Philippians

Philippians 1:21 And to die is gain. 3. At death the souls of believers pass into glory: Death brings Malorum omnium ademptionem: Omnium ademptionem; death's the day-break of eternal brightness.

Philippians 1:21. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Saint Paul was a great admirer of Christ, he desired to know nothing but Christ and him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). No julep to the blood of Christ; and in the text, To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Hope is a Christian's anchor, which he casts within the veil (Romans 12:12).

Does he present our names in heaven, and shall not we profess his name on earth? Branch 2. If Christ lays out all his interest for us at the throne of grace, we must lay out all our interest for him (Philippians 1:20): That Christ may be magnified. Trade your talents for Christ'…

2. A Christian grows Gradu, in the degree of grace; he goes from strength to strength (Psalm 84:7), namely, from one degree of grace to another. A saint goes [in non-Latin alphabet], from faith to faith (Romans 1:17), and his love abounds [in non-Latin alphabet], more and more (…

And (1 Corinthians 6:20): Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit. The glory we give God is nothing else but our lifting up his name in the world, and magnifying him in the eyes of others (Philippians 1:20): Christ shall be magnified in my body. Quest. What is it to glorify…

The same I may say of a sincere aim; if I obey however much, and have not a sincere aim, it profits me nothing. True obedience looks at God in all (Philippians 1:20). That Christ may be magnified.

6. You are in covenant with God, and you are going to your God, behold a deathbed cordial; death breaks the union between the body and the soul, but perfects the union between Christ and the soul. This has made the saints desire death, as the bride the wedding day (Philippians 1…

The Apostles were scattered by reason of persecution, and their scattering was like the scattering of seed, they went up and down and preached the gospel, and brought in daily converts. Paul was put in prison, and his bonds were a means to enlarge the gospel (Philippians 1:12).…

Maximinus the Emperor (as Eusebius relates) gave charge to his officers to put none to death, but the governors and pastors of the church. The ministers are Christ's Antesignani, his ensign-bearers to carry his colors; therefore they are most shot at: they hold forth his truth (…

Will this exalt God? This was Saint Paul's [illegible], his chief design, that Christ might be magnified (Philippians 1:20), namely, that the crown upon his head might flourish. A godly man thinks it is scarce worth the while to live, if he may not bring some revenues of honor t…

What is a knowing head without a fruitful heart? Philippians 1:11. Filled with the fruits of righteousness. It is obedience that crowns hearing.

Because their conscience accuses them that they have taken little or no pains for heaven; they have been sleeping when they should have been working; and now they are afraid lest death should carry them prisoners to hell. Whereas he who has spent his time in serving of God, he c…

Again, our unwillingness to go hence declares, we love the world too much, and Christ too little. Love (as Aristotle says) desires union; did we love Christ as we should, we would desire to be united to him in glory; when we might take our fill of love, be humbled that we are so…

It is thus defined: faith is a supernatural gift of God in the mind, apprehending the saving promise with all the promises that depend on it. First, I say, it is a gift of God (Philippians 1:29), to confute the blind opinion of our people, that think that the faith whereby they…

What if they are not so quick and ravishing as at first — may not that be recompensed in the spirituality and solidity of them now? Philippians 1:9: 'I pray God your love may abound more and more in all judgment' — it may be more solid, though not so fervent. Or do you not mista…

(1.) Grace is the work. And so, Philippians 1:6, termed, the good work. A frame of spirit, created to good works: Ephesians 2:10, we are his workmanship, created to good works.

For in this we groan earnestly, desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven. In this verse he utters the working of the affections of Christians towards their being clothed upon with this house; and so in order to this enjoyment of it, their desiring even to…

Or what just reason can there be to be dissatisfied with, or to complain of God's giving to, and ordering that for us, whereof we stand in need, and which we cannot want without being considerably prejudiced and worsted by the want? Sixthly, if it be considered, that in all your…

2. Indeed, to say we see justification more clearly, when we see no sanctification, is to make the water and the Spirit (1 John 5:8) dumb or false witnesses, that either speak nothing, or tell lies. 3. It is against the office of the Spirit, which is to make us know [illegible],…

Objection 12: The thing prayed for, is that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, that so the Gospel might run and be glorified (2 Thessalonians 2:1; John 17:22-23). But things to be prayed for to the believers are higher, as increase of love, sincerity, filling with the fruit…

Look therefore what lovely, sweete, and delightfull thoughts you use to have of a deere friend, who is of an amiable nature, or of some eminently holy or meeke Saint, of whom you thinke with your selves, I could put my soul into such a mans hands, & can comprimise my salvation t…

It is not only the power of God to work faith in such as believe, but to lead them on from faith to faith, from one measure of faith to another, and the Gospel is revealed from heaven for that end, that such as believe not might be brought on to believe. And such as do believe,…

Nor would he live by the graces of the Spirit in him, but the life that he would live is by the faith of the Son of God (Galatians 2:20), that Christ and his life in him might work all his works in him and for him. And in that at any time he desires death, it is not that he migh…

I will endeavor that you may be able after my decease, the death of the godly is a going out but from sin, and sorrow, to glory, and immortality, as Israel's going out of Egypt (from where the second book of Moses is called Exodus) was no destruction and cessation of their being…

The godly themselves have but a mixed estate, because of remaining infirmities, they live here in a vale of tears and snares, and sin does not gasp its last till death removes us from this sinful flesh, and puts us into the sight of God himself: therefore the saints are groaning…

Faith is of grace. Phil 1:29. justification is freely by Grace. Rom 3:24.

