2. It is profitable to excite and animate unto duty holinesse is supernaturall to mans heart and above his reach he must strain and stretch till tired that will work out his own salvation Nay it is contranatarall to corrupt man the naturall man is at an enmity with God He that walks with God walks up hill Roweth against tide and saileth against winde and cannot but be wearied and finde many times their very spirits faile but especially when under the storms of prospering providences to prophanesse and the discouragements of successefull sin the stoutest heart will finde work enough to keep his station and bear up against the weather it is indeed a lively faith that keeps the soul then fixed and hopes from fainting God as sensible of our flagging spirits hath left us Cordiall counsels and promises to encourage us and earnest cautions to quicken our faith Gal. 6.9 1 Thes 3.13 Rev. 2.15 as be not weary of wel doing ye shal reap if ye faint not Having begun in the spirit do not end in the flesh Hold fast that thou hast let no man take thy Crown the like Yet so dull are our hearts so drousie our spirits that the best of Christs Disciples may rejoyce in the compassion of their master which maketh him conclude when he findes them sleeping The spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak even the stoutest David is ready to faint with waiting long on the Lord and to slack in holinesse and say as the wicked it is in vain to serve God when he considereth the proud are called happy they who tempt God are delivered but holy conference is an help to our weak and sainting spirits society is serviceable in heavens way They travel chearfully in the Communion of Saints who would be tyred alone Two are better then one saith the preacher they help one the other and they hearten one the other Eccles 4.10.11 If at any time we wax dull in duty and begin to draw heavily in the yoak of Christ the words of the wise are as Goads as nails to spur and quicken us if we grow faint and feeble that our spirits do begin to be drooping and despondent as ointment and perfume Rejoyce the heart So doth the sweetnesse of a mans friend by hearty councell Prov. 27.9 Cold hearts in hard times are warmed and heated by holy conference consider one another to provoke unto love and good works saith the Apostle Heb. 10.20 The Greek word is consider one another into a Taroxisme a violent heat as the fit of an Ague or burning of a Feaver to make each other earnest and vigorous in love and good works for the dullest spirit is sharpened by holy conference as an Edge-tool is sharpned by a whetstone as Iron sharpneth Iron so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend Prov. 27.17 by colloquie debates conference familiar disputes speaking one to another saith Merâ—er and Lavater on the text the heathen do much mention the quickning efficacy of conference Euripides makes it the mother of all arts and Cicero the means of all wisedome and councell the quickner of all diligence heating benummed members with rubbing and what force soever is in conference is the profit of the Saints when the conference is Christianized in the matter and manner of it for thereby we are encouraged in difficulties enlivened in deadnesse enlightned in darknesse as Gregory Nazianzen notes Christians sharpen each others spirits by their conference as Boars sharpen their tushes by rubbing them one against another 3. Holy conference is prositable to establish in the faith and fear of God professed by us faith is the first foundation of grace of the soul al our sanctity nay our very salvation is dependant on our faith holding fast the profession of our faith is the great duty of a Christian of all graces faith is most esteemed by the Lord it is found unto praise and honour and glory at the day of judgment 1 Pet. 1.7 And therefore our Saviour prayeth that our faith fail not Luke 22 32. And faith is most envied by the Devill all his temptations are to overthrow our faith this is the only errand of all the allurements of prospering prophanenesse and the threatâ— that are sounded out by successeful sin if at any time we make shipwrack of faith we loose salvation but holy conference is a means for confirmation making known common perswasion and by a friendly debate removing all scruples and doubts which arise in the soul the only errand of Pauls expedition to Rome was Conference and the only end of that conference the confirmation of the Saints in the faith of Christ I long to see you to the end I may impart to you some spirituall good that your faith may be established Rom. 1.11.12 The Lord Jesus whilest upon earth and before his death did not onely familiarly coÌ„fer with explain to his Disciples the misteries of salvation which he preached to others in parables unto the confirmation of their faith therein but also after his Resurrection he condescended to associate with the two Disciples as they walked to Emmaus Luke 24. and familiarly to conferre of his own sufferings and confirm them in the faith of his Resurrection Thus also he in a friendly manner did conferre with the two Maries and with the Eleven Disciples when they sate at meat and with the other Disciples when fishing So excellent advantagious is holy conference for confirmation in the faith that it is honoured by the exercise of the Authour and Finisher of our faith It is also enjoyned unto all the Saints for the support each of other in dayes of seduction and apostacy from the faith Jude 20. Builde up one another in your most holy faith Saints have the inspection of one another and must endeavour the establishments and edification one of another and there is no way within their capacity whereby they may perform it but holy conference We see then that if the godly have any care of divine direction and delight desire to declare the sincerity of their sanctity dilight in the expulsion of sin excitation one of another to duty and establishment each of other in their most holy faith they must in times of sins successe speak often one to another by prospering prophanesse be provoked to godly conference but I hasten unto the use and application of this doctrine which will be Reproof for the neglect of this duty exhortation unto the discharge thereof The first use I shall make of this doctrine is by way of Reproof seeing prospering prophanesse should provoke holy conference They are justly to be blamed who professing to the fear of God fall short in this duty and speak not one to another of the things of God conference is indeed common among men but it is seldom good Rarely holy most men are unacquainted with the language of Canaan and unskilled in heavenly discourse the most of men seem to
Prospering providences in this motive 2 World are scarcely consistent with true piety Holinesse will hardly be maintained under outward happinesse I do not say they are not at all consistent grace and greatnesse may center in the same subject and stand together for outward happinesse is a blessing though of the left hand and without it's specialty yet not many wise 1 Cor. 1.26 not many noble not many rich but ordinarily the weak and foolish things of this world God hath chosen Christ hath noted in it a difficultie unto natures impossibility A Camel may more easily pass thorow the eye of a needle then a rich man enter into the Kingdome of Heaven Ordinarily â—he rich in faith chosen by God are the poor of this World The Apostle requireth a great deal of caution and vigilancy in the rich men of this world prospering in their outward condition they must be charged often and with authority That they be not high minded nor trust in uncertain riches but in the living God that they do good and be rich in good works and ready to distribute 1 Tim. 6.17 18. And this not without great reason for they that desire to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts that drown men in perdition v. 9. You have heard before that pride oppression injustice nay Atheisme and irreligion are too often the product of prospering providences The wicked flourish in all enjoyments and meet with no adversity Their Kine calve Bull genders their eyes stand out with fatnesse there is no bands in their death therefore pride compasseth their necks as a chain therefore they say unto God depart from us therefore they say God is altogether such a one as themselves How many Demas-like embrace the present world forsake the faith how many wil to eternity lament their prosperity freedome from sorrow like many a cockered child when brought to the Gallows curse parental indulgence which reprooved but never restrained their proprophanesse Shall we ever bee content with sins snares the worlds fetters are we not taught to pray lead us not into temptation must not every gracious soul desire neither poverty nor riches Prov. 30.8 lest being ful he deny God Difficile est ut presentibus bonis quis fruatur futuris ut hic ventrem illic mentem reficiat ut de deliciis ad delicias transeat ut in coelo in terra gloriosus appareat Beâ—u those men that can keep humble hearts under high enjoyments find an hard task Gregory the Great did always tremble when he read those words Son remember in thy life time thou receivedst thy good things for said Bernard It is exceeding hard to enjoy good here and hereafter to passe from pleasure to pleasure to be both glorious in earth and heaven the very wicked tremble when they observe the prophane attemps to which they are pricked in their pospering providences Pope Adrian the sixth said nothing more unhappy in the world ever befell him then having been the head of the Church Monarch of the Christian Common-wealth and Pope Pius the fifth said When I first entered into Orders I had some hope of my salvatoin when I became a Cardinall I doubted when Pope I despaired of it Earth is no mean hinderance to Heaven or the world an enemie to holinesse how many men in their low estates whilst servants have with Hazaell detested the thoughts of murther treason rebellion perfidie perjurie crueltie and mischief with an Is thy servant a dead Dog which act after when advanced and set up in the World they have acted with an high hand whilst outward blessings are not onely common to the wicked with the Godly but sad occasions and temptations unto 3d. motive sin let us never be contented with them But again Prospering providences are not continuing there is no certainty in any outward condition humane enjoyments are as changeable as the moon and turn like the motions of the wheel Adonibezecke who but lately had threescore Kings under his own Table with their thumbs and great toes cut off is shortly himselâ— the subject of the same oppression and scorn brave Belesarius the Roman General is shortly brought to his dato oboluâ—u Belesario to beg a half-penny Proud Bainzet that thunders against the whole world soon is brought to chatter in an Iron cage as a captive Riches take the