Face whom we now remember but Praise abideth to eternal Ages I will be bold to say When we shall be invested with this exceeding and enduring Happiness our thanks will not be so much now is the only time of Faith and Thanksgiving This is the only day to magnifie our God for giving unto us exceeding great and precious Promises Who is like unto the Lord our God who dwelleth on high who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in Heaven and in the Earth Psal 113. 5 6. He who made doth now preserve govern and dispose of them according to the good Pleasure of his Will. So we are to acknowledge and offer up thanks for all his Mercies and wonderful Works towards us Whether in Relation to Soul or Body this Life or that to come It is an imperfection of ours to judge any Mercies to be small for God gives nothing unworthy of his Majesty but the littleness is in our selves his Mercies are fitted to our mean Capacity Knowledge and Instruction are not imparted to Horse or Mule neither are we to expect the understanding of an Angel for our present Condition could not bear it According as his Divine Power hath given unto us all things that pertain to Life and Godliness 2 Pet. 1. 3. Even what belongs to this dying Life and vile Body yet there is such a necessity and Connexion of them in order to greater that they call for our most humble and hearty thanks That prepares for an immortal Being and we have all our Treasure in this earthen Vessel which also is to be changed and made Glorious and Incorruptible In our Body every Bone Artery and Vein is Subservient to the whole so the manifold Blessings of God are for our present and eternal Good. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father and in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ Eph. 5. 20. This is a most just and reasonable Command notwithstanding it may seem odd and precise in the sight of the World when done as to common things But if it were not thus esteemed the Duty would not be so Excellent for that more appears when one is contented to suffer shame and be accounted strange and ridiculous only for the sake of God. It seems uncouth through Zech. 3. 8. disuse and because it is not generally Practised The want whereof is through Pride and Sullenness disobedience and ungodliness ignorance and unbelief which in these corrupt times bear sway over the greater part of mankind But if these wicked hindrances were removed there would be giving of thanks at all times and in all places from the greatest to the least A Son honoureth his Father and a Servant his Master Mal. 1. 6. Themselves would not like to have a kindness and good turn requited with slight Forgetfulness and Ingratitude But they do not perceive the Goodness and Mercies of God as they do other things which come from one another which they bring take Or get by their own Power Let any one that imagines so stand forth Deut. 8. 18. and answer Who made him to be a Man and gave him Power to do whatsoever he doth What hast thou that thou didst not receive Now if thou didst receive it Why art thou not thankful One cause is what is of all Irreligion and Wickedness that thou hast these things nevertheless God is kind to the unthankful and evil Luke 6. 35. observe who is ranked first and therefore they remain so If God should make known himself and his Works a little more then he hath done already there would be no Tryal of any ones Submission or Thankfulness Because now he would prove whether Men will bless his Holy Name therefore they refuse But let such know they may have their good things and Consolation and hence pass to his Judgment Seat of whom they have been unmindful and sullen Hear ye and give Ear be not Proud for the Lord hath spoken Give Glory to the Lord your God before he cause Darkness and before your Feet stumble upon the dark Mountains Jer. 13. 15 16. If I may use such a familiar Phrase Do but behave your selves Civil towards God in this World that you may meet him with Comfort in the next Let us offer the Sacrifice of Praise to God continually that is the Fruit of our Lips giving thanks to his Name Heb. 13. 15. This is no hard thing It is so small a Duty and under the Majesty and Greatness of God that we need an express Revelation to assure that he accepts thereof If himself had not said Whoso offereth Praise glorifieth me Psal 50. 23. A considering Person could not believe it for he might easily think thus There is more distance in respect of Superiority between God and Man as between Man and Flies Now if they should buz forth in Commendation of us What Glory would it be God is gracious and infinite in Condescention If he doth set his Heart upon Man Job 34. 14. That he doth at all look upon our low and mean Services He is Glorified in all his Works and this with ordering our Conversation aright is the utmost we can do Or who hath first given to him and it shall be recompenced to him again Rom. 11. 35. But he hath first given unto us and expects the return of good words to our Maker Only acknowledge and Confess with the mouth what we have received and have Good-will towards him and speak out of Things truly as they are Lord Who would not Praise and magnifie thee Forasmuch as among all the Beings of the World there is none like unto thee thou art the Maker of all and they from thee Thou art worthy O Lord to receive Glory and Honour and Power for thou hast created all things and for thy Pleasure they are and were created Rev. 4. 11. The larger Potsherds of the Earth lifted up with Pride and Vanity do not value nor mind the good Expressions of a Beggar and a mean Person though they believe it to be sincere 'T is their Sin and Weakness to slight their Brother of the same likeness and as much a Man as themselves with all the Priviledge and Advantages of humane Nature But God is not like unto them He that first made doth not forsake the Work of his hands Psal 138. 8. 1 Sam. 12. 22. Isa 44. 21. He is pleased with and hearkens unto the Voice of his Children He who formed them after that manner and for this purpose doth accept the Fruit of our Lips. They that know God and have such raised thoughts of him as his visible Works do set forth are apt to doubt that he who is so much above and greater then mankind should at all mind them they being little and below his Cognizance But Scripture doth most evidently satisfie to the contrary There is the very Image of the Godhead upon our selves and a Capacity to know and Worship him all which give perfect assurance
if it be throughly considered all these put together do not make good that Happiness and Peace which mankind so eagerly desires And they are to be had in Gods ways so the first and great Temptation Vanisheth If the Enemy cannot draw Men off from God and Religion he trys to corrupt and deceive them therein by Lies and false Suggestions but all this may be prevented by the written Word without and the understanding within he hath given us The Foundation of the whole is which way to atone please and find acceptance with Almighty God this cannot be better known then by what himself hath shewed by Angels his Son and Holy Men inspired by him Who have done it faithfully and truly and laid down a reasonable way to this purpose As we have received so ought we to walk that we may please God by complying with all his Mind and Will which he hath revealed unto us by them Now this could never be done unless it was known And this neither by seeing it in a Book nor hearing with the Ear for a Child doth this unless it be understoâ—d Thy hands have made me and fashioned me give me understanding that I may learn thy Commandments Psal 119. 73. The inspiration of the Almighty giveth men understanding Job 32. 8. He did not to Horse and Mule for these are carried by blind instinct of Desire and Aversation but we with Knowledge and Choice as to Good and Evil. Thy word is a Lamp unto my Feet And a Light unto my Path Ps 119. 105. Without that our own Understanding is altogether insufficient as may be seen by the wandrings of those of old time who were carried away with dumb Idols the strange Follies of Idolatry and Superstition that ignorance and uncertainty of the chiefest Good and Immortality Something may be observed at this day which confirms that The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are Foolishness unto him neither can he know them for they are spiritually discerned 1 Cor. 2. 14. It is an amazing thing to consider those who are prudent as to the Affairs of the World who have all Knowledge and Skill of the best way to get Riches and Honour who foresee and carefully avoid temporal Evils yet commonly these of all Men are most ignorant as to the things of God and their Salvation They think it beneath their parts to condescend to such things it is an undervaluing of their worldly Wisdom to practise Simplicity and Godly Sincerity This they esteem as fit for none but Ignorant and Foolish people One would admire hereat if he did not call to mind Mat. 11. 25 26. 1 Cor. 1. 18 19 20 26. The greatest Schollars are not always holy and obedient for Knowledge puffeth up and they Fancy it a Disparagement to come to the things that are base in the Esteem of the World and the things which are despised The Blindness received by Adams Transgression is not taken away for they disdain as they foolishly and ignorantly think the meanness of the Remedy There are some still Vain in their Imaginations and their foolish heart are darkened Professing themselves to be Wise they Deut. 8. 17. Isa 10. 13. in the end will become Fools that all may know who come into the Promised Land it was not their own Power or Wisdom brought them thither For through proud Nature we are apt to rob God of the Honour due to his Name to say we made our selves Happy Such boasting is false and hateful to our great Master who even this way teacheth us to acknowledge if we will speak but the truth that all our sufficiency is of him 2 Cor. 3. 5. If we are left to our selves all our Wisdom is Earthly Sensual and Devilish and serves for no other end but wisely to descend into Hell. Natural Reason alone is not able to Conduct unto Heaven for it knows not the way unless it had been for the revealed Will of God we had been also Grovelling in the Dark as our Ancestors or the Indians and Pagans at this time Wherefore we receiving a Kingdom which cannot be moved let us have Grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with Reverence and Godly fear Heb. 12. 28. Let us pray for the Holy Spirit which is promised to every one that Asks and that gives Life to the dead Letter making it understood and leads into truth sufficient to render us Happy That of guiding into all truth was a particular Promise to the Disciples as appears by the Words following He shall not speak of himself and he will shew you things to come John 13. 16 Now if he who boasts of thiâ— will do the other also have the Spirit of Prophecy as well as the pretended one of infallibility then this Scripture extends to him but seeing he hath not that neither the other for what Christ hath joyned together he is Antichrist that puts asunder Shew the things to come bereafter that we may know that ye are Gods Isa 41. 23. Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God or that is Worshipped So that he as God sitteth in the Temple of God shewing himself that he is God 1 Thes 2. 4. That same Jesus from whom he pretends to derive his Commission and Truth foretelleth that many false Christ's and false Prophets shall arise of whom we are to take heed and Commandeth Search the Scriptures John 5. 39. For that only Objection from 2 Pet. 3. 16. which the Man of Sin doth so mightily insist on to beat off the People from that word wherein his own ways and Corruptions are so Condemned The Argument doth not amount to so much as that we ought to abstain from Meat and Drink because possibly we may meet with Poison For the wresting of Scriptures to their own Destruction is a wilful known Act as the word Imports Poâ—son may be conveyed in unknown to us but it would be more ridiculous to say I will not Eat any thing because I know what is Poiâ—on and can Eat that also whereas this should encourage him the more to necessary Food because he knows the other and can avoid it The word of God is as necessary to nourish unto eternal Life as the other to preserve the present and none need to be afraid For this is certain however People are frightned and perplexed about Doctrines and Opinions necessary to â—alvation As in the ways of wickedness none Perishes without a Malâ—cious Sinful Stubborn and continued Trangression of the Will So it is of the understanding unless there is some Malignity and ill deserving therein God will never be eternally angry with Men for it Things are so ordered that every one may be saved by Labour and sincere Use of means and none mis-carries or is damned but through his own Fault and known Wilfulness God would have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the Truth 1 Tim. 2. 4. The end is here
