but herein Observe where Religion doth rise or fall When 't comes to every day soon none at all Meer Libertines seldom on God call Act. 6.9 How many spend the Sabbath in idle-talking Others in Hells broad way are walking Some Whoring Exod. 16.28 29 30. verses and on wickedness thinking Some in Ale-houses spend the Sabbath in drinking Some formally observe the Sabbath yet so evil In their lives all the Week serve the Devil They pretend to keep a Sabbath unto God Yet in their Lives very wicked and odd Jer. 17.21 Many rest from bodily labour at least But other ways are worse than the beast By sinful passing of the Sabbath away By Drunkenness or with superstitious Play Whereas God requireth of Age or Youth To worship him in spirit and in truth Joh. 4.24 Many are for Holy-days Mens inventions These things please carnal apprehensions Jer. 7.4 to 11. The Church the Temple is Holy some will say Yet themselves live unholy in their way Yea oppose the Holiness of the Lords-day Neh. 10.31 Which God Commanded by his Institution Not holy Places holy Days by Mens pollution Many are for holy Places by Consecration Yet live wicked unholy in Conversation 'T is too too true in our English Nation Some their Children and Servants at play Ezek. 20.12 So wickedly spend the Sabbath away What will they do when God shall say Was this your keeping Holy the Sabbath-day Which I Commanded is this your serving me Then in Hell you shall endure eternal misery If the Jews were punished in their station Numb 15.32 35. For breaking the Sabbath in their generation Which was set apart in Commemoration Of God's Providence in the World's Creation Sure God will punish those in cheir station That break the Sabbath in their Conversation Which is set apart in the Commemoration Of our Saviour Jesus Christ's Resurrection Luk. 23.56 Yet how is the Sabbath slighted by rejection By many you may see by their Lives complexion 'T is too manifest by their ways reflection How will it be when need Christ's protection Therefore keep Holy the Sabbath by Scripture-direction Whiles here in this World you remain Heb. 12.23 That in Heaven an eternal Sabbath may keep again SECT VIII SO much briefly concerning the Sabbath-day Now concerning Prayer I will a little display And Consider it Reader in thy way 'T is a Duty incumbent on all to Pray 1 Sam. 1.10 to 13. Some unto Prayer have themselves addressed When no words have been expressed Secret Prayer is sometimes very good Psal 139.2 The Hearts desires are by God understood But yet publick Prayer in thy station Dan. 9.3 to 21. Should be vocal for others edification Mental Prayer is good for self-reflection Yet vocal Prayer doth move the Affection The expression of the Tongue with art Of Faiths affection doth move the Heart As to the gesture in Prayer Heb. 12.28 some affect One way some another and some neglect All outward gesture and do it reject Yet we should an humble gesture respect Act. 20.19 Eph. 3.14 But this is not what is in my eye So that the gesture I will at present pass by And to the matter of Prayer I will apply My self according to present light descry Prayer hath been a Duty in all Ages and still Is if we Pray according unto God's Will Revealed in Scripture though some it despise Being blinded by the Father of lyes Pray not only for Friends but for Enemies Mat. 5.24 This direction our Saviour Christ descryes Unto his Disciples and is a rule to us likewise The Saints Prayers are golden Vials Rev. 5.8 Prayer supports Believers under many Tryals Luk. 21.36 Like the Sun when shines clear on Dyals Tells us how our time doth pass away As motives to make us Watch and Pray Mat. 26.41 If tenders thy homage to God by Prayer It must be with a spiritual desire It must be the breathings forth of Grace Isa 26.9 By the Spirit in thy Christian race Don't live in sin then Pray that disgrace Unto thy self and doth much deface The Duty of Prayer when still banding Words and not Pray with understanding 1 Cor. 14 15. Let me tell thee whether Age or Youth Thou must Pray in spirit and in truth Joh. 4.24 Pray in truth not only to learn the art To say a Prayer when there is no Heart To practise according although thou cry With thy Tongue if thy Tongue say a lye Take heed don't mock with the Holy Deity Gal. 6.7 Thou must Pray to God with a pure Heart With a resolution from sin to depart In heart don't regard Iniquity nor sin desire If so God will not hear thy Prayer Psal 66.18 If thou Pray yet love thy sin still 'T is not Praying according unto God's Will God's Will is even our Sanctification 1 Thes 4.3 4. Pray and live according in our station To promote Christ's Kingdom in our generation To sanctifie God's Name in our Conversation That God's Will may be done on Earth even As Angels and Saints do it in Heaven Luk. 11.2 Not Pray Christ's Kingdom come like those Who so say yet Christ's Kingdom oppose The Reason is they don't Pray in Faith Rom. 14.23 So their Prayer is sin as Scripture saith Psal 109.7 Although a Seal for Prayer many pretend Yet by Faith on Christ they don't depend Nor in their Lives don't answer the end Of Prayer but in Life they Christ offend They can't Pray with fervency of Affection The power of Prayer hath no reflection On their Hearts that 's cast by rejection The life and power of Prayer can't abide 2 Tim. 3.5 But in their Forms of Prayer confide If formal Prayer they retain and inherit Rom. 12.11 They contented sensual having not the Spirit Jude 19. Can't Pray spiritually but are so odd In Prayer can't spiritually call on God Nor Pray unto God by Faith continually Col. 4.2 In the Spirit who can only Grace apply Not that we should Pray still the same But that our Hearts always be in frame Fit for Prayer that on all occasions we Tender our Duty unto God more free By his Spirits operation Col. 2.12 and the rather Because the Spirit will cry Abba Father Makes intercession with sighs and cryes Rom. 8.15.26 Verse The Spirit helps also our infirmities Both habitual assisting actuating Grace Is from the Spirit in our earthly race Let us not his motions then deface 1 Thes 5.19 SECT IX Obj. SAy some May not a Form of Prayer be us'd Sol. Yea if not rested in or sinfully abus'd As Children have a staff to learn to go But when able 1 Cor. 14.20 the staff away throw Or as some others who learn to swim then They use Bladders you know but when Have the Art from Bladders they depart And swim like Men with a rejoycing heart Eph.
