they are but Men And there is one above who shall out off the Spirit of Princes he is terrible to the Kings of the Earth Psal 76. 12. When they rage most he can put a hook in their Jaws and lead them back from their purposes see Isa 37. 29. Ezek. 29. 4. Dan. 4. ch ch 11. 36. Hos 7. 16. Heb. 11. 27. If it be his good pleasure he can save his people from their violence or turn them into the rod of his anger Isa 10. 5. And then we are patiently to suffer knowing who striketh and learn by his judgment to be reformed from our sins we may send up Prayers and Tears to him in whose hand is the heart of the King and he turneth it wheresoever he will. God can either alter his thoughts or suffer him to fall by an Accident or Sickness or which way it pleaseth his Almighty Wisdom Again they are minished and brought low through Oppression Affliction and Sorrow He poureth contempt upon Princes Psal 107. 39. 40. He can do it without our assistance he doth then more magnifie his own Power neither are we to break his commands for then we justly suffer as Evil-doers 1 Pet. 4. 15 16. It was hardly ever known that people did endure much for being good Subjects or if any thing yet not to be compared with what came upon them by being otherwise None is punished for living peacably but seditiously in the State or through false accusation he is reputed so Loyalty is not esteemed nor proceeded against as a crime if any suffer innocently in life member or goods that is commonly through corruption of witnesses or subordinate Ministers which Government and Justice is to prevent The King is bound by Oath to keep Righteousness and Minister true Judgment unto his People for the observation or neglect of which he is to give account Those seeds of evil within make all the disturbance in the World which are provided against by the grace of him who is greater then Solomon and then all people might dwell safely every Man under 1 Kings 4. 25. his Vine and under his Fig-tree from one end of the Earth to the other all the days of our Kings and Governours To come unto him who is the great instrument of our External Of the Person of Kings Peace and Happiness Vnder his shadow we live Lam. 4. 20 This person is not most happy though great in Power and Majesty of any in his Realm He presides over many violent and rotten Members who would make a Schism in the body and say unto the Head O Monstrous Folly We have no need of thee But now God hath set the Members every one of them in the body as it hath pleased him 1 Cor. 12. 18. Yet the inferior are not pleased because they were not supreme or higher And therefore will displace or disturb So the principle part is obliged to stand on continual guard to keep it self secure and others in their due subjection they are apt to mutiny among themselves which this is to suppress and take care for all the other Members It cannot have much leisure to rest the Enemies being so near and its business so great We should let him be secure by whom we enjoy security he sees that others do not molest us so ingenuity and gratitude require us to do nothing against his Royal Person State or Dignity But seeing his great Master in Heaven hath evil recompensed for good even from those who are the work of his hands and subsist upon him every moment the King may expect that notwithstanding all the good he doth to his Subjects and fellow-Creatures yet some will be his Enemies Indeed the malice of Men cannot reach the Most High and if it might could not hurt him yet it may hurt the Son of Man as he is and therefore hath guards to defend himself which do somewhat keep off outward violence yet it must be a Melancholy reflection that the meanest Subject hath more safety of his life then himself Thence arise fears And further his life is wearied with publick business which require the greatest study and labour of mind Vexation is at hearing ill News and adverse Accidents which bring carefulness and anxiety much greater then what his Subjects have in their several callings as the Object is of more concern and importance Those hard and difficult things of Government do occasion more weariness and interruption then he who daily goeth forth to his work until the Evening fixedness of thought doth more tire then labour of the hands so he hath his portion of Care and Sorrow with the rest of Mankind But then his Pleasures do as much exceed them That Royal Pomp and Grandeur his Nobles Courtiers Friends and honest Subjects do all study to make his life as happy as possible He hath all Recreations the Wit of Man can invent choice Meats delicious Liquor variety and beauty of Women the most excellent Conversation great diversity of News and remarkable Occurrences Then he hath great Possessions Riches stately Palaces Gardens Furniture and wants nothing of the Conveniency and Pleasures of Life Indeed if the World and the things of this World can make a Man happy then he must be so who hath them all at his Command and Service Certain it is they make a greater appearance outwards then have real content and satisfaction That goodly retinue which others so much admire himself esteems as a thing of necessity and course At length he doth not perceive half the pleasure as the common Spectators even these by often seeing diminish in their esteem for the most excellent sensible objects by frequency tire The reverence from his Subjects is but their Duty and Homage they owâ— unto him this also by repeated and successive acts doth lessen into none or a very little delight He is only the visible Fountain of Honour yet not of Happiness for they are not convertible terms If all Happiness did meet and concenter in him there would be no more need for others studying to make him Happy then for the Rays to convey up light to the Sâ—n. Notwithstanding all their Labour this good and perfect Gift comeâ—â— down from the Father of Lights and it is not in the Power of any to bestow it They may indeed light up Candles somewhat take off from the Horrour of Darkness and Misery but this Light doth not shine as perfect day neither is the Happiness they Subminister like that which proceeds from the Son of Righteousness Courtiers and Favourites provide for their Master what Pleasure the World affords but cannot bring also a new Relish and Appetite They cannot take away that Irksomeness which arises from having the same Divertisements over so often Let them wrack their Brains never so much they cannot always supply him with new Variety and then they cannot help but he will grow weary of them The same delight they provide for him he hath enjoyed already let them
burning by a meer perswasion only then also men might escape the damnation of Hell by only thinking there is no such thing To argue there is no God because the Foâ—l hath said so in his heart Psal 14. 1. is as ridiculous as it would be for one to pretend to extinguish the light of the Sun by shutting his eyes Let them think he is not or he sleepeth doth not concern himself with the affairs of Mankind yet himself hath said I AM THAT I AM Exod. 3. 14. and declares himself in that Magnificent manner Deut. 32. 40 41 42 43. So let all the world say to the contrary it signifieth not The word he hath spoken shall stand and he will do according to it let all mankind dispute or think what they will. If they will not believe they must perish in their unbelief if they do that but will not give heed to obey the truth thereof they also shall be punished from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power Both these are follies so great that there wants a name to express them yet this last seems to be greatest for there are in Scripture such forcible arguments to obedience that who believes must be as absolute a fool or madman if they do not work upon him as he who refuses a great Estate when offered or run himself into a fire when he may pass by and avoid it Go ye into all the World and Preach the Gospel to every Creature He that believeth and is Baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned Mark 16. 15 16. said our Lord to his Disciples Which may prevent the Whispering of Court-Chaplains that Christ gave no command to Kings if they are not Creatures they have an immunity from Gods Law otherwise not When only in Judah God was known he expected Obedience from the King thereof all one as from the People yea rather more for the spirit of God takes particular notice who served him and who did not with account of those Mercies and Judgments they received accordingly as every one knows who doth read the Old Testament But now the fulness of time is come to which belongs that â—rophesie Kings shall be her nursing Fathers and Queens her nuâ—sing Mothers It was some considerable time after Christ and his Apostles were upon the Earth before any King or Emperour was converted to the Faith and even now it is only so of one part of the World defaced with much Corruption Wickedness and Ignorance So we are to expect a further and universal fulfilling of Isa 60 3. 