when that deep, inward, rooted re∣spect to things below, which rules in an un∣mortified heart, is so far mortified, that a Man's Treasure is changed: We now lay up our Treasure in Heaven, and set our affecti∣ons on things that are above, mounting up as the Eagles, Isa. 40.31. Looking after the things that are not seen, as the things our Souls delight in, having chosen them for our portion; preparing for, longing after, and rejoicing in hope of enjoying them. When things that are seen afford us but lit∣tle, but matter of care, and grief, trouble, and sorrow: When the Soul creeps on the Earth life a Snail, and is up in the things of the World, as an Eel in the Mud, then it ne∣ver prospers.

2. When a lasting durable frame of god∣liness is attained, and preserved, then like∣wise it grows as the Cedar. As it said of Enoch, Gen. 5.21. That he walked with God 300 years together. So it may be said, that our best works are at last: as Rev. 2.19, I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works, and the last to be more then the first. And that our Sal∣vation is nearer, then when we (first) be∣lieved. Rom. 13.11. But when good impres∣sions wear off, and hardly come on again, when inward meltings quickly dry up, as the morning dew; when the Soul is as it were sick of the Staggers; now goes for∣ward, and then goes backward, it is far from prospering as it ought.

This is all, I have to say to the first Par∣ticular, that in the first Rise, and Foundati∣on of Soul-prosperity, as to any possible evi∣dencing that such a thing is begun, is laid in those first principles of Spiritual life, which are received by virtue of our union with Christ; so the growth, and progress thereof consists in their increase, and then, this increase, where this thriving is, is uni∣versal, when growth in one principle is ad∣ded to another, as when Men add house to house, and field to field, they are said to prosper in the World. Isa. 5.8. So when Faith, which is as the natural heat, is added to Re∣pentance,

which is as the Radical moisture, and the growth of the Cedar is added to the growth of the Lilly, then the Soul prospers.

I now proceed to the second Particular, As the Soul prospers, when growth in gra∣tious principles is universal, so much more, when gratious principles are kept in exer∣cise. The Scripture speaks much of this, more then, perhaps, is taken notice of. For all those commands we have up and down in Scripture, to love the Lord, to fear him, to believe in the Lord Jesus, do not so much require the first principle, as the acting and exercising of that principle: As for instance, 1 Joh. 3.23. Commands the exercise of Faith and Love. We read of the work of Faith, 2 Thes. 1.11. The work, and labour of love. Heb. 6.10. The perfect work of pa∣tience, Jam. 1.5. Of walking in the fear of the Lord, Act. 9.31. Of walking in love, Eph. 5.2. Of walking by faith, 2 Cor. 5.7. Of living by faith, Gal. 2.20. All these ex∣pressions note, the actual exercises of these graces, each of them being busied in, and taken up with their proper work. This is of absolute necessity unto Soul-prosperity. Bodily exercise may be so used, as that it may be a great means of preserving Bodily health, but this is of far greater use for pre∣serving the health of the Soul; for some∣thing

else, sometimes, at least as to some persons, may supply the want of Bodily ex∣ercise, so as a person may do well enough without it: But nothing can supply, for the good of the Soul, the neglect of the exercise of grace. Yea indeed, it is all one, as to Soul-prosperity, for the time, when it is not exercised, as if there were no grace in the Soul at all. We have many sad in∣stances of this, that it hath been so: when the contrary principles of corruption have choakt, as it were, oppressed, and bound up, the gratious principle from stirring, and moving, to make any opposition, to any purpose. Isa. 64.6,—our iniquities like the wind, have taken us away. This we see in David, without any wrong to the memory of Joseph, I suppose it may be said, that he had more grace, then Joseph had, yet Da∣vid not exercising it, fell (as it is said of Saul, 2 Sam. 1.21.) among the uncircumci∣sed; the Shield of the Mighty, wherewith he might have quenched the fiery Darts of Satan, was vilely cast away, as if he had ne∣ver been anointed, with the anointing of the Spirit of God; whereas Joseph stood like a Conquerour in the hour of temptation, when it came upon him, with so much vio∣lence, and advantage. What was the reason of this, but that Joseph, at that time, had his Loins girt, his Lamp burning, his grace

in exercise, as we find, Gen. 39.9? But it was not so, in that sad hour, with David, he was slothful, and did not stir up himself to resist, but gave place to Satan. In a word, Joseph was awake, and David was asleep. Nay, at another time, David was overcome, when Saul resisted, and over∣came a temptation of the same kind. Com∣pare 1 Sam. 25.21, 22. David resolved to revenge himself, when he took himself to be affronted by Nabal; with 1 Sam. 10.27. The Children of Belial said of Saul: How shall this Man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no present; but Saul held his peace. We see by this, that the ha∣ving of much grace, avails not to the pros∣perity of the Soul, if it be not exercised. It is, for that present, all one to speak of, as if there were none. It is very observable to this purpose, what we have in three Evan∣gelists, concerning Christs reproving of his Disciples, when they were so afraid of being drowned, Matth. 8.26, Why are ye so fear∣ful, O ye of little Faith? In Mark, it is other∣wise related, chap. 4.37, How is it that ye have no faith? Luke's expression, chap. 8.25. is in a different way from both: Where is your Faith? Yet here is no such difference, but what is easily reconciled. They had a little faith, as it is in Matthew: No faith, as it is in Mark. Luke takes up the difference,

Where is your Faith? Saith he: Their lit∣tle faith was to seek, when they had need of it; therefore their Souls were as much out of order, and their fear as great, as if their hearts had been full of unbelief all o∣ver.

