bending to them and all they that despised them and looked upon them as poor piteous sorry people shall bow down themselves at the soles of their feet and call them the City of the Lord the Zion of the holy one of Israel and whereas they were forsaken and hated God will make them an eternal excellency a joy of many generations Isai 60.14 15. and that leads to the next thing They shall be as the brightness of the Firmament and as the Stars 4. Perpetually and everlastingly glorious The Firmament and Stars are not subject to those decays and expirings and extinguishments as to their lustre and glory as our inferiour lights Candles Torches and the like which may either be blown out and so loose their shine or will of themselves in short time expire and go out as suffering a consumption and defect of the matter that feeds their light and shine but though by reason of the Clouds intervening or the earth in their daily revolutions in their turning about it or by reason of the brighter glory of the Sun their brightness or shining lustre is not alwaies seen by us yet they are alwaies alike bright and glorious in themselves And yet because of that intermission of their shining unto us by reason of those things above mentioned the Holy Ghost might to supply that defect adde here that expression which may be understood to appertain to both clauses viz. That they shall shine for ever and ever 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a hidden unknown time and still beyond that even for ever and ever their glory shall be like the glory of God that shall shine upon them everlasting Everlasting joy shall be upon their heads and sorrow and sighing shall flee away Isai 35.10 and 51.11 They shall be an eternal excellency for the Lord shall be their everlasting light and the days of their mourning shall be ended Isaiah 60.15 19 20. The glory of this world passeth away and mens shining lustre like the lamp of the wicked goeth out their honour shall not descend to the grave after them Psal 59.17 1 John 2.17 but God will give these an everlasting name honour and renown so as they shall be had in everlasting remembrance Isa 56.5 Psal 112.6 For the mercy and kindness 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him and his righteousness unto childrens children to such as keep his Covenant and think upon his Commandments to do them Psal 103.17 18. 5. Indeed both the brightness of the Firmament and the shining of the Stars are inferiour to that of the Sun and so the Holy Ghost may signifie in his use of those Similitudes that their glory spoken of shall be inferiour to the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ the Sun of righteousness and indeed its meet that He in all things and for ever should have the preheminence be glorified in â—…ll their glory as they also are made glorious by partaking of his as the Philosophers tell us that the Firmament and Stars derive their shining lustre and splendour from the Sun and from its light and lustre So to be sure all the Saints and holy ones shall do so from Christ not shining in any splendor in such sense their own as not to have or derive it from him And yet inasmuch as our Saviour useth the Metaphor of the Sun to set forth the greatness of the then shining glory of the righteous Matth. 13.43 it may signifie to us also that the Mystery of God and the great and glorious thoughts and purposes of his heart towards his servants and people was not made out so sully and clearly in former times to and by the holy Prophets as they are now in these last days by the coming and appearing and in the Doctrine and Discoveries of the Lord Jesus by himself and his Apostles Ephs 3.5 We have the things of God more fully made known in these last days than in those former times God reserving this honour to the appearance and ministry of his bleffed Son As the way into the Holiest was not yâ—… made manifest while the first Tabernacle waâ—… standing So neither was the glory of it or that was to be thence revealed so fully signified and declared Heb 9.8 2. As to what is peculiar of difference in these two Metaphors or Similitudes the brightness of the firmament and the Stars I shall only observe that the Stars are the more glorious ornaments of the Firmament and exceed the brightness of the Firmament barely or where there is no Star And so to that in saying that they are wise or instruct shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament and they that turn many to righteousness as the Stars We may note that he doth signifie both 1. That there shall be different degrees of glory given as rewards to the fearers and servant of God as is also signified by the Apostle in saying He that soweth sparingly shall reap sparingly and he that soweth liberally shall reap liberally 2 Cor. 9.6 And our Saviour implies the like in his answer to the two Sons of Zebedee and their Mother desiring that they might sit one at his right hand and the other at his left hand in his Kingdome for He tells them among other things that â—…o sit at his right hand and at his left in his Kingdome that is to be near to Him is not his to give but to them for whom it is prepared â—…f his Father as implying that it is so prepared for some but not for all his Disciples Matth. 20 21-23 Mark 10.40 as also it is implyed in that of Zechary 12.8 â—…s the words may be construed and understood where he saith He that is feeble among them shall in that day be as David and the house of David shall be as God as the Angel of God before him and in that of the Apostle that as one Star differeth from another Star in glory So also shall be the Resurrection of the dead 1 Cor. 15.41 42. 2. That the greatest Glory shall be given to them that are most abundant in doing good for they that are wise shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament but that is less than the Stars like to which they shall shine that turn many to righteousness which is more than simply the being wise yea or instructing or making others wise for so they may do that turn not many to righteousness this also is confirmed by the former proofs particularly that of 2 Cor. 9.6 and is evidenced in the Parables of the talents and pounds where he that by trading with his pound got ten pounds is rewarded got with rule over ten Cities when he that had got but five is rewarded with ruling but over five Luke 19 17-19 for God shall render in the judgment to every man according as his works shall be to them that do work good shall he reward glory honour and peace but yet so as to the
Lord call upon or proclaim his Name make known not yours but His deeds among the people Sing unto him Sing Psalms unto him Talk ye all of his wondrous works Glory ye in his holy name And again Sing unto the Lord all ye earth Shew forth from day to day his salvation Declare his gloâ—…y his Son the brightness of his glory among the Heathens his marvellous works among all Nations For great is the Lord and greatly â—…o be praised He also is to be feared above all Gods 1 Chron. 16.8 9 10 23 24 25. Psal 96.1 2 3. 105.1 2 3. And so it was fore-prophecyed One generation shall waise thy works to another and shall declare â—…hy mighty Acts. I will speak of the glorious hoâ—…our of thy Majesty and of thy wondrous works things or words they others â—…hall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness and shall sing of thy righteousness The Lord is gracious full of compassion slow â—…o anger and great of mercy The Lord is good 〈◊〉 all and his tender mercy over or upon all â—…is works Psal 145 4-10 And surely Christ â—…eing made to us of God wisdome righteousâ—…ess c. The way to make men wife and righteous is to turn them to him that they may be made in him which though it be the work of God yet it 's a work that he doth by his Law or Doctrine that goeth forth from Sion the preaching of the Gospel Acts 26.18 or confessing his name which He therefore hath made known unto men and put into their hearts that they might thereby be made instruments of converting others to him as he hath also chosen them to put his name upon them and to declare it that the residue of men might thereby be moved and have advantage to seek after God Acts 15.16 17. With Gods Law oâ—… Doctrine then which is perfect converting the soul such as know it and have fitness in any measure for it are to endeavour to convert others to God by Jesus Christ setting him forth to and before all and every man as they have opportunity and capacity as the only righteousness are salvation of God prepared for them aâ—… and every one Luke 2.30 31. Isa 49.6 Rom. 3.21 22. the righteousness of God 〈◊〉 or for all and upon all that believe Anâ—… so declare his mighty works to that purpose tâ—… them which he hath done for all and ever one as the holy Apostle did who tells uâ—… He dyed for all and gave himself a ransom foâ—… all and tasted death by the grace of God for ever very one so as through his one righteousness the free gift is to or for its all men to justification of life that he is the propitiation for our sins even for ours who have him our Advocate to make good our cause with God as He is and doth for all that believe on him but not ours only but also for the whole worlds 2 Cor. 4.44 15. 1 Tim. 2.6 Heb. 2.9 1 John 2.1 2. and this without such Ifs or corrupt additions as are the product of mens ignorance or unbelief of Gods Testimonie and dependance upon one anothers Wisdome seeking honor one of onother or loving the praise of men more than the praise that comes from God only viz. those glosses and additions of all the Elect every one of the believers and the world of the Elect c. Whereas the Scriptures every where distinguish the Elect from the world and do not call them by the name of the world Alas how should men be turned unto righteousness unless they see that there is a perfect righteousness that is worthy to be turned to made ready for them and to be turned to by them a righteousness wherein and wherewith they may be righteous or which comes to the same how shall men be made righteous if not made in Christ or brought in to believe on and submit to him there being no other way to righteousness for them that that is of or after the Law as attained to or attainable by sinful fallen man being rejected of God! And how shall men be made in Christ if they see no excellency and preciousness in him and preparation of him for them if they be borne in hand that God sent him but for here and there one they know not who and they must infallibly be brought in yea they cannot hinder themselves of it and if not so they must perish notwithstanding all endeavours after salvation who that hath and useth the exercise of his reason will look after him upon such motives as that Doctrine contains and not rather take his course till he cannnt choose but come into him as thinking otherwise or till then all his labor will be needless in vain And what abouts are men fain to go courses take they to bring men to righteousness through their not knowing or believing Christ to be the Saviour of the world the Saviour of all men and especially of them that believe while they put them upon the Law and legal humblings and works and opperations preceding the knowledge of Christ and the good foundation laid in him to be as evidences or grounds of conceiving and believing that they are of the Elect for whom only they imagine and say that Christ died and oh what wretched mistakes are those men guilty of and how destitute are they of the truth that durst call the very manifest expressions of the Holy Apostles Errours and Blasphemies But Gods way of holding forth light to men to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Sathan to God â—…s to preach Gospel to them to let them know that they being all Sinners against God and lyable to his wrath ungodly and enemies He in the greatness of his mercy to keep them from perdition sent his own and only begotten Son into the world to be their Saviour and that he might be so He delivered him up to Death for their offences that were upon them and raised him again for their justification and hath exalted and glorified him and filled him with all His fulness that they inlistening to and obeying him might be saved and made happy by him To such purpose is that Word of reconciliation put into the Apostles or committed to them 2 Cor. 5.18 19-21 That God was in Christ reconciing the world to himself not imputing their trespasses to them but made him that knew no sin to be sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in him wherewith agrees the Doctrine preached by our Saviour to Nicodemus to regenerate him viz. That as Moses lifted up the Serpent in the Wilderness so must the Son of man be lifted up that whosoever believeth on Him might not perish but have eternal life For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on him might not perish but have everlasting life For God sent not his Son into
