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EPHES. 3. ver. 19.And to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge.
WEE are yet upon the consideration of the transcendency of Christs love to Beleevers (And oh how sweet is it to lose our selves in this considerati∣on!) How loath am I to leave a point of such infinite necessity and sweetnesse? How gladly could I, not only live, but die in the decla∣ration of the love of Christ to belee∣vers? I doubt not but the very men∣tion of the point, That the love of
Christ to beleevers is a transcendent love, maketh the hearts of you to leap for joy. Tell me (O beleever) couldest thou not wish to have thine cares ever followed with this sound? That Christ loveth thee with a love passing knowledge. Something we have already hinted, and some∣thing more wee shall adde at this time; yet because when I have said all that I can about the transcen∣dency of Christs love to beleevers, I shall come many thousand steps short of its height, I am resolved to say all that I intend to this point, at this time.
Therefore a little more to de∣monstrate this, That the love of Christ passeth knowledge, I shall intreat you to view
First, If we do consider the command which Christ exerciseth over beleev∣ers,
we shall see the transcendency of his affection even in that. It is Christs glory, that he is the King of the Saints (in a peculiar manner) and it is his grace, that he exerciseth that King∣ly power in a sweet way. How ever he ruleth the Nation with a rod of iron, yet he ruleth the Saints with a golden Scepter. Hence it is, that although in wrath, his iron rod break the Nations in peeces, yet his golden Scepter is still stretched out in love, to entertain the Saints. You read in Cant. 3. that Solomon made a Chariot of the wood of Lebanon, he made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottome of gold, the covering of it of purple, the middest being [PAVED WITH LOVE] Cant. 3. v. 10. That Chariot which Solomon made for himself, and in which hee rode, might well set out the Chariot in which Christ rideth up and down the world of beleevers, whom he go∣verns. Indeed it is very glorious, and it glitters with beams of light, but withall it is very gracious, as
being paved with stones of love; Love is the throne in which he sits, love is the Scepter with which hee ruleth, and all his government is managed in such a way, as that beleevers may say, that he is the Lord of love even in his ruling of them. Absolom did but flatter, when hee stood by the way of the gate, and kissed all that passed by (and by it insinuated how sweetly hee would govern, if he came to the Kingdome) but that which was flattery in Absolom, is rea∣lity in Christ, When any of the spi∣rituall pilgrims come (as beleevers do) to do him obeysance (as they ought to doe, being under his commands) hee putteth forth his hands, and taketh them, and kisseth them, and doth not only promise, but perform transcendent love in all his commands over them. But to read this more particularly, you will see the transcendency of Christs love discovered in his com∣mand over beleevers, if you consider three things.
First, Christ layeth no commands upon beleevers, but such as are full of love & sweetnesse. He reduceth all the De∣calogue to these two heads, Thu shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart; and with all thy soul, and with al thy mind: and thou shalt love thy neigh∣bour as thy self, Mat. 22.37.39. Well might John say, That his Commande∣ments are not grievous, 1 Joh. 5.3. (the word is burthensome) and indeed what burthen is there in the com∣mands of Christ,* 1.2 unlesse love be a burden? Indeed he might have com∣manded (which is his peculiar Prero∣gative) what he pleased, but he com∣manded nothing but what is pleasant in it self, and will be so to a sancti∣fied soul (which is the transcen∣dency of his love) A new Commande∣ment (saith he) do I give unto you, that ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another, Joh. 13. v. 34. Well may the Commande∣ment be called New, it being such as was never given by any King be∣sides himself: And surely there
was great love in his bosome to be∣leevers, when hee only laid a bur∣then, or a command of Love upon their shoulders. All her ways are ways of pleasantness, Prov. 3.17. The waies of Christ (which are his Com∣mands) are waies of pleasantnesse (for I take it,* 1.3 that Solomon there by wisdome understandeth Christ.) Beleevers, if you could but live in love, you would fulfill the Law of your Lord; for hee being a Lord of love to you, Love is the fulfilling of the Law he layeth upon you. Yea such is the transcendency of his love to beleevers, that hee layeth no Commandement upon them, to do any thing, which hee did not himself. Flesh and Blood may think it a hard, and a harsh Com∣mand, to wash the feet of a poor beleever, a fellow servant: But grace will see the Command to be sweet, and lovely? (and Jesus Christ to be loving in laying this Command) because it is no other than what himself hath done be∣fore:
Ask the servant whether his Lord be loving, who layeth no Commandement upon him, but that which is sweet in its self, and sweet in its fruit, and no worse than his Lord himself will under∣take. Beleevers, it is your case, all the Commands of your Lord Christ are sweet in themselves, and sweet in their fruit; and they are such as he himself (while hee lived) stoo∣ped unto. Doth not this declare transcendent love?