wings of the morning and are gone how many times do we see the wicked flourisly like a green bay tree but suddenly cut down and gone boâ—h stâ—ck and branch the trâ—asures of the earth are obnoxiouâ— to rust and rape they are things seen and so temporall if we lived not in a changing age wherein our eyes see not strange and sudden Revolutions I might amplify the transiency of the things of the world but we must all witnesse man in his glittering glory to be but grasse that is soon withered Christians must always look for losses and stand ready to take joyfully the spoiling of their goods and therefore must it make it them diligent to know in themselves that they have a better and more enduring substance and whilst prospering providences are common temptations unto sin and of no continuance let uâ— never be contented with such a condition And that is the second instructiont The third followeth and that is Instruct 3 Fret not at the prosperity of the wicked let it be your care to look to look to your passions when most prospering providencs do attend the prophanest wretches the passions are the force of mens souls and will prove precipitate if not bridled by reason and Religious understanding there is nothing more naturally pro oâ—iâ—g to humane passions then the prosperity of the wickâ—d When we see it go well wiâ—h the worst oâ— men wee are not only enviâ—us at them but â—pt to be angry with God and at enmity with Godlinesse It is no great wonder to hear Coesar when vanquished by Pompey to conclude there was a a mist upon the eye of providence when David in a little distresse could bruitishly conclude God hath forgotten to be gracious and will be merciful no more and shall we think it strange that the wicked cry out It is in vain to serve or to keep his statutes and to walk mournfully before him Psal 77. â— 9 when even the godly themselves are ready to resolve they have in vain washed their hands in innocency and cleansed their hearts the successe of the wicked is and ever hath been the stumbling stone of the Godly against this they have spurned Psal 73. on it they have fallen and bin by it fearfully wounded David in a discontent is ready to determine against piety and Jeremiah cannot but plead with God and that in passion Jer. 12.1 2 3 4. And so also Habakkuck but David having recovered himselfe strengthneth his brethren and to that end hath penned that eminently usefull 37 Psal to be
language heavenly discourse godly conference the sweet breath of their sound hearts in an hypocriticall age the evidence of their hearts fullness of piety thus venting its abundance the expression of their care by the words of the wise to preserve knowledg whilst the evil communication of the prosperous prophane did corrupt good manners They that feared the Lord spak often one unto anthere whence we shall propound to your serious thoughts Doct. this observation or point of Doctrine The success of prophaneness must stir up the truly pious to speak often one to another Or thus Prospering prophaneness doth provoke the godly to frequent câ—nference Many are the exercises of piety enjoyned by the Lord to be duely performed by his people some are personal concerne only a particular soul but others are publick to be used unto the conviction of the wicked confirmatioÌ„ of the godly against all temptations that assault them and these are not only the administrations of word sacraments in and to the Church in general but also admonitions expostulations of particular Saints in more private and particular societies expressing the thoughts of their hearts by the help of the tongue and communicating their gifts and graces to each other by godly religions conference Godly conference and christian confabulation is an absolute duty and apparent act of the Communion of Saints Incumbent on all the members of Jesus Christ and brethren in the faith to be carefully performed by all that pray for and in their places propagate the perfection of the whole body by the supply of every particular Joynt This dutie is not indeed fixed unto time place and order as are some other acts of worship and dueties of religion but to be exercised as occasion calls for it and opportunitie doth enforce it no condition time or season is unsuitable for holy conference when ever good men have occasion of commerce and opportunity of serious communication yet some estates of the Church doth more enforce it and an enquirie of opportunitie to enjoy it then others when the tongues of the wicked do walke proudly through the earth the tongues of the godly must be tuned for Heaven when the prophane glutted with their prospering prouidences do speak pride and blasphemy and that in talking stoutly against God and and openly affirm it It is in vain to serve God it is no profit to walk mournfully before him all the day for that the proud are called happie Then above all times is it a time for them that feare the Lord to speak often one unto another though our words must be always seasoned with grace and our care must ever be to admonish one another yet more especially when assaulted with the temptation of prospering prophanenesse then our ordinary language and our often discourse must be holy conference This hath been the care and carriage of them that feared the Lord in all ages of the world you shall not find the old World filled with pride security and sensuallity but Noah the preacher of Righteousnesse will be speaking of and preparing for the approaching Flood Nor shall you read of the Captivity of Righteous Lot but also of Abrahams consultation with his chatechised servants for his rescue conference with Melchizedeck Israels oppression cannot increase by the pride of prosperous Egypt Gen. 14. but Moses Aron will confer of the mind of God concerning their deliverance and their own duty towards it Exod. 4.14.15 16. Sauls pride and blasphemies passe not without the serious conferences of Jonathan and David Sam. 18.19 Job is no sooner brought into distresse but his friends gather about him to conferre of the things of God though they make false conclusions yet they discoursed right â—eligious premises Ahab succeeds not in his idolatry but we shall finde the Prophet Elijah and Elisha and he and Obadiah in godly conference nor can Jesus Christ be crucified and blasphemed at Jerusalem Luk. 24.13 but his disciples will discourse as they walk to Emmans of the things that befell him nor shall the Roman Emperors in their prosperitie oppresse the Faith and afflict the Romane Christians but the Apostle Paul longs to see them to the end he may imparte unto them some spirituall good that they may be established we shall not read in sacred or Ecclesiastick storie of the successe of prophaneness which did not stir up the holy conference of the godly The fellowship of the Saints is never so visible as in the suffering seasons of the Church Arius prosperity unto persecution made the Orthordox resort one to another with frequencie Marian pride in the successe of Poperie made the Protestant reformers to confer with diligence the things of truth and of salvation the late prelaticall crueltie was the spur of the Puritans Conventicles as in derision their holy conferences were called for in such times as these if ever Communion of Saints is necessary profitable and comfortable for then they That feare the Lord speak often one to another By way of complaint of sin and sorrow the wickednesse of men and darke providences of God that the heart may be affected with both and they may as becomes them mourn for the abominations which abound and the blasphemies which are proudly belched against God his name truth Ordinances and people in this day of prospering prophanenesse and duly pray the diversion of these darke providences which are so dishonourable to God and discouraging to Godlinesse sin must not succeed in the World or sorrow seize on the Saints without their sensible observation and sad but serious expostulation with God and each with others by way of confirmation each of others spirit against the strong influence of so sore temptations we have before noted that the prosperity of the wicked is a very great stumbling stone to the godly at this David spurned and had almost slipt unto the condemning the generation of the iust Psal 7.3.7 and charging vanity on the course of piety On this Peter fell to the denyall of his Lord and Master making him with more then ordinary earnestnesse enquire his affection to him Peter lovest thou me Peter lovest thou me Peter lovest thou me It is strange if Ahabs insolency in his Idolatry make not all even the best of Israell to halt between two opinions and most to fall into flat and open Idolatry when the multitude do evill those few who will not follow them have need to cleave close together if ever the feâ—ble knees must be strengthened it must be when they stumble at the prosperity of prophanenesse If ever the godly will be armed against impiety it must be when it ascends the there and becomes the stirrop of authority and sole principle of preferment and if they will ever speakne couragingly of waiting on God and walking with him in holinesse it must be when most men discouragingly determine God hath forsaken the Earth doth not regarde the righteous It 's in
yet gifts and graces are only communicated to the members thereof in Colloquie Saints stand charged each with other and the joints must supply their places by mutuall conferences administring nourishment to the whole body lively and profitable Christians do in evill times enquire the way to Zion with their faces thitherward saying one to another come and let us joyn our selves unto the Lord in a perpetuall Covenant And in evill times they say every one to his neighbour and every one to his brother what hath the Lord answered and what hath hee spoken they do stand charged with the souls each of other and are therefore bound to exhort rebuke admonish comfort edifie one another And if ever the life of grace must bee manifested by acts communication it must bee in evill times the hour of temptation which commeth on them in a day of generall defection and diligent seduction the Saints must edifie one another in their most holy faith and save one another with feaâ—e pulling them out of the fire if you are will ng to witnesse your selves stupid under Gods heavy judgments sencelesse of Gods glory and the welfare of Religion and livelesse uselesse members in the body you may with due shame stand at distance each from other and smother thoughts of God in your own brests for want of vent by holy conference but consider profession of the tongue is no lesse usefull to salvation then the perswasion of the heart and withholding counsell from the weak in evill times is wickednesse 3. You disgrace Religion and are condemned by the wicked of the World whilst you sinfully suggest that sanctity destroyeth society and maketh the ungodly conclude