Jesus and the resurrection justified by witnesses in heaven and in earth in two parts : the first shewing that Jesus is the Son of God, the second that in him we have eternall life / by Symon Patrick ...

VI.

For I must add now, in the last place, that this Faith is so far from being unable to conquer all temptations which would hinder us from obeying our Saviour's com∣mands, that it gives us power and strength to do our duty with chearfulness. So S. John here tells us, when he adds to what he says of the keeping of his Com∣mandments,

that HIS COMMAND∣MENTS ARE NOT GRIEVOUS. For (as Oecumenius well glosses) what load is it for a man to love his Brother? What great burden is it to visit him if he be in prison? God doth not command thee to deliver him, but only to visit him. He doth not bid thee knock off his chains, but see how he bears them. Nor doth he bid thee cure a sick man, but only com∣fort and relieve him. Nor provide dain∣ties for a poor man, but only feed him; nor give rich apparel to the naked, but on∣ly cloath them. And so we may conclude of the rest, that it is rather an ease than a burden to be sober and chaste in all enjoy∣ments of pleasure; to be content with a small portion of those things, which others desire with a greedy and ravenous eye; to bear with that patiently which we cannot remedy; to be careful for nothing, but in every thing to make known our requests to God with Prayer and Thanksgiving; to be meek and peaceable amongst conten∣tious people; to forgive those that injure us; to envy no man's greatness; and with an humble modesty, to satisfie our selves though we be not equal to them. These and such like qualities wherewith Jesus would invest us, are in themselves most

desirable; and, though richer than cloath of Gold, are like our ordinary garments, which are no load to those that wear them. But they are the less grievous to those that believe in Jesus; who are endued with power from above, by receiving the testi∣mony of so many Divine Witnesses, who assure them they are in the way of God, in the company of his Son, under the con∣duct of the Holy Ghost, in the direct rode to that glorious place where Jesus is; and therefore why should not they rejoyce and be exceeding glad to find themselves thus happy? That load which to a sick man seems intolerable, if it be laid on the neck of one in health is so easie, that he can run away with it with pleasure. And so it is in the case of keeping God's Command∣ments, which to a man that has spoil'd his Soul by following divers lusts, are so far from being easie, that he thinks them in∣supportable and impossible to be complied withall; but when he has recovered him∣self by the faith of Christ, and hath recei∣ved the supply of these new and Heavenly principles, they become to the very same man, not only tolerable, but sweet and delightful. This faith would not be plea∣sed to be excused from this burden; it would take it ill not to draw in the same

Yoke with Jesus; it naturally makes us of his Spirit, who said, I delight to do thy will, O God. For what is it that we believe? Is it not that Jesus is the Son of God; his well-beloved Son? And shall we complain of that work, which was the business and the delight of God's best beloved, when he was in the world? It would be too grievous an accusation of God, to think that after he had filled the Earth with joy and gladness for the coming of his Son, He should instantly quench it all, and turn it into heaviness, by a number of such se∣vere and intolerable Commandments, as no man can look upon and not be melan∣choly. And what are the grounds of our belief? Are they not all that Heaven and Earth can afford us? Are we not as sure as God can make us? Phy! for shame then, what a reproach is it, that any man should sigh and groan, look four and sad, as if he had all the burden of Heaven and Earth to carry, when he has rather the aid and assistance of both to support and strengthen him under an easie load?

Certain it is, that according to our knowledge and understanding, so will be our Faith: and according to our faith, so will be our strength. Now how can there

be greater evidence and strength of Reason to induce us to believe than these six Wit∣nesses have given us? They fully satisfie our understandings; they make it com∣pletely rational to acknowledge Jesus to be the Son of God. And therefore why should not this Faith, thus begot and standing on such sure foundations, give us a very great strength, courage, chearfulness and spirit; making difficult things become easie, harsh things become sweet, and the most tedi∣ous stay in this world comfortable, by presenting us, and that so strongly, with the power and glory of the Lord Jesus? This Faith you see rests upon these six Co∣lumns, upon these two rows of Pillars (as I may so speak) on the one side stands the testimony of the FATHER, the WORD, and the HOLY GHOST; on the other side, the testimony of the WATER, the BLOUD, and the SPIRIT: and therefore nothing will be too great a burden to lay upon it; it will support any weight, and never let us groan, much less break under its load. All things are EAST as well as POSSIBLE to him that believeth.

It is the observation of Seneca, I remem∣ber, that nothing is so hard but the mind of man can master it, and make it familiar, by constant thoughts and pains about it.

