CHAP. IX Containing a use of Reprehension and Admonition unto several sorts of men in this Generation who notwithstanding the Excellency of Holiness and the great concernment thereof to the advancing of Gods Glory and the Creatures Comfort and Eternal Consolation do wilfully neglect or carelesly improve the way and means for the attainment thereof as if it was an Ornament altogether out of fashion and of no use nor comlinest to be found in it Of these Persons are first THe Ignorant Soul that sitteth down contentedly in an Estate of Ignonorance making the Custome of their Country and the Traditions of their Ancestors the only rule and ground for their chiefest actions but as for the matter of Holiness with the way and means of its attainment the poor Creatures are meerly strangers The Estate and Condition of such Souls is much to be lamented in that so much means of knowledg is afforded and so much ignorance remaining under the same by reason of a careless negligence of applying the rational faculties of the Soul in the diligent use of the means afforded by a serious search into the revealed will of God with due consideration and meditation of the same thereby to gain the knowledge of him acquaintance with him to glorify his name and to the establishing of the Soul in the knowledge of its Salvation The Spirit of God in Scripture reckoneth the said carelessness and negligence in this matter under the notion of folly and indeed it is a point of the greatest folly in the world and to be admired that God having given forth such excellent means of Knowledge and Salvation in the same and the Creature not esteem it worth the improving Solomon was a man endued with great Wisdome and yet he seemeth not to reach the depth of the Creatures negligence herein or at least Gods great mercy in affording such excellent means unto the Creature and waiting upon him in the same Wherefore saith he is there a price in the hand of a Fool to get Wisdome seeing he hath no heart to it Pro. 17.16 yet Solomon layeth the cause of a persons not attaining to Wisdom in his not improving the means and his not improving the means to be his folly as we may understand him in his expressions Prov. 24.7 Prov. 24.7 Wisdom is too high for a Fool saith Solomon and why He openeth not his mouth in the gate as if he had said The way and means in which Wisdom is attainable is by him neglected As without Knowledg the Mind cannot be good so doubtless it is generally possessed with Carnality the which as saith the Apostle is Enmity with God Rom. 8.7 and through Ignorance is alienated from the life of God Eph. 4.18 It were much to be desired that every Soul in this Estate would take Counsel of the Spirit of God given out by Solomon to cry after Knowledg and lift up the Voyce for Understanding to seek for her as for hid Treasures implying a diligent search into God's Word with earnest supplications to the Throne of Grace for the attainment thereof Then saith the Text shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the Knowledg of God for the Lord giveth Wisdom out of his mouth cometh Knowledg and Vnderstanding Pro. 2.2 3 4 5 6. I shall only present two or three Scriptures more to the consideration of those persons that sit down as satisfied and contented under this Estate of Ignorance and so leave them to the good pleasure of the Almighty the first Scripture is recorded in Pro. 24. ver 3 4. Through Wisdom is an House builded and by Vnderstanding it is Established and by Knowledg shall the Chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant Riches These words admit of a spiritual sence and meaning as it may be thus The House builded to signify a Person or People built up in the Faith of Christ and observation of his Truth as Saint Peter teacheth in his first Epistle chap. 2. vers 5. Ye also as lively stones are built up a spiritual House c. to this sence are those words of Jude But ye beloved building up your selves on your most holy Faith praying in the Holy Ghost c. Jud. 20. Secondly You have the means by which the building is reared up and that is here said to be through Wisdom intimating the divine Wisdom and Counsel of God contained in his Word Thirdly The way of Establishment and that is said by Vnderstanding As if a right understanding of the Mind and Will of God or the Truth as it is in Jesus were the only way to a Souls Establishment therein Psal 119.34 Give me Vnderstanding saith David and I shall keep thy Law yea I shall observe it with my whole heart when Wisdom entereth into thy heart saith Solomon and Knowledg is pleasant unto thy Soul Prov. 2.10 11 12. Discretion shall preserve thee Vnderstanding shall keep thee to deliver thee from the way of the evil man c. Fourthly It is said by Knowledg shall the Chambers be filled with all pleasant and precious Riches intimating the inward and uppermost Roomes of the Soul as the Mind the Will Affections yea all the rational faculties of the Soul shall through the true knowledge of God in Christ be filled and furnished with the precious qualifications of divine grace according to Christ Jesus in a measure and with the pleasant and comfortable manifestations of God's love in Christ wherein is satisfying Joy and Pleasures for ever-more This is Eternal Life to know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent Joh. 17.3 Hereunto agreeth those words of Peter in his second Epistle recorded in the first Chapter ver 3. whose words are these Grace and Peace be multiplyed unto you through the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ our Lord according as his Divine Power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto Life and Godliness through the knowledge of him that hath called