how can a man be born when he is old can he enter the second time into his mothers wombe and be born V. 5. Jesus answered verily verily I say unto thee except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdome of God V. 6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit V. 7. Marvel not that I said unto thee ye must be born again Col. 1.21 And you that were somtimes alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works yet now hath he reconciled 1 John 3.4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the Law for sin is the transgression of the Law Lam. 3.39 Wherefore doth a living man complain a man for the punishment of his sins Jam. 1.14 But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own Lust and enticed V. 15. Then when Lust hath conceived it bringeth forth sin and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death Rom. 6.23 For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. 7.5 For when we were in the flesh the motions of sins which were by the Law did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death Mat. 25.41 Then shall he say also to them on the left hand depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his Angels 2 Thes 1.9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the Glory of his power 3. The blessed way found out and appointed by God for mans Recovery out of this miserable state which is by the undertaking and mediation of his onely Son Hos 13.9 O Israel thou hast destroyed thy self but in me is thine help Rom. 7.24 O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death V. 25. I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord so then with the mind I my self serve the Law of God but with the flesh the Law of sin Gen. 3.15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman and between thy seed and her seed it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus John 3.14 And as Moses lifted up the Serpent in the wildernesse even so must the son of man be lifted up V. 15. That whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have eternal life V. 16. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever beleeveth in him should not perish but have everlasting life Acts 4.12 Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved 1 John 4.14 And we have seen and do testifie that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us for it is written Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree John 6.35 And Jesus said unto them I am the bread of life he that cometh to me shall never hunger and he that beleeveth on me shall never thirst V. 51. I am the living bread which came down from Heaven if any man eat of this bread he shall live for ever and the bread that I will give is my flesh which I will give for the life of the world Col. 1.20 And having made peace through the blood of his Crosse by him to reconcile all things unto himself by him I say whether they be things in earth or things in Heaven John 4.42 And said unto the woman now we beleeve not because of thy saying for we have heard him our selves and know that this is indeed the Christ the Saviour of the world Acts 13.38 Be it known unto you therefore men and Brethren that through this man is preached unto you the forgivenesse of sins John 1.29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him and saith behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world 1 John 5.11 And this is the record that God hath given to us eternal life and this life is in his Son V. 12. He that hath the Son hath life and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life John 1.17 For the Law was given by Moses but Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ 1 John 2.2 And he is the propitiation for our sins and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world Heb 9.15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance CHAP. III. Concerning the Mediator between God and Man COncerning the Mediator between God and man Christ Jesus We must know and understand these seaven things 1. What manner of person he was He was God and Man in the same person The Eternal Son of God The second Person in the Trinity took to himself our humane Nature a humane soul and body and united it after a wonderfull manner to his Godhead And so God and Man became one person 1 Tim. 3.16 And without controversie great is the mystery of Godlinesse God was manifest in the flesh justified in the Spirit seen of Angels preached unto the Gentiles beleeved on in the world received up into Glory Rom. 9 5. Whose are the Fathers and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came who is over all God blessed for ever Amen John 17.5 And now O Father glorifie thou me with thine own self with the Glory which I had with thee before the world was Christ God Heb. 1.3 Who being the brightnesse of his Gloâ—y and the expresse Image of his Person and upholding all things by the word of his power when he had by himself purged our sins sate down on the right hand of the Majesty on high Heb. 13.8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday and to day and for ever 1 John 5.20 And we know that the Son of God is come and hath given us an understanding that we may know him that is true and we are in him that is true even in his Son Jesus Christ This is the true God and eternal life John 10.30 I and my Father are one John 8.58 Jesus said unto them verily verily I say unto you before Abraham was I am John 17.11 And now I am no more in the world but these are in the world and I come to thee holy Father keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given mee that they may be one as we are John 17.12 While I was with them in the world I kept them in thy name Those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost but the son of perdition that
turn again unto thee saying I repent thou shalt forgive him Concerning Faith in Christ Acts 16.31 And they said beleeve on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thine house 1 John 5.12 He that hath the Son hath life and he that hath not the Son hath not life V. 13. These things have I written unto you that believe on the Name of the Son of God that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the Name of the Son of God John 8.24 For if ye believe not that I am he ye shall die in your sins John 6.40 And this is the will of him that sent me that every one which seeth the Son and beleeveth on him may have everlasting life and I will raise him up at the last day V. 47. Verily verily I say unto you he that beleeveth on me hath everlasting life Eph. 2.12 At that time ye were without Christ being aliens from the Common wealth of Israel and strangers from the Covenants of promise having no hope and without God in the world V. 13. But now in Christ Jesus ye who somtimes were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ Eph. 2.8 For by Grace are ye saved through Faith and that not of your selves it is the gift of God V. 9. Not of works lest any man should boast John 12.44 Jesus cried and said he that believeth on me believeth not on me but on him that sent me V. 46. I am come a Light into the world that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darknesse Rom. 10.14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a preacher V. 17. So then Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God 1 Pet. 2.6 Wherefore it is contained in the Scripture behold I lay in Sion a chief Corner stone elect precious and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded John 4 42. And they said unto the woman now we believe not because of thy saying for we have heard him our selves and know that this is indeed the Christ the Saviour of the world Heb. 11.13 These all died in Faith not having received the promises but having seen them afar off and were perswaded of them and embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth John 1.12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his Name Gâ—l 2.20 I am crucified with Christ neverthelesse I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the Faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me Acts 15.11 But we believe that through the Grace of the Lord Jesus we shall be saved even as they Eph. 6.16 Above all take the shield of Faith wherewith ye shâ—ll be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked Heb. 6.12 That ye be not slothful but followers of them who through Faith and patience inherit the promises Rom. 4.2 For if Abraham were justified by works he hath whereof to glory but not before God V. 4. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of Grace but of debt V. 6. Even as David also describeth the blessednesse of the man to whom God imputeth righteousnesse without works V. 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief but was strong in Faith giving Glory to God Rom. 3.20 Therefore by the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight for by the Law is the knowledge of sinne V. 21. But the righteousnesse of God without the Law is manifested being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets V. 22. Even the righteousnesse of God which is by Faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe for there is no difference V. 23. For all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God V. 24. Being justified freely by his Grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ. V. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a Propitiation through Faith in his blood to declare his righteousnesse for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God V. 26. To declare I say at this time his righteousnesse that he might be just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus V. 27. Where is boasting then it is excluded by what Law of works nay but by the Law of Faith V. 28. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by Faith without the deeds of the Law Gal. 2.16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but by the Faith of Jesus Christ even we have believed in Jesus Christ that we might be justified by the Faith of Christ and not by the works of the Law for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified Phil. 3.9 And be found in him not having mine owne righteousness which is of the Law but that which is through the Faith of Christ the righteousnesse which is of God by faith Acts 13.38 Be it known unto you therefore men and brethren that through this man is preached forgivenesse of sins V. 39. And by him all that believe are justified from all things from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses Heb. 12.24 Unto Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things than that of Abel Gal. 3.20 Now a Mediator is not a Mediator of one but God is one Rom. 8.1 There is therefore no Condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit Rom. 5.1 Therefore being justified by Faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. James 2.22 Seest thou how Faith wrought with his works and by works was Faith made perfect John 16.27 For the Father himself loveth you because ye have loved me and have beleeved that I came out from God Jude 20. But ye beloved building up your selves on your most holy Faith praying in the holy Ghost V. 21. Keep your selves in the love of God looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life Concerning Holinesse and sincere obedidience Phil. 1.11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousnesse which are by Jesus Christ unto the Glory and praise of God Heb. 13.20 Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus that great shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting Covenant V. 21. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ to whom be Glory for ever and ever Amen Micah 6.8 He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord
the promise although he hath no assurance in himself how the Lord will dispose of him This is commonly called Faith of Adherence or Recumbency II. When a soul that hath thus cast himself on Christ reflects upon what he hath done and comparing it with the Gospel promises becomes by the assistance of the Spirit bearing witnesse with his Spirit confidently perswaded of his interest in Christ and that he shall be saved by him This is call'd Faith of Assurance Now the former is that Faith which is the Condition of the new Covenant by which a sinner is freely acquitted of all his sins and accounted as a righteous and just person in Gods sight To this Faith there are these six things required 1. A real firm belief of the truth of the Gospel a true historical Faith concerning Christs person undertaking and performance and that he came to be a Mediatour and Peace-maker between God and man 2. A deep sense and feeling of the heavy burden of sin with true sorrow and humiliation â—hereupon The soul is brought to see its undone condition by sin before it closes with Christ 3. A firm perswasion that there is no other way of salvation but by Christ alone 4. A clear knowledge that Christ is able to save to the uttermost all that come to God by him and willing to save and ready to receive such as do own him for the true Messias and unfeignedly give up themselves unto him 5. An earnest desire a real thirsting after an Interest in this Saviour 6. An actual giving up the soul to Christ depending on him wholly and alone for pardon and life firmly trusting in him to be justified sanctified and everlastingly saved by him This is the soul truly and really united unto Christ And being by Faith and Love thus joyned to the Lord as the Apostle speaks 1 Cor. 6.17 is one Spirit i. e. is governed by one and the self-same Spirit The Scripture sets forth this admirable spiritual union by these four earthly resemblances By the union 1. Of the Husband and Wife Eph. 5.23 The husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the Church and he is the Saviour of the body 2. Of the Head and Members Eph. 1.22 23. Hath put all things under his feet and given him to be head over all things to the Church which is his body 3. Of the stones in the bullding with the foundation whereon they rest and are built Eph. 2.22 In whom you also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit 1 Cor. 3.11 4. Of the Vine and the Branches John 15.5 I am the Vine ye are the Branches So that when we do willingly betroth our selves to Christ and consent to take him for our Lord and Husband and to be his loyall spouse when we are willing to be in subjection to him and to be ruled by him as the members of the body are by the head when we depend and rest and rely on him alone for our salvation as the stones rest on the foundation Lastly when we derive Grace and Holinesse from him as the branches derive juice vertue and sap from the root and stock and do bring forth fruits in him and to him then is there a real and spiritual union wrought between Christ and our soules Thus much concerning the Nature of saving Faith The Conclusions I shall lay down concerning it are these 1. Though Christ hath paid down a sufficient price on the Crosse for the ransoming and buying in of lost and undone sinners yet we are not justified and absolved from the guilt of our sins till we do actually close with him by Faith 2. True saving Faith is not a strong perswasion that all a mans sins are pardoned by Christ's Merits and that he is in Gods Favour and in a good state and condition For 't is evident many of Gods dear servants are exercised with doubts and feares concerning themselves and many Gracelesse wretches that never felt the burden of sin nor ever made much Conscience of walking holily are most confident of their own good condition Therefore this confident ungrounded perswasion cannot be true Faith for then hardnesse of heart would make the best Faith and he that could presume most and be most secure and free from doubts would be the truest believer For a man to be confident of his good condition while he lies under the power and reign of sin is the grossest unbelief in the world 'T is to believe the flat contrary to what God hath revealed in the Word 1 Cor. 6.9 Know ye not saith the Apostle that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdome of God Be not deceived neither fornicatours nor Idolaters nor adulterers nor effeminate nor abusers of themselves with mankind nor thieves nor covetous nor drunkards nor revilers nor extortioners shall inherit the Kingdom of God Therefore a confident resting on Christ for salvation if it be not a resting according to the Word will not serve the turn 3. Fiducially and savingly to believe on Christ is not an act of mans power but wrought in the soul by the Spirit of God who doth effectually enlighten perswade and draw the heart and assist and enable the soul to give up it self unto Christ Beg therefore the assistance of this blessed Spirit whom God hath promised to give to them that ask him Luke 11.9 And in the aid of his Grace give up thy self unfeignedly unto Christ to be justified sanctified and everlastingly saved by him 4. A true believer may fear and be in doubt that he hath not given up himself to Christ unfeignedly and this fear may proceed from the abundance of his love to Christ and earnest desire to be assur'd of an interest in him which makes him think he can never be certain enough of him Love is sollicitous and full of fears lest it should misse the person beloved 5. They that truly close with Christ do take him for their Lord as well as for their Saviour None come to Christ by Faith and savingly believe on him but they cleave to him by love also and live to him by obedience True Faith on Christ will beget love to Christ and love will bring forth obedience 6. The surest mark of true believing in Christ is a new and holy life 'T is the property of Faith to purifie the heart and so to work a change in the life and conversation Dost thou make Conscience therefore of all Christ's commands And art thou careful to refrain thy feet from every evil way Who ever is in Christ is a new Creature 2 Cor. 5.17 Hath the love of Christ shed abroad in his heart and that love constraines him to yeeld sincere obedience Hath the Spirit of Christ Rom 8.9 not only to comfort him but to counsel and direct him to lead him in the paths of truth and holinesse and to uphold him from taking any desperate and irrecoverable falls either in matter of judgment