Religion a solitary condition in which communion is not to be enjoyed whereas indeed holinesse is a bond of union and ground of Communion which whilst it seperates us from the Tabernacles of the wicked seateth us in the Temple of God and doth not more divide us from the society of the prophane then drive us into the CoÌ„munion with the Saints the scope of sanctity is to turn the stream and direct mens thoughts and expressions into an holy channell which not being thus employed makes Religion look like the Ruine of charity and that which barrs all kind of counsell admonition or conference The men of this world are wiser in their generations then the children of the kingdom they are Reduced into no straits but they run together and counsel each other to escape and evade them they agitate no affairs in the world but by good counsell and ordinary conference men that seduce from the truth are diligent and dextrous in their discourses Chatechizing and conference the two great preserva ive of truth and Religion have been exercised as eminent means of seduction whilest neglected by such as should be established by them is it not ashame that the enemies of God should beat us at our own weapon Popery Arianisme Socincanisme Anabaptism and other heresies are propagated hy Catechising and conference whilest these edifying exercises are omitted and slighted by the professors of truth in the affairs of this world we are common in Counsels and mutuall Colloquies but mindlesse of the great concernments of salvation Let it therefore be our shame that we are so slack unto acts of Communion and so carelesse of this eminent means of confirmation and the rather for that the successe of sin should stir us up unto the frequent discharge thereof Lay your hands on your hearts and blush who are professors of the same faith and worshippers of the same God pretenders to the same covenant and priviledges and yet such strangers unto each other and so much unacquainted that you speak not unto the comfort confirmation one of another Repent your sinfull neglect of these sociable soul-edifying acts of conference or renounce your relation to the Saints who have gone before you of whose spirit you do not partake Nay renounce your relation to God and his people of and to whom you speak so little that you seem insensible of their estate and unprofitable to their souls The 2. Use that I shall make of this doctrine is of exhortation to stir up the godly to be frequent in holy conference to get together and speak often one to another This is the duty incumbent on you that fear the Lord and cannot but be discharged by you whose hearts are full of thoughts of Gods holy name if you are indeed in union maintain the Communion of Saints and whilst you sit joyntly under the same ministrations of grace fail not in your places and capacities to minister one to another Consider Christian brethren Scripture as well as nature doth teach us it is not good to be alone we are not born for our selves we are members one of another we must seek every man the good of his neighbour the things of others not our own things solitude is not more burdensome and dangerous to nature then to grace nor more unsuitable to man then to a Christian much hurt have the godly received by solitarinesse when David exilde from Israel did walk alone in the land of the Philistins he fell into diffidence and despondency and blasphemous conceits that God had forgotten to be gracious he had in vain washed his hands and cleansed his heart in innocency and when Peter wandered alone in the high Priests hall he was overcome with the temptation to deny his master Profit of holy conference is ever great but most in evil times by it we are established in holinesse kept from falling Restored when fallen strengthened in the day of temptation quickened when dead and dull in duty It is the very veins of the Church by which every joynt supplieth its place unto the edification of the body there is not more profit then priviledge in holy conference It is the Communion of Saints and fellowship of the Gospel the comunication of the gifts and graces of Gods holy spirits it gives counsell in doubts and straits comfort in despondencies and sorrows It is the vent of grief easeth our hearts of the burden of sad apprehensions by friendly coÌ„plaints it is the expression of zeal which would burn he uphold of the heart by the Common consent of good men and mutuall counsell each of other how is it then Christian souls that you are so much unacquainted and unaccustomed to holy conference for shame content not our selves to hear the word preached but conserre of what you have heard live not in the Church but in your places communicate each to others as lively members of the Church are not the times evill in which we live do not the proud prosper are not they who work wickednesse set up and see we not men that tempt God delivered are not truth blasphemed ordinances trampled on sincere sanctity slighted vilified and contemned is not perfidy perjury violation oâ— solemn oaths and covenants the way to preferment do not men court us by providences into wayes pinciples
not according to this rule there is no truth in him Oh let not Christian faith be founded on Turkish reason 2. Persevere in truth and piety Heresies must come that they who are sound may be made manifest Schisme must succeed that the fixed in Christ may be found sincere these must not onely come on the the stage but stand and succeed it may be unto persecution of the Orthodox and sound as did Arrianisme in the Grecian Empire Anabaptisme in Germany they are no other then tryalls of faith and patience be it your care to cleave to truth when disowned and disregarded and continue in the Church though disordered and discouraged let not the boysterous blasts of providence remove you from your stedfastness in the faith or union of the Church Catholick I know the design of some schismaticall neighbours by courting nay some of them by creeping into your town is to paganize you as they have done other places and set up their own schismaticall assemblies and I fear your over affectionate observation of the providential rising of some from you hath been as a snare of separation from the Churh unto more then naturall relations but however Church gatherers have gathered the power treasure of these Nations to themselves forsake not you the assembling of your selves together as the manner of som is and stand out against the sinful assembling of Church gatherers The glittering glory of particular Churches of selfe-constitution that way of Corah and selfe consecration that way of Jeroboam will prove nay I may say doth prove an ignis fatuus leading into the fools paradise of high expectations but leaving men in the wilderness of confusion They that feared God in Israel followed the despised and driven out Priests to Jerusalem let it be your prayer care not to follow the flocks of Christ his pretended companions I pray you recall to mind what instructions I gave you many years since from that Text Cant. 1.7 whilst you have power prevent Congregational foxes from spoiling your vines though you cannot keep them out of close corners you may from places of concourse and command them out of your common Hall and publick places of assemblie give them no countenance whose only errand is confusion you are now a Church of Christ become not the guilded Synagogue of Satan Will not reason tell you selfe-constitution is a sedition in the Common-wealth and schisme in the Church Is authority essentiall to a civill and not to a religious Corporation What superstructure can bee built on a sinfull schismatical foundation judge ye though it flourish flie from it it cannot but fall I say bee you stable in truth steady in the union of the Church constant to Gods covenant and continuing in prayer though God carry discouragingly towards his people for God laughs the Devill to scorn when Job serveth him for nought and the Saints constancy in holiness doth witness that there is a reward to the righteous when the prospering providences of the prophane do suggest it 's in vain to serve God 3. Prize and preserve among you a sound and zealous Ministry such you have enjoyed such you may by your own advantages which you above other Towns enjoy Pastors to feed witb knowledge and understanding are Gods promises and his peoples priviledge bread and water of affliction to be imbraced before their removeall let not the generall contempt providence poureth on Mâ—nistry deaden your affection to your Ministers but know them as over you in the Lord I am not a little grieved for your late differences with godly Ministers I wish you would seriously surveigh your souls see wether some spirit of pride passion prejudice or vain glory do not act and occasion them take heed you jar not with Ministers untill you wreak your quarrell on Ministry I wish some of you have not already proclaimed open warr I will not acquit your Ministers from their infirmities but desire you take heed to your selves in this day of discouraging providences to Gods Ministers true piety should prize prefer them so evill are the times that dis-satisfaction in a prophane Minister can scarcely pass without the censure of dis-respect to Ministry much less when fomented continued against a man who is a faithful painful and diligent and in the generall course of his life let malice say its worst a godly Minister my beloved let the office and person be distinguished and the dignity of the one will darken and cloud the infirmitie of the other and the authority of the one will awe duty denied to the weakness of the other Receive Ministers as they are indeed the messengers of the Lord of Hosts Embassadors of Jesus Christ and then despise them even in their distress if you can 4. Pursue your conference and mannage it with all prudence avoid the evills incident to it pursue the directions herein propounded you have heretofore been acquainted with them but have need to bee put in remembrance take heed of spirituall pride in conference least it prove an Audley conference that may plunge you into the precipice of Anabaptisme and other heresies my heart bleeds over those men with whom you know I have sometime past had sweet communion though they wil not now hear mee bee warned by their example Be carefull of and constant in these and other duties directed in the word what ever men say or cross providences seem to suggest Let Ecebolius whirl about with every wind of providence in the Empire untill hee proclaim the shame of his own unconstancy be you pillars of truth and Cedars of holiness standing in stormy days as indeed rooted and built up in Christ and resolved into divine revelation as your rule however disposed by providence as to your present outward condition whereunto that you may bee strengthened read these notes as helpfull and offered from the hearty affections and with the hearty prayer for Gods blessing of your Quondam Pastor yet zealously affectionate for the good of your souls ZAC CROFTON from my Study in Botolphs Algate Lon. Nov. 3. 1659. To the Reader Courteous Reader I Did many months since begin this discourse unto my own Congregation intending chiefly to instruct them in the too much neglected and abused duty of Godly conference but finding the words so connexed that I could not eonveniently come at my intended doctrine untill I had spoken to the condition which did constrain the godly their speaking one to another I divided the Text into three generall heads to be discussed and so intended them for particular instruction never to be made more publick but God who over-ruleth mens purposes hath otherwayes disposed In June last I being called to preach at the morning exercise in Magdalen Milk-street Church tooke some of these notes as next hand and did very briefly discuss the prosperoâ—s providences which do attend the prophane Such approbation it met with from many godly hearers that I was pursued with great importunity to
