Reason may wander in fruitless Speculation and insignificant Thoughts but this Ministers only profitable things its Office is described Rom. 2. 15. Their Conscience also bearing Witness and their Thoughts in the mean while accusing or else excusing one another which is a certain demonstration that Man is in subjection under a Law. He is not troubled for fear of Humane Power or Punishment but for those things only in his own heart whereof that hath no knowledge it hath respect unto the Invisible God over us who hath given a Law to all the World both Jews and Gentiles the first had it Written in Tables of Stone and to the other it was Ingraven in their own Hearts Now something sits as Judge within the Man examining all that is done by him it will not condemn the Innocent See Exod. 23. 20 21 22. nor let the Guilty go free It is Gods Vicegerent and therefore a contempt to one is against the other also making known his Will and Pleasure pressing it to be observed It is an emblem and forerunner of his future judgment for it is neither to be bribed nor deceived but determineth impartially and knoweth all things rendring unto every one according to his deservings If well then is comfort and joyful expectation If ill Sin lieth at the Door there is regret and fear Mention is frequently made hereof in the Writings of the Heathens but we do not find they used so many Tricks and Artifices to stifle it as is the practise at this day Who think themselves wise and happy if they can do thus much and they may but there is great danger herein for if they should suppress Conscience in this life and come to that place where it will be revived again where the Worm shall never die that little time of ease and quiet here would signifie no more then if one in a light sickness should fall a sleep for a Minute only and thence awake in a continual burning Feaver To commit more sin and to hope thereby to be relieved is as foolish as to quench the Fire to cast more fuel on Indeed at first this doth somewhat stop the Flame but after it will blaze more violently So remorse may be a little hindred for the present but returns worse by reason of the fresh guilt that hath been added increasing and driving nearer unto but not removing the future punishment It is now so grievous that some care must be sought out one way or another When by reason of iniquity the whole head is sick and the whole heart is faint there are two kinds of remedy the one is of the Physitians of Souls the Exhortation of turning unto the Lord with Weeping Fasting and Mourning the diet Drink of Penitential Tears the exercise of Repentance these seem severe and harsh but yet Who doth not submit to as much for Bodily Health and Recovery And is not Eternal Life as much as these The Patient doth not like these wholesome Medicines Is there none who can do the business sooner and more easily When old Satan perceives any troubled in mind for their sins he knows the consequent if he doth not administer present comfort they will be renounced which are the cause of so much Disquiet and Vexation And then Gods design that this sorrow should work repentance will take effect this the other fears and therefore will endeavour to hinder He whispers that their present sadness is not occasioned by serving of divers Lusts and Pleasures for they were found sweet in the enjoyment but it is their Natural Constitution against which they must strive Eat Drink and be Merry Do not give way to Heaviness The poor Man thinks this admirable Advice much better then the other sour prescriptions and doth fancy his inward Diseases will be healed more pleasantly and safely but mark the end He knows the vertue of strong Drink for when reason is destroyed there are no reflex thoughts of upbraiding Guilt and approaching Misery all is in a peacable condition This doth not last always the sober intervals return and with them worse heaviness for last nights folly He finds that did not perfectly cure him but then resorts again unto the same esteemed remedy by repeated acts he gets an habit of Sottishness so by little and little he doth still the unpleasing because true suggestions of Conscience continual â—â—pping makes way for the Spirit of slumber and drowsiness a custom of sinning will at length take away all sence of it Habit and Use will make Drunkenness and other Sins become as Natural Actions that they shall be committed without concern or regret afterwards for that doth vanish by small degrees till it is none at all â—o Adultery and Fornication may seem all one as Eating Drinking and Sleeping The qualms following Injustice Theft and Deceit go off and come to be as easily practiâ—ed as the honest works of the calling sin is of an hardening deceitful Nature and those who suffer it to reign for some time in them at last lose the sence of Good and Evil. A thick and insensate skin is drawn over their hearts which is the reason so few though many live wickedly are troubled with terrors of Conscience Harden not your hearts that is their own act but exhort one another while it is called to day least any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin Heb. 3. 18 19. which plainly imports that it may be done All that live in wrong or iniquity either have hardness of heart or inconsideration which is the leading step thereto or their Consciences are accused of sin The first is a sad Symtom of Eternal Death when in Scripture Phrase their Consciences are seared with a hot Iron being past feeling Eph. 4. 9. a reprobate mind Rom. 1. 28. The second is folly and danger the last is irksome and unpleasant which would cease if the cause were taken away He that covereth his sins shall not prosper but who so confesseth and for saketh them shall have mercy Prov. 28. 13. But as long as this admonisheth and stirs within there is life and they are not dead in trespasses or sins If men would not be impatient and grieve at its reproof it would do them no harm only perswades to return and come into the way of Salvation then it will be quiet and satisfied Wretched is that Person who doth slight and refuse its motions who grieves the Holy Spirit God hath put in to reclaim from the evil of our ways and to bring back unto his Commandments by this may be seen how desirous he is of the happiness of his Creatures if they do any thing contrary they are judged of themselves they are condemned of themselves That self Indignation secret Whispers Twitches Desires Intreaties Solicitation watching of Opportunity Importunity Laâ—hes Threatnings both fair and severe means they are all to make them follow the thing that good is and to affrighten them from evil The Spirit of Man is the
event of Folly. The pleasures of Sin are but for a season and after the several times are over the melancholick fit returns as bad rather worse then ever If they would suffer themselves to be admonished how they neither make use of the right remedy nor apply it to the distempered part for instead of taking away they feed the Disease and use stupifying Medicines which only take away the sence but not prevent Death The Sinner that labours under remorse will drink heartily for sorrow is dry so endeavouring to drown the spirit within him which though it sink at night will rise again in the morning and because it tells him the truth it is thought his Enemy for disturbing him And therefore he will try again to drive that unwelcome Guest out of his house which cannot be done Then continual Business Recreation or Company shall divert its whispers Otherwise by gross Ignorance or stupid inconsideration he willingly becomes as bruit Beasts whom he observes to be disturbed from nothing within Thus he dreams of relief as if he should not die and puts of what would do no other harm then lead him to Repentance till it is hid from his Eyes It is truly said of the Wisdom that is from above Her wayes are ways of pleasantness and all her pathes are Peace Pro. 3. 17. Under that Word is comprized all Happiness and this throughout the whole Scripture is promised to keeping of the Commandments of God. O that thou had hearkened to my Commandment then had thy Peace been as a River and thy Righteousness as the Waves of the Sea Isa 48. 18. There is a constant serenity and calmness of mind The sincere Penitent when he is habituated to the way of Godliness finds more Pleasure then ever he did in the course of Sin. He iâ— more comforted in singing Praises and making spiritual melody in his Hâ—art then heretofore in drunken Songs or lacivious tunes More satisfaction arises to him in meditating on God's Law then who devise mischief or let their thoughts run after all manner of filthiness This is the constant felicity of God's chosen but they have greater things then these the antepasts of Heaven the earnest and first fruits of the Spirit that joy of the inward Man which far exceeds the most exquisite delights of Sence All these are without allay or mixture there is no Condemnation or Fear no Repentance or Vexation among them It is a true and sensible satisfaction though it may seem mystery and foolishness to carnal Men. Any one may have it upon the terms of the Gospel who observes all things whatsoever the Author thereof hath Mat. 28. 20. commanded for want of which so many miss of it The Covetous doth avoid Gluttony Drunkenness or such chargeable Sins and will be apt to cry out with the Pharisee God be thanked I am none of these But he doth not take heed and beware of Covetousness Luke 12 15. so he is not happy here For through the love of Money he pierceth himself through with many Sorrows nor will be hereafter for such shall not inherit the Kingdom of God 1. Cor. 6. 10. He whose God is his Belly is perhaps no Mans enemy but his own and therefore may expect the peaceable fruits of Righteousness but in vain for he hath not here any lasting joy it arises only from the Meat and Drink that perisheth neither will he attain to the fulness thereof His end being Destruction from the presence of God Phil. 3. 18. They do somewhat towards obtaining Happiness but the other evil deprives thereof One accursed thing troubles Israel here below and shall never approach so near as to disturb the rest of the People of God. However the enemies to their own good would have it yet it is necessary to that of the present time to avoid every evil way for otherwise there can be no true Peace of mind no freedom from fear and regret In the day of Prosperity be joyful but in the time of Adversity consider God also hath set the one over against the other to the end that Man should find nothing after him Eecles 7. 14. Look into them both throughly and they are little each passeth away and it is the same thing afterwards So they are not to be admired or feared but the one cautiously used and the other submitted unto that they may help forward to eternal Happiness for that is happiness indeed and the principal concern when all temporal things slip away like a Dream which affects a little for the instant but afterwards is not minded But good Men can better bear Affliction then others having joy and gladness within when the Body is weak and languishing They have quietness and assurance of mind when the Flesh is wasted with pain or sickness This is so manifest that even the Wicked if they have courage to stand by and observe will secretly ejaculate Let me die such a Death and let my latter end be like his Mark the Perfect Man and behold the Vpright for the end of that Man is Peace Psal 37. 37. when others are attended with Horror Amazement or Stupidity and Inconsideration All acknowledge those more happy in their Sickness and Death but the great doubt and inquiry will be whether they are so in their Life for if that can be brought forth and made to appear in the Light of the living it would be no small argument for the Conversion of Sinners from the error of their way The reason why theâ— follow after the Lusts of the flesh and commit sins most in Fashion is because they think it is for their present Happiness their Honour and Reputation which is one part thereof Now were they fully convinced that could equally yea more be had in obedience to Gods Commandment these would live according to that unless they are the greatest Fools that can be imagined considering the disproportion of the rewards of the one and sad Punishments that are to the other way If the God of this World hath not blinded their eyes and they are not altogether become Carnal who cannot discover any thing within they may consider the great difference of things set before us Life and Good Death and Evil that they may choose the better and avoid the worse Evil hath a thin appearance of Good and therefore is catched at and embraced so Good hath an outward shew of Evil and is abhorred and despised At first sight sin and iniquity seem to further the Happiness of mankind but in truth is the Cause of Misery so righteousness and obedience looked slightly on appear to bring in convenience and disturbance Sin hath a shew of Wisdom and Briskness when in the Act it is folly afterwards Tribulation and Anguish of Soul the other at a transitory glance is foolish and dull but upon full Tryal is the greatest Prudence perfect Peace and Satisfaction to the mind of Man. The delusion and mistake is Men do not see throughly
