And unto this Humiliation it is required 1. That it be internal and sincere There is an Humiliation commonly expressing it self in the Observation of Days of Fasting and Prayer which oftentimes is but the Hanging down of the Head like a Bulrush for a Day However it may be so carried sometimes as to divert or prolong the Execution of threatned Judgments But that which God requireth of us is to be in the fixed Affections of the Heart VVhen the Lord Christ comes to enjoyn Repentance and Reformation he gives himself that Title I am he that searcheth the Reins and Hearts Rev. 2. 23. It is an internal hidden work which he looks after in our Humiliation for Sin So saith David in the same Case Thou requirest Truth in the inward parts Psal. 51. Truth or Sincerity in the Affections is that which God regards in our Humiliation which answers the Charge in the Prophet Rend your Hearts and not your Garments Inward Power not outward Signs are accepted with God in this Matter Let us every one take it on our own Souls every one charge his own Conscience in private with the performance of this Duty God will bear no longer with Pretences no outward Appearances or evanid Affections in a temporary Humiliation for a Day though in the Observation of the most solemn Duties required on such a Day will answer the Mind of God herein For 2. It must be extraordinary Humiliation for our own Sins is a Duty constantly incumbent on us To walk humbly with God is the principal thing that he requires of us in this world Micah 6. 9. Hereof Self-Abasement in a sence of Sin is the Life and Soul the Principle of all other Acts and Duties belonging thereunto But when the Calls of God are extraordinary as they are at this day it is necessary that we attend hereunto in an extraordinary manner Failing in the necessary degrees of a Duty renders it ineffectual and unacceptable If as unto Times and Seasons VVays Means and Manner of this Duty we do not apply our selves unto it with more than ordinary diligence and with great intention of Mind we sail in what is expected from us To deal with God on extraordinary Occasions in an ordinary frame of Spirit is to despise him or argues at least no due Reverence of him in his Judgments nor a due apprehensions of our own Concerns in them 3. It is required that Humiliation for Sin be accompanied with a Relinquishment of Sin He that confesseth his Sins and forsaketh them shall find Mercy Confession is grown a cheap and easie Labour whether it be read out of a Book or discharged by vertue of Spiritual Gifts Humiliation may be pretended when it is not and expressed when it is transitory no way answering the Mind and Will of God But the real Relinquishment of sinful frames sinful ways sinful neglects can neither be pretended nor represented better than it is He that thinks he hath nothing to forsake no evil way no sinfull negligence no frame of Heart will be awakened to a better kowledge of himself when it is too late This we may therefore evidently try our selves by what real Change hath there been in us in compliance with the Calls of God what have we relinquished in our ways frames or actings what vain thoughts are utterly excluded whereunto we have given entertainment what Passions or Affections have been reduced into Order which have exceeded their due Bounds and Measures what vain Communication formerly accustomed unto hath been watched against and prevented what Dissimulation in Love hath been cured or cast out what irregular actings in our Persons Families or Occasions of Life have been forsaken An Enquiry into these things will give us real sensible Evidence whether our Humillation for our own Sins be compliant with the present Calls of God 6. Another Duty of the Season is That we mourn for the Sins of others of those especially in whom we are Providentially concerned as Relations Churches the whole People of the Land of our Nativity with whom we are engaged by manifold Bonds and Means of Conjunction It is well known that this sincere Mourning for the Sins of the Places and Times wherein we live of the People and Churches whereunto we do belong is eminently approved of God and a Token unto themselves in whom that sence is of Deliverance in a Day of Calamity Ezek. 9. 4. 5 6. To have Minds careless and regardless of the Sins of other Men is a great Evidence of want of Sincerity in our Profession of the Detestation of Sin Many Pretences there are of it as that they will not hear us we are not concerned in them That they are wicked Enemies of God and the worse they are the more will their Destruction be hastened By such Pretences do men deceive their Souls into a neglect of this Duty yea unto provoking Sin such as this is It is a Matter of Sorrow unto them that truly fear God and have any Concernment in his Glory or the Honour of Christ that the whole VVorld so far as we know is filled with all abominable provoking Sins it lies under a Deluge of Sin as it lay of old under a Flood of Waters only here and there appeareth an Ark that is carried above it Atheism Anti Scripturism Disbelief of Gospel-Mysteries Contempt of the Religion which they themselves profess amongst all sorts of Christians the Loss of all Publick Faith and Trust with a Litter of unclean Lusts Ambition Pride Covetousness in many who have the outward Conduct of the Church have spread themselves over the face of the Earth VVhen God thus deals with the World when he gives it up unto this open profligate Excess which now abounds in it it becomes unto all that truly fear him a Place of Darkness and Sorrow which calls for a mourning Frame of Heart It is so much more as unto the Land of our Nativity From a Conjunction with this People in Blood Language Manners Laws Civil Interests Relations arising form the common Law of Nativity in a Place limited and bounded by Providence unto especial Ends we cannot but have a great concernment in their Good or Evil. It is greater from hence that the same true Religion hath been professed in the whole Nation with innumerable Priviledges accompanying it On these and the like Considerations the whole Nation is laid under the same Law of Providence for Good or evil In the Sin therefore of this People we are in a peculiar manner concerned and shall be so in their Sufferings Whether Sin abound in the Land at present we have already made Enquiry and nothing spoken before shall be repeated If we have not a sense of these Provocations if we endeavour not to affect our Hearts with them and mourn over them we are very remote from that frame which God calls unto And this Mourning for the Sins of others from a double Spring Zeal for the Glory of God 2. Compassion for the Souls
