Wind blowes no wonder Men go full sail in sin when the Devil the Prince of the Air blowes them Thus it is till the kingdom of Grace come Men are under the power of Satan who like Draco writes all his Lawes in blood 6. Till the kingdom of Grace comes a Man lyes exposed to the Wrath of God And who knowes the power of his anger Psal. 90.11 If when but a spark of Gods Wrath flyes into a Mans Conscience in this Life it is so terrible what then will it be when God stirs up all his anger So unconceivable torturing is Gods Wrath that the wicked call to the rocks and mountains to fall on them and hide them from it Rev. 6. 1st The Hellish torments are compared to a fiery lake Rev. 20.15 other fire is but painted in comparison of this And this lake of fire burns for ever Mark 9.44 Gods breath kindles this fire Isa. 30.33 and where shall we find engines or buckets to quench it Time will not finish it tears will not quench it To this fiery Lake are Men exposed till the kingdom of Grace be set up in them 7. Till the kingdom of Grace come Men cannot dye with comfort only he who takes Christ in the armes of his Faith can look Death in the face with joy But it is sad to have the king of Terrors in the Body and not the kingdom of Grace in the Soul 'T is a wonder every Graceless person doth not dye distracted What will a Grace-despiser do when Death comes to him with a Writ of Habeas Corpus Hell followes Death Rev. 6.8 Behold a pale horse and his name that sat on him was death and hell followed him Thus you see what need we have to pray that the kingdom of Grace may come He that dyes without Grace I may say as Christ Matth. 26.24 It had been good for that-man he had not been born Few do believe the necessity of having the kingdom of Grace set up in their hearts as appears by this because they are so well content to live without it Doth that Man believe the necessity of a Pardon that is content to be without it Most People if they may have Trading and may sit quietly under their Vines and Fig-trees they are in their kingdom though they have not the kingdom of God within them If the Candle of Prosperity shine upon their head they care not whether the Grace of God shine in their hearts Do these Men believe the necessity of Grace Were they convinced how needful it were to have the kingdom of God within them they would cry out as the Jaylor Acts 16.30 What shall I do to be saved Quest. 3. How may we know that the Kingdom of Grace is set up in our hearts Answ. It concerns us to examine this our Salvation depends upon it and we had need be curious in the search because there is something looks like Grace which is not Gal. 6.3 If a man think himself to be something when he is nothing he deceives himself Many think they have the kingdom of Grace come into their heart and it is only a Chimera a golden dream Quam multi cum vana spe descendunt ad inferos Aug. Zeuxis did paint grapes so lively that he deceived the living birds There are many Deceits about Grace Deceit 1. Men think they have the kingdom of Grace in their hearts because they have the means of Grace they live where the silver trumpet of the Gospel sounds they are lift up to Heaven with Ordinances Iudg. 17.13 I have a Levite to my priest sure I shall go to Heaven The Iewes cryed Ier. 7.4 The temple of the Lord The temple of the Lord we are apt to glory in this the Oracles of God are committed to us we have Word and Sacrament Alas this is a fallacy we may have the means of Grace yet the kingdom of Grace may not be set up in our hearts we may have the kingdom of God come nigh us Luke 11.20 but not into us the sound of the Word in our ears and not the savour of it in our hearts Many of the Iewes who had Christ for their Preacher were never the better Hot clothes will not put warmth into a dead Man Thou may'st have hot clothes warm and lively Preaching yet be Spiritually dead Mat. 8.12 The children of the kingdom shall be cast out Deceit 2. Men think they have the kingdom of Grace set up in their hearts because they have some common works of the Spirit 1. They have great enlightnings of mind profound knowledge and almost speak like Angels drop'd from Heaven but the Apostle supposeth a case that after Men have been enlightened they may fall away Heb. 6. Quest. But wherein doth this illumination come short Answ. The illumination of Hypocrites is not vertual it doth not leave an impression of Holiness behind 't is like weak Physick that will not work The mind is enlightned but the heart is not renewed A Christian is all head but no feet he doth not walk in the wayes of God 2. Men have had convictions and stirrings of Conscience for sin they have seen the evil of their wayes therefore now they hope the Kingdom of Grace is come but I say convictions though they are a step towards Grace yet they are not Grace Had not Pharaoh and Iudas convictions Exod. 10.16 Quest. What makes convictions prove abortive wherein is the defect Answ. 1. They are not deep enough A Sinner never saw himself lost without Christ. The seed that wanted depth of earth withered Matth. 13.5 These convictions are like blossoms blown off before they come to maturity 2. These convictions are involuntary the Sinner doth what he can to stifle these convictions he drowns them in Wine and Mirth he labours to get rid of them as the Deer when it is shot runs and shakes out the arrow so doth he the arrow of conviction Or as the Prisoner that files off his fetters and breaks loose so a Man breaks loose from his convictions His corruptions are stronger than convictions 3. Men have had some kind of humiliation and have shed tears for their sins therefore now they hope the Kingdom of Grace is come into their hearts But this is no infallible sign of Grace Saul wept Ahab humbled himself Quest. Why is not humiliation Grace Wherein doth it come short Answ. 1. Tears in the wicked do not spring from love to God but are forced by affliction Gen. 4.13 as water that drops from the Still is forced by the fire The tears of Sinners are forced by Gods fiery Judgments 2. They are deceitful tears lachrymae mentiri doctae Men weep yet go on in sin they do not drown their sins in their tears 4. Men have begun some reformation therefore sure now the Kingdom of Grace is come But there may be deceit in this 1. A Man may leave his Oaths and Drunkenness yet â—â—ill be in love with Sin he may leave Sin
the Bible Object 5. Where the Kingdom of Grace comes it softens the heart but I find my heart frozen and congealed into hardness I can hardly squeeze out one tear Do Flowers grow on a Rock can there be any Grace in such a rocky heart Answ. 1. There may be grief where there are no tears The best sorrow is rational In your judgment you esteem sin the most hyperbolical evil you have a disgust and displacency against sin this is a rational sorrow and such as God will accept 2. A Christian may have some hardness in his heart yet not have an hard heart subjectum a praestantiori parte A field may have Tares in it yet we call it a field of Wheat in the best heart is a mixture of hardness yet because there is some softness and melting God looks upon it as a soft heart therefore Christian dispute not against thy self if thou canst find but one thing that the frame and temper of thy Soul be holy art thou still breathing after God delighting in him is the complexion of thy Soul Heavenly Canst thou say as David Psal. 139.17 When I awake I am still with thee As Colours laid in Oyl or a Statue carved in Gold abide so doth an holy complexion the Soul is still pointing towards God If it be thus with thee assure thy self the Kingdom of Grace is come into thy Soul be not unkind to God to deny any work of his Spirit which he hath wrought in thee VSE I. Of Exhortation Labour to find that this Kingdom of Grace is set up in your hearts while others aspire after Earthly Kingdoms labour to have the Kingdom of God within you Luke 17.21 The Kingdom of Grace must come into us before we can go into the Kingdom of Glory Motives 1. Motive This Kingdom of God within us is our Spiritual Beauty the Kingdom of Grace adorns a person and sets him off in the eyes of God and Angels This makes the Kings daughter all glorious 〈◊〉 Psal. 45.13 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrys. Grace sheds a glory and lustre upon 〈◊〉 Soul As the Diamond to the Ring so is Grace to the Soul An heart beautified with Grace hath the King of Heavens picture hung in it 2. Motive The Kingdom of Grace set up in the heart is our Spiritual Defence Grace is called the armour of light Rom. 13.12 It is light for beauty and armour for defence He who hath the Kingdom of Grace within him is strengthened with all might according to Gods glorious power Col. 1.11 he hath the shield of Faith the helmet of Hope the breast-plate of Righteousness This armour can never be shot through it fortifies a Christian against the assaults of Temptation and the terrours of Hell 3. Motive The Kingdom of Grace set up in the heart brings Peace with it Rom. 14.17 The kingdom of God is righteousness and peace There is a secret Peace breeds out of Holiness Peace is the best Blessing of a Kingdom Pax una triumphis innumeris melior The Kingdom of Grace is a Kingdom of Peace Grace is the root Peace is the flower grows out of it it is Pax in procella such Peace that no worldly affliction can shake The doors of Solomons Temple were made of Olive-tree carved with open flowers 1 Kings 6.32 in a gracious heart is the olive of Peace and the open flowers of Joy 4. Motive The Kingdom of Grace enricheth the Soul A Kingdom hath its riches A Believer is said to be rich in faith Iam. 2.5 how rich is he who hath God for his God who is heir to all the Promises Heb. 6.17 A Man may be rich in Bills and Bonds a Believer though he may say as Peter Silver and gold have I none Acts 3.6 yet he is rich in Bills and Bonds he is Heir to all Gods Promises and to be Heir to the Promise is better than to be Heir to the Crown 5. Motive When the Kingdom of Grace comes it doth fix and establish the heart Psal. 57.7 O God my heart is fixed Before the Kingdom of Grace comes the heart is very unfixed and unsettled like a Ship without a ballast like Quick-silver that cannot be made to fix but when the Kingdom of Grace comes it doth stabilire animum it fixeth the heart upon God and when the heart is fixed it rests quiet as in its center 6. Motive This Kingdom of Grace is distinguishing it is a sure pledge of Gods love God may give Kingdoms in anger but where ever the Kingdom of Grace is set up it is in love God cannot give Grace in anger The Crown alwayes goes with this Kingdom let us therefore be ambitious of this Kingdom of Grace Quest. How shall we do to obtain this Kingdom Answ. 1. In General Take pains for it We cannot have the World without labour and do we think to have Grace If thou seekest her as silver Prov. 2.3 A Man may as well expect a crop without sowing as Grace without labour We must not think to have Grace as Israel had Manna they did not plough or sow but it was rained down from Heaven upon them no we must operam dare take pains for Grace Our Salvation cost Christ blood it will cost us sweat 2. Let us go to God to set up this Kingdom of Grace in our hearts God is called the God of all grace 1 Pet. 5.10 Say Lord I want this Kingdom of Grace I want an humble believing heart O enrich me with Grace let thy Kingdom come and be importunate suitors As Achsah said to her Father Caleb Iosh. 15.19 Thou hast given me a south-land give me also springs of water So Lord thou hast given me enough of the World here is a South-land but Lord give me the upper springs of Grace let thy Kingdom come What is the Venison thou hast given me without the Blessing When we are importunate with God and will take no denyal then he will set up his Kingdom within us 3. Keep close to the Word preached the Word preached is virga virtutis the rod of Gods strength it is the great engine God useth for the setting up the Kingdom of Grace in the heart Rom. 10.17 Faith comes by hearing Though God could work Grace immediately by his Spirit or by the ministry of Angels from Heaven yet he chooseth to work by the Word preached this is the usual means by which he sets up the Kingdom of Grace in the heart and the reason is because he hath put his divine sanction upon it he hath appointed it for the means of working Grace and he will honour his own Ordinance 1 Cor. 1.21 What reason could be given why the Waters of Damascus should not have as soveraign vertue to heal Naamans Leprosie as the Waters of Iordan only this because God did appoint and sanctifie the Waters of Iordan to heal and not the other Therefore let us keep to the Word preached because the power of God goes along with it VSE
replyed Dilexi dilexi I have loved I have loved and strait-way he was by a convoy of Angels translated to Glory Love is a sacred Fire kindled in the breast in the flames of this Fire the devout Soul ascends to Heaven 10. If we would obtain this Heavenly Kingdom let us labour for Sincerity Prov. 28.18 Whosoever walketh uprightly shall be saved The sincere Christian may fall short of some degrees of Grace but he never falls short of the Kingdom God will pass by many failings where the heart is right Numb 23.21 True Gold though it be light hath grains of allowance Psal. 51.6 Thou desirest truth in the inward parts Sincerity is the sauce which seasons all our Actions and makes them savoury it is the ingredient into every Grace It is called Faith unfeigned 2 Tim. 1.5 and Love 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in sincerity Eph. 6.24 Coyn will not go currant that wants the Kings stamp Grace is not currant if it be not stamped with Sincerity Glorious Duties sowred with Hypocrisie are rejected when great Infirmities sweetned with Sincerity are accepted If any thing in the World bring us to Heaven it is Sincerity Sincerity signifies plainness of heart Psal. 32.2 In whose Spirit there is no guile The plainer the Diamond is the richer 1. Sincerity is when we serve God with our heart we do not only worship him but love him Cain brought his Sacrifice but not his Heart This is Gods delight a Sacrifice flaming upon the Altar of the Heart A sincere Christian though he hath a double principle in him Flesh and Spirit yet he hath not a double heart his heart is for God 2. Sincerity is when we aim purely at God in all we do The Glory of God is more worth than the Salvation of all Mens Souls A sincere Christian though he comes short in Duty yet he takes a right aim As the herb Heliotropium turns about according to the motion of the Sun so a Godly Mans actions do all move towards the Glory of God 11. If we would obtain the Heavenly Kingdom let us keep up fervency in Duty What is a dead form without the power Rev. 3.16 Because thou art luke-warm neither hot nor cold I will spue thee out of my mouth Fervency puts life into Duty Rom. 12.11 Fervent in Spirit serving God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Boyling over Christ prayed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 yet more earnestly Luke 22.44 When the Fire on the Golden Censer was ready to go out Aaron was to put more Coals to the Incense Praying with Devotion is putting more Coals to the Incense 't is not Formality but Fervency will bring us to Heaven The Formalist is like Ephraim a Cake not turned hot on one side and dough on the other In the external part of Gods Worship he seems to be hot but as for the Spiritual part of Gods Worship he is cold Oh if you would have the Kingdom of Heaven keep up heat and fervour in Duty Eliah was carried up to Heaven in a fiery Chariot if you would go to Heaven you must be carried thither in a fiery Chariot of Zeal 'T is violence takes the Kingdom of Heaven 12. If we would arrive at the Heavenly Kingdom let us cherish the motions of Gods Spirit in our hearts The Marriner may spread his Sails but the Ship cannot get to the Haven without a gale of Wind so we may spread the sails of our endeavour but we cannot get to the Haven of Glory without the North and South-wind of Gods Spirit blow how nearly therefore doth it concern us to make much of the motions of Gods Spirit motions to Prayer motions to Repentance 2 Sam. 5.24 When thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry-trees that then thou shalt bestir thy self for then shall the Lord go out before thee So when we hear as it were a voice within us a secret inspiration stirring us up to good Duties we should then bestir our selves while the Spirit works in us we should work with the Spirit Many Men have Gods Spirit striving with them he puts good motions in their hearts and holy purposes but they neglecting to prosecute these good motions the Spirit is thereby grieved and being grieved withdraws its assistance and that assistance being gone there is no getting to Heaven Oh make much of the motions of the Spirit it is as much as your Salvation is worth The Spirit of God is compared to fire Acts 2.2 if we are careful to blow this spark we may have fire to inflame our affections and to light our feet into the way of peace If we quench the Spirit by our neglecting and resisting its motions we cut our selves off from Salvation The Spirit of God hath a drawing-power Cant. 1.4 The Blessed Spirit draws by attraction as the Loadstone the Iron In the preaching of the Word the Spirit draws the heart up to Heaven in holy longings and ejaculations Now when the Spirit is about thus to draw us let us take heed of drawing back left it be to perdition Heb. 10. We should do as Noah when the Dove came flying to the Ark he put forth his hand and took it into the Ark so when this sweet Dove of Gods Spirit comes flying to our hearts and brings a gracious impulse as an Olive-branch of Peace in its mouth O take this Dove into the Ark entertain the Spirit in your hearts and it will bring you to Heaven Quest. But how shall we know the motions of the Spirit from a delusion Answ. The motions of the Spirit are alwayes agreeable to the Word If the Word be for Holiness so is the Spirit The Spirit perswades to nothing but what the Word directs which way the tyde of the Word runs that way the Wind of the Spirit blows 13. We obtain the Kingdom of Heaven by uniform and chearful Obedience Obedience is the Road through which we travail to Heaven many say they love God but refuse to obey him doth he love the Princes Person who slights his Commands 1. Obedience must be uniform Psal. 119.6 Then shall I not be ashamed Lo Eboth I shall not blush when I have respect to all thy Commandments as the Son goes through all the signs of the Zodiack so must we through all the duties of Religion If a Man be to go an hundred Miles and he goes ninety nine Miles and there stops he comes short of the Place he is to travel to if with Herod we do many things that God commands yet if we lye in the total neglect of any duty we come short of the Kingdom of Heaven for Instance If a Man seem to make Conscience of duties of the first Table and not the duties of the second if he seem to be religious but is not just he is a Transgressor and is in danger to lose Heaven a good heart is like the Needle which points that way which the Loadstone draws so he moves that way which the Word
his Master as a Wife gives up her self to her Husband so we give up our selves to God by obedience and this obedience is 1. Free as that is the sweetest honey which drops from the comb 2. Uniform we obey God in one thing as well as another Psal. 119.6 Then shall I not be ashamed or as it is in the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I shall not blush when I have respect to all thy commandments A good Christian is like a pair of Compasses one foot of the Compass stands upon the Centre the other part of it goes round the Circle so a Christian by Faith stands on God the Centre and by Obedience goes round the Circle of Gods Commandments a sign the Kingdom of Grace is not come into the heart when it doth not reign there by universal Obedience Hypocrites would have Christ to be their Saviour but they pluck the government from his shoulders they will not have him rule but he who hath the Kingdom of God within him submits chearfully to every command of God he will do what God will have him do he will be what God will have him be He puts a blank Paper into Gods hand and saith Lord write what thou wilt I will subscribe Blessed is he that can find all these things in his Soul He is all glorious within Psal. 45.13 he carries a Kingdom about him and this Kingdom of Grace will certainly bring to a Kingdom of Glory I shall answer some Doubts and Objections a Christian may make against himself Object I Fear the Kingdom of Grace is not yet come into my heart Answ. When a Christian is under temptation or Grace lies dormant he is not fit to be his own judge but in this case he must take the witness of others who have the Spirit of discerning But let us hear a Christians Objections against himself why he thinks the Kingdom of Grace is not yet come into his heart Object 1. I cannot discern Grace Answ. A Child of God may have the Kingdom of Grace in his heart yet not know it The Cup was in Benjamins sack though he did not know it was there thou mayest have Faith in thy heart the Cup may be in thy sack though thou knowest it not Old Iacob wept for his Son Ioseph when Ioseph was alive thou mayest weep for want of Grace when Grace may be alive in thy heart The seed may be in the ground when we do not see it spring up the seed of God may be sown in thy heart though thou dost not perceive the springing of it up think not Grace is lost because it is hid Object 2. Before the Kingdom of Grace come into the heart there must be some preparation for it The fallow ground of the heart must be broken up I fear the plough of the Law hath not gone deep enough I have not been humbled enough therefore I have no Grace Answ. God doth not prescribe a just proportion of sorrow and humiliation The Scripture mentions the truth of sorrow but not the measure Some are more flagitious â—inners than others these must have a greater degree of humiliation A knotty piece of Timber requires more wedges to be driven into it Some Stomachs are fouler than others therefore need stronger Physick But wouldst thou know when thou hast been humbled enough for sin 1. When thou art weary of thy sin and sick of love to Christ. What doth God require sorrow for but as sawce to make Sin rellish bitter and Christ sweet 2. When thou art willing to let go thy sins Then the Gold hath lain long enough in the Furnace when the dross is purged out so when the love of sin is purged out a Soul is humbled enough to divine acceptation though not to divine satisfaction Now if thou art humbled enough though not so much as others what needs more Frustra fit per plura c. If a Needle will let out the Imposthume what needs a Launce Be not more cruel to thy self than God would have thee Object 3. If the Kingdom of God were within me it would be a Kingdom of Power it would inable me to serve God with vigour of Soul but I have a spirit of infirmity upon me I am weak and impotent and untuned to every holy action Answ. There is a great difference between the weakness of Grace and the want of Grace A Man may have Life though he be sick and weak Weak Grace is not to be despised but cherished Christ will not break the bruised reed Do not argue from the weakness of Grace to the nullity 1. Weak Grace will give us a Title to Christ as well as a strong Weak Faith justifies as well as a strong A weak hand of Faith will receive the Almes of Christs merit 2. Weak Faith is capable of growth The seed springs up by degrees first the blade and then the ear and then the full corn in the ear the Faith that is strongest was once in its infancy Grace is like the waters of the Sanctuary which did rise higher and higher Be not discouraged at thy weak Faith though it be now but blossoming it will by degrees come to more maturity 3. The weakest Grace shall persevere as well as the strongest A sucking Child was as safe in the Ark as Noah An infant-believer that is but newly laid to the breast of a Promise is as safe in Christ as the most eminent heroick Saint Object 4. I fear the Kingdom of Grace is not yet come because I find the Kingdom of Sin so strong in me Had I Faith it would purifie my heart but I find much Pride Worldliness Passion Answ. The best of the Saints have remainders of corruption Dan. 7.12 They had their dominion taken away yet their lives were prolonged for a season So in the regenerate though the dominion of sin be taken away yet the life of it is prolonged for a season What pride was there in Christs own Disciples when they strove which should be greatest The issue of sin will not be quite stopped till death The Lord is pleased to let the in-being of sin continue to humble his people and make them prize Christ the more but because you find corruptions stirring do not therefore presently un-saint your selves and deny the Kingdom of Grace to be come into your Souls That you feel sin is an evidence of Spiritual Life that you mourn for sin what are these tears but fruits of love to God That you have a combate with sin argues antipathy against it those sins which you did once wear as a crown on your head are now as fetters on the leg is not all this from the Spirit of Grace in you Sin is in you as poyson in the body which you are sick of and use all Scripture-antidotes to expel Should we condemn all those who have the in-dwelling of sin nay who have had sin at some times prevailing we should blot some of the best Saints out of
II. Such as have this Kingdom of God set up in them it calls for gratulation and thanksgiving What will you be thankful 〈…〉 not for a Kingdom Grace is the best Blessing it is the result and product of Gods electing love God in setting up his kingdom of grace hath done more for you â—han if he had made you Kings and Queens for now you are born of God and of the Blood-Royal of Heaven O admire and exalt free Grace Make Gods pâ—â—ise glorious Psal. 66.2 The Apostle seldom mentions the work of Grace but he joyns praise Col. 1.12 Giving thanks to the Father who hath made us meet for the inheritance of the Saints in light If God hath crowned you with the Kingdom of Grace do you crown him with your Praises 2. The Second thing intended by our Saviour in this Petition is That the Kingdom of Grace may encrease that it may come more into us And this may answer a Question Quest. Why do we pray Thy Kingdom come when the Kingdom of Grace is already come into the Soul Answ. Though the kingdom of grace be already come into us yet still we must pray Thy Kingdom come namely that grace may be encreased and that this kingdom may flourish still more in our Souls Till we come to live among the Angels we shall need to pray this Prayer Thy Kingdom come Lord let thy kingdom of grace come in more power into my Soul let grace be more augmented and encreased Quest. 1. When doth the Kingdom of Grace increase in the Soul when is it a flourishing Kingdom Answ. 1. When a Christian hath further degrees added to his graces there 's more oyl in the lamp his knowledge is clearer his love is more inflamed Grace is capable of degrees and may rise higher as the Sun in the Horizon It is not with us as it was with Christ who received the Spirit without measure Iohn 3.34 Christ could not be more holy than he was but our Grace is receptive of further degrees we may have more sanctity we may add more cubits to our spiritual stature 2. Then the kingdom of Grace increaseth when a Christian hath gotten more strength than he had Iob 17.9 He that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger Hebr. Iosiphometz He shall add to his strength A Christian hath strength to resist temptation to forgive his enemies to suffer affliction 't is not easie to suffer a Man must deny himself ere he take up the Cross The way to Heaven is like the way which Ionathan and his Armour-bearer had in climbing up a steep place 1 Sam. 14.4 There was a sharp rock on the one side and a sharp rock on the other It requires much strength to climb up this rocky way That Grace which will carry us through Prosperity will not carry us through Sufferings The Ship needs stronger tackling to carry it through a storm than a calm Now when we are so strong in Grace that we can bear up under affliction without murmuring or fainting here is the kingdom of grace increased What mighty strength of grace had he who told the Emperour Valentinian you may take away my Life but you cannot take away my love to the Truth 3. Then the Kingdom of Grace encreaseth when a Christian hath most conflict with Spiritual Corruptions he not only abstains from gross Evils but hath a Combat with inward hidden close Corruptions as Pride Envy Hypocrisy vain Thoughts carnal Confidence these are spiritual Wickednesses and do both defile and disturb 2 Cor. 7.1 Let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of Flesh and Spirit Which shows there are two sorts of Corruptions one of the Flesh the other of the Spirit when we grieve for and combat with spiritual Sin as being the Root of all gross sins Now the Kingdom of Grace encreaseth and spreads its Territories in the Soul 4. Then the kingdom of grace flourisheth when a Christian hath learned to live by Faith Gal. 2.20 I live by the Faith of the Son of God There is the Habit of Faith and the drawing of this Habit into exercise For a Christian to graft his hope of Salvation only upon the stock of Christs Righteousness and make Christ all in Justification to live on the Promises as the Bee on the Flower and suck out the sweetness of them to trust God where we cannot trace him to believe his Love thorough a Frown to perswade our selves when he hath the Face of an Enemy yet he hath the Heart of a Father when we are arrived at this here is the Kingdom of Grace flourishing in our Souls 5. When a Christian is arrived at holy Zeal Numb 25.13 Phinehas was zealous for his God Zeal is the Flame of the Affections it turns a Saint into Seraphim A zealous Christian is impatient when God is dishonoured Rev. 2.2 he will wrestle with difficulties he will swim to Christ through a sea of blood Act. 21.13 Zeal loves truth when it is dispised and opposed Psal. 119.126 They have made void thy Law therefore I love thy Law Here is grace encreasing like the Sun in the Horizon Zeal resembles the Holy Ghost Acts. 2.2 There appeared cloven Tongues like as of fire and it sate upon each of them Tongues of fire were an Emblem of that fire of zeal which the Spirit poured upon them 6. Then the Kingdom of Grace encreaseth when a Christian is as well diligent in his particular Calling as devout in his general He is the wise Christian that carries things equally that doth so live by Faith that he lives in a Calling Therefore it is worth our Notice when the Apostle had exhorted the Thessalonians to encrease in grace 1 Thess. 4.10 he presently adds ver 11. And that ye do your own business and work with your hands This is a sign grace is encreasing when Christians go chearfully about their Calling Indeed to be all the day in the Mount with God and to have the Mind fixed on glory is more sweet to a Mans self and is an Heaven upon Earth But to be conversant in our Callings is more profitable to others I may allude to that of St. Paul To be with Christ is best for me yet to abide here is more needful for you Phil. 1.24 So to converse with God in Prayer and sweet Meditation all the Week long is more for the Comfort of a Man 's own Person but to be sometimes employed in the business of a Calling is more profitable for the Family to which he belongs 'T is not good to be as the Lillies which toyl not neither do they spin It shows the encrease of grace when a Christian keeps a due Decorum He joins Piety and Industry when zeal runs forth in Religion and Diligence is put forth in a Calling 7. Then the Kingdom of grace encreaseth when a Christian is established in the belief and love of the Truth The heart by nature is as a Ship without Ballast it wavers and fluctuates
