the foot was trod on the head cryed out The Saints are Gods Royal diadem Will a King endure to have his Robes spit upon or his Crown-royal thrown in the dust Psalm 105.14 He reproved Kings for their sakes What Monuments of Gods Vengeance were Nero Dioclesian Gardner and the rest of that persecuting tribe Luke 18.7 Shall not God avenge his own elect I tell you he will avenge them speedily Persecutors stand in the place where all Gods Arrows fly Psalm 7.13 He ordaineth his Arrows against the Persecutors That is a killing Scripture Zach. 13.12 And this shall be the Plague wherewith God will smite all the People that have fought against Jerusalem their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet and their eyes shall consume away in their holes and their Tongues shall consume away in their Mouth Here is Comfort to the people of God in case of the Worlds disesteem of them yet God values them as Jewels and his Judgment is according to truth Rom. 2.2 The Wicked have low Thoughts of the Righteous they beat down the price of these Jewels what they can they think them the refuse and scurse they disdain them load them with slanders and Invectives the Prophet Elijah was looked upon by King Ahab as the Troubler of Israel 1 Kin. 18.17 And Luther was called a Trumpet of Rebellion St. Paul was Judged a Pestilent fellow Acts 24.5 The Wicked think of all things in the World the Saints may be best spared 1 Cor. 4.13 We are made 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as the filth and off-scowring of all things but this is Vinum in pectore a great consolation to Believers that as low esteem as the reprobate world hath of them yet God hath high Thoughts of them he numbers them among his Jewels They are compared for their preciousness to Gold and Silver Rev. 1.20 They are the Coyn and Medals that bear Gods own Image They are Princes in all Lands Psalm 45.16 Christ engraves their Names on his breast as the Names of the twelve Tribes were set with Precious Stones in Gold upon Aarons Breast-plate God will give whole Kingdoms to ransome his jewells Isa. 43.3 The wicked think the Godly are not worthy to live in the world Acts 22. 21. and God thinks the World is not worthy of them Heb. 11.38 Hence it is God takes away his Jewels so fast and placeth them among the Cherubims To the People of God Are you Gods Jewels then I beseech you shine as Jewels walk 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 accurately and Holily Phil. 2.15 Among whom ye shine as lights in the World Such as are Gods Jewels should let the World see they have worth in them O Christians let your Lives be an Imitation of the Life of Christ. Such a Jewel was Mr. Bradford Martyr so humble and Innocent in his carriage that at his death many of the Papists could not refrain from Weeping Are you Gods Jewels do nothing that may Eclipse or Sully your lustre When Professors are Proud Envious Censorious when they break their promises or Cheat their Creditors these do not look like Saints What will others say These are the Devils Lumber not Gods Iewels O I beseech you who profess to be of an higher rank than others Honour that Worthy name by which you are called shine as earthly Angels 1 Pet. 2.9 But ye are a Royal Priesthood a peculiar People that ye should shew forth the Praises of him who hath called you Alexander would have the Grecians known not only by their Garments but their Vertues Gods people should be known by the sparkling of their Graces shall there be no difference in behaviour between the Wicked and the Godly between a clod of Earth and a Diamond let it appear that you are Candidates for Heaven you who are Gods People the Lord expects some Singular thing from you Mat. 5.47 He looks that you should bring more Glory to him and by your exemplary Piety make Proselytes to Religion It exhorts the Godly to thankfulness God hath taken you out of the rubbish of mankind and made you Jewels Psalm 113.7 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust that he may set him with Princes let me allude God hath raised you out of the dust of a natural Estate and ennobled you that he may set you with Angels those Princes above O admire God set the Crown of your praises upon the head of Free-grace A Gratulatory thankful frame of Heart is pleasing to God if Repentance be the Joy Praise is the Musick of Heaven Bless God who hath wrought such a change in you and of lumps of Earth and sin hath made you Jewels The Third Proposition is That there is a time shortly coming when God will make up his Jewels in that day when I make up my Jewels Here are two Questions 1. What is meant by Gods making up his Jewels 2. What is that day when God will make up his Jewels 1. What is meant by Gods making up his Jewels There is a difference between thâ—se two Gods making of Jewels and his making up of Jewels Gods making of Jewels is when he works Grace but what is Gods making up of Jewels Gods making up his Jewels implyes two things 1. Gods gathering his Saints together 2. Gods perfecting his Saints 1. Gods making up his Jewels implies his gathering his Saints together The Godly in this life are like scattered Pearls they lye distant one from another and are dispersed into several Regions but there is a day coming when God will gather all his Saints together as one puts all his Pearls together on a string There must be such an aggregation or gathering together Gods scattered Saints 1. From the near Relation they have to all the Persons in the Trinity 1. To God the Faterh he hath chosen these Jewels and set them apart for himself Psalm 4.3 and will he lose any of his Elect 2. They are related to Christ he hath bought these Jewels with his blood and will he lose his purchase 3. They are related to the Holy Ghost he hath sanctified them When they were a lump of sin he made them Jewels and when he hath bestowed cost on them will he lose his cost will he not string these Pearls and put them in his celestial Cabinet 2. There must be a gathering together Gods scattered Saints from the Prayer of Christ. It was Christs prayer to his Father that he would make up his Jewels that he would gather together his Pearls that they might be with him in Heaven Iohn 17.24 That they may be with me where I am Christ thinks long till all the Elect Jewels lye together in his bosom He thinks not himself compleat till all his Saints be with him Here is a Soveraign Comfort to the People of God in two cases 1. In case of Scattering 2. In case of Dividing 1. In case of Scattering Gods people are scattered up
any Offering from him If God shut mens Prayers out of Heaven it is a sad Prognostick that he will shut their Persons out of Heaven See the Priviledge of the Godly they have Gods Ear the Lord hearkened and heard Psalm 34.15 His Ears are open to their cry it would be counted a great happiness to have the Kings ear but what is it to have Gods Ear The Lord hearkened and heard Believers have the Spirit of God breathing in them and God cannot but hear the Voice of his own Spirit See what an encouragement here is to be conversant in the duties of Gods Worship he takes Notice of the services of his People he hearkens to them as to sweet Musick Who would not come with their humble addresses to God when he is so pleased with them Prov. 15.8 But my deserts are nothing God bestows not his Favours according to our desert but according to his Promise But I have prayed a long time and have no Answer God may hear Prayer when he doth not Answer He may lend us his Ear when he doth not shew us his Face The Text saith the Lord hearkened and heard 'T is not said he gave an Answer but he hearkened It becomes suitors to wait Faith stays upon God Patience stayes for God Psal. 123.2 As the Eyes of Servants look unto the hand of their Masters so our Eyes wait upon the Lord our God untill he have Mercy upon us See the difference between God and men God takes Notice of the good in his people the Wicked pass by the good in the Godly and take Notice only of their failings If they can spy any indecency or blemish in them they upbraid them with it Like those children 2 King 2.23 who reproached Elisha for his Baldness but took no Notice of the Prophets Miracles Erasmus speaks of one who observed all the lame Verses in Homer but passed over the good From this the Lord hearkened and heard Behold the folly of Idolaters they worship a God who can neither hearken nor hear The Cretians Pictured Iupiter without Ears Idol-Gods have Ears but hear not Psalm 115.16 A life-less God is good enough for a life-less worship Let the People of God stand and Wonder 1. At Gods Condescension that he who is so high in the praises and acclamations of the Angels should stoop so low as to listen to the lispings of his children The Lord hearkened and heard Alas God hath no need of our Services he is infinitely blessed in reflecting upon the Splendour of his own infinite Being we cannot adde the least Cubit to his Essential Glory Iob 35.7 If thou be Righteous what givest thou to him or what receiveth he at thy hands yet such is his sweet Condescention that he doth as it were stoop below himself and take Notice of his Peoples Poor Oblations 2. Wonder at Gods Love that he should regard those services of his People which are so mixed with Corruption Isa. 64.6 Our Righteousnesses are as filthy Rags The Eucharistical Sacrifice which was the highest had some Leaven joined with it Levit. 