will rise up again for we must all appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ that every one may receive the thing done in his Body according to what he hath done whether it be good or bad 2 Cor. 5. 10. We are only proved here how we will behave our selves towards God. It is worth while to look further to consider Man in his several Circumstances State and Condition in this World with some general Heads of Good and Evil that are set before him if he may be stirred up or put in mind of some things for his own Happiness and Safety CHAP. II. Of Man confidered in his threefold Condition Original Corrupted and Restored Of his Thoughts VVords and Actions Infancy Youth Manhood therein of Company and Marriage Of Old Age Body Senses and sensual Pleasure Of the Soul Vnderstanding VVill Affections as Love Fear Joy Sorrow Anger Hope Of Temptations The Close THou hast made Man a little lower then the Angels and hast Crowned him with Glory and Honour Psal 8. 5. One part is of the dust of the ground the other the breath of Life a reasonable Soul in which he hath resemblance to the angelical Nature and is exalted above Beasts His Happiness in the state of Innocency and how it was lost by Transgression is known by every one that reads the Scripture again he was redeemed by our Lord and Saviâ—ur Jesus Christ Rom. 5. 17 18 19. 1 Pet. 3. 18. If we are not wanting to our selves he hath restored us to as great a Capacity of good as we should have had if our Forefather had not sinned God so loved the World that he gave his only Son that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting Life John 3. 16. Hereby perceive we the love of God towards us because he laid down his Life for us and greater love then this hath no Man then to lay down his Life for another 1 John 3. 10. The holy Spirit inspires Grace and good Motions into our hearts whom if we do not resist and so grieve he will Seal us to the day of Redemption We feel the mischievous workings of Original Corrruption and we have the same quality of our first Parent to Lust after forbidden things A coveting after Evil and averseness to Good. Behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my Moâ—her conceive me Psal 51. 5. It is intermixed and grows up with every part that we all are as prone to Evil as the Sparks to fly upward Indeed goodness doth appear reasonable and lovely yet our Inclinations are backwards to the Practise of it there is a Close hankering after and Preference of the contrary The whole Man is defiled Mark 7. 21 22 23. Gen. 8. 21. Eccles 3. 9. He deviseth iniquity in his Bed he studies to do mischief His Thoughts are vain He takes no delight in Good but rather on Lust Pride and all manner of Concupisence Every mouth speaketh folly Isa 9. 17. Evil Communications Filthiness Deceit Lying and all sorts of Evil proceed out of it With Blasphemies and horrid Oaths he is dishonoured who enabled it to Speak With this Sword it is endeavoured to give our blessed Redeemer more Wounds and to crucifie him afresh The tongue is a fire a World of iniquity so is the tongue amongst our Members that it defileth the whole Body and setteth on fire the course of Nature and is set on fire of Hell. Therewith bless we God even the Father and therewith curse we Men which are made after the simitude of God Jam. 3. 6 9. Our Actions proceeding from the same corrupt Stock are of the like Nature Wise to do evil and forward to put in Execution what our wicked hearts conceive Every Member is wicked and abominably wicked Their inward part is very wickedness Psal 5. 9. and as it is further described Rom. 3. 10. to ver 18. Man is become as sinful as is possible for such a poor Creature to be with short Faculties and Powers they are stretched forth to the utmost he sins till he hath not Ability to sin any more though he hath not wherewithal to vent yet the malicious and corrupt Desire is infinite in a little finite Being The Seeds of Evil came in with the forbidden Fruit. But we must not accuse Adâ—m of our Transgression more then is due for it is our own fault if we suffer it to grow forth and improve it to that monstrous height It may be hewn down and destroyed but still the stump of the Dan. 4. 23. Roots is left in the Earth The holy One that came down from Heaven hath got this Priviledge and Power for us The Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the World could even at this present time extirpate it quite Root and Branch but that he is not pleased to do for wise Reasons yet now he puteth in such a Condition and Ability to perform so much as in and through him will be accepted and we shall come to that place where this accursed thing with all its remainders shall utterly be done away If we come unto him and sincerely do what is required under the second Covenant Christs righteousness will supply our defects The filthy Rags Isa 64. 6. Shall be cast away and we shall be arrayed in fine Linnen clean and White For the Fine Linnen is the righteousness of Saints Rev. 21. 8. What then shall we continue in sin that Grace may abound God forbid Those which make this damnable inference do mistake the Gospel Covenant which requires obedience and good Works Tit. 2. 11 12 13. 1 Pet. 2. 24. Heb. 5. 9. Christ hath brought good tidings and published Peace and brought good tidings of good and published Salvation Isa 52. 7. The same Jesus hath said Those which do iniquity shall be cast into a Furnace of fire Mat. 13. 41 42. Luk. 13. 27 28. He hath proclaimed the acceptable Year of the Lord and the Day of vengeance of our God Isa 61. 2. The Gospel is commonly said to be all mercy yet therein the wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of Men Rom. 1. 18. so 2 Thes 1. 7 8 9. The end of both Law and Gospel is obedience by this we are freed from the Curse Gal. 3. 10 13. We have further the assistance of the holy Spirit to resist Temptations and keep Gods Commandments The stony Heart is taken away and an Heart of flesh is given Whereas the whole Man is corrupted now he is put into a way to be right again if he will use the Grace given him He may run counter to his natural State and be sanctified throughout A good Man out of the good Treasure of the Heart bringeth forth good things Mat. 12. 35. After those days saith the Lord I will put my Law in their inward parts and write it in their Hearts Jer. 31. 33. So we may draw near with a true Heart in full assurance of Faith having
may Of Angeâ— and â—eal become instrumental of obedience and productive of good When conversant about holy and divine things it is Zeal the nature whereof may be understood from Mark 3. 5. John 2. 17. Psal 69. 9. 119. 139. Acts 18. 25. Mat. 24. 12. Lev. 20. 4. It doth arise from the love of God causing a vexation of mind and indignation at those who dishonour him He is revealed in those several relations of King Father and Master so his Subjects Children and Servants are bound to stand up for his Glory and Honour when any thing is done that seems contrary thereto If this Duty were not mentioned or required in Scripture as it is Tit. 2. 13 14. Rev. 3. 15 16 17. and by many Examples yet manifest reason teacheth it Where is love Num. 25. 11. 13. of God there must be Zeal Which shakes off Negligence and Sluggisâ—ness of Spirit and raises a Joy in doing his Will this holy Fire warms Devotion and utterly banishes all carelessness and contempt in Spiritual Duties The Man is pleased and doth give thanks when he sees God glorified and although there is a grief to behold the contrary Psal 119. 158. Acts 17. 16. Ezek. 9. 4. that will be abundantly rewarded by the Most High he shall not suffer for what others do yet he cannot cease to pray for them to mourn in secret for their sins Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy brother and not suffer sin upon him Lev. 19. 17. Charity and Love obligeth to admonish him to come out of the paths leading unto Death A reasonable Creature cannot justly take this ill yet sometimes Hatred and Reproaches are returned for this best kind of Civility and Friendship however the one hath done his Duty and what the other will one day wish he had hearkened unto the Satisfaction of a good Conscience requites for all evil intreaty in the mean while If they Curse him who stands up for Gods cause he takes it patiently knowing the time will come when the Lord will arise and maintain it himself Those who are the off-scouring and filth of the World the contemptible ones of the Earth yet when God cometh with his Holy Angels the Scene will change and themselves will be the 1 Cor. 6. 2 3. same who think and would make these so now Indeed Zeal doth draw on Reproach Contempt and Evil Sayings and therefore some would not have it be used because of these inconveniences But surely they do not consider or not believe the Promises as particularly Luke 6. 22. Who have made Conscience to serve God in all Duty were in past Generations esteemed Fools simple and ignorant People despised defamed evil intreated under the Law They had tryal of cruel Mockings and Scourges Heb. 11. 36 37 38. Our Lord himself was despised and rejected of Men he was despised and we esteemed him not Isa 53. 3. The like also happened to the first Christians And now we are fallen into those perillous times Where they receive his Name but do not obey his Doctrine make so much outward Profession as to intitle them unto Having a form of Godliness but denying the Power thereof They do not only rest here but according to the Apostles Prophecy which this day is fulfilled They are despisers of those that are good 2 Tim. 3. 3 5. These say they have hopes of going to Heaven but what should they do in the Holy of Holies the pure and sanctified place above who cannot endure what hath a resemblance to it here It is alledged they do not condemn or speak against the good Actions of others but their way of doing they cannot approve of that forward indiscreet zeal it is their own Phrase and making so great Pretences in the Eye of the World for say they Men may be good Christians and yet not seem so outwardly If it were sufficient to be a Christian only within this would take away the Crown from the Martyrs and accuse them of Folly for according to this supposal they might have believed on Christ and have kept their Faith to themselves and so have escaped cruel Torments and Death But this they did not knowing what was written Mat. 10. 32 33. Rom. 10. 9 10. 'T is replyed the Case now is altered We do not live amongst Heathens but in a Christian Countrey it is taken for granted that every one believes Jesus to be the Son of God what need of so much Profession But are we not amongst Infidels in heart Prophane Ungodly Wicked half Christians Who in heart and mouth set themselves against God and Christ as the Gentile World did What mean those bitter Words and Railings Witty Jests and Drolls against those who are careful to serve God in sincerity but to discourage and make them ashamed of so doing This hath been the usual Practise of the World the Prophet doth arm those of his own and succeeding times Hearken unto me ye that know righteousness the People in whose heart is my Law this is a peculiar manner of expressing Gods Sincere and faithful Servants Fear ye not the reproach of men neither be ye afraid of their revilings Isa 51. 7. Our Lord Christ doth severely threaten his Followers if this device of the wicked should take effect upon them Whosoever shall be ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful Generation of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed when he cometh in the Glory of the Father with the holy Angels Mark 8. 38. It is said Words indefinitely and therefore extends to his Doctrine and Commandments and so it is not called Jewish or Heathen but the same Character which belongs to our present Age. He is ashamed or afraid of his Religion that will not own it If he shrinks back and would not be thought Godly when he is so secretly this proceeds from Pride and sinful Modesty When the Name of God is blasphemed or taken in vain the way of truth evil spoken of Wickedness commended every one that feareth God is obliged to speak out in Reproof Vindication and Contradiction Zeal was typified by the Fire that shall ever burn upon the Altar it shall never go out Lev. 6. 13. Can that be and yet not seen Is any zealous for God hating Corruption wheâ—ever he sees it who yet doth not appear so to others The same Jesus who hath Commanded to take heed of the leaven of the Pharisâ—es which is Hypocrisie Luke 12. 1. that We do not our Alms before men to pray in secret Mat. 6. hath also said Ye are the Light of the World. A City that is set on an Hill cannot be hid Let your Light so shine before men that they may see your good Works and Glorifie your Father which is in Heaven Mat. 5. 14 16. If ye are a peculiar People you will be taken notice of if zealous of good Works they will be known If you do not