4.14 A Form of Prayer for Children or Youth Is necessary 'till they understand Truth In a spiritual way Col. 1.10 then a Form they defie And Pray for the Spirit to help infirmity A Crutch is of use unto Men are lame Which unto sound Men you know is shame A Form of Prayer you see by reflection 2 Tim. 3.7 Where 't is us'd doth imply an imperfection Praying in Spirit is Heart-yielding to Christ 2 Cor. 10.5 Not a meer Form rested in Phil. 3.3 as Men list True Praying is everlasting Doors within Joh. 6.63 Doors of the Soul that everlasting thing Open'd by the Spirit to Christ Psal 24.9 10. King of glory According to Truth not according to Mens story 'T is holy Affection like an Angel in a Flame Judg. 13.19 20 This is praying to God not a Book that 's shame To any under Gospel-light to be so odd 2 Tim. 3.7 Without a Book not know how pray to God. Heb. 5.12 To pray in Truth is love become Divine 1 Cor. 1.30 By Grace in Heart the Soul doth shine 2 Pet. 1.4 In Prayer depend on Christs Approbation Person and Prayer left to Christs Mediation Psal 31.16 Not like Bishops and Priests in the Nation Heb. 7.25 Who rest in Forms in their Generation Eph. 4.19 Have no feeling of the Spirits Operation They say Hallowed be thy Name Mat. 6.9 When their Lives by sin cry shame How many fay Deliver us from Evil vers 13. Yet still do the Works of the Devil In their Lives pray for daily Bread For the Body when the Soul is dead vers 11. For want of Grace and also herein They say not pray forgive us our Sin vers 12. As we forgive others how would it be If God should do as they say for see They in malice run in a high degree They say Lead us not into Temptation vers 13. Yet run in all sin in their Conversation To be a Christian only in Name 't is plain Without practice taking Gods Name in vain Mat. 7.21 T is not enough to pray or say Lord Lord Without living in life according to the Word Pray and be holy in Life and the rather If not you don't believe in God the Father God is holy Lev. 11 44. and doth also Command Us to be holy see Scripture and understand Eph. 1.4 Don't pray yet still in thy life so odd But live holy like the Sons of God By Adoption and real Regeneration Rom. 8.14 15. Which is effected by the Spirit 's Operation As many as are led by the Spirit They live by Faith and apply Christs Merit As we pray so let us do Gods Will And not be found workers of Iniquity still Only a form of godliness Tit. 1.16 nothing worse To pray yet live in sin a dreadful Curse Without the Power 2 Tim. 3.5 then let us tremble No longer with God in Prayer dissemble The Prayers of those whom God by donation Hath given unto Christ Joh. 17.24 in their Generation Are accompanied with Christs Mediation And Intercession of Jesus Christ presented Unto the Father let Prayer be augmented Tho in Prayer we in much weakness run Our encouragement is in Christ the Son. Therefore in this Channel let Prayer run God is not pleas'd in any Mat. 17 5. but in his Son. Let 's lift up holy hands in our Station Without wrath and doubting in our Generation 1 Tim. 2.8 Here is a spiritual holy qualification Let 's be holy in outward Conversation As is the Fountain so will be the Stream Let 's live by Faith Jam. 3.11 12. not like Men in a Dream All our Souls Faculties must act in Prayer Our Undestandings Affections and Hearts desire Like Jehoshaphat 2 Chron. 19.3 let 's seek the Lord Set all our strength as saith the Word Pray in humility unto God understand Thy own unworthiness under whose hand And Power thou art who can command The whole World into nothing Isa 40.17 and Both Soul and Body must live or dye Mat. 10.28 At Gods dispose for ever to all Eternity SECT X. Obj. BUt some may say what need we pray God knows all our wants every day Psal 44.21 Sol. The Duty of Prayer is so clearly stated In Scripture John 21.17 it cannot be abrogated 'T is a Duty in Nature the Heathens so odd Said to Jonah Jonah 1.6 Arise call upon thy God. 'T is true God knows before we can say What we need Job 34.21 yet 't is our Duty to pray That we may be sensible of our need Of what we want God hath so decreed Psal 50.15 We should pray showing our dependency On God for what we want in humility Supplicate the Almighty who knows well Our wants before we ask yet Scripture tell That God will be enquir'd of by Israel Ezek. 36.37 God hath promis'd that he will hear Jer. 29.12 Prayer when we out of a sence appear 1 Pet. 3.12 Of our wants before God in holy fear Jam. 4.8 Then God will unto us draw near In time of Affliction the Scriptures say Is a seasonable time for Men to pray Then the Spirits motions are quick Prayer of the faithful saves the Sick. Jam. 5.13.15 verse His Ears are open unto their praying cry Althô some slight Prayer as they pass by Yet the Spirit doth in our Christian Race Make the Soul fruitful in all Grace Rom. 15.5.13 verse The Spirit us and Duty doth not divide But moves to Duty like wind and tide To a Ship makes us run to Gods Command In a way of Obedience by the Spirits hand 2 Cor. 1.22 Pray frequently fervently in our Station The Spirit gives wings unto Supplication Yea then is the Soul fill'd with Consolation Tho Prayer by some be cast by rejection Yet Believers praise God with strong Affection Psa 50.23 Constantly not like some in our nation Who pray when the Spirit in their Station Heb. 13.15 Doth move them to pray in their Generation So Prayer is in their Families little us'd At their eating and drinking very confus'd 1 Cor. 10.31 The Duty of Prayer they have much abus'd To neglect Prayer is a wicked infusion Instead of Gods Spirit a spirit of delusion For the Spirit of God where it doth move Eph. 2.18 Constrains the Soul to pray in love And Faith by the Spirit the cause is such 2 Cor. 5.14 Where much is forgiven they love much Luke 7.47 They abound in work of the Lord In eating and drinking saith the Word Do all to the Glory of God 1 Cor. 10.31 be active In ways of holiness in Grace to thrive Let it appear the Spirit is in you alive Quickning you by his Spiritual Motion Psal 16.5 Delighting you to do Gods Will in Devotion Until you enjoy God as your Portion Lam.
3.24 SECT XI TO summ up all Reader for thy Memory In love I will my self briefly apply 2 Pet 3.1 2. All my aim is thy spiritual advance I speak truth as my Name is Husnance This Method can't be unpleasing to desire Consider the my conclusion of Prayer And mind well what is said before For thy good I will say a few words more All words put in a dead form of Prayer Are not Prayer Isa 11.15 whilst the Hearts desire Is for Iniquity and after Sin doth dance Whiles the Heart 's full of sin and Ignorance When incredulity in Life doth advance And uncharitableness in Conversation The Prayer of such is an abomination Unto the Lord Prov. 15.8 9. clear in Scripture and Why call me Lord and do not my Command Prayer Luke 6.46 is not always to be banding Words in Prayer without Understanding Don't pray Luke 13.27 yet be a worker of Iniquity still This is not praying according to Gods Will. Pray in Faith and with a pure Heart And from sin in thy Conversation depart Answer the end of Prayer in Conversation In sincerity Lev. 10.3 by the Spirits Operation Pray in the Spirit whether Age or Youth In fervency sanctifie the God of Truth Pray constantly and in humility For acceptation Mat. 17.5 Christ by Faith apply This is to pray unto God then look Here is more than praying in a Book Here 's more than saying words in notion 'T is not easie to pray by the Spirits motion Without watching thereunto by Faith's desire Luke 21.36 This is to give one's self unto Prayer SECT XII FRom the Duty of Prayer I will advance And write briefly of Baptisms Ordinance There are very many Arguments among Some to whom Baptism doth belong Scripture to this point satisfaction give Seems to me it belongs to them believe Act. 8.37 Or of believing Parents as a qualification All required to believe in their Station Infants of believing Parents in Covenant Are to be baptiz'd Scriptures seem to grant The Promise being to them and their Posterity Acts 2.39 But here 's not the main of what 's in my Eye So pass it by and write of Baptisms use Briefly and also of Baptisms great abuse Baptism is an Ordinance of Christ in 's place Joh. 3.5 8. Yet the very Act doth not conferr Grace Col. 2.11 Baptism not the cause of Regeneration The Spirit may work our