the foot was trod on the head cryed out The Saints are Gods Royal diadem Will a King endure to have his Robes spit upon or his Crown-royal thrown in the dust Psalm 105.14 He reproved Kings for their sakes What Monuments of Gods Vengeance were Nero Dioclesian Gardner and the rest of that persecuting tribe Luke 18.7 Shall not God avenge his own elect I tell you he will avenge them speedily Persecutors stand in the place where all Gods Arrows fly Psalm 7.13 He ordaineth his Arrows against the Persecutors That is a killing Scripture Zach. 13.12 And this shall be the Plague wherewith God will smite all the People that have fought against Jerusalem their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet and their eyes shall consume away in their holes and their Tongues shall consume away in their Mouth Here is Comfort to the people of God in case of the Worlds disesteem of them yet God values them as Jewels and his Judgment is according to truth Rom. 2.2 The Wicked have low Thoughts of the Righteous they beat down the price of these Jewels what they can they think them the refuse and scurse they disdain them load them with slanders and Invectives the Prophet Elijah was looked upon by King Ahab as the Troubler of Israel 1 Kin. 18.17 And Luther was called a Trumpet of Rebellion St. Paul was Judged a Pestilent fellow Acts 24.5 The Wicked think of all things in the World the Saints may be best spared 1 Cor. 4.13 We are made 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as the filth and off-scowring of all things but this is Vinum in pectore a great consolation to Believers that as low esteem as the reprobate world hath of them yet God hath high Thoughts of them he numbers them among his Jewels They are compared for their preciousness to Gold and Silver Rev. 1.20 They are the Coyn and Medals that bear Gods own Image They are Princes in all Lands Psalm 45.16 Christ engraves their Names on his breast as the Names of the twelve Tribes were set with Precious Stones in Gold upon Aarons Breast-plate God will give whole Kingdoms to ransome his jewells Isa. 43.3 The wicked think the Godly are not worthy to live in the world Acts 22. 21. and God thinks the World is not worthy of them Heb. 11.38 Hence it is God takes away his Jewels so fast and placeth them among the Cherubims To the People of God Are you Gods Jewels then I beseech you shine as Jewels walk 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 accurately and Holily Phil. 2.15 Among whom ye shine as lights in the World Such as are Gods Jewels should let the World see they have worth in them O Christians let your Lives be an Imitation of the Life of Christ. Such a Jewel was Mr. Bradford Martyr so humble and Innocent in his carriage that at his death many of the Papists could not refrain from Weeping Are you Gods Jewels do nothing that may Eclipse or Sully your lustre When Professors are Proud Envious Censorious when they break their promises or Cheat their Creditors these do not look like Saints What will others say These are the Devils Lumber not Gods Iewels O I beseech you who profess to be of an higher rank than others Honour that Worthy name by which you are called shine as earthly Angels 1 Pet. 2.9 But ye are a Royal Priesthood a peculiar People that ye should shew forth the Praises of him who hath called you Alexander would have the Grecians known not only by their Garments but their Vertues Gods people should be known by the sparkling of their Graces shall there be no difference in behaviour between the Wicked and the Godly between a clod of Earth and a Diamond let it appear that you are Candidates for Heaven you who are Gods People the Lord expects some Singular thing from you Mat. 5.47 He looks that you should bring more Glory to him and by your exemplary Piety make Proselytes to Religion It exhorts the Godly to thankfulness God hath taken you out of the rubbish of mankind and made you Jewels Psalm 113.7 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust that he may set him with Princes let me allude God hath raised you out of the dust of a natural Estate and ennobled you that he may set you with Angels those Princes above O admire God set the Crown of your praises upon the head of Free-grace A Gratulatory thankful frame of Heart is pleasing to God if Repentance be the Joy Praise is the Musick of Heaven Bless God who hath wrought such a change in you and of lumps of Earth and sin hath made you Jewels The Third Proposition is That there is a time shortly coming when God will make up his Jewels in that day when I make up my Jewels Here are two Questions 1. What is meant by Gods making up his Jewels 2. What is that day when God will make up his Jewels 1. What is meant by Gods making up his Jewels There is a difference between thâ—se two Gods making of Jewels and