of all Hearts are to be judged by the Gospel of Jesus Who will put his own Interpretation on his own Laws and we are to receive from his month the Sentence of Life or Condemnation Let none therefore be the more Confident or presume to go on in his Course because one whom he hath chosen for a guide tells him he is right enough and he is willing to believe him for such can know no otherwise then by the Gospel and it is agreed on all hands that those Texts which are given to make wise unto Salvation are so plain and easie to be understood that they need no Interpretation at all and it cannot be that any who come in sincerity to be informed should be deceived in them But thus it is Men are strangely given to their own Lusts they cannot endure to resist the Allurement of sensual Pleasures and are not willing to bring down their haughty minds and yet would partake of the Promises of the Gospel and avoid its Threatnings so there must be an expedient found out to do all this How ready are they to hearken unto and embrace every proposal made to this end Either by their own deceitful Hearts or by him who works with all deceivableness in them that Perish Or some others have been found who instead of shewing People Mic. 3. 5 8. their Transgression and the House of Jacob their sins have soothed them up and concealed Who have strengthened the hands of the wicked that he should not return from his wicked way by promising him Life Ezek. 13. 22. Who being willing to please their great Benefactors do according as they would have Speak smooth things and Prophesie deceits Isa 30. 10. Who know no sooner way to oblige them then by dictating Doctrines sutable to their ungodly Lusts and Inclinations that they may live the Life of the wicked and die the Death of the righteous follow all iniquity here and receive the Crown for Well-doing hereafter And this is done by divulging some pleasing but wrong and mis-applyed Notions of Gods wonderful Mercy of Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and relying wholly on him for Salvation of a formal daily Repentance which is well enough if more sincere and perfect on the Death-bed the Doctrine of partial Obedience of Desires and Resolutions which are for the most part Mockery or Non-sense the mistakes of Sins of infirmity for the works of the Flesh and unrighteousness come under these of distinguishing between the Counsels and Precepts of the Gospel stretching it further then they have Warrant from 1 Cor. 7. 25. What they have a mind to follow those are the Commands and what they have not is of the other sort and then they sin not in neglecting it And such like Out of which may be patched up a fine sort of Divinity to please the Great Ones here by giving them Encouragement that after they have gratified to the utmost all their wicked Lusts and bid defiance to the Almighty in their Life-time yet they can appease him again slightly and when they will But certainly this is quite to leave the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ to go on to imperfection not laying again but utterly over-throwing the Foundation of Repentance from dead Works and of Faith towards God which if such as pleases him must consist in Obedience as well as to believe that he is But one would think some did not so much or what is worse Think that the God-head was like unto Gold or Silver or stone graven by Art and Mans device Acts 17. 29. for they would stamp their own Impressions and more derogate from his Glory and despise him in their own imaginations then they did Rom. 1. 23. for these would make God such an one as they would have him render him a Lyar alter and change his very Nature beseech him to determine his everlasting Gospel rather then he shall not save them Or else how can they ever dream of thrusting themselves into his Holy City above any other way then by which God hath appointed nay going contrary to what he hath Chalkt out Our Saviour Jesus Christ gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and puriâ—ie unto himself a peculiar People zealous of good Works Tit. 2. 14. Now these defeat the very end of his Coming for according to their supposal Men may still live in all iniquity and instead of being zealous for good Works they need do none at all but cast themselves intirely on Christs satisfaction and Merits The foregoing Verse is The grace of God that bringeth Salvation hath appeared unto all Men Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly Lusts we should live soberly and righteously and Godly in this present World but according to the daubing of some if we do the contrary all our Life-long and we do that is impossible but say or wish as much before the last Gasp of Breath is gone we may lay hold of it But hold there Salvation is not Mens to give they cannot so much as redeem their own Souls much less barter with Almighty God for others We are to have the Reward from his hands only and he hath said already on what terms he will give it Christ became the Author of eternal Salvation unto all that obey him Heb. 5. 9. and to none else The Priests may not prescribe unto him who is a God of infinite Sovereignty and Power Laws of their own Head nor parcel out the Objects of his Bounty they may never partake of it themselves much less be so impudent as to set it out for others Themselve◠〈…〉 e to stand among the number of the Criminals for since they have corrupted the Word of God 2 Cor. 2. 17. Instead of warning the Wicked from his way such have been occasion why he sinned yet more they shall receive greater Condemnation Nevertheless those shall not escape who being led away with their own lusts and enticed do gladly receive their plausible Opinions and Sayings but shall perish for all Mat. 15. 14. Ezek. 33. 8. Isa 9. 16. Though the Serpent Gen. 3. beguiled the Woman and the Woman beguiled the Man yet the curse was pronunced on all And it will be no excuse in the last day Lord the Teachers who came in thy name told us we might do such things and live for Christ had foretold that false ones should arise and commanded to take heed least any Man deceive you He left his Word behind to try the Doctrines whether they be of Men or no by which he will judge the World and not by this or that Doctors Opinion Let others now put what meaning they will upon the commands of Christ yet if he should interpret them otherwise every one knoweth whose must be taken and by which we are to abide His judgment and exposition will be according to Righteousness and Truth whatever others make now If they turn the Word up Isa 24. 5. and down to make