11. Psal 72 11. Psal 102. 15 22. Rev. 11. 15. and chap. 21. vers 24 26. Themselves are subject to the only Potentate the King immortal invisible and only Wise God if they are so â—reely he accepts thereof but if they will reign wholly themselves and not let him reign over them if they do not glorify the God in whâ—sâ— hand their breath is Dan. 5. 23. he will account with them when that is taken away and manifest that he is stronger They are Potsherds of the Earth though of the largest size yet between them and their Maker is but alike difference being infinite in both as between the High and Lofty one and the meanest Man. They came here to the same end and purpose as others they also were designed to set forth the glory of God though in a more eminent manner they are made to act according to his Laws both as they relate to their private capacity as Men and to the publick of Kings as they must answer for themselves to the Lord who is high above all the Earth who is exalted far above all Gods Psal 97. 9. Happy is he who doth comply with this will of the Almighty That hath learnt to fear the Lord his God to keep all the words of his Law and his Statutes to do them whose heart is not lifted up above his Brethren and doth not turn aside from the Commandment to the right hand or to left to the end he may prolong his days in his Kingdom he and his Children in the midst of Israel Deut. 17. 19 20. In his own Country and Dominion that ended he may be received up into Gods Kingdom above for this promise is come in under the Gospel Neither is the other taken away but rather obscured that is not so much mentioned under the Manifestation of the Greater the like promise remains still annexed to the first Commandment Ephes 6. 2 3. And here is the alike reason The observation of the conditions of the promise do according to Gods establishment of things tend towards the obtaining of it and so on the contrary it is of the threatnings which come on by sin and ignorance But further Gods special providence is over his own People and more particularly over his Anointed It is he that giveth Salvation unto Kings Psal 144. 10. Not that all good Kings have always temporal deliverances for there is the example of Josiah who had that excellent Character 2 Kings 23. 25. The reason of whose untimely Death seems to be given in the verse following If God doth sometimes let the Righteous fall his wayes are justice and goodness it is not for ever for it will be abundantly made up in the day of recompence But Jehosaphat sought to the Lord God of his Father and walked in his Commandments and not after the doings of Israel therefore the Lord established the Kingdom in his hand and all Judah brought to Jehosaphat presents and he had riches and honour in abundance 2 Chron. 17. 4 5. Something may be hence gathered for God is the same still No accepter of Persons but in every Nation he that feareth him and worketh Righteousness is accepted with him Acts 10. 34 35. Let the King be assured that if he cleaves unto God with his whole heart and puts away Idolatry and false Worship he shall have Temporal or Eternal Salvation that most commonly this most certainly but rather both It is so well pleasing unto God when those obey him whom he hath placed in the highest Room on Earth that he rewards them here and hereafter To rule according to Gods Commandments is the most safe way to preserve them in the Royal Seat of their Ancestors In mercy shall the Throne be established and he shall sit upon it in Truth in the Tabernacle of David judging and seeking judgment and hasting Righteousness Isa 16. 5. Did not thy Father Eat and Drink and do Judgment and Justice and then it was well with him be judged the cause of the Poor and Needy then it was well with him was not this to know me saith the Lord Jer. 22. 16. Every one that hath but the common sence of humanity must love honour and obey him and these will be such a safe-guard to his person that those his implacable Enemies whom no goodness can overcome will be forced to lick the dust for a Good
to judge and make application of his Word to our several Actâ—ons Let others censure such an one as a rash unadvised Fool an ignorant deluded Soul or an hundred kind of surmises by which if it was at their disposing he should lose his Reward in Suffering for the Truth and Well-doing yet God is Judge himself Wherefore let them that suffer according to the Will of God commit the keeping of their Souls unto him in well-doing as unto a faithful Creator 1 Pet. 4. 19. Let others suspend their verdict and judge nothing before the time There is as much certainty in this Duty as any and here we may go upon sure grounds As heretofore Christ Crucified was to the Greeks Foolishness 1 Cor. 1 23. so even at this day that Appendix to it the thing of loss and inconvenience is reckoned Folly by those who hold fast the Name of Christ but unless they have denied the Faith they cannot really think so for before them this Wisdom is justified and may be done before the Heathen World. It hath been demonstrated beyond all contradiction by our antient Apologists and Writers that Christianity is the best Wisdom in opposition to that of Philosophers and Wise-Men of the World. Theirs was defective could not reach any assurance and for the most part was about things of this Life which are but Dreams and Bubbles the exercises of a Childish mind for all things of this World are not worthy of the utmost concern and regard of the Rational and noble faculties of Man unless now as we are assured it be in order to those great perfect and durable things to come They of old did talk bravely but by actions did manifest that themselves were not Perswaded so Though they did pretend to set at naught the World the greatness thereof it was because they had it not for when it came in upon them they became Servants to it The like we have in our days who will talk yet higher in contempt of those things and yet more eagerly seek after them who catch at what they can get as much as they are able and then speak forth in contempt of the rest I am afraid this will be the Condemnation that Men will not do that for the Grace and Fear of God what others formerly did by Philosophy and vain Boasting That we who know and profess to believe greater things enforced with Promises and Threatnings yet will not do so much towards renouncing unlawful and abstracting from present things as they did The Wisdom set before us is greater but Man will not believe or not conform to it both which are unreasonable and foolish There is certainly some secret Enemy of mankind whom they see not that keeps them off Men could not do this of themselves for they may be assured Heaven will not drop into their Mouth it is as worthy to be sought after as the things of this World and doing but the same would bring us to the other Only as to this nothing stops but to that One doth let and will let until he be taken away He stands at our Elbow therefore let us know so much bid him stand off pray against his Temptation go to the Word of God and we shall not be ignorant of his devices and so be too cunning for him as we may by the assistance offered us If it was a matter of indifferency we could never be so backward to a thing that appears so very reasonable and makes such exceeding and assured Proposals of Good. Who is Wise and he shall understand these things Prudent and he shall know them Hos 14. 9. And unto Man he said Behold the Fear of the Lord that is Wisdom and to depart from Evil is Vnderstanding Job 28. 28. CHAP. XIV Of RIGHTEOUSNESS and JUSTICE THerefore all things whatsoever ye would that Men should do unto you do you even so to them for this is the Law and the Prophets Mat. 7. 12. Consider your selves exactly in the same circumstances and condition as the Person is with whom you deal and then let sincere and impartial Reason determine what thou wouldst have done to thee and so do unto him Here is a plain Rule given to know what is Just or not whether one doth Right or Wrong Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self is the Epitome of the second Table and the particular Precepts thereof are but to give him what is just and equal according to the relation he stands in and that we should do him no wrong in those Instances or whatsoever comes under them The Prophets did mightily insist and press to the observation of the Law throughout all their Writings are Inculcations to Judgment Justice and Righteousness and much Threatning from God against Oppression Theft Deceit Lying Bribery and such like Isa 1. Jer. 7. 