their hearts being through the force anâ—… power of the light shining into their heart turned from darkness to light and from tâ—… power of Sathan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of their Sins and inheritanâ—… among the sanctified by the faith of Jesus Romans 8.7 Acts 26.18 thus it is said Tâ—… heart of him that hath understanding that hath received and retaines a right judgment and so is truly wise seeketh knowledg Prov. 15.14 Wise men see such an excellency in wisdome as they mind how 〈◊〉 obtain it such an excellency in the knowledâ—… of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and 〈◊〉 in the enjoyment of God and his favour through him as all other things are far below them in their esteemes and so in thâ—… exercise of their minds and thoughts aboâ—… them Yea they are loss and dross with theâ—… in comparison of those rich Jewels and thaâ—… Pearl of great price discerned by them Phâ—… lip 3.9 perceiving their own want of thoâ—… heavenly things as well as the worth anâ—… advantage of them it draws their mind from all other matters to think of and defire after them and indeed as we inâ—…mated above this is one part of a righâ—… judgment to understand our selves thâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He that is wise in his own eyes there is more hope of a fool a meer ignorant person than of him Prov. 26.12 The Angel of the Church of Laodicea that thought himself rich and encreased with goods and that he wanted nothing and knew not â—…hat he was wretched miserable poor blind â—…nd naked little minded the getting the â—…rue riches the Gold tried in the fire and the â—…rue covering for our nakedness the white â—…ayment of the righteousness that is of God by â—…he faith of Jesus Rev. 3.16 17 18. The full soul loaths the honey comb but to the empty soul that seeth its own emptiness and feels its â—…ants every bitter thing is sweet Prov. 27.7 This is the right judgment in the truly wise 〈◊〉 judg of God that He is infinitly full and â—…l-sufficient of Christ that He is infinitly excellent and precious and God in Him â—…finitly good loving and gracious but 〈◊〉 our selves and of all other things that â—…e and they are empty vain and unsatifâ—…ing creatures and therefore their mind 〈◊〉 on these things how they may be partakâ—…s of the fulness in God in Christ and as â—…ey receive thereof how to live to and â—…lorifie him and shew forth his vertues â—…nd praises to others also for their Salvatiâ—…n being lowly minded of and concerning themselves and their own things but admiring and thinking highly of the things of Christ yea and both these are joyned with 3. A right choise The wise man doth not only see the good and discern between it and the evil but he also chuseth the good and refuseth the evil He not only seeht and thinks that the instruction of wisdome iâ—… better than Silver and that knowledg iâ—… better than choise gold but he also receiveâ—… instruction and not silver and knowledg rather than choise gold Prov. 8.10 He not only seeth that the knowledg of Christ Jesus is Pearl of great price to be preferred far above all things else but with the wise merchant he lais hold of it and makes it his or with the Apostle Panl couuts all things 〈◊〉 loss and dung that he may win Christ Philip 3.8 9. Matt. 13.45 A fool or simpâ—… person not discerning between things thâ—… worth of the one and worthlesness in thâ—… other chuses by some outward shew 〈◊〉 appearance fancy or affection pleasaâ—… taste or delightfulness to the senses He receives Silver and not instruction and Goâ—… rather than the heavenly knowledg bâ—… cause he knows not the worth thereof Hâ—… is for the Barley corn with the dung-hâ—… Cock in the Fable or for the mire and diâ—… with the Swine rather than for the Pea and Jewel Heavenly things suit not his â—…alate they are far above out of his sight 〈◊〉 as he discerns not either their true beauty or real magnitude they seem to him as â—…e Stars do to our sight of far lesser quanâ—…ty and magnitude than the Hills and fountains of the earth Wisedome is too high 〈◊〉 a fool Prov. 24.7 The natural man reâ—…ives not the things of the Spirit He makes â—…t them the matters of his choice For â—…y are foolishness unto him neither can he â—…ow them because they are spiritually discern 〈◊〉 But he that is spiritual the truly wise â—…an discerneth all things 1 Cor. 2.14 15. â—…d therefore he also chuseth judiciously â—…th as to the end and means He makes â—…d and Christ his ultimate and highest â—…d his chief desire and good He halts 〈◊〉 between God and Baal but saith of the â—…rd He is my Rock my Fortress my God him will I trust Psal 91.2 And he chuses â—…d his hold on the direct ways and means the enjoyment of God He saith One â—…g have I desired of the Lord that I will 〈◊〉 after that I may dwell in the house of the â—…rd all the days of my life to behold the â—…uty or delight of the Lord and to inquire his holy Temple He knows God is to be â—…nd in his own house in Christ Je 〈◊〉 and in or among them that are united in heart and spirit with him his true and truly holy Church and therefore he chuse acquaintance with them and resolves therâ—… to seek after and wait for him He knowâ—… his dwelling place is in Sion and therefore he sets his face thitherward and chuses thâ—… way thereto to walk therein thus Davâ—… saith also I have chosen the way of truth thâ—… judgments have I set before me I have stuâ—… unto thy testimonies c. and thy testimoniâ—… have I taken as an heritage for ever for thâ—… are the joy and the rejoicing of my heart Psaâ—… 119.30 31 111. A simple man or sinâ—… fool may somtimes see and be convincâ—… in his judgment that there is a betterneâ—… in the love and favour of God and in tâ—… knowledg of Christ Jesus than in othâ—… things a betterness in wisdome than in 〈◊〉 the riches and pleasures of this world bâ—… yet because there is an easiness in the acqâ—…ring these or a present sensual delight be found in them whereas in the way the other there is something of difficuâ—… and appearing danger and a remoteness the good in them from the present seâ—… sight or feeling The way narrow and gate streight that leads to life whereas ways of flesh and world are broad and gates to those enjoyments wide and eaâ—… therefore he chuseth the worse part â—…her to gratifie his sense and sensual lust â—…nd appetite than to take pains to obtain â—…hose far better spiritual enjoyments like â—…at wicked Queen that cried out Video meliora proboque deteriorâ—… sequor I see and do approve the better things Follow the worser if it pleasure brings Thus it is with men in whom judgment â—…th not
made savoury to others Letting no corrupt communication come out of our mouths but such as is good to the use of edifying that it may minister grace to the hearers Ephes 4.29 which in another Epistle is Let your speech be alway with grace seasoned with salt with the fear of God and so what is of a cleansing nature reproving the false hopes confidences and carriages of the world or of such as do amiss among our brethren that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man Coll. 4.6 for evil communications corrupt good manners 1 Cor. 15.33 but a wholesome tongue is a tree ofâ—…life that brings forth what 's food for those that are whole and sound and leaves that will heaâ—… the Nations or Gentiles that are disceased Prov. 15.4 Ezech. 47.12 Rev. 22.2 Buâ—… for this let the Reader view if he have it the Treatise of our deceased Brother upoâ—… this subject 2. Let our Light so shine before men thâ—… they may see our good works and glorify our Fâ—…ther which is in Heaven For the Disciple of Christ are also the Light of the world anâ—… this light of God and Christ whereby the are made lights is put into them that bâ—…ing made lights by is they might not bâ—… put or put their light under a bushel but 〈◊〉 a candlestick so exercising and holding 〈◊〉 forth that it may give light to all that come iâ—… the house Matt. 5.15 16. And this light they may and ought to their abilities to let shine two ways or in a twofold letting it out viz. 1. In word in holding forth the word of Life so the Apostle exhorts and directs the Philippians with their Bishops and Deacons and not only though principally the Bishops and Deacons are concerned therein Philip. 1.1 and 2.15 16. Shine ye saith he as lights in the world Holding forth the word of life that 's the way as if he should say in which ye are to and may shine as lights not that every Believer is fitted to be a publick Preacher in some Congregation but what they believe in and with their hearts unto righteousness they may and ought also to confess with their mouth unto Salvation as they have opportunity and ability thereunto And such as are gifted with profitable gifts of wisdom knowledge and understanding may and ought soberly and orderly to exercise them too for the good of others For all that have the gift May propheâ—…yone by one that all may learn and all may be comforted Rom. 10.10 1 Cor. 14.31 1 Pet. 4.10 and all that hear as we noted before may nay are commissionated to say come Rev. 22.17 and may shew forth the virtues and praises of him that hath called them out of darkness into his marvellous light being a chosen Generation a royal Priesthood an holy Nation a peculiar People or purchased to that purpose 1 Pet. 2.9 But here is to be minded that if we would do good to others make them wise and turn them to righteousness we must hold forth the Word of life and shew forth the virtues and praises of the Lord. Confess with our mouth the word of faith believed in the heart to righteousness not do as foolish people the workers of iniquity who all boast themselves or as the word signifies speak of or forth themselves Psal 94.4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 all the workers of iniquity speak themselves talk of their own righteousness paoclaim every man his own goodness Prov. 20.6 which they that do are there opposed to the faithful friend to God Christ or the souls of men which He saith Who shall find as implying that they are not found amongst the self-proclaimers that preach themselves and not Jesus the Lord as the Apostles did 2 Cor. 4.5 and cry up themselves The Church the Church the persons to be adored believed depended on as it is said of the corrupt Israel that made mention of the God of Israel not in truth nor in righteousness they call themselves of the Holy City Isa 48.1 2 call themselves the or of the Holy Catholick Church and tell stories to men of their Perfection religiousness attainments like the Whore that saith I sit a Queen and I shall be a Lady for ever Isa 47.7 Rev. 18.7 No the way to turn many to righteousness and make them truly wise is to shew forth Gods praises to make mention of his loving kindness to do as he who said My mouth shall shew forth thy rightheousnes and thy salvation all the day for I know not its numbers I will go in the strength â—…f the Lord God and I will make mention of â—…hy righteousness of thine only not of mine and thine together Psal 71.15 16. That is Preach confess and make mention of the Gospel of Christ which is the power of God to â—…alvation to every one that believeth for thereâ—…n is the righteousness of God revealed from â—…aith to faith as it is written the just shall â—…ve by faith Rom. 1.16 17. and this accorâ—…ing both to the appointment of the Lord of â—…ld who established a testimony in Jacob and â—…pointed a law in Israel in which he commandâ—…d the Fathers to shâ—…w to their Children the â—…eneration to come the praises of the Lord his â—…rength and the wonderful works that he hath â—…ne to the end that they might set their hope 〈◊〉 God and not forget his works and not be as â—…eir Fathers a stubborn and rebellious geneâ—…tion Psal 78.4 5 7 8. and to his own practise too who having done marvellouâ—… things his own right hand and his holy arm having gotten himself the victory in his greatâ—… combate with and against Sathan and all the principalities and powers of darkness He hath made known his salvation his resurrection from the dead and the salvation therethrough obtained for us and his Gospel which is the salvation of God that the Gentile heard Acts 28 28. his righteousness not ours but as he is ours the Lorâ—… our Righteousness Jer 23.6 hath he openâ—… shewed or revealed Rom. 3.22 in thâ—… sight of the Heathen not preaching something first to make them Jews Proselites Converts to God then when they ceaseâ—… to be heathen shew them his righteousness as the false Apostles way was And this hâ—… commanded to his Disciples and Apostlâ—… after him to do not to go preach the law 〈◊〉 works but go preach the Gospel to every creâ—…ture or in the whole Creation Mark 16 1â—… preaching repentance and forgiveness of sâ—… not in Moses but in his Name in opeâ—…ning his name and so upon account of whâ—… He hath done and is become for men aâ—… in his Authority and Power requiring it aâ—… that among all Nations beginning at Jerusâ—…lem the People and City that had mâ—… deeply sinned dying their hands in blood the Prophets and just men yea and of the Lord himself Luke 29.46 47. And so the spirit of Prophecy instructed and required of men in the days past saying Give thanks unto the