7.13 Our best duties have some Leaven of Imperfection in them yet such is Gods love that he hath a liking to them and accepts them Cant. 5.1 I have eaten my Hony-Comb with my Hony Hony is sweet but the Hony-comb is Viscous and bitter and can hardly be eaten yet such was Christs love to his Spouse that he eat of her Hony-comb her services mixed with Imperfection and was pleased to take delight in them Oh the Love of God! that he should have respect to our offerings that are interlarded with sin Our best duties are as sweet Wine coming out of a Sowre Cask If God hearkens to us when we speak let us hearken to him when he speaks In the word preached God speaks to us He is said now to speak to us from Heaven Heb. 12.25 That is by the preaching of the word as a King speaks by his Ambassadour Doth God hearken to us and shall not we hearken to him Be not like the Deaf-adder which stoppeth her Ear. This the Lord complains of Iob 33.14 God speaketh Once yea Twice yet man regardeth it not If Gods word doth not prevail with us our prayers will not prevail with him CHAP. XIV Shewing the second Good Effect of the Saints Piety 2. THE Second Good effect of the Saints Piety was God recorded it A Book of Remembrance was written before him The word in the Original for Book of Remembrance Signifies a Book of Memorials or Monuments The words immediately foregoing recite Gods hearkening and hearing but lest any should say though God doth at the present hear the Holy Speeches and Thoughts of his Children yet may they not in time slip out of his Mind therefore these words are added a Book of Remembrance was written before him The Lord did not only hear the Good speeches of the Saints but Recorded them and Wrote them down a Book of Remembrance was written This is spoken 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 after the manner of men Not that God hath any book of Records by him he needs not write down any thing for the help of his Memory he is not Subject to oblivion Things done a thousand years ago are as fresh to him as if they were done but Yesterday Psalm 90.4 A thousand years in thy sight are but as Yesterday when it is past This book of Remembrance therefore is a borrowed speech taken from Kings who have their Chronicles wherein they note Memorable things King Ahasuerus had his book of Records wherein were written the worthy deeds of Mordecai Esther 6.1 2. So God bears in Mind all the Good speeches and pious actions of his Children Gods curious and Critical observation is a Book of Records where nothing can be lost or torn out God doth Eternally remember all the Good designs and Pious endeavours of his People Heb. 6.10 God is not unrighteous to forget your Work and labour of love which you have shewed towards his Name Eight things God writes down in his Book of Remembrance 1. The Lord writes down the Names of his Saints Philip. 4.3 Whose Names are in the Book of Life This Book hath no Errata's Rev. 3.5 2. The Lord writes down the good speeches of his People When Christians speak together of the Mysteries of Heaven which is like Musick in consort God is much taken with it When their Tongues are going Gods pen is going in Heaven They that fear'd the Lord spake often one to another and a Book of Remembrance was written 3. The Lord writes down the Tears of his People Tears drop down to the Earth but they reach Heaven God hath his Bottle and his Book Psalm 56.8 Put thou my Tears into thy bottle are they not in thy Book Tears drop from the Saints as Water from the Roses they are fragrant to God and he puts them in his Bottle
Ambassage from the God of Heaven This Prophet was so famous that Origen and others though injudiciously supposed him to be an Angel He lived after the building of the second Temple and was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 contemporary with Haggai and Zechariah This blessed Prophet did lift up his voice like a Trumpet and tell the Jewish Nation of their sins and he was the last Trumpet that sounded in the Old Testament In the words of the Text are these parts I. A Character of the Godly 1. In General they were Fearers of God they that feared the Lord. 2. In Special 1 They spake often one to another 2 They thought upon Gods Name II. The Good Effects of their Piety 1. The Lord regarded it he hearkned and heard 2. He recorded it a book of remembrance was written 3. He rewarded it and this reward consisted in three things 1 Gods owning them they shall be mine 2 Gods Honouring them in that day when I make up my Iewels 3 Gods Sparing them I will spare them as a man spareth his own Son that serveth him Before I come to the several parts distinctly here is a connexive particle stands in the front of the Text which may not be omitted namely the word Then Then they that feared the Lord c. Then that is after Israels return from the Babylonish Captivity then when the major part of the people grew corrupt and came worse out of the Furnace than they went in vers 13 14 in this bad juncture of time then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another Hence observe That the Profaneness of the times should not slacken but highthen our zeal The looser others are the stricter we should be In those degenerate times when men were arrived at the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and highth of Impudence and durst speak Treason against Heaven then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another When others were Plaintiffs these were Defendants when others spake against God these spake for God In Noah's dayes all Flesh had corrupted it self the old World was drowned in sin before it was drowned in water now at this time Noah was perfect in his Generation and Noah walked with God Gen. 6.9 He was the Phoenix of his age Athanasius stood up in the defence of the Truth when the World was turned Arrian The more outragious others are in Sin the more couragious we should be for Truth When the Atheists said 't is Vain to serve God Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another Why should we be holiest in evil Times 1. Because of the divine Injunction God chargeth us to be singular Mat. 5.47 to be circumspect Eph. 5.15 to be separate from Idolaters 2 Cor. 6.17 to shine as Lights in the World Philip. 2.15 He forbids us to symbolize with Sinners or doe as they doe the way to Hell is a beaten road the Lord calls to us to turn out of the road Exod. 23.2 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil This is reason enough to keep our selves pure in a time of common Infection As Gods Word is our Rule so his Will is our Warrant 2. To be holiest in evil times is an Indication of the truth of Grace To profess Religion when the times favour it is no Great matter Who almost will not court the Queen of the Gospel when she is hung with Jewels but to own the wayes of God when they are decried and maligned to love a persecuted truth this evidenceth a vital Principle of Goodness Dead Fish swim down the stream living Fish swim against it To swim against the common stream of evil shews Grace to be alive The Prophet Elias continuing zealous for the Lord of Hosts when they had digged down Gods Altars 1 King 19.10 shewed his heart and lips had been touched with a Coal from the Altar 1 Vse See hence how unworthy they are of the Name of Christians who use sinful complyance and cut the Garment of their Religion according to the Mode and fashion of the times They consult not what is best but what is safest Complying spirits can truckle to the humours of others they can bow either to the East or to the Host they prefer a whole Skin before a pure Conscience They can with the Planet Mercury vary their motion they can as the Mariner shift their Sail with every wind and as the Mungril Israelites speak the Language of Canaan and Ashdod These are like the Samaritans of whom Iosephus saith when the Jews flourished they pretended to be a-kin to them and come of the tribe of Ephraim and Manasseh but when the Jews were persecuted they disclaimed Kindred with them The old Serpent hath taught men crooked windings and to be for that Religion not which hath truth on its side but power 2 Vse Let us keep up the vigour of our zeal in times of degeneracy We should by an holy Antiperistasis burn hotter in a frozen age We live in the dregs of time Sin is grown common and impudent 'T is excellent to walk Antipodes to the World Rom. 12.2 Let us be as Lillies and Roses among the Briars Sin is never the better because it is in fashion nor will this plea hold at the last day that we did as the most God will say Seeing you sinned with the Multitude you shall go to Hell with the Multitude O let us keep pure among dregs let us be like Fish that retain their freshness in salt waters and as that Lamp which shined in the smoaking Furnace Gen. 15.17 Consider 1. To be holy in times of General defection is that which God is Greatly pleased with The Lord was much taken with the holy conferences and dialogues of these Saints in the Text. When others were inveighing against the Deity that there should be a parcel of holy Souls speaking of Glory and the Life to come their words were Musick in Gods ears 2. To keep up a spirit of Holiness in an adulterous Generation is a Christians honour This was the glory of the Church of Pergamus that she held fast Christs Name even where Satans seat was Rev. 2.13 The Impiety of the times is a Foyl to set off Grace the more and make it cast a greater lustre Then a Christian is most lovely when he is as Ambrose saith like the Cypresse which keeps its Viridity and freshness in the Winter season Psalm 37.37 Mark the perfect man and behold the Vpright An upright man is always worth beholding but then he is most to be admired when like a bright Star he Shines in the dark and having lost all holds fast his integrity 3. To be Good in a prosligate Age doth much animate weak beginners it Strengthens feeble knees Isa. 35.3 And shores up those Temples of the Holy Ghost which are ready to fall One mans Zeal is a Torch for others to light at How did the Constancy of the Martyrs inflame
