Grace of God should taste Death for every Man Heb. 2. 9. Taking away that exceeding bitterness in it for all those who will comply with the ends of his death Who can withstand such goodness The full Cup was taken off it matters not if a drop or two is left behind that we may just relish how exceeding bitter it was to him Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the VVorld John 1. 29. Even Jesus which delivered us from the wrath to come 1 Thes 1. 10. Saith David of Old Yea though I walk through the valley of the Shadow of Death I will Fear no Evil Psal 23. 4. He speaks a little doubtfully as may be observed by the Particle â—ea though Heb. 12. 27. He is apt to believe he should not he hopes so As one to whom Immortality Resurrection and Eternal Life was not clearly revealed see Psal 6. 5. Psal 88. 10. Isa 38 18. They lived under that dispensation which gendred Bondage but now we know what is written Heb. 2. 14 15. Rev. 14. 13. It is said from henceforth which hath been accordingly fulfilled Immediately after Christ had suffered how did the Saints grapple with Death Notwithstanding that fury and rage of his Enemies we find not Stephen in the least surprized nothing that betrayed any Fear He prays for his Murderers and when he had said this he fell asleep Acts 7. 60. Observe the phrase of the Holy Ghost it was no more trouble or concern to him then an ordinary taking rest by night Paul triumphs over it in behalf of all Christians 1 Cor. 15. 54 55 56. 2 Cor. 5. 4 8. and for himself declares Phil. 1. 21 22. Tertullian describing the Happiness of Christians in his time after he had reckoned up many parts thereof brings up as the most considerable of all That they have no Fear of Death He speaks generally of all not limiting it only to the Martyrs Tert. de spect though indeed it did appear more in them Our Fathers have told us what great things God did in this Nation in those who suffered for his Truth and the Testimony of a good Conscience in the time of Queen Mary The Promise is certain and applicable to all God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble Psal 46. 1. Amongst all the Extremities which befal poor Mortals that seems the sharpest which denominates them such The last Enemy is Death and all other Evils are the more feared because they may bring on that So we may be bold to say God is obliged by Promise to succour his Servants at that time and may humbly intreat him to make good his Word which he doth accordingly The continuance of his Spirit that it hath been now is and ever shall be is plainly asserted Hag. 2. 5. Isa 59. 21. John 14. 16. Whatever is requisite now adays to turn the Hearts of the Fathers unto the Children and the disobedient to the Wisdom of the Just to make ready a People prepared for the Lord Luke 1. 17. there is the same Reason it should and it doth still abide among us as our Fore-fathers God will have a Church in the World to the end of time so all along his Promises do extend and he doth provide things Convenient for the building up Stablishment and Comfort thereof The Spirit is called the Comforter not that he doth deliver from Evils but support under them And it cannot be thoâ—ght whose business is to this very end that this should not assist in the last of all In the time of common Sickness and Death many good People go out of the World at this day with Peace and as it were rejoycing Nay when the Horror of Death approacheth we may see the shew of a Smile in their Countenance how they do insult over this Enemy for do its worst it can do them no harm It is not thus always for several things may stop the exerting forth of this Cheerfulness yet what the Apostle saith is Peremptory and true If any Man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his Rom 8. 9. And that will yield some Comfort it doth shine in the Heart though it may be darkned and over clouded I would in no wise discourage any one who hath sincerity and the true Fear of God who are willing to please him in all things though their beginnings may be imperfect For who hath despised the day of small things Zech. 4. 10. and yet are taken away God will Judge according to the real Intentions for this is accepted if it would indeed come forth into Act as may be learned by comparing Heb. 11. 17. with Gen. 22. 10 12. And so if they should not live to perfect the good Work He who knows the very secrets of the Heart accepts of the Will for the Deed and will deal with them as he knows their Obedience would be if they should live longer these may be in doubt and uncertainty yet go off safely But there is a vast number of Hypocrites and almost Christians who hinder from discerning the Truth for it is more judged of by these Examples then the written Word of God. Whereas they do confirm it the more There is a difference between seeming and reality those who make goodly appearances may be full of Rottenness within and again those who boast they keep all the Commandments may yet want one thing which is necessary to give them Title to Heaven They live in some reserved Sin not discovered to the World or Omâ—ssion of Duty which makes them horribly afraid There is a way shewed that the Scriptures may be fulfilled in Mens Persons Let them do what is therein required and the Promise of good things doth belong unto them None can with just reason conceive the least unfaithfulness in God or Falshood in his Word if himself doth not wholly conform to it Whether Men will or not that remains the same The Scripture cannot be broken John 10. 35. If it is not fulfilled by their obâ—dience unto Happiness it will be notwithstanding in their wickedness by acquainting them what they shall experimentally find Destruction and Misery are in their ways and the way of Peace they have not known Rom. 3 16 17. As the Salvation of the righteous and Condemnation of the wicked will at last tend to Gods Glory so even at this present time they do set forth and manifest his Truth If one finds no Comfort or benefit by the Word it is a sad Sign that it is taken from him and he is yet in his Sins It is because he doth not order his Stâ—ps in Gods VVord but some iniquity hath Dominion over him Psal 119. 133. for we must Sincerely endeavonr the things we pray for Mark the perfect Man and behold the upright for the end of that Man is Peace Psal 37. 37. Not Stupidity or Senselessness for he that hath truly served God in his Life-time doth not go away after