his making up of Jewels Gods making of Jewels is when he works Grace but what is Gods making up of Jewels Gods making up his Jewels implyes two things 1. Gods gathering his Saints together 2. Gods perfecting his Saints 1. Gods making up his Jewels implies his gathering his Saints together The Godly in this life are like scattered Pearls they lye distant one from another and are dispersed into several Regions but there is a day coming when God will gather all his Saints together as one puts all his Pearls together on a string There must be such an aggregation or gathering together Gods scattered Saints 1. From the near Relation they have to all the Persons in the Trinity 1. To God the Faterh he hath chosen these Jewels and set them apart for himself Psalm 4.3 and will he lose any of his Elect 2. They are related to Christ he hath bought these Jewels with his blood and will he lose his purchase 3. They are related to the Holy Ghost he hath sanctified them When they were a lump of sin he made them Jewels and when he hath bestowed cost on them will he lose his cost will he not string these Pearls and put them in his celestial Cabinet 2. There must be a gathering together Gods scattered Saints from the Prayer of Christ. It was Christs prayer to his Father that he would make up his Jewels that he would gather together his Pearls that they might be with him in Heaven Iohn 17.24 That they may be with me where I am Christ thinks long till all the Elect Jewels lye together in his bosom He thinks not himself compleat till all his Saints be with him Here is a Soveraign Comfort to the People of God in two cases 1. In case of Scattering 2. In case of Dividing 1. In case of Scattering Gods people are scattered up
Profession to lose Heaven What think you of the Foolish Virgins They are called Virgins because they were not tainted with any gross Sin yet these Virgin-Professors were shut out Mat. 25.10 Balaam a Prophet Iudas an Apostle both cashiered We have seen some Ships have had glorious names given them the Good-speed the Hope the Safe-guard yet cast away at Sea 2. It is possible to come near to Heaven yet fall short of it Mark 12.34 Thou art not far from the Kingdom of God yet he was not near enough Men may countenance the Ministry of the Word have their Affections moved at an Ordinance and in outward show out-go the Children of God yet not having the Oyl of Sincerity in their Vessels they may be frustrated of happiness And how dismal is that to lose God to lose their Souls to lose their Hopes The Millions of Tears shed in Hell are not sufficient to bewail the loss of Heaven Well may such as have Heaven in them Fear their coming short of it Thus much for the Use of Trial. How shall we arrive at this Blessed Fear 1. Let us set God ever in our eye study his Immensity He is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God Almighty Gen. 17.1 He gives laws to the Angels binds the Consciences of men cuts off the Spirit of Princes Psalm 76.12 The Thoughts of Gods incomprehensible Greatness would strike an Holy awe into our Hearts Elijah wrap'd his face in a Mantle when Gods Glory passed by The reason men Fear not God is because they entertain slight thoughts of him Psalm 40.21 Thou thoughtest I was such an one as thy self 2. Let us pray for this Fear of God which is the Root of all Holiness and the Mother of all Wisdom Psalm 86.11 Vnite my Heart to Fear thy Name the Lord hath Promised to put his Fear in our Heart Ier. 32.40 Let us pray over this Promise while some pray for Riches and others for Children let us pray for an Heart to Fear God To conclude this you who have this Fear planted in your Souls bless God for it Psalm 135.20 Ye that Fear the Lord bless the Lord. God hath done more for you than if he had made you Kings and Queens and caused you to ride upon the High places of the Earth He hath enriched you with that Jewel which he bestows only upon the Elect. O stand upon Mount Gerizim blessing The Fear of God is an Immortal Seed springing up into Glory Psalm 22.23 Ye that fear the Lord praise him Begin the Work of Heaven now be Spiritual Quiristers sound forth Holy Doxologies and Triumphs say as David Psalm 71.8 Let my Mouth be filled with thy Praise and with thy Honour all the day God hath but little praise in the world Who should pay him this Quit-rent if not they that fear him CHAP. V. Shewing the first Character in special of the Godly namely Speaking of God 2. HAving done with the Character of the Godly in General I proceed next to their Special Characters 1 They spake often one to another When the Wicked said It is Vain to serve God then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another The meaning of this word they spake often is they did discourse Religiously together their Tongues were Divinely tuned by the Holy Ghost