18. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him anâ— his righteousness upon Childrens Children To such as keep his Covenant and to those that remember his Commandments to do them Psal 103. 17 18. Here you are told how to have Title unto it And why shouldst thou stick or make any doubt to do thereafter If the King or a Great Man should require the same of thee only to do as they bid thee from time to time and would give Riches and Honour for it Wouldst not thou do as much Although that is the utmost they can bestow for they can neither give Health nor preserve thy Breath from going forth And wilt thou not fear the King of Kings the Lord of Lords who hath a much better reward with him Who holds thy Soul in Life and when he sends for it out of this Earthly house if it be rendred meet will receive it unto himself in Glory Thou dost not grudge to do any thing for thy Fellow-Creature if thou canst get a good Livelihood by him wilt thou refuse to serve the Lord thy Maker when by so doing thou shalt live for ever Thou art contented for that to Labour and Care this Points out something more If thou dost willingly so much for present Food and Delight from hence somewhat may be observed of the Equity of God's ways in alluring us to his Service by invisible and future Rewards which are fitred for the invisible part of us So this inference arises that if for the good and Conveniencies of a dying Body we readily Labour we should likewise do the same as to our immortal Soul. We Consent it is reasonable that we should Labour for the Meat which perisheth much more is it to Labour for that which endureth unto everlasting Life We are glad if we can have fading necessities by following our Trade and Employment and are resolved to do it much more should we rejoyce in our Heavenly Calling which is for the Attainment of true perfect and eternal Happiness And we should be determined with full purpose of Heart to give all diligence to make our Calling and Election sure for that will stand us more in stead it being both for Body and Soul in a Glorified and united State. When now all the Labour of Man is for his Mouth Eccles 6. 7. Meats for the Bâ—lly and the Belly for Meats but God shall destroy botâ— it and them 1. Cor. 6. 13. They shall perish when we are taken heâ—ce but the other shall endâ—re Every thing hath Relation to â—â—is end and I humbly conceive God therefore ordained things so that by what Mâ—n doth already in the less he should do the same in the greater to lay hold of the hope set before him That he should be moved with like Inducements to the endless Life as to this Vapour which câ—nâ—iâ—ueth not that he should take the same Care of the whole Man as he doth of the Shell only that he should alike pursue the Substantial Blessâ—dness as he doth some little Circumstances of what the World calls Happiness By what thou dost already thou art encouraged to more what thy self affirmest to be right by this thou art further perswaded It is just and equal that he who would have Food and Raiment should work for them when they are so to be had he who neglects that and famishes is a Fool and unpitied So the things of â—od's Kingdom are to be had by diligent seeking after and he who doth not deservedly perisheth and is miserable But the Generality of mankind do behave themselves wisely enough as for that and why not for this also And â—e will not come unto me that ye might have Life John 5. 40. Which manifestly imports they might if they would Those which do so much immediately in Religion for a short Livelihood should they not do a little more for the saving of the Soul Thou reckonest it a great Happiness to live well at present but consider of them who have whatsoever can be desired for Meat Drink and Raiment all doth but hold up Life for a time and less would serve turn But they do not continue it for Rich Men must die as well as the Poor and Needy We must not live here always and therefore are to live as People that must die and expect to be Happy after Death as it is desired to be so before Now reason with thy self I beseech thee all thy desire is to live handsomely in the World but if herein thou shouldst obtain thy Will thou câ—â—st not long enjoy it Look back to the former Generations What difference is between those who fared sumptuously every day and who had but common provision of Life when a great Candle and a small are both burnt out what odds is betweem them As is the Condition of those who are now gone off from the World so will ours be in a short time He will be in no better Condition who Riots and Sports himself in the Day-time who lives idly and yet enjoys fulness of Bread then he who eats it all along in the sweat of his brow So that a Wise Man should make it his choice rather to live in Obedience then Delicacy for that will bring him to everlasting Life whereas pleasant Meats and Drinks they shall fail and too often proving a Snare do sink down to that place where he is that received his good things in this Life Ho every one that Thirsteth Come ye to the Waters and he that hath no Money Come ye buy and eat yea come buy Wine and Milk without Money and without Price Wherefore do ye spend Money for that which is not Bread And your Labour for that which satisfieth not Hearken diligently unto me and eat ye â—hat which is good and let your Soul delight it self in Fatness Isa 55. 1. 2. If a great Man gives forth that he will keep open House for all Comers and they shall have plenty of good Beef and Ale we should see the Countrey People flock thither in multitudes and what a Love is kindled in their Hearts for him but when God makes this Invitation scarce one moves a step a plain Evidence that they are a very froward Generation Children in whom is no Faith Deut. 32. 20. If another makes a feast for them then they will be sure to set all business aside and come to partake of his good Cheer but if the Son of God invite you to his Supper then your Farm or Oxen or some other little Excuse Are ye not partial in this That is too mild a Word But are ye not Idolaters for having more respect to a little Creature then the great and eternal Creator If you will evade that because you are not led away with a dumb Idol but a living Man yet what the Prophet hath pronounced will be fulfilled Cursed is he that trusteth in Man and maketh Flesh his Arm and whose Heart departeth from the