Renovation Tit. 3.5 Before or after Baptism a Type of Regeneration Rom. 4.11 As a Sign or Seal of our Confirmation And ingrafting into Christ in our Station Acts 4.12 Who is the only way unto Salvation Baptism admits into the Church of God Afflictions also are call'd his baptizing Rod. Mar. 10.39 Baptism is a lively Figure of Christs Death Rom. 6.3 4. By baptism ingag'd to Christ whiles breath It represents Christs Burial and Resurrection Then live to Christ depend on his Protection Being buried with Christ in baptism Col. 2.12 dy to sin And live unto Righteousness 1 Pet. 2.24 and herein By Baptism we give it under our hand To fight under Christs Banner at 's Command Deny our selves by holy real resignation Live to Christ Eph 1.7 who purchas'd our Salvation Baptism is our covenanting with God Don't live a wicked life fear his Rod. Only Covenant making is much like a Story 'T is Covenant-keeping only brings to Glory John 13.17 Seal of a Covenant makes not a Covenanter Don't live in life like a prophane Ranter Act. 2.17 Baptism rightly understood Gal 4.6 by Christs merit Brings us under a promise of the Spirit Which works in us true Baptism Gal. 5.22 saving Faith Having our Conversation holy Scripture saith Walk in love Brother-like not like a Noddy Of malice being baptiz'd into one body By the Spirit 1 Cor. 12.13 whereby we come to see Our deprav'd nature John 7.37.39 vers by sin can't happy be Without Christ to him by Faith flee In being baptiz'd only let none rest Without the end of it in life 's exprest 'T is not washing of water as I understand Doth good as in obeying Gods Command This point from Scripture I gather hence True baptism is answer of a good Conscience Towards God by the Resurrection of Christ To live holy 1 Pet. 3.21 and not in sin as we list By Baptism mayst be a Member of the Church Yet not of Christ fear what thoughts lurch In thee mayst be in a state of Damnation Tho baptiz'd if lives a wicked Conversation A Man may be sav'd Act. 8.13 to the 24. tho not baptiz'd If he believe let not Baptism be Idoliz'd Tho Baptism be necessary in its station Yet 't is nothing without the Spirits Operation Rom. 3.30 Tho Baptism be necessary in its place Col. 2.12 The end of Baptism in life don't deface For if thou dost the Truth I will tell Baptism will not save thee from Hell. Mat. 7.23 SECT XIII AS to Baptisms performance Scriptures descry Mat. 28.18 19. vers Have Christs Institution ever in thy Eye Purest Ordinances may be sinfully abus'd Much more those are superstitious us'd Take heed of Mens inventions and pollution Few now keep to Christs Institution Psal 14.3 Having Gossips and Cross in their scope Which things did derive from the Pope Baptizing Children like a Stage-plays dance With a drunken Feast is this Christs Ordinance Mat. 28.20 They be intitled Christian with a Feast 'T is not Christs way but way of the Beast Rev. 13.16 17. Baptism's efficacy is contain'd in Christ Not in the action by a time-serving Priest Psal 50.16.22 vers Who holds Regeneration on the deed done So tho never so wicked to Baptism run Gal. 1.10 Yet in their lives very wicked and odd For all their sign of Cross Enemies to God Yet say are Christians why because baptiz'd See how Baptism is abus'd and idoliz'd By most of Men Col. 3.1 2. to the 13 vers few answer the end Of Baptism tho Christians they pretend How prophane are Priests in the Nation To all wicked officiate administration How corrupt with the Popes pollution Jer. 9.13 14 15. Few of Priests keep to Christs Institution Baptizing wicked Mens Children none exempt Prov. 13.13 So bring the Ordinance into contempt How careless and promiscuously admit Before they are by Examination fit Contrary to Scripture Act. 8.37 which you may see Many Instances search Scripture free The Eunuch examin'd before baptiz'd was he If fit to receive into Church Society Acts 9.16 17. Not to baptize all come hand over head Lay aside Scripture Rule as a thing dead Like Papist Lev. 10.1 by whom Superstition is augmented The Priest admits whomsoever is presented If the Parent never so wicked not prevented And by whomsoever tho a wicked Noddy Preposterous to insert such into Christs Body The Church when in all
Comfort unto us when try'd To hear and talk how Christ hath dy'd To hear the glorious Liberty Sons of God Shall have by Christ's Redemption Rom. 8.21 yet so odd In our lives wicked as in the land of Nod Gen. 4.16 What 's Redemption to any Natural Man 'Till Converted no more than to an American Mat. 18.3 If we hear the Gospel as we hear a Libel What the better if not live the Bible Don't think because live on Gospel-ground Gal. 5.13 Because its Voice in our Ears doth sound This don't exempt from rigour of the Law Jam. 1.22 And entitle to Christ if thou wilt know 2 Pet. 2.14 15 19. Grace must operate in life as seed sown Mar. 4.26 27 28. By its growth what sort 't is is well known Is Grace in thee from one degree full grown Christ came Joh. 1.11 was not received by his own Were they better for it No not a jot No more wilt thou if thou dost not Bring Faith's fruit in thy Conversation Mat. 3.8 Without Holiness how canst prove renovation If we hear the Gospel Preached frequently What the better if not depart from Iniquity Luk. 13.26 27. If Christ pass by our Hearts in the Word Yet if not with Zacheus to Christ accord Will not come down the presumptuous Tree Of our Self-conceit 19.6 then how can we Expect Christ should come in that degree To sup and lodge with us Rev. 3.20 if not free To entertain Christ then let 's for shame No longer be Christians only in Name Let 's rest in outward Priviledges no more John 8.39 Let 's make haste like Zacheus open the door Of our Hearts to Christ if expect Salvation Tender Christ Obedience in Conversation Heb. 5.9 Without it the greater Condemnation Luk. 10.14 SECT XVIII THE way of Sin and Prophaneness Hell's road Is the broad way Mat. 7.13 14. and the all-a-mode Of the World every son of Belial rides This road but there 's another way divides Which is call'd Morality and herein It may be call'd also Legality a great sin To rest in Duties done without saving Faith Hath been the destruction of thousands Rom. 10.2 saith Scripture such baseness in Men's Hearts lurks The Galathians turn'd to the Covenant of Works Soon after Paul had Preached Free-grace Gal. 1.6 They that Doctrine did wickedly deface The Galathians had Preaching Seducers cry'd By Works they were to be Justifi'd And most Men and Women in their station Prone to this sin ever since the Creation 2.4 'T is natural unto most Men Micah 2.10 how prone To rest in doing are we every one Do this and live is in most Mens Eye From Adam and unto all his Posterity Luke 17.10 Men look for Righteousness and acceptation More in Duties than by Christs Mediation Rom. 4.14 More for the Precept in their Generation Heb. 4.1 Than in Eying the Promise of Salvation Mans Eye is so on doing by sin deprav'd Are we What shall I do to be sav'd Acts 16 30. Said the Jaylor we doing so much respect That in doing we Faith in Christ neglect So in doing make Christ of no effect The Pharisee said I do so and so in 's Station Luk. 18.11 12. His Eye on doing not on Christ for Salvation To rest on Ordinances is no strange news Justify'd by doing is the sin of the Jews They expect life in Obedience to the Law John 8.5 So Christ for Salvation they reject know This was and is their Error and Mistake Gal. 3.10 4.4 5. Let no Professor of 's Duties Saviours make Few under Ordinances see themselves undone But still on in a road of Duties run See little need of Jesus Christ the Son. Are not poor in spirit tho the Scriptures say Luke 1.53 The rich the full are sent empty away 'T is the poor the lost the undone the blind That Christ saves as in Scripture find Those that feel themselves dead as to life Spiritual with Corruptions still in strife What a litter and nest of sin lies in Heart Isa 6.5 Vile base such Expressions they impart The Soul convinc'd of every sinful thought Which conceited Man is not easily brought Unto Conviction goes before Conversion Joh. 16.8 Ordinarily Scripture makes good this Assertion Sin appears to the Soul exceeding sinful Rom. 7.13 To do this the Spirit gives many a pull To bring to Christ is the Spirits Intention Mat. 18.11 Man must be lost in his own Apprehension Which Man is not easily brought