deal not Foolishly and to the wicked lift not up the Horn. 1. Are not they Fools who gratifie their Enemy They who want the Fear of God do so Satan baits his hook with pleasure and profit and they swallow bait and hook and all this pleaseth Satan mens sins feast the Devil Who but a Fool would humour his enemy 2. Is it not folly to preferre Slavery before Liberty if a Slave in the gally should have his freedom offered him but he should say he had rather Tug at the Oar and be a slave than have his liberty would not he be Judged indiscreet Such is the case of him who Fears not God The Gospel offers to free him from the miserable captivity of Sin but he chooseth rather to be a slave to his lusts He is like the Servant under the Law Exod. 21.5 I love my Master I will not go out free He was displeased with a year of Iubilee The Foolish sinner had rather have his Ear bored to the Devils service than be translated into the Glorious liberty of the Sons of God Rom. 8.21 3. Is not he a Fool who having but one Jewel will venture the loss of it The Soul is this Jewel and the sinner is fearless of it he will throw it away upon the world as if one should throw Pearls and Diamonds at Pear-trees Ephrem Syrus used to say He who Pampers his body and neglects his Soul is like him who feasts his Slave and starves his Wife 4. Is not he a Fool who refuseth a rich offer if one should offer to adopt another and make him Heir of his Estate and he should refuse it would not his discretion be called in question God offers Christ to a sinner and promiseth to entail all the riches of Heaven upon him but wanting the Fear of God he refuseth this Great offer Psalm 81.11 Israel would none of me Is not this a Prodigy of madness may not the Devil beg every sinner for a Fool at the last day 15. The Fear of God is a Soveraign Antidote against Apostasie the Devil was the first Apostate How rife is this sin more shipwracks are at Land than at Sea men make shipwrack of a Good Conscience Apostates are said to put Christ to open shame Heb. 6.6 The Fear of God is a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a preservative against Apostacy Ier. 32.40 I will put my Fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me I will so love them that I will not depart from them and they shall so Fear me that they shall not depart from me 15. There are excellent Promises made to them that Fear God Malach. 4.2 Vnto you that Fear my Name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his Wings Here is a promise of Christ he is a Sun for Light and Vivifical Influence and a Sun of Righteousness as he diffuseth the Golden beams of Justification And he hath healing in his Wings the Sun heals the Air dries up the Cold moistures exhales the Vapours which would be Pestilential so Christ hath healing in his Wings he heals the hardness and impurity of the Soul And the Horison in which this Sun ariseth is in hearts Fearing God To you that Fear my Name shall the Sun of righteousness arise And there is another Great Promise Psalm 115.13 He will bless them that Fear the Lord both Small and Great God blesseth such in their Name Estate Souls And this blessing can never be reversed As Isaac said I have blessed him and he shall be blessed Gen. 27.33 Such as Fear God are priviledged Persons none can take away from them either their birth-right or their blessing 16. Fear is an admirable Instrument in Promoting Salvation Philip. 2.12 Work out your Salvation with Fear Fear is that flaming Sword which turns every way to keep sin from entring Prov. 6.16 Fear stands Sentinel in the Soul and is ever upon it's Watch-Tower Fear causeth circumspection he who walks in Fear treads warily Fear begets Prayer and Prayer engageth the help of Heaven 17. The Lord is much pleased with such as Fear him Psalm 147.11 The Lord taketh pleasure in them that Fear him In the Septuagint it is The Lord bears Good will towards them that Fear him Pagnin and Buxtorf render it The Lord delights in them that Fear him Never did Suitor take such pleasure in a Person he loved as God doth in them that Fear him they are his Hephsibah or chief solace Isa. 62.4 He saith of them as of Sihon Psalm 132.14 Here is my rest for ever here will I dwell A sinner is a vessel in which is no pleasure Hosea 8.8 But Fearers of God are Favourites 18. Such as Fear God are the only persons that shall be saved Psalm 85.9 Salvation is nigh them that Fear him Salvation is said to be far from the Wicked Psalm 119.155 They and Salvation are so far asunder that they are like never to meet But Gods Salvation is nigh them that Fear him What do we aspire after but Salvation 'T is the end of all our Prayers Tears Sufferings Salvation is the Crown of our desires the flower of our joy And who shall be enriched with Salvation but the Fearers of God His Salvation is nigh them that Fear him Let these cogent arguments perswade to the Fear of God Let us put our selves upon a strict Scrutiny and Tryal whether we have the Fear of God planted in our hearts How may we know it 1. The Fear of God will make a man fear sin Gen. 39.9 How can I do this Great wickedness and sin against God indeed sin is the only Formidable thing this is the Gorgons Head that affrights it is the Evil of Evils 'T is the Poison the Old Serpent hath spit into our Virgin-nature In Sin is both Pollution and Enmity Sin is compared to a Thick Cloud Isa. 44.22 which not only hides the light of Gods Face but brings down showers of Wrath. Sin is worse than all penal evils there is more evil in a drop of Sin than in a Sea of Affliction 1. Sin is the cause of Affliction it conjures up all the Winds and Storms in the World Out of this Viperous womb come Mutinies Divisions Massacres and the cause is worse than the effect 2. In Affliction Conscience may be quiet the Hail may beat upon the Tiles when there is Musick in the room but Sin terrifies the Conscience Nero in the midst of Feasts and Roman sports was full of horrour of mind the numbers of men he had Killed troubled him Cataline was frighted at every noise Cain in Killing Abel stab'd half the World at one blow yet could not he Kill the Worm of his own Conscience Sin is the Spirits of Mischief distilled it puts a Sting into death 1 Cor. 15.56 It is worse than Hell 1. Hell is a burden only to the sinner but sin is a Burden to God Amos 2.13 2. There
Profession to lose Heaven What think you of the Foolish Virgins They are called Virgins because they were not tainted with any gross Sin yet these Virgin-Professors were shut out Mat. 25.10 Balaam a Prophet Iudas an Apostle both cashiered We have seen some Ships have had glorious names given them the Good-speed the Hope the Safe-guard yet cast away at Sea 2. It is possible to come near to Heaven yet fall short of it Mark 12.34 Thou art not far from the Kingdom of God yet he was not near enough Men may countenance the Ministry of the Word have their Affections moved at an Ordinance and in outward show out-go the Children of God yet not having the Oyl of Sincerity in their Vessels they may be frustrated of happiness And how dismal is that to lose God to lose their Souls to lose their Hopes The Millions of Tears shed in Hell are not sufficient to bewail the loss of Heaven Well may such as have Heaven in them Fear their coming short of it Thus much for the Use of Trial. How shall we arrive at this Blessed Fear 1. Let us set God ever in our eye study his Immensity He is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God Almighty Gen. 17.1 He gives laws to the Angels binds the Consciences of men cuts off the Spirit of Princes Psalm 76.12 The Thoughts of Gods incomprehensible Greatness would strike an Holy awe into our Hearts Elijah wrap'd his face in a Mantle when Gods Glory passed by The reason men Fear not God is because they entertain slight thoughts of him Psalm 40.21 Thou thoughtest I was such an one as thy self 2. Let us pray for this Fear of God which is the Root of all Holiness and the Mother of all Wisdom Psalm 86.11 Vnite my Heart to Fear thy Name