A47542:568
A golden mine opened, or, The glory of God's rich grace displayed in the mediator to believers, and his direful wrath against impenitent sinners containing the substance of near forty sermons upon several subjects / by Benjamin Keach.
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.
They are not to feed the Flock with Humane Traditions, nor with their own Dreams. Simon, Son of Jonah, lovest thou me? 1Feed my Sheep: Not with good Doctrine only, but good Discipline also, and with an holy and good Example: Good Government is precious Food to the Sheep and Lambs of Jesus Christ.
They are not to feed the Flock with Humane Traditions, nor with their own Dreams. Simon, Son of Jonas, lovest thou me? 1Feed my Sheep: Not with good Doctrine only, but good Discipline also, and with an holy and good Example: Good Government is precious Food to the Sheep and Lambs of Jesus Christ.
2. The Holy Ordinances of Baptism, and the Lord's Supper, is another part of this blessed Pasture: And such are ill Sheep that will not feed where the Shepherd willeth them, or like not a Pasture of his choosing. With what gladness did those Saints at Jerusalem, 1when they received the Word, yield themselves up to Holy Baptism? The Eunuch also found that Ordinance (he meeting with 2Christ in it) very sweet; and therefore when baptized, he went away rejoicing. The Mystery of the Gospel is preached or held forth in a lively Figure in Baptism to the very sight of the natural Eye; which being understood, conveys much Light and Knowledge to the Understanding.
2. The Holy Ordinances of Baptism, and the Lord's Supper, is another part of this blessed Pasture: And such are ill Sheep that will not feed where the Shepherd willeth them, or like not a Pasture of his chusing. With what gladness did those Saints at Jerusalem, 1when they received the Word, yield themselves up to Holy Baptism? The Eunuch also found that Ordinance (he meeting with 2Christ in it) very sweet; and therefore when baptized, he went away rejoicing. The Mystery of the Gospel is preached or held forth in a lively Figure in Baptism to the very sight of the natural Eye; which being understood, conveys much Light and Knowledg to the Understanding.
It shows that Christ was dead, buried, and rose again for our Justification.
It shews that Christ was dead, buried, and rose again for our Justification.
11st, "Baptism (saith the Learned Tilenus) is the first Sacrament of the New Testament, instituted by Christ; in which there is an exact Analogy between the Sign and the Thing signified. The outward Rite in Baptism is threefold." "1. Immersion into the Water. "2. Abiding under the Water. "3. A Resurrection out of the Water.
"1The Form of Baptism, (saith he) to wit, External and Essential, is no other than the Analogical Proportion which the Sign keeps with the Thing signified thereby. The plunging into the Water, (saith he) holds forth to us that horrible Gulf of Divine Justice, in which Christ for our sakes, for a while was in a manner swallowed up: abiding under the Water, (how little time soever) denotes his descent into *Hell, even the deepest of Lifelessness: and lying in the sealed or guarded Sepulchre, he was accounted as one dead. Rising out of the Water, holds forth to us in a lively Similitude, that Conquest ⟨p. 133⟩which this dead Man got over Death." And (saith the same worthy Author) so dipping into the Water, in a most lively "Similitude, sets forth the Mortification of the old Man; and rising out of the Water, the Vivification of the new Man; it being meet that we, being baptized into his Death, and buried with him, should rise also with him, and go on in a new Life." The Apostle clearly confirms the same great Truths; 3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his Death? Therefore we are buried with him by Baptism into Death, that like as Christ was raised up from the Dead by the Glory of the Father; even so we also should walk in newness of Life. We have Fellowship with Christ in his Death in Baptism, or the Efficacy of his Death evidenced to us, as the outward Symbol of it is held forth in the external Administration of it: For as Christ died for Sin, so we are hereby obliged to die to Sin; and as he rose again from the Dead, so we ought (as we covenant in this Ordinance) to walk in newness of Life. Dr. Cave saith, "In Immerging there are in a manner three-fold Acts, The putting the Person into the Water, his abiding under the Water, and his rising up again; thereby representing Christ's Death, Burial, and Resurrection; and our Conformity thereunto in our dying to Sin, and the destruction of its Power, and our resurrection to a new course of Life." O learn what your Baptism holds forth, and what you are taught thereby, and promised therein, and live accordingly. Brethren, you will find blessed Food in this Ordinance for your Souls; and if you experience the Things signified thereby, happy are you; if not, in vain were you baptized.