Secondly, Christ layeth all his com∣mands in a way of love; that which he biddeth beleevers do (who are un∣der his command) it is in a loving way: As the command is, so is the manner of its imposing, i. e. sweet and loving. It is possible, that a sweet thing may be injoyned in a harsh way: An easie commande∣ment in it self may be burthen∣some in the way of its imposall. To command with a bended fist, and a frowning forehead, is not to com∣mand in a loving way: but now Jesus
Christ, when ever he commandeth, hee commandeth sweetly, and smilingly: he doth not lift up his voyce, and cry (as some understand that place) Esa. 42. v. 2. Hee doth not speak in an austere, rough, rugged manner: But as the Lord is, so is his language, loving. Observe with what love he layeth his commands on beleevers; You are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you, Joh. 15 14. He doth not threaten, and say, I will be your Foe, if you will not obey; but if you do, you shall bee my Friends. And so again, If you love me, keep my Commandements. It is worth the noting, that grace may be said to come in this respect by Christ: He gave not his Law (as Moses did) with thundring and light∣ning, in a dreadfull manner; But he gave the Law to his Disciples him∣self, in a sweet and loving way. Hee beginneth his Sermons, with Blessed are ye: And all his commands drop from him like the drops of dew upon the tender grasse; He shall come down
(saith the Psalmist, Psal. 72. v. 6.) like rain upon the mown grasse, as showers that water the earth, i. e. Hee shall come down, both softly and sweetly; this is spoke of Christs comming as a King; so that you may see the transcendency of Christs love unto you, in the man∣ner in which hee layeth his Com∣mandements on you.
Thirdly, Consider the end that Christ doth aim at in all his Commandements▪ and that will also discover the transcendency of his love to belee∣vers. Hee seeks not himself, but them, in all his Commands. Hee biddeth the beleever work, not that he may reap any thing himself, but that the beleever may get all; hee putteth them to labour in his Vine∣yard, that they may have all the harvest. As it is inconsistent with his Deity, to have any thing added to him, so also it is inconsistent with his love; Hee putteth his ser∣vants to reap, that they may have all the corn, and hee setteth them to
work, rather that he may give them wages, than that himself shall get any thing by their workings. Take my yoke upon you (saith hee) and you shall finde rest unto your soules. Christ layeth a yoke upon their necks, not to burthen them, but to ease them; not to break their backs, but to refresh their bosomes. Many Kings, and Ru∣lers, aim at themselves in their commands, and they seek too too often, rather their own greatnesse, than their Subjects good. But (be∣leeve it) Jesus Christ your King, is not such an one; All that he aims at in his government is your good: The end of his Commandements are your comfort; As his govern∣ment increaseth over you, so his peace increaseth in you: This is the effect, and fruit of all his Comman∣dements, not so much that others may take notice of his glory in com∣manding, as that you may find his grace in obeying. Indeed, love is the work and wages of his Comman∣dement; hee therefore bids you do
so, that he may love you; there∣fore it is, that though you are frail, and weak, and cannot obey, hee will be kind to love you, notwithstanding all.
So that now the Commands of Christ, being as it were love materi∣ally (in the substance) and love for∣mally (in their imposals) and love finally (in their aim) what can you conclude from all this, but that the love of Christ, even to beleevers, is declared to be transcendent in the exercise of his command over them?
* 1.4Secondly, consider the care that Christ hath of them. O the transcen∣dent love that Christ expresseth to beleevers, in the care that hee taketh of them for all necessities! He is not only a Lord to command, and to set them on work; but he is a Father to take care, and provide for his. And it is easie to observe transcendency of love, in the transcendent care that Christ hath to provide for his. Food, and rayment, and lodging, are the
least things that can be taken care for; and yet you shall see Christ doth not only take care for them, but he doth take care for other things also; yea, and as he doth take care that be∣leevers have food to eat, so it is of the finest (the kidnys of the wheat, and the finest flower;) Rayment, and glorious rayment, a house, & a brave one too. First, Christ taketh care that beleevers may have food to eat. Hee knoweth they must have bread, and therefore hee hath provided bread of life; hee knoweth they must have drink, and therefore hee hath opened the sealed fountain of the water of life. The care that God hath to feed his people in the Wildernesse, did demonstrate his love unto them, that he gave them quails and mannah, &c. Belee∣vers, while you are in the wildernesse of this world, your Lord hath decla∣red his love, in making rich provi∣sions of spiritual food for you: Hee hath prepared the hidden mannah which hee will give unto you; A feast of fat things, full of marrow, of
wine on the Lees, well refined, as it is Esay. 25.6. Nay, even in the middest of your enemies he hath prepared a table for you: And not only that you may be sure of food, but that the food might be surpassingly sweet, Hee hath made himself to be meat for you. If it be true, that the Pelican feedeth her young ones with her own blood; then that Bird may be a type of your be∣loved: His flesh is meat indeed, and his blood is drink indeed; and this doth hee give for the life of your souls (O beleevers.) Cleopatra, that shee might outvie Marke Antonies love, caused (as the History relateth) a pearl of great price to be dissolved, that he might drink thereof: Christ, beleevers, hath done more for you, and hath outvied her love to him; Gold, and silver, & pearls, are but cor∣ruptible things, in comparison of this precious blood, and yet that blood he hath prepared for beleevers to drink, that they might live for ever.