There are no motions so natural, but some by labour have restrained them, and made the forbearance of them easie: and none again so unnatural but by the like daily practice and attention they have brought themselves to the delightful use of them. As some have kept long and tedious fasts, others perpetual silence, and have lived out of the company of all mankind, which are examples of the former kind. And we see instances of the latter, in those who learn to walk and dance upon ropes, to work with their feet, and to dive into the exces∣sive depths of the Sea. And can the mind of man alone, when it buckles it self to the business, be able to perform such difficult things with ease and satisfaction; and yet remain utterly unable to take any content∣ment in obedience to Christ's Precepts, though it be exalted by faith, and a faith so strong, as these six Witnesses, if we at∣tend, will work in us? May things to which nature is not inclined be accom∣plished at last, and become habitual, and we think God too severe to expect from us those duties which are most agreeable to our natures, as all the actions of vertue are? And shall a weaker power master those hard and unnatural tasks, and a pow∣er stronger than all others sink under the

burden of the most reasonable, and, in them∣selves, most natural Commandments? It cannot but put a considering person into a little indignation, to hear men complain of the uneasiness of Christ's yoke, when they lay more troublesome and unmerciful burdens upon themselves, without any murmuring. How can one see men, with∣out some impatience, contend with swift horses, and endeavour to out-run them, and yet cry out of the tediousness of the race of God's Commandments? Shall any man perswade us, that it is not so easie to learn the way of God's testimonies, as it is to work with his feet, or go upon his hands? Shall they make us believe it is so hard a business to bend their wills to God's, when we see their bodies made as supple as wax, that they may wreath them about at pleasure? Can it be half so troublesome to lay a bridle on our tongues, as it is never to speak at all? O man! where is thy Reason, what is be∣come of thy Soul, that thou groan∣est in the service of God, and canst make a sport of far more grievous things? Thy own mind might teach thee better, if thou wouldst but hearken to its instru∣ctions; and therefore what may not God expect from the Faith I am speaking of,

which is a far more powerful Principle, and hath made Men stop the mouths of Li∣ons, quench the violence of Fire, indure tor∣ture and not accept deliverance, when it was much weaker than our faith need now be? I will ingage that if a man do but use himself frequently to ponder these words of S. John, and perswade himself fully, upon the testimony of these Witnesses that Jesus is the Son of God, He will account it a small business to deny his own will as Jesus did. He will never complain that he must refrain from any thing in obedi∣ence to him; and whatsoever he requires him to do, he will esteem it an excessive pleasure. For there can remain no doubt in his mind, that if he be the Son of God, he hath power to help us & that he wil ever be assistant to us and bless us; because by this faith he dwelleth in us and we in him.

I have read of one, of a Noble Family, delicately educated, and of a tender health, who had a great mind to enter upon a Reli∣gious course of life (as they speak in the Roman Church) but was afrighted out of those thoughts by the apparent difficulty of the exercises wherein he was to be im∣ployed; for their ill diet, retirement, po∣verty, watchings and such like hardships

he imagined could not be endured. Till one day reading those words of the Psal∣mist, which like a flash of lightning struck into his mind (xviii. Psal. 33. He maketh my feet like Hindes feet, and setteth me up∣on my high places (which he expounded to this sense, God will inable me with speed and easiness to run, not only upon the even ground and over the plains, but in craggy and steep places; he will lead me not only upon the level, but assist me to climb Moun∣tains and to overtop the highest difficulties that are in my way to Heaven and) imme∣diately he found all his fears vanish, his re∣solutions determined, and such a courage put into him, that from this time forward he was immoveably bent to that formerly dreadful kind of life. Would not this word of God then, think you, which I have expounded, inspire us with as manly a re∣solution and greatness of mind to obey God's unquestionable commands, if we did but suffer it to penetrate into our hearts? Did we but conceive that we heard the Father say to us perpetually, This is my Son, This that came by Water and Bloud, that climbed even the cross it self that surmoun∣ted the highest difficulties, He is my belo∣ved Son; and if we thought we heard the WORD say, the Son of God is come, God is

manifested in the flesh; and felt the Holy Ghost inspiring him with the same heaven∣ly thoughts; the whole glorious Trinity telling us, they will assist us, and afford us their continual help; it could not but give wings, as I may say, to our feet, and make us skip over the most mountainous discou∣ragements, and run the ways of God's com∣mandments, and not be tired; that we might follow after, and go to the blessed Jesus. For the course of life which that Gentleman affected, was that of a Religious Order (as they call it) where they are tied to do more than God commands, to live by a Rule stricter than the Gospel, and under the Will of a Superiour, whom they are bound to obey, as if he were Christ him∣self: And it was not the literal sense of the place neither which thus animated him, and put it into his heart to undergo such a servitude. And therefore if he did the will of men so chearfully, and under∣took more than God requires of us, and up∣on a weaker perswasion, by accommoda∣ting the sense of an holy word to his own present thoughts; there is no doubt but a right faith would indue us with the like power (notwithstanding the appearance of great labours) in the true service of God, in obedience to his indispensable commands:

we having this word of God to strengthen our faith, the prime and natural intention of which is to make us confident, that He who leads us in this way, the Captain that conducts us, is Gods Son, his most dearly beloved; who cannot but be as faithful as he is powerful to make good all his promi∣ses to us.