9 10 11. They did unvail the Hypocrisie of those who did make pretences to Devotion and thence think they might commit injurious Practices because they did ask God forgiveness and yet retain the Sins of griping the Poor spoiling the Fatherless and Widow and the several acts of Unrighteousness This enraged the People for so doth any thing which lights upon Lust or fancied Interest And they to conceal or excuse their own Shame did fall from one Wickedness to another from a lesser to a greater degree of Wrong from being injurious to their common Neighbours to Persecuting their own Prophets also They might thus Palliate the matter before short-sighted Men But all things are naked and opened unto the Eyes of him with whom we have to do Heb. 4. 13. And by this way they did provoke him yet more Even now Whosoever is an Enemy to Religion or to those set up in defence of it he doth something which that condemns and therefore shews forth Spite and Malice There doth not arise such a bitter rancour in the minds of Men against the Word and Ways of God if it is only for Sin as to themselves because for this they may have some Extenuation and Pitty from others through infirmity or pleasing of the Flesh But the Wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all Vngodliness and Vnrighteousness of Men Rom. 1. 18. and for the several acts of the last they become destitute and odious to all that know thereof We are strictly commanded whatever is Just Honest and of good Report and we are forbidden the contrary Justice is more enjoyned in Scripture then Piety towards God which is in the first place or Sobriety to our selves Whether the holy Spirit fore-seeing it would be more difficult to keep people unto it for they sooner decline and turn aside there being more Temptation of Worldly Advantage then is to be had by Ungodliness or they might mistake and suppose to have Devotion pass for an Atonement and Commutation of their Sin Or God willing the Happiness of his Creatures as they lived in a community yet he hath aid more throughout his Word of our
Duty to our Neighbour then that we ow immediately unto himself Though in Truth all is Homage and Suâ—jection unto God For we are to do Justly and love Mercy because he doth require it of us Mic. 6. 8. This is agreed to be good by all mankind Upright-dealing and Alms-giving have been are and will always continue Honourable and of good esteem amongst Men both good and bad We may see by this they have a real desire after Happiness for they countenance what they see furthers it and shew themselves displeased at whatever is prejudicial thereto They approve what is just and equal when Offices of Kindness and Compassion are done to one another and contrariwise they seek to hinder if no other way yet by casting Shame on the Authors of Wrong and Injury There is a general sence and good Nature to others though it may be brought home to Self-Love at last yet if he loves others also it is no harm for a Man to love himself he cannot do otherwise and where all things may stand together there is no need of shutting one from the other I might from this Observation just ask if this Principle be in all and Religion only comes on this Errand as certainly it doth and for no other for God sent not his Son into the World not to condemn the World but that the World through him might be saved that is eternally Happy Why then should so many thoughts arise in the Hearts of Men concerning it as if it were a Troubler and Disturbance to them or as it were a Snare Exod. 10. 7. What mean those silent Murmurings those secret and strange Imaginations Concerning this one thing of Religion There are great Thoughts and searchings of Heart But it is only the Divisions and the not complyance with it in all things which occasions all this There is a secret Enemy which doth all he can to raise Prejudices and wicked suggestions to turn if possible all people from the good that is set before them but he doth the greater Part. There is something in the nature of Man which catches at every little thing that is present visible and certain but neglectful of what is not altogether so though Prudence would direct that in a thing of infinite greater concern he should also use the same Care and Caution He doth indeed wisely as to the little things of this Life but then he should go on as he hath begun doing the same as to those vast concerns of the succeeding and endless Life and then he acts like a Man indeed for a Beast hath that instinct to take care and provision about what is before and useful unto him and to avoid things hurtful and so far let him use those faculties he hath but for them which rise higher let them be advanced to the higher end The Principles of self-Love and willingness to be Happy are as fit to build the Doctrines of Christ on as any for as in the things of this World when a Man comes to know they tend to this he presently desires and seeks after them so if he understands the other are for his good and security it is then left unto him whether he will follow after and practice them None can so much as in thought accuse God for those Laws and Statutes he hath given to Mankind as they live in Neighbourhood and Society for those things to be done between Man and Man every one knows it would be happy living if they were by all persons and in all things observed that every Man might have his own and get what he can more that we might live Lovingly and Peaceable with one another But seeing the World is turned aside from this good Establishment The Answer is throughout the ensuing Discourse What shall we do now He that departeth from Evil maketh himself a Prey Isa 59. 15. One may do Wrong to make up for that which he hath received there is little to be got by the strict way of Justice If one will come to any thing he must make use of good and evil Arts the first to get a fair Reputation but it is good to have a double Advantage All people are for living in the World as well as they can If I had an Estate or sufficient besides I should never have been put upon this Temptation but it is hard to perish for want there can be no Sin when Necessity compels Moreover Honesty is poor and laughed at so it may seem neither agreeable to Wisdom nor Happiness One would admire when things were so well ordered and disposed of at first and such excellent Rules made concerning them that they should ever be departed from But Evil presently came into the World the Sons of Violence and Transgression sprang up Wickedness quickly got the greater part of its side But now hereby is had the exercise and tryal of Good for that could not be unless there was some of the contrary Nay it would not be so much commended unless there was great abundance of the contrary and much opposition as now there is so that Righteousness may appear more Righteous It relies on Faith and so is more precious then of Gold that perisheth then of the gains of Falshood which are quickly left behind and come to nothing though it be tryed with Fire that is with difficulty and resistance might be found unto Praise and Honour and Glory at the appearance of Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 1. 7. If there was nothing more then what we now see only Buying Selling and getting Gain If after this busie Life we were to lye in the sluggishness of eternal annihilation nothing in the World besides Earth no Time shall be after we are gone out of the World or there should be an utter end of us if there was nothing besides what we in the hurry of worldly Business think of which is evidently false or nothing would ever befall us then what we consider of before hand as many things do now I say if things were so which are manifestly contrary then all that aforementioned would be wise Counsel and method of Action The Men of this World run a little too fast they would take up that for granted which is not so and then all along act upon a false and mistaken Principle for whether they first debate it in their minds or no they do after that manner as if there was no Immortality and Resurrection If they would allow an eternal Life after this as it is the same whether they do or do not it being not what Man fancies concerning himself but God hath Decreed all this stir of living in the World would fall to the ground for then natural Reason would make this inference That the time of our Sojourning here if Seventy or Eighty Years is not so much to that as the twinkling of an Eye to our whole Life and consequently there should be as much care had to live happily for ever as