flatt'ries to allure Foundations being out of sight A mountain they present secure What can the righteous do say they Now their upholders are destroy'd All will come down they are our prey Our snares and baits they can't avoid But these did not build us upon Themselves to Christ as surely laid The standing good foundation They us directed for our aid He is the holy Temple where God is and with respect to whom His chastisements now ordered are And so shall be the wickeds doom Let us likewise now in our Grief Direct to him our earnest pray'r To send unto us some relief And this our grcevous Breach repair The Father who out liv'd the Son Is in like manner taken hence He who hath turned many a one To God from sin and ignorance But Death him always shall not keep Nor yet his glorious splendour hide When he is raised out of sleep His shining brightness shall abide An Acrostick by the same hand The breach before was much to be bewail'd His taking from us that was fil'd with skill On all occasions and who never fail'd Minding men daily of Gods holy will And have we not a fresh occasion now Since that presented to lament afresh May we not fear God with a further blo Our hearts will humble for our stupidness O Let us hast our selves to humble then Returning to the Lord acting like men Ere he come over with his blow agen Surely God is beginning for to rise Even up from off his Mercy-seat No greater sign is set before our eyes In holy Writ than gather'ng thus his whea O when he takes his precious Grain away Ruine is threatned unto them that stay An Epitaph by the same HEre breathless lies our Brother dear Who spent his breath to make us hear The joyful sound our hearts to chear But of how few was it believ'd Nay by our deafness we him griev'd Aâ—â— he by death is now repriev'd Death put an end unto his pain Which while he liv'd he did sustain And is to him an endless gain In service he did oft go forth Setting before us Christs great worth But God with us shew'd himself wroth Which he of times hath done before But in this stroke He wounded Moore The wound to us was very sore Oh may it now be laid to heart That with our Idols we may part Before we feel a further smart So may we meet with in the end The good God doth by all intend And be made happy with our Friend But we awhile must bid Adieu And bide the sorrows that ensue The Death of him like whom there 's few Which few the Lord continue still To publish his most blessed will Till they their numbred years fulfil An Anagram upon the name of his Honoured Friend Tho. Moore Son by Thom. Goddrick O man t is love Homo amor est or Homo est amor The man is love 1. The man is love this is too much to say Of any man but one though some may be Conformd so farto him through grace this day That much of 's image men in them may see Who Being with his Father always one Is truely love even Jesus Christ alone 2. God manifested in the flesh is love In Him thereto is nothing contrary He is the light that shineth from above In Him 's no darkness nor obscurity O man its love as it in him doth shine That thou shouldst mind to it thy heart encline 3. Tongues Prophesie and knowledge bounty faith With constancy to death continued in If Love be wanting so the Scripture saith Advanceth nothing doth nor profit win Nor Circumcision nor its contrary Availes but faith which works by Charity 4. Love 's the fulfilling of the holy Law What it to God what it to man doth bind us That worship service reverence and aw Which is our Makers due as it doth mind us To love the Lord with all the soul heart Comprehends all includeth every part 5. Love to our Neighbour never worketh ill What 's due to him it therefore comprehendeth Our Lord to us the substance of his will In those two words alone briefly commendeth On which the weight and stress of what was said By Moses and the Prophets both is laid 6. The man whose name you see prefixed here Was exercis'd in shewing forth Gods love In its extent making it to appear That charity descendeth from above That men in knowing God might somewhat be In love mercy perfected as he 7. The Scriptures only made him wise to be An instrument of winning souls and sure without the help of vain philosophy Through faith in Christ their virtue doth endure Throughly to perfect and to furnish us To each good work This man was furnisht thus 8. Who more than half the age of man assayd By word and pen the mists to drive away Which do obscure the true foundation laid By God for men to build on in this day That men might neither slight not yet mis-place The precious corner-stone that gift of grace Who hold forth truth in its simplicity Unveil the love which mens traditions hide Turn many to Gods righteousness and by His special favour ever shall abide Even as the brightness of the firmament And shine as stars in glory permanent READER my absence from the Press â—…ath occasioned these following Errata's which thou art hereby desired to mend As also the Learned Reader may easily discern â—…me Hebrew Letters in p. 84. l. 26. 122. l. 15. â—…rossly mistaken which I leave to his ingeâ—…uity to mend PAge 14. line 30. read that which was p. 25. l. 20. for thy r. they p. 30. l. 21. for nursing r. musing p. 34. l. 7. â—…seeth p. 37. l. 20. r. that that p. 43. l. 1. r. Mat. 18.20 l. 18. â—…or Joh. 2. r. 2 Joh. p. 25. l. 26. dele him p. 46. l. 7. for can r. 〈◊〉 l. 18. for deprives r. can deprive p. 60. l. 22. d. 〈◊〉 p. 66. l. 〈◊〉 8. r. understand p. 68. l. 18. r. orderly p. 7. l. 28. r. and did p. 73. l. 12. r. other l. 7. for race r. rate p. 76. l. 27. for to r. too p. 81. l. 1. set the figure 2 before pure p. 85. l. 9. r. Psal 49. p. 88. l. 20. d. got p. 97. l. 11. for Isa 45.14 r. 45.19 p. 102. 〈◊〉 3. for or r. as l. 10. r. kept p. 105. l. 13. for to r. too p. 106. 〈◊〉 19. d. that l. 29. r. my sayings p. 124. l. 10. r. Gentiles p. 125. l. 2. for Luk. 29. r. 24. p. 127. l. 8. for 2 Cor. 44. r. 2 Cor. 6.14 p. 136. l. 15. for an r. and. at folly d. Comma p. 140. 〈◊〉 18. for has r. hast p. 141. d. be l. 29. r. this iâ—… p. 142. l. 6. 〈◊〉 things p. 155. l. 5. for God r. good
frame of thoughts about Gods Electing and Rejecting yea and asserted and urged the sufficiency in that Grace of God towards all men in the hearty belief knowledg and obedience of it for producing in men all that is necessary to their Salvation laying that as the bottom doctrine from whence all others rightly flow and receive light for the right understanding and improvement of them yea both Promises Threatnings Instructions Reproofs the Doctrines of Repentance from Dead Works Faith towards God Baptismes and laying on of Hands the Resurrection and eternal Judgmentâ—… Election and Reprobation and what not This this as to the Jews Christ himself was the great stumbling block to those zealous ones who took up uncoutâ—… notions of the world of the Elect and bring as sorry proofs for it as one I see lately that grounds his conceit upon Romans 4.13 as if the world that Abraham was the heir of must needs be the Elect not minding that the same Promise the Apostle there implies was made to his Seed also and if his seed be the Elect as doubtless they are being Christ and all that are his Galat. 3.16 29. then the Apostle should say that God promised Abraham and the Elect that hâ—… and so they shall be Heirs of the Elect or that the Father should be heir of hiâ—… Children whereas Children use to be rather the heirs of their Fathers Surely 1 Cor. 3.22 Revel 21.6 7. mighâ—… suggest a better interpretation thereof Others accused his want of Human Learning and of Ordination by the Biâ—…s But wisdome is justified of her â—…ildren Matt. 11.19 What he â—…ned and understood or apprehended from the Scriptures he soberly and â—…ceably propounded both in word and â—…ting to the great helpfulness of maâ—…n understanding and furtherance in â—…y He seperated not from the Natiâ—…l Church though he could not subâ—…be to all enjoyned in it nor was able said to read and pray together and â—…refore being a publick Preacher in â—…ittlesey in which the Right Hoâ—…able Earl of Portland offered to have â—…ured his continuance if he had pleased â—…g well persuaded of his uprightness 〈◊〉 abilities he chose rather to lay it â—…n and afterward demeaned himself â—…h all peaceableness hearing weekly â—…established Minister and being preâ—… at their service for he was not for â—…ing up the tares until the Harvest â—…rary to the Lords command Matâ—…w 13.30 out of zeal to have his field now perfectly pure In his youâ—… times being acquainted with Revereâ—… Mr. Cotton of Boston and Mr. Peâ—… of Hingham he suckt in some Notiâ—… from the former about Sons and Servaâ—… of God which he held fast a long tiâ—… as may be seen by his Book stiled Tâ—… Universality of Gods Love to Mâ—… kind which yet after further light 〈◊〉 sight he let go as his after writâ—… especially that large and excellent Tâ—…tise entituled An express Declaratâ—… of the Testimony of Christ and 〈◊〉 short Tract of Election at the cloâ—… his Treatise about the Person of Câ—… do evidence For neither did he recâ—… in light all at once The path ofâ—… just is as the shining light that shiâ—… more and more unto the perfect Prov. 4.18 St. Augustine haâ—… retractions and He his second and thoughts Sometimes the reverenâ—… have of persons proves a snare therefore its good even towards hiâ—… and all others to observe the Apâ—… counsel To try all things and hold â—…t that that is good 1 Thes 5.21 â—…e Spouse found not her beloved till 〈◊〉 was a little past the Watchmen â—…nt 3.4 And if the holy Apostles â—…ew in part and prophecied in part â—…an scarcely be expected that they who â—…ow them should perfectly comprehend that that they so knew and prophecy 〈◊〉 without mistaking them in any thing 〈◊〉 a Proverb Bernardus non videt â—…nia the best men have also their â—…lings and imperfections the acutest â—…t may mistake in something It s good â—…accept of all helps by good men but means that we may see with our own â—…s not only with theirs as resolving 〈◊〉 Faith into their persuasions or sayâ—…s because of our esteem of them with 〈◊〉 a Berean examination of them by the â—…ly Scriptures He had a good clear â—…inguishing faculty between things â—…t differ through their confounding â—…ereof men often mistake yet where 〈◊〉 conjectured he had his mistakes too as well as others as in somethings of thâ—… Scripture Chronology and about thâ—… time of the Jews Return and Conversion which he greatly longed to have seen I know not where we may find infallibâ—…lity but in Christ and his holy Spirit aâ—… the Prophets and Apostles guided aâ—… acted thereby in the Holy Scriptures Maâ—… useful Treatises he wrote published bâ—… sides these above mentioned as about tâ—… precious Blood of Christ about the specâ—… Love of Christ to Believers about 〈◊〉 Liberty and Bondage of mans Will abâ—… Prayer about the spiritual Salt an excellent Soliloquy and Meditation besides divers Manuscripts left some which as that pretty large 〈◊〉 abâ—… Antichrist I hope may after some tiâ—… be made publick And as he was haâ—… in the Ofspring of his heart and braâ—… so very happy too he was in the Ofspring of his body with reference to his Son 〈◊〉 only Son that I ever knew he had a 〈◊〉 of his own name who ran so swifâ—… that he gat the start of him for be 〈…〉 Spirit and labouring migh 〈…〉 he spent his weak body 〈…〉 viee and went to Heaven â—…ur years and almost five months before â—…m 〈…〉 mightily set to propogate â—…e Derâ—…onstrations of Gods love to manâ—…nd and therein mens Salvation â—…hose works also praised him and still â—…aise him in the gates indeed his Sons 〈◊〉 early setting had more of judgment in 〈◊〉 to the surviving because his years â—…ight have been more hopefully contiâ—…ed and had he lived to his Fathers â—…ars he might have been of far greater sefulness especially when his Father â—…as gone who came to his Grave in a â—…od old Age being entered upon his â—…ghtieth year when being spent with â—…uch Meditation Writing and other â—…xercise in the studies of Wisdome and â—…eeting with some matters of grief and â—…ouble he fell into some distempers in â—…s Head somewhat of a Lethargick â—…ture of which he had had some symâ—…omes and shorter fits once or twice some years before which now after some tâ—… or three Months continuance put an eâ—… to his life But what shall we say Gâ—… himself for mine iniquities and the iâ—… iquities of my Brethren hath done it 〈◊〉 deprive us both of the Son and Fatheâ—… and against Him there lies no just coâ—…plaint for any thing done by him Tâ—… Lord is righteous in all his ways aâ—… holy in all his works Psal 145.1 Their judgment is with the Lord aâ—… their work and reward with thâ—… God what remaines but that we humble our selves and put our mouths 〈◊〉 the dust if so be there may be hope thâ—… God though he hath sore broken us
mâ—… turn again and have compassion aâ—… defer his judgments that the contemâ—… of his Words and Servants have exposâ—… us to that they come not in our timâ—… upon us or upon these Nations I us search and try our ways and tuâ—… from those iniquities which have provoked God in wrath to make such breaâ—… es upon us endeavouring by all the helâ—… â—…n and by them or any other ways afforded that we may obtain the Salvation â—…hat is in Christ Jesus with eternal â—…lory To further you in which I preâ—…nt this Mite of mine unto you and â—…all be glad if it contribute any thing to â—…ur heavenly advantage I cannot â—…mmend it for its worth as composed by â—…e but such as I have I herein offer up to â—…ods service and your helpfulness beseechâ—…g him to pardon its defects or mistakes 〈◊〉 accept of it graciously praying you to â—…ake good use of it Nor can I say that I â—…elivered all this in the Tabernacle that 〈◊〉 contained in this Treatise For neither â—…ould my body tired with the Lordsâ—…ays exercise elsewhere it being but â—…e day before this Funeral nor the time â—…lotted permit me to do that though I â—…as I thought sufficiently tedious both â—…r my self and for my Auditory The â—…eads of it were there delivered and â—…mewhat enlarged upon though some of â—…hem here more largely spoken to the â—…articulars under the second Proposition though then generally spoken to yet aâ—… here more particularly enumerated thâ—… reasons of both added as also all thâ—… Application from the third Use or thâ—… first branch of the Uses under the secoâ—… bracnh of the Text then only propounâ—…ed briefly to the last of all and somâ—…thing also to that time giving me moâ—… advantage now for considering the maâ—…ter further and for setting down whâ—… I thought expedient And now I leavâ—… it to your perusal only begging Goâ—… mercy towards me and blessing with 〈◊〉 and entreating your candour towarâ—… and prayers for Lin Regis At my house August 13. 