or practise These are the Conclusions I come now in the third place to the Motives and Encouragements to believe in Christ 1. Consider for thy encouragement how able Christ is to save thee There is more merit in the Son of God to obtain our pardon than there is guilt of sin in us to merit condemnation For the person suffering being as to his God-head infinite and the merit and value of his sufferings depending on the dignity and worth of his person the satisfaction made must needs be infinite and so abundantly sufficient 2. Consider his willingness and readinesse to accept to mercy all poor humbled sinners that come unto him He never rejected any man that came unto him and acknowledged him for the true Messias and unfeignedly gave up himself to be saved by him His willingnesse to save sinners cannot but appear to thee if thou considerest these three things 1. His gracious words before he came into the world The Prophet in the person of Christ proclaims thus Isa 55.1 Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the waters c. 2. His free and general invitation when he was in the world John 7.37 In the last day that great day of the Feast Jesus stood and cried saying if any one thirst let him come to me and drink And Mat. 11.28 Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest 3. His great kindnesse to poor sinners expressed after his ascention and leaving the world Rev. 22.17 Let him that is athirst come and whosoever will let him take the waters of life freely That these were the words of Christ appeares v. 20. where 't is said He that testifieth these things saith surely I come quickly 3. Consider that to believe and rest on Christ crucified and to take him for our Lord and Saviour is to perform that act to which justification and remission of sins is promised John 3.16 God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life Christ and all his benefits are promised to a believing soul Wilt thou not therefore give up thy self to him 4. Consider 't is the duty of all truly humbled sinners to go to Christ and believe in him 'T is the duty of a sick man to apply himself to a skilful Physitian and as such an one must not destroy his own life by a wilful refusing the Physick that would cure him so neither must the humbled sinner destroy his own soul by refusing to close with Christ He must not add to all the rest of his sins unbelief and a wilfull neglect of Christ and the salvation by him purchased and so freely offered 5. Consider that the humbled sinner by believing in Christ does not only bring comfort and salvation to his own soul but also in an eminent manner brings Glory to God When thou though discouraged in thy self by reason of thy sins darest venture thy soul in the hands of Christ When thou makest thy way through all doubts scruples and misgivings of heart and takest Gods bare Word because he hath said it thereby setting thy seal to his truth and faithfulnesse and dost resolve to throw thy self on his free Mercy and Christ's Merits for pardon and life to lay thy soul at Christ's feet and to clasp about him though he kill thee This is an excellent and an heroical act of Faith which brings Glory to God as Abrahams Faith did Of whom it is said Rom. 4.20 That he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief but was strong in Faith giving Glory to God 6. Consider 't is the greatest folly and madnesse in the world for an humbled sinner not to close with Christ and commit his soul unto him What an irrational and unprofitable sin is unbelief If we go not to Christ Where can salvation possibly be had As those lepers reasoned 2 King 7.3 If we sit still we perish That person is sure to be damned that keeps off from Christ There is no way therefore for a poor sinner but to venture himself into the hands of Christ to give up his soul sincerely to him and to resolve with himself if I perish I will perish at his feet 7. Lastly If you think you have cause to fear that Christ is not yet yours and as yet you have no interest in him my advice is that you now go unto him now strike up the Covenant between him and you Defer no longer Let this be the marriage-day Now give up thy self unfeignedly to be pardoned sanctified commanded disposed of and everlastingly saved by him and rest assured he will on no terms cast thee out John 3.14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wildernesse even so must the Son of man be lifted up V. 15. That whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have eternal life V. 16. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life V. 36. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him John 5.40 And ye will not come to me that ye might have life John 6.37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out Phil. 3.8 Yea doubtlesse and I count all things but losse for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord for whom I have suffered the losse of all things and do count them but dung that I may win Christ. V. 9. And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the Law but that which is through the Faith of Christ the righteousnesse which is of God by Faith See more Scriptures concerning Faith p. 106. Covenanting with God Deut. 26.17 Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God to walk in his waies and to keep his Statutes and his Commandements and his Judgments and to hearken unto his voice Josh 24.21 And the people said unto Joshua nay but we will serve the Lord. V. 22. And Joshuah said unto the people ye are witnesses against your selves that ye have chosen you the Lord to serve him and they said we are witnesses CHAP. IV. Of the new Nature and reformed Life 4. HAving thus solemnly given up thy self to Christ labour to walk worthy of the Lord to all pleasing being fruitful in every good work Let it be thy daily care begging the assistance of the Spirit to enable thee to mortifie the old man to crucifie the flesh with its affections and lusts to weaken impair and destroy the dominion of the whole body of sin and to put on the new man that thou maist be strengthened furnished with all saving Graces to the practise of true holinesse without which no man shall see the Lord As Christ
from and inconsistent with the nature of these Graces There is a great deal of danger in mistaking about these things Therefore let them ask themselves seriously whether they do indeed understand that true repentance follows upon a clear and full conviction of the evil odiousnesse and filthinesse of sin as that which is contrary to Gods holy Nature and is flat rebellion against his Lawes and Authority as that which defaces his Image depraves defiles pollutes the soul weakens its powers disenables it for holy operations and conforms it to the Image of Satan Whether they rightly apprehend the danger desert and mischievous effects and consequents of sin how it exposes the sinner to judgments spirituall temporal and eternal Whether ever they apprehended their own deep guiltiness both of Original and a huge number of actual sins Whether there ever has been wrought in them any deep contrition and hearty sorrow for their sins and that upon Gospel-grounds because they have so exceedingly dishonoured God pierced our dear Lord and Saviour grieved the holy Spirit brought a stain and defilement upon their soules and rendred themselves justly liable to the wrath and curse of God Whether their hearts have been wrought to a hatred and loathing of sin and to a forsaking of every known sin and are now really turned unto God Whether they have cleerly and without guile of spirit confessed bewailed their sins unto God their particular known sins particularly and all secret undiscovered unknown sins with a general confession And here that the sick person may the better examine himself and awaken his Conscience and may understand in some measure the number of his sins the several kinds of them and the various waies of offending God let him consider and ponder seriously of the duties commanded and sins forbidden in the Law or ten Commandments and the special sins against the Gospel For the more particular his repentance is the more pungent and afflictive it will be and so the more sincere and effectual Of the duties commanded and sins forbidden in the Law or ten Commandments The first Commandment requireth us to own and acknowledge Jehovah to be the only true God and our God and to adore worship and glorifie him accordingly The sins against this Commandment are 1. Atheism not believing there is a God or so living as if there were no God in the world to be obeyed and worshipped 2. Idolatry in having or worshipping more Gods than one or any with or in stead of the true God praying or giving any religious worship to Saints Angels or any other Creature 3. All compacts and consulting with the Devil all resorting to Witches and Conjurers which is in effect to go to the Devil himself 4. Making men the Lords of our Faith Consciences 5. Ignorance misapprehensions misbelief concerning God not labouring after the true knowledge of God nor endeavouring to understand aright his nature properties and works 6. Infidelity not believing his word or not believing it effectually practically so as to live according to our belief not beleeving his threatnings so as to be afraid of them nor his promises so as to be invited by them unto obedience and newnesse of life 7. Diffidence and distrust of his care and providence not depending on him for the supply of our wants not looking up to him for a blessing on our lawful endeavours tempting him by using unlawful means in stead of waiting his leisure Creature-confidence trusting in wit wealth friends c. and thereby withdrawing our hearts and dependance from God 8. Want of love to God Not cleaving to him with a fervent love apprehending him the chief good not loving him for his own infinite excellencies and for his goodnesse to us not loving him with all our affections and might but loving our selves our pleasures or profits or credit before him inordinate setting our minds and affections on other things besides God 9. Want of zeal and forwardnesse to promote his Glory Lukewarmnesse indifferency in the things of God not sorrowing for those raigning sins whereby his honour is eclipsed 10. Not fearing God so as to keep from any wilful offending of him timorousnesse fearing man more than God by committing sin to shun some outward suffering 11. Not rejoycing in God nor in his waies and Worship counting his waies grievous and burdensom Apostatizing from him forsaking his Worship and Service 12. Presuming groundlessely on his mercy while we go on in any wilful sin or despairing of it so as to neglect duty 13. Unthankfulnesse for those great mercies he hath so freely bestowed upon us not acknowledging them or letting them slip by without any regard or notice being too apt to ascribe Gods blessings to our deserts or endeavours sacrificing to our own net to our own wit or parts not ascribing all Glory to God 14. Insensiblenesse under his judgments or discontent at his dispensations Impatience under his Fatherly chastisements not accepting the punishment of our iniquities without murmuring or repining not amending by his corrections but either fainting despairing and charging God foolishly 15. Not yeelding such sincere and universal obedience to him as we ought both in heart and life 16. Not having a high and an adoring esteem of God not demeaning our selves humbly before him according as our vilenesse and his infinite surpassing excellencies do require The second Commandment shews the manner how the true God must be worshipped and requires the observing and keeping pure entire all such religious Worship and Ordinances as he hath appointed in his Word Inward Idolatry is opposed to the first Commandment outward to this The true God is to be worshipped only in that way that he himself hath appointed Therefore Idolatrous and superstitious Worshippers of him he cals haters of him and expresses a very fervent zeal for his own Worship and a revengefull indignation against all false Worship as being spiritual whoredom The sins against this Commandment are 1. All will-worship superstition or corrupting the Ordinances of God by mans inventions 2. Making any Images for a religious use either of the true God or of false 3. Making any representation of God of all or any of the Three Persons in the Trinity either inwardly in our minds or outwardly in any kind of Image or likenesse of any creature whatsoever or worshipping of it or God in it and by it 4. Worshipping of God any way not agreeable to his Nature and not warranted by his Word which requires he should be worshipped in Spirit and Truth with uprightnesse and sincerity he being a spiritual and most pure Being without any visible form or shape Therefore all formality unspiritualnesse and meer bodily Worship is that which he cannot away with The third Commandment requires we should honour and reverence the most holy and glorious Name of God and that all his Titles Attributes Ordinances or whatever else he is pleas'd to make known himself by be holily and reverently used by us This Commandment
thee Psal 116.13 What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me V. 13. I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the Name of the Lord. V. 14. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people CHAP. XX. Of the Four last things Death Judgement Hell Heaven I. Of Death ONE of the main businesses of our life should be to prepare for death In order hereunto observe these directions First Meditate often and seriously on thy death and dissolution even in time of thy health Joseph of Arimathea made his Sepulchre in his garden that in the midst of his delights he might think of death Often retire and take thy self alone and walk in the valley of the shadow of death Do not start from the thoughts of it Do by thy soul when thou findest it shy of such meditations as we do by our horses that are given to boggle and start when we ride them when they fly back and start at a thing in the way we do not yield to their fear and go back that will make them worse another time but we ride them up close to that they are afraid of and so in time break them of that ill quality So do thou bring up thy heart and inure it to look upon death and to handle that Serpent Consider death is making its approaches to thee and may be upon thee before thou art aware O therefore prepare for it that when it comes and attaches thee thou maist be found in such a gracious state with such a frame of Spirit and walking in such a holy way of life that thou maist bid it welcom and be able to say with blessed Paul I desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ The frequent meditation of death will be an excellent means 1. To quicken thy soul to a deep humiliation and repentance for thy past sins 2. To represse the eager and insatiable desire of riches and the love of this world 3. To antidote thee against sin for time to come 4. To make thee improve time and carefully to work out thy salvation Think often of death and it will keep worse company from thee Secondly Labour to take away from thy own death the power and strength thereof The Philistims seeing Sampson so exceeding strong laboured to know wherein his power and strength principally consisted and when they understood it to lie in the hair of his head they ceased not till it was cut Consider therefore wherein the strength of death lies The Spirit of God teacheth us that in 1 Cor. 15.56 The sting of death is sin The power and force and sting of every mans particular death lies in his own sins Death cannot hurt us but by the force of our own sins A man may safely handle a Serpent when the sting is out If death be disarmed of its sting and poyson it cannot hurt us It concerns us therefore to use effectual means that our sins may be removed and pardoned and to labour before we die to abolish the strength of death Now the way to do this is 1. To humble our souls unfeignedly before the Lord and to repent of all our sins 2. To fly to Christ and to close with him for pardon and Grace 3. In the strength of his Grace to amend our lives and to walk in the waies of holinesse The sting of death is taken away by Christ Jesus as to all real converts and true believers so that it cannot hurt them nay will be an advantage to them It will be only a dark and short passage to a glorious Palace to the blisseful mansions above So that they may triumph as Paul did O death where is thy sting O grave where is thy victory Thanks be to God who giveth us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. But now to all impenitent unpardoned sinners how deadly how incurable is the sting of death Death is death with a witnesse and Hell into the bargain to them that die in their sins No sight in the world more dreadful than to see a dying sinner with his Conscience newly awakened conflicting with death and sin and the Law and Gods Curse together O how sad how intollerably sad is it to see a man that hath gone on in a long carelesse obstinate course of sinning now at the point of death to have his eies first opened and to see himself on the brink of the dreadful pit unavoidably falling into the lake of fire and brimstone To such a person death brings its poysoned arrow and executes him with its venemous sting Thirdly Give all diligence in this life to lay hold on eternal life 1 Tim. 6.12 That is to enter into the first degree of life eternal Eternal life may be look'd upon under three considerations As Initial as Partial as Perfectional 1. The eternal life initial is that which is obtained in this life and is an earnest of that which is to follow 'T is the life of Grace Of this our Saviour spake Joh. 5.24 Verily verily I say unto you he that heareth my Word and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but is passed from death to life And Joh. 3.36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life 2. The Partial life eternal is that which belongeth though to the nobler yet but to a part of man namely to the Soul The happinesse which the Souls of Saints enjoy between the time of their death and the last day is the partial life eternal 3. The Perfectional life eternal is that which shall be conferred on the Saints immediatly after the blessed reunion of their souls and bodies and that gracious sentence pronounc'd come ye blessed of my Father receive the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world So that we see we must in this world enter into the first degree of eternal life if ever we intend to be partakers of the other two We must be raised from the death of sin to the life of grace We must as the Apostle speaks Col. 1.13 Be delivered from the power of darknesse and translated into the Kingdom of our blessed Saviour We must with Paul be able to say Gal. 2.20 I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me i. e. By his Spirit guides and governs my will affections and all the powers both of my soul and body Whoever would be saved when he is dead must begin to be saved while he is living We must begin to live that blessed and eternal life before we die Fourthly Inure thy self to die to this world and the enjoyments of it every day more and more Paul tels us he died daily 1 Cor. 15.31 If we would learn to do so it would not be so hard to die when we come to it in good earnest Death is not so strong to him whose natural strength has been wasted with a long pining sicknesse as to
and were Created Heb. 11.3 Through Faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear Gen. 1.31 And God saw every thing that he had made and behold it was very good and the evening and the morning were the sixth day Psal 104.24 O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all the earth is full of thy riches Psal 19.1 The Heavens declare the Glory of God and the Firmament sheweth his handy-work Job 26.13 By his Spirit he hath garnished the Heavens his hand hath formed the crooked Serpent Job 33.4 The Spirit of God hath made me and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life Jer. 10.12 He hath made the earth by his power he hath established the world by his wisdom and hath stretched out the Heavens by his discretion Acts 17.24 God that made the world and all things therein seeing that he is Lord of Heaven and Earth dwelleth not in Temples made with hands Good Angels Job 38.7 When the morning Stars sang together and all the Sons of God shouted for joy Heb. 1.7 And of the Angels he saith who maketh his Angels Spirits and his Ministers a flame of fire Luke 2.13 And suddainly there was with the Angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God and saying V. 14. Glory be to God in the highest and on earth peace good will towards Men. V. 15. And it came to passe as the Angels were gone away from them into heaven the shepheards said one to another Let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to passe which the Lord hath made known unto us Acts 10.22 And they said Cornelius the Centurion a just man and one that feareth God and of good report among all the Nation of the Jews was warned from God by an holy Angel to send for thee into his house and to hear words of thee Psal 103.20 Blesse the Lord ye his Angels that excell in strength that do his Commandments hearkening unto the voice of his word 1 Tim. 5.21 I Charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the Elect Angels that thou observe these things without preferring one before another doing nothing by partiality Luke 15.7 I say unto you that likewise joy shall be in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance Dan. 7.10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him thousands of thousands ministred unto him and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him the judgment was set and the books were opened Psal 34.7 The Angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him and delivereth them Heb. 1.14 Are they not all ministring Spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of Salvation Psal 91.11 For he shall give his Angels Charge over thee te keep thee in all thy waies V. 12. They shall bear thee up in their hands least thou dash thy foot against a stone Mat. 18.10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones for I say unto you that in Heaven their Angels do alwaies behold the face of my Father which is in Heaven Gen. 48.16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil blesse the Lads and let my name be named on them and the name of my Fathers Abraham and Isaac and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth Acts 12.15 And they said unto her thou art mad but she constantly affirmed that it was even so then said they it is his Angel Psal 148.2 Praise ye him all his Angels praise ye him all his Hosts 1 Cor. 11.10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the Angels Mat. 4.11 Then the Devil leaveth him and behold Angels came and ministred unto him Luke 22.43 And there appeared an Angel from Heaven strengthning him Luke 16 22. And it came to passe that the beggar died and was carried by the Angels into Abrahams bosome the rich man also died and was buried Mat. 28.2 And behold there was a great earthquake for the Angel of the Lord descended from Heaven and came and rolled back the stone from the door and sate upon it V. 3. His countenance was like Lightning and his raiment white as snow V. 4. And for fear of him the Keepers did shake and became as dead men Mat. 24.31 And he shall send his Angels with a great sound of a trumpet and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds from one end of Heaven to the other Luke 20.35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world and the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage V. 36. Neither can they die any more for they are equal unto the Angels and are the children of God being the children of the resurrection Matth. 22.30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are as the Angels of God in heaven Devils 2 Pet. 2.4 For if God spared not the Angels that sinned but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness to be reserved unto judgement Jude v. 6. And the Angels which kept not their first estate but left their own habitation he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darknesse unto the judgement of the great day Matth. 25.41 Then shall he say also to them on his left hand depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels 1 Tim. 3.6 Not a novice lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil 2 Tim. 2.26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil who are taken captive by him at his will Ephes 6.12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities against powers against the rulers of the darknesse of this world against spirituall wickednesse in high places V. 14. Stand therefore having your loins girt about with truth and having on the brest plate of righteousness John 8.44 Ye are of your father the devil and the lusts of your father ye will do He was a murderer from the beginning and abode not in the truth because there is no truth in him when he speaketh a lie he speaketh of his own for he is a Liar and the Father of it 2 Cor. 4.4 In whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which beleeve not lest the Light of the glorious Gospel of Christ who is the Image of God should shine unto them Eph. 2.2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world according to the Prince of the power of the Aire the Spirit that now worketh in the Children of disobedience Mat. 12.24 But when the Pharisees heard it they said this fellow doth not cast out Devils but