of all Hearts are to be judged by the Gospel of Jesus Who will put his own Interpretation on his own Laws and we are to receive from his month the Sentence of Life or Condemnation Let none therefore be the more Confident or presume to go on in his Course because one whom he hath chosen for a guide tells him he is right enough and he is willing to believe him for such can know no otherwise then by the Gospel and it is agreed on all hands that those Texts which are given to make wise unto Salvation are so plain and easie to be understood that they need no Interpretation at all and it cannot be that any who come in sincerity to be informed should be deceived in them But thus it is Men are strangely given to their own Lusts they cannot endure to resist the Allurement of sensual Pleasures and are not willing to bring down their haughty minds and yet would partake of the Promises of the Gospel and avoid its Threatnings so there must be an expedient found out to do all this How ready are they to hearken unto and embrace every proposal made to this end Either by their own deceitful Hearts or by him who works with all deceivableness in them that Perish Or some others have been found who instead of shewing People Mic. 3. 5 8. their Transgression and the House of Jacob their sins have soothed them up and concealed Who have strengthened the hands of the wicked that he should not return from his wicked way by promising him Life Ezek. 13. 22. Who being willing to please their great Benefactors do according as they would have Speak smooth things and Prophesie deceits Isa 30. 10. Who know no sooner way to oblige them then by dictating Doctrines sutable to their ungodly Lusts and Inclinations that they may live the Life of the wicked and die the Death of the righteous follow all iniquity here and receive the Crown for Well-doing hereafter And this is done by divulging some pleasing but wrong and mis-applyed Notions of Gods wonderful Mercy of Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and relying wholly on him for Salvation of a formal daily Repentance which is well enough if more sincere and perfect on the Death-bed the Doctrine of partial Obedience of Desires and Resolutions which are for the most part Mockery or Non-sense the mistakes of Sins of infirmity for the works of the Flesh and unrighteousness come under these of distinguishing between the Counsels and Precepts of the Gospel stretching it further then they have Warrant from 1 Cor. 7. 25. What they have a mind to follow those are the Commands and what they have not is of the other sort and then they sin not in neglecting it And such like Out of which may be patched up a fine sort of Divinity to please the Great Ones here by giving them Encouragement that after they have gratified to the utmost all their wicked Lusts and bid defiance to the Almighty in their Life-time yet they can appease him again slightly and when they will But certainly this is quite to leave the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ to go on to imperfection not laying again but utterly over-throwing the Foundation of Repentance from dead Works and of Faith towards God which if such as pleases him must consist in Obedience as well as to believe that he is But one would think some did not so much or what is worse Think that the God-head was like unto Gold or Silver or stone graven by Art and Mans device Acts 17. 29. for they would stamp their own Impressions and more derogate from his Glory and despise him in their own imaginations then they did Rom. 1. 23. for these would make God such an one as they would have him render him a Lyar alter and change his very Nature beseech him to determine his everlasting Gospel rather then he shall not save them Or else how can they ever dream of thrusting themselves into his Holy City above any other way then by which God hath appointed nay going contrary to what he hath Chalkt out Our Saviour Jesus Christ gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and puriâ—ie unto himself a peculiar People zealous of good Works Tit. 2. 14. Now these defeat the very end of his Coming for according to their supposal Men may still live in all iniquity and instead of being zealous for good Works they need do none at all but cast themselves intirely on Christs satisfaction and Merits The foregoing Verse is The grace of God that bringeth Salvation hath appeared unto all Men Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly Lusts we should live soberly and righteously and Godly in this present World but according to the daubing of some if we do the contrary all our Life-long and we do that is impossible but say or wish as much before the last Gasp of Breath is gone we may lay hold of it But hold there Salvation is not Mens to give they cannot so much as redeem their own Souls much less barter with Almighty God for others We are to have the Reward from his hands only and he hath said already on what terms he will give it Christ became the Author of eternal Salvation unto all that obey him Heb. 5. 9. and to none else The Priests may not prescribe unto him who is a God of infinite Sovereignty and Power Laws of their own Head nor parcel out the Objects of his Bounty they may never partake of it themselves much less be so impudent as to set it out for others Themselve◠〈…〉 e to stand among the number of the Criminals for since they have corrupted the Word of God 2 Cor. 2. 17. Instead of warning the Wicked from his way such have been occasion why he sinned yet more they shall receive greater Condemnation Nevertheless those shall not escape who being led away with their own lusts and enticed do gladly receive their plausible Opinions and Sayings but shall perish for all Mat. 15. 14. Ezek. 33. 8. Isa 9. 16. Though the Serpent Gen. 3. beguiled the Woman and the Woman beguiled the Man yet the curse was pronunced on all And it will be no excuse in the last day Lord the Teachers who came in thy name told us we might do such things and live for Christ had foretold that false ones should arise and commanded to take heed least any Man deceive you He left his Word behind to try the Doctrines whether they be of Men or no by which he will judge the World and not by this or that Doctors Opinion Let others now put what meaning they will upon the commands of Christ yet if he should interpret them otherwise every one knoweth whose must be taken and by which we are to abide His judgment and exposition will be according to Righteousness and Truth whatever others make now If they turn the Word up Isa 24. 5. and down to make
cured by one days Abstinence the other is not so easily shaken off That Self-Condemnation for what is past and the fearful Expectation of what is to come are not a little afflicting but the Sense of this weares away by Custom and there is no such Remedy to take it off sooner then this Sin. The Suggestions of Conscience at length are effectually stifled by continual drinking which doth harden against Conviction and transform the Soul into Stupidity this is esteemed a wise and cunning device Which yet doth not take away but only keeps the Danger unknown till it is fallen into What advantage is it to go more quietly and undisturbedly to Hell Those who would have it so now when they come there the same will be their Torment They are vexed now if any would interrupt their Course then they will be plagâ—ed that they did not hearken to those who would have done this best Act of kindness Yea they made their Hearts as an Adamant stone least they should hear the Law and the Prophets which the Lord of Hosts hath sent in his Spirit by the former Prophets Therefore came a great Wrath from the Lord of Hosts Therefore it came to pass that as he cried and they would not hear so they cried and I would not hear saith the Lord of Hosts Zech. 7. 12 13. In the days of their Flesh they will not hear Gods Word his Ministers and his Spirit within but when the day of Judgment is come they shall call upon him and he will not Answer Prov. 1. 28. As for those Cups they are now so forward to drink to put all Sense of this out of their Minds for all their Policy one will be even with them For in the hand of the Lord there is a Cup and the Wine is Red It is full of mixture and he poureth out of the same But the dregs thereof all the wicked of the Earth shall wring them out and drink them Psal 75. 8. Nothwithstanding all the Wisdom and Consultations to be had amongst jovial Acquaintance you had better now foresee the Evil make haste and escape from it then continue unmindful till it shall overtake you for then you will neither be able to avoid or put away the Sense thereof Perhaps you will set at naught this Counsel and call to thy Companions Come ye and I will fetch VVine and we will fill our selves with strong drink and to morrow shall be as this day and much more abundant Isa 56. 12. I have hitherto been Drunk sometimes but now I will more often Let not the Sun go over our head but see some Tokens of our Joyfulness We are young and have much time before us let us make use of it Do not reckon too fast for unto whom was it said but him that counted upon many years Thou Fool this night thy Soul shall be repuired of thee Luke 12. 19 20. Whatever your Age is if you go on after this manner you know not how soon you may be cut off Some will reply they do not Care a short Life and a merry one as long as they live they will be joyful This is not in their Power For all high Pretences and Talk you have many sad damps amidst all your days and nights of Pleasure They cannot spend all their time in Drunkenness and Sleep And the spaces of time between they must fill up with business or Recreation otherwise they would be inconsistent and tormented for if not hardened with the deceitfulness of Sin they are ever and aâ—on troubled with the pricking thereof They may just keep the evil Spirit quiet by continual Action or Company but no rejoycing is to be had unless by the help of strong drink And therefore are wishing for it but if daily followed it would be no delightful Remedy And also they would sooner fall into Sicknâ—ss and Death which however they seem to make light of they exceedingly fear Some have arrived to that degree of intemperance that they are sick and disordered without giving way to it such cannot abstain though they shall hasten Death upon themselves for they are in continual pain by drought and craving They know not but Death may consign over to a greater evil yet labouring under a real and present misery they dare venture upon an imaginary and future Torment They fancy Death may be as a sleep and then it is rather to be chosen or if an inlet to a future state God may be more merciful then one is aware of and there is some hopes of that and therefore may run the hazzard for they are miserable in this life that ended they may cease to be in their own imagination however let the worst happen they can be but miserable in that which is to come Upon such like thoughts unless they are become altogether inconsiderate and do not look before them they resolve to go on in their course if they die sooner or late This the world calls bravery Why then is it not so in him lying under a scorching Feaver or Dropsie who will drink as often as he can come at it though he knows it will be deadly unto him What Gallantry is to do that which he is forced unto by the Tyranny of a base Appetite They had rather expose themselves to the hastiness and uncertainty of a dissolution then live long in a continued course of dullness and vexation They make light of Death because they know not how to live nor what it is to die if these are signs of true courage none are more couragious then the Sons of affliction such as are discontented in distress or deep poverty or the horse who knows not his end and therefore rusheth into the Battel Go to thou that resolvest to take the full swinge of Drunkenâ—ess Thou art but flesh it is said good liquor will make that thrive the better The countenance indeed may be blubbed and the body stretched forth to some bulk in which some pride themselves not knowing that it is like a Swine fatted with whay A sad manner of thriving to grow worse to encrease in Bigness and lose in strength to be more full of grease and water and to be minished from the true substance of flesh and Judg. 3. 22 blood Instead of supplying the body with due moisture to make it a meer puddle as if the way for a bed of herbs to grow bette was not to water but quite drown it An odd manner of taking care for the flesh to set the jâ—rring humoâ—rs more at variance An unkind provision to throw in what may sooner destroy it When it is corruptible of it Self to make it more subject to corruption and as if there were not sufficient already to lay in a further stock of pains and diseases By intemperance somewhat of health and strength is daily lost Not to mention Feavers Surset and other violent distempers occasioned suddenly by one single act whereby many go down quick into the Pit