concerning Fear of the other World but that is taken away for any Man may by well-doing make the Promises of God applicable to himself and he is in a warrantable Calling as John Baptist resolved Seeing we must all die one time or another it is as good first or last with the assurance of his favour unto whom all Flesh shall come This should make them more Couragious for they are upon certain grounds But for those careless ones I admire how they can be Couragious unless stupified and made Blind the ways heretosore mentioned for they being subject to evils from the World to Come it is a marvelous Policy so to beguile that they fall in before they took any care to prevent or were throughly put in mind of them It must be Barbarous and a siding with the Deceiver of Mankind to contrive on set purpose to keep them ignorant and as they think sor the better accompishment of a present Design to suffer so many to go into Eternal Misery Whereas if care be had to instruct them aright in the Knowledge and Obedience of God then they would have a well grounded Hope and are 2 Sam. 10. 12. Isa 28. 6. under his Blessing and Protection who is the Sovereign disposer of all events of War. As Health is the greatest good to the natural Body so is Peace to the Publick It is better to have a constant Health but when interrupted by Sickness then a proper Remedy is seasonable to restore So in this World of Sin and Confusion it is better to prevent the mischievous effects at first but when they come forth they must be suppressed again which may be closed up and mollified with Ointment instead of the severer Remedies 'T is those corrupt Principles of Evil within us that breed all the Disturbance throughout the World which are not to be seen in Beasts and we the more excellent Creatures might have been without them also but God is to be Glorified in our Tryal and Obedience Now what takes off from the Malignity of them What doth Heal and Recover This doth good to Mankind which begins with the causes and removes them such are Ambition Revenge Covetousness and Oppression As the direction of Gods holy Word doth all this Those are only against Religion and Reason whose ways are condemned by it The chief Captains and mighty Men will smile at this Discourse and say It was never well with the VVorld since so much Arguing came in why Evil and Irregular Actions are for want of Prudence and due Knowledge either not throughly giving Prov. 28. 2. way to it or then not being guided thereby If Sin and Passion did bear all the sway the compass of the whole Earth would be a larger Bedlam And they that dwell therein must be Chained up in several Cells or there would be no living amongst Men. Even those Nations which know not God have some dictates of the natural Law concerning Good and Evil and also Reason by which they frame Rules and Orders of Government Otherwise it were not possible for any Kingdom or Community to stand Counsel is mine and sound VVisdom I am Vnderstanding I have Strength By me Kings Reign and Princes decree Justice By me Princes Rule and Nâ—bles even all the Judges of the Earth Prov. 8. 14 15 16. The lesser Degrees are necessary much more is an higher improvement beneficial to Mankind Which advances further then to carry on the Course of the World or to secure Men in their respective Rights and Possessions But it leads them up to the Knowledge and Favour of God raises their Apprehensions from little vain Temporal things to those which are Great Eternal and Perfect and at last inâ—tates them therewith Which sets before them things altogether worthy of Humane Nature To climb up the Everlasting Hills To Fight with those three Legions of Enemies the World the Flesh and the Devil To March through Difficulties and Oppositions To be loaden with Spoils and get ground all these are fit exercises for a Man. It is said Nothing is hard for him but he dares break through all things Then in this shew thy Honour and Renown Gird thy Sword upon thy Thigh O most Mighty Be not afraid nor discouraged thou hast the Grace of God for assistance and as long as thou puttest forth thy strength together with that thou wilt go on Prosperously and Victoriously But how is all this Hardship reconcileable with present Happiness Very well and he that knoweth it not either doth not consider or not understand the nature of things We were purposely made to over come difficult things We love to have some Opposition and Rejoyce to get over it It is more satisfaction to resist then to yield unto a soft Temptation for to that succeeds Repentance and Vexation but for what looks uncouth and frightful yet resolutely to grapple therewith and subdue it there follows a Blessed Approbation and Complacency of Soul. In all Acts of Temptation when it is complyed with and throughly put forth it is always found true Greater is he that is in you then he that is in the World. And this holds firm throughout the several steps of our Christian Warfare but when it is all accomplished at last there is such abundance of Comfort that it may be better conceived then can be expressed That pleasent looking back upon past Labours that sweet Reflection on what he hath done and suffered in the Service of God the Pain and Irksomeness is over the more hath been undergone there arises a greater perfume making way for a greater Reward The memory thereof is so delightful that if he were to lye down in the Grave be no more for ever yet it is enough to have lived according to the Will of God who will deal yet more Bountifully Tell me O ye Sons of Men that have loved Vanity and sought after Leasing that have Fought pitcht Battels to get Fame and Honour when you come to stand upon the Confines of this World and the next can you call to mind with Joy and Comfort for what you have done But ye Christian Soulâ— can bear witness to this thing you that have set your selves against every Enemy and hated every false way do not Repent what you have done You are more pleased with it then if you had Conquered Kingdoms You wish you had done better You have cleaved unto the Lord with full purpose of Heart not terrified with your Adversaries Hypocrites and Unbelievers who tryed to have beat you off the Suggestions and Resistance of Satan and your own Flesh yet by the help of God you have passed through these Tents of Enemies and in all have come of more then Conquerour What Triumph and Exaltation must this be just as the Soul is slipt out of this place of conflict and Presented before the Lord of Hosts the God of the Armies of israel to receive his acceptance and the Congratulation of those who a little
and Superiours on Earth of our own likeness by his appointment in some few and outward things Subjection sounds harsh to the Ignorant but it is in order to Advancement for we shall be made higher though by this way only And we must fully Learn and Practice it for it is to be retained in Heaven That lifting up above themselves was the unhinging of those once Glorious Spirits Whilst they would be like the Most High and Independent the Foundation was taken away whereon they should subsist They kept not their first Estate but left their own Habitation Jud 5. Whatever these now whilper to us Whatever Pride may dictate yet Subjection is the Language of our true nature for this prompts thereto By what we readily do to our Superiours on Earth finding fault when others do not That zeal for and observance of the Commandments of Men doth import it is likewise just and reasonable to Obey those of God. The Words of Jonadab the Son of Rechab the Laws of ones Countrey yea those lesser institutions pertaining to Religion are observed The Schollars of Pythagoras keep his Rules a Son honoureth his Father a Servant doth what his Master bids him that willingness to please the general Approbation of old Prescriptions the Reverence for the way of our Fathers nay following the Fashion and Custom If all these were lifted up from Earth unto Heaven they teach Obedience and Subjection unto God. The fault is we give it to every thing besides him to whom it is originally due Why may we not do what God Commands as well as what others say That out of a willing Mind and perfect Freedom then what we do in contradiction to our own Understanding in compliance with others and absolute Slavery A pretence is of more variety and self-Command whereas if we strictly consider there is not so very great in Mens Actions God hath given them liberty to Good and Evil but yet hath determined the bounds of them If they will keep his Percepts they walk at liberty and have as several kinds of Action as they can possibly have in following the dictates of Evil for indeed the Thoughts and Imaginations of the wicked are Evil continually yea and infinetly yet they are restrained to a short time and some few infirm Acts. Though the Circumstances and Aggravations may be more yet they are not very many neither Hitherto shalt thou come but no further and here shall'thy Proud Waves be stayed Job 38. 11. An Arguments of Gods Dominion even over the most Rebellious with their utmost striving they cannot exalt themselves further Neither is there so much Range for them they may and do weary themselves but then it is by going round or over the same ground again There is more variety and a continual Advancement higher in following the things that good are but in evil they run backwards and forwards or whirl up and down till they sink into the bottomless Pit. Seeing there is a limited course of Action set how much better had they submit and go according to Gods direction in Scripture then follow their own or other Mens Humour or the Temptations of Satan for these are Rules and Confinements Man is a finite Being and he had better follow the guidance of the Lord for he gives him Liberty enough keeping him from error and those things which would hurt I will Instruct and Teach thee in the way in which thou shalt go Psal 32. 