then last nights Dream It is finished and an end put to it hitherto all the pretended good vanishes away immediately with the several Acts. They dare not call to remembrance for Anguish of mind and sad Sighing they are more afraid to consider further on They desire to live over their time again not that they did find it altogether so pleasant but to be further off from what is behind this wish is as fruitless as it is tormenting The longer they continue to follow after sinful Pleasures and Profits They Treasure up Wrath against the day of VVratb and Revelation of the Righteous Judgment of God Rom. 2. 5. Now consider this ye that forget God least I tear you in pieces and there is none to deliver Psal 50. 22. Let the time hitherto suffice to have Sinned and Disobeyed your Maker But do so no more enter upon another Course of Life walk contrary to the former In that vast difference of the Actions of Men as to Obedience and Transgression the Conveniency and inconveniency the Pleasure and Pain pass away with the very Acts but the Good and Evil the Commendation or Guilt the Reward or Punishment they remain When things in this Place are done and over they are exactly the same as if they had never been at all and so is the nature of whatever is measured in Time but Gods Works are still worthy of himself For behold I Create new Heavens and a new Earth and the former shall not be remembrâ—d nor come into mind Isa 65. 17. They shall be much more glorious substantial and enduring We that are Creatures of a short Time here on Earth 2 Cor. 3. 10 11. shall also with the Transfiguration of the whole be advanced and made capable of being for ever When things are first done in a lesser degree in order to a greater When they are carried from Imperfection to Perfection When they are launched out from Time to Eternity thâ—s raises the greatest Admiration of the Wisdom of the Agent O Lord how great are thy Works thy Thoughts are very deep Psal 92. 5. I know that whatever God doth it shall be for ever nothing can be put to it nor any thing taken from it and God doeth it that Men should fear before him Eccles 3. 14. There is no annihilation in things without Life so there may be no utter end in things with Life We have no express Revelation that Beasts Birds and Creeping things do Absolutely and Eternally Perish And as there is a strong desire in us of being for ever so the same instinct may be there ingrafted How know we but God to manifest his own Glory and Goodness may in the great Renovation of all things raise them up also to an higher state answerable to that they had here See and Consider well of Psal 104. 29 30 31. We see things come into Being which before were not all so to us they seem to cease again and just the same as if they had never been Such is Man himself whose Resurrection we do not behold as yet but it is made known to us from God that it will be and observing the like in Nature and even our Reason inferring the same which bears a lesser Testimony unto Faith that all things indeed are so Time and Motion do now divide the World and this tends unto and as it were shews the Eternal Rest Of all the Revolutions of the Sun over our Head we enjoy nothing but the present Thoughts maâ—â— run backwards or forwards but the impression of them now aâ—fects and so it is more of things of sence they Delight or Torment only whilst had or suffered The present soon passes into the condition of past Like Water that runneth apace the Streams are gone whilst seen others succeed which are just looked on One thing is catched at and the other drops away and so the one part perishes whilst the other is had There is no Time like the present and yet it is the least of all for compare it â—o what hath been and shall be and it is but a Moment to Years and Ages It is short but the tediousness thereof most Afflicts Those Pastimes which are said to make the Time pass away do it no otherwise then by taking away the Thoughts thereof So it is in Business Time in it self always passes with a certain and equal space but idleness makes most to think thereon and so it seems to delay Which shews how Man 's Nature is designed for Action and abhors Misery for he is Tormented with the tediousness of Time wishing that would hast away when he is free from the one and oppressed with the other Which prompts him to his right end and to that he is further quickened by Consideration of the Threatnings for if the least evil is so irksome and grievous when it is now light for a moment yet that is desired to pass away or the removal thereof much more should he endeavour to avoid the exceeding and eternal Misery When our mind is restless and uneasie it is a sign that we are not about our proper Business not in the right way nor going to that place where all are called and invited But when our Spirit is throughly pleased and satisfied when we can prove our selves and rejoyce in our own work then things are as they should be There is a natural and strong Inclination in the Soul to be Happy she is for doing those things which tend to that is vexed at what is contrary or hinders Commune with your own Heart upon your Bed and be still Psal 4. 