thou O Lord when I plead with thee Jer. 12. 1. Clouds and Darkness are round about him Righteousness and Judgment are the Habitation of his Throne Psal 97. 2. Though we cannot see through all yet we have sufficient revealed to be most fully assured that he is just and equal Here in the place of Faith and Tryal many things come to pass of which though we may in general be satisfied of the Goodness and Justice of God in ordering and suffering them so to be yet we cannot give so particular account how it is so in a strict sence and superlative degree as most certainly it is This is to be imputed to our blindness and want of understanding which shall be done away when he comes to judge the Earth Judgment will I lay to the Line and Righteousness to the Plummet Isa 28. 7. All things shall be exactly stated at last He is even now Righteous in all his ways and will give a clear account how he is so The things of this World are now loved and feared but then it will appear that there is so little in them that they are not worthy to be spoken of or had in Remembrance However God will not forget any Labour or Pain his Servants endured for him They shall be as a Dream when one awaketh and who is much concerned for the Pleasantness or Dreadfulness thereof after it is over Call to mind the days that are past recollect both the Good and Evil of them or what was done at such a place when you are removed from thence much more will it be so when you are translated from Time to Eternity from Earth to Heaven It is so meer a nothing that if the Creature might be bold to speak with his Maker it will not be insisted on or required from Gods Hands but what he will be pleased to do of his own Promise and Bounty for one would think Justice it self is not obliged to make amends for small Matters when the harm is over and the very same as if it had never been at all This single Consideration if throughly weighed would ease our mind in all Afflictions The Transitoriness of them as also they are vain and little for however we Groan and Murmur yet they are such as can be endured They are not so great as we weak and frail by Nature We further bring a delicacy and tenderness on our selves which makes us yet more unable to bear them Whereas if we would comply universally with his design God would ordain Strength out of our Weakness He would give us that Grace and Knowledge if we were meet to be partakers thereof and make use of them that would carry us through all trouble whatsoever for he suffers none to fall on us but what is common to Men. And how know we but he to manifest his own Glory doth lay the more heavy things on him that so weak a thing may endure them and intend its greater Happiness by a proportionable Reward For I reckon that the Sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the Glory which shall be revealed in us Rom. 8. 18. If we did understand and consider of all things instead of being cast down and disquieted we might Rejoyce in Tribulation We make such a stir about Trouble but there is not so much in it We may rest with the most full assurance that God is good and for all those Adversities he sends on us he is all along accomplishing the Happiness of his Creatures which should stir up and continue our Love and Obedience unto him He would have that foretold which he will certainly do that Isa 42. 9. Luke 2. 25. they should be comforted in the mean time who shall be delivered that they should be joyful with Hope and Expectation where with they shall be Happy at last This hath been the Method of Gods working of old we have heard it with our Ears and it is very acceptable unto us How beautiful upon the Mountains are the Feet of him that bringeth good Tidings that publisheâ—h Peace that bringeth good-Tidings of Good that saith unto Sion Thy God Reigneth Isa 52. 7. How welcome is every one that hath good news of prosperous Accidents and worldly Conveniencies How many Messages of this nature have been delivered from time to time to private Persons and Nations which were thankfully and kindly received What are they all come unto now their Memorial is perished with them They were shadows only of Good which just passed by and are gone this is the utmost of all Temporal Happiness and of this World. But what comes from our God is Great and Enduring which lately was beginning now carrying on till it be consummated to Eternal Ages Great is our Lord and highly to be praised for the least manifestation he ever made thereof and so is by his chosen People Vnto you therefore which belâ—eve he is precious 1 Pet. 2. Psal 89. 15. 7. You both understand and have assured Hope to be Partakers These prize it more then others do great Reversions and Expectancies they so much talk of and please themselves with Who is among you that seareth the Lord that obeycth the Voice of his Servant that walketh in Darkness and hath no Light Let him trust in the Name of the Lord and stay upon his God Isa 50. 10. Who gives a glimmering and sendeth Light into the Soul a comfortable Thought or sends him who can speak a Word in Season Comfort ye Comfort ye my People saith your God Isa 40. 1. They are to Preach the Gospel Heal the Sick administer Help and Remedy against all the Maladies of Mankind An hard Task and not to be performed who considers not from whom he cometh and whose means he makes use of Even God and his Word which are sufficient for all this and if they have not the due power and effect it is not from the weakness of them for that is stronger then Men and he that breaks can bind up but from the incapacity of the Subject Who are not turned to the Lord with their whole Heart they have no right to the Promises and therefore receive no true Comfort but where a People formerly Disobedient are turned unto the Wisdom of the Just and made ready for the Lord His Word doth good upon them who walk Vprightly Blessed be God there is Experience of this though not so much as were to be desired for it is but a little Flock and small Remnâ—nt of true Israelites Compared with the whole of Mankind Those who have the form of Godliness will cry out with the wicked World upon Fancy and Imagination but if it is a sensible Comfort against inward Evil then the effect is had and should not be slighted for it is such as the Trouble was and doth it away The matter is easily conceivable unless they absolutely disbelieve or cannot understand for if an Heir of a good Estate can contentedly rub
