a Man is Cheated of himself so are they who so pass through this World as if certainly there was an end of them and no more Their doings turn upon this Point Whether there be an Immortality and Resurrection Which themselves do not absolutely disbelieve but not examine nor consider of What vast Multitudes have been cut off before their Time by Engaging themselves in unnecessary Wars Duels Revengâ— and many more by the murdering Sins of Gluttony Drunkenness and uncleanness All these make a shew of Courage Tush they are not afraid of Death or what may be afterwards They would not seem concerned for these things This their way is esteemed Gallantry of Spirit a Noble Resolution a Worthy Temper But what if upon the strict scrutiny it should appear to be Folly and Madness strip them of their Armour and Habiliments of War look underneath and we shall see a dull inconsiderate Soul under the Vizour of Courage That properly consists in the middle between Fear and Boldness for it is Miserable and foolish to fear where no Fear is it is often an hindrance and keeps off from obtaining Good and therefore true Resolution drives away all this so on the other hand to thrust ones self upon Evils is meer rashness for it proceeds from Ignorance and Inconsideration of them and that is an insensible Boldness like the Horse they ride on to rush into the Battle Or if they have a little fore-sight and will dare on through Pride of Heart this is Folly. In every thing a Wise Man takes in Hand He first debates Whether the Good he shall gain will be greater and weigh down the Evil he shall subject himself unto Whether the talking Breath of others which perhaps he hears not or if he doth would but slightly affect him yet this will not make amends for sensible and lasting Pain Or if he goes further to give up his Life Is it prudence by having not made preparation before as commonly such is the case of those we speak of to plunge themselves into that dreadful uncertainty of the other World for a light and short Commendation in this and here they will be forgotten but their Souls will be still mindful and it may be with Anguish Condemn them there for what they sought to be applanded in this This Argument is to be applyed to those who erect wrong Principles of Action to prevent Mens making themselves Miserable but when they are set aright as in Obedience to God or comprehended under that in Duty to the King this same will turn on the other side for there the promised and assured Good is much greater then the Evil exposed unto as may be surther shewed anon If there may be less Lye and more Truth that reasonable Creatures may not be deceived with a Shadow and Appearance only but lay hold of the real Happiness That foregoing the false they may learn the true Courage Unless it be guided by Wisdom it brings no Good but Harm unto Men. Some Imagine these stand in opposition A Wise Man is seldom Couragious for he quickly perceives the danger and thenceâ—useth means to prevent or not to expose which is contrary to what is commonly called and esteemed Courage But if we consider that Establishment and Disposal of things God hath fixed how they are exactly â—itted for this Life of Tryal and future Reward there is a Wise and Wonderful agreement and connexion of them all Pleasure and Pain are the two Hinges on which all our Actions turn God Whose Thoughts are not as our Thoughts takes a contrary method to be glorified in his Creatures by requiring them to go against what they are commonly inclined unto His Commandments are made up of Negative and Positive what he forbids and what he enjoyns In the first is a semblance of Pleasure and that is to be resisted in the other is a shew of Irksomness and Evil which is to be chosen and got over Here is the exercise of our Courage for it is necessary to the keeping of the Commandments Be ye therefore very Couragious to keep and to do all that is written in the Law of Moses that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left Josh 23. 6. â—o of whatever is Commanded by Christ in his Gospel Who hath further manifested an exceeding Reward and precious Promises which shall be certainly fulfilled These things indeed are not seen and therefore the Worldly Man knoweth them not but they stand upon the same Truth as all Religion doth It is evident there are desires and faculties in us which reach further and are capable to seek after greater things then the greatest here there are vast powers of Soul both to will and to do and there is somewhat provided answerable for them they were never put in to no purpose All those Generous and Honest Actions in resisting of Evil and following Good are more then labouring for the Wind. An empty short applause which vanishes with the Breath that gives it being is not a sufficient compensation from them Most commonly they have not so much as this for indeed the Fashionable Piety and Pharisaical Holiness may be highly esteemed amongst Men but the sincere Acts of Goodness that Zeal for God and Approbation of ones self unto him only the opposing Corruption meet with Dishonour Hatred evil Report from the World so the more excellent things have no present Encouragement or visible Benefit and there is need of much Resolution to perform them for the Difficulties and disadvantages are seen and felt but the Crown is afar of above the Clouds and not to be seen with Mortal Eye Faith makes it as certain as if seen a noble stedfastness of mind that will not be shaken nor terrified with present Hardship and Inconveniencies which is to be learnt by Diligence and Exerting it self in lesser Acts before puts upon doing of those things which are necessary to the obtaining thereof Set your Heart to this that all Gods Revelation is true and then be stedfast immovable in doing thereafter Add to your Faith Vertue the Original Word properly signifies Courage and to Vertue Knowledge 2 Pet. 1. 5 6. Implying that a real Perswasion that these things are so an unshaken Resolution of Soul which is not afraid of any amazement and goes not rashly on but understands what he doth this makes up the Christian Courage Which differs from that according to the World for this is after a little Temporal Good the other in pursuit after a Great and Eternal one The utmost here is uncertain for many labour after what they do not receive and if they do it signifies not much when had and fades away But to us he is Faithful that promises if we indeed strive and perform the Conditions It is worthy of our Thoughts being that we have not here a full satisfaction which shall not be taken from us nor we from that Be thou Faithful unto Death and I will give
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
loss or forecast more gain and when obtained to consume it all presently in a good Dinner or two this must be imprudence To see no fruit or increase of his labour to lay up nothing for Children and there are other like mischiefs which more then weigh down all that small and seeming good of excessive eating Such kind of considerations prevail with the greater part of Mankind to abstain from it They generally go over to the other extream for they rather defraud themselves to scrape and hoard up It is strange that a reasonable creature should not hit upon the right mean between both but from one evil runs to another He might eat and drink and make his Soul enjoy good in his Labour Eccles 2. 24. But because that doth not give full satisfaction which was designed only to refresh therefore he falsly seeks for it in another sin of covetousness Even those people who are but little governed by Reason less by Faith but principally led by sence and example yet have a low esteem of that good which arises from immoderate eating It makes dull and heavy it causeth a gross understanding and weary mind and takes away Mirth Nature rejoyces when it is relieved not when oppressed God hath given great variety of his good Creatures for our benefit and comfort Gen. 1. 29. Gen 9. 3 4. 1 Tim. 4. 4 5. And hath shewed an excellent way of enjoying them in his Word Ye shall eat in plenty and be satisfied not clogged and praise the Name of the Lord your God Joel 2. 26. Blessed be his Divine goodness we have more precious promises under the Gospel but however are so to receive the things pertaining to life that we may more cheerfully perform this duty But if the heart is overcharged with good Victuals then it cannot be lifted up in thank-giving This would be a sinful and horrible abuse though too common amongst the Worshippers of God who on their Solemn Feast-Dayes in memory of our Redemption accomplished by our Lord Jesus Christ instead of an offering of Praise to a Spiritual and Holy Being as if they were to Sacrifice to Men of like inclinations with themselves do then load themselves with good cheer This is the day which the Lord hath made we will rejoyce and be glad in it Psal 118. 24. But some are so pressed with fulness that they cannot and if they are forced to raise that with the help of strong drink this is not Spiritual Joy but Sinful Mirth Do ye thus requite the Lord O foolish People and unwise By keeping the Feast with the leaven of Sin and Wickedness Is that your tribute and return of praise to provoke him yet more Is that a seasonable time of Rioting and Drunkenness when you should put on the Lord Jesus and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof Rom. 13 13. 14. When one is puffed up with Sensuality he is apt to disregard the things of God and they have not a due impression on him which seems to be the reason of such strict precepts against it for that is the evil of sin to turn away the heart or to stifle that aw and sence of God we should always have upon our minds and we are to prevent all degrees tending towards it so the single acts of intemperance are to be carefully avoided It is necessary to repeat again our Lords Command the words of expressing it are observable Take heed to your selves least at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfetting Luke 21. 34. At every Meal use the utmost caution for you can quickly run over to excess It was noted of the Wicked Gnosticks of feeding themselves without fear Jude 12. They had no regard to the sin and danger which doth easily beset our Feasts There are also corrupt cravings within which would betray into it if resisted they will at length lose their force and importunity but if yielded unto they will be more urgent If this sin deprives of a Kingdom and hinders from present Happiness may it not rightly â—e named a deceiver Which supplants a Man twice bereaves of good here and hereafter And who will continue herein is a prophane Person as Esau who for one morsel of Meat sold his Birth-right Heb. 12. 16. All the dainties of the whole life long are not so much to Heaven as that single mess of Pottage to a temporal inheritance May he not be stiled prophane in that he defiled the Temple of God by making use of his body only to receive superfluities in to fill and empty it again Let him not deceive himself if he seemeth to be wise in his own conceit because he hath something in hand by eating to the utmost and of the best he doth see others abstemious neglecting the body not valuing his Luxury but he doth not perceive they get any thing by so doing As for his part he is for satisfying the flesh to the very full for he is sure of what he puts into his Mouth But this Wisdom of the Glutton is foolishness and so will appear in the end When he shall come to be rejected of God for his past delicacies how fain would he enter into those good things prepared for such who through grace qualifie themselves here but who neglected that for inordinate trifles which then utterly disappear he will have sufficient reason to take up an exceeding bitter cry when the Lord will not pronounce on him the eternal Blessing If there is so little good to be had by this Will another kind Of Drunness of excess afford more Come and see By Drunkenness is understood when one drinketh so much as to lose the free use and exercise of his reason God hath made Man for himself endued his mind with faculties and expects to be glorified by them now when these are rendred unable for that he is dishonoured his will is contradicted which is a provocation of his most excellent Majesty Herein is some of the evil and the sin is in being contrary to his revealed Word and Command VVo unto them that rise up early in the Morning that they may follow strong drink that continue till night till Wine inflame them Wo unto them that are mighty to drink VVine and Men of Strength to mingle strong drink Isa 5. 11 22. Whom God Curses Man Blesses for who is esteemed a more worthy and honest Person then he that will not baulk his Liquor Surely those were strange times much differing from ours when Paul wrote Not to keep Company if any Man that is called a Brother be a Drunkard with such an one no not to eat 1 Cor. 5. 11. But now if a Man is not a Drunkard he is not thought fit to keep Company He is a dull Fool and who will come near him So much we who call our selves Christians and in things which do not relate to Lust are admirers of Antiquity have varied from the primitive Fashion Then they that were
all which doth seem to shew that great happiness doth arise from this sin notwithstanding it is here endeavoured to be lessened To the first instance let it be considered The greatest Torment and pain after it is over is the very same as if it had not been at all The anguish is forgotten and nothing remains but a saint Memory which is rather pleasant and therefore when this is laid in the Ballance it will not weigh down the seeming pleasure of a present Temptation which herein hath the advantage and thus prevails over Men The inviting good is at hand whereas the evil and inconveniencies are either past and then they are as nothing Or else to come and that is not already or may not be so it stands upon the same yea more unequal ground then the other did Hence what is present is preferred before what may be hereafter It is a thing only possible or contingent and so may not happen And therefore it is said the lustâ—ul person will venture again for if he knew the like event would come upon him he would as certainly refrain The burnt Child dreads the Fire himself also is more cautious and circumspective ever after If he doth greatly suspect he will decline so that the evil in his own judgment is greater then the good for he will lose the certain enjoyment of a present Object for fear only oâ— the uncertain consequence of the other This is his Opinion in time of ease and delivery from former pain but when he was smarting under it then might be heard his true judgment of this matter That cursing and indignation those real and then hearty resolutions of never committing the like again do sufficiently evidence the pain exceeds all the pleasure If he doth follow it again it is because that is vanished and gone but the other stands before him and solicites for entertainment It is difficult for flesh to resist the charms of what seems amiable especially if it look only upon the first outward appearance as the sensual Man looks no further it doth asâ—ent The delusion and mistake is he casts half and a partial Eye There being in this and every Sin A mixture of seeming Good and real Evil The first Being open and visible the last somewhat more within not discovered but by a discerning sight he just sees what is lovely and will mind no more but how to attain that yea having a desire after it he is afraid to peep further least he should find out something to discourage from the other Poor foolish Creature Thou art afraid of losing a Lust which is a very little Good consequently missing thereof must be no great unhappiness and yet blindly darest upon a great Evil which will make miserable Thou choosest Sin for that little and present advantage but knowest not or dost not consider the sad end thereof And thus thou actest like ignorant Boys who in Play and Sport pull down the Prop of Building which falls and crusheth them to Death It is not prudent Choice but haâ—ty inconsiderate doing for if when tempted to this Sin thou wouldst stand still and pause upon the manifold Evil consequeâ—ts thereof in this Life and that to come thou wouldst no more yield to it then make a mortal Wound in thy Body to drink thine own Blood which is said to be sweet but the other will bring Pain and Death Let none judge from the foolish Actings of Men but from the reason of things And though some which should have more understanding because of length of days and experience yet have a mighty esteem of these sins who are so far from coming to repentance that they more harden themselves and boast in Iniquity They should forsake when they cannot sin longer but we see by them this is not such repentance as God will accept for in Truth it is none at all A change of Mind doth not follow from Disability to Sin nay there is only a ceasing from the outward Act for the heart and tongue which were filthy are filthy still By such a long and continued course they are hardened through the deceitfulness of Sin The Author to the Hebrews applies the Word to all indifferently Heb. 3. but this in a more especial manner may be said to be deceitful above all sins There is a strange bewitching Nature in it a Man is led from one sinful Act to another the next time he is promised more sweetness from a different Object if he is sometimes struck with the fear of Gods Vengeance and he thinks of his sin in order to Repent then the Devil is not wanting to raise thoughts of former delight and instead of recollecting them with horrour and detestation he is well pleased with what he hath done and cannot seriously repent of them if he would Thence he concludes it impossible and so goes on with hope to be excused seeing he hath tryed to repent though he is neither heartily Sorry for what he hath done nor leaves it of When formerly he might have refrained from the several Acts and so by degrees have came to perfect Abhorrency and true Contrition And now he might keep his Tongue from every filthy and idle Word confess in the bitterness of his Soul instead of Glorying in his Shame endeavour all ways to disswade others rather then allure them on But commonly they are still held Captive and few do recover out of an habit of Lust And I find more bitter then death the Woman whose heart is snares and nets and her hands as bands whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her but the sinner shall be taken by her Eccles 7. 26. They cling and hamper so fast and the Man likes them that there is seldom any escaping when he hath been long holden under them As at beginning of this Iniquity they climb up from step to another till they come to the height so they will continue there as long as they can And when they must let go one or two rounds they will hold fast to the rest When Strength decays and Age comes on they still commit as much of the Sin as ever they can Through these Mens Obduration and foolishness others conceive abundance of Happiness must flow from this muddy and stinking Fountain But shall they be Judges who are given over to vile Affections Who can no more know the true happiness of Man then Brute Beasts if these dumb Creatures could speak with Mans Voice they might as well be called to give their Opinion and then no question the Hart or Goat would give a large commendation thereof Who know nothing better and whose capacities once exalted and honourable are sunk into low and base lusts have a mighty Valuation for them this being the utmost and greatest excellency they can attain unto They likewise who are now fallen into the midst of these sins know of the things here spoken of let them make all speed to Repent of the Vncleanness and Fornication and
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
Men would suffer a particular Examination out of the Word of God the very Truth and Reason of things Christianity will evidence it self to be greater Courage then what pasleth for it in the judgment of the World. Which is sign of the more resolute Spirit that both fore-sees and considers the Evil and yet subjects it self thereto upon assured and beneficial grounds as did the Martyrs Confessors and godly Sufferers or those who go on with a certain Violence without Knowledge and Consideration as do others Who can lay down their Lives with a deliberate choice retaining their perfect Reason and Sence or those in a sudden Passion and heat of Blood who are pushed on by Malice like a spurred Horse leaping down a Precipice or foolish pride who make themselves half Drunk and then go on not knowing what they do But consider all the circumstances of the Christians Actings and Sufferings and his Courage will be found more Real and Fminent Through God he doth Valiantly Psal 60. 12. Whose Grace is sufficient and inspires him with an Heart to overcome all difficulty and danger Now that according to the World if strictly surveyed will be reduced very low for abstract that Disposition of Children and Mad-men who are not sensible of the danger and therefore dare rush upon any thing If they be neither Fools nor Blind as not to know nor see any thing If their Souls be not rendred Earthy through Sensuality and so fear not If they are not quite stupified when the Heart is become like the nether Milstone which doth not tremble because it hath no sence If they have no need of Wine nor strong Liquors to support If all Disguise and Hypocrisie could be discovered and their concealed Fears seen when big words make a shew of the contrary and are used as an Artifice to hide them Take away from them all Gutward Advantages and Helps and they will be as other Men keep them from the opium of continual and immoderate Eating let them renounce the assistance of strong Drink observing only the just rules of Temperance And then see whether their Courage will not grow faint and languish Were that predominant thing of Pride rooted out which makes them endeavour to stifle their Fears Then they would be brought back to the common nature of Mankind which they would lift up themselves above by the aid of the aforesaid things We see evidently when these fail they are the same as others As in Sickness or in a sober approach of Death but more certainly when their Souls are stript naked and sent into the other World no mention is made of their Courage in that place And the mighty Mens Hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the Heart of a Woman in her Pangs Jer. 48. 41. Men are generally the same There may be some little degrees of Difference yet they are all but Flesh still The Lord is the Maker of them all He hath not made some to be Men and some to be Gods some with Fear and some without but this Plant is implanted into all And ordered so that it may be improved or abused corrected or prevaricated besitting this Life of Tryal But the Wicked strive against God they would expel that out which he hath placed in which they cannot but do as faâ— as lieth in them for what they cannot utterly extinguish they endeavour to hide and stifle Sanctifie the Lord of Hosts himself and let him be your Fear and let him be your Dread Isa 8. 13. and to this end all Fear was put into Men But if they do not fear him this is not their Courage but Ignorance and Forgetfulness of whom they see not And then for their making a shew not to value Death No more do Sheep going to the Slaughter for these Men just know they shall die yet mind no more what shall become of them afterwards then those dumb Creatures passing on the Road do think of what we know shall befall them Can those Reasonable Souls indeed rush into the other World who cannot hear a true report thereof in an aiery sound Can they indeed step forth upon the dark Mountains who cannot see a Map thereof in Paper and Ink They foolishly build up their Confidences and in common Vogue would pass for Men of Valour because they can slight and contemn Religion But stand to it for you are Challenged into the Field and see whether you do not betray Cowardice herein What if it should be said You that can hear Drums and Trumpets the roaring of Canons yet the voice of God you cannot endure to hear which is full of Majesty and shaketh your Hearts When he Thundreth in the Air it will make them quiet and still but when he speaketh from Heaven when he sendeth his Waters through a Pipe or gives life to a Psal 8. 2. dead Letter this you have not Courage enough to receive or read You set at naught and despise his Ordinances when they are not rightly managed You can smile at the flat and insipid discourses of Ignorant and Unfaithful Teachers but not at those who both understand and do as they should You that will not be out-Hectored yet ye are frightened with Words a sure proof that they are not vain but both true and significative You that do not value Sword nor Spears yet dare not contest with the Rod of his Mouth Isa 11. 4. What is lighter then that but when God is pleased to use the meanest thing it can make the stoutest Oak of Bashan tremble like the Leaves of the Forrest Gather your selves O ye Mighty and try to shew your Courage which if you can you also will for the great Importance and Necessity will press you forward if you have so much power to get over all this Can you sit for a while and tremble under Gods Word Will you admit of a second hearing and not be frightened with Felix to put it off to a more convenient season Are you able to stand before him who Fights with the Sword of his Mouth who Wounds that he may Heal who Condemns that he may Justifie who as the Prophet speaks Slays the Wicked casting them down that they do not come again but for those who are not so fearful to run away as Christ would have none to be so he will not shew himself always thus terrible to them Stand but the first Shock and then you are Men. It is only in order to bring you unto Conviction to be Humbled under the mighty Hand of God and then this Dreadfulness will go off that you may serve him with Reverence and godly Fear 'T is Pusillanimity and a more exceeding Fearfulness that keeps Men off even in those who would be thought to have the contrary for could they attend to the Word of Exhortation bear for a while a little Irksomeness and Sorrow Had they Resolution to do some things contrary to corrupt nature and undergo a little hardship in the Service