and unjust giveth them all necessary temporal blessings and never intendeth any hurt by whatsoever he doth during the whole day of Salvation but still they will not be intreated by loving kindness nor warned by the Rod that striketh to turn from their evil way and come into Gods wayes If these people become wretched through their own wilfulness and perverseness and if the Holy Almighty God to frighten us the more from it and to keep up his Government hath ordered that Misery should be linked on to iniquity and they commit this with greediness Who Ezek. 14. 22 23. can be moved or find fault if they have that also which is justly the due reward of their deeds Luke 23. 41. The Law is not to be blamed but those only who do not observe or transgress against it Though there would have been joy among Angels and all good Men if they had repented who would likewise have done any thing to bring it to pass and were grieved because they would not suffer it But seeing they continued obstinate and hardned their hearts these shall not pity their Calamity nor be greived when their fear cometh which will be a further aggravation Many sorrows shall be to the Wicked But he that trusteth in the Lord mercy shall compass him about Psal 32. 10. It is a good thing to have an able friend to put confidence on in A Description of a good Man. dangers and distress but he that can stay himself on God the Rock of Ages the Lord Almighty is in a more happy condition then he that hath the favour of all the great Men of the World. Let the Wicked reckon it a Priviledge that they care not for God it hath been shewed to be a miserable one but the Righteous count it their greatest honour that God is not ashamed to be called their God Heb. 11. 16. And they poor Earth-Worms may be stiled his Servants They by Faith seeing him that is invisible who doth not despise these little ones however low in the World are rapt up with admiration Lord what are we that thou shouldst be mindful of us For consider how great he must be who made the World and all things therein how Glorious whose is the Sun and Brightness thereof Others may go and please themselves with their acquaintance with Lords and Gentlemen but we will remember the Name of the Lord our God who humbleth himself to behold the things in Heaven and Earth yet admits us to come boldly to the Throne of Grace to present our Petitions which he will grant if he knoweth what is good for us better then we our selves sees it profitable for us Those of Authority in this World say to those under them go and he goeth come and he cometh to this Man do this and he doth it much more may the Lord and Governour of the whole World unto whom the Nations of the Earth are as the drop of a Bucket command us to do whatsoever pleaseth him But as he is Powerful so he is Merciful he hath shewed what he doth require of us caused it to be noted in a Book that it may be for the time to come for ever and hath testified that no Man add unto these things Rev. 22. 18. So we are not left at an uncertainty how we may or when we have done the will of God if we are in a readiness still to hear all things that are commanded and made known from his Word Herein we are more happy then those little Spirits who endeavour to Acts 10. 33. please Men for their humours are uncertain not easily known and endless There is a delight in approaching to God those rejoycings which the devout Soul hath seem strange to the unexperienced for they make no outward noise yet are as real as sensual pleasures to Worldly Men. He calls the Sabbath a delight not doing his own Ways nor finding his own Pleasure nor speaking his own Words Isa 58. 13. It is the most pleasant day of all the Week rejoycing at this time of Vacation from worldly cares and labour but more especially because he can wait on the Lord in the Sanctuary hear his Word When he comes home he is better pleased with good Conference Prayer Reading and Meditation then others are in vain Talk wretched Idleness or Recreations for to them succced Heaviness in that they have not done what they should But with a good Man the day ends in Satisfaction that he hath done his duty by rightly using the means of Grace he hath laid up in the Treasure of his Heart some good things which may carry him through Temptation and give comfort the week following He hath refreshed himself from bodily labour so he can fall to it again more cheerfully The goodness of God is here to be observed how the Sabbath was made for Man and not Man for the Sabbath Mark 2. 27. For if he were to labour every day it would be intolerable and irksome But now it is not because a day of rest returns so often which also takes off from the tediousness of the Year Since it is thus ordained the time of Mans labour passeth on more comfortably and there is more variety in the weck he is cumbred about getting necessaries for this miserable and transitory life on the Lords day he provides for an Happy and Eternal being How contentedly doth he go to bed that night with the Memory of what he hath thrived in The merchandize of which is better then the Merchandize of Silver Prov. 3. 14. The next Morning he goes forth ively land willingly to the work of his Calling which he follows with honesty and diligence The just Man walketh in his Integrity doth not fear to see any for he hath wronged none hath a good Report and Commendation among his Neighbours and they being assâ—red of his Faithfulness are willing to deal with him so he hath greater Custom and Employment There are opportunities when he might get more if he would Lye Circumvent or take advantage over an ignorant Person but he will not for that lose his present Peace and future Reward He that getteth Riches and not by right shall leave them in the midst of his days and at his end shall be a Fool Jer. 17. 11. He shall now have no true Comfort of them and there will be a worse consequent hereafter But for him That walketh righteously and speaketh uprightly he despiseth the Gains of oppression He shall dwell on high his place of defence shall be the munitions of Rocks bread shall be given him his waters shall be sure Isa 33. 15 16. He shall come to Heaven his Habitation shall be in the place of the Most High and in the mean while shall be sure of a Livelihood God hath ordained The just shall live by Faith Hab. 2. 4. Not serve him for Sinister Respects or present Ends Yet they have sufficient and God sweetens it as much to them as those who
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
as none ever yet did should compass all that he sought after he would be dissatisfied yea more then when he first began for he hath spent his days and strength in a vain thing He that succeeds most prosperously hath a bundance of Labour and Grief for his Portion and when he hath done all yet still gapes after more of the same or somewhat else it must be the more excellent way to cease from those desires which are the cause of so much misery This was the Doctrine of Antient Philosophers they gave many specious reasons to enforce the observance thereof but here was the failure they would have desire taken of from outward things but then knew not rightly where to place it for we are not sufficient of our selves neither could be happy in the exercise of vertue that according to their notions being but a barren and dry Subject and not of so large extent as Mans capacity so they left him hovering between Heaven and Earth and he could not any where find rest for his Soul. But our Religion which doth more exceed their Morality then the Sun shining in its Brightness doth the first dawning of the day removes this uncertainty and hindrance of Happiness We are not to look at the things that are seen yet we look upon things that are not seen 2 Cor. 4. 18. We can apprehend something within and beyond all sensible objects Lay not up for your selves Treasure upon Earth we are not at a loss what to do further as they were for we are taught and also enjoyned to lay up for our selves Treasures in Heaven Mat. 6. 19 20. We are put in mind to set our Affections on things above when they are taken off from things on the Earth Col. 3. 