impendent Judgments are diverted by Repentance I do but a little plead with every man for himself and in his own Cause Neither however wise or learned men may be is it meet in this Case to treat them otherwise It is to no purpose to make a fine Speech unto such as are falling into a Lethargy nor to discourse learnedly of the Art of Navigation unto them that are ready to perish in a Storm they must be plain Words and plain Things that are forcible in this Case And these by whom they are despised from any Principle of Self-Elation give but an uncomfortable Indication of what will be the Issue of their Dangers Let therefore the Reader but candidly excuse and pass by the Trouble which he will be put unto by the frequent Mistakes of the Press especially in Mis-pointings rendring the Sence sometimes obscure and unobvious and I have on the behalf of the Treatise it self no more to desire of his forbearance Luke 13. 1. 2 3 4 5. There were present at that season some that told him of the Galileans whose Blood Pilate had mingled with their Sacrifices And Jesus answering said unto them Suppose ye that these Galileans were Sinners above all the Galileans because they suffered such things I tell you Nay but except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish Or those Eighteen upon whom the Tower in Siloam fell and slew them think ye that they were Sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem I tell you Nay but except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish IT is a Part and Duty of Spiritual Wisdom as also an Evidence of a due Reverence of God to take Notice of Extraordinary Occurrences in the Dispensations of his Providence for they are instructive warnings and of great importance in his Government of the World In them the Voice of the Lord crieth unto the City and the man of Wisdom shall see his Name And there is a Mark left on them as profligate Persons who will not see when his Hand is so lifted up An Example of this Wisdom is given us here in our Blessed Saviour who on the Report that was made unto him of some severe Providential Accidents then newly fallen out gives an Exposition of the Mind of God in them with an Application of them unto the present Duty of them that heard him and Ours therein Some things may be observed in General to give Light into the Context and the Design of our Saviour in this holy Discourse I. The Time when the Things mentioned did fall out and wherein our Saviour passed this judgement on them 1. It was a Time of great Sin of the abounding of all sorts of Sins The Nation as such in its Rulers and Rule the Church as such in its Officers Order and VVorship and the Generality of the People in their Personal Capacities were all overwhelmed in provoking Sins Hypocrisie Oppression Cruelty Superstition Vncleanness Persecution Impenitency and Security all proceeding from Unbelief had filled the Land and defiled it We have a sufficient Account of this State of things in the Story of the Gospel so as that it needs no other Confirmation Yea so wicked were the People and so corrupt the Church-State and so impenitent were the Generality of them therein that it suited the Rightousness and Holiness of God to revenge on that Generation not only their own Sins but the Sins also of all wicked persecutors from the Foundation of the World a thing which he doth not do but on high Provocations Luke 11. 50. 51. That the Blood of all the Prophets which was shed from the Foundation of the World may be required of this Generation from the Blood of Abel unto the Blood of Zacharias which perished between the Altar and the Temple Verily I say unto you it shall be required of this Generation There is in this Commination an Appearance of Severity beyond the Rule established Exod. 20. 5. There God declares That as he is a jealous God which Title he assumes to himself with respect unto the highest Provocations that he will visit the Iniquity of the Fathers on the Children to the third and fourth Generation of them that hate him But here the Vengeance and Punishment due unto the Sins of an hundred Generations is threatned to be inflicted on that which was present Something in our passage may be spoken for the Vindication of Divine Justice herein seeing we may be more concerned in that Divine Commination than the most are aware 1. The Case here is particular That in the Commandmont respects the Common Case of all false Worshippers and their Posterity but this respects Persecution unto Blood and Death of the true Worshippers of God Now though God be very much provoked with the Sins of false Worshippers yet he can either bear with them or pass over their Sins with lesser Punishments or at least for a long season but when they come to Persecution and the Blood of them who worship him in Spirit and in Truth in his appointed season he will not spare them their own and the Iniquities of their Predecessors shall be avenged on them which will be the end of the Antichristian Church-State after all its present Triumph 2. All those who from the beginning of the World suffered unto Blood on the account of Religion suffered in the Cause of Christ for their Faith in him and Confession of him namely as he was promised unto the Church Unto him and his Office did Abel by Faith bear Testimony in the Bloody Sacrifice that he offered So it is said that Moses in his danger for killing the Aegyptian hare the Reproach of Christ because he did it in Faith of the Promised Seed which was Christ. They were therefore all slain in the Cause of Christ And whereas this Generation was to slay Christ himself and did so they did therein approve of and justifie all the Blood that was shed in the same Cause from the Foundation of the World and made themselves justly liable unto the Punishment due unto it Hence our Saviour tels them Matth. 23. 35. That They the Men of that Generation slew Zechariah who was actually slain many hundred years before 3. Our Blessed Saviour mentions Abel and Zechariah Particularly This Zechariah called the son of Barachias was undoubtedly the Zechariah mentioned 2 Chr. 24. 20 21 22. For concerning those two alone it is observed That the one dead and the other dying cryed for Vengeance So God testifieth of the Blood of Abel Gen. 4. 10. And Zechariah when he died said The Lord look upon it and require it Hence the Apostle affirms That Abel being dead yet speaks Heb 11. 4. that is his Blood did so it did so then and it spake for Vengance as he intimates Ch. 12 24. It did so before and until the Destruction of Hierusalem For in the Rejection and absolute Destruction of that Apostatized Church and People the Blood of all that suffered under the Old Testament
Saviour see Rev. 6. 13 14. The Frame of Nature is as it were cast into a trembling disorder upon the approaches of God in his wrath and Fury and puts it self forth in extraordinary signs of its astonishment trembling for the Inhabitants of the Earth and calling on them to repent before the wrath of the terrible one do seize upon them So in the Scripture the Seas and Rivers Mountains and Hills are represented as mourning shaking trembling at the presence of God when he comes to execute his Judgments see Hab 3. 6. 7 8 10 He drove asunder the Nations and the everlasting Mountains were scattered the perpetual hils did bow Was the Lord displeased against thy Rivers Was thine Anger against thy Rivers Was thy wrath against the Sea The Mountains saw thee and they trembled the overflowing of the Water passed by the deep uttered his voice and lift up his hands on high The Mountains Hills Seas Rivers bowed trembled and lifted up their hands as crying for compassion see Psal. 97. 2 3 4 5 6. By these Signs and Tokens in Heaven and Earth doth God give Warnings of his coming to judge the Inhabitants of the Earth God doth not work these strange things in Heaven above and the Earth beneath that they should be gazed at only and made a matter of talk not that they should be Subjects of some mens Curiosity and of the Scorn of others There is a voice in them all a voice of God and it will be to their hurt by whom it is not heard and understood 3. He doth the same constantly by the Light of his VVord The general Rule of Gods ordinary Dispensations of Providence is fully laid down in the Scripture God hath magnified his VVord above all his Name so as that no VVorks of Providence shall be unsuited to the Rule of the word much less contrary to it or inconsistent with it And if we were wise to make Application of it unto present Affairs and Occasions we should in most instances know in general what God is doing Of old it was said Surely the Lord God will do nothing that is in the way of Judgments but he reveals his Secret to his Servants the Prophets Amos 3. 