sign of their Fearfulness of Spirit so it is most unreasonable and foolish To flee from that which is frightful in your imagination and your selves have made so into a real Danger to run from that God who would have you be saved into the Pâ—ws of the roaring Lyon who walketh about seeking whom he might devour is a Fear without knowledge The striving to put out the Thoughts of what you do Fear is the certain way to bring your Fears upon you It is only smothering them for a little time when they will Rise up worse and more tormenting It is the Sense of us all that when we have offâ—nded God like our Fore-father Gen. 3. 10. We are afraid and would hide ouâ—selves Indeed if the Godhead were in no wise appeasable it would be natural and prudent to keep off our Punishment and alâ—o the Thought thereof as long as we could But now seeing we have so plain Revelation throughout his whole Word what the Apostle saith 2 Cor 5. 1â— 19 20. He is to be reconcilâ—d and he caâ—â—s upon all Let thâ— VVickâ—d forsake his way and the unrighteous Man his Thoughts Aâ—d let him retâ—â—n unâ—o the Lord and he will have Mâ—rcy upon him and â—o our God for he will abundantly Pardon Isa 55. 7. The guilty Sinner will be apt to imagine his offence greater than can be forgiven Himself Answers that in the Words following My Thoughts are not as your Thoughts He speaks by another Prophet Thou hast played the Harlot with many Lovers yet return again to me saith the Lord Jer. 3. 1. Whatever any Mans past Sins have been yet still he need not Fear to come unto God through Jesus Christ who came not to Call the Righteous but Sinners to Repentance These Doctrines are good and true but trifled with and abused What was designed to give all People Comfort and Hope for amendment of Life the wicked make use of for Presumption and continuance in Sin but they will find God is not so easie as they would think or wish him They must not dally with him as they dare not with their Superiours on Earth Remember he is Almighty so he is the All-wise God and will no more admit of those repeated Provocations then now Men of Authority and Wisdom do with those who carry themselves despitefully and disdainfullâ— towards them This slighting Temper is very common among People they say God is merciful and though they sin against him yet he will be pacified again which is as they make it as if he was what I am unwilling but to name However these Proud Scornful Sinners laugh inwardly at their own conceits but if they did consider throughly trembling would arise within them that it may be otherwise then they imagine and so it will be But to pass by them Come again to those who are less Wicked who stand of in some dread and reverence who think they have so highly displeased God that they dare not approach to him to beg Pardon Herein is some manners and goodness and such may be assured there is mercy with him sufficient to do away their Transgressions notwithstanding all their Multitude and Aggravation Come now and let us reason together saith the Lord though your sins be as Scarlet they shall be as white as Snow though they be Red like Crimson they shall be as Wool Isa 1. 18. Sinners need not be afraid to return unto him from his Word or Nature there is notâ—ing afâ—rightfâ—l in him to the VVilâ—â—â—g and Obediâ—nt those beginning the good work or who are perfecting the same There is one who sâ—cretly represents God and Religion to be very dismal and happy is he that hath least to do with them But they are false and lying Words There may be some difficulty at first in the act of Repentaâ—ce and Conversion but when that is got over the way is smooth and plain But if it were never so rugged as it is noâ— yet lâ—t those fearful Souls whom the Devil holds Captive by this snare consider God hath the upper hand in the World He hath sent a Message to the Inhabitants of the Earth commanding subjection from them He hath given them a Law whiâ—â— if they do they shall live by otherwise theâ— shall die eternally This present life is appointed for time of Tryal Things thus standing What safety doth Satan provide for those he draws unto Rebellion surely none other then this not to think of their Case and Danger A poor miserable shift by not seeing to run into it whereas had thy seen they had avoided it Be astâ—nished O Heavens be confounded O Earth If I might call the Angels to come and behold the utmost folly of the Sons of Men. Were they so as those who befool them in the state of Devils irreversibly doomed to Damnation then in truth to put in mind of God and Eternity would be to Torment them before their time But seeing they have a day of Grace and Salvation it is both natural and reasonable to consider that they may make sure of it and to be told of the Wrath to come that they may flee from it for it were something if they could turn away the evil by not thinking thereon but the Gulph is fixed the fire is prepared and they cannot be removed or quenched only by the carelessness of those who go the ready way to plunge themselves in They foolishly think to escape by this their design not attending to what is Written The wicked is snared in the VVork of his own hands The Vvicked shall be turned into Hell and all the Nations that forget God Psal 9. 16 17. There is no safety for the negligent and careless World. If their heart was not darkened or become altogether inconsiderate they might reason thus with themselves Am I terrified with the uneasiness of Religion and shall I to avoid that for a little time bring upon my self Eternal Anguish of Mind Are the strivings of Gods Spirit irksome now for a Season They are only so because you will not comply with them yet will you by resisting them draw on the Spirits of Darkness to Torment for evermore If that be so grievous which is now for a short time it will be much more so that shall last to all Eternity and therefore the less is to be submitted unto to avoid the greater We count him Childish and Foolish who will not take a bitter Pill to recover Health And it is ten thousand times more so in him who will not sorrow after a Godly sort 2 Cor. 7. 9. To prevent the damnation of Hell. That is afraid to shed a few Penitential Tears to avoid Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth To stand in awe of a little thing and run into a greater is as if we should run from the shaking of a leaf into a place of Dragons and Scorpions Men conceive more hardship in the ways of Godliness then really there is Strangers are affrightened at that which the
Reason may wander in fruitless Speculation and insignificant Thoughts but this Ministers only profitable things its Office is described Rom. 2. 15. Their Conscience also bearing Witness and their Thoughts in the mean while accusing or else excusing one another which is a certain demonstration that Man is in subjection under a Law. He is not troubled for fear of Humane Power or Punishment but for those things only in his own heart whereof that hath no knowledge it hath respect unto the Invisible God over us who hath given a Law to all the World both Jews and Gentiles the first had it Written in Tables of Stone and to the other it was Ingraven in their own Hearts Now something sits as Judge within the Man examining all that is done by him it will not condemn the Innocent See Exod. 23. 