the Lord hath Promised to put his Fear in our Heart Ier. 32.40 Let us pray over this Promise while some pray for Riches and others for Children let us pray for an Heart to Fear God To conclude this you who have this Fear planted in your Souls bless God for it Psalm 135.20 Ye that Fear the Lord bless the Lord. God hath done more for you than if he had made you Kings and Queens and caused you to ride upon the High places of the Earth He hath enriched you with that Jewel which he bestows only upon the Elect. O stand upon Mount Gerizim blessing The Fear of God is an Immortal Seed springing up into Glory Psalm 22.23 Ye that fear the Lord praise him Begin the Work of Heaven now be Spiritual Quiristers sound forth Holy Doxologies and Triumphs say as David Psalm 71.8 Let my Mouth be filled with thy Praise and with thy Honour all the day God hath but little praise in the world Who should pay him this Quit-rent if not they that fear him CHAP. V. Shewing the first Character in special of the Godly namely Speaking of God 2. HAving done with the Character of the Godly in General I proceed next to their Special Characters 1 They spake often one to another When the Wicked said It is Vain to serve God then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another The meaning of this word they spake often is they did discourse Religiously together their Tongues were Divinely tuned by the Holy Ghost Christians when they meet together should use holy Conference This is not only an advice but a charge Deu. 6.6 These words shall be in thy Heart and thou shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy House and when thou walkest by the way and when thou lyest down and when thou risest up Indeed where there is Gratia infusa it will be effusa Grace changeth the Language and makes it Spiritual When the Holy Ghost came upon the Apostles they spake with other Tongues Act. 2.4 Grace makes Christians speak with Other Tongues A good Christian hath not only the Law of God in his Heart Psalm 37.31 but in his Tongue vers 30. The body is the Temple of God 1 Cor. 6.19 The Tongue is the Organ in this Temple which sounds in Holy discourse Prov. 10.20 The tongue of the Iust is as Choice Silver He drops Silver sentences enriching others with Knowledge Mat. 12.35 A Good man out of the Good treasure of his Heart bringeth forth good things In his heart is a Treasure of Goodness and this is not like a bag of Mony Sealed but he brings something out of the Treasure within to the enriching of others Grace is of the Nature of fire which will not be pent up like new Wine it will have Vent There is a principle within constrains to holy Conference Job 32.18 The Spirit within me constraineth me CHAP. VI. Containing the Applicatory part IT shews the Genius and temper of true Saints they speak often one to another their Lips drop as an Hony-comb A man is known what country he belongs to by his Language He who belongs to the Jerusalem above speaks the Language of Canaan none of Gods children are dumb their mouth is a well-spring of Wisdom Prov. 18.4 Here I may draw up a bill of Indictment against five sorts of Persons 1. Such as are silent in matters of Religion They would be counted Good but he must have good eyes that can see it I know not whether it be Ignorance or Bashfulness that makes good discourse waved Many are so mute in Religion as if their Tongues did cleave to the roof of their Mouth had they any love to God or had they ever tasted how sweet the Lord is their mouth would talk of his Righteousness Psalm 71.24 Friends what should we mind but Salvation what are the things of this world they are neither Entia nor Manentia Do not we see men heap up Riches and on a sudden death as Gods Serjeant Arrests them What should we talk of but the things Pertaining to the Kingdom of God Let this cause blushing among Christians that their meetings are so unprofitable they leave God out of their discourse Why is there no good conference Have you so much Knowledge that you need not have it encreased Have you so much Faith that you need not have it Strengthened Silence in Religion is a loud sin We read of one who was possessed with a Dumb Devil Mark 9.12 How many are Spiritually possessed with a Dumb Devil It is a rebuke to such as when they meet together instead of speaking of Heaven they have idle frothy discourse They do 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but no 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Plutarch said of Alcibiades Their Lips do not drop as an Honey-comb but run as a Spout their speaking is Just like a Childs scribling Psalm 12.2 They speak Vanity every one with his Neighbour If Christ should ask some as he did the two Disciples going to Emaus Luk. 24.17 What manner of Communications have you as you walk they could not say as they did concerning Jesus of
Ambassage from the God of Heaven This Prophet was so famous that Origen and others though injudiciously supposed him to be an Angel He lived after the building of the second Temple and was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 contemporary with Haggai and Zechariah This blessed Prophet did lift up his voice like a Trumpet and tell the Jewish Nation of their sins and he was the last Trumpet that sounded in the Old Testament In the words of the Text are these parts I. A Character of the Godly 1. In General they were Fearers of God they that feared the Lord. 2. In Special 1 They spake often one to another 2 They thought upon Gods Name II. The Good Effects of their Piety 1. The Lord regarded it he hearkned and heard 2. He recorded it a book of remembrance was written 3. He rewarded it and this reward consisted in three things 1 Gods owning them they shall be mine 2 Gods Honouring them in that day when I make up my Iewels 3 Gods Sparing them I will spare them as a man spareth his own Son that serveth him Before I come to the several parts distinctly here is a connexive particle stands in the front of the Text which may not be omitted namely the word Then Then they that feared the Lord c. Then that is after Israels return from the Babylonish Captivity then when the major part of the people grew corrupt and came worse out of the Furnace than they went in vers 13 14 in this bad juncture of time then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another Hence observe That the Profaneness of the times should not slacken but highthen our zeal The looser others are the stricter we should be In those degenerate times when men were arrived at the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and highth of Impudence and durst speak Treason against Heaven then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another When others were Plaintiffs these were Defendants when others spake against God these spake for God In Noah's dayes all Flesh had corrupted it self the old World was drowned in sin before it was drowned in water now at this time Noah was perfect in his Generation and Noah walked with God Gen. 6.9 He was the Phoenix of his age Athanasius stood up in the defence of the Truth when the World was turned Arrian The more outragious others are in Sin the more couragious we should be for Truth When the Atheists said 't is Vain to serve God Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another Why should we be holiest in evil Times 1. Because of the divine Injunction God chargeth us to be singular Mat. 5.47 to be circumspect Eph. 5.15 to be separate from Idolaters 2 Cor. 6.17 to shine as Lights in the World Philip. 