us to Glory and Vertue whence we may note these particulars by the way First The gift given unto us of God and that is all things that pertain to Life and Godliness Secondly The way of conveyance of these things unto the Soul and that is said to be through the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ our Lord. Thirdly The effects wrought in the Soul by the means received in knowledge and that is an Estate of Godliness and assurance of Eternal Life and also preservation in this Estate Whence we may observe that an Estate of Holiness or Godliness and Eternal Life with all things appertaining thereunto is the free and proper gift of God and is highly to be prized Observe and carefully improved to the Glory of God by every Soul that desires his own well-being in the knowledge and enjoyments of God wherein the true felicity and comfort of the Soul doth consist the which attainments is enjoyed through a true knowledge of God in Christ To this
must expect the greater Judgments from the Lord There is in a day of Prosperity more danger of a peoples growing into Carnal Security and forgetting of their God than in a day of affliction if we take not heed as the Lord said to Israel of old When ye shall come into the good Land and have Houses builded and Vineyards and Olives planted and your Cattel multiplyed and ye have eaten and are full then beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God in not keeping his Commandements and Judgments and Statutes which I Command thee this day that then thou forget not the Lord thy God that brought thee out of the Land of Egypt out of the House of Bondage Deut. 6.12 Whence note that God's People that have had great experiences of God are in times of peace and plenty very apt to forget the Lord and to turn aside from a due observation of his ways and thereby defile themselves with the sins of ingratitude and great disobedience under eminent mercies highly provoking the Lord would we be a holy people unto the Lord Let Israels and others sins and punishments for the same make us timely to beware lest we stain our chiefest Ornaments thereby and watch and pray against such ingratitude the neglect whereof may cause God to neglect us of those supplyes of grace necessary to uphold us and in all our approaches to the Lord we are also to take heed and be careful that our end be right that we might glorify God in our act of Prayer and our end of asking any thing of God may be for our better glorifying of his Name the end many times crowns the action as the words of Saint James doth imply Ye have not because ye ask not and ye ask and have not because ye ask amiss that ye may consume it upon your Lusts Jam. 4.2 3. Wherefore would we have God to supply and support us let us not omit our duty in seeking to him would we have him answer us in our seeking to him then let us take heed that we omit not a right end in what we seek unto him for The omission of one thing more I would present to mind that we take heed of lest it should become sin unto us and that is of omitting the ministring of our temporal things unto such as perform the Office of ministring unto us in spiritual things especially if it be by the Minister required for as much as the Lord hath so required and ordained that they that Preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel The Apostle Paul would have the Churches know their duty in this point and the Ministers power to require it although he voluntarily would rather work with his hands then to be chargable to the Churches But as for me as I have not been chargable hitherto in that nature for what hath by me been done upon that account so do I not desire to make the Gospel chargable to any except the greater necessity yet as Paul would so would I have Christians know their concernment in this point as well as other points of Christianity and to take heed lest Omission here do not become a sin of deep pollution since it is doubtless the requirement of God see 1 Cor. cap. 9. Gal. 6.6 And let the Minister on the other hand take heed and beware that he make not temporal means and honour the chiefest end and master-wheel of his motion in the work of the Ministry and it become a pollution of the Ornaments of holiness unto him Also take heed and beware of omitting actions of charity towards the poor and it become our sin For as much saith Christ as ye have not done it to one of the least of these my Brethren ye have not done it unto me go ye therefore into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels but he that giveth to the Poor lendeth to the Lord and he will repay it Blessed is the man that considereth the Poor the Lord will deliver him in the time of trouble And so I shall conclude this Use by way of Caution with those words of Deut. 4.9 Only take heed to thy self and keep thy Soul diligently lest thou forget the things that thine eyes have seen and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life but teach them thy Sons and thy Sons Sons CHAP. XI Containing a Use of Encouragement unto Believers to Press after the attainment of Holiness and to Persevere therein THe first consideration I shall propound for Encouragement in the prosecution of this design for an Estate of Holiness is the warrantableness of the design it is highly approved of God insomuch that God doth command the prosecution of this design Be ye holy for I the Lord your God am holy Persons prosecuting this design for holiness in God's way out of which there is no attainment they do hereby answer God's Will and a good Conscience the which is a good encouragement in the prosecution of a design a good issue and success thereof may be expected But Secondly A second ground of encouragement