20 21 22. nor let the Guilty go free It is Gods Vicegerent and therefore a contempt to one is against the other also making known his Will and Pleasure pressing it to be observed It is an emblem and forerunner of his future judgment for it is neither to be bribed nor deceived but determineth impartially and knoweth all things rendring unto every one according to his deservings If well then is comfort and joyful expectation If ill Sin lieth at the Door there is regret and fear Mention is frequently made hereof in the Writings of the Heathens but we do not find they used so many Tricks and Artifices to stifle it as is the practise at this day Who think themselves wise and happy if they can do thus much and they may but there is great danger herein for if they should suppress Conscience in this life and come to that place where it will be revived again where the Worm shall never die that little time of ease and quiet here would signifie no more then if one in a light sickness should fall a sleep for a Minute only and thence awake in a continual burning Feaver To commit more sin and to hope thereby to be relieved is as foolish as to quench the Fire to cast more fuel on Indeed at first this doth somewhat stop the Flame but after it will blaze more violently So remorse may be a little hindred for the present but returns worse by reason of the fresh guilt that hath been added increasing and driving nearer unto but not removing the future punishment It is now so grievous that some care must be sought out one way or another When by reason of iniquity the whole head is sick and the whole heart is faint there are two kinds of remedy the one is of the Physitians of Souls the Exhortation of turning unto the Lord with Weeping Fasting and Mourning the diet Drink of Penitential Tears the exercise of Repentance these seem severe and harsh but yet Who doth not submit to as much for Bodily Health and Recovery And is not Eternal Life as much as these The Patient doth not like these wholesome Medicines Is there none who can do the business sooner and more easily When old Satan perceives any troubled in mind for their sins he knows the consequent if he doth not administer present comfort they will be renounced which are the cause of so much Disquiet and Vexation And then Gods design that this sorrow should work repentance will take effect this the other fears and therefore will endeavour to hinder He whispers that their present sadness is not occasioned by serving of divers Lusts and Pleasures for they were found sweet in the enjoyment but it is their Natural Constitution against which they must strive Eat Drink and be Merry Do not give way to Heaviness The poor Man thinks this admirable Advice much better then the other sour prescriptions and doth fancy his inward Diseases will be healed more pleasantly and safely but mark the end He knows the vertue of strong Drink for when reason is destroyed there are no reflex thoughts of upbraiding Guilt and approaching Misery all is in a peacable condition This doth not last always the sober intervals return and with them worse heaviness for last nights folly He finds that did not perfectly cure him but then resorts again unto the same esteemed remedy by repeated acts he gets an habit of Sottishness so by little and little he doth still the unpleasing because true suggestions of Conscience continual â—â—pping makes way for the Spirit of slumber and drowsiness a custom of sinning will at length take away all sence of it Habit and Use will make Drunkenness and other Sins become as Natural Actions that they shall be committed without concern or regret afterwards for that doth vanish by small degrees till it is none at all â—o Adultery and Fornication may seem all one as Eating Drinking and Sleeping The qualms following Injustice Theft and Deceit go off and come to be as easily practiâ—ed as the honest works of the calling sin is of an hardening deceitful Nature and those who suffer it to reign for some time in them at last lose the sence of Good and Evil. A thick and insensate skin is drawn over their hearts which is the reason so few though many live wickedly are troubled with terrors of Conscience Harden not your hearts that is their own act but exhort one another while it is called to day least any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin Heb. 3. 18 19. which plainly imports that it may be done All that live in wrong or iniquity either have hardness of heart or inconsideration which is the leading step thereto or their Consciences are accused of sin The first is a sad Symtom of Eternal Death when in Scripture Phrase their Consciences are seared with a hot Iron being past feeling Eph. 4. 9. a reprobate mind Rom. 1. 28. The second is folly and danger the last is irksome and unpleasant which would cease if the cause were taken away He that covereth his sins shall not prosper but who so confesseth and for saketh them shall have mercy Prov. 28. 13. But as long as this admonisheth and stirs within there is life and they are not dead in trespasses or sins If men would not be impatient and grieve at its reproof it would do them no harm only perswades to return and come into the way of Salvation then it will be quiet and satisfied Wretched is that Person who doth slight and refuse its motions who grieves the Holy Spirit God hath put in to reclaim from the evil of our ways and to bring back unto his Commandments by this may be seen how desirous he is of the happiness of his Creatures if they do any thing contrary they are judged of themselves they are condemned of themselves That self Indignation secret Whispers Twitches Desires Intreaties Solicitation watching of Opportunity Importunity Laâ—hes Threatnings both fair and severe means they are all to make them follow the thing that good is and to affrighten them from evil The Spirit of Man is the
3 6 7 8. Thou mayst be destroyed for all thy hope for hope which is against the plain word of God is not hope for that which a Man hath no Promise what doth he hope for Neither let him perveâ—sly abuse Rom. 4. 18. as think to be saved with hoping Abraham for 't is evident Abraham had the Promise of God Gen. 15 5. for what he hoped for but had no natural Grounds for it Heb. 11. 11. but here it is only a false and fond Presumption directly contrary to Scripture And if he will for all trust to go to Heaven every common Beggar that lieth upon the Dunghil hath greater Reason to expect to climb up to the real Throne of Majesty and be King over this whole Nation for there is no impossibility in this as in the other It being impossible for God to lie Heb. 6. 18. When a wicked man dieth his Expectation shall perish and the hope of unjust men perisheth Prov. 11. 7. Neither doth it avail much in this Life it may stifle the afrighting thoughts of Damnation but yields no true Peace and Comfort It standing upon weak and rotten Grounds must not be searched for then it would totter and vex the Man that entertains it But if he would not be deceived in the greatest Concern of his own eternal Happiness he might know that if his hopes now will not bear a through Examination it is Suspicious they are false for true Gold will abide the Fire and then they will not pass for true in that day when the Lord shall try all things If himself should strictly consider he would spie out the deceit much more will the all-seeing God He will judge the secrets of Men by the Gospel the reserved and innermost thoughts which if here suffered to come out would defeat the vanity of all his hopes But this would be disquietude he must not cast them off for he is willing to save his Soul then suffer thy self to be put in mind how it may be done The error of most Men is they will exclaim horribly against despair which indeed is a sad thing and will take all imaginable heed of not falling into it but then they pass over the sure and middle way as if this were too near it and so fall upon another more dangerous Rock which they going on securely without noise proves destructive to thousands I mean presumption on Gods mercy where is no ground for it What doth it help the Ship tossed to and fro to cast out Anchor where is no bottom to fix on When the soul is troubled what real good doth it to let out hope if there is no promise to stay it self on Or if he thinks he can yet heed must be taken that it be not falsly applyed for that would be like foolish Pilots who fancy they see the Shore and make towards it when it is quicksands in which they coming near are Swallowed Alas just upon sinking they discover the deceit but if they had before they had avoided it The Sinner dropping into the bottomless Pit then is fully sensible of the falseness of all his former hopes but if he had been so wise in the day of Salvation to have trusted unto them no further then they were to be made true and stedfast out of the Word he had never came to this Then perhaps Satan working with all deceivableness in them that perish might beat off from examining themselves throughly representing such thoughts as Melancholy Fancies tending to despair which they must drive out of their mind But they should consider whether such do necessarily arise from Scripture for by that all must be judged at the last day And if we would judge our selves we should not be judged 1 Cor. 11. 