SOme understand this of the Shulamite spoken of before Others of some other Spouse or Church of Christ, to arise af­ter her, according to that promise of the waters that run from under the Threshold of the Temple, towards the East, leading towards Arabia, Syria and Egypt, Ezek. 47. but when we consider what went before, and the other like places, that charge, ver. 4. seems to be the occasion of this Question, namely, I charge you Oh Daughters of Jerusalem that you stir not up, nor awake my Love until he please, which words gives occasion of this Question, paralel to this you may see, chap. 3. 5,6. & chap. 5. 8,9. & chap. 6. 1. Whether is thy Beloved gone, O thou fairest among Women, &c. as in those places the Daugh­ters of Jerusalem are brought in, enquiring after Christ the Beloved of the Spouse, so in the Text they are brought in admiring and inquiring concerning the Spouse of Christ, saying, Who is this that comes thus up out of the wilderness, &c. the Question is put in the Feminine Gender, as if they should say, what Woman is this? and indeed they that should behold the coming of the Shulamite, viz. the Return of the Jews, it will be a Question worth the inquiring with Admiration, and saying, who is this? and hence I conceive the Question is concerning that Spouse, that gave such a charge in ver. 4. unto which Christ gives Answer in the words following, I raised thee up under the Apple Tree, &c. although some take that Answer, to be the Churches, to stir up Christ by Prayer: which seems not so suitable, but my purpose is at present to speak only to the former part of the verse, who is this that cometh up, &c.

For the meaning of the Words, Who is this? it argues something ex­traordinary which is matter of special observation and worthy of en­quiry, [...] 3. 6. Who is this that cometh out of the Wilderness like Pillars of Smoak perfumed with Mirrh, chap. 5. 9. what is thy Beloved more then [...] other Beloved, &c chap 6. 1. whether is thy Beloved gone, O thou fairest among Women, &c. it is one thing that shall be inquired into at [Page 2] the return of this Church of the Jews, whence they come:

That cometh up out of the Wilderness, a Wilderness is a desolate place, a Land not Ploughed nor Sowed, so it was to Israel when they came out of Egypt, then God proved them to see what was in their hearts, the Wilderness is a Land of Drought, and the shadow of Death, a Land of [...] Serpents and Scorpions, a terrible Wilderness God led his People through, as Deut. 8. what can we expect to finde in a Wilderness, Mat. 11. 7. What went you into the Wilderness to see, a Wilderness is a state of affliction and temptation, Mat. 4. 1. then was Jesus led aside into the Wilderness to be tempted of the Devil, now the return of this Shula­mite to their own Land is prophecied of, as a People brought out of the Wilderness of the People & Nations, Ezek. 20. 34,35,36. and I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the Countries wherein ye are scattered with a mighty hand, & with a stretched out Arm, and with fury poured out, and I will bring you into the Wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face, like as I pleaded with your Fathers in the Wilderness of the Land of Egypt, so will I plead with you saith the Lord God, He will bring them through great afflictions and temptations to discover the rebels and to cut them off, ver. 37. 38. and the rest shall be accepted, ver. 40. 41. with this agreeth the Prophecy of Dan. 12. 1. And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the Children of thy people, and there shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a Nation even to that same time, and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the Book, Isai. 65. 9. And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountain, and mine Elect shall in­herit it, ver. 11. But ye are they that forsake the Lord, therefore I will num­ber you to the Sword: In all these afflictions, tryals and miseries, where­in that people had formerly been, as in a vast howling Wilderness, and in all those sad things that shall befal them, such as never was since at was a Nation, this Spouse shall come up from this Wilderness to the admiration of such as shall behold her, Isai.63. 13,14. That led them through the deep as an Horse in the Wilderness, that they should not stum­ble, as a Beast gooth down into the valley, the Spirit of the Lord caused him to rest, so didst thou lead thy People, to make thy self a glorious name.

Leaning upon her Beloved, What is the excellency of this Spouse? She is leaning upon her Beloved: The word (leaning) is derived from the Arabian tongue, from which word some conjecture that it should [Page 3] speak of a Church from thence: it may be Translated leaning, or clea­ving to, adjoyning, associating her self; the Greek Translate it, confirm­ing or strengthening her self in her Beloved, any of these words do well express her Faith in Christ her Beloved, being sensible of her di­stresses and wilderness temptations; she dare not trust to any thing but her Beloved, as faith the Apostle, We despaired in our selves, that we might trust in the living God, being sensible of her own weakness, she leans upon him, she adjoyns and associates her self to him that can and will guid her through all difficulties. 1 Pet. 5. 10. that he will make you perfect, strengthen, stablish, settle you, herein the Spouse comforts her self, leaning upon her Beloved. For the understanding the Discription of this her Beloved upon whom she thus leans, Consider,

1. Who is it but Jesus Christ, the Head and Husband of his Church, who is able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by him, Heb. 7. 25. who is that firm Rock of Ages, that precious Corner Stone, that whosoever believeth on him shall never be confounded, 1 Pet. 3. 6.

2. Her Beloved, that is he that hath infinitely and most freely loved his Church, Ephes. 5. 25. and given himself for it to purifie and cleanse it, Rev. 1. 5. Unto him that have loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, Gal. 2 20. Who hath loved me, and given himself for me, these two, the alsufficiency of Christ, and his great and infinite love to her is ground sufficient to lean upon him in all conditions, as the Apostle saith, I know in whom I have believed, in him that is able to preserve what­soever I have committed to him; In Christ are all things that make up a fulness of Faith, his Omniscience that knows all our needs and dangers, and how and when to supply, and his Omnipotency whereby he is able to do it.

3. Faithfulness in his promises, he is the Amen, the true and faithful witness, as Sarah who believed for she judged him faithful that had promised.