through some Inconveniencies in the mean while upon prospect of that Why may not another do the same in hope of Heaven If one is supported by a Father Friend Husband God reveals himself to be such to every one that feareth him and doth likewise uphold When the Sorrow is for things pertaining to him cannot he Comfort or Deliver When from the World cannot he furnish with higher Considerations Doth he who is in pursuit of a great Advantage mind the loss of a Farthing God who gives Breath and Food doth also give Relief to the Soul. As the Body goes on contentedly from day to day by the strength of Meat and Raiment Cannot also she Immortal part of us be a little quieted from time to time in its Hunger and Thirst after Happiness till it is perfected in the due time and place The Scriptures speak much of Comfort Joy and Peace in the inward Man which they know and perceive who make that the rule of their Actions and have it fulfilled in them Let others do the same and they will be likewise Partakers of the Joy and Consolation The unbelieving and natural Man Laughs at all this Will words which are but wind blow away Pain and Grief It sticks faster then so The Physitian gives visible Remedies to heaI Diseases the Lawyer shews a way to get out of encumbrances of Estate the Bountiful gives Money to relieve the Poor and Distressed And indeed for worldly Vexations and Trouble Wise Sayings may do something But for the Man whose Trade is only in words who takes care of the Soul which we see not and of another World which we know not What will this Babler say he moveth his Lips but he doth nothing It will not be much besides the present purpose to describe how Of Words much force and Efficacy is in Words and then to shew that they will effectually asswage Grief Words are Thoughts expressed which arise from and are the workings of the mind Set them aside you must renounce the very Soul and Reason and confequently Unman him What do Words signifie So you may ask of Wisdom Understanding and all those noble Faculties within which are discovered by them Take away these Man is a lump of Clay just enlivened but withall vile and weak A dumb breathing Statue without use or excellency More need not be said to lay open the Absurdity and Monstrousness of this All will grant there is need of some Speech or Language and there is more in it then a Voice only for it is significative of Things as what is commonly seen heard or talked of Things are visible and invisible past present and future Now Words convey and make all these known making invisible to be as it were visible to us past and future present by the description it gives of them Herein appears the excellency and reality of Words that they represent those things which do not appear as if they did appear Who shall ascend into Heaven that is to bring down Christ from above Or who shall descend into the deep that is to bring up Christ again from the Dead The VVord is nigh thee even in thy Mouth and in thy Heart that is the VVord of Faith which we Preach Rom. 10. 6 7 8. That speaks of God himself of whom are all things That declares unto us the astonishing Works of Creation The Motion of the Stars and the Springs of the Deep Which comprehend in one Sentence the Compass of the World and all that is therein This we see done with our Eyes in Ink and Paper we hear it with our Ears in a light and aiery sound Of what we are further convinced without by the Eye of Sence But there is one step higher which leads to further Knowledge and applies it to our selves shewing how we are concerned The Word of Faith Which is that Revelation God hath made to Mankind in Scripture The Truth whereof relies upon Divine Testimony Miracles Signs Infallible Proofs The certainty whereof may be somewhat seen from the very Nature and Connexion of things Here are WORDS indeed they are called GREAT WORDS Dan. 7. 11. and may be seen in the foregoing verses And not only there but throughout the whole Scripture Lo these are parts of his VVays but how little a Portion is heard of him Job 26. 14. This is only of what he doth to the Inhabitants of the Earth and that is but as a Point to the whole World. This is part of Gods Will noted in a Book that it may be for the use of those several Generation which shall pass through here Which is of no great bulk but take â—ll the Libraries of the World all that was ever Written and Printed and besides what they have from hence they do not contain so great and excellent words as this The Wisdom of God doth as much excel Mans as his Works doth theirs which Iâ—a 55. 9. he could have manifelled in a stile accordingly but he condelcended to our infirmities that we â—â—â—ht receive and know what concerneth us They are not Words only for they are both true and significative as such they â—hould affect us as the things themselves for they go before and give notice of it In things of common life Men are equally concerned at the Message as the thing it self and provide accordingly now the first is but a Word so it would be the same as to the Promises and Threatnings of God if they were believed The VVord Preached did not profit them not being mixed with Faith in them that heard it Heb. 4. 2. The Will of God is as we learn from John 1. 6 7. That all Men through him might believe So we read Acts 28. 24 that at the first time of Hearing Some believed the things that were spoken and some believed not But would they have attended again and again for successive times hearkened to what might be urged further then more might have believed Did ever any Man feriously understand and throughly weigh all the Arguments that might be brought for Faith and yet remain an Unbeliever It is possible through Prejudice Ignorance hardness of Heart but not to a sincere and willing mind that hath no other end but to be satisfied whether indeed these things are so The greater part will not admit of a full hearing least they should believe and be saved and so they are of their own fault Unbelievers That place in Isa 6. 9 10. is after God hath used former Methods as appears by his Expostulation in the foregoing Chapter What could I have done more for my Vineyard that I have not done in it Isa 5. 4. People may be at length unaffected and hardened under the Word but it was at first through their own provocation and wilsulness By not minding thereof when it would have saved them they come to have no Sence thereof afterwards But in it self it is apt to produce Faith. And when it is received therewith it doth
into things nor look beyond the present unto the end and consequent of them for if they did this they would not be deceived in that greatest Concern for every Soul would have the one and escape the other of Happiness or Misery Judge not according to appearance but righteous judgment That excessive Laughter and outward Noise which sometimes accompany the Pleasures of sin make ignorant undiscerning Persons stand in Admiration of it But is it not all like crackling of Thorns under a Pot which gives a blaze but no solid heat and is suddenly extinct Ye which rejoyce in a thing of nought Amos 6. 13. Is not your heart even in the midst thereof sorrowful How many Damps and uâ—heard Sighs are perceived from within by your selves amongst merry Company Are you not more pensive afterwards When you are alone if you can endure that and reflect the next morning are they not all vanished away as last nights Dream What odds between that and yesterdays Enjoyments Is this your utmost Happiness that is mixt broken of and interrupted Which day by day grows more tiresome and ceases to delight A whole Life so spent as between the last rising of the Sun and setting thereof doth not satifie at the instant utterly perishes and seems as if it had never been those Delights are not greatest which make most noise but rather shallow and hastily run away when true Satisfaction like deep Water is silent and full We may indeed shew forth outward Signs of Rejoycing for wherefore hath God given us Powers so to do if we might not Laugh He that doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the Children of Men I am perswaded doth not delight to see a sad Countenance disfigured Faces or a Head hanging down like a Bulrush but Loves a cheerful Aspect as well as a Giver We may be Christians and Men still Both merry and facetious as far as consistent with the perfect Law of Liberty We may use the Creatures and Recreations in a moderate way and so they rellish more then running to the full Excess of Riot In the mean while we do not place our happiness in them We esteem them as Blessings and are thankful but do not rest contented being designed for greater things we do not use them as the chiefest Good nor consume most of our time and care in them as the manner of some is Who therefore term us Melancholly and stupid but themselves are more properly brutish Why should they accuse any one for not being exceeding Cheerful in those things which cannot make the Owners so That Aspersion is generally cast upon all Gods Servants as if his ways were nothing but Sowreness and Misery and so discourage others It is unworthy to bring an evil Report of the Land they never searched their words are not much minded who speak evil of the things they know not But it is much worse in the Spies who say they have knowledge and experience if they do lessen it in a whispering and indirect manner it is because themselves did flightly view and so away they had a secret Prejudice before and came in as it were by force and for their own safety But had they went through and into the midst of it diligently observed all things dwelt there for some time the longer the better they will perceive the Goodness thereof By that time they have continued as long there as in the wilderness of sin they will like it much more somewhat is to be allowed to a state of Tryal consequently Temptations an imperfect knowledge those remainders of Original corruption which are so many weights that we must carry along in the Christian race but still by Gods aid we can go through here with more Contentment then others in their ways But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righâ—eousness and all these things shall be added unto you Mat. 6. 33. Such Provisions and Accomodations as are necessary for your Journey if you have them not in so great abundance yet you shall in a more excellent way your Life is more sweet and comfortable then those who have Riches or Estate The Apostle ranks those among the enemies of the Cross of Christ who mind Earthly things Phil. 3. 18 19. and therefore 't is improper to insist upon Considerations drawn from them unless they lead up towards the Heavenly The knowledge of God and Eternity make all things besides seem little and momentary for the greater will obscure the less as the Sun doth the Light of Moon and Stars Now because most say with their mouths God is their chiefest good Heaven their end when their Heart runs after temporal things unless his Word did discover it in plain and true Sayings we should be at a loss how to find out their Hypocrisie or put a difference between making them the principal or subordinate end Where is such a cumbring about many things and so little or lazy regard to the one thing needful That earnest care and greater degree of affection after one then the other will manifest their Pretences to be lying and vain for it is a certain Rule Where is Faith and Love of God that Man will not commit sin or leave Duty undone to accomplish present things And if he did sincerely intend for Heaven he would not do those things which lead contrary as that Word which makes known the place and way doth expresly declare Men would not be so mightily concerned for a moment no more then they are for one Nights Lodging upon a journey if they had a real Sense of Eternity If it was not for this great end all Mens doings are vain their Divertisements would be as the flyings of a Swallow during its appointed time their heaviness and misery as the Mournings of a Dove which would be ended Whatever delights or afflicts soon passeth away and we are gone To talk of their Good and Evil would be as impertinent as now it is to lay down Rules for having the tickling of a Feather or prevent the scratchings of a Pin. Their goings up and down would be as the moving of a shadow which is lost in darkness The deep thoughts of Heart dreams followed with a dead and eternal Sleep Great swelling words like a voice crying in the wilderness instantly perish and signifie nothing Those fancied worthy and great Actions just carry on that small Variety which is in the course of the World but little more then what Beasts do in their several kinds all things would be small and inconsiderable in this Life of Vanity barely appear and be forgotten If there was an utter end and no more it would be an idle as it is now unacceptable Office to use any words about them But seeing the Case is otherwise there is a God that judgeth in the Earth Psal 58. 11. He hath given a Law to those several Generations that pass through here to govern them by All those things which seem to be vanished and gone by
the Divine Nature take more delight in the things of God then others do in the things of the World. Who by continuance in well-doing have a Blessed Habit thereof so it is become familiar and pleasing as any other Course of Life Their love preserves them from committing of evil and though this being hot at first did cool again yet they have used all means to renew it To keep the Fire upon the Altar always burning Lev. 6. 3. If the flame do not continue so brisk as at first kindling yet they have taken all imaginable Care that it shall never go out It cannot be expected one should be continually ravisht with a pleasant Countrey as at first sight thereof the longer we live and only behold the Works of Creation it takes away that just Wonder and Astonishment And so it is of the invisible things of God we are not always so transported as at first hearing of them when they were New and exceeding Great they are the very same still but the defect is in our selves our Ears are dull of hearing and remain unconcerned There may be a Gracious and Wise disposal in this that ye should shew forth the Praises of him who hath called you out of Darkness into his marvellous Light 1 Pet. 2. 9. These youthly fervourâ— of Spirit that joy because of the sudden Alteration that taste of precious things that lively Faith in what is unutterable how much did they exceed the little Vanities of the natural State And when all these do flag and become less affecting even to the end of our Lives it may be a short Emblem given us to signifie that when we shall be let into the Enjoyment and Possession they will be infinitely more surprising And we shall be amazed within our selves how it came to pass we should have the less Sense the nearer we did approach to them They will be found to be so much beyond then was possible to enter into the Heart to conceive of them I have heard of thee by the hearing of the Ear but now mine Eye seeth thee Wherefore I abhor my self and repent in Dust and Ashes Job 42. 5 6. Which then was so great that there wants a word to set it forth and this should be fully assented to as true yet to lessen the inward Estimation thereof the nearer we draw to be more unmindful careless and negligent must be a condemning thought to the Souls in Heaven that ever they should come tâ—ither with Faintness and Weariness of mind that their steps should well nigh slip or think of going backwards By which perhaps they have lost such Degrees of Glory and a greater reward They will be vexed that they did not more whilst here in the World. But it will be inexpressible Anguish to all Apostates who forsake their first love A Lesson of instruction to us now in the way things are so ordered to see if we will do what the Prophet complains for want of There is none that stirreth up himself to take hold of God Isa 64. 7. Which is to be done by constant frequenting the Ordinances hearing the Word Prayer and Sacrament Holy Meditation edifying Discourse Watchful avoiding the occasions of evil and other hindrances And also doing good Works In all things put forth the utmost Strength and Vigour get that Chain of Graces 2 Pet. 1. 5 6 7. And if these things be in you and abound there is great Emphasis in that word full measure and running over they make you that ye shall be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their Strength They shall mount up with Wings as Eagles they shall run and not be weary and they shall walk and not faint Isa 40. 31. They must continue in all means of Grace and Duty even from the Child to the Ancient of days as long as they are in this Earth for this is the place of Faith and Waiting otherwise this blessed Promise doth not belong to them All that you have hitherto done signifieth nothing unless you still press forward to the mark of the High Calling in Christ Jesus And ye have hitherto run well what should hinder but that you should obtain You have past over the Corruption through the Giddiness and unruliness of Youth have escaped the Dangers of that shallow violent Age in which so many have split and been carried away with the swift Streams of Lust running down into the dead Sea before ever they considered well where they were going But you are safely arrived into the Mediterranean of this Life and your Voyage now is safe pleasant and easie You will quickly be at the desired Countrey if you do take diligent Care. Behold now is your Salvation nearer then when we dreamed and in a little while it will be before you Wherefore lift up your feeble knees and your hands that hang down use still your utmost endeavours and the great Pilot above will not leave you nor forsake you If you be not wanting to your selves he will not be behind in making good his Promises Go on still as you have begun Watch ye stand fast in the Faith quit you like men be strong 1 Cor. 16. 13. Exhorting one another and so much the more as you see the day approaching Heb. 10. 25. The day when the Keepers of the House shall tremble and the strong men shall bow themselves and the Grinders cease because they Of Old Age. are few and those that look out of the Windows be darkned Eccles 12. 3. This is the fourth and last Period of Mans Life Old Age is Gods Blessing which he bestowed on his Servants before and under the Law as the Fathers before the Flood Abraham Isaac and Jacob. The Spirit of God saith by Solomon My Son forget not my Law but let thine Heart keep my Commandments for length of Daâ—s and long Life and Peace shall they add unto thee Prov. 3. 1 2. But we who are under the Gospel and not Carnal Ordinances must not so much relie on Temporal Promises as the Jews did Yet the Apostle seems to intimate Eph. 6. 2 3. that of long Life exâ—ends to Christians also We are enjoyned Temperance moderate Labour and Action which naturally conduce towards it and on the contrary several come short by the Sins of uncleanness Gluttony Drunkenness Revenge Sloth and such like God doth indeed take away at several Times and Seasons out of the good Pleasure of his Will but still many hasten Dâ—ath unto themselves through their own Sin and Folly. He that taketh heed of those things prolongeth his Life and if it be cut off through any other Sickness or Accident this is his comfort and assurance that it was not through his own Fault The humble Christian never thinks himself sufficiently prepared and therefore desires a long space of Repentance and making ready Nor will he presume to rush forward and boldly meet his God