8. Otherwise he is as the Horse and Mule following after Beastly and unnatural things Whose Mouth must be held in with Bit and Bridle so curbed that though he would act more yet he cannot This is the great Controvercy between God and the World concerning Liberty and Government over their own Actions There is a definite number of them His Word and Commandment do extend unto and shew forth explicitly or implicity all that are Good the Evil are in the Thoughts and Imaginations of Men. Known unto God are all of them but herein he will display his Glory and Power his Goodness and justice that if People will not do according to what he saith nor yield Subjection unto him for their Good they do to something else they are Servants of Sin and Evil. God hath command over Evil that it cannot the least hurt or impair his Glory and how far that may reach it is only by his sufferance but the power of Mens acting is yet shorter So whatever be their Hatred Enmity or Opposition against him still he hath power over them They act according to a limited Form though they think otherwise and if they are not willingly subject unto him near yet they are further of by force but they know not nor consider it His Kingdom Power and Dominion is over all and there can be nothing Disobedient unto him If Satan is let loose he was tyed up first and can be again however at the very time he cannot go further then divine Permission Though perhaps he perceives it not there is a Hook in his Jaws and he may be turned back by the way he came All things in the World are subject unto God also our selves are and must be whether we will or not with this difference if we willingly subject our selves unto him God accepts thereof and will give a Reward but if we Sin we are still subject to our present and future Misery All people will grant subjection unto God in the general as most due and reasonable but that is not sufficient unless our Thoughts Words and Actions are at all times Obedient and Conformable to his revealed Will. All are sensible of the necessity of Religion but the greater part take up with wrong Apprehensions and every thing besides the right They would think to please God any other way then by keeping his Commandments It is to be admired that Mankind who are endued with such rational and wise Principles as to inferiour Objects which they use accordingly for they are wise enough in their Generation yet should be so mistaken and sottish as they have been towards the Higher end Our shape besides inward powers do manifest that we were designed to look up to Heaven as well as run too and fro upon the Earth Our Nature hath a strong tendency to the Author thereof a Thirst after that Invisible God who made us and all things Yet Man fell away soon after he was Created and became Blind Strange and Miserably deceived The substance of Religion was not lost but spoiled and wholly turned into Falshood and Error If we run over the History thereof from Adam unto Noah and from Noah unto Abraham and the Patriarhes the Fear and true Worship of Psal 105. 12. God was but in a few single Families when the whole Earth besides was Ungodly and Idolatrous Afterwards it gathered into the Jewish Nation which also was very Corrupt but that was a small piece of Land to the other Habitable World. The Nations round about did laugh
he thinks fit None thinks hardly of an Earthly Prince for punishing obstinate and ungrateful Rebels Nay themselves if they have any Reason must acknowledge they suffer their deservings So it is of Gods dominion over us His infinite Majesty and Greatness require all Honour and Subjection His goodness appears that he had rather People would live quietly and obediently under his Laws I drew them with Cords of a Man with Bands of Love Hos 11. 4. So that if there was any remainders of Noble Nature and ingenuity they might be prevailed upon by his Goodness But alas we are averse to him the Author of all Good we ever received we struggle we give backwards and break these Bands asunder His love is despised then he sends forth Threatnings if they will reduce to his obedience and if they do not Sentence is to be executed accordingly If men will not love him they should fear him and that will bring them over unto his love He should be the chief Object of all the Powers of our Soul. Sanctifie the Lord of Hosts himself and let him be your fear and let him be your dread Isa 8. 13. It is Idolatry to love the Creature more then him so it is a Provocation and Contempt to fear any thing more then him Either to neglect Duty or commit Sin for any 1 Pet. 3. 14 15. terrour of men Is he not more to be feared And I say unto you my Friends Be not afraid of them that kill the Body and after that have no more that they can do but I will forewarn you whom you shall fear Fear him which after he hath killed hath power to cast into Hell yea I say unto you fear him Luke 12. 4 5. forewarned fore-armed according to the Old true Proverb and we are therefore told hereof that we may avoid it We are warned to flee from the wrath to come this we should never do unless we did fear it It is so represented to us that if we believe we must tremble for we do fear things less terrible and grievous Who is he that dares wander alone in some Desert without the least Glimmering of light That doth not shrink at being thrust down into a horrible and deep Dungeon for a few Months and Years He must much more abhor to be reserved unto the blackness of darkness for ever Jud. 13. It is sufficient to startle the boldest worker of iniquity and make him leave of to do so any more Would not he who now commits Sin because it seems to him sweet and pleasant fear to drink of the bitter dregs of the Cup of Gods wrath and to suck them out He that is now all for mirth and jollity and will purchase it at the price of wickedness not enduring any thing that is dull and tedious must be frightned with weeping and gnashing of Teeth neither can be bear with the groans and tediousness of a miserable Eternity Those which run after any thing to hinder a little Discontent of Mind and Melancholy which if turned aright would prevent all this how can they suffer the knawing Worm which never dieth The Sinners in Zion are afraid fearfulness hath surprized the Hypocrites Who among us can dwell with devouring Fire Who amongst us shall dwell with everlasting burnings Isa 33. 14. for they would be rid of a little pain and uneasiness Even those gallant Spirits who pretend to fear nothing must be moved at such things Perhaps you do resolutely suffer those Wounds received in defence of King and Countrey which are marks of Honour and they will be cured in a little time or you will be past Sense of them But you cannot so easily bear that not one single Part or Member but your whole Body should be cast into the fire which shall never be quenched where all Sufferings are full of Shame and Ignominy To have no rest but in a Bed of Flames not for one night only but another and so a third through innumerable Ages Here Courage must fail and thy brave Spirit be cast down Flesh and Blood must abhor Pain so great and of so long Ezek. 22. 14. continuance Though some are apt to say Tush God we care not for him yet if they â—eriously consider of his Judgments they must tremble and fear before him Rev. 6. 15 16 17. However those seem to swagger with big words with their horrible Oaths and Blasphemies as if they could not be Men of valour and renown unless they did contemn and provoke the Almighty yet let them prepare to meet the Lord of Hosts the God mighty and terrible Are they stronger then â—e But should a 1 Cor. 10. 22. Potsherd strive with his Maker What is vain Man whose breath is in his Nostrils to contend with that God in whom he lives moves and hath his Being who takes away his breath and he Deut. 32. 41. dies who will repay to every one according as he deserveth Let him whilst he is yet in the way hearken to those gracious Words Fury is not in me Who would set the briers and thorns against me in Battel I would go through them I would burn them together Or let him take hold of my strength that he may make Peace with me and he shall make Peace with me Isa 27 4 5. God doth not delight in Punishment it is twice called his strange Act Isa 28. 21. like a merciful good Judge unwilling to pronounce what in justice he is bound unto And 't is this utmost degree of wickedness which none arrives unto without his own perversness and fault that hath made him prepare it And he tells the Sinner he shall be too hard for him yet invites him again to Reconciliation and Favour Let him take hold of my strength that he may make Peace with me and he shall make Peace with me If he doth here slight it insinuating that Religion is an Act of Cowardise he pretends to be above that and fears nothing What an unaccountable thing is it that a little Earth-worm should affront or despise the Great Lord of all the World And if he continue so to do nothing is so just and righteous as that he should suffer for the same Even now he hath inward tremblings of the Great God and those Punishments prepared for them who hate him and will not obey his Laws As he looks out or is alone an horrible dread seizes him of the invisible Power whom he hath wickedly offended Those prophane abominable Wretches resort to continual Company and Sensuality to stifâ—e the Sense thereof By this way which must fail they strengthen themselves against the Almighty Job 15. 25. otherwise it were not possible to come up to such an height of wickedness and transgression against him Fear is implanted in all Men and the Divine Threatnings are sufficient to work upon it for the same things do terrifie now and if those were present and visible in like manner the stoutest Hearts would run