of wickedness The very plowing of the wicked is sin their whole design is to dig descents into Hell they are true drudges to the Devil they plow iniquity sow wickedness Job 4. v. 8. arrant serunt occant scelera they drudge night and day turning up all the corruption in their hearts and conveniences in the world for the effecting of their devices all their expences and endeavours is to this end Thus Alexander the great promised a Crown of an hundred and eight poud weight to the men that drunk themselves dead and thus Charles the ninth of France gave Albertus Tudius an Hucksters son six hundred thousand Crowns to teach him to swear with a grace and make him an exact Artist in his impiety In a word they are sinners in action not only in intention They devise iniquity on their beds and act it when the day is light because it is in the power of their hand Mica 2.1 Suggestion are smoothered in the godly and prophaneness in them seldome passeth into purpose but this seed soon springs in prophane soil and having conceived it brings forth not onely purposes but practises also Jam. 1. 15. they are sinners of duration not transiency they continue in their course of prophaneness the practice of sin is the prison of the pious if they fall they recover by repentance Isa 56.12 but in the palace of the prophane they cry out to morrow shall be as this day and much more abundant they abide in their wicked course against friendly counsels misteriall reproofs checks of conscience and corrections of Gods severe hand they will not be warned nay if God hedge up their way they leap hedges and rush into sin as the horse into the battle Ier. 8 6. and will not be restrained they carry guilt without any remorse and run on in profaneness without any return they are workers of wickedness who never cease till they compleat the estate of darkness designed by their master the Divell they are sinners of diligence and delight not sloth or reluctancy they play at acts of piety and are therein careless and superficiall but work wickedness with all their skill and will laying out study and strength on sin as sold to work it so far are they from slipping any opportunity that they rise early and seek occasions of sin and make provision for the flesh they compass sea and land contrive conveniences and stir up corruptions admit no check or curb of conscience but as spurred go on from evill to evill and wax worse and worse so that this is the first note of such who may prosper in the world they are workers of wickedness to whom you must confess all wrath and woe doth belong Rom. 2.8.9 and therefore it may seem strange that they should who yet do prosper and yet they are not onely workers of wickedness But 2. Note of prophaness Mich. 7.3 Secondly Proud workers of wickedness not onely do these men do wickednesse with both hands earnestly Exodus 18.11.21.11 but they also deale arrogantly boyling and swelling with spite and spleen against God and his people pursuing their own ends confidently and daring Proud haughty and scornfull is their name Prov. 21.24 they swell in their own sence unto the forgetting God and themselves and the scorn and contempt of others they are insolent towards men and impudent towards God in the pride of their heart they disdain the poor and oppresse them Psal 10.2 their hearts swell with such apprehensions of their estate and enjoyments that their eyes do sparkle with pride they are of haughty and scornfull looks their hands can act nothing but appression vengeance and destruction to the Mordecai and his people who deny to adore their Hamam like pride their tongues can speak nothing but braggs boastings and arrogancy their very jesture is a Comment on their pride they are so lifted up they think none is or can be like them their enjoyments are in their eyes unparalleled unchangeable excellencies and therefore they require all prostration of others to their pride their haughtiness can abide no obstruction but their wrath swells to the ruine and removall of them who dis-respect their dignity and disobey their unjust demands they taunt at the godly in their adversity and insult over their calamity with an Ha Ha so we would have it where is now your God Psal 35.21.137.3 Mat 27.43 sing us your Hebrew songs he trusted in God let him save him if he will have him they sit in security and say they shall not bee moved their purposes they pursue with the height of resolution because with in the power of their hands We will pursue we will overtake we will destroy are their proud terms towards Gods Israel Exo 15.9 so that they can admit no parity among men nor parly between reason their own proud thoughts nor are they more insolent towards men then impudent towards God appropriating to themselves their own power might acquirement what they hold by divine indulgence Our high hand Deu. 32.27 Dan. 4.30 not the Lord hath done all this Is not this great Babell which I have built for the house of my kingdom by the might of my power and for the honour of my majesty is their proud boasting language witnessing that they forget God that ruleth in the Kingdome of men and hence they arrogate to themselves the honour and adoration as did the Roman Emperours which only belongeth unto God their Image must be worshipped on pain of a fiery furnace and prayers must be presented to no God save themselves on pain of a Lions den and in the haughtiness of their spirit they blspheme Gods holy name denying his power with Sennacherib who is the God that can deliver out of my hand Isa 37. and determine the execution of their own purposes in despight of God as did Pope Julius in eating his porke-flesh as if omnipotency should not hinder them nay such is their pride that they break all bonds and presume to intermeddle with holy things without their sphere Corah's conceipt of the peoples holinesse carrieth not onely to the contempt of Moses and Aaron but unto a proud preposterous unwarrantable approach to God Vzziah is no sooner made mighty by the Lord but his heart is lifted up and he breaks all order and thinks scorn to be limited in any act he takes a Censer and goes into the Temple to offer incense 2 Chron. 26.18 nor will he be by the Priest of God warned to desist his sin in a word he is so proud that he forgets God by whom he subsists and strives against God who can soon break him in pieces blasphemeth the Lord who is jealous of his name and although God hate the workers of iniquity and resist proud doers yet these are the men that meet with prospering providences for a time 3. These men are yet more wicked 3. note of prophaness for they are proud
workers of wickedness and proceed to tempt God They sin with such daring presumption and speak such desperate blasphemous expressions as if designed to prove whether there be a God or he be a God of holinesse justice and power as he is deser bed Like prophane Israel they fret fume grudge grumble under their crossed expectation cry Is God in the midst of us Exod. 17.7 Can God spread a Table in the wilderness and prepare bread and flesh for his people As Psal 78.18 19 20. They dispute all divine threats and debate Gods very nature arraigning all the attributes of God at the barre of their proud fancy to be judged by their corrupt sence and blaspheming reason and so daringly resist divine direction like Israel rush out of a dogged diffidence into a desperate resolution of going to fight against Amaleck though warned by Moses to sit still in their places and not to go out to Warr for that God is not in the midst of them Numb 14 41 42 43 44 45. And presumptuously answer the Prophets of God with We will not hearken unto the voice of the Trumpet As for what thou hast spoken in the name of the Lord we will not do it but we will do what seemeth good in our own eyes Jer. 6.17.44.16 17. That by their daring presumptions they put Gods truth and justice so upon the test that he can no longer forbear but because of their abominations bring a curse on the Land v. 22. nay such is their hor-impudence that they do not onely debate but also blasphemously determine against the threatnings of justice crying out the destroying scourge shall not come nigh unto us we have made a Covenant with Hell and death and have made lyes our refuge and hid our selves under falshood Isa 28.15 Therefore they deride the messengers of God and mock his Prophets with an how went the Spirit of the Lord from me to thee 1 Kings 22.24 Watchman what of the night Isa 21.11 Where is the promise of his coming do not all things continue as they were 2 Pet. 3 Nay such is their impiety as to impeach Gods very holinessâ— and from his patience positively conclude him to be prophane and the pandor of all impiety they steal murder commit adultery and swear falsly and come and stand before God in the house where his name is called and say we are delivered to do all these abominations Jer. 7.9 They purpose and practice against plain precept most positive and unparallel'd prophanesse and crie providence providence leads us to it because God abides silent they say he is altogether such an one as themselves Psal 50.21 They conceive a mischievous device and come and enquire of the Lord They contrive by false accusations and horrid perjurie to shed innocent blood and Jesabel-like they proclaim a Fast S serious acts of piety are the prologues of their prophanesse in Nomine Dei in â—ipit omne malum they no sooner begin to fast and pray but sober men see and know their prophane purposes are near unto execution nor doth the wisdome and power of God passe their proud temptation for they attempt acts of cruelty and cry who is the God that shall deliver out of our hands crucifie Christ and his people and blasphemously insult he trusted in the Lord let him save him if he will have him trample on the righteous and triumph over them with a Where