A12184:475
An exposition of the third chapter of the Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians also two sermons of Christian watchfulness. The first upon Luke 12 37. The second upon Revel. 16.15. An exposition of part of the second chapter of the Epistle to the Philip. A sermon upon Mal. 4. 2.3. By the late reverend divine Richard Sibbes, D.D. master of Katherine Hall in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher at Gray's-Inn.
London: printed by T. Cotes and John Dawson for Peter Cole, 1639
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Thirdly, let us compare our experience with our rule, we shall find there is nothing therein but is fulfilled, that there is no suffering but for some sin or other, and that besides heaven hereafter, God rewards particular obedience here, with particular rewards, and particular sin with particular corrections, we shall know that his judgements are not scarecrows, the work of the wicked is accursed, but it shall go well with the righteous▪ and by this means we shall be encouraged to good, and scared from bad courses.
Thirdly, let us compare our experience with our rule, wee shall finde there is nothing therein but is fulfilled, that there is no suffering but for some sinne or other, and that besides heaven hereafter, God rewards particular obedience here, with particular rewards, and particular sin with particular corrections, we shall know that his judgements are not scarcrowes, the worke of the wicked is accursed, but it shall goe well with the righteous▪ and by this meanes we shall bee incouraged to good, and scared from bad courses.
Fourthly, be inquisitive and watchful over §4our particular steps, take and hear admonitions and instructions, and be inquisitive after them; those that are otherwise minded, no marvel if they (like libertines) spurn against all instruction and advice, and accordingly feel the smart of their ways before they see it.
Fourthly, bee inquisitive and watchfull over §4our particular steps, take and heare admonitions and instructions, and bee inquisitive after them; those that are otherwise minded, no marvaile if they (like libertines) spurne against all instruction and advice, and accordingly feele the smart of their wayes before they see it.
Fifthly, get a wonderful jealousy over our §5hearts: we often offend in thoughts and desires, which God the searcher of the heart looks into, and we must therefore be jealous of idle thoughts and words, not only of oaths, for so an hypocrite may be.
Fifthly, get a wonderfull jealousie over our §5hearts: wee often offend in thoughts and desires, which God the searcher of the heart lookes into, and we must therefore be jealous of idle thoughts and words, not only of othes, for so an hypocrite may be.
But loose persons will say,1 O this is an unpleasant course, we must bid all joy farewell, when we come to this.
I answer no, the ways of wisdom are ways of comfort and pleasure,1 God approves of them, and our consciences will tell us so, and thereby will fit us for life or death, and will so settle us, that no estate shall be unwelcome to us: and as Psal. 50.23. To such as order their conversation aright, God will show his salvation: and as in the text fore-going, God will reveal himself more and more, so as if we be faithful and conscionable in little, we shall have greater matters revealed to us; and and contrarily, if we be unfaithfully and careless, God will take from us the key of knowledge, and the use thereof, and will give us up to foul vices, even sins against nature, as he punished the Gentiles, and to believe lies, as Paul says 2 Thes. 2.11. And will answer us as he did the Idolaters, even according to their multitude of Idols, Ezek. 14.4. So as would we have favour in our sins, and teachers that shall bolster us up in them, and not cross our vain courses? God will let us have our hearts desire, but we must know this is an unevitable ⟨p. 174⟩way to a desperate estate, and therefore marvel not so much at the loose liver because of his good breeding, for as they desire the ill, so they have and are justly punished therewith.
I answer no, the wayes of wisedome are wayes of comfort and pleasure,1 God approves of them, and our consciences will tell us so, and thereby will fit us for life or death, and will so settle us, that no estate shall bee unwelcome to us: and as Psal. 50.23. To such as order their conversation aright, God will shew his saluation: and as in the text fore-going, God will reveale himselfe more and more, so as if we be faithfull and conscionable in little, wee shall have greater matters revealed to us; and and contrarily, if we be unfaithfully and carelesse, God will take from us the key of knowledge, and the use thereof, and will give us up to foule vices, even sinnes against nature, as he punished the Gentiles, and to beleeve lyes, as Paul sayes
Observe here, that we are not only to walk suitable to others, but we must mind the same thing that others of our profession do:1 So as this is a direction to concord, showing that a Christian is a member of Christ as his head, and of the mystical body the Church: faith ties him to Christ, love ties him to the body, so as he must walk with Christ, and also with the body, he must look to himself first, and then to the body: the ground of this union is laid down here, to be first an union of mind and affection, and this must be in good, or else we are brethren in evil. Its no marvel the world complains of want of love, when there is no agreement in the rule of our love; when there is no agreement in the objects of our love, its not riotous fellowship, but fellowship in the gospel that unites us, let us mind this same thing, and then we shall affect one another; and because our knowledge doth not extend to every particular alike, let ⟨p. 175⟩us agree in the main points, and let not less things break us off one from another. If we did walk according to our measure of knowledge in those things wherein we agree, between us and the Lutherans, would not be that bitterness of spirit that there is, all censures and distempers would cease, and its a •ault in many Christians, though bred up well in knowledge, yet being of a harsh spirit and nature, while he walks not according to the same rule, and minds not the same things in the main as he should do, he grows to be bitter, as for those that would be sincere, they must endeavour to be united in one, as they have one God, one faith, one baptism, for a Christian loves not to go to heaven alone; and when he is there, he knows he shall be one with Christ, and one with the holy Saints, and therefore will endeavour to be in perfect unity here, considering there is no good he hath, but he enjoys it as being a member of the body of Christ, he knows its a horrible thing, that members of the same body should fall out one with another, and therefore what shall separate or divide us? shall infirmities? Alas, we are all sick of this disease, veniam petimus damusque: are they too hot, we are too cold, why should we not stoop and yield? Christ he stooped from heaven to us. Shall errors? why the time will come, God will reveal himself more fully. Shall sin?