his service as the Ox and Ass â—or ours when he pleased without making any question or dispute concerning it yet he leaves us to our Liberty But how doth he resent it when freely offered and given up unto him Thus saith the Lord I remember thee the kindâ—ess of thy Youth Jer. 2. 2. see Hos 11. 1. 2. Chron. 34. 3. Mark 10. 21. These are written for the Exhortation and Encouragement of all to come betimes for God hath a pecâ—liar Favour and doth take notice of them â—or only doing that which is the duty of all to do To follow after him that is the guidâ— of our youth Jer. 3. 4. The nature of the Christian warfare and state of its Enemies require the chief time of Life to encounter with them When he is Listed at Baptism he takes an Oath to fight manfully against the World the Fle 〈…〉 the Devil The latter is most maliciously set against us Rev. 12. 12. 1 Pet. 5. 8. whom we must Resist stedfast in the Faith by this Shield we shall be able to quenâ—â—h all the siery Darts of the Wicked Eph. 6. 16. The Angel of the bottomless Pit is often transformed into an Angel of Light yet if we are so happy As from Childhood to have known the Scriptures which are able to make wise unto Salvation 2 Tim. 3. 14 15. We shall not be ignorant of his devices noâ— be beguiled through his subtilty Resist the Devil and he will flee from you Jam. 4. 7. This subdued the next is our own dear sâ—lf for though none ever hated his own Flesh but loves and cherishes it yet that when too much cockered and luxuriant turns our Enemy When Blood runs warm in the veins the Sences quick and brisk that is rampant and would get Dominion over us The Commands are directed accordingly Flee youthful Lusts 2 Tim. 2. 22. If ye live after the Flesh ye shall die but if ye through the Spirit do mortifie the deeds of the Body ye shall live Rom. 8. 13. Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ and make not Provision for the Flesh to fulfil the Lust thereof Rom. 13. 14. When overmuch fuel is taken away the fire will do no hurt but serve only for its necessary use Another Enemy is the World which with its pomp and glittering is apt to deceive new and tender minds but if they be seasoned with the Love of God and Knowledge of his Word particularly what is written Jam. 4. 4. 1 John 2. 14 15 16 17. 1 John 5. 4. this will cast out the love of the World Faith overcomes it clearly for what this assures of doth so infinitely exceed Wordly Greatness and Glory that they cannot hold due competition with the heavenly manifest Sence sheweth that we are but Sojourners here and have no continuing City Faith â—eeks one to come so we will hold no correspondence with what we are now in then as furnishing conveniencies for not to hinder ouâ— Journey All these Foes are more dangerous because they assault in the disguise of Friends making a shew of Happiness but deceive into Misery and do most strongly tempt in our inconstant Age. They act subtilly taking advantage of want of a through and perfect Understanding But fore warned and fore-armed Wherewithall shall a young Man cleanse his way by taking heed thereto according to thy Word Ps 119. 9. Which discovers the snare laid for him and he may avoid it in the mid'st of his career if he can duly stop or turn aside I have more understanding then my Teachers because I have learnt thy Word Every thing done in the World is with intention and desire after good and that lays down certain directions for Happiness and avoiding Misery so this kind is most profitable If God did no more regard the Iniquities of Youth then Childhood its Vanities were more allowable as the effect of Mirth and Lightness but there is not the same reason for both Children have no Knowledge between good and evil Deut. 1. 39. but Youth hath or may have which is the same thing God expects when we know his Will we should do it otherwise we Sin and are liable to his Indignation It would be impertinent for the Psalmist to cry out O Lord remember not the Sins of my Youth Ps 25. 7. If God would never have imputed them And Righteous Job would have falsly expostulated Thou writest bitter things against me and makest me to possess the Iniquities of my Youth Job 13. 26. so Jer. 31. 19. The just Judge of all the earth calls to account for those Transgressions as of succeeding years Good Men have been guilty of some Extravagancies at that time of Life which are not written for presumption and licence to Sin but for the Hope and Comfort of those who Repent as they did and for those who are not yet defiled with Wickedness to keep their innocency By their Examples it appears that however sweet in commission yet they are exceeding bitter in remembrance Many secret heavy doubtful and disturbed Thoughts did arise as often as they did look back upon them the pleasure whereof was vanished as if it had never been All things considered he consults most for Gods Glory and is wisest for his own Peace who remembers his Creator in the days of his Youth It is said A young Saint an old Devil Which pestilent Proverb sprange frome him the Father of Lies who will suffer himself to be abused for the advancement of his own Kingdom There can be no suspition or danger in the word of Truth which requires To bring up Children in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord Ep. 6 4. The wise Man renders a Reason for it Prov. 22. 6. This Age will gadly receive the imprâ—ssions of good which are as acceptable as those of Sin and Evil. If they grow up and consent with them they become more customary natural and delightful then unlawful Pleasures are to others The sincerity of Youth tasts of the good Word of God and powers of the World to come which have their due influence on such a mind The simplicity thereof doth highly approve the works of Righteousness which cannot be otherwise thought of except by Corruption and Wrong Would God these youthful qualifications might be still retained which in these and other instances are very advantageous for the things pertaining to him This the Enemy of mankind knows though he doth cunningly whisper to the contrary for he uses endeavour to get the first Possession into our Hearts He will try to hinder our Sons from being As Plants growing up in their Youth And as far as the divine permission extends will graft into tender Stocks the wild Olive-Tree that it may become fruitless hewn down and cast into the fire He shews forth many alluring baits and fair promises to beguil foolish nature to himself If he gets young Souls he hath half done his work When he hath them in invincible clutches he instils a dislike of