4. Enter a little upon Retirement and get free from the Disturbance of outward things and then conclude what is to be done The shortness and determination of all things of this World doth manifest that they are not the proper end of Man they either go away from him or he from them And then what prudence is it to be still doing which profits but little at the very instant and nothing at all afterwards which thrust out greater concerns that are now to be begun and to remain for ever God now Commandeth all Men every where to Repent Acts 17. 30. The Language of Canaan like the Author thereof runs in the present Tence which though it may be understood of this Life this being the same to the days of Eternity aâ— this Minute to all our Time here Yet seeing we live in this point only Whosoever doth the Work of God doth it at the present Time for whatever we do is present and just before us And therefore it is a foolish delay and excuse with which the Devil deceives reasonable Creatures who caâ—e not to do a thing now but hereafter Whereas if they are against it only upon the account of its being present and would put it off they might know Either the future opportunity will be or not if the first then it will be also present with more disadvantages and difficulties
places from whence he lifts up his Eyes and as he surveys the Creation in the height in the length and breadth all things appeaâ— little and inconsiderable below As he there takes a Prospect he is not ravished with the glittering Pomp of Worldly Grandeâ—r A numerous Army make a goodly shew to By-standers but seems to him as a Company of fabulous Pigmies and the greatest Commander is looked on as a small despicable Creature Populous Cities and all the Inhabitants thereof are as a Bee-hive some going in and some coming out Men walking in a vain Shew and disquieted in vain Ps 39. 6. The best way to despise the World is to behold it from some great exceeding high Mountain By meditation in Retirement and observation in the Streets we may at length have a true apprehension of the very Nature of things freed from that deceitful varnish and appearance But they are discovered to be transient little and unsatisfactory so there is less Temptation to fix up a Rest here but we are moved to seek that which remaineth for the People of God. If we did always run up and down the City we should not be so sensible of this the Heart will not Soar up where true Joys are only to be found when it is pressed down with the fancied Delight of Buying Selling and getting Gain It is necessary to come out from Worldly business and to be alone Which is not so unpleasant as commonly imagined according as the Person is A good Man is satisfied from himself Prov. 14. 14. As he walks out in the Fields to meditate he is as well pleased as others in great and jovial Company A Bird sings sweetly within Thoughts of innocence and the good he hath done and will continue in afford more Complacency then all the Variety of the World. The ungodly are not so Pâ— 1. 4. for what is the others Comfort is Torment to them They run to the Covert of Taverns and Alehouses and intermix with the Herd of fellow-Creatures if they may lose the Sense of their Disturber They keep still in some Company for there is no such security against their supposed Enemy These hate and declaim against Solitariness for thereby the remembrance of Sin and Guilt those accusings and fears would be stirred up which are so afflicting that if they will not obey and come to Repentance they cannot endure what prompts to this good end Yet such pass in the World for happy brisk Men and seem an unansweraâ—le Objection against the intended illustration That great shew of Mirtâ— and Jollity make half thinking People judge them to be in a Blessed condition It is to be known that all the Pleasures of sin are only outwards they are loud and visible when there is no inward and sensible rejoycing Or like a flash of Lightning they may transport for a moment when the mind is more Dark and Cloudy afterwards Take them amidst good Fellowship they are at first heavy till their Spirits are revived by strength of Liquor Hence drinking is so much in Fashion there is a deep Melancholy in its Followers by contracted Guilt that they cannot be really chearful till half Drunk and they cannot Laugh heartily till this hath caused them to stammer and bubble at the Mouth The most jovial Companion out of his Cups is no more then others 'T is an excuse in every Mans mouth they drink only for the sake of Company Each Person will say he had rather not and then it is a frivolous and false Pretence for the whole cannot be desirous of that whereof no part is But this is a Fig-leave to cover the shame of this sin for they will speak against it with their Tongue when they wish in their Heart to be pouring down knowing they cannot be Merry till they have had some quantity thereof Company is nothing worth if they have not some of the good Creature to exercise themselves withal The Lethargy of sin hath brought them into such a Damp that they are scarce â—nlivened till they find this stir in their Bodies The Clamours of Conscience are drowned with the noise of Company chaunting to the Viol and other kinds of Musick They comply with and approve of the ungodly Speeches and Actions of those they converse with They drink with the Drunkard Talk Lasciviously with the unclean Frame their Mouth to common Swearing by reason whereof the Land mourneth Jer. 23. 