Secondly, Christ hath provided not only food for the belly, but rayment for
the back too. And as the food, so also the rayment do transcend in love. A garment of needle-work,* 1.5 rich, and costly attire, Christ hath provided for beleevers: When thou wast naked, (beleever) and hadst no cloaths to cover thee, but the filthy rags of thine own works (which did defile thee) then, even then he cloathed thee in broidered work,* 1.6 and shod thee with badgers skins, and covered thee with fine linnen, and decked thee with ornaments, and put bracelets on thine hands, and a chain on thy neck, & a jewel on thy sorehead, & ear-rings on thine ears, & a beautifull Crown upon thine head; &c. Thus did he adorn thee, and thus did he array thee, and thou wast exceeding glorious with the garments he put on thee. Greater love can none declare than this, to give another as good gar∣ments as himself doth wear; why, this doth Jesus Christ. In the mount of Transfiguration, (Matth. 17. v. 2.) it is said, his rayment was as white as the light: And when the Saints appeared to John in his vi∣sion,
they appeared in garments of the same colour; it is said, They were arrayed with white robes, Rev. 7 13. Righteousnesse is his garment, and so it is beleevers too. It was an act of great love to Mordecay (and Haman thought the King could ex∣presse no greater) that the Royal ap∣parrel should be brought which the King used to wear, and to be put on him. Why, beleevers, such is the tran∣scendent love of Christ to his, in his care for your apparrel, that the roy∣al apparrel which he weareth himself is brought to you, and is put on your souls Now (and you are all glorious within here,) and it shall be put on your bodies hereafter; even that bo∣dy which is now vile,* 1.7 shall be made glorious, like to his glorious body: And when Christ shall come, and appear in his garments of glory,* 1.8 you shall appear with him in the like: And then he shall be admired, not only in himself,* 1.9 but in you. O transcendent love, that Jesus Christ should provide such cloath∣ing
for us poor creatures!
Thirdly, as for lodging, Christ hath provided that likewise for beleevers. Indeed himself had no house here on earth (not so much as a hole wherein to lay his head) and therfore belee∣vers fare no worser here than he did, they have as good a lodging as their Lord: In this world indeed they have not a house to be in, nor a bed to lye on (as their own;) But as to hereafter he hath provided a hous, and that not a mean one, but a mansion house, and the building thereof is brave; It is a building of God, and the bravery of it appeareth in this (which was the bravery of Christs body, Heb. 9.11.) that it is a house not made with hands. The Shunamite did declare her love to the man of God, by making of him a litle chamber, and by setting a bed therein, and a table, and a stoole, and a candlestick for him, 2 King. 4.10. Jesus Christ sheweth greater love than this, in having provided a better room for beleevers; not a little Chamber, but a great Mansion (a
bed of glory, Abrahams bosome) not a stool, but a Throne, not a candle∣sticke (no nor the Sunne) but him∣self, to be as a light, this not on the wall (as it were without his own Palace) but even within, where him∣self is, in his own presence, Joh. 17. 24. Father (saith he) I will that they whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am. Consider this, beleevers, Christ hath prepared as good a house for you, as for himself, and when he was, as it were, in the entry thereof, he stood at the door, and did in a manner agree with the Fa∣ther before hand, that you should come in as well as himself: and therefore it was, (he said) he went to propare a place for them.
So that now here is rich provi∣sion of necessaries, food, and ray∣ment, and lodging: And what doth this declare, but rich love in Christ, that he should take such care of be∣leevers?
Wee might adde, not onely that Christ hath prepared these things
which are the necessaries, but hee hath prepared other things which are glorious. But oh, who shall bee able to declare all the gracious pro∣vision which Christ hath made for his! When as eye hath not seen, nei∣ther hath ear heard, nor hath it entred into the heart of man to conceive those things; we will therefore break out with the Psalmist, O how great is thy goodnesse, which thou hast laid up as a secret treasure (for so the word signifieth) for them that love thee,* 1.10 and beleeve in thee,* 1.11 Psal. 31.19. Thus you see the transcendent love of Christ in his care for, as well as his command over beleevers.
Thirdly, and lastly, we might a∣bundantly demonstrate the tran∣scendency of Christs love to beleev∣ers,* 1.12 in his indeavour to declare and per∣swade the hearts of beleevers of all this love. That Christ should love at all, and love so much is transcen∣dent; But that he should take paines to perswade the hearts of beleevers to beleeve this, is an addition to the
transcendency of the love. Christ saw how backward we would be to be∣leeve, and how hardly we would be brought to perswade our selves, that indeed he did love us at all; therefore it is, he took such care, and made such provision, for the perswading of the hearts of belee∣vers to close with the truth of this, that he loved them. I have (saith he) declared thy name, and will declare it, that the love wherewith thou hast lo∣ved me may be in them. This is the great work which he did himself, when he was on earth, and which his Ambassadors now doe in his name (now he is in Heaven) viz. To perswade the hearts of his that he lov∣eth them. What a great deal of love was there in that cry of his, when he was on earth, That if any came to him, he would in no wise cast them out? And if they did but thirst, they might come to him, and drink? How did he declare the strength of his love, in perswading soules to come to him, that they might taste,
and see how he loved them. It had been much, if Jesus Christ would have given a poor soul leave to love him, and would have accepted it upon his seeking to him, but that he should love, and wooe us to love him, and take paines to make us be∣leeve that he doth love us, This is tran∣scendent love! O beleevers, such is the strength and transcendency of the love of Christ towards you, that when he was upon earth him∣self, he made it his great work, not onely to tender love freely, but to perswade you to beleeve it fully. And now he is gone to Heaven, he hath taken care to appoint Ambassadors, and they alwayes in his name doe beseech you to beleeve, that he doth love you: And it is the great long∣ing of his soul, to fill you, not one∣ly with his own love, but with his Fathers love too, wheresoever the Gospell of free grace doth sound, the summe thereof is this, That God so loved the world, that hee sent his Son: And that Jesus Christ him∣self
so loved poor soules, that he came himself, that if any would but beleeve, they might have him, and in him ever∣lasting life and love.