And that we may be able to suffer for the name of God, we must pray for this gift at God's hand. For power to suffer is the gift of God (Philippians 1:29): and we must observe the commandment of God, not to fear the terrors of men (Revelation 2:10; 1 Peter 3:14). And for this ca…

When Paul says, that the false Apostles were ielous ouer the Galatians amisse, he sets out the fashion of men in the world, which is to doe things which are good in their kind, but to doe them for wrong ends. It is an excellent office to preach the word, but some doe it of enuie…

Secondly, they teach us to have a sympathy and fellow feeling of the miseries of our brethren, to remember those that are in bonds, as though we were bound with them, and those that are in affliction, as though we also were afflicted in the body (Hebrews 13:3). Thirdly, our pati…

All the faithful have done thus; and this way have they confirmed themselves in the faith: for see how David speaks, (Psalm 138:8) You, Lord, will not forsake the work of your own hands. And Saint Paul says; He which has begun a good work in you, will perfect the same: (Philippi…

Christ did not wish that he should be forbidden; not that he had given him authority, or approved of what he did, or even wished his disciples to approve of it, but because, when by any occurrence God is glorified, we ought to bear with it and rejoice. Thus Paul, (Philippians 1:…

whose badges he wore; and Paul boasts that he was placed for the defense of the gospel, (Philippians 1:17.) This is eminently worthy of attention, that those on whom God bestows so great an honor as to make them defenders of his truth, may not through base treachery fall from th…

For in that he reasons from the power of God, he does it not simply, as though he said, God can do it, if he would: but he joins the will of God with his power, as the manner of the Scripture is. And yet he defines not here any perpetuity: as though they must needs stand to the…

How cross soever the Winds and Tides of Providence at any time seem to us, yet nothing is more certain, than that they all conspire to hasten sanctified souls to God, and sit them for glory. St. Paul knew, that both his bonds and the afflictions added to them should turn to, or…

A thousand friendly hands are at work for them, to promote and bring about their happiness. O, this is enough to sweeten the bitterest Providence to us, that we know it shall turn to our salvation, Philippians 1:19 (6.) The respect and relation Providence bears to our prayers, i…

First, in the Apostles' Epistles the name of bishop did never signify anything different from the office of a presbyter. For a bishop, presbyter, and an apostle, were common names, as you may see (Acts 20), (Philippians 1:1), (Titus 1), (1 Peter 5:12), (Acts 1:20). Next.

To wish [reconstructed: death] that we may enjoy Christ, it is a holy wish, but yet we must not wish that neither, absolutely. The Apostle Paul (Philippians 1:23) desired to be dissolved and to be with Christ, yet you see how he qualifies and debates it. To wish for death, that…

Wee must therefore labour to be engraffed into Christ, for without him, we can doe no good thing; but beeing pa[]takers of his grace, we shall abound with the fruits of rightcousnesse, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the praise and glorie of God. Phil. 1. 11. Thirdly, I adde; th…

And this wisdom []ef[]ll[] not at all to the deuill and his angels, though they know much, nor to all that are Christians in name; but onely to the members of his mysticall bodie by faith. This heauenly wisdom has two actions: First, to discerne []right of things that differ, an…

And so this ornament of a good conduct is an amiable, gaining and alluring thing; by it, says Peter, the husband's affection may be won (and that both to Christ and to his wife in the Lord) more than by any outward adorning, and this puts them to glorify God, when it shines befo…

2. That there is in the soul a high esteem of him, which begets this love. 3. That there is such an ardent affection to him as makes them long for union with him, as love naturally desires union with that which it loves — it desires to be with Christ here, and hereafter, as that…

3. A readiness and promptness of obedience, to what they are called to: All which are beautiful in themselves, and adorning to the believer. We take it, in a word, to hold out a conversation such as becomes the Gospel (Philippians 1:27), which is, to have the feet shod with the…

We find Saint Paul himself more than once attesting the truth of those grave and weighty matters which he delivers in his epistles, by calling God to witness, which is the very form and nature of an oath (2 Corinthians 1:23): I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare y…

1. The believing soul is to lay up, with diligence, directing, conducting, resolving, and satisfying graces, that is, abundance of knowledge, wisdom, prudence, and judgment, that he may have light and sight, about the things of God: days are coming, when Christians may need the…

However, a saint's modicum or little, amounts to more than wicked men's multum or large revenues, as the word of truth testifies (Psalm 37:16). 7. This treasure is safe, it is well locked up, and cannot be lost: being confident of this very thing, that he which has begun a good…

Death shall do him no hurt; it shall not be a destruction, but a deliverance; it shall purge out [reconstructed: sin], and perfect glory. What made Saint Paul say, [reconstructed: I desire to depart,] I desire to be dissolved (Philippians 1:23)? Surely the reason was, he had bee…

When harvest is nigh, the grain is more solid and pithy than ever it was before; green corn is soft and spongy, but ripe corn is substantial and weighty. So it is with Christians; the affections of a young Christian perhaps are more fervent and sprightly, but those of a grown Ch…

O Lord you knowest, remember me and visit me; know that for your sake I have suffered rebuke. Lastly, it is an evidence of salvation, Phil. 1:28 not that all that suffer shall be saved: but a gracious heart that suffers in a gracious Christian manner, has God sealing to him by h…

There is also a communion or fellowship in actions, whether good or evil. In good is that communion and fellowship in the Gospel, or in the performance and celebration of that worship of God, which in the Gospel is instituted, which the saints do enjoy (Philippians 1:5), which a…

(Philippians 2:9) Therefore God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name above every name, &c. Before we have spoken of Christ's Humiliation, now of his Exaltation: Before you saw the Sun of Righteousness in the eclipse, now you shall see it coming out of the eclipse, a…

Christ did humble himself more in lying in the Virgin's womb, than in hanging upon the cross. It was not so much for man to die, but for God to become man, that was the wonder of humility (Philippians 2:7). He was made in the likeness of men.