shall any man pluck them out of my hand V. 29. My Father which gave them me is greater than all and no man is able to pluck them out of my Fathers hand 1 John 3.9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin for his seed remaineth in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God Jer. 31.3 The Lord hath appeared of old unto me saying yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love therefore with loving kindnesse have I drawn thee Jer. 32.40 And I will make an everlasting Covenant with them that I will not turn away from them to do them good but I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me 1 Cor. 10.12 Therefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall 1 Pet. 1.5 Who are kept by the power of God through Faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time V. 9. Receiving the end of your Faith even the salvation of your Souls 2 Tim. 2.19 Neverthelesse the Foundation of God standeth sure having this seal the Lord knoweth them that are his and let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity Rom. 8.33 Who shall lay any thing to the Charge of Gods elect it is God that justifieth V. 34. Who is he that condemneth it is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for us V. 35. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ shall tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakednesse or peril or sword Rom. 8.37 Nay in all these things we are more than Conquerors through him that loved us V. 38. For I am perswaded that neither death nor life nor Angels nor Principalities nor Powers nor things present nor things to come V. 39. Nor height nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my Glory which thou hast given me for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world Luke 22.32 But I have prayed for thee that thy Faith fail not and when thou art converted strengthen thy Brethren 2 Theâ— 3.3 But the Lord is faithful who shall stablish you and keep you from evil Eph. 4.30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption Concerning the members of Christ John 15.1 I am the true Vine and my Father is the Husbandman V. 2. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away and every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit 1 Cor. 12.12 For as the body is one and hath many members and all the members of that one body being many are one body so also is Christ. V. 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body whether we be Jews or Gentiles whether we be bond or free and have been all made to drink into one Spirit 1 Cor. 1.2 Unto the Church of God which is at Corinth to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus Called to be Saints with all that in every place Call upon the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord both theirs and ours Rev. 7.9 After this I beheld and Lo a great multitude which no man could number of all Nations and Kindreds and People and Tongues stood before the Throne and before the Lamb clothed with white robes and with Palmes in their hands Rom. 11.16 For if the first fruit be holy the lump is also holy and if the root be holy so are the branches Eph. 2.19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and forreigners but fellow Citizens with the Saints and of the Houshold of God Eph. 3.15 Of whom the whole Family in Heaven and Earth is named Eph. 4.12 For the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ V. 13. Till we all come in the Unity of the Faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ Mat. 16.18 And I say unto thee that thou art Peter and upon this Rock will I build my Church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it Mat. 23.8 But be not ye Called Rabbi for one is your Master even Christ and all ye are brethren V. 9. And call no man your Father upon the earth for one is your Father which is in Heaven V. 10. Neither be ye called Masters for one is your Master even Christ. Concerning the new Covenant Heb. 8.8 For finding fault with them he saith behold the days come saith the Lord when I will make a new Covenant with the House of Israel and the House of Judah V. 9. Not according to the Covenant I made with their Fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the Land of Egypt because they continued not in my Covenant and I regarded them not saith the Lord. V. 10 For this is the Covenant that I will make with the House of Israel after those daies saith the Lord I will put my Laws in their mind and write them in their hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a people V. 12. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousnesse and their iniquities will I remember no more Mark 16.15 And he said unto them goe ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every Creature V. 16. He that beleeveth and is baptized shall be saved but he that beleeveth not shall be damned Jer. 31.31 Behold the daies come saith the Lord that I will make a new Covenant with the House of Israel and with the House of Judah V. 34. For I will forgive their iniquity and I will remember their sin no more John 3.16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever beleeveth in him should not perish but have everlasting life Heb. 9.15 And for this cause he is the Mediator of the new Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternall inheritance V. 16. For where a Testament is there must also of necessity be the death of the Testator V. 17. For a Testament is of force after men are dead otherwise it is of no strength whilst the Testator liveth Heb. 12.24 And to Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things than that of Abel Ezek. 36 26 A new heart also will I give you and a new Spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and will give you an
prepared for them that love him Mark 9.43 And if thy hand offend thee cut it off it is better for thee to enter into life maimed than having two hands to go into Hell into the fire that never shall be quenched V. 44. Where their worm dieth not and their fire is not quenched V. 45. And if thy foot offend thee cut it off it is better for thee to enter halt into life than having two feet to be cast into Hell into the fire that never shall be quenched Mark 9.46 Where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched V. 48. Where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched Jude 21. Keep your selves in the love of God looking for the Mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal Life 1 Tim. 1.19 Holding Faith and a good Conscience which some having put away concerning Faith have made shipwrack THE Second PART Concerning PRACTICE OR A DISCOURSE containing several usefull Directions to be Practised by those who seriously desire to save their SOULES CHAP. I. Of Consideration 1. AT convenient times use to be alone and laying aside all worldly cares businesses spend now and then a secret hour in strict Self-examining and Considering how the case stands between God and thy soul Ask thy self these two serious Questions First What is it thy heart is most set upon What is thy great care thy main designe What is it that doth most deeply and most frequently possesse thy thoughts What is it that thou dost most love and prize and most desire to enjoy Is thy mind so spiritually inlightened as to see the lovelinesse of God and the greatnesse and excellency of that Glory that is to be had with him so as the main drift and bent of thy heart is after the enjoyment of God and to be happy with him forever Or dost thou find that the main bent of thy heart is to the things of this World to the Profits the Pleasures the sensual satisfactions of this life and these things thou most mindest regardest and labourest for these thy thoughts and heart most run upon Secondly Ask thy self whether ever thou didst feel and apprehend thy self in a lost and undone condition by reason of thy sins Hast thou not seen thy selfe in danger of everlasting misery Hast thou ever put this serious question to thy selfe what shall I do to be saved Hast thou in this or the like manner ever discoursed with thy self O my soul how stands the case with me What am I Am I a true Convert a real Penitent a new Creature one born again Have I an interest in Christ And is my peace made with God through him or am I as yet in the state of Nature under the guilt of all my sins with the wrath of God abiding on me If so is this a Condition to be rested in Let me advise thee as thou lovest thy soul to deal faithfully and in good sadnesse with thy self Let me advise thee to review and seriously to reflect upon the whole course of thy life past And besides thy natural vilenesse Consider how many actual sins failings miscarriages and violations of Gods righteous Law omissions of good commissions of evil thou hast been guilty of in the several parts of thy life and in the several places where thou hast lived Believe it few people do reckon up one sin of ten that they are guilty of Allow thy Conscience therefore a liberty to speak freely to thee and to set thy sins in order before thee And if thou findest thy self for the present in a bad condition and that the case is not with thee as it should be consider whether it will not be an extream folly and madnesse to go on in that course not minding nor regarding speedily to turn to God and to settle the great affairs of thy soul while thou hast time O Remember remember thou hast a precious and immortal soul that must be shortly either in Heaven or Hell either in unconceiveable Joyes or in endlesse easelesse and remedilesse torments Doth it not therefore concern thee to consider and cast about how to attain the one and escape the other Doth it not behoove thee to look to the securing of the main Chance and to deliver thy self from the wrath to come Believe it nothing undoes mankind more than want of due and serious Consideration than want of frequent examining the state of their Consciences and often pondering and thinking of their everlasting Concernments 2 Cor. 13.5 Examine your selves whether ye be in the Faith prove your owne selves know ye not your owne selves how that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be Reprobates Psal 119.59 I thought on my waies and turned my feet unto thy Testimonies V. 60. I made hast and delaied not to keep thy Commandements Isa 1.3 The Oxe knoweth his owner and the Ass his masters Crib but Israel doth not know my people doth not Consider Deut. 32.29 O that they were wise that they understood this that they would Consider their latter end Hag. 1.5 Now therefore thus saith the Lord of Hosts Consider your waies Lam. 3.40 Let us search and try our waies and turn again to the Lord. Gal. 6.4 Let every man prove his owne work and then shall he have rejoycing in himself and not in another V. 5. For every man shall bear his owne burden Psal 77.6 I call to remembrance my song in the night I commune with mine own heart and my Spirit made diligent search Rom. 14.12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God Ezra 8.22 The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him CHAP. II. Of Repentance HAving seriously examined thy Conscience and impartially considered thy waies and course of life and the state of thy soul towards God The next duty I would advise thee beging the assistance of the Spirit of God to set upon the speedy practise of is true and serious and unfeigned repentance I shall therefore for thy benefit 1. Open the nature of true repentance 2. Give some directions about it 3. Some motives to it Repentance unto life is an Evangelical Grace wrought in the soul by the Spirit of God And the parts of it are these six 1. Conviction 2. Contrition 3. Hating and loathing sin 4. Confession of sin 5. Forsaking sin 6. Conversion and turning the bent of the heart towards God First Conviction The Spirit of God first opens a sinners eies before he breaks a sinners heart The soul of a true penitent is convinced and made apprehensive of these three things 1. The evil odiousnesse and filthiness of sin 2. The danger desert and mischievous effects and consequents of it 3. It s own deep guiltinesse both of Original and Actual sin I. The evil of sin appears in these seven particulars 1. 'T is contrary to Gods holy Nature 2. To his righteous Lawes 3. It
the world he declared that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his Name among all Nations beginning at Jerusalem Luke 24.47 3. The Angels in Heaven rejoyce at the repentance of a sinner Luke 15.10 Likewise I say unto you there is joy in the presence of the Angels of God over one sinner that repenteth 4. Consider who are for thy repentance and who are against it God the Father Son and holy Ghost good Angels and glorified Saints all good Ministers and sincere Christians are for it None but the Devil and his Instruments are against it And which of these two parties wilt thou encline unto 5. Consider 't is not onely a Gospel duty but a Gospel priviledge The Law allowes no place for repentance 'T is an high favour God will pardon us upon our repentance and Faith in his Son 6. Consider All will sooner or later commend true repentance Be not thou one of them that will commend it when it is too late 7. Consider there is no other remedy For Without RepentaÌ„ce t is not consistent 1. With Gods justice we should be pardoned though repentance does not satisfie his justice yet sins unrepented of continued in cannot be pardoned without injustice 2. With his Mercy God is very merciful but 't is to penitent humbled sinners not obdurate impenitent transgressours 3. With the undertaking of Christ who came to call sinners to repentance to seek save those that were lost in their own eies He was exalted to be a Prince a Saviour to give repentance remission of sins Act. 5.31 8. If thou dost seriously and in good earnest repent of all thy sins it will be a great foundation of comfort to thee in time of distress If the Devil in time of temptation or the hour of death shall bring thy sins to thy remembrance and charge them upon thy Conscience to drive thee to despair O what a comfort will it be if thy Conscience can then truly answer though I have been guilty of such and such sins yet through the riches of Gods Grace I have in time of my health particularly humbled my soul for them I have retracted and undone them again by a serious repentance Believe it he that has truly repented of all his sins and has the bent of his heart turned towards God and is walking in a new course of life a steady course of Godlinesse has a surer foundation of comfort in his own soul than if an Angel should come from Heaven and tell him he should be saved Upon all these considerations let me advise thee begging the assistance of the Spirit of God to set upon the speedy practise of this so great so necessary yea so comfortable a duty Let not the deceitfulnesse of sin the cunning of Satan the hope of long life a vain presumption on the Mercy of God or any mistakes or prejudices against the Doctrine of repentance keep the off but laying aside all pretences excuses demurs whatever set upon it seriously and speedily and thou wilt find thereby through the blessing of God abundance of ease comfort satisfaction and settlement to thy Mind and Conscience Psal 32.5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee and mine iniquity have I not hid I said I will confesse my transgression unto the Lord and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin Prov. 28.13 He that covereth his sins shall not prâ—sper but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy 1 John 1.8 If we say that we have no sin we deceive our selves and the truth is not in us V. 9. If we confesse our sin he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousnesse Psal 19.12 Who can understand his errours cleanse thou me from secret faults Psal 90.8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee our secret sins in the light of thy countenance Jam. 3.2 For in many things we offend all Job 13.26 For thou writest bitter things against me and makest me to possesse the iniquities of my youth Psal 38.4 For mine iniquities are gone over my head as an heavy burdeÌ„ they are too heavy for me Job 34.32 That whiâ—h I see not teach thou me if I have done iniquity I will do no more Psal 51.1 Have mercy upon me O God according to thy loving kindnesse according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions V. 2. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin V. 3. For I acknowledge my transgressions and my sin is ever before me V. 5. Behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me V. 7. Purge me with hysop and I shall be clean wash me and I shall be whiter than snow V. 9. Hide thy face from my sins and blot out all mine iniquities V. 10. Create in me a clean heart O God and renew a right spirit within me V. 11. Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thy holy Spirit from me V. 16. Thou desirest not sacrifice else would I give it thou delightest not in burnt offering V. 17. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit a broken and a contrite heart O God thou wilt not despise See more Scriptures concerning repentance pag. 102. CHAP. III. Of Faith in Christ. UPon serious consideration of the evil and danger of thy sins renouncing all Confidence in thy self or any thing thou canst do to procure thy pardon and peace with God deliberatly and advisedly betake thy self unto Christ Jesus the only Mediatour and Peace-maker between God and man who once offered up himself a sacrifice on the Crosse for sin and is now in Heaven making intercession and presenting the Merits of his Obedience Sufferings and Death in the behalf of all such who being lost and undone in themselves do flie to him for help and relief and take him for their only Lord and Saviour With judgment and understanding give up thy self to this Saviour Cast thy penitent soul at his feet Rest and rely on him wholly and alone to be justified acquitted and discharged of all thy sins by his Merits to be sanctified by his Spirit to be commanded and disposed of by him and to be enabled by his Grace to persevere in the waies of Truth and Holinesse all thy daies and at last to be brought to Eternal life Intrust all thy hopes of pardon only on him Enter into a real Covenant with him to be for ever his resolving to live and die his faithful Disciple and servant And because really to close with Christ and savingly to believe on him is a matter of such exceeding high Concernment I shall 1. Explain the Nature of it 2. Lay down some Conclusions about it 3. Give some Motives and Incouragements to it Know therefore there is a two-fold Act of Faith 1. Of Adherence 2. Of Assurance I. When a poor sinner doth cast himself wholly on Christ crucified for pardon and life upon the warrant of