To all this I might adde the con∣sideration of the easie price that Je∣sus Christ setteth upon his love, which he tendereth; It is but accep∣tation. If any man will but come to (his bosome) the fountain of love, he may take the waters thereof freely; that fountain is not a sealed, but an open fountain: And this is the transcendency thereof, that it is open, even for those, in whom there was a fountain of wrath and enmity flowing up, and that against him∣self. O my brethren! if you did but consider, that the love of Christ passeth knowledge, that in its nature, it is every way full, and in its tender free; And that he profereth rich love to those, who by nature were the children of wrath, and that all this is in a beseeching way; Certainly you must conclude, that the love of Christ is a transcendent love, and
that it passeth knowledge. It was the tendernesse of the love of Jona∣than, and David, that it passed the love of women; Thy love to me (saith David) was wonderfull, passing the love of women, 2 Sam. 1. v. 26. Surely, be∣leevers, the love of Christ to you is wonderfull (transcendently wonder∣full) passing the love of women (passing the love of Jonathan and David) comprehending (as formerly hath been hinted) yea and surmounting any, or all the loves of all the creatures what∣soever: Neither man, nor Angels could, or ever did, expresse so much love, as Jesus Christ hath not onely expressed, and declared, but doth even tender, and besceeh, beleeving soules to accept of. I shall adde no more for the demonstration thereof, but onely this; That when I have said all that I can (though I had all the tongues both of Men and Angels) of the love of Christ, you that finde it in your bosomes, will have rea∣son to tell me, that the one half was not told you: For the love of
Christ is such, as all the Saints, who do in the fullest measure in∣joy it, are not able to expresse it, but must be fain to cease speaking, and so wrap up their soules in won∣dring at it, and cry, That it is a love passing knowledge.
Before I come to the Applicati∣on, I shall briefly answer two Ob∣jections which may come in, and be made against the truth of this Doctrine.
Ob, First, it will be objected, If the love of Christ be so transcen∣dent to beleevers, Whence then cometh it to passe, that he permits them often∣times to lye so low, that their enemies triumph, and insult over them? Surely will some weak (for weaknesse is the around of the Objection) beleever say, If Christ love me so highly, why doth he permit me to lye so low? If I be so near to his heart, how is it that he suffereth wicked men to tread upon me? If he layeth me in his bosome, why is it that he suffer∣eth me to lye at the worlds feet?
Answ. 1. This may consist with love; tell me (thou weak soul) was not Christ the dearly beloved of the Father; and yet did not the father permit wicked men to persecute him? Canst thou be reviled, buffeted scourged, or crucified worse than he? & yet notwithstanding all, he was belo∣ved of the Father, and that in a trans∣cendent manner: in like manner, thou mayest be the beloved of Christs soul, and yet be delivered into the hands of thine-enemies (as it is) Jer. 12.7. Nay, this is not onely consist∣ing with love, but▪
2 It is an act of love; for while Christ permits these sufferings of thine, hee maketh thee like unto himself. It is desired of Paul, as it makes him conformable unto Christ, Phil. 3.10. Even a mourning garment is glorious when it is the same that Christ weareth.* 1.13 What soul is there that may not, as it were, be proud, and glory in its tribulations (as the word signifieth, Rom 5.3. (when he considereth in them he is made like
to Christ; yea, a suit of sackcloth is to a spirituall soul brave, and fine, when the Lord of glory goeth in the same fashion.
Object. 2 But some will object further, and say, I do not question whether Christ loves me transcendent∣ly because of the sufferings I lye under, but rather because of the desertions in which I am. Alas! I question whether he loveth me at all, because he with∣draweth himself from me so long: much more reason have I to question, whether be loveth me transcendently; while I see him altogether deny me his company. Indeed in a sense, I think that the love of Christ passeth knowledge (for I know but little of Christ) Me∣thinks I see him withdrawn, I will not deny but he hath sweet smiles, but I am a stranger to those smiles. Time was, when I thought hee lo∣ved me transcendently, but now I fear hee loveth me not at all, for hee deserteth me.
Answ. To such a soul as objects thus, I would say but three words.
First, These withdrawings of Christ (whereof thou complainest) are but in shew, not in substance. The Sun is but absent in shew, when it doth not shine, it is prerent still, though behind a cloud: I have often thought that Christs withdrawing, in this re∣spect, may be called rather his con∣cealed presence,* 1.14 than his real absence: He was close by Mary, although she did not see him; He was in the company of his Disciples, though they knew it not: His presence was not manifest (not because his person was not there, but) because their eyes were held, that they should not know him, Luke, 24, v. 16.
Secondly, These withdrawings (whereof thou complainest) are not total; Christ never so withdraweth from the beleever, but he leaveth something behind, he putteth in his hand before he goeth (as it is Cant. 5. v. 4.) And surely, his hand was ne∣ver empty.* 1.15 If he be absent in shining, he is present in strengthning; though he doth not appear rich in love, yet
he is still present, upholding thy life. The very breath that thou breathest (poor deserted creature) doth declare that Christ is present in some measure: It were impos∣sible that thou shouldest breath, if Jesus were not within thy bosome; thy weepings after him, are de∣monstrations, that in some measure he is with thee.