should describe the Way more narrow and streight then really it is for it is the Duty of all to encourage Travellers and not to frighten them but on the other hand let none say it is broader then the Blessed Jesus and Holy Men moved by the Holy Ghost have taught us for that would give them the Lye and cause Presumption and Danger to the whole World. It is Chalkt out in the Word of God As many as walk according to this Rule Peace be upon them and Mercy and upon the Israel of God Gal. 6. 16. they must follow these Directions who would have their Feet guided into the way of Peace Strange That Men should be enraged against the Consultations of their own Security and Happiness That they should willingly keep themselves from Satisfaction of Mind Doth the difficulty or fancied good of those Sins hinder from laying them aside It cannot be a harder Work then to pull out the Right Eye or cut off the Right Hand yet if these offend Christians are obliged or to suffer what is worse Mat. 18. 8 9. Yet this is not so grievous as may be imagined for when those Lusts as dear to a natural Man as the Members of the Body are rooted out the Labour is irksome for the present but afterwards Joy and Satisfaction spring up They did for a Season please the brutish part yet that train of Guilt dragged after did wound the inward parts the Pain there did exceed all the Sweetness he ever had by the sudden Enjoyment For the faint delight of a small time his whole Life was rendred Miserable But when they are driven out the Anguish goes off in a perfect Cure and there succeeds the delight of a sound mind It being once freed from Guilt and deadly Sin yields such Comfort that cannot be conceived but by those who have the Blessed experience Which none can attain unto but who actually comply with the Grace of God according to all that is written Tit. 2. 12. 14. The peaceable Fruits of righteousness are to be had by those who are purified from all iniquity who have knowledge in Divine Matters and do according to it If ye know these things happy are ye if ye do them John 13. 17. and miserable are they who do not Who have tasted the good Word of God every thing done contrary thereto doth grieve and vex them This is laughed at under the name of tenderness of Conscience but it intitles to the favour and acceptance of the Almighty if he is careful not in the least to offend Who studies in all things to approve himself unto God and cares not if by so doing he gets the ill Opinion of others If Conscience be Evil the Praise of Men will not make it good but if good in it self the Tongue of Slanderers and Blasphemers cannot render it bad Reproaches cannot hurt it and if compassed about with Innocency those sharp Arrows even bitter Words do as little injury as if they were shot against a Wall of Brass It is above the reach and malice of the wicked neither can they more disturb her Peace then Winds and Storms do the upper Region Not the greatest external violence much less the light breath of â—nvious Talking People can move what is established upon the sure Foundation of righteousness And therefore it is suspicious of those who prefer their Credit in the World before Duty Who had rather Act contrary to Truth then be Evil spoken of They may do so still but if they knew what it was To have a Conscience void of offence towards God and Man they would rather displease the whole World then him only and would lose the Good-will of all rather then this dear Friend within the Bosom for if all Men living did seek out Delights and Honours to confer on another to make him Happy they could not do so much as this alone All the Pomp and Glory of the World whatever can be named or is accounted dear amongst Men do not half so much for they extend to the outside conduce to our Satisfaction as a good Conscience only A Second Part of the Soul is the Will Whatever a Man doth or neglecteth it is according to the disposition of his Will Of the Will. this inclining him to some things and keeping off from others according to which He Acts Some have said that Actions have the Denomination of Good and Evil according to this faculty whereas the Divine Law gives that and this is but a Power to observe or transgress against it The Spirit of disobedience works in our Members There is an Averseness to God and a strong inclination without reason to run contrary to his revealâ—d Will. Man by his Fall is as it were turned upside down for what should be under the Spirit of our Minds doth rebel and get above What should be an Instrument to execuâ—e the Dictates of the Understanding usurps Authority over that Having got the upper hand this Self-will Commands in chief so he doth things against knowledge the Checks of Conscience and Dictates of right Reason The Man practises those things whereof he is convinced they are not for his Good. He is sold and held Captive under Sin which gains more Strength by being submitted unto Now this is no absolute Compulsion and Force which he brought himself into but like Slaves under an hard Master who do many things which they could refuse at the very time but fear or other Conveniency makes them till they can get their Liberty and Freedom He that is most under the Dominion of Sin is not forced to the Acts thereof for several times he doth intermit them when they might be had The Lascivious Wanton doth not run upon his iniquity in the Market place as a bruit Beast among the Herd And so it is of other kinds of Sin but it hath such a prevalency that for the most part he doth the â—ame It doth tyrannize and keep in aw not suffering him to do the thing that good is It makes him seek out things to gratifie Lust puts unto much trouble for Accomplishment thereof and which is an Aggravation of the Misery when he hath made Provision to fulfil them for some time it is still eager and craving after more the Acts do not satisfie yet there is impatiency after them and so much the more how often they are had Crying out give give and it is never enough No Man can fulfil all his Desires immediately for some he must tarry before he can obtain and those intervals of Expectation are not altogether so pleasant for others he is disappointed both which create more Pain then the Delight of the thing wished for In the frequent Repetition of the same he is cloyed and the Will Commands to seek out for new Objects when he may weary himself in the range but can find none Whosoever committeth Sin is the Servant of Sin John 8. 34. And yet they were betrayed into it with a
4. 7. Have an honourable esteem and good will towards him and his kindness will be discovered to you Whatever hard thoughts arise or are subministred by the Tempter they all proceed from our ignorance and sin some remainders whereof are in good Men though they should labour all they can to have the same done away If any Man love God the same is known of him Many make a shew of much love but if true and sincere it will be manifested by the very nature thereof for if we love God we must be careful to please him above all things as Profit or Pleasure Favour or Good-will of Men. We must be zealous for his Glory contented to suffer Shame Reproach or any Inconvenience for him We are to side with him against the World and the corruption therein a sence of his favour and assurance of his See Exod. 32. 26. reward will make amends for all the seeming disadvantages the other may bring on us All Acts and Offices of Religion are Pleasant and this keeps in all Obedience Love is a constant Principle always abiding on the Soul for it hath a Complacency therein and Dictates at all times to do all things well-pleasing in his sight whom we Love. Take good heed therefore unto your selves that ye Love the Lord your God Else if ye do in any wise go back Josh 23. 11 12. Implying that if this be not in their Minds they would do so This suggests that they can never do too much for God makes them do every thing Willingly and Cheerfully carries them through all the Varieties of this Life sweetens their Enjoyments and for Sickness Pain Loss Affliction this gives that Patience and Resignation that they are as none adversity for they can apply Rom. 8. 28. 1 Cor. 2. 9. Prov. 3. 11 12. The apprehension of a good God above makes every thing Happy unto them As the Father hath loved me so have I loved you continue in my Love John 15. 9. and he that loveth the Son loveth the Father also Glory to God in the highest and on Earth Peace Good-will towards Men was sung at the Birth of Christ our Lord who Of Love to ones Neighbour fulfilled it by that excellent and improved Law he gave unto us Ye have heard that it hath been said thou shalt love thy Neighbour and hate thine Enemy But I say unto you love your Enemies Mat 5. 43. 44. This seems an unreasonable Command to Flesh and Blood but only as it is corrupt and unbelieving for otherwise it may be justified If thine Enemy be hungry give him bread to Eat and if he be thirsty give him water to drink for thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head and the Lord shall reward thee Prov. 25. 21 22. Thou shalt by this means stop his further Violence and Malice In point of prudence it is better to bear a little Evil then by resisting receive greater and trust to the recompence of God for having obeyed his Command We are obliged to do more then is common to Men to manifest our Faith and Dependance on him as may be seen by what is required Mat. 5. 44 45 46. The Reason is added That ye may be Children of your Father which is in Heaven for he maketh his Sun to rise on the evil and good and sendeth rain on the iust and unjust God is provoked every day yet he is strong and patient He loadeth Men with Benefits which they make occasion to sin yet more which he suffers to try if his Goodness will lead them to Repentance but if they offend yet worse their Malice doth only hurt themselves but he is highly exalted and looses nothing if all the World were as Stubborn and Rebellious against him as is possible for such small and limited Creatures to be His Glory and Goodness and Happiness is still the same for all the ungodly Deeds and hard Speeches which ungodly Sinners commit and speak against Jud. 15. him His obedient Servant who is but Dust and Ashes a Worm and nothing in Comparison of the Great Lord of Heaven and Earth Who hath and shall receive every thing from him is here in Duty bound to imitate his Maker and all through his Gracious ordering cannot receive the least disadvantage by it By loving Enemies they become reconciled unto him or not Iâ— the first then it is granted by all to be better then revenge But suppose the worst They are still malicious and resolved to do him all the mischief in their Power the whole in the end will fall on themselves and not on him Will they say all manner of Evil of him â—alsly for Christ's sake his Religion and Good Conscience They cannot torment him in this for he applys the Blessing Mat. 5. 11 12. and the Promise Psal 31. 20. He may be just sensible but doth not lie under Vexation and Discomposure The light breath which sends forth evil Words can never make any Wound in his Soul who hath on the Breast-plate of Righteousness Sayings of one another signifie nothing We are all to stand at Gods Judgment Seat and who have assured Evidence of being approved Detraction there doth no harm but increases our reward that we can heartily forgive the Authors thereof Will they do their utmost and persecute him to the Death As they did to the Prophets the Lord Jesus and his Saints yet after they have done that they have no more that they can do They intitle him to a Crown which the Lord hath promised to such so when he comes to suffer he may well say with him Who suffered for us leaving us an Example that we should follow his steps Father forgive them for they know not what they do When by the Eye of Faith he seeth the Heaven opened he may with real Charity and sincere Affection cry out Lord lay not this Sin to their Charge If it be reasonable to love Enemies so it is to love Friends this we do as Men that as Christians A new stone is laid and both are raised above the common pitch A new Commandment I give unto you that ye love one another as I have loved you that ye also love one another John 13 34. from whence the Disciple that leaned on Jesus Bosome makes this necessary inference Hereby perceive we the love of God because he laid down his Life for us and we ought to lay down our Lives for the Brethren 1 John 3. 16. To do the highest Act thereof that can be expressed There is nothing more enjoyned in the Gospel then Love. The Primitive Christians who did live exactly according to the Rule given them were remarkable for this See how they love one another was observed by the Heathens concerning them who herein fulfilled that Saying of their Lord and Master By this shall all men know that ye are my Disciples if ye have love one to another John 3. 35. But we that are reserved to the dregs of time are