4. Compassion, or bowels of infinite compassions, his Spouse is as the apple of his eye, therefore the Lord Jesus must needs be in every re­spect the most suitable object of Faith, being so all-sufficient, faithful, compassionate and loving, now then this is the beloved of the Spouse, she came leaning upon this her Beloved, whose first love did draw her heart to love him again with a most ardent love, as ver. 7. Many waters can­not quench▪ love, neither can the floods drown it, Psal. 119. 132. Look thou upon me and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do to them that love [Page 4] thy name, and ver. 1. 59. Consider how I love thy Precepts, quicken me Oh Lord according to thy loving kindness; So that there is a further encou­ragement for the Spouse to cleave to Christ Jesus, because she finds this love in her to be a fruit of his everlasting love to her, now Faith finding such an Object, not only is perswaded that he is allsufficient and willing to save, but the will chuseth him for it's portion, cleaves to him and rests upon him for all safety and good, as it's all in all, and gives up it self to be guided, ordered and disposed of in all conditions, as most safe and happy in his hands and dispose, Faith counts it self most safe in the Arms of Christ, this is one effect of Faith, for the Soul to give up it self to Christ, to do as he will with it, he may give what he will, and take what he will; the Soul is willing to part with any thing at the command of Christ, willing to part with it's dearest sins and lusts for Christ Jesus, so that a Spouse of Christ, seeing the Wisdome, Faithfulness, Power and Love of the Lord Jesus doth chuse him for her portion, and give up her self to Christ, willing to be at his disposing, and willing to part with any thing for Christ; here is her leaning upon her Beloved; and so she fears not for any evil tidings.

Doct. It is a matter of much Observation and Admiration, to see a Spouse of Christ coming out of a Wilderness condition, and leaning by Faith firmly upon Christ as her beloved;

Proof, That the excellency of the Spouse of Christ is in leaning upon her Beloved, Heh. 11. gives a Cloud of Witnesses, Abraham left his Country by Faith, offered up Isaac by Faith; Noah prepares an Arke by Faith, others endured cruel mocking by Faith; Oh the vertue and admirable effects of Faith! you see in the Wilderness, how highly God approved of Caleb, who followed God fully, when others spake evil of the good Land, saith Caleb▪ they shall be meat for us, we are well able to overcome them; My servant Caleb faith the Lord, he shall go in, his Seed shall possess it, how highly the Lord approves of Faith, you may see in the Church of Philadelphia, Rev. 3. 8,9,10. he finds no fault with them, but highly commends them for keeping the word of his patience, and promises most safe protection when the hour of temptation over­spreads the World; the Centurion who had such Faith as to say, Speak but the word and my Servant shall be healed, Christ highly commends that Faith, as not having found such, no not in Israel; So the Woman of Ca­naan, her Faith Christ commends, and saith, be it to thee even as thou wilt.

[Page 5] Reas. 1. It is so, not only from the excellency of Faith it self, but from the excellency of a tryed Faith, 1 Pet. 1. 7. That the trial of your Faith, being much more precious then of Gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the ap­pearing of Christ Jesus, Psal. 12. 6. The Words of the Lord are pure words, as silver tried in a Furnace of Earth, purified seven times, as the word is pure and precious, so is Faith under Wilderness trials.

Reas. 2. Because this leaning upon Christ in such a state is an evi­dence of great love to Christ; this the Lord takes great notice of, Ier. [...]. [...]. I remember the kindness of thy youth, the love of thy Espousals when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, &c.

Reas. 3. Because its a glorious thing to behold the love of God, and Jesus Christ, to lead up such a Spouse out of a Wilderness, it causes that glory as is ascribed to God, of old, as that one act at the Red Sea did, Exod. 15,16. Who is like unto thee O Lord, glorious in Holiness, fear­ful in praises, doing wonders, Deut. 32. 10,11. He found them in a desart Land, and in the wast bowling Wilderness, he lea him about, he instucted him, he kept him as the apple of his eye, &c.

Use 1. Instruction: Here we may observe, and see the manner of Gods dealing even with his most precious Churches and People, even with this Shulamite, he brings her out of the Wilderness, so the Lord did of old, when he brought his people out of Egypt; He brought them into the Wilderness, and the Lord saw the mixed multitude a­mongst them, and that Generation must be all worn out before he brought them into the promised Land: In the Wilderness the Lord shewed his wonderful works, feeding them with Manna, and giving them water out of the Rock; there God proved them, to know what was in their hearts, and he found abundance of sin, and pride, and re­bellion in them, and yet all was to do them good in the latter end: So when he brought them out of Babilon to Jerusalem, we read in Ezra and Nehemiah what afflictions and oppositions they met withal, of Blastings and Mildews, and disappointments in their Labours they were exerci­sed withal, as may be seen in the Prophecy of Hagga [...] and so it will be with this Shulamite, the Church of the Jews at their return; the Lord will bring them out of the Wilderness of the People through ma­ny temptations and afflictions, and that Wilderness condition may seem to continue for a long time; if we compare Dan. 12. 11,12. it ap­pears to be fourty five years, and so it hath been with the reformed Chur­ches [Page 6] that are come out of spiritual Babilon, in Scotland, Holland and Geneva, and the rest, what bloody wars? what persecutions and try­als of various kinds? nay, what Soul is it that the Lord hath brought home to himself, but that they are brought out of a Wilderness of try­als, afflictions and temptations, spiritual or outward, to purge them, and make them white, Dan. 12. to bring them out of all confidence in themselves; therefore wonder not at the persecutions and troubles that befal the Churches and Saints this day in the world: God no doubt is doing some great work for his People, the Lord Jesus hath his Pan in his hand, and will throughly purge his Floor, burn up the Chaffe, and gather his Wheat into his Garner: Let us not promise our selves a peaceable condition, we may fear that the Lord hath further wilderness tryals to bring us through, that he may purge out the Rebels, and those that trans­gress, we may fear that we are a people ripe for judgement, when there is such great sins breaking out amongst us, when there is so much De­vision, Worldliness, &c. Let us not be secure, the Lord may justly car­ry us through a wilderness of sore tryals, to purge his Churches of the Chaffe, and to take us off from the World, and confidence in his Ordinances, which we are too apt to lean upon.