Heaven If the Prayers of the Saints have so much power with God then what hath Christs Prayer how can the Children of such Prayers miscarry how can they fall short of the Kingdom who have him praying for them who is not only a Priest but a Son and besides what he prays for as he is Man that he hath power to give as he is God thus you see how a Christian comes to Persevere till he comes to the Kingdom Object But methinks I hear some Christians say if only perseverance obtains the Kingdom they fear they shall not come thither they fear they shall faint by the way and the weak legs of their Grace will never carry them to the Kingdom of Heaven Answ. Wert thou indeed to stand in thy own strength thou mightest fall away that Branch withers and dies which hath no Root to grow upon thou growest upon the Root Christ who will be daily sending forth vital influence to strengthen thee thou art imbecil and weak in Grace yet fear not falling short of Heaven For 1. God hath made a promise to weak Believers what is a bruised Reed but the Emblem of a weak Faith yet it hath a Promise made to it Mat. 12.20 A bruised Reed he will not break God hath promised to supply the weak Christian with so much Grace as he shall need till he comes to Heaven Beside the two Pence which the good Samaritan left to pay for the Cure of the poor wounded Man he passed his Word for all that he should need beside Luke 10.35 So Christ doth not only give a little Grace in hand but his Bond for more that he will give as much Grace as a Saint shall need till he comes to Heaven Psal. 84.11 The Lord will give Grace and Glory that is a fresh supply of Grace till it be perfected in Glory 2. God hath most care of his weak Saints who fear they shall never hold out till they come to the Kingdom doth not the Mother tend the weak Child most Isa. 40.11 He will gather the Lambs in his Arms and carry them in his Bosom If thou thinkest thou art so weak that thou shalt never hold out till thou comest to Heaven thou shalt be carried in the Arms of the Almighty he gathers the Lambs in his Arms Christ the Lyon of the Tribe of Iudah marched before hi◠People and his Power is their Rear-ward so that none of them faint or dye in their March to Heaven 3. Quest. What are the Encouragements to make Christians hold on till they come to the Kingdom of Heaven Answ. 1. It is a great Credit to a Christian not only to hold forth the Truth but to hold fast the Truth till he comes to Heaven when Grace doth flourish into perseverance and with the Church of Thyatira our last works are more then our first Rev. 2.19 This is insigne honoris a Star of Honour 'T is matter of renown to see gray hairs shine with golden vertues the Excellency of a thing lies in the finishing of it What is the excellency of a Building not when the first stone is laid but when it is finished so the beauty and excellency of a Christian is when he hath finished his Faith having done his work is landed safe in Heaven 2. You that have made a progress in Religion have not many Miles to go before you come at the Kingdom of Heaven Rom. 13.11 Now is our Salvation neerer then when we believed You who have hoary hairs your green Tree is turned into an Almond-tree you are near to Heaven it is but going a little further and you will set your Feet within Heaven Gates Oh therefore now be encouraged to hold out your Salvation is nearer then when you first began to believe Our diligence should be greater when our Salvation is nearer When a Man is almost at the end of the Race will he now tire and faint will he not put forth all his strength and strain every Limb that he may lay hold upon the Prize Our Salvation is now nearer the Kingdom is as it were within sight how should we now put forth all our strength that we may lay hold upon the Garland of Glory Doctor Taylour when he was going to his Martyrdom I have saith he but two Stiles to go over and I shall be at my Fathers House Though the way to Heaven be up hill you must climb the steepy Rock of Mortification and though there be Thorns in the way viz. Sufferings yet you have gone the greatest part of your way you are within a few days march of the Kingdom and will not you persevere Christian pluck up thy Courage fight the good fight of Faith pursue Holiness 't is but a while and you shall put off your Armour and end all your weary Marches and receive a Victorious Crown your Salvation is nearer you are within a little of the Kingdom therefore now presevere you are ready to commence and take your Degree of Glory 3. The blessed promise annexed to Perseverance the promise is a Crown of Life Rev 2.10 Death is a Worm that feeds in the Crowns of Princes but behold here a living Crown and a never-fading Crown 1 Pet. 5.4 and Rev. 2.28 He that overcometh and keepeth my works to the end I will give him Stellam matutinam the Morning Star The Morning Star is brighter then the rest this Morning Star is meant of Christ as if Christ had said I will give to him that perseveres some of my Beauty I will put some of my illustrious Rays upon him he shall have the next degree of Glory to me as the Morning Star is next the Sun will not this animate and make us hold out we shall have a Kingdom and that which is better then the Kingdom a bright Morning Star 4 Quest. What are the means conducing to perseverance or what shall we do that we may hold out to the Kingdom Resp. 1. Take up Religion upon good Grounds not in a Fit or Humour or out of worldly design but be deliberate weigh things well in the Ballance Luke 14.28 Which of you intending to build a Tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cost Think with your selves what Religion must cost you it must cost you the parting with your sins and what is may cost you it may cost you the parting with your Lives consider if a Kingdom will not countervail your Sufferings weigh things well and then make your choice Psal. 119.30 I have chosen the way of thy Truth Why do many Apostatize and fall away but because they did never sit down and count the cost 2. If we would hold out to the Kingdom let us cherish the Grace of Faith 1 Cor. 1.24 By Faith ye stand Faith like Hercules Club it beats down all Oppositions before it 't is a conquering Grace Quest. How comes Faith to be so strong Resp. Faith fetcheth Christs strength into the Soul Phil. 4.13 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A Captain
may give his Soldier Armour but not strength Faith partakes of Christs strength and Faith gets strength from the promise as the Child by sucking the Breast gets strength so doth Faith by sucking the Breast of the Promise hence Faith is such a wonder working Grace and enables a Christian to persevere 3. If you would hold out to the Kingdom set before your Eyes the Examples of those Noble Heroick Saints who have persevered to the Kingdom Vivitur Exemplis Examples have more influence upon us then Precepts Iob 23.11 12. My Foot hath held his steps Though the way of Religion hath Flints and Thorns in it yet my Foot hath held his steps I have not fainted in the way nor turn'd out of the way Daniel held on his Religion and would not intermit Prayer though he knew the writing was signed against him and a Prayer might cost him his life Dan. 6.10 The blessed Martyrs persevered to the Kingdom through Sufferings Saunders that holy Man said Welcome the Cross of Christ my Saviour began to me in a bitter Cup and shall I not pledge him Another Martyr kissing the Stake said I shall not lose my Life but change it for a better instead of Coals I shall have Pearls What a spirit of gallantry was in these Saints let us learn Constancy from their Courage A Souldier seeing his General fight valiantly is animated by his Example and hath new Spirits put into him 4. Let us add fervent Prayer to God that he would inable us to hold out to the Heavenly Kingdom Psal. 119.117 Hold thou me up and I shall be safe Let us not presume on our own strength When Peter cryed to Christ on the water Lord save me then Christ took him by the hand Matth. 14.30 but when he grew confident of his own strength then Christ let him fall O pray to God for auxiliary Grace The Child is safe when held in the Nurses armes so are we in Christs armes Let us pray that God will put his fear in our hearts that we do not depart from him and that Prayer of Cyprian Domine quod caepisti perfice ne in portu naufragium accidat Lord perfect that which thou hast begun in me that I may not suffer shipwrack when I am almost at the haven 3. Branch Let us press forward with the greatest diligence to this Kingdom And here let me lay down some powerful Perswasives or Divine Arguments to make you put to all your strength for the obtaining this blessed Kingdom 1. This is the great errand for which God hath sent us into the World to prepare for this Heavenly Kingdom Matth. 6.33 Seek ye first the kingdom of God First in time before all things and first in affection above all things Great care is taken for the atchieving Worldly things Matth. 6.25 To see people labouring for the earth as Ants about a Molehill would make one think this were the only errand they came about But alas what is all this to the Kingdom of Heaven I have read of a devout Pilgrim travelling to Ierusalem who passing through several Cities where he saw many stately Edifices Ware and Monuments he would say I must not stay here this is not Jerusalem So when we enjoy Worldly things Peace and Plenty and have our presses burst out with new Wine we should say to our selves this is not the Kingdom we are to look after this is not Heaven 'T is Wisdom to remember our errand It will be but sad upon a Death-bed for a Man to think he was busying himself only about trifles playing with a feather and neglected the main thing he came into the World about 2. The seeking after the Heavenly Kingdom will be judged most prudent by all Men at last Those who are regardless of their Souls now will before they dye wish they had minded Eternity more when Conscience is awakened and Men begin to come to themselves Now what would they give for the Kingdom of Heaven How happy were it if Men were of the same mind now as they will be at Death Death will alter Mens opinions then those who did most slight and disparage the wayes of Religion will wish their time and thoughts had been taken up about the excellent Glory At Death Mens eyes will be opened and they will see their folly when it is too late If all Men even the worst will wish at last they had minded the Kingdom of Heaven why should not we do that now which all will wish they had done when they come to dye 3. This Kingdom of Heaven deserves our utmost pains and diligence it is Glorious beyond Hyperbole Suppose Earthly Kingdoms more magnificent than they are their Foundations of Gold their Walls of Pearl their Windows of Sapphire yet they are not comparable to the Heavenly Kingdom 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrys. If the Pavement of it be bespangled with so many bright shining Lights glorious Stars what is the Kingdom it self 1 Iohn 3.2 It doth not yet appear what we shall be This Kingdom exceeds our Faith How sublime and wonderful is that place where the blessed Deity shines forth in his immense Glory infinitely beyond the comprehension of Angels 1. The Kingdom of Heaven is a place of Honour there are the glorious Triumphs and sparkling Crowns In other Kingdoms there is but one King but in Heaven all are Kings Rev. 1.6 Every Saint glorified partaker of the same Glory as Christ doth Iohn 17.22 The glory thou hast given me I have given them 2. This Kingdom is a place of Joy Matth. 25.21 Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. To have a continual aspect of Love from Gods face to be crowned with Immortality to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as the Angels of God to drink of the Rivers of Pleasure for ever this will cause Raptures of Joy Sure it deserves our utmost pains in pursuing and securing this Kingdom Iulius Caesar coming towards Rome with his Army and hearing the Senate and People fled from it said They that will not fight for this City what City will they fight for If we will not take pains for the Kingdom of Heaven what Kingdom will we take pains for It was the speech of the Spies to their Brethren Iudg. 18.9 We have seen the land and behold it is very good and are ye still be not slothful to go and to enter to possess the land We have had a lively description of the Glory of Heaven we find the Kingdom is very good why then do we sit still Why do we not operam navare put forth our utmost zeal and industry for this Kingdom The diligence of others in seeking after Earthly Kingdoms shames our coldness and indifferency in pursuing after the Kingdom of Heaven 4. The time we have to make sure of the Heavenly Kingdom is very short and uncertain take heed it doth not slip away before you have prepared for the Kingdom Time passeth on apace Cito pede praeterita vita
It will not be long before the silver cord be loosed and the golden bowl broken Eccles. 12. The skin wherein the Brains are inclosed as in a bowl this golden bowl will soon be broken Our Soul is in our Body as the Bird is in the Shell which soon breaks and the Bird flyes out the Shell of the Body breaking the Soul flyes into Eternity We know not whether we shall live to another Sabbath Before we hear another Sermon-bell go our Passing-bell may go Our Life runs as a swift stream into the ocean of Eternity Brethren if our Time be so minute and transient if the taper of Life be so soon wasted or perhaps blown out by violent death how should we put to all our strength and call in help from Heaven that we may obtain the Kingdom of Glory If time be so short why do we wast it about things of less moment and neglect the one thing needful which is the Kingdom of Heaven A Man that hath a great work to be done and but one day for the doing of it had need work hard We have a great work to do we are striving for a Kingdom and alas we are not certain of one day to work in therefore what need have we to bestir our selves and what we do for Heaven to do it with all our might 5. To excite our diligence let us consider how inexcusable we shall be if we miss of the Kingdom of Heaven who have had such helps for Heaven as we have had Indians who have Mines of Gold have not such advantages for Glory as we they have the light of the Sun Moon and Stars and the light of Râ—ason but this is not enough to light them to Heaven But we have had the light of the Gospel shining in our Horizon we have been lifted up to Heaven with Ordinances we have had the Word in season and out of season The Ordinances are the pipes of the Sanctuary which empty the golden Oyl of Grace into the Soul they are scala ParAdisi the Ladder by which we ascend to the Kingdom of Heaven Deut. 4 7. What nation is there so great who hath God so nigh unto them as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for We have had Heaven and Hell set before us we have had Counsels of Friends Warnings Examples the Motions and Inspirations of the Holy Ghost how should all these spurs quicken us in our pace to Heaven Should not that Ship sail apace to the Haven which hath Wind and Tide to carry it The Tide of Ordinances and the Wind of the Spirit Surely if we through negligence miss of the Kingdom of Heaven we shall have nothing to say for our selves we shall be as far from excuse as from happiness 6. You cannot do too much for the Kingdom of Heaven you cannot pray too much sanctifie the Sabbath too much love God too much you cannot over-do In secular things a Man may labour too hard he may kill himself with working but there is no fear of working too hard for Heaven In virtute non est verendum ne quid nimium sit Seneca The World is apt to censure the Godly as if they were too zealous and did over-strain themselves in Religion Indeed a Man may follow the World too much he may make too much hast to be rich The Ferry-man may take in too many Passengers into his Boat to the sinking of his Boat so a Man may heap up so much Gold and Silver as to sink himself in Perdition 1 Tim. 6.9 but one cannot be too earnest and zealous for the Kingdom of Heaven there is no fear of excess here when we do all we can for Heaven we come short of the Golden Rule set us and of Christs Golden Pattern when our Faith is highest like the Sun in the Meridian yet still 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 there is something lacking in our Faith 1 Thess. 3.1 so that all our labour for the Kingdom is little enough When a Christian hath done his best yet still he hath sins and wants to bewail 7 By this you may judge of the state of your Souls whether you have Grace or no by your earnest pursuit after the Heavenly Kingdom Grace infuseth a Spirit of activity into a person Grace doth not lye dormant in the Soul 't is not a sleepy habit but it makes a Christian like a Seraphim swift and winged in his Heavenly motion Grace is like fire it makes one burn in love to God and the more he loves him the more he presseth forward to Heaven where he may fully enjoy him Hope is an active Grace 't is called a lively hope 1 Pet. 1.3 hope is like the spring in the Watch it sets all the wheels of the Soul a running Hope of a Crop makes the Husbandman sow his seed hope of Victory makes the Souldier fight and a true hope of Glory makes a Christian vigorously pursue Glory Here is a Spiritual Touchstone to try our Grace by If we have the anointing of the Spirit it will oyl the wheels of our endeavour and make us lively in our pursuit after the Heavenly Kingdom No sooner had Paul Grace infused but presently Behold he prayes Acts 9.11 The Affections are by Divines called the Feet of the Soul if these Feet move not towards Heaven it is because there is no Life 8. Your labour for Heaven is not lost Perhaps you may think it is in vain that you have served God but know that your pains is not lost The Seed is cast into the Earth and it dyes yet at last it brings forth a plentiful Crop so your labours seem to be fruitless but at last they bring you to a Kingdom Who would not work hard for one hour when for that hours work he shâ—uld be a King as long as he lived And let me tell you the more labour you have put forth for the Kingdom of Heaven the more degrees of Glory you shall have As there are degrees of Torment in Hell Matth. 23.14 so of Glory in Heaven As one Star differs from another in Glory so shall one Saint 1 Cor. 15.41 Though every Vessel of Mercy shall be full yet one Vessel may hold morâ— than another Such as have done more work for God shall have more Glory in the Heavenly Kingdom Could we hear thâ— Saints departed speaking to us from Heaven sure they would speak after this manner Were we to leave Heaven a while and live on the Earth again we would do God a thousand times more service than ever we did we would pray with more Life act with more Zeal for now we see the more hath been our labour the greater is our reward in Heaven 9. While we are labouring for the Kingdom God will help us Ezek. 36.27 I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes The Promise encourageth us and Gods Spirit inableth us A Master gives his Servant work to
on the Morning of the Marriage day he puts on his Vesture and wedding Robes in which he shall be married to his Bride so in all the Duties of Religion we are putting on those wedding Robes in which we shall be married to Christ in Glory O what solace and inward Peace is there in close walking with God Isa. 32.17 The Work of Righteousness shall be Peace Serving of God is like gathering of Spices or Flowers wherein there is some labour but the labour is recompenced with delight Working for Heaven is like digging in a Gold Mine the digging is labour but getting the Gold is pleasure O then let us bestir our selves for the Kingdom of Heaven it is a labour full of Pleasure a Christian would not part with his Joy for the most delicious Musick he would not exchange his Anchor of Hope for a Crown of Gold Well might David say in keeping thy Precepts there is great Reward Psal. 19.11 not only after keeping thy Precepts but in keeping them a Christian hath both the Spring Flowers and the Crop inward delight in serving God there is the Spring Flowers and the Kingdom of Glory at last there is the full Crop 22. How industrious have the Saints in former Ages been they thought they could never do enough for Heaven they could never serve God enough love him enough minus te amavi Domine Austin Lord I have loved thee too little What Pains did Saint Paul take for the Heavenly Kingdom Phil. 3.13 Reaching forth unto those things which are before 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Greek Word to reach forth signifies to stretch out the neck a Metaphor from Racers who strain every Limb and reach forward to lay hold on the Prize Anna the Prophetess Luke 2.37 departed not from the Temple but served God with Fastings and Prayers night and day Basil the Great by much labour and watching exhausted his bodily strength Let Racks Pullies and all torments come upon me said Ignatius so I may win Christ. The Industry and Courage of former Saints who are now crowned with Glory should provoke our diligence that so at last we may sit down with them in the Kingdom of Heaven 23. The more pains we take for Heaven the more welcome will Death be to us What is it makes Men so loath to dye they are like a Tenant that will not out of the House till the Sergeant pull him out they love not to hear of Death why so because their Conscience accuseth them that they have taken little or no pains for Heaven they have been sleeping when they should have been working and now they are afraid least Death should carry them Prisoners to Hell Whereas he who hath spent his time in serving of God he can look Death in the Face with comfort he was wholly taken up about Heaven and now he shall be taken up to Heaven he traded before in Heaven and now he shall go to live there Phil. 1.23 Cupio dissolvi I desire to be dissolved and be with Christ Paul had wholly laid out himself for God 1 Cor. 15.10 and now he knew there was a Crown laid up for him and he longed to take Possession Thus I have given you twenty three Perswasives or Arguments to exert and put forth your utmost diligence for the obtaining the Kingdom of Heaven O that these Arguments were written in all your Hearts as with the Point of a Diamond and because delaies in these Cases are dangerous let me desire you to set upon this Work for Heaven presently Psal. 119.60 I made hast and delayed not to keep thy Commandments Many People are convinced of the necessity of looking after the Kingdom of Glory but they say as those Hagg. 1.2 The time is not yet come They adjourn and put off till their time is slip'd away and so they lose the Kingdom of Heaven beware of this fallacy delay strengthens sin hardens the heart and gives the Devil fuller possession of a Man 1 Sam. 21.8 The Kings business requires hast so the business of Salvation requires hast do not put off an hour longer volat ambiguis mobilis alis hora what assurance have you that you shall live another day have you any lease of life granted why then do you not presently arise out of the Bed of Sloath and put forth all your strength and Spirits that you may be possessed of the Kingdom of Glory should not things of the highest importance be done first setling a Mans Estate and clearing the Title to his Land is not delayed but done in the first place what is there of such grand importance as this the saving of your Souls and the gaining of a Kingdom therefore to day hear Gods Voice now mind Eternity now get your Title to Heaven cleared before the Decree of Death bring forth what imprudence is it to lay the heaviest Load upon the weakest Horse so to lay the heavy Load of Repentance on thy self when thou art infeebled by sickness the Hands shake the Lips quiver the Heart faints O be wise in time now prepare for the Kingdom He who never begins his Voyage to Heaven but in the storm of Death it is a thousand to one if he doth not suffer an Eternal Shipwrack VSE VI. Of Exhortation 1. Branch If there be such a glorious Kingdom a coming then you who have any good hope through Grace that you are the Heirs of this Kingdom let me exhort you to six things 1. Often take a Prospect of this heavenly Kingdom climb up the Caelestial Mount take a turn as it were in Heaven every day by holy Meditation Psal. 48.12 13. Walk about Sion tell the Towers thereof mark well her Bulwarks See what a glorious Kingdom Heaven is go-tell the Towers view the Palaces of the Heavenly Ierusalem Christian show thy Heart the Gates of Pearl the Bed of Spices the Clusters of Grapes which grow in the Paradise of God say O my Soul all this Glory is thine it is thy Fathers good pleasure to give thee this Kingdom The Thoughts of Heaven are very delightful and ravishing can Men of the World so delight in viewing their Bags of Gold and Fields of Corn and shall not the Heirs of Promise take more delight in contemplating the Caelestial Kingdom The serious Meditation of the Kingdom of Glory would work these three effects 1. It would put a damp and slur upon all worldly Glory Those who stand upon the top of the Alps the great Cities of Campania seem but small in their eye Could we look through the Perspective Glass of Faith and take a view of Heavens Glory how small and minute would all other things appear Moses slighted the Honours of Pharaohs Court having an eye to the Recompence of Reward Heb. 11.26 St. Paul who had a Vision of Glory and Saint Iohn who was carried away in the Spirit and saw the holy Ierusalem descending out of Heaven having the Glory of God in it Rev. 21.11 how did the world
Organs in God's Spiritual Temple are going How sad is it that God hath no more of his Glory from us this way Many are full of Murmurings and Discontents but seldom do they bring Glory to God by giving him the Praise due to his Name We read of the Saints having Harps in their hand Rev. 5.8 the Emblem of Praise Many have Tears in their eyes and Complaints in their mouth but few have Harps in their hand blessing and glorifying of God let us Honour God this way Praise is the Quit-rent we pay to God while God renews our Lease we must renew our Rent 12. We glorifie God by being zealous for his Name Numb 25.11 Phinehas hath turned my wrath away while he was zealous for my sake Zeal is a mixed Affection a Compound of Love and Anger it carries forth our Love to God and Anger against Sin in a most intense manner Zeal is impatient of God's Dishonour a Christian fired with Zeal takes a Dishonour done to God worse then an Injury done to himself Rev. 2.2 Thou canst not bear them that are evil Our Saviour Christ did thus glorifie his Father he being baptized with a Spirit of Zeal drove the Money-changers out of the Temple Iob. 2.14 and 17. The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up 13. We glorifie God when we have an eye at God both in our Natural and in our Civil Actions 1. In our Natural Actions in eating and drinking 1 Cor. 10.31 Whether therefore ye eat or drink do all to the glory of God A gracious Person holds the Golden Bridle of Temperance he takes his Meat as a Medicine to heal the Decays of Nature and that he may be the fitter by the strength he receives for the Service of God he makes his Food not Fuel for Lust but Help to Duty 2. In buying and selling we do all to the Glory of God the Wicked live upon unjust Gain either by falsifying the Ballance Hos. 12.7 The ballances of deceit are in his hand While Men make their Weights lighter they make their Sins heavier or by exacting more then the Commodity is worth they do not for fourscore write down fifty but for fifty fourscore they exact double the Price that a thing is worth But then we buy and sell to the Glory of God when in our buying and selling we observe that Golden Maxim To do to others as we would have them do to us Matth. 7.12 When we so sell our Commodities that we do not sell our Conscience Acts 24.16 Herein do I exercise myself to have always a conscience void of offence towards God and toward men This is to glorifie God when we have an eye at God in all our Civil and Natural Actions and will do nothing that may reflect any Blemish on Religion 14. We glorifie God by labouring to draw others to God we convert others and so make them Instruments of glorifying God We should be both Diamonds and Loadstones Diamonds for the Lustre of Grace and Loadstones for our attractive Vertue in drawing others to Christ Gal. 4.19 My little children of whom I travel c. This is a great way of glorifying God when we break the Devil's Prison and turn Men from the Power of Satan to God 15. We glorifie God in an high manner when we suffer for God and Seal the Gospel with our Bloud Joh. 21.18 19. When thou shalt be old another shall gird thee and carry thee whither thou wouldst not This spake he signifying by what death he should glorifie God God's Glory shines in the Ashes of his Martyrs Isa. 24.15 Wherefore glorifie the Lord in the fires Micaiah was in the Prison Isaiah sawn asunder Paul beheaded Luke hanged on an Olive-tree thus did they by their Death glorifie God The Sufferings of the Primitive Saints did Honour God and make the Gospel famous in the World What would others say See what a good Master they serve and how they love him that they will venture loss of all in his Service The Glory of Christ's Kingdom doth not stand in Worldly Pomp and Grandeur as other Kings but it is seen in the chearful Sufferings of his People The Saints of old loved not their lives to the Death Rev. 12.11 They snatch'd up Torments as so many Crowns God grant we may thus glorifie him if he calls us to it many pray Let this cup pass away but not Thy will be done 16. We glorifie God when we give God the Glory of all we do Herod when he had made an Oration and the People gave a shout saying It is the voice of a God and not of a Man and he took this Glory to himself the Text saith Immediately the angel of the Lord smote him because he gave not God the glory and he was eaten of worms Acts 12.23 Then we glorifie God when we sacrifice the Praise and Glory of all to God 1 Cor. 15.10 I labour more abundantly then they all A Speech one would think savoured of Pride but the Apostle pulls the Crown from his own Head and sets it upon the Head of Free-grace Yet not I but the grace of God which was with me As Ioab when he fought against Rabbah sent for King David that he might carry away the Crown of the Victory 2 Sam. 12.28 so a Christian when he hath gotten power over any Corruption or Tentation sends for Christ that he may carry away the Crown of the Victory as the Silk-worm when she weaves her curious Work she hides herself under the Silk and is not seen so when we have done any thing Praise-worthy we must hide ourselves under the Vail of Humility and transfer the Glory of all we have to done God Constantine did use to write the Name of Christ over his Door so should we write the Name of Christ over our Duties let him wear the Garland of Praise 17. We glorifie God by an holy Life Christianorum religio haâ—c sine macula vivere lactant As a bad Life doth dishonour God 1 Pet. 2.9 Ye are an holy nation that ye should shew forth the praises of him that hath called you Rom. 2.24 The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you Epiphanius saith That the Loosness of some Christians in his time made many of the Heathen shun the Company of the Christians and would not be drawn to hear their Sermons So by our exact Bible-conversation we glorifie God though the main Work of Religion lies in the Heart yet our light must so shine that others may behold it the chief of Building is in Foundation yet the Glory of it is in Frontis-piece so Beauty in the Conversation When the Saints who are called Jewels cast a sparkling Lustre of Holiness in the Eyes of the World when they walk as Christ walked 1 Ioh. 2.6 when they live as if they had seen the Lord with bodily Eyes and been with him upon the Mount then they adorn Religion and bring Revenues of Glory to the Crown of