2.15 He forbids us to symbolize with Sinners or doe as they doe the way to Hell is a beaten road the Lord calls to us to turn out of the road Exod. 23.2 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil This is reason enough to keep our selves pure in a time of common Infection As Gods Word is our Rule so his Will is our Warrant 2. To be holiest in evil times is an Indication of the truth of Grace To profess Religion when the times favour it is no Great matter Who almost will not court the Queen of the Gospel when she is hung with Jewels but to own the wayes of God when they are decried and maligned to love a persecuted truth this evidenceth a vital Principle of Goodness Dead Fish swim down the stream living Fish swim against it To swim against the common stream of evil shews Grace to be alive The Prophet Elias continuing zealous for the Lord of Hosts when they had digged down Gods Altars 1 King 19.10 shewed his heart and lips had been touched with a Coal from the Altar 1 Vse See hence how unworthy they are of the Name of Christians who use sinful complyance and cut the Garment of their Religion according to the Mode and fashion of the times They consult not what is best but what is safest Complying spirits can truckle to the humours of others they can bow either to the East or to the Host they prefer a whole Skin before a pure Conscience They can with the Planet Mercury vary their motion they can as the Mariner shift their Sail with every wind and as the Mungril Israelites speak the Language of Canaan and Ashdod These are like the Samaritans of whom Iosephus saith when the Jews flourished they pretended to be a-kin to them and come of the tribe of Ephraim and Manasseh but when the Jews were persecuted they disclaimed Kindred with them The old Serpent hath taught men crooked windings and to be for that Religion not which hath truth on its side but power 2 Vse Let us keep up the vigour of our zeal in times of degeneracy We should by an holy Antiperistasis burn hotter in a frozen age We live in the dregs of time Sin is grown common and impudent 'T is excellent to walk Antipodes to the World Rom. 12.2 Let us be as Lillies and Roses among the Briars Sin is never the better because it is in fashion nor will this plea hold at the last day that we did as the most God will say Seeing you sinned with the Multitude you shall go to Hell with the Multitude O let us keep pure among dregs let us be like Fish that retain their freshness in salt waters and as that Lamp which shined in the smoaking Furnace Gen. 15.17 Consider 1. To be holy in times of General defection is that which God is Greatly pleased with The Lord was much taken with the holy conferences and dialogues of these Saints in the Text. When others were inveighing against the Deity that there should be a parcel of holy Souls speaking of Glory and the Life to come their words were Musick in Gods ears 2. To keep up a spirit of Holiness in an adulterous Generation is a Christians honour This was the glory of the Church of Pergamus that she held fast Christs Name even where Satans seat was Rev. 2.13 The Impiety of the times is a Foyl to set off Grace the more and make it cast a greater lustre Then a Christian is most lovely when he is as Ambrose saith like the Cypresse which keeps its Viridity and freshness in the Winter season Psalm 37.37 Mark the perfect man and behold the Vpright An upright man is always worth beholding but then he is most to be admired when like a bright Star he Shines in the dark and having lost all holds fast his integrity 3. To be Good in a prosligate Age doth much animate weak beginners it Strengthens feeble knees Isa. 35.3 And shores up those Temples of the Holy Ghost which are ready to fall One mans Zeal is a Torch for others to light at How did the Constancy of the Martyrs inflame
feaâ— Assurance and Fear are diversa but not Opposita different but not contrary A Child may have assurance of his Fathers love yet hath a fear of offending him Who more fearful of Sin than St. Paul 1 Cor. 9.27 Yet who had more assurance Galat. 2.20 Who Loved me and Gave himself for me Faith procures assurance fear preserves it Is it a duty to Fear God what strangers then are they to Religion who are void of this Holy Fear The Godly fear and sin not the wicked sin and fear not They are like the Leviathan who is made without Fear Iob 41.33 Want of the fear of God is the innate Cause of all Wickedness Rom. 3.14 Whose mouth is full of Cursing and bitterness their feet are swift to shed blood Whence was this vers 18. There is no fear of God before their eyes Abraham surmized the men of Gerar would stick at no Sin why so Gen. 20.11 I thought surely the fear of God is not in this place The Judge in the Gospel is called an unjust Iudge Luke 18.6 And no wonder for vers 2. he feared not God There must needs be an excess of Sin where there wants the Fear of God to restrain it The water must needs Overflow where there are no banks to keep it out We live in a Godless age durst men Sin at that rate as they do if the fear of God were regent in their hearts durst they swear be unclean use False weights bear false witness hate purity deride Gods signs in the Heaven Forge Plots Persecute Christs body if they had the fear of God before their eyes these men proclaim to the World that they are Atheists they believe not the Immortality of the Soul They are worse than brutish a Beast fears the fire these fear not Hell Fire They are worse than Devils for they believe and tremble Jam. 2.19 Let us bewail the want of the Fear of God Terras Astraea reliquit Whence is it so few fear God 1. Because they have not the knowledge of God Prov. 1.24 They hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord did men know God in his immense glory they would be swallowed up with divine amazement When the Prophet Isaiah had a glimpse of Gods Glory he was stricken with holy consternation Isaiah 6.5 Wo is me I am undone for mine eyes have seen the King the Lord of Hosts But the Ignorance of God banisheth fear 2. Men fear not God because they presume of his Mercy God is merciful and they doubt not of the Vertue of this soveraign Balm But who is Gods mercy for Luke 1.50 His mercy is on them that fear him Such as fear not Gods Justice shall not tast his Mercy Let this be for a Lamentation that the fear of God is so vanished Where almost is it to be found Some fear shame others fear danger but where is he who fears a Deity Diogenes came into a full Market with a Candle and Lanthorn they asked him what he sought saith he Hominem quaero I seek a man that is a wise man So in the Crowd of people we may go and seek a man fearing God And not only among the Commonalty but even among Professors how sew fear God in truth Profession is often made a Mantle to cover sin Absalom palliated his Treason with a Religious Vow 2 Sam. 15.7 The Pharisees made long Prayer a preface to Oppression Mat. 23.14 This is sordid to carry on wicked designs sublarva Pictatis under a pretext of Piety The Snow covers many a dung-hill A snovvy vvhite Profession covers many a foul heart The sins of Professors are more odious Thistles are bad in a Field but vvorse in a Garden The sins of the vvicked anger God but the sins of Professors Grieve him It reproves Iovial Sinners vvho are so far from fearing God that they spend their time in mirth and vvantonness Luke 17.27 They did eat they drank they married till the flood came and destroyed them all There is a place in Affrica called Tombutium where the Inhabitants spend all the day in piping and dancing What sensual effeminate lives do the Gallants of our age live They spend their Life in a Frolick As if God had made them to be like the Leviathan who plays in the Sea Job 21.13 They take the Timbrel and Harp and rejoyce at the sound of the Organ They ride to Hell upon the back of Pleasure and go merrily to damnation Though the Times are sad they have no fear in regard of the publique Doth not God call us to trembling our sins are the fiery Comets that presage evil May not we fear the Glory is departing may not we fear the death of Religion before the birth of Reformation May not we fear some portentous calamity should bring up the rear of former Judgments and as the Prophet Ezekiel saith Should me then make-mirth Ezek. 21.10 But Jovial spirits have banished the fear of God Amos 6.4 5. That lye upon beds of Ivory and stretch themselves upon their couches that drink wine in Bowls and anoint themselves with the chief Oyntments Sinners whose hearts are hardned