Gentile World were not able to suppress though they did try with their utmost skill and might Which had no aid from the World yet obtained the victory over it Which still increased though who entertained it got nothing at present but cruel Mockings and Scourgings Moreover Bonds and Imprisonments nay further the most horrid and Tormenting Deaths that was possible for Flesh and Blood to suffer yet through Faith hereof endured them all with more Constancy and Resolution then was ever seen in the Mightiest Men of Valour If these and several other Arguments were duly considered and weighed it would be the greatest wonder that for all these any yet should not believe So more then abundantly hath God provided for Mankind to bring Mark. 6. 6. them to Heaven and Happiness But as if all this were nothing worth Men will not know or not believe what he hath told unto them otherwise they would be never so regardless thereof When they reverence their Land-lord but do not mind the great Lord of Heaven and Earth When they earnestly court the favour of a Mortal Man and think themselves never sufficiently diligent in getting Money but are not careful after those things above Do they verily believe God is and that he is a Rewarder of them who diligently seek him When they like Beasts are only for the present things before them but negligent of what shall be hereafter and never cast an eye towards the things that are not seen certainly these do not live by Faith Whose understanding is waxed gross that can conceive of nothing but what may be felt or seen Who can relish nothing but what goes between the Teeth these do not live the common lives of Men being led by sence and not reason It is an amazing thing to consider of the stupidity and dulness of those of lower degree as concerning their Spiritual State and Condition 'T is not so much down right Atheism and Unbelief but a dead Faith which is in them It is not equal to that of Devils for they believe and tremble but this hath no such effect upon them They fancy there may be such a thing as Heaven they are not suâ—e to the contrary They look upon it as a place of reserve where they would be when they can no longer abide in the World it is appointed for the poor and needy so it will receive them whether they take any care or no. Such thoughts as these may enter into their minds for notwithstanding they may still go on in their course But were they really perswaded there are two places for all to go into after this life Heaven and Hell And how it is set down in Scripture what is to be done to obtain entrance into the one and avoid the other Did they really think what an happiness the one is much greater then Riches and all Pleasures in this World and the other to be a worse Torment then any Pain or Sickness now is they would as willingly go to Church and be as devout to set them forward in the way to Heaven as now they go to Fairs and Markets and are intent upon their Business to get some small gain On the other hand they would take as much care to flee from the Wrath to come as now they do to keep themselves in health and prevent the beginnings of a bodily Distemper They would labour as earnestly for the exceeding great reward God hath prepared for them that keep his Commandments as now they do for a little Money from another Man. They would act in the very same manner to obtain the things pertaining to his Kingdom as now they do for the things of the Earth It is the property of Faith to make things which are not seen to be as if they were seen and though were they both of the same value it could not be expected we should so willingly run after what we have never seen as after that which is most certain and our Eyes see Yet there being such an exceeding odds and worth in the things that are to be believed over the things that are now seen this turns the Scales and make them hang even yea and weigh down the things of Sense If we have the full assurance of Faith that upon doing such things we shall receive an everlasting 1 John 5. 4. Kingdom we should no more grudge to do them then we do now a days work upon anothers Promise of so much for our Pains We may as reasonably trust for what he hath promised as we do the Word of a sinful Man when we Labour for him And there being such a vast difference between what the Almighty will vouchsafe to bestow upon us worthy of God to give and as much as a Creature can receive over what we can impart to another then surely there is as much reason I say infinitely more why we should serve God as do the like for another Would we be as diligent to be made Kings and Priests unto God Rev. 1. 6. as now we are to be Servants unto great Men endeavour as much to get an eternal Crown of Glory as now for those Corruptible things of Gold and Silver Labour as earnestly after the great things of Eternity as is now done for the little things of Time we should certainly come to possess them Neither can the World condemn us of Folly for we Act according to the same measure as themselves who are accounted Wise in their Generation If we do indeed settle it in our Hearts that these things are we should be as careful and industrious to have them as others are of the things here and if so our Labour would not be in vain But what a faithless and stubborn Generation are we fallen into A Generation that will not believe or will not set their Heart to obtain them A Company of Infidels and Fools for so are all those who do not walk in the way to the New Jerusalem If you will not consider you must perish in your Folly. Look and bethink your selves you are Men Stand upon your Feet and shake off that drowsie and benum'd Disposition Be throughly rouzed out of Negligence and Sottishness Come to thy self and hear what shall be said unto thee The Lord made all things for himself yea even the wicked for the day of evil Prov. 16. 4. He will be glorified in all his Works and thou also being the work of his hands art not to think thy self unconcerned or nothing related to that God with whom we have all to do If thou wilt have nothing to do with him he will have to do with thee Thou art his Creature and he will deal so with thee as the rest of mankind according to their deservings Thou must be either a Partaker of his Mercy or Wrath There is mercy O Lord with thee that thou mayest be feared And his Wrath is likewise revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of Men Rom. 1.