Thirdly, Christs departure will not be final, hee will be found again, though he be not felt now: And when he cometh he will make rich amends for his absence. This said Mr. Peacock after this desertion, The Sea is not more full of water, nor the Sun more full of light, than my heart is full of joy, the joy that I feel in my heart is in∣credible. Ah said another poor soul, (that had cryed Christ was gone) He is come, he is come, he hath kissed me with the kisses of his lips, his love is better than wine, he hath not decei∣ved me, neither will he deceive any.
I shall therefore retort the Argu∣ment thus, Though beleevers give
Christ occasion to goe away very often, yet Christ never goeth away altogether, but even in his conceived absence, vouchsafeth a concealed presence, and at his sensible return maketh rich amends for his staying, and going away: What doe these declare, but that his love is transcendent, and (as the Text saith) passing knowledge.
Four words I shall adde by way of Application, viz.
A word of
First, for Information, in as much as it is thus clear, that Christ loves his, with transcendent love, then it may inform us of these four things.
First, in the deservednesse of that great, and dreadfull curse, which Paul denounceth against those who love not Christ, 1 Cor. 16.22. If any man love not the Lord Jesus, let him be Anathe∣ma, Maranatha. That is, let him be cur∣sed
with the highest, and greatest degree of cursing that may be pos∣sible; for of those three degrees of cursing, which the Jews used in their threefold excommunication, this of Anathema Maranatha was the highest; and it includes as much as this, Let the Lord come, and strike this person with eternall perdition. And tell me. do not those deservedly ex∣pose themselves to this dreadfull curse, who do not love such an one as Jesus Christ is; who loveth all his with a transcendent love? Mind this, wretches! (you who love not the Lord Jesus) what can you say for your selves, that you should not lye under this curse? Why do not you love Jesus Christ? what reason have you for it? Is not he lovely, fairer than the sons of men? Is not he loving? Doth not his love to his, pass the love of women? Were Christ unkind, you might with some pretence plead, that you have reason not to love him; but being so kind, so loving as that he open∣eth
his bosome, and letteth out transcendent love to all that are his: Certainly, you may expect, and that justly, to be accursed in this high degree, for not loving Christ.
Secondly, See here the true ground of a beleevers glory. Is it not a ground of glory to be beloved of Christ, with such a transcendent love as you have heard? Well may beleevers make their boast of Christ all the day long; and well may they glory in the love that they enjoy; for why? that love is transcendent, passing knowledge. None of all the sonnes or daughters of men have any, such just ground of glory (though they should enjoy the love of all the creatures) as beleevers have, who do enjoy only the love of Christ. For that love they have, in him, transcends, and excells, (and that infinitly) all that love which any can have from all the creatures. Let the world falsly and fondly brag of their creature-loves
(and pity them (Oh belee∣vers!) when you see them do so:) But rejoyce your selves in the mean time, with joy exceeding great, and full of glory: And the point will bear you out in it, for you have such a love, as is not to be found in all the world beside. Having the love of Christ, you have that love which passeth knowledge.
And surely, beleevers, if the men of the world think they have good ground to glory in this, that they enjoy the Low love, (though of some seeming great creatures) you have much more ground to rejoyce, who enjoy this high love, of him who is indeed greater than all the creatures (Jesus Christ). Do men think they have just ground to sit and glory, in that they sip the puddle drops of crea∣tures loves? Have not you more ground, and that juster, and truer, to sing and glory in this, that you drink in the pure love of Jesus Christ? which is so
sweet, so excellent, and so tran∣scendent, as that it passeth know∣ledge.
Thirdly, in as much as Christ lo∣veth beleevers with a transcendent love; then see here the rise and ground of all that which Christ doth for them. You wonder beleevers (at least you might) and that justly; whence it is that Christ doth so much for you. One while he is filling you with his unsearchable riches another while he is crowning you with his own glory Now you have him giving you choice gifts, and anon you have him bringing of you choyce graces: In this duty you have him imbracing of your souls in his arms; And in that duty you find him kissing you with the kisses of his lips; and you are rea∣dy to cry out, Whence is it that Christ doth all this for me! One while thou art sick, and Christ visiteth thee, and maketh thy bed, and sitteth by thy bed side other whiles thou goest abroad and Christ walketh with thee, and thou leanest upon him, as upon thy be∣loved.
Now thou art in the wil∣dernesse (it may be under some ba∣nishment) and Christ commeth to thee: And anon it may be thou art in prison (under some restraint) and Christ visiteth thee there too? And all this maketh thee cry out, Whence is it, that my Lord should thus come to me? Why see the Point, and in that see the cause; He loveth thee (O be∣leever) and he loved thee with a tran∣scendent love: And hence it is, that he doth all that he doth for thee, and giveth all that he bestoweth on thee. You wonder why Christ should sanctifie such unsanctified hearts as yours are, & cleanse by the washing of water, and by the word, such impure spirits as yours be: And you are rea∣dy to say, Whence is it that the Lord of glory should stoop to wash such a crea∣ture as I am? Whence is it that he at whose feet Angels fall, and bow, should come & wash the feet of such a creature as you be? Hence it is (beleevers) Christ hath loved you, and that with a transcendent love: Wonder
not therefore henceforth (unlesse it be with the wondring, why Christ doth any thing, or all things, for you) there is a reason, yea great reason (though not in you) yet in himself: It is this we have been speaking of, i. e. the transcendent love he beareth to you.