to see Till the Spirit convince Man of 's miserie By sin which he hath committed against God So trembles for fear of his eternal Rod Then longs for Peace and Reconciliation With God Psal 84.2 through Christ as his Salvation Which is the greatst happiness in his Station 119.174 And prays for this blessing with tears Psal 6.6 As a Man sentenc'd to Death is full of fears Doth pray Heb. 12.17 sigh and mourn and cry For fear he should perish eternally Which Man is not easily won to so odd Is Man by sin Col. 1.21 naturally an Enemy to God. The Spirit doth break for sin the Heart Before he binds it up as Scripture impart First wounds the Soul before he heals Humbles the Soul for sin Scripture reveals Softens the Heart and makes it recant From sin Zech. 7.13 which is compar'd to an Adamant Must drink of the Waters of Marahs station Psal 126.5 6. Before canst drink of the Well of Consolation Must sow in Tears sorrow must annoy Before we can reap a harvest of Joy. We must go into the House of Mourning We must repent and from sin be turning The spirit of heaviness will take hold On us Isa 61.3 for sin if in sin we are bold SECT XIX Consider then what hath been spoken Hath thy hard Heart from sin bin broken 2 Tim. 1.6 What godly Contrition in thee is found For sinning against God in Scripture ground Hast gone mourning for sin all the day For dishonouring God without delay Not a legal sorrow as my lines do say But godly sorrow in an Evangelical way Then in all duties exalt Christ by Faith 2 Cor. 5.10 Without which all is sin Scripture saith Rom. 14.23 Hunger and thirst for more Acquaintance With Christ by Faith and true Repentance Desire to love Christ delight in Union With Jesus Christ by holy Communion That in godly sincerity we may be found Not like the stony or thorny ground Mat. 13.7 Hear Sermons to carry us to Christ pray The Word be not like seed fell by the way Use Duties as Noahs Dove did her wing vers 4. Act by Faith on Christ in every thing The Dove us'd her wings Gen. 8.11 as a means or way To the Ark to use Ordinances don't delay As the means or way to Christ who can
more in Sinners life than destruction But if Sinners abuse Mercy and sin maintain Then God delights in a Sinners destruction plain Will destroy all those don't desire his Reign Luk. 19.27 Oh! don't abuse Mercy 't is a wicked thing Because God is merciful slow in punishing Many take liberty to live bold in sin Because Sentence is not executed against evil Eccl. 8.11 Therefore Man's heart 's set to please the Devil Oh! dread and tremble I wish thee as a Friend To abuse Mercy will be sad in the end Consider this art dead will nothing move Thy Obedience to Christ he deserves thy love Cant. 5.10 Consider his Sufferings as before admire God's Wisdom and Christ's love in such desire Of Man's Salvation God sending his own Son Joh. 3.16 To redeem us when we by sin were undone Don't despise the Mystery of Godliness herein What ever Christ suffer'd was due to us for sin In despising God's goodness I speak the rather Thou despisest the Wisdom of God the Father And also despisest the free love of the Son In all his sufferings which he for 's hath done And dost also in thy earthly Race Do despight unto the Spirit of Grace Heb. 10.29 This will be very dreadful in the end Oh! now believe repent make Christ thy Friend For when once the Doom as before is pass'd Job 36.18 'T will not be reach'd can't be revers'd SECT XXXVIII This may seem strange to some in sin quiet 1 Pet. 4.4 Sin is to many now a very pleasing Diet Yet don't run the same excess of Riot Most in sin sport themselves herein None but Fools make a mock of sin Prov. 14.9 Let them alone make Holiness their laughter Yet no Holiness here no Happiness hereafter Heb. 12.14 Mind what 's said before don't think it a Story For 't is only Grace that leads to Glory Mat. 5.8 25.4 Only the pure in heart see God with Joy Get oil in Lamp nothing shall thee annoy Go to God and pray and pray again Psal 32 6. To God thorough Christ then may obtain Ask it shall be given God hath so decreed Joh. 16.24 To give Grace to help in time of need Heb. 4.16 Mind what 's said before concerning Prayer Go to God in Christ by faith's desire Isa 44.3 Let God's Glory be thy end in Prayer still 1 Cor. 10.31 So by Faith pray according to God's Will Make the Kingdom of Heaven suffer violence Mat. 11.12 In way of Duty for think not thy expence This way Heb. 11.23 till come unto that Auditory Church of the First-born with God in Glory Dan 9.3 When millions of years over Psal 65.2 no annoy Happens to Saints to interrupt their joy They sin no more Isa 25.8 all tears off their eyes Are wip'd Rev. 7.17 Hallelujahs sing above the Skies Eye not seen nor heart of Man conceive What God hath prepar'd for them believe 1 Cor. 2.9 Rivers of pleasures are at 's right hand Psal 16.11 Laid up for them obey his Command Mat. 25.23 There Youth flourisheth that never grows old Love continueth Luk. 12.33 that never waxeth cold Nothing lacking when God himself will be Joy and Light to our Souls to Eternity Psal 36.8 9. Observe Reader what to conclude from hence What 's Heaven Isa 12.3 but injoyment of God's Presence 'T is fulness of Joy here 's Christ's Auditory Christ pray'd Believers might behold's Glory Joh. 17.24 Behold Christ's glory is joy beyond degree 'T is fruit of Christ purchase clear and free For us Gal. 4.5 Whom have I in Heaven but thee Or an Earth that can compar'd be What 's Heaven great God compar'd to thee Psal 73.25 Without thy Presence 't is no Heaven to me Nor would be possese'd Heaven unpossess'd of thee Whereever God by 's special grace doth dwell That 's Heaven Isa 57.15 where he is not mind well Present by 's Mercy and Grace that 's Hell That is understand what my lines tell If Heaven don't enter thy Soul by Grace Shall never enter Heaven that 's a holy place Cast off sin to false hope don't lean For there enters nothing that 's unclean Rev. 21.27 Heaven's Holiness in perfection if no desire To Holiness in life Rom. 9 22. then fit for Hell-fire The total absence of all evil is Salvation And is begun here in our Regeneration Yet by corruptions many times withstood In Heaven Saints have possession of all good Lord Psal 84 11. let 's injoy thy Presence here in Grace So may injoy thy Presence in Heaven's place Make 's such Lord as would'st have us be From my corruptions Lord set me free So may live forever in such a degree Being made meet to praise thy Majesty Where we shall be from Sin still free Col. 1.12 13. And from all sorrow trouble and misery Thus Friends you may plainly see Encouragement to hold fast integrity Job 27.5 No matter if Sufferings be great or small A light Affliction a Crown of Glory pays all 2 Cor. 4.17 Here 's the Feast of fat things well refin'd Isa 25.6 Meditate on them well in your Mind And to Holiness in life be inclin'd Secure our Int'rest in Christ to Eternity Take Christ our King and Lord to be 1 Chron. 1.30 Prove thy heart whether grace or no Grace that qualifies for Glory and so Be meet for Communion with God Here and with God hereafter where 's Rod Psal 23.4 Is turned into Love Felicity and Joy Joh. 16.20 22. That for ever nothing shall thee annoy SECT XXXIX This is call'd Life eternal mind it well Mat. 25.46 There 's another Eternity Scriptures call Hell There 's the wicked's Portion a place obscure 8.12 Full vials of God's wrath they must indure For ever they God and his holy ways hated In Hell they must be for ever stated No middle place no Purgatory purgation Luk. 16.23 Do the wicked meet but Hell's Damnation Shall be chain'd fast against their desire To suffer the vengeance of eternal Fire Jud. 6.7 The Sinner and Hell never part Oh! admire God's Mercy that art not in Hell fire Lam. 3.22 Oh! run unto God by faith and prayer Now can swear drink healths and then Think you are qualified like great Men. How wilt be when God takes your breath The end of those things is eternal death Rom 6.23 Repent be converted turn from sin about 'T is refreshing day to have sin blotted out Act. 3 29. Your glass is running tho' Mercy spare ye Your life may be cut extemporary Time is short 1 Cor. 7.29 like a Post we are hasting Unto Eternity Jam. 4.14 a place that 's everlasting Oh! Eternity Eternity to thee my lines cry For fear everlasting Death should'st die What an eternal strait wilt then be in Rom.