7. What they had by immediate Revelation we may have in a measure by the Rule of the word and the Declaration which God hath made therein how he will deal with a sinful provoking People So having threatned various sorts of Judgments the Prophets adds Search you out of the Book of the Lord and read no one of these shall fail Isai. 34. 16. That this great means of Divine VVarnings may be usefull unto us we are to consider 1. VVhat are the stable Rules given in the Scripture concerning Sin Repentance Impenitence and Judgments Such Rules abound in it And no dispensations of Providence shall interfer with them God will no give such a Temptation unto Faith that any of his works should be Contradictions unto his VVord And if we will learn our present Condition from these Rules it will be an Antidote against Security 2. Consider the Instances recorded therein of Gods dealings with sinfull provoking Nations and Churches This God himself directed the People of old unto when they boasted of their Church-Priviledges sending them to Shiloh which he had destroyed And when we find a Record in the Book of God concerning his severity towards any Nation in our Circumstances it is our duty to beleive that he will deal so with us also in his time unless we repent 3. Always bear in Mind our Infallible Guidance as unto Gods final dealing with impenitent Sinners This the whole Scripture constantly equally universally witnesses unto that it shall be eternal Destruction and this will preserve us from distracting Surprisals when we find things fall out beyond our Expectation in a way of Severity 4. Consider those Signs Marks and Tokens of Approaching Judgments which are set up in the VVorld which whoso doth wisely consider he will not fail in his Prognostication of future Events Among these abounding in Sin with Security in such Persons Nations Cities and Churches as God is pleased by the Gospel to take near unto himself in a peculiar manner is the most eminent For those Signs are Buoys fixed to shew when we shall certainly make Shipwrack if we approach unto them VVhen these Rules are observed when they are diligently attended unto and complied withal so as that we receive Instruction from them I shall say with some confidence that every Believer shall know what God is doing in a way of Judgment so far as is necessary unto his Guidance in his own Duty wherein he shall find acceptance and not provoke God in the neglect of it 5. God hath appointed the Ministry of the word unto the same end The principal End of the Ministery under the Gospel is the Dispensation of the word of Reconciliation But neither is yet this work of giving warning of approaching Judgments exempted from that Office and Duty Christ himself in his Ministry preacheth here on this Subject They are Watchmen and Overseers and their Duty herein is graphically expressed Ezek. 34. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9. When God placeth any as a VVatchman for a People one part of his Duty is to look diligently after the approach of Dangers and Evils such I mean as come on the account of Sin and thereon to awaken and stir up the People to take care of themselves that they be not destroyed The Shepard is not only to provide good Pasture for his Sheep but to keep them from danger The Watchman hearkned diligently with much heed and he cryed a Lyon Isai. 21 7 8 Having made a discovery of approaching danger he cries out to the People to warn them of it But if the Watchmen are slothful and sleepy if they are dumb Dogs and cannot bark when Evil cometh if they are light and treacherous Persons blind Guides that have no vision if they also are under a spirit of slumber and security so as that the people are not warned by them of their danger this is one of the most severe Tokens of wrath approaching It is a great warning when God takes away the Means of warning when he says unto a People I will warn you no more by giving them such watchmen as are neither faithful nor able to warn them and by taking away those that are 6. God gives warnings hereof by bringing a people into such a Posture Condition and Circumstances as do in their own Nature tend unto Ruine Such are cross Interests among themselves incurable Divisions contrary and unsteddy Counsels weakness in Spirit and Courage mutual Distrusts Effeminacy through Luxury with one or other insuparable entanglement which are the Ways and Means whereby Nations precipate themselves into calamitous Condition In general as unto this previous warning of approaching Judgments God threatens to send among a People who are tending towards Ruine a Moth and an Hornet The Moth
he threatens Isai. 51. 8. Hosea 5. 12. Somewhat that shall eat up and devour the Strength and Sinews of the Counsels of a Nation as a Moth devoureth a Garment Whilst it lies still it seems it may be to be sound and firm hold it up to the Light and it appears full of holes and is easily torn with the Finger So is it with a Nation whatever outward Peace it seems to enjoy when it is decaied in the VVisdom and strength of its Counsels it is easily torn in pieces And in like manner he sends the Hornet unto the same end Exod. 23. 28 Deut. 7. 20. that is that which shall vex disquiet and torment them that they shall be ready every one to strike himself or the next that he meeteth withal as many of these Hornets are at present among us These are some of the VVays whereby God warneth a People Church or Nation of approaching Judgments It concerneth us now to enquire how it is how it hath been with us with reference hereunto And I say It is not necessary that God should use all these ways of Warning of a sinful People of approaching Desolations if not prevented by Repentance It is enough unto the Ends of this Dispensation of Divine VVisdom and Goodness if he make use of some of them or of any one of them in an eminent manner Wherefore if any of them have been wanting among us yet if we have had others of them it is sufficient to render us excusable if we repent not But 2 The Truth is we have upon the matter had them all and they have abounded amongst us VVe have had the previous Judgments of Plague Fire and War Some may say they were desolating Judgments themselves and so indeed they were But whereas Sin still aboundeth and no Reformation ensued upon them in any Places among any sort of Persons they were but Warnings of what is yet to come if not prevented And their Language is Except you repent you shall all likewise perish We have had a Multiplication of Signs in the Heaven above and in the Earth beneath such as all Mankind have ever esteemed Forerunners of publick Calamities and the more they are despised the lowder is their Voice to the same purpose God hath continued hitherto his Word amongst us wherein the ordinary Rule of his Providence in these things is openly declared And if those unto whom the Declaration of the Word of God in the Dispensation of it is committed have not faithfully warned the People of their Danger their Blood may be found at their Door Herein at present lies our greatest streight The Efficacy of all other Calls of God unto Repentance depends much on the Application of them unto the Souls and Consciences of Men in the Preaching of the Word But whilst by some this Work is despised at least counted unnecessary by some it is neglected utterly