1672. Your unworthiesâ—… Friend and Brotheâ—… in the Christian faiâ—… Jo. Horne TO Mrs. ANNE WEST OF FOX-HALL IN Lambeth â—…race and Peace through the knowledg of God and our Lord Jesus â—…ND SISTER SInce you are pleased our of your love to the Deceased and to the matâ—…s herein contained by your benign and friendly hand to do the office of a Midwife to this my conception to help to bring it into this World which otherwise had either proved as to that abortive or stuck longer in thâ—… Birth I think it but meet and reasonable that your name also be put upon its front and that your love both to the Truth tâ—… the Deceased for the truths sake should be therein acknowledged God give his blessing with it thaâ—… you and many others may havâ—… good thereby and that I maâ—… not labour in vain and by you helpâ—… bring forth this fruit there of for trouble but for edification and benefit to many and that the seed you have sowâ—… thereabouts may also bring forth fruit upon your account in â—…he day of the Lord Jesus Christ â—…hat so you may never have cause â—…o repent you of it And the Lord recompence all your love â—…nd labour of love to the Deâ—…eased as also I wish and desire for that very kind and loving Friend and Brother to him at whose house he died Mr. R. Johnâ—…on and all other his Friends â—…nto your bosomes and fill you â—…nd all that name the Name of Christ with an abundance of his â—…pirit and of the fruits of his â—…ghteousness that you and they â—…ay in the Heavenly and glorious Kingdome hereafter Shine as â—…e brightness of the Firmament and as the Stars for ever and ever So desireth and prayeth for you and them Sister Your Friend and Servant for Jesus sake Jo. Horne At my House in Lin Regis August 13. 1672. To my much Honoured Friend Francis Vnderwood Esq of Thorney-Abbey Grace Mercy and Peace from God our Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ Honoured Sir ALthough I have not of late years used to prefix any Dedicatory Epistles 〈◊〉 the Discourses I have made puâ—…lick yet when I think of your â—…eater nighness and kindness to â—…nd interest in our Deceased Friend and Brother and your â—…xemplary love to him I cannot but judg it meet and right in behalf of my self and mine and the Deceased Friends to testifie our good resentment both of your love to the truth and to the Deceased for the truths sake by such a publick acknowledgment thereof trusting that your interest in him being so dear above others of or near to your rank none will quarreâ—… with me that I single you out above them in this matter I write not this to flatter you but to thank you and to excite you to have such further remembrance of your deceased Friend as never to forgo or neglect those good instructions and helps you have received frequently from him or rather from God by him I know it was great grief to you to part with â—…m and that he died at so great distance from you as your solid â—…ous and loving Letter to him 〈◊〉 have prevented it if it might â—…ve been doth testifie and that â—…u will now have a very great â—…nt of him more than most oâ—…ers though some in Whittlesey 〈◊〉 much or more than you possibly â—…nd therefore you with them and â—…hat I write to you I am willing â—…ey should share in also need the â—…ore comfort and consolation I â—…re presume to believe that He â—…as a watchful a good shepherd 〈◊〉 his capacity over you and his â—…ve was great to you and though â—…od may afford you other helpers â—…t I fear you will scarcely meet with another Mr. Moore among them all to be like him to you Well Sir we have not lost him alâ—… there is much of his spirit yet leâ—… behind him in his Writings theâ—… you may converse with though 〈◊〉 be gone and it s not long befoâ—… you and I shall be in no more capâ—…city to converse with any boâ—… here before you and I must 〈◊〉 after him and I hope to him aâ—… to Jesus Christ the Lord and Sâ—…viour both of us and of him anâ—… therefore let us redeem time anâ—… improve it well that we may 〈◊〉 found in peace of God in Christ And its well for us that thougâ—… God hath taken away this and thâ—… other under Shepherds from us â—…s yet The great Shepherd and â—…ishop of our Souls that loved â—…s so as that he laid down his life â—…r us though He was dead yet â—…e lives and lives for evermore 〈◊〉 take care of his flock and faâ—…ily who being so Great can take are of it all and of every one of it â—…ll over the World yea and beâ—…ng both so Good and so Eternal â—…ill not fail it though others do â—…ither through unfaithfulness or â—…s not permitted to continue by â—…eason of death He is as great â—…n Goodness
Mercy and Faithfulness as in Authority Power â—…nd Sufficiency to help and save us and therefore He will not fail nor be discouraged till he set judgment in the earth and briâ—… every one of his faithful flock aâ—… followers to the enjoyment of 〈◊〉 everlasting Heavenly Pasture To him therefore lifting up 〈◊〉 eyes and hearts let us take coâ—…rage making use of what He haâ—… left us by himself and by 〈◊〉 Spirit in his thereby made boâ—… Apostles and Prophets yea aâ—… of what he affords or hath lâ—… with us of any his faithful Pastoâ—… or Teachers Let us only taâ—… heed to follow his instruction hearing his voice and fear noâ—… but we shall do well in the issâ—… and conclusion My Love anâ—… Service to your Self Lady anâ—… Family And the God of peacâ—… that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus the great Shepherd of the Sheep through the Blood of the everlasting Covenant made in Him with us through and according to which He will also raise from the dead the under-shepherds departed in the faith of Him and all His faithful Flock in his due time â—…o endless Glory and Happiness He make you and us all perfect â—…n every good Work to do his Will Working in us that which â—…s well-pleasing in his sight â—…hrough Jesus Christ To whom be Glory for ever and ever Amen Even in all that he doth and orders to and about us at all times To Him committing you and yours I am Sir Your obliged Friend and Servant in whaâ—… I may and canJohn Horne Lin-Regis Aug. 13. 1672. THE REWARD OF THE WISE AND â—…he future felicity of the fruitful faithful Labourers in Gods work and service Dan. 12.3 â—…d they that be wise shall shine as the â—…ightness of the Firmament and they that turn many to Righteousness as the Stars for ever and ever OUr Lord Jesus for so I understand him to be whose appearance is scribed in Chap. 10. either as in himself as the spiritual Being that was aftâ—â—wards to be incarnate and made flesh as represented by an holy Angel havâ—… in Chap. 11. shewed and made known his holy and beloved Prophet Daniel maâ—… of those great transactions that should 〈◊〉 out in the World especially as relating the people of the Jews or Church of Gâ—… under the Grecian and Roman Monarchâ—… declares in this Chapter what help Gâ—… would afford to his people in the greaâ—… overspreadings of the power of their adâ—â—â—saries and the good end that should be them And so he saith ver 1. And at 〈◊〉 tâ—â—e namely when the Adversary shall pâ—… the Tabernacles of his Palace between 〈◊〉 Seas in the glorious holy mountain or mouâ—…tain of delight of holiness shall Michael stâ—… up even Christ for by that name is he câ—â—tainly called Rev. 12.7 the great Priâ—… the Prince of the Kings of the earth Reâ—…lat 1.5 that standeth for the children of 〈◊〉 people either for the people of the Jews aâ—… their posterity Daniel being a Jew orâ—… also for the Church of God made up Jews and Gentiles and by faith in Chriâ—… made the seed of Abraham and heirs accordiâ—… to promise Gal. 3 26-29 the partition waâ—… being broken down by Jesus Christ Ephâ—…sians 2.15 this great Prince shall all thâ—… â—…e stand up which may be understood â—…her of Christs appearing in the flesh and â—…ough sufferings entring upon his glory â—…d therein exercising his power in behalf 〈◊〉 his Church or else rather of his gloriâ—…s appearing or standing up at last in the â—…urches greatest exigence to give it deliâ—…rance And there shall be a time of trouble â—…ch as never was since there was a Nation â—…en to that same time which time of so â—…eat trouble may be the time of the Deâ—…uction of Jerusalem by Titus and of the â—…esolations and troubles following upon the â—…ewish Nation and People especially if by â—…e standing up of Michael we understand â—…e appearance of Christ in the flesh and his â—â—ing exalted through sufferings unto glory â—…nd abiding therein and in the exercise of â—…is power for his peoples help For our Saviour seems to apply this saying to that very time of trouble in Matt. 24.21 where speaking of the troubles that should be in Judea and in and about Jerusalem he saith Then shall be great tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world to that time no nor ever shall be where we must either by No nor ever shal be understand that he means there shall never be such a time of trouble again in that Nation or else if we understand stand it universally that must of necessâ—… the time here spoken of this being sâ—… time as there was never before since thâ—… was a Nation But if we confine our Sâ—…ours expression to that Nation and uâ—…stand him here to speak of the World versally or of the Church in its larger pacity then we may also understand 〈◊〉 He may point out some such time of grâ—… trouble to the World or to the Chuâ—… rather from it towards the end of the timâ—… or immediatly before Christs appearing glory and so standing up for his peopâ—… as there never was the like before in a age As the time of the slaying of 〈◊〉 Witnesses by the Beasts rising out of the bottoâ—…less pit and of their dead bodies lying slâ—… Rev. 11 7-10 and of the gathering togethâ—… of the Kings of the earth to the battle of 〈◊〉 great day of God Almighty Rev. 19.14 maâ—… probably be though in the conclusion thâ—… Saints shall have joy and the adversariâ—… destruction as is there implyed And so 〈◊〉 is said and signified here when he addeâ—… And at that time thy people shall be delivered every one that shall be found written in the Book namely all they that shall be appointed oâ—… God thereunto or shall be truly righteous and fearers of God this is the fruit and benefit of Michaels or Christs standing up â—…hem both to intercede with God in â—…ven for them and to succour them from â—…out of Heaven And this is the great â—…er of hope and consolation to the â—…rch and people of God that whatever â—…ersaries rise up against them and how â—…oever they prevail and whatever sad â—…s of trouble come upon them yet they 〈◊〉 a great Prince greater than all their â—…ersaries even the Lord Jesus to stand â—…or their help therefore they may hold â—…heir way and hold fast the profession â—…eir faith with courage and confidence â—… conditions only necessary it is that give diligence to be found in Christ so that our names be found written in â—…en even in the Book of Life for no 〈◊〉 shall fail of deliverance Luke 10 20. â—…p 5.9 He adds â—…ers 2. And many of them that sleep in the 〈◊〉 of the earth shall awake some or these â—…erlasting life and some or those to shame â—…erlasting contempt It is the manner â—…e Prophets of times to speak briefly and â—…isely of the things of Christ and his â—…gdom so
ye die O house of Israel zech 33.11 But now to his Discipleâ—… addes But blessed are your eyes for they and your ears for they hear As the reaâ—… still why it was given to them to know mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven 〈◊〉 they winked not with or closed their 〈◊〉 nor stopped their ears as the obstinate 〈◊〉 rebellious ones Zech. 7.11 12. But 〈◊〉 trariwise they see and heard they leâ—… and received the light vouchsafed and discoveries it made and the voice truth brought to them and what it sâ—… fied and therefore they were blessed dued with greater capacity of seeing 〈◊〉 hearing more understanding and inlaâ—… ment in spirit Matt. 13.11 12 13 14 16. like to which also was that answer ven by Christ to Judas when he asked hâ—… Why he would manifest himself to them 〈◊〉 not to the world the refusers and rejecâ—… of him Joh. 14.22 23 24 If any manâ—… me saith he he will keep my words and â—…ther will love him and we will come unto 〈◊〉 and make our abode with him He that â—…eth me not keepeth not my sayings c. To â—…em that turn at his reproofs He powres out 〈◊〉 Spirit and makes known his words but 〈◊〉 them that set at naught his counsels and â—…ll none of his reproofs he doth not so nor â—…e they in a fit posture for it yea such a carriage provokes him to give them up to their 〈◊〉 lusts and let them walk after their own â—…eâ—…sels Prov. 1.23 24 25. Psa 81.10 11 12. 〈◊〉 that both mens first complying with or â—…t complying with the light and truth â—…herewith God by Christ prevents them is â—…e exercise of their voluntary choise not â—…e necessity or excellency of their natures â—…th are mercifully prevented by Grace â—…r God fashions their hearts alike before he â—…nsiders their works to approve the one or â—…ndemn or be angry with the other â—…sal 33.15 He that chuseth to comply 〈◊〉 the grace that prevents him chuseâ—…â—…t of himself nor hath any liberty thereto â—…t as Grace prevents strengthens and inâ—…ines him thereto but yet Grace works â—…t so as not to leave him a capacity of â—…hoise or refusal but gives him the capacity 〈◊〉 chuse excites him thereto and directs â—…d strengthens him therein and he volunâ—…rily obeying it is approved commended followed with more grace and made wisâ—… to Salvation and useful for the good 〈◊〉 others though this last according to God free pleasure more absolutely who distributes his gifts for usefulness differently 〈◊〉 those that are made spiritual ones as he see good as is plainly asserted 1 Cor. 12.7 8. To one is given by the Spirit the word of wâ—…dome to another the word of knowledg by 〈◊〉 same Spirit to another the working of Mirâ—…cles c. But all these worketh one and the sâ—… same Spirit dividing to every man severally 〈◊〉 He will The others rejection is not 〈◊〉 want of or from any defect in preventing grace for wisdome calls and stretches out â—…hand that is puts forth her power for helpfulness and in the day of Salvation is succoâ—…ing them also that they might hear and obeâ—… and chuse the fear of the Lord Prov. 1.22 23 24 25. 