If so of Heaven you will surely miss All that practise this my lines do tell For all their Crosses Gal 5.21 Crucifixes go to Hell Then live by faith not by Cross I tell By Faith only Eph. 3.17 Christ in us doth dwell By Virtue of Christ my heart is renew'd By his Spirit 's operation Rom. 12.2 my sin 's subdu'd Not by Cross Papists make Col. 2.12 my lines cry That 's made by the workers of iniquity Gal. 2.20 5.24 Cast off wickedness and be holy my lines imply England's best Crucifix is sin to crucifie A Cross doth no good when come to die Then live holy for all the Cross 2 Cor. 7 1. say I. But not to enlarge on Crucifixes so gross Lest enlargement Reader be to thee a Cross I will conclude this Head against Idolatry Would not have Protestants with Cross comply Rom. 10.14 SECT XLVII Stand fast Protestants 1 Cor. 16.13 since God hath made You his people do not walk retrograde Eph. 6.14 Let not any reproach that can be nam'd Jam. 1.21 Make you Apostate lest Christ of you's asham'd Woe to any when Christ is on 's Throne Who in that Day Christ is asham'd to own Mark 8.38 What tho' the world rejoice and vaunt Against the despised rejected Protestant Joh. 16.20 Altho' now Protestants seem much affected Yet 't is question whether in heart respected Psal 12.2 Dissenting Protestants I mean how they Seem now reviv'd and bear some sway I fear a Cloud in latter end of the day Therefore be not presumptious watch and pray Stand fast Protestants against the Pope Psal 118.6 Fear not the biggest hatchet in all 's shop Mat. 10.28 Fear not the Pope nor his bloody rope Lev. 19.4 26.1 Fear not to own Protestant Religion stand Since have a tolleration by the King's hand Improve the Mercy Protestants stand fast That Christ may be our friend at last Own Protestant Profession Scripture saith Edifie one another in the holy faith Jud. 20. Let 's not set our hand unto God's Plough And look back God will not that allow Luk. 9.62 Yet many Men look back even now Like Water men I could tell you how They look one way and the other row Janus-like many such in our Nation Are for their own int'rest and reputation Act. 19.24 25. Many Men care not for the smile of God If they can enjoy the World so odd Are they in their lives and herein Count it Wisdom to sleep in whole skin Time-servers if the world they inherit Contented sensual having not the Spirit Jud. 19. If they enjoy the mercies of a Bruit Fat Pasture Peace they will turn to 't Are for a part in Paradise sin and vice Enjoy the World care not for Paradise Many have Jacob's smooth tongue Gen. 27.22 and Talk well but have Esau's rough hand Many have great notions high speculations But in life heart corrupt conversations They profess much like Angels of light But do deeds of darkness heart 's not right 2 Cor. 11.14 When Religion 's countenanc'd by Authority then Forward in way of Profession no such Men If Religion is shut at Sun don't shine Come a storm on Religion Joh 6.27 then decline If the Gospel be not for their advance Farewel Religion after worldly int'rest dance As true in our days as my name's Husnance Many such in England who like the Mass Are for their int'rest in the World 2 Tim. 4.10 alas Experience tells how from Religion pass Profess much go to the high Priest's Hall And then if try'd deny Christ and all Tho' Christ the Gospel in word don't deny Yet when in question Mat. 26.56 57 58. with the world comply This is following Christ afar off and Many such followers are in England The experience of this Joh. 6.66 we had of late In Person Men in action Devils incarnate How they were by many accommodated Had love when many others were hated How many did comply with sin and evil Rejoice with such Rom. 1.32 were as bad 's the Devil Pretend love to Christ Jam. 4.4 yet part will take With sin and evil so Christ in action forsake I confess it was a tiring time in the Nation And Scripture tells of an hour of temptation Rev. 3.10 Which shall try all that on Earth do dwell Who shall be for Heaven and who for Hell Therefore in thy heart false hopes don't breed God renders every Man according to his deed What profit then Rom. 2.6 if the whole world gain And lost their Souls in everlasting pain Mat. 16.26 'T is true now 's a toleration they seem alive But come a storm run like Bees into a Hive Are for Religion is uppermost come Turk 2 Cor. 4.4 To keep their int'rest in the world are sor't What 's the end of those things I cry Heb. 10.38 What ' world or Men's favour when must die Therefore mind death and believe eternity Job 36.19 SECT XLVII Consider what 's said take it in good part 2 Pet. 3.12 I aim at good I speak it with my heart To Apostate is dreadful as said before Also without in Christ miserable poor Rev. 3.17 A word I have to say to some Men more And it is to them who do lay aside Holiness in Practice to do duty can't abide Tit. 1.16 Instead of doing duty to God in Prayer By faith in Christ this they don 't desire But in false Presumption they still aspire Delight wallowing in sin as the Sow in mire 2 Pet. 2.22 Christ dy'd for Sinners all 's done by Christ So take liberty to sin live as they list That in Men's lives this should be found Shall we sin because grace doth abound Rom. 6.15 God forbid yet many such in our nation Say Christ died for Sinners in their station So live still a sinful conversation Rouze Man in false hope don't still sleep Whatsoever Man soweth that shall he reap Gal 6.7 God renders every Man according to his deed Rom. 2 4 5 6. Then don't false presumption always breed The point of distinction by the standing rod He doth not Righteousness is not of God. 1 Joh. 3.10 Remember what 's said before when sick Don't you send for a Physician very quick As a means for health the cause is sad Use means for the Body yet like Men mad Use none for the Soul but conclude the end Yet exclude the means Oh! do not pretend Hopes for Heaven and still in thy sin lie This will bring eternal death Job 8.13 my lines cry Or else I for thee will eternally die Heb. 12.14 God fits us by his Word and Spirit alone Dost use the means or else use none God sits us by duty by faith in prayer Dost use duty 2 Pet. 1.10 or else to duty no desire Up and be doing thy
effect Of false worship God will thy worship reject Isa 1.12 And thy self too if false worship respect If not in the Lambs Book who was slain From before the World's foundation t is plain Thou must into Hell for ever to remain Rev. 20.15 Take heed of worship keep to Christs Institution 2 Tim. 3.12 Tho for so doing thou meet with persecution Consider what 's to be of Antichrists number To Hell must tho herein they slumber See what 't is to worship the Beast to enjoy Perishing vanities and your Souls destroy In Hell for ever and not into Purgatory Don't cheat thy precious Soul with a Story Oh take heed of worship Dan. 12.2 my lines do cry Consider consider whilst haft life Eternity Work out Salvation with fear and trembling Phil. 2.12 Worship God in Truth cast off dissembling Worship according to Gods Will Joh. 4.24 don't annoy Thy Soul with false worship Psal 16.11 't will destroy Consider what 't is eternally God to enjoy SECT II WOrship God is to endeavour to please God still Joh. 15.10.14 verses We can't please God without doing his Will. Who will commend that Servant that still Doth not observe nor do his Masters Will Doth not the instinct of Nature and Reason Shew Eph. 6.5 as bodily Masters ought in season To be serv'd according to their commands shall Not the high and puissant God Psal 86.8 who ruleth all Be worshipp'd 1 Tim. 6.15 serv'd according to his Command Least said Isa 1.12 who requireth it at your hand Therefore let 's labour Gods will to understand Le ts consider worship to God in our Station As a duty of holiness to God for expectation It must be by doing his Will through Christ Joh. 14.6 15.14 Not according to mens Inventions as they list Worship which on Mans Counsel is grounded Or on the Authority of Princes is founded Or custom never so ancient or general receiv'd If not according to Scripture Gal. 1.8 9. not to be believ'd Nor practis'd because fruitless and dead Springing of the barren soil of Mans head Swimming like a fume in the outward part Heb. 4.2 11.6 But never receiv'd by Faith in the Heart So their lusts and sins are never subdu'd Nor their Souls cleans'd Joh. 3.4.9 verses nor Hearts renew'd By which Snare many in their Generation Never know what 's to be holy Eph. 6.6 by Renovation True Worship is to depend on the Lord With an Eye to Gods Commands in his Word 1 Pet. 5.2 Which proceeds from a filial fear of God Psal 4â— 8 Childrens fear not always driven by 's Rod Psal 5.7 But worship in love obedient in Faith Without which all is sin Soripture saith Rom. 14.23 