and others by reason of their private Capacities whereby they are disenabled to speak unto Magistrates Cities or the Community of the People Think not themselves concern'd therein it is almost wholly laid aside For what will some say doth this speaking unto a few in a Retirement signifie as unto a General Reformation of the People of the Land But whereas we have all sinned in one measure Churches and all sorts of more strict Professors of Religion it is every ones Duty to be pressing these Warnings of God within his own Bounds and Precincts And if each of us should prevail but with one to return effectually to God it will be accepted with him who in such a season seeks for a man to stand in the gap to turn away his wrath and will save a City for the sake for Ten if they be found therein Let us not pretend that the Repentance and Reformation called for respects the publick enormous Sins of the Nation in Atheism Prophaneness Sensuality Luxury Pride Oppression Hatred of the Truth Contempt of the Ministry of the Gospel and the like they do so indeed but not only they respect also the Decays in Faith Love Zeal with Love of the World Conformity unto it Lukewarmness that are found amongst the most eminent Professors of Religion This is our present wound here lies our weakness namely in the want of a quick active zealous Ministry to call and stir up Magistrates and People to effectual Repentance and turning to God Unless this be given unto us I fear we cannot be saved If it be otherwise if we have a Ministry that really do attend unto their Duty in this Matter I beg their pardon for other apprehensions but then I shall think it the most pregnant Sign of approaching Destruction seeing it is apparent unto all that their Endeavours have neither Fruit nor Success So far have we proceeded with our Proposition Namely That Sin abounds amongst us That Judgments are approaching That God hath given us manifold Warnings of their so doing 4. That which in the next Place we are to speak unto is the Equity of this Divine Constitution that in the ordinary way of Gods Rule and Dispensation of his Providence Repentance and Reformation shall turn away impendent Judgments and procure unto a People a blessed Deliverance and nothing else shall do it Except you repent you shall perish That upon Repentance they shall be saved and delivered is intended in the same Rule This is the unalterable Law of Divine Providence this shall do it and nothing else shall so do The VVisdom and Power of Men shall not do it Fasting and Prayer whilst we continue in our Sins shall not do it Repentance alone is made the Condition of Deliverance in this State of things Upon this Rule did God vindicate the Equity of his Ways against Repining Israel Ezek. 18. 29 30 31. Can any thing be more just and equal Ruine and utter Desolation are ready to fall upon the whole People This you have deserved by your Iniquities and multiplied provocations In strict Justice they ought immediately to come upon you But my ways are equal I will not deal with you in a way of strict Justice I will do it in Equity which is a meet Temperature of Justice and Mercy And this I make evident unto you herein in that whilst the Execution of Judgment is only threatned and suspended if you make unto your selves a new Heart and a new Spirit in sincere Repentance if you cast away all your Transgressions by a thorough Reformation of your lives Iniquity shall not be your Ruine What can be more Just righteous and equal Who can complain if after all this evil doth overtake you and you shall not escape The same he pleads again Chap. 33. 10 11. as in many other Places That this Divine Constitution namely That Repentance and Reformation shall save a Church People or Nation in the state before described and that nothing else shall do so however men may please and pride themselves in their own Imaginations is equal just and good
live in Sin and love it and hate to be personally reformed yea take delight in them that openly live in Sin also which is the heigth of wickedness Rom. 1. 32. When Magistrates are prophane Swearers or Scoffers at the Power of Religion or Drunkards or unclean Persons or covetous Oppressors a great Obstruction must needs be laid in the way of publick Repentance and Reformation neither doth this Difficulty at present arise meerly from their personal Sins and Miscarriages but also from the want of Conviction and a Sence of their Duty in their Places with the Account which they must give thereof For. Secondly They seem not to believe that the attempting of this Work is any part of their Duty or that they are concerned therein Let it therefore be never so reasonable so Equal so Important so Necessary unto the Deliverance and Salvation of any people if those who should further it in the first place do obstruct and hinder it it will be attended with Difficulties Ill Examples and Negligence have ruined this Nation Wherefore we may lay it down as an assured Truth which the Text will confirm That unless Magistrates who have the visible Conduct of the People are convinced that it is their Duty to promote the Work of Repentance and Reformation at this time by their own Example and in the Discharge of their Offices the Case of this Nation is deplorable and not to be relieved but by Sovereign Grace and Mercy For what shall the People do when they see their Guides unto whose Pattern they conform themselves utterly regardless of any such thing This is one Means of the Difficulty which is found among us of affecting the Minds of Men with this equal Constitution 2. Those who are principally concern'd herein are Ministers or those who have the Administration of the Word and Ordinances of the Gospel committed unto them Unto these is this Work given in charge in an especial manner They have the principal means of Repentance and Reformation committed to their management From them is the beginning and carrying on of this Work expected and required Hereof as unto their Sincerity and diligence they must give an Account at the last Day And if this Spring be stopped whence should the refreshing VVaters of Repentance and Reformation arise But yet herein the principal Difficulty of the whole VVork doth consist For. First some there are pretending unto this Office in whom lies no small part of the Evil that is to be Refomed Persons who labour among the most forward to sill up the measure of the Iniquities of this Nation such as whose Ignorance Negligence Prophaneness and Debauchery are in all their Effects transfused and communicated unto all that are about them Shall we expect that such persons will be instrumental in the Reforming of others who hate to be reformed themselves Jer. 23. 