put before the means for the Apostle speaks of Gods principal intention and here mentions the way how they may accomplish it by knowledge of the Truth which whosoever doth sincerely and universally as any one may do this will quicken and stir him to arise and be saved It is the same as if in ordinary Conversation one would have his Servant go to such a place and then shews him the way Truth is distinct from Man for it is the very Nature of things without the Connexion between themselves and how they pertain Of Reason to us whether Divine or Common for so they are distinguished to us when properly all things are Gods. There is a Power implanted in us to know them many of them are hidden which we discern by searching and inferring one thing from another which is the proper Office of our understanding and commonly called Reason Some have been offended at this word because it is so little mentioned in Scripture Whereas it is 1 Sam. 12. 7. Isa 1. 18. Acts 17. 23. Acts 24. 25. and in innumerable places by other words to the same purpose as Knowledge Wisdom and Understanding and the great necessity of them is pressed throughout the whole Book of God. He appeals to us Ezek. 18. Whether his ways are not equal Implying we have some Capacity to think thereof I speak as to Wise men judge ye of what I say 1 Cor. 10. 15. And then what he saith concerning the Gentiles That which may be known of God is manifest in them for God hâ—th shewed iâ— unto them for the invisible things of him from the Creation of the World are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made even his Eternal Power and God-head so that they are without excuse Because that when they knâ—w God they glorified him not as God Rom. 1. 19 20 21. Their way of knowing him was by inferring it was some one who made this Beautiful House of the World and he that Built all things is God. They had but a dim knowledge of him just believed he was but for want of Grace and Revelation knew not how to come unto him nor seek him aright This is our advantage above theirs we have now blessed be his Divine Majesty the Old and New Testament compleated the sum whereof is a rational way of pleasing God see Mat. 23. 16 17. Isa 44. 19. All our duty to him is a reasonable service Rom. 12. 1. Here is to be seen his law for the Government of the World which at first was given in short as well becomes Sovereign and infinite power as the ten Commandment which contain great equity The Writings of the Prophets are as so many Expositions on them who did exhort to the observance and reprove for the Transgression of them all which may be observed to be reasonable inference and conclusion from them applicable to those particular acts as even the heart of Man might judge Who is among you that feareth the Lord that obeyeth the voice of his Servant Isa 50. 10. God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past unto the Fathers by the Prophets hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son Heb. 1. 1. In whose Gospel the things to be done are most agreeable unto the Sons of Men the precepts given us are worthy of the Son of God and came from above for the Wisdom of Ages could not contrive so excellent He whom the Jews did stile a Carpenter hath outdone all who were ever before him his worst and implacable Adversaries could not say any thing against what he Taught and those sent to apprehend him did confess never Man spake like this Man John 7. 46. The malicious world could not find fault with his Doctrine Of all those Antichrists and Hereticks who have done so much mischief to the Church of God none have either wrote or spoken against the rules of Life unless some mad prophane Persons in a scurrilous Language which prevailed nothing upon Wise and considering Men and never made any Proselites but such as were before led that way by their corrupâ— Lusts and Affections Nothing can be said against them â—oâ— they aâ—â— pâ—re 〈◊〉 and even the perfection of reason All do approve of their Excellency that do admit them into full and due consideration If reason were stretched out to the utmost and suffered to have its perfect work to look out every way and â—ow far this would dictate This Star being now assisted by the Son of Righteousness would direct to the right Path though it be a small Light in comparison to the other yet it will lead to the greater by direction of both we may go on securely Religion without reason is Superstition and Folly God is not pleased with the Sacrifice of Fools and reason without Religion doth argue Man more ungrateful to his Maker so liable to a greater Condemnation Well is it where they meet together and each assist the other remembring still which is subject and must keep close to the other The natural understanding prompts to do nothing prejudicial to our Happiness and to follow after what conduces thereto if it be further unable that hinders not seeing it is offered help from above Gods Grace is sufficient and that is never wanting to any who desire and seek after it which every one may do And therefore let none say if he becomes Miserable that it is through God he is so for I have no pleasure in the Death of him Deut. 8. 20. that dieth saith the Lord God wherefore turn your selves and live ye Ezek. 18. 22. That we may know how to do this we are shewed and also required to follow after Him who is the Way the Truth and the Life God hath given us Knowledge and Power to be Happy and hath done all things that can be well conceived seeing he hath been pleased to make us as we are to put us to a free Choice and Obedience We are not Gods but the Work of his Hands he may do what he will with his own if God should force us to do our Duty that would be like the Sacrifice of a Beast against his Will. We ought to praise our God that he hath made us capable of serving him who hath provided so much for our Good that we may live for ever if we will he doth press us forward to the things which are for our Peace he Neh. 9. 29. doth testifie against us that he might bring us again unto his Law this is done by the Spirit he hath given us Conscience is called the first Spirit of Man 1 Cor. 2. 11. Prov. Of Conscience 20. 27. It is the most excellent part of the reasonable Soul which being assisted from above make Application of the Mans actions to himself He that is wise is wise unto himself and this bringing all things home is most useful for accomplishment of the great end of Happiness
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
sufficient to do what is required of them Some hence take occasion to live habitually in gross sin and others in all manner of Wickedness but the great judge of all Men will be no more put off with such kind of tricks then themselves will be by such sayings from their servants and it is strange that they should be such Deceivers of themselves as willfully to keep off from what would bring them to Obedience and Happiness the way to which is not to do our own will but the will of him that sent us into this place of Tryal Let none accuse God as an hard Master for though the unprofitable servant will be apt to lay the blame upon him to excuse his own Sluggishness yet he doth not reap where he doth not sow neither will he require the improving of a Talent but according to what he hath given See I have set before thee this day Life and Good Death and Evil Deut. 30. 15. Some may think this last sad thing is but not the other We cannot come nor be perswaded to that why the prophet Moses for further assurance repeats it vers 19. with the most solemn Testimony I call Heaven and Earth to record this day against you that I have set before you Life and Death Blessing and Cursing therefore choose Life The affections have much influence over the will to move it Of the Affections and Passions this or that way these have been likewise tainted with original corruption which hath infected the whole Man. To speak of their irregularity and abuse is referred to some distinct Chapters hereafter the present design is to shew that God hath ingrafted them into our Nature and what is their right end how they are to be ordered towards Happiness as they are governed by the everlasting Gospel The Passions are a Torment to the Wicked and occasion of Evil so unto the Righteous are a comfort and instrument of good The one pervert these manage them aright but considered abstractedly in their own Nature are not only useful but necessary to accomplish the great end To begin with the most noble Affection Love which is the fulfilling of the Law. The first of all the Commandments is Hear Of Love. O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy Heart and with all thy Soul and with all thy Strength and with all thy mind This is the first Commandment And the second is like namely this Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self Mark. 12. 30 31. For this thou shalt not commit Adultery thou shalt not Kill thou shalt not Steal thou shalt not bear false Witness thou shalt not Covet it is briefly comprehended in his saying Rom. 13. 9. Love to God and ones Neighbour is the Whole Duty of Man That keeps from offending the Most High and also from doing the least injury to our fellow Creature for self-love cannot endure any should be done to our selves Saith the beloved Disciple who makes good the denomination by inculcating and repeating this word over to the utmost delight This is the Love of God that we keep his Commandments and his Commandments are not grievous 1 John 5. 3. By these two general judge of all that come under them there is no Torment in Love but all Happiness and Satisfaction it receives greater degrees according to its object And then how exceeding must that be which arises from the infinite God The joy of that Soul is unexpressible who perfectly love him That strangers may conceive somewhat thereof and come over to partake of it if they would be fully convinced in the Heart what every one will own with the Mouth it is requisite to lay down particularly there is all the reason in the world that we should love God yea the very same why we love any thing This is either the excellency of the thing it self or the kindness and actual good it doth unto us upon all which God deserves our utmost and whole affection He is the excellent One the Sum of all perfection Speak of him as much as you can and yet you will come short for he doth exceed The Lord is great and greatly to be praised â—sal 96. 4 It is not possible for any flattery and complement that is only for poor imperfect Creatures to be used towards him for we cannot say more then really he is nor attribute more Good Glory and Honour then doth belong and is in him We love a single Man for his Goodness Wisdom Uprightness Beauty now they are but shadows and little in the Creature but he is the Original and Fountain of all much more then all then the Ocean is to a single drop All lovely perfections that can be thought of or named or are any where to us unknown as there are millions yet come from him who is the Author of all with whom all fulness and eminency dwells As for the relation he humbleth himself to have towards us there is a jealousie in the heart of the Natural Man to that And if here should be used fine expressions the greatest Wit and smooth Language to assure Men of Gods goodness towards them they would suspect it more under a flourish of words and therefore cannot be directed any where better then to his revealed Will in Scripture which speaketh plainly John 3. 16. Rom. 5. 6 7 8. 1 John 3. 16. Psal 63. 3. Psal 73. 1. Deut. 7. 9. Psal 145. 20. Jer. 29. 11. Jer. 31. 3. Psal 68. 19. Look upon his whole Book that excellent Law he hath given that Love and Grace manifested by Jesus Christ Examine it altogether consider throughly the design of the whole He will have all Men to be saved 1 Tim. 2. 4. Even Heathens and those without He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to Repentance 2 Pet. 3. 9. This is said as to the Scoffers mentioned vers 3. and the worst of Men Reflect further on those good and comfortable things he hath given us to enjoy He doth good and give us rain from Heaven and fruitful Seasons filling our hearts with food and gladness so much for the use and delight of our outward Man and then it is certain he never designed the misery of that He hath done the same equally extensive Isa 55. 1 John 7. 37. as to our better part which appears by the Frame Powers and Tendency thereof All things are established for the present contentment and Eternal Happiness of us all both Body and Soul and Spirit to bring us to the greatest Glory and Exaltation we are capable of If we would suffer our selves to be throughly made sensible God hath a love to us the enmity in our nature would be taken away and we should be reconciled unto him as will appear more and more by a full knowledge of his ways and our doing according to them Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you Jam.
sound a Trumpet and blaze them abroad your selves but â—â—ey praise you in the Gates you cannot help that your reward is still with the most High as long as you are careful to approve your selves in his sight and not as unto Men. None should refrain from doing good because others may come to bear of it no more then forsake the assembling of our selves together because others see us go to Church Neither as the manner of some is this to be done only on the Lords-day but as we have opportunity on every day for so they did in the first Ages of Christianity Luke 24. 53. Acts 2. 42 46. The Pastors were then an Ensample to the Flock Acts 3. 1. However strange or precise it seems now to go to publick Worship on a Week day it was as unusual then to neglect it Who considers the Relation we stand in towards the Great God of the World must think it a reasonable Service to pay our Homage and Praise him from every rising of the Sun unto the going down thereof Nor are we to avoid good and edifying Discourse because that will be likewise heard but the Obligation is greater from Psal 37. 30 31. Mat. 12. 34 35. If the heart be good good things will come forth God alone is the discerner of the Thoughts and they do not appear yet Words and Actions will. If they are good and just it is impossible but they must be discovered to be so But let it be cautioned from Isa 42. 2. Mat. 12. 16 18 19. against making too much outward shew There is a good and middle way between too much Affectation on the one hand sinful Shame and Lukewarmness on the other Both extreams are to be avoided but indeed the first is safe if the heart be sincere throughly purged from all Hypocrisie and Pride It is much better to be too zealous if that can be for there are no limits set in Scripture then of a careless and indifferent Temper for that is always spoken against But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing Gal. 4. 18. And if out of a good intention God knows the unfeigned love in the heart from whence it proceeds and so may approve thereof So there is no such Reason why that which is called a forward indiscreet Zeal should be hated and spoken against Every thing which doth exceed the ordinary and fashionable Godliness of the multitude is termed so We have seen that of our Saviour fulfilled Because iniquity shall abound the love of many shall wax cold Mat. 24. 12. The judgment of God being different from that of Men perhaps he may judge that to be true and prudent which they thus call Those Opinions and Excuses in Religion which are vulgarly received are as commonly false But admit some were over Zealous Yet Charity envieth not thinketh no evil believeth all things hopeth all things 1 Cor. 13. 4 5 7. And here will make a good Construction that such is well meaning and therefore this takes off from prejudice and evil surmizings against him If some are more diligent in the Worship and Service of God we ought the more to rejoyce and glorifie God on his behalf But to hate a Man for no other cause but his well-doing is not what all but only the worse sort of wicked do Neither do thou too rashly condemn thy poor Brother for whom Christ died of Superstition that hath been so termed which in the Language of the Holy Ghost is to fear the Lord greatly 1 Kings 18. 3. But how knowest thou his heart It may be he doth what is Commanded or thinks to be plainly inferred from the Word If he is mistaken thou art rather to rightly instruct then malign or envy him but in no wise to laugh and make sport that cannot be justified on Fellow Christians It is sufficient to bear Reproach from those without but it is more grievous when it comes from the same Houshold of Faith. However Grace and Wisdom will despise the Shame and enable to take Pleasure in infirmities in Reproaches in Necessities in Persecutions in Distresses for Christâ— sake 2 Cor. 12. 10. Great heed is to be taken that Zeal be according to Knowledge for where blind and mis-guided it hath done much mischief to the World by horrid Cruelties Massacres Rebellions Persecutions The time cometh that whosoever killeth you will think that That of Isa 11. 9. is observable for the reason there added he doth God service And these things will they do unto you because they have not known the Father nor Me John 16 2 3. Said our Lord to his Disciples and Followers which hath been fulfilled to a Witness Some have pretended for God and his Christ and their Sword hath made many Fatherless and Widows have after the most strange manner tormented to Death Women and Children ript up Infants out of the Mothers Belly shed the Blood of the Saints like water throughout Christendom All this and more hath been done by those who in their own Opinion Luke 9. 55. were zealous for the Prince of Peace He came to save mens lives but these have made it their business to kill and destroy The Disciples were reproved concerning the Samaritans Ye know not of what Spirit ye are of which plainly manifested that he allowed not of the murder of Men though for his own Honour the best of ends His whole Gospel Commands Love Peace Gentleness Meekness and forbids whatever is contrary to them But this Doctrine hath been concealed from some who have given up themselves to blind Teachers those Sanguinary Priests and Jesuites they have obtruded the Doctrine of Devils for that of the Holy Jesus and have put off for the Commandments of Christ the Dictates of their Blood-thirsty minds The silly People laden with Sins and perhaps willing to make Atonement by murdering of Hereticks which did increase their Guilt by slaying the Lords Heritage were taught ignorance makes the better Christians They might have so much used their own natural Reason as to have considered that Christ's Laws cannot be obeyed unless they are known and therefore they must search the Scriptures which he Commands John 5. 39. to see what they are or have them from honest Teachers But if they had done the first they would have found Ministers of Satan transformed as the Ministers of Righteousness 2 Cor. 11. 15. And they would have known them by this kind of Suggestions which come from none but the Destroyer for what seems hateful and cruel to us as we are Men can never be thought to have been delivered by him who came into the World to perfect not deprave Humane Nature The many sad Effects of wilde destructive Zeal have proceeded from their wilful Ignorance of the Law he gave us for they had been all prevented if Men had only acted according to the Directions of the New Testament Some on the other hand have read the Scriptures but through mis-interpretation or
man some would even dare to die Rom. 5. 7. But for preservation of a good King thousands will venture their lives and undergo the greatest extremity He is happy in the good-will and affection of his Subjects they will rejoyce and praise God on his behalf to see him also zealous for his glory that he would suffer all Godly and Faithful Ministers that a stop may be put to that torrent of iniquity which is a vexation to behold In his dayes shall the Righteous flourish and abundance of peace so long as the Moon endureth Prayer also shall be mane continually for him and daily shall he be praised Psal 72. 4 7 15. The Common-wealth will be then happy when Kings are Christians not in name or title but when they live and govern according to the Rules of the Gospel When they are Obedient to God diligent in his Worship and Ordinances exercise all manner of Righteousness and Justice towards their people and themselves observe Temperance and Sobriety and so manage all their Actions as Men that indeed look for a Judgment to come There is an excellent Scheme laid down better then that of Antient or Modern Polititians which stands in no need of them for it hath Providence and Wisdom from above and will make a Prince renowned for all Ages It will give him satisfaction of mind that is in beginning for the utmost happiness here is Light Sowen Psal 97. 11. A laying in of Joy and Peace as Seed to the future Harvest of Extasy and Glory His glory is great in thy Salvation Honour and Majesty hast thou laid upon him Psal 21. 5. I hope none of the Grandees of the Earth think otherwise that Religion doth not thus much but seems to them an undervaluing of Majesty as rather calculated for low sneaking and not for noble Spirits Least any who term themselves brave Souls should say so in the heart for they will not with the tongue for fear of betraying their own infidelity and ignorance let this short question be put to them the first words of the Creed Whether they do believe in God And those descriptions given of him confirmed by his visible works Deut. 10. 17. 1 Kings 8. 27. Psal 18. vers 7. to vers 16. Psal 113. 4. Job 11. 7 8 9. 37. 22. Isa 40. throughout Jer. 10. 6 10. Dan. 4. 35. 7. 10. Rom. 11. 36. 1 Tim. 6 15 16. and many other like places It may not be surmised that the Spirit bearing Witness of it self should over magnify for there seems to be an higher strain then all these Wisd 11. 22. Ecclus 43. 27. 30. Who considers but the least of such an infinite Glorious Being can no more think it a dishonour for the greatest Emperor to prostrate himself with his face to the ground in Dust and Ashes before this High and Lofty one that inhabiteth Eternity then it would be for the most abject fellow to kneel before him This comparison is sufficient proof but comes not near for the distance between Almighty God and the greatest personage on Earth exceeds that between him and the most contemptible fly Now if the vilest inâ—ect should open its Mouth and say it was as Man should we therefore think so Or if the meanest beggar should speak out that it was a disgrace for him to be uncovered before My Lord the King we could not but be moved with indignation at his Pride and Folly. Yet I wish it be not thus among too many who are neither Kings nor Lords but take as much upon them who being purse proud have not only lifted up their hearts above their Brethren it is for the poorer sort to be Religious forsooth they think themselves too good to be in subjection Deut. 8. 13 14. unto the Lord their Maker If Kings and Princes are not much less are they for if the matter be considered aright it must be acknowledged Whatever the World esteems greatness there is none greater then he that feareth the Lord It is meet and right so to do even for Angels and Arch-Angels and all the Host of Heaven much more is it for those that dwell in Houses of Clay for they also are in this little mouldring Tenement who inhabit Palaces and larger Buildings and therefore let them not absurdly conceive that an under-valuing which is their Highest Honour to be Servants of the Lord. An illustrious Example of this we have in David 2 Sam. 6. When the Ark was brought up himself played before the Lord and Danced with the rest of the People And Michal Sauls Daughter looked through a Window and saw King David Leaping and Dancing before the Lord and she despised him and came out to meet him and said How glorious was the King of Isrâ—â—l to day who uncovered himself to day in the Eyes of the Handmaid of his Servants as one of the vain Fellows shamelesly uncovereth himself * To be Noted by the way of the silly proud Women of this and former Ages who have mean thoughts of their Husbands if they serve God as if not so Gentile and Men of Honour as others they will use to them or others privately the like contemptuous Language David here was so far from being discouraged that he is more confirmed in his Duty I will be yet more vile then thus and will be base in mine own sight His resolution was to do as he ought before he examine other consequences I will play before the Lord. His praise was not of Men but of God he had rather be approved of by him and despised of them then to be had in honour by them and despised by him Such must be the mind of those of the more exalted condition who will enter into his service and expect his favour I am the Lord that is my Name and my Glory I will not give to another neither my praise to graven Images Isa 42. 8. Nor yet to living Men he will not allow of that the things which please him shall be dispensed withall for pleasing others Whosoever will not come unto him or afterwards leave undone several Acts of Duty for fear of diminishing his Honour and Reputation in the World he may stay away for he lightly esteems of the Rock of his Salvation He is unworthy of the Favour and Blessing of God who will part with them for a puff of breath from talking Worms of the Earth which neither is so High Universal or Loud as the Wind which passeth away Here will arise another short Gale of Exhortation As for Man his days are as Grass as a Flower of the Field so he flourisheth for the Wind passeth over it and it is gone and the place thereof shall know it no more Psal 103. 15 16. An exact resemblance of our Condition in this World but of a different Reflection to two several sorts of Men. It is matter of Vexation to them who have their Portion in this Life and have none assurance of that which