with soft pleasures let them have their lusts and farewell Christ and his Gospel Iude 12. Feeding themselves without fear But they Forget death will bring in the reckoning and they must pay the reckoning in Hell The Great Turk when he intends the death of any of his Bashaws invites them to a Sumptuous Feast and then causeth them to be taken away from the Table and strangled so Satan Gluts men with sinful pastimes and delights and then strangles them Foolish Gallants are like the Fish that swim pleasantly through the Silver streams of Iordan till at last they fall into the dead Sea It reproves secure Sinners who have no Fear of God Like Laish of old Iudg. 18.27 A people quiet and secure Those who are least safe are most confident Security casts men into a deep Sleep Birds that build and roost in Steeples being used to the continual ringing of Bells the noise doth not at all disquiet them So Sinners who have been long used to the sound of Aarons Bells though ever and anon they have a peal rung out against their sins yet being used to it they are not startled A secure sinner is Known thus 1. He lives as bad as the worst yet hopes to be saved as well as the best He doth bless himself saying I shall have peace though I walk in the imagination of my heart Deut. 29.19 As if a man should drink Poison yet not doubt but he shall have his health A secure sinner lies in Delilahs lap yet hopes to be in Abrahams bosom 2. A secure sinner thinks all is well because all is in peace He hears others speak of a Spirit of bondage and the terrors they have felt for sin he thanks God he never Knew what Trouble of spirit meant he thinks his
with such integrity 2 Thes. 2.10 Ye are witnesses and God also how holily and justly and unblamably we behaved our selves among you What was the cause of this sure a Fear of the Judgment day approaching 2 Cor. 5.10 For we must all appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ. The word in the orinal is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 we must be made manifest our hearts must be laid open before Men and Angels Such is the Witchcraft of Hypocrisie that it is hard in this life to know who is false and who is sincere but shortly there will be a full discovery 'T is good for Gods people so to Fear Judgment as it makes them strive against prevarication and Hypocrisie for then the Hypocrite will be found out 5. The Fear of God makes a man Fear Hell Hell is called the place of Torment Luke 16.28 Not only flagitious Sinners but such as Fear God ought to Fear Hell Luke 12.4 I say unto you my friends Fear him who hath power to cast into Hell How far should Gods people Fear Hell Not so as to let go their Hope A Mariner fears a Storm but not so as to throw away his Anchor Such as Fear God should Fear Hell four wayes 1. They should fear Hell tanquam meritum as that which they have deserved Their sins have merited Hell Wo to the Holyest man alive if God should weigh him in the ballance of his Justice 2. They who Fear God ought so far to Fear Hell as it is a means to make them shake off Spiritual sloth This disease is apt to seize upon Gods own people the Wise Virgins Slumbred Mat. 25.5 Now so far as the fear of Hell is an alarum or Watch-bell to awaken the Godly out of security and make them run faster to Heaven so far it is a good and blessed Fear 3. The Fear of Hell is so far Good in the Godly as it makes them afraid of being in the number of those who shall go to Hell There are certain Persons in danger of Hell 1. Who have all their Heaven in this Life Isa. 47.8 Thou that art given to pleasure Epicures swim in sensual delights they had rather displease God than deny the flesh these shall take up their quarters in Hell Isa. 22.12 13. In that day did the Lord of Hosts call to weeping and behold joy and Gladness eating Flesh and drinking Wine surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till you dye saith the Lord. That is this Sin shall not be done away by any Sacrifice 2. They are in danger to be cast into Hell who live in the Sin of Adultery they who burn in lust shall burn in Hell 2 Pet. 2.9 The Lord knows how to reserve the unjust to be punished 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness See the corruption of mans nature If God had made all common he would have sought an enclosure and now God hath made an enclosure he endeavours to lay all common Instead of drinking Water out of his own Cistern he loves stolen Waters The same Latine word praesepe signifies a Stable and a Whore-house both are for Beasts 3. They are like to go to Hell who by giving bad Example cause others to Sin Bad example like the Plague is catching Great men are Glasses which the common people dress themselves by Such as give bad example have not only their own sins but the sins of others to answer for and that doubtless was the reason why Dives intreated Abraham that one might go from the Dead to Preach to his Brethren Luk. 16.27 Not that Dives had love to their Souls but it was because while he was alive he had occasioned his Brethrens sins by his Wicked example and he knew that their coming to Hell would encrease his Torment 4. They are like to go to Hell who live and dye in the contempt of Gods Word Ministers have preached till the bellows are burnt their Vitals wasted but men stop their Ears and harden their Hearts Zach. 7.12 They make their Heart as an Adamant Hardness of Heart lies in the insensibleness of the Conscience and the inflexibleness of the Will Obdurate Sinners shake out the Arrow of Conviction Scorn Reproof When the Prophet cried to the Altar of Stone it rent 1 King 13.2 But Sinners Hearts rend not these are like to have the Wrath of God flame about their Ears 2 Thes. 1.8 The Lord Iesus shall be revealed from Heaven in flaming fire taking Vengeance on them who obey not the Gospel 5. They shall go to Hell who fall away Finally Mat. 13.6 Because they had no root they withered Flowers in a Waterpot will keep Green and fresh a while but having no root wither Demas and Iulian made a fair show a while but ended as the Silkworm which after all her Curious Spinning at last becomes a Common fly Heb. 10.26 If we sin wilfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth there remains no more Sacrifice for sin Thus we see who are like to be thrown into Hell Now it is good for the Godly so to Fear Hell as to fear to be in the number of those who shalt go to Hell 4. The Fear of Hell is so far good in the Godly as it is a Fear mixed with Rejoycing Psalm 2.11 Rejoyce with trembling A Believers Fear of Hell must be like the Fear of the two Maries going from the Sepulcher Mat. 28.8 They departed from the Sepulcher with Fear and great Ioy Fear because they had seen an Angel and Joy because Christ was risen So must the Godly look on Hell with Fear and Joy Fear because of the Fire Joy because Christ hath freed them from it A man that stands upon an high rock Fears when he looks down into the Sea yet Rejoyceth that he is not there strugling with the Waves So a Child of God when he looks down into Hell by Contemplation may fear because of the dreadfulness of the Torment yet this Fear should be mingled with Joy to think he shall never come there Iesus hath delivered him from Wrath to come 6. The Fear of God will make a man Fear Heaven You may say that is strange rather Hope for Heaven nay a Regenerate person is to Fear Heaven lest he fall short of it Hebr. 4.1 Let us Fear lest a promise being lest us of entring into his rest any of you should seem to come short of it 'T is a Metaphor taken from Racers who Growing weary and lagging behind come short of the prize Who had more hope of Heaven than St. Paul yet he was not without his Fears 1 Cor. 9.27 I keep under my Body lest when I have preached to others I my self should be a Cast-away And well may he who shall go to Heaven Fear least he miss of it if you consider 1 It is Possible for many who make a Splendid