judgment surely the wrath of man shall praise thee the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain Psal 76. 10. The Condemnation thou inflictest on the wicked shall tend to thy Glory and yet thou shalt curb them that they shall do no more so wickedly Thou hadst rather O God that Man were Righteous but if not thou art not the less glorified Whether he be so or not redounds upon himself If he will be Happy nothing is wanting on Gods part to make him so if he will go in the prescribed way but if not he perishes of himself only I have no Pleasure in the Death of him that dieth saith the Lord God Ezek. 18. 2. and therefore doth not in any wise contribute towards it Whatever be his final Condition through his own doings in the beginning he was made to praise and serve God in this Life be contented in so doing and at last enjoy him that is Blessed for ever this may be the Reason why in all Men who are equally born to this great end there is such an earnest and natural desire after Happiness That this might be the more effectually obtained God hath shewed out of his written Grace and Revelation to all Sorts and Conditions of Men. A plain intimation that as he hath made known his ways unto Isa 2. 3. men so he would have them walk therein As they have Power given them to know so to do As God would the means so Mich. 4. 2. the end all are put in a possibility of the Crown and Reward All the ends of the World shall remember and turn unto the Lord and all the kindreds of the Nations shall worship before thee Psal 22. 27. CHAP. III. OF KINGS The necessity of Government in Order to Preservation and outward Peace Of the Person of Kings wherein it is shewed particularly that all their enjoyments cannot make them Happy but their Happiness is to be had in God only with an Exhortation and Direction thereto I Have said ye are Gods But ye shall die like Men Psal 82. 6 7. You are Partakers of the same Flesh and Blood subject to the same weakness and frailty with the meanest but that Divine stamp of Sovereignty makes the difference There is no Power but of God the Powers that be are ordained of God. He is the Minister of God to thee for good he beareth not the Sword in vain for he is the Minister of God a Revenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil Rom. 13. 1 3 4. Should the King immortal eternal Exercise the Authority by himself we are not now able to endure his glorious Presence We cannot see him and live When he revealed himself upon Mount Sinah and all the People saw the Thunderings and Lightnings and the noise of a Trumpet and the Mountain smoaking and when the People saw it they removed and stood afar off and they said unto Moses speak with us and we will hear but let not God speak with us least we die Exod. 20. 18 19. We walk by Faith and not by Sight 2 Cor. 5. 7. it would be no Tryal of our obedience if he should appear visible upon Earth at whose sight all Nations must tremble God hath ordered it as it is Heaven is â—y Throne and the Earth my Fooâ—stool He commandeth over all And still the Most High ruleth in the Kingdom of Men and giveth it to whomsoever he will Dan. 4. 32. He hath sent his Deputies among us Spiritual and Civil whom though he hath been pleased to Honour with his own Title of Gods and Lords yet they are in the likeness of Men. The World cannot subsist without Government for since there are in us the Seeds of all manner of Evil and especially those which are prejudicial to Society Pride Revenge Envy Hatred Malice Oppression Theft Covetousness and such like if these were not restrained by present Punishments for who do not regard God fear these there would be no living amongst Men. We must lurk in Dens and Caves of the Earth to hide and preserve our selves from wrong and injury We are worse then Bears and Wolves Tygers and Serpents for they do not biâ—e and devour those of their own kind whereas Man is ready to do all kind of hurt to his Fellow if none would fall upon himself If there was no Law to bind him then his Strength would be the only Law of Justice The good things of the Earth would not be distributed according to right or deserving but fall a prey to the Sons of Violence There would be no Trade or Commerce for then People would not barter for Commodities but take them by force When the mighty Man hath got them there comes a stronger then he and spoileth him also and a third trys to Master him A gap would be opened to all Rapine and Injustice and none could say that any thing he did possâ—ss was his own Men are as the Fishes of the Sea if they have no Ruler over them Upon the least Provocation or without any for a malicious Hab. 1. 14. mind with seek occasion which may be easily found they would destroy and hurt one another Our lives would be in continual jeopardy of merciless Men. Something we have spoken or done miâ—-construed surmised or falsly accused would render us liable to anothers Strife and Cruelty We are by Nature Children of Wrath of him whose Name in the Hebrew Toâ—gue is Abaddon but in the Greek Tongue hath his Name Apoâ—â—yon Rev. 9. 11. We are rather descendants from Cain then the Cadâ—ean Seed Even now wilful Murther is punished by an acâ—â—â—sed Death yet still it is too often practised among us but if it were reserved only to the future Judgment of God that being at a distance and not believed by reprobate Minds or thinking to come off there by a slight and superficial Repentance in the mean while too many moved by a revengeful or covetous Appetite would no more stick to shed Blood then refuse meat when hungry In Wars where all Laws Justice Reason and Humanity are banished what Bâ—â—chering of one another there is What strange Instruments of Death they have invented being Witty to mutual Destruction They spoil Countreys send the devouring flames into Vaâ—â—eys of Corn that before did Laugh and Sing plunder poor People of their Cattel and Livelihood rush violently into Houses and â—ob of all They kill and slay have used unheard Cruelties towards Women and innocent Children who should have been Objects of Compassion and not of fury The finest Cities are turned into ruinous heaps and laid in Ashes all things are converted into Desolation They insult over poor Captives binding them with Misery and Iron feeding them with Bread and Water of aâ—â—liction What Pity it is that Man who is endued with such rational and excellent Principles and thereby exalted above the rank of Beasts yet should Act such mad things As if they were not otherwise subject to â—iseries enough but they bring
there could not be respect enough paid unto him How will he fume and rage and yet there is no Remedy to see his Principalities come down and the Crown of his former Glory to be taken away Jer. 13. 18. and himself thrust into an everlasting Dungeon For softness and ease to have Pain and Fire for sweet Smells the stench of Sulphur for a Bed of Damask to be rolled up and down in a stream of Brimstone for all manner of Musick to hear worse noise then Screech Owls or the yawling of Cats All this must be a sad Change. To Consider that he hath lived heretofore in all Splendour will increase his Anguish of mind The greatest Person is as much obliged to be obedient unto God as he that sitteth upon the Dunghil Who will render to every Man according to his Deeds To them who by Patient continuance in Well doing seek for Glory and Honour and Immortality eternal Life Rom. 2. 6. 7. The Gods of the Earth have the two first already but not the last annexed to it All their Goodliness is as the Flower of the Field the Grass withereth the Flower fadeth so likewise the Crown of their Glory sadeth away The Head which bears it waxes old or is laid in the Dust before Put not your trust in Princes nor in the Son of Man in whom there is no help the Reason is added His breath goeth forth he returneth to his Earth in that very day his Thoughts Perish there is an utter end of all his Pomp and Greatness Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help whose Hope is in the Lord his God Psal 146. 