so far from being acceptable that they are an abomination unto him Ye shall not add unto the Word which I command you neither shall you diminish ought from it that ye may keep the Commandments of the Lord your God which I command you Deut. 4. 2. Let him strive to perform all them to the utmost and if he doth so letting alone those of Humane Invention he will be preferred before those who have been very frank and diligent in doing those things which were never required at their hands 'T is not multitude of outward Acts but deep Isa 1. Humility of Mind which hath more acceptance with God He that shall humble himself shall be exalted Mat. 23. 12. Who is of such a disposition as to be content with all his heart to be least in the Kingdom of Heaven if he may be there and is well pleased with whatsoever God doth If so he cannot grudge at the good Man of the House for doing what he will with his own if he seeth another who was not so long in the Vineyard as himself have an equal reward seeing he hath what was promised He cannot fume or rage to see the beloved Disciple lie in his Saviours Bosome or other favourites of Heaven admitted to a nearer Familiarity with Jesus He is not discontented or envious to behold white Robes given them who were slain for the Word of God and for the Testimony which they held Rev. 6. 9 11. They all receive according to their Works and if he had done the same things he should have had the same honour The different Crowns are set upon their heads according to their deeds and those which were eminent for Sufferings or Christian Graces the chiefest whereof is Humility shall have a proportionable Reward So that wouldst thou be great in the Kingdom of Heaven Learn of the good Patriarch to take up this resolution The Lord shall be my God Gen. 28. 21. and to esteem thy self not worthy of the least of his Mercies Gen. 32. 10. Not to say from the Mouth only but the ground of the Heart Lord I am not worthy to be â—ed with the crumbs that fall from thy Table and yet to be as obedient Children not fashioning himself according to the former lusts in his ignorance but as he which hath called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of Conversation 1 Pet 1. 14 15. To be contented for his finall portion with the least mite of Gods bounty and yet heartily labour in the mean while not to offend him in the least point of his Law to fulfil all Righteousness to do all that is commanded him and say he is an unprofitable Servant he hath done that which was his duty to do He will indeed have an eye to the recompence of reward in General for hereby he will better despise the Pleasures of Sin and not be weary of Well-doing but of what sort it shall be whether above or below others that he leaves to the alone disposal of him Such are the thoughts of the sincere and humble Christian his expectation is not so very great but that shall never be an hindrance but further his advancement If he would be contented to be made as one of the hired Servants Luke 15. yet he may have the best Robe put on by his most Bountiful and Gracious Father Before honour is humility Prov. 15. 33. By this way the great example thereof as may astonish Men and Angels came to be highly exalted Phil. 2. 6 7 8 9. And whoso will follow his steps being meek and lowly in heart may in some measure be exalted likewise You shall lose nothing in the end if you would at present lose that just esteem of your selves for that the pride of the World calls so which is but Fancy and Usurpation And whatsoever Station ye are in the command reaches you Be ye of the same mind one towards another Mind not high things but condescend to Men of low Estate Rom. 12. 16. This is the way to be had in Honour by God and preferred even above those who call it a Sordid and base Spirit Lowliness of mind say they is sneaking and doth not become a noble Birth and Extraction But are these Men of a better Parentage then the Son of Goâ— Is their Family better then his who also according to the flesh was descended from the Antient Kings of Judah Are they wiser then he If they would acknowledge they are not they must think the Apostle spoke both Reason and Sence when he enforced this duty from his Example Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus who being in the form of God thought it not Robbery to be equal with God but made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a Servant and was made in the likeness of Men. If God be above Man and yet humbled himself to be as the meanest certainly it can be no disgrace for him who doth not differ from another but by an Estate fine Clothes aiery Titles of Honour to shew that civility which is due to a fellow-Creature partaker of the same flesh and blood and heir of the same common Salvation Behold God is Mighty and despiseth not any he is Mighty in Strength and Wisdom Job 36. 5. The Proudest two-footed Creature on Earth must not vie in Glory with him and if he doth not abhor Men of low Estate why should they who are of the same mould and stand in the very same Relation to him who is Lord over all Why should they trample over those of their own kind Love Horses better and look upon them with more scorn then if another sort of Creatures They are incensed perhaps because those which seem so despicable in their Eyes are of the same nature with themselves as if they were angry at themselves because they are but Men or have such an high value of themselves that they would have nothing look like them but what is Glorious and Lovely How far will Pride proceed Wherefore should Earth and Ashes be so lofty in its own conceit Why should he swell so much who when his breath is gone becomes one of the most loathsome Spectacles in the World Why should he shew himself more imperiously and disdainfully over those who are Flesh of his Flesh and Bone of his Bone then the Lord and Maker of them all unto whom all the Nations of the Earth are as the drop of a Bucket It was commanded the King who is as much above Nobles as they above Beggers his heart should not be lifted up above his Brethren Deut. 17. 20. Much less may they who not only presume to be exalted in their own conceits above but account them more inferiour then brute Beasts although they be made in the Image of God and are his workmanship as well as themselves and therefore in no sort should be despised This temper though so frequent in the World it being
Gentile World were not able to suppress though they did try with their utmost skill and might Which had no aid from the World yet obtained the victory over it Which still increased though who entertained it got nothing at present but cruel Mockings and Scourgings Moreover Bonds and Imprisonments nay further the most horrid and Tormenting Deaths that was possible for Flesh and Blood to suffer yet through Faith hereof endured them all with more Constancy and Resolution then was ever seen in the Mightiest Men of Valour If these and several other Arguments were duly considered and weighed it would be the greatest wonder that for all these any yet should not believe So more then abundantly hath God provided for Mankind to bring Mark. 6. 6. them to Heaven and Happiness But as if all this were nothing worth Men will not know or not believe what he hath told unto them otherwise they would be never so regardless thereof When they reverence their Land-lord but do not mind the great Lord of Heaven and Earth When they earnestly court the favour of a Mortal Man and think themselves never sufficiently diligent in getting Money but are not careful after those things above Do they verily believe God is and that he is a Rewarder of them who diligently seek him When they like Beasts are only for the present things before them but negligent of what shall be hereafter and never cast an eye towards the things that are not seen certainly these do not live by Faith Whose understanding is waxed gross that can conceive of nothing but what may be felt or seen Who can relish nothing but what goes between the Teeth these do not live the common lives of Men being led by sence and not reason It is an amazing thing to consider of the stupidity and dulness of those of lower degree as concerning their Spiritual State and Condition 'T is not so much down right Atheism and Unbelief but a dead Faith which is in them It is not equal to that of Devils for they believe and tremble but this hath no such effect upon them They fancy there may be such a thing as Heaven they are not suâ—e to the contrary They look upon it as a place of reserve where they would be when they can no longer abide in the World it is appointed for the poor and needy so it will receive them whether they take any care or no. Such thoughts as these may enter into their minds for notwithstanding they may still go on in their course But were they really perswaded there are two places for all to go into after this life Heaven and Hell And how it is set down in Scripture what is to be done to obtain entrance into the one and avoid the other Did they really think what an happiness the one is much greater then Riches and all Pleasures in this World and the other to be a worse Torment then any Pain or Sickness now is they would as willingly go to Church and be as devout to set them forward in the way to Heaven as now they go to Fairs and Markets and are intent upon their Business to get some small gain On the other hand they would take as much care to flee from the Wrath to come as now they do to keep themselves in health and prevent the beginnings of a bodily Distemper They would labour as earnestly for the exceeding great reward God hath prepared for them that keep his Commandments as now they do for a little Money from another Man. They would act in the very same manner to obtain the things pertaining to his Kingdom as now they do for the things of the Earth It is the property of Faith to make things which are not seen to be as if they were seen and though were they both of the same value it could not be expected we should so willingly run after what we have never seen as after that which is most certain and our Eyes see Yet there being such an exceeding odds and worth in the things that are to be believed over the things that are now seen this turns the Scales and make them hang even yea and weigh down the things of Sense If we have the full assurance of Faith that upon doing such things we shall receive an everlasting 1 John 5. 4. Kingdom we should no more grudge to do them then we do now a days work upon anothers Promise of so much for our Pains We may as reasonably trust for what he hath promised as we do the Word of a sinful Man when we Labour for him And there being such a vast difference between what the Almighty will vouchsafe to bestow upon us worthy of God to give and as much as a Creature can receive over what we can impart to another then surely there is as much reason I say infinitely more why we should serve God as do the like for another Would we be as diligent to be made Kings and Priests unto God Rev. 1. 6. as now we are to be Servants unto great Men endeavour as much to get an eternal Crown of Glory as now for those Corruptible things of Gold and Silver Labour as earnestly after the great things of Eternity as is now done for the little things of Time we should certainly come to possess them Neither can the World condemn us of Folly for we Act according to the same measure as themselves who are accounted Wise in their Generation If we do indeed settle it in our Hearts that these things are we should be as careful and industrious to have them as others are of the things here and if so our Labour would not be in vain But what a faithless and stubborn Generation are we fallen into A Generation that will not believe or will not set their Heart to obtain them A Company of Infidels and Fools for so are all those who do not walk in the way to the New Jerusalem If you will not consider you must perish in your Folly. Look and bethink your selves you are Men Stand upon your Feet and shake off that drowsie and benum'd Disposition Be throughly rouzed out of Negligence and Sottishness Come to thy self and hear what shall be said unto thee The Lord made all things for himself yea even the wicked for the day of evil Prov. 16. 4. He will be glorified in all his Works and thou also being the work of his hands art not to think thy self unconcerned or nothing related to that God with whom we have all to do If thou wilt have nothing to do with him he will have to do with thee Thou art his Creature and he will deal so with thee as the rest of mankind according to their deservings Thou must be either a Partaker of his Mercy or Wrath There is mercy O Lord with thee that thou mayest be feared And his Wrath is likewise revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of Men Rom. 1.
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
brutal Lust The highest happiness if it may be so stiled that Beasts are designed unto is meerly sensual and therefore are allowed a more free enjoyent in these things then Man who is a compound of Angel and Brute As such he is barely to use and pass by the delights of the one but to aspire after and to finally rest in the happiness of the other Sence was given us just to relish but Understanding to enjoy Men will catch part of a thing and run away with it and then think they have a mighty Argument on their side a frequent Policy in this disputing Age but take the whole together and that which seemed for turns against them The lustful person fancies he hath the whole world of Creatures on his side when further the greater part Copulate at set Seasons and other circumstances may be found out to prove his manner of doing more unreasonable and even in his lower inclinations to sink beneath the Beasts that perish He acts more foolishly and preposterously then they which have no Understanding They do not shorten life and bring Diseases upon themselves as Man doth 'T is he alone who turns Good into Evil that is made miserable by his Enjoyments God hath set a bound to them and then they are good which the sensible Creatures keep within but Man will leap over though it be to his own Ruine What was given to refresh and preserve the kind he makes an occasion to destroy himself and to produce none or an accursed seed His Breasts are full of Milk and his Bones are moistened with Marrow Job 21. 4. But he drains it out wherein consisted his strength When every Dracâ—m is continually exhausted the body becomes weak and so more quickly drops into the Pit. And then it doth not only extract the sound but brings rottenness into the bones 'T is common that he who is addicted to this sin gets a wound at last which for sweet repayes with bitterness The joviality of Youth is changed into pains and languishing those years are given unto the cruel and thou mourn at last when thy flesh and body are consumed Prov. 5. 9 11. That unspeakable Pain and Weariness which some have laboured under for several Weeks â—ea Months together seem to have a visible pourtraiture of Hell Torments the difference being in the duration of them for here as much is endured as the weak body is capable of For the punishment of the iniquity of the Daughter of my People is greater then the punishment of the â—in of Sodom that was overthrown as in a Moment and no hands stayâ—d on her Lam. 4. 6. But when one shall groan under continued Miseâ—y â—or half a Year and longer when he shall be placed over the 〈…〉 e of Affliction as if baked in an Oven or being alive he is used in the same manner as the Carkasses Hoâ— 7. 4. of dead Beasts are when the iâ—â—truments of cruelty shall search into the members of Iniquity and grate upon the most sensible parts here is an aggravation of Miserâ— and it may be theâ—e is no remedy at last dâ—e he must though with such Vexation and Lingâ—ing Did any Martyr by close imprisonment or thrown into the darkest and lowest Dungâ—on there fed with Bread and Water and after haled out to the most cruel Death yet endure so much as this unhappy Creature hath done He all the while enjoyed the liberty of the Sons of God his Soul was free and liâ—tâ—d up with light from above his Belly filled with hidden Manna thence supported by the Power of Gods Grace and after received into Glory But the other Person did groan and Weep still mindful of his Wretched conâ—ition and every thinking did add unto his grief he is gone and we know no more of him Look into primitive story and find him out who suffered most for the the Lord Jesus and his Kingdom There have been likewise examples of those who have went through a more Fiery Trial and worse hardship only for the â—ake of a base lust Flesh and Blood will be apt to recoil and mormur if we endure any thing for God though he is pleased to recompence exceedingly our light and short affliction but if others endure ten times more in the slavery of Sin and the Devil they take iâ— patiently though this is not half of what is to succeed in another place Let none object to Christianity the Cross or Persecution when greater trouble is annexed to one single sin and there is Misery linked to every one then to the whole chain of Spiritual Graces and Duty He that practises them aâ— finds less difficulty and tribulation then some have done in accomplishment of lust Many after long and painful contesting under it have been overcome others have been put to more strugling and danger to prolong Temporal Life for a little then the worthies of old to lay hold of Eternal Life If some few have wholly escaped those continual fears thereof did take away much of their conceived and unlawful Pleasures If God hath permitted them to act wickedly without bringing punishment upon themselves let them look to it unless they repent he will not spare them hereafter If Judgment doth not begin 1 Tim. 5â— 24. in this lifâ— it will be begun and never ended in that which is to come in some who follow all iniquity with greediness may be seen the fire already kindled and if that be so intolerable now what will it be when it shall burn out for evermore By the Severity of Gods Wrath consider of and fear his Indignation against sin It is soon acted but his Vengeance rests long upon the head of those who do the same He hath manifested his displeasure by Judgments of old upon Sodom and Gomâ—â—rah the death of Zimri and Cosbi and three and twenty thousand which fell in one day It was the occasion that Absolom slew his brother Amnon there are innumerable Examples in common History and daily experience in all Places and Generations Whether the aforesaid Disease hath been lately sent into the World to scourge the Transgressors of these worst Ages or was known long since and those sayings in Scripture of Rottenness of Bones Body and Flesh consumed have allusion to it is not here determined It hath and doth torment these Workers of iniquity and this plague will not be stayed till they cease from their evil doings it brings Death or great Misery at least it makes them sufficiently roar for giving way to a paultry lust But what shall we think of those who have been â—ured and endured all this misery yet will venture again Surely it must be a transcendent delight and greater then all the pain that follows it for otherwise none would choose it And moreover old Persons who are disaâ—led will recount their pasts Acts with rejoycing and please themselves with the remembrance their old hearts run still after Youthful Lusts their dim eyes are full of Adultery
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
it any thing that dâ—fileth neither whatsoever worketh Abomination Rev. 21. 7. What comes nearest to his Delight is to behold the extraordinary Beauty of that place which will ravish the Eye and fill with wonder this shall not be like gazing upon the Beauty of a Woman but as one born blind who suddenly hath his Eyes opened and seeth the Sun in its rising Splendour which doth only transport the Soul with Admiration and not affect the corporal faâ—â—lties At present it peeps through the Windows of the Body seeing only the surface and outside of things The Flesh also is weak and cannot endure an excellent Object But when this Body shall be made spiritual and that which now looks through two little holes shall see through every part and through into every Object there it will be never tired Especially there being an infinite and inexhaustible Fountain of Goodness and Glory Behold now we are the Sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be But we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is 1 John 3. 3. Who is the Eternal incomprehensibly Great and Glorious God and to see him as he is in his very Nature will take up the whole length of Eternity Whilst we behold the sum of all Perfection the Quintessence of all Loveliness and Excellency the Subject of all Good and Glory who made containeth and is all things He will be a most full and delightsome Object to short and finite Creatures for evermore My thoughts fail on this Subject which it is not possible for the Heart to conceive much less for Words to express here we know but in part 1 Cor. 13. 12. And therefore am only to exhort the Reader and my Self to use the utmost diligence that we may come to this Blessed Vision The way is shewed Every Man that hath this hope purifieth himself as he is pure 1 John 3. 4. Having therefore these Promises let us cleanse our selves from all Filthiness of Flesh and Spirit perfecting Holiness in the Fear of God 2 Cor. 7. 1. Without Holiness no Man shall see the Lord Heb. 12. 14. So that the Adulterer Fornicator unclean lascivious Person must cease to do Evil or he shall be shut out from this Glorious sight He must wash make himself clean rub out the Defilements Purge away all the remainders of sinful Lust other wise he shall no more stand in the Presence of the King of Glory then now he can fly up into Heaven and of his own strength cause it to be opened to receive him Who would lose seeing him that is ten thousand times brighter then the Sun only now for a little staring upon well-coloured Dust Who would sell his part in those Celestial Joys which shall transport the Partakers with Exstacy for evermore for Gratification of a pitiful Lust which presently vanisheth and comes to nothing If he is esteemed a Fool that sells the Reversion of a great Estate which would be certainly his own if he would wait a little time for a single draught of Ale A much greater is he who for a few sudden foolish and empty Nothings parts with his Birth-right to Heaven Especially considering further that if he is deprived of that he must take up his abode in a worse place The abominable and Whoremongers shall have their part in the Lake which burneth with Fire and Brimstone Rev. 21. 8. Hearken you that cannot deny a wicked Inclination because it is urgent and importunate how can you endure to lye down under everlasting burnings The Pruriency of Lust seems hard and grievous to you to be resisted and do you not think it is much more to dwell with devouring Fire What a sad Portion must that Man have to submit to those Evils he at present chooses with the Sin and then shall be given in full measure those dreadful Threatnings which shall as certainly be fulfilled in their time as we see of the things that have already been It may be thou still cherishest thy self in thy sweet Sin accounting it the only Happiness of Life but it hath been weighed in the Ballance and sound light in Comparison of that heavy Load of Guilt and Pain that follow at hand but less and worse then nothing of what is to succeed hereafter I have seen thine Adulteries and thy Neighings the Leudness of thy Whoredom and thine Abomination on the Hills in the Fields Wâ— unto thee O Jerusalem wilt thou not be made clean VVhen shall it once be Jer. 13. 27. CHAP. IX Of COVETOUSNESS COvetousness is an inordinate Love and Desire after Money as when one is more earnest after that then God and the things of his Kingdom The Covetous Man is an idolater Eph. 5. 5. and so Col. 3. 5. for he hath a greater Love and Veneration for corruptible Gold and Silver then for the immortal God. Ye cannot serve God and Mammon Luke 16. 13. Yet the last seems to be the Prince of this World for it bears greatest sway It Commandeth all things procureth all things hath in subjection Man and Beast and hath exceeding Estimation for what is due only to the Lord Jehovah is applied secretly within the Heart to this Idol How excellent is thy Name in all the Earth Thus hath it robbed God of his Glory for there is more Service â—zek 14. 〈◊〉 and Valuation given to it by sottish Children and blind Fools then is had to the invisible Being Some through this are dissemblers with God who pretend to serve him are zealous for the outward Ordinances and abstain from the chargeable Sins but do grind the Faces of the Poor Isa 3. 15. Cheat and defraud others are greedy after Gain and use sinful means And yet seem to have a good mind towards God for they are diligent in his Worship And they come unto thee as the People cometh and they sit before thee as my People and they hear thy VVords but they will not do with them for with their Mouth they make a shew of much Love but their Heart goeth after their Covetousness Ezek. 33. 31. As if they could put a Cheat upon him also by putting him off with good words only when in the mean time they will think and do what they List Thou understandest my thought afar off Psal 139. 2. At the very Rise and Conception before we know it our selves Let this be duly considered of by Hyppocrites and formal Professors It will not be accepted to be double-minded to have one place for God and another for the World. Neither is he to be thrust out from the Heart into the Mouth or Lips. He knoweth where he is used with neglect and will recompence accordingly as also where he is not obeyed from the Heart and where he hath not the whole The Commandment is repeated over and over Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy Heart and with all thy Soul. He requires to have the