which is no guile now he sees his own Image in you This draws God's Heart towards you Likeness draws Love But One GOD. Quest. V. THE fifth Question is Are there more Gods then one Answ. There is but one only the living and true God That there is a God hath been proved and those that will not believe the Verity of his Essence shall feel the Severity of his Wrath Deut. 6.4 Hear O Israel the Lord our God is One Lord. He is the only God Deut. 4.39 Know therefore this day and consider it in thy heart that the Lord he is God in Heaven above and upon the Earth beneath there is none else Isa. 45.21 A just God and a Saviour There is none beside me There are many titular Gods Kings represent God their Regal Scepter is an Emblem of his Power and Authority Judges are called Gods Psal. 82.5 I have said ye are Gods viz. set in God's place to do Justice but dying Gods vers 7. Ye shall dye like men 1 Cor. 8.5 6. There be that are called Gods but to us there is but One God Argument 1. There is but one first Cause that hath its Being of it self and on which all other Beings depend As in the Heavens the primum Mobile moves all the other Orbs so God gives Life and Motion to every thing existent There can be but one God because there is but one first Cause 2. There is but one infinite Being therefore there is but one God There cannot be two Infinites Ier. 23.24 Do not I fill heaven and earth saith the Lord If there be one Infinite filling all places at once how can there be any room for another Infinite to subsist 3. There is but one Omnipotent Power if there be two Omnipotents then we must always suppose a Contest between these two that which one would do the other Power being Equal would oppose and so all things would be brought into a Confusion If a Ship should have two Pilots of equal Power one would be ever crossing the other when one would Sail the other would cast Anchor here were a Confusion and the Ship must needs perish The Order and Harmony in the World the constant and uniform Government of all things is a clear Argument that there is but one Omnipotent one God that rules all Isa. 44.6 I am the first and I am the last and beside me there is no God Use 1. of Information If there be but one God then it excludes all other Gods Some have fained that there were two Gods so the Valentinians others that there were many Gods so the Polytheites the Persians worshipped the Sun the Egyptians the Lion and Elephant the Grecians worshipped Iupiter These I may say err not knowing the Scriptures Matth. 22.29 Their Faith is a Fable God hath given them up to strong delusions to believe a lie that they may be damned 2 Thess. 2.11 2. If there be but one God then there can be but One true Religion in the World Eph. 4.5 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 one Lord one Faith If there were many Gods then there might be many Religions every God would be worshipped in his way but if there be but one God there is but one Religion one Lord one Faith Some say we may be saved in any Religion 't is absurd to imagine that God who is one in Essence should appoint several Religions in which he will be worshipped 'T is as dangerous to set up a false Religion as to set up a false God There are many ways to Hell Men may go thither which way their Fancy leads them but there is but one direct Road to Heaven viz. Faith and Holiness There is no way to be saved in but this as there is but one God so there is but one True Religion 3. If there be but one God then you have but One that you need chiefly study to please and that is God If there were divers Gods we should be hard put to it how to please them all one would command one thing another the quite contrary and to please two contrary Masters is impossible but there is but one God therefore you have but one to please As in a Kingdom there is but one King therefore every one seeks to ingratiate himself into his favour Prov. 19.6 so there is but one true God therefore here lies our main work to please him Be sure to please God whoever else you displease This was Enoch's Wisdom Hebr. 11.5 he had this Testimony before he died that he pleased God Quest. What doth this pleasing God imply Answ. 1. We please God when we comport with his Will 'T was Christ's meat and drink to do his Father's will Iohn 4.34 and so he pleased him Matth. 3 17. A voice came from heaven saying this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased It is the will of God that we should be holy 1 Thess. 4 3◠Now when we are bespangled with Holiness our Lives are walking Bibles this is according to God's will and it pleaseth him 2. We please God when we do the Work that he sets us about Iohn 17.4 I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do viz. my mediatory work Many finish their lives but do not finish their work Our work God hath cut out for us is to observe the first and second Table In the first is set down our duty towards God in the second our duty towards Man Such as make Morality the chief and sole part of Religion set the second Table above the first nay they take away the first Table for if Prudence Justice Temparance be enough to save then what needs the first Table and so our worship towards God shall be quite left out But those two Tables which God hath joyned together let no Man put asunder 3. We please God when we dedicate our Heart to give him the best of every thing Abel gave God the fat of the Offering Gen. 4.4 Domitian would not have his Image carved in Wood or Iron but in Gold Then we please God when we serve him with love fervency alacrity we give him golden Services herein lies our Wisdom and Piety to please God there is but one God therefore there is but one whom we have chiefly to please namely God 4. If there be but one God then we must pray to none but God The Papists pray to Saints and Angels 1. To Saints a Popish Writer saith When we pray to the Saints departed they being touched with compassion say the like to God for us as the Disciples did to Christ for the Canaanitish Woman Matth. 15.23 Send her away for she crieth after us The Saints above know not our Wants Isa. 63.16 Abraham is ignorant of us or if they did we have no warrant to pray to them Prayer is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a part of Divine Worship which must be given only to God 2. They pray to Angels Angel-worship is forbidden Col. 2.18 19. and
his Bloud abusing his Love grieving his Spirit and will he ever pray for me Resp. Which of us may not say so But Christian dost thou mourn for Unbelief be not discouraged thou maist have a part in Christ's Prayer Numb 16. The congregation murmured against Aaron yet though they had sinn'd against their High-Priest Verse 46. Aaron run in with his censer and stood between the dead and the living If so much Bowels in Aaron who was but a Type of Christ how much more Bowels is in Christ who will pray for them who have sinn'd against their High-Priest Did not he pray for them that crucified him Father forgive them Quest. But I am unworthy what am I that Christ should intercede for me Resp. The Work of Christ's Intercession is a Work of Free-grace Christ's praying for us is from his pitying of us Christ looks not at our Worthiness but our Wants Quest. But I am followed with sad Temptations Resp. But though Satan tempts Christ prays and Satan shall be vanquished tho' thou maist loose a single Battel yet not the Victory Christ prays that thy Faith fail not therefore Christian say Why art thou cast down O my Soul Christ intercedes 't is Man that sins 't is God that prays The Greek word for Advocate 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Comforter This is a Soveraign Comfort Christ makes Intercession CHRIST's Kingly Office Quest. XVI HOw doth Christ execute the Office of a King Resp. In subduing us to himself and in restraining and conquering his and our Enemies Now of CHRIST's Regal Office Revel 19.16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written King of kings and Lord of lords Jesus Christ is of mighty Renown he is a King he hath a Kingly Title High and mighty Isa. 57.15 2. He hath his Insignia Regalia his Ensigns of Royalty Corona est insigne Regiae potestatis His Crown Rev. 6.2 His Sword Psal. 45.3 Gird thy sword upon thy thigh His Scepter Heb. 1.8 A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom 3. His Escotcheon or Coat-Armour he gives the Lyon in his Arms Rev. 5.5 The lion of the tribe of Iudah And he is the Text saith 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 King of Kings He hath a Preheminence of all other Kings he is call'd the Prince of the Kings of the Earth Rev. 1.5 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He must needs be so for by him Kings reign Prov. 8.15 They hold their Crowns by immediate Tenure from this Great King Christ infinitely out-vyes all others Princes he hath the highest Throne the largest Dominions and the longest Possession Heb. 1.8 Thy throne O God is for ever and ever Christ hath many Heirs but no Successors Well may he be called King of Kings for he hath an Unlimited Power other Kings their Power is limited but Christ's Power is unlimited Psal. 135.6 Whatsoever he pleased that did he in heaven and earth and in the seas Christ's Power is as large as his Will The Angels take the Oath of Allegiance to him Heb. 1.6 Let all the angels of God worship him Quest. How Christ comes to be King Resp. Not by Usurpation but Legally Christ holds his Crown by immediate Tenure from Heaven God the Father hath decreed him to be King Psal. 2.5 6. I have set my king upon my holy hill I will declare the decree God hath anointed and sealed him to his Regal Office Joh. 6.27 Him hath God the Father sealed God hath set the Crown upon his Head Quest. In what sence is Christ King Resp. Two ways 1. In reference to his People And 2. In reference to his Enemies 1. In reference to his People 1. To govern them it was prophesied of Christ before he was born Matth. 2.6 And thou Bethlehem art not the least among the princes of Iudah for out of thee shall come a governour that shall rule my people Israel 'T is a vain thing for a King to have a Crown on his Head unless he have a Scepter in his Hand to rule Quest. Where doth Christ Rule Resp. His Kingdom is Spiritual he rules in the Hearts of Men. He sets up his Throne where no other King doth he rules the Will and Affections His Power binds the Conscience he subdues Mens Lusts Mic. 7.19 He will subdue our iniquities Quest. What doth Christ rule by Resp. By Law and by Love 1. He rules by Law 'T is one of the Iura Regalia the Flowers of the Crown to Enact Laws Christ as King makes Laws and by his Laws he Rules The Law of Faith Believe in the Lord Iesus the Law of Sanctity 1 Pet. 1.15 Be ye holy in all manner of conversation Many would admit Christ to be their Advocate to plead for them but not their King to rule them 2. He rules by Love He is a King full of Mercy and Clemency as he hath a Scepter in his Hand so an Olive-branch of Peace in his Mouth Though he be the Lyon of the Tribe of Iudah for Majesty yet the Lamb of God for Meekness His Regal Rod hath Honey at the end of it He sheds abroad his Love into the Hearts of his Subjects he rules them with Promises as well as Precepts This makes all his Subjects become Volunteers they are willing to pay their Allegiance to him Psal. 110.3 Thy people shall be a willing people Plur. Gnam nedabot 2. Christ is a King to defend his People as Christ hath a Scepter to rule them so a Shield to defend them Psal. 3.3 Thou O Lord art a shield for me When Antiochus did rage furiously against the Iews he took away the Vessels of the Lord's House set up an Idol in the Temple then this Great King call'd Michael did stand up for them to defend them Dan. 12.1 Christ preserves his Church as a Spark in the Ocean as a Flock of Sheep among Wolves That the Sea should be higher then the Earth and yet not drown it is a Wonder so that the Wicked should be so much higher than the Church in Power and not devour it is because Christ hath this Inscription on his Vesture and his Thigh King of Kings Ps. 124.2 If it had not been the Lord who was on our side they had swallowed us up They say Lions are Insomnes they have little or no sleep 't is true of the Lyon of the Tribe of Iudah he never slumbers nor sleeps but watcheth over his Church to defend it Isa. 27.2 3. Sing ye unto her a vineyard of red wine I the Lord do keep it least any hurt it I will keep it night and day If the Enemies destroy the Church it must be at a time when it is neither Night nor Day for Christ keeps it Day and Night Christ is said to carry his Church as the Eagle her young Ones upon her Wings Exod. 19.4 The Arrow must first hit the Eagle before it can hurt the young Ones and shoot through her Wings the Enemies must first strike through Christ before they
the adoption and the glory But now in the time of Gospel the Chartar is enlarged and the believing Gentiles are within the Line of Communication and have a Right to the Priviledge of Adoption as well as the Iews Acts 10.35 In every nation he that feareth God and worketh righteousness is accepted with him Position 2. Adoption takes in both Sexes Females as well as Males 2 Cor. 6.18 I will be a Father unto you and ye shall be my sons and daughters I have read in some Countries Females are excluded from the Supream Dignity as by the Salique Law in France no Woman can inherit a Crown But if we speak of Spiritual Priviledges Females are as capable as Males Every gracious Soul of whatever Sex lays claim to Adoption and hath an Interest in God as a Father Ye shall be my sons and daughters saith the Lord Almighty Position 3. Adoption is an Act of pure Grace Eph. 1.5 Having predestinated us to the adoption of children according to the good pleasure of his will Adoption is a Mercy spun out of the Bowels of Free-grace all by Nature are Strangers therefore have no Right to Sonship only God is pleased to adopt one and not another to make one a Vessel of Glory another a Vessel of Wrath. The adopted Heir may cry out Lord how is it thou wilt show thyself to me and not unto the World Quest. What this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 this Filiation or Adoption is Resp. Adoption is the taking a Stranger into the Relation of a Son and Heir So Moses was the adopted Son of King Pharoah's Daughter Exod. 2.10 And Esther was the adopted Child of her Cousin Mordecai Esth. 2.7 Thus God adopts us into the Family of Heaven and God in adopting us doth two things 1. He Ennobles us with his Name he who is adopted bears his Name who adopts him Rev. 3.12 I will write on him the name of my God 2. God consecrates us with his Spirit Whom he Adopts he Anoints whom he makes Sons he makes Saints When a Man adopts another for his Son and Heir he may put his Name upon him but he cannot put his Disposition into him if he be of a morose rugged Nature he cannot alter it But whom God adopts he sanctifies He doth not only give them a new Name but a new Nature 2 Pet. 1.4 God turns the Wolf into a Lamb he makes the Heart humble and gracious he works such a Change as if another Soul did dwell in the same Body Quest. From what State doth God take us when he adopts us Resp. From a State of Sin and Misery King Pharoah's Daughter took Moses out of the Ark of Bulrushes in the Water and adopted him for her Son God did not take us out of the Water but out of our Bloud and adopted us Ezek. 16. God adopted us from Slavery It is a Mercy to redeem a Slave but it is more to adopt him Quest. To what God adopts us Resp. He adopts us to a State of Excellency it were much for God to take a Clod of Dust and make it a Star it is more for God to take a Piece of Clay and Sin and adopt it for his Heir 1. God adopts us to a State of Liberty Adoption is a State of Freedom A Slave being adopted is made a free Man Gal. 4.7 Thou art no more a servant but a son Quest. How is an adopted Son free Resp. 1. Not to do what he list he is freed from the Dominion of Sin the Tyranny of Satan the Curse of the Law 2. He is free in the manner of Worship he hath God's free Spirit which makes him free and chearful in his Service of God he is joyful in the house of prayer Isa. 56.7 2. God adopts us to a State of Dignity God makes us Heirs of Promise God Instals us into Honour Isa. 43.4 Since thou wast precious in my sight thou hast been honourable The Adopted are God's Treasure Exod. 19.5 His Jewels Mal. 3.17 His first Born Heb. 12.23 They have Angels for their Life-guard Heb. 1.14 They are of the Bloud-Royal of Heaven 1 Iob. 3.9 The Scripture hath set forth their Spiritual Heraldry they have their Escutcheon or Coat-armour Sometimes they give the Lyon for their Courage Prov. 28.1 Sometimes the Dove for their Meekness Cant. 2.14 Sometimes the Eagle for their Sublimeness Isa. 40.31 Thus you see their Coat of Arms display'd but what is Honour without Inheritance God adopts all his Sons to an Inheritance Luke 12.32 It is your Father's good pleasure to give you a kingdom 'T is no Disparagment to be the Sons of God To reproach the Saints is as if Shimei had reproached David when he was going to be made King Adoption ends in Coronation The Kingdom God gives his adopted Sons and Heirs excels all Earthly Monarchies 1. In Riches Rev. 21.21 the Gates of Pearl and the Streets of pure Gold and as it were transparent Glass 2. In Tranquility it is peaceable the white Lily of Peace is the best Flower of a Prince's Crown Pax una triumphis innumeris melior No Divisions at Home or Invasions Abroad no more the Noise of the Drum or Canon but the Voice of Harpers harping the Hieroglyphick of Peace Rev. 14.2 3. In Stability other Kingdoms are corruptible though they have Heads of Gold yet Feet of Clay but this Kingdom into which the Saints are adopted runs parallel with Eternity 't is a Kingdom that cannot be shaken Heb. 12.28 The Heirs of Heaven reign for ever and ever Rev. 22.5 Quest. What is the Organical or Instrumental Cause of Adoption Resp. Faith interests us in the Priviledge of Adoption Gal. 3.26 Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Iesus Before Faith be wrought we are Spiritually Illegitimate we have no relation to God as a Father an Unbeliever may call God Iudge but not Father Faith is the filiating Grace it confers upon us the Title of Sonship and gives us right to inherit Quest. Why Faith is the Instrument of Adoption more then any other Grace Resp. 1. Faith is a quickning Grace it is the Vital Artery of the Soul Hab. 2.4 The just shall live by faith Life makes us capable of Adoption dead Children are never adopted 2. Faith makes us CHRIST's Brethren and so GOD comes to be our Father Use 1. Branch 1. See the amazing Love of God in making us his Sons Plato gave God Thanks that he had made him a Man and not only a Man but a Philosopher but it is infinitely more that he should invest us with the Prerogative of Sons It is Love in God to feed us but more to adopt us 1 Joh. 3.1 Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God! It is an Ecce Admirantis a Behold of Wonder The Wonder of God's Love in adopting us will appear the more if we consider these six things 1. That God should adopt us when he
our strength lay But in a true Gospel Sense we may so obey the Moral Law as to find Acceptance Which Gospel-Obedience consists in a Real Endeavour to observe the whole Moral Law Psal. 119.166 I have done thy Commandments Not I have done all I should do but I have done all I am able to do and wherein our Obedience comes short we look up to the perfect Righteousness and Obedience of Christ and hope for Pardon through his Blood This is Evangelically to obey the Moral Law which though it be not to Satisfaction yet it is to Acceptation Thus I have done with the first The Preface to the Preface God spake all these words I should now come to the second the Preface it self to the Commandments I am the Lord thy God c. Of the Commandments Exod. 20.2 I am the Lord thy God c. 2. THE Preface it self which consists of three parts 1. I am the Lord thy God 2. Which have brought thee out of the Land of Egypt 3. Out of the House of Bondage 1. I am the Lord thy God Where we have a Description of God 1. By his Essential Greatness I am the Lord 2. By his relative Goodness Thy God 1. By his essential greatness I am the Lord or as in the Hebrew Iehovah This name of God sets forth his Majesty Sanctius habitum fuit saith Buxtorf the name Iohavah was had in more Reverence among the Jews than any other name of God it signifies Gods Self-sufficiency Eternity Independency Immutability Mal. 3.6 Use 1. If God be Iehovah the Fountain of being who can do what he will let us fear this great Lord Deut. 28.58 That thou maist fear Hashem Hanicbad Jehovah this glorious and fearful name Jehovah Use 2. If God be Iehovah the supream Lord then it condemns the Blasphemous Papists who speak after this manner Our Lord God the Pope Is it a Wonder the Pope lifts his Tripple Crown above the Heads of Kings and Emperors when he Usurps Gods Title Shewing himself that he is God 2 Thess. 2.4 The Pope goes to make himself Lord of Heaven for he will Canonize Saints there Lord of Earth for with his Keys he doth bind and loose whom he pleaseth Lord of Hell for he can free Men out of Purgatory But God will pull down these Plumes of Pride He will consume this Man of sin with the breath of his mouth and the brightness of his coming 2 Thess. 2.8 Use 3. God is described by his relative goodness Eloeka Thy God Had God only called himself Iehovah it might have terrified us and made us fly from him but when he saith Thy God this may allure and draw us to him This though a Preface to Law is pure Gospel This word Eloeka Thy God is so sweet that we can never suck out all the Hony in it I am thy God not only by Creation but by Election This word Thy God though it was spoken to Israel yet it is a Charter belongs to all the Saints For the further Explication here are three Questions Quest. 1. How God comes to be our God Resp. Through Jesus Christ Christ is a middle Person in the Trinity He is Emanuel God with us He brings two differing Parties together He makes our Nature lovely to God and Gods Nature lovely to us He by his Death causeth Friendship yea Union He brings us within the Verge of the Covenant and so God becomes our God Quest. 2. What doth this imply God being our God Resp. It is comprehensive of all good things God is our strong Tower our Fountain of living Water our Salvation More particularly God being our God implies the sweetest Relation 1. The Relation of a Father 2 Cor. 6.18 I will be a Father unto you A Father is full of tender care for his Child Who doth he settle the Inheritance upon but his Child God being our God will be a Father to us a Father of Mercy 2 Cor. 1.3 the everlasting Father Psal. 9.7 If God be our God we have a Father in Heaven that never dies 2. It imports the Relation of an Husband Isa. 54.5 Thy Maker is thy Husband If God be our Husband he esteems us precious to him as the Apple of his Eye Zech. 2.8 He imparts his Secrets to us Psal. 25.14 He bestows a Kingdom upon us for our Dowry Luke 12.32 Quest. 3. How may we come to know this Covenant-Union That God is our God Resp. 1. By having his Graces planted in us Kings Children are known by their costly Jewels It is not having common Gifts which shews we belong to God many have the Gifts of God without God but it is Grace gives us a true genuine Title to God In particular Faith is Vinculum Unionis the Grace of Union By this we may spell out our Interest in God Faith doth not as the Mariner cast its Anchor downwards but upwards it trusts in the Mercy and Blood of God and trusting in God engageth him to be our God Other Graces make us like God Faith makes us one with him 2. We may know God is our God by having the Earnest of his Spirit in our Hearts 2 Cor. 1.22 God often gives the Purse to the Wicked but the Spirit only to such as he intends to make his Heirs 1. Have we had the Consecration of the Spirit If we have not had the Sealing work of the Spirit have we had the Healing work 1 Iohn 2.20 Ye have an Unction from the Holy One. The Spirit where it is stamps the Impress of its own Holiness upon the Heart It embroiders and bespangles the Soul and makes it all glorious within 2. Have we had the Attraction of the Spirit Cant. 1.4 Draw me we will run after thee Hath the Spirit by its magnetick Vertue drawn our Hearts to God Can we say as Cant. 1.7 O thou whom my Soul loveth Is God our Paradise of Delight Our Segullah or chief Treasure Are our Hearts so chained to God that no other Object can inchant us or draw us away from him 3. Have we had the Elevation of the Spirit Hath it raised our Hearts above the World Ezek. 3.14 The Spirit lifted me up Hath the Spirit made us superna anhelare seek the things above where Christ is Though our Flesh is on Earth is our Heart in Heaven Though live here trade above Hath the Spirit thus lifted us up By this we may come to know that God is our God Where God gives his Spirit for an Earnest there he gives himself for a Portion 3. We may know God is our God if he hath given us the Hearts of Children Have we obediential Hearts Psal. 27.8 Do we subscribe to Gods Commands when his Commands cross our Will A true Saint is like the Flower of the Sun it opens and shuts with the Sun He opens to God and shuts to Sin If we have the Hearts of Children then God is our Father 4. We may know God is ours and we have an Interest in
and Worship must be given only to God Use 1. Let us give God no just cause to be jealous A good Wife will be so Discreet and Chast as to give her Husband no just occasion of Jealousie Let us avoid all Sin especially this Sin of Idolatry or Image-worship It is heinous after we have entred into a Marriage-Covenant with God now to prostitute our selves to an Image Idolatry is Spiritual Adultery and God is a jealous God he will avenge it Image-worship makes God abhor a People Psal. 78.58 They moved him to jealousie with their graven Images When God heard this he was Wroth and greatly abhorred Israel Image-worship enrageth God Prov. 6.34 Iealousie is the Rage of a man It makes God divorce a People Exod. 32.7 Thy People lo-ammi Hos. 2.2 Plead with your Mother plead for she is not my Wife Cant. 8.6 Iealousie is cruel as the grave As the Grave devours Mens Bodies so God will devour Image-worshippers Use 2. If God be a jealous God let it be a word to such whose Friends are Popish Idolaters and they are hated by their Friends because they are of a different Religion and perhaps they cut off their Maintenance from them O remember God is a jealous God better move your Parents to hatred than move God to jealousie Their Anger cannot do you so much hurt as Gods If they will not provide for you God will Psal. 27.10 When my Father and Mother forsake me then the Lord will take me up 2. The second Reason against Image-worship Visiting the Iniquity of the Fathers upon the Children unto the third and fourth Generation There is a Two-fold Visiting 1. There is Gods visiting in Mercy Gen. 50.25 God will surely visit you That is he will bring you into the Land of Canaan the Type of Heaven Thus God hath visited us with the Sun-beams of his Favour He hath made us swim in a Sea of Mercy This is an happy Visitation 2. There is Gods visiting in Anger Ier. 5.9 Shall I not visit for these things That is Gods visiting with the Rod and Isa. 10.3 What will ye do in the day of Visitation That is in the day when God shall visit with his Judgments Thus Gods visiting is taken here in this Commandment visiting Iniquity that is punishing Iniquity Observe here three things Observ. 1. That Sin makes God visit Visiting Iniquity Sin is the cause why God visits with Sickness Poverty Psal. 89.31 32. If they break my Commandments Then will I visit their transgression with the rod. Sin twists the Cords which pinch us Sin creates all our Troubles It is the Gaul in our Cup and the Gravel in our Bread Flagitium flagellum sunt sicut acus filum Sin is the Trojan Horse The Phaeton that sets all on Fire It is the Womb of our Sorrows and Grave of our Comforts God visits for Sin Observ. 2. One special sin God visits for is Idolatry and Image-worship Visiting the iniquity of the Fathers Most of Gods invenomed Arrows have been shot among Idolaters Ier. 7.12 Go now unto my place which was in Shiloh where I set my name at the first and see what I did to it God for Israels Idolatry suffered their Army to be routed their Priests slain the Ark taken Captive and we never read that the Ark returned to Shiloh any more Hierusalem was the most Famous Metropolis of the World There was the Temple Psal. 122.4 Whither the Tribes go up the Tribes of the Lord. Yet for their high places and Images their City was besieged and taken by the Chaldean Forces 2 Kings 25.4 When Images were set up in Constantinople the chief Seat of the Eastern Empire this City which was in the eye of the World impregnable was taken by the Turks and many cruelly Massacred Then the Turks in their Triumphs reproached the Idolatrous Christians causing an Image or Crucifix to be carried through the Streets in Contempt and throwing Dirt upon it cried This is the God of the Christians Here was Gods Visitation for their Idolatry God hath set special marks of his Wrath upon Idolaters At a place called Epoletium there perished by an Earth-quake 350 Persons while they were offering Sacrifice to Idols Idolatry hath brought Misery upon the Eastern Churches it removed the golden Candlesticks of Asia This Iniquity God visits for Observ 3. Idolatrous Persons are Enemies not only to their own Souls but to their Children Visiting the Iniquity of the Fathers upon their Children As an Idolatrous Father intails his Land of Inheritance so he intails Gods Anger and Curse upon them A jealous Husband finding his Wife hath stained her Integrity may justly cast off her and her Children too because they are none of his If the Father be a Traytor to his Prince no wonder if all the Children suffer God may visit the Iniquity of Image-worshippers upon their Children Quest But is it not said Every one shall dye for his own Sin The Son shall not bear the Iniquity of the Father How then doth God say he will visit the Iniquity of the Fathers upon the Children Resp. Though the Son be not Damned for his Fathers Sin yet he may be severely punished Iob 21.19 God lays up his iniquity for his Children That is God lays up the Punishment of his Iniquity for his Children the Child smarts for the Fathers Sin Ieroboam thought to have established the Kingdom by Idolatrous Worship but it brought Ruin upon him and all his Posterity 1 Kings 14.10 Ahab's Idolatry wronged his Posterity they lost the Kingdom and were all Beheaded 2 Kings 10.7 They took the Kings Sons and slew seventy Persons There God visited the Iâ—â—quity of the Father upon the Children As a Son catcheth an Hereditary Disease from his Father the Stone or Gout so he catcheth Misery from him his Fathers Sin ruins him Use 1. If so then how sad is it to be the Child of an Idolater It had been sad to have been one of Gehazi's Children who had Leprosie intail'd upon them 2 Kings 5.27 The Leprosie of Naaman shall cleave to thee and to thy Seed for ever So it is sad to be a Child of an Idolater or Image-worshipper His Seed are exposed to Gods heavy Judgments in this Life God visits the Iniquity of the Fathers upon their Children Methinks I hear God speak as Isa. 14.21 Prepare slaughter for his Children for the Iniquity of their Fathers Use 2. See what a Privilege it is to be the Children of good Parents The Parents are in Covenant with God and God lays up Mercy for their Posterity Prov. 20.7 The just man walks in his Integrity his Seed are blessed after him A Religious Parent doth not procure Wrath but helps to keep off Wrath from his Child He seasons his Child with Religious Principles he prays down a Blessing on his Child He is a Load-stone drawing his Child to Christ by good Council and Example O what a Privilege is it to be born of Godly Religious Parents