Quest. In what way does the greatness of Christ's sufferings appear? Resp. In the sufferings of his body, he suffered truly, not only a [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩], an appearance; the Apostle calls it Mors Crucis, The Death of the Cross, (Philippians 2:8). Tully when he speaks o…

There are indentures drawn in baptism, and in the Lord's Supper: the indentures are renewed and sealed on our part, that we will be faithful and constant in our obedience. Therefore we must imitate Christ, who became obedient to the death (Philippians 2:8). The crown is set upon…

Response. Beg the Spirit of God. We cannot do it in our own strength; the Spirit must work in us both the [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] and [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], to will and to do (Philippians 2:13). When the lodestone draws, the iron moves; when God's Spirit draws, then we…

1. God's covenant people are a humble people (1 Peter 5:5): be clothed with humility. God's people esteem others better than themselves; they shrink into nothing in their own thoughts (Philippians 2:3). David cries out, I am a worm, and no man (Psalm 22:6) — though a saint, thou…

4. To have grace increasing is suitable to Christianity: Christians are called trees of righteousness (Isaiah 61:3). The saints are not only jewels for sparkling luster, but trees for growth, they are called the lights of the world (Philippians 2:15). Light is still increasing.

Aaron had Holiness to the Lord written upon his golden plate. Where there is sanctity in the soul, there Holiness to the Lord is engraved upon our life; we are adorned with patience, humility, good works, and shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:15). We carry Christ's pic…

The will hangs forth a flag of defiance against God. Such as speak of the sovereign power of the will, forget Philippians 2:13: It is God that works in you [in non-Latin alphabet], both to will and to do. If the power be in the will of man, then what needs God to work in us to w…

Works are required in the Covenant of Grace, not so much in our own strength, as in the strength of another. It is God which works in you (Philippians 2:13). As the scrivener guides the child's hand, and helps him to form his letters, so that it is not so much the child's writin…

If to oppose Christ's members be such a sin, what is it to oppose Christ himself? 1. Jesus Christ is coequal with God the Father (Philippians 2:6). He thought it no robbery to be equal with God.

And he bids godly wives so walk, that their husbands may be won without the word, by beholding their pure conversation which is with fear. 1 Peter 3:1-2. And Paul bids the Philippians, to walk blameless in the middle of a wicked and crooked nation, as lights in the middle of the…

Hence it follows necessarily, that Jesus Christ is true God: and the whole tenor of the Scriptures confirms it sufficiently. 1. He is made equal to God the Father, who being in the form of God thought it no robbery to be equal with God (Philippians 2:6): again, All things that t…

He is Lord of all (Galatians 4:1; Hebrews 1:2), and the saints are co-heirs, they go sharers with Christ. 9. God calls them the luminaries of the world: they give light by their precepts and example (Philippians 2:15). Among whom you shine as lights in the world: Lot was a brigh…

Now to be born again, is a work of no less importance than our first creation; and therefore wholly to be ascribed to God as our creation is. Indeed Paul (Philippians 2:12-13) bids the Philippians work out their salvation with fear and trembling: not meaning to ascribe to them a…

But how few such public spirits appear even among professors in this selfish generation? May we not with the Apostle complain (Philippians 2:21), All seek their own, and not the things that are of Christ. Few men have any great cares or designs lying beyond the bounds of their o…

In the saints' prayers (as Psalm 51) it's called even as to further degrees of this work, or restoring of lost degrees, creating of a clean heart, and renewing a right spirit within; and many more the like expressions there are, which show not only man's impotency and inability…

The soul may answer, it was not external preaching, nor my own free will, nor anything in me, but the power of God's grace, I have nothing but what I have received. It is on this ground that the Apostle (Philippians 2:12-13) presses and encourages Christians to their great work,…

It is said in verse 44, "No man can come to me except the Father draw him," and on the contrary, it is as expressly set down in verse 45: "It is written in the Prophets, they shall be all taught of God; every man therefore that has heard and learned of the Father comes to me," a…

I shall speak to this, first in general, and secondly, in some few steps or particular directions. 1. Then in general, you would consider that place, (Philippians 2:12-13): Work out the work of your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God that works in you both to w…

A common truth, yet a truth fundamental to the Gospel, of which we are not to think the less or the worse because it is a common truth. When the fullness of time came (says the apostle, Galatians 4:4), God sent forth his Son made of a woman, made under the Law; who, as it is in…

And these four considerations (under which we may see him paying our debt) may clear it. 1. That he laid aside the glory which before the world was he had with the Father, for a time; which therefore that it may be restored to him again, he prays (John 17:5), it having been as t…

3. The word, He was [reconstructed: taken], sometimes signifies to deliver, as a captive is delivered when he is taken from him that took him captive, as it is, Isaiah 49:24, 'Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered?' To which the Lord here answe…

1. That (Ephesians 1:20-21) he has set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principalities and powers, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world but also in that which is to come, and has put all things under his fee…

Who can declare his generation? Who can sufficiently declare and unfold how gloriously the Mediator is exalted: and he gives this for the reason of it, For he was cut off out of the land of the living; the force of which reason is, that he humbled himself, therefore God has high…