commit the same offence Why will they not be perswaded to come out of such a way To draw off from so great a danger VVhen Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the Sea-shore the People feared the Lord and believed the Lord and his Servant Moses Exod. 14. 30 31. And have you not known some who have been as it were drowned in a Flood of Drink Who have brought themselves into the Dropsy and other Diseases and several ways have came to an untimely fearful end And will you not fear the Lord and believe on the Lord his Son and Apostles who make mention of worse things to come hereafter then what we see commonly happen How oft is the Candle of the wicked put out And how oft cometh their destruction upon them God distributeth Sorrows in his Anger Job 21. 17. How many have we heard to have killed themselves with Brandy who have burnt up their own Vital Spirits with the greater heat of Liquors and by innumerable Accidents have been hastily cut off and all occasioned through Intemperance Job calls it their Destruction for themselves are the Author of it and is not God displeased with Mens doings after this manner Some may be apt to say this is too home But it is too trueby sad and daily experience and fit to be observed that all henceforward may take care to themselves Examples should be taken Notice of and VVritten for our Admonition upon whom the ends of the VVorld are come 1 Cor. 10. 11. In this Generation also where Drunkenness doth abound and the Men are sâ—tled on their lees Zeph. 1. 12. If any hath a real love and compassion for Mankind he is not to be blamed if he doth use the most plain and obvious expressions to prevent those evils which come upon them by their Sin and Folly. Any words are more tolerable then to suffer the thing it self Several will find fault with this way of Writing used in this Chapter especially But they are desired to consider likewise how the stile of Scripture runs exactly according to those Times when it was first Penned and that is to be the Rule of all after Ages If others think that here it Psal 119. 42. hath been varied from when those common sayings and excuses were inserted which are not to be found in the Word yet there it is said Answer a fool according to his fully least he be wise in his Prov. 26. 5 own conceit It hath been endeavoured to convince them in their own way of Arguing for why should Wickedness brave it out and pass uncontradicted We have assurance that one time yet to come All iniquity shall stop her Mouth Psal 107. 42. The means to accomplish which is to take off that Colour and Varnish of Reason to discover that plausible shew of Wit with which Men countenance their Sin. For he flattereth himself in his own sight until his Iniquity shall be found to be hateful Psal 36. 2. Which hath been here somewhat manifested according to the Ability God hath given Let the Mad and Frantick World pause for a while why you may continue Men still and yet go in another way You may still retain the same Affections and Desires and have them at present in a good manner contented however you may refrain for a little while from the full Gratification of them You are now all for good Drink the prescribed Measure is now much better then excess but for further encouragement Our Lord said just before his Passion I will drink no more of the fruit of the Vine until that day that I drink it new in the Kingdom of God Mark 14. 25. And in this Mountain shall the Lord of Hosts make unto all People a Feast of fat Things a Feast of Wines on the lees of fat things full of Marrow of Wines on the lees well refined Isa 25. 6 Indeed such gross and sensual Pleasures are not to be expected in Heaven as result from Eating and Drinking even here it is said well refined But undoubtedly others will be substituted in the Room which shall more refresh then these do now according to what another Prophet saith Their heart shall rejoyce as through Wine their heart shall rejoyce in the Lord Zech. 10. 7. It shall give us alike satisfaction as Wine doth now but as much greater and of longer continuance as the Infinite and everlasting God in whom all fulness dwells doth exceed that little and empty delight which is now to be had from the Creature The Spirit of God condescends to our Infirmity and exhorts to his Obedience by promising the same things which we now eagerly desire after Who is all for pleasant Drink hath the very same invitation to follow after the things of his Kingdom If the Drunkard will leave off his sinful Courses he shall find more content and less inconveniency moreover exceeding great and Eternal Happiness hereafter Perhaps he will say he hath been so long used to it that he cannot Indeed a wicked habit is not quickly or easily shaken off it crept on by degrees and will stick close but there is an absolute necessity Except ye repent ye shall perish twice asserted Luke 13. And that is a through change of mind and reformation of Life if he hath been guilty of Drunkenness let him ask Pardon for it and be so no more Seek for the Grace of God which is sufficient to subdue the power of this or any Sin. The Man must be sure sincerely to labour together therewith and endeavour to be freed from Sottishness the same way he got it let him daily deny himself somewhat and abridge a little of his wonted Measure by this means he may be at length free from it It is commonly pleaded by him who lies under a custom of sin that he cannot forsake it So he flatters and beguiles his own Soul that either God will not require him to do an impossible thing and therefore he shall be excused or he is an hard Master to shut a Man out of Heaven and cast him into Hell for a thing he could not help But O wicked Servant Wherefore dost thou to keep thine own wickedness accuse God foolishly and falsly For he will not lay upon Man more then right that he should enter into Judgment with God Job 34. 23. Repent if peradventure the iniquity of thine heart may be forgiven Consider seriously thou alone hast wilfully brought thy self under the Power and Slavery of Sin. By former hardening thy heart and not hearing Gods Voice when thou hadst more strength and sin less At the first entrance upon the Practice of it thou couldst more easily have not done then done it after thou couldst refrain with a small irksomness till sin at length began to prevail through thine own neglect to resist and willingness to entertain it And because it is more difficult to part with thou concludest impossible No habit however long in contracting is impossible to be removed it may be
Lascivionsness which they have committed 2 Cor. 12. 21. The Lord Jesus will not condemn them if they go and sin no more John 8. 11. Was not Rahab the Harlot justified And from the Examples of Lot David we may be assured God hath Mercy on such Sinners if they do not abuse his goodness but leave off their Transgression and do Works acceptable and holy in his sight This full and plain manner of Writing was necessary to manifest the very Truth let none suck Poison out of that which was designed for an Antidote nor presume to sin yet more from what God knows was only intended to lead to Repentance The temptation which leads Men over to these lusts is that they think they shall be happy in so doing here it is discovered to be a delusion only and Men would be more happy as to this present time if they had nothing to do with them or make use of the lawful remedy there is the same invitation offered to leave of as before was to follow them So much of lust in the General now briefly run over the particulars Every one knoweth what Adultery is Stolen Waters are said to be sweet and it is matter of sport to beguile the poor Husband Of Adultery Yet O Man shalt thou boast for ever Knowest thou not it will be bitterness in the end Yea there is Trouble and Vexation Fear and Guilt all along By the Jewish Law which wâ—s of Divine Appointment the Adulterer and Adulteress shall be sâ—râ—ly put to death Lev. 20. 10. And so it is at this day in several Nations of the World Christian Mahometan and Heathen but here it is rather fashionable and of plaufible report Whatever credit Adulterers or Adulteresses get it is only among the Children of Disobedience but the Righteous have them in Abomination in this life they labour under continual Disquiet Tribulation and Anguish everlasting Shame and Contempt wait for them in that which is to come The injustice and wrong is somewhat less in Fornication but Of Fornication it is a provoking sin and offensive unto God. If any Man dâ—files the Temple of God him shall God destroy for the Temple of God is Holy which Temple ye are 1 Cor. 3. 17. Flee Fornication every sin that a Man doth is without the body but he that committeth Fornication sinneth against his own Body 1 Cor. 6. 17. A great part of the Chapter is against this particular so that any thing may as well be denyed to be a Sin as Fornication If the Spiâ—it of God saith it is a sin and wicked Men say it is none whose Words shall stand his or theirs Jer. 44. 28 29. And by whose Judgment must they abide When he punisheth for the same let them dispute away the Smart of it if they can Even as Sodom and Gomorrah and the Cities about them giving themselves over unto Fornication and going after strange Flesh are set forth for an Example suffering the Vengeance of Eternal Fire Jude 7. The end of being set forth for an Example is that others should take heed for the like will happen to them if they do the same things There doth too often go along with this an abomination of iniquity as Murder in the Womb those preventives of getting with Child and wicked means to cause Abortion or Miscarrying Moreover there is killing of Infants to hide their shame from the World a manifest proof how tormenting this is that they dare upon such Sinful and Barbarous Actions to concâ—al it If they are not so unnatural and desperately wicked as to stifle the poor Infant then it remains a Witness of the Parents Transgression But if made away that is a double sin and shall rise up an evidence against them at the Bar of the General Judgment to their Eternal shame and confusion before God Angels and Men. There are several other evils too many to be recited but may be known by observation which do sufficiently shew that it is best for Mankind to comply with the VVill of God even your sanctification that you should abstain from Fornication 1 Thes 4. 3. There are several sorts of uncleanness as if a Man lie with Mankind as he lieth with a VVoman both of them have committed Abomination Of Uncleanness they shall be surely put to death And if a man lie with a Beast he shall be surely put to death and ye shall slay the Beast Lev. 20. 13. 15. so that described Rom. 1. 26. 27. There is another kind by self pollution If there be among you any Man that is not clean by reason of uncleanness that chanceth him by Night Deut. 23. 10. Which is no great fault because it is matter of infirmity contingency and not wilfullness but how much worse is he who of set purpose forceth himself to be thus unclean It is detestable to think or speak of much more it is to act such things But Fornication and all Vncleanness let it not be once named among you as becometh Saints Neither filthiness nor foolish talking nor jesting which are not convenient but rather giving of thanks for this know that no VVhoremonger nor unclean Person hath any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God. Eph. 5 3 4. 5. Lasciviousness imports Light and wanton Actions Dalliances Of Lasciviousness and rude Gestures lustful Thoughts immodest glances of the Eye curious inspection upon the faces of Women Whosoever looketh on a Woman to lust after her hath committed Adultery with her already in his heart Mat. 5. 28. Said Christ who came to interpret some Laws give others and finally is to be the judge of all Those several Inclinations and Tendencies to unlawful lust are comprehended under this Word VVhen lust hath conceived it brings forth sin and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death Jam. 1. 15. It suggesting pleasing thoughts will be apt to procure a consent which makes the sin and therefore should be stifled in its first rise The way of avoiding Lust is to eschew all occasion and provocations thereof The great design of the Gospel is to prepare and bring People to Heaven and then they must be pure and spiritual to fit them for the Holy of Holies to qualifie them for the promise Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God Mat. 5. 8. Now lust and filthiness is an hindrance to this and therefore must be taken away before we are made meet for the Celestial Happiness To refrain from the aforementioned things would be to destroy the Briskness and refined Breeding of the World the principal whereof is to make complemental Addresses to young Women What Mirth and Laughter do they stir up amongst Promisâ—uous Company of both Sexes So the use thereof may appear not only agreeable to right Education but also it conduces to divertisement and happiness It must be acknowledged that here and in other things Christianity is directly opposite to the present Fashion God and the