10. Their chief aim being recommend to themselves to Company they will rather please a parcel of dying Men then the ever-living God and will give Preference to Earth-Worms before him who is over all God blessed for ever They use Flattery invent Lies rather then spoil a pleasant Story take part with the Advocates for sin Either they do it themselves or silently hear the way of Truth evil spoken of thinking by this base obsequiousness to retain Friends Thus they treasure up wrath against the day of wrath Rom 2. 5. And though they seem never so Cheerful in prophane Talk Scoffers and walking after their own ungodly Lusts though they make a shew not to value his displeasure and threatnings Yet The Lord shall laugh at him for he seeth that his day is coming Ps 37. 13. Which will be upon him whether he thinks of it or not When thou criest let thy Companies deliver thee but the wind shall carry them all away Isa 57. 13. Before the last great Evil day cometh he doth commonly fall into some dangerous and doubtful Sickness And then if he looks back upon his Life past and forward to the approaching Judgment he is possest with Horror and strange Amazement Like a wild Bull in a Net full of the fury of the Lord. Then he thinks Had I followed Goodness half so eagerly as my Lusts I should not now be in this miserable Condition What Fruit have 〈◊〉 of all past Jollities and sinful Pleasures What hath Lust profited me or what good hath all pleasant Cups done me All these are passed away like a shadow I see now the Vanity of these things and shall I again pursue them No I will not if God is pleased to grant that I may recover I resolve on an intire Reformation The Lord is not willing any should Perish but that all should come to Repentance 2 Pet. 3. 9. He did defer the Judgment upon Ahab for his temporary Humiliation so it may be observed in the general Order of his good Providence that he doth seldom cut off any in the midst of their Sins without having given them warning by outward affliction or some Sickness before which is not unto Death but the Glory of him in sparing Sinners so long and for the benefit of them if they did make a right use of it And commonly in their first Chastisements they have such thoughts which in some are lasting and sincere spending the Residue of their Life in Gods Service but with others they lye on the surface of the Heart and are taken away
Heart are It is no matter now for his business may be as well done at another time the longer it is staved of so much the better for then there will be the less time to serve him and if they can so much as to get Heaven it is soon enough Are these the secret Imaginations which some keep so close to themselves But they do not in the mean while throughly consider how all things are naked and opened unto the Eyes of him with whom we have to do Heb. 4. 13. so he knoweth these innermost Thoughts all one as if they were wrote legibly upon the Forehead of those who conceive them How disingenuous is this And will he not so judge of it As if he must have those things put on him which they would not suffer from their Servants For would they like those who will do just enough to receive Wages but no more and less if they could Can it be reasonably expected God will reward those base and Mercenary People who do not esteem of him but only the good things he hath prepared Who would willingly receive his Gifts but have neither Love nor Reverence for the Giver If thou wilt enter into Life keep the Commandments said he who is to judge every Mans work What those are himself hath likewise told us they are two The first is Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy Heart and with all thy Soul and with all thy mind and all thy Strength How can he do this who hath such unworthy Thoughts Such an one unless he repents of the Evil will never be judged a Lover of God and then notwithstanding all his Policy he may come short of his Expectation God doth confound the Wisdom of the Wise and taketh them in their Craftiness Those which fancy and propose to themselves some new fine and â—asie way to Heaven of their own invention it is a thousand to one but they perish in their Projects for Men must not think any way to avoid the force and obligation of Gods Commandments Indeed they may choose whether they will observe them or not but then they must not choose to themselves the reward that is promised for keeping of them Neither let them imagine to draw up new Articles of Agreement besides that Covenant of Grace God hath been pleased to establish with Man for that is only of his own making and it is merciful enough it is not come to such Familiarity that he should accept what sinful Creatures would give him It is most just that God who made us without ourselves never asked our Advice whether we should be formed Vessels to Honour or Dishonour should also give us what Laws he please making his own Terms and Conditions upon which we are to receive the Happiness whereof himself is the only Giver We are not to frame any out of our own Brain and offer them unto him for seeing he hath created us to serve him shewed us how lent us Life for a time to do it We are not to seek out new Devices or to Parcel out this time as we see best for doing thereof This is here mentioned that those may beware who think it sufficient if they allot the least Portion nay the last moment for doing that wherefore the whole was given them These are the Statutes and Judgments which ye shall observe to do all the days ye live upon the Earth Deut. 12. 1. which is not taken away but rather more confirmed under the Gospel as appears from Luk. 1. 