For he is there speaking of Jesus Christ, with whom the Covenant of Grace, as with the head of the Confederated Party, is principally made: it imports these four, which may be as so many reasons of this designation. 1. An humiliation, and inferiority, in respect of God, as it is…

3. It takes in the excellent victory, the great triumph and glory, that the Mediator should have by this means; He is exalted above every name that is named, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, of things in earth, and of things under the earth:…

2. Credit and trust Him, do not look for ill at His hand, what ground is there to suspect Him? It is His glory to do good to sinners, and He counts them His triumph and spoil; and to make conquest of them, He poured out His soul to death, or as the word is, Philippians 2, He emp…

And fourth, this also has influence on their being so much weighted, even the concern of honest ministers' own joy and comfort; It is true, as we hinted before, that neither a faithful minister's peace, nor his reward of grace does depend on it simply, I have spent my strength i…

In the original, the words are without any Article, [illegible]. It is as much as he has left no cross, no shame at all to be suffered by us; and (Philippians 2:8), he was obedient to the Father: he says not to the death, but to death, even death of the Cross, [illegible]. It ho…

Second: All skilled in the original languages, and all divines say that the particle "all" is taken pro singulis generum, vel pro generibus singulorum — all and every one of kinds, and for the kinds of all, though not absolutely excluding any kind. First, the word "all" is, in m…

If not, how shall they lay hold on Christ, and without Christ no life. A man in the state of nature neither does good, nor can he do any good, nor is he willing to do good; and therefore well does the apostle say, it is God that works in you both the will and the deed (Philippia…

As kings, to rule over all our lusts, and to rule all those whom God commends to our government according to God: as kings, to get victory and to conquer over the world, and to over-wrestle any difficulty as we meet with: as kings, anointed with the spirit of a king, of a royal…

Ministers should follow the Example of Christ, in his Readiness not only to Labor, but suffer for the Salvation of Souls, to spend and be spent for them. In this Respect the Apostle Paul imitated his Lord and Master; Philippians 2:17. Yea, and if I be offered upon the Sacrifice…

1. Oh then be affected with this great mystery, the death which the Son of God accomplished at Jerusalem; look upon it under a double notion, with respect to his Father's command, it was an act of obedience, carried on with such humility, patience, self-denial, resignation of hi…

It is to feed a humor, and damn the soul with that which should save it. Let no Christians, (as the Pharisees here,) make Prayer truckle to their credit (Philippians 2:3). Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory.

And thirdly when they have once gotten a name (though it be by other men's travail) they become so stout and full of stomach that they dare venture upon all things. Therefore they are pernicious and pestilent fellows, whom I hate even with my very heart: for they seek their own,…

And Luke says in the last of the Acts, that Paul when he had long striven in the tempests of the sea, even to heaviness of his spirit, was again refreshed, and grew bold when he saw the brethren that came from Rome to meet him at the market of Appius and three Taverns. Also, in…

Euery good inclination is of grace. Phil 2:13. Euery good worke is of grace.

S. Paul says, Christ was obedient to the death of the crosse, Phil 2:8. The triumph of Christ beganne upon the crosse, Col 2:15. and he could not triumph before he had made a full, and perfect satisfaction for vs. When Christ had procured deliverance from hell, and Right to life…

The first does not befall Christ: because for nature he is one and the same with the father. The second agrees to him, because of his own voluntarie accord, he abased himselfe, and tooke upon him the shape of a man, Phil 2:5. Obiect.

The last, is Excitation, whereby the spirit stirs and still moves the will and mind; after they are regenerate: because for the time of this life, the grace of God is hindered and oppressed by the flesh. Therefore after regeneration, there must still be new inclining (Psalm 119:…

Like Plutarch's Lamiae, or fairies, which carried their eyes in their heads when they went abroad, but when they came home put them up in a box. In doing good and being beneficial, we must not so much consider ourselves (Philippians 2:4); but in judging and reproving, we ought t…

Furthermore, although this name be attributed to the person of Christ, yet it ought to be referred to his human nature: for his Godhead being eternal, and that in respect thereof he has ever obtained equal glory with his Father, it was necessary he should take our nature upon hi…

Now the Scripture is often accustomed to use this argument, to wit, You are called to holiness, and not to uncleanness: (1 Thessalonians 4:7). Also (Philippians 2:15), Walk as children of the light, in the midst of a perverse and wayward nation. With many the like places.

As by the disobedience of one then, all were made guilty, (as Paul says) (Romans 5:19) so by the obedience of one, many were made righteous. And in another place; He was obedient to the death, even to the death of the Cross: (Philippians 2:8). This is the cause why he held his p…

There is another objection of as little weight. They assert that the name of Jesus is not worthy of veneration and awe, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, (Philippians 2:9, 10,) if it does not belong exclusively to the Son of God. For Paul does not attribute to him…

We see, at the same time, what sort of beginning the life of the Son of God had, and in what cradle he was placed. Such was his condition at his birth, because he had taken upon him our flesh for this purpose, that he might, "empty himself" (Philippians 2:7) on our account. When…

The reply is easy. If it takes nothing from his glory, that he was altogether, “emptied,” (ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσε, Philippians 2:6,) neither does it degrade him, that he chose not only to grow in body, but to make progress in mind. And certainly when the Apostle declares, that, “in all…

Here the reason and wisdom of the flesh must prove to be foolishness; and we must acknowledge, that "the foolishness of God" (1 Corinthians 1:25) excels all the wisdom that exists, or appears to exist, in the world. But this too was a part of the "emptying of himself," (Philippi…

If you lean too hard upon a glass, it will break; many break their children, by leaning too hard upon them. 4. Others make a god of their belly (Philippians 3:19): Whose God is their belly. Clemens Alexandrinus writes of a fish that has its heart in its belly; an emblem of Epicu…

If we could weep rivers of tears, out-fast Moses on the mount, if we were exact moralists, touching the law blameless, if we could arrive at the highest degree of sanctification in this life, all this would not save us without looking to the merits of him who is God: our perfect…

What shall we think of them who say they are the redeemed of the Lord, yet are lovers of the world? Like the tribes who desired to have their portion on this side Canaan (Philippians 3:19). Who mind earthly things.

