to believe in Christ It is the trouble of our hearts that we have parted from the innocency (6) Matth. 18.3 4 of our Childhood It is the grief of our minds that we have not improved (7) Pro. 22.6 our education and can we fool away our interest in the world too When we were Children we did not (8) 1 Cor. 13.11 put away childishnesse while we were youthfull we [9] Psal 25.7 served divers lusts Now that carnal pleasures have been the trouble of our hearts shall earthly cares be our vexations too we ought to sacrifice our bodies unto the Father of [10] Rom. 2.1 Heaven and dare we sacrifice our hearts unto the God [11] 2 Cor. 4.4 of this world On the other side If through mercy our Childhood hath been [1] Eph. 6.4 nurtured in the fear of the Lord or if God gave us the grace to remember [2] Eccl. 12.1 our Creator in the dayes of our youth how is it that we forget him now What iniquity [3] Jer. 2.5 have we found in our God that we should cast him off now in the midst [4] Psalm 102.4 of our age in the very (5) Psalm 29.5 best of our estate In our Infancy we entred into a Covenant with our God we were baptismally engrafted into Christ in our youth we blossomed now that we are in our Autumn shall all the fruits of our Faith fall to the ground shall we like the [6] Mat. 19.20 cursed fig-tree fail our Makers expectation When [1] Agesilaus in Plutarch Agesilaus having gained one Victory would animate his Souldiers for another he caused the Prisoners whom he had taken captive to be stripped then calling unto him his Souldiers he telleth them [2] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 these effeminate small-limbed inconsiderable wretches are the enemies ye fight against these Ornaments costly Apparrel and Treasures are the spoil ye fight for Beloved if the [3] insoelix paupertas homines ridiculos facit contempt that accompanieth a mean estate be the Enemy we fight against how [4] Rom. 8.35 1 Cor. 4.8 9 contemptible is this enemy◠especially unto him that [5] Psal 27.1 hath a God to sustain him a God to rely upon◠the mansions in our Fathers house the Son of our God the Father of mercies the God of all blessings these are the prize we fight for Let us therefore in understanding shew our selves [6] 1 Cor. 14.20 men Every day bringeth its [7] Luke 11.3 bread had we the wit to trust [8] 1 Pet. 4 19 an all-sufficient Creatour if it be better for us to be rich [9] Pro. 30.8 then poor to be honourable then mean let not our heart be troubled our God needeth [10] Phil. 4.6 none of our shifts none of our carkings nor indirect means of ours to make us wealthy great or honourable the way to [11] Prov. 10.22 1 Cor. 3.22 be wealthy great honourable is to take God along with us If any man love this world [12] 1 John 2.15 with his first love if he love it otherwise then for (13) He loveth God too little who loveth any thing beside God except for Gods sake R. B. Gods sake the love of the Father is not in him Dare we in the ripenesse of our experience and understandings [14] James 4.4 commit so high an affront against the great God Dare we preferre [15] Mat. 6.31 our vain shifts before his daily Providence our worldly [16] Gen. 17.1 wisdom before his spiritual instructions Dare we love the [17] 1 John 2.16 things of this world before the mansions in our Fathers House Nay would any of us if we might occasion the King of Sodom to say [18] Gen. 4.23 I have made Abraham rich or would we accept of plenty [19] Pro. 15.16 16.18 peace pleasure or honour from any hand but Gods Commendable [20] Jam. 4.4 was that Souldier in Oxford-Garrison who as needy as he was would not accept of Gold from Him who was no friend unto his most gracious Soveraigne O my God as low as I and my Family are if [21] Exod. 33 15 thy presence go not with us carry us not up hence Beloved mine Exhortation is that this [1] Gal. 1.4 present evil world may not perswade us out of our Christian names By these we in ordinary converse call our Children Why Answ Because they had need be often minded of their Christendome and of their vow in Baptism Striplings we likewise call by their Christian names so subject are they to an inconstancy But he that is of full age he that is stled and stayed we repute him so much a Christian that ordinarily we term him Good-man Master sim The more unhappy they that create unto themselves [2] Jer. 2 36 needlesse troubles of heart by trying the [3] Eccl. 7.25 wickednesse of folly with Solomon or by [4] Ames 3.15 Esay 5.8 1 King 21.1 laying house to house and coveting Naboths Vineyard with Ahab or by building [5] Luke 12.18 Gen. 4.17 Castles in the ayr with Gain or by [6] Psal 10.3 2 Kings 20.13 boasting themselves in their own Treasures with Hezekiah Every field is a Garden to him that acquainteth [7] quaelibet herba deum himself with his God A mans wisdome consisteth not in coveting what he cannot easily compasse [8] Luke 12.15 Beatus est noa qui habet quae cupit sed qui non cup t quae non habet Desius Ausonius but in improving what he already hath unto the benefit of his soul would we not over-task [9] Eccl. 2.24 3.22.5.18 Hoc tandem di dicit Henricus Wotton Animas quiescendo fieri fapientiores our selves with needlesse law-suits projects and designs we should find in the world food and rayment Sun-shine and Star-light Rivers and Fountains Flowers and Prospects enough and enough prepared to our hand for our Recreations and Delights Instead of minding their Books and other their Duties Children scatter away their [10] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pindar precious time upon idle toyes and yet their Fathers which mourn for them [11] like Hermogenes who was among boys an aged man among aged men a boy Magno conatu nugae cherish the very same folly The Child is pinning and unpinning baby clouts the mother doth the same in affected Apparrel the child buildeth Ovens with untempered morter in the streets the Father is as vain in Housings and Enclosures How our children mis-spend their time and abilities we are sensible but alas many of us [12] He that hath time and looketh for better time Time will come he shall repent of his lost time are insensible that of the two we are the more blame-worthy our best experiences our best understandings our best estate what is it employed upon upon things which [*] Vivere Gallio frater omnes beate volunt
quite over Hell There is now but a step [22] 1 Sam. 20.3 between us and Death and [23] 1 Thes 4.14 1 Cor. 15.52 1 John 3.14 not a step between Death and Heaven Death is swallowed up into [24] 1 Cor. 15.54 52 Victory that is as the phrase importeth into Eternity Could we not step beyond Death the foresight of Death would sting us unto the very heart but Jehovah [25] Judges 6.24 Shallom Faith vieweth every thing in the words of Jehovah who giveth being unto every Promise The mighty Jesus is ascended nor is it possible to [26] Christus etsi solus resurrexit tamen non totus Bernard detain the [27] John 6.39 54 56 11.25 26 14.19 20 17.23.24 redeemed from [28] Esay 43.1 49.24 their Redeemer a Christian from Christ his Lord a member on earth from [29] Esay 43.21 The Head in Heaven Wherefore unlesse thy heart be a heart of Vnbelief Let not thy heart be troubled Believe in God believe also in Christ Is thy desire toward thy Saviour thy Saviour reacheth forth his hand It shall be unto thee no trouble at all to [30] Rom. 7.24 compared with Job 19.27 passe from death which of an old enemy is made a new Friend unto life now no more mortal but everlasting Is thy [31] Matth. 25.6 24.44 midnight soul upon departure Let her go forth to meet him whom her soul loveth Behold her Bridegroom cometh yea rather is [32] John 14.8 already gone gone [33] John 14.3 to prepare a place for thee I say for thee In my Fathers house are many Mansions and because many one [34] Ibid. for Thee Verily there remaineth a [35] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Similitudo sumpta ab uno comitum qui in itinere praegressus ad diversorium ibi caeteris cubicula assignat efficitque ut venientibus parata sint v. 