Fourthly, let this inform be∣leevers, that (sith Christ loveth them with a transcendent love) at all times, they have then a just: ground to act their faith upon him in any case. Why is it (O beleever) that thou doubtest, whether Christ will do this for thee, or give that to thee, when as thou considerest he loveth thee with such a transcendent love? up∣on all occasions, act your faith (O ye children of faith) in your be∣loved: what ever it is that you want, and he hath; what ever it be that thou wouldest have, and he can give, Beleeve that Christ will not let thee goe without it; for why, he loveth thee with a transcendent love.
In three cases more particularly this truth will inform you of the sure ground that beleevers have to act their faith on Jesus Christ.
First, in case of hearing of their prayers.* 1.16 Surely he that so transcen∣dently loveth their persons, will without doubt hear their prayers, Thou sayest (O beleeving soul) thou hast great necessities (and they force thee to make many prayers.) Thou sayest, that Christ can help thee at all hands (and therefore thou art calling upon him at all times) But thou sayest, will hee hear mee? Why shouldest thou not beleeve that he will, when thou considerest the transcendent love he beareth to thee? The love that is in his bosome, towards thee, will open his ears, to hear the breathings that come from thee. Indeed, sometimes hee may seem to be deaf, and not hear thy prayers; and sometimes also he may seem harsh, and not accept of thy per∣son: But it is to try thy faith: For notwithstanding, hee will hear
thee, and accept of thee, in what thou desirest according to his will, for thy good, that he may declare his transcendent love. You know Christ called the woman of Canaan Dog, and seemed to speak harsh to her; and yet even all the while that hee looked (as it were) sourly upon her, and spake (as it were) sadly against her; yet even then did his bowels roule for her, and even then was there love in his bosome to her: And therefore though (for a while) he seemed to deny, that hee might try the sincerity of her faith; yet afterwards he granted her requests, that he might declare the reality of his own love. In this case therefore you have a sure ground of faith, O beleevers, Christ will not reject your prayers, because he loveth your persons, and, the more transcendent his love is towards the one, the more sure may you be that he will hear the other.
Secondly, In case of obtaining
counsell from Christ, and knowing the mind of Christ. This Point will in∣form us in a sure ground of faith, and love. (O beleever) love will open Christs bosome, and let thee see the counsels that are there: Surely hee will counsel thee in case of doubts, because he loveth thee, as he doth: Thou sayest here is a Scru∣ple, and there is a question, and I would fain know the mind of Christ concerning this or that: But how can I hope that ever he will open his mind to me, either in the one, or about the other? Why sayest thou so (O beleever?) is not his transcendent love, a good ground for the acting of thy faith, in this case? Verily because his heart is to thee, therefore it will be with thee (That I may allude to that phrase. of Judges 16. v. 15.) How ever Dal∣lilah said to Sampson, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine hart is not with me: thou hast no reason to say, as she said (in such a way as she did:) Thou mayest beleeve that his
heart will be with thee, because thou hearest that he loveth thee. I would fain perswade my own heart, and yours also, in these times of doub∣ting, and of darknesse (in which wee need counsell, and would bee glad to know the Mind of Christ more) I would I say, perswade mine own heart, and yours also, to this Point, to act faith upon Christ in this case, whatever the truth of such a Scripture be (as you would know) or of such a question (as you would fain be resolved in.) Sith Christ loveth you with a transcen∣dent love; act faith in this case, That in due time, hee will reveal even the one, and the other to thee.
Thirdly, Christs transcendent love giveth a sure ground of faith in the case of raising up of the saints out of suffering. Verily (O you children of faith and love) beleeve it, Jesus Christ who loveth you in such a transcendent manner (as you have heard) will not let you alwaies be under those great sufferings
which you doe: His great love (for the present) maketh him sympathize with you (in all your af∣flictions, he is afflicted.) Men that persecute you, they persecute him that loveth you: He looketh upon your sufferings as his own. (And because heeloveth you so transcen∣dently, hee will ere long tell those that persecute you, the same ter∣ribly) beleeve it, Christ that hath appeared to you in this, saying, I have loved you with an everlasting love, and therefore with loving kind∣ness have I drawn you out of the state of sin, will also say unto you, I do love you with a transcendent love, & there∣fore with the same loving kindness will I draw you out of the state of suffe∣rings. (I say) Act faith (O belee∣vers!) upon this ground of Christs transcendent love, even a sweet, and a singular faith, in the case of deli∣vering you out of sufferings. As he will not alwayes strive himself with you, so neither alwayes wil he suffer wicked men to trample on you,
because hee knoweth (and his love maketh him afraid) lest your spirits should fail, as under the one, so un∣der the other.
Use. Secondly, It may be a word of Reproof. This point, that Christ loveth his with a transcendent love, may justly reprove the world, yea, and the Saints themselves also.
First, It may reprove the world, who are ready, not only to think, but to say (as hee in the Parable) that Christ is an austere man, Luke 19.21. No my brethren, Christ, you see, is not austere, but sweet: As his name is, so is his nature, love; and that in a transcendent manner. Be reproved, wretches, in entertaining unkind, or reviling thoughts of Christ: You wrong him in his love, and your selves in the truth, while you think, or say, that hee is not a loving Lord; you shall ere long not onely see that hee loveth, but that hee loveth all his, with a love passing knowledge.