2. The Christian hath Subject enough for his desires God and the Holy City He is the Fountain of all Happiness and makes it glad in his Presence is fulness of Joy Psal 16. 12. So he that in heart and mind thither ascends and with him continually dwells must be happy for our Conversation is in Heaven Phil. 3. 20. and to be preferred before him who roots in the Earth and turmoils after what he must leave in a little time Whereas the Saints look with disdain upon whatever seems Beautiful or is accounted excellent here below but not worthy to be compared with those Glorious things which are spokeâ— of thee O City of God Psal 87. 3. Did otheâ—s look up and do the like things to intitle them to the same hope they would not be cumbred about many things but be more employed in the one thing needfull When the mind Soars up to the third Heaven it is calm and peaceable all disturbances being gendred out of the Earth but doth not molest who is above them Thus hath been shewed how our will and desire perverted by Original corruption and Additional Sin may be right framed by the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ who was sent to make up for Adams Transgression Lust in the wicked is the occasion of much evil but the desire of the Righteous is only good Prov. 11. 23. Obedience is the condition of Happiness Jer. 7 23. Mat. 19. 17. Heb. 5. 8 9. Now this could not be done if we had no will no more then it can be by Beasts By this power Man is exalted above inanimate and sensitive things God hath given him power to be so and he is become a self-moving Creature he can go this way or that so can creeping and forefooted things but then he can do this or refrain as there are not only See Gen. 18 19. inclinations but reasonings from within When of two things he can do either it is a demonstration that he is a free Creature To Man not the Fowls of the Air or Fishes of the Sea the Lord hath said Obey my voice and live He doth not command nor are we obliged to what is impossible the gracious Lord appeals to us for the equality of his ways Ezek. 18. And he would not command us to turn and live if he had not before put it in our power so to do As we should think haâ—d of the end so of the means for iâ— a Man were compelled to lead a wicked life and could not do otherwise he might as well be punished for simple Eating Drinking and Sleep as that and so on the other side if he were led irresistably it is indeed by strong impulse and quickening by grace to a Godly life he might expect to be glorified because he Eats when he is Hungry The righteous judgment of God will render to every one according to his Deeds Rom. 2. 5 6. What one is forced unto are none of his If a Man would violently put a Sword into anothers hands and grasping that thrust it into the body of a third he alone is guilty of the Murther but not the Weak person who could not withstand what was done God declares throughout his Word that he will deal so with us as we do with one another But this will be more for our advantage because he hath Goodness Mercy and all Knowledge whereby he will shew himself more graciously and uprightly Psal 9. 8. 98. 9. then now is done by the best and wisest of Men. The Grace of God is his Word revealed in the Gospel opposed to the Law so Joh. 1. 17. Tit. 2. 11. and the assistance of his Spirit by which Men know and also are inclined to do but there is a power in them to work together with that Grace 2 Cor. 6. 1. Phil. 2. 12 13. Col. 1. 29. There is a Light which lighteth every Man that cometh into the World by the help of which he may make use of such means as will procure greater degrees and so doing may grow in grace This is given to every one not that it is of Man for what have we that we have not received 1 Cor. 4. 6 7. Natural faculties are no more our own then the Grace of God for he is the maker and giver of both But they may be used and lifted up towards Spiritual things Otherwise what doth it signifie to exhort People to Duty All Preaching would be vain and if they could neither understand nor do it would be as ridiculous a thing to declare the Word in the Congregation as among an herd of Cattle or uttered to the Trees of the Forrest Incline your Ear and come unto Me hear and your Soul shall live Isa 55. 3. Which doth manifest they might if they would They refused to hearken and pulled away the Shoulder and stopt their Ears that they should not hear Zech. 7. 11 12. Which doth most plainly imply that they might have done otherwise There is an idle pretence too common among Men for when pressed to this or that Duty the Excuse is I cannot do this whereas if they would make use of the means which are in the power of all they may have further assistance
power that we may do the things he doth require of us they are made known in Scripture which is given by inspiration of God 2 Tim. 3. 16. We are to believe him to be true and then all must be so which is contained in that Book God doth encourage to his service with a Reward so that he who labours to please him acts after the very same manner tho in a much more eminent and greater degree as another who studies to recommend himself to the â—avour of the Kâ—ng or any Superiour The utmost visible greatness is Low and but a shadow of Majesty in comparison of this High and Lofty One dark as to his Brightness and soon passeth away when He inhabiteth Eternity However Religion which is our whole Duty towards God is looked upon as a little contemptible thing laughed at by the Ignorant Scornful and Proud Men yet is as much greater then any Temporal Design or Business as God is greater then Man Heaven then Earth Eternity beyond time a most perfect and everlasting Happiness above the fading imperfect trivial conveniencies here We may as well trust God for the great things to come and labour after them as we do for our daily Food and those little things that are present And though he now gives common Mercies to the unthankful yet they must use some means after them but for the better hope the exceeding great and precious promises of unseen and future things those are only for them who glorifie him here and seek after them Faith makes these things as absolutely true and certain as those now before us Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed Rom. 10. 11. Faith towards God is reckoned among the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ Heb. 6. It being that upon which not only those there recited but whatsoever is said throughout the whole Book of God doth depend Which whosoever believeth stedfastly must necessarily be a Christian not in Name and Profession but in manner of Life or otherwise he will act more unreasonably and foolishly then ever any one yet did as to the things of this World. The Scripture doth contain things to be believed and things to be done The first are comprized in a brief form of sound Words commonly called the Apostles Creed which is believed as it stands upon certain and eviâ—ent places of Scripture and the outward confession of them is necessary to Salvation according to what may be gathered from John 5. 24. Rom. 10. 9. Mat. 16. 16. John 3. 15 16 17 18 36. Luke 6. 47. The great danger in not believing any Scripture is what the Apostle Speaks He that believeth not God hath made him a Lyar 1 John 5. 