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hic ut c. 12.32 valet postquam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Continuatur similitudo nam solent qui primi in diversorium venerunt caeteris jam adventantibus obviam procedere eos inlroducere idem quod Christus Act. 1.11 redâ—â—â—s effecturus erit Grotius in Joan. 14.2 3 35. Heb. 4.9 See Mr. Baxter his Saints everlasting Rest. Rest for thy soul into thy Fathers bosome resign thy spirit 4. Thy greater trouble is Against the corruption of our sinful Nature not that thou shalt dye in the Lord but that thou dost live in the flesh I say not the shadow of death but the [1] Rom. 7.13 14 15 16 17 18 18 19 20 21 23 body of sin dishearreneth a gracious soul Give me any death but the death of sin To do evil is to [2] Compare Isa 59 2. with Psalm 125.5 depart from God and this is indeed a [3] Compare Psal 28.3 with Luke 13.27 sad departure for this Let your heart be troubled provided your trouble be a sanctified trouble such a sorrow shall be turned into joy into a spiritual joy inasmuch as from this Gospel you who believe may [4] Isa 66.11 such strong consolations Thou broken and contrite heart as assuredly as thou mournest thou [5] Isa v. 2.57.15 Luke 6.20 21 shalt be comforted Watch over thine [6] Isa 21.36 Psalm 18.23 own sin Give thy self [7] 1 Thess 5.17 unto prayer Be ever [8] 2 Pet. 1.10 upon Duty Exercise thy self unto (9) 1 Tim. 4.7 godlinesse Giving all (10) 2 Pet. 1.5 3.18 diligence strive to grow in grace and in the delightfull knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord so doing Let not thy heart be dismayed Know Sin was a (11) Videbat eos commo'os de antccedentibus de abnegatione sermonibus Grotius in Joan. 14.1 chief trouble of these Disciples hearts To forsake Him who hath loved and chosen us To love our selves more then we do love him in whom the great God is so well-pleased This you will yield is a very great defection He (†) Luke 9.23 Mark 8.38 that taketh not up His Crosse his daily crosse neither followeth Christ crucified into whatsoever perils this his crucified Lord shall conduct him such a one is unworthy of so great so good a Master Whoso is ashamed of Jesus Christ of him Jesus Christ hath just reason to be more much more ashamed Meek he is yet the wrath of this Lamb hath as justly as mercifully threatened that Whosoever denyeth Him before (12) Matth. 10.33 2 Tim. 2.12 frail men here upon earth him will He deny before his dread Father in heaven In one word (13) Rev. 21.8 Hell is a portion for the fearfull and fearfull were these Disciples neverthelesse so far was Christ Jesus from not forgiving them their trespasses that he most compassionately preventeth them Let not your heart be troubled Wherefore all ye who (14) Ezek. 6.9 20.43 36.31 loath your selves for your iniquities loath your selves and them more and more Alas no (15) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Toad is so ugly in mans sight as mans venomous nature is in the holy eyes of the most pure God A sinfull condition is an (16) Psalm 51.5 Job 25.6 odious condition wicked deeds are shamefull deeds gracelesse practices are wretched practices practices better becoming the Devils who are accursed of God then the Disciples who were blessed of the Lord Mean while Give God the glory (17) Haec alia adduxerunt Gregorium ut clamaret O Faelix culpa quae talem meruit habere redemptorem Quae verba ego non facilè dicerem siquidem in illâ causâ nihil video quod non sit miserum flebile Pet. Martyr ubi infra 27. His arm is not shortened that it cannot save He can remove from us as well all our staines as all our guilt He who delivered us from so great a death could had he seen cause so to do have quite warded off the lesser wounds The Lord Christ could have strengthened his Disciples every whit as much before his Ascension as after his Ascension he did and would he so please He could since Adams fall make us every way as perfect as before that fall of Adam we were yea he is able to make us both as unspotted of sin and as gloriously gracious in this present evil world as we shall be in the next This he is able to do but he according to His wisdom seeth cause to the contrary this this alone may comfort us against our sinfull nature that God the infinite God is wise His wisdome is a Believers comfort And yet Why hast thou made us to err [1] Esay 63.17 from thy wayes Wretched men that we are whence is it that the sanctifying Spirit [2] Relictae quidem suat animi vires actiones verum destitutae suâ rectitudine atque idcirco pravae corruptae Pet. Martyr Lo. Com. Classis secnad cap. 1. sect 25. leaveth in our vile hearts the remainders the dregs
Model in the old Testament as is in this or in any other Kingdom under Heaven So the Model of our English Hierarchy may be proved lawfull though there be no such Model of Hierarchy in the New Testament c. Object Object The Scriptures (1) 2 Tim. 3.16 17. are a sufficient Rule 1. 1. Answer Answ Blessed be the Father of (1) James 1.17 Lights from whom cometh every good and perfect gift Knowledge doth cover our Island (2) Isa 11.9 as waters cover the sea Many very many exceeding many and exceeding (3) Pro. 4.4 9.3.13 18.20.15 precious are those English Treatises which exalt this whole Nation higher then ever Capernaum (4) Mat. 11.23 was exalted Possibly thou mayest so buy the (5) Pro. 23.23 Truth that thou mayest in the end sell all to purchase Christ should I commend unto thy spare (6) Pro. 17.16 moneys some few of them such of them as thou thy self wiltnot stumble at Such as The (1) By Thomas Goodwin Aggravation of Sin Great (2) By Rich. Egles Salvation tendred The (3) By Daniel Dyke Deceitfulness of mans Heart Wilful (4) By William Fenner Impenitency the grossest Self-Murder Gods (5) By Adam Harsnet Summons to Repentance The (6) By Tho. Hooker Souls Preparation for Christ The (7) By B. Prideaux Doctrine of Practical Praying The (8) By B. Prideaux Doctrine of Conscience The (9) By Jeremy Dyke Worthy Communicant The (10) By Dr. Sibs bruised reed and The Souls Conflict Tentations (11) By Rich. Capel Nature Danger Cure The (12) By Tho. Shepherd Sincere Convert and The Sound Believer A (13) By Jer. Burroughs gracious Spirit a choice and precious Spirit The (14) By R. Young Victory of Patience Gods (15) By Dr. Preston All-Sufficiency While I commend unto thee these or other Books better then these wilt thou reply Such Authors are therefore useless because the holy Scriptures are able to make thee (16) 2 Tim. 3.15 wise unto Salvation I trow not Thou wilt rather say These or the like works are therefore beneficial because they (17) Eccles 12.11 consent unto the Truth of the holy Scriptures Just so must I answer thee The Word of God giveth general Rules (18) Rom. 13.1 2. As at first God himself im nediately Exod. 33.14 15 16. 1 Sim. c. 8.7.12.12 ruled his people so at first Christ also himself immediately ruled his people but afterward entrusted their Government with Kings and Rulers successively as God had formerly done for the well ordering of Gods chosen people Now while our Parliamentary Statutes do in our State Affairs establish among us at King as Supreme Head in all Causes temporal and a Magistracy under that King A King as Supreme in all Causes spiritual and a Hierarchy under that King These our Paliamentary Statutes do manifestly prove beneficial unto the Churches of God while they make particular Applications of Gods general Rules 2. 