But secondly, It reproveth the Saints also, who are ready very often to que∣stion, if not the reality, yet the transcen∣dency of Christs love. Be reproved, for saying Christ loveth you not at all, or if hee doth, but very little; for you hear, that he loveth even all his with a transcendent love. I pro∣fesse it is sadde to see, upon what petty poor occasions, even belee∣vers themselves are ready to questi∣on (at least the greatnesse) of Christs love. If hee denieth them, (though but a vanity) yet because their hearts are set upon it so much, they think that his heart is not set upon them at all, such is their weaknesse, they are ready to think that Christ loveth them but a little, because hee doth not give them, (happily a knife, which hee seeth they would use to cut their own throat with.) Your bosomes, O be∣leevers, will hint you the particu∣lars in this case, and therefore I passe them by: Onely let the word of reproof fall upon you, who for
any occasion, whether great or small, dare to question the trans∣cendency of Christs love; when as you see it to be a clear truth (writ∣ten as with a Sun-beam upon your souls and bosomes) that the love he loveth you with, is passing knowledge.
Use, Thirdly, This point is a word of Exhortation, to exhort be∣leevers (upon the consideration of this transcendent love, which Christ beareth to them) to doe at least these four things.
First, Tremble to think that ever you should sin against him, who loveth you so much. View thy sins (O beleever) in the light of thy Saviours love; and when thou seest the transcen∣dency of that love which is in his bosome towards thee, then sit down, and bleed to behold thy great sinnings against him. Then indeed hath transcendent love a sweet working upon thy spirit, when as the thoughts of it can make thee mourn for thy sinnes.
How sweetly did love work upon that woman (who was a sinner) when she tasted the transcendent love of her Saviour? The sight of the great love which was in his bo∣some towards her, makes her sit at his feet, and weep bitterly at the thoughts of her sins. For the present, I will not dispute the point whether mourning for sin before closing with Christ can bee sincere, Sure I am of this, that after closing with Christ, and tasting of his love, then mourning for sin is most sweet: And though nothing in the world melt the heart for sinne, yet the thoughts of the love of Christ will. Well, be∣leevers, let in then have such a work in your bosomes. O let his trans∣cendent love (which you may read written with the blood of his heart) dissolve thine adamantine heart: And let it make thee mourn for thy sinnes greatly. They shall see him whom they have peirced, and mourn (saith the Scripture) Zach. 12.10. Why (beleevers) doe you see him
whom you have peirced with your sinnes? Do not you mourn, espe∣cially when you see him in the light of love? I say no more but this, either you have not tasted this transcendent love of Christ, or else your spirits are very much har∣dened, if the sense and thoughts thereof do not cause you to mourn for sinne. Therefore let this word of Exhortation sinke deeply into your hearts (O beleevers!) weep, and weep teares of blood, to think that ever you should sinne against Jesus Christ, who hath writen in his own blood this truth, that he loveth you with a love passing knowledge.
Secondly, Be exhorted to be ambiti∣ous to answer this transcendent love of your Saviour, with the like. Let this love of thy Lord, be the loadstone of thy love; Let it constrain thee to love him transcendently, who lo∣veth thee so. I know it is impossi∣ble that thou shouldest parallel it, (which is the glory of Christs love) yet strive at least to imitate it, (which
will be the glory of thine.) Do not content thy self to love him little, that loved thee much; Sith Christ hath loved thee richly, bee ashamed to love him but poorly. Ambition in this respect will be a grace, if so be that the sire of Christs love to thee, set thee in flames of great love to him: O! be ambitious to declare as much as in thee lyeth, the exceeding greatnesse of thy love to thy Lord.
Mirandula notes it as a badg of love that it maketh the person willing, yea & desirous to suffer for the party belov∣ed. Beleevers, Christs love to you, had such a work as that, and if your love to him hath not yet risen so high as to desire to suffer for him, yet let it at least rise thus high, as to be wil∣ling to suffer any thing for him, if hee call thee to it; It will be a sweet, and a sure character of love.
As Christ wrote a letter of love to thee in his own blood: So do thou (upon occasion) write a letter of love back to him, in the
same rubrick. The love of Christ (saith Paul) constraineth us, because (saith he) we thus judge, &c. 2 Cor. c. 5. v. 14. the consideration of Christs love had a constraining power upon Pauls spirit, & he could not chuse but judge this, that if Jesus Christ•• dyed for him, hee should be willing to dye for Christ. Then is a Christian sweetly exercised, when as the Golden ball of divine love, is tossed too and a∣gain, between Christs bosome, and his. Let this therefore sink into your spirits, labour to answer (O belee∣vers) this transcendent love of Christ towards you, which passeth knowledge.
Thirdly, upon all occasions, have re∣course to this transcendent love. Popu∣lus me sibilat, &c. (as the miser saith) people deride mee abroad, but I comfort my selfe, when I come home, (he meant by looking into his boxes, and there seeing his gold.) Beleevers, though the world deride you abroad, yet you may have recourse to this love of Christ,
and comfort your selves when you come home: To look as it were into the glorious box (Christs bosome) and there see that, which (I am sure to thee) is better than gold, id est, his grace. Weak people are thus farre wise, as they have their little bottles of spirits, and cordi∣als to carry about with them, to refresh them when they are faint; Beleevers, you (especially you that are weak) imitate their wisdome: Let this bottle of Christs transcendent love, alwayes be in thy bosome, and have recourse to this; Refresh thy spirits upon all occasions (especi∣ally when thou beginnest to faint) and without doubt, there is a re∣freshing power in this transcen∣dent love of Christ, to keep up your hearts from fainting under troubles (as we shall see in the next point, when we come to it.) Jesus Christ in his trouble had recourse to his fathers love, why then in any trou∣ble, have not you recourse to Christs love?