in the prosecution of this design may arise upon the consideration of the promise of assistance in the management of this design for holiness made to the prosecutors of the said design A man having a design for his advancement in this world either for the obtaining some great Estate of Land or place of Honour and Dignity and having the word of a King for his assistance by his Countenance his Court and Counsel his Laws and Authority for the accomplishment thereof how doth this raise up and enlarge the heart of this man with encouragement in the prosecution of his design and confirm his hope of attaining his end therein How much more may the christian-Christian-Soul be raised up with confidence and his heart enlarged with incouragements in his design for holiness and hope of attaining unto the perfection thereof Considering he hath not only the command but also the promise of him who is the King of Kings the Omnipotent Immortal and Omni-present Majesty of Heaven and Earth with all his Heavenly Court and Counsel Laws and holy Appointments to protect and assist us in the management of this great design for our attainments unto holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. O what an assistance is this for a poor Soul to have the whole Court of Heaven to assist him in his design and management thereof where God the Father by his holy appointment doth ordain his holy Word and Counsel therein to inform us his holy Spirit to enable us his holy Angels to encamp about us to minister security to us in the said design and his holy Son Jesus Christ to Crown us with the perfection of Holiness in himself considering also that he is faithful that hath promised who also will do it O what great encouragement is this that the Lord hath laid before us What rich grace is this that God doth
the edification and comfort of Gods people according to the measure of the gift given And to this Saint Peter witnesseth 1 Pet. 4.10 11. As every man hath received the gift even so minister the same one to another as good Stewards of the manifold graces of God If any man speak let him speak as the Oracles of God if any man minister let him do it as of the ability that God giveth that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ to whom be praise and cominion for ever and ever Amen The like mind also was in Paul who exhorteth the Corinthians to covet earnestly the best gifts follow after Charity saith he and desire spiritual gifts but rather that ye may Prophesie Because he that Prophesies speaketh unto men to Edification and Exhortation and Comfort 1 Cor. 14.3 So likewise Moses when his Servant would have had him forbid Eldad and Medad of Prophesying in the Camp he answered him thus Envyest thou for my sake would to God all the Lords people were Prophets and the Lord would put his Spirit upon them And although there be now no Prophesying by extraordinary Revelation but only that which is ordinarily wrought in the soul through the operative power of the spirit in the exercise of the mind and meditations in the word of God yet the day of small things is not to be despised for God will accomplish his work not by might nor by power but by his own spirit and although these ensuing considerations be not adorned with variety of tongues nor such eloquence as humane Wisdom teatheth yet now in love they are tendered to thy consideration If they bear an harmonious sound to the wisdom of God and thou receive any Edification or Comfort thereby let God have the glory and me thy prayers for my further growth and increase in the grace of God and of Jesus Christ our Lord to whom I desire to be an obedient Subject and faithful Servant although unworthy of so high a calling and remain thine in all Christian Office Josias Bonham And now my Friend art thou for Heaven design'd And to the way of Holiness inclin'd Lend me thine eye thine ear thy heart and hand These lines with me to read and understand Would we an holy state and glory win Le ts search our hearts and there the work begin By application of Gods word thereto Preventing evils that from thence ensue The heart is naturally Corruptions seat Whence flows great sins that do us often cheat Obstructions great from thence doth often rise Like filthy Rubbish in our way it lyes The which in wisdom must removed be If we an holy state and Heaven would see Therefore with diligence let 's fall to work To search what Vermin in our hearts do lurk Unanimous let 's be go hand in hand Corruptions Laws and Power to withstand That we from slavery may be set free To serve the Lord in holy Sanctity Thine in the Lord J. B. AN EPISTLE TO THE READER Of this Ensuing Treatise IT is mans misery since the Fall having lost his God and therewith his Happiness that he knows not the way to return to Happiness again Indeed every man in the world aims to make himself happy but is at a loss where or in what to place his happiness not considering the first make of mans noble Soul which was like God which can never be happy or content without something Infinite and Eternal Hence it is that man placeth happiness in Goods not in Goodness crying Who will shew us any Good any good serves turn though but a shew of good in the mean time the one thing needful is neglected they see no need of this one thing needful he is concerned with trifles and trifles with his great concernment And as he is to seek where or in what to place his happiness to the way by which happiness is to be obtained forgetting that irrevokable decree of the Almighty viz. That without Holiness no man shall see the Lord. This way of Holiness thou hast here discovered in this Book now this thoâ— mayst assure thy self that of all those things disputable this is