2. Answer Answ Suppose before (1) John 13.13 Mat. 10.1 Luke 10.1 Christ ascended from earth to Heaven He his Twelve Apostles and his Seventy Disciples were in that Infancy that new-birth of the Church a sufficient number of Church Governours yet as the Church encreased in the number of Believers after Christs Ascension might not after Christ ascended other Church Governours be introduced consonant and subservient to these 3. 3. Answer Answ Certainly as in (1) Deu. 17.15 Ruth 1.1 1 Sam. 12.13 Kingdoms and in Common-wealths so (2) Isa 49.23 Rom. 13.6 compared with Mat. 28.20 in Churches such may be the form of Government as the Law-giver for the time being shall see most expedient for the propagation of the Gospel Christ hath (3) 1 Sam. 2.28 2 Cor. 3.61.6.4 his Ministery and his Ministry hath (4) Mat. 16.19 18.18 The power of the keyes just as his Magistracy hath the (5) Rom. 13.4 power of the sword but ever the modelling of this Magistracy and of this Ministery belongeth unto the (6) Exo. 18.19 Law-giver Moses that is God by Moses may single out (7) Exo. 28.1 Aaron and his Successors to be high-Priests the Levites to (8) Num. 18.5 serve at the Altar to (9) Num. 1.50.3 31. bear the Ark c. David may (10) 1 Chr. 15.11 -17. appoint Singers c. and Salomon (11) 2 Chr. 5.12 may require them to take their Courses in the Temple orderly like an Hoste In his time in answer to the heads of the twelve Tribes Christ had (13) Mat. 10.1 his twelve Apostles In answer to the seventy Elders he had (14) Luk. 10 1 his seventy Disciples So after his Ascension for the benefit of the Church were added (15) Act. 6.5 Ephes 4.11 Rom 12.6 1 Cor. 12.28 Deacons Evangelists Pastors Teachers and Bishops and why not other such like as the benefit of (16) 1 Tim. 5.9 Tit. 1.5 John 3.8 2 Sam. 6.5 1 Kings 8.64 1 Chr. 15.12.16.4 2 Chr. 29.30 34. Ezra 6.16 18. Nehem. 8.9.9.4 Christian Kingdoms and Chuches shall require I conclude then so far is our Hierarchy from being a rock of offence unto such as receive a love of the truth that they are undeniably a (17) Ephes 4.7 11. gift of the holy Ghost even (18) 1 Cor. 12.28 helps in Church-Government for where these celebrate thy name It is (19) Psal 68.25 well seen O my God how thou goest how thou my God and King goest in the Sanctuary The next Scandal if any ariseth from our Function it self and that not so much unto others among us as The Function it self unto the flourishing Nobility and Gentry of this Kingdom If these rule well may God have the Glory and themselves the praises due Nevertheless since they have been more for ruling like (1) 1 Sam. 7.15.12.4 Samuel then for (2) 1 Sam. 2.18.3.20 ministring before the Lord like Samuel since they have stumbled at holy Orders as somewhat below their quality and birth with all humbleness and earnestness I beseech them and others for them to recollect how little weight there is in the Stone of Offence For 1. 1. Not unworthy the highest Suppose not many mighty not many noble receive the Saving Faith Saving Faith is no whit the less precious just so be it that not many mighty not many noble minister before the Lord the Ministery of Reconciliation is no more whit dishonourable 2. Term the Persons in my Text how ye please look upon them look upon us under the lowest Notions which ye conceive Compare us unto Fisher-men Husbandmen Merchant-men Watch-men Soldiers Shepherds Labourers Messengers Servants sim these and the like expressions will be not our Reproach but your Instruction For instance your servants we are but your (1) See Mede upon 1 Cor. 4.1 Servants in the Lord Messengers we are but Messengers of Glad (2) See B.
[14] Negligeatia comitem semper habet insortuaium your bosomes will be thorns in your sides For hearken [15] Jam. 2.5 my beloloved Brethren hath not God chosen the poor of this world that they should be rich in faith Christ saith the poor [16] Mat. 11.5 receive the Gospel I beseech you make his word good Trust me ye are rich if ye have learned of Christ to be [17] Phil. 4.11 content A holy heart maketh one dish a [18] 1 Tim. 6.6 feast However Let not your heart be troubled God [19] Jam. 5.7 spes alit agricolas is where he was and he was [20] Gen. 17.1 all-sufficient Brethren Would ye have no good thing with-held from you Walk [21] Psalm 84.11 uprightly Would ye have all outward comforts [22] Mat. 6.33 added unto you first seek the Kingdom of Heaven do not love the world if ye would [23] 1 Cor. 7.31 use it Deny not God the [24] To steal is to detain that which 1 Chron. 29.16 is anothers contrary to his will and Mil. 3.8 9. This world is nothing except it tend unto another tenth and he will give you [25] Hag. 2.15 19. Pro. 3.9 10. Mark 10.30 thirty fold Dare to trust God and be ye but faithfull in little ye shall be [26] Luke 16.9 10 11 12. Matth. 25.21 23 29. entrusted with more Be but so thrifty as to sow uuto [27] Hos 10.12 Righteousnesse and in due [28] James 5.7 season ye shall [29] Galat. 6.8 9. reap if ye [30] Prayer day and night and life at last faint not Be it that you get your lively-hoods by hard labour Verily there are mansions of rest in my Fathers house Beloved the person speaking in my Text is so mindfull of you that rather then your heart should be troubled he will undertake all your [31] 1 Pet. 5 7. cares Never never live by [32] Honest men use bonest means your shifts ye have a God to trust in a God which can give you a [33] Deut. 8.18 power to get wealth Would you turn Tenants unto so good a [34] Prov. 10.22 Landlord Jesus Christ will [35] Ephes 1.14 15. strike the bargain for you Object Better is stale bread then none at all They that have wherewith to defend the world To the hungry naked and destitute Object may talk of quiet hearts sim but the hungry and naked may starve though they reckon upon your Text neither your Text nor your Discourse God help us doth warm either back or Belly Answ Answ True I wept when I was born and every day [1] Job 14.1 sheweth why all the dayes of the afflicted are [2] Pro. 15.15 evil and the charity of [3] Magistratus indicat virum many waxeth so cold that whereas we have very wholsome laws for the relief of our poor yet in too too many Villages both our poor and our lawes are neglected together The Lord awaken the hearts of our Magistrates to encrease [4] Psalm 41.1 2 3. Esay 58.10 11 32.8 Pro 3.9 10 11 24.19.17 Heb. 6.10.13 16 2 Cor. 9.6 7 9 Luke 6.38 31 16.9.12.33.14.14 1 Tim. 6.18 blessings upon themselves by considering the poor and needy In the mean space know He who here requireth Let not your heart be troubled He endured the 5 cold weather as well as you wanted [6] John 19.24 cloathes as well as you had no more houses to put his head in [7] Luke 9.58 then you and suffered a great deal more hunger [8] Mat. 4.12 Mark 11.12 then ever you did neverthelesse he [9] Psalm 16.8 9 10. trusted in God and was provided for Secondly This God in whom ye are here to believe disposeth of [10] Deut. 9.4 2 Sam. 19.14 1 King 8.5 8.18.37 1 Chro. 29.18 2 Chro. 29 36. Ezra 7.27 Pro. 16.9.11 19.21.21.1 Jer. 24.7 Ezek. 11.19 6 36.26 all mens hearts He can command the hearts of our Magistrates to compell and the hearts of your Ministers to solicite your speedy relief in which case be it unto you according unto your faith only reflect upon your conversations and examine what spiritual [11] 1 Thes 4.3 benefit you reap from all your distresses Know as is Prosperity so is Adversity if unsanctified a very [12] Hos 5.15 Psalm 119.71 Rom. 8.28 severe judgement if sanctified an unspeakable blessing Wherefore bethink thy self Thou dost live upon Almes but dost thou live upon [13] Hos 11.36 Esay 12. Matth. 