3 4 5. That when all other things fail he may be received up unto Glory If he hath a right unto the Promises that when he comes to leave his fine Cities that of his own especial Residence all his Courtiers Now he is come unto Mount Sion and unto the City of the living God the Heavenly Jerusalem and to an innumerable Company of Angels To the general Assembly and Church of the first-born which are written in Heaven and to God the Judge of all and the Spirits of just Men made perfect and to Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant Heb. 12. 22 23 24. What joy will he find among the Heavenly Host To have David Hezekiah Constantine Theodosius and other righteous Kings gratulate his coming With what joy will he give up his Account of ten Talents to the great King and receive his Commendation with a proportionable Reward His Authority is not taken away but increased He is not troubled at the Loss of his worldly Grandeur and Pomp Rev. 21. for that was but as the shining of rotten Wood in a dark place in Comparison of what he now enjoys which is ten thousand times more by seeing the Lord of Glory He did not put his Confidence in terrestial Splendour but using it as Convenient for the imperfection of that State. The good Kings of Israel and Judah had Jer. 22. 4. their Courts and Palaces He took a great Care not to forget God noâ— to be litted up but had an Eye all along upon the Glory which excelleth He shall be abundantly satiâ—fied with the fatness of thy House and thou shalt make him drink of the River of thy Pleasures for with thee is the Fountain of Life Psal 36 8. 9. And then â—e must look with Indignation and Contempt upon those sinful Delights for which these are too often lost The Crown of Gold here hath a Cross upon the top in token of Subjection to our crucified Lord but that is better manifested by doing the things he saith and also it was a fit Emblem of the Concomitant trouble for though beset with precious Stones it hath a Pungency like a Crown of Thorns However he must be more exceedingly pleased when that which was Troublesome and Corruptible is taken away and there is set a Crown of pure Gold on his Head a Crown of Glory that fadeth not away and all this done unto him by God himself whom before having Honoured now he is pleased to Honour 2 Sam. 2. 30. The King had here all Conveniences of Life but did not place his chief Happiness in them He then received them with Prayer and Thanksgiving not abusing them to sin and wickedness they are all past and over now he is much more as an Angel of God for he neither eats nor drinks nor stands in need of those things which were given by reason of imperfection The want of that Company below is abundantly made up in the Communion of Saints Here he conversed with those of his own Generation and Countrey but there is the gathering together of every Age since the World began of every part who came from the East and West and are sate down with Abraham in the Kingdom of God. Also they are made Perfect and all those things done away which render Conversation unpleasant in the World There it is refined all having those excellent Qualities which endear each other and make Society pleasant He had formerly sufficient to defray the great Charges of his Kingdom to preserve it from Invasion and Sedition but Covetousness is Idolatry and expresly forbidden to Kings Deut. 17. 17. for the Reasons there given Neither by the Law of Justice is he to impoverish his People and therefore to be avoided by him who would come to the City of pure Gold which belongeth to every Citizen but is peculiar to none as now is the Light of the Sun. Saith the Royal Psalmist As for me I will behold thy Face in Righteousness I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness Psal 17. 15. All Earthly and Sensual Happiness hath been found vain and unsatisfactory but the spiritual and heavenly is sufficient to raise our utmost Affections and Duty to the Author thereof Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard neither have entred into the heart of Man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him All the Endeavours and Wisdom of the World could not find it out But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit 1 Cor. 2. 9 10. Which spake by those Holy Men of old out of whose Writings this Description hath been brought These things are great and wonderful but then it is surmised they are distant and uncertain and why should Men foregoe present and sensible Pleasures for future and imaginary Here is the great objection of Mankind against the things of God and their own Happiness and therefore to press the word of Exhortation home it is necessary to say somewhat towards the removal thereof As for being afar off that should be no prejudice for that which is future will be as much present as the time now is Time was when to day which is called to day was future and yet this is present as were those which have been past The next year is to come and that will be here as the last was
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
Labour in the very Fire and the People shall weary themselves for very Vanity Hab. 2. 13. According as his Divine Wisdom hath established things and all to bring back to his Obedience that they may go and return to their first Husband for then was it better with them then now Hos 2. 7. There is an Enemy which lets from this and he whispers to those he withdraws that hence it appears there must lye hid some great Good which they cannot have before they have long wrestled He would fain insinuate of a Satisfaction behind that will not be had unless they take Pains for it and the greatest things are reserved at last If the covetous Man could get so much then he would have Happiness and Contentment That at length is obtained with much Sweat and Drudgery but then his mind is altered he hath need of more and so on he hath not yet laid hold of that Satisfaction he looked after it is further off â—â—ill and so continues to make towards it Thou mistaken Fool There is neither Satisfaction at the end and if there was thou couldst not come to it How much dost thou propose to thy Self Why another hath the same already and he is not satisfied and why shouldst thou in the same Condition Thou hast lower Thoughts but they will Rise with thy Wealth and if thine should come to be equal with his thy Thoughts would be the same also He that loveth Silver shall not be satisfied with Silver nor he that loveth abundance with increase This is also Vanity Eccles 5. 10. Every one crys for what is sufficient but how much is that If it were stated according to the desires of Grace Nature and Conveniency it might be quickly had If People would use only Honest and diligent Endeavours in their Calling and expect Gods blessing let him judge what is the Competency and not we our selves But if it is measured by the covetous Mans Opinion when he shall cease to ask any further then is no hope to obtain it For he may as well think when he goes as far as he can see that he shall touch the Horizon as that he shall be satisfied when he gets what he now proposes within himself If any do desist in going after Wealth and the Promised satisfaction thereof it is not because that it is obtained for the use of Riches as they Subminister all Plenty of Meat Drink and Raiment do content the Body but will not throughly satisfie the mind of Man much less will the bare keeping of them in a Chest What doth it signifie if one hath a rich Neighbour and finds no benefit at all by him And it may be the same if not worse for the Fear and Care of losing Property Torments more then the Priviledge of having it amounts unto with the Man to whom God hath given Riches Wealth and Honour so that he wanteth nothing for his Soul of all that he desireth yet God giveth him not Power to eat thereof but a stranger eateth it this is Vanity and it is an evil Disease Eccles 6. 2. Be exhorted to put an end to thy Covetousness and wearisome Labour Wo to him that increaseth that which is not his how long And to him that ladeth himself with thick Clay Hab. 2. 6. Thy Life draws to an end and then it is not thiâ—e how soon thy years may be run out thou knowest not Consider to what purpose do you consume strength and time Shall you give account to God how careful you have been to the World and in the letteral Sense of the Parable VVhat a good Servant you have been How thou hast put thy Money to the Exchangers and Vsury and hast gotten so much Mat. 25. by other ways of dealing God doth not require any to be Rich but all to be innocent He would have his Servants do that he gives them in Charge viz. Obey his Commandments When he calleth to Account Then it will be demanded whether we have inclined our Hearts to his Testimonies and not to Covetousness Whether we have loved Gold more or it hath divided our Love with God whether we have broken his Commandments for Gain or neglected Duty for present advantage Such things will be required Wherefore let him that been an idâ—later or unrighteous repent and be so no more Do not transgress the least Precept for the greatest Profit The getting of Treasures by a lying Tongue is a Vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek Death Prov. 21. 