Christians when they meet together should use holy Conference This is not only an advice but a charge Deu. 6.6 These words shall be in thy Heart and thou shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy House and when thou walkest by the way and when thou lyest down and when thou risest up Indeed where there is Gratia infusa it will be effusa Grace changeth the Language and makes it Spiritual When the Holy Ghost came upon the Apostles they spake with other Tongues Act. 2.4 Grace makes Christians speak with Other Tongues A good Christian hath not only the Law of God in his Heart Psalm 37.31 but in his Tongue vers 30. The body is the Temple of God 1 Cor. 6.19 The Tongue is the Organ in this Temple which sounds in Holy discourse Prov. 10.20 The tongue of the Iust is as Choice Silver He drops Silver sentences enriching others with Knowledge Mat. 12.35 A Good man out of the Good treasure of his Heart bringeth forth good things In his heart is a Treasure of Goodness and this is not like a bag of Mony Sealed but he brings something out of the Treasure within to the enriching of others Grace is of the Nature of fire which will not be pent up like new Wine it will have Vent There is a principle within constrains to holy Conference Job 32.18 The Spirit within me constraineth me CHAP. VI. Containing the Applicatory part IT shews the Genius and temper of true Saints they speak often one to another their Lips drop as an Hony-comb A man is known what country he belongs to by his Language He who belongs to the Jerusalem above speaks the Language of Canaan none of Gods children are dumb their mouth is a well-spring of Wisdom Prov. 18.4 Here I may draw up a bill of Indictment against five sorts of Persons 1. Such as are silent in matters of Religion They would be counted Good but he must have good eyes that can see it I know not whether it be Ignorance or Bashfulness that makes good discourse waved Many are so mute in Religion as if their Tongues did cleave to the roof of their Mouth had they any love to God or had they ever tasted how sweet the Lord is their mouth would talk of his Righteousness Psalm 71.24 Friends what should we mind but Salvation what are the things of this world they are neither Entia nor Manentia Do not we see men heap up Riches and on a sudden death as Gods Serjeant Arrests them What should we talk of but the things Pertaining to the Kingdom of God Let this cause blushing among Christians that their meetings are so unprofitable they leave God out of their discourse Why is there no good conference Have you so much Knowledge that you need not have it encreased Have you so much Faith that you need not have it Strengthened Silence in Religion is a loud sin We read of one who was possessed with a Dumb Devil Mark 9.12 How many are Spiritually possessed with a Dumb Devil It is a rebuke to such as when they meet together instead of speaking of Heaven they have idle frothy discourse They do 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but no 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Plutarch said of Alcibiades Their Lips do not drop as an Honey-comb but run as a Spout their speaking is Just like a Childs scribling Psalm 12.2 They speak Vanity every one with his Neighbour If Christ should ask some as he did the two Disciples going to Emaus Luk. 24.17 What manner of Communications have you as you walk they could not say as they did concerning Jesus of
Honour for a Subject to have his Prince Visit him 1 John 3.3 Our 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Communion is with the Father and his Son Jesus The Rabbins say Moses had an Hundred and fifty conferences with God and died with a Kiss from Gods mouth What greater Honour for a Person than to have God keep him Company Exod. 33.11 3. In that God makes them Rich heirs Rom. 8.17 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 joynt heirs with Christ. For a man to adopt another and make him heir to his estate is no small honour done to him The Youngest Believer is an heir yea and an Heir of the Crown 1 Pet. 5.4 This Crown he hath in promisso in the Promise Rev. 2.10 And in primitiis in the first-fruits Rom. 8.23 4. In that God sends his Angels to be their Servitors Such as are Gods Servants have Angels to be theirs Heb. 1.14 Are they not all ministring Spirits sent forth to Minister for them who shall be heirs of Salvation Who would not be fearers of God this makes God have an honourable esteem of them all men saith Chrysostome are ambitious of Honour the true Honour comes from God John 5.44 If God doth so Honour his People let them Honour him Mal. 1.6 Where is my Honour let the Saints be God-exalters let them lift up his Name in the World and make his praise glorious Psalm 66.2 But I only glance at this 2 ly That Gods People are his Jewels in