Profession to lose Heaven What think you of the Foolish Virgins They are called Virgins because they were not tainted with any gross Sin yet these Virgin-Professors were shut out Mat. 25.10 Balaam a Prophet Iudas an Apostle both cashiered We have seen some Ships have had glorious names given them the Good-speed the Hope the Safe-guard yet cast away at Sea 2. It is possible to come near to Heaven yet fall short of it Mark 12.34 Thou art not far from the Kingdom of God yet he was not near enough Men may countenance the Ministry of the Word have their Affections moved at an Ordinance and in outward show out-go the Children of God yet not having the Oyl of Sincerity in their Vessels they may be frustrated of happiness And how dismal is that to lose God to lose their Souls to lose their Hopes The Millions of Tears shed in Hell are not sufficient to bewail the loss of Heaven Well may such as have Heaven in them Fear their coming short of it Thus much for the Use of Trial. How shall we arrive at this Blessed Fear 1. Let us set God ever in our eye study his Immensity He is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God Almighty Gen. 17.1 He gives laws to the Angels binds the Consciences of men cuts off the Spirit of Princes Psalm 76.12 The Thoughts of Gods incomprehensible Greatness would strike an Holy awe into our Hearts Elijah wrap'd his face in a Mantle when Gods Glory passed by The reason men Fear not God is because they entertain slight thoughts of him Psalm 40.21 Thou thoughtest I was such an one as thy self 2. Let us pray for this Fear of God which is the Root of all Holiness and the Mother of all Wisdom Psalm 86.11 Vnite my Heart to Fear thy Name the Lord hath Promised to put his Fear in our Heart Ier. 32.40 Let us pray over this Promise while some pray for Riches and others for Children let us pray for an Heart to Fear God To conclude this you who have this Fear planted in your Souls bless God for it Psalm 135.20 Ye that Fear the Lord bless the Lord. God hath done more for you than if he had made you Kings and Queens and caused you to ride upon the High places of the Earth He hath enriched you with that Jewel which he bestows only upon the Elect. O stand upon Mount Gerizim blessing The Fear of God is an Immortal Seed springing up into Glory Psalm 22.23 Ye that fear the Lord praise him Begin the Work of Heaven now be Spiritual Quiristers sound forth Holy Doxologies and Triumphs say as David Psalm 71.8 Let my Mouth be filled with thy Praise and with thy Honour all the day God hath but little praise in the world Who should pay him this Quit-rent if not they that fear him CHAP. V. Shewing the first Character in special of the Godly namely Speaking of God 2. HAving done with the Character of the Godly in General I proceed next to their Special Characters 1 They spake often one to another When the Wicked said It is Vain to serve God then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another The meaning of this word they spake often is they did discourse Religiously together their Tongues were Divinely tuned by the Holy Ghost Christians when they meet together should use holy Conference This is not only an advice but a charge Deu. 6.6 These words shall be in thy Heart and thou shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy House and when thou walkest by the way and when thou lyest down and when thou risest up Indeed where there is Gratia infusa it will be effusa Grace changeth the Language and makes it Spiritual When the Holy Ghost came upon the Apostles they spake with other Tongues Act. 2.4 Grace makes Christians speak with Other Tongues A good Christian hath not only the Law of God in his Heart Psalm 37.31 but in his Tongue vers 30. The body is the Temple of God 1 Cor. 6.19 The Tongue is the Organ in this Temple which sounds in Holy discourse Prov. 10.20 The tongue of the Iust is as Choice Silver He drops Silver sentences enriching others with Knowledge Mat. 12.35 A Good man out of the Good treasure of his Heart bringeth forth good things In his heart is a Treasure of Goodness and this is not like a bag of Mony Sealed but he brings something out of the Treasure within to the enriching of others Grace is of the Nature of fire which will not be pent up like new Wine it will have Vent There is a principle within constrains to holy Conference Job 32.18 The Spirit within me constraineth me CHAP. VI. Containing the Applicatory part IT shews the Genius and temper of true Saints they speak often one to another their Lips drop as an Hony-comb A man is known what country he belongs to by his Language He who belongs to the Jerusalem above speaks the Language of Canaan none of Gods children are dumb their mouth is a well-spring of Wisdom Prov. 18.4 Here I may draw up a bill of Indictment against five sorts of Persons 1. Such as are silent in matters of Religion They would be counted Good but he must have good eyes that can see it I know not whether it be Ignorance or Bashfulness that makes good discourse waved Many are so mute in Religion as if their Tongues did cleave to the roof of their Mouth had they any love to God or had they ever tasted how sweet the Lord is their mouth would talk of his Righteousness Psalm 71.24 Friends what should we mind but Salvation what are the things of this world they are neither Entia nor Manentia Do not we see men heap up Riches and on a sudden death as Gods Serjeant Arrests them What should we talk of but the things Pertaining to the Kingdom of God Let this cause blushing among Christians that their meetings are so unprofitable they leave God out of their discourse Why is there no good conference Have you so much Knowledge that you need not have it encreased Have you so much Faith that you need not have it Strengthened Silence in Religion is a loud sin We read of one who was possessed with a Dumb Devil Mark 9.12 How many are Spiritually possessed with a Dumb Devil It is a rebuke to such as when they meet together instead of speaking of Heaven they have idle frothy discourse They do 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but no 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Plutarch said of Alcibiades Their Lips do not drop as an Honey-comb but run as a Spout their speaking is Just like a Childs scribling Psalm 12.2 They speak Vanity every one with his Neighbour If Christ should ask some as he did the two Disciples going to Emaus Luk. 24.17 What manner of Communications have you as you walk they could not say as they did concerning Jesus of
confide in him the Thoughts of Gods Holiness must make us conform to him This is the Right thinking on God when it is influential it leaves us in a more Heavenly frame CHAP. XI Helps to Holy Thoughts IT shews us how to have our Thoughts frequently fixed upon God 1. Begin the day with Holy Thoughts Psalm 139.17 When I awake I am still with thee God should have the first buddings of our Thoughts In the Law the Lord would have the first fruits offered him give God your Virgin-thoughts in the Morning Quo semel est imbuta recens servabit odorem testa diù what the Vessel is first seasoned with it keeps the rellish a long time after The Mind being seasoned with Good Thoughts in the Morning will keep the Heart in a better Decorum all the day afrer 2. If you would think of God take heed of hindrances 1. Turn away your eyes from beholding Vanity Psal. 119.37 Vain Objects Poyson the Imagination lascivious Pictures and wanton talk leave bad impressions upon the fancy 2. Call off your Thoughts what you can from the world If worldly Thoughts come Crowding into our Mind good Thoughts will be lost in the Crowd 3. Get a love to God and his wayes One cannot but think of that which he loves Ier. 2.32 Can a Maid forget her Ornaments when she hath not her Jewel on her Ear she will have it in her Thoughts A person deeply in love cannot keep his Thoughts off from the Object he loves The reason we Think on God no more is because we love him no more Let there be but one spark of love to God it will fly Upward in Heavenly Ejaculations By nature we have Quick-silver Hearts which cannot be made to fix on God but by love 4. If you would think often on God get an interest in him Psalm 48.14 This God is our God We think most upon that which is our own If a man ride by brave Houses and Gardens he casts his Eye slightly upon them and doth not much Mind them but let him have an house of his own and his Thoughts dwell in it Why do men think no more of God but because God and they are strangers Let a mans interest in God be cleared and he will not be able to keep his Thoughts off from God CHAP. XII Shewing the first Good Effect of the Saints Piety 2. THE Good effects of the Saints Piety 1. God Regarded it The Lord hearkened and heard These blessed ones in the Text were speaking and thinking of God and he did not turn away his Ear from them as if he had not minded them but he hearkened and heard which expression denotes 1. Diligence 2. Delight 1. It notes the diligent heed God gave to these Saints He hearkened Here was attention of Ear and intensness of Mind Hearkening is the Gesture of one that Listens to what another saith 2. Gods hearkening shews the delight he took in the Holy Dialogues of these Saints he was pleased with them they were to him as sweet Melody That God takes special Notice of of the Good which he sees in his People The Children of God may perhaps think that God doth not regard them Iob 30.20 I cry unto thee and thou dost not hear me The Church complains God did shut out her Prayer Lam. 3.8 But though God be sometimes Silent he is not Deaf he takes Notice of all the good Services of his People the Lord hearkened and heard Whence is it God takes such Notice of his Peoples Services 1. Not from any Merit in them but the Impulsive cause is his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Free-grace The best duties of the Righteous could not endure Gods ballance but God will display the Trophies of his Mercy Free-grace accepts what Justice might condemn 2. Gods taking Notice of the good in his people is through Christ Eph. 1.6 He hath made us accepted in the Beloved Or as Chrysostom renders it he hath made us Favourites Through the Red glass every thing appears of a Red Colour through Christs blood both our Persons and Dutyes appear Ruddy and Beautiful in Gods Eyes 3. God takes Notice of the Services of his People because they flow from a Principle of Grace God regards the Voice of Faith Cant. 2.14 O my Dove let me hear thy Voice for sweet is thy Voice The Services of the Wicked are harsh and sowre but the Godly give God the first ripe Cluster Which grows from the sweet and pleasant Root of Grace CHAP. XIII Inferences drawn from the Proposition IF God hearkens and hears hence I infer Gods Omnisciency How could he being in Heaven hear what the Saints speak and think were he not Omniscient Through the bright Mirror of his own essence he hath a ful Idea of all things He knows the Intrigues of States the Stratagems of his Enemies Exod. 14.24 Future Contingencies fall within his Cognizance Gods Knowledge is Primary he is the Original Pattern and Prototype of all Knowledge Gods Knowledge is Instantaneous He knows all at once Our Knowledge is Successive we know one thing after another and argue from the Effect to the cause but all things are in Gods view uno intuitu in one intire prospect Gods Knowledge is infallible and not Subject to mistake Such is the Infinity of his Knowledge that the Apostle cries out in Admiration 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 O the depth of the Riches both of the Wisdom and Knowledge of God! Rom. 11.33 The World is to God as a Bee-hive of Glass where you see the working of the Bees and the framing of their Combs All things are unvailed to the Eye of Jehovah See Gods Goodness who often passeth by the failings of his People and takes Notice of the good in them He hearkened and heard 1 Pet. 3.6 Sarah obeyed Abraham calling him Lord. The Holy Ghost passeth by her unbelief and Laughing at the Promise and took Notice of her reverence to her Husband she called him Lord. Jam. 5.11 Ye have heard of the Patience of Iob. We have heard of his Impatience cursing his Birth-day But the Lord doth not upbraid him with that but observes the good that was in him ye have heard of the Patience of Job The Painter who drew Alexanders Picture Drew him with his finger upon his Scar so God puts a finger of Mercy upon the Scars of his Children He sees their Faith and Winks at their failing See Gods different carriage towards the Godly and the Wicked If the Godly Think of his Name he hearkens and hears but if the Wicked meddle with Religious duties he turns away his Ear Gen. 4.5 To Cain and his Offering God had no respect Suppose a man had a Sweet breath yet if he had the Plague no body would come near him So though a sinner may give God many a sweet elegant Expression in Prayer yet having the Plague of the Heart God will not receive