is now your God he persecutes the poor he boasteth of his hearts desire hee blesseth the Covetous whom God abhorreth through the pride of his countenance he will not seek after God God is not in all his thoughts his wayes are always grievous thy judgments are far above out of his fight as for all his enemies he puffeth at them his mouth is full of cursing and deceit under his tongue is mischief and vanity he croucheth and humbleth himself that the poor may fal by his strong ones yet he hath said in heart I shal not be moved s for all his enemies he puffeth at them he hath said in his heart God hath forgotten he hideth his face he will never see it The wicked contemn God he hath said in his heart Thou wilt not require it Psal 10. So thus these proud workers of wickednesse speak stout words against God and determine It is in vain to serve the Almighty they prophanely strive with their maker and put his truth holinesse power and justice to proof and provoke to the vindication of them And are not these the prophanest wretches Can we scrue iniquity one jot higher Can we chuse but wonder the Heavens fall not on their heads and the Earth devoureth them not alive yet these are the men whom prospering providences do frequently attend and so much for their persons The 2d thing to be considered is what prospering providences do attend these prophane wretches and in general All those providences which passe in common from the Creator to the Creature prophane men do and may possesse they have not indeed any the specialties of Grace holinesse and Covenant priviledges which stream in the blood of Christ unto Gods redeemed ones these strangers meddle not with these joys but peace plenty health honour wealth liberty all worldly terâ—â—ne sublimary mercy expressions of Gods goodnesse are extended to them and that in such abundance that as the Psalmist noteth They have more than heart 〈◊〉 wish They floâ—rish like the green 〈◊〉 tree and know no sorrow our Prophet doth very accurately describe the porsperitie of prophane men in the three steps thereof they are called Happy Set up Delivered 1 step of profane prosperity 1. The Proud are called happy they are accounted the only blessed men on earth they are objects of other mens admiration and applause they are esteemed and envied as the only possessors of good all men arise to give them honour and could wish their estate and enjoyments Their condition comments on Gods goodnesse and favour towards them They swim so in the fulnesse of their desire that they become the objects of all mens flatteries their happinesse shines with such splendour that their very attendants like Solomons young men are happie that they are so near none can or dare speak contemptibly of them nay men are their felicity to the silencing of reproof towards their impiety nay the very justifying of their wickednesse and crying all is well done Alexander wants not an Anaxarchus to set Justice by Jupiter Psal 49 18. and conclude all must be deemed just that is done by so great a King and that first by himself then by others though it be the murther of his dearest friend Clitus nor is it to be thought strange thâ—t men arise call them blessed and conclude them the happiest men on earth for that 2 They are set up 2 step of profane prosperity exalted by the hand of God to the highest of outward enjoyments They are set up in natures throne and blessed
be observed and dreaded by such as feare God there must be in all godly hearts a demeanor and frame of spirit suitable to divine providence the successe and prosperity of men in the world doth digitate and direct something of duty to Gods Children but whilst providence is to bee observed it is not to be obeyed against any precept Whilst it is to be improved it must be our care it be not misimproved and whilst we wait to hear see Gods mind in a providence we must not make it to speak the uncertain sound of our own fancies and pointblank contrary to Gods wil in his word I would that providencâ— be used not abused and duely argued but not made to conclude what the promises of successe and prosperity will not conclude let me therefore unto the guiding you unto the due observation and Christian improvement of providences successe and prosperity desire you to keep this golden Rule in mind and have it always at hand in changeable times and under variety of providences viz. Gods providence doth determine our condition but not defend any cause or dictate any course of life Providence is the explication of Gods mind Concerning our enjoyments not our endeavours and are to convince this is the estate wee must enjoy or endure not these are the principles we must believe and practice we must imbrace Gods providence is no Rule to know by no Rule to go by It was never intended to be a line of decision in doubtfull controversies or a Rule of direction in difficult cases it is indeed a good Dictator to our passions but no direction to our actions the due and diligent observer of providence seeth what to fear and what to desire when to mourn and when to rejoyce and how to lye low and how to be lifted up under the hand of God but not what to believe in matters of faith and act in matters of Religion I deny not the change of Gods people under changing providences but must have this change understood to be a change not of principles but passion not piety and Religion but particular acts of piety that not in substance and matter but method and order Gods providence doth sometimes call to weeping Isai 22.12 and mourning and cloathing in sackcloth and sometimes to joy and gladnesse and feasting before the Lord and he that answereth not this Call of Providence with the change of his demeanour is prophane and liable to divine plagues yet he that improves this providence to the casting off Religion Psal 44.17 and forsaking the Covenant of God is blasphemous and irreligious degenerated from the Saints of old who could cleave to Gods Covenant under the greatest of crosses whilst then we fear before God and observe his providence as disposing all affairs under the Sun we must not favour any cause because successfull nor follow any course of life because prosperous for we must know 1. Precept not providence is the Rule of direction unto the people of God Their enquiry is what doth God speak not what doth God succeed God hath published his word and prescribed it to be the Rule of life and manners and hath bound his people to the determination thereof Matters of faith and Religion have ever been positive and prescribed by the word and not left to the uncertain determination of providence the Gentiles may be left to the guidance of the stars and determinations of Heavens influence but Gods Israel have â—â—ws statutes Ordinances and commandements which they must observe fare it as it wil w th their coÌ„ditioÌ„ they must not turn to the right hand or the left hand from Gods declared will Deut. 5 32.1â—.11.28.14 No change of providence must carry them from positive commands their very King the subject of highest prosperity must have the Law written and therein read daily and Rule the people not by the impulse or instigation of providence but those positive prescriptions in doubtful cases Israel must appeal to the Priest and have the controversie decided by the Law but we never read of any appeal to providence directed or allowed to the Law and to the testimony Deut. 17 17. if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them Isa 8.20 In the most dark estate that that ever befell Israel they are directed to the word not works of God to uphold their faith and direct their conversation Remember the Law of Moses my servant wh ill I commanded him in Horeb for a Israel with the statutes judgments Mal. 4.4 was the counsell of God to Israel untill the comming of the Messiah and he leavs not Christian faith on the changable wheel of providence but committed it to writing that it might be a standard of doctrine and Rule of life These things are written that we may believe Joh. 20.31 And peace is to be on as many as walk according to the written Rule Gal. 6.16 No gracious heart ever yet durst decline the word of God to be directed by works of providence Ahabs majesty his Prophets harmony 1 King 22.13 14. friends perswasion and fear of adversity have no influence on Micaiah to turn him from the word of the Lord he will speak what the Lord speaketh Nay Balaam the false Prophet however swayed by the prospering providence put into his hand and pursuing the wages of unrighteousnesse dares not â—ut protest against the influence of providence a subjection to the word of God The word that God putteth into my mouth that will I speak Numb 22.38 The Barbarians may bottome their perswasions of Paul Act. 26.6.14.11 12. upon the successe of the Viper and the Lycaonians stir up their superstition by the miraculous providences that attend the Apostles 17.11 but the noble Bereans regard neither the one nor the other But search the Scipture and bottome their faith on the Word of God he that weigheth Religion in the ballance of providence forsaketh â—he ballance of the Sanctuary God never intends by providence to justâ—e our precepts and to make his word of none effect Let Mâ—homet cudgell Chrâ—â—â— Jâ—â—us will convince his disciples and by his word witnesse his truth when providences run never so crosse to mannage a cause with appeals to providence is to manifest a want of or a weaknesse in the word of God and put the controversie on that course that giveth no assurance of decision having never been appointed to that end to embrace any course because it prospereth is to forsake the law of the Lord as rude and uncertain and blasphemously to tempt God by a course on which no faith can be founded for that no promise is made unto it obedience to the word is manifested when works of providence do run counter and contrary thereunto the appeal of comfort to the soul and honour to God and his truth is all this is come upon us yet have we not forgotten thee nor dealt