4.4 Providence Thou knowest thy Dish but art thou acquainted with that God who [14] Ps 37.3.68.10.74.21.107.9.132.15 filleth it Doth the nakednesse of thy flesh cloath thy mind with [15] Eccl. 25.2 humility Doth it send thy weather-beaten soul unto these Mansions Dost thou shelter thee in thy Fathers house Doth the hardnesse of mans heart [16] 2 Sam. 24.14 force thee to blesse that God whose mercy endureth for ever Alas if when God relieveth thee the [17] God healeth and the Physitian getteth the praise Housholder alone getteth the thanks If thou canst ask an Almes for Gods-sake and curse them unto the Devil [18] James 3.8 9 10 11 12. from whom thou art not satisfied If thou art content to be as [19] Jer. 5.3 wicked as poor thou mayest justly continue therefore wretched and miserable because ignorant and gracelesse On the otherside Know He is [20] Prov. 15.15 lively that is faultlesse and he that [21] 2 Cor. 1.12 liveth well is rich Gain [22] 1 Tim. 4.8 6.6 godlinesse and hang [23] 1 Pet. 5.7 care upon him that careth for you Avoid malice envy evil-speaking a distrust of God theft and such other sins as [24] Heb. 12. Prov. 11 5 1. easily overtake needy creatures let your [25] Col. 3.5 affections be mortified as well as your bodies be as poor in [26] Mat. 5.3 spirit as ye are in estate and then blessed are ye [27] Luke 6.20 poor for yours is the Kingdom of Heaven Let not let not your heart be troubled for God who is [28] Ps 68.5 a Judge of the Widows and a [29] No love unto the love of a Father Father of the fatherlesse God who (30) Psalm 146.7 heareth the Ravens when they cry will relieve your necessities when ye call upon him I mean when ye call upon him [31] Psalm 50.15.86.5.145.18 in truth They that know his Name will [32] Psalm 9.10 trust in him and blessed are all they who do at all times put their [33] Psalm 2.12 trust in Him for they that put their trust in him shall not be [34] Joel 2.26 ashamed I never yet saw the righteous [35] Psalm 37.25.34.10.146.7 forsaken nor their seed begging bread in vain The wicked they shall perish and suffer hunger but [36] 1 Tim. 4.8 godlinesse hath the promise of this Life Wherefore ye who
your comfort my repentance your peace The best thriving Creatures are they that are reared in the beginning of the Winter Ye may unhappy I can not make the best of your whole life Of the twelve hours ye have as yet lost few or none (*) He is not worthy of a place in Alexanders Army who will then be to provide Armes when he should use them Start betimes and win the day Get ground before the flesh lumber and the world cumbrâ— you He that would be well old must be old betimes Dear Children it is most easie entring in at the straight Gate while ye are now so little The Tree (5) Esay 65.22 early planted no wind hurteth the green Twig is pliant All the speed is in the morning Of all times of ones life the holy language is best learned when we first begin to speak Study that in your child-bood which hereafter be ye never so industrious ye shall never be so well able to learn Persons who are untaught to pronounce (6) Cheth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or (7) Gaaijin 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 while they are yet in their infancy will hardly ever pronounce either of those two Letters well (8) Pro. 9.18 should they live (9) Eccl. 8.12 Esay 65.20 a hundred years Who are too young to (10) Dan. 1.4 conspire Rebellions they they are the Subjects whom the Lord Jesus maketh Denizens of his Kingdom In the City of God one of the first things a Child need be taught to learn is to know where to finde his Fathers house Answ 7. Answ 7. There is nothing more natural unto you Children then to be ever questioning ever learning ever informing of your selves ever in (1) Hence Maxima debetur pueris reverentia imitation Go on in the good Name of my God inform your selves of all that your Catechisms and your Teachers can instruct you As much as in you lieth learn the whole (2) Get the the Book so entituled made by Bishop Sterne Duty of man learn I say your own Duties and your Gods pleasure that ye may never be quite out of action imitate the great Exemplar [3] As represented by Bishop Taylor even the Person speaking in my Text who is now ready to embrace you in the armes of his free Mercies and loving Kindnesse if He by His [4] Luke 11.20 Finger teach you to go hold him with your [5] 1 Tim. 6 12 hand of Faith A second particular minding little Children to prevent troubles and practice (1) As is prescribed by Bishop Baity Mark 10.21 piety is As this their good beginning is safe so it is lovely A timely towardlinesse like a good presence carrieth with it letters of recommendation whether soever it goeth Early (2) Psal 63.1 Prov. 23.24 will I seek thee is wholsome resolution especially when found in a child I say early rising is not only your health but your praise The little one looketh merrily when he taketh out a new Lesson and pretty it is to see him well behaved Of all sacrifices the (3) Psalm 5.3 Morning-sacrifice is the most accept able Thou makest the out-goings of the (4) Psalm 65.8 Morning to praise thee O God even the Sun in his fullest strength is not one half so pleasant to look unto Neither doth the Rose of (5) Cant. 2.1 Sharon blush so much in the flower as it doth in the bud What (6) Mar. 10.16 Seat more becometh a little child then his Parents armes What word more endearing then (7) Gal. 4.6 Mark 14.36 Rom 8.15 Abba Father Pray unto our Father as he is in Heaven believe in God with Faith unfeigned Remember the ten Commandments to observe and do them and little as ye are I dare present you unto the great Bishop of our Souls St. Jerome recordeth children incredibly young which could by strength of memory rather by strength of assiduous industry repeat whole Catechismes nay the whole Book of Davids Psalmes My little children if you imitate their example God will raise up one St. Jerome or other to admire countenance and (8) 2 John 4 3 John 4 encourage you If from his childhood Timotheus knew the Scriptures he shall receive (9) 2 Tim. 3.15 praises from the great Apostle even from the Apostle St. Paul My soul desireth (10) Mic. 7.1 the first ripe fruits There is yet a third particular that may very justly affright you into goodnesse it will I hope like the Bedlam at the door make you run from your selves to your God and this particular is The certainty (1) Nihil est tam certum de quo nullum adeo sit dubium quod tamen apparet esse dubium quum tamea revera nulium sit dubium veluti mois of your uncertain Death Every Mothers child is born to dye therefore it is that the Grave keepeth no Calender When I bury the dead I like well to see children of themselves to flock about the pit hole they do well to peep in it for how soon they may be layed there is not easily known This I know One is old enough to day to dye to morrow True Children ye are but may (2) Old Camels carry the skins of young Camels to the Market dye like men Search the Register-books from Village to Village they will all shew you that every Year burieth more Infants then aged persons We Parents take care for you Children but to ease us of our cares God singleth out some of you some of you he taketh to himself feedeth them as David did Mephibosheth (3) 2 Sam. 9.7 10 11 at his own Table Be mindfull therefore of the pit that is digged for you yea and of the Table that is (4) Psal 23.5 Revel 3 20 spread for you In all the houshold most commonly the very first that goeâ—â—â— to Rest are the Little Ones these are packed to (5) Esay 57.2 bed (6) Esay 57.1 As saith the Proverb of the Ancients He liveth not long whom the Lord loveth out of the way Learn therefore to number your dayes so soon as ye can tell five That Child can best (7) Psal 39.4 Deut. 32.29 and soonest number fourscore years who undertaketh not to accompt above six or seven of them his own Vndress ye Little Children Vndresse (8) 2 Pet. 3.12 ye Ye know not how soon ye may fall asleep Leave off troubles before they be medled with Betake your selves unto that holy God who in your Baptism covenanted with you (9) Luk. 12.32 that if ye would through Jesus Christ our Lord believe in Him he would then accept your persons yea he would receive you within those Mansions which ye long (10) Psal 42.1 compared with Psalm 84.1 to see and love to think of Ye shall see ye shall enjoy ye shall inherite your Fathers house If Infants do give up the Ghost well may Youths To