desires Sighs and groans are the Language God understands When God meaneth to bestow any blessing he usually stirs up the hearts of his people earnestly to pray for it And the effusion of the Spirit of supplication that holy yet humble importunity that spiritual violence and wrestling and striving and pleading with the Almighty is a happy presage of an approaching blessing 8. Beg spiritual blessings and the things appertaining to the soul primarily and with greatest earnestnesse Beg temporall mercies and such as concern this life and thy welfare here with an humble submission unto God resigning thy will to his most holy will earnestly begging that what he sees not good for thee nor fit to be granted thee he would make thee willing and contented to be without 9. To supplication forget not to adde praises and thanksgivings to the Lord for all his benefits for his innumerable favours confer'd on thee in the course of thy life past and also for thy present enjoyments Especially quicken and provoke and awaken thy soul to lift up the high praises of God for his inestimable love in sending his Son to be a ransome for sin and sending his Holy Spirit to convince of sin and of righteousnesse and to perswade and enable thy heart to close with Christ And lastly upon the receipt of any new mercy and favour from God offer up a cheerful and hearty sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving in and through the mediation of Christ by whom alone our Persons and Sacrifices are accepted with God And to direct and quicken thee to this duty of rendring praises to the Lord Consider 1. That praise is Gods Tribute his Custom 't is all the Impost he sets upon his Blessings There are three things to be considered in a mercy 1. The mercy it self 2. The Comfort and sweetnesse that may be enjoyed in the use of it 3. The Glory Honour and Praise that is due for it The two former God freely gives us he only reserves the latter as a tribute and homage to himself 2. Praising God for former mercies invites him to bestow new mercies God will be bountifull to those that he sees thankfull and from whom he receives Glory and acknowledgment 3. Praising God is the beginning of Heaven 't is the employment of the holy Angels and glorified Saints there 4. To have a heart delighting in praising God is a great evidence in conjunction with others of sincerity self-love forceth prayer oftentimes from us but to praise God aright cometh from a more heavenly affectâ—on and a sanctified frame of heart 5. To set upon this duty of praising God is one of the best waies to mitigate any sorrowes that at any time are upon us If we can work our hearts to praise him for the mercies that are continued to us it will exceedingly abate the sense and feeling of any present Crosse or affliction that lies upon us 6. Consider who they are that are the most unthankfull to God even Devils and damned Spirits who are full of envy malice and pride they will not praise God but do wretchedly blaspheme him and wicked men who imitate their Father the devil And wouldest thou be like these Upon these Considerations stir up thy heart to be much in this heavenly duty of praising God and remember 1. To praise him with thy heart 2. To praise him with thy tongue 3. To praise him with thy life Let there be an abiding sense of his favours on thy heart and let thy life and conversation praise him also Let thy works praise him that others seeing thy good works may glorifie thy heavenly Father Labour to secure thy state in Grace and thy interest in Gods favour through Christ and then thou maist be assured that whatever God gives thee he gives it thee in pure love all comes swimming to thee in the blood of Christ and this Consideration will exceedingly raise thy heart to thankfulnesse and make thy tongue sound forth the praises of the most High These Directions may help thee in the performance of that great Christian duty of praier and thanksgiving After thou hast praied Consider 1. What thou hast praied for As before praier we should consider and labour to find out our wants So after prayer we should consider of our petitions and what we have begged of God 2. Humbly expect a gracious answer and return to thy praiers not for any worthinesse or desert in thy self or praiers but for Christ's sake alone 3. Serve Providence in the use of fair and lawful means for the attaining those good things thou hast prayed for 4. To Prayer add watchfulnesse If through Grace thy heart hath been wrought to a good temper and holy frame in prayer labour to keep it afterward labour to preserve those apprehensions and those affections in thy soul which thou foundest in time of prayer And therefore one well adviseth that for some little time after we have prayed we should keep our selves silent and quiet nor presently and in the next moment as some do but fair and softly removing our hearts from our prayers to our worldly businesses and occasions Zach. 12.10 And I will poure upon the House of David and upon the Inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of Grace and of Supplications and they shall look upon me whom they have peirced and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his onely Son and shall be in bitternesse for him as one that is in bitternesse for his first born Rom. 8.26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit it self maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered V. 27. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit because he maketh intercession for the Saints according to the will of God Eph. 3.12 In whom we have boldnesse and accesse with confidence by the Faith of him Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them John 14.13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my Name that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son V. 14. If ye shall ask any thing in my Name I will do it 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus John 16.23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing verily verily I say unto you whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name he will give it you 1 Pet. 2.5 Ye also as lively stones are built up a spiritual house an holy Priesthood to offer up spirituall Sacrifice acceptable to God by Jesus Christ Isai 48.17 Thus saith the Lord thy Redeemer the holy One of Israel I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldst go Psal 32.5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee and mine iniquity have I
not hid I said I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin Selah V. 6. For this shall every one that is Godly pray unto thee in a time that thou maist be found surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him Psal 17.1 Hear the Right O Lord attend unto my Cry give ear unto my Prayer that goeth not out of feigned lips Phil. 4.6 Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God Psal 65.2 O thou that hearest Praiers unto thee shall all flesh come Mich. 7.18 Who is a God like unto thee that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his Heritage He retaineth not his anger for ever because he delighteth in Mercy Psal 145.18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him to all that call upon him in truth V. 19. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him he also will hear their cry and will save them Psal 50.15 And call upon me in the day of trouble I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorifie me Dan 9.14 Therefore hath the Lord watched upon the evil and brought it upon us for the Lord our God is righteous in all his works which he doth for we obeyed not his voice Mat. 7.7 Ask and it shall be given you seek and ye shall find knock and it shall be opened unto you V. 21. Not every one that saith unto me Lord Lord shall enter into the Kingdome of Heaven but he that doth the will of my Father which is in Heaven 1 John 5.13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the Name of the Son of God that ye may know that ye have eternall life and that ye may believe on the Name of the Son of God V. 14. And this is the Confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us V. 15. And if we know that he hear us whatsoever we ask we know that we have the petitions we desired of him Psal 10.17 Lord thou hast heard the desire of the humble thou wilt prepare their heart thou wilt cause thine ear to hear Eph. 6.18 Praying alwaies with all praier and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereto with all perseverance and supplication for all Saints 1 Tim. 2.1 I exhort therefore that first of all supplications praiers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men V. 2. For Kings and for all that are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all Godlinesse and Honesty Jam 5.16 Confesse your faults one to another and pray one for another that ye may be healed the effectual fervent praier of a righteous man availeth much Maâ— 5.44 But I say unto you love your enemies blesse them that curse you do good to them that hate you and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you 2 Sam. 7.29 Therefore now let it please thee to blesse the House of thy Servant that it may continue for ever before thee for thou O Lord hast spoken it and with thy blessing let the House of thy servant be blessed for ever 1 John 5.16 If any man see his Brother sin a sin which is not unto death he shall ask and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto unto death there is a sin unto death I do not say he shall pray for it Gen. 18.27 And Abraham answered and said behold now I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord which am but dust and ashes Luke 18.13 And the Publican standing afar off would not lift up so much as his eies unto Heaven but smote upon his breast saying God be merciful to me a sinner V. 14. I tell you this man went down to his house justified rather than the other for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted Psal 51.17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit a broken and a contrite heart O God thou wilt not despise Job 22.27 Thou shalt make thy praier unto him and he shall hear thee aad thou shalt pay thy vowes 1 Sam. 1.15 And Hannah answered and said no my Lord I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink but have poured out my soul before the Lord. 1 Cor. 14.15 What is it then I will pray with the Spirit and will pray with understanding also I will sing with the Spirit and I will sing with the understanding also Mark 11.24 Therefore I say unto you what things soever ye desire when ye pray beleeve that ye receive them and ye shall have them Jam. 1.6 But let him ask in Faith nothing wavering for he that wavereth is like a wave of the Sea driven with the wind and tossed Psal 145.18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him to all that call upon him in truth 1 Tim. 2.8 I will therefore that men pray every where lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting Mat. 26.39 And he went a little farther and fell on his face and praied saying O my Father if it be possible let this Cup passe from me neverthelesse not as I will but as thou wilt Luke 11.13 If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your Children how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the holy Spirit to them that ask him Rom. 8.15 For ye have not received the Spirit of bondage again to fear but ye have received the Spirit of adoption whereby we cry Abba Father Acts 12.5 Peter therefore was kept in prison but praier was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him Mat. 6.9 After this manner therefore pray ye Our Father which art in Heaven hallowed be thy Name Luke 11.2 And he said unto them when ye pray say Our Father which art in Heaven hallowed be thy Name Thy Kingdome come Thy will be done as in Heaven so in earth Thanksgiving Col. 3.17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God and the Father by him Heb. 13.15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his Name Psal 67.2 That thy way may be known upon earth thy saving health among all Nations V. 3. Let the People praise thee O God let all the People praise thee Psal 86.12 I will praise thee O Lord my God with all my heart and I will glorifie thy Name for evermore V. 13. For great is thy mercy towards me and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest Hell Psal 103.1 Blesse the Lord O my Soul and all that is within me bless his holy Name V. 2. Blesse the Lord O my Soul and forget not all
as a Letter written by the hand of God from Heaven unto us If an Angel should bring us a letter from Heaven we should highly value it and regard it The Bible is a message sent from Heaven to acquaint us with the mind of God If we own the divine authority thereof let us read it with reverence and due regard 2. Beg the Spirit of God that endited the Scripture that inspired and infallibly guided and assisted the pen-men thereof to open thy eies to illuminate thy mind and to encline thy heart to a full belief and perswasion that it is the very Word of God and to bring over thy will to a sincere obedience and compliance with the will of God therein revealed 3. Remember that all things necessary to mans salvation are either expresly set down in the Scripture or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced there-from Unto which nothing is at any time to be added either by new revelations or traditions of men it being a perfect Canon a perfect rule of Faith and life St. John who outlived the rest of the Apostles sealed up the Canon Rev. 22.18 19. which was a great mercy to the world For God saw what a liberty man enclin'd to in divine things and therefore needed to be tyed up to a rule which here is given us There is enough delivered in the Scripture to make us wise unto salvation 2 Tim. 3.15 What should a Christian desire more and the Apostle tels us we ought to give heed thereto till the day-star arise in our hearts that is till we have full communion with Christ Mr. Manton on Jude For our reward in Heaven is expressed by the morning-star Rev. 2.28 To him that over-cometh I will give the morning-star 4. Take notice that those things that are necessary to be known believed and observed for salvation are so clearly propounded and opened in some place of Scripture or other that not only the learned but the unlearned also in a due use of the ordinary means God hath appointed may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them If there arise any question about the true and full sense and meaning of any Scripture it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly The certain rule of interpreting the Scripture is the Scripture it self The Scripture saies Camero is so penn'd that they that have a mind to know may know They that have a mind to wrangle may take occasion enough of offence and justly perish by the rebellion of their own reason for God never intended saith he to satisfie men of a stubborn and perverse wit And Tertullian long before him hath told us that God hath so disposed the Scripture that they that will not be satisfied might be hardened 5. And lastly Remember that the supream Judge by which all conâ—roveâ—sies of Religion are to be â—ried all decrees of Councils opinions of ancient writers doctrines of men and private spirits are to be examined in whose sentence we are to rest can be no other than the Holy Spirit of God speaking in and by the Scriptures for what the Scripture saies God speaks by it Isa 8 20. To the Law and to the Testimony if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them John 5.39 Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life and they are they which testifie of me V. 4â— For had ye believed Moses ye would have believed me for he wrote of me Acts 17.11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily whether those things were so V. 12. Therefore many of them believed also of the honourable women which were Greeks and of men not a few Luke 16.29 Abraham saith unto him they have Moses and the Prophets let them hear them V. 31. And he said unto him if they hear not Moses and the Prophets neither will they be perswaded though one rose from the dead 2 Pet. 1.19 We have also a more sure word of Prophesie whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place untill the day dawn and the day-star arise in your hearts V. 20. Knowing this first that no prophesie of the Scripture is of any private interpretation V. 21. For the Prophesie came not in old time by the will of man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost 2 Tim. 3.15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through Faith which is in Christ Jesus V. 16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction in righteousnesse V. 17. That the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works Luke 10.26 What is written in the Law how readest thou Rom. 15.4 For whatsoever things were written afore-time were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope Deut. 17.18 And it shall be when he sitteth upon the Throne of his Kingdome that he shall write him a Copy of this Law in a book out of that which is before the Priests the Levites V. 19. And it shall be with him and he shall read therein all the daies of his life that he may learn to fear the Lord his God to keep all the words of this Law and these statutes to do them Psal 19.7 The Law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul the Testimony of the Lord is sure making wise the simple Psal 119.9 Wherewithall shall a young man cleanse his way by taking heed thereto according to thy word V. 105. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my paths V. 130. The entrance of thy words giveth light it giveth understanding unto the simple Psal 147.19 He sheweth his word unto Jacob his statutes and his Judgments unto Israel V. 20. He hath not dealt so with any Nation and as for his Judgments they have not known them Praise ye the Lord. Mat. 4.4 But he answered and said it is written man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God V. 7. Jesus said unto him it is written again thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God V. 10. Then he saith unto him get thee hence Satan for it is written thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve Eph. 2.20 And are built upon the foundation of Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone Luke 24.27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself V. 44. And he said unto them these are the words which I spake unto you while I was yet with you that all things