they are but Men And there is one above who shall out off the Spirit of Princes he is terrible to the Kings of the Earth Psal 76. 12. When they rage most he can put a hook in their Jaws and lead them back from their purposes see Isa 37. 29. Ezek. 29. 4. Dan. 4. ch ch 11. 36. Hos 7. 16. Heb. 11. 27. If it be his good pleasure he can save his people from their violence or turn them into the rod of his anger Isa 10. 5. And then we are patiently to suffer knowing who striketh and learn by his judgment to be reformed from our sins we may send up Prayers and Tears to him in whose hand is the heart of the King and he turneth it wheresoever he will. God can either alter his thoughts or suffer him to fall by an Accident or Sickness or which way it pleaseth his Almighty Wisdom Again they are minished and brought low through Oppression Affliction and Sorrow He poureth contempt upon Princes Psal 107. 39. 40. He can do it without our assistance he doth then more magnifie his own Power neither are we to break his commands for then we justly suffer as Evil-doers 1 Pet. 4. 15 16. It was hardly ever known that people did endure much for being good Subjects or if any thing yet not to be compared with what came upon them by being otherwise None is punished for living peacably but seditiously in the State or through false accusation he is reputed so Loyalty is not esteemed nor proceeded against as a crime if any suffer innocently in life member or goods that is commonly through corruption of witnesses or subordinate Ministers which Government and Justice is to prevent The King is bound by Oath to keep Righteousness and Minister true Judgment unto his People for the observation or neglect of which he is to give account Those seeds of evil within make all the disturbance in the World which are provided against by the grace of him who is greater then Solomon and then all people might dwell safely every Man under 1 Kings 4. 25. his Vine and under his Fig-tree from one end of the Earth to the other all the days of our Kings and Governours To come unto him who is the great instrument of our External Of the Person of Kings Peace and Happiness Vnder his shadow we live Lam. 4. 20 This person is not most happy though great in Power and Majesty of any in his Realm He presides over many violent and rotten Members who would make a Schism in the body and say unto the Head O Monstrous Folly We have no need of thee But now God hath set the Members every one of them in the body as it hath pleased him 1 Cor. 12. 18. Yet the inferior are not pleased because they were not supreme or higher And therefore will displace or disturb So the principle part is obliged to stand on continual guard to keep it self secure and others in their due subjection they are apt to mutiny among themselves which this is to suppress and take care for all the other Members It cannot have much leisure to rest the Enemies being so near and its business so great We should let him be secure by whom we enjoy security he sees that others do not molest us so ingenuity and gratitude require us to do nothing against his Royal Person State or Dignity But seeing his great Master in Heaven hath evil recompensed for good even from those who are the work of his hands and subsist upon him every moment the King may expect that notwithstanding all the good he doth to his Subjects and fellow-Creatures yet some will be his Enemies Indeed the malice of Men cannot reach the Most High and if it might could not hurt him yet it may hurt the Son of Man as he is and therefore hath guards to defend himself which do somewhat keep off outward violence yet it must be a Melancholy reflection that the meanest Subject hath more safety of his life then himself Thence arise fears And further his life is wearied with publick business which require the greatest study and labour of mind Vexation is at hearing ill News and adverse Accidents which bring carefulness and anxiety much greater then what his Subjects have in their several callings as the Object is of more concern and importance Those hard and difficult things of Government do occasion more weariness and interruption then he who daily goeth forth to his work until the Evening fixedness of thought doth more tire then labour of the hands so he hath his portion of Care and Sorrow with the rest of Mankind But then his Pleasures do as much exceed them That Royal Pomp and Grandeur his Nobles Courtiers Friends and honest Subjects do all study to make his life as happy as possible He hath all Recreations the Wit of Man can invent choice Meats delicious Liquor variety and beauty of Women the most excellent Conversation great diversity of News and remarkable Occurrences Then he hath great Possessions Riches stately Palaces Gardens Furniture and wants nothing of the Conveniency and Pleasures of Life Indeed if the World and the things of this World can make a Man happy then he must be so who hath them all at his Command and Service Certain it is they make a greater appearance outwards then have real content and satisfaction That goodly retinue which others so much admire himself esteems as a thing of necessity and course At length he doth not perceive half the pleasure as the common Spectators even these by often seeing diminish in their esteem for the most excellent sensible objects by frequency tire The reverence from his Subjects is but their Duty and Homage they owâ— unto him this also by repeated and successive acts doth lessen into none or a very little delight He is only the visible Fountain of Honour yet not of Happiness for they are not convertible terms If all Happiness did meet and concenter in him there would be no more need for others studying to make him Happy then for the Rays to convey up light to the Sâ—n. Notwithstanding all their Labour this good and perfect Gift comeâ—â— down from the Father of Lights and it is not in the Power of any to bestow it They may indeed light up Candles somewhat take off from the Horrour of Darkness and Misery but this Light doth not shine as perfect day neither is the Happiness they Subminister like that which proceeds from the Son of Righteousness Courtiers and Favourites provide for their Master what Pleasure the World affords but cannot bring also a new Relish and Appetite They cannot take away that Irksomeness which arises from having the same Divertisements over so often Let them wrack their Brains never so much they cannot always supply him with new Variety and then they cannot help but he will grow weary of them The same delight they provide for him he hath enjoyed already let them
another Nothing hinders but that in the midst of our Work there may be a constant Sence of God over our mind and a fixed purpose not to offend in any thing So is the Will of God that none should live unto himself but unto him who hath called us in one hope of our Calling and also some manner of Life that we may get necessaries for our Being here And if we have them already yet to work with our hands to give to him that needeth Eph. 4. 28. If we have that also yet still we are to be beneficial unto others Not one of a thousand who is in a Trade or Employment neglects that for the business of Religion and who is in none not this but something else is the real Cause Men generally run to the other extream and will not allow that time they might conveniently for the Service of God. If one should employ an hour or two more then ordinary in a Week he would be more accused of negligence then who consumes thrice the time in Drinking-houses or Fruitless Recreations so apt are we to grudge in ourselves every minute more then needs must Who hears the word Preached or goes to publick Prayers on Week-days doth Act as one that believeth the Gospel and lives accordingly Acts 26. 7. David and Daniel were both engaged in much Worldly business and matters of State yet we read what they did Psal 55. 17. Psal â—19 164. Dan. 6. 10. and any one now may do the like and will lose nothing by it The Blessing of the Lord maketh rich which is sought for and had by Prayer So that time which others think lost may be gainful as to the present but most certainly it is to the future We have known several instances of those who through Sin or Carelesness have came to Poverty but never any by thus doing That of the Apostle is observable as if he had foreseen what People would make a Pâ—etence to neglect the one or thrust out the other and therefore he joyns them all in one Verse as very Consistent Not slothful in Business fervent in Spirit serving the Lord Rom. 12. 11. If one did behold all the Transactions and Labour under the Sun how those several Stations and Employments are appointed unto Men Every one conduces to the benefit of the whole and hath Connexion one to another he ought to Praise him who ruleth over all O Lord how manifold are thy works in Wisdom hast thou made them all the Earth is full of thy Riches Psal 104 24. In another kind it is shewed in things of an higher Nature It is all done by the same God which worketh all in all and those several gifts are for every one to profit withal which should be once 1. Cor. 12. more considered by the useless Men of the World. Every single Tradesman and Labourer doth further the Need and Delight of mankind even those which seem to be meanest and less honourable do necessarily conduce towards it as Husbandry The several Employments in the World tend to our Good in the different Capacities of Mind Body and Estate None is to be despised for we have all our Treasure in Earthen Vessels and the lower kinds of Labour are fitted to the Sustenance and Well-being of them So they likewise do contribute to the benefit of our better part He that is in the most worthy Station stands in need of the unworthy as well as this Man doth of him The whole Body fitly joyned together and compacted by that which every joynt supplieth according to the effectual Working in the measure of every part maketh increase of the Body unto the â—difying of it self in Levâ— Eph. 4. 16. Let there be no strife which is most beneficial to the whole for all are so though some must be above others or otherwise there would be a Schism in the Body The higher sort of Employments have proportionable sorrow and weariness going along with them especially such as require plodding and contrivance Whereas it is not so in handicrafts for when the Art is once learned there is no vexation or doubt of mind to work in it The Son of God is sâ—pposed to have been a Carpenter Mark 6. 3. And to have laboured in that till thirty Years of Age and also the Apostle of the Gentiles did work in the Occupation of a Tent maker both which are reputed mean Trades yet they having been thus honoured none hath reason to be ashamed of his of alike kind Eyes were given to see Ears to hear and also hands to work withall so it can be no disparagement to employ them to that for which they were designed Those who would account it so and make a mock of the labour of the Poor may be despised by their great Master when those who have been used to hardship and diligence in the World may be admitted into the Rest that remaineth for the people of God. They are in the ready road to Heaven if to their Pains they will add Godliness Righteousness and Sobriety if they do these things they shall never fail The temptations of the World Flesh and Devil will not so easily prevail against them whose time is taken up with honest labour The promises are more peculiar to them Mat. 11. 5. Luk. 6. 20. Jam. 2. 5. 1 Cor. 1. 27. Our Lord chose for his Disciples none of the learned Pharisees or Rabbins but Fishermen and of other mean Occupations he called them at that very time As Levi when he was sitting at the receit of custom Luke 5. 27. Simon Peter and Andrew his Brother as they were casting a Net into the Sea. And going on from thence he saw two other Brethren James the Son of Zebedee and John his Brother in a Ship with Zebedee their Father mending their Nets and he called them Mat. 4. 18 21. The good News of his coming into the World was first told to the Shepherds abiding in the Field and keeping watch over their flock by Night Luke 2. 8. So God appeared to Moses Exod. 3. 1 2. To Gideon as he was threshing Judg. 6. 11 12. Thus acceptable it is unto him when Men abide and are diligent in their calling he doth not esteem them the less but rather chooses them for the meanness thereof In his Holy Word there are many particular allusions to the several Trades in the World as the Husbandman Carpenter Smith Potter Shepherd and such like they are upon such sure grounds of obtaining a future Happiness and there is so much reason these should seek diligently after it that it would be an admiration if any should miss thereof Yet alas God is not known amongst them all no nor the greatest part though they are more encouraged as having the promises of which sort was Christ himself and the Apostles It is exceedingly to be pityed that the Word of God upon them also should have no more effect Hearken my beloved Brethren Hath not God chosen the
poor of this World rich in Faith and heirs of the Kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him Jam. 2. 5. Why therefore will you not also choose him to be your God Some have done so but why will you not all Indeed one would imagine every single Soul should do so unless he did cast his eyes out into the World and then he might see Satan hath a Kingdom among these equally as the great ones of the Earth Wickedness is not confined to high Places nor inhabiteth only in fine Houses but hath spread among those of low Estate and crept into the smallest Cottages Oppression Bribery and Injustice are in great Employments Cousenage Lying and all manner of deceit do accompany every inferior Trade there is a knavish part a Mystery of iniquity interwoven into it and is peculiar to each profession There is a general failure of Truth and Justice from among us I have seen violence and strife in the City mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it deceit and guile depart not from her streets Psal 55. 9 10. In the Country is over-reaching one another each Man trys to impose upon his Neighbour the hireling loyters and is negligent in his Masters business The poor in time of leasing will break the Commandment for a morsel of bread and handful of barley if they have opportunity of taking it from the heap and not be discovered They are every where corrupt in their dealings there is hardly one that doth justly They will exclaim against the Debauchery of the Rich and perhaps out of an ill humour because themselves are restrained from sinning after the same manner through want but they will equal them in another kind by Dishonesty Falshood and Murmuring and the same Spirit of disobedience would lead them to commit the same sins they now speak against if they had where-withal The Word of God is gone forth against all manner of Sin and Iniquity and it will signifie nothing at his Judgment to say you did not commit such and such if you did of another sort Ignorance contempt of and repining against God Slandering Lying and Theft are as damnable as Whoredom Drunkenness or Gluttony As the rich are more liable to the enticement of these so are you of the others They are more easily beset by the pleasures you by the profits of this World. Both are in Temptation that the trial of your Faith and Obedience may be had there is no necessity for either of you to fall the one may be temperate even in the midst of all his abundance the other may be honest and yet have sufficient for Life and Godliness God hath given the rich great advantages to work out his own Salvation so he is in alike danger of miscarrying the poor hath not quite so great furtherances but is in less danger This comes to be through knowledge and ignorance the former know more the other not having such means are commonly poor and foolish for they know not the way of the Lord nor the Judgment of their God. Jer. 5. 