Nazareth no perhaps about Toyes or new Fashions If Idle words must be accounted for Mat 12.36 Lord what an account will some have to give It reproves the Avaritious Person who instead of speaking of Heaven talks of nothing but the World the Farmer speaks of his Plough and Yoak of Oxen the Tradesman of his Wares and Drugs but not a word of God John 3.31 He that is of the Earth speaketh of the Earth Many are like the Fish in the Gospel that had Money in it's Mouth Mat. 12.27 They talk only of Secular things as if they Imagined to fetch happiness out of that Earth which God hath Cursed Seneca being asked of what Countrey he was answered he was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Citizen of this World we may know many to be Citizens of this World their speech bewrayeth them O curvae in terras animae et caelestium inanes 4. It reproves them who do indeed speak often to one another but in a bad sence 1. They speak one to another in hasty words Their words should be like the Waters of Shiloah that go softly but too often they are fierce and Pungent Water when it is hot soon boils over when the Heart is heated with anger it soon boils over in furious speeches Jam. 3.6 Passion transports Many curse in their anger The Tongue is made in the fashion of a Sword and it cuts like a Sword Angry words often prejudice him that utters them Rehoboam with one churlish word lost ten tribes A fiery Spirit is unsuitable to the Master we serve the Prince of Peace and to his Ambassage the Gospel of Peace Such whose tongues are set on fire let them take heed they do not one day in Hell desire a drop of Water to Cool their Tongue 2. They speak one to another in a bad sence who Murmure and complain one to another they do not complain of their Sins but their Wants Murmuring proceeds from unbelief Psalm 106.24 They believed not his word but murmured When men distrust Gods Promises they murmur at his Providences this is a Sin God can hardly bear Numb 14.27 How long shall I bear with this People that murmur against me Israels speeches were Venomous and God punished them with Venomous Serpents 1 Cor. 10.10 3. They speak one to another in a bad sence who vent themselves in filthy scurrilous Language The Heart is a Vessel full of Wickedness and the Tongue sets it a-broach When the Face breaks out in Sores and Pimples it shews the Blood is corrupt when men break forth in unsavoury speeches it shews the Heart is Profane 1 Cor. 15.35 Evil communication corrupteth good manners We read that the Lips of the Leper were to be covered Levit. 13.45 It were happy if we had such Magistrates as would by their Authority cover the unclean Lips of these Lepers 4. They speak one to another in a bad sence who instead of seasoning their words with Grace mix them with Oaths Swearers rend and tear Gods Name and like mad Dogs fly in the face of Heaven Jer. 23.10 Because of swearing the Land mourns Some think it the Grace of speech to interlard every sentence with an Oath as if they would go to Hell Genteelly But saith one it is my Custom to Swear Is this an excuse or an aggravation of the sin If a Malefactor should be arraigned for Robbery and he should say to the Judge spare me for it is my custom to rob on the High way the Judge would say thou shalt the rather dye For every Oath that a man Swears God puts a drop of Wrath into his Vial 5. It reproves them who instead of speaking in an holy manner one to another speak one of another 1. In censuring some make it a part of their Religion to Descant and Criticize upon others They do not imitate their graces but reflect upon their failings God grant professors may wash their hands of this Were peoples hearts more humble their Tongues would be more charitable 'T is the sign of an Hypocrite to censure others and commend himself 2. They speak one of another in slandering Psalm 50.20 Thou sittest and slanderest thy own Mothers son Slandering is when we speak to the prejudice of another and speak that which is not true Worth is blasted by slander Holiness it self is no shield from this sin The Lambs Innocency will not preserve it from the Wolf Iob calls slandering the scourge of the Tongue Job 5.21 You may smite a man and never touch him A slanderer wounds anothers fame and no Physitian can heal these wounds The Eye and the Name are two tender things God takes it ill at our hands to calumniate others especially to asperse those who help to keep up the credit of Religion Num. 12.8 Were not ye afraid to speak against my Servant Moses what my Servant who hath wrought so many Miracles whom I have spoken with in the Mount Face to Face were not ye afraid to speak against him The Greek word slanderer signifies Devil This is the Devils proper Sin he is the accuser of the Brethren Rev. 12.10 He doth not commit Adultery but he bears false Witness The slanderer may be indicted for Clipping he clips his Neighbours credit to make it weigh lighter This our nature is prone to but remember it is as well a sin in Gods account to break the Ninth Commandment as the Eighth Put this Great duty in Practice imitate these Holy ones in the Text They spake often one to another Hierom thinks they did speak something in defence of the Providence of God they vindicated God in his dealings and exhorted one another not to be discouraged at the Virulent speeches of the Wicked but still hold on a course of Piety Thus Christians when you meet give one anothers Souls a visit drop your Knowledge impart your experiences each to other Psalm 66.16 Sampson having found Hony did not only eat of it himself but carried it to his Father and Mother Iudg. 14.9 Have you Tasted the Hony of the word let others have a Tast with you He who hath bin in a Perfumers shop doth not only himself partake of those sweet smells but some of the perfume sticks to his cloaths so that those who come near him partake of those perfumes so having our selves perceived the sweet Savour of Christs Oyntments we should let others partake with us and by our Heavenly discourse diffuse the perfume of Religion to them Col. 4.6 Let your words be seasoned with Salt let Grace be the salt which seasons your Words and makes them Savoury Christians should take all occasions of Good discourse when they walk together and sit at Table together This makes their eating and drinking be to the Glory of God 1 Cor. 10.31 What makes it a Communion of Saints but Good conference But some may say they are barren of matter and know not what to speak of No have you walked so often through the field of
Scripture yet gathered no ears of Corn have not you matter enough in the Word to furnish you with discourse Let me suggest a few things to you When you meet speak one to another of the Promises No Hony so sweet as that which drops from a Promise The promises are the support of Faith the springs of joy the â—aints Royal Charter Are you Citizens of Heaven and not speak of your Charter Speak of the preciousness of Christ he is Beauty and Love he hath laid down his blood as the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or price of your Redemption Have you a friend that hath redeemed you and never speak of him Speak one to another of Sin what a deadly evil it is how it hath infected your Virgin-nature and turned it into a lesser Hell Speak of the Beauty of Holiness which is the Souls Embroidery filling it with such Oriental splendor as makes God and Angels fall in love with it The Graces are as Damascen saith the Sacred Characters and Impressions of the Divine nature Speak one to another of your Souls enquire whether they are in health Speak about Death and Eternity can you belong to Heaven and not speak of your Country Speak one to another of the Times wherein God is the Greatest sufferer let your hearts bleed for his dishonours Thus you see here is matter enough for Holy conference Why then do you not set good discourse on Foot I perswade my self one main reason of the decay of the Power of Godliness is want of Christian conference people when they meet talk of Impertinencies but God and Heaven are left out of their discourse That I may perswade you in your converses