And that thou maist the better practise this excellent lesson of living by Faith take these further Directions Direction 1. Labour to strengthen thy assent to the truth of the word of God Unbelief it is a mother sin There was a faultring of assent in our first parents to the truth of Gods commination concerning eating of the forbidden tree else they had not fallen so sadly and still 't is the ground of all miscarriages of hardness of heart and apostacy Heb. 3.12 13 Take heed Brethren lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God But exhort one another daily while it is called to day lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulnesse of sin He that beleeveth not the judgments and threatnings of the Word will not stick to do any evil and he that doth not believe the promises will not be forward to any good All neglect and coldnesse in holy duties cometh from the weaknesse of our Faith there is a decay at the root Did we firmly believe the Glory of Heaven and the happinesse of the life to come we would be earnest and zealous for the obtaining of it Direction 2. Labour to be well acquainted with the promises of God and learn to stay thy soul upon them If an able potent friend promise help in troubles how are we cheared with it Ought not the promises of God then to be a strong consolation to us The proper life of a Christian is to take his comforts and supports from the promises of God and not only from his outward providences God many times alters the dispensations of his Providence but does not alter his promises The promises are the Saints inheritance Isa 54.17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn this is the heritage of the Servants of the Lord Whilst Christ is at Gods right hand and the Bible in the hand of gracious persons they need not be dejected in any condition Why art thou cast down O my soul and why art thou disquieted within me So David chides his soul and rebukes his feares Psal 42.5 and Psal 77.10 This is my infirmitie He bewailes his unbelief and chides his heart for dejection and distrust of Gods Providence Direction 3. Live upon God and account him all in all even in thy highest and fullest enjoyment of the creature Let not the creature be the object of thy trust at any time Trust and dependance is the greatest homage and respect we can yeeld to the Creatour Therefore Job Chap. 31.24 saies If I have made Gold my hope or have said to the fine Gold thou art my confidence V. 25. If I have rejoyced because my wealth was great and because my hand had gotten much c. V. 28. I should have denied the God that is above Men are very apt to make riches the staffe of their lives and the stay of their posterity and so their hearts leaning on them are taken off from God The great danger of riches is the trusting in them Mark 10.23 Jesus saith unto his Disciples how hardly shall those that have riches enter into the Kingdom of God V. 24. And the Disciples were astonished at his word But Jesus answereth again and saith unto them children how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the Kingdome of God How many rich men are there that look upon themselves as it were intrenched within their estates and so promise themselves security against all dangers Thus God is not regarded but their wealth and worldly greatnesse is made their rock and fortress therefore covetousness is called Idolatry Col 3.5 And the covetous man an Idolater not so much for his love to riches as his trust in riches Take heed therefore of making an Idol of the creature do not build thy happinesse or felicity on any thing thou dost here enjoy When God affords thee creature comforts trust not in them Live upon God in the use and live upon God in the absence of the creature Direction 4. Use lawful and fair means for accomplishing and bringing about thy lawful designes but let thy main trust be on God Do thy duty and commit thy self and thy affairs to him in quietnesse of heart For a man to say he trusts in God and yet neglects to do his duty this is but to mock God a moderate care in the management of our affâ—irs is very commendable which puts a man upon praier and an humble diligence in the use of lawful means that once done a Christian should labour after a holy moderation and composednesse of Spirit and should take heed his heart be not fixed too much on any thing here below to his disturbance He should put all his waies and affairs into Gods hands He should wait patiently how God will cast his affairs and then submit and acquiesse in the issues of Providence O how sweet a life leads that Christian who lives in continual dependance on God! This kind of life discharges the creature of all that is burdensom of all carking cares and tormenting fears It leaves nothing upon him but a conscionable use of the means no life makes us so humble so lowly so nothing in our own eies as this life of Faith which fetcheth all from God Faith useth means but trusteth in God alone In all thy affairs therefore still seek to the Lord and apply thy self unto him and trust in him We are dark creatures and easily overshoot our selves we have not wisdome enough to manage our own affairs God can counsell us when we know not how to give counsell to our selves And God takes it well to be advised with by us Hereby we acknowledge our subjection to him when we will nor stir a foot without advising with him when we desire not to be ordered by our own wisdome but trust in the Lord with all our hearts and do not lean to our own understanding as Solomon advises Prov. 3.5 Take heed therefore of inordinate carefulnesse and distrusting God Consider the evil of rhis sin in these four particulars 1. No sin more dishonours God and robs him of his Glory than this sin doth It cannot indeed rob God of his essentiall but it does of his declarative Glory We glorifie God declaratively when we trust in him and thereby declare to the world that we own and acknowledge those his excellencies of wisdome power mercy faithfulnesse which his Word ascribes unto him And therefore 't is said of Abraham Rom. 4.20 That he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief but was strong in Faith giving Glory to God V. 21. As being fully perswaded that what he had promised he was able also to perform ver 22. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness Unbelief doth blemish all those four attributes of God before mentioned his Wisdom his Power his Goodnesse his Faithfulnesse 't is an
interpretative blasphemy and calling all these into question and so an high injury and dishonour unto God Whereas faith is said to justifie God Luk. 7.29 that is to professe and acknowledge him to be such a God as his Word reveals him to be 2. Nothing doth more debar and shut out Gods operation in order to our relief and help than this sin If by taking only moderate and due care we would resigne up our selves and our concernments into the hands of God he would charge himself with us But if we will immoderatly cark and care and be so peremptory in our designes and will not submit them unto him then God is discharged we must look to our selves Therefore 't is not only our duty but our interest to resigne up our selves to God and to submit our concernments to his will 3. Unbelief 't is a sin against which God hath exceedingly declar'd his displeasure The Apostle tels us the children of Israel were destroied in the wildernesse for unbelief Many were their sins there Murmurings lustings Idolatry but the main reason of their punishment was they believed not Look to their finall excision and cutting off why what was it for for unbelief were they broken off Rom. 11.20 That noble man in 2 Kings 8.2 was troden to death for distrusting Gods power and could only see the plenty did not tast of it Moses and Aaron could not enter into the land of promise because of their unbelief Num. 20.12 And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron because ye believe me not to Sanctifie me in the eies of the children of Israel therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them Zachary was struck dumb for not believing what God had revealed Christ did never chide his Disciples for any thing so much as their unbelief Luke 24.25 O ye fooles and slow of heart to believe And why doubt ye O ye of little Faith Mat. 8.26 4. 'T is a Paganish sin as our Saviour intimates Mat. 6. For Heathens to be full of carking and caring is not so much to be wondred at but for us that professe to believe in God that do acknowledge a particular Providence and believe the happinesse of another world to be under the tyranny of distracting cares anxiety of mind and thoughtfulnesse as if God had no care of us this is an exceeding unworthy carriage towards God Take heed therefore of distrusting God and overcharging thy self with the cares of this life Let not thy heart be too much fixed on any thing here below Lay not these outward things too much to heart And remember that then cares are inordinate when they cause such a tumultuousness and unquietnesse in our thoughts and affections that reason is disturbed and cannot allay or compose them or when they exceedingly hinder or quite put us by the duties we ought to perform to God or lastly when they cause a sinking or dying in the heart as Nabals heart is said to die within him when we are disappointed in that we were so eagerly solicitous about And therefore our Saviour in Mat. 6. bids us take no thought and repeats it three several times as v. 25. Therefore I say unto you take no thought for your life what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink nor yet for your body what ye shall put on V. 31. Therefore take no thought saying What shall we eat or what shall we drink or wherewithall shall we be cloathed V. 34. Take therefore no thought for the morrow for the morrow shall take thought for the things of it self sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof Direction 5. Take heed of limiting God 1. Either to the time of fulfilling his promises Or 2. To the way Faith doth not limit the holy One of Israel to any set time or any set means Do thy duty therefore and resigne thy self to God Commit thy self and all concernments to his Fatherly care and be not over-solicitous or perplexed about events What strange distrustful language do the children of Israel use in Psal 78.20 Can the Lord prepare a table in the wilderness can he give bread also Can he provide flesh for his people And therefore at v. 41. What a black character is given of them They turned back and tempted God and limited the holy One of Israel We must not prescribe to God we must not go about to subject his Providence to our direction and prescribe what he shall do for our satisfaction Direction 6. Reflect upon the Lords past kindnesse and gracious dealings with thee Consider how much God hath done for thee and for others that have trusted in him and that will tend very much to encourage thee still to trust in him The more experience and manifestation of Gods power and presence thou hast had the greater reason thou hast to cast away all unbelief from thee It exceedingly provoked God against Israel that notwithstanding so many experiences of his power yet still they distrusted him Num. 14.11 And the Lord said unto Moses how long will this people provoke me And how long will it be ere they believe me for all the signes I have shewed among them By every experience we should grow up into a greater courage and strength of Faith as David drew inferences of hope against the present danger from the lion and the bear 1 Sam. 17.36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them seeing he hath defied the Armies of the living God Or as Paul said 2 Cor. 1.10 He hath and doth and therefore will deliver Who delivered us from so great a death and doth deliver in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us Christ was angry with his Disciples for not remembring the miracle of the loaves when they were in a like strait again Mat 16.9 Do ye not yet understand neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets ye took up God is more angry with the unbelief of his children than of others because they have more experience of his love and care and therefore that they should distrust him that never fail'd them is very ungratefull 2 Cor. 5.7 For we walk by Faith not by sight Hab. 2.4 Behold his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him but the just shall live by his Faith Gal 2.20 I am crucified with Christ neverthelesse I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the Faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me Job 13.15 Though he slay me yet will I trust in him Psal 55.22 Cast thy burden upon the Lord and he shall sustain thee he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved 1 Cor. 7.32 But I would have you without carefulness c. Phil. 4.6 Be careful for nothing but in every thing by praier and supplication with
thy words When love rules in the heart the law of kindnesse is in the tongue 14. Lastly Consider what Solomon saies Prov. 10.19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin and he that refraineth his lips is wise Due and befitting silence is many times a great preseâ—ver of innocency but when the tongue runs very fast and speaks more than comes to its share 't is ordinarily a servant either to pride or passion Psal 39.1 I said I will take heed to my waies that I sin not with my tongue I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me Psal 17.3 I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgresse Psal 141.3 Set a watch O Lord before my mouth keep the door of my lips Mat. 12.34 O generation of vipers how can ye being evil speak good things for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh V. 35. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things V. 36. But I say unto you that every idle word that men shall speak they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment Prov. 13.3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction Jam. 1.26 If any man among you seem to be religious and bridleth not his tongue but deceiveth his own heart this mans religion is vain Jam. 3.2 For in many things we offend all if any man offend not in word the same is a perfect man and able also to bridle the whole body V. 3. Behold we put bits in the horses mouthes that they may obey us and we turn about their whole body V. 4. Behold also the ships which though they be so great and are driven of fierce windes yet are they turned about with a very small helm whithersoever the Governour listeth V. 5. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasteth great things behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth V. 6. And the tongue is a fire a world of iniquity so is the tongue amongst our members that it defileth the whole body and setteth on fire the course of nature and is set on fire of Hell Col. 4.6 Let your speech be alway with Grace seasoned with salt that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man Eph. 4.29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth but that which is good to the use of edifying that it may minister Grace unto the hearers Eph. 5.3 But fornication and all uncleannesse or covetousness let it not be once named amongst you as becometh Saints V. 4. Neither filthinesse nor foolish talking nor jesting which are not convenient but rather giving of thanks 1 Cor. 15.33 Be not deceived evil communications corrupt good manners Psal 106.33 They provoked his spirit so that he i. e. Moses spake unadvisedly with his lips Prov. 15.28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things 1 Sam. 2.3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly let not arrogancy come out of your mouth for the Lord is a God of knowledge and by him actions are weighed Prov. 10.11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked V. 19. In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin but he that refraineth his lips is wise V. 20. The tongue of the just is as choice silver the heart of the wicked is little worth V 21. The lips of the righteous feed many but fooles die for want of wisdome Prov. 17.27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit Psal 37.30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdome and his tongue talketh of judgment Psal 34.12 What man is he that desireth life and loveth many daies that he may see good V. 13. Keep thy tongue from evil and thy lips from speaking guile Psal 12 4 Who have said with our tongue will we prevail our lips are our own who is Lord over us Psal 140.3 They have sharpned their tongues like a Serpent adders poison is under their lips Selah Rom. 3.13 Their throat is an open sepulchre with their tongues they have used deceit the poison of aspes is under their lips V. 14. Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitternesse Prov. 16.27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil and in his lips there is a burning fire Prov. 15.4 A wholesom tongue is a tree of life but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit V. 7. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge but the heart of the foolish doth not so Prov. 14.3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride but the lips of the wise shall preserve them Prov. 12.18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword but the tongue of the wise is health Prov. 17.5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his maker and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished Prov. 31.26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue is the Law of kindnesse Tit. 3.1 2. Put them in mind c. To speak evil of no man to be no brawlers but gentle shewing all meeknesse unto all men Mat. 5.22 But I say unto you that whosâ—ever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment and whosoever shall say unto his brother Racha shall be in danger of the councel but whosoever shall say thou fool shall be in danger of hell-fire Levit. 19.16 Thou shalt not go up and down as a tale-bearer among thy people Prov. 11.13 A tale bearer revealeth secrets but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter Prov. 25.18 A man that beareth false witnesse against his neighbour is a maul and a sword and a sharp arrow Prov. 20.19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips Psal 15.1 Lord who shall abide in thy Tabernacle V. 2. He that speaketh the truth in his heart V. 3. He that backbiteth not with his tongue nor doth evil to his neighbour nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour Jer. 18.18 And they said come let us devise devices against Jeremiah come let us smite him with the tongue and let us not give heed to any of his words Job 5.21 Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh Psal 31.20 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues Prov. 6.1 My son if thou be surety for thy friend if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger V. 2. Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth thou art taken with the words of thy mouth Prov. 12.13 The wicked is snared by the
they should be blamelesse and harmlesse the sons of God without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and a perverse nation among whom saies he ye shine as Lights in the world 'T is a high point of Grace not to be snared with the evils of our own times 4. Against all occasions and temptations thou foreseest are likely to endanger thy soul We that pray to God not to lead us into temptation must not run our selves into it A prudent man should therefore forethink and consider in the morning what temptations he is like to be encountred with that day that so he may if possible decline them or else set his guards the stronger against them A weak temptation that takes us unawares will prevail more than a stronger forseen A prudent man saith Solomon Prov. 22.3 foreseeth the evil and hideth himself but the foolish go on still and are punished 'T is a point of true spiritual wisdom to foresee sin afar off in the occasions and temptations that lead to it and by avoiding the one to prevent the other 'T is easier and safer for the Fowl to passe by the snare while she is yet out than it is to wind her self out again when she is once in Watch and pray saies our Saviour to his Disciples Mat. 26.41 that ye enter not into temptation If ye do rashly enter the lists of temptation a thousand to one such is mans naturall weaknesse you will not come out without some foil 5. Against dishonouring God in the use of lawful things such as meat drink apparel lawful refreshments c. Remember that 't is in the use even of things indifferent that Satan most usually setteth his snares for Gods servants for here the snare is not so visible as in grosser sins and he prevaileth more often against those that be not grossely prophane and ungodly by the immoderate or undue use of things in themselves lawful than by drawing them to such things as are simply evil and unlawful The Devil knowes well that he that will do all he may do will soon be drawn to do somwhat he ought not to do 'T is dangerous to come near the borders and confines of sin Those that will go to the utmost extent of their Christian Liberty and venture themselves so near the brink do many times fall into the pit of sin All things saith the Apostle are lawful unto me but all things are not expedient 1 Cor. 6.12 and 10.23 All things i. e. not all things absolutely but all things in their own nature indifferent are lawful to me yet all such things are not alwaies expedient 'T is better for us many times to forbear many things we may do it will never be grief or offence of heart to us as was said to David in another case 1 Sam. 25.31 than be once overtaken in what we should not do 6. Watch against Errour As thou must be careful to keep thy heart from sinful lusts and thy life from being spotted and stained with sinful practises so thou must be vigilant also to keep thy judgment sound and thy mind from being tainted and fly-blown with Errour Thou must take heed of a corrupt judgment as well as a rotten heart and a wicked life 'T is a great judgment to be given up either to an erroneous mind or to vile affections Some there are that seem very strict in their lives and pretend as much tendernesse in matter of morality as Lot did of his guests Gen. 19. yet are very loose as to their judgments exposing them as he his Daughters to be defiled with any corrupt Doctrine that comes to their doors Julian the Apostate was a just temperate strict man but a bitter enemy to Christ Some that are sober in their lives are yet drunk with Errour But let such consider that as they say of fish they begin to stink at the head so a corrupt judgment is very frequently a beginner and introducer of a depraved conversation Men in this age are wanton and play with opinions but believe it 't is not of small moment what opinions we hold and whether we be sound in the Faith or no. Grace and Truth use to thrive together The way of truth is the way of life and errour tendeth to death The Apostle tels us of pernicious Doctrines and damnable Heresies 2 Pet. 2.1 that bring swift destruction Truth in the mind preserveth an awe of God in the heart But false Doctrines blind the mind harden the heart deprave the conversation destroy the Churches peace and provoke the Lord to have a controversie with a people where they are tolerated Rev. 2.14 15 20. And we should be the more watchful over our selves in this particular because Errours are so agreeable to corrupt Nature and Conscience does usually lesse regret a man for Errour than for unholinesse and many times also they sute a corrupt interest namely profit and worldly advantage and then people are in great danger to be caught by them To keep thee therefore from Errour take these few Directions 1. Labour to be well-grounded in the truth Let the foundation be laid sure else the building with every ruffling wind will be apt to totter Ungrounded Christians who never understood the true grounds of the Religion they have taken up and how it is built on the Scriptures when they meet with Arguments against it which they never heard of before and which they through their unskilfulness cannot answer they presently yield to errour and think because they cannot answer them therefore no body else can But if thou wouldst not be carried away with every wind of Doctrine Labour rightly to understand the true grounds of Christian Religion And to this end study the Scriptures with humility and be much in prayer that God would guide thee by his holy Spirit into all saving truth and keep thee from falling into errour And remember that what has been commonly received by the people of God and embraced and practised by the Saints in all ages is not lightly to be rejected and deserted Can any rational man think God would leave the generality of his people to errour and seduction of mind Consider with thy self therefore whether it be not safer to follow the footsteps of the flock of Christ than to be led away by pretenders to new light the Scripture having given so many cautions to beware of seduceâ—s 2 Pet. 3.17 18. 2. Rest not in a bare knowledge of the truth but reduce thy knowledge into practise Be sincere in the Religion thou professest and let the truths of God like leaven season thy mind will and affections and have a powerful influence on thy life When men are in love with Gospel-truths for the goodnesse sweetnesse and benefit they tast in them they will labour to hold them fast Those that have any experience in their own hearts of the comfort and efficacy of the Doctrines of Repentance Faith in Christ and daily watchfulness will not easily throw them
