37. Mr. G. N.'s Farewell-Sermon

37. Mr. G. N.'s Farewell-Sermon
"For I am persuaded, that neither Death nor Life, nor Angels, nor Principalities, nor Powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor Height, nor Depth, nor any other Creature, shall be able to separate us from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:38-39.
IF divine Providence shall make this the season of our separation, it is good for us to part with each other, in the meditation and consideration of that, from which those that are Gods shall never be divided; that is, the Love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. The Apostle is very confident of it, I am persuaded.
We shall conclude the Chapter with our present Imployment, and therefore shall not stand long discoursing on every particular; but first briefly open them unto you, and after improve them.
First, we meet with the Apostles Confidence a strong perswasion; from whence we may learn Confidence belongeth unto a Christian; yea it is the priviledge of the Gospel: Colossians 2:2. That their hearts may be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assuring of understanding, &c. This is what you may daily stand in need of, therefore be persuaded to press toward it. The Apostle calls to give all diligence to make your calling and Election sure. Great diligence it is you give to assure the title of your earthly possession; is it not of far greater concernment, to assure your Calling and Election, unto an everlasting enjoyment of divine Love? And that you may do this, remember to live,
1. Lest unto this present World.
2. More in heaven.
For then will you be more acquainted with the concernments and counsels thereof: Do but draw up your hearts out of the cares, pleasures and delights of this present world, which choak the Word, and ye also may come to joyn with the Apostle in saying, I am persuaded nothing shall separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Secondly, The Apostle is persuaded, neither Death nor Life can do this. Death in its self hath in it by reason of its terrors and torments, a great tendency to separate those from Christ, which have not real firm hold of him: but those that have seen everlasting love, and thereby have had love begotten in them unto Christ, (that love also being everlasting) have something that will cause them never to depart from him. Death is Christs servant; he did abolish it; and carry it Captive in his Resurrection, and then as it were renew unto it its Commission, to bring his Beloved out of the world unto him: Therefore with what terrors soever Death cometh, it is granted to him by the Commission of the Prince of Life; and this is only to shew, that neither its terrors not torments can overcome the love and life of Christ Jesus in the soul, but they remain still everlasting.
Neither can Life separate us: Although a love unto Life, and a fear of Death, are of like power to separate from Christ. It doth sometime happen, that we see persons out-live their goodness, and how much better had it been for such to have died sooner? But the Apostle is confident, neither Life nor Death, could separate him from Christ. This ye shou'd expect, the tryal of every Christian, whether there is anything he feareth more then God, or loveth more then Christ; yea even his own life: And it is only Faith that makes this union with the love of Christ, that neither life, nor death, can separate from him. Did we understand the small value of this outward life, we should not adventure our everlasting health for it.
Thirdly, neither Angels, nor Principalities, nor Powers. These are Powers on which are built several gradations of Angelical eternal Dominions; and in each Dominion are multitudes of Angels, divers of which rebelled against God, and these only he here mentioneth; for the other would not endeavour to make any separation from Christ: neither are these able, though Angels in the highest gradation of evil spirits, because stronger is he who comes to save us, than he who attempts to destroy us: Yea Christ's derivative power is greater than the power of evil: 1 John 2:14. I have written unto you young men, because ye are strong, and the Word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
Fourthly, nor things present: These were the Opposition, envy and malice of the Jewe, they called the wayes of the Christians Heresie, and resolved to extirpate them under a sense that thereby they did God good service. 2. Opposition from the Gentiles, who lived in common prophaneness, and so contrary to the Christian Profession. 3. That which the Apostle a mentioneth with more regret, the Divisions among the Christians themselves, some glorying to be of Cephas, some of Apollo, and false Brethren also watching to betray them; yet the Apostle saith, while in the view of all these round about him, did perswade him, all these could not separate him from the love of God in Christ Jesus tour Lord.
Fifthly, nor things to come. And this not only in reference unto the time of the Apostles life on earth, but after also, so that the Apostle wrote not only for his own faith, but of those also which were to be true Christians hereafter: and he saw there was to come a time of Apostacy, wherein men would give out Doctrine of Devils, and Wolves which should not spare the Flock; but here was Faith which all these things could not separate from this love in Christ. Many times things to come are greater terrors then things present, because fear consults what they would be, and that is apt to multiply things in the imagination, and render them also greater than indeed they are: how many soever therefore of these may come upon us, let us see, that they have not power to work this separation, in the Apostles example.