2 Cor. 6.1 2. and would gather thâ—… also Matt. 23.37 but it proceeds from thâ—… mere voluntary choice of the Will or Soâ—… in them chusing to retain its Idol lust 〈◊〉 way of iniquity It s true before the graâ—… of God prevents and works men naturalâ—… and necessarily do evil and follow afâ—… vanity But that 's not the thing for which God is angry and provoked to deny 〈◊〉 withold his grace for notwithstanding thâ—… He prevents them Yea that is matter 〈◊〉 pity and commiseration to Him to see men naturally under such a power and necessity of evil but mens rejections are condemned â—…s they are their voluntary and unnecessiated choises of evil after grace preventing â—…hem counsels and excite them to do better â—…hence This is the condemnation that Light 〈◊〉 come into the world and men love darkness â—…ather than light because their deeds are evil â—…oh 3.19 And Because I called and ye reâ—…used I stretched out my hand saith wisdome â—…nd no man regarded Ye have set at nought all â—…y counsels and would none of my reproofs I also will laugh at your calamity and mock when â—…our fear cometh Then they shall call upon â—…e but I will not answer they shall seek me â—…arly but shall not find me For that they hated knowledg and did not chuse the fear of the Lord therefore shall they eat the fruit of their â—…wn way and be filled with their own devices Prov. 1.24 25 26 28 29 31. What our â—…aviour saith to the Jews refusing him â—…nd his words being in a sense and measure more generally true viz. If I had â—…ot come and spoken to them they had not had â—…in but now they have no cloke for their sin He that hateth me hateth my Father also and so generally he that hateth the way and means of Gods conveighing his divine light and power as such hates him that so conveighs it If I had not done among them thâ—… works that no other man did they had not haâ—… sin but now they have both seen and hated bâ—… me and my Father John 15.22 23 24. Yeâ—… though we say that some men attain to wiâ—…dome through their voluntary complying with the grace of God preventing them and others fail thereof through their wilful râ—…fusings of that grace which prevents them which had it been complyed with would also have made them wise yet we alwayâ—… reserve to God as is meet his own Soveraign liberty and freedome of preventing the one or other with more or less afforâ—…ing more or less clear means or discoveries of his truth in and by those means exeâ—…cising longer or less patience towards theâ—… or taking more ordinary or extraordinaâ—… courses with them For as sometimes 〈◊〉 makes some Sinners examples of his Seâ—â—rity for admonishing others and exciting them to Repâ—â—tance who were not leâ—… Sinners than those whom He makes examples Luke â—…3 1 2 3 4 5. So He may aâ—… sometimes doth make some as bad as 〈◊〉 thers examples or special instances of hâ—… mercy for the moving others to seek meâ—…cy of Him and incouraging them to hoâ—… for it from Him in their seeking it 1 Tim. 13.15 16. Now of those that are made wise it is said They shall shine c. Where we may further inquire 1. What these wise men are and where 〈◊〉 their wisdome stands or is evidenced 2. What is imported in its being said They shall shine as the brightnefs of the firmament 1. These wise men we have seen are such â—…s are made so through the Grace of God â—…ringing Salvation to them closed and complyed with by them with a wisdome â—…hat no man hath by and of himself or by â—…is own mere strength and industry but by â—…he Grace of God in Christ Jesus by which as
foresight of dangers with a prudent provident care to prevent them and this also because his Eyes are in his Head and he makes use of them to look before him even to what is yet to come And he hath so good a fight through the spirit of wisedome given him in and through the faith of Christ and shewing him things to come as that he sees things afar off and what others see not even the end of ways and events and issues of courses good or evil before they be come upon men He sees the effects in the causes and the fruit in the root and in the nature of the stock and juice it springs from whereas the fooâ—… and evil man seeth not things till they bâ—… come or just upon them for he wants thâ—… eye of Faith or which the Faith or Gospeâ—… of Christ received gives and he hath noâ—… or uses not that heavenly prospective-glasâ—… which makes evident things not otherwise seen and shews the things that are far of in their true magnitude as if they werâ—… near hand thus it s said The prudent maâ—… foreseeth the evil and hideth himself the spirâ—… tually wise and good man seeth it before 〈◊〉 be come into other mens sight or view oâ—… before it be upon him and he seeth thâ—… place of refuge where he may be safe from it and escape its dint and thither betake himself and there hides himself that 〈◊〉 find him not out He knows that in Chriâ—… Jesus there is salvation and deliveranâ—… from all that is evil and may hurt him froâ—… the World or Devil and that in repentinâ—… if gone astray from him returning to anâ—… believing on him and obeying his Worâ—… and Doctrine and abiding therein hâ—… shall not perish under whatever may happen to or in the world but he shall havâ—… everlasting life and therefore he betake himself to him his counsels and instructâ—…ons and follows them trusting to hâ—… Promises and so he is safe and hidden but the simple pass on and are punished they transgress and go beyond the bounds God hath set them they abide not in the Doctrine of Christ to believe and obey that and seeing no evil come upon them nor any appearance of it they go on on on in their deceitful ways till the sad issue of them come upon them they cry peace peace hoping for and promising themselves safety and security till punishment befals them till sudden destruction comes upon them as Travail upon a Woman with Child and they shall not escape it Prov. 22.3 27.12 1 Thes 5.2 3. But the Wise with the prudent and provident Ant they foresee a Winter before â—…t be arrived while yet the Summer and Harvest last and the Sun shines warm upon them and they provide against it come provide their meat in the Summer and gather their food in the Harvest Prov. 6.7 8. 30.25 They know that though no Wild-Beast be yet upon them yet many such there are many evil spirits and evil men full of Craft Power and Cruelty and that they are not 〈◊〉 themselves able to encounter with them and make their party good against them they being a feeble folk in themselves and therefore preparing against the worst they with the Conies make their houses and habitatiâ—…ns in the rock they make the Lord their refuge the most High their habitation Pro. 30.26 Ps 91.9 They know that though the light be sweet its a pleasant thing for the eye to see the Sun yet the time of darkness will come too and that though a man may live many days rejoice in them all yet the days of darkness will or may be many because all that cometh is vanity and therefore they remember God their Creator in the days of their youth or choise before the evil days come and those years draw neer in which they shall say they have no pleaâ—…ure in them Eccles 11.7 8. 12.1 knowing and minding that in the world the followers of Christ must have tribulation and are lyable to many tryals and temptations and that they are often and may be so to themselves deep and heavy and of long continuance They with the wise Virgins are careful to furnish their Vessels with Oyle before they give rest to their Souls that so if long tryals come upon them and Christ defer his coming to help and deliver them figured out in the Parable by the Bridegrooms staying till midnight yet their Lamps may burn and shine and not go out that is they mind the word of God and knowledge of Christ and treasure it up within them laying up in store a good foundation therein against the time to come that they may lay hold on eternal life They meditate the Law and Doctrine of the Lord day and night and walk therein that they may have such hope and trust in the Lord as to be made like the tree planted by the waters side and that spreads out her roots by the Rivers that is not careful in the year of drought sees not or is not hurt by any evil nor ceases from bearing fruit c. Mat. 25.1 4 7 10. Jer. 17.7 8. and so they lay up knowledge and keep it within them Prov. 10.14 14.33 22.18 and yet so as they make use of it too to shine as Lamps by it and give light to others and so there is in them also 7. A right use making of their knowledg as it is said the lips of the righteous feed many Pro. 10.21 the tongue of the righteous useth knowledge aright Prov. 15.2 for as they keep knowledge Prov. 5.2 so they disperse it too Prov. 15.7 and so they use it not for pride and ostentation to puff up themselves with it or do hurt by it to others as fools sinners do increasing therethrough their own guilt punishment but to do good to instruct others so they are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Teachers as the Margin reads it or such as make others wise that is are Instruments of it in the hand of God As it is also said The wise in heart they thai with the hart believe the Gospel unto righteousness shall be â—…alled prudent and the sweetness of the lips â—…ncreaseth learning with the mouth confession is made to salvation For understanding is a well spring of life both to himself and others to him that hath it Whereas the instruction of fools is folly The heart of the wise teacheth or maketh wise his mouth and addeth learning to his lips Pleasant words are as honey comb sweet to the soul and health to the bones of them namely that hear and duly receive them Prov. 16.21 22 23 24. Rom. 10.10 and so we may take in here that other reading The Teachers or Instructers shall shine c. but then we must couple in the former reading with it and understand it of such Teachers as are also themselves wise in the points spoken to and explicated such as do first hear and obey
the word themselves and are doers of the truth they teach to others for it is not every one that saith Lord Lord that is the wise man for many shall say in that day to Christ Lord Lord have we not Prophesied in thy name and in thy name cast out Devils and in thy name done many wonderful works to whom He shall say Depart from me ye that work iniquity Therefore our Saviour likens him that hears his sayings and doth them to a wise man that built his house upon a rock and when the rain descended and the floods came and the winds blew and beat upon that house it fell not because it was founded upon 〈◊〉 Rock Whereas the hearer of them and thâ—… not doer the prating fool that receives not commandments to obey and do them is like a foolish man that built his house without a foundation or upon the sands and the rain descended and the floods came and the winds blew and beat upon that house and it fell and so the prating fool shall fall and great the fall of it Matt. 7 21-27 Prov. 10.8 But he that heareth himself speaketh constantly Prov. 21.28 And indeed this instruction may be signified in the diversity of construction of this word rendred wise and Teachers viz. That they that would be or are Teachers of others should be wise themselves i.e. Men of understanding fearers of God none others being wise in the Scripture language thence the righteous are opposed to fools Prover 14.9 Art thou a master in Israel saith our Saviour to Nicodemus knowest not these things John 3.10 implying that Masters or Teachers in Israel should not be strangers to the matters of regeneration whereof he had been there speaking Verily verily I say unto thee We namely Christ and his faithful servants speak what we know and testifie what we have seen ver 11. It is noted of our Saviour that He did and taught Act. 1.1 and so he would have others also do Whosoever saith He shall do and teach the same shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven Matth. 5.19 such are the subject of Gods promises here the truly wise for the foolish though prating fools shall not stand in Gods sight He hates as to fellowship wâ—…th him or as to admission of them to nighness to him all the workers of iniquity Psal 5.5 But the wise shall inherit glory Prov. 3.35 which is the summe and substance of what is here asserted when he saith They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament and that is 2. The Second thing in or part of the Proposition that that makes it up a full Proposition or Observation and therein we come to enquire what is imported in its being said They shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament Wherein I shall here only speak of its general import leaving the Metaphorical resemblance till afterward and so it 's to be noted that he saith not they do shine but in the future they shall which future may either refer to all the time of Michael's standing up as it may signifie the whole day of Christs manifestation and of the Gospel preaching him according to the revelation of the mystery and so indeed as our Saviour himself was the light of the world while a Preacher in it Joh. 9.5 So he calls John Baptist a burning and a shining light John 5.35 and his Disciples the light of the world Matth. 