10. Which is more provoking then living in known Sin and Wickedness But this none that believes other things will dare to do the General Question and debate is what God intended in such a place It is agreed on both sides of the Truth of some sence and meaning but what that is is the rise of controversie and dispute In Paul's Epistles are things hard to be understood which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest as they do also the other Scriptures unto their own destruction 2 Pet. 3. 16. But since we have had those who were learned and resolute in their way who have done the same to carry on an interest to maintain the grandeur and infallibility of such a Church to espouse and propagate all the errours of such and such parties There hath been horrible pervâ—â—ting and seeking out Evasions not to the establishment but ovâ—rthrow of the Truth The pure and true Word of God hath beâ—â— made use of to defend corruptions and mâ—iâ—tain errour abâ—â—dance of this kind of iniquity will be disclosed at the revelation of all things It is sad to reflect that the only thing necessary in Religion is the only thing neglected how people fly about the skirts and borders not coming into the substance thereof The Church is pulled asunder into this or that parcel of Christians every little difference in Opinion must forthwith make a distinct party they cursing and damning one another It is the greatest part of the Christianity of some to be exclaiming against such a Sâ—ct or Communion so that if our merciful God should proceed according to the Anathemas Excommunications Wishes and Impretions of one against another No flesh would be saved What is the cause of all this stir and madness The VVisdom from above is fiâ—st Pure then Peaceable Gentle and Easie to be intreated full of Mercy and good Fruits without Partiality and without Hypocrisie Jam. 3. 17. The Gospel is good and plain made up of simplicity and purity so that is not the occâ—sion thereof But an enemy hath sown these tares of division who works mightily in the hearts of Men to deceive and hath taken this course to hinder the good seed to stiâ—le those practical truths which would bring forth fruit unto everlasting life Men rightly think they must have something to do with the things of God and some falsly think these vain disputations will serve the turn These are speculative not falling upon lust and they hope a zeal for this one way or another it is something for God and therefore shall come in for atonement of other sins And in conclusion tends to that he fain would save himself by condemning others What else makes him so extraordinary zealous for such a way and against such an opinion when himself in the mean while lives in Habitual sin and unrighteousness which is more dangerous to Souls then errours of the understanding if they were really such Here some drive on an interest of their own but who do not are led by such an impulsive cause In those that have set up for Guides and Teachers there hath been Doting about Questions and Strifes of words whereof cometh Envy Strife Railing evil Surmisings perverse disputings of Men of corrupt minds and destitute of the Truth supposing that gain is Godliness 1 Tim. 6. 4 5. This was their end but the silly people were by them told that was most for Salvation which made for their own profit and thus they have came to that height of zeal and giddiness Do they not place more in their petty differences then in the weightier matters of Law Judgment Mercy and love of one another That all this is a meer delusion may be further seen because it quite vanishes when the Man approaches near to Death and apprehends things according to sincerity and Truth How earnestly doth the Apostle express himself against these disputes even at their first beginning Rom. 14. 1. Phil. 2. 14. 1 Tim. 1. 6 7 6. 20 21. 2 Tim. 2. 14 23. But what would he say if he had lived at this day to see so many volumes of controversie to have heard of so many go about as have troubled Christians with words subverting their Souls Acts 15. 24. Shattering if not making to fall the
ye may consume it upon your Lusts Jam. 4 3. Even what may be occasion of Sin Pride Vanity Dis-esteem or Forgetfulness of God And therefore he in Goodness denies it And this is the Confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his Will he heareth us 1 John 5. 14. Whatsoever we ask we receive of him because we keep his Commandments and do those things that are pleasing in his sight 1 John 3. 22. This Qualification is too often wanting for some make many Prayers and give no Obedience or an half one with reserves and so their Petitions are not granted as is implyed from Deut. 4. 29. Isa 59. 2. Jer. 29. 13. Again The effectual fervent Prayer of the righteous Man availeth much Jam. 5. 16. but that doth not which is Lazy and Negligent And then want of importunity Luke 18. Such Causes may be assigned out of the Word why there is not so great return to our Prayers as may be expected And whatever People think the fault is only in themselves they have not those necessary Qualifications or do not order their Prayers according to the Rule Gods word is Truth but Men do not obey and are not guided by it The Promise is certain Mat. 7. 7. Rom. 10. 13. but they do not perform the Conditions and to excuse themselves would imagine there might be falshood in that which came by Inspiration from him If mankind would remember where they are that is they are going in the way and therefore should be contented with the Patriarchs request of Bread to eat and Raiment to put on Gen. 28. 20. Let none fear he that doth Gods Will and useth the appointed means shall be assured of this That Petition Give us our daily Bread Christ never put in vain neither is his Promise Mat. 6. 33. come to an utter end More then this we have no where License to ask neither hath God passed his word to bestow We are apt to grudge at such a small Pittance as we would think it But do we not believe what is to come Do we consider wherefore this is desired 〈◊〉 contentment and delight Now God can and also doth add as much of this into a moderate competency as in all plenty and 〈◊〉 In truth happiness doth not consist in these things which serve only for the body the worse part of us and then it passeth away instantly and the pleasure is the same whether had or not had The desire of the obedient Soul is if he hath sufficient for Life and Godliness not that God would give him more but bleâ—s and sanctifie that which he hath and then he will perceive as good a relish as others do from their abundance To the truth of this many thousands in a lower condition can bear Witness God puts joy and gladness into their hearts with what he affords them as others have in their full increase of Corn and Wine As for Praying against Temporal Evils or Judgments whether National or Private there is little said in the Gospel the Motto whereof may be For we walk by Faith and not by sight Here again is a tryal of it for they seem to happen at all peradventure and are the effect of natural causes some have been hereupon tempted to deny immediate Judgments sent by God or think that affliction springs from the dust the ill constitution of that part of us or the common Malice and Injury of Men. Indeed God hath permitted and ordered