without alâ— dispute on all hands that holiness is thâ— great thing designed by God hiâ— threatnings are that we should be Holy his promises are that we should efect Holiness all his Afflictions â—â—â—t we should be partakers of his Holiâ—â—ss Christ prays that we should be Holy â—â—d pleads that we should be Holy the â—â—d of all Preaching and of all the Orâ—â—â—ances is that we should be Holy â—ver did any perish but for want of â—â—liness God glorys in this that he is Holy God He is glorious in Holiâ—â—ss Christ is the Holy Child Jesus â—s a Holy Saviour he had his Name â—â—sus that he might save us from our 〈◊〉 Wouldest thou go in that way toâ—â—rds Heaven as not to miss as many â—ost Christians and foolish Virgins â—â—ve done why Holiness is this way â—â—e wayfaring man though a Fool â—ll not err therein Esa 35.8 Let me therefore intreat thee whoâ—â—er thou art that may be the Reader of â—t Book to consider the great thing â—â—igned herein viz. which is to shew â—â—t what is the only becomeing Ornaâ—â—et viz Holiness as for all other â—â—raments they may perish but this becomes thee for ever Possibly â— may say if I be Holy I must â—â— with many frowns from an unwâ—â— world matter it not there 's â— in Gods love than the worlds haâ—â— frowns and smiles from the world not long one smile from Christ â— dying Bed will make amends for Therefore fear not what will becomâ— thee study what becomes thee as Wise man once said Yet I knoâ— shall be well with them that fear Gâ—â— but it shall not be well with the Wicâ—â—â— Therefore I beseech you consider near you walk on the brink of Eterâ—â—â— what provision is made for the world Vessels of glory are afore pared for glory and be sure of that though you may own your seâ— and others may own you yet God never own you if you be not 〈◊〉 Now art thou one that saist as the â—â—â—ciple once to Christ Rabbi wâ—â— dwellest thou and he answâ—â—â— Come and see So say I woâ—â—â— thou know the Excellency the Neâ—â—â— Beauty the Glory of Holiness come â—â—d see read this Treatise pray that 〈◊〉 eyes may be anointed with eye-â—â—ve and that he which is Truth may â—â—d thee into all Truth who is sanctiâ—â—tion that he would sanctifie thee â—o shed his precious blood to wash us â—t we might be Holy who before the â—â—â—ndation of the world hath chosen us â—â—t we should be Holy and that he â—â—ld bless all means leading thereto â—â—t his blessing may go along with the â—â—ours of that his Servant the Auâ—â—ur of this Eook is the unfained deâ—â—â— of him who is an unworthy Servant Jesus Christ and thy Friend Jo. Norcott TO THE READER IN Commendation of this Book Reader TWo things are chiefly treated of
active in the things of God which concern its own salvation and the Edification Comfort 1 Thes 5.9 10 11. and Assurance of others and that not upon the account of merit or desert on the Creatures part but to glorifie God that hath freely given forth both means and merit in his Son whom God the Father hath ordained supream Head King and Governour to his Church and People that men might honour the Son by obedience to his Laws as they honour the Father Joh. 5.22 23. unto which obedience through Faith in the merits of Christ God the Father hath annexed the promise of Salvation of his own free Love and rich Mercy Heb. 5 9. so that Salvation is on God's part an act of Mercy on Christ's part an act of Merit on man's part it is undeserved in his best obedience for It is not of him that willeth nor of him that runneth but of God that sheweth Mercy Rom. 9.16 A second Use which the afore-mentioned considerations may direct us unto The second Vse is of Admiration is a use of Admiration It may raise up our Souls to behold with Admiration God's great Love All the Works of God are to be Admired of his Saints Especially his gâ—ace in Christ to effect holiness in his people and happiness thereupon and rich Mercy manifested in all his proceedings in and by Jesus Christ towards man a sinful and undeserving Creature who by sin had dishonoured God defaced his Image of Righteousness and true Holiness wherein he was at first Created and deprived himself of the Paradice of God and made himself an object of his displeasure according to due desert Now that God should look upon the Creature in its lost condition and corrupted state from which he was no way able to recover himself with such an eye of pity and bowels of compassion as to lay help upon one that is mighty even Jesus Christ his only Son both God and Man to take satisfaction in him that sinned not for the world of Sinners And by his grace to accept those unto the adoption of Sons that by Faith receive Jesus Christ as in the Gospel he is tendred Joh. 1.12 and to repair the decayes of Nature and to restore that Image of holiness which by sin was defaced to pardon the sin of Sinners and to impute Righteousness unto them without the deeds of the Law to behold the Creature in the Righteousness of his Son and to bestow upon him Heavenly felicity and eternal life is admirable Mercy and he is to be admired in all them that believe it 2 Thes 1.10 They may say with the Psalmist What is man that thou art mindful of him or the Son of man that thou visitest him Psal 8.4 And with the Apostle O the depth of the Riches both of the Wisdom and Knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his Judgments and his ways past finding out For who hath known the mind of the Lord or who hath been his Counseller or who hath first given to him and it shall be recompenced unto him again for of him and through him and to him are all things to whom be glory for ever Amen Rom. 11.33 34 35 36. Thirdly Is it so The third Vse is of Examination Self Examination of our hearts and ways is a