31. We might know before hand how it will go with us if one hath a title to the Heavenly inheritance he must make it good out of this Statute Book which God hath made for his government over the World according to which is to be distribution of rewards and punishments from Deut. 29. 20 Rev. 3. 5. It appears that every common person hath a name in the Court-roll of Heaven and we are to arrive there upon the performance of such conditions in the mean while so plainly laid down that every one may know whether he doth them or not The Case being thus it is the wisest way now being the only time of doing them to read that Book to see whether all things are done that are written therein and if not to do them whilst we may correct what is amiss then to go on slightly and negligently not much minding it before hand least when the Book is opened Rev. 20. 12. Such and such things may be found wanâ—ing or mistaken and so the most inestimable good is lost for want of a full examination and knowledge This disappointment will be more tormenting and argue of folly because then he will have no opportunity to fill up and make right what was wanting or false â—e might have done it heretofore but then would not consider And therefore least any one that reads here should come into this wretched condition Behold I have told you before let him make no delay to search and try his wayes if they are streight when examined by the rule of Scripture there is no fear but if contrary they must be forth with amended by it Neither think this the way to despair which is the only Objection against sound Doctrine but to be converted and healed If one is in a damnable State the greater danger is in not being sensible thereof but none at all in knowing it for he may recover out as soon as he will let him repent and do so no more no longer trust unto those errors and mistakes If he is not yet come up to that fitness and Qualification for Heaven it is no hindrance but he may endeavour after it he may come up to such a degree of eminency and perfection before he die and at present may do somewhat towards it Gods Mercy and Pardon is to the greatest Sinners upon true Repentance there is no necessity for any one to continue in his sins and when he forsakes them the promises do presently belong to him see Isa 55. 7. Ezek. 18. 22. So again the threatnings are not absolute but only hang over the impenitent this word Despair is more often talked of then considered for in property of Speech it is opposed to Hope and is a distrust of Gods Mercy when there is good evidence in holy Writ that he may be partaker of the Promises But if one can challenge no property in them because of his wicked Life and Conversation or lives in one sin impenitently to which damnation is threatned this cannot be said to be despair because as long as he remains thus he hath no ground for hope no more then a Murderer or Capital Felon may be said to do so when he knowing the Law thinks
the Lord and been his Counsellors yet a certain Contutation to that some have done it otherwise then from his Book as may be observed further of them and others They have healed also the hurt of the Daughter of my People slightly saying Peace Peace when there is no Peace Jer. 6. 14 Who by their Doctrines hinder Exod. 23. 13. Eph. 5. 15. that Degree of Holiness and Circumspection which People should arrive at for they Confidently teach such a thing is no Duty which yet is a Duty and such a thing to be no Sin which yet is a Sin if the Scripture abstracted from corrupt Glosses may be the alone Judge thereof They abuse the Apostles words by calling it an over-liberal Charity to cover a multitude of Sins but it is persidiouâ—ness to make others believe such a thing is no Sin and so more securely go on to Hell because they perceive it not These cry out horribly against Superstition and therefore are willing to allow so much Liberty Which yet Isa 5. 20. makes not so much against as commonly cited for that is intended against those who flourish over and get Reputation for wickedness Discountenaâ—cing Good and confound the Nature of things which he expresseth elsewhere your turning of things upside down Isa 29. 16. And then we know upon whom it most falls However if some should make that a Sin which is no Sin whom the Scripture do not make so much mention of as the Voice of the multitude falsly accuse others should not run over to the worse and more dangerous extream of making that no Sin which in truth is so The Apostle was of another mind when he said Abstain from all appearance of Evil 1 Thes 5. 22. And the great Command of loving God with all the Heart which comprehends all the very Thoughts and Intents thereof dictates other Doctrine for that doth not admit of any thing which comes near displeasing of him In doubtful things to refrain is the safer way for to do without being perswaded or considering the Lawfulness of them argues more of wicked Presumption then Godly discretion The common Decelt is they think it no Evil and therefore it is not so whereas Christ will judge the Secrets of Men by his Gospel and not by their own Thoughts in the mean while by the Law is the knowledge of Good and Evil and not by a private Spirit Thus saith the Lord God Wo unto the foolish Prophets that follow their own Spirit and have seen nothing Because even because they have seduced my People saying Peace and there was no Peace and one built up a Wall and others daubed it with untempered Morter Thus saith the Lord God I will break down the wall that ye have daubed with unâ—empered Morter Ezek. 13. 12. bring it down to the ground so the Foundation thereof shall be discovered and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof and ye shall know that I am the Lord Ezek. 13. 3 10 14. When God ariseth to Judgment What will become of all those fine and acceptable Doctrines Men-pleasers have delivered in their Teachings or personal Conversation What will signifie all their delicate Soothing Men in their Sins For we are not to be judged by them What will it avail if they do wrongfully apply Gods Mercies when there is no Conviction or humbling for Sin for he is the alone Giver thereof and best knows to whom it belongs Whatever others have built up shall be pulled down the Hearts of all shall be laid open Who have prophesied Lyes shall suffer for their iniquity and all the World shall know He alone is to determine of every Mans work of what sort it is and to give the Reward or Punishment accordingly Although the Pastors of all sorts to gratifie their several Hearers do speak smooth things Prophesie Deceits Isa 30. 