of getting the World hath in him the Root of all Sin Covetousness is a Mother-sin I shall make it appear that Covetousness is a Breach of all the Ten Commandments 1. It breaks the First Commandment Thou shalt have no other Gods but one The covetous Man hath more God's than one Mammon is his God He hath a God of Gold therefore he is called an Idolater Col. 3.5 2. Covetousness breaks the Second Commandment Thou shalt not make any graven Image thou shalt not bow down thy self to them A covetous Man bows down tho not to the graven Image in the Church yet to the Graven Image in his Coyn. 3. Covetousness is a Breach of the Third Commandment Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain Absalom's Design was to get his Fathers Crown there was Covetousness but he talks of paying his Vow to God there he took God's Name in vain 4. Covetousness is a Breach of the Fourth Commandment Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy A Covetous Man doth not keep the Sabbath Holy He will ride to Fairs on a Sabbath Instead of reading in the Bible he will cast up his Accounts 5. Covetousness is a Breach of the Fifth Commandment Honour thy Father and thy Mother A covetous Person will not honour his Father if he doth not feed him with Money Nay he will get his Father to make over his Estate to him in his Life-time and so the Father shall be at the Sons Command 6. Covetousness is a Breach of the Sixth Commandment Thou shalt not kill Covetous Ahab kill'd Naboth to get his Vineyard 1 Kings 21.13 How many have swum to the Crown in Blood 7. Covetousness is a Breach of the Seventh Commandment Thou shalt not commit Adultery Covetousness causeth Uncleanness You read of the Hire of a Whore Deut. 23.18 An Adulteress for Money sets both Conscience and Chastity to Sale 8. Covetousness is a Breach of the Eighth Commandment Thou shalt not steal Covetousness is the Root of Theft Covetous Achan stole the Wedge of Gold Therefore Thieves and Covetous are put together 1 Cor. 6.10 9. Covetousness is a Breach of the Ninth Commandment Thou shalt not bear false witness What makes the Perjurer take a false Oath but Covetousness He hopes for a Dividend And 10. It is plainly a Breach of the Last Commandment Thou shalt not covet The Mammonist covets his Neighbours House and Goods and endeavours to get them into his own Hands Thus you see how vile a Sin Covetousness is It is a Mother-sin it is a plain Breach of every one of the Ten Commandments 4. Covetousness is a Sin dishonourable to Religion For such as say their Hopes are Above yet their Hearts are below For them who profess to be above the Stars to lick the Dust of the Serpent To be born of God yet buried in the Earth How dishonourable is this to Religion The Lapwing wears a little Coronet on its Head yet feeds on Dung. An Emblem of such as profess to be Crown'd Kings and Priests unto God yet feed immoderately on these Terrene Dunghil Comforts Ier. 45.5 And seekest thou great things for thy self seek them not What thou Baruk who art enobled by thy New Birth and art illustrious by thy Office a Levite dost thou seek earthly things And seek them now When the Ship is sinking art thou trimming thy Cabin O do not so degrade thy self nor blot thy Scutcheon Seekest thou great things Seek them not The higher Grace is the less earthly should Christians be The Higher the Sun is the shorter always is the Shadow 1. Covetousness exposeth us to God's Abhorrency Psal. 10.3 The Covetous whom the Lord abhorreth A King abhors to see his Statue abused God abhors to see a Man made in his Image should have the Heart of a Beast given to him Who would live in such a Sin as makes him abhorr'd of God Whom God abhors he curseth and God's Curse blasts where-ever it comes 2. Covetousness precipitates Men to Ruine It shuts them out of Heaven Eph. 5.5 This ye know that no covetous Man who is an Idolater hath any Inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God What should a covetous Man do in Heaven God can no more converse with them than a King can converse with a Swine 1 Tim. 6.9 They that will be rich fall into a Snare and many hurtful Lusts which drown Men in Perdition A covetous Man is like a Bee that gets into a Barrel of Honey and there drowns it self He is like a Ferry-man that takes in so many Passengers to encrease his Fare that he sinks his Boat So a covetous Man takes in more Gold to the encreasing of his Estate that he damns himself in Perdition I have read of some Inhabitants near Athens who lived in a very dry barren Island and they took much pains to draw a River to this Island to water it and make it fruitful but when they had opened the Passages and brought the River to it the Water brake in with such a Force that it drowned the Land and all the People in it An Emblem of a Covetous Man he labours to draw Riches to him and at last they come in in such abundance that they drown him in Hell and Perdition How many to build up an Estate pull down their Souls Oh therefore fly from Covetousness I shall next prescribe some Remedies against Covetousness EXOD. XX. 17 Thou shalt not covet thy Neighbour's House thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours Wife c. I am in the next place to resolve a Question How we may do to cure this Itch of Covetousness Resp. For Answer to this I shall prescribe some Remedies and Antidotes against this Sin 1. Faith 1 Iohn 5.4 This is the Victory over the World even your Faith The Root of Covetousness is the Distrust of God's Providence Faith believes God will provide God who feeds the Birds will feed his Children He who cloaths the Lillies will cloath his Lambs And so Faith overcomes the World Faith is the Cure of Care Faith not only purifies the Heart but satisfies the Heart Faith makes God our Portion and so in him we have enough Psal. 16.5 The Lord is the Portion of mine Inheritance the Lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places yea I have a goodly Heritage Faith by a Divine Chymistry extracts its chief Comforts out of God A little with God is sweet Thus Faith is a Remedy against Covetousness Faith overcomes not only the Fear of the World but the Love of the World 2. The Second Remedy is Judicious Consideration 1. What poor things these things below are that we should covet them 1. They are below the worth of the Soul which carries in it an Idea and Resemblance of God The World is but the Workmanship of God the Soul is the Image of God 2. You covet that which will not satisfie you Eccles. 5.10 He that loveth Silver shall not be satisfied with Silver Solomon
he will joy over thee with singing No Father like God for Love if thou art his Child thou canst not love thy own Soul so intirely as he loves thee 5. God is the best Father for Riches God hath land enough to give to all his Children he hath unsearchable riches Eph. 3.8 He gives the hidden Manna the Tree of Life Rivers of Joy Gates of Pearl Who ever saw gates of Pearl God hath treasures that cannot be emptied pleasures that cannot be ended Earthly Fathers if they should be ever giving they would have nothing left to give God is ever giving to his Children yet hath not the less his Riches are imparted not impaired Like the Sun that still shines yet hath not the less light He cannot be poor who is infinite Thus God is the best Father he gives more to his Children than any Father or Prince can bestow 6. God is the best Father because he can reform his Children A Father when his Son takes bad courses knows not how to make him better but God knows how to make the Children of the Election better he can change their Hearts When Paul was breathing out persecution against the Saints God soon altered his course and set him a praying Acts 9.11 Behold he prayeth None of those who belong to the Election are so rough cast and unhewen but God can polish them with his Grace and make them fit for the Inheritance 7. God is the best Father because he never dyes 1 Tim. 6 16. Who only hath immortality Earthly Fathers dye and their Children are exposed to many injuries but God lives for ever Rev. 1.8 I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the last Gods Crown hath no Successors Quest. 6. Wherein lies the Dignity of such as have God for their Father Resp. They have greater Honour then is confer'd on the Princes of the Earth They are precious in Gods esteem Isa. 43.4 Since thou wast precious in my eyes thou hast been honourable the wicked are dross Psal. 119.119 and chaff Psal. 1.4 but God numbers his Children among his Jewels Mal. 3.17 he writes all his Childrens names in the Book of Life Phil. 4.3 Whose names are in the book of life Among the Romans the Names of their Senators were written down in a Book Patres conscripti God enrolls the names of his Children and will not blot their names out of the Register Rev. 3.5 I will not blot his name out of the book of life God will not be ashamed of his Children Heb. 11.16 God is not ashamed to be called your God One might think it were something below God and he might disdain to Father such Children as are Dust and Sin mingled but he is not ashamed to be called our God and that we may see he is not ashamed of his Children he writes his own Name upon them Rev. 3.12 I will write upon him the name of my God that is I will openly acknowledge him before all the Angels to be my Child I will write my Name upon him as the Son bears his Fathers name What an honour and dignity is this 2. God confers honourable Titles upon his Children 1. He calls them the excellent of the earth Psal. 16.2 or the magnificent as Iunius renders it They must needs be excellent who are e Regio Sanguine nati of the Blood-Royal of Heaven they are the Spiritual Phenixes of the World the glory of the Creation God calls his Children his glory Isa. 46.13 Israel my glory God honours his Children with the Title of Kings Rev. 1.6 And hath made us Kings All Gods Children are Kings though they have not Earthly Kingdoms yet 1. They carry a Kingdom about them Luke 17.21 The kingdom of God is within you Grace is a Kingdom set up in the hearts of Gods Children They are Kings to rule over their Sins to bind those kings in chains Psal. 149.8 2. They are like Kings they have their insignia Regalia their ensigns of Royalty and Majesty 1. They have their Crown In this Life they are Kings in a disguise They are not known therefore they are exposed to poverty and reproach they are Kings in a disguise 1 Iohn 3.2 Now we are the Sons of God and it doth not appear what we shall be Why what shall we be Every Son of God shall have his Crown of Glory 1 Pet. 5.4 and white Robes Rev. 6.11 Robes signifie Dignity and white signifies Sanctity 3. This is their honour who have God for their Father they are all Heirs the youngest Son is an Heir 1. Gods Children are heirs to the things of this Life God being their Father they have the best title to earthly things they have a sanctified right to them though they have often the least share yet they have the best right and they have a Blessing with what they have i. e. Gods Love and Favour Others may have more of the Venison but Gods Children have more of the Blessing Thus they are Heirs to the things of this Life 2 They are Heirs to the other World Heirs of Salvation Heb. 1.14 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ioint-heirs with Christ Rom. 8.17 They go sharers with Christ in glory Among Men commonly the eldest Son carries away all but Gods Children are all Joint-heirs with Christ they have a copartnership with him in his Riches Hath Christ a place in the Celestial Mansions so have the Saints Iohn 14.2 In my Fathers house are many mansions I go to prepare a place for you Hath he his Fathers Love so have they Psal. 146.8 Iohn 17.26 That the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them Doth Christ sit upon a Throne so do Gods Children Rev. 3.21 What an high honour is this 4. God makes his Children equal in honour to the Angels Luke 20.36 They are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 equal to the Angels nay those Saints who have God for their Father are in some sense superiour to the Angels for Jesus Christ having taken our Nature Naturam nostram nobilitavit hath enobled and honoured it above the Angelical Heb. 2.16 God hath made his Children by Adoption nearer to himself than the Angels The Angels are the Friends of Christ Believers are the Members of Christ and this honour have all the Saints Thus you see the Dignity of such as have God for their Father What a comfort is this to Gods Children who are here despised and loaded with calumnies and invectives 1 Cor. 4.14 We are made as the filth of the world c. But God will put Honour upon his Children at the last day and crown them with Immortal Bliss to the envy of their Adversaries Quest. 7. How we may know that God is our Father All cannot say Our Father The Jewes boasted that God was their Father John 8.36 We have one Father even God Christ tells them their pedigree ver 44. Ye are of your Father the Devil They who are of Satanical Spirits and make use of their power to beat down
Glory upon our Bodies We shall be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as the Angels not for substance but quality our Bodies shall be agile and nimble now our Bodies are as a weight then they shall be as a wing moving swiftly from place to place our Bodies shall be full of clarity and brightness like Christs glorious Body Phil. 3.21 The Bodies of the Saints shall be as Cloth dyed into a Scarlet colour made more illustrious they shall be so clear and transparent that the Soul shall sparkle through them as the Wine through the Glass 2. God will put Glory upon our Souls If the Cabinet of the Body shall be so illustrious of what orient brightness shall the Jewel be Then will be the great Coronation-day when the Saints shall wear the Robe of Immortality and the Crown of Righteousness which fades not away O how glorious will that Garland be which is made of the Flowers of Paradise Who then would not hallow and glorifie Gods Name and spread his renown in the World who will put such immortal Honour upon his People as eye hath not seen nor ear heard nor can it enter into the heart of man to conceive 7. Vlt. Such as do not hallow Gods Name but profane and dishonour it God will pour contempt upon them though they be never so great and though cloathed in Purple and Scarlet yet they are abhorred of God and their name shall rot Though the name of Iudas be in the Bible and the name of Pontius Pilate be in the Creed yet their names stand there for Infamy as being Traytors to the Crown of Heaven Nahum 1.14 I will make thy grave for thou art vile It is spoken of Antiochus Epiphanes he was a King and his name signifie◠Illustrious yet God esteemed him a vile Person to show how base the wicked are in Gods esteem he compares them to things most vile to chaff Psal. 1.4 to dross Psal. 119.118 and the filth that fomes out of the Sea Isa. 57.20 and as God doth thus vilely esteem of such as do not hallow his Name so he sends them to a vile place at last Vagrants are sent to the House of Correction Hell is the House of Correction which the Wicked are sent to when they dye Let all this prevail with us to hallow and sanctifie Gods Name Quest. What may we do to honour and sanctifie Gods Name Answ. Let us get 1. A sound Knowledge of God 2. A sincere Love to God 1. A sound Knowledge of God Take a view of his superlative Excellencies his Holiness his incomprehensible Goodness The Angels know God better than we therefore they sanctifie his Name and sing Hallelujahs to him and let us labour to know him to be our God Psal. 48.14 This God is our God We may dread God as a Judge but we cannot honour him as a Father till we know he is our God 2. Get a sincere Love to God A Love of Appretiation and a Love of Complacency to delight in him Iohn 21.15 Lord thou knowest I love thee He can never honour his Master who doth not love him The reason Gods Name is no more hallowed is because his name is no more loved So much for the First Petition MATTH vi 10 Thy Kingdom come A Soul truly devoted to God joyns heartily in this Petition Adveniat Regnum tuum Thy Kingdom come In which words this great Truth is implyed that God is a King he who hath a Kingdom can be no less than a King Ps. 47.7 God is King of all the earth And he is a King upon his Throne Psal. 47.8 God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness 1. He hath a Regal Title High and Mighty Isa. 57.15 Thus saith the high and lofty one 2. He hath the Ensigns of Royalty his Sword Deut. 32.41 If I whet my glittering sword He hath his Scepter Heb. 1.8 A scepter of Righteousness is the scepter of thy Kingdom 3. He hath his Crown Royal Rev. 19.12 On his head were many crowns he hath his Iura Regalia his Kingly Prerogatives he hath power to make Lawes to seal Pardons which are the Flowers and Jewels belonging to his Crown Thus the Lord is King And 2. He is a great King Psal. 95.3 A great King above all Gods He is great in and of himself and not like other Kings who are made great by their Subjects That he is so great a King appears 1. By the immenseness of his Being Ier. 23.24 Do not I fill heaven and earth saith the Lord. His center is every where he is no where included yet no where excluded he is so immensly great That the heaven of heavens cannot contain him 1 Kings 8.27 2. His greatness appears by the effects of his Power He made heaven and earth Psal. 124.8 and can unmake it God can with a Breath crumble us to dust with a Word he can unpin the World and break the Axle-Tree of it in pieces He pours contempt upon the mighty Iob 12.21 He cuts off the spirit of Princes Psal. 76.12 He is Lord Paramount who doth whatever he will Psal. 115.2 He weigheth the mountains in scales and the hills in a ballance Isa. 40.12 3. God is a Glorious King Psal. 24.10 Who is this King of Glory the Lord of Hosts he is the King of Glory He hath internal Glory Psal. 93.1 The Lord reigneth he is cloathed with majesty Other Kings have Royal and Sumptuous Apparel to make them appear glorious to the beholders but all their Glory and Magnificence is borrowed but God is cloathed with Majesty his own Glorious Essence is instead of Royal Robes and he hath girded himself with strength Kings have their guard about them to defend their Persons because they are not able to defend themselves but God needs no guard or assistance from others He hath girded himself with strength His own Power is his Life-guard Psal. 89.6 Who in the heaven can be compared unto the Lord who among the Sons of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord God hath a prehiminence above all other Kings for Majesty Rev. 19.16 He hath on his vesture a name written Rex Regum King of Kings He hath the highest Throne the richest Crown the largest Dominions and the longest Possession Psal. 29.10 The Lord sitteth King for ever Though God hath many Heirs yet no Successors He sets up his Throne where no other King doth he rules the Will and Affections his Power binds the Conscience Angels serve him all the Kings of the Earth hold their Crowns and Diadems by immediate tenure from this great King Prov. 8.15 By me Kings reign and to this Lord Iehovah all Kings must give account and from Gods Tribunal there is no appeal VSE I. Br. 1. If God be so great a King and sits King for ever then it is no disparagement for us to serve him Deo servire est regnare It is an Honour to serve a King If the Angels fly swiftly upon the King of Heavens message Dan.
9.21 then well may we look upon it as a favour to be taken into his Royal Service Theodosius thought it a greater Honour to be Gods Servant than to be an Emperour 'T is more Honour to serve God than to have Kings serve us Every Subject of this King is Crowned with Regal Honour Rev. 1.6 Who hath made us Kings Therefore as the Queen of Sheba having seen the Glory of Solomons Kingdom said Happy are these thy servants which stand continually before thee 1 Kings 10.8 so happy are those Saints who stand before the King of Heaven and wait on his Throne Br. 2. If God be such a Glorious King crowned with Wisdom armed with Power bespangled with Riches then it showes us what Prudence it is to have this King to be ours To say as Psal. 5.2 My King and my God 'T is counted great Policy to be on the strongest side if we belong to the King of Heaven we are sure to be on the strongest side The King of Glory can with ease destroy his Adversaries he can pull down their Pride befool their Policy restrain their Malice That stone cut out of the Mountains without hands which smote the Image Dan. 2.34 was an emblem saith Austin of Christs Monarchical Power conquering and triumphing over his enemies If we are on Gods side we are on the strongest side he can with a Word destroy his enemies Psal. 2.5 Then shall he speak to them in his wrath nay he can with a Look destroy them Iob 40.12 Look upon every one that is proud and bring him low It needs cost God no more to confound those who rise up against him than a look a cast of the eye Exod. 14.24 In the morning watch the Lord looked to the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and troubled their host and took off their chariot-wheels What Wisdom is it then to have this King to be ours then we are on the strongest side VSE II of Exhortation Br. 1. If God be so Glorious a King full of Power and Majesty let us trust in him Psal. 9.10 They that know thy name will put their trust in thee Trust him with your Soul you cannot put this Jewel in safer hands and trust him with Church and State Affairs He is King Exod. 15.3 The Lord is a man of war he can make bear his holy Arm in the eyes of all the Nations If means fail he is never at a loss there are no impossibles with him he can make the dry bones live Ezek. 37.10 As a King he can command and as a God he can create Salvation Isa. 65.18 I create Ierusalem a rejoycing Let us trust all our affairs with this great King Either God can remove Mountains or can leap over them Cant. 2.8 Br. 2. If God be so great a King let us fear him Ier. 5.22 Fear ye not me saith the Lord Will ye not tremble at my presence We have enough fear of Men. Fear makes danger appear greater and sin lesser but let us fear the King of Kings who hath power to cast Body and Soul into Hell Luke 12.5 As one wedge drives out another so the fear of God would drive out all base carnal fear Let us fear that God whose Throne is set above all Kings they may be Mighty but he is Almighty Kings have no Power but what God hath given them their Power is limited his is infinite Let us fear this King whose eyes are as lamps of fire Rev. 1.14 The mountains quake at him and the rocks are thrown down by him Nahum 1.6 If he stamps with his foot all the Creatures are presently up in a battalio to fight for him O tremble and fear before this God Fear is Ianitor Animae it is the Door-keeper of the Soul it keeps Sin from entring Gen. 39.9 How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God 3 Br. If God be so Glorious a King he hath jus virae necis He hath the power of Life and Death in his Hand Let all the Potentates of the Earth take heed how they employ their Power against the King of Heaven they employ their power against God who with their Scepter beat down his Truth which is the most Orient Pearl of his Crown who crush and persecute his People which are the Apple of his Eye Zach. 2.8 Who trample upon his Laws and Royal Edicts which he hath set forth Psal. 2.3 What is a King without his Laws Let all that are invested with worldly Power and Grandeur take heed how they oppose the King of Glory The Lord will be too hard for all that come against him Iob 40.9 Hast thou an Arm like God Wilt thou measure Arms with the Almighty Shall a little Child go to fight with an Arch-angel Ezek. 22.14 Can thy Heart endure or can thy Hands be strong in the day that I shall deal with thee Christ will put all his Enemies at last under his Feet Psal. 110.1 All the Multitude of the Wicked who set themselves against God shall be but as so many Clusters of ripe Grapes to be cast into the Wine-press of the wrath of God and to be trodden by him till their blood comes forth The King of Glory will come off Victor at last Men may set up their Standard but God alwaies sets up his Trophies of Victory the Lord hath a golden Scepter and an iron Rod Psal. 2.9 Those who will not bow to the one shall be broken by the other 4. Br. Is God so great a King having all Power in Heaven and Earth in his Hand let us learn Subjection to him Such as have gone on in Sin and by their Impieties hung out a Flag of defiance against the King of Heaven Oh come in quickly and make your Peace submit to God Psal. 2.12 Kiss the Son least he be angry Kiss Christ with a Kiss of Love and a Kiss of Obedience obey the King of Heaven when he speaks to you by his Ministers and Ambassadors 2 Cor. 5.20 when God bids you fly from Sin and espouse Holiness obey him to obey is better then Sacrifice To obey God saith Luther is better then to work Miracles Obey God willingly Isa. 1.19 That is the best obedience that is chearful as that is the sweetest Honey which drops out of the Comb Obey God swiftly Zech. 5.9 I lift up mine eyes and behold two Women and the wind was in their Wings Wings are swift but wind in the wings denotes great swiftness such should our obedience to God be Obey the King of Glory Vse III. Comfort to those who are the Subjects of the King of Heaven God will put forth all his Royal Power for their Succour and Comfort 1. The King of Heaven will plead their Cause Ier. 51.36 I will plead thy Cause and take Vengeance for thee 2. He will protect his People He sets an invisible guard about them Zech. 2.5 I will be a Wall of Fire to her rounâ— about A wall that
is defensive a wall of Fire that is offensive 3. When it may be for the good of his People he will raise up deliverance to them 1 Chron. 11.14 The Lord saved them by a great deliverance God Reigning as King can save any way by contemptible means the blowing of Trumpets and blazing of Lamps Iudg. 7.20 By contrary means He made the Sea a wall to Israel and the waters were a means to keep them from drowning The Fishes Bâ—lly was a Ship in which Ionas sailed safe to shore God will never want ways of saving his People Rather then fail the very Enemies shall do his Work 2 Chron. 20.23 He set Ammon and Mount-Seir one against another And as God will deliver his People from Temporal Danger so from Spiritual from Sin and from Hell Iesus hath delivered us from Wrath to come 1 Thess. 1.10 Vse IV. Terrour to the Enemies of the Church If God be King he will set his â—tmost strength against them who are the Enemies of his Kingdom Psal. 97.3 A Fire goes before him and burneth up his Enemies round about 1. He will set himself against his Enemies He will set his Attributes against them his Power and Justice and who knows the power of his Anger Psal. 90.11 2. God will set the Creatures against them Iudg. 5 20. The Stars in their course fought against Sisera Tertullian observes that the Persians fighting against the Christians a mighty Wind arose which did make the Persians Arrows to fly back in their own Faces Every Creature hath a Quarrel with a Sinner The Stone out of the Wall Hab. 2.11 The Hail and Frost Psal. 78.47 He destroyed their Vines with Hail and their Sycamore Trees with Frost 3. God will set Men against themselves 1. He will set Conscience against them and how terrible is this Rod when turned into a Serpent Melancthon calls it Erinnys Conscientiae a Hellish Fury It is called Vermis Conscientiae the Worm of Conscience Mark 9.44 What a Worm did Spira feel in his Conscience he was a Terror to himselfe The worst Civil Wars are between a Man and his Conscience 2. God will set the Diseases of Mens Bodies against them 2 Chron. 21.18 The Lord smote Iehoram in his Bowels with an incurable disease God can raise an Army against a Man out of his own Bowels He can set one Humour of the Body against another the heat to drie up the moisture and the moisture to drown the heat the Lord needs not go far for Instruments to punish the Sinner He can make the joints of the same Body to smite one against another as Dan 5.6 3. God will set Mens Friends against them where they used to have Honey they shall have nothing but Aloes and Wormwood When a mans ways please the Lord he shall make his enemies to be his friends Prov. 16.7 But when he opposeth God he maketh his Friends to be his Enemies Commodus the Emperour his own wife gave him poison in perfumed Wine Sennacherib's two Sons were the death of him 2 Kings 19.37 4. God will set Satan against them Psal. 109.6 Let Satan stand at his Right hand What doth Satan at the Sinners Elbows 1. He helps him to contrive Sin 2. He tempts him to commit Sin 3. He terrifies him for Sin He that hath Satan thus standing at his Right hand is sure to be set at Gods Left hand Here is the misery of such as oppose Gods Royal Scepter he will set every thing in the world against them If there be either Justice in Heaven or fire in Hell Sinners shall not be unpunished Vlt. If God be such an absolute Monarch and Crowned with such Glory and Majesty let us all engage in his Service and stand up for his Truth and Worship dare to own God in the worst Time He is King of Kings and is able to reward all his Servants VVe may be Losers for him we shall never be Losers by him we are ready to say as Amaziah 2 Chron. 25.9 What shall I do for the Hundred Talents If I appear for God I may lose my Estate my Life I say with the Prophet God is able to give you much more then this He can give you for the present inward Peace and for the future a Crown of Glory which fades not away Quest. What Kingdom doth Christ mean here Resp. Negat 1. He doth not mean a Political or Earthly Kingdom The Apostles indeed did desire 1. Christs Temporal Reign Acts 1.6 When wilt thou restore the Kingdom to Israel But Christ said his Kingdom was not of this world Ioh. 18.36 So that when Christ taught his Disciples to pray Thy Kingdom come he did not mean it of an Earthly Kingdom that he should reign here in outward Pomp and Splendor 2. It is not meant of Gods Providential Kingdom Psal. 103.19 His Kingdom ruleth over all that is the Kingdom of his Providence This Kingdom we do not pray for when we say Thy Kingdom come for this Kingdom is already come God exerciseth the Kingdom of his Providence in the World Psal. 75.7 He putteth down one and setteth up another Nothing stirs in the World but God hath an Hand in it He sets every wheel a working He humbles the Proud and raiseth the Poor out of the Dust to set them among Princes 1 Sam. 2.8 The Kingdom of Gods Providence ruleth over all Kings do nothing but what his Providence permits and orders Act. 4.27 This Kingdom of Gods Providence we do not pray should come for it is already come What Kingdom then is meant here when we say Thy Kingdom come Answ. Positively there is a twofold Kingdom meant here 1. The Kingdom of Grace which Kingdom God exerciseth in the Consciences of his People this is Regnum Dei 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gods lesser Kingdom Luke 17.21 The Kingdom of God is within you 2. The Kingdom of Glory which is sometimes called the Kingdom of God Luke 6.20 and the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 5.3 When we pray thy Kingdom come 1. Here is something tacitly implied That we are in the Kingdom of Darkness 1. We pray that we may be brought out of the Kingdom of Darkness 2. That the Devils Kingdom in the World may be demolished 2. Something positively intended Adveniat Regnum Gratiae Gloriae 1. We pray that the Kingdom of Grace may be set up in our Hearts and encreased 2. When we pray Thy Kingdom come we pray that the Kingdom of Glory may hasten and that we may in Gods good time be translated into it These two Kingdoms of Grace and Glory differ not specifically but gradually they differ not in nature but only in degree The Kingdom of Grace is nothing but the inchoation or beginning of the Kingdom of Glory the Kingdom of Grace is Glory in the Seed and the Kingdom of Glory is Grace in the Flower the Kingdom of Grace is Glory in the Day-break and the Kingdom of Glory is Grace in the full Meridian the Kingdom of