Take heed in worship let us not dissemble With God and our Consciences let 's tremble Mat. 27.4.5 Verses Lest we suffer in our selves a double Hell For truth this Spira and others can tell For conformity to the World and complying To their Worship their Conscience still crying Rom. 2.15 Dread sinning against Conscience it will tare And roar a wounded Conscience who can bear Prov. 18.14 A Hell have many had in their Conscience here In this Life don't sin against Conscience fear To sin against Conscience Isa 66 24. lest Conscience cry To thee in Hell the Worm doth never dy Mar. 9.44 Consider it for if my Pen Iron were In strength yet would I not declare The sad Effects of abus'd Conscience Luk. 16.24 nor tell What pains and anguish they suffer in Hell. Reader what 's think of these things art dead Will they not enter thy Heart nor Head Art worse then Foelix a Heathen don 't dissemble Acts 24.25 When told of Judgment to come did tremble Take heed of a sear'd Conscience tho now asleep Like a Lion 't will roar and make thee weep Once a storm in Conscience tho at present withstood 1 Tim. 4.2 Nothing can quiet it but Christs Blood. Heb. 9.14 SECT III. IF all I have said will not a little move But for old Formalities hast still a love Isa 66 1 2. Then a word more concerning the Church That they no longer in thy Heart may lurch He 's not a Jew which is one only to the Eye But he that in Heart and Life is lively Rom. 2.28 In holiness and Circumcision I take to be Grace in Heart by the Spirits motions free Whereby inabled in a spiritual way to go 1 Cor. 14.15 Pray by the Spirit with understanding also Try what for Eternity and the rather If hast the Spirit Rom. 8.13 14. he will cry Abba Father Answer in life the End of Christs dying Dost endeavour thy sins to be crucifying Col. 3.5 6. Don't still live in Sin that cursed evil Christ dyed to destroy works of the Devil 1 John 3.8 To purchase to himself a peculiar People Zealous of good works Tit. 2.14 not of Churches Steeple As if that 's enough to do for Salvation The Church commonly call'd in the Nation Is no more holy than any other place Nor makes a duty holy that is by Grace We are not under the Gospel Station Gal. 5.1 13. Bound to such a Bishops dedication Nor can they make a place holy by Consecration Christ hath abolish'd such practice in Station As was us'd of old by the Jews Nation Because we are under Gospel Dispensation Wheresoever in Christs Name two or three Mat. 18.20 Christ promis'd among them he would be By his Holy Spirit and assisting Grace To bless them not for love of the place Be for holy places yet live unholy ways Live in sin and wickedness yet for Holy-days To be for holy ground Gal. 4.10 11. yet unholy Hearts Is a very sad delusion my lines imparts Be for holy Church make it a holy place Yet live unholy Conversations is disgrace Swear Whore be drunk common in the Land Then go to Church Lev. 11 44. is this Gods Command Under the Gospel not ty'd to this Mountain To Worship every where pray not counting One place more than another 1 Tim. 2.8 tho some be More convenient not holy but that we May meet in publick Worship more free From disturbance in our homage to God see What Gospel-priviledge we have by Christ Not ty'd to Worship at Jerusalem John 4.21 as Men list Worship a holy God in holiness of worship due To God from us for direction his Word pursue Lev. 10.1 2. As before is plainly said in love unto you Take heed Worship be according to Gods Word Don't offer strange Fire lest consum'd of the Lord. Be humble holy God will be sanctified In or on us see Nahab and Abihu who dyed God's the living God don't offer a dead Sacrifice Dan. 9.4 A dead prayer with a dead Heart Mar. 12.27 Man will despise Such a present as is
Make duties acceptable Eph. 1.6 and also the Man To be sav'd by Ordinances dont cherish Such thoughts this is a wicked flourish Yet without doing duties thou wilt perish 2 Tim. 1 9. Duties are Evidences of our Salvation Use Ordinances to that end in thy Generation Tho they do not save Man as is crav'd Yet they accompany such as are sav'd 'T is the first part of our Redemption A People zealous without exemption Of good works in Scripture 't is plain Tit. 12 4. And shall Chists Blood be shed in vain 'T is dreadful to fall into eternal pain Consider this seriously and it regard 'T is written for them who look Sion-ward That they would answer the end Of Ordinances 1 Cor. 15.2 not only Profession pretend Without its fruits in life on Christ depend For Salvation it will thy life amend Mat. 25.2 In resting in Ordinances don't offend But act by Faith in Duties to the end The Field of duties is the worst ground For any to miscarry Heb 11.6 Oh don't be found Only a Professor dread the Devils Pound To destroy Souls Satan still goes round Luke 10.13 14 15. To sow his Tares in Mens Hearts of extreams Either to neglect duty like Men in Dreams Acts 5.3 Or to rest on Ordinances 't is very plain Therefore take heed I say once again There are but two ways mind them well Sin and Duty rested in lead unto Hell. Many pretend Faith Jam. 2.14.20 verses but have no Works Others Works but no Faith such baseness lurks In many Men some pretend Zeal for God Yet not just in their dealing Gal. 5.6 in life so odd Others just in their dealing 1 Thes 1.3 yet have no Seal For God so perish as Scriptures reveal To conclude this head Reader in love mind Both to profess Heb. 4.14 and practise be inclin'd To do duty don't delay but rest on none For Salvation 10.23 but on Jesus Christ alone SECT XX. OF resting in Ordinances Luke 2.19 let us take care 'T is not what Man says unto the Ear But what Gods Spirit speaks to the Heart T is the Spirits Operation makes us depart From sin Isa 30.21 't is the voice behind you That turns converts and Hearts renew The Angels stirring the Water did only cure John 5.14 Desire and long for Ordinances pure When we have Ordinances and them enjoy Use them as Ordinances else will destroy Many follow a Road of Ordinances Ezek. 33.31 herein What foot-way hath Christs Spirit within What heavenly influence what intercourse Betwixt God and our Souls Gal. 6.45 what remorse For our barrenness under the means of Grace Do our Souls thrive in holiness sin deface In Heart what immediate dispensation From Christ doth the Spirit work Renovation What stirring the water under Ordinances In Grace and Holiness 2 Pet. 3.18 hast spiritual advances Man may preach well Man may afford Many good words when none from the Lord. Man may be very earnest Isa 48.17 and active In preaching the Word do our Souls thrive You have mediate favours cast on you 'T is mediate favours the Soul renew God is pleas'd to give us a toleration Free liberty by the King in all the Nation Pray for a blessing on the means in thy Station That the means of Grace may work Renovation 'T is a mercy to have good Mens Preaching Col. 2.12 'T is the mercy to have the Spirits teaching The best preaching of Men will be found Like good seed cast into bad ground Without the Spirits Operation doth abound The Law was written with Gods own hand Exod. 31.15 And dispens'd as his Will and Command Which was Israels great favour in part Is the Law by Gods Spirit written on our Heart The most of the World are spiritually dead 1 John 5.19 Under Ordinances few fed with Childrens bread Most of the World under Ordinances go to Hell 2 Tim. 3.5 Under a form of godliness think all well Yet live in sin like Esau in his Dottage Slight Heaven so may enjoy earthly Pottage Are contented like Beasts of the Field With corporal things as Providence yield To support such a corporal being contented alas With outward things as a Beast with Grass Banished from Gods presence was Cains Curse Gen. 4.16 Lye under Ordinances not thrive nothing worse What is it for a form of godliness to accord When we are not reform'd by the Word No Communion between us and the Lord This is dreadful as the Scriptures record 2 Pet. 2.21 But when the Spirit sets the Soul free It prays with Jacob Jehovah bless me Yea by Faith strives and struggles so Least thou bless me I will not let thee go Gen. 32.26 Here lyes Mans happiness in Communion With God when Christ and Soul one in Union Joh. 17.21 When a sence of pardon comes by preaching Then we thrive by Ordinances teaching What experimental Knowledge what Faith What divine Resolution Josh 24.15 as Scripture saith What droppings from Heaven on thy Soul Doth the Word touch us like a burning Coal Jer. 23.29 That 's preaching brings God and Soul together That a Christian hears Jam. 1.25 and does for ever In his Conversation from sin doth sever Therefore of Heavens hope let none talk Except according to Scripture Rule walk Jer. 7.23 I will put my Spirit in you