Sixthly, neither height nor depth. Heights have in them a great power to separate from Christ, high Gifts. Saint Paul himself saith, there was a Thorn given me in the flesh, least I should be exalted above measure. God would not have sent that remedy, had he not been in danger. And therefore Paul would not have his Bishop a Novice, 1 Timothy 3:6. One newly planted in the faith, lest when he is listed up in his Office, he lifted up in pride also, and fall into the Devils condemnation, being cast down for lifting up himself too high: To fall by pride is a dangerous snare to separate from Christ Jesus: These God beholds afar off but giveth more grace to the humble. It is a great grace to have exaltations in temporals or spirituals, which leads us into no danger. Nor depths; this is that the Psalmist tells us. Psalms 44:9. &c. But thou hast cast us off, and put us to shame, and goest not forth with our Armies: Thou makest us to turn back from the Enemy, & they which hate us spoil for themselves: Thou hast given us like Sheep appointed for meat, and hast scattered us among the Heathen. Thou sellest thy people for nought, and doth not increase thy wealth by their Price. Thou makest us a reproach among our Neighbours, a scorn and derision to them which are round about us. Thou makest us a by-word among the Heathen; a shaking of the head among the People: My confusion is daily before me, and the shame of my face hath covered me: For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth, by reason the enemy and avenger. All this is come upon us, yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsly in thy Covenant. The deep distress could not separate them from the Love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Seventhly, nor any other Creature. Let it be what it will, so it be but creature, and not God, it cannot separate from the love of the Creator: Exalt Creator in your hearts, and creature will be but little in your eyes.
Eightly, shall not be able. There are many enemies want nor will, but they shall not be able. So it was with the enemies of Gods King in the Psalm, Psalms 21:11. For they intended evil against thee: they imagined an evil device which they were not able to perform.
Ninthly, to separate us. To make us without the love of God in Christ Jesus: they may drive us and turn us into it, but not beyond it, there the malice of Man and the Devil leaving those that are truly Christs; And this because it is,
1. The Love of God.
2. In Christ Jesus.
It must be something able to turn the Divine affections, which nothing can do, nor alter the love of God in Christ Jesus: because it is not built on our worthiness, or stability, but on Christ: And none can cause the Father not to love his son: And if ye keep close unto Christ, not running into the vanities, glories, and sins of this World, then are ye comprehended in Love wherewith God loveth his Son. Ye• see the extension of the Apostles Faith, and the firmness of it; this is written for our instruction, and Jesus Christ is the Author and Finisher of that Faith, the issue whereof is this perswasion: Therefore look not on it as a thing impossible to be attained; it is your priviledge if you seek it, Isa. 43 23:44 1, 2. Thou hast not brought me the small cattel of thy Burnt-offerings, neither hast thou honored me with thy sacrifices; I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense. Thou hast bought me no sweet Cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy Sacrifices; But thou hast made me serve with thy sins, Thou hast we ariod me with thine Iniquities: Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant, Israel whom I have chosen. Thus saith the Lord that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee: Fear not, O Jacob my servant, and Jeshurun whom I have chosen; for I will pour water on him that is thirsty, and floods upon this dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my Blessing upon thy Off-spring. This speaketh to us the Gentiles, who serve not with Sacrifices. If they thirst after this spirit, it shall be pour'd out upon them and then shall they be persuaded, let the World and the Devil say what they will, that they are God's. This is the priviledge of every true Christian, that hungers and thirsts to be led in the true way of Righteousness and Peace.
The EXHORTATION.
If it be thus; let it be matter of encouragement and consolation: for whatever ye be separated from, yet if ye be truly Gods, you have something never to be taken from you; to wit, The love of God in Christ Jesus. God will not, Man nor Satan cannot I may be separated from you yea from each other, body from soul; yet 'tis comfort to hear there is something that can never be taken from us: It should stir up our minds to consider whether I have union with it or no, or whether it is attainable by me: and this is certain, it may be had: If you forsake the sin and vanity of the world, you will naturally fall into the arms of everlasting love, from whence ye can never be removed. It is a good thing to have good thoughts of God, to be well persuaded of him, as the Apostle here, who is confident of his goodness. Love readily and naturally uniteth to love; and good thoughts of God are from a seed of Gods love to us and in order to the establishing of us in this love, let us leave with you a few Exhortations.
1. In order unto your daily Conversation.
2. In order unto the particular Divine Providence now ending of our Ministry unto you.
First, as to your conversation.
1. Think not your own Sins little.
2. Think not your own Righteousness great.
3. Alwayes resigned unto God, humbly submitting unto his mercy.
Think not your own Sins little: He is in danger to sin against this love, that is not sensible he hath done enough already to separate him from it; ye that have done the least sin, hath done enough to condemn you forever, Romans 5:17. For if by one mans offences, Death reigned, by one, &c; it may be understood by one offence: And if you think thus do not thing any sin little.