gates of Jerusalem on the evening of their Sabbath If any Merchants come any worldly thoughts or businesses let them stay without till the Sabbath be over The work of mens Callings is not only in their hands but in their minds and heads A Minister may have a great Congregation yet but a few hearers if their minds be stuft with the world before they come if they bring their trades their bargaines their plow their worldly businesse along with them As therefore we read of Abraham in Gen. 22.5 That when he went up to the Mount to offer Sacrifice he left his servants and the Asse in the valley behind him so should we our worldly cares and businesses when we go to worship God and to hear his Word 2. Consider and meditate on the great concernment and importance of the Word 'T is the ordinary means God hath appointed for the working that great work of conversion without which no salvation and for the edifying and building up those that are already savingly wrought upon Jam. 1.18 Of his own Will begat he us by the Word of Truth 1 Cor. 4.15 I have begotten you in Christ Jesus saith Paul through the Gospel Rom. 10 17. Faith cometh by hearing Indeed sin and consequently death came by hearing at the first by our first Parents listening to and believing a tempting Spirit But now Faith and consequently life comes by Hearing through the operation of the blessed Spirit of God in the Word Rom. 1.16 The Gospel 't is the power of God unto salvation Labour therefore to have an high value and esteem of the preaching of the Gospel God hath appointed his Ordinances not in Soveraignty only but in Mercy to us As our Saviour said of the Sabhath Mark 2.27 The Sabbath was made for man not man for the Sabbath So may I say of all the Ordinances of God they were ordained for man for mans benefit and not man made for them And therefore the great benefit that with Gods blessing may be expected from them if we duly attend upon them should make us highly value them Indeed it is one of the devils stratagems in this age to urge the efficacy of the Spirit as a plea for the neglect of means Whereas Gods Spirit does usually work in and by the means and rarely if ever when the ordinary means are slighted 'T is true God himself is not tyed to means nor to any of his own Ordinances yet he ties us to make use of them when we may have them That soul cannot expect to be instructed by Gods Spirit who is a slighter and neglecter of Gods ordinary means Further consider the intent of the Word is not only to regenerate but to nourish increase and perfect the Graces of the Saints Eph. 4.11 12. Our knowledge is imperfect Those that know most may learn more We need new inforcements of duty Our affections are dull and need a new excitement None so wise so knowing a Christian but he may receive some benefit from a different handling of what he himself knew before Therefore seeing the preaching of the Word was ordained for so great and signal benefits to mankind 't is just with God that they that have slight thoughts of it should be barren under it 3. When thou art going to hear consider whither thou art going Thou art going to meet the great God of Heaven and Earth A God that is not to be dallied with Levit. 10.3 I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me When the people went to hear the Law Exod. 19.10 The Lord said to Moses Sanctifie the people and let them wash their clothes What does this speak to us that Christians should only wash their hands and faces and put on their best apparrel when they come to hear the Word No the Apostle James Jam. 1.21 tels us Lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness and receive with meeknesse the ingrafted Word that is able to save your souls If thou findest thy Spirit slight and wandring to fix it and make it serious think with thy self and imagine how it was with the Israelites going to receive the Law of God When the Mount was all on a flame of fire the trumpet sounding louder and louder the people trembling and sore afraid This is to beat the Devil with his own weapon for he often prevailes upon us by casting in sinful Imaginations Consider therefore how the Lord is present in an especial manner where his Word is preached Surely the Lord is in this place as Jacob said of Bethel Gen. 28.16 The apprehension of Gods presence in the assemblies of his people will preserve in thee an awful and reverent disposition of soul 4. Before thou goest fail not to poure forth earnest and fervent prayers unto the Lord and that in behalf 1. Of the Minister 2. Of thy self I. In behalf of the Minister that the Lord would teach him what he should teach the people and direct and enable him to declare the mind of God and to preach such truths as may tend to the benefit and salvation of thine and others soules Certainly if people did more seriously and more frequently pray for their Minister that the Lord would bless and prosper his labours and direct him to divide the Word aright to give to every one their portion to feed the people with knowledge and understanding he might expect a greater blessing and assistance in his studies and they more benefit by his endeavours How earnestly does Paul beg prayers Rom. 15 30 Now I beseech you brethren for the Lord Jesus Christs sake and for the love of the Spirit that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me v. 31. That my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the Saints And Eph 6.18 Praying alwaies with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit for all Saints v. 19. And for me that utterance may be given unto me that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the Gospel v. 20. That therein I may speak boldly as I ought to speak Col. 4.3 Withal praying for us that God would open to us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ for which I am also in bonds v. 4. That I may make it manifest as I ought to speak II. In behalf of thy self 1. That the Lord would fix thy mind and make it serious When the mind is serious truths are apt to make impression 2. That he would enlighten thy mind and open thy heart as he did the heart of Lydia Acts 16.14 that thou maist have a clear and right understanding of those truths that concern thy salvation 3. That he would give thee a heart to believe and embrace the truth in the love of it that truth may not only float in thy phantasie but sink down into thy heart Rom. 10.10 With the heart man believeth unto righteousnesse There is a Faith of the head and a Faith of
But if he shall not hear thee then take with thee one or two more that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established V. 17. And if he shall neglect to hear them tell it unto the Church but if he neglect to hear the Church let him be unto thee as an Heathen man and a Publican CHAP. XVII Of the Duties of the Rich and Poor First Of those that concern the Rich. I Cannot better begin this Chapter than by setting down that strict charge the Apostle directs Timothy to give to rich men in 1 Tim 6.17 18 19. Charge them that are rich in this world He saies not intreat or perswade them but charge them charge it upon their Consciences that they be not high minded nor trust in uncertain riches but in the living God who giveth us richly all things to enjoy V. 18. That they do good that they be rich in good works ready to distribute willing to communicate V. 19. Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come that they may lay hold on eternal life From this and other Scriptures we may gather that the duties that concern the rich are these following I. They ought to look to it and be especially careful that they be really religious and truly Godly They have many great engagements to it God hath dealt bountifully with them The things of this world serve them and flow in unto them When poor people must take pains and work hard to earn their bread before they eat it They have their Tables spread to their hands God hath raised them above many of their Brethren and therefore they ought to honour love and obey him from whose bounty alone they receive all their plenty And as they have greater engagements so they have greater opportunities and advantages to be religious than others have They may spend more time upon their souls than poor people can They have more leisure if they have hearts so to employ it to attend the means of Grace and to work out their salvation They should consider though they are rich in this world yet there is another world that is to be look'd after Though they enjoy the good things of this life yet there is a life to come which must be car'd for Though they are encreas'd with worldly goods yet if they have all their portion here they are most miserable Seeing 't is well with them here on earth their main design should be to secure their state in Grace and their title to Heaven They should above all things be careful to lay hold on eternal life This life they cannot hold nor their riches estates and possessions here They should therefore lay hold on that which they may hold and which will never fail them They should be so wise as to take the right course to be heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven that when they must bid farewell to this life and their estates here they may enter upon that glorious inheritance And yet strange it is to see how this one thing absolutely necessary is neglected by far the greater part of them that are rich in this world In those places where Silver and Gold are found they say there groweth neither grasse nor plant nor other thing that is any thing worth Many rich mens hearts are as barren of true Piety as those countries are of grasse Job speaking of such saies Chap. 21.13 They spend their daies in wealth and in a moment go down to the grave v. 14. Therefore they say unto God depart from us for we desire not the knowledge of thy waies v. 15. What is the Almighty that we should serve him and what profit should we have if we pray unto him 'T is grown almost into a Proverb a little Religion goes far in a rich man or Gentleman How do such persons usually bless themselves in a few formal outward performances of religious duties And if they live not in the grosse defilements and pollutions of the world but are of a fair and civil conversation as to men how easily can they dispense with themselves from engaging in the stricter and more serious parts of Religion Nay those things wherein the life and power of Godlinesse consists are too often matter of their scorn and slighted and neglected by them as more ado than needs And thus it often happens that they that have fulnesse of estate have leannesse of soul as 't is Psal 106.15 And they that are well provided for in this life take no due care to provide for eternity not to lay up for themselves a good foundation against the time to come 1 Tim. 6.19 They that should be examples of Piety and goodnesse to those among whom they live and by their power wealth and greatnesse should countenance and promote the power of Godlinesse prove many times the greatest discouragers of it Solomon observed this as a sore evil under the Sun Eccles 5.13 Riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt And not only for their hurt but the hurt of many others round about them Many could never have been such great sinners and dishonourers of God if they had not had so great estates II. They ought to be exceeding thankful unto God The more God hath bestowed upon them the greater is their debt of thankfulnesse and the greater is their duty of obedience If the Lord hath lifted them up if he hath shined upon their Tabernacle and given them power to get wealth as 't is Deut. 8.28 Let them not sacrifice to their own net to their own wit or wisdom their own labour or industry but thankfully acknowledge his favour whose blessing maketh rich Prov. 10.23 Let them consider Promotion cometh neither from the East nor from the West nor from the South but from above Psal 75.6 7. 'T is reported of one of the Kings of France that he was wont to say that many thousands no doubt were born on the same day he was yet not one of them born to be a King but himself which he noted as a free favour of Divine Providence to him in that he was born to the Honour and Happinesse of a Kingdom when at the same time many others were born to mean conditions some possibly to beggery and want 'T is God alone that sets up one and puls down another He gives power riches and estate to one man and sets another in a mean condition And therefore those whom he is pleased to blesse with a rightful possession of riches should be exceeding thankful and constantly remember who hath made them in this to differ from others Gods impost on all his blessings is thankfulnesse If we neglect to pay this impost the commodity is forfeit God can quickly blow upon and blast all our blessings if we be unthankful as 't is Mal. 2.2 If ye will not hear and if ye will not lay it to heart to give Glory unto my Name saith the Lord of
his appearing CHAP. XIX Directions to the Healthy and to the Sick LET such as enjoy health of body the right use of their understandings entirenesse of limbs and senses humbly blesse God for so great a mercy Few people value their health enough 'T is an ancient saying He that is in health is rich and knowes it not Want would teach us the worth of mercies Let such therefore often call to mind and consider how many distracted diseased maimed deformed people there are in the world and 't is Gods peculiar mercy that they are not such or worse Let this consideration make them very humble and thankful Let them be often lifting up their hearts to the Lord and saying with holy David What shall I render to the Lord for all his Benefits towards me Psal 116.12 Bless the Lord O my soul and all that is within me blesse his holy Name Blesse the Lord O my soul and forget not all his benefits Psal 103.1 2. Not unto us O Lord not unto us but unto thy Name give glory Psal 115.1 And let their main care be in time of health to work out their Salvation to secure their state in Grace and their title to Glory and to lay a good foundation against the time of sickness 'T is sad exceeding sad when a dying person is then to be instructed in those Graces he should now exercise He that prepares not for death before his last sickness as one saies well is like him that begins to study Philosophy when he is going to dispute publickly in the faculty In health while a man has a right and steady use of his reason before the Acts of his understanding are disturbed with pain or his mind clouded or his heart annoyed with fear and amazement he should apply himself to learn this great Art and Skill how to die well Let the following Directions therefore that are given to the sick be carefully minded and regarded by them that are in health To turn to God in health to seek reconciliation with him in and through Christ to devote and consecrate our hearts then to him to walk in a steady course of sincere obedience before him and to do all this out of judgment and choice out of love to God and a desire to please him before death seem to make any neer approach unto us will be a huge argument of sincerity and a great foundation of comfort when sickness attaches us Whereas they that are negligent and carelesse of these things must needs run themselves upon such desperate hazards and such great incertainties that a wise and considering man would not for all the world be in their condition Directions to the Sick There is hardly any thing wherein a Minister is at a greater losse than what to say to sick persons the condition of most being such that they need a serious awakening and rouzing out of the deep sleep of carnal security and to be made sensible of the great danger they are in as to their everlasting state But while we do this the sick party and those that attend are apt to think we go about to drive them to despair not understanding the true nature thereof For to despair I mean utterly and finally is this when a man shall conclude that his sins are greater than cna be forgiven that God is irreconcileable to him and therefore 't is in vain to set himself to repent or humble his soul or turn from his sins but seeing his condition is desperate resolves to go on in his former course to enjoy the pleasures of sin here while he may have them seeing when this life is done nothing remaines for him but certain damnation Such a man as this may be truly said to despair But for any person to be so awakened as to see himself for the present in a lost condition and under the wrath and curse of God by reason of his sins to see his own utter inability to help himself to be enquiring and earnestly sollicitous what he must do to be saved to have his heart full of doubts and fears and troubles concerning the state of his soul this is such a despair as is usually the forerunner of a saving conversion And therefore for people that have spent their time in sin and vanity in ignorance and worldlinesse in living to themselves and to the flesh and have never felt any work of Grace upon their hearts nor ever have been truly humbled under an apprehension of the evil and danger of their sins to expect a Minister should speak comfort to them is to desire to be sooth'd and flattered to their own destruction The Directions therefore I think needful for sick persons are these following I. Let them consider that no sicknesse disease or distemper of body comes by chance but by the wise and orderly guidance of the hand of God that 't is his messenger and sent by him unto them And therefore let them hear the rod and who hath appointed it Micah 6.9 II. Let them set themselves before the Tribunal of Christ before whom they may for ought they know shortly appear And let them consider he is a Judge that cannot be deceived nor will be mocked That he is just as well as merciful righteous as well as gracious and all their sins original and actual of omission of commission against the Law and against the Gospel against mercies against judgments against promises and vowes of better obedience all their sinfull thoughts and sinfull affections and motions of their hearts all their sinful words and sinfull actions with the several aggravations of all these are known unto him yea their secretest sins are set in the light of his countenance III. Let them seriously examine themselves and put these six questions home to their Consciences First What abiding sense they have had upon their hearts in the whole course of their lives of their own vilenesse and wretchednesse by nature the odiousnesse and defilement of their sins their just desert of wrath their natural impotency and inability to good their pronenesse to evil Whether they have ever been deeply sensible of the darknesse of their minds stubbornnesse of their wils deceitfulnesse of their hearts inordinatenesse of their affections sinfulnesse of their practise If they have what effects has the consideration of these things produced what sorrow what fear has been stirred in them What course has it put them upon for remedy What industry have they used what pains have they taken to be delivered out of this miserable estate Let their Consciences have liberty to speak freely to them and to tell them the truth whether ever they have been affected in any considerable degree with these things or no. Secondly Whether they ever rightly apprehended what are the conditions of the new Covenant the Covenant of Grace Most will grant Repentance towards God and Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ are necessary to salvation but then their apprehensions and conceptions are different