loss or forecast more gain and when obtained to consume it all presently in a good Dinner or two this must be imprudence To see no fruit or increase of his labour to lay up nothing for Children and there are other like mischiefs which more then weigh down all that small and seeming good of excessive eating Such kind of considerations prevail with the greater part of Mankind to abstain from it They generally go over to the other extream for they rather defraud themselves to scrape and hoard up It is strange that a reasonable creature should not hit upon the right mean between both but from one evil runs to another He might eat and drink and make his Soul enjoy good in his Labour Eccles 2. 24. But because that doth not give full satisfaction which was designed only to refresh therefore he falsly seeks for it in another sin of covetousness Even those people who are but little governed by Reason less by Faith but principally led by sence and example yet have a low esteem of that good which arises from immoderate eating It makes dull and heavy it causeth a gross understanding and weary mind and takes away Mirth Nature rejoyces when it is relieved not when oppressed God hath given great variety of his good Creatures for our benefit and comfort Gen. 1. 29. Gen 9. 3 4. 1 Tim. 4. 4 5. And hath shewed an excellent way of enjoying them in his Word Ye shall eat in plenty and be satisfied not clogged and praise the Name of the Lord your God Joel 2. 26. Blessed be his Divine goodness we have more precious promises under the Gospel but however are so to receive the things pertaining to life that we may more cheerfully perform this duty But if the heart is overcharged with good Victuals then it cannot be lifted up in thank-giving This would be a sinful and horrible abuse though too common amongst the Worshippers of God who on their Solemn Feast-Dayes in memory of our Redemption accomplished by our Lord Jesus Christ instead of an offering of Praise to a Spiritual and Holy Being as if they were to Sacrifice to Men of like inclinations with themselves do then load themselves with good cheer This is the day which the Lord hath made we will rejoyce and be glad in it Psal 118. 24. But some are so pressed with fulness that they cannot and if they are forced to raise that with the help of strong drink this is not Spiritual Joy but Sinful Mirth Do ye thus requite the Lord O foolish People and unwise By keeping the Feast with the leaven of Sin and Wickedness Is that your tribute and return of praise to provoke him yet more Is that a seasonable time of Rioting and Drunkenness when you should put on the Lord Jesus and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof Rom. 13 13. 14. When one is puffed up with Sensuality he is apt to disregard the things of God and they have not a due impression on him which seems to be the reason of such strict precepts against it for that is the evil of sin to turn away the heart or to stifle that aw and sence of God we should always have upon our minds and we are to prevent all degrees tending towards it so the single acts of intemperance are to be carefully avoided It is necessary to repeat again our Lords Command the words of expressing it are observable Take heed to your selves least at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfetting Luke 21. 34. At every Meal use the utmost caution for you can quickly run over to excess It was noted of the Wicked Gnosticks of feeding themselves without fear Jude 12. They had no regard to the sin and danger which doth easily beset our Feasts There are also corrupt cravings within which would betray into it if resisted they will at length lose their force and importunity but if yielded unto they will be more urgent If this sin deprives of a Kingdom and hinders from present Happiness may it not rightly â—e named a deceiver Which supplants a Man twice bereaves of good here and hereafter And who will continue herein is a prophane Person as Esau who for one morsel of Meat sold his Birth-right Heb. 12. 16. All the dainties of the whole life long are not so much to Heaven as that single mess of Pottage to a temporal inheritance May he not be stiled prophane in that he defiled the Temple of God by making use of his body only to receive superfluities in to fill and empty it again Let him not deceive himself if he seemeth to be wise in his own conceit because he hath something in hand by eating to the utmost and of the best he doth see others abstemious neglecting the body not valuing his Luxury but he doth not perceive they get any thing by so doing As for his part he is for satisfying the flesh to the very full for he is sure of what he puts into his Mouth But this Wisdom of the Glutton is foolishness and so will appear in the end When he shall come to be rejected of God for his past delicacies how fain would he enter into those good things prepared for such who through grace qualifie themselves here but who neglected that for inordinate trifles which then utterly disappear he will have sufficient reason to take up an exceeding bitter cry when the Lord will not pronounce on him the eternal Blessing If there is so little good to be had by this Will another kind Of Drunness of excess afford more Come and see By Drunkenness is understood when one drinketh so much as to lose the free use and exercise of his reason God hath made Man for himself endued his mind with faculties and expects to be glorified by them now when these are rendred unable for that he is dishonoured his will is contradicted which is a provocation of his most excellent Majesty Herein is some of the evil and the sin is in being contrary to his revealed Word and Command VVo unto them that rise up early in the Morning that they may follow strong drink that continue till night till Wine inflame them Wo unto them that are mighty to drink VVine and Men of Strength to mingle strong drink Isa 5. 11 22. Whom God Curses Man Blesses for who is esteemed a more worthy and honest Person then he that will not baulk his Liquor Surely those were strange times much differing from ours when Paul wrote Not to keep Company if any Man that is called a Brother be a Drunkard with such an one no not to eat 1 Cor. 5. 11. But now if a Man is not a Drunkard he is not thought fit to keep Company He is a dull Fool and who will come near him So much we who call our selves Christians and in things which do not relate to Lust are admirers of Antiquity have varied from the primitive Fashion Then they that were