had betrayed Christ and hanged himself Thus Satan is the worst Tyrant when Men have served him to their utmost strength he will welcome them to Hell with Fire and Brimstone VSE Let us pray that Satans Kingdom set up in the World may be thrown down 'T is sad to think that though the Devils Kingdom be so bad yet that it should have so many to support it Satan hath more to stand up for his Kingdom than Christ hath for his What a large harvest of Souls hath Satan and God only a few gleanings The Pope and the Turk give their power to Satan If in Gods visible Church the Devil hath so many Loyal Subjects that serve him with their Lives and Souls then how do his Subjects swarm in places of Idolatry and Paganism where there is none to oppose him but all vote on the Devils side Men are willingly slaves to Satan they will fight and dye for him therefore Satan is not only called the Prince of this world Iohn 14.30 but the God of this world 2 Cor. 4.4 to show what power Satan hath over Mens Souls O let us pray that God will break the Scepter of the Devils Kingdom that Michael may destroy the Dragon that by the help of a Religious Magistracy and Ministry the Hellish Kingdom of the Prince of Darkness may be beaten down Satans Kingdom must be thrown down before Christs Kingdom can flourish in its Power and Majesty 2. When we pray Thy Kingdom come here is something positively intended 1. We pray that the Kingdom of Grace may be set up in our hearts and encreased 2. That the Kingdom of Glory may hasten and that we may in Gods due time be translated into it I begin with the First The Kingdom of Grace When we pray Thy Kingdom come we pray 1. That the Kingdom of Grace may come into our hearts This is Regnum Dei 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gods lesser Kingdom Rom. 14.17 The Kingdom of God is righteousness Luke 17.21 The kingdom of God is within you Quest. 1. Why is Grace called a Kingdom Answ. Because where Grace comes there is a Kingly Government set up in the Soul Grace rules the Will and Affections and brings the whole Man in subjection to Christ. Grace doth king it in the Soul it swayes the Scepter it subdues mutinous Lusts and keeps the Soul in a Spiritual Decorum Quest. 2. Why is there such need that we should pray that this Kingdom of Grace come into our hearts Resp. 1. Because till the Kingdom of Grace come we have no right to the Covenant of Grace The Covenant of Grace is sweetned with Love bespangled with Promises the Covenant of Grace is our Magna Charta by vertue of which God passeth himself over to us to be our God But who are Heirs of the Covenant of Grace only such as have the kingdom of Grace in their hearts Ezek. 36.26 A new heart will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you there is the kingdom of Grace set up in the Soul then it followes ver 28. I will be your God The Covenant of Grace is to an ungracious Person a sealed Fountain it is kept as Paradise with a Flaming Sword that the Sinner may not touch it without Grace you have no more right to it than a Farmer to the City Charter 2. Unless the Kingdom of Grace be set up in our hearts our purest Offerings are defiled they may be good as to the matter but not as to the manner they want that which should meliorate and sweeten them under the Law If a Man who was unclean by a dead body did carry a piece of holy flesh in his skirt the holy flesh could not cleanse him but he polluted that Hag. 2.12 Till the kingdom of Grace be in our hearts Ordinances do not purifie us but we pollute them the Prayer of an ungracious person becomes sin Prov. 15.8 In what a sad condition is a Man before Gods kingdom of Grace be set up in his heart whether he comes or comes not to the Ordinance he sins If he doth not come to the Ordinance he is a contemner of it if he doth come he is a polluter of it A Sinners works are opera mortua dead works Heb. 1.6 and those works which are dead cannot please God a dead Flower hath no sweetness 3. We had need pray that the kingdom of Grace may come because till this kingdom come into our hearts we are loathsome in Gods eyes Zech. 11.8 My soul loathed them Quanta est faeditas vitiosae mentis Tully An heart void of Grace looks blacker than Hell Sin transforms one into a Devil Iohn 6.70 Have not I chosen twelve and one of you is a devil Envy is the Devils eye hypocrisie is his cloven-foot thus it is before the kingdom of Grace come So deformed is a Graceless person that when once he sees his own filth and leprosie the first thing he doth is to loath himself Ezek. 20.43 Ye shall loath your selves in your own sight for all your evils I have read of a Woman who alwayes used flattering glasses by chance seeing her Face in a true glass in insaniam delapsa est she ran mad Such as now dress themselves by the flattering glass of presumption when once God gives them a sight of their filthiness they will abhor themselves Ye shall loath your selves in your own sight for all your evils 4. Before the kingdom of Grace comes into us we are Spiritually illegitimate of the Bastard brood of the Old Serpent Iohn 8.44 To be illegitimate is the greatest infamy Deut. 23.2 A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord to the tenth generation He was to be kept out of the holy Assemblies of Israel as an infamous Creature A Bastard by the Law cannot inherit before the kingdom of Grace come into the heart a person is to God as one illegitimate and so continuing he cannot enter into the Congregation of Heaven 5. Before the kingdom of Grace be set up in Mens hearts the kingdom of Satan is set up in them They are said to be under the power of Satan Acts 26.18 Satan commands the Will though he cannot force the Will he can by his subtle temptations draw it The Devil is said to take men captive at his will 2 Tim. 2.26 the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies to take them alive as the Fowler doth the bird in the snare The sinners heart is the Devils Mansion-house Matth. 12.44 I will go to my house It is officina Diaboli Satans shop where he works Eph. 2.2 The prince of the air now worketh in the children of disobedience The members of the Body are the tools which Satan works with Satan possesseth Men. In Christs time many had their Bodies possessed but it is far worse to have their Souls possessed One is possessed with an unclean Devil another with a revengeful Devil No wonder the Ship goes full sail when the
Beza writes of one Bolezius his Religion changed as the Moon and Planet Mercury Such as are wandering stars will be falling stars But when a Soul is built on the Rock Christ and no winds of Temptation can blow it away now the kingdom of grace flourisheth One calls Athanasius Adamas Ecclesiae an invincible Adamant in respect of his stability in the Truth Col. 2.7 rooted and built up in him the rooting of a Tree evidenceth the growth 8. Then the kingdom of grace encreaseth in a Man 's own Heart when he labours to be instrumental to set up this kingdom in others Though it is the greatest benefit to have grace wrought in our selves yet it is the greatest honour to be instrumental to work it in others Gal. 4.19 of whom I travail in birth till Christ be formed in you Such as are Masters of a Family should endeavour to see the kingdom of grace set up in their Servants Such as are godly Parents let not God alone by prayer till you see grace in your Children What a comfort would it be to you to be both the Natural and the Spiritual Fathers of your Children Austin saith his Mother Monica travailed with greater care and Pain for his new birth then his natural This shows the encrease of grace when we labour to see the kingdom of grace set up in others then the water abounds in the River when it overflows and runs into the Meadows then grace encreaseth in the Soul when it hath influence upon others and we endeavour their Salvation 2. Quest. Wherein appears the needfulness of this that the Kingdom of Grace should be encreased 1. This is Gods design in keeping up a standing Ministry in the Church to encrease the kingdom of grace in mens hearts Eph. 4.8 He gave Gifts unto Men that is Ministerial Gifts Why so ver 12. for the edifying of the Body of Christ not only for Conversion but for augmentation Therefore the Word preached is compared not only to Seed but to Milk because by this Breast-milk God designs our growth in grace 2. We had need have the kingdom of grace encrease in respect we have a great deal of work to do and a little grace will hardly carry us thorow a Christians Life is laborious so many Tentations to resist so many Promises to believe so many Precepts to obey that it will require a great deal of grace A Christian must not only pray but pray fervently Iam. 5.16 not only repent but be zealous and repent Rev 3.19 not only love but be sick of Love Cant. 2.5 How had he need therefore have the kingdom of grace enlarged in his Soul as his work encreaseth upon him so his grace had need encrease 3. If the kingdom of grace doth not encrease it will decay Rev. 2.4 Thou hast left thy first love grace for want of encreasing is sometimes like a Winter Plant all the Sap runs to the root and it looks as if it were dead Rev. 3.2 Strengthen the things that remain which are ready to dye Though grace cannot expire it may wither and a withering Christian loseth much of his Beauty and Fragrancy what great need then have we to pray Thy Kingdom come that this kingdom of grace may be encreased if grace be not improved it will soon be impaired A Christian for want of encreasing his grace loseth his strength he is like a sick Man that cannot either walk or work his prayers are sick and weak he is as if he had no life in him his Faith can hardly fetch breath and you can scarce feel the Pulse of his Love to beat 4. To have grace encreasing is suitable to Christianity Christians are called Trees of Righteousness Isa. 61.3 The Saints are not only Jewels for sparkling Lustre but Trees for growth they are called the Lights of the World Phil 2.15 Light is still encreasing First there is the Crepusculum or Day-break and so it shines brighter to the Meridian They who are the Lights of the World must encrease till they come to the Meridian of Glory Not to grow is suspicious painted things grow not 5. As the Kingdom of Grace increaseth so a Christians Comforts increase Comfort belongs to the bene esse or well-being of a Christian it is like sweet-meat delicious to the taste Psal. 94.19 The more grace the more joy as the more Sap in the Root the more Wine in the Grape Who did more increase in Grace than David and who more in Consolation Psal. 4.7 Thou hast put Gladness in my heart Grace turns to joy as the Milk to cream 3 Qu. How may they be comforted who bewail their want of growth and weep that they cannot find the Kingdom of Grace encrease Resp. 1. To see and bewail our decay in Grace argues not only the life of Grace but growth 'T is a sign a Man recovers and gets strength when he feels his weakness It is a step forward in Grace to see our Imperfections The more the Spirit shines in the Heart the more evil it discovers A Christian thinks it worse with him then it was whereas his Grace may not grow lesser but his Light greater 2. If a Christian doth not encrease in one Grace he may in another if not in knowledge he may in Humility If a Tree doth not grow so much in the Branches it may in the Root to grow downwards in the Root is a good growth 3. A Christian may grow less in Affection when he grows more in Iudgment As a Musician when he is Old his fingers are stiff and not so nimble at the Lute as they were but he plays with more Art and Judgment than before So a Christian may not have so much Affection in Duty as at the first Conversion but he is more solid in Religion and more setled in his Judgment than he was before 4. A Christian may think he doth not encrease in Grace because he doth not encrease in Gifts whereas there may be a decay of natural parts the Memory and other Faculties when there is not a decay of Grace Parts may be impaired when Grace is improved Be not discouraged it is better to decay in parts and be enlarged in Grace then to be enlarged in parts and to decay in Grace 5. A Christian may encrease in Grace yet not be so sensible of it The Seed may grow in the Earth when we do not perceive it to spring up The Grace may grow in time of Desertion and not be perceived So I have done with the first thing intended in this Petition Thy Kingdom come we pray that the Kingdom of Grace may come into our Hearts and that it may encrease and flourish I should come to the second thing intended in this Petition that the Kingdom of Glory may hasten and that we may in due time be translated into it When we pray thy Kingdom come here is something positively intended we pray 1. That the Kingdom of Grace may be set up in our Hearts
temptation Satan is not yet fully east into Prison but is like a Prisoner that goes under bail he walks about tempting he labours to trappan us into sin he is either laying of snares or shooting of darts Stat in procinctu Diabolus He laid a train of temptation to blow up the castle of Iobs Faith This is a great grief to a Believer to be followed with temptations to sin as it is for a Virgin to have her Chastity assaulted but in the Kingdom of Heaven the Saints shall be freed from the Red Dragon he is cast out of Paradise and shall be for ever lock'd up in Chains Iude 6 7. In the Kingdom of Heaven we shall be freed from all vexing cares The Greek word for care 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 comes from a Primitive that signifies to cut the heart in pieces Care discruciates the Mind it wasts the Spirits it eats out the comfort of Life Care is an evil spirit that haunts us Care to prevent future dangers and preserve present co 〈…〉 all care is full of fear and fear is full of torment 1 Iohn 4.18 God threatens it as a Judgment Ezek. 12.19 They shall eat their bread with carefulness Every Comfort hath its Care as every Rose its Prickle but in the Kingdom of Heaven we shall shake off this viper of Care What needs a Saint glorified to take any Care who hath all things provided to his hand There is the Tree of Life bearing all sorts of Fruit. When the Heart shall be freed from Sin the Head shall be freed from Care 8. We shall in the Kingdom of Heaven be freed from all Doubts and Scruples In this Life the best Saint hath his doubtings as the brightest Star its twinkling If there were no doubtings there would be no unbelief Assurance it self doth not exclude all doubting Psal. 26.3 Thy loving kindness is before mine eyes but at another time Psal. 89.49 Lord where are thy former loving kindnesses A Christian is like a Ship at Anchor which though it be safe yet it may sometimes be tossed upon the Water Sometimes a Christian questions his interest in Christ and his title to the Promise and these doubtings as they eclipse a Christians Comfort so they are a bearing false witness against the Spirit But when the Saints shall come into the Kingdom of Heaven there shall be no more doubtings then a Christian shall say as Peter Now I know of a surety that the Lord hath sent his Angel and delivered me Acts 12.11 So now I know that I am passed from Death to Life now I am got beyond all Rocks I have shot the gulph now I am in my Saviours embraces for ever 9. We shall in the Kingdom of Heaven be freed from all society with the Wicked Here we are forced sometime to be in their company Psal. 120.5 Wo is me that I dwell in Mesech and sojourn in the tents of Kedar Kedar was Ishmaels Son whose Children dwelt in Arabia a profane barbarous People Here the Wicked are still raising Persecutions against the Godly and crucifying their eares with their Oaths and Curses Christs Lilly is among Thorns but in the Heavenly Kingdom there shall be no more any pricking bryar Matth. 13.41 The Son of man shall send forth his Angels and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend As Moses said Exod. 14.13 Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day ye shall see them again no more for ever So will God say Stand still and see the Salvation of God these your enemies that vex and molest you you shall see them again no more for ever At that day God will separate the precious from the vile then Christ will throughly purge his Floor he will gather the Wheat into the Garner and the Wicked which are the Chaff shall be blown into Hell 10. We shall in the Kingdom of Heaven be freed from all signs of Gods displeasure Here God may be angry with his People Though he hath the heart of a Father he may have the look of an enemy this is sad As when the Sun is gone the Dew falls when the Light of Gods Face is gone Tears drop from the Saints Eyes but in the Kingdom of Heaven there shall be no spiritual eclipses there shall never appear any tokens of Gods displeasure the Saints shall have a constant aspect of Love from God they shall never complain any more as Cant. 5.6 My beloved hath withdrawn himself 11. We shall in the Kingdom of Heaven be freed from all Divisions That which is the saddest thing in the World is to see divisions among them that are good 'T is sad that such as have one Faith yet should not be of one Heart Ephraim envies Iudah and Iudah vexeth Ephraim 'T is matter of tears to see those who are united to Christ to be divided one from another The Soldiers spear pierced Christs side but the divisions of Saints wound his heart but in the Kingdom of Heaven there shall be no vilifying one another or censuring Those who before could hardly pray together shall praise God together there shall not be one jarring string in the Saints Musick 12. We shall in the Kingdom of Heaven be freed from Vanity and Dissatisfaction What Solomon saith of Wisdom Iob 28.14 The depth saith it is not in me and the sea saith it is not with me The same may I say concerning satisfaction every Creature faith It is not in me Take things most pleasing and which we promise our selves most content from still out the Spirits and purest Quintessence of them and we shall say as he did Eccles. 2.11 And behold all was vanity God never did or will put a satisfying vertue into any Creature In the sweetest musick the World makes either there is some string wanting or out of tune Who would have thought that Haman who was so great in the Kings favour He set his seat above all the princes of the provinces Esther 3.1 yet for want of the bowing of a knee he was dissatisfied but in the Kingdom of Heaven we shall be freed from these dissatisfactions The World is like a Landskip you may see Gardens and Fruit-trees curiously drawn in the Landskip but you cannot enter into them but you may enter into the Joyes of Heaven Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord the Soul shall be satisfied while it bathes in those rivers of pleasure at Gods Right-hand I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness Psal. 17.15 Thus you see what the Kingdom of Glory implyes Namely A Blessed Freedom from all Evil. 13. We shall in the Kingdom of Heaven be freed from the Torments of Hell 1 Thess. 1.10 Iesus which delivered us from the wrath to come 1. The multiplicity of these Torments In this Life the Body is usually exercised but with one pain the Stone or Head-ache but in Hell there is a diversity of Torments there is Darkness
to affright Fire to burn a Lake of Sulphur to choke Chains to bind the Worm to gnaw 2. The Torments of Hell will sieze upon every part both of Body and Soul the Eyes shall be tortured with the sight of Devils the Tongue that hath swore so many Oaths shall be tortured Luke 16.24 Send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue The Memory shall be tormented to remember what Mercies have been abused what seasons of Grace neglected the Conscience shall be tormented with self-accusations 3. In the pains of Hell there is no mitigation no mixture of Mercy In this Life God in Anger remembers Mercy Hab. 3.2 but in Hell there is no alleviation or lessening of the pains As in the Sacrifice of Jealousie Numb 5.15 God would have no Oyl or Frankincense put to it so in Hell there is no Oyl of Mercy to lenifie the sufferings of the Damned no Incense of Prayer to appease Gods Wrath. 4. In the pains of Hell there is no intermission The Poets feign of Endymion that he got leave of Iupiter alwayes to sleep What would the damned in Hell give for one hours sleep Rev. 14.11 They rest not day nor night they are perpetually upon the rack 5. In the pains of Hell there is no expiration they must alwayes lye scorching in flames of Wrath Rev. 14.11 The smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever but in the Heavenly Kingdom the Elect shall be freed from all infernal torments Jesus hath delivered us from the Wrath to come A Prison is not made for the Kings Children Christ drank that bitter cup of Gods Wrath that the Saints might never drink it 2. In the Kingdom of Heaven there is a Glorious Fruition of all Good Had I as many Tongues as Hairs on my Head I could not fully describe this I may say as Iudg. 18.9 10. Heaven is called The excellent Glory 2 Pet. 1.17 I may as well span the Firmament or drain the Ocean as set forth the Glory of this Kingdom Caelum non habet Hyperbolem The Kingdom of Heaven is beyond all Hyperbole Were the Sun ten thousand times brighter than it is it could not parallel the lustre of this Kingdom Apelles Pensil would blot Angels Tongues would lessen it I can but give you the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or dark shadow of it expect not to see it in all its orient colours till you are mounted above the Stars But let us not stand afar off as Moses to behold this Canaan but enter into it and taste the honey Concerning the Fruitions and Priviledges of the Heavenly Kingdom 1. We shall have an immediate Communion with God himself who is the inexhausted Sea of all Happiness This Divines call The Beatifical Vision The Psalmist did triumph in that enjoyment he had of God in this Life Psal. 73.25 Whom have I in Heaven but thee If God enjoyed by Faith doth give so much Comfort to the Soul how much more when he is enjoyed by immediate Vision Here we see God but darkly through the glass of Ordinances but in the Kingdom of Heaven we shall see him face to face 1 Cor. 13.12 we shall have an intellectual sight of God i. e. we shall see him with the eyes of our mind we shall know God as much as the Angels in Heaven do Matth. 18.10 1 Cor. 13.12 We shall know as we are known We shall have a full knowledge of God though not know him fully as a Vessel in the Sea is full of the Sea though it holds not all the Sea To see and enjoy God will be most delicious in God are beams of Majesty and bowels of Mercy God hath all Excellencies concentred in him bonum in quo omnia bona If one Flower should have the sweetness of all Flowers how sweet would that Flower be All the beauty and sweetness which lyes scattered in the Creature is infinitely to be found in God therefore to see and enjoy him will ravish the Soul with delight We shall so see God as to love him and be made sensible of his Love and when we shall have this sweet Communion with God then God shall be all in all 1 Cor. 15.28 Light to the eye Manna to the taste Musick to the ear 2. We shall in the Kingdom of Heaven with these eyes see the Glorified Body of Jesus Christ. This our Saviour makes a great part of the Glory of Heaven to view the Glory of his Humane Nature Iohn 17.24 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That they may behold my glory When Christ was transfigured upon Earth it is said That his face did shine as the sun and his rayment was white as the light Matth. 17.2 If the Glory of his Transfiguration was so great what will the Glory of his Exaltation be Much of the Glory of God shines in Christ by vertue of the Hypostatical Union Col. 2.9 In whom dwells the fulness of the Godhead bodily Through Christs Humanity as through a bright mirrour we may see some beams of the Divine Majesty shine forth put a back of Steel to a Glass and you may see a Face in it Christs Humane Nature is as a back of Steel put to the Divine Nature through this we may see God and then our Capacities shall be enlarged to a wonderful degree to receive this glorious object and we shall not only see Gods Glory but some of his Glory shall be put upon us non tantum aderit Gloria sed inerit Bern. A Beggar may behold the Glory of a King and not be the happier but Christs Glory shall be ours We shall be like him 1 Iohn 3.2 we shall shine by his beams 3. We shall in the Kingdom of Heaven enjoy the society of innumerable company of Angels Heb. 12.22 Quest. But is there not enough in God to fill the Soul with delight Can the sight of Angels add to the Souls happiness What need is there of the light of Torches when the Sun shines Answ. Besides the Divine Essence the sight of Angels is desirable much of Gods curious workmanship shines in the Angels the Angels are beautiful glorious Creatures and as the several strings in a Lute make the harmony sweeter and the several Stars make the Firmament brighter so the society with Angels will make the delight of Heaven the greater and we shall not only see the Angels with the glorified eye of our understanding but converse with them 4. We shall in the Kingdom of Heaven have sweet society with Glorified Saints then the Communion of Saints will be illustrious O what a blessed time will it be when those who have prayed wept suffered together shall rejoyce together we shall see the Saints in their white Linnen of Purity and see them as so many Crowned Kings in beholding the Saints Glorified we shall behold an Heaven full of Suns Some move the Question whether we shall know one another in Heaven Surely our knowledge shall not be diminished but
increased It is the Judgment of Luther and Anselm and many other Divines that we shall know one another yea the Saints of all Ages whose Faces we never saw and when we shall see the Saints in Glory without their spots viz. their infirmities Pride and Passion this will be a glorious sight We see how Peter was transported when he saw but two Prophets in the Transfiguration Matth. 17.3 but what a blessed sight will it be when we shall see such a Glorious Company of Prophets and Martyrs and Holy Men of God How sweet will the Musick be when they shall all sing together in consort in the Heavenly Quire And tho' in this great Assembly of Saints and Angels one Star may differ from another in Glory yet no such weed as Envy shall ever grow in the Paradise of God then there shall be perfect Love which as it casts out Fear so also Envy though one Vessel of Glory may hold more than another yet every Vessel shall be full 5. In the Kingdom of Heaven there shall be incomprehensible Joy Aristotle saith Ioy proceeds from Vnion When the Saints Union with Christ is perfected in Heaven then their Joy shall be full all the birds of the Heavenly Paradise sing for Joy What Joy when the Saints shall see the great gulph shut and know that they are passed from Death to Life what Joy when they are as holy as they would be and as God would have them to be what Joy to hear the Musick of Angels to see the golden banner of Christs Love displayed over the Soul to be drinking that Water of Life which is quintessential and is sweeter than all Nectar and Ambrosia what Joy when the Saints shall see Christ clothed in their Flesh sitting in Glory above the Angels then they shall enter into the joy of their Lord Matth. 25.21 Here Joy enters into the Saints in Heaven they enter into joy O thou Saint of God who now hangest thy harp upon the Willows and minglest thy drink with weeping in the Kingdom of Heaven thy Water shall be turned into Wine you shall have so much felicity that your Souls cannot wish for more The Sea is not so full of Water as the Heart of a Glorified Saint is of Joy there can be no more Sorrow in Heaven than there is Joy in Hell 6. In Heaven there is honour and dignity put upon the Saints A Kingdom imports honour All that come into Heaven are Kings they have 1. a Crown Rev. 2.10 dabo tibi the Crown of Life Corona est insigne regiae potestatis This Crown is not lined with Thorns but hung with Jewels it is a never-fading Crown 1 Pet. 5.4 2. The Saints in Heaven have their Robes they exchange their Sackcloth for white Robes Rev. 7.9 I beheld a great multitude which no man could number clothed in white robes Robes signifie their Glory White their Sanctity And 3. They sit with Christ upon the Throne Rev. 3.21 We read 1 Kings 6.33 the doors of the Holy of Holies were made of Palm-trees and open Flowers covered with Gold an emblem of that victory and that garland of Glory which the Saints shall wear in the Kingdom of Heaven When all the Titles and Ensigns of Worldly honour shall lye in the dust the Mace the Silver Star the Garter then shall the Saints honour remain 7. We shall in the Kingdom of Heaven have a blessed Rest. Rest is the end of motion Heaven is Centrum quietativum animae the blessed Centre where the Soul doth acquiesce and rest In this Life we are subject to unquiet motions and fluctuations 2 Cor. 7.5 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 We are troubled on every side like a Ship on the Sea having the waves beating on both sides but in the Kingdom of Heaven there is Rest Heb. 4.9 How welcome is Rest to a weary Traveller When Death cuts asunder the string of the Body the Soul as a Dove flyes away and is at Rest. This Rest is when the Saints shall lye on Christs bosom that hive of sweetness that bed of perfume 8. The Saints shall in the Kingdom of Heaven have their Bodies richly bespangled with Glory they shall be full of Clarity and Brightness as Moses Face shined that Israel were not able to behold the Glory Exod. 34 30. The Bodies of the Saints shall shine seven times brighter than the Sun saith Chrysostome they shall have such a resplendency of Beauty on them that the Angels shall fall in love with them and no wonder for they shall be made like Christs glorious body Phil. 3.21 The Bodies of Saints glorified need no Jewels when they shall shine like Christs Body 9. In the Heavenly Kingdom is Eternity 't is an eternal fruition they shall never be put out of the Throne Rev. 22.5 They shall reign for ever and ever It is called the everlasting kingdom 2 Pet. 1.11 and an eternal weight of Glory 2 Cor. 4.17 The Flowers of Paradise of which the Saints Garland is made never wither If there could be a cessation of Heavens Glory or the Saints had but the least fear or suspicion of losing their Felicity it would infinitely abate and cool their Joy but their Kingdom is for ever the Rivers of Paradise cannot be dryed up Psal. 16.11 At thy right hand are pleasures for evermore The Kingdom of Heaven was typified by the Temple which was built with Stone covered with Cedar over-laid with Gold to show the fixed permanent state of Glory that Kingdom abides for ever Well may we pray Thy Kingdom come Having spoken of the Kingdom of Grace and how we may know that Kingdom is set up in our Hearts I am next speaking of the Kingdom of Glory or Heaven 1. What is meant by the Kingdom of Heaven 2. What are the Properties of this Kingdom 3. Wherein this Heavenly Kingdom excels all the Kingdoms upon Earth 4. When this Kingdom shall be bestowed 5. Wherein appears the Certainty and Infallibility of it 6. VVhy we should pray for the coming of this Kingdom 1. Quest. What is meant by the Kingdom of Heaven Resp. 1. It imports a blessed freedom from all evil 2. It implies a glorious fruition of all good 1. Immediate communion with God who is the inexhausted Sea of all Happiness 2. A visible beholding the glorified Body of Jesus Christ. 3. A glorious Vision of Saints and Angels 4. Dignity and Honour the Crown and white Robes 5. A blessed Rest. Quest. 2. What are the Properties or Qualifications of the Kingdom of Heaven Resp. 1. The Glory of this Kingdom is solid and substantial the Hebrew word for Glory 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies a VVeight to show how solid and weighty the Glory of the Caelestial Kingdom is The Glory of the worldly Kingdom is Aery and imaginary like a blazing Comet or Fancy Act. 25.23 Agrippa and Bernice came with a great Pomp 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with a great Fancy Iob. 26.7 The Earth hangs like a Ball in the Air