be more tormenting when it comes to be in reality for evermoâ—e The surest way never to come to Hell is to hear of it often and this is a thousand times better then not to suffer the bare Report but blindly go on and drop into it It is better to be foretold and foresee and so avoid then run on Deaf and Blind to the place they did so much fear whilst it was but in sight and hearing The froward hardened Sinners will neither think of nor let another tell them what they are liable unto whereas this would somewhat remove their Obstinacy and Senslessness and then way is made for Gods Grace and so they might be saved It is almost the same thing to speak to an Herd of Cattle as Worldly Men they will keep their head downwards a grazing and these will mind their sinful gain let what will be declared unto them And the Pharisees also who were covetous â—eard all these things and they derided him Luke 16. 14. They may 〈◊〉 off a conviction with a scorn and neglect Others know not what this means Unregenerate Men who have long continued so and their hearts are pinioned to the World understand not much more of Spiritual things then Beasts do of reason But God will take care that what he hath said shall come to pass And those who are so stout now to value his Words as an insignificant sound or dead letter may at length find they will cause an hideous yelling in themselves â—zek 6. 10. Dan. 12. 9 and be a savour of Death unto Death As the Words in a Statute Book do now cause several to suffer loss of Libeâ—ty Life and Member and other ways of Punishment from Truth all that is rightly inferred is Truth Let people resist the Truth 2 Tim. 3. 8. or disregard it still that remains and however in the mean while stifled or prevaricated that will rise up at the Judgment of the Great Day Whether they will read or not these words are laid before them that they might have turned from their evil ways Take heed and beware of Covetousness for a Mans life consisteth not in the abundance of things he possesseth Luke 12. 15. 'T is enforced with a double caution to prevent the least beginning thereof and an excellent Reason added And though the Wisdom of the World seems to confront this for they would account none truly Wise but who gets Riches and so again whosoever doth he must be necessarily Wise yet as sure as God is and we have any Revelation from him there is another Notion of Wisdom Man was sent into this World and endued with understanding that he should be Wise He is not to continue here but only pass through and so away Now that he should do nothing but pick up Dirt in the Road seems a most Senseless thing For though he was made of Earth yet this here treated of is no part of his Nature it neither came into the World with him nor shall go out with him Our days fly as a Post till the last cometh and in that day all our Thoughts shall perish all the Labour we have taken under the Sun signifieth nothing The end of that was to Minister things for Life but when this is demanded all those things likewise vanish which did relate thereunto there is no Jer. 51. 13. more rising up early to eat the Bread of Carefulness Bodily work ceaseth Worldly business is at end It avails not to have been cumbred about many things to have heaped up Riches and gotten Gain A Man shall not by having so done redeem his Soul nor give to God a Ransom for it But he is to be examined whether he was more employed about the one thing needful which shall not be taken away and will stand in stead when all these things shall fail When a Man comes to die if he had all Pleasures Riches and Honours he is not therefore in a better Condition much less is he who hath bestowed all his time to be a little more Rich then his other Neighbours and for this he hath forâ—eited his Right to the Heavenly inheritance which otherwise he might have been Partaker of He counted himself a cunning Fellow whilst he lived because he knew how to get Money and keep it thinking others Fools who had not such a high value thereof as himself And perhaps thought them unwise who mind Religion which was an hindrance to Gain and also Chargeable he did not see them get any thing by it Whilst he letting alone Words did Compass real and substantial Coyn For all he hugs himself so much in his own Wisdom he shall be the meerest Fool. He is sensible what a Vexation it is to lose a Pound to save a Penny for this commonly happens to covetous Niggards and the torment will not be less when he shall come to know that for a little earthly Pelf he is deprived of a Kingdom The opinion of the World is if they see one always diligent in business and he grows Rich they conclude him to be a very Wise man another doth not neglect his Calling but Labours therein so far as to provide things necessary and convenient But in the first place doth carefully observe his Duty towards God and will sometimes lose a temporal Profit rather then let slip an opportunity of doing his Soul good him they term a foolish and simple Fellow Whatever Men think now at length it will be plainly discerned between him that serveth God and who serveth him not and which of the twain is most Wise Even now we perceive the one hath hopes in his Death the other goes away not knowing what shall become of him Men think it enough if they do but mind their business whilst they live besides they understand not what they should do but what Wisdom is it to be employed about that which shortly shall cease seeming all one as if it had not been at all and to leave that undone for which they must eternally suffer They have nothing to trust unto but this Life of which they are not assured for a Week nor a Day before they are convinced of the greatest and Remediless Folly that ever was For their Wit and Contrivance in getting Money It is to be observed how corrupt Nature is carried violently to evil It is easie to Swim with the Stream so to find out those crafty and hidden things of dishonesty They are learnt from one to another any one may know them that will look into the Practise of the World. And the Devil will be ready to suggest more However it signifies little if he is Wise in the way if he is not so in the end He who makes a Journey to such a place to no purpose if he doth go the right and nearest way is a Fool for all that And if Covetousness is not the principal business and end of Mans Life he can never Act prudently who Labours for it all
aggravate the Abomination of Envy Then that it caused the Death of our Lord. What Storms and Persecutions hath it since raised against his Members Hath kindled a fire and shed the Blood of thousands of his Servants because they did receive his Doctrine and were more Righteous then theâ—â— Tormenters If they have persecuted 1 John 3. 12. me they will persecute you also John 15. 20. Said their forerunner and it hath been fulfilled to a Witness look upon that vast Army of Martyrs Who have washed their Robes in Blood and came out from great Tribulation unto whom it was said in the days of John That they should rest yet for a little Season until their fellow Servants also and their Brethren that should be killed as they were should be fuâ—â—illed Rev. 6. 11. Which since his time hath been done in great measure and the end is not yet Who slew all these An Enemy hath done it through whose Envy Death came first into the World and he hath employed his Instruments ever since for accomplishing all the mischief that was ever done It hath inflicted cruel Mockings and Scourgings Bonds and Imprisonments and found out all ways to torture and make miserable if that were possible the elect of God. When his only Son the first born among many Brethren was slain he prayed for his Murderers Father forgive them for they know not what they do Luke 21. 34. But one would think by this time they have been so long used to this accursed Employment they should know what they do and who sets them on Even the Dragon who hath so long made war with them which keep the Commandments of God and have the Testimony of Jesus Christ Rev. 12. 17. When People hear their good Confessions with what Faith and Constancy they suffer for the Name and Truth of the Lord Jesus When they neither suffer as Traytors Murderers Thieves or Evil doers When they are neither Blasphemers nor Hereticks for an Heretick is condemned of himself Tit. 3. 11. Convinced to the contrary in his own judgment and such are they though their Adversaries would cloath them in the skin of such but it is so thin that themselves and all the World maâ— see their innocencâ— through it but Wickedness wants a pretence and some they would make use of to hide their own Malice and Envy Can they hide their Counsel from the Lord Isa 29. 15 Or conceal from him before whom all things are naked and opened Heb. 4. 13. The wicked plotteth against the just and gnasheth upon him with his Teeth here is the beginning but a little further The wicked have drawn out the Sword Psal 37. 12 14. And when they have had Powâ—r aâ—â— Authority they have executed it O ye Sons of Mâ—n wherefore should you do such things Why will ye bâ— Tools to do his Work who hath great Wrath and but 〈…〉 le time Saâ—an is not divided against Satan We do not Râ—ad that the Devils â—oâ—ment those of their own kind Why should on carry your selves cruelâ—y and despiteâ—ully against the saâ—e Fâ—â—â—h and Blood They are the Servants of God of whom it is said He that â—oâ—cheth you tâ—ucheth the Apple of his Eye Zech. 2. 8. The Lord Christ takes it immediately upon himself when any of his Memâ—ers suffer I am Jesus whâ—m thou persâ—cutest It is hard for thee to kick agaâ—â—st the Pricks Acts 9. 5. And therefore you had best have a Care what you do to these Men. Your Breath is in your Nostils which will one day go forth and then God will suffer your evil Deeds no longer You can only lift up your hand and heart against Heaven and manifest a little spite against your Fellow-Creatures but will you contend with him who liveth for ever Who can cast both Body and Soul in Hell Fire it will be manifested who is stronger and who will have the worst oâ— it at last Conâ—â—der of this before hand Life is lent to aâ—l Men to work out their own Salvation and escape the Wrath to come And what madness is it to bereave others a little before to send them into the place of Rest and Doom your selves unto Torment You think evil against them but God will turn it into Good the more mischief you do he will change it into a greater Benefit There are no such Fools in the World as Persecutors for they miss of the thing they aim at it falls out contrary to what they would have And hast feared every day because of the fury of the Opprâ—ssour as if he were ready to destroy and where is the fury of the Oppressour Isa 51. 13. What is now become of all those stirs they have made in the World The Dust is cast over them and they are quiet their â—ands are tyed up and fettered in the Grave from doing any more violence the wickedness of those wicked Men is come to an end but where do their Souls abide In what Condition are they How vext and enraged are they at their past Rage With what Fear and Trembling do they look for the Resurrection of their Bodies when they must come â—orth to Judgment And those who did â—eretofore ruffle and bluster in humane Courts and Judicatories will be forced to behave themselves in another manner at the Judgment Seat of Christ Those mighty Emperours and Tyrants will find one higher then they the inferiour Officers and Magistrates will meet with one whom they were as much bound to obey as their respective Masters The great swelling Words will be changed into doleful Crys and Lamentations Instead of Domineering and insulting over those they had once Prisoners before them will succeed trembling at their Presence and will be strangely abaâ—hed to see them become their Judges God will arise and maintain his own Cause and â—â—e boldest Persecutors shall at length find It is hard to kick against the Pricks the fiercer they do it the deeper they wound themsâ—lves Their Sword shall enter into their own Heart and their Bows shall be broken Psal 37. 15. If you are Men and not savage Wolves Be reasoned with a little Wherefore should you deal so cruelly against those who believe on God and obey him They must acknowledge He is greater then Man and should be served by us Is their hatred against the mighty One because They would not have him Râ—ign over them Luke 14 14. And because they cannot hurt him will they hurt his Servants He sets himself on their side It is impossible to resist him It is mâ—dness but to attempt it If it be of God ye cannot overthrow it lest haply ye be found even to fight against God Acts 5. 39. He searcheth the very Secrets of all Hearts and if their Rage is against him Isa 37. 28. he knoweth it There is a Root of bitterness growing within the Bosom of Persecutors an Enmity against God. Either it must be this or hatred against the Persons of good Men in whom shines forth his
right before thee Jer. 17. 16. They are bound to believe and speak â—orth Gods Truth but yet far from wishing the Misery of those who are Flesh of their Flesh and Bone of their Bone of the same common stock and likeness with themselves However they must love God more then Man and be more zealous for his Glory Truth and Justice then the welfare of others They had rather that wicked Men turn and live They would have such part with dâ—ceiâ—ful Lusts for true Happiness and do use their utmost endeavours to accomplish this blessed Work but if they continue still in an hard impenitent heart If they persist to hate provoke and despise the most Lovely Excellent Glorious One who hath not in the least deserved it from them If they abuse his Goodness and Long-suffering which at length is worn out and their day is past Let God arise and let his Enemies be scattered let them also that hate him flee before him As smoke is driven away so drive them away As Wax melteth before the Fire so let the wicked perish at the Presence of God. But let the righteous be glad let them rejoyce before God yea let them exceedingly rejoyce Psal 68. 1 2 3. They will be pleased when they behold God glorified in his Justice upon the wicked as in his Mercy on themselves Even they will fully acknowledge the Lord is righteous he hath dealt with them accordingly to their deservings they had theâ—r Choice and he did all things to bring them to Heaven and avoid the evil but they maliciously refused the one and did run blindly into the other If now they would lay aside prejudice and false judgings and debate the Matter seriously in their minds they must Confess the Goodness and Justice of God in the Government of the World as to future Rewards and Punishments though we are now in the Flesh and have not so very clear a discovery of things much more will it appear when we shall be stript and dispossessed of all when the Judge himself shall testifie against us Psal 50. 6 7. And plead with the Inhabitants of the Earth give a large Account of what he hath done for his Vineyard and leave us to judge what he could do more that he hath not done Isa 5. that every mouth may be stopped and all the World become Guilty before God Rom. 3. 19. The Righteous will say If thou Lord hadst been extream to mark iniquity who might abide it Even they would be Condemned But they fled to him who was set forth for an Advocate and Propitiation for our Sins they entred into that Covenant of Grace which was made through him between God and Man and sincerely performed the Conditions thereof O what magnifying will there then be of the Mercy of the Father in sending him and his Love in doing so great things for mankind But for those his Enemies who would not have him Reign over them who did Call him Lord Lord but did not the things he said who did mock and trifle with him these shall find to be true what is written 2 Thes 1. 7 8 9. Rev. 2. 23. The Secrets of all Hearts will be manifested all Tricks and Evasions will vanish and themselves will really assent to the Truth and uprightness of Gods proceeding against them They will be forced to know these things when knowledge will do them no good but to aggravate their own Folly that they would not know them before-hand that they were willingly ignorant 2 Pet. 3. 5. Who are now of a different Opinion from the Godly and so exasperated against them will find those things to be true they told them of and will wish they had hearkened to them In the Word of God is such abundant Conviction for all sorts of wicked Men but especially the worst sort of Persecutors that when they hear these things the former must be pricked in their Heart Acts 2. 37. and so bring them to Repentance the others cut to the Heart Acts 7. 54. which would stop the way of them But if they are desperately resolved and gnash with their Teeth then they must Cry with a loud voice and stop their Ears Verse 57. and run upon mischief Making the outward noise to silence the Cries within them Be sure not to hear what can be said against their wicked Designs for then they could not do them They must violently rush on for they cannot go soft deliberate and do this They hasten on with hurry and Passion for let them take sober Councel they will never Act such things If they take advice from Scripture they will be found mad and Enemies to themselves If by Reason that will pronounce them to be Fools and cruel to others And therefore if their Hearts are fully set in them to do evil they must consult with neither And this is the very Reason why they go on in their Course as is generally of a wicked Life to resolve first to hear nothing to the contrary But if one was throughly bent to commit Theft Robbery Treason and thereupon think himself safe because he would not know the Kings Laws should we think him so He would be hanged for all that In like manner God hath published his Word to the World and whether Men will take notice of the Truths of it or no they only lie dormant for a while but he will judge and condemn by it and their ignorance will not excuse but aggravate their Guilt because it was malicious and wilful They might have known in this their Day the things which belong to their Peace but when they are hid from their Eyes they will be plagued that they did not know them and what they now account a Priviledge will be one degree more of their Torment Let others have a Care how they become the Authors of Reproach and Persecution which begins by the steps of Malice and Ill-will Our Lord himself laid open the unreasonableness thereof for having before shewed why they should not he sâ—iâ—h Yet they both hated me and my Father but this comes to pass â—hat the word might be fulfilled which was written in their Law they hated me without a Cause John 15. 25. He told his Disciples that they also would be hated and so it hath appeared of his true Followers in all Ages ever since But why shouldst thou Labour so much in this Point Seeing those who are Hated Slandered and Persâ—cuted are Parâ—akâ—rs of the Blessing and obtain a Reward for it and consequently it is better for them to be so intreated This is a right Julian Scoff yet we have our Saviour for an Example in vindicating himself and the â—oly Apâ—stles maintaining their Innocency and shewing the uâ—reasonableâ—ess of their Adversaries rage against them However God is pleased to â—urn the Sufferings of his Servants into good recompence them with Comfort here and Glory hereafter yet they are to be put in mind not presently to suffâ—r without using all lawâ—ul
that follows What can be more unreasonable then not to endeavour to avoid that which every one may and is called upon to do Cast away from you all your Transgressions whereby ye have transgressed and make you a new Heart and a new Spirit For why will ye die O House of Israel Ezek. 18 31. The purpose of God is fully Ratified and Confirmed whether Men believe or not Revelation and Reason do make it the more known and manifest unto us Life and immortality are brought to Light through the Gospel 2 Tim. 1. 10. and also there is an assured Testimony within us Witnessing the same Both which are sufficient to leave us without excuse to clear Gods Justice and aggravate our own Folly and Condemnation if we do not take notice and provide accordingly There have already came Messengers from God to make the Careless Ethiopians afraid Ezek. 30. 9. to make the negligent World look about themselves Christ hath those which declare the same every Lords-day So there is none living in this Countrey but either hath or might have heard of these things And yet can they shew themselves unconcerned When immortality and endless Life are discoursed of are they so stupid to care for none of these things Who are so busied with the little Affairs of this present time which shortly shall end and to be unmindful of that long Tract of Eternity which will quickly begin but never end Whether you shall take up your everlasting Habitation in Heaven or Hell doth as nearly concern you as now what you shall eat or drink how to obtain such a Profit or such a Pleasure and avoid a loss or inconvenience If you will not have to do with these things have to do with nothing at all for nothing comes more near or is more worthy of your serious regard If you are Wise you will take heed to your selves in Worldly Matters for some mâ—schief may otherwise fall upon you which by Caution might have been prevented And suffer your selves to be forewarned that only the Breath in your Nostrils holds you as yet from being plunged into the greatest Evil and deprived of the greatest Good. You will be liable to this as long as you remain inconsiderate and that you cannot long neither for you must die that is certain as you now live and the time thereof will be as surely here as the present Day is and after that you will be mindful of the things we are speaking of do what you can All negligence will instantly vanish in the other World. When you are once shut under Hatches by Death you will sufficiently lament for your former Carelessness and Stupidity and will be infinitely more vext that you did give way to that with which you now please your selves In the place of Darkness it will be no small Addition of Misery to remember that Light which you despised and was offered you that you might noâ— come there What can be said more to that universal destroyer of Souls Stubbornness and Negligence There hath been too much said already for it hath a present Answer to all which may be alledged to the contrary I will not read I will not mind it all that can be written may signifie no more then blank Paper But yet others may know and themselves will find that whatsoever is delivered by necessary Consequence from Scripture will be fulfilled Truth is Gods and bears his Image and Superscription And who despises the one will be as much despised by him If People will stamp the Kings Coyn under foot or are wilfully resolved not to receive it he will resent and punish the Affront The Lord and Governour of the World will not suffer without Punishment himself to be dis-regarded by Earth-Worms who are as nothing in Comparison of him Judge your selves whether it is equal When he acquaints Men of Heaven and Happiness shewing them the way to it that they should scorn the pleasant Land and give no Credence unto his Word When he would set up his Kingdom in the Hearts of Men that they should thrust him out and will not have to do with him Consider he is God and you are but Men what vast difference these two import Is it not meet to pay as much respect to him as we do to our Superiors on Earth The King who rules over us hath the Subjection of the outward Man in things pertaining to the Welfare and Peace of his Kingdom and it is freely given him though there is no other benefit but to live for a while safely under his Protection and that we think as it is indeed sufficient The Government of God reaches further to the Thoughts and Intents of the Heart all one as Words and Actions even the whole Man But then it is for his present Peace and he will reward him with eternal Happiness hereafter which none of our Masters upon Earth would or can do As much as God is greater then Man so it is just his Command should extend further and yet if the Monarchs of several Nations were so despised by their respective Subjects as God is by us to our shame be it spoken but more especially by the ungodly part of mankind how would they take it And God is pleased to declare that he will deal so with us as we do with one another The abomination of iniquity is set forth in Scripture by those who say unto God Depart from us for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways Job 21. 14. By not regarding his Work and despising his Word Isa 5. 12 24. so Psal 50. 17. and such like which plainly declares that he resents it all to the utmost If we did not conceive of Sin this way by Mens behaving themselves Contemptuously and stubbornly against an infinite and Glorious God we should think hardly of his Justice in preparing such exceeding Punishments for what are called light offences but as great as despising of him who doth so much excel the Stout Inhabitants of the Earth If there was but a Probability Mal. 3. 13. as we have full Evidence and Demonstration of his Reigning over us yet we should not carry our selves in a slighting manner towards him I tremble to think seriously of our demeanour and Arrogancy towards him whom we call the Lord our God. Such usage might be befitting a Baal and Ashtaroth Heathen idols and the work of our own hands but in no Wise to the Living Lord The Great King upon all the Earth the HOLY Psal 130. 3 4. WISE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY If thou O Lord shouldst mark iniquities O Lord who shall stand Lord help our unbelief help our ignorance help our infirmities We are in a World of sensible things which betray us too often to forget thee but we will not always do thus wickedly or put thee off with Scorn and Neglect â—or a willing and continued Transgression after this manner there is no excuse When God sends a Message to take no notice of