4. Ignorance hath and doth yet too much abound in our Land Of Ignorance especially amongst the lower sort The causes whereof hath been the covetousness or poverty of Parents who either would not or were not able to put them to School and then it should be supplyed by the charity of others Or else their own perverse will who hated knowledge and despised instruction out of a wicked mind because they think that if once they knew the will of God they are to do it which they care not for and therefore will not seek to understand it vainly hoping hereby to be excused from obeying Or thirdly the fault and negligence of Pastors and Teachers who were for doing no more then just to entitle them to their Tythes They are all ignorant they are all dumb Dogs they cannot Bark sleeping lying down loving to slumber they all look to their own way every one for his gain from his quarter Isa 56. 10 11. And because this might have been had with less they have not been diligent and earnest to make people throughly understand which be the first Principles of the Oracles of God. If such hindrances were removed all the inhabitants of this Nation miâ—ht know the Lord from the least unto the greatest What could God do more then to give us the Law and the Testimony and the Light that is in them To command that his Gospel be Preached to every Creature wherein is so plain a discovery of Himself and his Son Jesus Christ that none who either hears or reads can be ignorant let him have never so mean a Capacity unless he is a meer natural Ideot of whom more is not required then is given There is an appointed Order of Men who are to be Guides of the Blind a Light of them which are in Darkness an Instructer of the Foolish a Teacher of Babes Rom. 2. 19 20. But if they instead of speaking to Edification and sound Doctrine will utter dark Speeches or useless Notions if the people will come into the Assembly but not hearken to what is said or willingly forget if those will not search the Scriptures when they are commanded so to do God doth move and incline but forces none They know not neither will they understand they walk on in Darkness Psal 82. 5. Come to die like brute Beasts and then be reserved Hear ye all this and tremble until the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God 2 Thes 1. 7 8. You think to go Heaven because you live a poor laborious life but how can you expect that when Truth it self hath said This is life Life Eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent Joh. 17. 3 Think not this knowledge too excellent for you to attain unto it What should hinder If you can read you will understand and then you hear the Word Preached every Lords day you may enquire of Christian Brethren and Friends so having these advantages if thou canst not read thou mayest believe and do thy duty if thou hast in sincerity a mind to do it Many people talk of ignorance by which they will defend their ungodly manner of living which in truth is a further degree of Provocation because they began that first with not â—esiring the knowledge of Gods ways Those times are long â—â—nce passed when he winked at Ignorance Acts 17 30. And it cannot be now pretended under the Gospel especially where blessed be God every one hath or may have the Book of saving Knowledge The most unlearned Soul who can neither write nor read hath other helps to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the Truth for God hath appointed means to make it known unto Men. In this Place and Generation none can be ignorant but he who is willingly ignorant if rightly
doing good by Charity Hospitality dispersing abroad that others also may live by them Many have plentiful Estates already who think as long as they do not covet other Mens Lands or Money nor do wrong it is no harm to keep their own â—o save and hoard up as much as they can If they are willing to live in all good conscience as that will stand them in more stead in the day of their Death and from thence throughout all Eternity then Mannors or Lordships and thousands of Gold or Silver then let them consider what they are to be put in mind of Charge them that are Rich in this World that they do good that they be rich in good VVorks ready to Distribute willing to Communicate 1 Tim. 6. 17 18. None hath more then what he may know to do withal Others who have large Possessions find a way of disbursement through sinful Lusts and Pride And shall not as much be done another way for a better Master for Jesus and his Brethren It ought so to be and much more and time will yet be when they shall be ready to â—sal 45. 12 perform the same Christianity is no Pinching Doctrine for it doth not make the owners of Estates good Husbands as the word is commonly used but good Stewards of the gifts of God. They are not to heap to themselves and starve those round about them but distribute Liberally according to what they have and others need The eighth and ninth Chapter to the Corinthians is full to this purpose God feeds the Fowls of the Air Fishes of the Sea Beasts and all Creeping things Neither hath he left the principal work of his hands out of his care and protection He hath given sufficient to all Men for Food and Raiment and they have a right thereto He Psal 140. â—2 hath provided for them in his Works and in his Word and was there a compliance to his Written Laws none would suffer want But seeing we live in an Age wherein Men are fallen away from God who say they are Christians but they are not for they do not according to what is commanded that is not done of all Yet those his pecular People zealous of good VVorks Tit. 2. 14. are to shew forth more charity then is to be seen among them who think they have a well grounded hope for Heaven and even those Rich Men who will not obey the Gospel may see it there Written That he must reign till he hath put all Enemies under his feet 1 Cor. 15. 25. But if they will be wise as to submit and come in betime let them hearken to what he saith Lay not up for your selves treasures upon Earth where moth and rust do corrupt and where Thieves break through and steal But lay up for your selves Treasures in Heaven where neither moth nor rust do corrupt and where Thieves do not break through nor steal Mat. 6. 19 20. An express command against hoarding for the use of ones self Our Lord in all the precepts he gave hath consulted for the good of Mankind Now it tends to the prosperity and welfare of a People when Money is still in motion and passes from one to other for if this were kept by every one that could half the Nation would be in danger to perish But our Religion hath enjoyned a free Communicative temper it lays the greatest obligation upon Men to Communicate forth according to what they have Some have been prejudiced against it as an Enemy to Trade which is thought to be more maintained by Sin and Vanity but let it be considered The end of Trade is to get a living thereby and that all People may have necessaries and comforts for their being here Now the way God hath appointed doth more contribute to all this then the corrupted course of the World. To instance in Drunkenness which is reputed a beneficial sin to the Nation But if Men after they had kept within the bounds of lawful delight would go no further and disperse some other way the Money thus saved others might refresh themselves likewise and there would be altogether the same vent If that which is Prov. 3 〈…〉 6 7. consumed by some in adding Drunkenness to thirst were given to satisfie the bare thirst of others there would be the like quantity expended as now neither would that abundance of barley God hath in mercy given us be wasted for want of use and receiving It is a hard Case for those which make Oil within their VValls and tread their VVine presses and suffer Thirst Job 24. 11. Honest labourers who take pains in sowing and cutting down the Corn should have more share thereof then squeezing Landlords do now suffer them to have when themselves neither Reap nor Sow but â—at of other Mens labours Thou shalt not muzzle the Mouth of the Ox that treadeth out the Corn doth God take care of Oxen 1 Cor. 9. 9. Much more for those of his own likeness Many are forced to eat and Drink very course Bread and Water or Beer not much differing from it these also deserve help not pity and should come in for a distribution of the good things for the Earth is the Lords and the fulness thereof In the Primitive Church they had a Feast where poor and rich did sit down promiscuously together but there was a fault that in eating every one taketh before another his own Supper and one is hungry another is drunken 1 Cor. 11. 21. It is more Unreasonable and Antichristian that some should live in Rioting and Drunkenness others pine in Hunger and Thirst But the Gospel sets this at right by paring away the Superfluity of the one and giving it to others So it may be said to the Vanity and inordinacy of Apparel Thy People also shall be all righteous Isa 60. 21. And then there will not be such a Catalogue of Womens Bravery Isa 3. and more things added thereto by the Fashion of these times As iniquity hath abounded so the number of those have increased of that Trade which Borders upon it but some of them might have resorted to other Employments and those might sell nothing but what was really useful and decent Were the same spent in Hospitality and Charity as is now in Gluttony and Drunkenness Were the same laid out in Clothing the naked as is in strange Apparel Zeph. 1. 8. Did every one expend to some good use and purpose what others do in Pride and Vain Glory Were every one liberal according to what he hath and Covetousness which is not to be named amongst Saints Eph. 5. 3. but found among Hypocrites and Unbâ—lievers utterly banished from among us There would be better Living then in this World of iniquity Righteousness exalteth a Nation but Sin is a reproach to any People Prov. 14. 34. Covetousness is the Plague-sore of the Commonwealth who is addicted to it will make empty the Soul of the Hungry and he will cause the drink
Image or both as is most common The first is Ignorance and strange iniquity the second upon Inquiry will be found unreasonable and without cause Do you hate them for following that which is good You will not acknowledge so for an evil Work you pretend Why look throughly and you will see no such thing Examine impartially both sides and it will appear good but then arises Envy and Hatred that such should be better then your selves Then in your Opinion they do good Why will you not also do the same In a temporal Matter none Envies another for a thing which himself may have or the other would willingly help him unto This turns into Thanks and Good-will And why should it not be the same in reference to the things of God Is another righteous and dost thou secretly imagine him Happy therein Thou mayst be so likewise if thou wouldest do the same things God is no respecter of Persons and he will give his Grace to thee if thou wilt seek after it as he hath done In my Fathers house are many Mansions said the Son of God who came down from Heaven Anothers striving will not prejudice thee if only some few might come there we might well be angry at those who would get before us But seeing God would have all to be saved and Christ tasted Death for every Man there is no fear but thou mayst be Partaker also if another doth endeavour after the same Grace and Glory He will do his endeavour that thou mayst come also but this thou dost not like Why should he be a Busie-body in another Mans Matter But consider a little if a Man had incurred the Displeasure of the King and so was liable to Imprisonment and Death a Friend would put him in the way to preserve and restore him into Favour is not this esteemed a kindness A wicked Life and Conversation renders liable to the Wrath of God and Damnation of Hell and therefore he is not to blamed who would perswade to repent and escape it When one is ready to perish What fault is it for another to put him in mind to return to his Fathers house who will receive with all Loving kindness that hence forward he may live in obedience and favour of so good a God die with Comfort and enjoy him in Glory What harm is in all this Shall evil be recompenced for Good For they have digged a Pit for my Soul remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them and to turn away thy Wrath from them Jer. 18. 20. Ay but such an one believes we shall be damned and miserable he thinks so of us as if he would have it surely he is to be justly hated for this This seems to be the very Reason why the wicked have been so despiteful against the Godly in all Ages Though they will not speak plain they will hint as much and therefore it is expedient that such things should be laid open that all mistakes might be rectified for want of which is occasioned all the Hatred and Heart-burning of the Sons of Men one against another Amongst which this pestilent surmise hath done so much mischief What was it that set the Jews first the Gentiles afterwards and all wicked Men ever since in such a Rage against Christ and his Followers He told the Jews I am the way the Truth and the Life No Man can come unto the Father but by me This is Life eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent John 17. 