principal and whole place in Man nothing to be preferred before him and all things to be done in subserviency to his Obedience That which was given to Minister must not set up for Rule What he only allowed for Necessaries and Conveniences that he might be served in Holiness and Righteousness all the days of our Life is not to come in for the main end nor be made an occasion to provoke him by iniquity and disobedience How unreasonable is it that a little yellow or white Dust should be preferred before God who made Heaven and all things therein They are accursed who worship the Sun Moon and Stars which declare his Glory but are not to deprive him of the least degree of his own much less may the small things here below God made us preserveth us gives whatsoever we enjoy and hath provided an eternal Happiness hereafter if we do not by such gross Demerits as esteeming every little thing before him which sets forth the infinite Aggravation of Sin forfeit our Right we have to his free and gracious Promises If we might â—ender to all their due that just Esteem they deserve and no more Now of God are all things and therefore to him belong all Love Fear Honour Praise Obedience and whatsoever we can do to express our utmost Acknowledgment and Worship of his Divine Majesty Let us do as much as we can to acknowledge His Dominion and Property and our own Subjection and Dependance Let us have an exceeding high Opinion of whatever appertains to him and then we should have but a very little Opinion of all that is here in Comparison of the Great things of God. Even in this wicked partial and idolatrous World Dung is never preferred before Crowns and Scepters And if the Eyes of our understanding were enlightened and we did lift them up to the everlasting Hills we might apprehend such unutterable things there that we should no more esteem of the most magnified things of this World then now we do the Stones and Earth we walk upon But all Men have not Faith who look upon this as meer Dreams and fine Fancies Indeed few speak out so but many think thus in their minds and therefore are for being sure of something letting alone these glorious Imaginations for such who believe them It is said there is one Nerve more in the Eye of Man then in Brutes by which he is enabled to lift it up If this be not lost for want of use look upwards in a clear Night ye earthly minded Observe the Firmament bespangled with Stars and do ye not really guess there may be above them some greater Excellency then Gold and Silver which Canker and Rust Seek him that maketh the seven Stars and Orion Amos 5. 8. whose is the World and the fulness thereof Psal 50. 12. and you must conclude he hath greater things in his disposal then what we now see or handle Be not so rash and foolish to perswade your selves there are no such things because you do not believe them for in your Opinion it would be an odd kind of reasoning that there was no such things as Riches because Beasts know them not And it is alike absurdity to deny those true Riches our Saviour speaks of Luke 16. 11. only for that covetous Worldings will not know nor believe them If they will not they shall lose their part in them and that will occasion greater trouble then now it is to miss a good Bargain or Purchase 'T is perverse Humour and Opposition to the Truth that any are unbelieving for would they but impartially examine those Evidences of Faith we have they must fully assent But this wicked and stubborn World is afraid the Gospel should be true and therefore will not look upon its Pillars and Grounds of Truth least they should be found too strong and then such must not continue in Transgression They are willing to grasp and hold fast what they have and they take effectual Care not to attend to any thing how true soever which may perswade to the contrary O profound Policy and Wisdom To refuse to be Happy here and hereafter because by coveting after Riches they will pierce themselves through with many Sorrows and wilfully subject themselves unto temporal and eternal Misery only to hug themselves a little with ill gotten abundance What unheard of Folly is this There being set before the Sons of Men good and evil they will lose the one and incur the other by considering of neither before-hand Good God! That Men should set at naught the most inestimable thing in the World and yet blindly run upon accursed Misery Reason it self would tell them that there is no harm to seek after the greatest Good and if it be grievous to think of the Evil so they cannot endure that how much more to suffer it And they had better think thereof and so escape then as now they do shut it out of their Minds and thus unavoidably run into it This may be applied to all manner of unbelief Ignorance and Sin but Covetousness hath a mixture of all for otherwise a Man would not renounce his part in the Portion of Israel for thousands of Gold and Silver Were he perswaded he hath a Soul and of its due worth he would not lose it to gain the whole World when now he doth to get a less part thereof then the point of a Pin is to an Acre of Ground Covetousness doth strangely fasten the affections to the Earth and takes them quite off from Heaven The mind is daubed over with thick Clay that it conceives not Spiritually and so intent upon things Temporal that he regards not the things Eternal And thus comes in him an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God Nevertheless let him still know he is bound to obey the Commandments If one hath never taken the Oath of Allegiance yet he is obliged to keep the Kings Laws if he doth not he shall be punished accordingly So likewise if one was never Baptized nor enters into Covenant with God yet still he lives under his Laws Every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward Heb. 2. 2. He is Lord over all the Great King of all the Earth and requires subjection from every Creature those his Enemies which would not have him reign over them he will send forth his Armies and destroy them Who will not mind Scripture his revealed Law are at this present transgressours against the same and shall at the last day be condemned by it For the iniquity of his Covetousness was I wroth and smote him I hid me and was wroth and he went frowardly in the way of his heart Isa 57. 17. The iniquity of Covetousâ—ess consists in getting by evil and sinful Col. 3. 5 6. means as Falshood or Wrong so it is a complicated sin of inordinate Affection and Disobedience Another kind of Covetousness is gathered from 2 Cor. 9. 5. Which hinders from
forced and it is expected what they do it should be with a willing mind considering which they have Assistances sufficient to work out their own Salvation God hath been pleased to establish all things in an orderly way What pertain to his Kingdom over the Sons of Men have their Rules and their appointed means and his Blessing doth always Accompany them He doth not work Miracles where the thing may be done in a way he hath already shewed To turn the Hearts of the Fathers unto the Children and the Disobedient to the VVisdom of the just to make ready a People prepared for the Lord Luke 1. 17. He gives his Word Spirit and Ministers By the help of them and putting forth the strength God hath given us all this may very well be accomplished As the great Super-intendent in his Works of Nature hath left them to go in their Course so in his Kingdom of Grace which is over the Souls of Men he hath ordained alike Method to spring forth and increase by appointed means The great and only business which hath passed between God and Men is concerning their Obedience in this World and their Salvation in that which is to come And therein may be observed from the very first Creation of them a most wise contrivance of things on Gods part but the utmost folly giving back and rebellion on ours Had we consented and for us performed what we might have done there had been no separation between God and us which our iniquities have now made Wilful ignorance and sloth hath occasioned this evil by not improving the Talent but hiding it in a Napkin Would any one act according to the grace and power given him and according to the way shewed he shall never miscarry Christ hath made up for Adams Transgression so that the Lord being our helper we may do the things well-pleasing in his sight if our selves will sincerely set to do them God is faithful and would not try our Obedience by more then we are able to perform he gives aid and offers more if we would but seek and make use of it Doth any one desire to be saved Who doth not Why then there is no more required but his real working together with the grace of God and according to his means It is astonishing to consider that seeing God hath given all those great and powerful Arguments to stir up Man to his Duty and then all the faculties of his Soul have a tendency towards it yet so few are brought over to a right sence and universal practice of Religion But Satan trys all ways to drive them off and then is their own aversation through corrupt nature to the things of God but here again if they would consult his Word they would not be ignorant of those devices of the Enemy which might be rendred ineffectual and then by striving contrary and giving diligence that averâ—ation would by degrees wear of There is sufficient done that all might come to life It is not the Will of your Father which is in Heaven that one of these little ones should perish Mat. 18. 14. Some do needlesly inquire concerning the number of those that shall be saved When the Question was asked our Lord Luke 13. 23 24. he gives no direct answer to it but commands to take care for themselves and if every one did so there would be no need to ask such a Question This is certain every Man or Woman may perform those conditions to which Salvation is promised each single person may obey God keep the sayings of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and patiently continue in Well-doing The Scripture observing the Irreligion and wickedness of Men in Gal. 3. â— those Generations when it was Penned and foreseeing how it would be in following Ages speaketh in that wise as it doth but yet the same word saith All the ends of the World shall remember and turn unto the Lord and all the kindreds of the Nation shall Worship before thee Psal 22. 27. which is to be fulfilled as the others have been and are Every one is called upon to this it is in the power of all to hear or read the Scriptures to Pray to examine further evidences of it and Faith comes by these things and â—e will believe He may again attend to the Word of Exhortation and then he will do For that is to be said for the excellency of our Religion that never any one could see all that may be said for it and then reject it If the wicked Man would suffer himself to know what might be alledged for Obedience unto God himself would not refuse it He is afraid and dares not consider of the Arguments which enforce the same for then he would be converted and healed and therefore it is not without cause the subtle Enemy labours so much to hinder from that Whereas if he is in the most natural state yet if he is endued but with common Wisdom he should not presently set that at naught which in this carries so much of its Divinity and Truth And he should suspect his own course because he doth as it were distrust those excuses and pretences for Reasons he hath none for his Wickedness in that they dare not in the least stand in competition with what may be said for the contrary Way Men could never go on as now they do unless worse then the deaf Adder they stop the Ear and refuse to hear the Voice of the Charmer charm he never so wisely They act commonly by slight apprehension of things as for those of this Worâ—d they suffer to sink deep and lie at the very ground of their Hearts but for heavenly they either shut them quite out or they lie scattered at the top and have no deepness of Earth and no Root Mat. 13. 5 6. It is seldom that things are done altogether in a hurry but generally people act what they think best to be done In the very heart there is an approbation of them they may outwardly commend another kind but then they have within them a secret reserve and give preference to what they do or else hope to escape the danger The great controversie in the World is Whether Men should obey the Law of God or the Law of Sin Whether they shall do according to his Will or be Master of their own Actions None will deny that God is to be obeyed nor can they gain-say against his Law which is Good Just and Reasonable this is allowed of even by the transgressour But then for following his own course he hath some fancies which are kept secret within himself and are at the very bottom of his mind which with him do weigh down those general Considerations The present Pleasure Profit or Conveniencies or thinking to repent and avoid Gods indignation and such kind of thoughts which the Tempter doth suggest and his own heart doth receive and improve to the utmost advantage that they stand in