OBserve here, that wee are not only to walke sutable to others, but wee must minde the same thing that others of our profession doe:
We know what the Apostle saith, Gal. 6.1. ⟨p. 176⟩those that are spiritual must restore such with the spirit of meekness, we must not cut off members for every sore. Shall injuries? Its the honour of a man to pass by such, do we look Christ should forgive us, when we will not forgive others? consider it is the practice of all holy men; Paul became all things to all men, if by any means he might win some. Peter received reproof of him, yet fell not out with him: some there are of such a perverse spirit, as if they see in any one any infirmity, presently they break out into these or the like words. I will not be of that mans profession; thus forsaking all the good in the holy profession, because of some weakness in the professors.
Wee know what the Apostle saith, Gal. 6.1. ⟨p. 176⟩those that are spiri•uall must restore such with the spirit of meeknesse, wee must not cut off members for every sore. Shall injuries? Its the honour of a man to passe by such, doe wee looke Christ should forgive us, when wee will not forgive others? consider it is the practice of all holy men; Paul became all things to all men, if by any meanes hee might winne some. Peter received reproofe of him, yet fell not out with him: some there are of such a perverse spirit, as if they see in any one any infirmitie, presently they breake out into these or the like words. I will not be of that mans profession; thus forsaking all the good in the holy profession, because of some weaknesse in the professors.
If they will needs be separating, let them separate from the world, from scandalous, careless, riotous persons▪ else Satan rules in division, he knows he is best able to deal with them that are alone, and therefore draws Eve from Adam, and one Christian from another, and so quickly overcomes them. If in company one fall, another may help him up, if he be cold, another may warm him by exhortation and example.
If they will needs be separating, let them separate from the world, from scandalous, carelesse, riotous persons▪ else Sathan rules in division, he knowes hee is best able to deale with them that are alone, and therefore drawes Eve from Adam, and one Christian from another, and so quickly overcomes them. If in companie one fall, another may helpe him up, if hee be cold, another may warme him by exhortation and example.
Consider therefore who are best minded, and mind the best things with them: if we find we have attained to a greater degree in grace than others, endeavour to bring them to us, the Communion of Saints is an Article of our faith, every one believes it, but few knows what ⟨p. 177⟩it means, and therefore no marvel they desire it not.
Consider therefore who are best minded, and minde the best things with them: if we finde we have attained to a greater degree in grace than others, indeavour to bring them to us, the Communion of Saints is an Article of our faith, every one beleeves it, but few knowes what ⟨p. 177⟩it meanes, and therefore no marvaile they desire it not.
These words contain another exhortation, with a friendly compellation, which I pass over, having heretofore had often occasion to speak of it: the exhortation is to imitation of the Apostle, follow me. And because I cannot ever be with you, therefore follow those among you, that walk as I do.
THese words containe another exhortation, with a friendly compellation, which I passe over, having heretofore had often occasion to speake of it: the exhortation is to imitation of the Apostle, follow me. And because I cannot ever be with you, therefore follow those among you, that walke as I doe.
Whence we lear••, that together with the rules of religion, we must propound Gods graces in us, as examples for others to imitate: and this arises not from pride, but from confidence of truth and holiness in our own hearts, and conversations, and religion maketh this a virtue and duty, without which it were boasting: and so it doth make many things (of themselves not seemly) very fitting. Davids dance was in worldly esteem counted but folly, yet having respect to Gods glory is commendable; and therefore we must not be captious, when we see such things in others, that men ordinarily count indiscretion, but mark their ground, and by it esteem of them, and accordingly follow ⟨p. 178⟩such. Be ye followers of me, saith St. Paul, that is, observe what my doctrine is, and what I do and acknowledge, follow and imitate me. The Apostles doctrine consists chiefly of three heads; whereof the first, concerneth our natural condition, as Rom. 1, 2, 3. chapters, and Ephes. 2. And the second, concerneth our remedy by Christ Jesus, God and man being King, Priest, and Prophet, as in the Heb. And the third, the manner how Christ is become ours by imputation, and is laid hold on by faith, which is given to us by God, who being unchangeable and true, we persevere in this rule and course of obedience, by the mercies of God, though with many combatings and strivings, even to fullness of glory. The Apostles example see in part in this chapter, in holiness of life, and death […] sin, and esteem of the goods of this world as base. In the Acts see his pains in the Ministry, his calling, his heavenly and holy mind in the next verse.
