[2.] Let magistrates mind this, and they will be possessed with another spirit than most magistrates are. He will not be a careless Gallio, nor a partial Jehu, nor a lukewarm Laodicean. He will do justice, and be useful in his place ; not only when his ease permitteth him, or his credit inviteth him, or may do it without any prejudice to his interests, but when his interests are in danger. He will not leave a duty undone, because trouble followeth it ; Avhen he is to contend with nobles, as Nehemiah ; when hazards and displeasing attend the discharge of his ofiice ; for, saith he, * Shall I serve God with what cost me nought ? He doth not consult with inconveniencies, but duty.
[3.] Let common christians think of this in their constant duties to- wards God or men. Towards God. In general, he is resolved not to
94 SERlilON UPON 2 SAMUEL XXIV. 24.
stand upon tlie ease of the flesh or the interests of the flesh. The pleasures and delights of the flesh will make us sluggish ; and the interests of the flesh cowardly and faint-hearted. And then liis repen- tance would be more full. When he cometh to enter in by the strait gate, there is required much sorrow and grief before he can settle his peace, or his soul sit easy. Now the flesh recalcitrates, and kicketh against this kind of discipline, as the bullock at yoking is most unruly ; but he holdeth his heart to it by this, ' Shall I serve God with what costs me nought ? ' His walking in the narrow way, his mortification more full. If he findeth any bosom lusts or tender parts, they must be renounced ; the right hand must be cut off, the right eye pulled out, Mat. V. 29, 30. Many do many things, but keep their Herodias. His profession is more constant, though he suffer loss of credit, estate, esteem. He is more diligent in the discharge of his duties. He dealeth righteously with men, though it be to his loss and hurt. He is more faithful in his relations, as husband, wife, master, parent, child, servant ; when it is grievous. Soberly, when the flesh would crave an indulgence. What ! shall I obey every vain fancy and appetite ? The main care and diligence of his life is laid out, not upon the flesh, but the spirit, that God be first and chiefly served, and not self. They leave God nothing that will not give him their best.
UPON 1 JOHN II. 20.
But ye have an unction from the Holy Ojie, and ye knoio all iliings. —
1 John ii. 20.
In the context you have a caution against seducers, who are represented under the term of antichrists, because they took upon themselves to be sent of God, as Christ was, and yet opposed the dignity of his person and tlie interest of his kingdom. For their number, they are said to be many, because tliey swarmed everywhere ; and for their prevalency they had proselyted many of the baser and looser sort of christians ; but the more solid were preserved untainted. And what was their preservative we are told in the text, ' But ye have an unction,' &c. This is mentioned —
1. Partly to show the reason of their standing ; not by the sharpness of their own discerning, but the enlightening of the Holy Ghost. It is the Spirit that confirmeth us in the truth of Christ's doctrine. Hoc 71071 docet eruditio, sed imctio — Bernard.
2. Partly to comfort them. So many had miscarried, and been led away by this stream of error, that the best christians might be dis- couraged. But they had a teacher near at hand, an oracle, as it were, in their own bosoms, sufficient means and helps within tlicmselves to keep them from these snares.
3. Partly to quicken them to the more caution. If tliey should be seduced, they had no excuse, having sufficient evidence of the truth of the gospel, or that Jesus is the Messiah, and so were fortified against those that would deceive them. In all reason it might be expected they should not swallow these cheats and impostures, having such experience and assurance of the truth.
In the words we have three things —
1. The privilege, or gift imparted to them, ' Ye have an unction.'
2. The fountain, or author of it, ' From the Holy One.'
3. The effect and benefit thence resulting, ' And ye know all things.' Doct. The saints have a special anointing from Jesus Christ, to
enlighten and confirm them in the truth of the gospel.
First this must be explained —
1. What is this unction or anointing? Probably the word alludeth to the holy ointment, the composition of which is described, Exod. xxx. 2.5 ; the figure of pouring out the Holy Spirit on Christ, his church, and ministers. Or if you will more largely refer it, anointing was for
96 SERMON UPON 1 JOHN II. 20.
two uses — to inaugurate men into any eminent office, suppose of king, or priest, or prophet ; so the holy oil was poured on Aaron and his sons ; and thus Jesus Christ himself was anointed ; as Acts iv. 27, ' Against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed ; ' which was done at the Spirit's coming down upon him. Then was his solemn inauguration manifested, and the authority and power of his mediatory office showed forth. 'God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost, and with power,' Acts x. 38. Now as Jesus was thus anointed, so were the apostles when the Spirit was poured on them, Acts ii. ; and 80 are all ordinary ministers of the gospel, when furnished with the gifts and graces of the Spirit suitable to their calling. So are all christians : 2 Cor. i. 21, ' Now he that stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God.' So made kings and priests unto God.