Fourthly, (In as much as Christ loveth all his with a transcendent love) let it be your care (O beleevers) to imitate your Saviour: Love all his as he doth, with such a transcen∣dent love.* 1.17 Beloved, if Christ have lo∣ved us, we ought then to love one ano∣ther. At least (O beleevers) be per∣swaded to have salt in your selves, and to love one another, and that very dear∣ly, sith Jesus Christ doth the like: Be ye followers of Christ (in this) as dea•• children, and be you walkers in love one to another, as Christ hath lo∣ved you all; who ever they bee that are beleevers, Christ loveth them very dear, because they are his: He doth so, why should not you? O that where ever you see the light of Christs love shining upon any bo∣some, that there you would cause your love to shine also upon the same: Especially take heed, that you do not frown upon those, on whom Christ doth smile. You have heard (and therefore mind it) that Christ loveth all his with a trans∣cendent
love, therefore take in this exhortation also; who ever they be, that belong to Jesus Christ (though in ma∣ny things they differ from thee) yet let them have thy love, for this one thing, viz. Christ in them: At least learn to love them really, because you hear Christ loveth them transcen∣dently, Christ loveth different Saints with the same love: sure I am, that beleevers, of all, or any opinions, are the object of Christs affection, and though they are unhappily, it may be, erring about some truths, yet they are all of them happy in the injoy∣ment of this truth, that Jesus Christ loveth them all with a love passing knowledge. Sad it is to see those look strangely one upon another, who are yet all beloved of Jesus Christ: But sadder it is to see any Saint look upon another with a frown∣ing countenance, when as Christ looketh upon him, as well as upon himself, with a smiling face. Who doth not bleed to see one beleever to write a book of revilings
against another, when as you look upon the Gospell (as a glorious book of love) writted by Christ to them all; Tell it not in Gath, pub∣lish it not in the streets of Askelon: O! let not the daughters of the unbelo∣ved triumph, to see you who are the highly beloved ones of Iesus Christ, tra∣ducing and reviling one another. I say no more but this, sith Jesus Christ doth love al the Saints, and every believer, with a transcendent love, do you who are beleevers (and so share in the sweetnesse of this truth) do the like.
Fourthly, I shall adde but a word of perswasion, and let it be to per∣swade all those, who as yet are strangers to Iesus Christ, to come in unto him. O that you could behold the glorious beames of transcen∣dent love towards all beleevers, doubtless such a sight as that, could not chuse but work upon your hearts, and strangely draw your spirits to close with him, who is so lovely in himself, and so loving unto his wandring soules, that
erre up and down the Wildernesse of the world: Return (yee sin∣ners) unto holds of love, kisse the Son, imbrace Jesus Christ, know, hee is the Lord of love: One who im∣braceth all that come to him free∣ly; and then loveth them all trans∣cendently: I fear you are ignorant of this truth, that Christ loveth his with a love passing knowledge.
And it may be your ignorance of this, keepeth you from closing with him; But know it now, and be perswaded to come to Christ; to close with him, to imbrace his Gospell, to love his truth, to be conversant in his ordinances, as knowing, if you be, you shall have love from him, which passeth know∣ledge. Bee contented now to break off from the wayes of sinne, and va∣nity, and come into the wayes of righteousnesse; Bee contented to bid the creature adieu, and now be wil∣ling to imbrace Christ. do not say if you take up Christ in his Gospell and in his wayes, Friends will
leave you, and the World will loath you, and the Devill will stirre up the Sonnes of Belial against you: It matters not, though the crea∣tures leave you, Christ will im∣brace you; Though they loath you, Christ will love you. And what need you fear the rising up of the Sonnes of Belial, when you shall enjoy the loves of Christs bosome? Heare and give eare, (O ye children of folly) bee wise at least once, and you shall taste love. Christ cal∣leth you all, whoever you bee, come to him, imbrace him cor∣dially, and you shall find him loving you transcendently. I have said all (and happy I were, and you too) if I could but prevail with you to bee drawn to Je∣sus Christ with these cords of love.
However you are strangers to it now, yet if you would but come in, you should know the love of Christ, and know the truth of this point. Your
own experience should bee for∣ced to witnesse to this, That Jesus Christ loveth beleevers with a transcendent love, passing know∣ledge.
Christs Com∣mands speak love
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a weight.
The word is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which is used for the plea∣santnesse of a life of love. 2 Sam. 1 26.
Christs care speaks love.
Psal. 45.14.
Ezek. 16.10, 11, 12, 13.
Phil. 3. last.
Col 3.4. 1 Joh. 3.3.
2 Thes 1.10.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
To hide as a treasure hence 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a treasure.
Christs endeavour to per∣swade be∣leevers of his love, speaks its greatnesse.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. i.e. We boast in a glorying manner.
Note this
☞ Mind this
These things I touched at in the first Ser. mon, but not so fully.
Ephes. 5.2. 1 Joh. 4.11.