to put in a word about your Souls let me offer these few things to your consideration 1. It was the practice of the Saints of old Elijah and Elisha went on talking good discourse till the Chariot of Heaven came to part them 2 Kin. 2.11 Davids Tongue was Tuned to the Language of Canaan Psalm 71.24 My Tongue shall talk of thy Righteousness The Primitive Christians into whatever company they came were speaking of a Glorious Kingdom they expected insomuch that some thought they were ambitious of worldly honour which made Iustin Martyr Apologize for them that the Kingdom they looked for was not of this World but a Kingdom with Christ in Heaven Ierom saith of some of the Roman Ladies They did spend much of their time in communing together and they would not let him alone for asking him Questions about their Souls 2. We are bid to Redeem the Time Eph. 5.16 The Poets painted time with Wings because it flies so fast Volat ambiguis mobilis alis hora Time lost had need be redeemed and is there any better way to redeem time than to improve it in trading for Heaven and speaking of God and our Souls 3. Jesus Christ hath set us a Pattern his words were perfumed with Holiness Luke 4.22 All bare him witness and Wondred at the Gracious words which proceeded out of his Mouth Christ had Grace poured into his Lips Psalm 45.2 In all companies he set good discourse on foot When he sate on Iacobs Well he falls into an Heavenly discourse with the Woman of Samaria about the Water of Life Iohn 4.14 And so when Levi made him a Feast Luke 5 He feasts him again with Heavenly discourse And no sooner was Christ risen from the Grave but he was speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God Acts 1.3 The more Spiritual we are in our speeches the more we resemble Christ should not the Members be like the Head Christ will not be our Saviour unless we make him our Pattern 4. Good discourse would prevent sinful discourse Much sin passeth in ordinary talk as Gravel and Mud pass along with the Water How many are Guilty of Tongue-sins Good discourse would prevent evil as labour prevents idleness By inuring our Tongues to the Heavenly Dialect the Devil would not have so much Power over us 5. We may guess at mens Hearts by their common discourse Words are the Looking-glass of the Mind As you may Judge of a Face by the glass whether it be fair or foul So by the words we may Judge of the Heart A lascivious Tongue shews a lustful heart an earthly Tongue a covetous heart a Gracious Tongue a Gracious Heart The Ephraimites were known by their Pronunciation saying Sibboleth for Shiboleth Judg. 12.6 So by the manner of our speech we may be known who we belong to The Tongue is the Index of the Heart If you broach a Vessel that which is within will come out by that which comes out of the Mouth you may Guess what is within in the Heart Luke 6 45. Out of the abundance of the Heart the mouth speaketh 6. Good discourse is beneficial Iob 6.23 How forcible are rights words A word spoken in season may make such a powerful impression upon anothers Heart as may do him Good all his Life One single coal is apt to dye but many coals put together keep in the heat Christians by their Heavenly talk do 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 blow up one anothers Grace into a flame Monica Austins Mother hearing others discourse of Heaven was greatly affected and cryed out What do I do here Why is my Soul held any longer with this Earthen fetter of my Flesh When the Daughters of Ierusalem had conversed a while with the Spouse and had heard her describe Christs admirable beauty their Affections began to be enflamed and they would seek him with her Cant. 6.1 Whither is thy beloved gone O thou fairest among women that we may seek him with thee A Christian by divine discourse may enlighten another when he is ignorant warm him when he is Frozen comfort him when he is sad confirm him when he is wavering Latimer was much strengthened by discourse with Mr Bilny in Prison and hearing his confession of Faith A good life adorns Religion a good Tongue Propagates it When the Apostle would have us edifie one another what better way could he prescribe than this to have such Holy speeches proceed out of our Mouths as might Minister Grace unto the hearers Eph. 4.29 7. We must be accountable to God for our speeches Words are judged light but theyweigh heavy in Gods Balance by our words we shall be either saved or damned Mat. 12.37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned If our words have been seasoned with Grace then the acquitting sentence is like to go on our side 8. Good discourse is a Christians Honour The Tongue is called our Glory Psalm 30.12 Because it is the Instrument of Glorifying God When our Tongues are out of tune in murmuring then they are not our Glory but when these Organs sound in Holy discourse then our Tongues are our Glory 9. Good discourse will be a means to bring Christ into our company While the two Disciples were
Law-Courts where there are Indictments against such Malefactours sealed up in a Bag and are produced at the assizes When God shall open his black book wherein mens Names are written and his bag wherein their sins are written then their Hearts will tremble and their knees smite one against another Every Lye a sinner tells every Oath he Swears every drunken bout God writes it down in his book of Remembrance and woe to him if the book be not crossed with the Blood of Christ. 3. See the Mercifulness of God to his Children who blots their sins out of his book of Remembrance and writes their good deeds in his book of Remembrance Isa. 43.25 I even I am he that blotteth out thy Transgressions 't is a Metaphor borrow'd from a Creditor who takes his pen and blots out the debt owing him so saith God I will blot out thy Transgressions Or as the Hebrew carries it I am blotting them out God in forgiving sin passeth an act of Oblivion Jer. 31.34 I will remember your sins no more God will not upbraid his People with their former offences We never read after Peter repented that Christ upbraided him with his denial of him O the Heavenly indulgence and kindness of God to his People he remembers every thing but their sins He writes down their good Thoughts and speeches in a Merciful book of Remembrance but their sins are as if they had never been they are carried into the Land of Oblivion If God records our services then let us record his Mercies let us have our Book of Remembrance A Christian should keep two books alwayes by him one to write his sins in that he may be humble the other to write his Mercies in that he may be thankful David had his book of Remembrance 1 Chron. 16.4 He appointed certain of the Levites to record and thank and praise the Lord God of Israel We should keep a Register-book of Gods Mercies though I think it is hard to get a book big enough to hold them At such a time we were in straits and God supplied us at such a time under sadness of Spirit and God dropped in the Oyl of gladness at such a time near death and God Miraculously restored us If God be mindful of what we do for him shall not we be mindful of what he doth for us Gods mercies like Jewels are too good to be lost get a Book of Remembrance It is Comfort to the Godly 1. In case of friends forgetting them Ioseph did Pharaoh's Butler a kindness yet did not the chief Butler remember Ioseph but forgat him Gen. 40.23 'T is too usual to remember Injuries and forget Friends but God hath a Book of Remembrance where he writes down all his old friends Near Relations may sometimes be forgetful the tender Mother may forget her infant Isa. 49.15 Can a Woman forget her sucking child yea she may but I will not forget thee a Mother may sooner be unnatural than God forgetful Christ our High-priest hath the Names of the Saints written upon his Breast-plate and all their good deeds written in his Book of Memorials Let this be as Bezar stone to revive the Hearts of Gods people though friends may blot you out of their Mind yet God will not blot you