And besides this he hath his Book of Remembrance where he sets them down are they not in thy Book Especially God writes down such Tears as are shed for the sins of the times Ezek. 9.2 One was clothed with linnen with a writers Inkhorn by his side this was to write down the Tears of the Mourners and to set a mark upon the foreheads of them that sighed for the Abominations done in the midst of the City ver 4. 4. God writes down the Thoughts of his People We can write down mens Words but we cannot write down their Thoughts It would pose the Angels to write mens Thoughts but be assured never an Holy cogitation comes into our Mind but God writes it down So in the Text a Book of Remembrance was written for them that Thought upon his Name Two things are silent yet have a Voice Tears and Thoughts 5. God writes down the desires of his People Psalm 38 9. All my desire is before thee That is it is set down in thy book Desire is the Spiritual Appetite or the Souls Anhelation and breathing after God Psalm 84.2 In this Life we do rather desire God than enjoy him Can we say we take our Souls è Corporis Pharetra out of the quiver of our Bodies and shoot them into Heaven do our Affections sally forth towards Christ do we desire him superlatively and uncessantly Every such desire is put down in Gods Register Book all my desire is before thee 6. The Lord writes down the prayers of his People Ionah 2.7 Prayer though it be not Vocal only Mental is Recorded 1 Sam. 1.13 Hannah spake in her Heart That prayer God did write down and Answer God was better to her than her prayer she prayed for a Son and God gave her a Prophet When the heart is so full of grief that it can only groan in Prayer yet a Groan is sometimes the best part of a Prayer and God writes it down Psalm 38.9 Lord my Groaning is not hid from thee If we cannot speak with elegancy in Prayer if it be only lisping and chattering God puts it in his Book of Remembrance Isa. 38.14 Like a Crane so did I chatter yet that prayer was heard and registred Ver. 5. I have heard thy prayer I have seen thy Tears 7. God writes down the Alms of his People Works of Mercy must be done out of Love to God as Mary out of love brought her Ointments and sweet Spices and anointed Christs dead body so out of pure love we must bring our Ointments of Charity to anoint the Saints which are Christs living body Such Alms are not lost Heb. 13.16 With such Sacrifices God is well pleased And that we may see how well the Lord is pleased with them he hath a Book of Remembrance for them he writes them down Item so much lent to the Lord Acts 10.4 Cornelius thine Alms are come up for a memorial before God 8. God hath a Book of Remembrance for the Sufferings of his People The Saints Purgatory is in this life But there are two things may bear up their Spirits 1. Every Groan of theirs goes to Gods Heart Exod. 6.7 I have heard the Groanings of the Children of Israel In Musick when one string is touch'd all the rest sound when the Saints are stricken Gods bowels sound 2. God hath a Book of Records to write down his Peoples injuries The wicked make wounds in the backs of the Righteous and then pour in Vinegar God writes down their Cruelty 1 Sam. 15.2 I Remember what Amalek did to Israel Amalek was Esaus Grandchild A bitter enemy of Israel The Amalekites shewed their Spight to Israel two wayes 1. They did lye in ambush and as Israel passed by fell upon their rear and cut off the feeble in their army 1 Sam. 15.2 2. They did openly give Battel to them and would have hindred them from going into Canaan Exod. 17.8 Now God took Notice of Israels sufferings by Amalek I Remember â—hat Amalek did to Israel I have my Book of Remembrance I write it down Ver. 3. Go and smite Amalek CHAP. XV. Several Corollaries flowing from the Proposition IT shews us that it is not in Vain to serve God The Wicked who know not God think him an hard-master and say as they Iob 21.15 What profit should we have if we pray to him But the Text shews us that God records all the Services of his People a Book of Remembrance was written before him Gods writing in a Book is 1. An honour to the Saints the Romans wrote the names of their Senators in a Book and in token of Honour they were called Patres conscripti so Gods Book of Remembrance shews his high esteem of his People and their services he writes them down 2. Gods writing in a Book denotes the special favour God bears to his People he Registers them and their services with an intent to Crown them Tamerlain wrote down all the Memorable deeds of his Soldiers whom he afterwards preferred to places of dignity Gods service is most eligible let us make Ioshua's Choice Josh. 24.15 As for me and my house we will serve the Lord. If we should desert Gods service whither shall we go when Christ asked his Disciples will ye also go away saith Peter Lord to whom shall we go John 6.68 As if he had said if we leave thee we do not know where to mend our selves Let us adhere to God he hath his Book of Memorials to record our Allegiance We may be losers for him we shall not be losers by him See from hence that as God doth Register the good works of his People so he hath a Book of Remembrance to write down the sins of the wicked Isa. 30.8 Go write it before them in a Table and note it in a book that it may be for the time to come for ever that this is a Rebellious People that will not hear the Law of the Lord. Mens sins are written in the book of Conscience and the Book of Gods Omnisciency They think because God doth not speak to them by his loud Judgements therefore God doth not know their sins but though God doth not speak he writes Jer. 17.1 The sin of Iudah is written with a Pen of Iron and the Point of a Diamond God scores down every act of Oppression Bribery Uncleanness Hos. 7.2 They consider not in their Heart that I remember all their wickedness King Belshazzer was carousing and drinking wine in bowls and praising his Gods of Gold and Silver but while he was sinning God was writing Dan. 5.6 In the same hour came forth fingers of a mans hand and wrote upon the Plaister of the Wall of the Kings Palace and the King saw part of the hand that wrote then the Kings countenance was changed We read of Gods Book Rev. 20.12 The books were opened and his Bag Job 14.17 My transgression is sealed up in a bag It seems to allude to
Storms and tempests by their influences and so destroying the whole Army of Sisera 2. God hath Armies upon earth 1. Rational 2. Irrational 1. Rational Hosts of men these are under Gods command and conduct they stir not without his Warrant the Lord hath the managing of all Martial affairs not a stroke is struck but God orders it not a Bullet flies but God directs it 2. Irrational God can raise an Army of Flies as he did against King Pharaoh Exod. 8.24 An Army of Worms as he did against King Herod Acts 12.23 O what a Lord is here who hath so many Hosts under his Pay and conduct Let us Dread this Lord of Hosts we fear men who are in Power and is not that God to be adored and feared who acts pro arbitrio He doth what he pleaseth in the Armies of Heaven and earth Dan. 9.35 His Power is as large as his will Iob 23 13. What his Soul desireth even that he doth The Ephori had Power over the King of Sparta the Tribunes over the Roman consuls much more hath God a Soveraign Power over all He poureth contempt upon Princes Job 12.21 He threw the Proud Angels to Hell God can with a word unpin the Wheeles and break the Axle tree of the Creation Gods Power is a Glorious Power Col. 1.11 And herein it appears Glorious it iâ— never spent or wasted Men while they exercise their strength weaken it But the Lord the Creator of the ends of the earth fainteth not neither is weary Isa. 40.28 Though God spends his Arrows upon his enemies Deut. 32.23 yet not his strength O then tremble before this Lord of Hosts Remember O hard-hearted sinner how many wayes God can be revenged on thee He can raise an Army of diseases against thee in thy body he can set the humours of the body one against another he can make the heat dry up the Moisture or the Moisture drown the heat he can Arm every Creature against thee the Dog the Boar the Elephant He can Arm Conscience against thee as he did against Spira making him a Terrour to himself O dread this Lord of Hosts If God be the Lord of Hosts let us take heed of hardning our Hearts against God It was the saying of Pompey that with one stamp of his Foot he could raise all Italy up in Arms God can with a word raise all the Militia of Heaven and Earth against us and shall we dare affront him Iob 9.4 Who hath hardened himself against him and prospered Such as live in the open breach of Gods Commandments harden their Hearts against God they raise a War against Heaven Iob 15.25 He strengtheneth himself against the Almighty Like Warriors who Muster up all the forces they can to fight with their Antagonists so the sinner harnesseth and strengthens himself against Iehovah Ver. 26. He runneth upon him even on his neck upon the thick bosses of his bucklers Bucklers anciently had one great boss in the middle with a sharp pike in it to wound the adversary The flagitious sinner encounters the God of Heaven and runs upon the thick bosses of his fury