Christians duty and of great concernment that holiness ever becometh the people of God and to be found adorned therewith is matter of great concernment it may then put us upon a third Use by way of Examination to move us to examine our own hearts and wayes how far we have attained to the Ornament of holiness which so becometh the people of God And in the prosecution of this Duty two things are to be considered First Our hearts or inward man Secondly Our wayes or outward walkings We may know our holiness by our Heavenliness Hath the Lord through the illuminations of his Spirit and the operations thereof manifested to thy Soul the great sufferings of Christ to procure the pardon of thy sins together with the priviledges of Adoption Justification and Salvation hath he shewed thee the dignity of Christ in respect of his Offices King Priest and Prophet hath he sealed the benefits and priviledges thereof to thy Soul with the signet of his Love through the demonstrations of his holy Spirit to thy great Consolation in the enjoyments thereof so that thy mind and affections are thereby raised up from Earthly and Carnal objects and seated on God with so earnest a desire and delight in him that thou canst truly say with the Psalmest Whom have I in Heaven but thee and there is none opon Earth that I desire besides thee Psal 73.25 Thy Testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever for they are the rejoycing of my heart Psal 119.111 When thou canst experience by a supernatural work of grace that thy affections are so fixed on the Lord that thou canst sincerely love him for his own sake and in love to him bear an affectionate esteem to and delight in his Testimonies Statutes Ordinances and Commands so as to make them thy choyce Psal 119.30 or chosen Subjects of thy meditations and rule of observations when thou canst experience thy will by grace made free to stand in the will of God so as in love to him submit and wait upon him in all his dispensations serve worship and obey him in all his institutions When thou canst experience thy desires drawn forth towards him with holy longings thirstings and pantings after more enjoyments of him and supplications to him for further strength and power of grace to assist thee support and uphold thee against those corruptions and temptations that attend thee lest thou shouldest thereby be overcome to sin against God to the dishonour of his Name the grief of his Spirits and stain the profession of his Truth When thou canst experience this end in thy desires and supplications for his assisting grace as aforesaid The Saints end in their desires and supplications to God for grace A right end Crowns the action not only that thou mightest not dishonour God by sin but also that thou mightest honour him by such motions and actions as may answer his will in his commands to the experiencing of self-ends self-righteousness self-merits and carnal delights and the vain pleasures of this world in a dying or dead condition in thee and thee dead to them so as not to have any motion or action thereunto approved by thee when thou canst experience such a Love to the Lord as that for his sake thou canst perform Offices of Love towards all men as opportunity serveth thee Gal. 6.10 and that as they are his Workmanship by Creation but especially to his Saints as they bare his Image by Regeneration for every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him 1 Joh. 5.1 So when thou canst experience such a supernatural work of grace in thee every
their Spirits for Comfort and Encouragement in times of Sorrow and Affliction and as a piece of Divine Counsel useful upon all occasions Verily verily I say unto you whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my Name he will give it you hitherto ye have asked nothing in my Name ask and you shall receive that your joy may be full these things have I spoke unto you in proverbs the time cometh when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs but I shall shew you plainly of the Father at that day ye shall ask in my Name and I say not unto you that I will pray the Father for you for the Father himself loveth you because ye have loved me and have believed that I came out from God Joh. 16.23 24 25 26 27. If Christ enjoyn his People must obey But their Priv'ledg is he helps ' em in their way I cannot well pass these Words without observing some of the particulars therein contained first the thing enjoyned and that is Prayer secondly the Person enjoyning that is Jesus Christ thirdly the Persons enjoyned which are Disciples or persons learned and taught by Christ fourthly the Person to whom the Disciples are directed to present their Petitions and that is God the Father fifthly the means or way of Acceptation that is they are to pray unto the Father in Christs Name Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my Name saith Christ he will give it you There are three Specialties included in word Three Specialties in Christs Name the which being observed in our approaches to the Father are very prevailing for our Acceptance with him Name which we are to observe in order to the right performance of the Duty of Prayer The first is Christs Authority or Command as when a poor Soul in the sense of its Wants and Weakness shall approach unto God upon this or the like account The first is Christs authority saying Father I thy poor unworthy creature being made in some measure sensible of my own Wants and Imperfections and of thy Fulness and All-sufficiency do humbly appear in thy presence being directed to Thee the Fountain of all Supplies by the special Command of thine only Son in whom thou art well pleased in whom thou hast made many gratious Promises