3. He sharply reproves their Sins Fill ye up then the measure of your Fathers Ye Serpeâ—â—s ye Generation of Vipers how can ye escape the Damnation of Hâ—ll Mat. 23. 32 33. So the Jews unless they repented and believed were shut out from the Mercy of God. In like manner were concluded the heathen World from Acts 4. 12. 2 Thâ—s 1. 8. Rev. 21. 8. And that saying of our Lord John 5. 2â— 29. reacheth unto all wicked Men of all Generations and Places To be deprived of 〈◊〉 great a good and threatned with alâ—ke Evil hath set Men a madding and hath made them spit out their Venom against the Asserters of these Truths as if our selves were the Authors of them and so would have it be But yet they need nâ—t be presently enraged for the Promises and Threatnings of God are not absolute and irreversible but the one obtained and the other avoided by Repentance â—n the mean while So there is a door of hope open to the worst of Men to come in unless they are so mad to shut it against themselves Though they do wickedly now they may cease to do so as soon as they will and come in whilst the day of Salvation lasteth When the Long-suffering of God waâ—â—s 1 Pet. 3 20. that Men should be more forward to hasten Destruction upon themselves is a strange and unnatural Consequence as if they sworn to be miserable and like desperate condemned Rebels which might have their Pardon yet they will be stubâ—orn not to sue for it but do all the mischief they can bâ—fore they die If they are so perversly resolved they will see who will repent of it first Go â—or themselves He that made Men hath power over them and seeing he hath revealed such Decrees concerning their final Condition what are we that we should not believe him We must or we makâ— God a Lyar 1 John 5. 10. which we will not do for the despitefulness of all the World. Be it known unto you that the God whom we serve is true and will perform what he hath said He hath threatned a great Punishment to unbelief Heb. 3. 18 19. Râ—v 21. 8. and therefore we dare not in the least give way to it But is to be understood that our speaking of them do no more make them then a Proclamation of the King is by talking thereof among fellow Subjects The Galph is already fiâ—â— our Thoughts and Words did not make it so such would nevertheless drop in if we should think or say they would not In point of Prudence it is better for Men to turn from their Sins and Vanities then to run the dreadful event thereof Indeed we do believe the Scripture is the Word of God and all things contained therein are true and therein is plainly declared a place of Punishment but that we would have it so is nothing to us We are but Servants and to be contented with whatsoever pleases our great Master for we dare not prescribe unto him or tell him what we would have If we did our selves being in the Flesh we should rather take part with that for our selves are in danger and we should rather desire there was none but we submit to the Good will of our God. What Jeremiah saith of himself is the mind of all sincere and real Christians Neither have I desired the woful day thou knowest that which came out of my lips was
this shews him where it is My heart and my flesh faileth but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever Psal 72. 26. We know him as yet by Faith and our rejoycing in him is according to the measure of that Whatever good and comfort is in pure and undefiled Religion in an universal and constant complyance with it which is much every way as may be partly seen by what hath been and is to be said but much more would be perceived by him who makes a through experience of it all this comes in by repentance which is the beginning thereof for it forsakes sin and keeps the Commandments This was the first Doctrine John the forerunner and Christ himself Preached Mark. 1. 4 15. And it was also the message in which the Prophets before came Moses speaks very little thereof He that despised Moses Law died without Mercy Heb. 10. 28. God gave his people at first severe and strict Commandments without making so full a discovery of Pardon and Forgiveness but then those who became obnoxious to the guilt and judgment of the Law did not know how to escape The Lord who is rich in Mercy did in time reveal it more and more to those who would turn from their evil doing Before the last threatning there goes out another warning and invitation to submit Thus saith the Lord Behold I frame evil against you and devise a device against you return ye now every one from his evil way and make your ways and your doings good and they said there is no hope but we will walk after our own devices and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart Jer. 18. 11 12. Strange Stubbornness that Men should be thus provoking to God and act so madly against themselves we see what a mighty force there is in Lust and Pride They sinned yet more in not believing his wonderful offer they incensed him yet more in not being overcome by his goodness but he abounded in this as they did in iniquity confirming the truth of the Prophet Let favour be shewed to the wicked yet will he not learn Righteousness Isa 26. 10. All Gods doings are gradual and successive both his Works of Nature and Grace The most inestimable and accomplishment of all Mercies was in the Redemption of the World by our Lord Jesus Christ of this discovery was made to the Fathers by little and little If I may so speak with the greatest reverence and adoration with thanksgiving for such his gracious Methods God shewed himself the most hard Master at first The Law given Gen. 2. 17. was peremptory and penal then he begins Gen. 8. 21. Gen. 9. to release off his severity and then to Moses he proclaims himself Merciful and Gracious long Suffering Exod. 34. 6. But yet did not so fully make known to him the Doctrine of Repentance as he did afterwards to the Prophets Then comes John the Baptist Mat. 3. 2 3. Afterwards He who was bringing into the World so long before and to whom all the Old Testament hath Relation came Preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and saying the time is fulfilled and the Kingdom of God is at hand Repent ye and believe the Gospel Mark 1. 14 15. And now it is established for all persons times and places as appears Luke 24. 46. Man must not presume to sin yet more upon hopes of more Mercy For as Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto Salvation Heb. 9. 28. So for those who despise and sin wilfully there is a dreadful threatning Heb. 10. 26 27 28 29. God now commandeth all Men every where to repent Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the World in Righteousness by that Man whom he hath ordained whereof he hath given assurance unto all Men in that he hath raised him from the dead Acts 17. 30 31. The whole Counsel of God is contained in Faith and Repentance compare Acts 20. vers 20 21. with vers 26 27. To believe and to do is the substance of all That is Faith and Repentance puts upon the second Cease to do Evil learn to do VVell It is not only to be sorry for the past or a little displeased for Of Obedience the present but shews it self by Obedience for the future To this the promises belong If thou wilt enter into life keep the Commandments Mat. 19. 17. said he VVho though he were a Son yet learned he Obedience by the things which he suffered And being made perfect he became the Author of Eternal Salvation to all them that obey him Heb. 5. 8 9. The Book of Deuteronomy is wholly on this subject there is scarce one Chapter throughout the Law of Moses the Psalms Prophets Gospel and Epistles but hath somewhat relating to this Every where is line upon line line upon line precept upon precept precept upon precept here a little and there a little and all to this purpose that Man should obey God for he hath an absolute Dominion over us all by Creation Preservation and Redemption Ye shall do my Judgments and keep mine Ordinances to walk therein I am the Lord your God Ye shall therefore keep my Statutes and Judgments which if a Man do he shall live in them I am the Lord Lev. 18. 4 5. So in the Preface to the Ten Commandments I am the Lord thy God and as he was the God of the Israelites by bringing them out of the Land of Aegypt so he is of us Christians by redeeming us from Spiritual Aegypt the Bondage of Satan Sin and Death Even we require Obedience and Service from the Horse and Ox nay from the very same Creatures as our Selves Children Mal. 1. 6. and Servants and they do such things only because we command them and think it no shame or discredit And we may allow our selves to be ten thousand degrees more inferiour to Almighty God then they are unto us neither should we be unwilling or ashamed to do such things purely and principally for his Commandment This is properly Obedience and no other God will accept of When ye fasted and mourned on the fifth and seventh Month did yet at all fast unto me even to me Zech. 7. 5. Observe the patheticalness thereof in that it is twice repeated and this is applicable to all the actions of our life do we this or that thing only 1 Cor. 10. 31. to glorifie God thereby and have we no other motive but in Subordination to that And when ye did eat and when ye did drink did ye not eat and drink for your selves vers 6. Some private ends of your own or moral considerations Do not dissemble for one knows the very secrets of your hearts There is a proud principle nourished by some who are willing to save their Soul and think if such a thing is done
turn away from him that speaketh from Heaven Heb. 12. 25. Who though he is long since ascended on High and sits at the right hand of the Father yet speaks to us even now by his Word He that rejecteth me and receiveth not my Words hath one that judgeth him the VVord that I have spoken the same shall judge him at the last day John 12. 48. And if we will not hear them neither would we be perswaded if Christ should come once again into the World after the same manner as he did He hath sent forth Labourers into his Harvest with full Power and Commission He that heareth you heareth me And he that despiseth you despiseth me and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me Luke 10. 16. These are to do the Work of their Great Master to seek them that are lost and endeavour according to their utmost Power to bring many unto Life And he shewed me Joshua the High Priest standing before the Lord and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him Zech. 3. 1. When any thing is designed for the good of mankind he will be sure to hinder it as much as he can And it is observable among all the parts of Religion None hath been so much stifled refused or corrupted as the Ordinance of Preaching Nothing is more muttered against or endeavoured to be put off as the Faithful handling and Application of the Word The great prejudice against it is Lust and Consequent to that an affected ignorance Seeing Men will not do accordingly they think it the better the less they know or hear of the things of God whereas this being wilful and out of a wicked mind makes their Disobedience yet worse because they add this as the beginning and cause of all They desire not the knowledge of Gods ways Job 21. 14. Thou hatest instruction and casteth my words behind thee Psal 50. 17. This is the principal Device Satan makes use of to deceive the whole World by false and sly Suggestions he keeps them off from being acquainted with the Way and Truth of God and thence springs up a secret Enmity in the first place against the Word and those who divide it aright giving to every one his Portion There is none grown up to that height of wickedness as to belch out Blasphemies against Heaven or speak openly against Scripture yet in the Heart of the natural Man doth lie hid an Hatred and this shews it self by opposing them who are set in defence of the Gospel The real cause is concealed but then he Picks some little Exceptions or seeks out for occasion as that may easily be done by an evil mind to Speak or Act against them Miserable infatuation That Men should set themselves against those who in good Conscience and the greatest Earnestness endeavour to lead them up to the Holy Hill. It can be no harm to rescue any from the place of Torment to pull him though never so much against his Will like a Brand out of the Fire Now 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 and ever That this is a Rebellious People Lying Children Children that will not hear the Law of the Lord Which say to the Seers see not And to the Prophets Prophesie not unto us right things speak unto us smooth things Prophesie Deceits Isa 30. 8 9 10. for they can hear and approve of such and too many are carried away with this Temptation The Prophets Prophesie falsly and my People Love to have it so Jer. 5. 31. It is not so much taken notice of because it sutes with their Humours and Inclinations For want of Love they think his Commandments grievous when delivered aright and pressed home to the Conscience It is observable the Spirit of God speaks very much of the above-mentioned Corruption but little or nothing against those severe and rigid Men against whom the World crys out so much See Isa 9. 16. Isa 58. 1. Jer. 14. 14. Jer. 23. throughout Ezek. 13. 34. Chap. Lam. 2. 14. Jer. 48. 10. Mal. 2. 8 9. Mal. 3. 3 4. Luke 20. 21. 2 Cor. 4. 1 2. Gal. 1. 10. 1 Cor. 4. 1 2. 2 Tim. 2. 14 15 16. Tit. 2. 1 6 7. 1 Pet. 4. 11. Mat. 15. 14. There are more Texts concerning this horrible abuse and for the Remedy thereof all which are fulfilled in these days and should be amended That which moved Pilate to deliver our Saviour doth move these to betray his Heritage They are willing to content the People Mark 15. 