10. What stead will it stand them in at the last day Such are liked of now for quiet and plausible Instructers but neither will this help them If they be highly esteemed amongst Men and should be an Abomination in the sight of God Luke 16. 15. If they be at present spoken well of by their Hearers so were the false Prophets Luke 6. 26. but what if Cursed by them hereafter Notwithstanding at present the People love to have it so But would they then be consumed in their Errours They cry up those Discourses which give them ground of hope though they still retain their iniquity They would have God to be all Mercy Indeed it is greater then can be expressed but then why will they not in the mean time sincerely endeavour to be so qualified that they may be Partakers thereof His other attributes must be also taken in Wisdom Justice Truth and Holiness What God was in the beginning the same he is now and so continues for evermore With whom is no Variableness neither shadow of turning Jam. 1. 17. Being such as he hath revealed himself in his word and that also endureth for ever It is a vain and absurd Fancy that some flatter themselves withal that things are so because they wish and would have them so If they could reach up and pull down the High and Lofty One lead away Captive as hath been done with dumb Idols the Living and Almighty God then indeed but not before they might Isa 24. 5. reverse and make void the Ordinances of Heaven themselves give Laws to the Soveraign Disposer of all things and make them according to their own Fancy and Desire But still The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth and if some would not have him Reign over them it signifieth not My word that goeth forth out of my mouth shall not return void but it shall accomplish that which I please Isa 55. 11. Should it be according to thy mind he will recompence it whether thou refuse or whether thou choose Job 34. 33. At this rate no Sentence of Condemnation would ever pass if the Guilty might put what Sense they would on the Laws against which they had offended And those eternal Decrees for the â—inal Condition of all mankind would be of as little effect as Letters written in the Sand which they might spoil after they had made them Thus to imagine is more silly then the Fool who saith in his heart there is no God for it is not so absurd as to think there is one but he is to do whatever vile Miscreants would have him Surely among all the Foolishness of Men there is not such to be found yet how common is it for them to get a fine and pleasant Notion concerning their own eternal State and conclude themselves Happy therein as if it must necessarily be so because now they Fancy so and at last it was to depend upon their own idle Conceits but not the infallible Judgment and sure word of God. But for all they cannot fully perswade themselves of their own Deceits a thought will return though endeavoured to be stifled
is heavy so he may frollick it a little in his younger days then become dull and spend the greatest part of his life void of true cheerfulness and that ended a worâ—e thing may befall him For Psal 104. 15. John 2. 10. Which are commonly alledged in vindication of this sin when it rather argues of more Ingratitude and Disobedience Our Gracious God hath given this good creature for necessary refreshment and honest cheerfulness so there is no waste or disturbance to reason But if Men will not be content with this Liberty and when God hath ordered they shall drink no more after these ends are answered if they will go further to add Drunkenness to Thirst Deut. 29. 19. To force down more after they have well drunk already and have not the least Appetite there is the provocation of this sin Nothing exasperates so much as abused favour and because God hath been good therefore for Men to be more wicked this makes sin to be exceeding sinful He is most displeased with those which are committed against his loving-kindness and therefore because he hath given great liberty to transgress that and to presume upon his being merciful to forgive is a perverse way of reasoning and makes the sin seven times greater To hope that God will forgive give such Malicious and Presumptuous Offenders or Despisers is in effect that he will prove a Liar But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings saith the Lord Jer. 21. 14. Every Mans sin would be pardoned if hopes or wishes alone would induce the Lord to pardon them In truth he is what he hath proclaimed himself The Lord the Lord God Merciful and gracious long suffering and abundant in goodness and truth iâ— so he is to be believed what he saith further keeping Mercy for thousands forgiving Iniquity Transgression and sin and that will by no means clear the Guilty Exod 34. 6 7. His mercy is confirmed more then ten times before this of Judgment comes Think not this last hard O ye Transgressors Luke 21. 22. Rom. 3. 5. for whether is meet you should turn away from your â—ins or God should devest himself of justice and Truth rather then punish you for the same Which can he most reasonably expected either your selves must go into Hell or that the Words he hath spoken shall come to naught God hath spoken once twice have I heard this that power belongeth unto God Psal 62. 11. Though hand joyn in hand the wicked shall not be unpunished Prov. 11. 21. Do not think to trifle with him for he is a Righteouâ— Judge and a Father only to those who perform unto him the Obedience of Children As for the other vain Imaginations the Drunkard hath they Antep 288 are grounded upon unbelief or desperate folly He cannot be so senceless to conclude it shall happen to him according to his unbelief that there is no future State only because he thinks so or would have it so and thus make void the fixed decrees of Almighty God with his own weak fancy or fruitless desire If he is unbelieving now and so resolves to continue the first thing that shall convince of the mistake will be his own woful experience but when this shall teach him his condition will be without hope or remedy It would be a more wise way to believe and so avoid then to go with an evil heart of unbelief till death delivers him over where he shall be forced to believe and tremble and afterwards see and suffer But if he hath not quite lost his Faith he must be convinced of a more foolish manner of Acting He abhors and cannot endure his present Life because it is miserable there is the same Reason he should not thrust himself forward into the other for if the Punishment of Sin is now so grievous that Men would do any thing to be rid of it what will it be hereafter when Jer. 12. 5. God shall stretch forth his Arm to take full Vengeance on the Workers of iniquity These had better take warning God hath given them a space to repent of their Drunkenness Be sure to comply with his gracious purpose make their Peace with him lengthen out their time by all lawful means to prepare the more for the Bridegroom 's coming But if they will go on in their own former way they shall Taste and Feel this to be true Their Grapes are Grapes of Gall their Clusters are bitter Their wine is the Poison of Dragons and the cruel Venom of Asps Deut. 32. 