out of his Book 2. This is a consolation to the Godly the Lord keeps a Book of Remembrance for this end that he may at the last day make a publick and solemn mention of all the good which his Saints have done God will open his Book of Records and say as Mat. 25.35 I was an hundred and ye gave me meat thirsty and ye gave me drink c. God will make known all the memorable and pious actions of his People before men and Angels he will say here are they who have prayed and wept for Sin here are they who have been Advocates for my Truth here are they who have laid to Heart my dishonours and have mourned for what they could not reform These are my renowned ones my Hephzibahs in whom my Soul delights What a Glorious thing will this be to have God divulge the Encomium of his Saints when Alexander saw the Sepulcher of Achilles he cryed out O happy Achilles who hadst Homer to set forth thy praise what an honour will it be to have the Names and worthy deeds of the Saints mentioned and God himself to be the Herauld to proclaim their praises CHAP. XVI Shewing the Third Good Effect of the Saints Piety 3. THE third Good effect of the Saints Piety was God rewarded it vers 17. And they shall be mine saith the Lord of Hosts in that day when I make up my Iewels The reward is threefold 1. Gods owning them they shall be mine saith the Lord of Hosts where observe 1. The Person speaking the Lord of Hosts 2. The Reward it self they shall be mine 1. The Person speaking the Lord of Hosts This is too great a word to be passed by in silence God is often in Scripture stiled Dominus exercituum the Lord of Hosts Psalm 46.11 Isa. 1.24 That is he is the Supream General and Commander of all Armies and forces and gives Victory to whom he will Why is this Name The Lord of Hosts given to God Not that God needs any Hosts to protect himself or Suppress his enemies Earthly Princes have Armies to defend their Persons from danger but God needs none to help him he can fight without an army God puts strength into all Armies other Captains may give their Soldiers Armour but they cannot give them Strength but God doth Psalm 18.39 Thou hast Girded me with strength unto battel Why then is God said to have Hosts and Armies if he needs them not 1. It is to set forth his Soveraign Power and Grandure all Armies and Regiments are under his command 2. It is to shew us that though God can effect all things by himself yet in his Wisdom he oft useth the Agency of the Creature to bring to pass his will and purpose What are these Hosts or Armies of which God is the Soveraign Lord 1. God hath an Army in Heaven Angels and Arch-angels 1 King 22.19 I saw the Lord sitting on his Throne and all the Host of Heaven standing by him By the Host of Heaven is meant the Angels they being Spirits are a Puissant Army Psalm 103.20 Ye Angels which excell in Strength We read of one Angel who destroy'd in one Night an hundred fourscore and five thousand 2 King 19.35 If one Angel destroy'd such a vast Army what can a Legion of Angels do a Legion consisted of six thousand six hundred sixty six saith Hesychius how many of these Legions go to make up the Heavenly Host 2 The Stars are Gods Army Deut. 4.19 These were set in Battalia and fought against Gods enemies Iudg. 5.20 The Stars in their courses fought against Sisera That is the Stars did charge like an Army raising
Storms and tempests by their influences and so destroying the whole Army of Sisera 2. God hath Armies upon earth 1. Rational 2. Irrational 1. Rational Hosts of men these are under Gods command and conduct they stir not without his Warrant the Lord hath the managing of all Martial affairs not a stroke is struck but God orders it not a Bullet flies but God directs it 2. Irrational God can raise an Army of Flies as he did against King Pharaoh Exod. 8.24 An Army of Worms as he did against King Herod Acts 12.23 O what a Lord is here who hath so many Hosts under his Pay and conduct Let us Dread this Lord of Hosts we fear men who are in Power and is not that God to be adored and feared who acts pro arbitrio He doth what he pleaseth in the Armies of Heaven and earth Dan. 9.35 His Power is as large as his will Iob 23 13. What his Soul desireth even that he doth The Ephori had Power over the King of Sparta the Tribunes over the Roman consuls much more hath God a Soveraign Power over all He poureth contempt upon Princes Job 12.21 He threw the Proud Angels to Hell God can with a word unpin the Wheeles and break the Axle tree of the Creation Gods Power is a Glorious Power Col. 1.11 And herein it appears Glorious it iâ— never spent or wasted Men while they exercise their strength weaken it But the Lord the Creator of the ends of the earth fainteth not neither is weary Isa. 40.28 Though God spends his Arrows upon his enemies Deut. 32.23 yet not his strength O then tremble before this Lord of Hosts Remember O hard-hearted sinner how many wayes God can be revenged on thee He can raise an Army of diseases against thee in thy body he can set the humours of the body one against another he can make the heat dry up the Moisture or the Moisture drown the heat he can Arm every Creature against thee the Dog the Boar the Elephant He can Arm Conscience against thee as he did against Spira making him a Terrour to himself O dread this Lord of Hosts If God be the Lord of Hosts let us take heed of hardning our Hearts against God It was the saying of Pompey that with one stamp of his Foot he could raise all Italy up in Arms God can with a word raise all the Militia of Heaven and Earth against us and shall we dare affront him Iob 9.4 Who hath hardened himself against him and prospered Such as live in the open breach of Gods Commandments harden their Hearts against God they raise a War against Heaven Iob 15.25 He strengtheneth himself against the Almighty Like Warriors who Muster up all the forces they can to fight with their Antagonists so the sinner harnesseth and strengthens himself against Iehovah Ver. 26. He runneth upon him even on his neck upon the thick bosses of his bucklers Bucklers anciently had one great boss in the middle with a sharp pike in it to wound the adversary The flagitious sinner encounters the God of Heaven and runs upon the thick bosses of his fury which will wound mortally The Wicked do as Caligula who challenged Iupiter to a duel but who ever hardened himself against God and prospered will men go to measure Arms with God Iob 40.9 Hast thou an Arm like God God is Almighty therefore can hurt his enemies and he is invisible therefore they cannot hurt him Who can fight with a Spirit God will be too hard for his Enemies at the long run Psalm 68.21 God shall wound the head of his Enemies and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses Iulian hardened his Heart against God but what got he at last did he prosper Being wounded in Battle he threw up his blood into the Air and said to Christ Vicisti Galilaee O Galilean thou hast overcome I acknowledge thy Power whose Name and truth I have opposed How easily can God chastise Rebels Exod. 14.24 In the morning-watch God looked to the host of the Egyptians through the Pillar of fire and troubled their host It needs cost God no more to destroy his Proudest adversaries than a look a cast of the Eye 'T is better to lye Prostrate at Gods feet and meet him with tears in our Eyes than Weapons in our hands we overcome God not by resistance but by Repentance If God be the Lord of Hosts let us be so wise as to engage him on our side Psalm 46 11. The Lord of Hosts is with us Great is the Priviledge to have the Lord of Hosts for us 1. If the Lord of Hosts be on our side he can discover the subtil plots of Enemies Thus he detected the Counsel of Achitophel 2 Sam. 17.16 And did not the Lord discover the Popish conspirators both in the Powder-Treason that Catholick villany and of late when they would have subverted Religion and Laws and like Italian Butchers have turned England into an Akeldama or Field of blood If it had not been the Lord who was on our side now may England