Schismes and Heresies and anon Toleration Of all professions is the onely note of sanctity we cannot keep constant in our very Civills onely while we see God will have us ruled by a single person and to him we basely bow and again by a republick and for that we can engage and vow wee easily swear and promise faithfulness to any faction for wee do it on the principle of its present prosperity and look not on our fidelity as due longer then it succeeds if it but begin to tumble we may break promise and with violence throw it down how sad have been the revolutions our eyes have seen how shamefull the changes of men among whom we live is not unconstancy a sin a shame and sad torment to humane spirits Must men be like children tossed to and fro with every wind Like waves of the Sea always rowling never resting constancy even in evill is more commendable then tepidity and Lukewarmness I would you were either hot or cold Is Christ his own desire of Luke-warm Laodicea And if Baal bee God follow him Is Elijah his advice to haling Israel less hatefull are they to God that serve him not at all then they that serve him with a rivall saith Bishop Hall the Prophet rebuketh Israell not so much for their superstition as unsettledness and irreligion How long will ye halt between two opinions Peters compliance with the prospering providence of the circumcision was with stood to his face by the Apostle Paul to go upright in a wrong way is a less eye-sore to God then to halt betwixt right and wrong shall not Ecebolius proclaim himself by his providentiall changes unsavory salt is not Christ failed and Christian Religion supplanted by unconstancy Is Martyrdom a duty or dignity when to bee done and enjoyed If providence must guide our course nor is there more shame and sin then sorrow in the minds uncertainty and affections in stability it s not onely better in the end but very enjoyment there cannot bee a greater misery then for a man to be a burden terror to himselfe They saith Cal. who teach a doctrine of doubting exercent carnificinaÌ„ animarum Keep conscience on the Rack and leave men to the torment of their own distracted thoughts He saith one that cherisheth his own doubts Mant non James 2.1.6 doth but hugg a distemper instead of a duty so long then as following providence leads us unto perplexing propbane inconstancy let us to the Law and testimony and know rebellion is rebellion though successfull and Skepticism in Religion the shame of Christianity though accounted the Saints moderation Lawfull authority the object of loyallty and fidellity even when oppressed and ejâ—cted Let us cleave to the Covenant of God against all changes of providences Communication perswâ—sion or terrors whatsoever though it cost us never so deâ—r whilst this age affords few Martyrs Let it bee our Emulation to be of the number of those few however the wheel of providence doth alter dispose and change our condition let us cleave to the Word and bee constant in an holy conversation towards God and towards men motive 3 But again such as savour any cause and follow any course because of its prospering providence fall into an impudent and blasphemous course of sin Prophaneness is the naturall product of marching after prospering providence what impiety doth not issue from the prosperity of the prophane Leads it not unto all cruelty oppression injustice and tyranny among men Jam. 2.6 5.5 6. pride security and sensuallity in themselves Psal 73.6 Nay Atheisme and irreligion and open contempt of God and Godliness when we call the proud happy and they that work wickedness are set up Mal. 3.17 Do not men say it is vain to serve God prospering providences do many times feed Atheisme as it 's very blood who would thimk there were a God is the old observation of the oppressed just men among the heathen for the wicked succeeding say there is no God he doth not regard or he is altogether blasphemous Psal 10.11 and saith God is such an one as our selvs Psa 50.21 and he abetteth our undertakings and delivereth us to work these abominations Jer. 7.7 and so the wicked wax impudent in their impiety because sentence against an evill work is not speedily executed therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evill Eccl. 8.11 So that whoever shall make providence the Principle of his perswasion and guide of his conversation must make prophaneness his course and Atheisme his Religion What daring impieties have been devised pursued and effected by such as crie up providence for their guide What open proclamation is made of divine providence when men devise mischief and enter upon it with holy fasting and return from it with holy feasting Oh the blasphemie of Jazabells fast solemnly to implore divine help and favour on treason rebellion perfidie perjury and all prophaneness Must not this needs speak that these men think that God is like themselvs faith only can under prospering providences consult the Word and conclude verily there is a God and that an holy God who ruleth the earth verily there is a reward unto the righteous We see then that making providence the ground of perswasion and guide of our action is of very dangerous consequence and of a very sinfull influence whilst we forsake the Word Gods standing rule fal into an estate of uncertainty and unconstancy and follow prophaneness with impudence and blasphemy In which very respect Christians may much more then heathen pray Careat successibus opto qui ab eventu c. Success be wanting unto him who maketh Event the rule of what he undertaketh So long then as the most prospering providence may attend the prophanest wretches Let us learn this first lesson favour no cause nor follow any course because it prospereth so we proceed to the second instruction propounded Find no content in a condition of Instruct 2 outward prosperity Let not the blessings of this life puffe you up as blessed or the want of them cast you down as cursed of God place not your bliss on sublunary enjoyments The things of this life peace plenty health honour wealth and worship I deny not to be blessings even as the Apostle calls them precious fruits of the Earth Jam. 5.7 Things they are that must bee received with thansgiving but they must not take up our hearts as the only objects of our affections expectations and endeavous in the enjoyment of which we should be satisfied and deem our selves happy and in the want of which we should be sadned because cursed and undone and to the obtainment of which we should lay out our whole care and diligence No there are blessings of an higher nature which we are to regard and pursue if ever wee will possesse true happiness mans nature is indeed too much glued to the world and if we have but our
vain to serve him when the successe of prophanenesse is the soule object of sence and the darke providences of God the cloud of his truth and check of holinesse then must Godly conference awe conscience to duty and animate faith to dependance on a never failing God But not to stay long on the illustration of a duetie so positive and plaine even obvious to the common capacity of every sober christian seriously studious of Scripture or observant of the society of the Saints I shal briefly propound the reason of the point and so passe unto the application And the reasons why the prosperity of prophaneness must prouoke the godly to holy conference are reducible to these three heads It is Directed by and delighfull to the Lord. Declareth the sincerity of sanctitie Deriveth much profit advantage Of these in their order and first of the first The First reason why prospering prophanenesse should provoke holy conference is because holy conference is directed by and delightfull to the Lord the desire of the righteous is to do the pleasure of the Lord and his delight is not more in them that fear him then theirs is to make mention of his name Now holy conference is a duty by him directed who doth also dispose the time condition that doth specially reqvire the discharg there of fraternal correptioÌ„ friendly confabulation is not only a duty directed in the light of nature by the necessity of publick good and naturall enjoyment and improvement of humane society but also by positive prescription of scripture God enjoyning his people both in the old and new Testament times unto mutuall colloquie and reciprocall conferrence of and concerning his councell and their owne condition we shall find amongst other soule establishing meanes appointed to Israell that one was frequent and familiar conference of divine councell he must not only learn the law himself and Catechize his Family therein but also make it the matter of his or dinarie languag Thou shalt talke of them when thou sittest in thine house and when thou walkest in thy way and when thou liest down and when thou risest up Deuternomie 9.7 Family and friendly conference must be conversant about Gods Law let our companie be at home or abroad this must be our discourse for exciting the soule to duty and encouragment of the heart in difficultie and to the restraint of sin it is Gods own direction that we shal rebuke a brother by all brotherly argumentation discourse and conference with him concerning his impiety Levit. 19.17 He is by words to shew him what is right and what is wrong saith Ainsworth nor was this religious reasoning peculiar to the Jewes by whom it was in an Ordinany and familar way practised but it belongs to the whole household of faith and is more fully enjoined by the Lord Jesus and his Apostles in the New Testament who makes private conference with his brother the praecursor of publick complaint against a brother Mat. 11.15 16. and positively enjoins us in days of temptation unto sin to exhort one another daily whilst it is called to day Heb. 3.13 And consider one another to provoke unto love and good works Heb. 10.24 To admonish one another Rom 15.14 To comfort one another 1 Thes 5.11 Jude 20. All which is done by conference and friendly discourse and declare but the several parts thereof sometimes by complaint against sin warning the unruly sometimes by counsell unto duty exhorting and quickning the dull and discouraged somtimes by convincing arguments establishing in the faith such as are in danger of Apostasie and sometimes by consideration of mercie power justice and the like confirming the mind that waxeth feeble in affliction so that we must throw away our Bibles or wilfully shut our eyes if we see not holy conference be a duty directed by the Lord and especially to be discharged in evill times when we are under temptations to sin discouragements to holiness and despondency in affliction Nor is it onely directed by but also delightfull to the Lord it cannot but be pleasing to him because prescribed by him and indeed God doth signifie much delight in the discourses of the Godly their complaints he calls for Let me hear thy voice for it is pleasant Cant. 2.14 Their communication is his complacency Our Father loves to see his children distribute his sweet meats among their brethren he gives neither gifts nor graces to any for their sole private use but the publick edification of the body every one must distribute as he hath received if the Apostles be comforted it is that they may comfort others by the selfsame consolation with which they are comforted in themselves 2 Cor 1.5 and if the Romans be full of goodness and knowledge it is that they may admonish one another God will not that any of his servants hide their Talent and conceal his counsell they must indeed keep their places and administer the supply proper to such joints Private conference is distinct from publick preaching and the one as well as the other tends to the perfecting of the body of Christ Private conference in families and friendly societies and preaching to the Church in publick Ministry and each of these make sweet musick in Gods ear if not marred in the order the hand miscarrieth when it would become the eye and the foot when it would be the head Private conference is to bee contemned when it presseth upon publick Ministry and becomes provoking to God but of this I shall speak more in the applicatiâ—n otherwise it is exceeding pleasing to God so delightfull that David determines the talking of Gods righteousness as the pâ—easant holding of his songs of praise Psa 71.24 and cheering of his own drooping and desponding spirits as the help against diffidence hee will talke of all Gods doings Psal 77.12 he accounts it to bee the precious and pleasant fruit of all his instruction and eminently to be esteemed by the Lord he prays for that oyl that may make this Lamp ever burn make me to understand the wâ—y of thy precepts so shall I talk of all thy wondrous works Psal 119. 