5.14 and the Angels of the seven Churches are called seven Stars Rev. 1.20 and both He and the Apostle would have the believers of his Doctrine and the Preachers thereof to shine as lights unto others holding forth the word of life Matt. 5.16 Phil. 1.1 with 2.16 or else it rather refers to the time to come When Christ shall be revealed from Heaven and come with all his Saints and they that here believed on him and served him and suffered with him shall appear with him in glory 1 Thes 3.13 Coll. 3.4 the time of the resurrection mentioned in the vers before or of the end of the world and this appears more properly to be the time spoken of because of what we find from our Saviour to that purpose in the Parable of the Wheat and Tares where our Saviour saith that in the end of the world the Son of man shall send forth his Angels and they shall gather out of his Kingdome all seandals or things that offend and them that do iniquity and shall cast them into a furnace of fire where shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth and adds Then at that time shall the righteous the truly wise shine forth as the Sun in the Kingdome of their Father He that hath ears to hear let him hear Mat. 13.40 41 42 43. Indeed here and now in this world and time though they be and shine as lights yet they are beclouded and obscured very much with reproaches put to shame and ignominy among men and that by the greatest persons of and such are in most repute for wisdome and learning with them and have a great lustre and splendour therethrough in the earth even as our Lord himself the bright and morning Star and the Sun of righteousness was vilified and set at naught by the Master builders the chief Priests Scribes and Pharisees and Rulers of the people they that thought themselves righteous and very wise and were reputed the most eminent and religious persons among others men of the straitest Sect of Religion that had a great deal of zeal and devotion a great appearance of piety and religion and whom the eyes of men were therefore generally upon as appears by that saying John 7.48 Have any of the Rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him These covered him over with reproaches calling him a Wine-bibber and a gluttonous man a friend of Publicans and Sinners Matthew 11.19 A Samaritan and one that had a Devil Joh. 8.48 One that deceived the people John 7.12 that He cast out Devils by Beelzebub the Prince of Devils Mat. 12.24 yea that he was Beel zebub himself Matt. 10.25 as if he had been a Devil incarnate instead of God manifested in the flesh a Blasphemer Joh. 10.33 36. Matt. 26.65 a Teacher of sedition and an enemy to Cesar Luke 23.2 John 19.12 and as He foretold that it should be with his Followers that they should be reproached and have their names cast out as evil doers so it befell and befalls them also and that too from men appearingly pious and religious that make a great shew and flourish in the flesh and would be esteemed the only Masters in Religion the most zealous and Orthodox by such oftimes the truly wise are reputed among the foolish and the followers of Christ numbred as He was with the transgressors suspected and accused of error or heresie false doctrine or bad living because not consenting with their Rabbiships in all their Dogma's or not conforming to them in all their scrupulosities or
pay him again Chap. 19.17 especially they that out of love to Christ and them relieve his Members and Brethren though but with outward bodily reliefs for they shall hear that heavenly Sentence Come ye blessed of my Father inherit ye the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the world Matt. 25.34 35 36. Oh how much more then shall they be rewarded that have hazarded their lives and spent their time strength to do good to the Souls of others to turn them in to Christ to the making them righteous and so his friends and brethren and preserving them from hell and destruction Surely the wise and wisemakers shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament and they that turn many to righteousness or make many righteous as the stars for ever and ever they shall be glorious abundantly glorious that 's the substance of what is asserted here of them and signified in both the Metaphors used for illustration and in what is added thereto wherein we have also 2. The manner of their being glorified or rather the exceeding great measure of it We may speak to both the Metaphors together as to what is common to both first and then take notice of something peculiar and special in which there is some difference 1. Common to both namely to the â—…rightness of the Firmament and to the â—…tars is that they are 1. High above us â—…nd so it may denote and signifie that both â—…he wise and they that turn many to God â—…hall be highly honoured and glorified even â—…s Christ the great turner of many to God â—…e perfect one in wisdome and maker of â—…ise men is highly glorified above all so 〈◊〉 He is far above all Principalities and Poâ—…ers Thrones and Dominions and every name â—…at is named both in this world and in that to â—…me Ephes 1.20 21. Angels Principaliâ—… and Authorities being made subject to â—…im 1 Pet. 3.22 And all things put under his feet He being glorified with Gods own self even with that glory He had with him before the world was Heb. 2.8 John 17.5 and therein exalted extolled and made very high Isaiah 52.13 So also they that here are wise and means and instruments of making others so and they that in their endeavours turn many to righteousness shall be highly glorified God will exalt and honour them and set them on high because they have known and glorified his Name Psal 91.14 15 16. Yea their glory shall be as high above all the glory of this earth as the Heavens are higher than the earth and the stars above our common lights and torches and that iâ—… exceeding high as it is said Is not God iâ—… the heigth of heaven and behold the heigth oâ—… the Stars how high they are Job 22.12 anâ—… yet as high as the Heavens are above the earth so great is his mercy or kindness toward theâ—… that fear him Psal 103.11 Their glorâ—… shall be above the reach of men either 〈◊〉 give to them or take from them Ahâ—… suerus having promoted Haman and set hâ—… feat above all the Princes that were wiâ—… him yet could pull him down thence aâ—… command him to the gallows But the glâ—…ry of the Saints shall be above the reach 〈◊〉 either Men or Devils to pull them doâ—… from Pure and unmixt bodies and their splenâ—…our or glory in which they shine is pure â—…nd elear there is no fuliginous smoaky â—…isty matter mixt with the Firmament specially the brightness of the Firmament â—…nd the glorious Stars neither is there any â—…ixture of mans invention and endeavour 〈◊〉 their splendour or shine as in the shinâ—…ngs or brightness of fires or candles and â—…orches here below even so also shall the â—…lory and splendor of the Saints and holy â—…en the truly wise and such as have turnâ—…d many to righteousness be a pure and â—…nmixed glory and splendour nothing of â—…orldly casualties changes or vicissitudes â—…all it be obnoxious to neither shall there â—…e any thing so weak as that that is of mans â—…aming and devising put upon them as â—…ow there is put upon the sons of the glory â—…f this world human wreaths and crowns â—…tles dignities robes and the like But â—…l shall be there and upon them divine â—…nd heavenly pure and unmixed the new â—…erusalem the Bride the Lambs wife shall â—…ave on her the glory of God and her light â—…lendor or lustre shall be like that of a stone â—…ost precious like a Jasper stone in part â—…e representation of the glorious God upon is throne Rev. 4.3 clear as Chrystal Reâ—…elat 21.11 3. Most manifest and conspicuous such is the brightness of the Firmament and the Stars above they may be seen by their own light at the greatest distance and remoteness even a man as it were with half an eye may see their shining splendour so as the brightness of candles and torches at a great distance cannot be seen even so the glory of the wise and faithful ones that are instruments of turning many to Christ it shall be most bright and manifest it shall be seen and beheld of all for when Christ shall appear in glory they shall also appear in glory with him Coll. 3.4 Therefore that time and state is called the manifestation of the Sons of God when they shall all be seen and known who and how excellent they are Rom. 8.19.21 then men that could see no glory in and upon the servants and fearers of God nor no profit accruing to men by his fear and service but said It is in vain to serve God and what profit to keep his ordinances and walk mournfully before him and that call the proud happy shall tack about and turn and gaze upon the strange change that shall be then and discern plainly between the righteous and the wicked the wise man that is truly and spiritually so and the fool him that serveth God and him that serveth him not For then the day of the Lord shall burn like an oven and all the proud and all that do wickedly shall be as stubble and the day that cometh shall burn them up saith the Lord of Hosts so as it shall leave them neither root nor branch But unto them that fear the Lord shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing under his wings So as to render them bright and conspicuous also Yea then the righteous shall shine forth as the Sun in the Kingdom of their Father So as their glory cannot possibly be any longer hid Matt. 13.43 Mal. 3.14 15 17. 4.2 Now the life of the Saints and holy men of God is hid with Christ in God but then Christ their life appearing it shall appear also to be very glorious when He shall come to be glorified in his Saints and admired in all them that believe their glory shall be so great clear and wonderful and so discerned to be by all Coll. 3.3 4. 2 Thes 1.10 And then the sons of them that hated them shall come
Jew first and also to the Gentile for there is no respect of persons but there is of works with God Rom. 2.6 10.11 which renders it a thing not in vain to be more diligent and industrious in the way and work of the Lord but good to abound therein which would be bootless and in vain if men being believers on Christ in the main should be equally rewarded for doing little good as if they or others that did more Indeed when there is a heart to do more and the reason of not doing more is merely want of matter or capacity for doing more there the reward of them that do less as to the matter done or administred by them may be as much or more than of them that have done more as to the matter done having ability to have done still more or better than they did as in the case of the poor woman casting in her two mites which was all that she had into the Treasury accepted by our Saviour as doing more than all they that out of their superfluity had cast into it though much more in quantity than she had Mark 12.41 42 43 44. as also in the Parable of the Labourers where they that wrought but one hour not being called in sooner and as it may seem more referring themselves to the good pleasure of their Lord for their wages and reward and less capitulating with him than those that came sooner had equal reward with them Matthew 20 1-9 15. But where men have capacities and abillities proportionable and do not equally proportionably to them the more faithful diligent and bountiful shall have the greater reward And so it s a good encouragement to greater diligence and abundance in the service of God and Christ knowing it shall not be in vain in the Lord 1 Cor. 15.58 and yet so as puts no discouragement upon any that have hearts set to do more but have less talents or abililities But that belongs to the use of these points to which having been so large in Explication we now come at length even to Application Applicat 1. And first what hath been said on the first point may serve Vse 1. To commend to us the study of Wisedome or a diligent endeavour after it as that which will be of greatest advantage to us for seeing they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament in and after the Resurrection well may we say with Solomon How much better is it to get wisdome than gold and to get understanding rather to be chosen than Silver Pro. 16.16 It is true that much Silver and Gold will make men glitter here but it is in things without them their gay cloaths and gawdy garnishings of them their houses houshold stuff horses and suchlike matter but alas the glory and shine they give them is as much below that of the wise man here promised and predicted as the glory or shine of the Glow worm is below that of the brightness of the Firmament Gold and Silver Riches profit not in the day of wrath from which wisdome will make us wise to Salvation giving us that righteousness which delivers from Death Prov. 11.4 A good Name is rather to be chosen than great riches and loving kindness rather than Silver and Gold Prov. 22.1 But it is not Silver and Gold that will without wisedome give us a good name much less loving favour with the Lord but wisdome will give us them for Riches and Honour are with her yea durable riches and righteousness and whoso sinds her finds life and shall obtain favour of the Lord Prov. 8.18 34 35. Wisdome is that that will make a mans face to shine and change the boldness or strongth of his countenance Eccles 8.1 truly it puts a lustre upon faces or appearances now Stephen who was a man indued with the Holy Spirit and therethrough with such wisdome as all his learned Adversaries were not able to resist even when he came to answer his adversaries accusations for his life in the presence of the Greatest Council in Jerusalem All that sat in Council looking stedfastly on him saw his face as it had been the face of an Angel Acts 6 8-10-15 with 7.1 Oh what will it do when he shall appear with Christ in glory Men may be rich and have riches and yet leave little fame or glory behind them when they are gone no nor have any great matter of lustre while in possession of them How pittifully did Croesus or Crassus look to a judicious eye and so Nabal and Haman but much more in the eye of God and his holy ones in comparison of Saint Paul or Peter or Stephen yea or any the least in Gods Kingdome Yea men may be rich and infamous do so unworthily as to foile all their heights and enjoyments in the world by their foolish and sordid actions as that rich man Nabal did Whose name was Nabal and folly was with him truly many have gotten greater fame and shone more among men both in their life time and after death by their wisdome though but poor and mean persons than those that have been very wealthy being void of wisdome as not only many Prophets and Apostles but even many Heathens that are yet famous for their wisdome and learning though but a worldly and perishing wisdome as far below the heavenly wisdome as a rush light is below the brightness of the Firmament and therefore that that will give them no lustre in the Resurrection Surely Solomons wisdome made him shine more than all the riches and honour of his Kingdome others have been as rich as he but none so wise nor did his Riches so much as his great Wisdom draw the Queen of Sheba to come so far to see him and yet his folly in loving strange women how much did it take off the lustre of his wisdome How much more gloriously would he have shone had he been so wise as to have shunned that folly and he prefers even a poor and wise child before an old and foolish King that will no more be admonished for this out of prison may come to reign when he other though born in his Kingdome may become poor Eccles 4.13 14. especially being wise with the wisdome of God which is the wisdome here commended as endring them that are wise therewith so â—…orious hereafter even Christ the wisdome â—…f God as known of us and believed on by â—…s in knowing him we shall know all things â—…ghtly and have our hearts and minds â—…ghtly framed so as to fear God and keep â—…s commandments and the fear of the Lord at is wisdome even the beginning or prinpal matter of it the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and to deâ—…rt from evil that is understanding Job 28.28 Prov. 1.7 and 9.10 Psal 111.10 that 's the wisdome the praise whereof is so set forth in the Scriptures that makes them happy that gets her and that find the understanding and knowledg of her The