15. and therefore suffer them to lie still in their Ignorance and Disobedience Her Prophets are light and treacherous Persons Zeph. 3. 4. they betray the Cause of God for they do not enforce it with that Power they might Some as if they were ashamed of his Office do not deliver his Message do not use the Arguments he hath given but are Foolish Prophets that follow their own Spirit Ezek. 13. 3. as if their Whims and Notions were better and more perswasive then the Oracles of God. He would be reconciled unto the World as they would willingly be at Peace with him And what hinders this blessed Accommodation I have not sent these Prophets yet they ran I have not spoken to them yet they Prophesied But if they had stood in my Counsâ—l and had caused my People to hear my VVords Mark that Then they should have turned them from their evil way and from the evil of their doings Jer. 23. 21 22. If they would insist on those Motives which flow from the Word of Truth and let them run with their due Cogency we see here what would have been the Effect of it The foregoing words are In the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly In the end of time many will reflect that if those set over them had done as they should and their own Conscience did stir them to do such Evils might have been escaped Thy Prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee and they have not discovered thine iniquity to turn away thy Captivity Lam. 2. 14. They have not used their utmost diligence to keep off from that threatning which is now manifested under the Gospel What could God have done more for his Vineyard then he hath done His Decrees and Dispensations concerning mankind are righteous He hath done things sufficient for them to be Happy and avoid Misery Only he hath permitted them as free and reasonable Creatures to Act of themselves He doth move and stir up their Wills to that which is good Those whom his Providence suffers to be Pastors He prompts by his Spirit to be faithful in that Trust reposed in them To the hearers are committed the lively Oracles their own Conscience there is the opportunity of good Books and Conversation with other helps and advantages which might be improved for the benefit of mankind But the only thing is they are not
forced and it is expected what they do it should be with a willing mind considering which they have Assistances sufficient to work out their own Salvation God hath been pleased to establish all things in an orderly way What pertain to his Kingdom over the Sons of Men have their Rules and their appointed means and his Blessing doth always Accompany them He doth not work Miracles where the thing may be done in a way he hath already shewed To turn the Hearts of the Fathers unto the Children and the Disobedient to the VVisdom of the just to make ready a People prepared for the Lord Luke 1. 17. He gives his Word Spirit and Ministers By the help of them and putting forth the strength God hath given us all this may very well be accomplished As the great Super-intendent in his Works of Nature hath left them to go in their Course so in his Kingdom of Grace which is over the Souls of Men he hath ordained alike Method to spring forth and increase by appointed means The great and only business which hath passed between God and Men is concerning their Obedience in this World and their Salvation in that which is to come And therein may be observed from the very first Creation of them a most wise contrivance of things on Gods part but the utmost folly giving back and rebellion on ours Had we consented and for us performed what we might have done there had been no separation between God and us which our iniquities have now made Wilful ignorance and sloth hath occasioned this evil by not improving the Talent but hiding it in a Napkin Would any one act according to the grace and power given him and according to the way shewed he shall never miscarry Christ hath made up for Adams Transgression so that the Lord being our helper we may do the things well-pleasing in his sight if our selves will sincerely set to do them God is faithful and would not try our Obedience by more then we are able to perform he gives aid and offers more if we would but seek and make use of it Doth any one desire to be saved Who doth not Why then there is no more required but his real working together with the grace of God and according to his means It is astonishing to consider that seeing God hath given all those great and powerful Arguments to stir up Man to his Duty and then all the faculties of his Soul have a tendency towards it yet so few are brought over to a right sence and universal practice of Religion But Satan trys all ways to drive them off and then is their own aversation through corrupt nature to the things of God but here again if they would consult his Word they would not be ignorant of those devices of the Enemy which might be rendred ineffectual and then by striving contrary and giving diligence that averâ—ation would by degrees wear of There is sufficient done that all might come to life It is not the Will of your Father which is in Heaven that one of these little ones should perish Mat. 18. 14. Some do needlesly inquire concerning the number of those that shall be saved When the Question was asked our Lord Luke 13. 23 24. he gives no direct answer to it but commands to take care for themselves and if every one did so there would be no need to ask such a Question This is certain every Man or Woman may perform those conditions to which Salvation is promised each single person may obey God keep the sayings of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and patiently continue in Well-doing The Scripture observing the Irreligion and wickedness of Men in Gal. 3. â— those Generations when it was Penned and foreseeing how it would be in following Ages speaketh in that wise as it doth but yet the same word saith All the ends of the World shall remember and turn unto the Lord and all the kindreds of the Nation shall Worship before thee Psal 22. 27. which is to be fulfilled as the others have been and are Every one is called upon to this it is in the power of all to hear or read the Scriptures to Pray to examine further evidences of it and Faith comes by these things and â—e will believe He may again attend to the Word of Exhortation and then he will do For that is to be said for the excellency of our Religion that never any one could see all that may be said for it and then reject it If the wicked Man would suffer himself to know what might be alledged for Obedience unto God himself would not refuse it He is afraid and dares not consider of the Arguments which enforce the same for then he would be converted and healed and therefore it is not without cause the subtle Enemy labours so much to hinder from that Whereas if he is in the most natural state yet if he is endued but with common Wisdom he should not presently set that at naught which in this carries so much of its Divinity and Truth And he should suspect his own course because he doth as it were distrust those excuses and pretences for Reasons he hath none for his Wickedness in that they dare not in the least stand in competition with what may be said for the contrary Way Men could never go on as now they do unless worse then the deaf Adder they stop the Ear and refuse to hear the Voice of the Charmer charm he never so wisely They act commonly by slight apprehension of things as for those of this Worâ—d they suffer to sink deep and lie at the very ground of their Hearts but for heavenly they either shut them quite out or they lie scattered at the top and have no deepness of Earth and no Root Mat. 13. 5 6. It is seldom that things are done altogether in a hurry but generally people act what they think best to be done In the very heart there is an approbation of them they may outwardly commend another kind but then they have within them a secret reserve and give preference to what they do or else hope to escape the danger The great controversie in the World is Whether Men should obey the Law of God or the Law of Sin Whether they shall do according to his Will or be Master of their own Actions None will deny that God is to be obeyed nor can they gain-say against his Law which is Good Just and Reasonable this is allowed of even by the transgressour But then for following his own course he hath some fancies which are kept secret within himself and are at the very bottom of his mind which with him do weigh down those general Considerations The present Pleasure Profit or Conveniencies or thinking to repent and avoid Gods indignation and such kind of thoughts which the Tempter doth suggest and his own heart doth receive and improve to the utmost advantage that they stand in
believe the Scriptures not only by saying so with the Tongue but in Reality let them see Ezek. 3. 17 18. Heb. 13. 17. Which should oblige them to act accordingly by making it their principal business to Turn people from Darkness unto Light and from the power of Satan unto God. If they would insist earnestly upon the word of Exhortation do all things to perswade making use of the Arguments that God hath given that people might do also the things well pleasing in his sight As the Scriptures are indeed the Word of God so respect is to be had to them accordingly as the Holy Ghost hath consulted for all times Persons and Places so application is to be made The reason of things is general and God is dishonoured in alike instances as those there particularly spoken against The Law of God is perfect Psal 19. 17. Reaching to all the Thoughts Words and Actions his Government extends over the whole Man and there is no action exempt from his Commandments As we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel even so we speak not as pleasing Mâ—n but God which â—rieth the hearts 1 Thes 2. 4. Not handling the Word of God deceitfully 2 Cor. 4. 2. Which is either done by concealing the cogent arguments or not pressing them home but superficially There are further directions from Acts 20. vers 20 26 27 28. 2 Cor. 10. 4 5. Heb. 4. 12. Isa 58. 1. Jer. 26. 2. If all this and much more which every Teacher knows and is convinced to be his Duty were carefully observed it would tend more towards the reformation of the World. The Church hath ordained Prayers to be used before the Solemn times of Ordination That God would give his Holy Spirit to them that shall be called to serve in the Ministery that they may set forth his Glory and set forward the Salvation of all Men which words if according to their part they did turn into faithful and diligent endeavours if they did their utmost according to the power and means given them more would be done towards it then now is Iâ— they would shew themselves as much concerned as an Embassadour is in a Negotiation for his Prince Men are reasonable Creatures and they might at length yield to the good-will of God who would have all to be saved And though all have not Faith which is the ground-Work for Spiritual Exhortation to be builded upon yet they have Judgment and Understanding to consider the probability of those things which are required to be believed But to this great and good Work there are amongst others two hindrances Pride and want of Resolution If they should use this kind of Preaching expressed by a * Canting and Fanatical disdainful contemptible Term they should lose their Reputation and Good-will with the People and they could not shew their learning The VVord of the Lord was made a reproach unto me and a dâ—â—ision daily Jer. 20. 8. Said the Prophet in his times And it may be a Question Whether it was not by some like saying as that so common in ours Whatsoever shift and meaning they pretend yet he who knows the secrets of the heart is judge himself Men shew their contempt towards him accordingly as they use his Word or Servants which he resents as immediately upon himself And therefore all should have a care how they take into their Moâ—th any Proud or Scornful expression of what relates unto him Neither should others be discouraged by it if they would learn what their great Master saith John 7. 18. The Doctor of the Gentiles hâ—d as eminent Gifts and Natural Accomplishments as any now amongst us yet he did use the foolishness of Preaching But he saith the foolishness of God is wiser then Men 1 Cor. 1. 26. So in his Word are contained greater Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge then in all humane Writings whatsoever There is the Wisdom of God in a Mystery even the hidden Wisdom which God ordained before the VVorld unto our Glory 1 Cor. 2. 7. Which by degrees hath shined forth and still there is more to be seen and so will be unto the end of the World. The well is deep and there is much Water our Fore-fathers have not drained it there is something left for us our Children and for all Posterity for evermore There lie * Isa 45. 15. hid many Inferences and Deductions by which God may be more known to the World his Works and manifold Wisdom more discovered All hath not nor is manifested to past or present Generations there is left for succeeding ones to exercise themselves withall And had all Learned Men applyed their study time and Prayer more closely unto this Book of Divine Revelation there had been much more made known then is now amongst us Whatsoever things are true Whatsoever things are honest Whatsoever things are just Whatsoever things are pure Whatsoever things are lovely Whatsoever things are of good report Whatsoever tends to the real happiness and good of Mankind are here contained the which cannot be said of that vast Multitude of Books in the World taken all together In them are things false meerly conjectural impertinent when here all is true certain and very proper to the great end of Man. Since he is beholden to God for his Being and for discerning those things in himself which is properly Knowledge Where can he better improve that then by the immediate help given in his Word This being Divine and for the assistance of all Men should noâ— set up so much as to be called Rabbi when all are Brethren and Fellow helpers Where they deliver any thing that necessarily flows from the Word and is Truth there we ought to receive it and be thankful unto God who hath made it known by such an instrument for it is one of the Raâ—es which comes down from the Father of Lights and leads up where we shall see Light Psal 36. 9. But if it is meer fancy and opinion if it neither rises from the Fountain of Life nor hath any taste of it such as gratifies an itching Ear or curious Humour this is not to be â—ed principally on nor to keep off from wholesome food The goodness of a thing is measured by the end and what hath the most sublime object God and immortality and that which conduces to present and future Happiness must necessarily excel that which delights only while it is read and perishes in the using for which none is more happy in knowing or if he doth meet with any benefit it is small and signifies nothing beyond this vain transitory life But the VVord of Life 1 John 1. 1. should affect us much more then those little and paultry things we now grasp of which we must in a very little while be bereaved for ever when those great astonishing things shall be both present and visible and so remain to Millions of Ages It tends to those things which always endure