which will wound mortally The Wicked do as Caligula who challenged Iupiter to a duel but who ever hardened himself against God and prospered will men go to measure Arms with God Iob 40.9 Hast thou an Arm like God God is Almighty therefore can hurt his enemies and he is invisible therefore they cannot hurt him Who can fight with a Spirit God will be too hard for his Enemies at the long run Psalm 68.21 God shall wound the head of his Enemies and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses Iulian hardened his Heart against God but what got he at last did he prosper Being wounded in Battle he threw up his blood into the Air and said to Christ Vicisti Galilaee O Galilean thou hast overcome I acknowledge thy Power whose Name and truth I have opposed How easily can God chastise Rebels Exod. 14.24 In the morning-watch God looked to the host of the Egyptians through the Pillar of fire and troubled their host It needs cost God no more to destroy his Proudest adversaries than a look a cast of the Eye 'T is better to lye Prostrate at Gods feet and meet him with tears in our Eyes than Weapons in our hands we overcome God not by resistance but by Repentance If God be the Lord of Hosts let us be so wise as to engage him on our side Psalm 46 11. The Lord of Hosts is with us Great is the Priviledge to have the Lord of Hosts for us 1. If the Lord of Hosts be on our side he can discover the subtil plots of Enemies Thus he detected the Counsel of Achitophel 2 Sam. 17.16 And did not the Lord discover the Popish conspirators both in the Powder-Treason that Catholick villany and of late when they would have subverted Religion and Laws and like Italian Butchers have turned England into an Akeldama or Field of blood If it had not been the Lord who was on our side now may England say when men rose up against us they had swallowed us up quick 2. If the Lord of Hosts be on our side he can bridle his Enemies and lay such a restraint upon their Spirits that they shall not do the mischief they intend Gen. 31.39 It is in the Power of my hand to do you hurt said Laban to Iacob but the God of your fathers spake unto me saying take heed thou speak not to Iacob either good or bad Laban had power to do hurt but no heart When Balak called upon Balaam to curse Israel God so dispirited Balaam that he could not discharge his thunderbolt Num. 23.8 How shall I curse whom God hath not cursed He had a good mind to curse but God held him back 3. If the Lord of Hosts be for us he can help us though means fail and things seem to be given for lost When Gideons Army was small and rendred despicable then God Crowned them with Victory Iudg. 7.2 22. When the Arm of Flesh shrinks now is a time for the Arm of Omnipotency to be put forth Deut. 32.36 The Lord shall repent himself for his Servants when he sees their Power is gone and there is none shut up or left The less of man is seen the more of God 4. If the Lord be on our side he can save us in that very way in which we think he will destroy us Would not any have thought the Whales belly should have been Jonahs Grave but God made the fish a ship in which he sailed safe to shore Paul got to Land by the breaking of the ship Acts 28.44 God can make the adverse Party do his Work he can cause divisions among the Enemies and turn their own Weapons against themselves Isa. 19.2 I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians 5. If the Lord of Hosts be on our side he
can make the Churches affliction a means of her Augmentation Exod. 1.12 The more they afflicted them the more they multiplied The Church of God is like that Plant Gregory Nazianzen speaks of which lives by dying and grows by cutting Persecution propagates the Church the scattering of the Apostles up and down was like scattering of seed it did tend much to the spreading of the Gospel Acts 8.1.4 6. If the Lord of Hosts be on our side he can alter the scene and turn the ballance of affairs when he pleaseth Dan. 1.21 He changeth times and seasons God can remove Mountains which lye in the way or leap over them His Power is uncontrollable he can bring Harmony out of discord He who brought Isaac out of a dead Womb and the Messiah out of a Virgins Womb what cannot he do The Lord of Hosts can in an instant alter the face of things There are no Impossibles with God if means fail he can Create 'T is therefore high prudence to get this Lord of Hosts on our side Rom. 8.31 If God be for us who can be against us And if we would engage God to be on our side 1. Let us be earnest suitors to him exercise Eyes of Faith and Knees of prayer Jer. 14.9 And in prayer let us use Joshua's argument Josh. 7.9 What wilt thou do unto thy great name Lord if the cause of Religion lose ground how will thy name suffer Popish Enemies never prevail but they Blaspheme 2. Let us put away iniquity out of our Tabernacles Iob 11.14 Sin is not worth keeping who would keep a Plague-sore Let us discard and abjure our sins And then the Lord of Hosts will be on our side and as a Pledge of his favourable presence he will entail the Gospel that Crowning blessing upon us and our posterity So much for the Person speaking the Lord of Hosts CHAP. XVII The first Part of the Saints reward Gods owning them 2. I Come now to the reward it self the first part whereof is Gods owning them they shall be mine Expositors here vary I take the sence of it to be they shall be mine in Covenant Ezek. 16.8 I entred into Covenant with thee and thou becamest mine This is no small favour to be in Covenant with God therefore when God told Abraham that he would enter into Covenant with him Abraham fell on his face Gen. 17.2 as being amazed that the great God should bestow such a signal favour upon him God never entred into Covenant with the Angels when they fell but he proclaims himself God in Covenant with Believers they shall be mine This Covenant enriched with Free-grace is a better Covenant than that which was made with Adam in Innocency For 1. The least failing would have made the first Covenant null and void but many failings do not invalidate the Covenant of Grace I grant the least sin makes a trespass upon the Covenant but doth not rescind it Every failing in the Conjugal Relation breaks not the Marriage bond 2. The first Covenant being violated allowed the sinner no remedy all doors of hope were shut but the new Covenant allows of a Remedy it provides a surety Heb. 12.24 Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant See the amazing goodness of God to his People to enter into Covenant with them and say Ye are mine 2 Sam. 23.5 He hath made with me an Everlasting Covenant ordered in all things and sure The first Covenant stood upon the ticklish Foundation of Works Adam had no sooner a stock of Original Righteousness to Trade with but he broke but this Covenant of Grace is confirmed with Gods Decree and rests upon two mighty Pillars the Oath of God and the Blood of God That ye may see how great a priviledge this is to be owned by the Lord federally that he should be our God and we his people consider 1. If we are in Covenant with God and he saith to us Ye are mine then all that is in God is ours A person falling to decay marrying to a King hath an interest in all the Crown-revenues God having entred into a near Relation with us and saying ye are mine we have a share in his Rich revenues The Lord saith to every Believer as the King of Israel said to the King of Syria 1 Kin. 20.4 I am thine and all that I have My Wisdom shall be thine to teach thee my Holiness shall be thine to Sanctifie thee my Mercy shall be thine to save thee What richer dowry than Deity God is a whole Ocean of blessedness If there is enough in him to fill the Angels then sure he hath enough to fill us 2. If God saith to us ye are mine then he will have a tender care of us 1 Pet. 5.7 He careth for you God to shew his tender anxiousness towards Israel bare them as upon Eagles wings Exod. 19.4 The Eagle carries her young ones upon her wing to defend them the Arrow must first shoot through the Old Eagle before it can touch her Young ones A Mothers care is seen in leading the Child that it may not fall such is Gods care Hos. 11.3 I taught Ephraim to go leading them by their Arms. We may argue a minori ad majus if God take care of the meanest Infects and Animals that creep upon the earth much more will he take care of his Covenant-Saints He is still consulting and projecting for their good if they wander out of the way he guides them if they stumble he holds them by the hand if they fall he raiseth them if they be dull he quickens them by his Spirit if they be froward he draws them with cords of Love if they be sad he Comforts them with his promises 3. If God saith to us ye are mine then he will intirely love us Jer. 31.3 I have loved thee with an Everlasting love The Lord may give a man riches and not love him his prosperity may be as Israels Quails sawced with Gods wrath Num. 11.32 33. But when God saith ye are mine he cannot but love every one loves his own If God hath any love better than other his covenant-Covenant-People shall have it he will distil the Spirits of his love for them he loves them as he loves Christ John 17.24 4. If God saith to us ye are mine then he will not suffer us to want Believers are not only of Gods family but of Christs body and will the head let the body starve Psalm 37.3 Verily thou shalt be fed God hath not promised dainties he will not satisfie his Peoples lusts but he will supply their wants if the Bill of Fare grows low what they lack in chear they shall have in blessing Exod. 23.25 He will bless thy bread and thy water God will rather work a miracle than any of his Children shall famish The Raven that is so unnatural she will hardly feed her young yet did turn Caterer and brought food to the Prophet Elijah 5. If