Conviction over the Heart and Conscience Notwithstanding the Shifts and Tricks the Disputing or craâ—ty Eluding yet there doth remain a firm perswasion in the mind which cannot be got off And let all have a Care how they oppose or seek to Prevaricate that When the Spirit of the mind suggests to the Man That is the very Truth it is exceeding dangerous to resist or do despite to that Should the Almighty have erected his Throne visible on Earth People might be over-awed with the Sense of his Majesty and Greatness Or else be invited by that Splendour and Glory to run unto him as now they do to Kings and great Personages So they might and would yield a feigned Submission and love unto him But the Kingdom of God is within you Luke 17. 21. He hath established his Government in the Hearts of Men. The Law he hath given is in a Book which may be read or heard to lay up in the Heart and do accordingly Such of the People as shall be willing and obedient will shew themselves this way and those who refuse and Rebel will do so likewise Who now live by Faith and approve their Subjection unto his revealed Will would do so much more if they had a sight of him or hear his Voice as they shall have both to their exceeding and endless Comfort But to them who now will not believe nor hearken Psal 107. 11. to his Word when he hath made himself known after this manner neither would they do it from the ground of the heart but might be frightened or led by a mercenary Spirit if they had seen his power and Glory as they may to their own confusion and anguish of mind Why do the Heathen rage And why do the People imagine a vain thing Psal 2. 1. None but the Tyrants of Old or a mad Julian flies openly in the face of Heaven there may be found who doth say in his heart Tush God I care not for thee for there do lie strange imaginations within But he doth not lift up his eyes and say so with a loud Voice unless he is a Fool or Frantick Ignorant people have an impatiency at his Government whereas they might know this would not be for their hurt but exceeding benefit unless by restlessness and provocation they draw the severity Jer. 25. 6. of it upon themselves Be still and know that I am God Psal 46. 10. There is no removing the Government from his shoulders nor getting themselves from under it How much betâ—er had they be quiet and obedient when he will love and reward them for being so then toss to and fro to no pupose but to gaul themselves the more Accordingly they are to shew themselves unto his Embassadors who come with the Word of Reconciliation Now then we are Embassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be reconciled unto God 2 Cor. 5. 20. Paul as his manner was reasoned with them out of the Scriptures opening and alledging that Christ must needs have suffered Acts 17. 2 3. Who is the great Mediator all that he did and said was to bring people unto God and so should every one do in a point like necessary as that was to the unbelieving Jews This person did not try to please his Auditory but doth oppose the greatest fault and sin in them as here and so before Felix he reasoned of Righteousness Temperance and Judgment to come Acts 24. 25. All which have Foundation in the Word but the phrase reasoned is observable and always to be imitated in subordination to that The Scriptures do contain general commands and rules of Holy Life to which those who are Contentious and obey not the Truth Rom. 2. 8. can frame distinctions and find out evasions to deceive and keep quiet their own Souls but the particular handling and application of them convinces of sin and turns to Righteousness The Holy Ghost hath provided for all Generations Countries and Languages and Penned them after this manner for those who in their several Places and Ages should be intrusted therewith the more fully to expound and apply the same so as to teach the way of Salvation perfectly and truly It is the proper Office of our understanding to collect one thing from another Whatsoever is rightly inferred from the Word of God is the Word of God and will be fulfilled for nothing but truth can follow from truth There cannot be used too much care and circumspection concerning this Ordinance of Preaching to manage it aright because so much depends thereon for the present Good and Universal Salvation of Mankind which is to be revealed and determined in a short time for the World will quickly be at end with us living and how many Generations more may succeed God knows but we may understand and trust unto what he saith and promises And they that be wise shall shine as the Brightness of the Firmament and they that turn many to Righteousness as the Stars for ever and ever Many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased Dan. 12. 3 4. When we hear or read the Word God speakes unto us but when we make Prayers and Supplications with Thanskgiving we Of Prayer speak unto him This is the intercourse between God and Man. That God should hearken unto the voice of a Man Josh 10. 14. seems wonderful if we have but those just and raised thoughts of the Deity and the true knowledge of our selves However the foolish proud unbeliever thinks scorn of this Holy Ordinance yet if himself had but such a sight of the Lord sitting upon his Throne as Isaiah had Chap. 6. or Dan. 7. 9 10. he would conclude it no uncomely thing but most bounden duty for such poor Creatures as Men and Women to kneel before him yea if they were like Worms crawling in the Dust lying on the Ground with shame and confusion of Face yet this would not be submission enough to such a Mighty Being It is seemly for the Body to bend and lie prostrate before him that made it and millions of the same kind What is Man that thou art mindful of him Psal 8. 4. Even he who is most great in his own or the Worlds opinion who is lifted up with Pride to the Highest yet this same Person if he had Faith and Knowledge would take it in extreme Anguish if the Lord should cast him off or not mind him as we are foretold will be the condition of some 1 Sam. 2. 30. Mark 8. 38. Those who now aspire after greatness abhorring contempt and low things will meet with intolerable Vexation to be rejected from the great things of his Kingdom There are some now a days who if they should see one in that posture as Elias was upon the top of Carmel cast down upon the Earth and he put his face between his knees 1 Kings 18. 42. would think him either to be Mad or a
much pining or starving thereof The Apostle saith verse 25. Every one that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things alluding to those who did Dyet themselves for the Olympick Games Which plainly implies that we are to manage our selves so as to be more fit for the Service of God and that we may get to Heaven Now it is evident we can better serve him in Health then in Sickness and it is more accepted when done with a willing good Heart If we may be still spiritual minded not taking off our Affections from God and the things above to set them on small and perishing comforts If we can avoid Sin without so much rigour If we set a part some time for Fasting and Prayer I know not what mean those harsh disciplines that famishing all the Life long for it is not a shriveled skin nor pale looks nor a lean Carkase which commends unto God but A broken and contrite Spirit a Soul little in its own esteem contracted and become in intire subjection unto him which hath the Body under and both in obedience unto God. That extream Mortification hath been turned into a gross mistake and Superstition The cruel afflicting ones self comes near to the Prophets of Baal who cut themselves after their manner with Knives and Lances till the Blood gushed out upon them 1 Kings 18. 28 so are the self-Whippings and Scourgings of Pagan Christian Rome and alike are the ways of the Heathen and false Religions throughout the World. But the King of Israel is a merciful King He doth not require these things at our Hands He doth not Afflict willingly nor Grieve the Children of Men Lam. 3. 33. Neither should they do it foolishly themselves What deserving is there utterly to refuse what God doth give God would have in this place the Humiliation but in no wise the Misery of his Creatures He at present keeps them off from true and perfect Happiness that being reserved elsewhere but denies not their Comfort and Refreshment He is not now unwilling that we should be Happy but then we should be so puffed up that we would not have him Reign over our Hearts He would not have us run away from those things which are set forth for a tryal of our Obedience having as it were hedged us in by ordering that to be had in things absolutely necessary which we cannot be without Another kind of Moderation is conversant about Apparel which was designed against the pain of Cold and shame of Nakedness Of Apparel This calls again to remembrance our Misery and Want for such an help is found against it and therefore those who place Happiness in Meat Drink or Raiment consider not that it is only as Physick for remedy against foregoing Evils Hunger and Thirst Cold and Shame and how much better it will be when we shall be made Perfect and altogether without them as it is to be whole and have no need of a Physitian God in clothing us at present with Garments of Flesh which are weak and filthy mean and contemptible seems to check hereby the aspiring temper of Man for nothing is so much provided against Job 33. 17. as Pride Though he endeavours to strive against it making that an occasion to lift up himself which should humble and abase him The Word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the Heart Neither is there any Creature that is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and open unto the Eyes of him with whom we have to do Heb. 4. 12. 13. He will judge and recompence according to the secrets of the Heart Those who are to discover in order to turn away Iniquity from Jacob by laying open the Aggravation and Sinfulness thereof may by a malicious Interpretation be thought like him that accuses our Brethren before God day and night But then this Charge would fall upon the Prophets Christ and Apostles and all faithful Teachers The case stands thus Every Mans final condition is to be determined by God and his own Heart He knoweth all things and that knoweth its own Sin. 'T is the motions of that which commit the evil And those who are to convince of Sin are to reprove and not to be our Judges to Warn but not to Condemn If the thing be so they must repent and amend if not they only admonish and exhort to take heed and there is no harm done They enjoyn no Duties but set up the Mark again which was almost fallen to direct in the Way to Heaven They make no Sins but raise up the float which was sinking to keep people from Shipwrack and Perishing The great Policy of the Deceiver of mankind is to bring them off from God to lose their Knowledge of him and the Sence of Good and Evil whereas on the contrary it hath been the Business of all true Messengers sent from him to †Isa 58. 12. restore both as much as they could The less Conscience and particular Examination of their ways the less conviction of Sin there is be sure no ripping of it up from the bottom the generality of the World think so much the better For ever O Lord thy Word is settled in Heaven Psal 119. 89. Those Laws and Rules of Obedience and Sin have been long since fixed up and all the World shall be judged by them so they are to take notice of and prepare themselves accordingly now they are in the way What Sin or Harm is in Clothes is commonly asked In truth none but in the Pride and Excess of them for otherwise the Word of God would not make express mention of them as it doth Isa 3. 16. c. Isa 32. 11. Jer. 4. 30. Psal 73. 〈◊〉 Zâ—ph 1. 8. 1 Tim 2. 9. 1 Per. 3. 3 4. Evil doth intermix with every thing here even to what we are fed with and do wear The evil accompanying Raiment is Pride which divides it self into forgetfulness of God or despising our Brethren who are not so arrayed Yet they that wear soft Clothing are in Kings Houses Mat. 11 8. So they may be used for distinguishing of Condition Let thy Garments be always white Eccle. 9. 8. which intimates another end of Decency and Comeliness If fine Apparel doth not take off from the Love and Service they ow unto God If they do not set at naught or less esteem him in vile Raiment If they do not place more Happiness then as it barely ministers to Warmth Modesty and Comeliness If it doth not engross too much time and other evils are separated then they may use what God hath afforded for Clothing improved with that Art Psal 45. 13 14. and Skill he hath given to Man. But considering withal The Soul is more then the Body and the Body is more then Raiment Luke 12. 23. And more care should be had for them both then for these appendages to the latter There is a Resurrection and Immortality