to thy People have respect I pray thee as thou hast to thy Son so also to thy poor Creature that exerciseth Faith in the Promises and in the Commands of thy Son True Faith applies both Promise and Command whom thou hast ordained to be King of Saints and by whose Authority I now approach thy presence and for whose sake I pray thee grant fupplies of Grace and spiritual Assistance according to thy Divine Wisdom and good Pleasure to the further enabling thy poor Creature to glorifie thy Name in this my present Pilgrimage that my Soul may be supported in the many straights and troubles that this World affords and so confirmed in the assurance of everlasting Peace and Consolation with thy Son and with thy Saints in eternal Bliss and Happiness Thus when a poor Soul through the Exercise of Faith in the Commands of Christ is drawn forth conscientiously to act in obedience thereunto â—t is doubtless an argument greatly preâ—ailing with the Father for Obedience â—o the Son is agreeable to the Fathers Will and hath many precious Promises â—nnexed thereunto A second Specialty or prevailing Arguâ—ent included in Christs Name doth arise â—om the Influence and Operations of the Word and Spirit of Christ upon the Creaâ—â—res Affections whereby the Love and â—esire of the Soul is bent toward the enâ—yment of Spiritual things with holy â—â—ngings thirstings and pantings after â—od and for further participations of â—s Grace making its address unto God these or the like words saying Faâ—â—er I thy poor unworthy Creature unto â—â—om thy Son Jesus Christ hath appear'd 〈◊〉 the Divine Illuminations and Operatiâ—â—s of his Spirit in and through thy Word â—ereby I am in some measure made sensible of my own Wants and of thaâ— Fulness All-sufficiency that is in thee 〈◊〉 supply the same do humbly approaâ—â— thy presence upon the account of thâ— Son Jesus Christ being directed to the for Supplies by him whom thou hast ordained not only King of Saints but also thâ— Prophet of thy People to teach them Obedience to thy Will Behold O Lord the chief Cause as Ground of my coming to thee even tâ—â— Son thine only Son he it is that quickeâ—â— me and raiseth up my Affections towarâ— thee by the powerful Influences and Operations of his holy Spirit whereby thâ— Riches of thy Grace is in a measure 〈◊〉 my Soul discover'd my hope of acceptatioâ— with thee much reviv'd my love unto thâ— somewhat enflamed and the desires of 〈◊〉 Soul after more enjoyments of thy speciâ—â— Grace and Favour much enlarged therâ—fore O Righteous Father I pray theâ— behold me in thy Son as being enlightneâ— moved and quickened to come unto the by him it is his work upon my heart sâ—pernatural and divine even the Effect his Prophetical Office whereby I tâ—â— poor Creature am made sensible of 〈◊〉 own Wants and Necessities and whereâ— I behold a Fulness for Supply in thy blâ—ed Self and whereby my Soul is drawn forth towards thee with earnest desires after more Communications of thy Grace and Favour And now Dear Father I pray thee behold the Work of thy Son upon my Soul yea thine own Work in and through him and satisfie those longing Desires wrought in me by vertue thereof with assurance of Acceptance with thee and of the Communication of the Gifts and Graces of thy holy Spirit to the replenishing of my Soul with spiritual injoyments and to the further enabling me to walk before thee in the ways of Holiness to the Glory of thy Name and to the everlasting Consolation of my Soul through Jesus Christ to whom with thee and thy holy Spirit be ascribed all the Honour Praise and Glory both now and for ever Amen Thus when the poor Soul can make its approach to the Father of Mercies experiencing the Work of Divine Grace by Jesus Christ enlightening and quickening to holy Duties so that the Creature can truly plead that Jesus Christ executing his Prophetical Office upon the inward Man is the Ground and Cause of its approaches to the Father This doubtless is an Argument greatly prevailing with him for Acceptation and for an Answer of Peace from him seeing the original Ground and moving Principle is his own work of free Grace upon the Creature wrought by his own Son through the operative Power of his holy Word and Spirit to the Praise and Glory of his Name It was the main Argument of the Prophet Isaiah When the Lord doth work the Love and Desire of a Soul unto himself it is a sign that be intends to that Soul a farther Benefit wherewith he moved God and strengthened his own Confidence in him Lord saith he thou wilt ordain Peace
for us and why so for thou hast wrought all our Works in us other Lords besides thee have had Dominion over us but by thee only will we make mention of thy Name Isai 26.12 13. It may be said of a Souls coming to God in the Name of Christ as aforesaid as David said of his and the peoples Willingness to offer Provision for the building of the Temple But who am I and what is my People that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort for all things come of thee and of thine own have we given thee 2 Chron. 