Scorner loveth not one that reproveth him neither will he go unto the wise though it be He that heareth reproof getteth understanding and he that hateth reproof is brutish Prov. 15.12.32 and 12.1 and so though â—…he seek for wisdome he findeth it not in his way and manner of seeking it Prov. 14.6 for God scorns the scorners but gives grace to the lowly Prov. 3.34 this self-conceit and â—…leaning to our own wisdome and understanding which makes us swerve and carries from attending to Gods word and its instructions and those that bring them to us so as not to listen to or be guided thereby must needs therefore be parted with by us if ever we will be wise as it is said Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding In all thy ways acknowledg him and He shall direct thy paths Be not wise in thine own eyes fear the Lord and depart from evil Prov. 3.5 6.7 And if any man among you seem to be wise in this world let him become own and acknowledg himself to be a fool that he may be wise 1 Cor. 3.18 Naaman the Syrian thinking himself wise enough so as he could fore-understand how the Prophet must deal with him for healing his leprosie was put into a rage and passion through his scornfulness and turned away from the means of healing which the Prophet directed him to so as he had missed of healing doubtless how or which way soever else he had sought it had he not upon the wise advise and persuasion of his servant laid down that high thought and scornfulness of the Prophets counsel and submitted himself thereto 2 Kings 5 10-14 read the relation there And see how dangerous a thing it is to lean to our own thoughts aâ—… the conceits of our own knowing and thâ—… scorning contrary counsel that seems ridiculous to us and how good it is to hear the good counsel of God and his holy servants and receive their instructions as what tends to make us wise in the latter end Prov. 19.20 the leaning to and retaining these two evils their own imaginations and the authority of their Fathers and Masters so as to forsake Gods law and disobey his voice was the occasion of Gods heavy judgment upon the land of Israel See to this purpose Jer. 9.12 13 14. It s good with David to hate thoughts and love Gods law Psal 119.113 3. We must also part with and let go evil company and counsellors such as cause us to erre from the way of wisdome and knowledge for He that walks with wise men shall be wise but a companion of fools shall be destroyed Prov. 17.20 Thence wisdom calling the simple and them that have no understanding to come to her house and partake of her provision which is fit and virtuous to give them understanding saith Forsake the foolish and live and go in the way of understanding Prov. 9.5 6. as implying that there is no living nor walking in the way of understanding while foolish persons are our companions and delighted in by us And by the foolish are meant all that are ignorant of or disobedient to the grace of God however otherwise learned or wife they may seem to be to themselves or others As those that have a zeal of God but not according to knowledge that being ignorant of Gods righteousness go about to establish their own righteousness and make that stand in Gods sight or make it a sufficient stay or support the ground of their hope and foundation of their confidence towards God and submit not to the righteousness of God even Christ the end of the Law for righteousness to every one that believeth Rom. 10.2 3 4. as well as also other grosser transgressors Thence the holy Spirit also pronounces them happy that walk not in the counsel oâ—… the ungodly nor stand in the way of sinners noâ—… sit down in the seat of scorners but their delighâ—… is in the Law of the Lord and therein their exercise night and day Psal 1.1 2. implyinâ—… that men cannot exercise themselves in thâ—… Law or Doctrine of the Lord and delighâ—… themselves therein so as to attain the blesseâ—…ness of being made wise thereby excepâ—… they avoid the counsels of ungodly personâ—… the ways of sinners the seat or teaching 〈◊〉 the scorners Solomon also instructing in thâ—… book of the Proverbs men in the way wisdome which he highly commends to 〈◊〉 and wills us above all things to get givâ—… this as one of his first instructions My soâ—… if sinners entice thee consent thou not My sâ—â—walk not thou in the way with them refrain â—…hy foot from their paths Prov. 1.10 15. and when he had said Hear thou my son and â—…e wise and guide thy heart in the way then â—…e immediately adds as necessary thereto â—…e not among Wine-bibbers among riotous eaâ—…ers of flesh for the glutton and the drunkard â—…all come to poverty Prov. 23.19 20. as also 〈◊〉 ch 22.34 he exhorts to make no friendship â—…ith an angry man nor go with a furious man â—…nd else where to go from the presence of a â—…lish man when we perceive not in him the lip â—…knowledge ch 14.7 and to cease to hear â—…e instructions that cause to err from the words 〈◊〉 knowledge ch 19.27 And when the Apoâ—…e would have the Corinthians not receive â—…e grace of God in vain but be enlarged in â—…eir hearts towards God and his Servants â—…d to what is good he warns them that â—…ey be not yoaked unequally with unbelievers â—…hey being such persons as from whom no â—…od or spiritual profit such as that of wisâ—…me is to be expected but to come out â—…m among them and be seperate and not touch 〈◊〉 unclean thing and so God would receive â—…m and be a Father to them and they should to him for sons and daughters 2 Cor. 6.1 〈◊〉 .17 18. 4. We must part with our love of Ease and Pleasures put away Slothfulness and Daintiness for slothfulness casts into a deep sleep and an idle soul shall suffer hunger and not be filled with that wisdome whose fruits do satisfie Prov. 19.15 Wisdom is not attained to but through diligence and therefore we must put away slothfulness love oâ—… ease pleasures and such things Thence Wisdom instructing us how we may attaiâ—… her of God requires besides a hearing 〈◊〉 her a watching daily at her gates and waiâ—…ing at the posts of her doors Prov. 8.33 34 And besides the inclining the ear and applyiâ—… our hearts unto her sayings and calling to Gâ—… for her that we seek for her as men seek silveâ—… and dig for her as for hidden treasures Proâ—… 2.4 And surely men that love silver aâ—… seek for it are industrious and not slothâ—… in business and did a man know there iâ—… treasure hid in a place where he might haâ—… opportunity of digging for it and whâ—… digging diligently he should find it oh hâ—… diligent would he be at it early
in otheâ—… with or after them to do foolishly and 〈◊〉 righteously running together into the saâ—… excess of riot of which sort there are bundance every where in the world 〈◊〉 especially such as being Teachers Prophesis to men of wine and strong drink Mic. 2.11 and preach for licentious liberty and practise it so as it may be said of them what the Lord by Jeremiah said of the Prophets and Priests of Samaria and Jerusalem that they are profane and cause his people to erre committing adultery and walking in lies strengthning the hands of evil doers so as that none doth return from his wickedness yea so as from them profaness or hypocrisie is gone forth into all the land Jer. 23.11 13 14 15. Yea and all such as professing to know God do in their works deny him being abominable disobedient and to every good work reprobate bunglers or void of judgment Tit. 1.16 these above all are perilous and make the times perilous when having a form of Godliness and the greater their Form the more perilous if they deny the power of it either in denying that Grace of God in Christ held forth in the Gospel rendering it the power of God to Salvation which belongs to the first sort spoken to under the Second Head of this Use of Reproof or which is here intended denying the efficacy and operation of the Grace of God as to the obeying and walking in it being under the profession and form of godliness lovers of themselves covetous proud boasters blasphemers disobedient to parents unthankeful unholy without natural affection truce breakers false accusers or make-bates incontinent fierce despisers of those that are good Traitors heady high-minded lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God 2 Tim. 3.1 2 3 4. the holding the truth with such unrighteousness doth greatly hinder mens being turned to righteousness by it for it occasions men rather to blaspheme the name of God or speak evil of his doctrine while they see those that Preach or Profess it to live so badly as was noted from Romans 2.17.24 Denying in practise and conversation the Lord that bought them they cause the way of truth to be evil spoken of while they walk in pernicious or as some read it lascivious ways 2 Pet. 2.1 2. or else leads those that own the truth with them to rest in the notion of it with them as they do and walk with them in like unrighteousness which still adds to the scandals and stumbling blocks laid in the way of others causing them to decline the way of truth and either to turn Atheists and Prophane or turn to some false ways of Religion where there appears more strictness of carriage and blamelesness of conversation which mighâ—… be found also with and among Pharasees Phil. 3.6 where men make a fair shew iâ—… the flesh but are corrupt from a solid and single rejoycing in the Cross of Christ Galat 6 12-14 For both all the specious works and doings of those that are of corrupt principles perverting men from the truth and all the best and truest speakings of those that joyn therewith a corrupt and vicious life fall under this reproof as being ways wherein men may hinder mens turning to Righteousness and lay rubs in the way of them that sincerely endeavour to do that service And all these whosoever they be great or small zealous or prophane that are guilty of any of these ways in the several branches of this Use mentioned fall under sharp reproof especially this last sort who deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ and turn the Grace of God and his Gospel into an occasion of sinning even into wantonness for to such especially being Teachers of others the Apostles instead of glorious shining as the Stars for ever and ever threatens as to wandering Stars the blackness of darkness as that that is reserved to them for ever Jude 12. 2 Pet. 2.17 and therefore this especially is to be taken heed of as being that to which that of the Lord in Ezech. 20.39 belongs As for you go ye and serve every one his Idols even hereafter if ye will not hearken unto me saith the Lord but pollute ye my holy Name no more with your gifts and with your Idols and that of our Saviour too in Matt. 18.7 8 9. It must needs be that offences come but wo to that man by whom the offence cometh for whoso offends one of these little ones that believe in me it were better for him that a mil-stone were hanged about his neck and that he were drowned in the depth of the Sea Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee cut them off and cast them from thee It is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire And if thine eye offend thee pluck it out and cast it from thee it is better for thee having but one eye to enter into life rather than having two eyes to be cast into Hell fire And surely if things as dear and needful to us as our hands or feet or eyes are rather to be parted with by us than that by offending with them we should loose our souls much more should we part with any fancy or fashion garb or garment way or practice of vanity rather than by offending and hindering the souls of others thereby to incurr such punishment though all of these ways reproved deprive of happiness and glory and expose to heavy misery and judgement the neglect of wisdome and righteousness the being backward or neglecting to do good to others and to make them what in us lies wise and righteous and most of all the hindring men from turning to or calling them out of the right way and so turning them from righteousness in any wise or manner Yet this last mentioned way of iniquity exposeth to the heavyest But truly as David when he had been asserting the goodness of the Lord and that All his ways are mercy and truth to them that keep his Covenant and his Testimonies presently adds as finding defect therein in himself For thy Namesake O Lord pardon mine iniquity for it thy name as well as my iniquity is great Psal 25.10 11. And when he had been propounding the blessedness of him that Considers the poor how God would pitty and help him in his afflictions presently adds I said Lord be merciful unto me Heal my soul for I have sinned against thee Psal 41.1 2 3 4. So may I considering the happiness of the wise and of those that turn many to righteousness and the faultiness of those here reproved reflecting upon my self and finding shortness and guilt in most of these ways reproved cry out too Lord be merciful to me heal my soul for I also in many of these ways have sinned against thee and against the souls of others also But Vse 7. 2. This also in both its branches may afford great good motive