him who lies but a few daies sick and has strength of nature to make resistance That Christian whose love to his life and the contentments of it hath been for many years consuming and dying will more easily part with them than he whose love is stronger to them As the Reverend Mr. Gurnal excellently expresses it in his Christian Armour We should consider we are but pilgrims and strangers here Heaven is the proper countrey of holy Souls We should therefore be providing for our removal out of this strange countrey We should pack up and send our best things aforehand namely our love our hearts our delights our joyes before we set out our selves for those Heavenly mansions Fifthly Consider what great reasons there are that those that are truly Godly should not much fear death I confesse nothing can sweeten death and make it desirable to a Christian but only an interest in Christ Things that are in their own nature sour and sharp will ask much Sugar to make them sweet Death is one of those things that hath the most harsh and ungrateful tast to a creatures pallat that may be Believe it a man cannot think with any comfort of putting his head into another world if he hath no solid ground to hope Christ will own him there for his But if he have there are many reasons why he should not dread death 1. They that are truly godly shall die but once i. e. a natural death only The wicked die twice not only a natural but a spiritual death The natural death stands in the separation of the soul from the body The spiritual in the separation of soul and body from God Rev. 20 6. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection on such the second death hath no power He that is born but once namely naturally shall die twice naturally and spiritually He that is born twice i. e. besides his natural birth hath been spiritually regenerated and born again shall die but once namely a natural death 2. Death is not a destruction or annihilation either of soul or body but only an alteration and change of the condition of them both and that for the better to all those that have an interest in Christ Such may say with Paul Phil. 1.21 To me to live is Christ to die is gain For 1. Though death separate soul and body yet it can separate neither of them from Christ. As in Christ's death his soul and body were separated each from other yet neither of them from the second Person in the Trinity in which both of them did subsist at that time in the personal Union so though when the Saints die soul and body be separated yet after this separation both remain united to Christ in the mystical Union because their bodies as well as their souls are part of the mystical body of Christ who is the Head and Saviour of the whole person consisting of soul and body And when Christ who is their life shall appear then shall they also appear with him in Glory Col. 3.3 4. We see then that though body and soul be sever'd each from other at death yet as to all those that die in the Lord neither of them are severed or disjoyned from Christ but the conjunction which is begun in this life remaines for ever Which must needs be matter of exceeding joy and comfort to them that by a lively Faith are united to him here 2. The body being resolved into dust is freed from all sicknesse and pains from all the miseries troubles and calamities of this life 3. It ceaseth to be either an active or a passive instrument of sin whereas in this life 't is both Sin and the temptations to it are the great grievances and burdens of the servants of God which they groan to be delivered from As sin therefore brought death into our bodies so death carries sin out of them 4. The bodies of the Saints shall be raised in a far greater glory at the general resurrection and be joyned again to their souls to live an everlasting life of glory and happinesse with them So that we may from hence conclude the body will be no loser by this change Neither will the soul for it will gain this threefold advantage thereby 1. It will change its place and be remov'd from a prison to a palace from a Tabernacle of clay to a Heavenly Mansion 2. Its qualities Here 't is infested with sinful and unruly passions and affections of all sorts which are a great annoyment to it But there it shall be freed from all these and made perfectly holy 3. It s company It leaves the company of sinners and gaines the company of Saints and Angels Yea shall have fellowship with the blessed Trinity in whose presence there is fulnesse of joy and at whose right hand there are pleasures for evermore Psal 16.11 Let all such therefore as have an interest in Christ look upon death not in the glass of the Law but of the Gospel Death in the Law is a curse and a downfal to the pit of destruction In the Gospel it is an entrance into Heaven Christ hath taken away the sting and mischief and destructive power of death He hath altered the property of it and in stead of being a door to Hell hath made it a gate to blisse and happinesse for all those that are his Let the truly Godly and serious Christian therefore not fix his mind so much on the pangs and torments of death as upon the blessed estate that is to be enjoyed after it and so fortifie his heart against the fear of it See the Reverend and Worthy Mr. Baxters considerations against the fear of death in the 4th Part of his Saints everlasting Rest Chap. 2. Heb. 9.27 It is appointed unto men once to die but after this the Judgment Job 30.23 For I know that thou wilt bring me to death and to the house appointed for all living Job 17 14. I have said to corruption thou art my Father to the worm thou art my mother and my sister Jam. 4.14 For what is your life it is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away Isa 40.6 The voice said cry and he said what shall I cry All flesh is grasse and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field V. 7. The grass withereth the flower fadeth because the Spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it Surely the people is grass Psal 90.12 So teach us to number our daies that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom Psal 39.4 Lord make me to know mine end and the measure of my daies what it is that I may know how frail I am V. â— Behold thou hast made my daies as an hand breadth and mine age is as nothing before thee verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity Selah Job 14.2 He cometh forth like a flower and is cut down he fleeth also as a
shadow and continueth not Pâ—al 146.4 His breath goeth forth he returneth to his earth in that very day his thoughts perish Job 9.25 My daies are swifter than a post they flee away they see no good Eccles 12.5 Man goeth to his long home and the mourners go about the streets 2 Pet. 1.13 Yea I think it meet as long as I am in this Tabernacle to stir you up by putting you in remembrance V. 14. Knowing that shortly I must put off this my Tabernacle even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me Psal 37 37. Mark the perfect man and behold the upright for the end of that man is peace Job 27.8 But what is the hope of the hypocrite though he have gained when God taketh away his soul II. Of Judgment It is mainly necessary in order to the practise of Godliness and ordering our conversation aright that we firmly believe and have frequent deep and serious meditations of the day of judgment In treating of which I shall enquire 1. How we may be assured there is a judgment to come 2. Who will be the Judge at that great Assizes 3. What will be the nature and manner of that judgment What the judicial proceedings at that day 4. What the Consequents of it For the first The Scripture seems to hold forth unto us a twofold judgment to come First Particular which followes immediatly after death Thus is that understood Eccles 12.7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was and the Spirit shall return to God who gave it i. e. to be judged by him as the Chaldee Paraphrast doth well explain it And that Historical Parable of Dives and Lazarus shews how immediately after they were dead the one went to Hell the other to Abrahams bosom That I say doth shew that every one particularly when he dieth is judged and receiveth either reward or punishment Secondly General at the end of the world The certainty of which may appear to us from these Arguments 1. From the voice of natural Conscience which is very sensible of it Foelix trembled when Paul preached of it Acts 24.25 And when he discoursed to the Athenians those great Lights of the Gentile world Acts. 17.31 That God hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained whereof he hath given assurance unto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead found some who mocked when they heard of the resurrection of the dead but against the day of judgment none replied So true it is which the same Apostle elsewhere saies of the Gentiles who had but the light of Nature and so a natural Conscience that they shew the work of the Law written in their hearts their Consciences also bearing witnesse and their thoughts the mean while accusing or excusing one another Rom. 2.15 2. From the Justice of God which requires it God being the Judge of the world as well as the Creator we may infallibly conclude he will judge the world in righteousnesse But as the affairs of this present life are ordered though they lie under the disposition of Providence yet they shew no sign of an universal Justice Oftentimes the wicked flourish and prosper while the righteous are afflicted and in misery In this life nothing more certain than that rewards are not correspondent to the vertues nor punishments proportionable to the sins of men If therefore there be a Judge of the world and that judge be just there is a judgment to come in another world and the effects thereof concern another life In that day there will be a revelation of the righteous judgment of God Rom. 2.5 God will then shew a perfect demonstration of his Justice and men shall discern between the righteous and the wicked between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not Mal. 3.18 3. From the clear and manifest declaration of the will of God We have an expresse manifestation of Gods will and purpose concerning a judgment to come Eccles 12.14 For God shall bring every work into judgment with every secret thing whether it be good or whether it be evil Acts 17.30 But now God commandeth all men every where to repent V. 31. Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the world in righteousnesse by that man whom he hath ordained No Doctrine more clear and fundamental in the Word of God than that of Eternal judgment Heb 6.2 Wherein the Judge will sentence to an eternall state 4. From a representation of it to the eies of some of Gods servants in Divine visions As to Daniel Chap. 7.9 I beheld till the Thrones were cast down and the Ancient of daies did sit whose garment was white as snow and the hair of his head like the pure wool his Throne was like the fiery flame and his wheels as burning fire V. 10. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him Thousand Thousands ministred unto him and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him The judgment was set and the books were opened And likewise to St. John Rev. 20.12 And I saw the dead small and great stand before God and the books were opened and another book was opened which is the book of life and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books according to their works The Throne therefore hath been already seen the Judge hath appeared sitting on it the Books have been already opened the dead small and great have been seen standing before him The representation of it to the eye in those Divine visions is a farther assurance of the certainty of it than if it had only been foretold and so represented to the ear We see then there will be a day of judgment 2. In the second place let us enquire who that Person is who shall be the Judge at that great Assizes who shall sit upon the Throne before whose Tribunal we shall all appear from whose mouth we may expect our sentence The judiciary power is the power of God The power and authority of judging is common to the three Persons being one and the same God but the execution of this judiciary power is committed particularly to the Son and so the Father and the Holy Ghost will actually judge the world no otherwise but by him He is ordained of God to be the judge of quick and dead Acts 10.42 He will judge the world by that man whom he hath ordained c. Acts 17.31 The Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment to the Son He hath given him authority to execute judgment John 5.22 27. There is therefore an original supream judiciary power and a judiciary power delegated derived given by commission Christ as God hath the first together with the Father and Holy Ghost Christ as man hath the second from the Father expresly from the Holy Ghost concomitantly John 5.27 All power is given him in
to that he hath done whether it be good or bad Christ shall therefore appear in the proper form and condition of a Judge sitting upon a Throne of judicature 4. There will be a personal appearance of all men before that seat of judicature upon which Christ shall sit For we must all appear and we shall all stand before that judgment-seat Rev. 20.12 And I saw the dead small and great stand before God c. Mat. 25.32 And before him shall be gathered all Nations and he shall separate them one from another as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats 5. When those who are to he judged are brought before the judgment-seat of Christ all their actions shall appear 1 Cor. 4.5 Therefore judge nothing before the time until the Lord come who both will bring to light the hidden things of darknesse and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts Eccles 12.14 For God shall bring every work into judgment with every secret thing whether it be good or whether it be evil To this end in the vision of Daniel when the judgment was set the books were opened Dan. 7.9 And in that of St. John The books were opened and the dead were judged out of the things that were written in the books according to their works Rev. 20.12 Divines speak of a threefold book that will then be opened 1. The book of Statutes or the book of Gods Word wherein the Law and Gospel are written with all the duties commanded and sins forbidden in them both 2. The book of Gods Omniscience and remembrance Mal. 3.16 And a book of remembrance was written before him c. 3. The book of Conscience which God maintains as a Register in every mans breast Jer. 17.1 The sin of Judah is written with a pen of Iron and with the point of a Diamond it is graven upon the Table of their heart Men will then be awakened to purpose and all their sins with the aggravations of them will be set in the view of their Consciences Hidden things shall be brought to light in that day 1 Cor. 4.5 c. 6. After the manifestation of all their actions the Judge will pronounce his definitive sentence upon all their persons according to their actions The sentence of absolution upon the Godly in these words Come ye blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world Mat. 25.34 The Saints of God and the elect will first be acquitted before the ungodly are condemned that they may afterwards joyn with Christ in judging the world according to that in the 1 Cor. 6.2 Where 't is said the Saints shall judge the world i. e. by way of approbation approving and magnifying Christ's just sentence on devils and wicked men giving some such approbation in probability as that of the Angel Rev. 16.5 Thou art righteous O Lord which art and wast and shalt be because then hast judged thus And thus all the Saints shall be Judges But some of them more eminently as Assessors with Christ as is intimated concerning the Apostles Mat. 19.28 Ye also shall sit upon twelve Thrones judging the twelve Tribes of Israel We have shewed what the sentence of absolution will be which shall pass upon the Godly The sentence of condemnation followes that will passe upon the wicked which we find recorded Mat. 25.41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels 7. After the promulgation of the sentence followeth the execution and sending of the persons judged to their everlasting state as it is written Mat. 25.46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment but the righteous into life eternal We have seen what will be the Judiciary proceedings of this great day 4. It now followes in the fourth and last place that we speak something of the consequents thereof 1. Christs resigning up his Kingdom not his essential but that which he administers as Mediator to the Father having subdued sin and death and put all his enemies under his feet 1 Cor. 15.24 Then cometh the end when he shâ—ll have delivered up the Kingdom to God even the Father when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power V. 25. For he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet V. 26. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death V. 27. For he hath put all things under his feet but when he saith all things are put under him it is manifest that he is excepted which did put all things under him V. 28. And when all things shall be subdued unto him then shall the son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him that God may be all in all 2. The burning of the world of which we read 2 Pet. c. 3. v. 12. Looking for and hastning unto the coming of the day of God wherein the Heavens being on fire shall be dissolved and the Elements shall melt with fervent heat By this fire 't is probable the world will not be consum'd but renewed clarified and purged For 't is compar'd to a melting fire V. 10. The Elements shall melt with fervent heat And the Apostle saith elsewhere The Creature shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption Rom. 8.21 In the everlasting state God will have all things new even the world it self The use of this renewed world may either be for an habitation for the just or that it may remain as a standing monument of Gods wisdom and power Thus we have seen â— That there will certainly be a day of Judgment 2. That Christ will be the Judge 3. What manner of proceedings there will be in that day 4. The Consequents thereof What now remaines but that we carefully provide for this great and notable day of the Lord as 't is call'd Acts 2.20 By breaking off our sins by true and serious repentance and making our peace with God in and by Christ O let us labour to secure our interest in Christ and our union with him He is the Judge If he be our Advocate we need fear nothing There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus Rom. 8.1 The Head will not condemn his own Members 2. Let us do good and communicate and be merciful to the poor while we have ability and opportunity In the 25 Mat. 35 36. Compar'd with 42 43. Christ hath told us aforehand what questions he will ask when he cometh Have you fed have you visited have you cloathed 'T is good we should be prepared for an answer See the Scriptures concerning the last Judgment in the first part of this Treatise pag. 74 c. Of Hell We h ve seen there will be a day of Judgment and that the Judge will judge the world in righteousnesse We have seen there will be a twofold sentence pronounced by him Of absolution upon the Godly Mat.