Use 2. Instruction: We may here observe what it is that makes a Spouse of Christ, or any Soul, an object of enquiry and admiration: Her leaning on her Beloved by Faith and love, this is the Glory, Beauty, and Excellency of any Church, or Spouse of Christ, or Soul, to be much in the exercise of Faith and Love▪ Faith is that which gives Glory to God; Abraham gave Glory to God by Believing, Rom 4. 20. He stag­gered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in Faith giving Glory to God, That is therefore the eminency of any Church or Soul, to give Glory to God by Believing; thus Iob under all his affli­ctions and temptations, could believe that his Redeemer did live, and that he should see him at the last day upon the Earth, which was an emi­nency in him; it's therefore I say, the eminency of any Church or Soul, to be strong in Faith, it is a great dishonour to God, and to Jesus Christ, when Disciples that have been long in the School of Christ, yet have but little Faith, how oft did the Lord Jesus upbraid his Disciples with this, Oh ye of little Faith, and sometimes, how is it that you have no Faith? this is an eminency in a Christian, when he can give much Glo­ry to God by Believing, Christ delighteth in this, and admires the Faith of the Centurion, Mat. 8. 10. When Jesus heard it he marvelled, and said, [Page 7] to them that followed; verily I say unto you, I have not found so great Faith no not in Israel, ver. 13. And Jesus said unto the Centurion, go thy way, and as thou hast believed so be it done unto thee, and his Servant was healed in the self same hour; In this life of Faith, the Apostle Paul was very emi­nent, when he said, the life that I now live, I live by▪ Faith in the Son of God, Psal. 27. 1,2,3. the strength of his Faith was such, that he said, though an Host should encamp against me my heart should not fail, though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident; Faith gives God the Glory of his Power, faithfulness, mercy and grace, to lean and venture the whole Interest of the Soul for Eternity upon the Lord Jesus Christ, notwithstanding so many Sins, Corruptions and Temptations, this is a great and glorious work, this is our victory over the world, even our Faith, and this Faith is that which draws vertue from Jesus Christ, which cau­seth the Soul to be in love with the Lord Jesus, as we may see in the Spouse, she leaned upon her Beloved, upon his love to her, and the more because she felt his love to her; Oh the eminency of Faith and love, as the Apostle highly commends the Church of the Thessalonians, 1 Thess. 1. 2,3. We give thanks to God alwayes for your work of Faith, and labour of love, so Chap. 5. 8. He calls Faith and Love the Brest-plate, 1 Tim. 1. 14. the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with Faith and Love, which is in Christ Iesus, where ye see much Faith and Love, you may say, there is abundance of Grace in that Soul, 1 Pet. 1. 8. Whom having not seen yee love, in whom though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory; This Love causeth the Soul to love the Holy God, his Holy Law, and also to love all the Saints of God, and this is far above nature, it argues a purified heart to love the Saints, as 1 Pet. 1. 22. Seing ye have purified your Souls in obeying the Truth through the Spirit, unto unfeigned love of the Brethren; see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently: Love is the fulfilling of the Law, and Faith worketh by love, these two Graces will be the glory of the Shulamite, the new Ierusalem that is to come down from Heaven, and it is the beauty and glory of any Christian; the want or defects in these graces is a great blemish in any Spouse of Christ, or Christian; let us therefore I say acknowledge the eminency of that Church or Soul that is much in the exercise of Faith and Love.

Use 3. Instruction: Here we may observe and see the safety of any Soul or Church of Christ, to lean and stay it self upon Jesus Christ in Wilderness Tryals and Afflictions: So Caleb and Ioshua, so long as [Page 8] they trusted in God and cleaved to him, the Lord was with them, and brought them into the promised Land, what can any Soul have to lean upon in an evil day of tryal, trust not in Princes, or any Son of man, his breath is in his nostrils, by strength shall no man prevail: Confidence in Church Priviledges, if men trust to them or Ordinances, yea if they cry the Temple of the Lord, the Temple of the Lord, see what the Lord speaketh to this very largely, Ier. 10. & Isai. 48. 1,2. they call themselves the Holy City, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel, but not in Truth, all such props as these will deceive them that lean upon them; but now for a Soul to lean upon Christ as her Beloved, in the enjoy­ment of all his Ordinances, such a Soul may finde comfort herein, as Holy David, Psal. 27. 4,5 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the House of the Lord all the dayes of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his Holy Temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his Pavillion, in the secret of his Tabernacle shall he hide me, he shall set me upon a Rock.

Use 4. Tryal: But would you be safe in times of Tryal and Af­fliction: 1. Consider what interest you have in Jesus Christ; can you lean and stay upon him alone, and say, he is my [...], my only Refuge; have you chosen him as your Portion? your all in all? are all things dung and drosse in comparison of him? can you suffer the loss of all for him? this is a true leaning upon Christ as your Beloved; but when the Soul wants an interest in Christ Jesus, and hath not him to lean upon, whether will such a Soul flee for help in times of tryal, trouble and di­stresses? there is then none but Christ, none but Christ that will suit the Soul, in this respect you may venture to lean upon him, he is able and willing to bear all the weight that is laid upon him; it doth therefore nearly concern every Soul to consider what interest he hath in Jesus Christ, what perswasion have you had of the alsufficiency, and grace, and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ, have you tryed his alsufficiency? can you be perswaded of the alsufficiency of one that you never tryed? but especially consider whether God hath drawn your heart to chuse Jesus Christ for your portion, for your stay and support, for your all and in all, and that you have laid the whole weight of your Souls, upon him, have you given up your selves to Christ to be at his dispose? have you chosen and taken him for your Lord and Christ, and are you at his com­mand? can you part with your dearest Lust and sin as his command en­gages your Souls to do, and suffer any thing that he requires?

[Page 9] 2. Consider, is he your Beloved? do you lean upon Jesus Christ as your Beloved, as he whom your Soul loveth▪ as he that is altogether beautiful and desirable? is your greatest delight in communion with God, so that if Christ should ask you the Question he asked Peter, Ioh. 21. 17. Simon lovest thou me more then these? can you then Answer, in truth Lord thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee, do you love to be in the company of Jesus Christ? do you love the linage of Christ wherever you see it? are you glad to do him any service? do you love all that is Christs, his Ordinances, Word, Law, his Ministers, Saints, if you take delight in these things, it is a sign Christ hath loved you, and that you will lean upon Christ in the evil dayes; and blessed and happy is that Soul that can thus lean upon Christ her Beloved, when wilder­ness tryals, troubles and afflictions comes upon them, all such have Christ for their Head, and Husband, and Saviour, and are safe in his arms; where this is wanting consider what we have, Isai. 10. 3. And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far, to whom will ye flee for help, and where will you leave your glory?