Nations and in all their Kingdoms there is none like unto thee Jer. 10. 7. Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God He hath said in his heart Thou wilt not require it Psal 10. 13. Another reason is before assigned vers 4 5. God is not in all his thoughts thy judgments are far above out of his sight They pretend to despise whom either they not think of or not know or not believe for if they did it is impossible to disregard him A blind Man may run to the side of a steep Rock or brink of a River and yet not be concerned at it for he seeth not where he is And when the fool saith in his heart there is no God nor will admit the least serious thoughts of him then he may say within himself Tush God I care not for thee He may bid defiance when he perceives no danger Things at a distance are not feared and some are apt to conclude God is in Heaven that he doth not mind what is said or done here that he is slow to take Vengeance and will be pacified again Such are the real Causes why Men are so bold to Transgress against him Because sentence against an evil work is not Executed speedily therefore the hearts of the Sons of Men are fully set in them to do evil Eccles 8. 11. They have naturally an awful apprehension of God and at first are fearful to offend him but when they see others provoke him and no harm happen unto them yea sometimes Prosper they take Heart by little and little to sin against him especially if they find no hurt upon themselves The sensual blinded World judge Ezek. 12. 22 23 24. very much by Events and because they see no such dreadful Judgments poured down upon Sinners that all things happen alike to all and continue as they were from the beginning of the Creation Men may do as they will it is the Preachers trade to cry out against Sin but they are vain Words for they come to nothing Whereas they speak of future Rewards and Punishments and the time of Decision is not yet come In this may be seen a Wise ordering of Divine Providence that a Life of tryal might be had that we might walk by Faith aâ—d not by Sight Men might discern and comply with the Patience and Long-suffering of God and not despise it as now they do However they carry themselves towards God it is neither Courage nor Boldness but proceeds from the Principles of a corrupt base and timorous Nature as will be more manifested anâ— Or they do they know not what These People Who upon through scrutiny will be most convinced thereof do object Fearfulness to Religion and that this doth not take away but cause it the more This is acknowledged our excellent Religion doth not absolutely take it away but the Pressures and Vexation thereof It is necessary to prevent the Evils to come and therefore to be retained but a truly Religious Fear is not slavish nor hath torment By Fear of God we acknowledge our Subjection unto him and this being mixed with Love makes Reverence which the Soul is pleased should have a constant abode over her This makes the Man to walk humbly with his God and not dejectedly Every one doth startle or shrink a little but to have a trembling Heart and to Fear day and night Deut. 28. 65 66. to be for the most part tormented with it is the Curse of the wicked and not the righteous Mans Portion He fears nothing but what is natural or reasonable to Fear Indeed Gods own People have committed single Acts of Sin besides infirmity which he is pleased to chastise in them that they should not be condemned with the Worid 1 Cor. 11. 32. So they may be sometimes in great Fear as there are Examples in Job David and other Saints We are not to judge by what happens at some particular time but the general Course of Life And even this doth shew that Fear is the constant follower of Sin and Guilt take away this and the other will cease All Fear is because of some evil which may happen Now if it were not for what Scripture makes known no other evil would come upon Sinners but present and temporal inconveniencies which they now see But they do not Fear these at all They know and can bear with Worldly evils but further there is a Sense that they have not done what they should that they have offended one Higher whom they were bound to obey he is ready to inflict a Punishment which they are conscious that themselves do deserve this makes them afraid This is matter of Fact as every ones Conscience can bear Witness to it for those secret and unknown Sins to the World there is a dread of unseen things The Care to stiâ—â—e and put away the Sense of this doth discover it to others though they endeavour to keep it never so close And again when Men live in Holiness and Righteousness they are without Fear Even those who do not seriously addict themselves to the Worship and Knowledge of God herein are found fearful They cry Religion will make fearful and themselves are so because they have not to do with it as much as they should They are afraid to embrace it wholly through wrong apprehensions and prejudices the Devil hath put into their Head and yet they are afraid to let it alone They falsly think that will disquiet them and they are certainly disquieted if they neglect it They are in a Strait which puts them upon the outward Profession to satisfie their Fears and Doubts in this matter The World runs upon mistakes for that Religion is their Duty they are rightly instructed by Fear which is the beginning of Wisdom but that this which is the only Remedy should bring them into the Bondage thereof they are falsly informed by him who was a Lyar from the beginning His subtilty lies in this for he suggests that if a little smattering of Religion is irksome and will make fearful much more will a great deal thereof and therefore it is better to have but little to do with it to prevent further uneasiness Whereas indeed a through Compliance doth bring sweetness and assurance And to them only it is dreadful who do enter or go but half way What they do therein may pacifie natural Conscience they may be soothed up with vain Hopes or Deceits but they have no delight in God and his Ordinances They dare not throughly examine their spiritual Condition for then they would grow fearful and hence look upon much Religion as a terrible affrightning thing So their business is to do just enough as they think will save the Soul but are careless and negligent as to more Those Men bring an evil Report upon the good Land who go only to the Borders or half the way and give occasion to Strangers to conclude it very formidable for these seem in the Eye of the World