Honour for a Subject to have his Prince Visit him 1 John 3.3 Our 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Communion is with the Father and his Son Jesus The Rabbins say Moses had an Hundred and fifty conferences with God and died with a Kiss from Gods mouth What greater Honour for a Person than to have God keep him Company Exod. 33.11 3. In that God makes them Rich heirs Rom. 8.17 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 joynt heirs with Christ. For a man to adopt another and make him heir to his estate is no small honour done to him The Youngest Believer is an heir yea and an Heir of the Crown 1 Pet. 5.4 This Crown he hath in promisso in the Promise Rev. 2.10 And in primitiis in the first-fruits Rom. 8.23 4. In that God sends his Angels to be their Servitors Such as are Gods Servants have Angels to be theirs Heb. 1.14 Are they not all ministring Spirits sent forth to Minister for them who shall be heirs of Salvation Who would not be fearers of God this makes God have an honourable esteem of them all men saith Chrysostome are ambitious of Honour the true Honour comes from God John 5.44 If God doth so Honour his People let them Honour him Mal. 1.6 Where is my Honour let the Saints be God-exalters let them lift up his Name in the World and make his praise glorious Psalm 66.2 But I only glance at this 2 ly That Gods People are his Jewels in that day when I make up my Iewels Jewels are precious things the Hebrew word for Jewels 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies a treasure A treasure is made up of costly things Gold and Pearl and Rubies such a precious Treasure are the Saints to God In what sence are the Godly Jewels 1. They are Jewels for their sparkling quality Their Holiness shines and sparkles in Gods eyes Cant. 4.9 Thou hast ravished my Heart with one of thine eyes that is one of thy Graces 2. The Godly are Jewels for their Scarcity Pearls are not common so the Godly are scarce and Rare there are but few of these to be found there are many false Professors as there are Bastard Diamonds but few Israelites indeed Mat. 20.16 Few are Chosen Among the Millions in Rome there were but few Senators among the swarms of People in the World but few Believers 3. The Godly are Jewels for their Price Queen Cleopatra had two Jewels that contained half the price of a Kingdom Thus the Saints are Jewels for their Value God esteems them at an high rate he parted with his best Jewel for them Christs precious blood was shed to ransom these Jewels 4. The Saints are Jewels for their adorning quality Jewels adorn them that wear them the Saints are Jewels that adorn the World Their Piety mixed with Prudence honours the Gospel Hypocrites Eclipse Religion and make it evilly spoken of the Saints as Jewels render it illustrious by their Sanctity 1. See the worth of the Godly they are Jewels they are a Royal diadem in the hand of God Isa. 62.3 That is they are eminent above others as a Crown hung with Jewels is an ensign of the highest state and Honour The Saints are Gods Glory Isa. 46.13 As if Gods Glory did lye in them 2. See then that which may bring Holiness into repute and make us become Proselytes to it It casts a splendour upon us and makes God number us among his Jewels Some are loath to embrace Godliness for fear it will be a stain to their Reputation and bring them out of favour with great men you see how it doth raise a persons renown it makes him precious in Gods sight he is a Jewel Believers in regard of their mystical union with Christ have a preciousness above the Angels the Angels are Morning Stars Job 38 7. Believers are clothed with the Sun of Righteousness Rev. 12.1 See the different Opinion that God hath of the Godly and the Wicked the one he esteems precious the other vile Nahum 1.14 I will make thy Grave for thou art Vile this is spoken of King Senacherib though he was by Birth Noble yet he was by sin Vile The Hebrew word for Vile signifies of base esteem Though the Wicked are high in dignity and worldly grandure yet God slights them A dunghil may be higher than other ground but it sends forth noisom Vapours Psalm 14.3 They are altogether become filthy In the Original it is they are become stinking The Wicked are compared to Dogs and Swine 2 Pet. 2.22 to dross Ezek. 22.19 Dross is the filth of the Mettal Sinners are compar'd to Chaff Psal. 1.4 When a Wicked man dies there is only a little Chaff blown away A sinner is the most contemptible thing in nature there is no worth in him while he lives and no loss of him when he dies A sinner is worse than a Toad or Serpent A Toad hath nothing but what God hath put into it but a Wicked man hath that which the Devil hath put into him Act 5.3 Why hath Satan filled thy Heart to lye to the Holy-Ghost See what an high estimate we should set upon the Godly they are Jewels they are the Glory of the Creation they are compared to Stars for their beauty Rev. 1.20 to Spice Trees for their perfume Cant. 4.14 They are the Chariots and Horsmen of Israel they are the excellent of the Earth Psalm 16.3 The Lord would soon break up house in the World but that he hath some Jewels in it Prize the Saints though they are humbled with Poverty we esteem of a Pearl though it lye in the dust Iohn Baptist was girt with a Leathern Girdle yet he was a Jewel Mat. 11.9 He was the Morning Star to usher in the Sun of Righteousness into the World The Saints are precious for they are Gods lesser Heaven Isa. 57.15 3. See the Saints Safety they are Gods Jewels and he will have a care to preserve them A man is careful that he doth not lose his Jewels God often gives his people a temporal Salvation if a storm comes he knows how to hide his Jewels He hid an hundred Prophets in a Cave 1 Kin. 18.4 The Angel is commanded before he poured his Vial of curses on the earth to seal the Saints of God on their fore-heads Rev. 7.3 Which was signum salutare a mark of safety however God will look to the Spiritual safety of his Jewels Joh. 17.12 Not one of them is lost If the Saints are Gods Jewels then how incensed and enraged will God be against those who shall abuse these Jewels Theodosius counted them Traitors who abused his Statue what will become of them who persecute Gods Saints and tread upon his Jewels It goes near to God to see his Jewels sprinkled with blood what is done to them the Lord takes it as done to him self Act. 9.4 Why persecutest thou me When
and the Spirit to help them to pray and Jesus Christ as their Advocate to present their Prayers 4. Such as are Fearers of God God will bestow an Inheritance upon them as a Father doth upon his Son this Inheritance is no less than a Kingdom Luke 12.32 In it are Gates of Pearl Rivers of Pleasure and which is to be noted as a difference between Gods setling an Inheritance on his Children and a Fathers setling an Inheritance a Son cannot enjoy the Inheritance till his Father be dead but every adopted child of God may at once enjoy both the Inheritance and the Father because God is both Father and Inheritance 5. Such as are Fearers of God God will pass by many infirmities That is meant by this expression in the Text I will spare them as a man spareth his own Son What a wonder is this that God did not spare the Angels 2 Pet. 2.4 Nay he did not spare his natural Son Rom. 8.32 Yet he will spare his Adopted Sons I will spare them I will not use extremity as I might but pass by many aberrations Not that the Sins of Gods Children are hid from him but such is his paternal Clemency that he is pleased to bear with many frailties in his Children He spareth them as a Father spareth his Son How often do Gods people grieve his Spirit by the neglect of their Spiritual Watch the loss of their first-love but God spares them Israel provoked God with their murmurings but he used Fatherly Indulgence towards them Psalm 78.38 But he being full of Compassion forgave their Iniquity yea many a time turned he his anger away from them From this word I will spare them as a man spares his Son take Notice that the best need sparing Psalm 130.3 If thou Lord shouldst mark Iniquities Lord who shall stand The Papists speak of Merits but how can we merit when our best services are so defective that we need sparing how can these two stand together our meriting and God's sparing what will become of us without sparing Mercy we had need pray as Nehemiah cap. 13.22 Remember me O my God concerning this and spare me according to the greatness of thy Mercy Let us fly to this Asylum Lord spare us as a Father spares his Son See Gods different dealing with the Godly and the Wicked the Lord will not spare the Wicked Jer. 13.14 I will not Pity nor spare nor have Mercy but destroy them 'T is sad when the Prisoner begs of the Judge to spare him but the Judge will shew him no favour Gods cup of wrath is unmixed Rev. 14.10 Yet it is said to be mixed Psal. 78.5 Gods cup of wrath he gives the Wicked is mixed with all sorts of Plagues but it is a Cup unmixed without the least drop of Mercy in it God for a while Reprieves men but forbearance is no forgiveness Though God spare his Children yet obdurate sinners shall feel the weight of his wrath If the Lord spares his people as a Father doth his Son then they should serve him as a Son doth his Father serve him willingly 1 Chron. 28.9 Know thou the God of thy Fathers and serve him with a willing mind God doth not love to be put to strain Therefore Cains Sacrifice was rejected because he brought it grudgingly and against his Mind it was rather the paying of a tax than a free-will Offering That is the best obedience which is voluntary as that is the best Hony which drops from the Comb. God sometimes accepts of willingness without the Work but never of the work without willingness 2. Serve God Vniversally True obedience is Vniform it observes one command as well as another it sets upon duties difficult and dangerous As the Needle points that way which the Loadstone draws so a Gracious Heart inclines to those things which the word suggests Luke 1.6 'T is the note of an Hypocrite to be partial in Obedience some sin he will indulge some duty he will dispense with his Obedience is lame on one foot 3. Serve God Swiftly Beware of a dull temper of Soul the loveliness of Obedience is in the liveliness we read of two Women Zach. 5.9 The Wind was in their Wings Wings are Swift but Wind in the Wings denotes great Swiftness such Swiftness should be in our Obedience to God If God spares us as a Father doth his Son we should serve him as a Son doth his Father If God Spares us as a Father doth his Son let us imitate God 'T is natural for Children to imitate their Parents look what the Father doth the Child is apt to learn the same Let us imitate God in this one thing as God spares us and passeth by many failures so let us be sparing in our Censures of others let us look upon the Weaknesses and Indiscretions of our Brethren with a more tender compassionate eye Indeed in case of Scandal here we ought not to bear with others but sharply reprove them But if through Inadvertency