without any thing to uphold it The Glory of the Heavenly Kingdom is substantial it hath twelve Foundations Rev. 21.14 That which God and Angels count Glory is true Glory 2. The Glory of this Kingdom is satisfying Psal. 36.9 With thee is the Fountain of Life How can they choose but be full who are at the Fountain head Psal. 17.15 When I awake I shall be satisfied with thy Likeness i. e. VVhen I awake in the Morning of the Resurrection having some of the Beams of thy Glory shining in me I shall be satisfied Iob 28.14 The Creature saith concerning Satisfaction It is not in me If we go for Happiness to the Creature we go to the wrong Box only Heavens Glory is commensurate to the vast Desires of an Immortal Soul A Christian bathing himself in these Rivers of Pleasure cries out in a Divine Extasy I have enough The Soul is never satisfied till it hath God for its Portion and Heaven for its Haven Dissatisfaction ariseth from some defect but God is an Infinite Good and there can be no defect in that which is Infinite 3. The Glory of Heavens Kingdom is pure and unmix'd the Streams of Paradise are not muddied omnia clara omnia jucunda there that Gold hath no alloy no bitter ingredient in that Glory but pure as the Honey drops from the Comb there is a Rose grows without Prickles the Rose of Sharon there is Ease without Pain Honour without Disgrace Life without Death 4. The Glory of this Kingdom is constantly exhilarating and refreshing there 's fulness but no surfeit Worldly Comforts though sweet yet in time grow stale A Down-bed pleaseth a while but within a while we are weary and would rise Too much Pleasure is a pain But the Glory of Heaven doth never surfeit or nauseate the reason is because as there are all Rarities imaginable so every Moment fresh Delights spring from God into the glorified Soul 5. The Glory of this Kingdom is distributed to every individual Saint In an Earthly Kingdom the Crown goes but to one a Crown will fit but one Head but in that Kingdom above the Crown goes to all Rev. 1.6 All Elect are Kings The Land is settled chiefly upon the Heir and the rest are ill provided for But in the Kingdom of Heaven all the Saints are Heirs Rom. 8.17 Heirs of God and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Co-heirs with Christ. God hath Land enough to give to all his Heirs 6. Lucid and Transparent This Kingdom of Heaven is adorned and bespangled with Light 1 Tim. 6.16 Light is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Glory of the Creation Eccl. 11.7 The Light is sweet Hell is a dark Dungeon Mat. 22.13 Fire but no Light The Kingdom of Heaven is a Diaphanum all imbroidered with Light clear as Christal How can there want light where Christ the Sun of Righteousness displaies his Golden Beams Rev. 21.23 The Glory of the Lord did lighten it and the Lamb is the Light thereof 7. The Glory of this Kingdom is adequate and proportionable to the desire of the Soul In Creature-Fruitions that which doth commend them and set them off to us is Suitableness The Content of Marriage doth not lye either in Beauty or Portion but the suitableness of Disposition The Excellency of a Feast is when the Meat is suited to the Pallat This is one ingredient in the Glory of Heaven it exactly suits the desires of the glorified Saints we shall not say in Heaven Here is a Dish I do not love There shall be Musick suits the Ear the Anthems of Angels and Food that suits with the glorified Pallat the hidden Manna of Gods Love 8. The Glory of this Kingdom will be seasonable the seasonableness of a Mercy adds to the Beauty and sweetness it is like Apples of Gold in Pictures of Silver After an hard Winter in this cold Climate will it not be seasonable to have the Spring Flowers of Glory appear and the singing of the Birds of Paradise come When we have been wearied and even tired out in battle with sin and Satan will not a Crown be seasonable 3. Quest. Wherein the Kingdom of Heaven infinitely excels all the Kingdoms of the Earth Resp. 1. It excels in the Architect Other Kingdoms have Men to raise their Structures but God himself laid the first Stone in this Kingdom Heb. 11.10 This Kingdom is of the greatest Antiquity God was the first King and Founder of it no Angel was worthy to lay a Stone in this Building 2. This Heavenly Kingdom excels in Altitude 't is higher scituated than any Kingdom the higher any thing is the more excellent The Fire being the most sublime Element is most Noble The Kingdom of Heaven is seated above all the visible Orbs There is first the Aery Heaven which is the space from the Earth to the Sphere of the Moon 2. The Starry Heaven the place where are the Planets of an higher Elevation Saturn Iupiter Mars 3. The Caelum Empyraeum the Empyraean Heaven which Paul calls the third Heaven Vbi Christ is there is the Kingdom of Glory scituated This Kingdom is so high that no Scaling Ladders of Enemies can reach it so high that the old Serpent can't shoot up his fiery Darts to it If wicked Men could build their Nests among the Stars yet the least Believer would shortly be above them 3. The Kingdom of Heaven excels all other in Splendor and Riches it is described by precious Stones Rev. 21.19 What are all the Rarities of the Earth to this Kingdom Coasts of Pearl Rocks of Diamonds Islands of Spices What are the Wonders of the World to it The Egyptian Pyramides The Temple of Diana The Pillar of the Sun offered to Iupiter What a rich Kingdom is that where God will lay out all his cost Those who are poor in the World yet as soon as they come into this Kingdom grow rich as rich as the Angels Other Kingdoms are inriched with Gold this is inriched with the Deity 4. The Kingdom of Heaven excels all other Kingdoms in Holiness Kingdoms on Earth are for the most part unholy there 's a Common Shore of Luxury and Uncleanness running in them Kingdoms are Stages for sin to be acted on Isa. 28.8 All Tables are full of Vomit But the Kingdom of Heaven is so holy that it will not mix with any Corruption Rev. 21.27 There shall enter into it nothing that defileth 'T is so pure a Soyl that no Serpent of Sin will breed there There is Beauty which is not stained with Lust and Honour which is not swelled with Pride Holiness is the brightest Jewel of the Crown of Heaven 5. The kingdom of Heaven excels all other kingdoms in its pacifick Nature 't is Regnum Paci◠a kingdom of Peace Peace is the Glory of a Kingdom Pax una Triumphis innumeris melior A Kings Crown is more adorned with the white Lilly of Peace then when it is beset with the red Roses of a bloody War but where shall
we find an un-interrupted Peace upon Earth Either home-bred Divisions or Forreign Invasions 2 Chron. 15.5 There was no Peace to him that went out or to him that came in But the kingdom of Heaven is a kingdom of Peace there are no Enemiest o conflict with all Christs Enemies shall be under his Feet Psal. 110.1 The Gates of that kingdom alwaies stand open Rev. 21.25 The Gates shall not be shut at all to show that there 's no fear of an assault of an Enemy the Saints when they dye are said to enter into Peace Isa. 57.2 There 's no beating of Drums or roaring of Canons but the Voice of Harpers harping in token of Peace Rev. 14.2 In Heaven Righteousness and Peace kiss each other 6. The Kingdom of Heaven excels in Magnitude 't is of vast Dimensions though the Gate of the kingdom be strait we must pass into it through the strait Gate of Mortification yet when once we are in it is very large though there be an innumerable Company of Saints and Angels yet there is room enough for them The kingdom of Heaven may be called by the Name of that Well Gen. 26.22 Iacob called the Name of it Rehoboth for he said now the Lord hath made room for us Thou who art now confin'd to a small Cottage when thou comest into the Caelestial kingdom thou shalt not be straitened for room As every Star hath a large Orb to move in so it shall be with the Saints when they shall shine as Stars in the kingdom of Heaven 7. The Kingdom of Heaven excels in Unity all the Inhabitants agree together in Love Love will be the Perfume and Musick of Heaven as Love to God will be intense so to the Saints Perfect Love as it casts out Fear so it casts out Envy and Discord Those Christians who could not live quietly together on Earth which was the Blemish of their Profession yet in the kingdom of Heaven the fire of Strife shall cease there shall be no vilifying or censuring one another or raking into one anothers sores but all shall be tied together with the Heart-strings of Love there Luther and Suinglius are agreed Satan cannot put in his Cloven Foot there to make Divisions there shall be perfect Harmony and Concord and not one jarring String in the Saints Musick It were worth dying to be in that kingdom 8. This kingdom exceeds all Earthly in Joy and Pleasure therefore it is called Paradise 2 Cor. 12 4. for delight There are all things to cause Pleasure there is the Water of Life pure as Christal there 's the Honey-comb of Gods Love dropping 'T is called entring into the Ioy of our Lord Mat. 25.23 There are two things cause Joy 1. Separation from Sin Sin creates Sorrow but when this Viper of Sin shall be shaken off then Joy follows there can be no more sorrow in Heaven then there is Joy in Hell 2. Perfect Union with Christ Joy as Aristotle saith flows from Union with the Object When our Union with Christ shall be perfect then our Joy shall be full If the Joy of Faith be so great 1 Pet 1.8 then what will the Joy of Sight be Ioseph gave his Brethren Provision for the way but the full Sacks of Corn were kept till they came at their Fathers House God gives the Saints a Tast of Joy here but the full Sacks are kept till they come to Heaven not only the Organical Parts the outward Sences the Eye Ear Tast shall be filled with Joy But the Heart of a Glorified Saint shall be filled with Joy the Understanding Will and Affections are such a Triangle as none can fill but the Trinity There must needs be infinite Joy where nothing is seen but Beauty nothing is tasted but Love 9. This kingdom of Heaven excels all Earthly in self-perfection Other kingdoms are defective they have not all Provision within themselves but are fain to trafick abroad to supply their wants at home King Solomon did send to Ophir for Gold 2 Chron. 8.18 But there is no defect in the kingdom of Heaven it hath all Commodities of its own growth Rev 21.7 there is the Pearl of Price the Morning Star the Mountains of Spices the Bed of Love there are those sacred Rarities wherewith God and Angels are delighted 10. This kingdom of Heaven excels all other in Honour and Nobility it doth not only equal them in the Ensigns of Royalty the Throne and white Robes but it doth far transcend them Other Kings are of the Blood-Royal but they in this Heavenly kingdom are born of God Other Kings converse with Nobles the Saints Glorified are Fellow Commoners with Angels they have a more Noble Crown 't is made of the Flowers of Paradise and is a Crown that fadeth not away 1 Pet. 5.4 they sit on a better Throne King Solomon 1 Kings 10.18 sat on a Throne of Ivory overlaid with Gold but the Saints are in Heaven higher advanced they sit with Christ upon his Throne Rev. 3.21 they shall judge the Princes and great Ones of the Earth 1 Cor. 6.2 This honour have all the Saints Glorified 11. This kingdom of Heaven excels all others in healthfulness Death is a Worm that is ever feeding at the Root of our Gourd kingdoms are oft Hospitals of sick persons But the kingdom of Heaven is a most healthful Climate Phisicians there are out of date no Distemper there no passing Bell or Bill of Mortality Luke 20.36 neither can they dye any more in the Heavenly Climate are no ill Vapours to breed Diseases but a sweet aromatical Smell coming from Christ all his Garments smell of Myrrh Aloes and Cassia 12. This kingdom of Heaven excels in Duration it abides for ever Suppose Earthly kingdoms to be more glorious then they are their Foundations of Gold their Walls of Pearl their Windows of Saphyre yet they are corruptible and fading Hos. 1.4 I will cause the Kingdom to cease Troy and Athens now lie buried in their Ruines jam Seges est ubi Troja fuit Mortality is the Disgrace of all Earthly kingdoms but the kingdom of Heaven hath Eternity written upon it it is an everlasting kingdom 2 Pet. 1 1â— 't is founded upon a strong Basis Goâ—s Omnipotency this kingdom the Saints shall never be turned out of or be deposed from their Throne as some Kings have been viz. Hen. VI. c. But shall reign 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for ever and ever Rev. 22.5 How should all this affect our Hearts What should we mind but this kingdom of Heaven which doth more out-shine all the kingdoms of the Earth then the Sun out-shines the Light of a Taper 4. Quest. When this Kingdom shall be bestowed Resp. This Glory in the kingdom of Heaven shall be begun at death but not perfected till the Resurrection 1. The Saints shall enter upon the kingdom of Glory immediately after death before their Bodies are buried their Souls shall be Crowned Phil. 1.23 having a desire 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉
Member of his body then he is not perfect and if Christ may lose one Member of his Body why not as well all by the same reason and so he shall be an head without a Body but be assured a Believers Union with Christ cannot be broken and so long he cannot be hindred of the kingdom Iohn 17.12 what was said of Christs natural Body is as true of his Mistical Iohn 10.39 A bone of him shall not be broken Look how every Bone and Limb of Christs natural Body was raised up out of the Grave and carried into Heaven So shall every Member of his Mistical Body be carried up into Glory 7. We read of some who have been translated into this Kingdom Paul had a sight of it for he was caught up into the third Heaven 2 Cor. 12. and the converted Thief on the Cross was translated into Glory Luke 23.43 This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise By all that hath been said it is most evident That Believers have a glorious Kingdom laid up for them in reversion and that they shall go to this Kingdom when they dye There are none doubt of the certainty of the Heavenly Kingdom but such as doubt of the Verity of Scripture 6. Quest. Why we should so earnestly pray for this Heavenly Kingdom Thy Kingdom come Resp. 1. Because it is a kingdom worth praying for it exceeds the glory of all earthly kingdoms it hath Gates of Pearl Rev. 21.21 We have heard of a Cabinet of Pearl but when did we hear of Gates of Pearl In that Kingdom is the Bed of Love the Mountains of Spices there are the â—herubims not to keep us out but to welcome us into the Kingdom Heaven is a Kingdom worth praying for there 's nothing wanting in that Kingdom which may compleat the Saints happiness for wherein doth Happiness consist Is it in knowledge We shall know as we are known Is it in Dainty Fare We shall be at the Marriage-Supper of the Lamb Is it in rich Apparel We shall be clothed in long White Robes Is it in delicious Musick We shall hear the Quire of Angels singing Is it in Dominion We shall reign as Kings and judge Angels Is it in Pleasure We shall enter into the Ioy of our Lord. Sure then this Kingdom is worth praying for Thy Kingdom come Would God give us a Vision of Heaven a while as he did Stephen who saw Heaven opened Act. 7.56 We should fall into a Trance and being a little recovered out of it how importunately would we put up this Petition Thy Kingdom come 2. We must pray for this kingdom of Glory because God will not bestow this kingdom on any without Prayer Rom. 2.7 They who seek for Glory and Immortality and how do we seek but by Prayer God hath promised a kingdom and we must by Prayer put the Bond in suit God is not so lavish as to throw away a Kingdom on them who do not ask it and certainly if Christ himself who had merited Glory did yet pray for it Iohn 17.5 Now O Father Glorify me with thy own self How much more ought we to pray for the Excellent Glory who have this Kingdom granted as a Charter of Gods meer Grace and Favour 3. We must pray that the kingdom of Glory may come that by going into it we may make an end of sinning I think sometimes what a blessed time it will be never to have a sinful thought more though we must not pray Thy Kingdom come out of discontent because we would be rid of the troubles and crosses of this Life This was Ionahs fault he would dye in a pet because God took away his gourd Lord saith he take away my life too Ionah 4.8 But we must pray Thy Kingdom come out of an holy design that the fetters of corruption may be pulled off and we may be as the Angels those Virgin Spirits who never sin This made the Church pray Rev. 22.20 Veni Domine Iesu. 4. Because that all Christs enemies shall be put under his feet the Devil shall have no more power to tempt nor wicked Men to persecute the Antichristian-Hierarchy shall be pulled down and Sions Glory shall shine as a lamp and the Turkish strength shall be broken 5. We must pray earnestly that the kingdom of Glory may come that we may see God face to face and have an interrupted and eternal communion with him in the Empyrean Heaven Moses desired but a glimpse of Gods Glory Exod. 33.18 how then should we pray to see him in all his embroidered Robes of Glory when he shall shine ten thousand times brighter than the Sun in its Meridian splendour Here in this Life we do rather desire God than enjoy him how earnestly therefore should we pray Thy Kingdom of Glory come The beholding and enjoying God will be the Diamond in the Ring the very Quintessence of Glory And must we pray Thy Kingdom come how then are they ever like to come to Heaven who never pray for it Though God gives some prophane persons Daily Bread who never pray for it yet he will not give them a kingdom who never pray for it God may feed them but he will never crown them VSE I. Of Information 1. Branch From all this you see then that there is nothing within the whole sphere of Religion imposed upon unreasonable terms when God bids us serve him it is no unreasonable request he will out of Free-Grace inthrone us in a kingdom When we hear of Repentance steeping our Souls in brinish tears for sin or of Mortification beheading our king sin we are ready to grumble and think this is hard and unreasonable But do we serve God for nought Is it not infinite bounty to reward us with a Kingdom This Kingdom is as far above our thoughts as it is beyond our deserts No man can say without wrong to God that he is an hard Master though he sets us about hard work yet he is no hard Master God gives double pay he gives great vails in his service sweet Joy and Peace and a great reward after an eternal weight of Glory God gives the Spring flowers and a Crop he settles upon us such a Kingdom as exceeds our Faith Praemium quod Fide non attingitur Aug. Such as mortal eye hath not seen nor can it enter into the heart of man to conceive 1 Cor. 2.9 Alas what an infinite difference is there between Duty enjoyned and the Kingdom prepared What is the shedding of a Tear to a Crown So that Gods commands are not grievous 1 Ioh. 5.3 our service cannot be so hard as a Kingdom is sweet 2. Br. See hence the Royal Bounty of God to his Children that he hath prepared a Kingdom for them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrys A Kingdom bespangled with Glory It is infinitely above the Model we can draw of it in our Thoughts The Painter going to draw the Picture of Helena as not being able to draw her Beauty
to the Life drew her Face covered with a Vail So when we speak of the Kingdom of Heaven we must draw a Vail we cannot set it forth in all its Orient Beauty and Magnificence Gold and Pearl do but faintly shadow it out Rev. 21. the Glory of this Kingdom is better felt than expressed 1. They who inherit this Kingdom are amicti stolis alhis cloathed with white robes Rev. 7.9 White Robes denote three things 1. Their Dignity the Persians were arayed in white in token of honour 2. Their Purity the Magistrates among the Romans were clothed in white ergo called candidati to show their integrity Thus the Queen the Lambs Wife is arayed in fine linnen pure and white which is the righteousness of the Saints Rev. 19.8 3. Their Joy White is an emblem of Joy Eccl. 9.7 Eat thy bread with joy let thy garments be alwayes white 2. The dwellers in this Kingdom have Palms in their hands Rev. 7.9 in token of Victory They are Conquerours over the World and being Victors they now have Palm-branches 3. They sit upon the Throne with Christ Rev. 3.21 When Caesar returned from conquering his Enemies there was set for him a Chair of State in the Senate and a Throne in the Theatre Thus the Saints in Glory after their Heroick Victories shall sit upon a Throne with Christ. Here is Royal Bounty in God to bestow such an illustrious Kingdom upon the Saints 'T is a Mercy to be Pardoned but what is it to be Crowned 'T is a Mercy to be delivered from Wrath to come but what is it to be invested into a Kingdom Behold what manner of love is this Earthly Princes may bestow great gifts and donatives upon their Subjects but they keep the Kingdom to themselves Though King Pharaoh advanced Ioseph to Honour and took the Ring off his Finger and gave him yet he would keep the Kingdom to himself Gen. 41.40 but God inthrones the Saints in a Kingdom God thinks nothing too good for his Children We are ready to think much of a Tear a Prayer or to sacrifice a Sin for him but he doth not think much to bestow a Kingdom upon us 3. Br. See hence that Religion is no ignominious disgraceful thing Satan labours to cast all the odium and reproach upon it that he can that it is a devout Frenzy Folly in grain Acts 28.22 As for this sect we know that it is every where spoken against but wise Men measure things by the end What is the end of a Religious Life It ends in a Kingdom Would a Prince regard the slightings of a few franticks when he is going to be Crowned You who are beginners bind their reproaches as a Crown about your Head despise their Censures as much as their Praise a Kingdom is a coming 4. Br. See what contrary wayes the Godly and the Wicked go at Death the Godly go to a Kingdom the Wicked to a Prison The Devil is the Jaylor and they are bound with the chains of darkness Iude 6. but what are these Chains Not Iron Chains but worse the Chain of Gods Decree decreeing them to torment and the Chain of Gods Power whereby he binds them fast under Wrath This is the deplorable condition of impenitent Sinners they do not go to a Kingdom when they dye but to a Prison O think what horrour and despair will possess the Wicked when they see themselves ingulphed in misery and their condition hopeless helpless endless they are in a fiery Prison and no possibility of getting out A Servant under the Law who had an hard Master yet every seventh year was a year of release when he might go free but in Hell there is no year of release when the damned shall go free the Fire the Worm the Prison are eternal If the whole World from Earth to Heaven were filled with grains of Sand and once in a Thousand Years an Angel should come and fetch away one grain of Sand how many Millions of Ages would pass before that vast heap of Sand would be quite spent yet if after all this time the Sinner might come out of Hell there were some hope but this word ever breaks the Heart with despair 5. Br. See then that which may make us in love with holy Duties Every Duty Spiritually performed brings us a step nearer to the Kingdom Finis dat amabilitatem mediis He whose Heart is set on Riches counts Trading pleasant because it brings in Riches if our Hearts are set upon Heaven we shall love Duty because it brings us by degrees to the Kingdom we are going to Heaven in the way of Duty Holy Duties increase Grace and as Grace ripens so Glory hastens the Duties of Religion are irksome to Flesh and Blood but we should look upon them as Spiritual Chariots to carry us apace to the Heavenly Kingdom The Protestants in France called their Church Paradise and well they might because the Ordinances did lead them to the Paradise of God As every Flower hath its sweetness so would every Duty if we could look upon it as giving us a lift nearer Heaven 6. Br. It shows us what little cause the Children of God have to envy the prosperity of the wicked Quis aerario quis plenis loculis indiget Sen. the wicked have the waters of a full cup wrung out to them Psal. 73.10 as if they had a monopoly of happiness they have all they can desire nay they have more than heart can wish Psal. 73.7 They steep themselves in pleasure Iob 21.12 They take the timbrel and harp and rejoyce at the sound of the organ The wicked are high when Gods People are low in the World the Goats clamber up the Mountains of Preferment when Christs Sheep are below in the Valley of Tears the Wicked are clothed in Purple while the Godly are in Sackcloth the prosperity of the wicked is a great stumbling block This made Averroes deny a Providence and made Asaph say Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain Psal. 73.12 but there is no cause of envy at their prosperity if we consider two things 1. This is all they must have Luke 16.25 Son remember that thou in thy life time receivedst thy good things thou hadst all thy Heaven here Luther calls the Turkish Empire a bone which God casts to dogs 2. That God hath laid up better things for his Children he hath prepared a Kingdom of Glory for them they shall have the Beatifical Vision they shall hear the Angels sing in Consort they shall be Crowned with the Pleasures of Paradise for ever O then envy not the flourishing prosperity of the Wicked they go through fair way to Execution and the Godly go through foul way to Coronation 7. Br. Is there a Kingdom of Glory a coming Then see how happy all the Saints are at Death they go to a Kingdom they shall see Gods Face which shines ten thousand times brighter than the Sun in its Meridian Glory The Godly at Death
Scandal or Apostacy 4. Men leave off pursuing the Kingdom of Heaven out of Timorousness if they persist in Religion they may lose their Places of Profit perhaps their Lives The reason saith Aristotle why the Camelion turns into so many Colours is through excessive fear When Carnal fear prevails it makes Men change their Religion as fast as the Camelion doth its Colours Many of the Iews who were great followers of Christ when they saw the Swords and Staves deserted him What Solomon saith of the Sluggard is as true of the Coward he saith there is a Lyon in the way Prov. 22.13 he sees dangers before him he would go on in the way to the Kingdom of Heaven but there is a Lyon in the way This is dismal Heb. 10.38 If any Man draw back in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 if he steals as a Soldier from his Colours my Soul shall have no pleasure in him VSE III. Of Tryal Let us examine whether we shall go to this Kingdom when we dye Heaven is called a Kingdom prepared Matth. 25. Quest. How shall we know this Kingdom is prepared for us Answ If we are prepared for this Kingdom Quest. How may that be known Answ. By being Heavenly persons An earthly heart is no more fit for Heaven than a Clod of Dust is fit to be a Star there is nothing of Christ or Grace in such an heart It were a Miracle to find a Pearl in a Gold Mine and it is as great a Miracle to find Christ the Pearl of Price in an earthly heart Would we go to the Kingdom of Heaven are we heavenly 1. Are we heavenly in our Contemplations do our Thoughts run upon this Kingdom do we get sometimes upon Mount Pisgah and take a Prospect of Glory Thoughts are as Travellers most of Davids Thoughts travelled Heavens Road Psal. 139.17 Are our Minds heavenlâ—z'd Psal. 48.12 walk about Sion tell the Towers thereof mark ye well her Bulwarks Do we walk into the Heavenly Mount and see what a glorious Scituation it is Do we tell the Towers of that Kingdom While a Christian fixeth his Thoughts on God and Glory he doth as it were tread upon the Borders of the Heavenly Kingdom and he peeps within the Vail as Moses who had a sight of Canaan though he did not enter into it so the heavenly Christian hath a sight of heaven though he be not yet entred into it 2. Are we heavenly in our Affections do we 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 set our Affections on the Kingdom of Heaven Col. 3.2 If we are heavenly we despise all things below in comparison of the Kingdom of God We look upon the World but as a beautiful Prison and we cannot be much in love with our Fetters though they are made of Gold our heart is in Heaven A Stranger may be in a Forreign Land to gather up his Debts owing him but he desires to be in his own Kingdom and Nation so we are here a while as in a strange Land but our desire is chiefly after the Kingdom of Heaven where we shall be for ever The World is the Place of a Saints Abode not of his Delight is it thus with us Do we like the Patriarks of old desire a better Country Heb. 11.16 This is the temper of a true Saint his Affections are set on the Kingdom of God his Anchor is cast in Heaven and he is carried thither with the Sails of Desire 3. Are we heavenly in our Speeches Christ after his Resurrection did speak of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God Act. 1.3 Are our Tongues tuned to the Language of the heavenly Canaan Mal. 3.16 Then they that feared the Lord spake often to one another Do you in your visits season your discourses with Heaven There are many say they hope they shall be saved but you shall never hear them speak of the Kingdom of Heaven perhaps of their Wares and Drugs or of some rich Purchase they have got but nothing of the Kingdom Can Men travel together in a Journey and not speak of the Place they are travelling to are you Travelers for Heaven and never speak a word of the Kingdom you are travelling to Herein many discover they do not belong to Heaven for you shall never hear a good Word come from them Verba sunt speculum Mentis Bern. The Words are the Looking-glass of the Mind they show what the Heart is 4. Are we heavenly in our Trading Is our Traffick and Merchandize in Heaven Do we trade in the heavenly Kingdom by Faith A Man may live in one place and trade in another he may live in Ireland and trade in the West-Indies so do we trade in the heavenly Kingdom They shall never go to heaven when they dye who do not trade in Heaven while they live Do we send up to Heaven Vollies of Sighs and Groans Do we send forth the Ship of Prayer thither which fetcheth in Returns of Mercy Is our Communion with the Father and his Son Jesus 1 Iohn 1.3 Phil. 3.20 5. Are our Lives heavenly Do we live as if we had seen the Lord with Bodily eyes Do we aemulate and imitate the Angels in Sanctity Do we labour to copy out Christs Life in ours 1 Iohn 2.6 'T was a custom among the Macedonians on Alexanders Birth day to wear his Picture about their Necks set with Pearl and Diamond Do we carry Christs Picture about us and resemble him in the Heavenliness of our Conversation If we are thus heavenly then we shall go to the kingdom of Heaven when we dye and truly there is a great deal of Reason why we should be thus Heavenly in our Thoughts Affections Conversation if we consider 1. The main end why God hath given us our Souls is that we may mind the kingdom of Heaven Our Souls are of a Noble Extraction they are akin to Angels a Glass of the Trinity as Plato speaks Now is it rational to imagine that God would have breathed into us such noble Souls only to look after sensual Objects Were such bright Stars made only to shoot into the Earth Were these immortal Souls made only to seek after dying Comforts Had this been only the end of our Creation to eat and drink and converse with Earthly Objects worse Souls would have served us Sensitive Souls had been good enough for us what need our Souls be rational and divine to do only that work which a Beast may do 2. Great reason we should be heavenly in our Thoughts Affections Conversation if we consider what a blessed kingdom Heaven is it is beyond all Hyperbole Earthly Kingdoms do scarce deserve the Names of Cottages compared with it We read of an Angel coming down from heaven who did tread with his Right Foot upon the Sea and with his Left on the Earth Rev. 10.2 Had we but once been in the heavenly kingdom and viewed the superlative glory of it how might we in an holy scorn trample with one Foot upon