32 33. What hath possessed the minds of Men to be so in love with this Evil All are not for Turks and Iâ—fidels are not so guilty thereof as the Christian World. A Company of People who profess to believe the Scriptures in which are contained severe Threatnings against this Sin yet they most of all do commit it The Laws and Prescriptions of Heathen Deities and false Prophets throughout the World are observed but here in Christendom Men do not obey the Commandments of the Lord and his Christ The words of Jonadab the Son of Rechab that he commanded his Sons not to drink Wine are performed Jer. 35. 14. But our bountiful Lord hath permitted the good use thereof with this charge Be ye not drunk with Wine wherein is excess Eph. 5. 18. Yet Men have transgressed his Voice wherefore the Râ—chabites may be their Judges and it will be more tolerable in the day of Judgment for Mahometans and Idolaters then for this sottish Generation â—O foolish People who hath bewitched you that you should not obey the Truth before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently-set forth crucâ—fied among you Gal. 3. 1. All of you hear him Preached and some have drunk of the Cup of the Lord yet you resort again to the Cup of Devils by Drinking after such an excessive manner as they of old did in Sacrificing to Evil Spirits which also now chiefly gratifies them who prompt to sin and disobedience If we did allow for the Temptations of Drink and Company yet the loss of Gods Favour Peace of Mind and health of Body will not be sufficiently recompenced with that pretended converiency Look not only upon the good colour of the Liquor nor hearken to the Merriment of Companions when they are at it but consider the enâ— Think upon the whole life and way of those jolly Persons and then tell me whether drunkâ—â—â—ess is not pâ—â—judicial to Mans Happâ—ness But couldst thou â—eep into the Chambers of Death as that may be done by Faith and see those poor Souls who were once Drinking and making Merry on the Earth the Pit hath shut her Mouth upon them and now they are full of Anguish and Indignation for their former Folly There remains still the like Threatning to the Drunkards of England the Drunkards of England shall be troden under Feet Isa 28. 3. For the Judgment of God is the same against all Nations Times and People who
through the Liver do not fear the assaults of the armed Man within thee The Souldier is strengthened with Brandy and thou mayst afterwards resort to good Liquor to drown Melancholy fancies Be Patient resist them and they will by degrees vanish If thy Acquaintance find thee dejected they will Laugh at thee do as they have done and thou shalt be as brisk as they Such is the Policy of the old Serpent to get the young beginner into an Habit and Course of Sin for he knoweth this is the way of hardening and then he is almost sure of a prey It is acknowledged that Custom will take of the Sense of this Sin as appears from Eph. 4. 19. But this is a long time in gaining and those struglings in the mean while do annul the Pleasure of it Men think themselves Wise and Happy if they can once come to enjoy their Lusts without interruption for then they imagine they have nothing to do with the Powers of the World to come but are only for what present Pleasure they can have Whereas in Truth they have only hardened their Hearts and shut their Eyes â—east they should repent and see the Evil But still it waits for them and shall overtake them whether they believe and consider or not When the Eyes which they wilfully shut Zech. 7. 12. are sunk into their Heads and their Hearts which they make as an Adamaâ—t Stone shall be turned into Dust then their Souls shall see the Power of Gods wrath and be so far softened as to be made sensible thereof Take a further view of that present Happiness these boast to have It might have been delivered before how Nature is nipt in the Bud and blasted like an untimely Fruit. Even young Marriages are prejudicial much more are forbidden and irregular Lusts He renders himself weakly and short lived loses the delicaâ—e and ruddy Complexion there succeeding a thin Paleness and other ways soyls the Beauty of flourishing Youth The Lips of a strange Woman drop as an Honey Comb and her Mouth is smoother then Oyl but her End is bitter as Wormwood sharp as a two edged Sword Her Feet go down to Death Remove thy way far from her and come not nigh the Door of hâ—r House Prov. 5. 3 4 5 8. We may take his Word for it who had experience of what he said Whose shame is published to the World and stands a remarkable Penitent for this sort of Folly. He gives warning of those Evils which himself felt The common Reply which hath been delivered down from one Adulterous Generation to another is I will do as Solomon did in younger years and repent as he did in Old Age Then I will cry out All is Vanity and Vexation of Spirit when I can follow â—ust no longer Then thou wilt do a thing now because thou art resolved to be ashamed for it hereafter and wish thou hadst not done it for such must be true and unfeigned Repentance And how can that be when thou choosest to do it now To Sin with foresight of future Repentance argues an evil intent of mind so likewise it is an absurdity It is ridiculous to say I will wound my self that I may go to a Surgeon for thou wilt have a certain smart and pain when thou mightest have continued whole but how knowest thou thy hurt may be incurable such that the great Physitian of Souls hath vowed he will not heal and he is not a Man that he should Lie or alter his purpose To despise the Riches of his Goodness or to continue in Sin that Grace may abound there is not the least Encouragement from his Word or Nature see Rom. 2. 4 5. and Rom. 6. The Great God will no more suffer himself to be triâ—â—ed withal then the mighty Ones among the Childâ—en of Men. Surely you have low Thoughts of him if you Fancy to put him off after that manner and huddle up your Peace with him whensoever you would You pâ—â—â—umâ— upon this instance but we are not to Live nor yet be judged by Examples but by the written word of God. And what saith that Thou shalt not commit Adultery Exod. 20. 14. Be not deceived neither Fornicators nor Adulterers nor Effeminate nor Abusers of themselves with mankind shall inherit the Kingdom of God 1 Cor. 6. 9 10. This last is not to be understood absolutely but unless true and timely Repentance doth interpose as is evident from the Verse following And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. The Apostle speaks to all in General as to Men and Women after their Conversion to Christianity and so they were to continue unto their Lives end If Men will Confess and forsake their Sins endeavour to reclaim others and at last leave it to God whether he will accept and Pardon them as blessed be his Name we have abundant assurances from his Goodness Mercy and Truth that he will forgive such then they may stand in Judgment But who put off his Fear and Obedience with a jest or scornful Neglect Let us alone we will Repent hereafter who put a slight upon God it is just to recompence them after their deservings to let them run through that space he gave for their Repentance and they repented not The Eye also of the Adulterer waiteth for the twilight Job 24. 