12dly, What sweet Food, or how good a Pasture is the Ordinance of the Lord's Supper, to a hungry Soul who longs after the Bread of Life, and Communion with Christ. A Crucified Christ is the Bread of Life; and by Faith in this Ordinance we feed on this Bread; it feeds and strengthens our Faith, and also our Love to the Lord Jesus: Who can forbear to love that Christ, who poured forth his precious Blood for us? He was made a Curse for us, by hanging on the Tree, and bearing our Sins.
When you take this Bread, and this Cup, you declare you take and accept of Christ as the only Food of your Souls; and that way of Salvation God hath been graciously pleased to find out: and when you eat the Bread, and drink of the Cup, you show that you feed alone upon him, and that he is your Saviour. Indeed, Christ doth in effect say to you, Soul, take all this, in token that I ⟨p. 134⟩have satisfied the Justice of God for thy Sins, I have made thy Peace; take this Bread, and this Cup as a Pledge of it, and of my Eternal Love to thee, and as a Token that all thy Sins are forgiven, and that thou art mine also. (1.) By this Ordinance we learn, and clearly see, the horrible Evil of Sin, the cursed Nature of Sin, in that nothing could atone for it, nor satisfy the Law and Justice of God, but the precious Blood of the Son of God himself. (2.) Here likewise we see that infinite Love of the Father, in giving of Christ to die for us; He spared not his own 1Son, but delivered him up for us all. (3) Here also we perceive the wonderful Love of Jesus Christ, who willingly laid down his Life for us. (4.) Moreover, here we see how we come to be saved, or the Way of Life; and that it is only by a Sacrifice, and that by the Sacrifice of Christ himself alone. (5.) Here we see our near Union with Christ, and blessed Union one with another, as the Bread and Wine is turned into Nourishment; the first is held forth: and as many Corns of Wheat do make one Loaf, so we being many Members, are but one Body; and therein the latter Union is held forth also, I mean, our Union one with another.
When you take this Bread, and this Cup, you declare you take and accept of Christ as the only Food of your Souls; and that way of Salvation God hath been graciously pleased to find out: and when you eat the Bread, and drink of the Cup, you shew that you feed alone upon him, and that he is your Saviour. Indeed, Christ doth in effect say to you, Soul, take all this, in token that I ⟨p. 134⟩have satisfied the Justice of God for thy Sins, I have made thy Peace; take this Bread, and this Cup as a Pledg of it, and of my Eternal Love to thee, and as a Token that all thy Sins are forgiven, and that thou art mine also. (1.) By this Ordinance we learn, and clearly see, the horible Evil of Sin, the cursed Nature of Sin, in that nothing could atone for it, nor satisfy the Law and Justice of God, but the precious Blood of the Son of God himself. (2.) Here likewise we see that infinite Love of the Father, in giving of Christ to die for us; He spared not his own
Thirdly. The Ordinance of Prayer, is also as a Pasture for Christ's Sheep to feed in. If we pray in Faith, we receive what we desire 1and stand in need of: That Soul that goes to God in Christ's Name believingly, never comes away empty handed. We have not, 2because we ask not; or else ask amiss, that we may consume it on our Lusts, to please the Flesh, and gratify our Carnal Appetites, and so an evil End spoils good Means: So long (said a good Woman in distress) as I have a praying Heart, God will have a helping Hand. It argues we have not hungry Souls, if we have not praying Souls. You may as well live without eating, as spiritually live without praying; and as it is a sign you are not well when you cannot eat, so it is a sign your Souls are not well when you cannot pray: And as it is a sign the Body is faint, when the Breath is short, or breaths not freely so it is a sign of a faint and languishing Christian, when his Prayers are short, or prays not freely. He that believes savingly, will pray fervently. He that thrives not in this Pasture, will thrive in none. As be cannot live naturally that breaths not, no more can that Soul live spiritually that prays not. He that casts off Prayer, casts off God. No wonder God withholds Mercies from us, when we restrain Prayer ⟨p. 135⟩from him. Pure Prayer is only pleasing to a pure God: our Prayers must be directed to the right Object; O thou that hearest Prayer, to 3thee shall all Men come. We must always direct our Prayers to God, but must not forget to come unto him by Jesus Christ; and we must see to the Matter of it, as well as the Object: If we ask not that which is lawful, our Prayers must needs be unlawful; as it is a Sin to do any thing God commands not, so it is a Sin to ask any thing God allows not.