27. Gods esteem of the holy language and heavenly discourse of his people in prophane times is emphatically expressed in the text when they that feared the Lord spake one nnto another the Lord hearkened and heard and a book of remembrance was written for them and they shall be mine c. There are three expressions of Gods acceptance of his godly conference 1. He regards it he heareth and hearkeneth he listeneth and laieth his ear close as loath to loofe one syllable of this holy language 2. He records it as fearing it should be forgotten a book of remembrance is written and that not in the earth where it may be trampled out by prophane feet but before himself where it shal be coÌ„served with care and free from the least corruption as fit for his own contemplation 3. Rewards it and puts more
honour on them then ever Ahashuerosh did on Mordecay when by the record of his good service his oblivion was allarum'd for his compassion doth work towards them he is peirced to the heart with this holy language his pity is provoked to spare them as a man spareth his own son which serveth him Nay his complacency is in them they shall be his is propriety and his jewels in peculiarity whose hearts cause such holy language in so bad and evil times but of these I shall speak more fully hereafter we see then what delight God takes in holy conference no tender parent can with more delight listen to the tatlings of her babe or lay up in her heart the pretty prudent reasons urged by the child and set her heart on the childe with more serious and compassionate affections then God doth to his people in their holy conference nor is it to be wondered at for this discourse is the expression of the thoughts of his holy name which they fear and evidence of those zealous affections they bear unto the honour of his name wayes of his holiness and this leads me to the 2d. Reason of the point Prospering prophaness provokes Reason 2 holy conference to declare the sincerity of sanctity God loves the truth in the inward parts hypocrisie is to God an abomination all outward profession of his name and attendance on his ordinances are of no value without sincere sanctity and an upright heart he is not a Jew who is one outwardly nor is that circumcision which is of the flesh but he is a Jew who is one inwardly and whose circumcision is of the heart whose praise is not of men but of God such as will be delight unto the Lord must be upright in heart the integrity of the heart covereth many infirmities God winks at the weakness of his sincere servants whose hearts are right before him mens care must be to manifest that holy conference in evill times as an evident declaration of sincere grace such as have superficiall and temporary graces may be forward in common and ordinary acts of holinesse and religion but are estranged to and carelesse of the rare and extraordinary acts thereof Common Christians make some care of publique exercises of Religion such as hearing Reading and the like ordinances of the Church in common but when acts of private and personall concernment are to to be performed they think them needless and superfluous all specialties in Religion are in their account singularities and nicities and the agents in them deemed busie bodies and giddy spirits making themselves over righteous but the sincere make conscience of keeping all Gods commands and performing every prescribed duty as well those which are private and personall as those which are publick and common and in this their speaking one to another there are these evidences of their sincere holiness 1. It is an especial service to God a speaking to him for him coÌ„plaining of the dishonor done to him confirming each others in adependence on him holy confereÌ„ce in so sinful times under so sad discouragements doth spring out of an heart 1. Apprehensive of present affairs observant of the dispensations of God towards his people security senslesness under gods hand is the object of a wo. God threatens sensuality as a sin indelible Iâ—a 22.13 non-appreheÌ„sion of his peoples affliction with most heavy judgments to live at ease in Lion and not to regard the affliction of Joseph is the work of an hypocrite and an high transgression Amos 6.4 But to apprehend Gods anger provoked and his hand lifted up the Lord looks on that with delight Josiah shal dye in peace because his heart was tender when he heard the words of the Lord against Jerusalem 2 Cor. 34.27 And the mourners for all Jerusalems abominations make such melody in Gods ears that they shall be the marked of the Lord in the day of Jerusalems desolation Ezek. 9. It is a kind check Godgives Samuel for mourning over Sauls rejection 1 Sam. 16.1 It is an how long not why dust thou mourn for Saul the matter was pleasing the measure is burthensome and to be blamed 2. Affectionate and ardent for Gods honour Their good thoughts did heat their affections and make them to boil over into holy conference heat of heart towards God must have vent of tongue for God thus when David mused the fire waxed hot untill he at length was constrained to break his resolved silence zeal for Gods honour grief for sins successe sets the Godly on conference each to others holy language is the Ruptures of the heated affections and provoked passions of an holy heart The Parents danger will make that child speak who never spake before Stephen spake with such fulness fervency as when the coÌ„motions of his soul stirred by the blasphemies of the Jews shewed him to be full of the holy Ghost Acts 7. 3. Associated to the Saints Communion of Saints is an Article of Creed and advantage of grace to every sincere soul Schisme cannot be a sign of sanctity it is a fruit of the flesh never was any savingly nverted but he presently sought Communion with the Church for extra Ecclesiam nulla salus no salvatioÌ„ without the pale of the Church Saul is no sooner become a Paul but he assayed to join himselfe to the Church Act. 9.26 No member of the Church must be idle and dead or unprofitabl buâ— must gives and receive nutriment towards the increase of the whole body every joint must supply it's proper part which is and can only be done by holy conference Good lives and languages are the Churches veins in which the blood of Gods word doth run unto it's strength and growth so that the men who manifest life in their union with the Church are carefull to maintain Communion and they that confirm themselvs by holy conference in evill times do evidence themselves in society with and serviceable to the Saints Colloquy is an act of Communion conference is in company 4. Adhaerence unto God professions are the souls obligations purposes bind a man at his own good will and pleasure and are alterable but promises professions and publike discourses provoke other mens observation and expectation of performance and accomplishment and so abide not within our power conscience of a backsliding spirit doth bring many of the Saints under the bond of promises professions and good conference from which they cannot start without shame but conference of God and Religion in times of prospering prophanenâ—sse proclaim a resolution of adhaerency a care against apostasy by such confirming soul-establishing Colloquies They must needs resolve to follow God piety who are fervent in discourse for and of them when they find no favour in the World an heart apprehensive of present affairs affected with Gods honour associating with the Saints adhaering to God in times of discouragement is approved sincere in Gods sight but holy conference is the vent
give me leave therefore to appoint the borders of your holy conference and that you may never hereafter pleade ignorance I will tell you what private Christians in their conferences may do and what uâ—der the pretence of conference private Christians may not meddle withall as they tender the edification of the Church advancement of Religion and salvation of their own souls First then there are seven pâ—si ive and speciall acts of conâ—erâ—â—ce and Communion of Saints which particular Christians and private brethren not onely lawfully may but in duty must discharge each with and towards other and they are briefly these 1. Private Christians may and must pray one for another in the behalf of themselves and the whole Church of God prayer is indeed an act of publick worship to be done in and by the Church whose mouth must be the Ministers of God Joel 2.17 But it is also a private and personall duty to be done by every child of God in secret and in society It is Required that every Christian do it and that believers do pray one for another James 5 16. And it is the promise of the covenant of grace that families and tribes shall every of them pray apart and in the times of the Churches perplexity even private Saints though there were no Ministers among them should go together and pray in Communion and by joynt supplication thus did the men that feared God in our Text and the many who were gathered into the house of Mary the mother of John and were praying in the day of Herods Rage acts â—2 12 Some have been angry at but never durst argue against the practice of Christians in private fasts and prayers no it is their duty and priviledge 2. Private Christians may and must confess their sins one unto another none but Papists will confine confession to a Priest or publick officer sin must indeed be sometimes confessed in and to the Church when she is become the object of offence and scandalized by the miscarriage and so the finner become the subject of her censure but private brethren may not onely confess their sins one unto another as they are the parties offended but as they are brethren and subjects of pity and of compâ—ssion who seeing his brother sin a sin not unto death will pray for him and it shall be forgiven him private brethren must not onely pray against the guilt but power also of each others lust and must not onely pray against sin but be serviceable by other means to the subduing the strength