or Passion they commit Indecencies let us Pity and Pray for them How much doth God bear with in us He Spares us and shall not we be Sparing to others perhaps they may be wronged and false things may be laid to their Charge Athanasius was falsely Accused by the Arrians of Adultery Basil of Heresie 'T is usual for the World to misrepresent the People of God therefore let us be sparing in our Censures God spares us and shall not we be sparing towards others Here is Comfort to the Children of God in case of Failings The Lord will not be severe to mark what they have done amiss but will Spare them He passeth by many Infirmities Zeph. 3.17 He will rest in his Love in the Original it is He will be silent in his Love As if the Prophet had said Though the Church had her Failings yet Gods Love was such that it would not suffer him to mention them He will be silent in his Love God winks at many oversights Ezek. 20.17 Mine eye Spared them from destroying them I speak not of presumptuous sins but Failings as vain Thoughts deadness in Duty suddain Surprizals by Temptation these being mourned for God for Christs fake will Spare us as a Father doth his Son This is one of the richest Comforts in the Book of God Who is he that lives and sins not how defective are we in our best Duties how full are our Lives either of Blanks or Blots Were it not for Sparing Mercy we should all goe to Hell but this Text is a standing Cordial if our Hearts are sincere God will Spare us as a Father doth his Son Hosea 11.9 I will not execute the fierceness of mine Anger I know not a greater Rock of Support for a fainting Christian than this God will abate of the Severity of the Law though we come short in our Duty he will not fail of his Mercy but
His People OR A Consolatory in Affliction PSALM CXIX 65. Thou hast dealt well with thy Servant O Lord. THe Psalms are the Marrow of the Bible they are both for Delight and Vse like rich Cordials which do not only gratifie the Palate but strengthen the Spirits This Psalm is full of Divine and Spiritual matter it was Composed if not Sung by the Sweet Singer of Israel The Words fall into two Parts 1. Gods Kindness to David He dealt well with him 2. David's grateful acknowledgment of this Favour Thou hast dealt well with thy Servant O Lord. From Gods Kindness to David observe That God dealeth well with his People Gen. 33.12 The Lord hath dealt graciously with me Gods People often walk unanswerable to his Love but though they deal ill with God God deals well with them Gods dealing well with his People ariseth from the Intrinsecal goodness of his Nature God is love 1 John 4.16 From this flow all Acts of Royal Bounty Wherein doth Gods dealing well with his People appear In enriching them with variety of Mercies his Footsteps drop Fatness Psalm 65.11 He Feeds Adopts Crowns them and is not this dealing well with them But how doth God deal well with the Saints when he laies his hand so heavy upon them in Affliction His pen is full of Gall and he writes bitter things against them Psalm 73.14 I am chastened every morning how doth God deal well with his People when it fares ill with them It must be held as an undoubted maxim that when the Lord severely chastizeth the Saints he deals well with them but we are ready to Question this Truth and say as the Virgin Mary to the Angel how can this be therefore I shall demonstrate it that when it goes ill with the Righteous yet God deals well with them 1. When the Lord afflicts the Saints yet he deals well with them because he is their God David was in the deep of Sorrow Psal 130.1 Yet he could say the Lord was his Portion Psalm 16.5 God is an exceeding great reward Gen. 15.1 He is a whole Paradise of delight Bonum in quo omnia bona He who hath God for his God all his Estate lies in Jewels If then God passeth over himself to his People by a Deed of gift to be their God here is enough to countervail all their troubles what can God give more than himself 2. When it goes ill with the Godly yet God deals well with them because while he is inflicting evil upon them he is doing them good That which the Text renders thou hast dealt well with thy Servant in the Hebrew it is thou hast done good to thy Servant Psalm 129.71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted David doth not say it is Good for me that I have been in prosperity but that I have been afflicted God doth his People good by Affliction Two wayes 1. The Godly grow wiser Affliction is schola lucis it discovers that pride earthliness unmortified passion which they could not have believed was in their Hearts Iob 36.8 If they be held in cords of Affliction then he shews them their Transgression Affliction cures the Eye-sight 2. Affliction promotes Holiness The more the Diamond is cut the more it sparkles Heb. 12.10 That we may be partakers of his Holiness When prosperity makes Grace rust God scowres us with Affliction The Godly are beholding to their Sufferings God by the wholesome discipline of the Cross makes them more humble more conformed to Christs Image the sharp Frosts of Affliction bring on the spring Flowers of Grace now if God while he is chastising is doing us good then sure he deals well with us 3. When God puts his Children to the School of the Cross yet he deals well with them because he doth not leave them without a Promise 1 Cor. 10.13 God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able God knows our frame that we are imbecil and weak our flesh is not as brass Job 6 12. And the Lord will not try us above our strength he will not lay a Giants burden upon a Childs back God will not stretch the strings of his Viol too hard lest they break if God strike with one hand he will support with the other Cant. 8.3 Either he will make our Yoak Lighter or our Faith stronger This Promise is Hony at the end of the Rod. 4. God deals well with his People when he afflicts because Afflictions are Preventive 1. They prevent sin 2 Cor. 12.7 Lest I should be exalted above measure there was given me a Thorn in the Flesh. Prosperity like Opium is ready to make men fall asleep in Sin God awakens them by the Voice of the Rod and so prevents a Spiritual Lethargy 2. They prevent Hell 1 Cor. 11.32 We are chastened of the Lord that we should not be condemned with the World Doth not a Judge deal well with a Prisoner when he laies some light penalty on him and saves his Life Is it not goodness in God when he laies upon us light Affliction and saves us from Wrath to come 2 Cor. 4.17 What is a drop of Sorrow the Godly tast of to that bottomless Sea of Wrath the Wicked must drink 5. When God corrects he deals well with his People because all he doth is in Love Afflictions are as Gregory Nazianzen faith sharp Arrows but they are shot from the hand of a loving Father As Gods not afflicting the Wicked is in anger Gods hand is Heaviest when it is lightest Hosea 4.14 I will not punish your daughters when they commit Whoredom A Father gives over correcting a Child whom he intends to disinherit so Gods chastizing the Godly is in Love Rev. 3.19 As many as I Love I rebuke when God hath the Look of an Enemy he hath the Heart of a Father As when Abraham lift up his hand to Sacrifice Isaac he loved him so when God Sacrificeth the Comforts of his Children he loves them Was not God severe against Christ yet it was proclaimed by a Voice from Heaven This is my beloved Son Mat. 3.17 Well then if God only send love-tokens to us he deals well with us 6. God deals well with his People when he afflicts them because he moderates his stroke Ier. 30.11 I will correct thee in Measure 1. God doth not smite his Children so much as he might Psal. 78.38 He did not stir up all his Wrath God doth not make the Cup so bitter as he could He useth Lenitives rather than Corrosives he layes a lighter burden on he might lay on an heavier Doth God take away a Child he might take away his Spirit Doth he chastize the Body he might torment the Conscience 2. God doth not correct his Children so much as they have deserved Ezra 9.13 Thou hast punished us less than our Iniquities deserve Doth God make us drink in a Cup of
Conscience is Good because it is quiet When the Devil keeps the Palace all is in peace Luke 11.21 The Philosopher saith one Great sign of an Earthquake is excessive Calmness of the Air ungrounded peace doth presage an Earthquake in the conscience 3. A secure sinner is careless about the main Chance The Soul is the princely part which is crowned with reason it is a glass of the Trinity as Plato calls it A secure sinner provides for his Body but neglects his Soul like one that waters his Flowers but never minds his Jewels Behold here a secure person who is in a spiritual Lethargy he hath no sence of the life to come he is destitute of the fear of God It reproves Scoffers who are the vilest of sinners 2 Pet. 3.3 There shall come in the last daies Scoffers Such were Lucian and Porphiry These Ishmaels jeer at holy walking and make all Religion a Ridicule They throw Squibs of reproach at the Saints Quintinus scoffed at Christs Apostles In the Massacre at Paris the Papists cried out to the Protestants when they murdered them Where is now your God what is become of all your Psalms now and your Prayers Some Martyrs in Prague as they were at Supper being the next day to suffer comforted themselves saying That this was their last Supper upon Earth and that to morrow they should sup with Christ in Heaven a Great Papist flouted them saying Hath Christ Cooks for you in Heaven These are Devils in the likeness of men They are far from the fear of God The Scorners chair stands at the mouth of Hell It exhorts us to get the fear of God planted in our hearts Prov. 28.19 Happy is he that feareth alway The fear of God would influence all our actions It would make us Good in both Tables It would make us Holy towards God and Righteous towards men We would be true in our Promises just in our dealings Mat. 7.12 That I may press you to this Holy Fear let me shew you the dignity and excellency of it 1. The fear of God is the very Badge and Livery of a Saint The Saints of old were men fearing God Gen. 22.12 Act. 10.22 1 Kin. 18.3 Obadiah feared the Lord Greatly Not all the Moral Vertues in their Highest elevation make a Saint but here is his true Character He is one that Fears God Saint Austin said of himself that he did knock at Heaven-gate tremibunda manu with a trembling hand Christ calls his Elect his sheep John 10.27 Sheep are of a trembling nature The Saints are tremulous they dare not take that liberty as others do 2. The Fear of God is a main branch of wisdom 'T is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Head of wisdom Prov. 1.7 Wisdom is more precious than Rubies Prov. 3.15 No Jewel we wear doth so adorn us as wisdom now the fear of God is our wisdom Iob 28.28 And unto man he said the fear of the Lord that is wisdom Wherein is the fear of God the true wisdom 1. The fear of God is Wisdom as it makes us careful about our spiritual accounts Wisdom lies in nothing more than in keeping accounts exactly The fear of God teacheth one to examine the state of his Soul critally O my Soul how is it with thee dost thou gain or lose is thy Faith in it's Infancy being but newly laid to the breast of a Promise or is it Grown to some stature how is it doth Grace prevail or Sin Thus the fear of God makes us wisely ballance our accounts and see how matters stand between God and our Souls Psalm 77.6 I commune with my own heart and my spirit made diligent search 2. The fear of God is Wisdom as it makes us understand divine secrets Psalm 25.14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him He must needs be wise who is acquainted with the Arcana coeli the secrets of Heaven A fearer of God is acquainted with the secret of Election 1 Thess. 