Grace of God should taste Death for every Man Heb. 2. 9. Taking away that exceeding bitterness in it for all those who will comply with the ends of his death Who can withstand such goodness The full Cup was taken off it matters not if a drop or two is left behind that we may just relish how exceeding bitter it was to him Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the VVorld John 1. 29. Even Jesus which delivered us from the wrath to come 1 Thes 1. 10. Saith David of Old Yea though I walk through the valley of the Shadow of Death I will Fear no Evil Psal 23. 4. He speaks a little doubtfully as may be observed by the Particle â—ea though Heb. 12. 27. He is apt to believe he should not he hopes so As one to whom Immortality Resurrection and Eternal Life was not clearly revealed see Psal 6. 5. Psal 88. 10. Isa 38 18. They lived under that dispensation which gendred Bondage but now we know what is written Heb. 2. 14 15. Rev. 14. 13. It is said from henceforth which hath been accordingly fulfilled Immediately after Christ had suffered how did the Saints grapple with Death Notwithstanding that fury and rage of his Enemies we find not Stephen in the least surprized nothing that betrayed any Fear He prays for his Murderers and when he had said this he fell asleep Acts 7. 60. Observe the phrase of the Holy Ghost it was no more trouble or concern to him then an ordinary taking rest by night Paul triumphs over it in behalf of all Christians 1 Cor. 15. 54 55 56. 2 Cor. 5. 4 8. and for himself declares Phil. 1. 21 22. Tertullian describing the Happiness of Christians in his time after he had reckoned up many parts thereof brings up as the most considerable of all That they have no Fear of Death He speaks generally of all not limiting it only to the Martyrs Tert. de spect though indeed it did appear more in them Our Fathers have told us what great things God did in this Nation in those who suffered for his Truth and the Testimony of a good Conscience in the time of Queen Mary The Promise is certain and applicable to all God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble Psal 46. 1. Amongst all the Extremities which befal poor Mortals that seems the sharpest which denominates them such The last Enemy is Death and all other Evils are the more feared because they may bring on that So we may be bold to say God is obliged by Promise to succour his Servants at that time and may humbly intreat him to make good his Word which he doth accordingly The continuance of his Spirit that it hath been now is and ever shall be is plainly asserted Hag. 2. 5. Isa 59. 21. John 14. 16. Whatever is requisite now adays to turn the Hearts of the Fathers unto the Children and the disobedient to the Wisdom of the Just to make ready a People prepared for the Lord Luke 1. 17. there is the same Reason it should and it doth still abide among us as our Fore-fathers God will have a Church in the World to the end of time so all along his Promises do extend and he doth provide things Convenient for the building up Stablishment and Comfort thereof The Spirit is called the Comforter not that he doth deliver from Evils but support under them And it cannot be thoâ—ght whose business is to this very end that this should not assist in the last of all In the time of common Sickness and Death many good People go out of the World at this day with Peace and as it were rejoycing Nay when the Horror of Death approacheth we may see the shew of a Smile in their Countenance how they do insult over this Enemy for do its worst it can do them no harm It is not thus always for several things may stop the exerting forth of this Cheerfulness yet what the Apostle saith is Peremptory and true If any Man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his Rom 8. 9. And that will yield some Comfort it doth shine in the Heart though it may be darkned and over clouded I would in no wise discourage any one who hath sincerity and the true Fear of God who are willing to please him in all things though their beginnings may be imperfect For who hath despised the day of small things Zech. 4. 10. and yet are taken away God will Judge according to the real Intentions for this is accepted if it would indeed come forth into Act as may be learned by comparing Heb. 11. 17. with Gen. 22. 10 12. And so if they should not live to perfect the good Work He who knows the very secrets of the Heart accepts of the Will for the Deed and will deal with them as he knows their Obedience would be if they should live longer these may be in doubt and uncertainty yet go off safely But there is a vast number of Hypocrites and almost Christians who hinder from discerning the Truth for it is more judged of by these Examples then the written Word of God. Whereas they do confirm it the more There is a difference between seeming and reality those who make goodly appearances may be full of Rottenness within and again those who boast they keep all the Commandments may yet want one thing which is necessary to give them Title to Heaven They live in some reserved Sin not discovered to the World or Omâ—ssion of Duty which makes them horribly afraid There is a way shewed that the Scriptures may be fulfilled in Mens Persons Let them do what is therein required and the Promise of good things doth belong unto them None can with just reason conceive the least unfaithfulness in God or Falshood in his Word if himself doth not wholly conform to it Whether Men will or not that remains the same The Scripture cannot be broken John 10. 35. If it is not fulfilled by their obâ—dience unto Happiness it will be notwithstanding in their wickedness by acquainting them what they shall experimentally find Destruction and Misery are in their ways and the way of Peace they have not known Rom. 3 16 17. As the Salvation of the righteous and Condemnation of the wicked will at last tend to Gods Glory so even at this present time they do set forth and manifest his Truth If one finds no Comfort or benefit by the Word it is a sad Sign that it is taken from him and he is yet in his Sins It is because he doth not order his Stâ—ps in Gods VVord but some iniquity hath Dominion over him Psal 119. 133. for we must Sincerely endeavonr the things we pray for Mark the perfect Man and behold the upright for the end of that Man is Peace Psal 37. 37. Not Stupidity or Senselessness for he that hath truly served God in his Life-time doth not go away after
7 12 13 22. It is the great Aggravation of the Sin of Apostacy concerning which the Apostle speaks so dreadfully Heb. 6. 4 5 6. and Chapter 10. 26 27. Who were once enlightened and tasted of the Heavenly Gift and were made Partakers of the Holy Ghost and have tasted the good VVord of God and of the Powers of the VVorld to come If they shall fall away When one formerly hath had experience of the ways of Sin and then by Conversion hath full experience of the ways of God to fall away again from them is to pronounce on Satans side that he is the best Master as who hath judged of both and then resolvedly with Deliberation to determine for him which must be an exceeding Provocation to the Divine Majesty In like manner the next Degree to that is when one hath perceived to the utmost all the Delights of Sin and Vanity when he hath went from Flower to Flower and is either wearied in the Range and by insufficiency of some may be fully perswaded of the like in the rest yet still to cleave unto these nauseating empty and deluding Follies to seem to give Gods word the Lye which speaks of the Misery and Deceitfulness of them by owning the Happiness of them when he is convinced to the contrary to refuse to be reformed to shew himself despitefully and disdainfully against the ways of Holiness to give no Credit to the real good that is in them or when he assents there is not to follow after them but keep the preference to Old dreggy Lusts making his boast of them to stick unto Harlots when their Skirt is uncovered and the Filthiness of them fully known yet to esteem them before the true Beloved the chiefest of ten Thousand When he hath sufficiently found how little Fruit there is in those things whereof he was at first ashamed but still continues in them and hardens his Face When he is told the end of them is Death When for some considerable time sufficient to make a true and impartial Decision and by reason of use he hath had his Senses exercised to discern good and evil and he remains in the last still when all these things have been done and yet he perseveres wilfully and stubbornly to follow them against the Commands and forbidding of his Maker All these are sad Signs and Prognosticks that such an one will never come to Repentance but it is just with God after repeated Provocations of this manner to give him over to vile Affections and then he may dote upon his Destruction and be utterly estranged from the way of Salvation It is necessary to consider the Nature and end of things in order to state them aright many Souls have perished by mistakes and false Notions of Repentance Who have fallen from this Plank and been drowned in the Waters which would have carried them into the Promised Land if they had relied upon the whole instead of a part thereof or had not suffered it to slip from them by intending to lay hold on it but were not able it being gone too far from them To prevent as much Danger for the future as may be to have this sure and stedfast let the Reader be once more put in mind whereof he hath read or heard often that the word in the Greek Language Metanoia by which Repentance is signified in the New Testament imports a Change of mind and is expressed in words at length Rom. 12. 2. Gal. 6. 15. Eph. 4. 22 23 24. 2 Cor. 5. 17. It is Superfluous but yet safe to set down though the Observation hath been so often made already of Metamelia and Metanoia in 2 Cor. 7. 8 9. Where Paul speaks of himself I did repent that is I was vexed for the time he Expresses it by the first Word but when ye sorrowed to Repentance Godly sorrow worketh Repentance to Salvation not to be repented of He Expresses that by Metanoia which plainly manifests that Metamelia is such as must be again repented of and doth not avail to Salvation Repentance in the Old Testament is seldom named but is intended by that Phrase of turning away from your iniquities to this give all the Prophets witness which might be done as to the outward Act. The Evangelical Prophet Isaiah goes further Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous Man his Thoughts Isa 55. 7. but the Gospel in a more especial manner is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the Heart and makes use of this word Repentance which reaches to the very ground of it So that it is not a bare ceasing to speak or do Evil and retaining affection to the same in the Soul but that must be altered into a real dislike and hatred of Evil. As Sin doth first take its Rise from the Heart prâ—curâ—ng a Consent there and thence come forth into Word and Act so in the forsaking it may go backwards and by first leaving of the Actions and Speeches we may at length come to have an inward Detestation of it for less then this is insufficient to perfect the Work of Repentance Let nothing be said here or in any other place to exclude that growth and Proficiency of the Christian Life for that as none of Gods Works are done of a sudden with the beginnig increase and exercise thereof is the great end of our abiding in this World. The method of the working of his Grace like driving out †Exod. 23. 30. the Canaanites from within is by little and little None need to be perplexed or disturbed about this for if any should be taken away in the midst of his days and of the good Work yet if our merciful God sees a sincere tending towards it he accepts thereof as if actually done God forbid on the one hand any thing should be said to give License or Encouragement to Sin so again on the other let all things be done for the Hope and Consolation of all those who will come in due time and accept of Mercy This being the peculiar Priviledge of poor mankind and the means which our most merciful God hath ordained to save themselves from the Wrath to come far be it from me or any other to shorten the extent of it or to prescribe exactly at what time or to what pitch of abhorrence and Contrition it must be Even such as our Supream Judge will be pleased to accept of God is not tyed to the Fancies of Men if some Prophesie smooth things and others too hard Speeches he will not Ratifie what they say but condemn whom Man absolves as again acquit whom Man condemus Nevertheless he hath declared He will Judge the World Psal 96. 13. in Righteousness and with his Truth And will rectifie and excuse if it should be here mistaken on the severer hand as it being against our selves we are not apt to do neither indeed ought for Mercy rejoyceth against Judgment Yet for the safety of all as to give
was for enjoying the Pleasures of Sin as long as he could and when they leave him to come in just soon enough as he imagines will save his Soul all for himself and nothing for God shall find how it will be accepted If we had right knowledge of the Godhead it would prevent abundance of mistakes and deceits in Masters of Religion Consisider him as All wise All-knowing with whom is Majesty and Honour Goodness and Power It is the wickedness of the wicked to Think that God was altogether such an one as himself Psal 50. 21. But whatever is of good report amongst Men there seeing himself is pleased to make such resemblances we may conclude that he will deal so with us as one Superiour dealeth with his Inferiour for which he is not blamed but commended in the sight of the World. The Prophet Mal. 1. argues after this manner very much to the present purpose and concludes the Chapter for I am a great King saith the Lord of Hosts and my Name is dreadful among the Heathen Conceive him therefore so and we are obliged to do as much to please him and make way for his Acceptance as any Earthly Monarch whatsoever Is it irksome It would indeed have been better not to have sinned but seeing thou hast thou must suffer the difficulty of Repentance or that which is worse Put on a good resolution and the irksomness will wear of Be encouraged by what the Lord Jesus saith I am not come to call the Righteous but Sinners to repentance Mat. 9. 13. Joy shall be in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth more then over ninety nine persons which need no repentance Luke 15. 7. When any increase is mace to Christs fold besides those they had before Our nature is something aukward and averse to repent What to undo and recant to accuse our selves of fault folly and shame seems hard in our natural proud state Yet it is not unreasonable to confess what we cannot deny our imperfection and want of foresight It is an act of prudence to return from an errour and of such an one who is able to discern what is really good and profitable It is an advancement to a better state Was it not more unreasonable to do those things at first then it is now to leave them when they are discovered to be false and evil But chiefly which should have been mentioned in the first place seeing we have offended against a Great and Good God we are required Only acknowledge thine iniquity that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God Jer. 3. 13. What is more just and equal What hath God deserved at our hands that we should be so Rebellious against him Whatever pride may suggest it is no undervaluing for us poor Worms to fall low on our Faces before his Foot-stool to lie down in confusion and our shame hath covered us to make our Sabmission unto him He is worthy of the greatest prostration from far more excellent Creatures and they pay it accordingly Whatever the prophane foolish and scornful Men think of Religious Sneakes yet the God whom we serve is of such Greatness and Glory that ten times greater reverence is most due unto him then either we do or can give but the day will come when they shall more creep before the Holy One of Israel When God shall tread down his Enemies Let them inwardly laugh or smile at our crying peccavi they do the same unto their Superiours who are but Earth Worms and they shall further take up the very same voice when it will be disinal and fruitless When they shall be rejected and find no place for repentance though they seek for it carefully with Tears Heb. 12. 17. We do buâ—â— now what through the goodness and Mercy of God may avail to his forgiveness and reward what they shall be forced to in vain to turn from themselves Gnilt and Condemnation We have no reason to upbraid or look little upon one another for so doing for it is the case of us all we have sinned and are worthy of punishment he alone is Happy and Wise who useth this means to prevent it It is just that the Soul should be in the utmost subjection to the Father of Spirits that it should both pray and endeavour to be turned at the command of him who fashioned it to comply with the will of him who did both create and also would renew it The first was done without our consent and power the second will not seeing God is to be glorified by our free obedience and himself hath enabled us to give it without our working together with him who transforms the hearts of Men. Because we can just refuse must we necessarily do so He hath ordered the heart so that it may turn either way and should not it go towards its first mover turn unto the Lord our God Turn thou me and I shall be turned for thou art the Lord my God Jer. 31 8. Turn unto me and I will turn unto you saith the Lord of Hosts Zech. 1. 3. There must be some work of our own to concur with Gods Act and be partaker of his gracious Promise The heart is re â—less and dissatisfied until fixed on its proper Object which is God alone It covers after this or that thing but still doth not find content wandring up and down in its pursuit after Happiness but never meets with it Every least appearance and shadow is catched at but the only true and chiefest good is not minded nor sought after My people hath been lost sheep they have gone from Mountain to Hill they have forgot their resting place Jer. 50. 6. As the Soul hath a natural desire to know God not in those who have defaced it with sensuality and brutishness but who exert the operations thereof as they should so when it comes to be acâ—uainted with him is in peace It can be contented for the present and wait some time for the full enjoyment of him When it is once sensible God is willing of his Creatures Happiness hath placed them here only to try them and all his dealings are Wisdom Truth and Righteousness When it comes throughly to know the order of divine affairs then it both admires and is satisfied with the whole will and good pleasure of our God sits down contented and patiently bears with the things of this present time and hopes for nay is assured of good things to come But however hath not the least doubt or fear of future Evils which is a very considerable difference between the Righteous and the Wicked Repentance first brings into this happy state frees from the Spirit of errour and giddiness makes him to leave off those unsatisfactory Vanities suffers him not to be still deluded with false Imaginations tedious travel and after all Vexatious disappointment When by reason of the pain and insufficiency that is in all things of this World there is an utter despair of Happiness