15. It was so of old But Secondly There are very few of this sort of Persons who will be at the charge of carrying on this Work They may quickly find what it will cost them for unless they are Exemplary in it themselves it is in vain once to attempt the pressing of it upon others They cannot go about it without great Retrenchings of that which they have esteemed their Liberty in the course of their Conversations All Compliance with unreformed persons for secular Ends all Conformity unto the course of the World in Jolities and Pride of Life all Ostentation of Riches Wealth and Power all Self-seeking and Self-pleasing all Lightness and carnal Confidences must utterly be cast away And not only so but unless by uncessant Prayers and Supplications with Earnestness and Perseverance they labour for fresh Annointings with the Spirit of Grace in their own Souls that Faith and Love and Zeal for God and Compassion for the Souls of Men and Readiness for the Cross may revive and flourish in them they will not be usefull nor instrumental in this Work And is it any wonder that the most of them think it better to suffer things to go on at the present rate than to venture at that which will cost them so dear in its pursuit The Truth is I know very few if any who are meet and fit to engage in this Work in a visible eminent manner those who have the best almost the only oppertunities for it seem to be asleep Thirdly Besides the Charge they must be at themselves they perceive the Opposition they shall meet with all from others They find that they shall not only disoblige and provoke all sorts of Persons and lose many of their usefull friends but also expose themselves unto Obloquy Scron Contempt and Reproach of all sorts He is a lost man in this world who with out respect of Persons will engage seriously in this Work every day he shall find one or other displeased if not provoked This neither they nor their Families can well bear withal Indeed the hardest and most difficult Service that ever God called any of his Ministers unto excepting only Jesus Christ and his Apostles hath been in the endeavouring the Reformation of back sliding or spiritually decay'd Churches These are the two Witnesses which in all Ages have Prophesied in Sackcloth Such was the Ministry of Elijah which brought him unto that Conclusion and an earnest longing to be delivered by Death from his Work and Ministry 2 Kings 19. 4. So was that of Jeremiah in the like Season whereof he so complains Chap. 15. 10. John the Baptist in the same work lost first his Liberty then his Life And in after-Ages Chrysostom for the same Cause was hated by the Clergy persecuted by the Court and at length driven into Banishment where he died Most men care not how little a share they have in such a Work as this whose Reward will reach them according to the Proportion of their Engagement in it All Churches all Persons almost would willingly be let alone in the Condition wherein they are They that would press them unto due Reforâ—ation ever were and ever will be looked on as their Troublers Hence then it is that our Wound is incurable Few of this sort are convinced of the present Necessity of this Duty they hope things are indifferently well with them and their Flocks that they may endure their time well enough Few are willing to undergo the Charge and Trouble of it to put all their present Circumstances into Disorder few have received an Annointing for thee many are able to dispute against any Attempts of it and not a few have Expectations of strange Deliverances without it what is left us in this Case shall afterwards be declared 3. It is difficult also on the Account of the People that are to be Reformed It is hard to convince them of its Necessity hard to perswade them to endeavour it hard to get them to perservere in Attempts for it Some of the Reasons hereof we may breifly consider As 1. That Self-Justification and Approbation of themselves
Repentance is required of all if we would not perish It is so of Magistrates and Ministers of Nobles and Common People in City and Country and that to be evidenced by its Fruits so as that it may be said of us See you not how they humble themselves But if this be so some may be apt to say It seems if All do not set their Hearts and Hands unto this Work if All sorts do not engage in it there is no good effect to be hoped or looked for But when shall we see any such thing When shall we see the Generality of all sorts of men in this Nation cordially to go about this Work of Repentance and Reformation as good therefore let it alone as go about to attempt it I Answer 1. If you cannot be content to perish with the impenitent and unreformed you may chuse to do as they do If you would avoid their Punishment you must avoid their Sin especially their refusal to turn on the Call of God 2. Some must begin this Work and be exemplary unto others And blessed are they of the Lord who shall receive the Grace and Honour so to do Let us not then sit looking on others to see what they will do but immediately engage unto our own Duty 3. The duty herein of no one private Person much less of whole Churches shall be lost though the Nation should not be reformed in general For 1 They shall deliver their own Souls and if they be not saved as I believe they would be in an eminent manner from somewhat of the outward part of a publick Calamity yet they should be from all the Wrath and Displeasure of God in it 2. A few for ought I know one man may sometimes prevail with God for the suspending at least of Judgments threatned unto a whole Nation And hereby 3. They shall give unto others a farther Season of Repentance which God can bless and make effectual unto them There are therefore blessed Encouragements unto all Churches unto all individual persons to endeavour a compliance with the present Calls of God though the Body of the People should not be gathered VII Our next Enquiry is Whence or from what Causes such a Reformation may be expected as may be useful unto the turning away of impendent Judgments And these Causes are either supream or Subordinate The Supream Cause hereof must be the Sovereign Grace of God in fresh Effusions of his Spirit on the Souls of Men to turn them unto himself Without this all other ways and means of attaining it will be in vain This is every where in the Scripture attested unto as the only supream efficient Cause of the Conversion of Men unto God And unto that State are things come to amongst us that unless we are made partakers of it in a somewhat more than ordinary manner our Breaches cannot be healed Whether we have Grounds or no to expect any such thing shall be afterwards considered At present there seems to be no other hopes of it but only because it is a Sovereign Act of Divine Grace which hath been exemplified in the Church of old There seems indeed rather as yet to be a withdrawing drawing of the Communications of the Holy spirit in effectually prevalent Grace on the part of God and a contempt of them on the part of Men But Sovereignty can conquer all Obstacles This way did God heal and recover his Church of old when all other Means all Mercies Afflictions and Judgments failed Ezek. 36. 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29. And it may at present be for a Lamentation that this work of Grace is so disregarded by the most so despised by many and so little cried for by the Residue But without it in vain shall we use any other Remedies we shall not be healed It is not the best Projections of men for Reformation by this or that Order or State of things in Church or State that without this will be of advantage unto us The Subordinate Causes hereof must be the diligent Discharge of their Duty by Magistrates and Ministers I shall but name these things that I give no place to Complaints or Indignation though just and almost necessary And First As unto the Furtherance of it by Magistrates it must consist in three Things 1. By evidencing that the Promotion of it is their Interest Unless it be understood so to be whatever else they do in the Countenance of it will be of no Use nor Advantage For this is that which the Generality will conform unto or comply with all And if it be once understood that Reformation is what they desire what they design what they place their cheif Interest in as it was with David Hezekiah Josiah and others it will have an Influence on the People not inferiour unto what the Design of Jeroboam in pursuit of his corrupt