75. Who then would be saved We learn from the Prodigal Son the Publicans and Sinners the joy over them that repent those many gracious Texts concerning it that if we do go astray and come home again we shall be received to Grace and Favour But if Men from hence take occasion to spend their days in wickedness and their Life in disobedience if they turn the Grace of God into wantonness it is an horrible abuse and who thus pervert the ways of the most High may notwithstanding their vain purposes perish for ever If they go on in their wicked Course they may unawares be given over to a reprobate mind and all their Thoughts whereby they intended to be reconciled unto God at such a time come to nothing It is both unworthy and sinful to put him of from day to day and he who doth not Love to be mocked or despised may reward such after their deservings withdraw his Grace and let them go on in their own imaginations What if one should come into the Vineyard a little sooner then needs must Is not Heaven worth Labouring all the day for And can too much be done to avoid Hell Is it not better in a thing of so great moment to come more early and to wait for your Lord that when he cometh and knocketh you may open immediately Luke 12. 36. then to â—arry till the Critical time of his coming for you know not when this will be Who knoweth That certain day that is limited after so long a time Heb. 4. 7. Who can tell exactly how far and how long he may go in the way of wickedness and return The utmost bounds are not set down But this we are assured of the further we go the more way is to come back which will require so much the more Labour and Pains Hast thou any degree of the Love of God Wouldst thou not trifle with him Dost thou seriously expect to inherit his Promises and avoid his Threatnings Hast thou any regard to the eternal Welfare or Misery of thy own dear self Art thou so Wise as not to hazard when there is no need such an exceeding good set before thee and on the other hand so great an evil Break of presently thy Sins by Repentance Turn you Turn you and then Iniquity shall not be your ruin That ye put off concerning the former Conversation the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful Lusts And be renewed in the Spirit of your mind And that ye put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness Eph. 4. 23 24. Then the Fruits of the Spirit recited Gal. 5. 22 23. and other practical Duties are as agreeable to our Nature as before the Works of the Flesh were When men are transformed by the renewing of the mind they prove what is that Good that acceptable and perfect Will of God. It seems so even to their real Sense and Disposition they find more Comfort and Happiness in what is good then formerly they did in evil Be not doubtful or suspicious you are in no wise required to go softly all your years in the Bitterness of your Soul But you are invited forth to what Is a Tree of Life to them that lay hold upon her and happy is every one that retaineth her Prov. 3. 18. As those can further assure you out of their own experience who sought her early Who being partakers of
the way of Truth Do ye not therefore err because ye know not the Scriptures said our Lord to the Sadducees Mark 12. 24. But who call themselves his followers of the Roman Church fallaciously conclude therefore Men err because they know the Scriptures But this happens only through the abomination of the wicked which stumble at the word being disobedient 1 Pet. 2. 8. Whereas no truly honest minded Soul was ever deceived by it I do not mean in every little Question which Ministers unto strife rather then Godly Edifying or in matters of doubtful disputation but what is necessary to build up in our holy Faith and make for good Life As long as we keep our heart whole with God and continue stedfast in his Covenant we are safe but if we once let in a sinful gain or lust then foolish imaginations come in and we are in danger to miscarry in the errour of our own ways If our Selves will take heed both pray and endeavour to hold up our goings in Gods paths this is to keep from the paths of the destroyer If there be no wicked way in us we shall be in the way everlasting Those which turn aside are Sin and Satan but this is the Covenant performed in these dayes That he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our Enemies might serve him without fear in Holiness and Righteousness before him all the dayes of our Life Luke 1. 73 74. It can be no little satisfaction to be freed from danger and then if it be any comfort to have true quietness of Spirit Joy in the Holy Ghost firm hopes of Eternal Life such have all these When those who cherish themselves with deceits may be like the rest of Sleep whereof nothing is perceived but interruptions They have no delights in the inward Man no rejoycings in God but feed upon groundless expectations which shall perish with them If any man think himself to be something when he is nothing he deceiveth himself He may indeed with slight cursory thoughts conclude his condition to be well enough this a self deceiver may do Whereas the true servant of God can descend into the bottom of his heart can prove his own work and find rejoycing in himself alone which the other cannot Be not deceived God is not mocked for whatsoever a man soweth that he shall also reap He that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting Gal. 6. 