opposition to those considerations which the Spirit and Word of God would subminister But either he doth not admit them or they lie scattered and loose to be taken away and are not lain to heart When there is a voluntary yielding to Temptations a glad hearkening to all the Whispers of Satan and a turning back from those good Motions or willing unmindfulness of them When there is a complacency and attendance to the flatteries of sin but a dislike or only a sudden thought concerning Holiness there the Man may and also doth run to all sort of Wickedness even in all Thought is the principle of action And therefore it is said Let the Wicked Man Jer. 16. 12. forsake his way and the Vnrighteous Man his Thoughts Isa 55. 7. Which walketh in a way which is not good after their own thoughts Isa 65. 2. As sin is shameful so the inducements to it are concealed but there was never an advised act of it committed but those conceits had a greater influence over him then other considerations which either did not appear to him so forcible or were slightly or not thought of at all and these deliberate acts determine the condition of every Man as to future Happiness or Misery Even that which they commonly alledge for excuse is advised also their Ignorance and Inconsideration for they might both know and consider if they would and are commanded to do and then they would have acted just contrary Hear now O House of Israel Is not my way equal Are not your ways unequal Ezek. 18. 25. Why should not that be allowed the same foregoing thought as your own Judge of them both alike and be not wholly taken up with the imagination of your own evil hearts That gracious promise to the Wicked Mans Repentance vers 27. is observable for the reason added vers 28. Because he considereth and turneth away from all his Transgressions that he hath committed he shall surely live he shall not die As before he had some seeming reason why he did wickedly so having attended and fully weighed what was offered on the other side this makes the stream of Action run the right way I thought on my ways and turned my feet unto thy Testimonies Psal 119 59. Not with a slight fancy or cursory approbation only of one side but with a through and full deliberation and upon such a debate let any one cast out the commands and proposals of our God who can An unwise Man doth not know this and a bruâ—ish Man doth not understand it He is guided by Sence and some little shews of Reason but then he will not let reason have its perfect work he will not exert it to the utmost for then he could not live in doubt and misery all his life long or miscarry as to the future If when he is in honour and hath no understanding for that is the same when not used but becomes like the Beasts that perish being moved only with sensible and present objects yet he knows why he doth thus wilfully degenerate himself and he might be otherwise if he would There is some reason which lies at the bottom and shoots forth into all Mens Actions in some it is Carnal Brutish and kept under but in others it is pure rectified and ascending So that would the skilful Workman in the Vineyard dig to the very root and lay dung there endeavour to perswade from the first Principle of Action bringing the like reasons against Ignorance Sluggishness and Sence which he hath for it even this barren Tree through Gods Blessing might be so cultivated as to bring forth Fruit. How forcible are right words Job 6. 25. They subminister right thoughts and those are the original of Action Yea they are the very grace of God as may be gathered from Acts 20. 32. Eph. 4. 29. Tit. 2. 11. What is that but promptings and inclinations in the Soul to Holy and good Things Now right words do afford these the Spirit makes them to be understood warms and enlivens setting them home to our hearts for otherwise they may be as a dead letter an unintelligible flat sound Riddles or Mysteries and this as well as the other is from God from whom all good proceedeth As Meat and Drink nourisheth the Body and preserves Health when dressed aright so the Word of God both being through his appointed Blessing do make the Soul grow up in Grace and Knowledge Wherefore laying aside all Maliâ—e and all Guile and Hypocriâ—ies and Envies and evil speakings as new born Babes desire the sincere Milk of the Word that ye may grow thereby 1 Pet. 2. 1 2. If there have been no prejudices before this hath a mighty effect upon the Soul. It is observed that young Men are more easily perswaded and receptive of good for they have not those habits of sin which strive against sound Doctrine they have not so long resisted the Grace and call of God as others If they are not seared with custom nor hardened with the deceitfulness of sin they may indeed a little struggle through Lust yet are to be wrought on by the Word If not utterly to forsake yet to stop a little in their course and if they would attend constantly to right exhortation they would be converted But conceive him who is a pure Man not corrupted any way that hath the common principles of Nature and come to instruct him in the ways of God He will forthwith assent to them he will judge it the most reasonable thing in the World That Mortal Man should be subject unto the Almighty and everlasting God for a Creature to be governed by his Creator especially when he sees it enforced with that demonstration and power as it may be As soon as they hear of me they shall obey me Psal 18. 44. Every unprejudiced mind must condemn that wilfull ignorance and stubbornness which hinder all that do not come unto God. The Lord looketh upon all the Inhabitants of the Earth he fashioneth their hearts alike Psal 33. 14 15. The very frame and making of all Men being alike none need labour under particular constitutions for they make but little difference and may be overcome are exactly fitted by our wonderful Creator for those tenders of universal Grace and Salvation he hath given to all not one single Soul excepted and then the Word is sufficient as may be seen Luke 2. 30 31. There is nothing wanting but the will of Man to comply with Gods gracious purpose and every one may submit and comply his to that If those who take upon them the Ministry of the Word were throughly concerned and affected with the good of Souls If they would be as diligent in the point of everlasting Happiness or Misery to promote the one and hinder the other as now to do a little kindness and prevent a trifling inconvenience which one Man doth to another and it is well accepted of If they are but lovers of themselves and did
believe the Scriptures not only by saying so with the Tongue but in Reality let them see Ezek. 3. 17 18. Heb. 13. 17. Which should oblige them to act accordingly by making it their principal business to Turn people from Darkness unto Light and from the power of Satan unto God. If they would insist earnestly upon the word of Exhortation do all things to perswade making use of the Arguments that God hath given that people might do also the things well pleasing in his sight As the Scriptures are indeed the Word of God so respect is to be had to them accordingly as the Holy Ghost hath consulted for all times Persons and Places so application is to be made The reason of things is general and God is dishonoured in alike instances as those there particularly spoken against The Law of God is perfect Psal 19. 17. Reaching to all the Thoughts Words and Actions his Government extends over the whole Man and there is no action exempt from his Commandments As we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel even so we speak not as pleasing Mâ—n but God which â—rieth the hearts 1 Thes 2. 4. Not handling the Word of God deceitfully 2 Cor. 4. 2. Which is either done by concealing the cogent arguments or not pressing them home but superficially There are further directions from Acts 20. vers 20 26 27 28. 2 Cor. 10. 4 5. Heb. 4. 12. Isa 58. 1. Jer. 26. 2. If all this and much more which every Teacher knows and is convinced to be his Duty were carefully observed it would tend more towards the reformation of the World. The Church hath ordained Prayers to be used before the Solemn times of Ordination That God would give his Holy Spirit to them that shall be called to serve in the Ministery that they may set forth his Glory and set forward the Salvation of all Men which words if according to their part they did turn into faithful and diligent endeavours if they did their utmost according to the power and means given them more would be done towards it then now is Iâ— they would shew themselves as much concerned as an Embassadour is in a Negotiation for his Prince Men are reasonable Creatures and they might at length yield to the good-will of God who would have all to be saved And though all have not Faith which is the ground-Work for Spiritual Exhortation to be builded upon yet they have Judgment and Understanding to consider the probability of those things which are required to be believed But to this great and good Work there are amongst others two hindrances Pride and want of Resolution If they should use this kind of Preaching expressed by a * Canting and Fanatical disdainful contemptible Term they should lose their Reputation and Good-will with the People and they could not shew their learning The VVord of the Lord was made a reproach unto me and a dâ—â—ision daily Jer. 20. 8. Said the Prophet in his times And it may be a Question Whether it was not by some like saying as that so common in ours Whatsoever shift and meaning they pretend yet he who knows the secrets of the heart is judge himself Men shew their contempt towards him accordingly as they use his Word or Servants which he resents as immediately upon himself And therefore all should have a care how they take into their Moâ—th any Proud or Scornful expression of what relates unto him Neither should others be discouraged by it if they would learn what their great Master saith John 7. 18. The Doctor of the Gentiles hâ—d as eminent Gifts and Natural Accomplishments as any now amongst us yet he did use the foolishness of Preaching But he saith the foolishness of God is wiser then Men 1 Cor. 1. 26. So in his Word are contained greater Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge then in all humane Writings whatsoever There is the Wisdom of God in a Mystery even the hidden Wisdom which God ordained before the VVorld unto our Glory 1 Cor. 2. 7. Which by degrees hath shined forth and still there is more to be seen and so will be unto the end of the World. The well is deep and there is much Water our Fore-fathers have not drained it there is something left for us our Children and for all Posterity for evermore There lie * Isa 45. 15. hid many Inferences and Deductions by which God may be more known to the World his Works and manifold Wisdom more discovered All hath not nor is manifested to past or present Generations there is left for succeeding ones to exercise themselves withall And had all Learned Men applyed their study time and Prayer more closely unto this Book of Divine Revelation there had been much more made known then is now amongst us Whatsoever things are true Whatsoever things are honest Whatsoever things are just Whatsoever things are pure Whatsoever things are lovely Whatsoever things are of good report Whatsoever tends to the real happiness and good of Mankind are here contained the which cannot be said of that vast Multitude of Books in the World taken all together In them are things false meerly conjectural impertinent when here all is true certain and very proper to the great end of Man. Since he is beholden to God for his Being and for discerning those things in himself which is properly Knowledge Where can he better improve that then by the immediate help given in his Word This being Divine and for the assistance of all Men should noâ— set up so much as to be called Rabbi when all are Brethren and Fellow helpers Where they deliver any thing that necessarily flows from the Word and is Truth there we ought to receive it and be thankful unto God who hath made it known by such an instrument for it is one of the Raâ—es which comes down from the Father of Lights and leads up where we shall see Light Psal 36. 9. But if it is meer fancy and opinion if it neither rises from the Fountain of Life nor hath any taste of it such as gratifies an itching Ear or curious Humour this is not to be â—ed principally on nor to keep off from wholesome food The goodness of a thing is measured by the end and what hath the most sublime object God and immortality and that which conduces to present and future Happiness must necessarily excel that which delights only while it is read and perishes in the using for which none is more happy in knowing or if he doth meet with any benefit it is small and signifies nothing beyond this vain transitory life But the VVord of Life 1 John 1. 1. should affect us much more then those little and paultry things we now grasp of which we must in a very little while be bereaved for ever when those great astonishing things shall be both present and visible and so remain to Millions of Ages It tends to those things which always endure
hinders the Accommodation that it may be taken away and then the business is done It is not to lead People on in a bare outward Profession or a partial Observation of the Law but to bring them over unto universal Obedience And he who either will not or dare not do this is not fit to be a Labourer in the Vineyard But unto the wicked God saith What hast thou to do to declare my Statutes or that thou shouldst take my Covenant into thy Mouth Psal 50. 16. He had better seek any other way for a Livelihood then to take the oversight of the Flock of God for filthy lucre 1 Pet. 5. 2. and be negligent thereof Why a good Nature cannot endure to disturb but he must when it is to prevent a greater Evil. Who finds fault with a Surgeon that Pricks to let Blood in order to Health which as it is common so most kind and reasonable All the irksomeness that can be to further our everlasting Happiness and hinder alike Misery allowing for the exceeding Greatness thereof will not amount to so much as Men endure and take it patiently in Case of a slight temporal Good or Evil. Aâ—d I beseech you Brethren suffer the VVord of Exhortation for I have written a Letter unto you in few words Heb. 13. 22. There must some haâ—sh sayings now and then drop from the Preachers mouth if he doth according to the Apostolical injunction make full Proof of his Ministery 2 Tim. 4. 4. The Hearers must bear them patiently and do thereafter if they intend to be saved They are to receive as Eli did from the Child Samuel who told him every whit and hid nothing from him and he said It is the Lord let him do what seemeth him good 1 Sam. 3. 18. Or as Hezekiah heard the Prophets sad Message to his Posterity Good is the VVord of the Lord which thou hast spoken Isa 39. 8. There is an unwillingness to speak of Gods threatnings The Prophets of Old would fain excuse themselves yet they would not be disobedient to the Spirit of God and it was with kindness to the People by first exhorting them to Repentance to prevent the approaching Ruin. And I do not believe any good Man doth love to tyrannize over the Hearts of others by putting them into fear and dread but knowing the terror of the Lord we perswade Men 2 Cor. 5. 11. They do not otherwise declare the whole Counsel of God and they must to keep People from falling under the severity thereof for it would be an odd kind of Mercifulness to let them slide down into Hell because we will not before-hand disturb them a little with the Rumour thereof Doth any one who forewarns another such an Evil or Inconvenience will come upon him unless he hinders it such a way therefore meet with unkindness In no wise but on the contrary all thanks and Good-will There is altogether the like Reason it should be the very same as to the things of God and Eternity Besides it is not he but the Word which doth it No Post or Herald can be justly blamed for publishing what we Fancy severe Edicts and Proclamations for they are Servants and must do what their King Commandeth but if any injury is offered them Mark 12. 4 5 9. He takes it as upon himself and will punish accordingly He that is sent a Minister of Christ's Church did never descend into the deep nor hath he seen any of those dreadful things of the invisible World. He is only to make known and proclaim what he finds in the written Word of God. Who considering his infinite Greatness more then the Ocean is to a single drop over those who are but meer Creatures the Work of his hands hath made righteous Ordinances enforced with sutable Rewards and Punishments notwithstanding the latter may seem hard and grievous to us Yet how great soever they are miserable experience sheweth they are necessary to preserve his Government and to keep us in Subjection and Obedience In Truth we cannot well shew it otherwise then by a reverent Regard and Conformity to his Word No Man hath seen God at any time John 1. 18. Nor doth now hear his Voice In what manner then shall he shew himself subject to this infinite Being Let him shew forth never so much will-Worship Humility or neglecting of the Body think to gratifie with something of his own as corrupt Nature is too fond of its own Inventions yet if he hath not regard to the prescribed Pattern all is esteemed as cutting off a Dogs neck the Reason is added Yea they have chosen their own ways If he offers up never so much or seeks to please Isa 66. 2 3. him that signifies nothing For all these things have been saith the Lord But to this Man will I look even to him that is of a poor and contrite Spirit and trembleth at my VVord If God should shake the Heavens and the Earth the most stout Inhabitants here would tremble and they could not do otherwise But now he sanctifies the Lord and makes him his dread who shews himself awful and pliant at hearing or reading of his revealed Will. If he did roar from Mount Zion or utter his Voice from the Battlements of Heaven then the People would presently cry out after their wonted manner All that the Lord hath spoken we will do But when the noise is gone and the fear is over they would forget that and return to their own ways Now it remains written in a Book that it may not be once but for ever and there is the still Voice of the Spirit which would set it home to our Hearts and by this way he is pleased to try our Obedience And indeed how can it be better shewn forth then by sincere doing according to that which we surely believe to be the very mind of God what he would have us to do Yet alas What strugling and contesting is there against this A manifest Token of that disobedience which lies hid in the heart of Man and puts it self forth by Cavil Distinguishing Evasion or setting themselves against those who keep close to it All this proceeds from that Root of Enmity and unwillingness to comply therewith He that is of God heareth Gods words John 8. 47. VVhen ye received the word of God ye received it not as the word of Men but as it is in Truth the word of God which effectually worketh also in you that believe 1 Thes 2. 13. All is but vain and deceitful words which have not Relation to this Rule either by necessary Consequence or Connexion God is Truth and his word is Truth John 17. 17. and if we say we love God we must also in the Apostles Phrase receive the love of the Truth that we may be saved 2 Thes 2. 10. That People may not be left at uncertainty to know what it is it may be discerned by the Touch-stone and also it hath a full
years Knowledge and Reason should go before Action or else it will be blind and signifie nothing Some having constantly used a course of Devotion confine themselves barely to that which is but a means to somewhat more unto which they should still press toward Prayer is properly * Mark 11. 24. desire which argues a necessity of attention for we cannot desire those things which we do not mind and all forms are that we may live an Obedient and Holy Life Now it would be strange if we should pretend to desire that which we neither do nor endeavour after To imagine God is pleased with the bare saying of Words when they are neither minded nor understood it may be more truly thought that he likes better the Chirping of Birds then such Service from reasonable Creatures There hath been a deal of Chaunting forth of Mass and Toning out of Prayers But how well they have been sung or spoken forth we must have unworthy Thoughts of the Godhead if we suppose him to be delighted with the meer outward noise or reciting only such Words before him Which of our selves considering throughly can approve of it They must be Fools who offer such Sacrifice or think he will accept of it for he that gave to Man knowledge shall not he know When that can find and offer a better Worship will he not expect it Those who have been blind Worshippers of this sort go hastily in their way For they consider not that they do evil Be not rash with thy Mouth and let not thy Heart be hasty to utter any thing before God For God is in Heaven and thou upon Earth Therefore let thy Words be few Eccles 5. 1 2. In those private Books of Devotion which were designed for help of the ignorant they too often shew themselves more ignorantly for many say over the very Words not considering the Sense and say unto God It is so with them when it is not or Confessing what they have not been Guilty of or making Purposes and Resolutions which they never intend afterwards or saying several things which do not belong to them in Truth But so far hath ignorance and blind Custom proceeded that they think it enough if the Work is done so much read over the meaning is the least they consider of I will pray with the Spirit I will pray with the Vnderstanding also 1 Cor. 14. 15. Saith the Apostle but they pray only with the Lips or the Ear. This People draw near me with their Mouth and with their Lips do honour me but have removed their Heart far from me Isa 29. 13. This is not so much intended against that infirmity of wandring thoughts in Prayer but when of set purpose they keep their Heart to themselves not giving it to God but imagine to put him off with such outward Service What prodigious Folly is this to think to deceive God whom every one that believes must also conclude that all things are naked and open in his sight Heb. 4. 13. And every one that spies out a deceit intended to be offered unto him doth reject it with Abomination Neither the Calves of the Lips nor the various inclinations of the Body will serve without Confent and Subjection of the Soul. It is not bowing before the most High God nor falling prostrate with our Face to the ground for such a Submission may be â—eigned and the Body may be bending and creeping when the Heart in the mean while is lifted up and exalted our selves are not pleased with a Crawling posture where we think it is not sincere But He above knoweth all things The true Worship of God doth not consist in turning the Face such a way or being very nice in all Punctilios of outward posture though these are decent if they express the very Sense of the mind of intire Submission unto the whole Will of God a through perswasion Thou hast beset me behind and before Psal 139. 5. Not to think him more in one place then another But if those externals should be separated from that Worship in Spirit and in Truth John 4. 23 24. which the High Priest of our Profession hath said should be in these days they do much more displease then are acceptable unto God. Such Men worship they know not what or they will not know for had they right apprehensions they could never imagine that the bare outward performances will be received by that God with whom we have to do If any one of these should look here they will still go on in their own way and so let them but take heed that at last they be not deceived of their Expectation and Reward let them see Hag. 1. 5 7 8 9. They are only put in mind how their Service may be so ordered that God may accept it and be glorified therein In things pertaining to God we know but little without he had revealed himself and what he doth require So they must take Counsel or his Word how to please him if they wouâ—d partake of his Goodness and not be disappointed at last Which if they had done in Sincerity and Truth they would never have been so abominably mistaken as a great part of the Christian World hath been and is to this day in Matters pertaining to his Worship and Service The Scripture in many places doth shew the true Nature of Prayer Psal 10. 17. Psal 73. 28. Deut. 4. 29. Psal 119. 145. Jer. 29. 12 13. 1 Sam. 1. 13 15. Mat. 7. 7. Rom. 8. 26. Mat. 18. 19. 21 22. Luke 11. 18. Eph. 6. 18. Phil. 4. 6. Jam. 11. 5 6 7. Jam. 5. 16. 17. 1 Pet. 4. 7. Heb. 10. 21 22. Which set it forth as the earnest desire of the Soul. When we do ask and praise God for his benefits this is a reasonable Service being agreeable to what he requires and the utmost next to obeying his Will which we can render unto him The Sacrifice of the wicked is an Abomination unto the Lord But the Prayer of the upright is his delight Prov. 15. 8. It is stiled by another Name for such do not really Pray Can he beg Grace to forsake Sin which he doth not dislike Or for the Holy Spirit and good things when he hath not the least desire but aversion to them He may pray for a general Admission into the Heavenly Kingdom and to be preserved from that of darkness but in vain for the things cannot be separated which God hath joyned together Those Ordinances Mat. 13. 42 43. Mat. 25 46. John 5. 29. are ratified and unalterable Though besides their own Prayers Noah Job and Daniel and all the righteous Men that ever were should pour out their Supplications before the Throne of Almighty God for the Salvation of wicked and unregenerate Men yet it would not be granted The Case of Esau is lamentable and stands for a warning to all Generations of those who now for the Pleasures of Sin â—ell their Birth-right and