their number receive their instructions The aged Believer is as full of Soliloquies (18) Psal 1.2 63.6.77.12.119.99 as of Solitudes While wearisome nights hold his eyes waking he communeth with his own heart upon his bed even then when his life is a bitternesse unto him then then (19) Psal 104.34 his meditations are sweet Death cannot come so fast towards his decrepid body (20) 2 Pet. 3.12 but he can hasten as fast to meet it in his desires a long while he hath desired to lay (21) 2 Pet. 1.14 aside his Tabernacle of flesh which were it not the (22) 1 Cor. 9 16 Temple of the holy Ghost would be the trouble of his heart he hath hitherto (23) Hos 12.9 Mic. 7.7 Hab 2.3 tarried the Lords leisure he will now give diligence to endure unto the end every day he is waiting [24] Matth. 10.22 and (25) Psal 42 1 84.1 2. longing to see those Mansions many years since prepared in his Fathers House he hath believed the suffering of his Redeemer he would (26) Col. 3.1.20 now behold him in his glorious exaltations and he knoweth so well in whom he hath believed that he thinketh the time long before his soul taketh wing to [27] 1 John 3 2 see him as he is Danger it self is (1) Ingens telum necessitas Exod. 14.10 Hos 2.7.5.15 the best remedy against danger nor is there any forrain means so prevalent to free our hearts from unprofitable troubles or to (2) Mat. 8.25 force us upon a faith in God or to drive (3) Deut. 30.15 us toward the mansions in our fathers house as unavoidable necessity is In other parts of our fraile life although we are so often called upon by (4) Mich. 6 9 Psal 119 15 1 Cor. 11.32 aches diseases and manifold afflictions allthough we are frequently foretold in [5] Mat. 24.42 44 the holy Scriptures that Christ will steal upon us unawares allthough our Church-yardes openly convince us of this truth while we weekely stumble over new graves yet our [6] Luk. 24.25 slow dull backsliding souls will not timely remember their dissolution at hand we design to make our calling and election sure but what we design that we delay Now the happinesse of the aged convert is that although other Christians most unwarrantably run the hazard of delayes He being so aged dareth not He wisely considereth that First As age groweth old so [1] Psal 119 36 Heb. 13.5 covetousness groweth young Usually Head and shoulders stoop not towards the ground faster then the heart it self doth Dust [2] Hab. 2.6 would to dust He considereth wherefore since he can carry nothing out of the world he bequeaths the love of the world [3] 1 John 2.15 James 4 4 unto such as will trouble themselves for it while his experienced [4] Psal 131.2 heart is weaned satisfied fixed He well knoweth that so long as he sought the world he never missed troubles but the wind in his face doth now [5] 1 Cor. 15.19 Mat. 6.19 20 Pro. 22.3 make him wise for his latter end Secondly James and John (1) Mat. 4.21 amended their netts Every neglect of duties is like a breach in those fishing netts (2) Eccles 9.10 the longer it continueth the wider it groweth delaies like over ripe cherries do one draw down another but as even reckonings keep us [3] 2 Cor. 1.12 long friends so [4] 2 Cor. 13.5 daily accompts keep even reckonings True He undertaketh a great work that worketh out his salvation yet nothing is [5] Mark 9.23 hard to him that setleth to it Thirdly Light burdens long born (1) Heb. 10.36 wax heavy and who so travaileth far hath (2) Eph. 6.12 many encounters viz. Our originall sin is so (3) Psal 51.5 bred in the bone that it will not out of the flesh the treacherous heart (4) Jer. 17.9 so conspireth with the flesh that it (5) 1 Pet. 2.11 warreth against the soul the envious Devil so (6) 1 Thess 3.5 seduceth the soul that she full often starteth a side from her God therefore [7] Job 14.14 Luk. 18.1 all the dayes of his appointed time he will waite untill his change come He should not [8] Eph. 6.13 14 1 Pet. 5.8 sleep that watcheth an enemy suspicion [9] Psalm 39.1 18.23.119.11 is no vice where we are jealous of our selves and since in (10) Gen. 6.5 every house lives a Theif woe unto that house wherein (11) 2 Cor. 7.1 13.5 is no chideing for if Christ be out of doors there (12) John 15.5 is no body at home and if (13) Rom. 8.9 no body be at home the house is dead Fourthly The (1) James 1.14 15 Heb. 12.1 Eph. 4.27 Rom. 12.9 Esa 59.5 Cant. 2.15 death of a young wolfe never cometh too soon as Heresie so any other sin whatsoever is better suppressed at the first then it is afterwards removed Every wickednesse is at strife (2) Pro. 15.26 with God the begining hereof is as (3) Pro. 17.14 when one letteth out water it is best left off before it be medled with The resolved mind hath (4) Luk. 17.32 Exod. 16.3 no thoughts for Egypt no lingrings (5) Gen. 19.26 for Sodom An (6) Luk. 14.28 examined enterprize goeth far and since the idlenesse of unbeleif must be shaken off the sooner the better for the offender never pardoneth (7) Psal 51.3 himself if he be a Christian Fifthly At dinner (1) Job 1.9 my man commeth The hypocrite stalketh with religion (2) Ezck. 33.31 Hos 7.14 to shoot at worldly aimes But he that is holy is (3) Psalm 86.2 1 Tim. 4.8.6.6 holy for himself He (4) Gen. 12.4 Revel 21.7 17.1 Eph. 6.8 Mat. 16.24 commandeth enough who obeyeth a wise God Themistocles liked his banishment from Greece into Persia so well that he gave out he had been utterly lost if he had not perished and this we see had not the heart of (5) Job 9 25 these disciples been troubled they had been the lesse minded of their fathers house Old age bethinketh it self (6) 1 Cor. 1 5 19 of heavenly mansions Sixthly He that is thrown once would (1) Gen. 30.8 32.24 2 Pet. 2.19 ever wrestle When the news of the death of (2) Bonsin lib. 8. Cited by Camerarius Hist meditat l. 2. cap. 9. John Corven father of Matthias King of Hungary was brought unto Mahomet Sultan of the Turkes Mahomet vehemently casting down his eyes brake forth first into tears next into these words (3) Ibid. Never Never Prince since the beginning of the world had such cause to weep as I have for I am deprived of all means of avenging my self for that great shame which in winning so many battels from me John brought upon me My Fathers he that hath listed himself under the banner of Jesus
Christ hath (4) Gen. 3.15 1 Pet. 5.8 Rom. 5.12 21 no such occasions of complaint we have indeed received a mortal over-throw in the fall of Adam great is the misery great is the reproach many are the troubles which that old Serpent hath maliciously brought upon us all But our comfort is that (5) 1 John 4 4.2.13 14 5.4 5 as our shame dieth not so neither dieth our Adversary the Devil No He is so full of his stratagems so good at tempting that he daily appeareth in his likenesse daily giveth us fresh opportunities of (6) 1 Pet. 5.9 James 4.7 avenging our selves upon his pride while through Christ who (7) Phil. 4.11 strengtheneth us we daily (8) Eph 6.13 withstand him (9) James 4.7 resist him wound (10) Gen. 3.15 Psalm 68.21 118.7.41.11 his head and put (11) 1 John 2 14 him to flight He who resisteth stedfast in the faith shall see his desire upon his enemy By this we know that God favoureth us because our enemy doth not (12) Psalm 41 11 triumph over us Seventhly The wise Virgin will not then (1) Mat. 25.4 be to seek for oyl when the bridegroom is comeing Neither will the experienced believer want a (2) Psalm 23.4 staffe while he either [3] Gen. 32.10 foardeth Jordane or climbeth the wearisom top of [4] Deut. 34.1 Pisgah He knoweth