29.14 For such a frame of Spirit doth flow from a supernatural Work wherein the Creature is taught of God the Duties which he performs do flow as Fruits and Effects of what he hath received from the Lord to the Glory of his Name Thirdly a Christian comes to the Father in the Name of Christ not only upon the account of the Commands nor only because Christ by Divine Discoveries hath wrought an earnest Desire in him after further Enjoyments but also when he comes unto the Father upon the account of the Merits of Christ making his Address to this or the like effect saying Most glorious God and merciful Father in Jesus Christ although my Sins of Omission and Commission by which I have transgressed thy holy and just Law and offended thy Majesty do render me not only unworthy of the least of thy Mercies but also worthy of thy just Condemnation to proceed against me yet forasmuch as thy only Son Jesus Christ in the prosecution of his Prophetick Office hath revealed unto my Soul that the exceeding Riches of thy Grace and free Mercy to thy unworthy Creatures is so abounding that thou hast given thy Son who hath fulfilled thy Law by his actual Obedience thereunto to the end that I thy poor Creature which stand condemned thereby by reason of my manifold Sins whereby I have transgressed the same might receive a free full and absolute Remission Pardon and Deliverance from the Guilt Dominion and Punishment of Sin having an interest in the Righteousness which thy Son by his Obedience hath obtained through the Exercise of that supernatural Grace of Faith wrought in my Soul by the Influence of the Word and Spirit of thy Son I therefore thy poor unworthy Creature am emboldened and somewhat enabled to appear before thee in hope of Acceptation forasmuch as the Riches of thy Grace and free Mercy to thy unworthy Creature is so abounding that thou hast not only given thy Son to fulfil thy Law by his actual Obedience but also passively to suffer the Ignominy and Reproach of the World and patiently to yield and offer up himself in obedience to thy Will and determinate Counsel unto Death even the most shameful Death of the Cross shedding his most precious Blood and undergoing the Terrors of Divine Wrath due unto us for our Transgressions upon which account thou hast declared thy self to be a God well pleased in thy Son and reconciled unto such as through a true and lively Faith are united to unto Him whom thou hast raised again from the dead and set at thine own right hand in Glory now to appear in thy glorious presence for us as an Interceder and Advocate Now therefore most righteous Father as thou hast given unto thy poor Creature this new and living way unto the Throne of Grace to approach thy presence with free access I come unto thee utterly renouncing all my own Righteousness as being not any ways meritorious or deserving the least of the Mercies which thy poor Creature doth enjoy and casting my whole dependency upon the Merits of Jesus Christ my only High-priest Mediator and Advocate for my acceptance with thee I beseech thee therefore even upon the account of thine only Son to grant me a free and full pardon of all my Sins and to seal the assurance thereof unto my Soul by that illuminating quickening sealing and sanctifying Spirit of Truth which proceedeth from thy blessed self and from thy Son my blessed Saviour Therewith do thou enlighten my Understanding that I may understand thy Mind and Will contained in thy Word therewith confirm my Judgment in thy Truth and let me experience the Demonstrations of thy Love in Christ therewith transform and rectifie my rebellious Will and bring it to a conformity to thy Will in all things thereby inable me to mortify my Corruptions and let not Sin have dominion over me thereby do thou draw my Affection unto thy self and let not worldly Vanity be my delight O do thou replenish and satisfie my thirsting Soul In want of Grace we sadly may Our sad Estate condole Nothing but Grace can satisfie The thirsting Christian Soul Grace is attained by that Soul That unto God doth cry By Prayer in the Name of Christ That asks believingly with the rich treasures of thy Grace in Christ through the operating power of thy Spirt of Truth that my heart may abundantly rejoyce in thy saving Benefits and be thoroughly furnished to praise thy Name O Lord hear accept and answer thy poor Creature in these and all other particulars which thou in thy infinite Wisdom judgest most expedient for thy poor Creatures temporal and eternal well-being to the Glory of thy Name even for the meritorious Name sake of thy Son my only Redeemer and Advocate by whom I have received Command Direction and Encouragements to appear before thee for whom thy poor Creatures have always cause to bless and praise thy holy Name unto whom with thee and thy holy Spirit be ascribed as is most due all Glory Power Praise and Obedience by us thy Creatures everlastingly Amen Thus have I briefly delivered my Apprehensions concerning the Creatures going to God the Father by Prayer in the Name of his Son Jesus Christ wherein we may take notice of some particulars as First what great Concernment Christ is to the Believing Soul now in the days of his Exaltation whose Name is a prevailing Principle with the Father in the behalf of all those that come unto God therein Secondly how highly it doth concern every Soul to have an Eye of Faith fixed on him and consider him with a due consideration in all his Benefits Thirdly consider that as I am upon a use of Direction towards the Attainment of that excellent Ornament Prayer in Christs Name is an excell nt means for the attaining to an estate in the Ornament Holiness because it hath precious Promises thereunto annexed Holiness so Prayer in the Name Christ is not one of the least of the means whereby it is attained inasmuch as Jesus Christ who is Truth and cannot lye hath crowned the Duty with a Promise of the Fathers Gift as he hath said Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my Name he will give it you Joh. 16.23 And lest any should reply Lord we know not the Father and how shall we come unto him he annexeth this Promise also to the other