1.4 of Gods love Rev. 1.5 of the holy unction 1 John 2.20 He knows Gods mind 1 Cor. 2.16 We have the mind of Christ. 3. The fear of God is Wisdom as it makes us considerative Psalm 119.59 I considered my wayes A great part of wisdom lies in consideration He who fears God considers how Vain the world is therefore dares not love it how short Time is therefore dares not lose it how precious Salvation is therefore dares not neglect it 4. The Fear of God is Wisdom as it makes us walk wisely Col. 4.5 Walk wisely 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 towards them that are without 1. The Fear of God makes us walk affably Gen. 23.7 Abraham stood up and bowed himself to the Children of Heth. Piety doth not exclude Curtesie 2. The Fear of God makes us walk inoffensively it prevents not only Scandals but Indecencies 2 Cor. 11.12 That I might cut off occasion from them that desire occasion The Veneration of a Deity causeth circumcision of Heart and circumspection of Life 5. The Fear of God is Wisdom as it preserves us from Hell 't is wisdom to keep out of danger fear makes us fly from the wrath to come 3. The Fear of God is the best Certificate to shew for Heaven Have you knowledge so hath Satan have you Profession so hath Satan he transforms himself into an Angel of light But have you filial fear herein you excel him The fear of God is though not our Plea yet our Evidence for Heaven 4. There is that in God which may command fear Iob 37.22 With God is terrible Majesty 1. With God is Majesty 1. There is Majesty in Gods Name Iehovah It comes from an Hebrew Radix which imports Gods absolute Eternal and Independent being 2. There is Majesty in Gods Looks Iob had but a glimpse of God and he was even swallowed up with divine amazement Iob 42.5 Now mine Eye seeth thee wherefore I abhorr my self 3. There is Majesty in Gods Words he speaks with Majesty as when he gave the Law in thundring insomuch that the people said Let not God speak with us lest we dye 4. There is Majesty in Gods Attributes his Holiness Power Justice which are the Irradiations of the divine Essence 5. There is Majesty in Gods Works Psalm 145.5 I will speak of the Honour and Majesty of thy wondrous works Every Creature sets forth Gods Majesty we may see the Majesty of God Blazing in the Sun Twinkling in the Stars Gods Majesty is discernable in those two Wonders of nature Behemoth and Leviathan Iob 40.18 chap. 41.19 In short the Majesty of God is seen in humbling the Children of Pride He turned King Nebuchadnezzar to grass and made him Fellow-commoner with the Beasts Doth not all this call for Fear 2. With God is Terrible Majesty Psalm 76.12 He is terrible to the Kings of the Earth There is a time coming when God will be dreadful to his enemies
when Conscience is awake when Death strikes when the last Trump sounds And shall not we Fear this God Ier. 5.22 Fear ye not me saith the Lord will ye not tremble at my presence The Fearing Gods Justice is the way not to feel it And let it not seem strange to you if I tell you that in respect of Gods infinite Majesty there will be some of this blessed Fear in Heaven Not a Fear that hath Torment in it for Perfect love will cast out Fear But an Holy Sweet Reverential fear Though God hath so much beauty in him as shall cause love and joy in Heaven yet this beauty is mixed with so much Majesty as shall cause a Veneration in Glorified Saints 5. The Fear of God tends to life Pro. 19.23 It is true 1. In a temporal sence Prov. 10.27 The fear of the Lord prolongeth daies in the Original it is It addeth dayes Long life is Promised as a blessing Psalm 91.16 With long Life will I satisfie him The best way to come to an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Good Old age is the Fear of God Sin curtails the life many a mans excess wasts his Vitals enervates his strength and cuts him short of those years which by the course of nature might be arrived at You that desire to live long live in the Fear of God Deut. 6.24 The Lord commanded us to fear the Lord our God that he might preserve us alive 2. It is true in a Spiritual sence The Fear of the Lord tendeth to life namely to life Eternal Life is sweet and Eternal makes it Sweeter The Life of bliss hath no Tearm of Years wherein it expires 1 Thes. 4.17 Ever with the Lord The Lamp of Glory shines but doth not spend so that divine Fear tends to Life a life with God and Angels for ever 6. The Fear of God gives full satisfaction Prov. 19.23 He that hath it shall abide satisfied Such as are destitute of Gods Fear never meet with satisfaction Iob 20.22 In the midst of his sufficiency he shall be in straits This is a riddle to be full yet not have enough The meaning is there is still something wanting he who Fears not God though his Barns are full yet his Mind is not quiet The sweet Waters of Pleasure do rather inflame the thirst than satisfie it Omnia fui et nihil expedit I have run through all the delights and Grandures of the world and could never find full contentment said the Emperour Severus But he who hath the Fear of the Lord shall abide satisfied 1. He shall be satisfied His Soul shall be filled with Grace his Conscience with peace an Holy man said when God had replenished him with inward joy It is enough Lord thy Servant is a clay vessel and can hold no more 2. He shall abide satisfied This satisfaction shall not cease it shall be a Cordial in death and a Crown after death 7. The fear of God makes a little to be sweet Prov. 15.16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord. Why is a little better because that little a Believer hath he holds in Capite in his Head Christ that little is sweetned with the love of God He hath with that little a contented mind and contentment turns Daniels Pulse into Venison Again that little is a Pledge of more that little Oyl in the Cruse is but an earnest of that Golden joy and bliss which the Soul shall have in Heaven Thus a little with the Fear of God is better than all unsanctified riches Lazarus's Crumbs were better than Dives his Banquet 8. The Fear of God is a Christians safety He is invulnerable nothing can hurt him Plunder him of his Money he carries a treasure about him he cannot be robbed of Isa. 33.6 Cast him into bonds his Conscience is free Kill his Body it shall rise again He who hath on this Breast-Plate of Gods Fear may be shot at but can never be shot thorow 9. The Fear of God makes all things go well with us Psalm 128.2 Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord happy shalt thou be and it shall be well with thee Is it not well with that man who hath all things go on his side and hath nothing wanting that may do him Good Psalm 84.11 If God sees Health or Riches Good for him he shall have them Every Providence shall center in his happiness O what an inducement is here to solid Piety Come what times will it shall be well with them that Fear God When they dye they shall go to God and while they live every thing in the world shall do them good 10. The Fear of God is a great Cleanser Psalm 19.9 The fear of the Lord is clean It is so 1. In its own nature it is a pure Christal Orient grace 2. It is clean Effective in the effect of it it cleanseth the Heart and Life as a Spring works out the mud so it purgeth out the love of sin The Heart is the Temple of God and Fear sweeps and cleanseth this Temple that it be not defiled 11. The Fear of God makes us accepted with God Act. 10.35 In every nation he that Feareth God is accepted with him What was St. Paul so ambitious of 2 Cor. 5.9 We labour that we may be accepted with him Divine Fear ingratiates us into divine Favour Such as are Fearless of God neither their Persons or Offerings find acceptance Amos 5.21 22. I despise your Feast dayes and I will not smell in your solemn Assemblies though ye offer me burnt-offerings I will not accept them Who will take a Gift from one that hath the plague 12. The Fear of God layes a train for spiritual joy some may think the Fear of God breeds sadness no it is the in-let to joy The Fear of God is the morning Star which ushers in the Sun light of comfort Acts 9.31 Walking in the Fear of the Lord and in the comforts of the Holy ghost The Fear of God hath solid joy in it though not wanton Oecolampadius an holy man being on his sick-bed was asked if the Light offended him he putting his hand to his heart said Hic sat lucis Here I have light enough God mixeth joy with Holy Fear that fear may not seem slavish 13. The Fear of God drives out all other base Fear Carnal fear is an enemy to Religion The Fear of God frights it away it causeth Courage Exod. 18.21 Able men such as Fear God some Translations render it Men of Courage When a Dictator Governed in Rome all other Offices ceased Where the Fear of God rules in the Heart it expells fleshly Fear When the Emperess Eudoxia threatned to banish Chrysostom Tell her saith he I fear nothing but sin The Fear of God swallows up all other Fear as Moses Rod swallowed up the Magitians Rods. 14. To be void of Gods Fear is Folly Psalm 75.4 I said to the Fools