saith the Lord To cause you to walk according to the Word Ezek. 11.19 20. Not that we should wickedness maintain Let not drunkenness and uncleanness reign Nor walk you after the way of Cain A way of cruelty and malice don't regard Gen. 4.8 Nor run greedily Balaams way for reward A way of Covetousness Numb 22. and unlawful gain This is against the Holy Scripture plain SECT XXI UNderstand then 2 Pet. 1.12 my meaning clear Hear and practise in life let it appear That the Ordinances of God to thee are dear By loving his Ministers in holy fear Love good Men let your Hearts be bent To hear those whom God hath sent Rom. 10.15 Hear those whom you believe God doth hear And according in life live with fear Honour a good Minister for his works sake Let him from thee some supply partake Heb. 13.16 17. According to thy Ability Luke 10.12 with thy Heart Love such as in sincerity the Gospel impart Who live as well as preach the Gospel smart Pray for such in love as my lines impart That God would give Pastors after 's own Heart Such God doth most bless in their Station And follows their labours in their Generation With his holy Spirits assisting Operation Take heed whom you hear in Scripture asserted Mar. 4.24 By carnal ungodly Ministers few Converted How can it be when Drunkards in station They not Converted yet preach Renovation So like Priests like People in Conversation Hos 4.9 You may see it
partake of eternal Consolation Consider this Isa 44.18 if hast any spiritual sight They are not fancies but of Soul-weight SECT XXIII COnsider these things my lines do mount To tell thee for reading must give an account Luke 16.2 Though dead lines without the Spirit 's operation Rom. 14.12 'T is thy Duty to Pray in thy generation Which thou may'st see before in this Book Col. 2.12 If in love you will retreat and look To help thee in love I will use this art Shoote one Arrow more at thy Heart Deut. 11 16. For thy Conversion I 'd not leave one stone Unturn'd then don't thy self let sin alone First be well acquainted with thy Heart 'T is the best Advice to thee I can impart For if art to thy own Heart a stranger Sure of thy Salvation thou art in danger 1 John 3.20 Don't say hast been qualifi'd at School Can trust my Heart if so thou art a Fool. Yet many in this Conceit do rest Prov. 28.26 Say they no matter my Heart 's good 's the best I never was in all my life for change Jer. 17.9 Must be born again to most seems strange John 3.9 How can't be of this take a word before Concerning Conversion hereafter say more Don't so much consider God's dispensation In the World as thy own Hearts renovation Ezek. 18.31 This is of absolute necessity to Salvation More than God's Providences in the Nation John 3.3 For what wil't avail if all were well In the World thou in the way to Hell 1 Sam. 16.7 If all were Converted which would be well Yet if sin and Satan in thy Heart dwell Act. 5.3 What advantage consider would it be To you though there 's a God what 's that to thee If not thy God by a particular Application Joh. 20.28 What the better if not God of thy Salvation What though Jesus Christ for Sinners dy'd What the better if art by Christ deny'd So wilt if in Heart thou sin regard Psal 66.18 I know you not Depart here 's thy Reward Therefore try thy Heart Mat. 7.23 for fear it cheat Thee of Salvation its deceit is so great The Motions of thy Heart observe them well Every motion is a step towards Heaven or Hell. 2 Cor. 13.5 If Motions of thy Heart be steps to Eternity Take heed lest they come actions of Iniquity Know thy Heart if in the World high or low By outward Dispensation canst not know Eccl. 9.1 God's love or hatred then whilst hath breath Of thy Heart are Motions of life and death Prov. 4.23 If thou art poor if not poor in spirit Not see thy need of Christ Mat. 9.12 shalt not inherit If art rich in the World 't is all one Without thy Heart purged from sin undone None are sav'd by outward Dispensation But according to the Spirit 's operation In Heart inward 2 Cor. 1.21 22. real Regeneration What 's God doing in the little World within Thy Heart Joh. 16.8 doth the Spirit Convince of sin Observe what reforming Work he 's doing In thee Is the Spirit thy Heart renewing Is the Spirit thy sins and lusts subduing Rom. 12.2 What say'st Man or art like the most Or as those who never heard of a Holy Ghost Acts 19.2 'T is Heart-work and hard work for thee As before if thou consider mayst see Prove thy Heart then shalt thou rejoyce In Heart Gal. 6.4 and not in anothers Voice Converse more with God in Heart That 's the way for sin and thee to part Is Christ in thee the hope of Glory Col. 1.27 then Look to thy Heart I say once agen Try the spirits 1 John 4.1 Gods Spirit is a sanctifier Pray for the Spirit he will work desire Tell thee of Righteousness Dan. 9.21 22. Judgment to come Don't quench his motions 't will put him from His work in thy Heart don't be so evil To quench God's Spirit 1 Thes 5.19 and please the Devil For Satans spirit is all sins Fomenter Tempts to sin 1 Joh. 3.8 then for sin a Tormenter God's Spirit sanctifies then works Consolation Satan's spirit tempts to sin for desolation 1 Pèt. 1.2 Consider this well to conclude this head Remember 1 King. 22.22 Meditate in Heart what 's said Don't be a stranger to thy Hearts renovation 'T is of absolute necessity to thy salvation Mat. 18.3 SECT XXIV FOR to fasten this Nail on thy Heart Consider farther what my lines impart 2 Tim. 2.14 I am in earnest and will do all I can For Conversion of any Unconverted Man. And in my Walk methinks I spye A righteous Moral Man as I pass by Luke 18.11 Obj. Who can spot me say black is my eye I wrong no Man in all my Life not I Am no Drunkard why should I fear to dye Sol. Only Morally Righteous is a sad Condition For the whole need not the Physitian Christ dyed not for the whole but sick Mat. 9.12 Those sin hath wounded to the quick Moral Righteousness is desirable and good Yet if not evangelical righteous 2 Pet. 1.4 to the 7th v. like a flood Will destroy us yet thousands remain In this state if gross sins they refrain Count all well this thousands hath slain Moral Righteousness is such a qualification As leads a Man to do to others in 's station Heb. 11.6 As would be done to in his generation A rectitude of spirit to Men yet no renovation Such was Abimelech of old in his Life When took unto himself Abraham's Wife Gen. 26.9 10 11. Such a moral righteous Man was he That came to Christ no sin could see Mat. 19.20 Gave to all their due saith Scripture-truth Had kept the Precepts from his Youth Liv'd orderly among his Neighbours he Judg'd himself so good as need to be Yet but in a sad Condition for salvation When Christ told of a spiritual qualification Vers 22. Moral Righteousness in its highest race Is but in moral Men restraining-Grace Which otherways would be to Man so odd As he is inwardly an Hypocrite to God. This for truth in Abimilech you may see I withheld thee from sining against me Gen. 20.6 Yet many say I was never so in my life Whoremaster Swearer no such sin was rife In me shall I say what I think is true That Morality hath destroy'd as great a Crew Mar. 12.34 As Prophaneness take heed don't so by you This was the Pharisees conceit Mar. 10.20 they knew What was to be morally righteous but few Of them came to Christ as lost and undone They were righteous in themselves Luk. 18.21 they run In self-conceit so no need of Christ the Son Nor of his Righteousness Mat. 21.31 that Christ told Them Publicans Harlots Heaven did hold Before them not that Publicans Harlots bold Still living in sin shall ever enjoy