did not beseech but knock as if they did not doubt to be let into Heaven yet to these Christ saith I know you not whence you are Depart from me ye workers of iniquity Therefore fear and tremble least any of us miss of this Kingdom of Heaven Secondly This fear is necessary if we consider what a loss it is to lose the Heavenly Kingdom All the tears of Hell are not sufficient to lament the loss of Heaven They who lose the Heavenly Kingdom lose Gods sweet Presence the ravishing viewes and smiles of Gods Glorious Face Gods Presence is the Diamond in the Ring of Glory Psal. 16.11 In his presence is fulness of joy If God be the Fountain of all Bliss then to be separated from him is the Fountain of all Misery They who lose the Heavenly Kingdom lose the Society of Angels and what sweeter Musick than to hear them praise God in Consort they lose all their Treasure their white Robes their sparkling Crowns they lose their hopes Iob 8.14 Whose hope shall be cut off Their hope is not an Anchor but a Spiders Web If hope deferred makes the heart sick Prov. 13.12 what then is hope disappointed They lose the end of their being Why were they Created but to be enthronâ—d in Glory Now to lose this is to lose the end of their being As if an Angel should be turned to a worm There are many aggravations of the loss of this Heavenly Kingdom 1. The eyes of the Wicked shall be opened to see their loss now they care not for the loss of Gods Favour because they know not the worth of it A Man that loseth a rich Diamond and took it but for an ordinary Stone is not much troubled at the loss of it but when he comes to know what a Jewel he lost then he laments He whose Heart would never break at the sight of his sins shall now break at the sight of his loss Phinehas his Daughter when she heard the Ark was lost cryed out The Glory is departed 1 Sam. 4.21 When the Sinner sees what he hath lost he hath lost the Beatifical Vision he hath lost the Kingdom of Heaven now he will cry out in horrour and despair The Glory the everlasting Glory is departed 2. A second aggravation of the loss of this Kingdom will be that Sinners shall be upbraided by their own Conscience This is the worm that never dyes Mark 9.44 viz. a self-accusing Mind When Sinners shall consider they were in a fair way to the Kingdom they had a possibility of Salvation though the door of Heaven were strait yet it was open they had the means of Grace the jubilee of the Gospel was proclaimed in their ears God called but they refused Jesus Christ offered them a plaister of his own Blood to heal them but they trampled it under foot the Holy Spirit stood at the door of their heart knocking and crying to them to receive Christ and Heaven but they repulsed the Spirit and sent away this Dove and now they have through their own folly and wilfulness lost the Kingdom of Heaven This self-accusing Conscience will be terrible like a venomous Worm gnawing at the Heart 3. A third aggravation of the loss of Heaven will be to look upon others that have gained the Kingdom the happiness of the Blessed will be an eye-sore Luke 13.28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth when ye shall see Abraham and Isaac and Iacob and all the Prophets in the kingdom of God and you your selves thrust out When the Wicked shall see those whom they hated and scorned to be exalted to a Kingdom and shine with Robes of Glory and they themselves miss of the Kingdom this will be a dagger at the heart and make them gnash their teeth for envy 4. A fourth aggravation is this loss of the Kingdom of Heaven is accompanied with the punishment of Sense He who leaps short of the Bank falls into the River such as come short of Heaven fall into the River of Fire and Brimstone Psal 9.17 The wicked shall be turned into hell And how dreadful is that If when but a spark of Gods Anger lights into the Conscience here it is so torturing what will it be to have mountains of Gods Wrath thrown upon the Soul Psal. 90.11 Who knoweth the power of thy anger The Angel never poured out his Vial but some woe followed Rev. 16.3 when the bitter Vials of Gods Wrath are poured out Damnation follows Dives cryes out O I am tormented in this flame Luke 16.24 In Hell there 's not a drop of Mercy There was no Oyl or Frankincense used in the Sacrifice of Jealousie Numb 5.15 in Hell no Oyl of Mercy to lenifie the Sufferings of the Damned nor Incense of Prayer to appease Gods Wrath. 5. A fifth aggravation of the loss of this Kingdom will be to consider on what easie and reasonable terms Men might have had this Kingdom If indeed God had commanded impossibles to have satisfied his Justice in their own Persons it had been another matter but what God did demand was reasonable only to do that which was for their good to accept of Christ for their Lord and Husband only to part with that which would damn them if they kept their Sins these were the fair terms on which they might have enjoyed the Heavenly Kingdom Now to lose Heaven which might have been had upon such easie terms will be a cutting aggravation it will rend a Sinners Heart with rage and grief to think how easily he might have prevented the loss of the Heavenly Kingdom 6. It will be an aggravation of the loss of Heaven for Sinners to think how active they were in doing that which lost them the Kingdom they were felo de se. What pains did they take to resist the Spirit to stifle Conscience they sinned while they were out of breath Ier. 9.5 They weary themselves to commit iniquity What difficulties did Men go through what did they endure for their Sins how much shame and pain how sick was the Drunkard with his cups how sore in his Body was the Adulterer and what marks of his sin did he carry about him What dangers did Men adventure upon for their Lusts they adventured Gods Wrath and adventured the Laws of the Land O how will this aggravate the loss of Heaven how will this make Men curse themselves to think how much pains they were at to lose happiness How will this sting Mens Consciences to think had they taken but as much pains for Heaven as they did for Hell they had not lost it 7. Aggravation of the loss of this Kingdom it will be an eternal irreparable loss Heaven once lost can never be recovered Worldly losses may be made up again if a Man lose his Health he may have it repaired by Physick if a Man be driven out of his Kingdom he may be restored to it again as King Nebuchadnezzar was Dan. 4.36 My honour returned to me and I
was established in my Kingdom King Henry VI. was deposed from his Throne yet restored again to it but they who once lose Heaven can never be restored to it again After millions of years they are as far from obtaining Glory as at first Thus you see how needful this Exhortation is that we should fear least we fall short of this Kingdom of Heaven Quest What shall we do that we may not miss of this Kingdom of Glory Resp. 1. Take heed of those things which will make you miss of Heaven 1. Take heed of Spiritual Sloath. Many Christians are settled upon their lees they are loath to put themselves to too much pains It is said of Israel They despised the pleasant land Psal. 106.24 Canaan was a Paradise of Delight a Type of Heaven I but some of the Iews thought it would cost them a great deal of trouble and hazard in the getting and they would rather go without it They despised the pleasant land I have read of certain Spaniards that live where there is great store of Fish yet are so lazy that they will not be at the pains to catch them but buy of their Neighbours such a sinful sloath is upon the most that though the Kingdom of Heaven be offered to them yet they will not put themselves to any labour for it They have some faint velleities and desires O that I had this Kingdom like a Man that wisheth for Venison but will not hunt for it Prov. 13.4 The soul of the sluggard wisheth and hath nothing Men could be content to have the Kingdom of Heaven if it would drop as a ripe Fig into their mouth but they are loath to fight for it O take heed of Spiritual Sloath God never made Heaven to be an hive for drones We cannot have the World without labour and do we think to have the Kingdom of Heaven Heathens will rise up in Judgment against many Christians what pains did they take in their Olympick Races when they ran but for a Crown of Olive or Myrtle intermixed with Gold and do we stand still when we are running for a Kingdom Prov. 19.15 Sloathfulness casts into a deep sleep Sloath is the Souls sleep Adam lost his Rib when he was asleep Many a Man loseth the Kingdom of Heaven when he is in this deep sleep of sloath 2. Take heed of Unbelief Unbelief kept Israel out of Canaan Heb. 3.19 So we see they could not enter in because of unbelief and it keeps many out of Heaven Unbelief is an enemy to Salvation 't is a damning sin it whispers thus to what purpose is all this pains for the Heavenly Kingdom I had as good sit still I may come near to Heaven yet come short of Heaven Ier. 18.12 And they said there is no hope Unbelief destroyes hope and if you once cut this sinew a Christian goes but lamely in Religion if he goes at all Unbelief raiseth jealous thoughts of God it represents him as a severe Judge this discourageth many a Soul and takes it off from Duty Beware of unbelief believe the Promises Lam. 3.25 God is good to the Soul that seeks him seek him earnestly and he will open both his Heart and Heaven to you Deus volentibus non deest do what you are able and God will help you While you spread the sails of your endeavour Gods Spirit will blow upon these sails and carry you swiftly to the Kingdom of Glory 3. If you would not miss of the Heavenly Kingdom take heed of mistake imagining the way to the Kingdom of Heaven to be easier than it is 't is but a sigh or Lord have Mercy There 's no going to Heaven per saltum one cannot leap out of Dalilahs lap into Abrahams bosom The Sinner is dead in trespasses Eph. 2.1 is it easie for a dead Man to restore himself to life Is Regeneration easie Are there no pangs in the new birth Doth not the Scripture call Christianity a warfare and a race And do you fancy this easie The way to the Kingdom is not easie but the mistake about the way is easie 4. If you would not miss of the Heavenly Kingdom take heed of delayes and procrastinations Mora trahit periculum It is an usual delusion I will mind the Kingdom of Heaven but not yet when I have gotten an Estate and am grown old then I will look after Heaven and on a sudden Death surprizeth Men and they fall short of Heaven Delay strengthens sin hardens the heart and gives the Devil fuller possession of a Man Take heed of adjourning and putting off seeking the Kingdom of Heaven till it be too late Caesar deferring to read a Letter put into his hand was killed in the Senate-house Consider how short your Life is 't is a Taper soon blown out Animantis cujusque vita in fuga est The Body is like a Vessel tun'd with breath Sickness broacheth it Death draws it out delay not the business of Salvation a day longer sometimes Death strikes and gives no warning 5. If you would not come short of the Kingdom of Heaven take heed of prejudice Many take a prejudice at Religion and on this Rock dash their Souls they are prejudiced at Christs Person his Truths his Followers his Wayes 1. They are prejudiced at his Person Matth. 13.57 And they were offended in him what is there in Christ that Men should be offended at him He is the pearl of price Matth. 13.46 are Men offended at Pearls and Diamonds Christ is the wonder of Beauty Psal. 45.2 Fairer than the children of men is there any thing in Beauty to offend Christ is a mirrour of Mercy Heb. 2.17 why should Mercy offend any Christ is a Redeemer why should a captive slave be offended at him who comes with a summe of Money to ransom him The prejudice Men take at Christ is from the inbred pravity of their hearts The eye that is sore cannot endure the light of the Sun the fault is not in the Sun but in the sore eye There are two things in Christ Men are prejudiced at 1. His Means The Iewes expected a Monarch for their Messiah but Christ came not with outward Pomp and Splendor His Kingdom was not of this World The Stars which are seated in the lightest Orbs are least seen Christ who was the bright Morning Star was not much seen his Divinity was hid in the dark Lanthorne of his humanity all who saw the Man did not see the Messiah this the Jews stumbled at the Means of his Person 2. Men are prejudiced at Christs strictness they look upon Christ as austere and his Lawes too severe Psal. 2.3 Let us break their bands and cast away their cords from us Though to a Saint Christs Laws are no more burdensome than Wings are to a Bird yet to the Wicked Christs Laws are a yoke and they love not to come under restraint hence it is they hate Christ. Though they pretend to love him as a Saviour yet they
would not come short of this Heavenly Kingdom let us be much in the exercise of Self-denyal Matth. 16.24 If any man will come after me let him deny himself He who would go to Heaven must deny self-righteousness Cavendum est a propria justitia Phil. 3.9 That I may be found in him not having my own righteousness The Spider weaves a web out of her own Bowels an Hypocrite would spin a web of Salvation out of his own Righteousness We must deny our Civility in point of Justification Civility is a good staff to walk with among Men but it is a bad ladder to climb up to Heaven We must deny our holy things in point of Justification Alas how are our Duties checkered with Sin Put Gold in the fire and there comes out dross our most golden services are mixed with unbelief Deny self-righteousness use Duty but trust to Christ. Noahs Dove made use of her wings to fly but trusted to the Ark for safety Let Duties have your diligence but not your confidence Self-denyal is via ad regnum there is no getting into Heaven but through this strait gate of self-denyal 2. The second means for the obtaining of the Kingdom is serious Consideration Most Men fall short of Heaven for want of Consideration 1. Consideration We should often consider what a Kingdom Heaven is 'T is called Regnum paratum a Kingdom prepared Matth. 25.34 which implyes something that is rare and excellent God hath prepared in his Kingdom such things as eye hath not seen nor ear heard 1 Cor. 2.9 Heaven is beyond all hyperbole In particular in this Coelestial Kingdom are two things 1. A stately Pallace 2. A Royal Feast 1. A stately Pallace 1. It is large and hath several stories for the dimensions of it it is twelve thousand furlongs Rev. 21.15 or as it is in some Greek Copies twelve times twelve thousand furlongs a finite number put for an infinite no Arithmetician can number these furlongs Though there be an innumerable company of Saints and Angels in Heaven yet there is infinitely enough room to receive them 2. The Pallace of this Kingdom is lucid and transparent 't is adorned with light 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The light is sweet Hell is a dark dungeon but the Pallace above is bespangled with light Col. 1.12 Such illustrious beams of Glory shine from God as shed a brightness and splendour upon the Empyrean Heaven 3. This Pallace of the Kingdom is well scituated for a good Air and a pleasant prospect There is the best Air which is perfumed with the odours of Christs Oyntments and a most pleasant prospect of the bright Morning-Star 4. The Pallace is rich and sumptuous it hath Gates of Pearl Rev. 21.21 it is enriched with white Robes and Crowns of Glory and this Pallace never falls to decay and the dwellers in it never dye Rev. 22.5 They shall reign for ever and ever 2. A Royal Feast It is called The marriage supper of the lamb Rev. 19.9 which Bullinger and Gregory the great understand of the magnificent Supper prepared in the Kingdom of Heaven A Glorious Feast it will be in respect of the Founder God the Glorified Saints shall feast their eyes with Gods Beauty and their hearts with his Love a delicious Feast it will be in respect of the festivity and holy Mirth What Joy when there shall be the Anthems and Triumphs of Glorified Spirits when Saints and Angels shall twist together in an inseparable union of Love and lye in each others sweet embraces a Royal Banquet it shall be where there is no surfeit because continually a fresh course served in The serious Consideration what a Kingdom Heaven is would be a means to quicken our endeavour in the pursuit after it What causeth Men to make Voyages to the Indies but the consideration of the Gold and Spices which are to be had there did we survey and contemplate the Glory of Heaven we should soon take a Voyage and never leave till we had arrived at the Coelestial Kingdom 2. Consideration How it will trouble you if you should perish to think you came short of Heaven for want of a little more pains The Prophet Elisha bid the King of Israel smite the ground six times and he smote but thrice and stayed 2 Kings 13.19 and he lost many Victories by it So when a Man shall think thus I did something in Religion but did not do enough I prayed but it was coldly I did not put coals to the Incense I heard the Word but did not meditate on it I did not chew the end I smote but thrice and I should have smitten six times had I taken a little more pains I had been happy but I have lost the Kingdom of Heaven by short shooting The consideration how terrible the thoughts of this will be that we should lose Heaven for want of a little more pains will be a means to spur on our sluggish hearts and make us more diligent to get the Kingdom 3. The third means for the obtaining this Kingdom is to keep up Daily Prayer Psal. 109.4 I give my self to Prayer Prayer inflames the affections and oyls the wheels of the endeavour Prayer prevails with God it unlocks his Bowels and then he unlocks Heaven all that have got to Heaven have crept thither upon their knees The Saints now in Heaven have been Men of Prayer Daniel prayed three times a day Iacob wrestled with God in Prayer and as a Prince prevailed this Prayer must be fervent else it is thuribulum sine prunis as Luther a Golden Censer without Fire O follow God with Prayers and Tears say as Iacob to the Angel Gen. 32.26 I will not let thee go except thou bless me Prayer vincit invincibilem Luther it conquers the Omnipotent Elijah by Prayer opened Heaven by ardent and constant Prayer Heaven is at last opened to us 4. If you would obtain the Heavenly Kingdom get a love to Heaven Love puts a Man upon the use of all means to enjoy the thing loved He that loves the World how active is he he will break his sleep and peace for it he that loves Honour what hazards will he run he will swim to the crown in Blood Iacob loved Rachel and what would not he do though it were serving a two seven years Apprenticeship for obtaining her Love carries a Man out violently to the Object loved Love is like Wings to the Bird like Sails to the Ship it carries a Christian full sail to Heaven Heaven is a place of Rest and Joy 't is Paradise and will you not love it Love Heaven and you cannot miss it Love breaks through all opposition it takes heaven by storm Love though it labour is never weary it is like the Rod of Myrtle in the Travellers hand which makes him fresh and lively in his travel and keeps him from being weary 5. If you would obtain the Kingdom of Heaven make Religion your business What a Man looks upon as
a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a thing by the by he doth not much mind If ever we would have Heaven we must look upon it as our main concern Other things do but concern our livelyhood this concerns our Salvation then we make Religion our business when we wholly devote our selves to Gods service Psal. 139.18 we count those the best hours which are spent with God we give God the cream of our affections the flower of our time and strength we traffique in Heaven every day we are Merchants for the Pearl of price He will never get an Estate who doth not mind his Trade he will never get heaven who doth not make Religion his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his main business 6. If you would obtain the Kingdom of Heaven bind your hearts to God by sacred Vowes Vow to the Lord that by his Grace you will be more intent upon heaven than ever Psal. 56.12 Thy vowes are upon me O God A Vow binds the Votary to Duty he looks upon himself as obliged by his Vow to cleave to God Bees when they fly in a great Wind ballast themselves with little stones that they may not be carried away with the Wind so we must fortifie our selves with strong Vowes that we may not be carried away from God with the violent wind of temptation No question a Christian may make such a Vow because the ground of it is Morally good he vowes nothing but what he is bound to do by vertue of his Baptismal Vow namely to walk with God more closely and to pursue heaven more vigorously 7. If you would obtain the Kingdom embrace all seasons and opportunities for your Souls Eph. 5.15 Redeeming the time Opportunity is the cream of time the improving the seasons of Grace is as much as our Salvation is worth The Marriner by taking the present season while the Wind blowes gets to the haven by taking the season while we have the means of Grace and the wind of the Spirit blowes we may arrive at the Kingdom of heaven We know not how long we shall enjoy the Gospel the seasons of Grace like Noahs Dove come with an Olive-branch in their mouth but they soon take Wings and fly Though they are sweet yet swift God may remove the Golden Candlestick from us as he did from the Churches of Asia We have many sad symptoms Gray hairs are here and there upon us Hos. 7.9 therefore let us lay hold upon the present season they that sleep in Seed-time will beg in Harvest 8. If you would go to the Kingdom of Heaven you must excubias agere keep a daily Watch Mark 13.37 I say unto all watch Many have lost Heaven for want of watchfulness Our hearts are ready to decoy us into sin and the Devil lyes in ambush by his temptations we must every day set a spy and keep centinel in our Souls Hab. 2.1 I will stand upon my watch 1. We must watch our Eyes Iob 31.1 I made a covenant with my eyes Much Sin comes in by the eye When Eve saw the tree was good for food and pleasant to the eyes then she took Gen. 3.6 First she looked and then she lusted the eye by beholding an impure Object sets the heart on fire the Devil oft creeps in at the window of the eye Watch your eyes 2. Watch your Ear. Much Poyson is conveyed through the ear Let your ear be open to God and shut to Sin 3. Watch your Hearts We watch suspicious persons The heart is deceitful Ier. 17.9 Watch your heart 1. When you are about holy things it will be stealing out to vanity When I am at Prayer saith S. Hierom Aut per porticum deambulo aut de foenore computo either I am walking through Galleries or casting up Accompts 2. Watch your heart when you are in Company The Basilisk poysons the herbs he breaths on the breath of the wicked is infectious Nay watch your hearts when you are in good Company such as have some good in them yet may be some grains too light they may have much levity of Discourse and if no scum boils up yet too much froth The Devil is subtle and he can as well creep into the Dove as he did once into the Serpent Satan tempted Christ by an Apostle 3. Watch your hearts in Prosperity now you are in danger of Pride The higher the Water of the Thames riseth the higher the Boat is lifted up the higher that Mens Estates rise the higher their Hearts are lifted up in Pride In Prosperity you are in danger not only to forget God but to lift up the heel against him Deut. 32.15 Iesurun waxed fat and kicked It is hard to carry a full Cup without spilling and to carry a full prosperous Estate without sinning Turpi fregerunt saecula luxu divitiae molles Sen. Trag. Sampson fell asleep in Dalilahs lap many have fallen so fast asleep in the lap of Prosperity that they have never awaked till they have been in Hell 4. Watch your hearts after holy Duties When Christ had been Praying and Fasting then the Devil tempted him Mat. 4.23 After our combating with Satan in Prayer we are apt to grow secure and put our Spiritual Armour off and then the Devil falls on and wounds us O if you would get Heaven be alwayes upon your Watch-tower set a spy keep close centinel in your Souls Who would not watch when it is for a Kingdom 9. If you would arrive at the Heavenly Kingdom get those three Graces which will undoubtedly bring you thither 1. Divine Knowledge There 's no going to Heaven blindfold In the Creation Light was the first thing which was made so 't is in the new Creation Knowledge is the Pillar of Fire which goes before us and lights us into the Heavenly Kingdom 'T is light must bring us to the inheritance in light Col. 1.12 2 Faith Faith ends in Salvation 1 Pet. 1.9 Receiving the end of your faith Salvation He who believes is as sure to go to Heaven as if he were in Heaven already Acts 16.31 Faith toucheth Christ and can he miss of Heaven who toucheth Christ Faith unites to Christ and shall not the Members be where the Head is All have not the same degree of Faith we must distinguish between the direct act of Faith and the reflex act Affiance and Assurance yet the least seed and spark of Faith gives an undoubted title to the Heavenly Kingdom I am justified because I believe not because I know I believe 3. Love to God Heaven is prepared for those that love God 1 Cor. 2.9 Love is the Soul of Obedience the Touchstone of Sincerity By our loving God we may know he loves us 1 Iohn 4.19 and those whom God loves he will lay in his bosom Ambrose in his Funeral Oration for Theodosius brings in the Angels hovering about his departing Soul and being ready to carry it to Heaven asked him What that Grace was he had practised most upon Earth Theodosius
a means to bring us thither 18. The last means for obtaining the Heavenly Kingdom is Perseverance in Holiness Rev. 2.10 Be thou faithful unto death and thou shalt receive the Crown of Life In Christians non initia sed finis laudantur Hierom. 1. Is there such a thing as persevering 2. How doth a Christian come to persevere 3. What are the Incouragements 4. What Helps 1. Is there such a thing as persevering till we come to Heaven The Arminians deny it and truly that any one holds out to the Kingdom is a wonder if you consider 1. What a world of Corruption is mingled with Grace Grace is apt to be stifled as the Coal to be choaked with its own ashes Grace is oft like a Spark in the Sea 't is a wonder it is not quenched 'T is a wonder sin doth not do to Grace as sometime the Nurse to the Child overlay it that it dye so that this Infant of Grace is not smothered 2. The Implacable malice of Satan he denies that we should have a Kingdom when he himself is cast out it cuts him to the heart to see a piece of dust and clay be made a bright Star in Glory and he himself an Angel of Darkness he will Acheronta movere move all the Powers of Hell to hinder us from the Kingdom he spits his Venome shoots his fiery Darts raiseth a storm of persecution yea and prevails against some Rev. 12.4 There appeared a great red Dragon and his Tail drew the third part of the Stars of Heaven and did cast them to the Earth By the Dragon is meant the Heathenish Empire now when his Tail cast so many to the Earth it is a wonder that any of the Stars keep fixed in their Orb. 3. The Blandishments of Riches The Young man in the Gospel went very far thou art not far from the Kingdom of God but he had rich Possessions and these golden weights hindred him from the Kingdom Luke 18.23 Ionathan pursued the Battle till he came at the Honey-comb and then he stood still 1 Sam. 14.27 Many are forward for Heaven till they tast the sweetness of the World but when they come at the Honey-comb then they stand still and go no further Faenus pecuniae funus animae Those who have escaped the Rocks of gross sins yet have been cast away upon the Golden Sands What a wonder therefore that any doth hold on till he comes to the Kingdom 4. A wonder any holds out in Grace and doth not tire in his march to Heaven if you consider the difficulty of a Christians Work he hath no time to lye fallow he is either watching or fighting nay a Christian is to do those Duties which to the eye of sence and reason seem inconsistent While a Christian doth one duty he seems to cross another e. g. he must come with holy boldness to God in Prayer yet must serve him with fear he must mourn for sin yet rejoyce he must be contented yet covet 1 Cor. 12.32 contemn Mens Impieties yet reverence their Authority What difficult work is this a wonder any Saint arrives at the Heavenly Kingdom to this I might add the evil Examples abroad which are so atractive we may say the Devils are come among us in the likeness of Men what a wonder is it that any Soul perseveres till it comes to the Kingdom of Heaven but as great a wonder as it is there is such a thing as perseverance a Saints perseverance is built upon three immutable Pillars 1. Gods Eternal Love We are inconstant in our Love to God but he is not so in his Love to us Ier. 31.9 I have loved thee with an everlasting Love a havath gnolam with a Love of Eternity Gods Love to the Elect is not like a Kings Love to his Favourite when it is at the highest Spring-Tide it soon ebbs but Gods Love is eternized God may desert not disinherit he may change his Love into a Frown not into hatred he may alter his Providence not his decree When once the Sun-shine of Gods Electing Love is risen upon the Soul it never sets finally 2. A Saints Perseverance is built upon the Covenant of Grace 〈◊〉 a firm impregnable Covenant This you have in the words of the sweet Singer of Israel 2. Sam. 23.5 God hath made with me an everlasting Covenant ordered in all things and sure 'T is a sweet Covenant that God will be our God the marrow and quintessence of all Blessing and it is a sure Covenant that he will put his Fear in our heart and we shall never depart from him Ier. 32.40 This Covenant is inviolable cannot be broken indeed sin may break the Peace of the Covenant but it cannot break the Bond of the Covenant 3. The third Pillar Perseverance is built upon is the Mistical Union Believers are incorporated into Christ they are knit to him as Members to the Head by the Nerve and Ligament of Faith that they cannot be broken off Eph. 5.23 What was once said of Christs natural Body is as true of his mistical Body Iohn 19.36 A bone of it shall not be broken As it is impossible to sever the Leaven and the Dough when they are once mingled so it is impossible when Christ and Believers are once united ever by the Power of Death or Hell to be separated How can Christ lose any Member of his Body and be perfect You see on what strong Pillars the Saints Perseverance is built 2 Quest. How doth a Christian hold on till he comes to the Kingdom How doth he persevere Resp. 1. Auxilio Spiritus God carries on a Christian to perseverance by the Energy and vigorous working of his Spirit The Spirit maintains the Essence and Seed of Grace it doth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 blow up the Sparks of Grace into an holy Flame Spiritus est Vicarius Christi Tertul. 't is Christs Deputy and Proxy is it every day at work in a Believers heart exerting Grace into Exercise and ripening it into perseverance The Spirit doth carve and polish the Vessels of Mercy and make them fit for Glory 2. Christ causeth perseverance and carries on a Saint till he comes to the Heavenly Kingdom vi orationis by his Intercession Christ is an Advocate as well as a Surety he prays that the Saints may arrive safe at the Kingdom Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able to save them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the uttermost i. e. perfectly seeing he ever liveth to make Intercession for them that Prayer he made for Peter on Earth he prays now in Heaven for the Saints that their Faith fail not Luke 22.32 that they may be with him where he is Iohn 17.24 and sure if he pray that they may be with him in his Kingdom they cannot perish by the way Christs Prayer is efficacious if the Saints Prayers have so much force and prevalency in them Iacob had power with God and as a Prince prevailed Hos. 12.4 By Prayer Eliah unlocked