3 6 7 8. Many people intend well but the Enemy doth try all means to hinder His first attempt is to keep off from coming into the way of Righteousness at all but if he doth not succeed there he will try to turn them aside into the By-paths of errour or wickedness Is God to be Worshipped He represents such an Idolatry or Heathen Superstition which he hath got to be retained by one half of those who are called Christians Is the truth to be sought after There is such a false light go after that Hath the Lord commanded to do all his Statutes Deut. 6. 24. He knoweth such a thing to be for your Happiness and why should he restrain you from that Beloved do not give credit to him who after this manner beguiled our first Parents in whose loyns we fell and became subject to all those evils and dangers that now beset us Submit your selves therefore to God resist the Devil and he will flee from you Jam. 4. 7. Ignorant people are apt to be frightened at him but he is a meer Coward he cannot conquer any one unless he will himself Though he is full of mischief and maliciously set against us yet he can do no harm unless our selves give way unto him Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh unto you Jam. 4. 8. What a stir do men make before they give up themselves to his Obedience How many arguments and beseechings must they have Though he is the God of their being and well-being yet what a work is it to bring them unto his service It is their greatest Happiness and Security yet with what difficulty are they perswaded unto it They do not think so then let them consider throughly the different state of the Wicked and Godly in this World as they are both in the same low degree The former cares not for God neither hath he any regard to Psal 10. keep his Commandments and perhaps may think himself happy Of the different state of wicked and Godly because he is his own Man and doth follow his own humour Who can controul him He is not troubled with the fears of Religion He doth not stand in dread of an Oath but loves and dares to talk big When he can spare time from his work he is for any diversion or Merriment whether sinful or not is no matter unto him he lives as comfortably as he can dies when his time is come and there is an end of him But now the Lord saith they that despise me shall be Lightly esteemed 1 Sam. 2. 30. Whatever such say in their heart concerning the holy one of Israel they dare not talk after this rate to the Governour of their Country and they will find that they had better curse the King to his face then conceive such iniquity but in thought against the Great King of all the Earth Foresooth they will not keep his Commandments then they shall lose Eternal Life and for Disobedience be cast into a Furnace of Fire Who think it such an advantage to have full liberty and follow their own humour in all things how will they like to be tied down in Chains of Darkness and to pine a whole Eternity in desires which shall not be granted God will not force them or any else tho' he might to his obedience but will compel transgressors to undergo the severity of his just judgment In the midst of sinning they have a secret dread and horrour thereof which unless they did endeavour to stifle would be intolerable to them let them pretend or talk what they will or conceal it still none fear so much as those who do not fear God. They being kept in from the World to come wherein he will suffer their evil deeds no longer only by this vail of flesh they are afraid of every least Evil or Sickness which may endanger that and yet by prophaning his Name they increase their own sad expectation They imagaine they talk big but do not consider he is a Great God. It is a sad thing to consider that an Ostler Porter or other common Person who dare not give a Saucy Word to their Superiours on Earth for fear of having his bones broke yet should be so bold with the most High God who can tear him in pieces and there is none to deliver him If it can be no sport or pleasure to teaze a Lion of the Forrest much less
is heavy so he may frollick it a little in his younger days then become dull and spend the greatest part of his life void of true cheerfulness and that ended a worâ—e thing may befall him For Psal 104. 15. John 2. 10. Which are commonly alledged in vindication of this sin when it rather argues of more Ingratitude and Disobedience Our Gracious God hath given this good creature for necessary refreshment and honest cheerfulness so there is no waste or disturbance to reason But if Men will not be content with this Liberty and when God hath ordered they shall drink no more after these ends are answered if they will go further to add Drunkenness to Thirst Deut. 29. 19. To force down more after they have well drunk already and have not the least Appetite there is the provocation of this sin Nothing exasperates so much as abused favour and because God hath been good therefore for Men to be more wicked this makes sin to be exceeding sinful He is most displeased with those which are committed against his loving-kindness and therefore because he hath given great liberty to transgress that and to presume upon his being merciful to forgive is a perverse way of reasoning and makes the sin seven times greater To hope that God will forgive give such Malicious and Presumptuous Offenders or Despisers is in effect that he will prove a Liar But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings saith the Lord Jer. 21. 14. Every Mans sin would be pardoned if hopes or wishes alone would induce the Lord to pardon them In truth he is what he hath proclaimed himself The Lord the Lord God Merciful and gracious long suffering and abundant in goodness and truth iâ— so he is to be believed what he saith further keeping Mercy for thousands forgiving Iniquity Transgression and sin and that will by no means clear the Guilty Exod 34. 