that day when I make up my Iewels Jewels are precious things the Hebrew word for Jewels 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies a treasure A treasure is made up of costly things Gold and Pearl and Rubies such a precious Treasure are the Saints to God In what sence are the Godly Jewels 1. They are Jewels for their sparkling quality Their Holiness shines and sparkles in Gods eyes Cant. 4.9 Thou hast ravished my Heart with one of thine eyes that is one of thy Graces 2. The Godly are Jewels for their Scarcity Pearls are not common so the Godly are scarce and Rare there are but few of these to be found there are many false Professors as there are Bastard Diamonds but few Israelites indeed Mat. 20.16 Few are Chosen Among the Millions in Rome there were but few Senators among the swarms of People in the World but few Believers 3. The Godly are Jewels for their Price Queen Cleopatra had two Jewels that contained half the price of a Kingdom Thus the Saints are Jewels for their Value God esteems them at an high rate he parted with his best Jewel for them Christs precious blood was shed to ransom these Jewels 4. The Saints are Jewels for their adorning quality Jewels adorn them that wear them the Saints are Jewels that adorn the World Their Piety mixed with Prudence honours the Gospel Hypocrites Eclipse Religion and make it evilly spoken of the Saints as Jewels render it illustrious by their Sanctity 1. See the worth of the Godly they are Jewels they are a Royal diadem in the hand of God Isa. 62.3 That is they are eminent above others as a Crown hung with Jewels is an ensign of the highest state and Honour The Saints are Gods Glory Isa. 46.13 As if Gods Glory did lye in them 2. See then that which may bring Holiness into repute and make us become Proselytes to it It casts a splendour upon us and makes God number us among his Jewels Some are loath to embrace Godliness for fear it will be a stain to their Reputation and bring them out of favour with great men you see how it doth raise a persons renown it makes him precious in Gods sight he is a Jewel Believers in regard of their mystical union with Christ have a preciousness above the Angels the Angels are Morning Stars Job 38 7. Believers are clothed with the Sun of Righteousness Rev. 12.1 See the different Opinion that God hath of the Godly and the Wicked the one he esteems precious the other vile Nahum 1.14 I will make thy Grave for thou art Vile this is spoken of King Senacherib though he was by Birth Noble yet he was by sin Vile The Hebrew word for Vile signifies of base esteem Though the Wicked are high in dignity and worldly grandure yet God slights them A dunghil may be higher than other ground but it sends forth noisom Vapours Psalm 14.3 They are altogether become filthy In the Original it is they are become stinking The Wicked are compared to Dogs and Swine 2 Pet. 2.22 to dross Ezek. 22.19 Dross is the filth of the Mettal Sinners are compar'd to Chaff Psal. 1.4 When a Wicked man dies there is only a little Chaff blown away A sinner is the most contemptible thing in nature there is no worth in him while he lives and no loss of him when he dies A sinner is worse than a Toad or Serpent A Toad hath nothing but what God hath put into it but a Wicked man hath that which the Devil hath put into him Act 5.3 Why hath Satan filled thy Heart to lye to the Holy-Ghost See what an high estimate we should set upon the Godly they are Jewels they are the Glory of the Creation they are compared to Stars for their beauty Rev. 1.20 to Spice Trees for their perfume Cant. 4.14 They are the Chariots and Horsmen of Israel they are the excellent of the Earth Psalm 16.3 The Lord would soon break up house in the World but that he hath some Jewels in it Prize the Saints though they are humbled with Poverty we esteem of a Pearl though it lye in the dust Iohn Baptist was girt with a Leathern Girdle yet he was a Jewel Mat. 11.9 He was the Morning Star to usher in the Sun of Righteousness into the World The Saints are precious for they are Gods lesser Heaven Isa. 57.15 3. See the Saints Safety they are Gods Jewels and he will have a care to preserve them A man is careful that he doth not lose his Jewels God often gives his people a temporal Salvation if a storm comes he knows how to hide his Jewels He hid an hundred Prophets in a Cave 1 Kin. 18.4 The Angel is commanded before he poured his Vial of curses on the earth to seal the Saints of God on their fore-heads Rev. 7.3 Which was signum salutare a mark of safety however God will look to the Spiritual safety of his Jewels Joh. 17.12 Not one of them is lost If the Saints are Gods Jewels then how incensed and enraged will God be against those who shall abuse these Jewels Theodosius counted them Traitors who abused his Statue what will become of them who persecute Gods Saints and tread upon his Jewels It goes near to God to see his Jewels sprinkled with blood what is done to them the Lord takes it as done to him self Act. 9.4 Why persecutest thou me When