thereof and saving the soul from the error of his way and therefore it is commanded that common Saints do confesse their sin one unto another I presume I need not advise prudence in the choice of those brethren to whom we will commit such secrets 3 Private Christians may and must in their private conferences Check and Rebuke one anothers impieties and miscarriages fraternall correption is a duty beyond all exception commanded of God Thou shalt in any wise Rebuke thy brother and not suffer sin up on him Lev. 19.17 Appointed by Christ if thy brother offend tell him of his faults between thee and him as an hinderance to sin and help in temptation exhort by way of Rebuke one another least ye be hardened through the deceitfulnesse of sin It is the provocation of Repentance balme of a wounded conscience desired by David Let the Righteous smite me it is the Restitution of a Relapsed soul Gal. 6.1 The private mans passage to glory and provision for honour covering a multitude of sins and converting the soul James 5.19.20 The end of mutuall confession is mutuall Reprehension these are the wounds of a friend more faithful then the kisses of an enemy Prov. 27.6 Where let it be Remembred that Reproof is the wound of a friend done in Charity not out of office with pitty and successefull by its truth and justice not with power prevailing by its Authority 4. Private Christians may and must counsell and quicken each others graces And so spur each others duties say come let us return unto the Lord let us joyn our selves to God in an everlasting covenant they must consider observe have an eye unto each others ways and walkings to warm the cold affections and provoke unto love and good works none but the slothfull in duty and slaves to prophanesse can be angry at or argue against the private Rebukes and exhortations of holy conference 5. Private Christians may and must comfort one another in their anguish and affliction sanctity supplanteth no act of society but sets us in a better capacity to perform to Reason much more religion leads friends to visit Job in his afflâ—ctâ—oâ— for to him that is afflicted pity must be shewed by his friend The not speaking consolation was the mistake of Jobs friends in all that long conference they had with him when our friends interr their dead we are directed to comfort each other 1 Thes 5.11 by conferring of the Resurrection of the body the speaking of promises and providences of God so as to prop up a sinking soul to strengthen the feeble hands is the work not onely of publick communion but also of private conference the consolations of God must not be concealed but imparted as occasion requireth unto the good of others 6. Private Christians may and must coÌ„plain of the evil of the times to affect each others hearts with sence of and sorrow for sin or Gods sad providences mens stout words against God must be matter of expostulation to them that fear God Jonathan David must into the field to confer of Sauls wickedness and cruelty Israels abomination must be made mention of among the mourners for it the dâ—eadfull dispensations of God at the death of Christ must be the matter of discourse to the Disciples as they waâ—k to Emmaus every soul must see Gods hand observe Gods providences and make the prosperity of prophaness and escapes impiety the matter of discourse unto his own and other mens discretion to a due demeanor and suitable conversation 7. Private Christians may must confer with each other of the things of faith and salvation none but Papists who lock up the knowledge of the truth from poor souls and the people of God and impose on their faith what the Church doth believe will make it heresie to enquire into and debate of the Articles of the Creed Obadiah may without any sin or disobedience expostulate the injunctions of the Prophets and it shall be a note of Nobility to the Bereans to enquire into the Scriptures to finde the verity of the Apostles doctrine This is no other then the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Christian conference allowed and enforced by the ministers in jus divinum ministerii cap. 5. Pa. 81. of this City Nay and was honoured by our Saviour in joyning in society and debating with the Disciples that went to Emmaus the death and resurrection of himself those
the wicked cry he hath forsaken him Psal 71.11 and follow them with mocks taunts and reproaches as the very sting of their affliction David can no sooner be driven from Jerusalem by Absolon but he is cursed and called dead dog man of Belial and bloody man and counted a rebell unto Saul whom he durst never resist by a blaspheming Shimei nor shall Jobs sorrows seize on him without the proud censures of his prosperous friâ—nds Christ cannot be delivered into the hands of men by the determinate councell of God but he is accounted stricken smitten of God and forsaken nay the pride of the wicked carrieth them out unto blasphemy against God as one that seeth not regardeth not fogetteth and sorsaketh his people that is impotent and cannot or mindlesse and will not save or shew favour to the Righteous and so the rich oppress the poor condemn and kill the just and none resist them and cry out in insolence Aha so we would have it and there is none that can deliver out of our hands and so conclude it is in vain to serve God and walk mournfully all the day not only in their pride treading down the godly but trâ—mpling on their holy exercises in such evill times as of no weight or moment meeting with no acceptance from God or men little considering the special favour God beareth to them who all this while fear before him think of his name and speak often one to another as resolved to bear the reproaches of the wicked yet not to forget God or deal falsly in his Covenant though they be killed all the day long and counted as sheep for the slaughter but let the wicked well weigh in their thoughts the speciall acceptance that the godly their holy exercise in evil times doth receive from the Lord of hosts and it will cool their courage abate thâ—ir insolency check their pride and blasphemie whilst the language thereof is that of the Psalmist in Plas 75.4 5 6 7 8 9 10. I said unto the fools deal not so foolishly and to the wicked lift not up the horn Lift not up your horn on high speak not with a stiffe neck for promotion comes not from the East or from the West or from the South but God is judge he putteth down and setteth up another for in the hand of the Lord there is a cup and and the wine is red its full of mixture and he poureth out the same but the dreggs thereof all the wicked of the earth shâ—ll wring out and drink them the horns of the wicked shall be cut off and the hornes of the righteous shall be exâ—lted And under all the prosperity of the prophane and oppression of the righteous we may hear the godly thus courting the wicked in the language of the â—fflicted Church Rejoyce not over me oh mine enemie though I â—al I shall rise again when I sit in dâ—rkness the Lord shal be a light unto me I will beâ—r the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned agâ—inst him untill he plead my cause and execute judgment for mee he will bring me forth to the light I shall behold â—â—s Righteousness then she that was mine enemy shall see it and be ashamed Mic. 7. ver 8 9. Let Babylon boast Rabshakeh râ—il and the wicked insult over and reproach the godly at what rate they will when in â—ffliction and distresse yet they must know they are related to and accepted by the Lord hee hearkeneth and heareth the conferrence and complaints constrained from them by the prosperity of prophanenesse and remembreth to reward them they are no lesse in his esteeme then his jewels or under his correcting hand then sons only sons who serve him and whom he must spare the vile vassalls and base slaves may see the dear children chastised and deride them under the Rod but their rejoycing is only from the teeth outward being checked with this consideration they are children and will bee cockered as soon as corrected could but the wicked when imployed to chastise the righteous whom God gives into their hands heare that voice of God I have forsaken mine house I have left mine heritage I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemie Jer. 12.7 It would as the hand writing on the wal against Belshazar make the hearts and bones to tremble for every word is an emphaticall expression of affection and enforcement of a favourable return mine house mine heritage the dearly beloved of my soul hee must needs hearken and hear This speciall acceptance of the godly and their holy exercise doth suggest unto us sundry speciall considerations which may check and abate the insolency of the wicked and teach them to asswage their pride towards the Righteous and their blasphemies towards their God and the course of Religion and they are these viz. 1. Enmity of God is consistent with the enjoyments of the world peac plenty health liberty wealth and dignity the utmost enjoyments and highest of prospering providences are attendants on impiety and no expressions of favour and friendship of God however they be extension of general goodnesse they are not the least Evidences of peculiar armity the wicked may be advanced to afflict the righteous and yet never be accepted of the Lord nay have God for their very enemie and one that designeth their ruine and rejection they are not more the objects of Saints deprecation and imprecation then of Gods indignation however they at present succeed in sin and God stands silent he will e're long set their sin in order before their eyes though they are called happy and delivered and set up in the World they are proud workers of wickednesse tempting God whom the Lords soul hateth though they may tender unto God some sacred services and solemne sacrifices God hath no delight in them shuts his eyes to their offerings his ears to their cries and counts all unsavoury The very incense and and prayers they offer is an abomination they can by the serious observation of an awakened conscience see nothing but frownes wrath enmity and hatred towards them in the face of God their very enjoyments and blessednesse are expressions of displeasure they are indeed in his service and do him some work but it is meer drudgery fit for slaves not sons to be imployed in he useth them but his Rod Axe saw or sword which are usually imployed against the objects of his affection his dearest friends and choisest children with the exceeding grief and compassion of his spirit having done this work must be rejected ruined what reason hath Assyria to be lifted up in his pride to boast of the might of his power and multitude of his Princes and brag of his cruel purposes saying in his heart I wil destroy nations not a few whilst in all his glory puissance he is only the Rod of anger towards others and object of his hatred in himself and so soon as God hath