Nature to go in her way and doth seldom contradict that But here it comes to pass that the Ax is liâ—ted up above the Carpenter what the Workman doth is imputed to the dead instrument that cannot move or do any thing without the hand that sets it a going Nature doth all things according to the common voice of the generality which proceeds from unbelief or sullenness Whereas they might know this nature must be from some one else who makes it to act in so regular and constant a way Nature of it self is blind and could never bring forth things in such an exact orderly manner unless directed by the Wisdom above It is turned and winded and whence should this be but from the first mover of all things The infidels when they are beaten out of every hold and shelter will run for refuge underground their last resort is to the workings of Nature but these turn against them and prove contrary to what they would have so they had better now then be forced to it at the last day to move out of their holes like Worms of the Earth they shall be afraid of the Lord their God and fear because of thee Mic. 7. 17. They had better acknowledge that now unto His Glory and to obtain his Pardon what they will at last be compelled to do to his Justice and Truth but their own Shame and Confusion of Face Even hard hearted Pharoah understood more then they for he did not cry out it was the Wind that brought the Locusts he knew the hand that smote him The Lord brought an East-wind and the East-wind brought the Locusts and the Lord turned a mighty strong West-wind which turned away the Locusts Exod. 10. 13 16 19. He might have magnified and made himself more visible by bringing them a strange way but he was pleased to make use of a second cause as he doth generally in all his doings towards the Children of Men whether in sending Judgment or Mercy As afterwards in the Manna and Quails Psal 78. 23 24 26 27. Unless a Man is low and short in his reasoning he must at last reduce all to the first cause of things Hos 6. 3. Though one acts by subordinate instruments yet still he is at free liberty to act or not act and again after this or that manner God hath the disposal of all second causes and what we esteem accident is wise design or permission which he can either hinder or intend as he pleases so his providence is still the same Who brings on evil by its next cause can also remove it He who suffered them can also take away the impediments as he doth shut the Womb so he doth open it For the Pillars of the Earth are the Lords and he hath set the World upon them 1 Sam. 2. 8. All things are his and then certainly he can turn and dispose them howsoever he will Though he hath now appointed things to go on in such a manner yet he sits at the Helm and manages the whole course of Nature according to his good pleasure and Sovereignty But because it goes on most commonly in the same way there do arise doubts when it is thus wisely contrived that all who consider throughly must believe a Providence for things here below which again continue as they were from the beginning of the Creation this exercises the belief thereof We may pray against outward evils that God would be pleased to remove what he doth
will not alter his doings to gratifie any one We must live by Faith in this World all the days of our appointed time we are to wait till our change come What is promised at present is granted now according to our Faith so it is and so will be as to what shall be revealed hereafter There is encouragement and sufficient certainty that our Breath is not spent in vain The Incense after it is gone off from the Altar presently vanishes out of sight and after those breathings of the Soul are passed forth the door of the lips they may seem to be lost and gone but they ascend up unto Heaven to the Vials full of Odours which are the Prayers of Saints Rev. 5. 8. Some descend again into invisible but sensible Blessings working for us an exceeding great reward against the time we shall be admitted there For this shall every one that is Godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found Psal 32. 6. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the Heavens Lam. 3. 41. There is one thing destroys the Nature and Efficacy of Prayer viz. Want of Attention wandring Thoughts that heavy yawning and negligent way of devotion now this cannot be utterly hindred for the flesh is weak corruption clogs a Multitude of outward and sensible objects do press into the mind The necessary affairs of life are too apt to intermingle with holy things Yet this being offensive and unbecoming the Majesty of God Those who love and fear him will endeavour what they can against it Look up unto Heaven and think unto whom ye speak who dwelleth on High and filleth all things this will stir up Reverence and Godly fear With how great awe and seriousness do the Seraphims praise him Isa 6. 3. And canst thou pour out words before him with sluggishness and negligence of Soul Look unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith who in the days of his flesh offered up strong crying and tears And why mayst thou not strive to do so likewise Call to mind thy past acts of Supplication how happy it would be for thee if they had been performed in an attentive earnest manner let this quicken thee the next time to give heed to the present and use diligence for the future that no opportunity may slip from thee without effectual fervent Prayer Say every Sentence with all thy might for there is no Praying in the Grave whither thou art going If thou canst mind one why not another So a Third and thus go through thy whole Devotion Suppose thou wert to die to Night and make thy Supplications all one as thou wouldst do then And though it may be ten thousand to one whither this is thy Case yet certainly this is and of us all that we must ere long appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ to receive for the Good or Evil we have done so it is near the same thing Reflect on the gliding Nature of time and as that passeth on try to make it as it were stand still by the most intense Prayer and other Good Works for all other things fail and perish when these are done in Order to what shall endure for ever Do not grudge at the loss of tirâ—â— for can it be laid out to better purpose Canst thou with more Comfort give up thy Account for this precious Talent then so many hours expended in the Worship and Service of God It will turn to more advantage then worldly Pleasure or Profit Trade and Employment idle Company or Recreations for all these with the living are just ready to be done away as they are already with those that are gone before But for what time is improved in the means of Grace and a Life answerable to them it tends unto immortal Glory There is more then a thousand years recompence for every minutes Work here on Earth For what dost thou come before the most High God Are they not The things that belong to thy Peace of greater Concern then Houses or Lands No Man that warreth entangleth himself with the Affairs of this Life that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a Souldier 2 Tim. 2. 