Use 5. Exhortation: 1. To them that yet have no part in Christ; La­bour for that Faith in, and Love to the Lord Jesus Christ, that Christ may not shake you off in an evil day; what interest have you in the World that can reach your Souls to save them? what is there in Heaven or Earth that can save the Soul but only the Lord Jesus Christ? He is able to save to the utmost all that come to God by him, Joh. 3. 36. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life, and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him, Oh think oft of this Scripture, and consider of the means of grace God hath so long af­forded you, and how oft he hath been calling upon you, and knocking at the doors of your hearts: Oh take the season while it lasts! Oh to day, to day, while it is called to day, harden not your hearts, least God Sware in his wrath that you shall never enter into his rest, Christ bad them walk in the light while they had the light, and immediately he with­drew himself from them; Oh do but forsake your sin, all your sins, and accept of the Lord Jesus upon his own terms, and then you may venture to lean upon the Lord Jesus Christ, he is able to bear the weight of all your Souls.

2. Branch, To the Spouse of Christ: Be much in the exercise of Faith and Love: First, Be much in the exercise of Faith, lean upon Christ as [Page 10] your Beloved, stay on him, rest upon him, cast all your burthen and care upon him, strengthen your selves in him, you will need a strong Faith in wilderness tryals that may befal us; consider how weak we are with­out Faith in Christ, which will shield us against our potent enemies: Sa­than and all the World, all other props are but as a broken Reed, where­on will you lean else; you have no righteousness, no goodness, no wise­dome in your selves, where will you lean then if not upon Christ? what is there in the Creature that you may lean upon, all the things of the World are Vanity of vanities; therefore cast your care and your bur­then upon the Lord Jesus who is able to stablish, strengthen and settle you, he is able to bear all the weight that is laid upon him; do your sins and corruptions trouble you, you may lay the weight of them upon the Lord Jesus, he is able to bear them, you may cast the care of your Souls upon him, ye may cast the care of your Families, the care of your Chil­dren, you may cast all upon him, he is able to bear the weight of all, he is the Rock of ages: Consider who your Beloved is, the Lord Jesus Christ, the God of Glory, the Redeemer and Saviour of his People, that Redeemeth Israel from all their Iniquities, If any man sin we have an Advocate, 1 John 2. 1: He hath all Power in Heaven and Earth, he is the Soveraign Lord of all, you can be in no danger, but he is able to save, and he knows how to do it, for he is only wise, and he is faithful in all his promises, and he is very loving, he hath loved his with an everlast­ing love, and from thence he hath given himself for us, and will not lose [...] that come to him; whom he loveth he loveth to the end, believe much and you shall receive much, Christ saith to thee, be it as thou wilt, a Faith, that will not be beaten off that hangs upon Christ for a bles­sing; and as Jacob will not let go without a blessing, shall surely have it, what can any believing Soul finde in Christ, that may not encourage him to lean upon him, he is the Saviour, the Head and Husband of his Church that takes care of them and that continually; he is the Redeemer of his People, that redeems them, not only from all their adversities but from all their iniquities; Oh then venture upon Jesus Christ, and let Faith overcome all your doubts, this Christ will accept of; consider what en­couragements a Believer hath to venture all upon Christ, we have en­couragement from the Covenant of Grace, Ezek. 36. 25,26. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean from all your filthiness and from all your Idols will I cleanse you, a new heart also will I give you, and a new Spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart [Page 11] out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh, and I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my way, and I will write my Law in your inward parts, and I will put my fear into your hearts, and you shall not depart from me, and I will forgive your sins, and remember them no more; & consider how God hath confirmed this covenant even by his Oath, he hath Sworn by himself, that we might have strong consola­tion; and he hath confirmed it also by the Seals of the Covenant, the Lord hath given us two Seals, he hath set the Seal of Baptism to it, whereby God hath owned us for his, We are Baptized into the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, besides he hath given us the blessed Supper of the Lord; Oh what a blessed Seal is that wher [...] the Lord offers a crucified Christ to us, with all his merits, he offers Christ with all the benefits and priviledges thereunto belonging; when Christ is of­fered, all his offered; this Ordinance it signifieth that spiritual nourish­ment your Souls may have by a crucified Christ, when the Lord said, This is my Body which was broken for you, and this is my Blood which was shed for you, shall we be unbelieving notwithstanding all this, and weak in the Faith, like Thomas, God forbid.

Lastly, Be much in love to Jesus Christ, that you may say, you lean upon you Beloved, is there not great cause that we should love Christ dearly, that hath given himself to death for us; what love is due to him that dyed for us, where is there such love to be found in the World? Oh what ardent love should then be to the Lord Jesus, therefore let us [...] our love to him, and let our love be enflamed to him, let us be [...] to dye for him that hath dyed for us, let us love him with all our [...] and souls, and all our might, that hath so greatly loved us.

AFter so many Consolations and Promises of the Comforter, as the Lord Jesus had armed his Disciples with against his departure; in these words he takes his leave or fare­wel of them, leaving this his Legacy with them, name­ly, The blessing of peace, telling them what peace, saying, My peace I give unto you, not as the World giveth, and the fruit of Christ peace, was to stay their hearts against all trouble and fear, as ver. 1. Let not your Hearts be troubled, but my peace I leave with you as my blessing, as the Apostle speaks, Ephes. 6. 23, Peace be to the Brethren, and love with Faith from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Pet. 5. 14. Peace be with all that are in Christ Jesus Amen; and it is a frequent Farewel in the Scripture, as also in Salutations; the scope of our Saviour [...] words or valediction, is the same he began withal, ver. [...] stay [...] hearts against all fear and trouble; it was no doubt a great trouble [...] tryal to the hearts of the Disciples of Jesus Christ, to loose such a Ma­ster and Teacher as he was, and that by so painful and shameful a death, as the death of the Crosse; and so it was notwithstanding all that he had spoken to them, therefore he leaves peace with them, My peace I give unto you.