be punished in another or he that pleased God in his own flesh should see God with other eyes 'T is also contrary to the very nature of the resurrection for a resurrection is when the same body that dieth riseth again Otherwise it is rather a new Creation than a resurrection As therefore the body of Christ after his resurrection was the same for substance though much more excellent and glorious so shall the bodies of the Saints be at their resurrection If any shall ask how a resurrection is possible I answer to Angels or men this is impossible but to an all-knowing God whose wisdom is infinite and to an almighty God whose power is illimited this is very possible It shall be done according to the mighty working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself As the Apostle speaks Phil. 3.21 He by whom the very haires of our heads and the sands of the sea are all numbred knoweth all the scattered bones knoweth what dust belongeth to each body And as his all-seeing eye observeth every particle of dissolved and corrupted man so doth he also see and know all waies and meanes by which those scattered parts should be united by which this ruin'd fabrick should be re-compos'd Though the parts of the body of man be dissolved yet they perish not They are laid up in the secret places and lodged in the Chambers of Nature and 't is no more a contradiction that they should become the parts of the same body of man again to which they did once belong than that after his death they should become the parts of any other body as we see they do And moreover we see by experience that our most curious glasses are made by art even of Ashes Cannot then the all knowing and Omniscient God raise mens bodies out of Ashes 'T is as easie for God to distinguish between dust and dust and to give to every man his own dust as it is for a Gardiner that hath divers seeds in his hand to sever them and know them one from another A skilful Alchimist can extract one metal from another much more can God Allmighty distinguish and separate one dust from another As it was therefore only an Omnipotent power which could mould the first dust of which man was made into an humane body and breath into the nostrils of it the breath of life so the same power can still make of the dust returning from the bodies of men unto the earth humane bones and flesh For the Apostle tels us in the place before mentioned that he is able to subdue all things unto himself And further the Scripture tels us that Christ by vertue of the dominion he obtain'd at his resurrection must reign till he hath put all his enemies under his feet and the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death Now there is no destruction of death but by a general resurrection Christ is the Lord of the dead and so hath a right by that dominion to raise them all to life 1 Cor. 15.22 For as in Adam all die even so in Christ shall all be made alive I shall conclude this with those two famous places John 5.28 Marvel not at this for the hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice V. 29. And shall come forth they that have done good unto the resurrection of life and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation Acts 24.15 And have hope towards God which they themselves also allow that there shall be a resurrection of the dead both of the just and the unjust Well then seeing there will be a Resurrectâ—on Here possibly some will enquire what transformations and changes Christ will make in the bodies of the Saints at the last day I answer That day being to be as it were the marriage day between Christ and his Saints he will endow their bodies with glorious qualities as well as their souls For he assumed their bodies as well as their souls suffered in body as well as in soul died for their bodies as well as for their souls and therefore will glorifie their bodies as well as their souls But to speak more particularly the Apostle tels us what kind of change this will be 1 Cor. 15.41 There is one Glory of the Sun and another of the Moon and another Glory of the Stars for one Star differeth from another Star in Glory V. 42. So also is the resurrection of the dead it is sowne in corruption it is raised in incorruption V. 43. It is sowne in dishonour it is raised in glory It is sowne in weakness it is raised in power V. 44. It is sowne a natural body it is raised a spiritual body 1. Our bodies shal be made incorruptible They are sown in corruption but shall be raised in incorruption They now yield to the decaies of nature and are exercised with paines and aches but hereafter they shall be cloathed with immortality made wholly impassible What a comfort must it needs be to the Saints to think that there is a time coming when they shall have a body without aches paines and without decaies that shall be alwaies in the spring of youth The resurrection is the Saints best Physitian 2. Our bodies shall be made glorious bodies They are sown in dishonour but shall be raised in glory All deformities and defects which are the fruits of sin shall be removed As the body of Adam in innocency was lovely and beautiful compleat in all its parts so shall ours be at the resurrection The righteous shall shine as the Sun in the Kingdom of their Father Mat. 13.43 If Moses's face by conversing with God but fourty daies did shine so exceedingly that they were glad to put a vail upon it how glorious shall our bodies be when we shall be ever with the Lord Christ in the Mount when he was transfigured Mat. 17.2 His face did shine as the Sun and his raiment was white as snow Peter James and John were not able to bear the sight of the glory there manifested and yet this was but a glimpse of that glory he hath now in Heaven By this you may guesse a little at the glory of the body when it is likened to Christs glorious body If we would have our bodies eternally beautiful let us labour to be truly gracious here 3. Our bodies shall be made spiritual bodies They are sown natural bodies but shall be raised spiritual bodies When we come into the other world that world of Spirits even our bodies shall be spiritual not spiritual for substance but for qualities 1. They shall have no need of meat drink sleep c. but shall be as the Angels of God Mat. 22.30 If Moses upon the Mount in the state of mortality was upheld by the power of God fourty daies without meat and without sleep how much more shall we be so upheld for ever in the Kingdom of Heaven 2. They shall
Gospel heartily to repent of all their sins seriously to give up their souls unto him resting and relying on the Redemption and Ransome of his Blood for their Pardon and Reconciliation with God And taking him for their onely Lord Saviour and yielding themselves up in sincere obedience to him and to be guided and governed by his Grace and Holy Spirit they do depend on him alone for Justification Sanctification strength to persevere in the ways of Holinesse and at last to be brought to eternall Life And to as many as are thus drawn by the Holy Ghost savingly to repent of their sins and believe in Christ being truly united to him and made branches in him the true Vine and members of his mystical body the true Church whereof himself is the Head God hath promised pardon and Remission of all their sins to write his Law in their Hearts to subdue their Corruptions by his Grace that sin shall not have Dominion over them to bestow on them all such outward blessings as he in his infinite wisdome shall see good for them And when they die their souls shall be received into everlasting blisse and their bodies shall be raised again by the power of Christ at the last day and made partakers of the same Glory And this is Called the Covenant of Grace But such as go on in their sins refusing to accept of Christ for their Lord and Saviour Redeemer and Sanctifier and to give up themselves in sincere obedience to him when they die their Souls shall be adjudged to everlasting punishment and their bodies shall be raised again at the last day and made partakers with their Souls of Everlasting Torments Concerning effectual Calling Rom. 1.6 Among whom are ye also the Called of Jesus Christ Rom. 8.28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God to them who are the Called according to his purpose V. 30. Moreover whom he did predestinate them he also Called and whom he Called them he also justified and whom he justified them he also glorified 2 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and Called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and Grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began Heb. 3.1 Wherefore holy brethren partakers of the Heavenly Calling Consider the Apostle and high Priest of our profession Christ Jesus Eph. 1.18 The eyes of your understanding being inlightened that ye may know what is the hope of his Calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints V. 19. And what is the greatnesse of his power to us-ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power Acts 16.14 And a certain woman named Lydia a seller of purple of the City of Thyatira which worshipped God heard us whose heart the Lord opened that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul 1 Pet. 2.9 But ye are a chosen generation a royall Priesthood an holy Nation a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darknesse into his marvellous Light Eph. 4.1 I therefore the Prisoner of the Lord beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called 1 Thes 2.12 That ye would walk worthy of God who hath called you to his Kingdome and Glory John 6.44 No man can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him and I will raise him up at the last day V. 45. It is written in the Prophets and they shall be all taught of God every man therefore that hath heard and hath learned of the Father cometh to me V. 65. And he said therefore said I unto you that no man can come unto me except it were given unto him of my Father John 6.37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out John 5.25 Verily verily I say unto you the hour is coming and now is when the dead shall hear the voice of the son of God and they that hear shall live 2 Thes 2.13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the Truth V. 14. Whereunto he called you by our Gospel to the obtaining of the Glory of our Lord Jesus Christ Ezek 36 16. Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me saying V. 17. Son of man when the House of Israel dwelt in their owne Land they defiled it by their owne way and by their doings their way was before me as the uncleannesse of a removed woman V. 26. A new heart also will I give you and a new Spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you a heart of flesh V 27. And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgements and do them Eph. 2.13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who somtimes were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ Rom. 8.2 For the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the Law of sin and death V. 9. But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his John 3.8 The wind bloweth where it listeth and thou hearest the sound thereof but canst not tell whence it cometh and whither it goeth so is every one that is born of the Spirit Acts 26.18 To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to Light and from the power of Satan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified by Faith that is in me Concerning believing the Gospel 1 Cor. 2.12 Now we have received not the Spirit of the world but the Spirit which is of God that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God V. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned Eph. 1.16 Making mention of you in my prayers V. 17. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of Glory may give unto you the Spirit of wisdome and revelation in the knowledge of him V. 18. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened that ye may know what is the hope of his Calling and what the riches of the Glory of his inheritance V. 19. And what is the exceeding greatnesse of his power to us-ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power John 8.24 I said therefore unto you that ye shall die in your sins for if ye beleeve not
that I am he ye shall die in your sins Acts 4.12 Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved John 14.6 Jesus saith unto him I am the way the truth and the life no man cometh unto the Father but by me John 17.3 And this is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent Gal. 1.6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the Grace of Christ unto another Gospel V. 7. Which is not another but there be some that trouble you and would pervert the Gospel of Christ V. 8. But though we or an Angel from Heaven preach any other Gospel unto you then that which we have preached unto you let him be accursed Eph. 1.13 In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the word of truth the Gospel of your salvation in whom also after that ye beleeved ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise V. 14. Which is the earnest of our inheritance untill the redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of his Glory Eph. 2.4 But God who is rich in mercy for his great love where-with he loved us V. 5. Even when we were dead in sins hath quickened us together with Christ by Grace ye are saved 2 Cor. 4.13 We having the same Spirit of Faith according as it is written I beleeved and therefore have I spoken we also beleeve and therefore speak Mark 16.16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved and he that believeth not shall be damned 1 Cor. 1.23 But we preach Christ Crucified unto the Jews a stumbling block and unto the Greeks foolishnesse V. 24. But unto them which are called both Jews and Greeks Christ the power of God and the wisdome of God 1 Cor. 3.11 For other Foundation can no man lay than that is laid which is Jesus Christ Concerning Repentance Acts 5.31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand for to be a Prince and a Saviour to give repentance to Israel and forgivenesse of sins Mat. 4.17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say repent for the Kingdome of Heaven is at hand Mark 1.14 Now after that John was put in prison Jesus came into Galilee preaching the Gospel of the Kingdome of God V. 15. And saying the time is fullfilled and the Kingdome of God is at hand repent ye and believe the Gospel Acts 3.19 Repent ye therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 20.20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you but have shewed you and have taught you publikely and from house to house V. 21. Testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks repentance toward God and Faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 26.19 Wherefore O King Agrippa I was not disobedient to the Heavenly vision V. 20. But shewed first unto them of Damascus and at Jerusalem and throughout all the Coasts of Judea and then to the Gentiles that they should repent and turn to God and do works meet for repentance Prov. 28.13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy 1 John 1.9 If we confesse our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousnesse Josh 7.19 And Joshua said unto Achan my son give I pray thee Glory to the Lord God of Israel and make confession unto him and tell me now what thou hast done hide it not from me Acts 11.18 When they heard these things they held their peace and glorified God saying then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life Ezek 18.30 Therefore will I judge you O house of Israel every one according to his waies saith the Lord God repent and turn your selves from all your transgressions so iniquity shall not be your ruine V. 31. Cast away from you all your transgressions whereby ye have transgressed and make you a new heart and a new spirit for why will ye die O House of Israel Ezek. 36.31 Then shall ye remember your owne evil ways and your doings that were not good and shall loath your selves in your owne sight for your iniquities and for your abominations V. 32. Not for your sakes do I this saith the Lord God be it known unto you he ashamed and confounded for your owne waies O house of Israel Joel 2.12 Therefore also now saith the Lord turn ye even to me with all your heart and with fasting and with weeping and with mourning V. 13. And rent your heart and not your garments and turn unto the Lord your God for he is gracious and merciful slow to anger and of great kindness and repenteth him of the evil 2 Cor. 7.11 For behold this self-same thing that ye sorrowed after a Godly sort what carefulnesse it wrought in you yea what clearing of your selves yea what indignation yea what fear yea what vehement desire yea what zeal yea what revenge in all things ye have approved your selves to be clear in this matter Rev. 2.5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and repent and do thy first works or else I will come unto thee quickly and will remove thy Candlestick out of his place except thou repent Luke 13.3 I tell you nay but except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish Acts 17 30. And the times of this ignorance God winked at but now commandeth all men every where to repent V. 31. Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the world in righteousnesse by that man whom he hath ordained whereof he hath given assurance unto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead Isa 55.7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts and let him return unto the Lord and he will have mercy upon him and to our God for he will abundantly pardon Isa 1.16 Wash ye make you clean put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes cease to do evil c. V. 18. Come now and let us reason together saith the Lord though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow though they be red like Crimson they shall be as wool Luke 15.7 I say unto you that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance Heb. 6.1 Therefore leaving the principles of the Doctrine of Christ let us go on unto perfection not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of Faith towards God Luke 17.3 Take heed to your selves if thy brother trespasse against thee rebuke him and if he repent forgive him V 4. And if he trespasse against thee seaven times in a day and seaven times in a day