6 7. His mercy is confirmed more then ten times before this of Judgment comes Think not this last hard O ye Transgressors Luke 21. 22. Rom. 3. 5. for whether is meet you should turn away from your â—ins or God should devest himself of justice and Truth rather then punish you for the same Which can he most reasonably expected either your selves must go into Hell or that the Words he hath spoken shall come to naught God hath spoken once twice have I heard this that power belongeth unto God Psal 62. 11. Though hand joyn in hand the wicked shall not be unpunished Prov. 11. 21. Do not think to trifle with him for he is a Righteouâ— Judge and a Father only to those who perform unto him the Obedience of Children As for the other vain Imaginations the Drunkard hath they Antep 288 are grounded upon unbelief or desperate folly He cannot be so senceless to conclude it shall happen to him according to his unbelief that there is no future State only because he thinks so or would have it so and thus make void the fixed decrees of Almighty God with his own weak fancy or fruitless desire If he is unbelieving now and so resolves to continue the first thing that shall convince of the mistake will be his own woful experience but when this shall teach him his condition will be without hope or remedy It would be a more wise way to believe and so avoid then to go with an evil heart of unbelief till death delivers him over where he shall be forced to believe and tremble and afterwards see and suffer But if he hath not quite lost his Faith he must be convinced of a more foolish manner of Acting He abhors and cannot endure his present Life because it is miserable there is the same Reason he should not thrust himself forward into the other for if the Punishment of Sin is now so grievous that Men would do any thing to be rid of it what will it be hereafter when Jer. 12. 5. God shall stretch forth his Arm to take full Vengeance on the Workers of iniquity These had better take warning God hath given them a space to repent of their Drunkenness Be sure to comply with his gracious purpose make their Peace with him lengthen out their time by all lawful means to prepare the more for the Bridegroom 's coming But if they will go on in their own former way they shall Taste and Feel this to be true Their Grapes are Grapes of Gall their Clusters are bitter Their wine is the Poison of Dragons and the cruel Venom of Asps Deut. 32. 32 33. What hath possessed the minds of Men to be so in love with this Evil All are not for Turks and Iâ—fidels are not so guilty thereof as the Christian World. A Company of People who profess to believe the Scriptures in which are contained severe Threatnings against this Sin yet they most of all do commit it The Laws and Prescriptions of Heathen Deities and false Prophets throughout the World are observed but here in Christendom Men do not obey the Commandments of the Lord and his Christ The words of Jonadab the Son of Rechab that he commanded his Sons not to drink Wine are performed Jer. 35. 14. But our bountiful Lord hath permitted the good use thereof with this charge Be ye not drunk with Wine wherein is excess Eph. 5. 18. Yet Men have transgressed his Voice wherefore the Râ—chabites may be their Judges and it will be more tolerable in the day of Judgment for Mahometans and Idolaters then for this sottish Generation â—O foolish People who hath bewitched you that you should not obey the Truth before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently-set forth crucâ—fied among you Gal. 3. 1. All of you hear him Preached and some have drunk of the Cup of the Lord yet you resort again to the Cup of Devils by Drinking after such an excessive manner as they of old did in Sacrificing to Evil Spirits which also now chiefly gratifies them who prompt to sin and disobedience If we did allow for the Temptations of Drink and Company yet the loss of Gods Favour Peace of Mind and health of Body will not be sufficiently recompenced with that pretended converiency Look not only upon the good colour of the Liquor nor hearken to the Merriment of Companions when they are at it but consider the enâ— Think upon the whole life and way of those jolly Persons and then tell me whether drunkâ—â—â—ess is not pâ—â—judicial to Mans Happâ—ness But couldst thou â—eep into the Chambers of Death as that may be done by Faith and see those poor Souls who were once Drinking and making Merry on the Earth the Pit hath shut her Mouth upon them and now they are full of Anguish and Indignation for their former Folly There remains still the like Threatning to the Drunkards of England the Drunkards of England shall be troden under Feet Isa 28. 3. For the Judgment of God is the same against all Nations Times and People who
practice of the contrary duty will be more excellent and have a proportionable reward All Gods Precepts Jam. 2. 10 11. 1 Cor. 12. 8. are linked together But as in the Gifts of God a Man hath the common measure of all yet one is more eminent for this So in Obedience and Christian Graces one is obliged to all but then a single one shall shine forth more then the reâ—t and to such besides the common reward a more especial blessing is promised This is not a needless digression for the Doctrine and Practice of Universal Obedience is necessary against the Fear and Danger of Death as we learn from Ezek. 18. 31. 1 Cor. 15. 56. That gives title to all the promises who complies therewith is sure and none besides Righteousness delivereth from Evil Prov. 11. 4. From the Fear whilst he lives and the Danger when it approaches â—igh The body will a little tremble at its dissolution for that is natural But Christ came to deliver them who through Fear of Death were all their life time subject to bondage Heb. 2. 