To open the words, My peace I leave with you, as if our Saviour had said, I am now about to part with you, I must leave you, but I will leave this Legacy, My peace, and that not an ordinary peace, but my peace, and that I give unto you, you shall have; peace is usually taken for, or inplies protection from all evil, and the enjoyment of all good: but that they may know what peace this is, he tells them, it's my peace, Christ [Page 14] is the Prince of peace, the Attonement, the God of peace, all peace comes, from him, he it is that gives all manner of peace.

First, He gives peace with God, you will say what manner of peace is that; the Apostle tells us, Phil 4. 7. The peace of God that pas­seth all understanding, unspeakable and unutterable, such a peace that even those that have it cannot conceive the excellency of it, much less can they express it; God is an Enemy against sin, and sinners and they are at enmity with God, and for a sinner that hath offended, and pro­voked God, and that therefore hath no hope in God, now for such a sinner to be at peace with God, who can conceive what it is, you may see the excellency of it if you consider the persons that are now at peace, for a poor, wretched, miserable, condemned sinner to be at peace with God, and that this should flow from the love of God, in pardoning all his sins, and to account him righteous in his sight; that he that was an enemy to the Great and Holy God, even in his minde by evil works, and had God himself, the Holy Just God an enemy to him, that will avenge himself on his enemies by Eternal punishment, yet now to be at peace with God, and that God will own him as a Friend, forgiving all his sins, accepting him as just & righteous to eternal life, & take him into his high savour, as a Son and Heir of Heaven, and all this through the Blood of his own Son, yea, by the blood of his Cross is this peace made, so justifying his Law and Justice, a great price must be payed to purchase it, and the tearms is free grace, in a covenant of grace to all that believe, it is free grace in God to accept of a satisfaction in Christ, he might have exacted it of the sinner himself, and the tearms of this free grace are only to believe and accept of it; the new Covenant is established upon better promises then the old, wherein God hath pro­mised to take away a hard and stony heart, and to give a heart of flesh; now for a sinner to be at peace with God, through the merit and righte­ousness of Christ, and upon the tearms of the covenant of grace, and what follows, God now takes them into the state of Sons, ye shall be my Sons and Daughters, faith the Lord God Almighty, and they are made Heirs of the Glory of Christ, for a sinner thus to be at peace with God, I say who can tell what it is to be Heirs of God, and co-heirs with Jesus Christ, this is Christs peace which he gives to his Disciples.

Secondly, This peace is the inward peace of a good Conscience, the sence of that peace which a Soul hath with God, through Jesus Christ, being sprinkled from an evil Conscience, we have boldness, and access [Page 15] with assurance of Faith unto the holiest of all, and confidence towards God, 1 Joh. 3. God sending his Spirit the Comforter, to witness that we are at peace with God, yea, he sends his Spirit to seal up this peace with God, and this breeds joy unspeakable and full of glory, it fills the Soul with all joy in Believing, Rom. 15 13. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost, so that we may boldly go to the Throne of grace, yea even to the holiest of all with confidence towards God, and have liberty before him, this is a singular part of this peace, to be per­swaded that we are at peace with God, and that we are the Children of God, and that we are partakers of all the priviledges of Sons of God.

Thirdly, Christs peace is a peace with men, and so usually taken in Scripture, and especially with the Saints, Ephes 12 14. For he is our peace who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us, that we may be all one in Iesus Christ, both? Ws and Gentiles.

Fourthly, This peace comprehends peace with the Creature, even with the Beasts of the field, ob 5 23 For thou shalt be in league with the Stones of the field, and the Beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee: If we be at peace with the King, we are at peace with all his people, if we be at peace with the Commander of the field, we are at peace with all the Army; all creatures are at peace with the Saints, and serve all for their guard, yea this peace of Christ is protection from all evil, 2 Tim. 4 18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work; and preserve me unto his Heavenly Kingdome, Rom 8. 28. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the [...], according to his purpose.

And this peace Christ promises, and this peace he gives, but not as the World giveth give I unto you, some may say, way? wherein is the difference? I shall briefly note the difference in two or three particulars.

1. The peace which the World gives, is more in words then in reali­ties, it is oft times only in words, Psal. 28. 3. Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of Iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbour, but mischief is in their heart, as we may see in the Example of Joah and Abner, 2 Sam. 3. 27. If the Lord speaks peace, who shall speak trouble, and if the Lord speaks peace he speaks from the very heart to the heart, and not in words of course or complement as the Would use to do.

[Page 16] 2. The peace which the world gives, is peace outward to the outward man, they may give outward peace, and fill you with the good things of the world, but it reacheth not the principal part of the man, it rea­cheth not the heart, but the peace which Christ gives, it reacheth the heart, it reacheth the soul, and the peace that reacheth the Soul reacheth the Body also; but the peace of the world reacheth the Body, but not the Soul; Christs peace secureth the Soul and inward man, it guards the heart, Phil. 4. 7. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ, or as it is in the O­riginal, shall guard your hearts.

3. The peace of the World is very uncertain, and short, when they say peace, peace, then oft suddain destruction comes upon them, as the Example of Haman in his great Honour and suddain downfall doth prove, Esth. 5. 11. 12. And Haman told his friends, of his great and singu­lar favour with the King and Queen, but the next day, Chap. 7. 10. He was hanged upon the Gallows he had prepared for Mordecai; and the strongest league of friendship amongst men of the World, is soon bro­ken, when mens own interests suit another way, but the peace which Christ gives, in a firm, lasting, everlasting peace, Isai.9. 7. Of the increase of his Government and peace, there shall be no end; once at peace with God and ever at peace, God and that Soul will never fall out any more.

This being the fruit and effect of this peace, their hearts ought not to be troubled, let not your hearts be disquiet, let them not sink in any affliction that can befal you in this world; here is that peace that may bear up your hearts under any trouble or tryal that at any time you may meet withal, nor need they be afraid what ever tidings they hear, or whatever dangers approach as Christ had told his Disciples of many troubles, as wars and rumors of wars, yet saith Christ, be not afraid with such a fear as stands not with Faith and hope in God,: this peace that I leave with you, it is enough to defend your hearts from fear of any troubles whatsoever, as the Psalmist speaks, I will not be afraid though the mountains be removed and cast into the Sea, and therefore though others fear, yet be not you afraid, as the Prophet speaks, Isai. 8. 12,13. neither fear you therefore, nor be afraid, Sanctifie the Lord of Hosts himself, and let him be your fear & dread, as if Christ should say, I give you that true peace that may quiet your hearts under any trouble or distress, or whatsoever you may meet withal in this World.