Storms and tempests by their influences and so destroying the whole Army of Sisera 2. God hath Armies upon earth 1. Rational 2. Irrational 1. Rational Hosts of men these are under Gods command and conduct they stir not without his Warrant the Lord hath the managing of all Martial affairs not a stroke is struck but God orders it not a Bullet flies but God directs it 2. Irrational God can raise an Army of Flies as he did against King Pharaoh Exod. 8.24 An Army of Worms as he did against King Herod Acts 12.23 O what a Lord is here who hath so many Hosts under his Pay and conduct Let us Dread this Lord of Hosts we fear men who are in Power and is not that God to be adored and feared who acts pro arbitrio He doth what he pleaseth in the Armies of Heaven and earth Dan. 9.35 His Power is as large as his will Iob 23 13. What his Soul desireth even that he doth The Ephori had Power over the King of Sparta the Tribunes over the Roman consuls much more hath God a Soveraign Power over all He poureth contempt upon Princes Job 12.21 He threw the Proud Angels to Hell God can with a word unpin the Wheeles and break the Axle tree of the Creation Gods Power is a Glorious Power Col. 1.11 And herein it appears Glorious it iâ— never spent or wasted Men while they exercise their strength weaken it But the Lord the Creator of the ends of the earth fainteth not neither is weary Isa. 40.28 Though God spends his Arrows upon his enemies Deut. 32.23 yet not his strength O then tremble before this Lord of Hosts Remember O hard-hearted sinner how many wayes God can be revenged on thee He can raise an Army of diseases against thee in thy body he can set the humours of the body one against another he can make the heat dry up the Moisture or the Moisture drown the heat he can Arm every Creature against thee the Dog the Boar the Elephant He can Arm Conscience against thee as he did against Spira making him a Terrour to himself O dread this Lord of Hosts If God be the Lord of Hosts let us take heed of hardning our Hearts against God It was the saying of Pompey that with one stamp of his Foot he could raise all Italy up in Arms God can with a word raise all the Militia of Heaven and Earth against us and shall we dare affront him Iob 9.4 Who hath hardened himself against him and prospered Such as live in the open breach of Gods Commandments harden their Hearts against God they raise a War against Heaven Iob 15.25 He strengtheneth himself against the Almighty Like Warriors who Muster up all the forces they can to fight with their Antagonists so the sinner harnesseth and strengthens himself against Iehovah Ver. 26. He runneth upon him even on his neck upon the thick bosses of his bucklers Bucklers anciently had one great boss in the middle with a sharp pike in it to wound the adversary The flagitious sinner encounters the God of Heaven and runs upon the thick bosses of his fury which will wound mortally The Wicked do as Caligula who challenged Iupiter to a duel but who ever hardened himself against God and prospered will men go to measure Arms with God Iob 40.9 Hast thou an Arm like God God is Almighty therefore can hurt his enemies and he is invisible therefore they cannot hurt him Who can fight with a Spirit God will be too hard for his Enemies at the long run Psalm 68.21 God shall wound the head of his Enemies and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses Iulian hardened his Heart against God but what got he at last did he prosper Being wounded in Battle he threw up his blood into the Air and said to Christ Vicisti Galilaee O Galilean thou hast overcome I acknowledge thy Power whose Name and truth I have opposed How easily can God chastise Rebels Exod. 14.24 In the morning-watch God looked to the host of the Egyptians through the Pillar of fire and troubled their host It needs cost God no more to destroy his Proudest adversaries than a look a cast of the Eye 'T is better to lye Prostrate at Gods feet and meet him with tears in our Eyes than Weapons in our hands we overcome God not by resistance but by Repentance If God be the Lord of Hosts let us be so wise as to engage him on our side Psalm 46 11. The Lord of Hosts is with us Great is the Priviledge to have the Lord of Hosts for us 1. If the Lord of Hosts be on our side he can discover the subtil plots of Enemies Thus he detected the Counsel of Achitophel 2 Sam. 17.16 And did not the Lord discover the Popish conspirators both in the Powder-Treason that Catholick villany and of late when they would have subverted Religion and Laws and like Italian Butchers have turned England into an Akeldama or Field