15. And this beâ—â—fit he hath procured to his Servants for they believe the Scriptures to be true which are fulfilled in them so they are assured no evil can happen unto them after Death and therefore are not â—â—â—mented with the apprehensions of it They do not 〈◊〉 or drive it out of mind for there is much advantage from the Meditation thereof It is a great help to right and good actions What will this signifie and avail when I come to die It quickens to do whatever his hand finds to do with all his might for there is no Labour nor Work in the Grave There is but one of Tryal the days pass away are accountable for and do not return this puts upon doing every thing to the utmost to have the favour and acceptance of Almighty God. The World judging by themselves look upon those as Melancholy who are so wise to consider their latter end But is there no difference between the Righteous and Wicked There is much in their manner of Conversation all the life long and so is at their death There is difference in Prisoners between the innocent and guilty as to their looking for the day of Assizes and shall the last Judge of the comfortable expectation of the other by his own Fears and Dread Because some are afraid to appear before Christ are they also who have the certain promise of Being with him The one doth not live like the other they are contrary in their Thoughts Words and Actions before their manner of Dissolution that vast and endless parting they must make one from another It is the greatest Happiness to the one and misery to the other and therefore it may be well supposed to administer different thoughts to them It is impossible to obviate all the sayings of Men for they are endless and most are so trivial that they do not deserve any answer but yet may be judged of by this one Observation viz. There is nothing so good and true but something may be said against it Nothing so evil and false but something may be said for it But in every proposition let it seem never so true or strange at first sight examine the Arguments of both sides without prejudice or partiality and then that side which hath most reason and probability may determine our assent This doth make for the honour and reality of Truth that the reasons whereby inferring one thing from another we come to know it are clear deep and convincing Truth must prevail where it can be manifested Which is of such a Divine and excellent Nature that the whole doth not come forth on a sudden but hath been strugling in the Womb some thousands of Years There is great opposition to it by the powers of Darkness and their Sophistry as may be seen for the Objections against it are Dark Perplex Contradictory Slight and deceiving It is reciprocally so with falshood though it hath passed current and been a long time received This may be applied to innumerable instances But to our purpose The noble Martyrs of Old did not decline Death in its most terrible shape when they might glorifie God and avoid sin they were called Melancholly Sullen Obstinate Foolish haters of Mankind and such like When they were in the very prime of Age of excellent natural disposition of a vain conversation before and that changed by Christianity into a more happy manner of living when they were wise and understood what they did as well as ever Men did and did shew themselves as sincere and affectionate to one another The Devil is never wanting to set himself against the doings of God to whisper into the hearts of Men to hinder their Faith and returning unto him but then they run away with that and will not consider what can be said on the other side this is one cause of unbelief the many objections and prejudices they have against the truth They are resolved to take up therewith and not hear from themselves or others a full satisfactory answer Is the least thing muttered against God Their ears are open immediately it is forthwith unanswerable But if spoken out for him then like the deaf Adder they stop their Ears and refuse to hear the voice of the Charmer charm he never so wisely They think it can never be wise that makes for Religion as all things are which make against it Whilst they are willing Satan should hold them at this catch it may be here applied Because they received not the love of the Truth that they might be saved for this cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lye that they all might be damned who believed not the Truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness 2 Thes 2. 10 11 12. They might consider which was most safe as well as most reasonable to believe In the likeliest probability when such multitudes of Men Women more fearful by nature and young Men who may rush upon Death in a heat of passion or out of Gallantry and Honour not with a deliberate advised mind When it was esteemed infamous and foolish by the World yet still to embrace it rather then sin against God and deny the Faith this must be the power of his Grace which did arm their mind against all Fear of Death both in its natural dreadfulness and also heigthened by the malice and cruelty of Men. That was an extraordinary Case but what is it to the Fear of Death now a days Very much for though Men do not continue in the World by reason of Death yet that still continues It reigned as an evil from Adam unto Christ But now he hath taken away the sting and frightful nature from it When he made his Soul an offering for sin and took upon him the person of the Wicked he drunk of the Cup of Gods Wrath Was there any such love that he by the