4. It is not said he doth not meddle at all but doth not involve plunge himself in for this is a mighty hindrance to the things of God. There can be no Prayer made unto him whilst the desire sticks here below and again take it off and the Man can lift it up to God his Lot and Portion And therefore let him drive away all Earthly Cares or leave them behind when he goes up to Sacrifice If Prayers are offered up in a right manner they will stand in more stead then getting an Estate and labouring to be Rich. We should take as much Care in them as others do in their proposed Ends which quickly come to nothing The more one is abstracted from the World and present things he is better enabled for the Worship of God. In private he may shut his Door endeavouring to keep out all Divertisements In publick look to himself not observing others Devotions and neglect his own Every Person shall receive the Reward of his own Labour What others do what is that to thee Mind thy Self The World imagine this to be flat dull and tedious they speak as they find for it is so where the Heart is unrenewed and under the Power of any Sin. Who are alienated and Enemies through wicked Works it is aukward to draw nigh unto God It is violent and contrary to lift up their Souls unto a pure and Holy Being But it is not so with them who are cleansed from all Filthiness of Flesh and Spirit who hate every false way and in some measure are Holy as he is Holy and therefore he is sutable to their Desires Those fervours of Spirit that Joy of the inward Man are Riddles and Mysteries to those that pass by who have only a little taste by lip Labour or bodily Service but not throughly acquainted what true Prayer is The Morning and Evening oblation are acceptable to the obedient and devout as their Meat and Drink yea more as the Gratification of the Soul doth exceed that of the Body It is an exceeding satisfaction to propose a right and sure end to ones self and then all the mediate Acts towards this yield present Comfort and a blessed Expectation The great end of mankind is God He is worthy of all they can do for him of their utmost endeavour to please and approve themselves unto him For thou Lord art good and ready to forgive And plenteous in Mercy unto all them that call upon thee Psal 86. 5. There is a rejoycing when we do any thing according to Gods Will a certain Argument that we were made and sent here for this purpose only The Sun rejoyceth as a strong Man to run his Race Psal 19. 5. So it is in all created Beings We are the disobedient part
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
and there spring up the Fruits of the Spirit That the Soul may be renewed according to its first Creation from whence it was fallen But now it is to be restored to the likeness of God and become partaker of the Divine Nature The old corruption may be in a great measure taken away or subdued the seeds of good may be cherished and grow up into acts and habits of doing well Were Men assured the things of God were for their Happiness they would be for them they are indeed called the things that belong to our Peace but that is hereafter they make a promise of safety when no danger is seen but now they seem to trouble and disquiet Much hath been said already as to every part of this surmise And what if the carnal Man should be gratified yet further and it could be made probable unto him yea clearly evidenced if he would try what is here affirmed that they are for our present good also Let him ask those who have had experience of the Way of the Lord who have trodden the Path of Peace If they be thought partial Judges in their own Case let him enquire from himself or others of the way of Sin and Wickedness He can find nothing from those who have been throughly practised therein but outward Smiles for they can give no true Commendation but Silence sad Wishes Hypocritical Looks do betray their inward dislike and sorrow of heart The open Testimony and Acknowledgment of the first concerning the excellency of his the others feigned Laughter deep Silence or vain drol-Drollery would weigh somewhat with a Wise Man concerning the Goodness of the one and Suspicion of the other They have various and different Effects in the Persons of Men but if moreover he would diligently examine the Nature and Reason of things and find them accordingly If they are both the same in Speculation and also in Practise for these go together in things Divine when they are rightly understood and univerversally complyed withal What can be more desired for the full Satisfaction of a prudent and considering Man If he sees others already at Peace who have went the same way and also can be justified from the very thing And further might be seen felt and understood within himself if he would make a through experience and continue it for some time What is for our Good Peace and Benefit hath a shew at first of Evil disturbance and inconvenience this frightens the Foolish Nature of Man who doth not perceive what is hidden under the different disguises of things The meer outside and covering is the least but thought should be had to what is substantial and within In short Good is Happiness and Sin is Misery the more a Man hath of the one and less of the other so he hath the blessed Effects and is freed from Vexation Whosoever is born of God doth not commit Sin for his seed remaineth in him and he cannot Sin because he is born of God 1 John 3. 9. And then he hath not disturbance nor Restlessness of mind neither is he in danger of the Punishment to come In Truth we do many times disquiet our selves in vain being vexed for and desiring we know not what But this proceeds from the evil of Ignorance a want of understanding the Nature of things which would take away all this Misery A right understanding puts upon diligence and endeavour to provide our selves so as to keep off the Evil and obtain the Good set before us And we are not perplexed with those common things which either do not at all or not much concern us What Solomon saith In much Wisdom is much Grief and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth Sorrow Eccles 1. 8. That is When it is only confined to the things before us and of this Life for then it quickens the Resentment of Miseries here and finds out no Remedy But if extended further as the Excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord doth there it mitigates the Vanity and Vexation of the present by hope of better things hereafter satisfies of our imperfect State in order to being made Perfect and prompts to the doing of all things to make that sure unto our selves A little smattering of knowledge makes more miserable but if throughly improved and stretched out to its due pitch of Gospel Revelation the succeeding Eternity and as it enters within the Vail there it is a necessary help and if throughly complyed withal it will secure us of the blessed End. The first Man is of the Earth Earthly the second Man is the Lord from Heaven As is the Earthly such are they also that are Earthy and as is the Heavenly such are they also that are Heavenly 1 Cor. 15. 