make as much yea more impression then worldly matters as it is of greater concernment Those Words whereby we shall be saved Acts 11. 14. are as gladly attended unto as the proposals of temporal Conveniency and Pleasure The Terrors of the Lord do as effectually perswade Men as they are beaten off from such a thing by its Evil and Danger When the Heart doth Love and Dread God it will Mâ—lt at hearing of the Law and Tremble at his Word Hereby the Kingdom of Heaven is opened unto all Bâ—lievers for when they hear thereof it is as if they saw it with their Eyes In the midst of Life they can look into the Chambers of Death have a Prospect of the Horrors of Dooms Day and the Misery of Damned Spirits which â—aisâ— sutâ—ble Affections and this is done by Words And the voice of VVords which voice they that heard intreated that the Word should not be spoken unto them any more for they could not endure that which was commanded Heb. 2 19 20. The Gospel was not brought in after such a terrible manner yet it being not in Word only but also in Power and in the Holy Ghost and in much assurance 1 Thes 1. 5. There being the greatest certainty that all will be fulfilled though it be in a still voice yet it causes as much and a more â—asting concern as those had at Mount Sinah Which declares all that God and Christ hath done for us since the World began and what is now a doing Christ sitting at the right Hand of God and making Intercession for us and how we are to behave our selves in the mean while and what shall be to Everlasting As now what is quickly spoken of is long in transaction for the Words of a Minute will comprize all the days of our Life here so what is or may be said of the succeeding one which is very much there will be a sutable space for fulfilling even all Eternity As Spiritual and Invisible things are discoursed of the hearer is stript and out of the Body not minding whither he hath any Flesh about him As there comes a Salutation the Babe leaps in the Womb the Soul lifts up her self at hearing of such things and is kept in from the World to come as an unborn Infant from this knowing that her spiritual Nature was designed for spiritual things all one as the Eye to see and the out ward Sences for things sensible It is her proper business to mind them and finds a like Gratification therein as the outward Rom. 8. 5. Man doth in his Employment and the good success thereof Let not the scornful Infidel come into our Assemblies thence Laugh or Imagine how the one sends forth Wind the others gape and suck it in think these to be the greatest Fools because The Preacher hath something for what he saith but they give and have nothing They Sow and Reap the Wind yet still they are the greatest Debtors and also wise in what they do If we have sown unto you Spiritual things is it a great matter if we shall reap your Carnal things 1 Cor. 9. 11. Neither do thou smile O ungodly Man for even that Reason and Inference thou pretendest to have for thus doing is a Spiritual thing As are all thy Principles of Evil those black Suggestions which arise from beneath the Imaginations of thy dark mind are not seen Why canst not thou likewise suppose that they are of a Spiritual nature and real which are from above God and his Grace which is written and manifested within us Do not go away in a slight cursory Apprehension but judge throughly and even thâ—â— mayest come to perceive of the things which we cannot represent to another but only by the help of Words They do as much transcend the natural Mans apprehension as Rational discourses the lgnorant and common Talk doth exceed the noise of brute Beasts All the Affairs of this World The Government of Kingdoms Transactions of Parliament Proceedings at common Law Administration of Physick are founded upon certain Propositions There are Rules and Skill as to inferiour Trades which are known by Thought Observation and so all the other Actions of Mankind both good and bad are the result of foregoing Thoughts which either are or might be made known by Words and therefore Whv should this be an Objection to Religion which is to nothing besides But here is an abuse and mistake the like whereof cannot be found in any other instance A plain Evidence there is an Enemy which doth strangely befool Mankind as to this one thing I mean that Deceit of resting in Words only as meer Devotion Reading or Hearing the Scriptures and Sermons or talking Godly without complying with what is prayed for and being doers of the Word One would think what Mâ—ses doth so often repeat was Impertinent Hâ—arken O Israel unto the Statutes for to do them Deut. 4. 1. This and the like phrase is repeated over and over in Deaterone ny and in innumerable places througâ—out the Scripture One might know as much without being particularly told thereof Yet the Wisdom of God fore-seeing this Deceit doth so often caution against it Nothing is more common in these days then the work done going to Church and there is an end But what is written in Gods Book and done in his Worship every least Syllable and part thereof is significative And who doth not think or do thereafter that Mans Religion is Vain and he is to have his Portion with Hypocrites and unbelievers Here is also a Lesson for those who instruct others Who say and do not Mat. 23. 3. Thou which Teachest another Teachest thou not thy self Rom 2. 21. Dost thou not conclude thy self because thou speakest against them which do such things and dost the same Herein appears the Justice of God that all those who fall under it shall even Condemn themselves and being convicted in their own Conscience shall subscribe to that as just and equal But what Wicked Men do in their own private Thoughts these do with the Mouth outwardly This proclaims our Judge Righteous because the Offenders affiâ—m Punishment due for such things but themselves Wiâ—ked and Foolish that still do the same It is a Marvellous thing that Reasonable and Wise Men should be deceived after this manner Whence doth it proceed â—uâ—from the subtlety of the Devil and that degree of Unbelief which would make it all pass for Words only even in those who profess to Believe and Teach the same There should be agreement between Thought Words and Actions for if the second do vary it is a Falshood and Lye if the third it is Dissimulation and Hypocrisie Cleanse the Fountain see that thy Thoughts be right and good then let thv Words and Actions be accordingly Let these be put forth and go together for saving thy self and those that hear thee Let them take from thy Mouth to turn into good Thoughts and Actions for themselves and tell
unto others It may be seen by this time that the Man whose Trade is of Words is as honourable and necessary as any And though he doth speak of another World that is not Vain for it is the least part of the World where we Inhabit It is not another World but another part of the World as a Room of an House This is seen with our Eyes and much more to be understood by Reason and Perspectives There is something Above and something Beneath whither the Spirit doth go when the Body is laid in the Grave and that to arise again This consideration is unpleasant and therefore Men are shy and afraid of those who put in mind hereof Whereas we are likewise Men subject to the same things And why should they refuse to think of that before-hand which will certainly be when this fore-thought would render them safe if it were throughly given way unto Mankind need not be in Perplexity Fear or Stupid Inconsideration for there are laid down assured Principles how they may be Heb. 11. 7. Happy which are impossible to fail for then we must be nothing at all So none need be enraged against those as Tormenters of the Earth who are Instruments of Peace and Safety Only let us be Submissive and Obedient unto that Mighty One above and then no Evil can possibly happen unto us Fear and the Pit and the Snare are upon thee O Inhabitant of the Earth Isa 24. 17. But there is a way shewed how thou mayest escape and be freed from them all If thou were left to thy self or wouldst go on unmindful thou wouldst fall unto them What doth preserve from the great Danger and Evil this doth likewise administer Relief to the lesser Griefs of the People This is my Comfort in Affliction for thy VVord hath quickened me Psal 119. 50. All Affliction except what strikes upon sence as Pain and Sickness is the impression of such sad and resenting Thoughts now what produces of a different kind as when Good VVords and Comfortable VVords Zech. 1. 13. are received in they make glad as the other did sorrowful There is an alteration of the Soul or the one are set against the other and so the Vexation is less We often read that God Comforts Isa 49. 43. 51â— 12. 2 Cor. 7. 6. He hath left a standing means in his Word which is the same with himself His holy Spirit who is the Comforter may cause that to be better understood and set it home to the Heart of Man. A lively Faith a well grounded Hope a close and true Application of the Scriptures will give ease to any manner of Adversity In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy Comforts delight my Soul Psal 94. 19. A Man 's own fancies plague him but what he gathers from thence do refresh him Let him not run hastily but consider upon every verse and when he hath found the VVord of Consolation let him stay and fix thereon This is better then all worldly Comâ—orts for they stupifie they are broken off and interrupted just divert a little for the time but signifie nothing at all after they are over They are not always and then is greater anguish but however they must all fail at last But what comes from the Fountain of Life is a stream continually running it gives constant Peace and Quietness to the Soul and ascends up into the Paradise of our God where is no Consolation for there is no need thereof Again Worldly Aid at the very time cannot give true and firm Relief nor take off from a great Adversity But the Lord is a strong Hold in the day of Trouble he knoweth them that trust in him Nahum 1. 7. We know not who are Hypocrites who partial Christains but who are Sincere and Obedient without reserve who understand and can apply the Word of God they have that Patience and Resignation that Complacency and joyful Hope which the Wicked and Dissemblers cannot pretend unto There is a sensible difference between good and bad as to the enduring of Affliction One doth bear up and is truly Couragious under it when they are faint or stupid Truth is not to be learnt from Examples for we cannot see into and know all their circumstances Whilst we reflect upon particular instances we often doubt of Scripture for Truth is the same in Proposition and Experience whereas we should in the first place look to what is written and be assured all that is true It is not for us but God to judge of every Mans work he will manifest the Counsels of the Heart and then his Word will be found true by what and how it is with them Thy Word is Truth John. 17. 17. bringing Comfort and Happiness unto Men but they turn aside not complying with the terms thereof neither are they such as that requires them to be The design of the whole Book of God is to build us up in our most holy Faith which comprehends the Word of Exhortation for this follows from the other and to teach truly the way of Salvation this is Instruction and the rest is Consolation to carry us through the Wilderness that he might humble thee and that he might prove thee to do thee good at thy latter end Deut. 8. 16. So Happiness is the end of all What more can be desired by Man Wherefore should he set himself against that which would do all this It is because he is not made throughly sensible of thus much Search and try till you find the worth thereof It is a hidden Manna which no Man knoweth saving he that receiveth it Rev. 2. 17. Hide it in thy Heart do not only read and get it without Book but have the sence thereof within thee and thou mayest come to affirm experimentally with David The Law of thy Mouth is better unto me then Thousands of Gold and Silver Psal 119. 72. It will conduce more to thine Happiness then all worldly Conveniencies for they perish when here are the Words of Eternal Life they do not satisfie the Soul as these they cannot keep off Pains and Diseases and Griefs whereas the Grace and Wisdom arising hence prevents them many times and shews the way to the favour of God who comforteth those that are cast down and delivereth Israel out of all his Troubles putting such an end to them that it was better to have had then to have been without them In the worst of Evils they have greater cause for Joy then Sorrow Blessed is the Man that trusteth in the Lord and whose Hope the Lord is for he shall be as a Tree planted by the VVaters and that spreadeth out her Roots by the Rivers and shall not see when Heat cometh but her Leaf shall be green and shall not be careful in the Year of Drought neither shall cease from yielding Fruit Jer. 17 7 8. The Sayings of Philosophers and Wise Men may a little asswage some kind of Trouble but are