2. Think not your own Righteousness great: This is that we are very apt to do, to think our selves less sinful, and more righteous than indeed we are: But the Church saith, all our Righteousness is as filthy rags. Consider things thus: ye have done enough forever to forfeit your interest in this Love: ye can never do enough to deserve it. Therefore,
3. Alwayes cast your selves upon it, that you may receive it. If your lives have been blameless, think your selves to want as much Mercy to save you, as any prophane one: Jew and Gentile wanted one and the same Grace.
Secondly, consider to be serious in the daily Consideration of,
1. Your Thoughts.
2. Your Words.
3. Your Actions.
1. Your Thoughts. Live less abroad and more at home: I mean in your own hearts, a man never cometh to see himself desperately wicked, until he cometh to see the heart. Christ saith, from the heart doth proceed murder, adultery, &c. It may be upon a small vexation some can wish Death to any: this is murder in the heart: so for Adultery, or the like: The sin in Gods sight is there, look but in there, and you will find that shall make you despair of anything, but the mere mercy and forgiveness of Christ to make you righteous, and in beholding of it, seek for the cleansing of it from him.
2. Your Words. It is Christ himself who saith, by thy Words thou shalt be justified and condemned: Wherefore we pray you, think there is more dependeth on words than generally is accounted: they are not only wind, but of such a nature as either driveth us nearer, or wafteth us farther off from this Love, from which we are never to be separated. The tongue is set on fire of Hell: Be careful of thine own words, if thou wouldst grow acquainted with the Word of God.
3. Your Actions. Be not persuaded to live at a venture. Consider, Christ saith, I must work the works of him that sent me; for this cause came I into the world. Let everyone ask himself this Question, why came I into the world? Christ said, he came not to do his own Will, but the Will of him that sent him: Remember therefore in all your actions, you are moving toward, or off from this eternal Love.
Thirdly, consider how mere a necessity there is.
1. Of your Repentance.
2. Of your Forgiveness.
3. Of your becoming a new Creature.
1. Of your Repentance. Christ saith, Unless ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Do not continue thinking such or such an one hath deservedly met with this or that punishment, but still consider Christs words, Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Cast in your mind, if you have anything to repent of, or ever had; then whether if it be an indifferent thing, or no, your repenting; and if not, at what time ye did repent, what accidents did accompany your Repentance which you yet remember?
2. Of your Forgiveness. Woe is the portion of any that have sinned, and find not forgiveness from the mercy of God: you will find then it is more needful to be forgiven, than to be either great or rich, or the like in this world, or for any to go out to condemn another. That also you may obtain Forgiveness, Forgive.
3. Of your becoming a new Creature. It is not enough to be forgiven but ye must be new Creatures: It is the new Man shall never be separated from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Consult with flesh and blood and that will never teach you to believe, but an ignorant, presumptuous Faith. This concerneth me not to have my thoughts plunged about this or that worldly care, but to become a new Creature in the renewing of the spirit of the mind.
Fourthly, Consider ever.
1. To follow Peace.
2. To follow Holiness.
3. To exercise Patience.
1. To follow Peace. Two of these you have in the Hebrews, Heb. 14. Follow Peace with all men, and Holiness, without which none shall see God. Do not esteem it your interest to contend: Let the Peace of God rule in your hearts. Fret not thy self because of evil doers. It is an easie matter to sin in our Anger, a rare thing to moderate anger against sin, so as not to sin in that anger.
2. To follow Holiness, Refuse Peace that cannot be enjoyed without Holiness. It is upon the view of God, I shall see what kind of love he is; and Christ saith, Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Resolve to follow holiness, not greatness, riches, &c. And he that will do so, Christ saith, shall suffer persecution in this present world. Wherefore it will be good to consider.
3. To exercise patience. Let us add upon that account,
1. Love not the World.
2. Love not your own Wills.
3. Value your own Souls.
1. Not the World the Text saith, 1 John 2:15. Love not the World, neither the things that are in the world If any man love the world, the Love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the Lust of the flesh, the Lust of the eye, and the Pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the World: And the World passeth away, and the lust thereof, but he that doth the Will of the Father abideth forever. The love of this world maketh a man to be in respect of the Prince of this world, as a Bird in the Fowlers snare. There is no way sooner to sin away their everlasting Love, than to love this present World.
2. Love not your own Wills. That person is neither prepared to do for God, nor to suffer for him, that hath not learned something of this lesson of Self-denial. There is no divine service but in doing Gods Will, and that I cannot do but by parting with my own; delivering up my self unto him, to be led and guided by his holy Spirit. Christ saith, if any man will be my Disciple, let him deny himself, take up his Cross and follow me.