47 48. As Man was made in the image of God which was chiefly in Holiness and good upon his Soul from which he by Transgression fell So when he is born again he is transformed into the Likeness of his Creator Whilst on Earth he ascends as it were into Heaven the place of perfect Felicity as this is an intermixture and imperfection of both that below is of deplorable and absolute Misery The utmost Happiness which only arises from the things here makes the Soul cleave unto the Ground and at last sinks into the lowest Hell but the true as it came down ascends again Like Stocks planted by our Heavenly Father which are grafted and shoot forth into Trees of Immortality What is begun here God is pleased to add that it may grow till it reaches above the Clouds and is perfected in the Regions of Bliss The one is Earthly Sensual and Devillish expressed in its three Degrees of sinking till it comes to the lowest But the VVisdom that is from above is first pure then Peaceable Gentle and easie to be intreated full of Mercy and good Fruits without Partiality and without Hypocrisie And the Fruit of Righteousness is sown in Peace of them that make Peace Jam. 3. 15 17 18. In the time of imperfection here we begin to lay a Foundation which will be builded on and made consummate in the Heavens Be ye therefore perfect even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect Mat. 5. 48. As he which hath called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of Conversation 1 Pet. 1. 15. And every Man that hath his hope in him purifieth himself as he is pure 1 John 3. 3. We are sincerely according to the Grace and Power given us to imitate him in all his Communicable Attributes and Excellencies All our Happiness should tend upwards or otherwise it is a vain shew and deceit for assuredly as we hope that we might be Partakers of his Holiness so we must expect to be Happy as he is Happy It was an excellent Act of the Old Heathens to the shame of Christians who seek for boasting in taking upon them the Name of Philosophers that is Lovers of Wisdom for they said truly none but
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
Acts of their Masters Grace and Bounty for those according to the Flesh would sooner retract their conceived Favours when another shall put in mind and give notice of what they would have voluntary from themselves and unexpected of others And therefore for my part I dare not speak out what God knows are my desires and innermost thoughts in submission to his Will and consistent with his Glory and other Attributes But as a fellow-Creature do intreat Men that they would not commit those things against which God hath manifested his severe Displeasure O that we may all behave our selves in the mean while though we cannot deserve the least Mercy yet to be in some measure worthy to escape those things which we have been fâ—reâ—old of and then we must not Sin yet more against him All the World may be assured it was never yet seen in any Nation Countrey or Language Ezek. 6. 10. for the Laws thereof to be Elusory or Vain but due Punishment doth overtake those who are Stubborn Despisers and continued Offenders There are abundance of Expressions of Gods Mercy in Scripture but they are commonly joyned with his Truth or something else to keep of people from presuming too much upon it as Psal 57. 3 10. 62. 12. 86. 5. 100. 5. And that Gracious Manifestation Exod. 34. 5 6. Where it is repeated many times that Mercy rejoyceth over Judgment yet there comes in a limitation That will by no means clear the Guilty The Threatning is as firm and abiding as any part of his Word and they are of Judgment when our Lord saith Heaven and Earth shall pass away but my VVords shall not pass away Mat. 24. 35. The Promise is confirmed by two immut able things wherein it was impossible for God to lie Heb. 6. 8. So of some he hath sworn that they Isa 54 10. shall not enter into his Rest Heb 3. 18. Both parts are ratified as much as can be Known to God are his Decrees and how he will be pleased to distribute to every one But the safest way is for us to have Apprehension of them according to Truth that we may be more careful to partake of his Favour and avoid his Wrath. Beware of those Doctrines which beget Presumption and Unconcernedness for the things are true as God hath Established if all the Learned in the World did argue or determine which way they would It is better to do those things required and avoid what is forbidden and so escape then to follow after what ends in Death to be unmindful or to dispute against it for now several things happen which we did either not think or say would not come Though some would release or mitigate yet they do not deny future Punishments but if they were only as the more favourable conception of them allows yet the Pain and Loss is much beyond the Pleasure or Conveniency of a short sinful Life for what is that to countervail the Romanists Purgatory or the opinion of a Thousand Years Torment and then a fiâ—al Dissolution The seeming good though present can never be a sufficient exchange for such an evil and deprivation of Happiness much less when the Torment is both Intolerable and Eternal The Commands of God are enforced with the greatest Arguments that can be And yet how few do regard them How is the World grown to be so Wicked and Ungodly And of those who come unto God how few do conform unto his whole Will Love and Serve him with all their Hearts One would admire unless he did consider the causes of so great Apostacy viz. Mans Corruption Unbelief Ignorance Deceits Satans Temptations there are many oâ—tward Objects to divert him Carnal and Temporal things do make him forget those that are Spiritual and Eternal which have a light and transient impression upon us and such like But all these hindrances may be taken away by the Grace and Revelalation of God. It is so ordered that Man must strive and give Diligence if ever he would be Happy there is enough left to prove him and to exercise his Care and Watchfulness Upon the whole There is a wise Establishment of things There The general Conclusion is a just Disposal for assistance is given and the means are put in our power The Members that have been yielded unto Sin and Iniquity may be made Members of Righteousness unto Holiness the Faculties and Powers were first designed and now may be restored unto good as they have been employed in evil It is a gracious Dispensation in that God encourages to those things which are for our Good and Happiness It is true for we are only taken from deceit and falshood from shew and appearance which ends in what is worse then nothing and are called forth to what is true and assured and real as any thing is All that we now see is but the Figure of the true even that Heaven and Earth which are to suceed Hearken and come near Oye Sons of Men do but Learn Know and Practice the things pertaining to Gods Kingdom for they are Just Wise and Conceivable also I want words to express their excellency I have written the Great things of thy Law but they were accounted as a strange thing Hos 8. 12. The like Imputation may be here cast upon what is brought out of the same Book of Scripture Many odd passages uncouth They know not what to make of them But let me tell any one that thinks so where the Strangeness of all lieth Even in Mans Transgression either the not observance of what is Commanded or doing those things which are contrary to the Laws of God and Truth When there was occasion to speak of those things uncommon expressions might fall The nature of things is the same but differently apprehended for some do live according to the Principles of Good and others do not some use the means to have their first Blindness and Ignorance taken away and others do not But where is universal Obedience and alike Knowledge what is Truth and sutable to one is likewise to another Where it is half and imperfect Prov. 8. 