Whence wee lear••, that together with the rules of religion, wee must propound Gods graces in us, as examples for others to imitate: and this arises not from pride, but from confidence of truth and holinesse in our owne hearts, and conversations, and religion maketh this a vertue and dutie, without which it were boasting: and so it doth make many things (of themselves not seemely) very fitting. Davids dance was in worldly esteeme counted but folly, yet having respect to Gods glory is commendable; and therefore we must not be captious, when we see such things in others, that men ordinarily count indiscretion, but mark their ground, and by it esteeme of them, and accordingly follow
And therefore, let us read these often, and consider them: they are an excellent glass, that will transform us into an holy form and fashion; many things there are in him that are extraordinary, and not imitable, he wrought in another calling for his living, he was an Apostle, had extraordinary gifts by revelation, and indeed not so much by study, as the Ministers of the Gospel now, to whom God gives gifts, but in the faithful and painful use of the means, and therefore are they not bound ⟨p. 179⟩to imitate the Apostle in this thing, as in other things which he did as an Apostle.
And therefore, let us reade these often, and consider them: they are an excellent glasse, that will transforme us into an holy forme and fashion; many things there are in him that are extraordinarie, and not immitable, he wrought in another calling for his living, he was an Apostle, had extraordinarie gifts by revelation, and indeed not so much by studie, as the Miniters of the Gospell now, to whom God gives guifts, but in the faithfull and painfull use of the meanes, and therefore are they not bound ⟨p. 179⟩to imitate the Apostle in this thing, as in other things which he did as an Apostle.
But to proceed to particulars;1 imitation implies four things: First, a doing that which another doth. Second, a doing it in the same manner. Third, a doing thereof grounded upon the same affections: not as in a stage play, where he that acteth the person of a King, is often a varlet, but it implies such an imitation as is in a child, that endeavoureth to be like the father in disposition, as well of mind as of body. Fourth, it implies a doing, studio imitandi, with an earnest desire to be like him, for he that doth that which God commands, and not as expressing his desire of imitation, he is no follower, and therefore in all our actions we ought to desire to be like God, and endeavour to express in action, what we desire, and to this end we are to search for examples and patterns in the Scripture, for those that are more excellent; for the most excellent in all kinds, are the best rules for others: and because in many things we offend all, let us follow the examples of men no further than they follow Christ, 1 Cor. 11.1. And it was one end of Christs incarnation, that he might be an example unto us. As I your Lord and Master have washed your feet, so ye ought to wash one another's feet, 2and learn of me, for I am meek.
But to proceed to particulars;1 imitation implyes foure things: First, a doing that which another doth. Second, a doing it in the same manner. Third, a doing thereof grounded upon the same affections: not as in a stage play, where hee that acteth the person of a King, is often a varlet, but it implies such an imitation as is in a childe, that indeavoureth to be like the father in disposition, as well of minde as of bodie. Fourth, it implies a doing, studio imitandi, with an earnest desire to be like him, for he that doth that which God commands, and not as expressing his desire of imitation, he is no follower, and therefore in all our actions wee ought to desire to be like God, and indeavour to expresse in action, what we desire, and to this end wee are to search for examples and patternes in the Scripture, for those that are more excellent; for the most excellent in all kindes, are the best rules for others: and because in many things we offend all, let us follow the examples of men no further than they follow Christ,
Hence we may gather, the ground why we have not only rules in Scripture to live by, ⟨p. 178⟩[…] ⟨p. 179⟩[…] ⟨p. 180⟩but also examples. For first, they show that the things commanded are possible to be done. Then they show us the way and means more plainly, how to do them. Thirdly, they show how graceful & acceptable they are when they are done. So as the Scriptures are not penned altogether in a commanding fashion, but have mingled sweet alluring examples: for there are four ways of teaching; rule, reason, similitudes, and examples. The two former enjoins, but works not on the affections, similitudes are but slight, only examples conforms us in a most sweet alluring manner.
Hence we may gather, the ground why we have not only rules in Scripture to live by, ⟨p. 178⟩〈…〉 ⟨p. 179⟩〈…〉 ⟨p. 180⟩but also examples. For first, they shew that the things commanded are possible to bee done. Then they shew us the way and meanes more plainly, how to doe them. Thirdly, they shew how gracefull & acceptable they are when they are done. So as the Scriptures are not penned altogether in a commanding fashion, but have mingled sweet alluring examples: for there are foure wayes of teaching; rule, reason, similitudes, and examples. The two former injoynes, but workes not on the affections, similitudes are but slight, onely examples conformes us in a most sweet alluring manner.