of the World. Thy Will he done in Earth as it is in Heaven he left for a standing Petition who likewise told us Joy shall be in Heaven over one Sinner that repenteth Luke 15. 7. When a single Person among such a Rebellious and froward Generation as the Inhabitants of the Earth are do begin to do it The whole Happiness of the World and things therein is to obey the Law of their great Creator Every thing in Relation to him is delightful When we beg good things of him we are assured he giveth liberally and upbraideth not Prayeâ— conduces to our present Establishment and Security it begins and helps towards the true Perfect and never ending Happiness For Mercies received the just Consequent is to return thanks Of Praise Now of God are all things From whom every good and perfect Gift proceedeth Jam. 1. 17. there arises up towards him the Duty of Praise and Thanksgiving We at first judge it a most reasonable thing to give the Lord the Honour due unto his Name and our selves have a strong resentment of Benefits But then Corruption begins to work and turn the Stream of our Gratitude unto subordinate and lesser Objects We are very thankful to the Instrument or next hand that doth convey unto us but unmindful of the Author and Fountain from whence they all spring Those Blessings that are become constant and common which should most set forth the bounty of the great Benefactor we wrongfully esteem our due and desert and then whatsoever is more this is looked upon as an Addition to what was our own and is taken kindly Whereas in this we might have seen his Providence that either furthered or could have hindred this good thing from us And at last if we provoke him by unthankfulness he can turn it into a Curse instead of a Blessing When thou hast eaten and art full then shalt thou bless the Lord thy God for the good Land which he hath given thee Deut. 8 10. He first created the Earth with Vertue to bring forth Fruits and hath given unto Men that power and understanding to Till it accordingly Who gave them Life and Being to receive these things and hath allotted to them severally as he will. Yet these being visible and nearest are too often by ignorant unbelievers more thanked then the Author of all things The Conduit which of it self is dry is more had in Admiration then the Fountain which sends forth the Water God expresses himself severely against Idolatry How many Cautions are there least we Worship the Sun Moon and Stars which are useful to mankind but he made them so He is a jealous God and would not that they should draw off the least Glory from their Creator Much less should eartheâ— Vessels come in for sharers of his Glory Especially when his only begotten Son disclaims it John 8. 50. and so do holy Men 1 Thes 2. 6. 1 Pet. 4. 11. Mark 5. 19. Acts 3. 12. Acts 12. 23. Acts 14. 15. Even of temporal and outward Mercies we have an immediate ascribing them unto Almighty God the Patriarch Jacob presently ascends above all second Causes The God which fed me all my Life long unto this day Gen. 48. 15. He doth not say his Estate or fruitful Seasons the Good-will of such Friends Money Food but he refers them all higher In the New Testament he is stiled the Father of Mercies and God of all Comfort 2 Cor. 1. 3. He gives Gifts unto his Children whether immediately as spiritual Blessings which are not in the power of any to give or take away And therefore to him in a more peculiar manner belongs all the Glory But for the temporal good things he sends by the hands of another we are to give our most humble and hearty thanks to the Great Master but in no wise to thank the Servant more then the Master nor to exclude the Sense and acknowledgment of the Great Lord over all O that Men would praise the Lord for his Goodness and for his wonderful Works to the Children of Men which is thrice repeated Psal 107. To speak forth his Goodness is that which God delights Isa 12. 4 5. in This Duty is expressed in a publick and outward manner Make known his Deeds among the People talk ye of all his wondrous Works Psal 105. 1 2. My tongue praiseth thee with joyful Lips Psal 63. 5. Make the Voice of his praise to be heard Psal 66. 8. Examples of this are Luke 1. 64. Luke 17. 15. Rev. 5. 12. The Holy Ghost by this signifying that we should speak out when we praise God and not do it inwardly in a whispering manner or in a Corner as if we were ashamed of what we did It is not said thus concerning Prayer for there the inward reserved way is rather commended Mat. 6. 1 Sam. 1. 13. But the great things God hath done for us they should be shewed forth amongst Men. There is no mention in Scripture of giving thanks only in secret but in the Assembly of the upright and in the Congregation Psal 111. 1. And also among others that they may be brought over to partake of the Goodness of the Lord. Nothing but Praise breaths forth through every Verse of the Book of Psalms or something which may be matter and occasion thereof It is inculcated throughout the Old and New Testament This People have I formed for my self they shall shew forth my praise Isa 43. 21. The Earth hath he given to the Children of Men Grass and Herbs are for Beasts and both for our use And what were we made for but to Confess openly the Glory and Greatness of our Creator to see and consider this vast Fabrick of the World to admire and magnifie that God who made it But ye are a peculiar People that you should shew forth the Praises of him who hath called you out of Darkness into his marvellous Light 1 Pet. 2. 9. Here is yet more matter of Praise and also to encourage free Obedience for to live only for a short time would not be altogether so much though God oweth nothing to his Creatures and as he brought them out of nothing so he could turn them to nothing again But he hath given most full assurance that we shall have and see greater things then these The Bread of God is he which cometh down from Heaven and giveth Life unto the World John 6. 33. That Revelation to mankind by Christ Jesus all those unspeakable Mercies contained in him The means of Grace and hope of Glory do justly require such abundant Exaltation of our God that our Soul and all within us cannot worthily Praise him ' This would take up all our Life-time here as it will the whole length of Eternity As for Preaching Prayer and the Sacrament they shall cease when we shall perfectly know and be obedient unto him when we shall have the full Accomplishment of our desires When we shall see him Face to
come in and then conceive who is more Honourable The Servant of him whose is the World and the Fulness thereof or a Lord of so many Acres of Land. Those Palaces and great Houses are not so much as the Dwelling of Ants to that Habitation of his Holiness the House Eternal in the Heavens prepared for all those who diligently seek to come there I ask no Mans Faith for this but appeal to his very Sence if he looks upward or how far the East is from the West The Eyes of our Vnderstanding being enligâ—tened do as clearly perceive the invisible things within as the outward Eye doth what is before us So that let none talk of uncertainty and fiction neither put off the minding them The Proud and Scornful Men are in truth low-Spirited A Glass of Liquor or the sparklings of Wine the gratifying of a lower lnclination a Whore and well coloured Dust a few little parcels of Land is what they concern themselves about Not regarding the Rivers in the Paradise of God the Glory and Exstacy of that Place the Inheritance reserved there You are for a blast of Wind which doth no good but puffs up a bubble for the lightness thereof You are for a small Reputation and Applause from talking Worms and seek not the Honour that cometh from God only John 5. 44. That gaudy shew goes away As a Dream when one awakâ—th Isa 23. 9 So O Lord when thou awakest thou shalt despise their Image Psal 73. 20. As they are mistaken in their conceit of Greatness so likewise of Happiness being there for little and Vain things for trifling and fading delights before Great and enduring Peace They are for those things which depart and come to nothing with the day before that satisfaction which is just begun here but finished and perfected through infinite Ages Is this your Honour It is such as hath no Vnderstanding Is this your Pride it is both a Deceit and a Lye for small things it bereaves you of greater it makes a shew of what is not pretends to Great and Honourable but it is Pitiful Low and Contemptible Are these fit to be made an occasion to forget God or despise what belongs unto him Their Heart was Exalted therefore have they forgotten me Hos 13. 6. 'T is by reason of those paltry things that some come to that pass as to do according to their will notwithstanding Gods Commandment to the contrary if not to speak out yet to think Marvellous things against the God of Gods Dan. 11. 36. This doth shew forth the great and enlarged faculties in Man that can stretch thus far but again this betrays his Degeneracy and Folly that he should do it upon such a small and light occasion For one that might be partaker of the Divine Nature to Jer. 2. 11. vaunt himself in beastly inclinations and desires this really brings down to the Earth And didst debase thy self even unto Hell Isa 57. 9. For him that is called unto Precious and Inestimable things to Pride himself in those of no value to be listed up with meer Vanities when they are capable to inherit great Excellencies which they set at naught because they understand them not It will be the Exclamation at last What hath Pride profited us or what good hath Riches brought us But this voice signifies nothing to Men in Desperation and Misery Whereas if now they would lay it to Heart it might bring them out of this Temptation and Snare of the Devil Every one would willingly be Happy and use the means to be so Now there are but two ways in the general Either by following Gods Grace and Direction or their own Fancies and Thoughts which they have from a sligâ—t apprehension of the thing or the opinion and multitude of others That the generality of Mankind are not yet in the right is as sure as Gods Word is true Even in this doubt wherein the World stands divided One that hath common Wisdom and discerning in every Action he takes in Hand or in every thing he proposes to himself might reduce it all this Whether the good or evil of a thing will be greater considering both what is present and what is to come for this will as certainly be here as the other And this should determine every ones choice in the way to Happiness which indeed must if he would make sure and not be deceived therein We call the Proud Happy Mal. 3. 15. Mark the Phrase for it is only so with word of Mouth but we cannot conclude it so upon Consideration and Discourse for that will make to appear it brings more Evil then Good unto Men. It is the cause of Disobedience unto God for it foolishly disdaines to be in subjection unto him and prefers its own will before the Will of God. This is a very great temptation for t is not so much the Pleasures of a Wicked Life but a Proud thinking to have the alone Command over himself and his own Actions to be governed by none and who shall controul him This makes to slight and seem to laugh at the Word of God They reckon it a piece of Bravery that they can do contrary They despise the means of Grace and Salvation They pish at Instruction and those who are appointed to make it known Shall a few Men take upon them to be Wiser then the rest or to Reform others or shall they do according as they are bid But all this is easily answered for God fpeaks unto the World by those of the same likeness with our selves it is nothing to us let Men do as they will no more then it is to the Poste whether the Proclamation be complyed withal or not His Laws are set before us by his Servants the Prophets Dan. 9. 10. We observe them not as the words of Moses Prophets Evangelists Apostles but as the very Commands of God and his Christ There is an Obedience due to the Rom. 2. 8. Truth as being from him but not at all because such a fellow Creature saith or would have it so Tribulation and Anguish is denounced against those who will not obey it now and they will really wish they had And those who purposely go against those Pillars of Truth will find that they had better run their Head against a stone-Wall which may dash out their own Brains but that remains unshaken But the Proud Men will not hear nor read or if they do they will not obey for say they in the deep of the Heart they have power over themselves which is the beginning of their Disobedience and Transgression they are liable to the Misery and Threatning annexed which will certainly come upon them if they continue in that wicked mind The Stubbornness and Contempt is much worse to the great God over all then if a Son or a Servant is perversly resolved not to †hear Jer. 13. 15. and know what his Father or Master would say or not give