[Page 17] The Doctrine from these words is, that

Doct. That that peace which Jesus Christ hath purchased, and given to his true Disciples, is such as may strengthen them against all distracting troubles and fears in this world.

The truth of this appears, Psal. 37. 11. But the meek shall inherit the Earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace, and ver. 37. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace. Psal. 119. 165. Great peace have they which love thy Law, and no­thing shall offend them, they do not stumble at any thing as other men do, Psal. 125. 1. They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Sion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. ver: 2. As the Mountains are round about Ierusalem, so the Lord is round about his people, from hence­forth even for ever. Psal. 112. 7,8. Surely he shall not be moved for ever, he shall not be afraid of evil tidings, his heart is fixed trusting in the Lord, his heart is established, be shall not be afraid: Rom. 8. 1. There is there­fore no condemnation to them that are in Christ Iesus, &c. they are out of all fear of Condemnation, Joh. 16. 33. These things have I spoken to you, that in me ye may have peace, in the World you shall have tribulation, but be of good chear I have overcome the World, Rom. 5. 1,2,3. Therefore being justified by Faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Iesus Christ, by whom also we have access by Faith to this grace wherein we stand, and rejoyce in hope of the glory of God: and not only so, but we glory in tri­bulations also, Phil 4. 7. And the peace of God, which passeth all under­standing, shall keep or guard your bearts and minds through Iesus Christ. Psal. 43. 5. Why art thou cast down Oh my Soul, and why art thou disqui­eted within me, hope in God for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countinance and my God; the like see in Paul and Silas, Act. 16,24,25. who sang praises unto God in Prison and in the Stocks.

Reas. 1. From the unspeakable, unconceivable and excellent worth of this peace, it will out bid all other things in the world; Oh how this helps a man in all straits, what need he fear what man can do, what need he fear what devils can do; as David when in great trouble and dis­quiet Psal. 43. 5. It by art thou cast down on my Soul, and why art thou disquieted within me, hope in God for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my [...] and my God, this made him confident, [Page 18] he chides himself because he was now disquieted, so Psal. 42. 5. 11. as al­so elsewhere, The Lord is my light and my salvation, of whom then shall I be afraid; if an Host should compass me about, in the Name of the Lord I will destroy them, this peace with God takes away not only all fears and dangers of condemnation, as Rom. 8. 1. but also the sting of sin and death, 1 Cor. 15. 55. Oh 'Death where is thy sting, Oh Grave where is thy Victory?

Reas. 2. Because this peace is in the hand of Christ, who payed a great price for it, and he will maintain it, that although we sin yet he is our Advocate, and preserves our peace with God; this peace is the peace of Christ, he hath purchased it with his Blood, he freely giveth it, therefore surely he will maintain it, he will not take it away, as the World gives peace one day, and taketh it away another; this peace is an everlasting peace.

Reas. 3. Because this peace does not only set the Soul free from fear of wrath, but it makes every thing easie, and it takes away the poyson and venome of sin, and also the sting of death and hell is taken away, sin is a poyson in every cup & poysons every thing, but this peace takes all away, and doth assure a Believer, that whatever he meets with­al in this World, shall be to his advantage, it makes prosperity to be safe and sweet to them, and makes all afflictions to work for their good.

Reas. 4. Because all troubles and dangers shall not but this peace, but shall work together to the furtherance of their everlasting peace, for this peace is so far above all evils and fears that can befal such as have it that in comparison there of they are all light and momentany, not worthy to be compared with that glory to be revealed, their great hopes swallow up all their fears, Joh 19.25. For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the Earth.

Quest. 1. But here some may ask a Question; If Christ gives, such peace, how then comes it to pass that many a gracious Soul meet with so much trouble, and that not only trouble in the World, but trouble in spirit, that the Soul hath lost his peace and sense of the favour of God?

Ans. This Legacie was given more especially to the Apostles that were called to so great a work, and were to out face all the Tyrants in the World, and endure so great afflictions and persecutions, so that we may conceive it was alwayes constant and full with them; but ordinary Christians have not so full and constant peace in themselves their peace may be interrupted for a time, through sin, or through temptations, yet [Page 19] their peace doth hold, though they may loose the sense of it for a [...], but they may be sure of this, that peace will return again to them, God hath not forgot to be gracious.

Ans. 2. Their peace with God is everlasting, and never fails; this peace is the peace of God, and in the conclusion will never [...] but the wicked mans peace will fail, and never come again, but the righteous and merciful man shall enter into peace, they shall rest in their beds, as Isai. 57. 27.

Ans. 3. Their dissertions and temptations are alwayes turned to their good, and their peace returned with advantage of greater peace and joy, their end is alwayes peace, though they should and may go out of the World in the want of the sense of it, yet God doth often return to the Soul at death.

Use. 1. Instruction: Hence take notice of the wonderful care and love of the Lord Jesus to his Disciples, to establish their hearts against all the troubles, afflictions and fears that might befal them in this world, and therefore he faith, let not your heart be troubled, this was the farewel speech of Jesus Christ, my peace I leave with you, he delights in the prosperity of his people, as we may see Heb. 5. 17, 18 wherein God willing more abundantly to shew to the Heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an Oath, that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lye, you might have a strong consolation, who are fled for refuge, to lay hold upon the hope set before us, also the Lord said unto the Prophet, Isai. 40. 1. Comfort ye, comfort ye my people saith my God, speak you comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, and that her Iniquity is pardoned; I speak this to this end, because there are some good Souls that thinks assurance of Gods love, and strong consolations and joy in the Holy Ghost is too high a favour for them, being such sinners as they are, to attain to, but let all such consider, that God gives as a God, he gives as becometh such a great God as he is, he gives according to his greatness, and not according to your sinfulness and unworthiness; this peace is the gift of Jesus Christ, and he hath purchased it, therefore if the Soul be never so un worthy, yet Jesus Christ is most willing to bestow this precious everlasting peace upon you, to magnifie the [...] riches of his grace, refuse not the consolations of the Almighty, dishonour not grieve not the Lord Jesus Christ by your unbelief; when Christ freely gives his [Page 20] peace, it is your duty thankfully to embrace it, with all acceptation.