Thirdly. The Ordinance of Prayer, is also as a Pasture for Christ's Sheep to feed in. If we pray in Faith, we receive what we desire 1and stand in need of: That Soul that goes to God in Christ's Name believingly, never comes away empty handed. We have not,
We must also be right in the Manner, as well as in the Matter of our Prayer: When our Spirit prays not, our Hand receives not.
And we must, if we would thrive in this Pasture, also see that our End be right: Our great End should be, that our Prayer may be accepted, and God may be glorified.
The first thing we should ask in Prayer is, that the Name of God may be hallowed.
O Soul, haste into this Pasture: Whatsoever ye ask, saith Christ, 1in my Name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified.
To pray in Christ's Name, 1. Is to know we come to have this Privilege to draw near to God, only by Christ, i. e. through the Veil, that is to say, his Flesh; he hath purchased us this Liberty. 2. 'Tis to pray in his Strength, i. e. by the Spirit, which he hath procured for us, and given to us. 3. 'Tis to pray in the Virtue of Christ's Mediation: Whatsoever we ask on Earth, Christ obtains for us in Heaven. 4. To ask in Christ's Name, is to ask for his Sake, for his Worthiness: 'Tis not what our Deservings are, but what Christ's Merits are.
To pray in Christ's Name, 1. Is to know we come to have this Privilege to draw near to God, only by Christ, i. e. through the Vail, that is to say, his Flesh; he hath purchased us this Liberty. 2. 'Tis to pray in his Strength, i. e. by the Spirit, which he hath procured for us, and given to us. 3. 'Tis to pray in the Virtue of Christ's Mediation: Whatsoever we ask on Earth, Christ obtains for us in Heaven. 4. To ask in Christ's Name, is to ask for his Sake, for his Worthiness: 'Tis not what our Deservings are, but what Christ's Merits are.
Fourthly. The Promises of God are another Pasture, where the Sheep 1of Christ do daily feed. The Promises of God are of a Soul-fastening, and Soul-strengthening Nature: But there is no feeding here, without believing. A Sheep may as well feed on Grass, without Teeth, as a Christian can feed on the Promises without Faith. The Reason why the Soul cannot get into this rich Common, or rather fat Meadow, is, because he cannot get over the Slough of Unbelief. Man lives not by Bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds 2out of the Mouth of God. He can feed his People, and support them by a Word of Promise, when their Bread faileth: Nor must we take unlawful Means to supply our Necessities, nor distrust ⟨p. 136⟩the Care and Providence of God, tho we do not see which way we shall subsist: Trust in the Lord, and do good, so thou shalt dwell in the 3Land, and verily thou shalt be fed. We must depend upon the Providence and Promise of God, for Supplies both of Body and Soul: The young Lions lack, and suffer Hunger; yet they that seek 4the Lord shall not want any good thing. We must let God judg and choose for us; 'tis better for us sometimes to want, than to abound: There are Promises (as I have sometimes showed you) that answer every Condition we can be in.