see very clear As the Scriptures to us do make appear Tho' can't hinder Birds flying in the Air Over us from making nests in our Hair We are able to prevent them Eph. 6.10 to the 18. verse then take care How thou yield and entertain Sin And consider what I say to thee herein 'T is one thing to be conquer'd by an Enemy And another thing to yield and cry And surrender our selves presently Without opposition or from him fly Jam. 4.7 'T is one thing to be overcome by temptation Another thing to yield to sin in our station There 's great difference in sin remaining And in sin in our lives still reigning Rom 6.12 Don't still plead imbecility and never depart From sin in thy life this is Satan's art Use the means to overcome sin with thy heart The impotent Man did wait tho' weak At the Pool of Bethesda Joh. 5.5 as Scriptures speak Dost use all means to this end Don't flatter Thy self God will judge thee for this matter Consider what I say to thee and herein Abhor thy self Job 42.6 God's not the Author of Sin Be humble for corrupted nature take heed What thoughts concerning Sin thou breed Jam. 1.13 14. Don't plead Sin 's excuse God will confute Thy Plea without the Wedding-garment sute 1 Joh. 3.8 Make use of Reason and Understanding assent Mat 22.12 Will regulate and draw thy consent 1 Cor 14 20. Object Some may say we are weak and unstable What can we do to believe not able We by Sin can still God's Spirit grieve Why do you perswade us to believe Act 8.31 Sol. I answer here 's the cause and condition When sick don't you send for a Physician As a means of your health without delay And use all helps for the body that way Will you use means for the health of the body Rom. 13.14 And not for the Soul wilt be such a noddy Tho' not able to believe of our selves Rom. 10.16 17. saith Scripture do we use the means for Faith The Apostles did to all this Counsel give Perswaded Sinners to repent and believe Act. 3.19 16.31 Which doth imply a power from Sin to fly In us tho' the Spirit works it effectually Do we attend the Ordinances of God Eph 3.7 Appointed to this end Don't dissemble so odd For faith comes by hearing art attendant In hearing the Word Isa 40.29 30 31. as a poor dependant On God for his holy Spirit 's operation To make the word effectual to Salvation Dost wait at these Bethesda's by reflect Do you prize the means and don 't neglect No opportunity your Salvation to effect Dost love the Word and Messenger respect Heb 2.3 Such love to buy the word of truth Then sell it not whether Age or Youth Prov. 23.23 Let no worldly profit or self respect Cause you the means of Grace to neglect Have you esteem'd the word more than Food Job 23.12 Ventur'd all for it tho' sometimes withstood How did our Fore-fathers prize the Word For a few leaves of the Bible did afford A load of Hay as History doth say Now the whole Bible slighted in our day Mat. 22.5 Oh! love the Word and the Gospel prize They are Mercy to us tho' some it despise Tho' by some Scripture's slighted and deny'd Yet are to Salvation a perfect guide Rom. 1.16 Yea the power of God unto Salvation Oh! love them love them in thy Generation Live according they are no feigned story But do direct us the way to Glory Act. 20.32 The Scriptures are call'd the word of grace Let 's not in our conversations it deface Scriptures give Understanding in their station To the simple makes them wise to Salvation Psal 19.7 Love will speak for it's vindication In thy Station to hear the word move And receive it with faith and love 2 Thes 2.10 Not only in notion and speculation But let love appear in conversation Phil 1.27 Don't neglect the means in thy station How shall we escape eternal damnation If we neglect our so great salvation Heb. 2.3 Use the means don't delay rest on none For Salvation but on Jesus Christ alone As I have said before Joh 14.6 and again repeat Because our happiness is in Christ compleat Yet use the means don't thy Soul cheat If waited with many doubts and fears Yet wait still tho' be thirty eight years Some God is pleased to hold many a-day Psal 40.1 2. Before they are sure of Salvation's way Yet our duty is to wait watch and pray Some soon injoy by faith this Treasure Others God's pleas'd to hold with longer leisure What shall I say to this Ephes 1.5 't is God's Pleasure Let 's do our duty in Faith not measure God's dispensations Mat. 20.1 to the 16. verse he is God of Power Calls some the first some the eleventh hour To some God gives five Talents 25.15.26 some but one Emprovement is expected from all hereupon Must do our duty as in our Station run Must not be slothful Servants in our station Must improve our Talent work out Salvation With fear and trembling Phil. 2.12 the means attend God ordains the means as well's the end Cast off dissembling don 't still pretend Thy imbecility Psal 40 1 2 62.5 6. act Faith on Christ depend In and on the means and to be sure Thy Soul shall have an everlasting cure Rom. 10.11 SECT XXXVI Consider these things 2 Pet 3.1 2. Reader them dilate In heart they concern thy everlasting state The result of all my aim herein Is to bring thee an abhorrency of sin And to tell thee also whether great or small If did but half so much for the Soul Mat. 6. v. 31 32 33. As for the body better Christians might be all To help thee farther I will my self apply And consider what I say as thou passest by Doth Sin appear exceeding sinful Rom. 7.13 Dost cry Who shall deliver Rom. 7.24 to sin let me die Sin is a powerful and malignant Enemy So deceitful Heb. 3.13 would the ruine of thee and I. Consider thy own impotency and herein Observe thy inability to overcome Sin. Can 't nature change nor heart renew Nor of thy self thy Lusts subdue Jer. 10.23 Object Say some What must be done and we Would from sin's Dominion be set free If on what 's said hast had reflection Sol. Had been no need of this objection However in love for thy Soul 's advance I will tell thee truth as my Name 's HVSNANCE Job 42.6 Be humble obhor thy self know thy heart How deceitful 't is I need no more impart Jer. 17.9 To humble thee What a Cage of uncleannese lies In thy heart evil Thoughts Murders Adulteries Mat. 15.19 By nature desperate wicked whilst breath Watch thy heart of it comes life and Death
hath a Power by derivation In and by use of the means 't is plain Mal. 3.14 Therefore don't say to use means 't is in vain Faith comes by hearing Scripture's record Rom. 10.17 There 's a power in Man to hear the Word To wait on God must his duty afford Must wait God's call as Scriptures record The impotent Man waited many years At Bethesda no doubt with many fears Joh. 5.2 3. Because of 's imbecility could not step in To the Pool for a Cure consider this thing Had he had a power according to his will He would have cur'd himself verse 7. would fulfil His own desire by this you may plain see His Will unable to attain this degree Till Christ came verse 8. and made him free Had not power of himself so to be Yet wait on Ordinances but rest on none For Salvation but on Christ alone Some soon enjoy by faith this Treasure Others God's pleas'd to hold with longer leisure What shall I say to this 't is his pleasure Let 's do our duty in faith not measure God's Dispensations Mat. 20 3 6. he is God of power Calls some the third some the eleventh hour Then don't conclude thy Reprobation bold Don't exclude thy self out of Christ's fold Joh. 10.16 To inquire into God's eternal Decree Is not thy duty 't is no work for thee Therefore to the means thy self apply Depend on Christ in use of means try He may have mercy 2 King 7.3 4. if not can but die Take the Lepers resolution to Christ fly Mind what 's said before as you pass by For elected Sinners salvation Christ did die The work of Salvation is by God see By the inchoation or beginning of the decree In Christ as the means of God's dispensation And by the Spirit 1 Pet. 1.2 3 4. in way of consummation The means is made effectual to Salvation The Spirit doth work faith and doth apply The means in all elect tho' not immediately In all the Spirit works grace without dispute Eph. 3.7 Then obedience holiness is the first fruit Of faith Gal. 5.22 and way to Heaven 't is plain In Scripture then do thy duty I say again God hath required thee the means to use As reveal'd in Scripture don't it refuse Remember what I say Joh. 14.26 don't it forget At Christ's Command Luk. 5.4 to the 7 verse let down the net Perhaps the Lord hath appointed thee To life and glory in his eternal Decree Which is obscure and hidden from we To make thy Election sure 2 Pet. 1.10 is more plain In Scripture then do thy duty once again Tho' thou know'st not the issue or event Leave that to God and the means frequent Use Ordinances and practise them in Power God may save thee in the trying hour Yet in using them don't such thoughts cherish Luk. 17.10 As to merit by duties that 's a Papist's flourish Yet without the means you will perish Having this Seal God knows who are his Don't venture thy immortal Soul amiss Mark. 8.36 37. Upon such hazard and uncertainty as this Who knows God may receive thee into bliss And glory then will accomplish his Decree May'st live to his praise unto all Eternity Joh. 17.24 Thus I have distinguish'd according to desire Between free grace and free will admire Free grace live to glory by faith and prayer 1 Cor. 10.15 Consider what 's said and thy self recruit With Paul those errors of free-will to confute Who art thou that against God dost dispute For a conclusion Consider these Scriptures deem'd Rom. 9.20 Admire free grace let free-will be less esteem'd Mat. 11.25 26. Psal 115.1 Jer. 10.23 Dan. 9.8 Joh. 15.5 Rom. 9.16 18. 1 Cor. 4.7 2 Cor. 3.5 Eph. 2.8 Eph. 1.4 to the 7 verse 1 Pet. 2.9 Now unto the King eternal immortal invisible the only wise God be Honour and Glory for ever and ever Amen 1 Tim. 1.17 FINIS