15. those Intervals of Expectation are not so pleasant Especially to him who hath disturbance and hurry of mind A Cloud arises before the understanding that he can conceive nothing he lies under the base Slavery of an imperious Will hath discomposed and ruffled Affections And several other things forego the gratifying a Lust which occasion no little torment or disorder What is it at the time or rather instant I have read that sinful Pleasure is sooner gone then well perceived of so short a continuance that the end sticks to the very beginning immediately after is annoy and loathsomeness We may use as plain Expressions as we find in Scripture After Amnon had forced Tamar and lay with her Then Amnon hated her exceedingly so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater the love wherewith he had loved her 2 Sam. 13. 14 15. And Amnon said unto her Arise and be gone The expected Satisfaction is come to nothing and the more often these Acts are repeated the less Pleasure Let the Objects be never so many different or beautiful that will not take away Nauseating No Ezek. 16. Variety can satisfie the Cravings of unlimited Lust or hinder weariness If he doth from the Similitude of Boars Bulls and forefooted Creatures who go with their belly to the ground plead for running after the whole Sex but the Beasts do it only to propagate their kind neither do they joyn after conception whereas he hath no such end or confinement for it is only to satisfie a worse then
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
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
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
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
warning against the presumptuous Sinner who turns the Grace of Rom. 2. 4. God into Wantonness who trifles with that which should lead him to Repentance who deceives himself with a slight Remoâ—se and Sorrow but continues impenitent And also to affâ—ighten malicious Transgressors who sin yet more upon the fore sight of future Repentance To make the Professor of Christianity look about himself who doth this or that deliberate Sin as opposing Gods Truth and Servants of set purpose to comply with the humour of the World and thinks to come off afterwards upon a general Repentance or secretly asking Pardon or the like and upon this he did trust before I say to make all these throughly consider what they do and not to be deceived in a matter of so great Concern it is necessary to explain the true Nature of it more fully When the mind is now to do such a thing upon through Consideration Mat. 23. 30. how can they say afterwards they would not have done it or else to trick with the Almighty by not giving way to that because he hopes to have this excuse for his Sin to be willingly ignorant and to do a thing hastily with that reserve this is to disobey that God who twice Commands to consider our ways Hag. 1. 5 7. to endeavour to out-wit him who is all-wise or seek to hide their Counsel from the Lord Isa 29 15. Shall not God search this out For he knoweth the secrets of the Heart Psal 44. 21. And hence may be observed a great difference between the Worâ—s of the Flesh and Perversities of the Spirit The former being through infirmity of the Flesh transient Acts and of sudden surprizal may be more easily repented of because through their Deceitfulness and Temptation the Man may be beguiled or overtaken and when he comes to be convinced of their true Nature and recover out of them he may Act Indignation and Revenge upon himself for the same But for the latter sort when they are resolved on and all the 2 Cor. 7. 11. Circumstances fully known when neither surprizal nor ignorance but what was wilful can be pretended for it this makes the Sin of a very deep dye And when the mind is now to do it and either doth or may foresee the reality thereof with its Consequents How can such an one expect that if it were to do again upon the like Circumstances he would not when now he doth the very same I mean advised continued Acts of Sin as that Spirit of Stubbornness and Perverseness opposing the known Truth Persecution for which Paul gives the Reason why He obtained Mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief 1 Tim. 1. 13. which implies that if it had been knowingly done it would not have been so easily Pardoned Think upon the Case of Persecutors and Hereticks who have persisted so after a full Conviction that they were in the wrong and how many of them have you heard to have came to Repentance What they have done in secret it may be a Question whether that will be accepted for as their offences have been done openly so should their Recantation be likewise if they would have it avail It is necessary not only to be sorry or secretly to bewail but further to undo the fault as much as it can be And as God was dishonoured publickly in like manner to regain his Favour they should acknowledge their Error before Ezra 10. 2 3. Lev. 26. 40. Josh 7. 19. Ezra 10. 10 11. Mark 1. 5. Acts 19. 18. all To speak after the manner of Men That God should have repair for his hurt Majesty have Glory given unto him by Confessing their own Shame We must do as much to reconcile our selves unto an offended God as the Great Ones of the Earth require from all that displease them And this iâ— the end of Confessior those things done in private may be there acknowledged unto Almighty God but in other things the acknowledgment must be as publick as the Sin was Of all that mischief done to the Church of God by Error or Violence smiting with the Tongue of Fist there have been but few instances left on Record of Penitents of this Nature Do not those who have Acted cruelly die suâ—lenly And in those fierce Disputes where one side must be convinced to be in the wrong by the Power and clearness of the Arguments of the other side yet out of Pride Oâ—â—tinacy or Interest they will go on and seek for Eâ—asions where they cannot Answer but how few will openly declare themselves to have been in an Error Where it is purely a defect of Understanding and a mind willing to be informed we have some Reâ—raâ—tations but when the perverse Spirit is once mingled with them it is seldom that they come to Repentance We who are short-sighted and know little but what we gather by Reason and Experience which requires Succession of time are admitted unto Repentance which may supply these Defects and space and Liberty is left unto us of a full advised Choice of Good or Evil Life or Death Now when there is a through and firm perswasion of the Vanity and Vexation of Sin when he doth not barely commit it once twice or so often as to know what it is but still continue in vâ—miting not to be contented to lye only but to Wallow in the Mire is a Sign that he hath 2 Pet. 2. 20 22. made that his Choice Again when God calls by his Word his Spirit by his methods of Judgment and Mercy the Sinner to be reconciled unto him yet he stands out continually surely then he doth not Choose the Fear of the Lord Prov. 1. 29. But is Rebellious Disobedient refusing that reverence and subjection he owes unto his Maker And if at length when he finds he shall be punished for the same then he will make a pretended submission Or stood out so long of set purpose think to pacifie him with a slight Sorrow and going softly for a time by a partial and imperfect Amendment of Life God will judge of this Repentance is never too late if Fruits meet for Repentance are brought forth afterwards if there doth succeed the Christian Life in all Godliness and Honesty But if the â—icled will turn from all his Sins that he hath commited and keep all my Statutes and do that which is lawful and right he shall surely live he shall not die Ezek. 18. 21. God is sometimes pleased to bring home his Servants by Affliction and Sickness and therefore if in that which proves unto Death there is a true turning of the Soul unto God and he knows the Man would really order his Conversation according to the Gospel and for sake all his former Sins this Man hath good grounds of Hope for Mercy and Forgiveness But for him who puts it off all his Life-time before who thought it soon enough to make his Peace with God in Sickness and Old Age who