Fourthly. The Promises of God are another Pasture, where the Sheep 1of Christ do daily feed. The Promises of God are of a Soul-fastening, and Soul-strengthning Nature: But there is no feeding here, without believing. A Sheep may as well feed on Grass, without Teeth, as a Christian can feed on the Promises without Faith. The Reason why the Soul cannot get into this rich Common, or rather fat Medow, is, because he cannot get over the Slough of Unbelief. Man lives not by Bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds 2out of the Mouth of God. He can feed his People, and support them by a Word of Promise, when their Bread faileth: Nor must we take unlawful Means to supply our Necessities, nor distrust
Fifthly. The Providences of God, and the Saints Experience, are another 1Pasture for Christ's Sheep. How oft have they been fed this way? I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the Righteous forsaken, nor his Seed begging Bread. This was more especially David's Experience, and under that Dispensation, when the Promises of God were of temporal Blessings; ours under the Gospel are better: Or else take it thus, Not begging in vain. If they are such Children that walk in the Steps of their godly Parents, or not so begging as to be forsaken, it cannot intend any kind of asking, or begging; for David himself desired and received Relief from others. Nothing doth more clearly relieve and feed our Souls under 2Trouble and Distress, than those Experiences we have formerly had of God's special Providence and Goodness to us, or how he helped his People in their Extremities in the days of old. O my 3God, my Soul is cast down within me; therefore I will remember thee from the Land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the Hill Mizar. He would call to mind how God had helped him formerly, when pursued by Saul, or distressed by Absalom; and the way his drooping Spirits were revived. He that delivered me (saith he) 4from the Paw of the Bear, and Paw of the Lion, will deliver me from this uncircumcised Philistine. All Power is given into Christ's Hand, he is the great disposer of all things; therefore be sure he will order every thing for the Good of his Church. If not a Hair of our Heads shall fall without the Providence of God, we may conclude he will be concerned for us in greater Matters: And if he provide for Sparrows, he will provide and take care of his own Children.
The Covenant of Grace, the Love of Christ, and that Relation we stand in to him, must needs give us ground to believe he will, in his most wise Providence, order all things for our Good, besides the express Promises he hath made upon that Account. Doth ⟨p. 137⟩he hold us in his Hand, carry us in his Bosom, nay, engrave us on his Heart, and will he forsake us? O this cannot be.
"1The Form of Baptism, (saith he) to wit, External and Essential, is no other than the Analogical Proportion which the Sign keeps with the Thing signified thereby. The plunging into the Water, (saith he) holds forth to us that horrible Gulph of Divine Justice, in which Christ for our sakes, for a while was in a manner swallowed up: abiding under the Water, (how little time soever) denotes his descent into *Hell, even the deepest of Lifelessness: and lying in the sealed or guarded Sepulchre, he was accounted as one dead. Rising out of the Water, holds forth to us in a lively Similitude, that Conquest ⟨p. 133⟩which this dead Man got over Death." And (saith the same worthy Author) so dipping into the Water, in a most lively "Similitude, sets forth the Mortification of the old Man; and rising out of the Water, the Vivification of the new Man; it being meet that we, being baptized into his Death, and buried with him, should rise also with him, and go on in a new Life." The Apostle clearly confirms the same great Truths; 3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his Death? Therefore we are buried with him by Baptism into Death, that like as Christ was raised up from the Dead by the Glory of the Father; even so we also should walk in newness of Life. We have Fellowship with Christ in his Death in Baptism, or the Efficacy of his Death evidenced to us, as the outward Symbol of it is held forth in the external Administration of it: For as Christ died for Sin, so we are hereby obliged to die to Sin; and as he rose again from the Dead, so we ought (as we covenant in this Ordinance) to walk in newness of Life. Dr. Cave saith, "In Immerging there are in a manner three-fold Acts, The putting the Person into the Water, his abiding under the Water, and his rising up again; thereby representing Christ's Death, Burial, and Resurrection; and our Conformity thereunto in our dying to Sin, and the destruction of its Power, and our resurrection to a new course of Life." O learn what your Baptism holds forth, and what you are taught thereby, and promised therein, and live accordingly. Brethren, you will find blessed Food in this Ordinance for your Souls; and if you experience the Things signified thereby, happy are you; if not, in vain were you baptized.