indeed they would put in mind of other kind of Things What some are Happy in expectation of and others Miserable in disappointment the one would exhort to do as they did more earnestly and Diligently The others would warn and testifie least we also pass through here with â—o little regard of what we ought most to seek after Not to be so much busied about the Good or Evil of a Mortal Body as to neglect but only in Subordination to secure the Happiness of an Immortal part Labour not to be rich in the World for we can carry nothing away but to be rich in Faith and good Works for that conâ—â—gns over unto Salvation and these follow us Be not troubled if in Want here for that also is ended but have withal poverty of Spirit no Murmuring or Aspiring Thought and then Yours is the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 5. 3. which is Everlasting and will have no end Why should People be cumbred and make such a stir about the things of this Life for the Rejoycing and Vexation as to their Abundance and Want expire with the moment before us Every revolution of the Sun The night comes and shuts up all Those who did Cry or Laugh are in deep Silence the Laborious and Idle persons are at Rest the fine Clothes are laid aside and so is the vile Raiment the Mouth is still with Sleep that fed upon Dainties or common Fare As one day and â—ight is to the time of our Sojourning here so is the whole as to Eternity and future Life The things we have already done would not profit unless we did Build further and finish them so it will be of all Labour done as to the things here which will have an end and signifie nothing If reasonable Creatures would distinguish between the means and the end Not mistaking that for the end which is the means only If they would discern the appiness of the whole Man which is beginning and going on towards Consummation before the Conveniencies of the lesser part which periâ—h with it then they would not be so mightily concerned about present and outward things Let them know what is Necessity and Conveniency and pare away the insatiable desires of Lust Pride and Superfluity Thatdifference of Condition or Place if Office and Employment do not make it is most commonly a word of Pride They are not thence to take occasion to enlarge their desires and murmure if not satisfied God hath obliged himself by Covenant to give to us what we have warrant to Pray for viz. our daily Bread. â—o support our Life here but he is no where bound to gratifie the Lusts of any to give that which is a Sin in them to desire Whatever may be the Mutterings of a Proud and sensual Heart it is to no more purpose to answer them then it would be to let them have their requests sor when desire is beyond Gods Law it is eâ—dless crying with the Horse-Leech Give Give But to them who wâ—â—â—â—e obedient the Language of Grace saith in this Wise Hâ—ving Food and Raiâ—â—ent let us therewith be content 1 Tim. 6. 8. Which may be justified from Nature and from Reason for that is content with a little and affects no delicacies It is for plain and wholsome Food a sutable Covering an House to shelter from Weather and Cold. An Emblem whereof may be seen in the Feeding and Skin of Beasts those which are more immediately for the use of Man have a Stable or Fold others are provided with Holes and Dens Reason will judge of the Equity of this It is just and right that what doth want should have supply and if it hath convenient What would the Man have more The Stomach is filled The Body is preserved against Shame Cold and outward Violence and hath things allotted according to its need But it is course Why is not the Flesh gross and filthy also every thing applyed is more fine then what receives it Is the Raiment mean it is a Vile Body that is to be arrayed therewith The excellency of Man doth not consist in these things Let Servants have what is fit for them and no more least they grow Proud and Lazy But Jesurâ—â— waxed Fat and Kicked Deut. 32. 15. If this inferiour part be pamâ—â—red too much it will grow Wanton and Luxuriant despise the Laws of its Master and be more unfit for his use The Soul receives no Gratification by bodily Enjoyments abundance of Meat and Drink hinder the Work she hath to do towards the getting of Happiness God knows and he intended by provision at first what we learn by experience how much of outward Comforts is convenient for us He prepared the Earth with the number of Inhabitants to bring sorth Fruits and sufficient Encrease for the nourishment of them But Luxury and Pride hath found out new Inventions There is enough given for all but Gluttony and Drunkenness do Vainly and Sinfully waste what others have need of By this may be seen what Poverty is It is a real Want When they have not what is sufficient or wholesome to satisfie Hunger nor sutable Raiment to hide Nakedness and keep out Cold this alone is Poverty The condition of such is deplorable and should be remedied For ye have the Poor with you always and whensoever you will you may do them Good Mark 14. 7. They are suffered so to be for our Tryal their Case is to be helped partly by themselves and partly by others But in the mean while a great deal of Discontent might cease There are many now in the World such as Jude speakes of in his time Murmurers Complainers walking after their own Lusts and their Moâ—th speaketh great Swelling Words Having Mens persons in Admiration because of Advantage Jude 16. Who have sufficient for Life but repine because they have not enough to follow Pleasure to minister unto Boasting and Proud things and do court the Rich to get by them and advance their own Estate Here in a Christian Countrey all profess to Believe the Gospel yet the same strive to be as great as they can There is little or no condescending to Men of low Estate but they mind High things Rom. 12. 16. They strive to the utmost of their Rank and Condition to seem above or the outside of what they are Yea Christians to the dishonour of their Profession seek earnestly after these things and esteem of others accordingly Since the Grace of God hath appeared to the World More Regard and Valuation is given to them and Contempt where wanting then when it was under Philosophy and the Conduct of Mans Wisdom for that said many things in check of this unreasonable Custom And our Lord who though he was Rich yet for our sakâ—s became Poor hath enforced it with stronger Arguments as Heaven is above Earth Eternity longer then Time. But Men now a days do not really believe or not seriously attend to them for otherwise they would have the due
Acts of their Masters Grace and Bounty for those according to the Flesh would sooner retract their conceived Favours when another shall put in mind and give notice of what they would have voluntary from themselves and unexpected of others And therefore for my part I dare not speak out what God knows are my desires and innermost thoughts in submission to his Will and consistent with his Glory and other Attributes But as a fellow-Creature do intreat Men that they would not commit those things against which God hath manifested his severe Displeasure O that we may all behave our selves in the mean while though we cannot deserve the least Mercy yet to be in some measure worthy to escape those things which we have been fâ—reâ—old of and then we must not Sin yet more against him All the World may be assured it was never yet seen in any Nation Countrey or Language Ezek. 6. 10. for the Laws thereof to be Elusory or Vain but due Punishment doth overtake those who are Stubborn Despisers and continued Offenders There are abundance of Expressions of Gods Mercy in Scripture but they are commonly joyned with his Truth or something else to keep of people from presuming too much upon it as Psal 57. 3 10. 62. 12. 86. 5. 100. 5. And that Gracious Manifestation Exod. 34. 5 6. Where it is repeated many times that Mercy rejoyceth over Judgment yet there comes in a limitation That will by no means clear the Guilty The Threatning is as firm and abiding as any part of his Word and they are of Judgment when our Lord saith Heaven and Earth shall pass away but my VVords shall not pass away Mat. 24. 35. The Promise is confirmed by two immut able things wherein it was impossible for God to lie Heb. 6. 8. So of some he hath sworn that they Isa 54 10. shall not enter into his Rest Heb 3. 18. Both parts are ratified as much as can be Known to God are his Decrees and how he will be pleased to distribute to every one But the safest way is for us to have Apprehension of them according to Truth that we may be more careful to partake of his Favour and avoid his Wrath. Beware of those Doctrines which beget Presumption and Unconcernedness for the things are true as God hath Established if all the Learned in the World did argue or determine which way they would It is better to do those things required and avoid what is forbidden and so escape then to follow after what ends in Death to be unmindful or to dispute against it for now several things happen which we did either not think or say would not come Though some would release or mitigate yet they do not deny future Punishments but if they were only as the more favourable conception of them allows yet the Pain and Loss is much beyond the Pleasure or Conveniency of a short sinful Life for what is that to countervail the Romanists Purgatory or the opinion of a Thousand Years Torment and then a fiâ—al Dissolution The seeming good though present can never be a sufficient exchange for such an evil and deprivation of Happiness much less when the Torment is both Intolerable and Eternal The Commands of God are enforced with the greatest Arguments that can be And yet how few do regard them How is the World grown to be so Wicked and Ungodly And of those who come unto God how few do conform unto his whole Will Love and Serve him with all their Hearts One would admire unless he did consider the causes of so great Apostacy viz. Mans Corruption Unbelief Ignorance Deceits Satans Temptations there are many oâ—tward Objects to divert him Carnal and Temporal things do make him forget those that are Spiritual and Eternal which have a light and transient impression upon us and such like But all these hindrances may be taken away by the Grace and Revelalation of God. It is so ordered that Man must strive and give Diligence if ever he would be Happy there is enough left to prove him and to exercise his Care and Watchfulness Upon the whole There is a wise Establishment of things There The general Conclusion is a just Disposal for assistance is given and the means are put in our power The Members that have been yielded unto Sin and Iniquity may be made Members of Righteousness unto Holiness the Faculties and Powers were first designed and now may be restored unto good as they have been employed in evil It is a gracious Dispensation in that God encourages to those things which are for our Good and Happiness It is true for we are only taken from deceit and falshood from shew and appearance which ends in what is worse then nothing and are called forth to what is true and assured and real as any thing is All that we now see is but the Figure of the true even that Heaven and Earth which are to suceed Hearken and come near Oye Sons of Men do but Learn Know and Practice the things pertaining to Gods Kingdom for they are Just Wise and Conceivable also I want words to express their excellency I have written the Great things of thy Law but they were accounted as a strange thing Hos 8. 12. The like Imputation may be here cast upon what is brought out of the same Book of Scripture Many odd passages uncouth They know not what to make of them But let me tell any one that thinks so where the Strangeness of all lieth Even in Mans Transgression either the not observance of what is Commanded or doing those things which are contrary to the Laws of God and Truth When there was occasion to speak of those things uncommon expressions might fall The nature of things is the same but differently apprehended for some do live according to the Principles of Good and others do not some use the means to have their first Blindness and Ignorance taken away and others do not But where is universal Obedience and alike Knowledge what is Truth and sutable to one is likewise to another Where it is half and imperfect Prov. 8. 9. let him reflect upon that Duty or Sin which himself observes or avoids and see how that is explained by that he may measure whereof himself is Conscious and Guilty Had all continued alike Obedient as the Man after Gods own Heart they would give the same Praise and Commendation of his Law as is done Psal 119. but according to their several Sins Men think severally as they will. T is Lust and Iniquity That we might turn from our Iniquities and understand thy Truth Deu. 9. 13. that corrupt the Judgement or at least the outward Faculty from whence they think speak and do to vindicate themselves before their Acquaintance otherwise then they should But there is even in the Disobedient unless mightily defaced and suppressed the Spirit of the mind by which they can judge that the Law is