9. let him reflect upon that Duty or Sin which himself observes or avoids and see how that is explained by that he may measure whereof himself is Conscious and Guilty Had all continued alike Obedient as the Man after Gods own Heart they would give the same Praise and Commendation of his Law as is done Psal 119. but according to their several Sins Men think severally as they will. T is Lust and Iniquity That we might turn from our Iniquities and understand thy Truth Deu. 9. 13. that corrupt the Judgement or at least the outward Faculty from whence they think speak and do to vindicate themselves before their Acquaintance otherwise then they should But there is even in the Disobedient unless mightily defaced and suppressed the Spirit of the mind by which they can judge that the Law is
holy and the Commandment boly just and good and they consent unto the Law that is is good Rom. 7. 12 16. By that let them likewise examine what is here said to be interred from it Luke 2. 35. Mark 4. 22. 2 Cor. 4. 2. God knows I have not intended to upâ—raid or accuse Mankind but was obliged to manifest the Truth Impartially and Universally as every one may judge in his own Conscience There hath been nothing said but what is practicable My self also am a Man compassed about with the same Sins and Infirmities and do readily subicribe to what is written In many things we offend all Jam. 3. 2. Neither have I spared mine own Sin but in several places stand Convicted and Condemned out of the words I have set down hoping to recover by Gods Mercy and my own Repentance But what I desire for my self so for others to have the less Sin for thereby is more Peace and Comfort according to the measure of Innocency and doing good there is a greater Reward What real good doth come of any Disobedience surely none God is Dishonoured and Man is not Benefited it serves the design of an invisible Malicious Enemy and therefore we should all abstain srom Evil as much as we can It is the open Accusation or secret Thought of the World to affix severally on them who come on this Message This Man seeketh not the welfare of this People but the hurt Jer. 38. 4. If one had devised new Pleasure sor the sensual minded or had abundance to bestow Largesses on poor people or gives them Entertainment for a few days with Mirth and Pastime He that conquers Kingdoms and enlarges Territories such are reputed great Instruments of Mens Happiness though the utmost hereof is but as the hasty Fruit before the Summer which when he that looketh upon it seeth it while it is yet in his band he eateth it up Isa 28. 4. which signifies nothing after it is had and is but a faint â—ore-runner of the true Happiness But they are only the unacceptable persons to the World who speak of this which shall just begin here on Earth but never end and be consummated in Heaven There cannot be too much Good-will returned to them who save from every least Injury from Fire Enemies Sickness Poverty all whiâ—h tend only to Temporal Death but they are hated who would keep off from Eternal Death from the Devil and his Legions who would dâ—sswade from vain things that cannot profit and are the Baits he makes use of to beguil Souls unto himself Even here beloved â—â—st and Interest have been touched upon and shewed that they cannot make a Man Happy so that if the Temptation may not be taken away yet is less tempting Why abundance have done thus much already so many Books and Sermons â—o this purpose what need of moreâ— But there should be yet further Admonition for people are not as yet come over unto God. Whilst others have hovered up and down in generals I have ventured by Gods help to pitch When others again have spent many words in Instruction of what was known before or notional unnecessary things here hath attendance been principally given to the word of Exhortation When some have used Moral Perswasions or the less Cogent Arguments here have been brought forth those pressed with the full force and power that I knâ—w of for cursed is that Deceiver who knoweth them and doth not use them And further several things have been spoken out which were concealed from the people If I had came with mine own Inventions and Fancies or the power of Mans Wisdom and Eloquence there would be less ground of Hope but the Truths have been pressed in the Name of God from his Revelation I thought my self accountable for that measure of Grace he hath been pleased to send through me And therefore let it be considered that it is nothing to me let all Men do what they will they have still their Liberty of Action but they are to answer before God how they will shew themselves towards his Word and Truth If that is not found sufficient to reclaim Sinners Isa 55. 10 11. John 12. 48. and Transgressors it is because they will not believe nor consider thereof however it will arise and Condemn them What is here Published will have its due effect on all that are Stubborn or Despisers Let not any one think this new found out for it is the old Scripture-Way illustrating that more particularly what is affirmed in divers places That I may see the good of thy Chosen that I may Rejoyce in the gladness of thy Nation Psal 106. 5. Happy art thou O Israel Deut. 33. 29. Happy is that people whose God is the Lord Psal 144. 15. He thaâ— keepeth the Law Happy is he Prov. 29. 18. The end of all Preaching is to prove and shew that more perfectly what is contained therein and so to manage it according to the design of the whole that all the World may Oâ—ey God and be wise unto Salvation His Word doth not stand in need of Apology but the Abuse and Corruption in handling thereof hath bâ—â—â— so universal that he who would keep free from it is necessitated to Justifie himself least he be thought a setter forth of strange Doctrines To bring all towards Conclusion Man would be Happy even whilst he Lives and doth so that fâ—om the Decree of God and the nature of the thing it is impossible he should be Happy And again he declines those things which are absolutely necessâ—ry to be so All his Actions turn upon this Point If he would rectifie the mistake and suffer himself to be rightly informed herein he can never miss of what all desire the only end the true Happiness If he is put in mind of any thing which may assist or direct him Not unto us O Lord not unto us but unto thy Name give Glory for thy Mercy and for thy Truths sake Psal 115. 1. FINIS ERRATA PAge 4 line 2 for varietation r variation l 40 r Mark 14. p 26 17 r not we our selves P 37 l 35 r to recommend P 47 l 34 f forwardness r frowardness P50 l 19 〈◊〉 speaking r snâ—aking P 70 l 37 f fear r bear P 71 l 21 r equal worth P 75 l20 r John 16. 13. P 79 l 1 omit the word first p 86 l 5 r their own pâ—ril P 180 l 13 r doth not P. 190 l 16 r adapting p 229 l 9. r trust God. p 261 l 6 r lively â—nd P 309 l 8 r enjoyment P 358 l 22 f employments r enjoyments P 417 l 16 r â—rocuring p 467 l 29 r to have been Penned p 152 l 27 r before Men can