was for enjoying the Pleasures of Sin as long as he could and when they leave him to come in just soon enough as he imagines will save his Soul all for himself and nothing for God shall find how it will be accepted If we had right knowledge of the Godhead it would prevent abundance of mistakes and deceits in Masters of Religion Consisider him as All wise All-knowing with whom is Majesty and Honour Goodness and Power It is the wickedness of the wicked to Think that God was altogether such an one as himself Psal 50. 21. But whatever is of good report amongst Men there seeing himself is pleased to make such resemblances we may conclude that he will deal so with us as one Superiour dealeth with his Inferiour for which he is not blamed but commended in the sight of the World. The Prophet Mal. 1. argues after this manner very much to the present purpose and concludes the Chapter for I am a great King saith the Lord of Hosts and my Name is dreadful among the Heathen Conceive him therefore so and we are obliged to do as much to please him and make way for his Acceptance as any Earthly Monarch whatsoever Is it irksome It would indeed have been better not to have sinned but seeing thou hast thou must suffer the difficulty of Repentance or that which is worse Put on a good resolution and the irksomness will wear of Be encouraged by what the Lord Jesus saith I am not come to call the Righteous but Sinners to repentance Mat. 9. 13. Joy shall be in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth more then over ninety nine persons which need no repentance Luke 15. 7. When any increase is mace to Christs fold besides those they had before Our nature is something aukward and averse to repent What to undo and recant to accuse our selves of fault folly and shame seems hard in our natural proud state Yet it is not unreasonable to confess what we cannot deny our imperfection and want of foresight It is an act of prudence to return from an errour and of such an one who is able to discern what is really good and profitable It is an advancement to a better state Was it not more unreasonable to do those things at first then it is now to leave them when they are discovered to be false and evil But chiefly which should have been mentioned in the first place seeing we have offended against a Great and Good God we are required Only acknowledge thine iniquity that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God Jer. 3. 13. What is more just and equal What hath God deserved at our hands that we should be so Rebellious against him Whatever pride may suggest it is no undervaluing for us poor Worms to fall low on our Faces before his Foot-stool to lie down in confusion and our shame hath covered us to make our Sabmission unto him He is worthy of the greatest prostration from far more excellent Creatures and they pay it accordingly Whatever the prophane foolish and scornful Men think of Religious Sneakes yet the God whom we serve is of such Greatness and Glory that ten times greater reverence is most due unto him then either we do or can give but the day will come when they shall more creep before the Holy One of Israel When God shall tread down his Enemies Let them inwardly laugh or smile at our crying peccavi they do the same unto their Superiours who are but Earth Worms and they shall further take up the very same voice when it will be disinal and fruitless When they shall be rejected and find no place for repentance though they seek for it carefully with Tears Heb. 12. 17. We do buâ—â— now what through the goodness and Mercy of God may avail to his forgiveness and reward what they shall be forced to in vain to turn from themselves Gnilt and Condemnation We have no reason to upbraid or look little upon one another for so doing for it is the case of us all we have sinned and are worthy of punishment he alone is Happy and Wise who useth this means to prevent it It is just that the Soul should be in the utmost subjection to the Father of Spirits that it should both pray and endeavour to be turned at the command of him who fashioned it to comply with the will of him who did both create and also would renew it The first was done without our consent and power the second will not seeing God is to be glorified by our free obedience and himself hath enabled us to give it without our working together with him who transforms the hearts of Men. Because we can just refuse must we necessarily do so He hath ordered the heart so that it may turn either way and should not it go towards its first mover turn unto the Lord our God Turn thou me and I shall be turned for thou art the Lord my God Jer. 31 8. Turn unto me and I will turn unto you saith the Lord of Hosts Zech. 1. 3. There must be some work of our own to concur with Gods Act and be partaker of his gracious Promise The heart is re â—less and dissatisfied until fixed on its proper Object which is God alone It covers after this or that thing but still doth not find content wandring up and down in its pursuit after Happiness but never meets with it Every least appearance and shadow is catched at but the only true and chiefest good is not minded nor sought after My people hath been lost sheep they have gone from Mountain to Hill they have forgot their resting place Jer. 50. 6. As the Soul hath a natural desire to know God not in those who have defaced it with sensuality and brutishness but who exert the operations thereof as they should so when it comes to be acâ—uainted with him is in peace It can be contented for the present and wait some time for the full enjoyment of him When it is once sensible God is willing of his Creatures Happiness hath placed them here only to try them and all his dealings are Wisdom Truth and Righteousness When it comes throughly to know the order of divine affairs then it both admires and is satisfied with the whole will and good pleasure of our God sits down contented and patiently bears with the things of this present time and hopes for nay is assured of good things to come But however hath not the least doubt or fear of future Evils which is a very considerable difference between the Righteous and the Wicked Repentance first brings into this happy state frees from the Spirit of errour and giddiness makes him to leave off those unsatisfactory Vanities suffers him not to be still deluded with false Imaginations tedious travel and after all Vexatious disappointment When by reason of the pain and insufficiency that is in all things of this World there is an utter despair of Happiness