that we are related and the Objects of his Concern That 〈◊〉 doth and will punish the World for their Evil and the wicked for their iniquity Isa 13. 11. is manifested when his wrath is kindled a little for sometimes Punishment doth begin to seize on the ungodly Sinner even before he goes to receive the full recompence of his doings By that abundant Misery which is every where he doth let all the Earth know that he hath indignation against Sin and this the place thereof Again on the other hand By seeing the felicity of his Chosen by that little taste of Happiness he gives unto his dutiful Children He doth thereby assure that he designs to bring them unto greater to encourage here and reward hereafter Their affliction and trouble doth manifest the Sin even these have They are chastened of the Lord that they should not be Condemned with the World 1 Cor. 11. 32. That liberal Provision and plenty the Evil and unthankful have is for Tryal or Retribution for even these do some little good So that a Man shall say Verily there is a reward for the Righteous Verily he is a God that judgeth in the Earth Psal 58. 11. The Lord looketh from Heaven He beholdeth all the Sons of Men from the place of his Habitation he looketh upon all the Inhabitants of the Earth He fashioneth their Hearts alike he considereth all their VVorks Psal 33. 13 14 15. God doth care for us and we have to do with him Heb. 4. 13. notwithstanding his infinite Greatness for he hath been pleased to admit thereof The VVord Prayer and Praise do keep up this astonishing intercourse They expel the former Hatred Aversation and Strangeness Can two walk together except they be agreed Amos 3. 3. But they may when they are Acquaint now thy self with him and be at Peace Job 22. 21. Abraham was called the Friend of God Jam. 2. 23. Many like sayings the Holy Ghost makes use of as may create Humble Boldness and love to him There is nothing affrightful in him to good Men but perfect love casts out Fear 1 John 4. 8. When this once begins to be established and rooted it is no harshness to make mention of his name then to talk and think of him must be exceeding delightful The very reason why natural and disobedient people cannot endure to hear or speak of God is for want of what is here mentioned and they judge of others by themselves But examine your selves is there any torment to speak of what one loves There is such a thing as love of God if themselves would turn from every evil way and come nearâ—â— they might be happy partakers and not only conceive but be sensible thereof It is the whole required of Man to love God with all his Heart all his Soul all his Strength and all his Mind to love him better then any yea all things besides As much as he can and to use sincere endeavours to love him more The first thing to be done before any can come unto that is to hate evil Psal 97. 10. And then we may love the Lord which gives a delicate relish of every duty we owe unto him O how love I thy Law it is my Meditation all the Day Psal 119. 97. My Meditation of him shall be sweet I will be glad in the Lord Psal 104. 34. My Mouth shall be satisfied with Marrow and Fatness whilst my tongue praiseth thee with joyful lips Psal 63 5. Praise ye the Lord for it is good to sing praises unto our God for it is pleasant and praise is comely Psal 147. 1. But God commendeth his love towards us in that while were yet sinners Of the Sacrament Christ died for us Rom. 5. 8. Now it is just and reasonable that wonderful and gracious works should be had in remembrance To this end our Lord instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood that we may call to mind the one was broken the other shed for us to obtain the forgiveness of our sins This do in remembrance of me Luke 22. 19. Here is a positive command and the refusal is an act of Disobedience It is called by his own name the Communion of the body of Christ and the communion of the blood of Christ 1 Cor. 10. 16. The Psalmist seems to have intended it in a prophetick Spirit when he said I will take the Cup of Salvation and call upon the name of the Lord Psal 116. 13. So that it may be applyed to this Every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward Heb. 2. 2. Again He that despised Moses Law died without Mercy Heb. 10. 28. That Soul which did not receive the Passover was to be cut off from his people And ought not the Marke 12. 6. Son of God himself be as much reverenced in the Commandments he gave us Did he not work for us a greater Salvation then the other did for our Fore-fathers in delivering them from the Land of Aegypt May it not be fearfully expected that those who either contemn or wilfully neglect this divine institution shall not be admitted into that eternal inheritance Christ hath purchased for us And where I am there shall my Servant be John. 12. 26. But he is none who will not do the things Christ saith and commands Let all consider of this and fear and lay hold of opportunity for this duty That of 1 Cor. 11. 28 29. should not keep people away for this is a certain Rule That if one truly repents and discerns the Lords Body that is esteem it more then common Bread and Wine he can never eat or drink unworthily A common and ordinary capacity doth not judge of more then he sees or handles Indeed there are too many especially in Country Towns and Villages that are sunk into gross Ignorance and Darkness as to spiritual things who was in the fault will be judged at the last day There being throughout our Land like Priest like People both backward and unwilling the one to give the other to receive instruction Yet any one that is a Man and reasonable Creature otherwise he could not do the common business of life may conceive thus much that God is who made the World and all things therein The Bible is his Word and whatsoever is written therein is most true and certain When this is heard or read sincerely it will by degrees let in more Light into his Soul Especially if he goes to the place where it is Preached and Expounded He may come to understand the sence and meaning for the Scripture in necessary things is very plain and then to conceive thereof in his mind There he may learn that under the old Law God instituted many Ceremonies and required the punctual observation of them and though the beggarly Elements and carnal Ordinances are done away for they were Types of Christ our Passover who is now risen yet since his supper is ordained to be kept in
thou O Lord when I plead with thee Jer. 12. 1. Clouds and Darkness are round about him Righteousness and Judgment are the Habitation of his Throne Psal 97. 2. Though we cannot see through all yet we have sufficient revealed to be most fully assured that he is just and equal Here in the place of Faith and Tryal many things come to pass of which though we may in general be satisfied of the Goodness and Justice of God in ordering and suffering them so to be yet we cannot give so particular account how it is so in a strict sence and superlative degree as most certainly it is This is to be imputed to our blindness and want of understanding which shall be done away when he comes to judge the Earth Judgment will I lay to the Line and Righteousness to the Plummet Isa 28. 7. All things shall be exactly stated at last He is even now Righteous in all his ways and will give a clear account how he is so The things of this World are now loved and feared but then it will appear that there is so little in them that they are not worthy to be spoken of or had in Remembrance However God will not forget any Labour or Pain his Servants endured for him They shall be as a Dream when one awaketh and who is much concerned for the Pleasantness or Dreadfulness thereof after it is over Call to mind the days that are past recollect both the Good and Evil of them or what was done at such a place when you are removed from thence much more will it be so when you are translated from Time to Eternity from Earth to Heaven It is so meer a nothing that if the Creature might be bold to speak with his Maker it will not be insisted on or required from Gods Hands but what he will be pleased to do of his own Promise and Bounty for one would think Justice it self is not obliged to make amends for small Matters when the harm is over and the very same as if it had never been at all This single Consideration if throughly weighed would ease our mind in all Afflictions The Transitoriness of them as also they are vain and little for however we Groan and Murmur yet they are such as can be endured They are not so great as we weak and frail by Nature We further bring a delicacy and tenderness on our selves which makes us yet more unable to bear them Whereas if we would comply universally with his design God would ordain Strength out of our Weakness He would give us that Grace and Knowledge if we were meet to be partakers thereof and make use of them that would carry us through all trouble whatsoever for he suffers none to fall on us but what is common to Men. And how know we but he to manifest his own Glory doth lay the more heavy things on him that so weak a thing may endure them and intend its greater Happiness by a proportionable Reward For I reckon that the Sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the Glory which shall be revealed in us Rom. 8. 18. If we did understand and consider of all things instead of being cast down and disquieted we might Rejoyce in Tribulation We make such a stir about Trouble but there is not so much in it We may rest with the most full assurance that God is good and for all those Adversities he sends on us he is all along accomplishing the Happiness of his Creatures which should stir up and continue our Love and Obedience unto him He would have that foretold which he will certainly do that Isa 42. 9. Luke 2. 25. they should be comforted in the mean time who shall be delivered that they should be joyful with Hope and Expectation where with they shall be Happy at last This hath been the Method of Gods working of old we have heard it with our Ears and it is very acceptable unto us How beautiful upon the Mountains are the Feet of him that bringeth good Tidings that publisheâ—h Peace that bringeth good-Tidings of Good that saith unto Sion Thy God Reigneth Isa 52. 7. How welcome is every one that hath good news of prosperous Accidents and worldly Conveniencies How many Messages of this nature have been delivered from time to time to private Persons and Nations which were thankfully and kindly received What are they all come unto now their Memorial is perished with them They were shadows only of Good which just passed by and are gone this is the utmost of all Temporal Happiness and of this World. But what comes from our God is Great and Enduring which lately was beginning now carrying on till it be consummated to Eternal Ages Great is our Lord and highly to be praised for the least manifestation he ever made thereof and so is by his chosen People Vnto you therefore which belâ—eve he is precious 1 Pet. 2. Psal 89. 15. 7. You both understand and have assured Hope to be Partakers These prize it more then others do great Reversions and Expectancies they so much talk of and please themselves with Who is among you that seareth the Lord that obeycth the Voice of his Servant that walketh in Darkness and hath no Light Let him trust in the Name of the Lord and stay upon his God Isa 50. 10. Who gives a glimmering and sendeth Light into the Soul a comfortable Thought or sends him who can speak a Word in Season Comfort ye Comfort ye my People saith your God Isa 40. 1. They are to Preach the Gospel Heal the Sick administer Help and Remedy against all the Maladies of Mankind An hard Task and not to be performed who considers not from whom he cometh and whose means he makes use of Even God and his Word which are sufficient for all this and if they have not the due power and effect it is not from the weakness of them for that is stronger then Men and he that breaks can bind up but from the incapacity of the Subject Who are not turned to the Lord with their whole Heart they have no right to the Promises and therefore receive no true Comfort but where a People formerly Disobedient are turned unto the Wisdom of the Just and made ready for the Lord His Word doth good upon them who walk Vprightly Blessed be God there is Experience of this though not so much as were to be desired for it is but a little Flock and small Remnâ—nt of true Israelites Compared with the whole of Mankind Those who have the form of Godliness will cry out with the wicked World upon Fancy and Imagination but if it is a sensible Comfort against inward Evil then the effect is had and should not be slighted for it is such as the Trouble was and doth it away The matter is easily conceivable unless they absolutely disbelieve or cannot understand for if an Heir of a good Estate can contentedly rub
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
11. 3. He gives preserves and continues our Health But yet what is corruptible and weak will wax old and decay Health consists in such an exact disposition of Humours which is easily disturbed by Violence from without Defect or Excess from within The Goodness and Wisdom above doth ordain Strength out of Weakness and continuance from tottering things otherwise it were to be admired that we are not Sick always instead of being so sometimes A Sparrow doth not fall to the ground without the Will of our heavenly Father Nor any Chastisment light upon the Sons and Daughters of Men without his Permission or Order He suffers such an one to fall under the harm of a second Cause or adverse Accident If we would search and examine to the utmost then confess and give Glory unto God we might many times find our Disease to be the natural effect of some Sin or Provocation We became at first subject unto Sickness by Sin only So if we reflect upon Gen. 2. 17. all our foregoing Actions and Circumstances There is some evil which insensibly alters and breaks the sound Constitution or brings it on Speedily and Violently The next thing is to be humbled for the same to accept the Punishment of our Iniquity Lev. 26. 43. I will bear the Indignation of the Lord for I have Sinned against him Mic. 7. 9. We must sincerely resolve if God should spare us this time to watch more carefully against the same for the future now to be unfeignedly sorry for it and to cry mightily unto God. The King of Israel is a Merciful King he will be Appeased and Reconciled Behold Happy is the Man whom God Correcteth Therefore despise not thou the Cbastening of the Almighty Job 5. 17. Then he fully perceives that false shew of Happiness with which Fools and Blind are deluded all along Which they might know in the mean while if they would consider it throughly as they do ever and anon slightly Outward things cannot give so much aid as they vainly promise They are all passed away as a Dream and cannot help in the greatest time of need My Flesh and my Heart faileth but God is the strength of my Heart and my Portion for ever Psal 73. 26. If the Conscience is accused by sin let the Sick Man cast it forth by Confession and Prayer and the Sea will cease from raging The mind will become more quiet Whether the Body dies or lives he is safe when he hath done all things to obtain the Mercy and acceptance of Almighty God. It is a sad Story of those who in time of Dangerous Sickness have made great shews of Reformation and Amendment and after Recovery have returned again unto Folly. And they have not cryed unto me with their Heart when they howled upon their Beds Hos 7. 14. Which word imports no true in ward Sorrow but an outward noise upon apprehension of Danger which goes off with it However God cannot be imposed upon he knows the Thoughts long before searches the Heart and tries the Reins discovers the bottom and inward reserves according to which he will judge So it is not what they pretend but what they will really be Those who have been for a superficial and slight Repentance which they did hope might avail if they should Die but if they Recover then to return to their former evil ways I say these should have done well to have considered What moved them to any Repentance at all the same should engage them to continue and perfect it For admit you should certainly live it is but a Reprieve only You will be Sick again or what is worse cut off suddenly And then things will appear exactly at the same manner again yea worse for the former Hypocrisie and Dissembling As also for that more Sin and Guilt is increased How many years may be added unto your Life is not known but it will be a sad thing to have lived Ionger to have committed more Iniquity and so Die hardened Impenitent or feigned at last At first recovery is uncertain for many have lulled themselves with hope thereof till Death hath been upon them Many things might be urged to disswade people from doing Foolishly and Presumptuously Their own Eternal Happiness or Misery lies at stake It is not a matter to trifle or deal deceitful with Be prevailed upon as you tender the good of Soul and Body to have your Repentance true and sincere By the Trouble or Pain of them think of the Worm which shall never die and the Fire which shall not be quenched and which are to be escaped from only this way Believe in God and Jesus Christ that all things contained in the old and new Testament are certainly true Faith and Repentance are necessary for all Men both in time of Health and Sickness which whoso hath according to Truth is sure for these intitle unto the Promises of him with whom we have to do Health doth consist in a regular Disposition and due Motion of each part of the Body None can see into himself or tell the exact manner how as to every particular I was made in secret and curiously VVrought in the lowest parts of the Earth Thine Eyes did see my Substance yet being imperfect and in thy Book were all my Members written which in continuance were Fashioned when as yet there was none of them Psal 139 15 16. None of us can look into the Womb or whilst in Life can see how all the Members and Parts within do work and move yet after the Body is dead we may perceive somewhat by Dissections which is guess and uncertain for if a number of Men should come into the Shop of an excellent Artist seeing his Tools and Instruments only One may think this another that and so may be divided but can never find out the exact manner of his Art. He that sees a dead Carkase unless he were put in mind by himself carrying about one of the same likeness would be at a stand to answer the Question Was this lump ever in Life He could never by his own Wit and Invention find out the way how it was He would also admire how each part both within and without did move and actuate So wonderful and fearful are Gods Works which puzzle the Understanding of Man. Whether it were to keep of Boasting or other causes yet God doth hold our Souls in Life by hidden and invisible Bands that whatever others pretend unto they cannot perfectly find out and see them The Lord Killeth and maketh Alive He bringeth down to the Grave and bringeth up 1 Sam. 2. 6. He hath kept this in his own Power All the ways he hath set out for Nature to go according unto are not yet known Indeed many of them have been searched after and some found but not all for then those Diseases would be Cured which were not first Mortal and Irrecoverable The prevention of and recovery out of Sickness doth depend upon
Call to mind how Evil came into the World through Sin though it is not taken away yet Help is ordained against it It is Written and found true of the Benefits of the second Adam unto whom all the Scripture hath Relation Surely he hath born our Griefs and carryed our Sorrows Isa 53. 4. It is but reasonable we should have some sence of them also That as he had Compassion on the Afflicted Heb. 2. 10. so we should perceive how great things he endured for us to raise our Love Thankfulness and Obedience unto God through him Take my Brethren the Prophets who have spoken in the Name of the Lord for an Example of suffering Affliction and of Patience Behold we count them Happy which endure Ye have heard of the Patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord that the Lord is very Pitiful and of tender Mercy James 5. 10 11. CHAP. XIX AN EXHORTATION TO OBEDIENCE and FEAR of God The CONCLUSION of the Whole NOw therefore stand still that I may Reason with you before the Lord of all the Righteous Acts of the Lord 1 Sam. 12. 7. It is as certain that God is as any thing is for he made all things Consider how great he must be whose Works are so how Glorious Good and Excellent he is as those Manifestations do set forth And then think further how we the Inhabitants of the Earth who walk up and down as so many Grashoppers should behave our selves towards him If we were not his Offspring and Workmanship we might justly think he would have nothing to do with us but that shews the contrary nay moreover our Rebellion proves the Relation What might be known by Obedience is also shewed by Transgression But how unreasonable doth this last appear for reflect upon God and our selves What are we to despise or be stubborn against him He is great and we little Other things do his Will and why should not we comply therewith Would the vain Swearer walk out and as he beholds the Heaven or Earth he treads which was first Created and now sustained by an Almighty power And is it fit he should be spoken lightly of His Glorious and Fearfuâ— Name be used upon every frivolous and idle account when he hath so expresly Commanded to the contrary So it may be said of every Sin May not the God who formed us preserveth us giving whatever we enjoy give also Laws and Directions to his Creature for him to be governed by To keep the Commandments of the Lord and his Statutes which I Command thee this day for thy Good Deut. 10. 13. Thy Testimonies that thou hast Commanded are Righteous and very Faithful Psal 119. 138. As for God his Way is Perfect the Word of the Lord is tryed Psal 18. 30. Look impartially upon his whole Revelation in Scripture survey every particular Precept and Judge Whether it is not equal Psal 119. 128. for God to enjoyn and for Man to comply therewith As for Worship Praise and Prayer none denies them There is the general Consent that such are to be rendred We are zealous and prone But here Satan the Enemy hath two Wiles the one in some Ungodly people who are frightned with a little Dulness and Iâ—ksomeness at first but even they unless very Ignorant and Stupid cannot satisfie themselves without some Worship That Aukwardness would go off if they would accustom themselves to Duty Another Subtlety The Adversary hath found concerning the manner thereof for the Substance is agreed by the far greater part of Mankind But here they are fierce and hot so angry and displeased at contrary Opinions So stiff for their own an Evidence of what is in our nature to have to do with Religion Here again creeps in another Device of the old Serpent by which he takes advantage for he would confine the whole of Religion to this which is but a part and also raises a Dust about outward Circumstances which are not essential to Worship for seeing that God is to be Worshipped in Spirit and in Truth but hath prescribed no exact Pattern thereof in Scripture away might be found out for Union Love and Peace Neither in the mean while should we be angry with our Brother that doth not go according to the same precise manner for as the Apostle saith 1. Cor. 12. 4 5 6. Why may it not be likewise supposed If there be now some Diversity of Worship yet as long as it is the same God to whom it all relates if each way is Spiritual and True free from Idolatry Jewish and Heathen Superstition God is Glorified every way for all fall down and Worship him and God is in them of a Truth He doth actually manifest his Favour Grace and Acceptation to those of the several Perswasions among us Yea all the Idolatries in the World do some what discover that natural Inclination in Man to Worship God for all Falshood and Fiction doth suppose somewhat true and real But it hath been the Stratagem of the Devil who is permitted to resist either to take away or where he cannot do that to corrupt To move Men to forget God or deceive them in their Duty towards him As reasonable Creatures They can thus conceive That if they should lose the sence of him or harden themselves against his Fear yet still be remaineth The Lord sitteth King for ever Psal 29. 10. He is always above Thou compassest my Path and my lying down and art aquainted with all my ways Psal 139. 3. Though we do not think of him The Scripture in sundry places threatens severely against forgetfulness of him for it casts off his Kingdom which is over the Hearts of Men. Besides it is unnatural to forget God that formed us Every thing we see are his Works which do remind His Word His Servants Every Affliction or Evil and a Thousand things do stir up our Remembrance of him which before was stifled with other things The sence of him is paturally imprinted in our minds and appears forth when Stupefactions and Hindrances are taken away Corrupt Man is willing to lose it for it Occasions aw and dread which he doth not like But God would have it retained and therefore forbids Excess Sensuality and all things which clog and suppress it He doth requires us to walk Humbly with our God Mic. 6. 8. He hath established Love to be mixed with Fear both make up Reverence and Good will So we may be in the Fear of God all the day long without Torment yea with Satisfaction and Complacency Another Reason of our willingness to forget is because a continual Remembrance implies Subjection and we are inclinable to that which was our Fore-fathers Fall. But why should we not think our selves as we are indeed Creatures We are only in subjection to the Most High We are not put under Principalities and Powers The more excellent created Beings do not exercise Dominion over us We are subject to none but God