that every [5] Eccles 12.1 Jer. 12.5 mile is two in winter He is so thriving that he [6] John 12.35 layeth up a penny against Christmas He walked [7] Eph 5.16 while he had light [8] 1 Tim. 6.19 and made provision for a dear day He cannot say So many years I have lost the [9] Psalm 90 12 more years he numbreth the more he applieth his heart unto a spiritual wisdom He expecteth the [10] 1 Peâ— 5.8 assaults of Sathan and therefore armeth himself with [11] Ephes 6 14 16 17 sheild and helmet He is not now to make his last will at least his Soul he hath [12] Psalm 86 2 bequeathed unto God Ere ever [13] Revel 2 22 he be layed upon his bed of languishing he hath set his soul in order so doing He valueth a [14] Psalm 95 7 8 Luk. 19.42 2 Cor. 6.2 John 7.34 feather in hand more then a bird in the aire and esteemeth one [15] 2 Tim. 3.5 Eph. 6.6 7 Josh 24.14 ounce of sanctified goodnesse before a whole bushel of fruitlesse ostentation He furnisheth his heart [16] Psal 119 11 with spiritual knowledge exerteth [17] Esa 64.7 2 Peâ—â—â— 3 18 his knowledge into faith his faith into strong assurance his assurance into a love unfeined when chill age [18] Eccles 12 1 benummeth and palsieth as well his understanding as his head he then [19] 2 Tim 4.7 knoweth in whom he hath believed He can then live [20] Col 3 16 upon the quick stock When his sight and Hearing utterly fail then [21] Psal 71 18 Heb 13 5 John 13 1 Phil 1 6 Jude 24 Revel 1.18 then as in winter Swallows and summer birds subsist upon a vital heat and are of themselves a nourishment unto themselves the spirit of God that [22] Phil. 119 4.19 sustaineth him and so richly doth Gods word dwell in his retired memory that his meditation [23] Psal 1.2.63 6.104.34.119 97 99. 1 Tim. 4.15 Josh 1 8. knoweth no night Eightly He who [1] Deut. 28.66 Esa 33 18. feareth death enjoyes not life He therefore [2] 1 Cor. 15.31 Ipsa consuetudine matus exolescit Plin. lib. 1 Ep. 4. dieth daily The consumed candle while it winketh and winketh untill it catcheth after [3] Psal 18.28 Job 21.17 her vanished flame night by night reneweth unto him the future [4] James 4.14 expiration of his deceasing Soul Nor is it any new thing with one of his age [5] Job 17.13 to go to bed in the dark His Lords leisure he [6] Psal 27.14 tarrieth His masters [7] Job 14.14 call he attendeth but can most chearefully [8] Revel 14 13 rest from his labours so soon as ever his God shall allow him [9] John 11.12 Job 3.13 to sleep He sleepeth sweetly who [10] 1 Thess 4 14 sleepeth in Jesus Ninthly A necessity is layed upon the long-lived Christian His old age hath no time to dally in He hath received (1) Charon me momordit Demonax in Eras Apo. l 8. his praestomoney and must march If to Heaven (2) John 5.29 he will not to Hell he shall Other (3) Gen. 27 2 people may die but he must Wherefore he of this necessity [4] Nihil neque meum est ne jue cujasquam quod auferri quod cripi quod amitti potest M. T. Ciceronis Paradoxa maketh a vertue so great a vertue that the nearer he cometh to the shoare the more he prepareth for rocks If at any time Nature beginneth to shrink Grace upbraideth it or if through melanchosly his dejected soul draweth a little back she recoileth [5] Phil. 1.23 with a more vigorous resolution Nay if the God of his life should freely put it unto his choice whether he would be [6] Gen. 5.24 translated like Enoch caught up [7] 2 Kings 2.11 like Elijah or dye the death like their and his Master He would refuse Elijahs fiery Chariot and Enochs milder assumption for one dust of his Redeemers [8] Compare Job 30.23 with Luk. 7.6 7 and 1 Cor. 15.55 57 John 11.16 Grave I say he would with a holy ambition desire to taste of that Cup which his dearest God did [9] Heb. 2 9 drink off and sweeten From a transitory life to an everlasting life passe he would but upon no easier terms then [10] St. Peter thought himself so unworthy to be crucified as Christ was that he obtained leave to be crucified with his heels upwards what his Lord and Master accepted before him and for his sake Lastly Of all the Romane Souldiers none no not the Principes themselves were so great a stay unto the Empire as [1] For Ad Triarios ventum est if once the stresse of the Battel came unto them were the Veterani and among all the Souldiers of Jesus Christ none are more exemplary unto the Churches of God then are they who are aged [2] Psalm 71.18 as well in the practice of piety as in the multitude of days Polycarpus gave us an instance of this said he [3] Enseh Eccles Hist Eighty five years have I served God neither hath he ever offended me at all how then can I to escape Martyrdom revile my King who hath hitherto kept me 1 Therefore reverence your gray hairs O aged [1] Qu bus nihil opis est in i sis ad bene bia qu vivendum iis omais gravis est aetas qui autem omnia bena â seipsis petunt iis nihil potest
that He should passe so hard a censure upon them full ill (6) Mat 26.22 could their ingenuous spirits brook these black imputations this you see was another occasion of their sorrows another cause why Jesus Christ encourageth them to believe as in God so in Himself Thirdly Occasion The Scene was now (1) Erasm Marlorat Jansen in locum Tragrcal a forsaking a denying a betraying of Christ could boad no good What the issue might be who could tell if he who hath no Sword is by the Patient Jesus (2) Luke 22.36 allarmed to buy one matters must necessarily threaten some evill Jesus himself was (3) John 13.21 troubled in Spirit well therefore might his Disciples be affrighted That a third reason of this consolation Ye believe in God Occasion Fourthly (1) Leoatius Elsthym Theodor. Mopsuest c. in locum They were not now (2) Joh. 2.25 to learn that their Master could certainly divine If Jesus spake it they might (3) Mat. 24.35 believe it for a while (4) Mat. 26.35 flatter themselves they might but on second thoughts their hearts might well mis-give them Their eyes had already seen Judas turning himself into (5) Joh. 13.20 a Traytor what was (6) Mat. 20.23 foretold of Judas that Judas was now (7) Mar. 14.11 perpetrating By the same rule what was (8) Mar. 14 16. presuged of them that they also should (9) Mat. 26.56 too soon be guilty of Or be it that Judas had aforetime (10) Mat. 26.8 been false Peter he had persevered None more (11) John 6.68 zealous yea none more (12) Mat. 14.29 daring then was Peter neverthelesse Simon Peter he had his (13) John 13.38 doom Now if Simon Peter could not stand well might they expect to fall The Devil had already been busie with (14) Luke 22.32 Cephas should Satan sift them (15) Luke 22.31 as wheat too they alas would soon appear but (16) Mat. 3.12 Jer. 23.28 chaffe Fear whispered unto them what dastards for ought any courage they had they would make of themselves Guilt shame unmanlinesse were (17) Mark 14.50 John 13.28 18.8 already at their heels That a fourth circumstance wherefore our Saviour here useth this supporting Instruction As ye believe in God believe also in me In the next place Occasion if the young Prophets sought so unreasonably after [1] 2 Kings 2.17 the late Head of their Colledge loth very loth might these Disciples be to think of parting with [2] Gorran Tirinus Maldonat Jansenius in locum their dear Lord and Master As yet they walked more by sight then by faith although they knew Christ as [3] John 6.69 a Son of God they knew him after the [4] Mat. 16.22 flesh too He had affectionately [5] John 15.16 gathered them under his [6] Mat. 23.37 wings and it was warm [7] John 14.20 being there A Master so meek so mercifull so tender-hearted so endearing so communicative so infinitely knowing so miraculously Powerfull Wo [8] Mat. 16.22 John 14.5 were it with them should they part with such a Teacher No living for them but at the Son of Gods [9] Mat. 6.68 Acts 20.38 ell-bowe Now to hear this their dear Lord talk thus of leaving of them of going away of going away they could not [10] John 13.33 36 14.5.8 imagine whether This a fifth grief of mind if the Bridegroom was [11] Mat. 9.15 upon going the children of the Bride-chamber could not [12] Gen. 42.36 chuse but mourn they had no patience they to hear of Jesus Christs departure This I reckon a fifth Argument why they were solaced Believe in God believe also in me Again Occasion The hour was now almost [1] John 13.1 Matth. 