6. You must ere long part with whatever you have and have a Care you do not lose your self You will be stript naked destitute and forsaken of all and how sad would it be If you should be condemned for what you must leave behind and cannot carry with you VVash ye make ye clean put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes cease to do evil learn to do well seek â—udgment relieve the oppressed plead for the VVidow Isa 1. 16 17. Leave off your former Greediness and unjust Dealing be bountiful and Charitable Act with all good Conscience and Honesty stand up for them you have wronged heretofore And which should be done in the first place for Mercy is before Sacrifice and Justice before Alms giving Be sure to make restitution and satisfaction for all the injury you have done according to Numb 5. 7 8. Do not think to bring the price of a VVhore or a Dog to give Alms of See Deut. 23. 18. Goods unjustly gotten If ye be willing and obedient ye shall eat the good of the Land. But if ye refuse and rebel ye shall be devoured with the Sword for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it Isa 1. 19 20. Under the shew of temporal Calamity the eternal threatning of God is vailed throughout the Old Testament It is a little more drawn aside Isa 33. 14. but expressed in the most plain words under the Gospel God is truth and hath not frightened People with a Lye He who is as good as his Word in all things as all believe he is in his Promises doth not threaten that which is not or he will not perform It is a sad adventure for any one to run either God must prove a Lyar or himself be turned into Hell he might equally throw himself into the Fire to try if it will not burn For our God is a consuming Fire Heb. 12. 29. And so will at length appear to the miserable experience of the ungodly and disobedient that they may tremble and fear to continue so Will they not be perswaded to make all haste to flee from that Whereof the thoughts only are so very dismal that People are afraid to entertain them but take no due Care to escape the thing it self That which is irksome to the apprehension will be much more to the Senâ—e and what is dreaded afar off will be more terrible when it comes nâ—gh It vexes now the thought for a moment but will
it is well enough but do not regard with what mind vainly imagining God would have his Work done any way so it be done but doth not regard with what affection they do it And therefore if they practise Righteousness or Temperance though they will speak out to the World that they do it for Health or Reputation and if they have a little respect to God in the heart they refuse to utter that They will declare openly they do such a thing because the King or some Superiour enjoyn them to do it but either through bashfulness or pride on which that is founded will not make it known that they do such things because it is the Commandment and Will of God. They may talk of the fashionable Vertue but not of Grace They will speak in the Words of Seneca but not the Language of Canaan but if they have a serious mind to get the favour of God and be saved let them consider what is Written Joel 2 26. Mark 8. 38. If their actions are not principally because God requires such howsoever specious and upright they may appear before Men he is no more pleased with it then you with the work of your Servant when he doth it of his own head and is ashamed or disdainful to do it upon your commanding him When Courtiers and Servants of Noble Men will own their condition before all and speak of their respective Masters should we not much more do so as to our Master which is in Heaven Is he not greater and better then they Let your light so shine before Men that others may see your good Works and glorifie your Father which is in Heaven Mat. 5. 16. His Servants may praise him for such an ones well doing and glorifie God for your professed subjection unto the Gospel 2 Cor. 9. 13. And strangers may conclude God is in him of a Truth that he hath some real and invisible principle of action which he keeps unto through good report or evil report notwithstanding all profit or inconvenience It tends to the Glory of God here on Earth when things pertaining to him are done openly before all and not in a Corner He that was not heard to cry or to lift up his Voice in the Street who did not love to be taken notice of for his Miracles and doing good neither did for affectation shew â—orth his Extraordinary zeal and service to God yet hath two observable sayings John 3. 21. John 18. 20. If one designs nothing but pure Obedience neither credit nor interest not the least leaven of by-respects the more publickly it is done the better it is If he finds himself ashamed of well doing let him do violence to that sinful humour and make it more visible unto Men if on the other hand he believes he may have praise of Men there let him do it in secret and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly Mat. 6. 4. The reason of things is to be attended unto Our God whom we serve is a Jealous God and his Glory he will not give unto another So is he more pleased with Mens Obedience when it is pure uncorrupt and nothing a sharer with it How doth he resent it VVhen their fear towards me is taught by the precept of Men Isa 29. 13. Which makes directly against compulsion to Religious Duties for that destroys the Nature of true Obedience Doth God want the aid of Man to make others Obedient unto him If it could be done What Glory would it be unto him But they cannot by outward violence they may bring one like a Beast to the Sacrifice but still there is nothing of the subjection of the mind God cares not for Hypocritical Services or a bare outward Submission He may as well be glorified in Beasts the Blood of slain Bullocks of Goats for there is a subjection of those Creatures even unto Death The Brute is knocked down before the Lord but he is better pleased when the Will of a free and reasonable Creature is Obedient unto his Will. When we do not follow our own ways in opposition to the guide of the Lord When self-will is not cringed unto but the Word of God complyed withal He created all things for his own Glory and Man the Principal inhabitant of the Earth cannot shew it forth in a more excellent way Let him offer up every Creature for a Sacrifice do more then Solomon did to set forth the Magnificence of his Temple yet he adds nothing to what God had before for the VVorld is mine and the fulness thereof Psal 50. 12. The merciful God delights not in the blood of dumb Creatures he received them only as some atonement for Mans transgression and as a type of that great Sacrifice which was once offered for all Herein he shewed Mercy that he would accept of the life of a Beast for a more noble offender Sacrifice and burnt Offerings thou wouldst not but the doing of thy will. He is subject to no necessities imperfection or low desires and therefore thousands of Gold and Silver are nothing to him they are his own already He did first create and now disposeth of them but there is something still which I do in no wise say he hath put out of his own power yet he is pleased not to accept of it unless freely bestowed My Son give me thine heart Prov. 23. 26. O that there was such an heart in them that they would fear me and keep all my Commandments that it might be well with them and their Children forever Deut. 5. 29. He seems to long for it and that for their good for he who hath so much already and will be likewise glorified on them if they refuse cannot receive any addition by so small a Mite It is only that another should do all things to obey him Yet wretched and froward Man who knows not nor will be perswaded what is for his good who would fain be reconciled unto God a Being so much above and mightier then he though it be more out of fear and selfishness then love for that he is willing to give any thing rather then the right one with what anguish and earnestness but upon mistaken Grounds doth he expostulate Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of Rams or ten thousand Rivers of Oyl Shall I give my first born for my Transgression or the fruit of my body for the sin of my Soul He hath shewed thee O Man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do Justice and to love Mercy and to walk humbly with thy God Mic. 6. 7 8. Then thou must submit thy Will unto his Will. Many do offer up the Sacrifice of Praise use much Devotion will bestow liberally Alms to the poor frankly part with their Money but not their Lusts make a shew of Subjection unto God yet keep their own Humours and will not cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self