3. Value your own Souls. The great care and consult is for gratifying the body: if but part of that time were spent on the soul, which is on the needless care of the body, it might render it in a far better and more goodlier posture. Let everyone think, I carry that in my bosome is of more value than the whole world neither can the whole world recompence the loss of it: and if we have such jewels, let us take care to secure them. A careless common spirit doth not become a Christian. Let none imploy their time in disputing this or that vain Opinion, but spend it on your souls.
Secondly, in order unto the particular divine Providence now ending of our Ministry unto you.
1. Whatever happeneth on this account, let it be your exercise to cry out for the holy Spirit of Christ, & he will grant you a greater supply, than you may expect from any man whatever. So Christ comforteth his Disciples; Though I go, yet I will pray unto the Father, and he shall send you another Comforter: and he biddeth them pray for it also. Even so as for what concerneth us, this we cannot be denyed to pray that God would send out his holy Spirit among you, and upon you; and while we may speak unto you, we desire you to pray for it also. Our work did lye but to bring men to Repentance by conviction of sin, to believing by the shewing of Righteousness; and to convince of both by Christs conquest over sin. This Christ sheweth, his holy Spirit, the Comforter, can do, John 16:8-11. And when he is come, he shall reprove the world of Sin, of Righteousness, and of Judgment. Of sin, because they believe not on me: of Righteousness, because I go to my Father and ye see me no more: of Judgment, because the Prince of this world is Judged. This is a suitable and sufficient reply, 1 John 2:27. But the Anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you; and ye need not that any man teach you, but as the same Anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth and is no lye: and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. That Anointing was the Spirit pour'd out on our Head Christ Jesus, and ran down the skires of his garments: not that instruction should cease, but this Spirit can either fill it administred, or supply it being wanting. And the withdrawing of this present Ministry, may be to cause you to pray more incessantly for this Holy Spirit day and night. And Christ promiseth, The Father will give it to them that ask it.
2. Be more frequent in your converse with the Scripture. It is the Pillar of Truth; and by a frequent converse with it also, you will find a pure mind stirred up to remember,
3. Be more frequent in Meditation: Let not the world swallow up all your time, so as not to meditate on your Souls, the Scriptures, and Heaven, the meditation on Gods Law, keepeth us from the Counsel of the ungodly, from standing among sinners, or sitting down in the seat of the scornful, Psalms 1. It is worthy of our wonder any should read the Scriptures, believing them indicted by a holy Spirit, and yet scorn Holiness, Religion, &c.
4. Be more usual in personal, private and family Duties & Devotion. God doth call those that know how to address themselves unto him, to a more earnest, private devotion. Jacob was alone when he wrestled for a blessing. There are particular seasons in which God calleth his people into a retirement, Isaiah 26 20, 21. Come my People, enter thou into thy Chambers, and shut thy doors about thee; hide thy self as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be over-past. For behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the Inhabitants of the earth for their iniquities. So also, Zech. 12:11 12. And in that day shall be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. And the Land shall mourn, every Family apart: the Family of the House of David apart, and their Wives apart; the Family of the House of Nathan apart, and their Wives apart; the Family of the House of Levi apart, and their Wives apart: all the Families that remain, every Family apart, and their Wives apart. In that day there shall be a Fountain opened to the House of David, and to the Inhabitants of Jerusalem, for Sin, and for Uncleanness.
If I cannot serve God in one way, let me not be discouraged, but be more earnest in another. You may also now think it is a time for you to exercise what you have learned God is calling you to see if you have not lost all the advantages he hath allowed you: ye have been a long time learning; as if God should say unto you, Let me now see if you can do or endure, and if you have forgot all, yet Christ hath made a promise, the Spirit shall bring again to remembrance, when there is occasion for it. Consider also, Christ is touched with the feeling of the infirmities of a people in such a condition. Let none of you be troubled in your hearts: you believe in God, believe also in Christ Jesus: He saith, in my Fathers House there are many Mansions, and in them many wayes of dispensing of his Grace. Read the 14, 15, and 16. Chapters of John. Christ hath promised to give Pastors according to his own heart, that shall feed his Flock with Truth and Understanding. He can finde one, or frame one, that shall fulfil his Ministry better than a weak Instrument. He is the great Bishop of our Souls, and is never non-resident: He hath alwayes a care of his Flock. Think therefore of his care who hath promised not only to be, but to give unto you Pastors. The 34. Chap. of Ezekiel is but a Comment on that promise. Let not your hearts be troubled, but let us commend you, yea, each other to God, and let him do what is good in his own eyes.