of blood If it had not been the Lord who was on our side now may England say when men rose up against us they had swallowed us up quick 2. If the Lord of Hosts be on our side he can bridle his Enemies and lay such a restraint upon their Spirits that they shall not do the mischief they intend Gen. 31.39 It is in the Power of my hand to do you hurt said Laban to Iacob but the God of your fathers spake unto me saying take heed thou speak not to Iacob either good or bad Laban had power to do hurt but no heart When Balak called upon Balaam to curse Israel God so dispirited Balaam that he could not discharge his thunderbolt Num. 23.8 How shall I curse whom God hath not cursed He had a good mind to curse but God held him back 3. If the Lord of Hosts be for us he can help us though means fail and things seem to be given for lost When Gideons Army was small and rendred despicable then God Crowned them with Victory Iudg. 7.2 22. When the Arm of Flesh shrinks now is a time for the Arm of Omnipotency to be put forth Deut. 32.36 The Lord shall repent himself for his Servants when he sees their Power is gone and there is none shut up or left The less of man is seen the more of God 4. If the Lord be on our side he can save us in that very way in which we think he will destroy us Would not any have thought the Whales belly should have been Jonahs Grave but God made the fish a ship in which he sailed safe to shore Paul got to Land by the breaking of the ship Acts 28.44 God can make the adverse Party do his Work he can cause divisions among the Enemies and turn their own Weapons against themselves Isa. 19.2 I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians 5. If the Lord of Hosts be on our side he
Conscience is Good because it is quiet When the Devil keeps the Palace all is in peace Luke 11.21 The Philosopher saith one Great sign of an Earthquake is excessive Calmness of the Air ungrounded peace doth presage an Earthquake in the conscience 3. A secure sinner is careless about the main Chance The Soul is the princely part which is crowned with reason it is a glass of the Trinity as Plato calls it A secure sinner provides for his Body but neglects his Soul like one that waters his Flowers but never minds his Jewels Behold here a secure person who is in a spiritual Lethargy he hath no sence of the life to come he is destitute of the fear of God It reproves Scoffers who are the vilest of sinners 2 Pet. 3.3 There shall come in the last daies Scoffers Such were Lucian and Porphiry These Ishmaels jeer at holy walking and make all Religion a Ridicule They throw Squibs of reproach at the Saints Quintinus scoffed at Christs Apostles In the Massacre at Paris the Papists cried out to the Protestants when they murdered them Where is now your God what is become of all your Psalms now and your Prayers Some Martyrs in Prague as they were at Supper being the next day to suffer comforted themselves saying That this was their last Supper upon Earth and that to morrow they should sup with Christ in Heaven a Great Papist flouted them saying Hath Christ Cooks for you in Heaven These are Devils in the likeness of men They are far from the fear of God The Scorners chair stands at the mouth of Hell It exhorts us to get the fear of God planted in our hearts Prov. 28.19 Happy is he that feareth alway The fear of God would influence all our actions It would make us Good in both Tables It would make us Holy towards God and Righteous towards men We would be true in our Promises just in our dealings Mat. 7.12 That I may press you to this Holy Fear let me shew you the dignity and excellency of it 1. The fear of God is the very Badge and Livery of a Saint The Saints of old were men fearing God Gen. 22.12 Act. 10.22 1 Kin. 18.3 Obadiah feared the Lord Greatly Not all the Moral Vertues in their Highest elevation make a Saint but here is his true Character He is one that Fears God Saint Austin said of himself that he did knock at Heaven-gate tremibunda manu with a trembling hand Christ calls his Elect his sheep John 10.27 Sheep are of a trembling nature The Saints are tremulous they dare not take that liberty as others do 2. The Fear of God is a main branch of wisdom 'T is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Head of wisdom Prov. 1.7 Wisdom is more precious than Rubies Prov. 3.15 No Jewel we wear doth so adorn us as wisdom now the fear of God is our wisdom Iob 28.28 And unto man he said the fear of the Lord that is wisdom Wherein is the fear of God the true wisdom 1. The fear of God is Wisdom as it makes us careful about our spiritual accounts Wisdom lies in nothing more than in keeping accounts exactly The fear of God teacheth one to examine the state of his Soul critally O my Soul how is it with thee dost thou gain or lose is thy Faith in it's Infancy being but newly laid to the breast of a Promise or is it Grown to some stature how is it doth Grace prevail or Sin Thus the fear of God makes us wisely ballance our accounts and see how matters stand between God and our Souls Psalm 77.6 I commune with my own heart and my spirit made diligent search 2. The fear of God is Wisdom as it makes us understand divine secrets Psalm 25.14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him He must needs be wise who is acquainted with the Arcana coeli the secrets of Heaven A fearer of God is acquainted with the secret of Election 1 Thess. 