say when men rose up against us they had swallowed us up quick 2. If the Lord of Hosts be on our side he can bridle his Enemies and lay such a restraint upon their Spirits that they shall not do the mischief they intend Gen. 31.39 It is in the Power of my hand to do you hurt said Laban to Iacob but the God of your fathers spake unto me saying take heed thou speak not to Iacob either good or bad Laban had power to do hurt but no heart When Balak called upon Balaam to curse Israel God so dispirited Balaam that he could not discharge his thunderbolt Num. 23.8 How shall I curse whom God hath not cursed He had a good mind to curse but God held him back 3. If the Lord of Hosts be for us he can help us though means fail and things seem to be given for lost When Gideons Army was small and rendred despicable then God Crowned them with Victory Iudg. 7.2 22. When the Arm of Flesh shrinks now is a time for the Arm of Omnipotency to be put forth Deut. 32.36 The Lord shall repent himself for his Servants when he sees their Power is gone and there is none shut up or left The less of man is seen the more of God 4. If the Lord be on our side he can save us in that very way in which we think he will destroy us Would not any have thought the Whales belly should have been Jonahs Grave but God made the fish a ship in which he sailed safe to shore Paul got to Land by the breaking of the ship Acts 28.44 God can make the adverse Party do his Work he can cause divisions among the Enemies and turn their own Weapons against themselves Isa. 19.2 I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians 5. If the Lord of Hosts be on our side he
goes there this mortal shall put on Immortality Let us labour to be in the number of Gods Jewels that when the Lord shall make up his Jewels he may perfect our Souls and Bodies in Glory How shall we know that we are in the number of Gods Jewels Have we inherent Holiness 1 Cor. 6.11 But ye are washed but ye are Sanctified We are not Jewels by Creation but Regeneration If Holiness sparkle in us it 's a sign we are Jewels and then when God comes to make up his Jewels he will put Glory upon our Souls and Bodies for ever CHAP. XIX The Third part of the Saints Reward Gods sparing them 3. THE Third part of the Saints reward is Gods Sparing them I will spare them as a man spareth his own Son that serveth him The Hebrew word to spare signifies to use Clemency In this Phrase is a Meiosis there is less said and more intended I will spare them that is I will deal with them as a Father doth with his Son the same tenderness that a Father shews to his Child the same will I shew to them that Fear me God will deal with them that Fear him as a Father doth with his Son Two things are in this Proposition 1. That God is a Father He is a Father 1. By Creation he hath given us our Being Mal. 2.10 Have not we all one Father hath not one God created us 2. God is a Father by Election he hath culled out a certain number to be his Children Eph. 1.4 3. God is a Father by special Grace he stamps his impress of Holiness upon men Col. 3.10 All Gods Children resemble him though some are more like him than others 2. That God will deal with them that Fear him as a Father doth with his Son 1. God will accept them as a Father doth his Son If the Child doth but lisp and can hardly speak plain the Father takes all well so God as a Father will accept of what his Children do in sincerity Ezek. 20.40 There will I require your Offerings I will accept you with your sweet Savour 2. Such as Fear God he will be full of Bowels to them as a Father is to his Son There are in God 1. Bowels of Compassion 2. Bowels of Complacency 1. Bowels of Compassion A Father Compassionates his Child Sozomen makes mention of a Father who offered to be put to death for his two Sons who were sentenced to dye God hath soundings of Bowels Isa. 63.15 The Compassions of Parents are Steel and Marble compared with Gods Luke 1.78 Through the tender Mercy of our God in the Greek it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Bowels of Mercy these Bowels make God sympathize with his Children in Misery he is touched in their wounds Psal. 103.13 As a Father pitieth his Children so the Lord pitieth them that fear him 2. In God are Bowels of Complacency How dearly did Iacob love Benjamin his life was bound up in him Gen. 44.30 All the Affections of Parents come from God they are but a drop of his Ocean a spark of his flame Gods love is a love that passeth Knowledge Ephes. 3.19 The Saints cannot Love their own Souls so intirely as God loves them In particular 1. God loves the persons of his Children they are the Apple of his Eye Zach. 2.8 He engraves them upon the Palms of his hands Isa. 49.16 It alludes to them who carry about them graven on the Stone of their Ring the Picture of some dear Friend whom they intirely affect 2. God loves the places his Children were born in the better for their sakes Psal. 87.2 God loves the Gates of Sion ver 5. This and that man was born in her i. e. This and that Believer God loves the very ground his Children go upon Why was Iudaea the Ancient seat of Israel called a delightsome Land Mal. 5.12 Not so much delightful for the fruit growing in it as for the Saints living in it 3. God so loves his Children that he chargeth the great ones of the World upon pain of death not to hurt them their persons are sacred Psalm 105.14 He reproved Kings for their sakes saying Touch not mine anointed By anointed are meant such as have the anointing of the Spirit 1 John 2.20 4. God delights in his Childrens company he loves to see their faces Cant. 2.24 Let me see thy Countenance If but two or three of Gods Children meet and pray together God will be sure to make one of the company Mat. 18.20 There am I in the midst of them 5. God so loves his Children that his Eye is never off them Psalm 33.18 The Eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him But is this such a priviledge to have Gods Eye upon his Children Gods Eye is upon the Wicked too Answ. It is one kind of Eye that the Judge casts upon the Malefactor and another that the Prince casts upon his Favourite Gods Eye upon the Wicked is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an Eye of Revenge but his Eye upon his Children is an Eye of Benediction 6. God sets a continual guard about his Children to preserve them from danger He hides them in his Pavilion Psalm 27.5 He covers them with the Golden Feathers of his Protection Psalm 91.4 God preserved Athanasius strangely he put it into his Mind to depart out of the House he was in the night before the Enemies came to search for him No Prince goes so well guarded as Gods Child for he hath a guard of Angels about him The Angels are a numerous guard 2 Kin. 6.17 The Mountain was full of Horses and Chariots of fire those Horses and Chariots of fire were the Angels of God gathered together in the manner of an huge host to defend the Prophet Elisha 7. God puts his Children in rich apparel Psalm 45.13 Her cloathing is of wrought Gold Jacob loved his Son Joseph and gave him a finer Coat to wear than the rest of his brethren Gen. 37.3 He made him a Coat of divers Colours God loves his Children and gives them a finer Coat more curiously Woven a Coat of divers Colours it is partly made of Christs Righteousness and partly made of inherent Holiness 8. Such is Gods love that he thinks nothing too Good for his Children he enricheth them with the upper and nether Springs he gives them the Kidneys of the Wheat and Hony out of the Rock he makes them a feast of fat things Isa. 25.6 He gives them the body and blood of his Son and delights to see his Children spreading themselves as Olive plants round about his Table 3. Such as are Fearers of God he will receive their Petitions from them as a Father doth from his Son they may come boldly to the throne of Grace Heb. 4.16 If they come for pardon of sin strength against Temptation God will not deny them Three things may cause boldness in prayer the Saints have a Father to pray to