and encouragment to those that are wise themselves in the wisdom of Christ or diligently seeking after it and those that are faithfully and diligently endeavouring to improve what wisdom and other furniture they have received from God for the good of others that they might be made wise and righteous in Christ Jesus to go on and hold fast their wisdom and their exercise of it to so good an end Seeing here they have an assurance given them by Jesus Christ and his holy spirit that they that so do shall be glorious with him at the last which may bear them up against all the discouragements they may meet with here in the way as from their being here hid and obscure thrust into corners taken no notice of or made no account of among their Neighbours Yea or from their being here reproached vilified and rendred odious as Christ himself and many of his followers both holy Prophets holy Apostles and other holy men have been in their several Ages No cause from these things to be discouraged but to hold on their way as it is said The righteous also shall hold on his way and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger Job 17.9 And as it is said by our Saviour Let him that is righteous be righteous still and he that is holy devoted seperated and given up to serve God and Christ in seeking the glory of his name and the good of others let him be holy still And behold I come quickly and will render to every man according as his works shall be Rev. 2.11 12. That is to them that by patient continuance in well doing seek after glory honor immortality eternal life Rom. 2.7 This consideration is oft-times propounded by Christ himself as when he saith He that shall confess me before men him will I confess before my Father in Heaven and before the Angels of God Mat. 10.32 Luke 12.8 And No man that hath left Father or Mother House or Land c. for my sake and the Gospels to serve me and it as well as also to know me and it but he shall receive an hundred fold here in this life and in the world to come eternal life Mark 10.29 30. And so in each of the seven Epistles to the seven Churches in Asia Rev. 2 3. This the Apostles too propounded both to themselves and to others To themselves We believe therefore we speak knowing that he that raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus and present us with you For which cause we faint not But though our outward man perish our inward man is renewed day by day For our light afflictions which are but for a moment attending us namely in our seeking after and serving the Lord getting and walking in wisdom Worketh for us a far more exceeding and an eternal weight of glory while we look not at the things that are seen but at the things that are not seen c. 2 Cor. 4.14 16 17 18. And to others when he saith So run that ye may obtain and every man that striveth for masteries is temperate in all things Now they do it to obtain a corruptible Crown but we an incorruptible c. 1 Cor. 9.24 25. And this is a faithful saying For if we be dead with him we shall also live with him If we suffer with him we shall also reign with him 2 Tim. 2.11 12. Oh what have men often done and indured and with how great patience and unweariedness for a little glory that they might get a name and praise with men and be glorifyed of them and shine as it were in their atchieved glories and renowns Witness that great Alexander that in twelve years space ran over almost all the world with undaunted courage encountring with and vanquishing wondrous difficulties for glory sake And Julius Caesar Pompey and many others But alas What is all the glory of this world in comparison of the glory to be revealed on the Saints of God at the appearance of Jesus Christ of which the Apostle tells us that it 's a weighty and an eternal glory and that he reckoned that all the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with it Rom. 8.18 Surely if the hope of a little uncertain gain carryeth the Merchant Husbandman and other Tradesmen oftentimes through great dangers and unwearied labors and difficulties and the hope of a little honor and glory among men hath often and yet doth carry out soldiers to exceeding great and tedious hazzards what should not the hope of so great glory as this To shine as the brightness of the Firmament and as the Stars for ever and ever carry us out to in travelling for wisdom and for doing good to all we can and all the good we can that we may be instruments of their salvation Seeing we have the promise of God both of his presence and helpfulness with us in all our labors and dangers to assist and strengthen us and of his rewarding our labors also and crowning them in the issue with so great glory and happiness Neither of which promises are ingaged to those others in their adventures but they run at uncertainties and upon only fallible probabilities Vse 8. And Lastly How may what hath been said and considered from this Scripture occasion gladness with sadness to us in respect of this our Deceased Brother Mr. Thomas Moor the occasion of our meeting here and treating on this Text of Scripture than which I could not think there was any in the whole Bible more applicable to him and pertinent to our present business 1. In respect of himself we have undoubted cause and ground from this Text of great comfort and gladness as being thence perswaded that it is and shall be well with him though dead in the body and brought hither to be Interred no doubt but he shall arise among the just and such as shall have this Scripture fulfilled upon them for that he was a wise man and indued with a great portion of Divine wisdom and Heavenly understanding all that knew him and his parts and gifts and way of life may testifie and his many pious and religious Treatises both in Print and Manuscript left behind him will witness for him Indeed He had not University Learning to furnish him or to know himself by but what He had was the more immediately or remarkably from God in and by a diligent Study and practise of the holy Scriptures and their good instructions and converse with Godly persons to which from his youth God by his Grace excited and stirred him up and in which he mightily assisted and blessed him And indeed God hath not tyed himself nor us up to the Universities for their Learning for his giving or our receiving Heavenly wisdom But wherever men apply their hearts unto it and mind its instructions in those means of attaining it that he affords them and walking in what He gives wait
Jerusalem such sorrowâ—… seen â—…t for the want of such O then to some â—…eat harm by such mens death doth use to come While of their good instructions when thâ—… liâ—… And of their good examples they 'r deprivâ—… 〈◊〉 And profit of their often fervent pray'r O what a harm'ts to some who can declaâ—… Another Anagr. Thomas Moore O home a storm or Thomas Moore O home to arms WHen God's about upon the world bâ—… A storm of wrath some sad destructive thâ—… Because of their refusals of his grace While his good words find in their hearts pâ—â— O then it is his often wont to take Home to himself those who do conscieâ—… Sin to avoid and follow what is good So Noah God took home before the Floâ—… Into an Ark of safety and just Lot To Zoar that with Sodom he might noâ—… By fire and brimstone be from heaven stâ—… So good Josiah from a people void Of goodnes he by death did first take hoâ—… Before on Judah his fierce wrath did coâ—… And on Jerusalem the like we find In Jeroboams child when God did mind Upon his wicked house ruine to bring He took him first by death cause some gâ—… thing â—…him was found yea oft men merciful Isa 57.1 〈◊〉 love from harms approaching doth he pull â—…herefore we a storm suspect may when â—…e see him home to take such godly men this our friend deceased was whose name â—…epresented in this Anagram 〈◊〉 well we may cry out O Home when we â—…orm approaching nigh upon us see â—…k Papists cry to Protestants O Home 〈◊〉 the lap of Mother Church to Rome â—…f some storm were sodainly to fall â—…hich would at unawares destroy us all 〈◊〉 God himself doth on the contrary â—…haste you home to Zion loudly cry 〈◊〉 she 's our Mother thence that divine law â—…herefrom we first our heavenly breath did draw 〈◊〉 oh at how great distance live all they â—…m thence who to Romes city go astray â—…sk the way to Zion that way let â—…r faces and not towards Rome be set â—…ence we did first proceed inquire the way 〈◊〉 which to that pure truth return we may 〈◊〉 saith and practise which from thence did come â—…ither to shun a storm O haste we home â—…cutting whirlwind thence we 'r told on all â—…he heads of wicked men with pain will fall Jer. 30.23 O home to God ye sinners therefore fly That ye may shun approaching misery For why that dreadful storm doth stronâ—… sâ—… Of fire and brimstone even of death Hâ—… O might this voice throughout these Islaâ—… riâ—… And reach from meanest beggar to the Kâ—… All to repentance all excite before A storm of wrath the judgment of whâ—… Upon us fall lest Death and Hell oretake And do for ever miserable make us O England home to God thou heavily Hast sinn'd against his holy Majesty Thou divers sad blasts hast already felt Wars Pestilence decay of Trade have dâ—… Within thy borders besides divers mo Dismal presages of ensuing wo If thou repent'st not yet thou worse oâ—… grâ—… O home lest thee a storm quite overthrow Patience may stay Gods hand a while 〈◊〉 If thou sin on ' stroy thee at length He wâ—… O London home the heavens on thee dofroâ—… Both pestilence and fire have brought 〈◊〉 doâ—… And yet thou liftst thy head aloft again Though all thy filthiness doth still remaiâ—… Unpurged from thee nay is' t not increast 〈◊〉 home to God make haste repent thee lest 〈◊〉 sad a storm from heaven upon thee blow 〈◊〉 may thy stately buildings quite o'rthrow â—…is name to thee O Home the rather calls â—…ecause it lies interr'd within thy wall 〈◊〉 Home ye servants of the Lord who ere â—…e stragling in this world and seeking there 〈◊〉 satiate your souls a storm will break â—…our hopes in pieces if you don't betake â—…ou home to God cleave to him more fast 〈◊〉 home a storm is threatned a strong blast 〈◊〉 home to arms to stand upon your guard 〈◊〉 on Gods armour lest ye be quite mard â—…st to Gods anger ye expose you so 〈◊〉 to your selves to cause exceeding wo. 〈◊〉 let us all attend the heavenly charms â—…f our dear Saviour Home to his Arms â—…etake us quickly So we safe shall be â—…om all that 's evil and destruction flee Jo. Horne Thomas Moore Anagr. O arm those mo LOrd thou hast weakned now our strength It will be proved so 〈◊〉 we return not now at length For help where shall we go 〈◊〉 thou go'st further on to break Our companies what will Become of such as yet are weak And very ignorant still Even for thy Name those are increast With many a bitter foe And many helpers now are ceast With thy strength Arm those mo Thou saist if our iniquities We do acknowledg so As that we clear thy contraries In walking as our foe Thou wilt remember for us then Thy mercies great of old And plant us as thou diddest when Thou broughtst us to thy fold We have as did our Fathers-fore Prov'd plants degenerate And like thy Vine such grapes we bore As thou couldst not but hate Lord purge us for thy holy Name From every bitter root Break us not further for the same In mercy do not do 't O magnifie it in this way Though we have grieved thee And with thy Children Lord we pray Let us still numbred be O arm those-mo who are most try'd They need thy help chiefly With fresh strength let them be supply'd Thy Word now verifie O arm those mo who weak are made By taking such away Be thou O Lord their present aid And in their stead a stay O arm those mo who yet have space To gather strength and to go on That they may now go mend their pace And hold out till their race be run Arm us all mo for to persist Till we thy will have fully done That at the last we may be blest Even when thou sendst again thy Son F. Brigge An Elogy upon the Death of Mr. Tho. Moore Sen. by the same OUr former cry may be renew'd For God renewed hath his stroke We are not more increast but few'd With greater breach He hath us broke O pass it not with lightness o're Though this was gather'd in his season There is not such another Moore Then to lament we have great reason The ancient and the honourable Do fail they are remov'd away Is not our case then deplorable When none but babes to be our stay And i' st not almost come to this O Lord how have we thee offended In whom iniquity none is But all thy ways to be commended Thou righteous art thy judgments true Yet give us leave with thee to plead Oh execute not what is due Thy heavy wrath we well may dread Wilt thou this way encourage such As with their tongue think to prevail While thou afflictest very much The poor that ready are to quail With taunts men ready are to fright Or with their