Interest had on the people of Israel to sin All other Means are dead unless they are enlivened by an Evidence of Reality in the Minds of Magistrates and an high Concernment in the prosperity of their Work Let them make what Laws and Orders they please appoint what outward Means they can devise unless it be made uncontroulably evident that it is their Cordial Design and what they place their Cheif Interest in they will not be available Add hereunto 2. The due Execution of Laws against Flagitious Immoralities And 3. An encouraging Example in their own persons without which all things will grow worse and worse whatever else be done Men seem to be weary in some measure of the dismal Effects of Sin but they seem not to be weary of Sin Unto this weariness they yet want Motives Encouragements and Examples And it is strange unto me that in all our Fears and Dangers in the Divisions of our Councels and Confusions amongst all sorts of Men under an high Profession of Zeal for the Protestant Religion in the Nation and the Preservation of it that this only Expedient for our Relief and Safety lies wholly neglected As unto Ministers the Faithful Discharge of his Duty in Preaching Prayer and Example is required hereunto Should I stay to shew the necessity hereof at this season as also what is required thereunto what Care what Diligence what Watchfulness what Compassion what Zeal what Exercise of all Gospel-Grace with the over-Neglect of these things among many it would take up a Volume rather than become a Place in this present Enquiry But I proceed unto that which is more our immediate Concernment Wherefore VIII What if all these Means do fail what if all Expectations from them be in vain What is incumbent on them in particular who are really sensible of these things namely of the abounding of provoking Sins and the near Approach of deserved Judgments That which I design herein is to give some Directions as unto what Frame of Heart ought to be found in us and the Practice of what Duties we ought to be found in at such
was a Plot and some say there was none In the mean time they are filled with their own Occasions and will not be diverted from them unto any serious regard of God in his present Dispensations like the wild Ass in her occasion who can turn her away Jer. 1. 24. Of this Frame the Prophet complains as that which God will surely avenge Isa. 26. 11. Lord when thy Hand is lifted up they will not see but they shall see and be ashamed for their Envy at the People yea the Fire of thine Enemies shall devour them Others look on all things in another Light and under another Notion for whereas it is part of our Sin and Punishment in this Nation an evident fruit of the Evil of our ways that we are divided into Designing Parties the one seeking the Ruine of the other they consider all Providences as relating unto such Differences This gives them a zealous Concernment in them and continued Talk about them but the Will Work and Design of God in them is not laid to heart Some are so well pleased with their present Advantages in Promotions Dignities and Wealth as their Interest that they cannot endure to think of these things Whatever warnings are portended of approaching Judgments they look on them as the Threatnings of such as have ill will against them and would have these things to portend their Trouble Guilt makes them fearful and sensible and they think it best to hide those things from themselves which if they are so they cannot remedy To free us from this Miscarriage also this unanswerableness unto the Mind of God in his present Dispensation we may consider 1. That a deep consideration of and Enquiry into the Mind of God in such a season as we have described is required of us in a way of Duty It is our Sin to neglect it and that attended with many Aggravations It is not a thing that we may attend unto or omit as it seems convenient but it is required as a Duty of us without which we cannot Glorifie God in a due manner He that is not daily exercised with prevalent Thoughts about the present ways of God in the Approach of his Judgments lives in such a Neglect of Duty as will bring in a Negligence and Coldness in all other Duties whatsoever for this is certain that when God calls unto any especial Duty in an extraordinary way or manner in any season those by whom it is neglected are really cold formal and negligent in all other ordinary Duties whatever That Grace which will not be excited unto especiall Duties on extraordinary occasions is very lifeless in all other things This is the best Note to try if not the Truth yet the Power of Grace When it is in its vigor and due exercise it makes the Soul to be ready inclinable and disposed unto all Intimations of the Divine Will and Pleasure as speaks the Psalmist Thou shalt guide me by thine Eye and lead me with thy counsel He attended to each Look and Guidance of Divine Providence to company with it when others must be forced with strong Curbs and Bridles like the Horse and Mule 2. It is such a Duty as whereunto real Wisdom and Diligence are required We think it needfull to use our Wisdom about other things our own Affairs But in this it is most necessary The Voice of the Lord crieth unto the City the Man of Wisdom shall see thy Name Micah 6. 9. Ordinary slight and transient Thoughts will not answer this Duty Such all men that are sober cannot but have and their Discourse is answerable thereunto But Consideration with Diligence and Prudence is required of us Let these Testimonies be consulted to this purpose Psal. 65. 9. Deut. 12. 10. Hos. 4. last Psal. 107. 43. Prayer Study and Meditation are all diligently to be engaged herein 2. Take heed of vain Confidences Men are apt in such seasons to fix on one thing or other wherewith they relieve and support themselves And there is not any thing that is more effectual to keep them off from this Duty and the Frame of Spirit which is required in them If you speak with any man almost you may with a little heed discover wherein his Confidence doth lie and what it is that he trusts unto But saith the Prophet unto such persons The Lord hath rejected thy Confidences and thou shalt not prosper in them Jer. 2. 37. There are sundry sorts of vain Confidences wherewith men are apt to relieve their Minds in such a season so as to countenance themselves in their Security and a Neglect of this especial Duty Two in particular I shall onely mention as I do only name the Heads of things which might be much enlarged I. The first is some certain Priviledges whereon they trust for an exemption from common Calamities they are the Church they are the People of God they are separated from the world and persecuted by it and hence there is a secret Reserve in their Minds that indeed they shall not be in trouble as other men So was it with the Jews of old when they were threatned with the Judgments of God for their Sins and called thereon to Repentance they justified themselves in their ways and despised all Divine warnings on a Confidence they had in their Church-Priviledges They cried against the Prophet The Temple of the Lord the Temple of the Lord the Temple of the Lord are these and no evil shall come nigh us Jer. 7. 4. And in confidence hereof namely that they were the Church and enjoyed the Priviledges belonging thereunto and the solemn Worship of God therein they gave themselves up unto all abominable Immoralities under an Assurance of Impunity by their priviledges as the prophet upbraids them v. 8. 9. Behold ye trust in lying words that cannot profit Will you steal murder and commit Adultery and swear falsly and burn Incense unto Baal and walk after other Gods whom ye know not and say you shal be delivered At this day all sorts of men claim a Refuge in their priviledges Those who design the Ruine of the Nation and of all true Religion therein do it with Confidence of Success from hence That they are the Church That the Temple of God is with them That all the priviledges belonging unto the Church are theirs and so are the Promises made unto it And such is the infatuating Efficacy of their prejudicate peswasion herein that it hath had two marvellous Effects the one against the Light of Nature and the other against the Fundamental Principals of Religion For first Under the Influence of this confidence they have engaged into as vile Immoralities as ever were perpetrated under the Sun Murder Persecution Assassinations Dying in Falshoods with a general Design to pursue the same ways unto the utmost in the Destruction of multitudes of innocent persons as they did formerly in Ireland But what if they do all those Abominations Yet they are the Church the