As fire is to the chemist, so is faith to a Christian; the chemist can do nothing without fire, so there is nothing done without faith. Faith makes Christ's sacrifice ours (Philippians 3:8): Christ Jesus my Lord. It is not gold in the mine that enriches, but gold in the hand: fa…

It is such a powerful call, that the will of man has no power to resist. 2. It is a high calling (Philippians 3:14). I press toward the mark for the price of the high calling of God.

How do earth and spirit agree? (Philippians 3:19) Earthly ones may give for their crest the mole or tortoise, that live in the earth. What resemblance is there between an earthly heart and him who is a Spirit?

Saint Paul was assured of Christ's love to him (Galatians 2:20): who has loved me; and how was his heart fired with love? He valued and admired nothing but Christ (Philippians 3:8); as Christ was fastened to the cross, so he was fastened to Paul's heart. (2.) Praise him.

I answer, true justifying faith consists in three things, 1. Self-renunciation: faith is a going out of one's self, a man is taken off from his own bottom, he sees he has no righteousness of his own to save him (Philippians 3:9): not having my own righteousness. Self-righteousne…

4. Other slaves are forced against their will: Israel groaned under slavery (Exodus 2:23). But sinners are content to be under the command of sin, they are willing to be slaves, they love their chains, they will not take their freedom: They glory in their shame (Philippians 3:19…

Sugar laid in a damp [reconstructed: place] turns to water: so all the sugared joys and pleasures of sinners, will turn to the water of tears at last. 3. If we love our belly more than God, we make a God of it (Philippians 3:19): Whose God is their belly. Clemens Alexandrinus wr…

6. He that loves God, prefers him before estate and life. 1. Before estate (Philippians 3:8): "For whom I have suffered the loss of all things." Who that loves a rich jewel, would not part with a flower for it?

When we fail, we weep: we prefer bills of complaint against ourselves, and judge ourselves for our failings (Romans 7:24). Fourth, we do elicere conatum, we endeavor to obey every Commandment (Philippians 3:14): I press toward the mark. We strive as in an agony, and if it lay in…

Quest. How is that? Resp. 1. If you would stand acquitted at the Day of Judgment, then first, labor to get into Christ (Philippians 3:9). That I may be found in him.

2. Clarity and splendor: the bodies of the saints shall have a graceful majesty in them; they shall be like Stephen, whose face shined as if it had been the face of an angel (Acts 6:15). Indeed they shall be made like Christ's glorious body (Philippians 3:21). 2. The bodies of t…

1. Drunkenness casts off the true God (Hosea 4:11): Wine takes away the heart: it takes the heart off from God. 2. It makes the belly a god (Philippians 3:19): to this the drunkard pours drink-offerings; there's a breach of the Second Commandment. 3. The drunkard in his cups tak…

Resp. Corrupt nature may as the spider, suck poison from this flower, but a sober Christian who has felt the efficacy of grace upon his heart, dares not abuse this doctrine: He knows perseverance is attained in the use of means, therefore he walks holily, that so in the use of m…

The saints of old, though they did live in the world, they did trade in heaven. Philippians 3:20. [in non-Latin alphabet], Our conversation is in heaven. The Greek word signifies our commerce, or traffic, or citizenship is in heaven.

If they have some thoughts of this kingdom, yet it is in a dull careless manner, they serve God as if they served him not; they do not vires exerere, put forth their strength for the heavenly kingdom. How industrious were the Saints of old for this kingdom (Philippians 3:13): Re…

Do we send forth the ship of prayer there, which fetches in returns of mercy? Is our communion with the Father and his Son Jesus (1 John 1:3; Philippians 3:20)? 5. Are our lives heavenly?

1. Self-denial. A man must deny his righteousness (Philippians 3:9), his duties and moralities: he would graft the hope of salvation upon the stock of his own righteousness. 2. He must deny his unrighteousness.

So I come to answer this great question, in what manner are we to do God's will that we may find acceptance. Answer. 1. We do God's will acceptably when we do duties spiritually (Philippians 3:3). We worship God, [in non-Latin alphabet], in the Spirit.

Grace alters a man's walk: before he walked proudly, now humbly; before loosely, now holily. He makes the Word his rule, and Christ's life his pattern (Philippians 3:20). Our conversation is in heaven.