It is then clearly thus: The Soul pros∣pers so much, and so long only as grace is exercised according as the matter requires. This we have exemplified in Gaius, whose Soul prospered, at so high a rate. Truth was in him, and he walked in the Truth, ver. 3. of this Epistle: In godly sincerity, as Paul did, 2 Cor. 1.12. He walked with God as Noah did, Gen. 6.9. He walked humbly with God, as Mich. 6.8. And all that do so, shall walk with God in White, Rev. 3.4. (as doubtless Gaius doth now;) an expression that holds forth that uncon∣ceivable glory, wherewith that Soul shall, one day, be clothed; yea, and their Bodies too, at last, when made like unto the glo∣rious Body of Christ. When his Face did shine, and his Raiment was white as the light, Matth. 17.2.

3. The Soul prospers, when, in all these things, it prospers daily. One day after another; and one day as well as another; when more and more is daily done, and more and more daily received, in the fore∣mentioned particulars. This Paul could

say, 2 Cor. 4.16,—though our outward Man perish, yet the inward Man is renewed day by day. The Body of Man, though it be of as healthy a constitution as any in the World; yet it grows but to such an age, then it comes to a consistency, standing at a stay; and after it hath done so a while, it begins to decay. But as it may be so, yet it should be otherwise with a prosperous Soul. Phil. 3.12, 13, 14, Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect, but I fol∣low after, if that I may apprehend that, for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus, &c. It was now 25 years since Paul's Con∣version; for this Epistle to the Philippians was written the same year with that to the Ephesians; and both of them in that time mentioned, Act. 28.30, 31, When Paul dwelt two years (at Rome) in his own hired house, and received all that came unto him. He had been so long a Man in Christ, done and suf∣fered so much for Christ, and received so much from Christ, yet he is exceeding hun∣gry, and thirsty to receive more (spiritual∣ly, he was very poor in his own opinion) that so he might do more, where he was called. Though perfection (as he well knew) was not attainable in this life, yet he aimed at it, hoping he might come nearer to it, then yet he was. [I follow after, that I may appre∣hend.] What? Even that perfection which

was then wanting. This was a prosperous Soul. I say no more to this, then as our Sa∣viour said in another case to the Lawyer, Luke. 10.37, Go, and do likewise.

4. Then the Soul prospereth, when in con∣junction with all these, it is more and more Rooted in Christ. So as notwithstanding all our growth in grace, and all our exercise of grace, the life we live, so far as it is gra∣tious (and it ought to be so, in all things) is more in Christ, and from Christ, and what we expect to receive from Christ, then in, and from our selves, when we think with our selves as the Apostle said, Gal. 2.20, Nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ li∣veth in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God. Therefore interest Christ in all that ye do. Look unto him for assistance in every thing (Phil. 4.13, I can do all things, through Christ which strengtheneth me.) and for acceptance of all, 1 Pet. 2.5, Ye also as lively stones are built up a spiritual house, an holy Priesthood to offer up spiritual Sacrifices, acceptable to God, by Jesus Christ. Let us go on, thus leaning upon our Beloved. The heart of Christ was much upon this, that all that are in a state of Union with him, should learn this, and live under the actual consi∣deration of it, Joh. 15.4, 5, Abide in me, and I in you; as the Branch cannot bear fruit

of it self, except it abide in the Vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the Vine, ye are the Branches; he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me, ye can do nothing. And the more this is learned, and according∣ly reduced into practice, the more the Soul will prosper. It is worth our noting that true growth is noted by our growing in Christ. Eph. 4.15, But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ. 2 Pet. 3.18, But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord, and Saviour Jesus Christ. As if to grow in parts, in duties, or any thing else, without growing in him, were a swelling, rather then a growth. The swelling of the Leg, or Arm, is no good sign that the party grows stronger. It is thus indeed: whiles we are full of our own strength, our Souls prosper not, 1 Sam. 2.9,—for by strength shall no Man prevail. Therefore a prosper∣ing Soul, though it hath, and when it hath put on the whole Armour of God, yet it is not to trust thereto, but to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might, Eph. 6.10. Certainly, the more deeply this prin∣ciple is engraven in our hearts, and the more we act according to it, the better it will be with us. He that laboured more abundant∣ly then they all, that could say, He had fi∣nished

his course, fought the good fight, and kept the faith, was he that said, Not I, but the grace of God that was with me, 1 Cor. 15.10. Happy are those Souls, and more hap∣py they are like to be, that are so trained up in a continual sensibleness of their own in∣sufficiency, as to what is spiritually good, that still there is a looking up for more sup∣plies, that we may exercise what we have, Phil. 1.19,—and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. What Paul prayed for the Thessalonians, 2 Thes. 3.5, The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and the pa∣tient waiting for Christ. i. e. into the exer∣cise thereof. A Soul that would prosper, must pray for it self. Yea, and for that which Paul desired others to pray on his behalf, Eph. 6.18, 19, Praying alwaies with all Prayer, and Supplication,—that utter∣ance may be given unto me. Paul had alrea∣dy a great gift of utterance, and memory, and had great experience of Gods presence with him, in the exercise thereof, having preached so well, and so long, now twenty five years together, yet desires their pray∣ers, not only for the continuance of these gifts, but also for the actual exercise of them, so often as ever there was occasion of using them. And no doubt Paul did pray thus for himself, as often as he was to preach, and as little doubt there is, but that he did his

work so much the better for it, and with the better success.

Thus ye have, what I have to say, con∣cerning the first thing proposed: What con∣cerns the prosperity of the Soul in general, wherein it consists, and when a Man may be said to prosper.