1.4 of Gods love Rev. 1.5 of the holy unction 1 John 2.20 He knows Gods mind 1 Cor. 2.16 We have the mind of Christ. 3. The fear of God is Wisdom as it makes us considerative Psalm 119.59 I considered my wayes A great part of wisdom lies in consideration He who fears God considers how Vain the world is therefore dares not love it how short Time is therefore dares not lose it how precious Salvation is therefore dares not neglect it 4. The Fear of God is Wisdom as it makes us walk wisely Col. 4.5 Walk wisely 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 towards them that are without 1. The Fear of God makes us walk affably Gen. 23.7 Abraham stood up and bowed himself to the Children of Heth. Piety doth not exclude Curtesie 2. The Fear of God makes us walk inoffensively it prevents not only Scandals but Indecencies 2 Cor. 11.12 That I might cut off occasion from them that desire occasion The Veneration of a Deity causeth circumcision of Heart and circumspection of Life 5. The Fear of God is Wisdom as it preserves us from Hell 't is wisdom to keep out of danger fear makes us fly from the wrath to come 3. The Fear of God is the best Certificate to shew for Heaven Have you knowledge so hath Satan have you Profession so hath Satan he transforms himself into an Angel of light But have you filial fear herein you excel him The fear of God is though not our Plea yet our Evidence for Heaven 4. There is that in God which may command fear Iob 37.22 With God is terrible Majesty 1. With God is Majesty 1. There is Majesty in Gods Name Iehovah It comes from an Hebrew Radix which imports Gods absolute Eternal and Independent being 2. There is Majesty in Gods Looks Iob had but a glimpse of God and he was even swallowed up with divine amazement Iob 42.5 Now mine Eye seeth thee wherefore I abhorr my self 3. There is Majesty in Gods Words he speaks with Majesty as when he gave the Law in thundring insomuch that the people said Let not God speak with us lest we dye 4. There is Majesty in Gods Attributes his Holiness Power Justice which are the Irradiations of the divine Essence 5. There is Majesty in Gods Works Psalm 145.5 I will speak of the Honour and Majesty of thy wondrous works Every Creature sets forth Gods Majesty we may see the Majesty of God Blazing in the Sun Twinkling in the Stars Gods Majesty is discernable in those two Wonders of nature Behemoth and Leviathan Iob 40.18 chap. 41.19 In short the Majesty of God is seen in humbling the Children of Pride He turned King Nebuchadnezzar to grass and made him Fellow-commoner with the Beasts Doth not all this call for Fear 2. With God is Terrible Majesty Psalm 76.12 He is terrible to the Kings of the Earth There is a time coming when God will be dreadful to his enemies
when Conscience is awake when Death strikes when the last Trump sounds And shall not we Fear this God Ier. 5.22 Fear ye not me saith the Lord will ye not tremble at my presence The Fearing Gods Justice is the way not to feel it And let it not seem strange to you if I tell you that in respect of Gods infinite Majesty there will be some of this blessed Fear in Heaven Not a Fear that hath Torment in it for Perfect love will cast out Fear But an Holy Sweet Reverential fear Though God hath so much beauty in him as shall cause love and joy in Heaven yet this beauty is mixed with so much Majesty as shall cause a Veneration in Glorified Saints 5. The Fear of God tends to life Pro. 19.23 It is true 1. In a temporal sence Prov. 10.27 The fear of the Lord prolongeth daies in the Original it is It addeth dayes Long life is Promised as a blessing Psalm 91.16 With long Life will I satisfie him The best way to come to an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Good Old age is the Fear of God Sin curtails the life many a mans excess wasts his Vitals enervates his strength and cuts him short of those years which by the course of nature might be arrived at You that desire to live long live in the Fear of God Deut. 6.24 The Lord commanded us to fear the Lord our God that he might preserve us alive 2. It is true in a Spiritual sence The Fear of the Lord tendeth to life namely to life Eternal Life is sweet and Eternal makes it Sweeter The Life of bliss hath no Tearm