Use 2. Conviction: We may hence be convinced of the great folly of all such poor Souls as do rest in such a poor peace as the World gives, and look not after that true, most excellent and everlasting peace which the Lord Jesus Christ does freely offer and give; Alas how many Souls are there that rest themselves in that peace which the world can give, carnal peace, carnal mirth, it is a poor peace you can have from the world, you may have the worlds peace, and yet have a sad heart and conscience, that will tell you for all this you must come to Judgement, the very best peace the world can give, will leave the Soul in miserable fear and distress, in fear of the wrath of God, which will come upon the Sons of disobedience; in the midst of laughter the heart will be sad, all you that thus content your selves, do not your Consciences often tell you of your great and many sins, and woful state to Eternity? when Paul preached of righteousness, temporance and judgement to come, Felix trembled, Act. 24. 25. that is a poor peace that the world giveth, that is only an outward peace but gives no inward peace and comfort to the Soul, when Belshazzar was in his greatest jollity, when he was drinking in his Cups, his mirth and joy was soon gone, and the Hand­writing upon the wall caused his knees to smite one against another, as Dan. 5. 5,6. in that peace that the world gives, Conscience sometimes will fly in the face, and tells them of those things, sins that they are guil­ty of, and that God is angry with sinners every day, and that there is a Hell prepared for sinners; Oh the fearful expectation of wrath, and fiery indignation that oft seizeth upon the heart of such as are in the greatest peace and prosperity that the world can give; but now where the peace of Christ is, there is no fear of Hell, for there is no condem­nation to such a Soul now: Again this peace that the world doth give, how short and uncertain is it? it is but a short peace that the world giveth Solomon saith, if a sinner live an hundred years, and his dayes be pro­longed, yet I know it shall go well with those that fear God, yea, that is the thing to know how it shall be with the Soul, Haman may go home and boast of his greatness, and of the favour he was in with the King, and that the Queen also suffered none but him to come in with the King to the Banquet; but poor man! he could not foresee that the next day he must be hanged upon the Gallows that he had prepared for Morde­cai; and so it is many times, a man in favour to day, and utterly out of favour to norrow; although the peace of the world be but a slighty peace, [Page 21] yet a man is not sure of it one day, when the world saies peace peace, then suddain destruction comes upon them as a Whirl-wind, were this well considered, would any man rest contented with that peace which the world can give; one would think they should not be contented with­out that true durable peace which Christ gives, and not with that poor peace which the world gives, which is so short and uncertain that lasts not, but those comforts they are gone as a Whirlwind, and their places know them no more, as Solomon saith, and will any rest in such a peace.

Use 3. Tryal: This may put every one of us upon the tryal, how nearly doth it concern every Soul to consider and examine whether his peace be the peace of Christ, or of the world, truely, if the peace you have be the peace the world gives, it is not worth a rush; we are a se­cure people, and live in peace, but consider what true peace you have for your Soul to depend upon, and to this end consider:

1. It is a certain truth, That there is no peace to the wicked saith my God, Isai 57. 21. what peace can a Soul have that lives in a course of sin and enmity against God? as Iehu saith to King Ioram, what peace so long as the Whoredoms of thy mother Iezabel and her Witchcrafts are so many? so long as the Soul goes on in the wayes of any sin, loves it, and favours himself in it, it is impossible to have any peace with God, that infinitely hates all sin & iniquity; the wicked must forsake his wayes and thoughts, repent and turn to the Lord, before he can be at peace with God; but now, that Soul that can truely say, that he hath turned from every known sin, & he mourns for sin, it's his grief and burthen, it is a good sign that that Soul is at peace with God, but when we live in any way of sin, in a way of lying, or any other known sin, it is impossible that he should be at peace with God.

2. This peace is the gift of Christ, he only can make peace between God and sinners, 1 Joh. 5. 12. He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life; therefore make out your in­terest in Jesus Christ by Faith, without which you can have no true peace, but if you take up comfort and expect peace from any duties of your own, or any thing of your own, yea, if you take up comfort from the mercy of God, or from the promise, without Christ in the promise, if you take not hold of Christ in the promise, your comfort will not hold, because you lay hold of peace without true right to it, is Christ most precious and sin most hateful.

[Page 22] 3. Where Christ gives peace he gives grace; grace, mercy and peace goes together, Christ Jesus never justifieth but he also sanctifieth that Soul, as Rom. 8. 1. There is now no condemnation to those that are in Jesus Christ, but who are they? those that walk not after the flesh but after the spirit, as also ver. 13. For if ye live after the flesh you shall dye, but if through the Spirit ye mortifie the deeds of the body, ye shall live: Oh where is your mortifying and purging out of sin by the Spirit? where is your delight in the wayes of Holiness and Sanctification? 1 Cor. [...]. 30. Jesus Christ is made (not only) wisdome and righteousness, but Sanctifica­tion and Redemption; consider what power of Grace you have received, to mortifie the deeds of the flesh by the spirit, 2 Cor. 7. 1. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting Holiness in the fear of God; If you can make it out that it is thus, then you have this peace, otherwise you have none of it.

4. I might add also, that this peace that Christ gives, disposeth the heart to a peacable disposition, he will love to be at peace with others, as Isai. 11. 6,7. the Kingdome of Christ is thus discribed, the Wolf also shall dwell with the Lamb, and the Leopard shall lye down with the Kid, and the Calf, and the young Lion, and the fatling together, and a little Childe shall lead them, the wisdome that is from above is first pure, then peacable, and easie to be intreated; consider what love there is in you to peace, do you not delight, do you not love to be at distance from any of the Saints of God? but love-peace, seek peace and ensue it.

Use 4. Exhortation: 1. To every Soul that yet hath not this peace which Christ gives, breathe after it, labour for it; Oh consider and look about you, and think whether it be not needful to get this peace which Christ gives; consider these following particulars.

1. The poor uncertain peace that you now have in the World, that the World can give, you have heard what it is, now will you content your selves with the Worlds peace? can you go from day to day with this peace? will you rise and go about your business with this peace? will you with the Drunkard sleep upon the top of a Mast? Oh awake, awake, and consider what a peace all your worldly peace is.