come in and then conceive who is more Honourable The Servant of him whose is the World and the Fulness thereof or a Lord of so many Acres of Land. Those Palaces and great Houses are not so much as the Dwelling of Ants to that Habitation of his Holiness the House Eternal in the Heavens prepared for all those who diligently seek to come there I ask no Mans Faith for this but appeal to his very Sence if he looks upward or how far the East is from the West The Eyes of our Vnderstanding being enligâ—tened do as clearly perceive the invisible things within as the outward Eye doth what is before us So that let none talk of uncertainty and fiction neither put off the minding them The Proud and Scornful Men are in truth low-Spirited A Glass of Liquor or the sparklings of Wine the gratifying of a lower lnclination a Whore and well coloured Dust a few little parcels of Land is what they concern themselves about Not regarding the Rivers in the Paradise of God the Glory and Exstacy of that Place the Inheritance reserved there You are for a blast of Wind which doth no good but puffs up a bubble for the lightness thereof You are for a small Reputation and Applause from talking Worms and seek not the Honour that cometh from God only John 5. 44. That gaudy shew goes away As a Dream when one awakâ—th Isa 23. 9 So O Lord when thou awakest thou shalt despise their Image Psal 73. 20. As they are mistaken in their conceit of Greatness so likewise of Happiness being there for little and Vain things for trifling and fading delights before Great and enduring Peace They are for those things which depart and come to nothing with the day before that satisfaction which is just begun here but finished and perfected through infinite Ages Is this your Honour It is such as hath no Vnderstanding Is this your Pride it is both a Deceit and a Lye for small things it bereaves you of greater it makes a shew of what is not pretends to Great and Honourable but it is Pitiful Low and Contemptible Are these fit to be made an occasion to forget God or despise what belongs unto him Their Heart was Exalted therefore have they forgotten me Hos 13. 6. 'T is by reason of those paltry things that some come to that pass as to do according to their will notwithstanding Gods Commandment to the contrary if not to speak out yet to think Marvellous things against the God of Gods Dan. 11. 36. This doth shew forth the great and enlarged faculties in Man that can stretch thus far but again this betrays his Degeneracy and Folly that he should do it upon such a small and light occasion For one that might be partaker of the Divine Nature to Jer. 2. 11. vaunt himself in beastly inclinations and desires this really brings down to the Earth And didst debase thy self even unto Hell Isa 57. 9. For him that is called unto Precious and Inestimable things to Pride himself in those of no value to be listed up with meer Vanities when they are capable to inherit great Excellencies which they set at naught because they understand them not It will be the Exclamation at last What hath Pride profited us or what good hath Riches brought us But this voice signifies nothing to Men in Desperation and Misery Whereas if now they would lay it to Heart it might bring them out of this Temptation and Snare of the Devil Every one would willingly be Happy and use the means to be so Now there are but two ways in the general Either by following Gods Grace and Direction or their own Fancies and Thoughts which they have from a sligâ—t apprehension of the thing or the opinion and multitude of others That the generality of Mankind are not yet in the right is as sure as Gods Word is true Even in this doubt wherein the World stands divided One that hath common Wisdom and discerning in every Action he takes in Hand or in every thing he proposes to himself might reduce it all this Whether the good or evil of a thing will be greater considering both what is present and what is to come for this will as certainly be here as the other And this should determine every ones choice in the way to Happiness which indeed must if he would make sure and not be deceived therein We call the Proud Happy Mal. 3. 15. Mark the Phrase for it is only so with word of Mouth but we cannot conclude it so upon Consideration and Discourse for that will make to appear it brings more Evil then Good unto Men. It is the cause of Disobedience unto God for it foolishly disdaines to be in subjection unto him and prefers its own will before the Will of God. This is a very great temptation for t is not so much the Pleasures of a Wicked Life but a Proud thinking to have the alone Command over himself and his own Actions to be governed by none and who shall controul him This makes to slight and seem to laugh at the Word of God They reckon it a piece of Bravery that they can do contrary They despise the means of Grace and Salvation They pish at Instruction and those who are appointed to make it known Shall a few Men take upon them to be Wiser then the rest or to Reform others or shall they do according as they are bid But all this is easily answered for God fpeaks unto the World by those of the same likeness with our selves it is nothing to us let Men do as they will no more then it is to the Poste whether the Proclamation be complyed withal or not His Laws are set before us by his Servants the Prophets Dan. 9. 10. We observe them not as the words of Moses Prophets Evangelists Apostles but as the very Commands of God and his Christ There is an Obedience due to the Rom. 2. 8. Truth as being from him but not at all because such a fellow Creature saith or would have it so Tribulation and Anguish is denounced against those who will not obey it now and they will really wish they had And those who purposely go against those Pillars of Truth will find that they had better run their Head against a stone-Wall which may dash out their own Brains but that remains unshaken But the Proud Men will not hear nor read or if they do they will not obey for say they in the deep of the Heart they have power over themselves which is the beginning of their Disobedience and Transgression they are liable to the Misery and Threatning annexed which will certainly come upon them if they continue in that wicked mind The Stubbornness and Contempt is much worse to the great God over all then if a Son or a Servant is perversly resolved not to †hear Jer. 13. 15. and know what his Father or Master would say or not give