For all the strength that the law and God's justice has, sin also has to back it — 'for the strength of sin is the law' (1 Corinthians 15:56). Second, as to know the power of Christ's resurrection, so also the fellowship of his sufferings — that thereby the soul may be made more…

But you will say: we do not trust in this our own righteousness, for we profess Christ and believe in him, and this, added to what we have, is enough. I answer: though you profess Christ, yet first, unless you have had a light that has shown you that all the righteousness you ha…

And our Savior Christ in one of his parables, Matthew 13:44, compares the kingdom of heaven, to a treasure hid in the field; which, when a man finds, he hides it, and goes home and sells all he has, to buy the field. Whereby he would teach us, that every one's duty, who would en…

So should we, when we are in our best estates, in our greatest jollity, in the midst of our wealth, and abundance of pleasures, cast our minds from them, and have our thoughts even then conversing in heaven, where is the place of our abode. This is likewise the Apostles exhortat…

Secondly, hence inferiors also must learn to follow the godly, holy, and religious examples of their governors and superiors (whether they be civil or Ecclesiastical); as we may see in this place, Joseph does imitate the godly example of his father Jacob. Hereof Saint Paul gives…

And for this cause, the righteousness, that makes us righteous before God, is rather called the righteousness of faith, than of any other Christian virtue, or grace of the spirit. And for the same cause is it, that so often in Saint Paul's Epistles, it is called by the same name…

Of our glorification. Philippians 3:21: The Lord Jesus shall change our vile bodies, and make them like to his own glorious body. Of a new world, 2 Peter 3:13.

3. The bearing of affliction in this life (Romans 8:29): Those which he knew before, he did predestinate to be made like to the image of his own son. Philippians 3:10: That I might know him and the virtue of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his afflictions, and be made co…

Now as God did show his power in raising Christ from death: so every one must labor to have this knowledge and experience in himself of the mighty power of God, in raising him from the grave of sin to newness of life. For thus Paul makes a special request, that he might know Chr…

And in these also we join with the church of Rome, and say (as experience teaches) that men have a natural freedom of will, to put them or not to put them in execution. Paul says (Romans 2:14), The Gentiles that have not the law do the things of the law by nature, that is, by na…

And sundry kings of Judah are said to walk uprightly before God with a perfect heart, as David, Josiah, Hezekiah, and others. Paul accounts himself with the rest of the faithful to be perfect, saying: Let us all that are perfect be thus minded (Philippians 3:15). Now this perfec…

Our salvation stands not so much in our apprehending of Christ, as in Christ's comprehending of us. Therefore Paul says in Philippians 3:12: He follows after perfection, if that he might comprehend that for whose sake he is comprehended of Christ. Now if any shall say that witho…

For Paul says we are not saved by such works as God has ordained that regenerate men should walk in (Ephesians 2:10). And he says further that he counted all things — even after his conversion — loss to him that he might be found in Christ, not having his own righteousness which…

Reason 1. The faith whereby we live, is that faith whereby we are justified: but the faith whereby we live spiritually, is a particular faith whereby we apply Christ to ourselves, as Paul says (Galatians 2:20): I live, that is, spiritually, by the faith of the Son of God: which…

And surely then, you have no reason to quarrel with, but rather to admire, that God should concern himself so much in your good as to use any means for the accomplishing of it. Paul could bless God if by any means he might attain the resurrection of the dead (Philippians 3:11).…

The end of a thing signifies the immediate event, issue, period thereof. As of wicked men it is said, whose end is destruction (Philippians 3; Hebrews 10, last verse). Apostasy and unbelief are said to be a drawing back to perdition.

Paul accounteth it happines, to know the fellowshippe of Christs afflictions, and to be made conformable unto his death. Phil. 3. 10. Secondly, if the partie afflicted repent, Christ communicateth with him in all his Crosses, and accounts them as his own.

It is a serious matter when folks are more taken up with notions and speculations, than with these soul-saving truths, as, that Christ was born, that he was a true Man, that he was, and is King, Priest, and Prophet of His Church, etc. and that other things are heard with more ea…

And therefore upon the one side we would commend to you the study of Christ's worth, and upon the other, a high estimation of him, as that which will fix your faith, and love, and hope on him. This we see to be in a high degree in Paul (Philippians 3): I account all things (says…

Use 2. By this you may see a necessity of making use of the mediator Christ Jesus; It's God's great mercy that he has given a mediator, and that the mediator is come, and that he has taken on our debt: What had been our eternal perishing and wallowing in hell's torments with dev…

Whereas another man, who does not rightly make use of it, though he may see his sin, and so his need of it, yet he sees not, neither will take with the tendency, propensity, and inclination of his heart to rest upon some other thing beside it. See this difference in Paul, before…

Or, when the sinner lays his reckoning to make use of Christ's satisfaction for payment of his debt, so that if he were to appear at the bar of justice, his answer would not be that if he had done a fault he had made or would make amends, nor that he prayed and repented and soug…

Come and receive a Savior; and the act of faith is a gripping to that offer, a receiving and embracing of it, a being well content to take a free discharge through His blood. A third expression is, Philippians 3:12, where faith is set out as an apprehending of Christ, and Hebrew…

And when the thirst and longing of the soul is so carried out after Him, as it cannot be satisfied without Him, which is to be sick of love for Him, as it is (Song of Solomon 2:5 and Song of Solomon 5:8). To be in a manner swooning and fainting because of His absence, and even y…

And 3. A determining to know no other thing, but Him to rest upon for life and salvation. It is in this respect that the Apostle, (Philippians 3) does count all things to be but loss and dung and cast, as it were, all overboard, that he may win Christ, and be found in Him. Many…

4. The way how Christ justifies; it is not simply by forgiving (as he indeed has power to forgive sins), but meritoriously, namely, by his satisfying for them, therefore it is added, For he shall bear their iniquities; he shall take on their sins, and pay their debt; and therefo…

3. Consider the offer that is made in the Gospel to sinners, which is the object of our faith; for the Covenant of Redemption is not the ground, and object of our faith, though it clears the ground and reason of our faith, but it's God's offer in the Gospel, according to that pl…

2. The Scripture speaks of our obtaining of our justification, and righteousness always in this sense, to wit, by God's imputing the righteousness of Christ to us, not only for coming at the first grace, but for attaining heaven and glory. It is that which Paul leans to, when he…

Thus did holy Paul glorify God; the Lord had cast him into as great variety of condition as any man, in prisons more frequent, in deaths often (2 Corinthians 11:23), yet he had learned to be content. Saint Paul could sail either in a storm or a calm; he could be anything that Go…

1. God the Father is the God of peace. As he is the God of order (1 Corinthians 14:33), so the God of peace (Philippians 4:9). This was the form of the priests blessing the people (Numbers 6:26): The Lord give you peace.