2. Consider what a dreadful Enemy you have, whiles you have only that peace that the World can give, you have God for your Enemy, [Page 23] the great and dreadful God, that will certainly be avenged of his Ene­mies, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God, Nahum 1. 2. God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth, the Lord re­vengeth and is furious, the Lord will take vengeance on his Adversa­ries, and he reserveth wrath for his Enemies; Ye would tremble to fall into the hand of a cruel Enemy, much more into the hand of God, whom you have justly provoked to be your Enemy, what cannot he do, he hath prepared instruments of death; yea, Isai. 30. 33. Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the King it is prepared, he hath made it deep and large, the pile thereof is fire and much wood, and the breath of the Lord like a stream of Brimstone doth kindle it:

Oh Consider what God is, and what a state and condition every sinner is in that is an Enemy to God, and it is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God; if you were ready to fall into the hands of a cruel Nation, Oh what fear would there be! what care and endeavour to escape it, God is not cruel, but he is a just revenging God.

3. Consider, how willing God is to be at peace, see how the Lord expresses himself, Isai. 27. 5. Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me, and he shall make peace with me:

Many a poor Soul questions whether God be willing, they think it is in vain for them to go about to make peace with God; why do you say so? you hear the Lord here by the Prophet say, if he will make peace he shall make peace; the question therefore is not whether God be willing to be at peace with you, but whether you be willing to be at peace with him; the Lord hath given his Son to make peace, and sends the word of reconciliation, 2 Cor. 5. 20 [...] Now then we are Embassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech-you by us, we pray you in Christ stead be reconciled to God.

Oh what evedent Demonstrations are there, that God is wil­ling to be at peace with poor sinners; would God ever have gi­ven his Son, and the Son have given himself, if he had not been willing to be at peace, surely no; and also as was before alledged, he hath sent Embassadors to beseech and intreat you to be reconciled, our peace and all good is ready in Christ, but here is the misery, men will not be at peace, Christ complains, you will not come to me that you [Page 24] might have life, who is it that is now at peace with God, that was not once in the same estate with your Selves, therefore you may be at peace only delay not, but as Christ advises agree with thine adversary quickly, while thou art in the way with him; if you delay you will dye in your sins, therefore if ever you intend to make your peace with God at all, do it now, really, speedily, and without delay.

4. Lastly, Lay down your enmity, if Rebels will be at peace with their King, they must lay down their weapons, Isai. 55. 7,8,9. Let the Wicked forsok his way, and the Unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon, for my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your wayes my wares; for as the Heavens are higher then the Earth, so are my wayes higher then your wayes, and my thoughts then your thoughts; there is joy in Heaven at the conversion of a sinner, if you would but come in and accept of peace, there is a way of peace yet for that sinner that hath lived in the peace of the World all this while, if you will turn from all your sins unto God, & submit to the Government of the Lord Jesus.

2. Exhortation: To such as have received this great and wonderful gift of Christ, this our blessed peace; Oh prize it highly, be exceeding thankful for it, and labour by all means to cherish, preserve, and increase the assurance thereof, think what a singular mercy it is to be at peace with God by Jesus Christ, how unspeakable and full of glory it is, this peace is a continual peace, as Rom. 5. 2. By whom also we have access by Faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoyce in the hope of the glory of God; this I say, that those that have this peace, should labour so to walk, as that they may persevere in it, and to this end consider what the Psalmist speaks, Psal. 85. 8. I will bear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his Saints, but let not them turn again to folly; have a care you break not your peace, remember Davids broken bones, beware of sin, and see that you walk humbly before God; you have sin and corruption, and you may meet with temptations, Satan is your Enemy, and he cannot abide you should have this peace, therefore be watchful, and be humble, Isai. 57. 15. For thus saith the High and Lofty one, that inhabit the Eter­nity, whose Name is Holy, I dwell in the High and Holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, [Page 25] and to revive the heart of the contrite ones; these are the Souls that shall have peace, but take heed of an evil and unbelieving heart, in departing from the living God, take heed you doat not upon the peace of the World, and grow secure by it.

3. Exhortation: Make use of this peace, as it is intended by Christ, Let not your heart be troubled, Psal. 125. 1,2. they that trust in the Lord, shall be as Mount-Sion that cannot be removed, but abideth for ever, as the Mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his peo­ple, from henceforth even for ever, Psal. 27. 1,2,3. The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear, the Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid, when the wicked even my enemies and my foes came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell, though an Host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear, though War should rise against me, in this will I be confident, Psal. 46. 1,2. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, therefore will not we fear, though the Earth he removed, and though the Mountains be carried into the midst of the Sea, why should such a Soul fear, for any evil tidings; ye have that peace that the Gates of Hell shall never prevail against: Oh shew your peace by your boldness in God, by your glorying in tribulation; do you meet with outward losses, what need that trouble you when you have such a God as you have? do you meet with painful afflictions? you may well bare them patiently, so long as the Soul enjoys Christs peace, do you meet with ill Neighbours, or disquiet in your Families? all these are but light afflictions, not worthy to be compared to the Glory that shall be revealed; nay, doth Death look you in the face? you may tryumph over it, for the sting of Death is taken away, thanks be to God that hath given us the victory, through Jesus Christ our Lord, and there­fore let the peace of God guard your hearts against what ever you may meet withal: If you consider the reasons of the point.

1. The glorious excellency of this peace.

2. That it is the gift and purchase of Christ, and kept in his hand.

3. Because this peace do not only set the Soul free from fear of wrath, but takes away the poyson and venom of sin, and also the sting of Death and Hell is taken away.

4. Because all troubles and dangers shall not hurt this peace, but all shall work together to the furtherance of their everlasting peace; this peace will guard your hearts against all evil whatsoever, you have cause [Page 26] to be quiet, therefore let nothing dismay or disquiet the hearts of those that Christ hath given this peace unto, whatever you hear of in the World; we hear of many troubles and disquiets abroad in the World, and the cause of God suffers much, we should lay it to heart, but not to be troubled, disquieted or dismayed in the soarest troubles; in a word, Faint not, for we look not at things present which are temporary, but at things to come which are Eternal.