of Years wherein it expires 1 Thes. 4.17 Ever with the Lord The Lamp of Glory shines but doth not spend so that divine Fear tends to Life a life with God and Angels for ever 6. The Fear of God gives full satisfaction Prov. 19.23 He that hath it shall abide satisfied Such as are destitute of Gods Fear never meet with satisfaction Iob 20.22 In the midst of his sufficiency he shall be in straits This is a riddle to be full yet not have enough The meaning is there is still something wanting he who Fears not God though his Barns are full yet his Mind is not quiet The sweet Waters of Pleasure do rather inflame the thirst than satisfie it Omnia fui et nihil expedit I have run through all the delights and Grandures of the world and could never find full contentment said the Emperour Severus But he who hath the Fear of the Lord shall abide satisfied 1. He shall be satisfied His Soul shall be filled with Grace his Conscience with peace an Holy man said when God had replenished him with inward joy It is enough Lord thy Servant is a clay vessel and can hold no more 2. He shall abide satisfied This satisfaction shall not cease it shall be a Cordial in death and a Crown after death 7. The fear of God makes a little to be sweet Prov. 15.16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord. Why is a little better because that little a Believer hath he holds in Capite in his Head Christ that little is sweetned with the love of God He hath with that little a contented mind and contentment turns Daniels Pulse into Venison Again that little is a Pledge of more that little Oyl in the Cruse is but an earnest of that Golden joy and bliss which the Soul shall have in Heaven Thus a little with the Fear of God is better than all unsanctified riches Lazarus's Crumbs were better than Dives his Banquet 8. The Fear of God is a Christians safety He is invulnerable nothing can hurt him Plunder him of his Money he carries a treasure about him he cannot be robbed of Isa. 33.6 Cast him into bonds his Conscience is free Kill his Body it shall rise again He who hath on this Breast-Plate of Gods Fear may be shot at but can never be shot thorow 9. The Fear of God makes all things go well with us Psalm 128.2 Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord happy shalt thou be and it shall be well with thee Is it not well with that man who hath all things go on his side and hath nothing wanting that may do him Good Psalm 84.11 If God sees Health or Riches Good for him he shall have them Every Providence shall center in his happiness O what an inducement is here to solid Piety Come what times will it shall be well with them that Fear God When they dye they shall go to God and while they live every thing in the world shall do them good 10. The Fear of God is a great Cleanser Psalm 19.9 The fear of the Lord is clean It is so 1. In its own nature it is a pure Christal Orient grace 2. It is clean Effective in the effect of it it cleanseth the Heart and Life as a Spring works out the mud so it purgeth out the love of sin The Heart is the Temple of God and Fear sweeps and cleanseth this Temple that it be not defiled 11. The Fear of God makes us accepted with God Act. 10.35 In every nation he that Feareth God is accepted with him What was St. Paul so ambitious of 2 Cor. 5.9 We labour that we may be accepted with him Divine Fear ingratiates us into divine Favour Such as are Fearless of God neither their Persons or Offerings find acceptance Amos 5.21 22. I despise your Feast dayes and I will not smell in your solemn Assemblies though ye offer me burnt-offerings I will not accept them Who will take a Gift from one that hath the plague 12. The Fear of God layes a train for spiritual joy some may think the Fear of God breeds sadness no it is the in-let to joy The Fear of God is the morning Star which ushers in the Sun light of comfort Acts 9.31 Walking in the Fear of the Lord and in the comforts of the Holy ghost The Fear of God hath solid joy in it though not wanton Oecolampadius an holy man being on his sick-bed was asked if the Light offended him he putting his hand to his heart said Hic sat lucis Here I have light enough God mixeth joy with Holy Fear that fear may not seem slavish 13. The Fear of God drives out all other base Fear Carnal fear is an enemy to Religion The Fear of God frights it away it causeth Courage Exod. 18.21 Able men such as Fear God some Translations render it Men of Courage When a Dictator Governed in Rome all other Offices ceased Where the Fear of God rules in the Heart it expells fleshly Fear When the Emperess Eudoxia threatned to banish Chrysostom Tell her saith he I fear nothing but sin The Fear of God swallows up all other Fear as Moses Rod swallowed up the Magitians Rods. 14. To be void of Gods Fear is Folly Psalm 75.4 I said to the Fools