26.2 come wherein the Son of Man must be crucified A long time had been [2] John 16.21 Mark 9.31 spent in preparing these Apostles for this tryal It had been as warily as frequently hinted unto them that Christ should suffer many things in Jerusalem and should after that suffer death it self Wherefore as [3] John 16.33 anon he animateth them Be of good chear in the world ye shall find trouble but be of good chear so he now comforteth them Let not your heart be troubled quasi [4] Bâ—da August c. in locum ye are already startled at late events but worse evils are yet to come if malice be hot [5] Luke 23.31 against a green tree it will be set on fire against the dry branches You my servants will be more [6] Mat. 10.24 John 15.20 despitefully persecuted then am I your Master whosoever killeth you will [7] Mat. 16.2 think he doth his God good service but even then when my sufferings shall portend yours Let not your heart be troubled neither be ye [8] Mat. 14.27 dismayed but believe in God believe also in me Lastly When ye shall take more thought for me then for your selves Occasion When ye shall [1] Rupertus in locum ut G otius see me delivered up into the hand of [2] Mat. 26.45 sinners viz. of inveterate and most implacable Adversaries when ye shall see me numbred among Transgressours condemned [3] Luke 23.4 14 contrary to Law when ye shall see me nailed [4] John 20.25 to the Crosse lifted up [5] John 3.14 upon the Crosse and by [6] Acts 2.23 unjust hands [7] Phil. 2 8 crucified crucified even unto death to a death as [8] Heb. 12.2 reproachful as languishing as languishing as painfull then weep [9] Luke 23.28 not for me then let not your heart be troubled no not for my sake but let this be your refuge Believe in God believe also in me Thus from the seven-fold coherence of these words from their foregoing and following Context very evident it is that our greatest [1] 1 John 5.4 comfort against our greatest discomforts is faith Faith rolleth away every stone which presseth heavily upon us to believe in God to believe in Christ this is life life more abundant Object If it be so why am I thus Object If Faith hath a power so soveraign to expell all troubles why yea why are believing hearts so often troubled Answ 1. Answ 1. They are troubled on every side but [1] 2 Cor. 4.8 not distressed perplexed they are but not altogether without help cast down but not forsaken Answ 2. Answ 2. All men have not faith Many Professors there are but few believers I wiss The faith of most Christians is a faith of their own forging not this spirit [1] 2 Cor. 4.11 13 of faith here in my Text viz. That which guardeth every blow from off the heart must be a [2] 1 Thes 5.8 breast-plate of faith and love and of this breast-plate the generality of Believers for Believers they seem unto others and
sort of praise [15] Psalm 50.23 glorifieth God Thirdly Nor canst thou thus order thy conversation In heart until thou keep thy heart (1) Pro. 4 23 first 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with all diligence True he that doeth righteousnesse is righteous even as he [2] 1 Joh. 3 7 3 John 11. is righteous but loe such a Righteousnesse must be the work of the sanctifying Spirt upon thine inward parts Then will David sing and give praise when his heart is [3] Psal 57.7 prepared and fixed The God of [4] Psal 109.1 thy praise is a God not of the dead but [5] Luke 20.38 of the living He is not for [6] Heb. 6.1 dead works He accepteth of no duty which is not [7] Heb. 11.6 the fruit of faith and of no faith which is not the [8] Rom. 8.9 fruit of the Spirit The carcasses of good works take not at all [9] Esay 1 11-19 with God Therefore whensoever thou wouldest honour him with thy lips or in thy deeds let not then thy [10] Esay 29.13 heart be far from him They must be well affected that glorifie the [11] Esay 1.19 Victo que volentes Per populos dal jura God of love wherefore he saith I will make them 12 joyfull in my house of prayer Ye then who would glorifie him [13] Psal 31.23 love him Ye who would love him be [14] Psal 5.11 Ephes 5.1 Psalm 63.8 joyfull in him Thou who as becometh a dear child followest hard after God that thy mouth may praise him with [15] Psal 5. ◠joyfull lips let thy soul I say let thy [16] Psal 35.9 soul be joyfull in thy God What thou dost do it in [17] Eph. 6.5 singlenesse of heart as unto Christ do it [18] Col. 3.17 heartily as unto the Lord Fear the Lord and [19] Hos 3 5 his goodnesse When thou with thy whole heart [20] Hos 5.4 framest thy doings to seek after thy God When thou with all thy might [21] Esay 64 7 stirrest up thy self to lay hold of him When thou walkest with God [22] Num. 14.24 Deut. 28.47 fully When for the abundance of all things and for all the goodnesse and for all the prosperity which the Lord thy God procureth unto thee thou doest [23] Jer. 33.9 fear and tremble least a Vessel so brim full should spill somewhat When thou wrappest thy [24] Mat 6.10 26.42 Psalm 119 35 47 Deut. 4.2 will in Gods secret Will and thy desires close with Gods revealed pleasure When thou placest thy happinesse in [25] Acts 21.13 Phil. 1.18 the glory of thy dearest Father thy dearest Redeemer thy dearest Preserver thy dearest Bridgeroom making Him thy [26] Esay 60.10 stay thy [27] Gen. 15.1 Psalm 62.5 6 7 8 73.27 28. 119.51 Jer. 17.14 17 Deut. 10.20 21 reward thy [28] Eph. 3.16 Col. 1.10 11 1 Pet. 4.11 praise when thy soul boasteth of him and cleaveth unto him When in all things appertaining unto life and godlinesse thou doest serve the Lord thy God in the strength of his Spirit and through the righteousnesse of his Son with [29] Deut. 28.47 joyfulnesse and gladnesse of heart thou doest then glorifie God Thus thus O Christian let us let us daily give thanks unto that God who [30] Psal 68.19 daily loadeth us with his Benefits [31) Psal 148.13 let us daily praise that God whose Name alone is [32] Psal 104.1 excellent over all the world let us daily honour that God who is 33 cloathed with Majestie and Honour and let us daily daily let us bless that God whom the Angels in heaven joy and delight to [33] Psal 103.20 Revel 5.11 15.2 reverence and adore Thus yea thus O Christian let us now and ever glorifie our God thy God and mine He that is Our God is the [34] Psalm 68.20 God of salvation Who is so great a God as is [35] Psalm 77.13 Our God Let the Lord in whose hand is our breath and whose are [36] Dan. 5.23 all our wayes let the [37] Psalm 70.4 Lord be glorified Blesse the Lord all ye his works in all places of his Dominion [38] Psalm 103.22 blesse thou the Lord O my soul How the Lord must be by us glorified we have seen The next is why Wherefore God must be by us glorified Beloved To produce many Arguments wherefore we should all of us make it the whole businesse of our whole lives to glorifie this great and dreadfull Name The Lord our God were to question whether we are indued with reason or no To produce none were to deny our affections a few then First Seeing he Reason 1. who is the Father of us all is a God the only God Why may he not be by us glorified Might all men From no reason to the contrary and with them all Angels evil and good lay all their forces together they could not if they would produce one piece of an argument why the Lord our God may not be by us glorified Seriously then let this be our first motive