Moral and Civil as none may justly cast blame upon them it know way answers the search that God calls them unto How is it as unto the inward frame of the heart What is the vigour and power of Faith and Love in you how do they act themselves what is your real delight in the ways of God Where is your Fruitfulness in works of Charity and Mercy VVhere is your readiness to forgive your Enemies Are there no Failings no Decays in these things Are there no Indispositions Deadness and Coldness in Duties grown upon you How is it as unto constant Meditation on spiritual things and the fixing your Affections on things that are above VVith respect unto these things ought we to search our selves diligently in such a Day as this is and if we find our selves under Decays in them let us know of a truth that God calls us unto Repentance or pain of his highest Displeasure For our parts we cannot search into we cannot judge the hearts of others any other way but by the Application of the Word unto their Consciences But I must needs say That if mens outward Actions be an Indication of the inward frame of their Minds there is reason enough for the most of us to be jealous over our selves herein 2. With respect unto your Callings Circumstances and Inclinations and the Sins that are peculiar unto them There are Sins which are very apt to insinuate themselves into the Callings and Circumstances of men both of high and low degree that do easily beset them as Hardness Oppression Severity and Unmercifulness in those that are great and have large Possessions and Deceit Equivocations Over-reaching in those of more ordinary Employments I speak not of these at present They are of the number of those which go before-hand unto Judgment But these things namely mens Callings Circumstances and Inclination are apt to influence their Mind with vicious Habits and to render their ways crooked Pride of Life Self-Conceit negligence in holy Duties Destempered Passions and Lusts devouring Cares carnal Fears with other hurtful Evils do spring from these things if not watched against In reference unto them therefore are we called to search our selves in Day wherein God is pleading with us With respect unto them ought we to be exceding jealous over our selves for verily they have rendred the VVays and VValkings of the Generality of Professors a great provocation unto Christ Jesus 4. In an especial manner with a respect unto Love of the World and conformity thereunto This is that which the Lord Jesus Christ will not alwaies bear withal in his Churches for it lies in opposition unto the whole work of Faith and all the Precepts of the Gospel It is not against this or that Command only but it is against the whole Design of the Gospel and the Grace administred therein Now at present concerning our outward Conformity unto the VVorld there needs no great Search to be made it is open and evident unto all so that as unto Attire Fashions manner of ordinary Converse Mispence of Time Feastings of rich ones and Jolities there is little difference left between Professors and the World which God will not long bear with them in especially not in those who have increased their wealth in and grown into Conformity with the VVorld whilst others under the same Profession have been harrassed imprisoned impoverished and ruined by the VVorld And as for inordinate Love unto the VVorld I have spoken so often to it treated so much of it that I shall not here again insist upon it I shall only say that when men grow proud high-minded and value themselves according to the increase of their earthly Enjoyments and think themselves wronged if others do not also so value them it is in vain for them to pretend that their hearts do not inordinately cleave unto the VVorld and the things of it The Self-Searching is the first Duty we are at this season called unto and if we are negligent or overly herein we shall not answer the Mind and VVill of God in any one Duty or Instance of any other kind VVe are therefore herein to call in God and Men unto our Aid and Assistance as also to stir up our selves unto it with Diligence and Perseverance So the Psalmist lest he should not be able to make a diligent effectual Examination of himself and his ways cries unto God to search and try him that he might be known unto himself especially with respect unto any evil way of Sin or wickedness Psal. 139. 23 24. So we ought to cry for fresh Communications of the Holy Spirit of God in his convincing Efficacy to acquaint us throughly with our selves and to deliver us from all self-deceivings in this matter For when we go about this Search a thousand Pretences and arguings will arise to the Concealment or Countenance of Self and Sin against a Discovery and Pursuit Nothing can remove and scatter them but the power of the Holy Spirit acting in his convincing Efficacy The whole Deceit of the heart in such a season will be put forth to hide palliate excuse and countenance such Frames and actings as ought to be seized on and brought to Judgment There is need of the Candle of the Lord to search the inward parts of the Belly Prov. 20. 27. of Spiritual Light to look into the secret recesses of the Mind and affections to discover what is amiss in them And there is need of Spiritual Strength to cast down all the Srong holds and Fortifications of Sin which will be all set up at such a time and will not be demolished or scattered without powerfull actings of Grace This therefore in the first place we are to apply our selves unto if we intend any Success in this work of Self-Examination So also are we to pray that the Word in the Preaching and Dispensation of it may be effectual unto the same End that we may find it quick and powerfull Heb. 4. 12. that it may so judge the Secrets of our Hearts 1. Cor. 14. 25. that we may fall down and judge our selves also To hide our selves at such a season from the power of the Word is an open Evidence of a ruining Security This Work in the use of these Means is to be called over and persisted in if we design a Compliance with the present Calls of God or an Endeavour to be found of him in Peace when he cometh 5. To be deeply humbled before the Lord for our own Sins with a Relinquishment of them all thereon is the principal part of our Duty in this Season This the whole Scripture testifieth unto speaking of these things Without this all that we do or can do signifies nothing as unto a compliance with the Calls of God This is the End of the Search before insisted on We are to find out to know every one the Plague the stroke the Disease of his own Heart so as to be humbled before the Lord for it