And we should the rather strive to fol∣low after him, and to run with joy the race that is set before us, because then we shall have the honour still to testify to him upon Earth; we shall be his WITNESSES and prove at this day, by his mighty power in our hearts and lives, that he is the Son of God. Turks and Jews that read not our Books, cannot be convinced by any argu∣ments at present, so much as by this. They see how we live; but we can shew them no Miracles to convince them, nor can we make them hear the voice from Heaven for their conversion; till we can recommend our Bible to their serious consideration. And the only way to do that, is for us to live more justly, soberly, charitably and pi∣ously than the rest of the World. By which means they may be brought to have better thoughts of Jesus, by having good thoughts of us; and be induced to read our Books, by seeing so much of them in our good works.

And what happy days might we hope to see could we but use this argument to prove Jesus to be the Son of God; that no men are so good, so holy and pure, so peaceable and kind-hearted, so free from fraud & all guile, as those who are called by his Name? How glorious then would the name of our Lord be over all the world? His word would run, and be glorified (as the Apostle speaks, 2 Thess. iii. 1.) just as it did in ancient days; when they could say confidently, Non de no∣stro, sed ex illorum numero, &c. .

They are not of our company, but of theirs (that follow the Heathen superstition) who rob and steal by Sea and Land, who murder and kill, who cheat and cozen, who drink and swill, who prostitute their bodies and profane themselves by filthy fusts; the Whores, the Fornicators, the Cheats, the Forgers of Wills and Testaments, the Drunkards, the Thieves, the perjured Per∣sons, and all the rest of the wicked crew are of their number: nothing of this can be objected to our People, whose whole Re∣ligion is to live without wickedness, nay with∣out any spot or blemish.

How would it stop the mouth of all the world, nay make them fall down and confess that God is certainly among us, could we but say thus in our days and make such a challenge to Turks and all

other unbelievers? Shall we always let our Saviour want this noble testimony? Shall we do nothing but talk of him, and prattle of our Faith, and make our boast that we are right Believers, and damn all Infidel People? Alas, alas! these big words will do nothing. As long as they see us live no better than they, we shal not perswade them that we believe better. And therefore let us have this worthy ambition in our hearts, to become WITNESSES our selves unto Jesus. Let us study how to show forth his praises, (or rather Powers who hath called us into this marvellous light. And since we cannot do it by Miracles, let us do it by well doing and patient continuance in it. So shall the Name of our Lord Jesus be glorified in us, and we in him, according to the grace of our God, and the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thess. i. 12.) who at his appearing will bear WITNESS to us (xi. Hebr. 4.) that we were faithful and righteous, by receiving us, as God did Abel's gifts, up unto himself.

For hereby also we shall be instruments of conveying this Faith down to Posterity, with some power. Would you not have them believe the same that you do? Is it not your desire that the next Age may con∣fess him, as well as this? There is no such effectual means can be thought of to pro∣mote

and propagate his Faith, as the fruits of it in an holy life. This will make men afraid now to speak evil of him; and this will teach our Children after us to be zea∣lous professors of Christianity, and not such cold believers or such infidels as we see and hear of in the World. Assure your selves it is Prophaneness which hath made so many unbelievers in this Age. Increase of wick∣edness not only in themselves but others, hath made some so impudent as to scoff at Religion and blaspheme Christ. While they see those who acknowledge him do no better than themselves, they are inclined to think that their belief makes them no more worth, than those who have none at all. Nay, since they concur with them in their wicked practises, they imagine that their fear of Hell, and hope of Heaven is no part of their belief, but only of their profession. The hands of Infidels are strengthened in their impieties, by the perfidiousness of un∣godly believers. They joyn with them to pull down Christian belief; and make that be thought nothing, which doth nothing above what infidelity doth. And therefore let all those who love the memory of our Saviour, who love their posterity, and would not have them in danger to be drown'd in a deluge of infidelity, put a stop

to it; by holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 1 Tim. iii. 9. Let every one that nameth the Name of Christ depart from iniquity, and endeavour all he can to support the honour of his Name and of his Religi∣on, by a strict observance of all his holy commands. They who believe not or mind not what they believe, may think it strange that you run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you (1 Pet. iv. 4.) But ye beloved, building up your selves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep your selves in love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude 20.21.

And that now is the next thing which flows from hence. If we believe the Record or Witness which God hath given of his Son, it contains in it the greatest joy in the World. For this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life: and this life is in his Son. But I must refer that to another Dis∣course alone by it self.

Notes

• Lact. lib. 5. cap. 19.
• 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 1 Pet. 2.9.