Therefore therefore let us glorifie our God because there is (1) Esay 41.21 no reason in the world to the contrary A second reason Reason 2. why the Father of all things must be by us glotified From creatures void of reason I deduce from all creatures void of reason Reason is entrusted not with them but with us neither can they but by us (1) Sola prosecto actio Deum in hac vitâ glorificandi gloriosa nobis esse poterat corona quâ meritum nostrum cumulatissimè remuneratum esse credere possemus Citharistae citharizaadi pretium à rege exigenti sertur respondisse Rex satis amplum retulisse citharizaido Anius respoaderi potest laudanti Deum meritum lau dandi solá laudatione satis superque remuneratum Mendeza in 1 Sam. 2.30 speak the praises of their Creator They are the leaves the blossoms the fruit which prepare a sweetnesse we alone are those Bees which ought to collect the honey Large Volumns they are and very learned in the ineffable Name of the Great JEHOVAH but as every other Volumn so this Book of the Creature is serviceable not unto it self but unto us a very fair Edition it is an Edition published for the Authors immediate glory but this glory the Author expecteth not from the Book but from the Reader if from so incomparable a Work as this is we for whose sake alone it is published will derive no glory unto the Author the incensed Author will burn first the Reader then the Book I say the Sense Life Motion and being of every Creature whatsoever are only the materials of Gods praise and glory the praise and glory which God deserveth from them he demandeth from us for it not they but we are accomptable it is a fearfull sin to defraud God of that which
Angels Him who did once give himself for us and doth ever since give himself to us Him unto whom God hath given (1) Nec patior me quicquam nescire de co quem amew Plin. Epist a name above every name Him we shall worship blesse admire and adore in my Fathers house But That which putteth so great a value upon my Fathers house is (1) Bonum mihi Domine in camino habere te â—â—â—cum quam esse sine â—e vel iâ— caelo Bernard principally my father himself The Refuge the Rest the Reward the Riches the Inheritance the Crown The Mansions the many Mansion the many Mansions in my Fathers house The eternal peace the infinite love the everlasting joy there set before us neither these nor the fellowship of the Saints nor the society of Angels shall be able to (2) Rom. 8.39 divert us from gloryfying our God as God For as all things appertaining unto life are therefore bestowed upon us here that here we may in body in soul and in spirit be (3) Testimonium credibile nimis gustatae sapientiae est esuries ipsa tam vehemens Idem Serm. 2. de duab mensis Oportebat quidem si fiâ—ri posset revivere me ut ita loquar denuo quod malè vixi srá saciam cogitaado quod reoperando non possum Idem Cant. de Serm. Hezekiae wholly taken up in obeying trusting loving honouring worshiping blessing and gloryfying our God as God so all the peace pleasures mansions joyes and glories which are treasured up for us in our Fathers house are therefore freely and everlastingly vouchsafed unto us that we may with a perfect love joy thankfulnesse and delight both admire and adore our everlasting Father Lastly as here upon earth no one mercy can so much require our thankfulnesse as the communion betwixt (1) Deus tuus totum tihi crit S. Aug. in Psalm 26. Et quem scmper habeat semper habere volunt our spirit and the sanctifying spirit of our most holy God so neither can any thing in heaven more excite our prayses and thanksgiving unto him who sitteth upon the Throne then the blessed Vision of our most glorious God even of God the Father of God the Son and of God the Holy Ghost ever for ever blessed and glorifyed In His presence is fulnesse of everlasting joy To him be the Kingdome the power and the glory ever ascribed Amen Dear Christians hear the [1] Eccles 12.13 conclusion of the whole Fear God and keep his Commandements love God and cleave unto him with your whole heart esteem [2] Solicitus incipit ambulare cum Deo suo ex omni parte scrutatur ne vel in le vissimà re tiemeadae illius maj statis offendatur aspectus Bernard Serm 3. in vigil nativ every thought word and deed misplaced which is not ordered to glorifie your God as God Oh let not your heart be troubled saving that it cannot be troubled enough for neglecting so merciful a God stretch out daily hourly stretch out and stir up your faith believe in God he hath [3] Esay 54.8 an everlasting love for you believe in his Son he is [4] 1 Cor. 1.30 made unto you wisdome and sanctification and redemption and righteousnesse believe in his Spirit he is [5] Jude 24. able to keep you from falling and to present you to your Bridegroom and to his Father with exceeding joy Look for and [6] 2 Pet. 3.12 hasten unto these mansions in my Fathers house Beloved this is life eternal this will be joy eternal to see God! Without holinesse it is [7] Heb 12.14 impossible to see God the Lord [8] Heb 13.21 perswade the Lord allure the Lord ravish your hearts Blessed for ever blessed are the pure in heart they shall possesse these mansions in my Fathers house they shall see God! Oh then for your own sakes yea for your Redeemers sake for your Gods sake improve [1] Luke 19.13 every talent of his which he in this your day putteth into your hands [2] Ephes 5.16 redeem [3] Cajus unius avâ—â—tia hotesta est Seneca time value time husband time do not oh do not content your selves with the lowest of these mansions in my Fathers house make you hearts more and more obedient more and more watchful humble faithful loving and thankful hearts the [4] Matth. 6.19 20 2 Pet. 3.18 1 Tim. 6.6 1 Cor. 15.58 Gal. 6.7 8 Mark 10.29 30 Revel 3.5.12 2.17 more grace the more glory you do treasure up for your selves the more you glorifie your God as God Be holy as the Spirit your Preserver is holy put on the Lord Jesus finde it [5] Consilium futuri ex praeterito venit Seneca Epist 83.9 your duty make it your businesse to glorifie the God and father of your Lord Jesus Christ so doing let not your heart be troubled believe in God believe in his Christ in my Fathers house are many mansions Oh thou who speakest in my Text speak [1] Psal 33.4 the word and our heart shall not be troubled Lord we believe help thou [2] Psal 33.2 our unbelief in Thy Fathers house are many mansions Brethren Unto these mansions after that we have [3] 1 Pet. 5.10 hoped trusted obeyed waited and suffered a while the God of all grace who hath called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus will receive first our soules then our bodyes To him be [4] 11 Pet. 5.11 glory and dominion for ever and ever Amen D. Bernardus Epist 341. Erubescat anima conversa ad Dominum minori affectu sectari justitiam quà m iniquitatem antea sectaretur pudeat negligentius nunc in vitam quam prius in mortem ire minori studio salutis acquirere quam perditionis augmentum PSALM 105. v. 4.3 Seek ye the Lord and his strength seek his face evermore Glory ye in his holy Name Let the heart of them rejoyce that seek the Lord. FINIS Venial escapes the Reader is desired to impute unto the Authors absence from the Presse and to correct these or the like ERRATA Read P. 12. l. 31. our days p. 42. l. 13. a King p. 44. l. 9. this stone p. 47. l. 3. Aegyptians had p. 121. l. 5. sibi p. 123. l. 18. flatten p. 128. l. 28. I cleared p. 138. l. 12. affections p. 143. l. 5. Arnon p. 151. l. 19. to ply p. 152. for Tertullian r. Cyprian for Cyprian r. Tertullian p. 156. l. 18 19. Let them Who p. 122. l. 26. Three particulars p. 201. l. 31. This he considereth p. 240. l. 11. reprieve p. 245. l. 3 5. dele I say p. 319. l. 6. smutty-faced p. 356. l. 14. mett p. 401. l. 7. not ease p. 405. l. 3. deign p. 423. l. 2. womb The margin is referred to the Reader