satisfaction concerning that great doubt of Futurity There is a way shewed by patient continuance in well doing which any one may that will comply with and put forth the Principles of Good in him to partake of the blessed Immortality Rom. 4. 20. If it were not to derogate from Faith by which God is Glorified I could lay down how our Religion relies upon the greatest certainty that possibly can be for the Happiness and Safety of Mankind So where Philosophy was at a loss this helps and gives firm establishment to the Man as it shews unto him how his Condition shall be after Death according as he orders his Conversaâ—ion now It may be said he need not trouble himself with things afar of yet they may be nearer then he is aware even to Morrow The time after he is gone out of the World is manifestly Ionger then whilst he is in and will as certainly be so he is equally obliged to be concerned about it It is a sad case when one must be forced to borrow Comfort from the other World for then commonly none is to be had in this whereof we are most assured because we are herein but the other is to come and of doubtful Expectation Shew us some Relief here Such are the suggestions of Unbelief which yet may be answered by Sence and by Reason for our Fyes behold other parts of the World then what we are in now â—â—e Spirit from within testifies that we are not here in our prâ—per place Experience assures we must depart hence in a very little time The natural Understanding leads up to the Knowledge of God who made and governs all things We can well suppose that he who gave a Being and so many Conveniencies for one part of us can also provide for the other As he is the Father of Mcrcies so the God of all Consolation we taste and see them so we may perceive this also The nourishment of the Body according to his appointed means springs from the Earth whence it was taken so likewise doth the true Comfort of the Soul according to its Original come from above the Father the Word and the Spirit There is nothing below sutable to this Spiritual and Restless part of us lf we had Comfort only in the things of this World we were of all Creatures must Miserable for they Psal 145. 16 19. have what satiâ—fies from what is before them but not we being designed to Thirst and Labour after greater things A Voice was heard in Rama Lamentation and bitter Weeping Rachel Weeping for her Children refused to be Comforted for her Children because they were not Jer. 31. 15. So it is all the World over people are irrecoverably deprived of persons and things Nothing can countervail the loss of them but hope of having and meeting them again for which we are beholden unto a Resurrection and another State. It is manifest they are not had here again and we are tormented with earnest longings after them and have real thoughts of seeing them yet again which were never put in our nature in Vain Thus Man dieth not as a Beast dieth for there are no such affections from the Dam or others of the Herd as we have concerning Relations Friends and Acquaintance Saith the Messias our Lord These things have I spoken unto you that in me ye might have peace in the World ye shall have Tribulation but be of good cheer I have overcome the World John 16. 33. If the Heavens were not sometimes opened and a little dew did descend from above If we had not sometimes little sprinklings of the Divine Favour If we had not recourse to that Book where the words are pleasant as an Honey-Comb Sweet to the Soul and Health to the Bones Prov. 16. 24. We should have a weary and tiresome Journey through this place for here is no rest and nothing proper for us How prophetically do Men speak of Fnturity before it was plainly revealed I Gen. 49. 18. have waited sor thy Salvation O Lord saith dying Jacob. The Words seem to come in without Connexion on the former as Light immediately sprung into the Soul a full assurance then of what he had faintly hoped and fore-thought of his few and evil days and now it was beginning to be accomplished I had fainted unless I had believed to see the Goodness of the Lord in the Land of the Living Psal 27. 13. This is not for all here are dead or dying so we are as soon as we begin to draw Breath Even the Inhabitants of the earthly Canaan do not boast of the Happiness which aâ—ises from the Ground of their Health and Plenty but of the Goodness and loving Kindness of the Lord of their Trust in him Much more should those under the Gospel Who are kept by the power of God through Faith unto Salvation ready to be revealed in the last time 1 Pet. 4. 5. Let not your Hearts be troubled Believe in God Believe in me John 14. 1. The Sence of him above under whose good Providence we live all our days those many Mansions in his House verse 2. So there is room for us if we use his Grace to become meet these are greater Comforts then the World can give which are not to be despised nor cast off as a resâ—rve for compare them a little with yours ye worldly Minded and Unbelievers The reason why you set them at naught is from Want and Ignorance But wo unto you that are Rich sor yet have received your Consolation VVo unto you that are Full for ye shall Hunger VVo unto you that Laugh now for ye shall Mourn and Weep Luke 6. 24 25. Being puffed up with Sensnality and your Souls become as it were of the same nature with the Body they begin to rellish the same Enjoyments also and to approve of them You now care for nothing more but you shall be taken from these things You who rejectthe good things of Gods Kingdom now offered unto you shall then lament the refusal of them Will you lightly esteem of that which doth ever remain when those things are done away which you highly value now Only be Wise in time consider of that before hand which you must at length be sensible of whither you will or not Tâ—y and be acquainte and your selves will affirm not withstanding all Pleasures Enjoyment Company and Recreations the two first make Brutish not Happy the others make unmindful for a little while but do not prevent Misery yet in the midst of Health Life and Vigour much more in the time of Tribulation There is no such true Happiness and sincere Comfort as what arises from God and the things of another World. Evil doth beset and fall upon us in the threeâ—old capacity of Mind Body and Estate which doth Afflict as it disturbs and is contrary Of Sorrow to the regular Order of each Indeed they especially the two first are connected that if the one suffers