of Men yea for the woful calamitous State and Condition which is coming upon them even in this World Surely those who are true Believers cannot but be concerned in all the Concerns of the Glory of God If in all our Afflictions he is Afflicted in all the sufferngs of his Glory we ought to suffer In the blessed Direction given us for our Prayers as unto what we ought to pray for that which in the first place is prescribed as that which principally and eminently we ought to insist on is the Glory of God in the Sanctification of his Name the progressive Coming of the Kingdom of Christ and the Accomplishment of his VVill by the Obedience of men in the world If we are sincere herein if we are servent in these Supplications is it nothing unto us when all these things are quite contrary amongst us when the Name of God is blasphemed and all things whereon he hath placed his Name are derided when the whole Internal Interest and Kingdom of Christ are opposed and the outward Court of the Temple given every where to be trodden down of the Gentiles when all manner of Sins abound in opposition unto the Will and Commands of God when the Earth is almost as unlike unto Heaven as Hell it self is their nothing to be mourned for herein VVe are for the most part selfish and so it may go well with our selves according to the extent of our Relations and Circumstances we are not greatly moved with what befals others There is Evil enough herein but shall we be moreover so minded towards Jesus Christ that whilst we are in safety we care not though his Concernments are in the utmost hazard Do we love the Name of God the Ways of God the Glory of God in his Kingdom and Rule we cannot but be deeply affected with the suffering of them all in these Days The other Spring of this Mourning-Frame is Compassion for the Souls of Sinners and their Persons also in the Approach of Calamitous Desolations I am hastening to an End and cannot insist on these things This only I shall say He that can take a Prospect of the eternally miserable Condition of Multitudes among whom we live and the approaching Miseries which without Repentance and Reformation will not be avoided and not spend some Tears on them hath a Heart like a Flint or Adamant that is capable of no Impression 7. It is a Season wherein we are called to a diligent heedfull Attendance unto the Duties of our Stations Places and Callings Duties in our Church-Relations Duties in our Families Duties in our Callings and manner of Conversation in the World This is the Advice given by the Apostle with respect unto such a season 2 Pet. 3 13 14. Seeing that all these things shall be dissolved what manner of Persons ought ye to be in all manner of Conversation and Godliness Wherefore be diligent that you may be found of him in peace without spot and blemish Without a sacred Diligence in all these Duties we cannot be found in peace of the Lord Christ when he comes to judge the world and purifie his Church with a fiery Trial. Negligence Coldness and Sloth in these things are Tokens of approaching Judgments And of some of them at this day the Generality of Professors seem to be almost weary of and to attend unto them in a very indifferent and overly manner But we may know assuredly that if we thrive not in our Diligence in these things if the vigour of our Spirits in Watchfulness be not engaged in them we are not compliant with the present Calls of God 8. It is required of us that we cry earnestly continually with preserverance for such an Effusion of the Holy Spirit from above as may dispose and work the Inliabitants of the Land unto Repentance and Reformation That this is the only Way the only Means of Releif of a sanctified Deliverance from Desolating Judgments hath been declared And this is the only Way which some of us have to help and assist the Nation in its Distress Wherefore by a constant continuance in Supplication for such Fffusion of the Holy Spirit we shall have a threefold Advantage 1. We shall hereby discharge the Duty we owe unto the Land of our Nativity in such a way as none can deny or hinder We owe a Duty unto it on all good Accounts Moral Political Spiritual We are for the most of us shut up from giving any other Assistance unto it by Advice Counsel or Action this is that which none can hinder wherein the poorest may be as useful and serviceable as the Mighty And if iâ— be diligently attended unto it will be far above whatever can be contributed by Wisdom Wealth or Strength unto the same End For by this Means we shall be saved or perish 2. It will preserve our own Hearts in the best frame for what we our selves may be called unto He that is earnest and sincere in his Supplications for the Communication of the Spirit unto others shall not want blessed supplies of him in his own Soul He will not withdraw from them as unto themselves who so esteem prize and value his VVork towards others 3. VVe shall hereby give Testimony unto God and his Grace against the cursed Prophaneness of the world who reject and despise this only Means of Relief and Deliverance For when all other Remedies fail if God will not utterly forsake a Church or People he doth constantly assign this as the only Means of their Safety See Jer. 31. 31 32. 33. Ezek. 11. 17 18 19. Chap. 36. 25 26 27. This way the VVorld despiseth regardeth not wherefore we can in nothing give a greater Testimony unto God than by insisting on this way with Faith and Patience contemning the Reproaches of the world on the Account of it 9. Let us labour our selves to be exemplary in Reformation thereby to promote it among others Let us plead and exhort what we will unless we give an Evidence in our own persons of the necessity which we judge that there is of present Reformation we shall we be of little Use unto the Promotion of it Many Retrenchments of Liberty in Conversation may be made among the best of us many Duties may be attended with more diligence many Causes Offence avoided many Evidences given of a deep sence of deserved Judgments and of our Reverence of the Name of God therein much Fruitfulness in Charity and good works be declared I have heard that in the Country where a man is looked on to be a wise man and a good Husband among his Neighbours they will nâ—te the times of his Plowing Sowing and manuring his Ground and not undertake any thing until they find him going before them in it And if men are looked on in a peculiar manner as Professors of Religion at such a time as this under Calls and Warnings from God for Repentance and Reformation the Eyes of other men will be towards them to see what they do on this Occasion And if they find them as unto all outward Appearance careless and negligent they will judge themselves unconcerned and abide in their Security Wherefore so far as I know if such persons be not exemplary not only in Repentance But also in the Evidence and Demonstration of it by its outward Fruits they may be and are the great Obstructers of the Reformation of the Cities Towns and places wherein they do inhabit nor can any contract the Guilt of a greater Sin And if God should bring an overflowing Scourge on the Inhabitants of this Land because they have not turned unto him at his Calls it is most righteous that they should share in the Judgment also who were an Occasion of their Continuance in Security a Matter we have all just Cause to tremble at FINIS These things were spoken on the burning of several Persons to death in one of the late Fires in London