do but he cannot give him strength to work but God as he cuts us out work so he gives us strength Psal. 86.16 Give thy strength unto thy servant God not only gives us a Crown when we have done running but gives us legs to run he gives exciting assisting Grace Lex jubet Gratia juvat The Spirit helping us in our work for Heaven makes it easie If the Loadstone draw the Iron it is not hard for the Iron to move If God Spirit drawes the heart now it moves towards Heaven with facility and alacrity 10. The more pains we have taken for Heaven the sweeter Heaven will be when we come there As when an Husbandman hath been grafting Trees or setting Flowers in his Garden it is pleasant to review and look over his labours so when in Heaven we shall remember our former zeal and earnestness for the Kingdom it will sweeten Heaven and add to the joy of it For a Christian to think such a day I spent in examining my heart such a day I was weeping for Sin when others were at their sport I was at Prayer and now have I lost any thing by my Devotion My Teaâ—s are wiped away and the Wine of Paradise chears my heart I now enjoy him whom my Soul loves I am possessed of a Kingdom my labour is over but my joy remains 11. If you do not take pains for the Kingdom of Heaven now there will be nothing to be done for your Souls after death This is the only fit season for working and if this season be lost the Kingdom is forfeited Eccles. 9.10 Whatever thy hand findeth to do do it with thy might for there is no work nor device nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goest It was a Saying of Charles the Fifth I have spent my Treasure but that I may recover again I have lost my Health but that I may have again but I have lost a great many brave Souldiers but them I can never have again So other Temporal things may be lost and recovered again but if the term of Life wherein you should work for Heaven be once lost it is past all recovery you can never have another season again for your Souls 12. There is nothing else but this Kingdom of Heaven we can make sure of We cannot make sure of Life Quis scit an adjiciant hodiernae crastina Vitae tempora dii superi Hor. When our Breath goes out we know not whether we shall draw it in again how many are taken away suddenly We cannot make Riches sure it is uncertain whether we shall get them The World is like a Lottery every one is not sure to draw a Prize Or if we get Riches we are not sure to keep them Prov. 23 5. Riches make themselves wings and fly Experience seals to the truth of this Many who have had plentiful Estates yet by Fire or losses at Sea they have been squeezed as spunges and all their Estates exhausted but if Men should keep their Estates a while yet Death strips them of all When Deaths gun goes off away flyes the Estate 1 Tim. 6.7 It is certain we can carry nothing out of the World So that there is no making sure any thing here below but we may make sure of the Kingdom of Heaven Prov. 11.18 To him that worketh righteousness is a sure reward He who hath Grace is sure of Heaven for he hath Heaven begun in him A Believer hath an evidence of Heaven Heb. 11.1 Faith is the evidence of things not seen he hath an earnest of Glory 2 Cor. 1.22 Who hath also given us the earnest of his Spirit an earnest is part of the whole summe he hath a sure hope Heb. 6.19 Which hope we have as an anchor this anchor is cast upon Gods promise Titus 1.2 In hope of eternal life which God that cannot lye hath promised So that here is great encouragement to take pains for Heaven we may make sure of this Kingdom 13. The Kingdom of Heaven cannot be obtained without labour Non est ad astra mollis e terris viâ— A boat may as well get to land without oars as we to Heaven without labour We cannot have the World without labour and do we think to have Heaven If a Man digs for Gravel much more for Gold Phil. 3.14 I press toward the mark Heaven Gate is not like that â—â—on-gate which opened to Peter of its own accord Acts 12.10 Heaven is not like those ripe figs which fall into the mouth of the eater Nahum 3.12 No there must be taking pains Two things are requisite for a Christian a watchful eye and a working hand We must as Hannibal force a way to the Heavenly Kingdom through difficulties We must win the garland of Glory by labour before we wear it with triumph God hath enacted this Law That no man shall eat of the Tree of Paradise but in the sweat of his browes how then dare any censure Christian diligence how dare they say you take more pains for Heaven than needs God saith 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 strive as in an agony fight the good sight of Faith and these say you are too strict But who shall we believe an holy God that bids us strive or a prophane Atheist that saith we strive too much 14. Much of our time being already mispent we had need work the harder for the Kingdom of Heaven He who hath lost his time at School and often played truant had need ply it the harder that he may gain a stock of Learning he who hath slept and loytered in the beginning of his journey had need ride the faster in the evening least he fall short of the place he is travelling to Some here present are in their Youth others in the flower of their Age others have gray hairs the Almond tree blossoms and perhaps they have been very regardless of their Souls or Heaven Time spent unprofitably is not time lived but time lost if there be any such here who have mis-spent their golden hours they have not only been sloathful but wastful Servants how had you need now redeem the time and press forward with might and main to the Heavenly Kingdom 1 Pet 4.3 The time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles It may suffice us that we have lost so much time already let us now work the harder Such as have crept as Snails had need now fly as Eagles to the Paradise of God if in the former part of your Life you have been as Willows barren in goodness in the latter part be as an Orchard of Pomegranats with pleasant fruits Cant. 4.13 Recompence former remisness with future diligence 15. How uncomely and sordid a sloathful temper of Soul is Zeph. 1.12 I will punish the men who are settled on their lees Hebr. Hakkophim Coagulatos curdled on their lees Settling on the lees is an emblem of a dull unactive Soul The Snail by reason of its slow
attended the doing of our own Will and Happiness the doing of Gods Will 1. Misery hath alwayes attended the doing of our own Will Our first Parents left Gods Will to fulfil their own in eating the forbidden fruit and what came of it The Apple had a bitter Core in it they purchased a Curse for themselves and all their Posterity King Saul left Gods Will to do his own he spares Agag and the best of the Sheep and what was the issue but the loss of his Kingdom 2. Happiness hath alwayes attended the doing of Gods Will. Ioseph obeyed Gods Will in refusing the embraces of his Mistress and was not this his Preferment God raised him to be the second Man in the Kingdom Daniel did Gods Will contrary to the Kings Decree he bowed his Knee in Prayer to God and did not God make all Persia bow their Knees to Daniel 3. The way to have our Will is to do Gods Will. Would not we have a Blessing in our Estate then let us do Gods Will Deut. 28.1 3. If thou shalt hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God to do all his commandments the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all the nations of the earth Blessed shalt thou be in the city and blessed shalt thou be in the field This is the way to have a good Harvest Would we not have a Blessing in our Souls then let us do Gods Will Ier. 7.23 Obey my voice and I will be your God I will entail my self upon you as an everlasting Portion my Grace shall be yours to sanctifie you my Mercy shall be yours to save you You see you lose nothing by doing Gods Will this is the way to have your Will Let God have his will in being obeyed and you shall have your will in being saved Quest. How shall we come to do Gods will aright Answ. 1. Get sound knowledge we must know Gods Will before we can do it Knowledge is the eye to direct the foot of Obedience The Papists make Ignorance the Mother of Devotion but Christ makes Ignorance the Mother of Errour Matth. 22.29 Ye err not knowing the Scripture We must know Gods Will before we can do it aright Affection without knowledge is like an Horse full of metal but his eyes are out 2. If we would do Gods Will aright let us labour for self-denyal unless we deny our own Will we shall never do Gods Will. Gods Will and ours are like the Wind and Tide when they are contrary God wills one thing we will another God calls us to be Crucified to the World by Nature we love the World God calls us to forgive our Enemies by Nature we bear malice in our Heart Gods Will and ours are contrary like the VVind and Tide and till we can cross our own will we shall never fulfil Gods 3. Let us get humble Hearts Pride is the spring of disobedience Exod. 5.2 Who is the Lord that I should obey his voice A proud Man thinks it below him to stoop to Gods Will. Be humble the humble Soul saith Lord what wilt thou have me do He puts as it were a blank paper into Gods hands and bids him write what he will he will subscribe to it 4. Beg Grace and Strength of God to do his Will Psal. 143.10 Teach me to do thy will As if David had said Lord I need not be taught to do my own Will I can do that fast enough but teach me to do thy Will and that which may add wings to Prayer is Gods gracious Promise I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes Ezek. 36.27 If the Loadstone draw the Iron it is not hard for the Iron to move if Gods Spirit inable it will not be hard but rather delightful to do Gods Will. II. In this Petition Thy Will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven we pray that we may have Grace to submit to Gods Will patiently in what he inflicts The Text is to be understood as well of suffering Gods Will as of doing it so Maldonat and the most Judicious Interpreters I shall speak now of patient submission to Gods Will in whatever he inflicts Thy Will be done This should be the temper of a good Christian when he is under any disastrous Providence to lye quietly at Gods Feet and say Thy Will be done Quest. 1. What this patient submission to Gods will is not Answ. There is something looks like Patience which is not namely when a Man bears a thing because he cannot help it he takes Affliction as his Fate and Destiny therefore he endures that quietly which he cannot avoid this is rather Necessity than Patience Quest. 2. What it is may stand with patient submission to Gods Will Answ. 1. A Christian may be sensible of Affliction yet patiently submit to Gods Will We ought not to be Stoicks insensible and unconcerned with Gods dealings like the Sons of Deucalion who as the Poets say were begotten of a Stone Christ was sensible when he sweat great drops of Blood but there was submission to Gods Will Matth. 26.39 Nevertheless not as I will but as thou wilt We are bid to humble our selves under Gods hand 1 Pet. 5.6 which we cannot do unless we are sensible of it 2. A Christian may weep under an Affliction yet patiently submit to Gods Will. God allowes tears 't is a sin to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without natural affection Rom. 1.31 Grace makes the Heart tender strangulat inclusus dolor weeping gives vent to sorrow expletur lachrymis dolor Ioseph wept over his dead Father Iob when he had so much ill news brought him at once rent his Mantle an expression of grief but did not tear his Hair in anger only Worldly grief must not be immoderate a Vein may bleed too much the Water riseth too high when it overflowes the banks 3. A Christian may complain in his Affliction yet be submissive to Gods Will Psal. 142.2 I cryed to the Lord with my voice I poured out my complaint before him We may being under oppression tell God how it is with us and desire him to write down our injuries Shall not the Child complain to his Father when he is wronged An holy complaint may stand with patient submission to Gods Will but though we may complain to God we must not complain of God Quest. 3. What it is cannot stand with patient submission to Gods Will Answ. 1. Discontentedness with Providence Discontent hath a mixture of grief and anger in it and both these must needs raise a storm of Passion in the Soul God having touched the apple of our Eye and smitten us in that we loved we are touchy and sullen and God shall not have a good look from us Gen. 4.6 Why art thou wroth Like a sullen Bird that is angry and beats her self against the Cage 3. Murmuring cannot stand with submission to Gods Will Murmuring is the height of impatience it
12.13 The Lord hath put away thy sin This could not but revive his heart and in token of joy he Anoints himself Philo saith it was an opinion of some of the Philosophers that among the Heavenly Sphears there is such a sweet Harmonious Melody that if the sound of it could reach our ears it would affect us with wonder and delight Sure he who is pardoned hath such a Divine Melody in his Soul as doth replenish him with infinite delight When Christ had said to Mary Magdalen Thy sins are forgiven he presently adds Go in peace Luk. 7.50 More particularly 1. Comfort God looks upon a pardoned Soul as if he had never sinned As the Cancelling a Bond nulls the Bond and makes it as if the Money had never been owing Forgiving sin makes it not to be where Sin is Remitted it is as if it had not been Committed Jerem. 50.20 So that as Rachel wept because her children were not so a Child of God may rejoice because his sins are not God looks upon him as if he had never offended Though sin remain in him after pardon yet God doth not look upon him as a Sinner but as a Just Man 2. Comfort God having pardoned sin will pass an Act of Oblivion Jer. 31.34 I will forgive their Iniquity and I 'll remember their sin no more VVhen a Creditor hath crossed the Book he doth not call for the Debt again God will not reckon with the Sinner in a Iudicial way VVhen our sins are laid upon the head of Christ our Scape-goat they are carried into a Land of forgetfulness 3. Comfort The pardoned soul is for ever secured from the wrath of God How terrible is God's wrath Psal. 90.11 Who knows the power of thine anger If a spark of God's Wrath when it lights into a Mans Conscience fills it with such horror as in the case of Spira then what is it to be always scorching in that Torrid Zone to lie upon Beds of Flames Now from this avenging Wrath of God every pardoned Soul is freed Though he may tast of the bitter Cup of Affliction yet he shall never drink of the Sea of God's Wrath Rom. 5.9 Being justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him Christ's blood quencheth the flames of Hell 4. Comfort Sin being pardoned Conscience hath no more authority to accuse Conscience roars against the Unpardoned Sinner but it hath nothing to do to Terrifie or Accuse him that is pardoned God hath discharged the sinner and if the Creditor discharge the Debtor what hath the Sergeant to do to Arrest him The truth is if God Absolve Conscience if rightly informed Absolves If once God saith Thy sins are pardoned Conscience saith Go in peace If the Sky be clear and no storms blow there then the Sea is calm If all be clear above and God shine with pardoning Mercy upon the Soul then Conscience is calm and serene 5. Comfort Nothing that befals a pardoned Soul shall hurt him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Psal. 90.10 No evil shall touch thee That is no destructive evil Every thing to a wicked Man is hurtful Good things are for his hurt His very blessings are turned into a curse Mal. 2.2 I will curse your blessings Riches and Prosperity do him hurt They are not mâ—nera but insidiae Sen. Golden snares Eccles. 5.13 Riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt Like Haman's Banquet which did usher in his Funeral Ordinances do a sinner hurt they are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Savour of Death 2 Cor. 2.16 Cordials themselves kill The best things hurt the wicked but the worst things which befal a pardoned Soul shall do him no hurt the Sting the Poison the Curse is gone His Soul is no more hurt than David hurt Saul when he cut off the Lap of his Garment 6. To a pardoned Soul every thing hath a Commission to do him Good Afflictions shall do him good Poverty Reproach Persecution Gen. 50.20 Ye thought evil against me but God meant it unto good As the Elements though of contrary qualities yet God hath so tempered them that they work for the good of the Universe So the most cross Providences shall work for good to a pardoned Soul Correction shall be a Corrosive to eat out sin it shall cure the swelling of Pride the Feaver of Lust the Dropsie of Avarice it shall be a Refining Fire to purifie Grace and make it sparkle as Gold 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrisostom Every cross-Providence to a pardon'd Soul shall be like Paul's Euroclidon or cross-wind Acts 27. which though it broke the Ship yet Paul was brought to shore upon the broken pieces 7. A pardoned Soul is not onely exempted from Wrath but invested with Dignity as Ioseph was not onely freed from Prison but advanced to be Second Man in the Kingdom A Pardon'd Soul is made a Favourite of Heaven A King may pardon a Traitor but will not make him one of his Privy-Council but whom God Pardons he receives into Favour I may say to him as the Angel to V. Mary Luk. 1.30 Thou hast found favour with God Hence such as are forgiven are said to be Crowned with Loving-kindness Psal. 103.3 4. Whom God pardons he Crowns Whom God Absolves he marries himself to Jer. 3.12 I am merciful and I will not keep anger for ever there is Forgiveness and in the 14th Verse I am Married to you and he who is Match'd into the Crown of Heaven is as rich as the Angels as rich as Heaven can make him 8. Sin being pardon'd we may come with humble boldness to God in Prayer Guilt makes us afraid to go to God Adam having sinn'd Gen. 3.10 I was afraid and hid my self Guilt clips the wings of Prayer it fills the Face with blushing but Forgiveness breeds confidence we may look upon God as a Father of Mercy holding forth a Golden Scepter he that hath got his pardon can look upon his Prince with comfort 9. Forgiveness of Sin makes our Services acceptable God takes all we do in good part A guilty person nothing he doth pleaseth God His Prayer is turned into sin but when sin is pardoned now God accepts our offering We read of Ioshua standing before the Angel of the Lord. * Ioshua was clothed with filthy garments Zach. 3.3 that is he was guilty of divers sins now saith the Lord Vers. 4. Take away his filthy Garments I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee and then he stood and Ministred before the Lord and his Services were accepted 10. Forgiveness of sin is the Sawce which sweetens all the comforts of this life As guilt imbitters our comforts it puts Wormwood into our Cup so pardon of Sin sweetens all it is like Sugar to Wine Health and Pardon Estate and Pardon relisheth well Pardon of sin gives a Sanctified Title and a delicious tast to every comfort As Naaman said to Gehazi 2 King 5.23 Take two Talents So saith God to the Pardoned Soul Take
cast his skin but he eats it up again In this be not like the Serpent to forsake Sin and then take it up again 2 Pet. 2.22 It is happened according to the Proverb the Dog is returned to his own Vomit again such were Demas and Iulian. Many after a Divorce espouse their Sins again as if one's Ague should leave him a while and then come again The Devil seemed to be cast out but comes the second Time and the end of that Man is worse than his beginning Luk. 11.24 because his Sin is greater he sins knowingly and wilfully and his Damnation will be greater 10. Serpents are great Lovers of Wine Pliny who writes of Natural History saith if Serpents come where Wine is they drink insatiably In this be not like the Serpent though the Scripture allows the use of Wine 1 Tim. 5.23 yet it forbids the excess Eph. 5.18 Be not drunk with Wine wherein is excess be not like the Serpents in this Lovers of Wine Because this Sin of Drunkenness doth so abound in this Age I shall enlarge something more on this Head 'T is said of the Old World They eat they drank till the Flood came Luk. 17.27 Drinking is not a Sin but the meaning is they drank to intemperance they disordered themselves with Drink and God let them have Liquor enough first they were drowned in Wine and then in Water There is no Sin which doth more deface God's Image than Drunkenness it disguiseth a Person and doth even unman him Drunkenness makes him have the Throat of a Fish the Belly of a Swine and the Head of an Ass Drunkenness is the Shame of Nature the Extinguisher of Reason the Shipwrack of Chastity and the Murder of Conscience Drunkenness is hurtful for the Body The Cup kills more than the Cannon it causeth Dropsies Catarrhs Apoplexies Drunkenness fills the Eyes with Fire and the Legs with Water and turns the Body into an Hospital but the greatest hurt is that it doth to the Soul Excess of Wine breeds the Worm of Conscience The Drunkard is seldom reclaimed by repentance and the ground of it is partly because by this Sin the Senses are so inchanted Reason so impaired and Lust so inflamed and partly it is judicial the Drunkard being so besotted with this Sin God saith of him as of Ephraim Hos. 4.17 Ephraim is joyned to Idols let him alone so this Man is joyned to his Cups let him alone let him drown himself in Liquor till he scorch himself in Fire How many Woes hath God pronounced against this Sin Isa. 28.1 Woe to the Drunkards of Ephraim Joel 1.5 Howl ye Drinkers of Wine Drunkenness excludes a Person from Heaven 1 Cor. 6.10 Drunkards shall not inherit the Kingdom of God A Man cannot go to Heaven reeling King Solomon makes an oration full of Invectives against this Sin Prov. 23.29 Who hath Woe Who hath Contentions Who hath Babling Who hath redness of Eyes they that tarry long at the Wine Who hath Contentions Drink when abused breeds Quarrels it causeth Duels Who hath Babling When one is in Drink his Tongue runs he will reveal any Secrets of his Friend Who hath redness of Eyes Redness of Eyes comes sometimes from Weeping but too often from drinking And what is the Issue verse 32. at last the Wine bites like a Serpent and stingeth like an Adder The Wine smiles in the Glass but stings in the Conscience Drunkenness is a Sin against all the Ten Commandments 1. Drunkenness casts off the true God Hos. 4.11 Wine takes away the Heart It takes the Heart off from God 2. It makes the Belly a God Phil. 3.19 To this the Drunkard pours Drink-Offerings there 's a breach of the Second Commandment 3. The Drunkard in his Cups takes God's Name in Vain by his Oaths 4. The Drunkard makes no difference of Days he is seldom sober on a Sabbath he on that Day worships Bacchus 5. The Drunkard Honours neither his Natural Father nor the Magistrate his Civil Father he will be intemperate though the Laws of the Land forbid it 6. The Drunkard commits Murder Alexander killed his Friend Clitus when he was Drunk for whom he would have given half his Kingdom when he was Sober 7. The Drunkard's Wine provokes Lust. Austin calls Wine Fomentum libidinis the Inflamer of Lust. Nunquam ego ebrium castum putavi I never did believe a drunken Man to be chast saith St. Hierom. 8. The Drunkard is a Thief he spends that Money upon his drunken Lust which should have been given to charitable Uses so he robs the Poor 9. The Drunkard is a Slanderer he cares not when he is on the Ale Bench how he doth defame and belye others when he hath taken his full Cups he is now fit to take a false Oath 10. The Drunkard Sins against the Tenth Commandment for he Covets to get another's Estate by Circumvention and Extortion that he may be the better able to follow his drunken Trade Thus he Sins against all the Ten Commandments If this Sin of Drunkenness be not reformed I pray God the Sword be not made Drunk with Blood And whereas some will go to shift off this Sin from themselves that they are no Drunkards because they have not drunk away their Reason and Senses they are not so far gone in drink that they cannot go He is a Drunkard in the Scripture-sence who is mighty to drink Wine Isa. 5.22 He is a Drunkard saith Solomon that tarries long at the Wine Prov. 23.30 He who sits at it from Morning to Night that drinks away his precious Time though he doth not drink away his Reason he is a Drunkard that drinks more than doth him good and that though he be not himself drunk yet he makes another drunk Hab. 2.15 Woe to him that gives his Neighbour drink that puttest thy Bottle to him and makest him drunk Oh! I beseech you be not in this like the Serpent Lovers of Wine This I fear is one cause why the Word Preached doth so little good on many in this City they drink away Sermons they do as the hunted Deer when it is wounded runs to the Water and drinks so when they have been at a Sermon and the Arrow of Reproof hath wounded their Conscience they run presently and drink away those Convictions they steep the Sermon in Wine The Tavern-Bell doth more hurt than the Sermon Bell doth good Thus you have seen wherein we should not be like Serpents II. Wherein we should be like the Serpent and that is in Prudence and Wisdom Be ye Wise as Serpents The Serpent is a most prudent Creature therefore the Devil made use of the Serpent to deceive our First Parents because it was such a subtile Creature Gen. 3.1 The Serpent was more subtile than any Beast of the Field There is a Natural Wisdom and Subtilty in every part of the Serpent and we should labour to imitate them and be Wise as Serpents First The Serpent hath a subtilty in his
down in several Positions 53 Mercy of God Properties of it 55 Mercy of God what we must do to be interested in it 56 Mercy how many ways God is said to shew it 285 Mercy how we may know if it belong to us 287 How shall we do to get a share in it 288 Misery of Man by the Fall two-fold and what 86 Mistakes of Sin being pardoned when it is not 826 Moderation in what Cases 't is good 975 Moral Law is it still in force to Believers 270 Moral Persuasion not sufficient to convert a Sinner 979 Motions of the Spirit how they may be known from a Delusion 498 Motion how to know when it comes from our own Hearts and when from Satan 834 Murder how many ways 't is committed 360 Murder the heinousness of it ibid. N. Name of God how we may take it in vain 295 Natural Man's opposing Sin how it differs from the New Creature 's opposing it 982 Necessity why the Kingdom of Grace should be encreased 469 Neighbour how we may be kept from coveting what is his 388 New Creature what it is 977 The several Causes in it ibid. New Creature does God give a new Soul in it 978 New Creature what kind of Work it is ibid. New Creature the Counterfeits of it 979 New Creature how far one must put off the Old Man that he may be one 982 New Creature the necessity of being so 984 What we shall do to be so 985 O. Obedience how it must be qualified so as to be acceptable 242 Arguments or Incentives to it 244 Means in order to attain it ibid. Obedience perfect to the Moral Law cannot be given 388 Original Sin what Names it has 82 Original Sin has something Privative and Positive in it ibid. Original Sin the Vniversality of it 83 The Effects of it ibid. Original Sin why God leaves it in us after Regeneration 84 P. Pardon of Sin why so few seek after it 811 Parents how they should carry it towards their Children 357 Right Participation of the Sacrament is in three things 419 Peace the several kinds of it 207 Peace Spiritual whence it comes ibid. Peace whether graceless persons have it 208 False Peace the Signs of it ibid. True Peace the Signs of it ibid. How to attain it 210 Perseverance by what means effected 219 Perseverance of Saints how we may prove it ibid. Perseverance Motives to it 222 Means that may be used for it 223 Perseverance of Saints built upon three unmovable Pillars 493 People of God why so frequently in an afflicted state 260 People of God how he delivers them out of Trouble 263 Why he brings them out of Trouble 264 Pleasing God what it implies 60 Prayer what it is 421 Why made to God only ibid. What are the Parts of it ibid. The several sorts of it ibid. What Prayer is most like to prevail with God 422 Prayers in what order we must direct them to God 425 Praying in Faith what it implies 443 How we may know that we do so ibid. Pray in Faith how we may do it 445 Prayer a sovereign Means to elude Temptations 857 Power of God how it seen 43 Presumptuous sinning what it is 392 1001 Presumptuous Sin how we may keep from it 1007 Promises of God two things in them to comfort us 57 Properties of bad Debtors wherein we have them 803 Prosperity the danger of it 530 Providence of God That and What it is 69 Positions about it ibid. Providence of God how exerted towards Sin 70 Prudence and Holiness wherein a Christian joyns them together 973 Punishment of Sabbath-breaking 348 Q. Qualifications of our Intercessor what they are 103 Qualifications and Properties of the Kingdom of Heaven 476 Qualifications of God's Mercy 285 R. Redeemed how we shall know that we are of the number 123 Regenerate Person what Comfort he may have under the imperfections of his Obedience 390 Repentance the Counterfeits of it 401 Repentance the Advantages of it 403 How we may attain a penitential Frame of Heart 404 Repentance the Ingredients in it 806 Resignation to God's Will in Afflictions how it may be obtain'd 523 Resurrection by what Arguments may it be proved 235 Righteous shall they only be raised ibid. What Rocks of Support there are for tempted Souls 848 Rule of Obedience what it is 242 S. Sabbath why God appointed it 332 Seventh-Day Sabbath why we do not keep it 332 Sabbath why the first day of the Week substitute in place of it 332 Sabbath how we are to sanctifie it 334 Sacrament what Names and Titles are given it in Scripture 412 Saints in Glory whether know each other 232 Saints why God suffers them to be buffetted by Satan's Temptations 847 Sanctification what it is 139 The Counterfeits of it 140 Sanctification its necessity wherein it appears 141 What are the Signs of it 142 How it may be attained 144 Sanctified Persons have they all Assurance 201 Sanctified Persons whether they have such an Assurance as excludes all doubting ib. Sanctified Persons whether they have all true Peace 209 Satan's Temptation the Subtilty of it 80 Satan's Malice in Temptation 832 Satan's Diligence and Power in tempting 833 Satan's Subtilty in tempting 834 Satan comes upon us at two times in our weakness 836 Satan tempts five sort of Persons more than others 83â— Satan why he sets chiefly on our Faith 842 Satan by what Methods he disturbs the Saints Peace 846 Satan in what respect he is the evil one 876 Scriptures how proved to be the Word of God 13 Scriptures why called Canonical 15 Scriptures a compleat Rule ibid. Scriptures what is the main Scope and End of them ibid. Who shall have the Power of interpreting them ibid. Scriptures how should we so search them as to find Life 18 Seasons Satan tempts in 834 Seasons when God delivers his People out of Trouble what they are 264 Self-Murder how many ways one may be guilty of it 364 Self Examination what is required to it 416 What it is ibid. By what Rule it must be done ibid. Why it must be done before we approach the Lord's Table ibid. Servant how he must honour his Master 351 Serpents how we must be like them and wherein not 967 Sin committed in time why it should be punish'd to eternity 34 Sin the Evil of it obvious in its Original and Nature 76 In the Price paid for it and the Effects of it 78 Sin of our first Parents what it was 79 Sin why called a Debt 802 In what sence it is the worst Debt ibid. Sin how we may know that it is forgiven 819 Sin the Evil of it 860 Sin worse than Affliction 862 Sin how we may so reprove it as to love the Person 974 Sins how we may know they are pardoned 286 Sins of God's People more provoke him than those of the Wicked 874 Sin worse than Death and Hell 865 What Sins we should particularly take heed of 869 Socinians Error about the Second