effect He did not therefore make Promises to the Poor or speak against the Rich because he was himself in a low condition for he might as well have been Born of a Queen and in a Sumptuous Palace as of a mean Virgin in Bethlehem the least of the Princes of Judah The Counsels Decrees and Prophesies of old might have been so fixed But the Son of God despises the Pomp and Glory of the World he slighteth them both in Word and Practise Gods Thoughts are contrary to Mans Thoughts for he speaks in Favour and Comfort of the Poor whom the World abhorreth and despiseth On the other hand terribly and to humble those who now are so much flattered and Psal 18. 27. had in admiration the significancy whereof themselves shall feel who do not mind nor take due warning The Scripture runs thus when it mentions that difference of State and Condition And whosoever intends to have good must follow the steps of the Captain of our Salvation taking him both sor a Lord and Example to do and to speak yea and to think as he did That we may have boldness in the day of Judgement because as he is so are we in this World 1 John 4. 17. And then will not be given so great Respect and Adoration to Riches only no fawning upon those who abound therewith For they have not so learned Christ Eph. 4. 20. It comes near to a Contradiction that the Grace of our Jam. 2. Lord Jesus Christ should be had with respect of Persons for that equals and makes us Brethren in Christ It was given to contemn Vanity and is of a different nature from Gold or precious Raiment and therefore in no wise to be more magnified by reason of those worldly Advantages the Person is in The Faith and good Works of those in ordinary State are not taken notice of but who have Riches and Honour of this World what they do towards Religion is applauded even by those who should Know Teach and Practice otherwise Though these do contrary to the Apostolical Canon 1 Tim. 5. 21. Yet God and the Lord Jesus and the Elect Angels will not prefer one before another they will do nothing by Partiality but distribute to every Man according to his work It is thus also in a lower step We find it by Observation and Experience if we never saw it Written The Poor Mans Wisdom is despised and his Words are not heard Eccles 9. 16. The Apology here is Because t is supposed that they who have Worldly Advantages have also better opportunity and means to get Wisdom and those cannot attain it who have them not Great Men are not always Wise Job 32. 9. and further Wisdom doth not depend so much upon outward means as those Endowments and Faculties God hath first implanted in the mind There is much upon the Improvement of them yet this is not necessarily had or hindered by worldly Aâ—â—â—d 〈◊〉 or Want for the first is often made an occasion â—â— Sensuality Negligence and Idleness None judges of a Tree by its bâ—ing planted in a right soil or dunged about or the likelihood to bear but by what Fruit it doth actually bring forth God may and doth raise up some without common Advantages whom he enlightens by his Grace and Spirit He shews his own Glory and Power this way and chiefly in them who had not much of outward abundance The Prophets and Apostles those Worthies of old both in Divine and Humane Learning were rejected and despised by that corrupt and foolish Estimation of judging the Man without the Man neither according to Body nor Soul but Land or Money which he hath no right unto from his own Nature but national Laws and Constitutions hath set out unto him Besides Wisdom and Truth is without the Man and not to be jâ—dged of by him The Blessing is sent unto the World through such water-Pipes which of themselves are dry and meer Engines to convey Who is so sottish to refuse the good because of the meanness of the Instrument that brings it A Man can receive nothing except it be given him from Heaven John 3. 27. God is jealous of his own Glory and sends forth his Treasure by despicable outward means that the Excellency thereof should not be in us and all praise should be returned unto him None doth refuse his daily Sustenance although it comes forth of the dirt of the Earth the Proud person doth not esteem Silk the worse because it is the Excrements of a Worm Yea all Temporal things if we look down to the Pit whence they are digged are mean and filthy which doth not prejudice as to them Every good Gift and every perfect Gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of Lights James 1. 17. They no have Defilements We are naturally unclean but this comes on purpose to cleanse us Sanctifie them through thy Truth thy Word is Truth John 17. 17. It receives no advantage but diminishment from the things of this World. One would think we were all under the Dominion of Mammon he is so much in Mens Thoughts It is a shame that Reasonable Creatures should esteem of one another according to a little Pelf or outward Gaiety but much more that Christians who if they were so indeed their Profession would as much advance them above the common Size of People as they are above Brutes if they preserved their Dignity should yet be carried away with the errour and absurd Partiality of the World. A sign how little they are governed by Faith and Reason but they are led on by Sence and Custom Which would do us most good will be seen when the Lord of all shall demand how we have done according Mat. 25. 14 19. to the Laws and Power he gave unto us Were those false opinions of things taken away as it would be a great help to our Duty so to present Peace and Contentment For the generality of Mankind being Slaves to the opinion of others do more according to what they think then themselves Such a thing could be let alone but the Fashion and Majority is for it and they must do as the rest Again they could be without it but Reputation and Esteem of others make it necessary Who go not according to Conscience towards God yet do upon the very same Principles towards Men for would they do the same to please and get Honour from him who is more then all the many Inhabitants of the World as they do from one another they were in the right Which seems to shew that what God requires is not only easie and may be performed but there is a propension in the Heart of Man to do even the same for he doth it in common Acts though he doth not stretch up this Principle to the high and right end Would he do so in Obedience unto God as to recommend himself unto others take and go according to his Estimation of things For