thanks at all for their Master will sufficiently reward them No Flesh must Glory in his Presence or take the least share of that Honour which is due unto God only And what some of forward but not throughly considering minds Acts 12. 23. may give they are to return immediately into the Exchequer of Praises of the Great King. We have Examples of this in Christ and his Apostles See how he is described Zech. 9. 9. And Psal 111. 3. Isa 42. 21. who are commissioned under him though their * Employment is more worthy then that of Kings and the wisest States-Men yet they are to possess and discharge it with lowliness of mind Let nothing be done out of moroseness or frowardness to derogate from that Civility and Respect due unto Men. Yet in this we do exceed as every thing proves a Temptation by Flattery Job 32. 21. 22. and Pride but also as we are fellow Creatures we do too much Idolize one another in giving that Honour that we cannot give greater of the same sort even to our Lord and Master Submitting your selves one to another in the fear of God Ephes 5. 21. Love as Brethren be pittiful be Courteous 1 Pet. 3. 8. Which may as well be preserved without that strain of Complement or those Expressions which are not proper for such low and â—rail Creatures as we are This may be put off as a needless Scruple and Fear but if it were complyed withal it would bring greater good at the last then all the conveniencies of Dissimulation Flattery or Ignorance amount unto at present Those workings of the Soul which aspire upwards may be turned into good and help to order the Conversation aright towards God and towards Man. As the Lord is greater and above all so let Men shew themselves in Subjection unto him in all things and then they may be as great Spiâ—ited as ever they will Mind not high things Rom. 12. 16. Such that are so only in Opinion but they are low in Reality and Truth for it is all but the highest part of the Dust of the World Prov. 8. 26. The most glittering things here are â—carce discernable if you go up yonder Mountain What are they then to the high and lofty place the In-habitation of Eternity Let us lift up our Heart with our Hands to God in the Heavens Lam. 3. 41. Set your Affections on things above Col. 3. 2. There exceed if you can That Christ may dwell in your Hearts by Faith that ye being rooted and grounded in Love. May be able to comprehend with all Saints what is the Breadth and Length and Depth and Height and to know the Love of Christ which passeth Knowledge that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God Ephes 3. 17 18 19. Here the Soul may stretch every way till it burst forth into Immensity and Glory CHAP. XVIII OF AFFLICTIONS In General A Digression concerning Words of Sorrow Melancholy Sickness â—ain Poverty and other Adversities HAving in the foregoing Chapters spoken of the Evil and Good which are set before Mankind how the one is to be chosen and â—he other avoided it remains to insist somewhat on those Evils which are not so much in their power absolutely to escape but if any help can be found out either to Comfort under or that even these may turn into Good. It is the manner of Gods wonderful and gracious dealing towards the Children of Men to lead them from Vanity to a Substantial then a glorious Being to bring them from Imperfection to Perfection from Misery â—â—â— making that tend Rom. 8. 28. unto and at last be changed into a greater Happiness This is the favour he hath unto his own People but for those who are Strangers and Unconverted he uses such means to reduce them When the nature of Man is so impatient of Affliction that he is presently for Ease and Deliverance of whom should he seek but of the Lord most Mighty who for oâ—r Sin is justly displeased And what is more Reasonable then to forsake that which is the cause of so much Vexation Read and consider well Deut. 4. 29 30 31. Never any one that turned from every evil way and manifested this to be sincere by Obedience for the future but found good hereby Indeed Punishment doth sometimes begin on hardened impenitent Sinners which will be sollowed with what is worse hereafter but even they had some Chastisements before which were designed for their Amendment and Repentance What befals the Sons of Men is ordered by wise Providence that they may come to Grace here and Glory hereafter Is Prosperity delightful yet reflect throughly it is unsatisfactory and tiresome however we can go on with it But then is it not desirable to continue thus which puts the Man upon labouring for that compleat Happiness against the time he shall be taken from this Is Adversity grievous Compare it to Hell and what is suffered here is little all present Afflictions will have an end and yet they â—it heavy How insupportable then must those be which are Eternal this sufficiently warns to â—lee from the Wrath to come Consider Men in their different Ranks and Circumstances in the World It is ordered by God that his Promises and Threatnings should have effect upon them If they Obey and Serve him they shall spend their days in Prosperity and their years in Pleasure Job 36. 11. He generally gives that first the flourishing and light someness of Youth when they are capable of knowing him So when they grow up further if they continue in his Obedience he turns the Mirth of that into a more solid Joy and Peace He manifests his goodness because he makes this the first Experiment and doth not Afflict willingly unless Mercy and Justice do require it But he giveth more Grace wherefore he saith God resisteth the Proud but giveth Grace to the Humble James 4. 6. If they are Humble still he will yet increase that for he would give exceeding gifts unto Men if they would not be lifted up but when they are he hinders or takes a way the qualifications wherein they boast or some way defeats them So here as long as their Heart is right and stedfast in his Covenant he continues their Tranquillity but if they turn aside some Adversity is laid on them These two are the same unto the Body and Estate as Love and Fear to the Soul and inward Man the first is more Generous and Noble the other proves commonly more attractive Fear is the beginning of Wisdom but Love is the Accomplishment and Excellency thereof So it may be applyed to Adversity and Prosperity He is not a right Christian who doth every thing out of fear nor yet to whom Affliction is the principal Impulsive for there are in both an unwillingness and no full sincere Intention to please God. And what seems strange Those who are all for their own Safety and Deliverance having that alone in their
more strictly enjoyned nor greater Duty laid on the Priest then the People saving what relates to the distinguishing Office and Alms giving is not particularly mentioned under that All are the Creatures and Servants of the same God and ow the like Subjection unto him What if it should be said You likewise live by Religion for He unto whom it all relates holds your Souls in Life he placed you under such Parents from whom your Inheritance descended or gave you power to get Wealth but besides you ow your keeping of abundance to this only for here is founded Meum and Tuum the distinction of Right and Wrong Take away the sence of this all Confusion would come in Those in Distress and deep Poverty might use Rapine and Fraud and they could be no losers if the utmost was to be sent out of this Troublesome and Miserable World But the Wrath of God which is revealed here against all Vngodliness and Vnrighteousness of Men which is to be Executed in another place keeps things in order It is your Interest to be Religious towards God as well as Loyal to the King for he establisheth Kingdoms and property He made Man upright and when those Principles of evil came in afterwards did send forth his Mercy and Truth without which our Souls would be among Lyons The Proud and Scornful Men should have a care how they speak Contemptibly of his Institution What the Apostle saith 1 Cor. 9. 13 14. may silence them and the same God hath ordained that who maintains all the Order and Diversity which is in the World. Whatsoever is more then the Necessity and Conveniencies of each Family belongeth to the Poor and is their due It appears from Eph. 4. 28. that those in ordinary Employments are to dispose of what is more then satisfieth themselves so there is the same reason that those higher should likewise proportionably just keep up the distinction but otherwise come as near equality as may be for those under us would willingly have some Comforts of Life as our selves They are likewise Brethren of the same common stock the very sâ—me in Boâ—y and Soul partakers of the same Grace and Heirs of the same Hope Neither is there so great stress to be laid on this Duty for it is justice and not Merit called Righteousness Psal 37. 25. Psal 112. 9. Dan. 4. 27. a giving that which is due and equal Nor should they be Proud that do something towards it but thank God who enabled them for it is Duty Themselves should acknowledge Gods goodness that they are in such a Condition as to give Alms and not receive them Those rather are to be commended if any praise is due for what is Chedience who are partakers in cheerfully bearing their Condition Indeed unless the Scripture did speak expresly of a future Reward as it doth to this more particularly then any other Duty whether fore-seeing Mens backwardness and to give greater encouragement or to satisfie this doubt One that did examine the reason of things would scarce think thereof because they have the more already in hand to do it and a Steward that hath Money given him to lay out so much for his Masters use the rest for his own expects no more But God to shew his extraordinary Goodness and to make us more ready to supply the want of his poor Creatures hath already committed wherewithal by giving a more plentiful use and also a promise of someth ng more to come Some Primitive Writers have spoken too Hyperbolically concerning Alms Others turn them to merit of forgiveness of Sin. But herein they do exceed for so much is not to be depended thereon Alms do not make Atonement for Sin. Though some may be found who would give as largely as he in Micah for the Sin of his Soul yet it will not do unless it be repented of and forsaken It is not come to that for the Rich to have a Licence to Sin or the Poor to miss of Forgiveness for want of Money Neither is it such an extraordinary good Work above all others for things are to be stated aright It being a Temporal kindness to the worse part for all which they go away and die and it is not much minded so it is not to be compared to the good done to Souls for this ever remains The other is more then what is said To keep Life only to longer Misery for that is a poor Relief The Christian Charity doth or should go further even to have not only bare Necessities but Refreshments of Life also for we could not be so contented and they are likewise desirous of more The great Law Love thy Neighbour as thy self dictates thus much Thus we see how it standeth with our Brethren how God hath provided for them in his Grace and Revelation he doth his part but we do not ours As the Apostle argues Jam. 2. 15 16. It is the same a little higher We pray to God for them that he would Relieve those Afflicted in Mind Body and Estate and perhaps think hardly because they are not when he hath set out the means and left it in our power for if we would do as he hath said and commanded in Scripture all those several Afflictions would be actually Relieved They would be Comforted and supported in the mean time till God gives an happy Issue and Deliverance out of them which he will certainly do if we prepare and become worthy getting the Qualification he there shews This might be known by his Goodness and Truth already let any one fulfil the terms of the Covenant of sincere and universal Conclusion of the Chapter Obedience Turn from every evil way for the want of that is the only hindrance to Loving of God with all the Soul and all the Mind One Sin is the Root that beareth Gall and Wormwood and hinders all these good effects But whoso keeps himself from that let him seek after Knowledge for to that he is Commanded Then come and see how it is Written When the Law of God is in his inward parts when The Kingdom of God both in Word and Power is within him there is a Remedy for all manner of Adversities by comfortable Thoughts to the Soul. What things may be known without there is no need of particular mention in Scripture When that Reason God hath given prompts to outward means this shews the lawfulness of them for Ease and Deliverance may be sought for the Body as Comfort and Freedom to the Soul. And further it is excellently consulted as to the Afflictions of Estate O ye Sons and Daughters of Sorrow be fully assured that God is Good still All the Paths of the Lord are Mercy and Truth unto such as keep his Covenant and Testimonies Psal 25. 10. Think of Almighty God by his Works and his Word and from the good and usefulness of things pertaining to us Let us know our selves remembring we are but Men and imperfect Creatures