Soberly, in acts of temperance; righteously, in acts of justice; godly, in acts of zeal and devotion. It commends to us whatever is just, lovely, of good report (Philippians 4:8). This sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) cuts down vice.

8. The serpent and the dove, wisdom and innocence, is to be moderate yet zealous. Moderation is good in some cases (Philippians 4:5). Let your moderation be known to all.

Quest. 6. Wherein lies the dignity of such as have God for their Father? Resp. They have greater honor than is conferred on the princes of the earth; They are precious in God's esteem; (Isaiah 43:4) Since you were precious in my eyes, you have been honorable; the wicked are dros…

It was from contentment. (Philippians 4:11) I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. Content says, as Jacob (Genesis 33:11), I have enough: I have a promise of heaven, and have sufficient to bear my charges there, I have enough.

Question: How does faith come to be so strong? Response: Faith fetches Christ's strength into the soul (Philippians 4:13) [illegible]. A captain may give his soldier armor, but not strength.

A Christian spirit is not fretful, but humble, not craving but contented. See the picture of a Christian spirit in Saint Paul, (Philippians 4:12). I know [illegible], how to be abased, and how to abound.

This made David say, He would not fear evil, though he should walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Psalm 23:4: and Paul speaking of tribulation, anguish, famine, persecution, yea, and death itself says, In all these we are more than conquerors through him that has lov…

Again, we gather that prayer and thanksgiving must go together: for as in the six petitions we made request to God; so in these words we praise him, and thereby give him thanks. Philippians 4:6. But in all things let your requests be showed to God in prayer and supplication with…

If the Lord blesses not our labor we must be content: if he does, we must give him thanks. Now for this cause we are further to pray to God that he would open our eyes, and by his Spirit teach us in all his good creatures to see his providence, and when means fail and are contra…

For though men for their parts put up many abuses and injuries, yet their angels may take just revenge by striking them with plagues and punishments for their offenses. Thirdly, seeing angels are about us, and serve for the good of men, we must do whatever we do in a reverent an…

Theodosius thought it a greater renown to be Membrum Christi, than Caput Imperii; a member of Christ, than the head of an empire. The righteous are highly in favor with God, and he has enrolled their names in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3). It was a custom among the Romans t…

The Apostle in this regard, would have no man thinke it strange, no not when he is in the fierie triall; but rather to reioyce because he is partaker of Christs sufferings. Phil. 4. 31. And Christ says to Saul persecuting his Church, Saul, Saul, why persecutest you me?

(3) From the experience they have had of the Lord's dealing with their souls, and the love of God spread abroad in the heart, by the Holy Ghost: (Romans 5:3-5). (4) From a sincere aim and respect to all the commandments of God (Psalm 119:6; Acts 24:16; 1 John 3:20-21; 1 Thessalo…

This makes walking after the Spirit, and a parting from iniquity and being pure in Spirit and dying to [illegible] of no interest in Christ, contrary to (Romans 8:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:19; Matthew 5:8; 1 Peter 2:4; Galatians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:18), and contrary to the whole Gospel: which…

A man justified, is one that has his sins pardoned, for what was it that all our lifetime before made us afraid of God's displeasure, and we had much disquietness about our estates; oh, the sin of our souls that we had committed all our life long, the sin committed many a day ag…

Christ dwells in their hearts as on a throne (Ephesians 3:17): "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith." The Holy Spirit guards them against all cares and fears (Philippians 4:7): "And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds throug…

By promises (1 Peter 5:7): Casting all your care upon him, for he cares for you. (Philippians 4:6-7): Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understand…

And hence, says Job, I will speak that I may be refreshed. And Scripture backs this in (Philippians 4:6). Be careful in nothing, but in every thing make your requests known to God, and unload your cares and fears into the bosom of God: but how? Why by prayer and supplication in…

Thus doing we care not whether our work does please or displease the Devil: whether the world love us or hate us. For we knowing our work to be well done, and having a good conscience before God, go forward by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report, etc. (Philippians…

And the peace of good conscience is as a guard to keepe our hearts and minds in Christ. Phil 4:7. The fault of most men is, They spend their daies and their strength in seeking riches, honours, pleasures: and they thinke not on grace and peace.

(1 Timothy 4:12): Be an example in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, purity. (Philippians 4:8): What you have seen in me, that do. (Matthew 5:16): Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works.

The sayings of the wise are as nails or stakes fastened to range men in the compass of their own duties (Ecclesiastes 12:11). Again, the peace of God, or the assurance of our reconciliation with God, is a guard, to keep our hearts and senses in Christ (Philippians 4:7). If this…

And it is also very probable, that the Sabbath of the new testament is limited and determined by our Savior Christ to the Lord's day. For Paul and the rest of the Apostles observed the first day of the week for a Sabbath day (Acts 20:7), and he says, Whatever you have heard, and…

And Paul bids us to procure honest things in the sight of all men. And whatever things are true, and honest, and just, and pure; whatever appertain to love, and are of good report, we must think on them, and practice them (Philippians 4:8). Yet we must seek for the approbation o…

Vers. 13. And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh and drinking wine, eating and drinking, for tomorrow we shall die. The Prophet condemns not joy simply: for we see that Saint Paul himself exhorts the faithful to rejoice with a true joy; to wit…

And what marvel? For as the same Apostle teaches (Philippians 4:7), this peace passes all understanding. Having once obtained this justice, we shall be no more disquieted with inward terrors, as we were when we felt that God was angry with us.

Think not then that God promises such a peace as carnal sense can comprehend. No, we must dive into the deepest thoughts of our hearts, reformed by the Holy Ghost in righteousness and holiness, if we will enjoy this peace which passes understanding, as Paul says (Philippians 4:7…

Men no sooner feel that God is near to them, but they cast away fear, or at the least so resist it, that they are not overcome by it. In nothing be careful, says Saint Paul, for the Lord is at hand (Philippians 4:5 and 6), of which sentence we have treated at large elsewhere. It…

Although all Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorified: for in this place we may see that two contraries are opposed one to another. If the ministers of the word be ordained to save men, it is a great honor to them when many are brought to salvation; if not, it makes them…

For then they boasted themselves as being Lords of the whole world: but in the end they should feel that it is the proper and particular possession of God's children. Everlasting joy may be referred to the external estate of the Church; because God daily furnishes them with ampl…

Our condition is now different: but the doctrine remains the same, that whatever we offer to God is polluted, unless, at least as much as lies in us, (Romans 12:18,) we are at peace with our brethren. Alms are called in Scripture sacrifices of a sweet smell, (Philippians 4:18;)…

There is therefore no reason to wonder, if Christ invites the rich and poor indiscriminately to apply to their Heavenly Father for the supply of their wants. No man will sincerely offer such a prayer as this, unless he has learned, by the example of the Apostle Paul, "to be full…

Of this concord speaks Saint Paul (2 Corinthians 11), where he says thus: I fear, lest as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupt from the simplicity that is in Christ: which is as much to say, as, I fear lest the Devil likewise deceive you…

As to the first, It must be premised that the Question does not suppose the heart or will of a Christian to be at his own command and dispose in this matter: we cannot resign it, and subject it to the will of God whenever we desire so to do: the duty indeed is ours, but the powe…

Isaiah 39:2 David had more than a common stock of inherent grace, yet not enough to keep him in an equal temper of spirit under great alterations, Psalm 30. 6, 7. In my prosperity I said I shall never be moved; you hidest your face and I was troubled. It is not every man can say…

(1.) Eye the Care of God for you, 1 Peter 5:7 He careth for you. Your Father knows you have need of these things, Matth. 6:32 It is but to acquaint him what you want, and your wants are supplyed, Philippians 4:6 , torture not your selves about it: you have a Father that cares fo…

(4.) And was it not a special Favour to us, to have Parents that went before us as Patterns of Holiness, and beat the path to Heaven for us by their Examples? Who could say to us, as Philippians 4:9 What things ye have heard and seen in me, that do; and as 1 Corinthians 11:1 Be…

Now the messenger bespeaks Job thus, The oxen were plowing, they were hard at their work, and the asses were feeding besides them. The word in the Hebrew is this, the asses were feeding at their hand, or at hand; to be at hand, does note nearness; in our language we say, such a…

But when God does hide himself, or withdraws a little the beams of his goodness, so that they seem bare and banished, then has the love and praise an end, neither can they love or praise the bare and unfelt goodness hidden in God: whereby they declare that their spirit did not r…

Now this precept is further set out, by two circumstances; First, of the time, it must be done quickly, & not deferred upon any pretence or shewe of our own right: Secondly, of the place, in the way, as wee goe to the Court. In this Precept, our Savior Christ gives unto us a not…

This is []lat Atheisine: and yet we must distinguish of Gods blessings, for some are common blessings which God oft gives to men without their asking, because they serve to preserue nature: as raine and fruitfull seasons, food, raiment, &c. Act. 14. 16. and yet even these common…

2. Christ abounds in grace; he is full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Hence our wants are said to be made up, according to his riches in glory, by Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:19). 3. They are good and excellent graces and qualifications with which the Mediator is furnished, suc…

4. Christ is tender even of believers' fears, and has provided so well for their peace, as he has appointed means not only to prevent their hurt, but also to prevent their fears: For, because of fear has he appointed this guard. 5. There is no King or Monarch so well attended an…

3. Though outward profession alone be not all, yet is it necessary for completing the commendation of a believer. 4. Although good works be not the ground of our relation to Christ, but follows on it, and though it be not on the account of our works that the Lord is pleased with…

Observ. 1. Christ has more near and sensible ways of manifesting himself to the spiritual sense of his people, as if he had a mouth to kiss them. 2. There is nothing comparable to the refreshing sweetness, that these manifestations have with them; it's a peace that passes unders…

Oh what a happy soul is that to which nothing can come amiss, that is furnished for every storm? Paul was a brave scholar in this suffering school (Philippians 4:11-12), he had learned in all estates to be content. It is a hard task, and long trade, but what cannot grace underta…

This will be a preservative from sin, a preparative to duty, an evidence of your state, and an entrance into glory. Indeed, then the peace of God as well as the God of peace, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7), [illegible] shall keep as with…

God will fulfill the desires of them that fear him, and will likewise fulfill the hearts of his saints with a rich treasure. My God, says Paul, shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). It is a mighty full expression, and ref…