concerning Christ and his building of his Gospel-Church under the denomination of his Zerubabel not by might nor by power but by my Spirit saith the Lord Zach. 4.6 7. Hereunto agreeth those words of the Apostle Paul 2 Cor. 10.4 The Weapons of our warfare are not Carnal but mighty through God to the casting down of strong holds casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledge of God and bringing into Captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ the which weapons he doth further explain Ephes 6.14 Stand therefore having your loyns girt about with Truth and the breast-plate of Righteousness and your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace taking the shield of Faith and the helmet of Salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance These and the like weapons are the weapons of the holy Catholick Church that believeth aright and is universal in the truth by which they manage their contention with those that are without and those that withstand that meanes are to be left out of the Church in the world during the pleasure of the Almighty and to be judged by that means they have rejected and condemned with the world in the day that God shall judge the world by Jesus Christ But secondly The text saith there are certain men crept in unawares ungodly men c. It seemeth that there were some in those times that by pretending Faith in Christ were admitted into Church-membership which afterwards discovered themselves by an ungodly lacivious life These it seemeth had no right unto Church-membership although a right to the hearing of the Word by vertue of Christ's Commission yet not unto Church-membership they crept in unawars that is their counterfeit Faith was not discerned until afterwards that it appeared by error in opinion or practice But how must the Church contend for the Faith with these persons and carry on the management thereof First In a respective love to their persons tendering the good of their souls but with a hatred of their sin and in love to their souls to reprove and admonish them laying before them that part of Gods Law against which the crime is acted that thereby they may the better be convinced and reforme and so by the sword of the spirit the word of God to deal with them if possible unto a Reformation But in case no Reformation doth appear then to proceed in the severity of Justice against them by Excommunication according to Christ's rule and order and thereby cast them out of the Church into the world again as not to have any further priviledge in the Church then what the Lord affords the world which is admittance to hear the Word for their Conversion But what is the end of this severity There are divers ends as first To signify God's severity against sin and obstinate sinners that as they are justly for sin cast out of Communion with his Church and the gracious priviledges thereunto afforded here on Earth So assuredly without timely Repentance unto a Reformation such persons are by God's determination and shall be by the sentence of the just Judge of all the world See Math. 18.18 excluded from Communion with the Church triumphant and all her glorious priviledges in her glorified state Secondly To the end that the Sinner may consider and see his sin be humbled for it 1 Tim. 1.20 and ashamed of it and repent unto a reformation that the soul may be saved in the day of the Lord see 1 Cor. 5. Thirdly To the end the Church may preserve her own purity and holy-state from being defiled with those sins which if suffered may get into other members and corrupt them and it becometh a sin unto the Church in her neglect of duty see the Church of Corinth chap. 5. the Church of Pergamus and the Church of Thyatira Rev. 2. all under reproof here upon the neglect of this duty Neither is the Church in general nor the Officers thereof in particular to make Edicts of their own devising and enjoyn them as parts of God's worship and to be observed which are not Apostolically confirmed as to be the will of God nor to Excommunicate any person for not observing the same without defiling their holy state with the guilt of sin for saith Christ unto those persons that stood steadfast in the Apostolical Observations and received not the contrary I will put upon you saith Christ none other burthen but that which ye have already hold fast till I come Rev. 2.24 25. Whence note by the way First That it is the will of Christ that his people should observe that way of Church-constitution Doctrin order of Worship and discipline which was Apostolically confirmed without diminishing ought therefrom until the second coming of Christ Secondly That it is not the will of Christ that any Innovasions or Additions to that order of Worship should be brought in or imposed upon the Consciences of his people but that the Innovators Observers shall bear their sin and in retaining the Observations of the said Innovations do thereby cease from being Catholick or a people universal in the Truth But in case Innovations are brought into the Church and maintained by the power of the Church and imposed upon the Members and some of the Members cannot in Conscience bear them what way may they take to secure themselves from the guilt of sin that attends the Church in the Observations of such Innovations and not sin against God Answer first By contending against them by the rule of truth that if by any means the Church may be convinced of their Evil and if this will not prevail then to answer the call of God and his Counsel therein which is To come forth from among them and be separate and touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you saith the Lord 2 Cor. 6.17 Depart ye depart ye go ye out from thence touch no unclean thing go ye out of the midest of her be ye clean ye that bear the Vessels of the Lord Isa 52.11 Come out of her my people that ye be not partakers of her sins and that ye receive not of her Plagues Rev. 18.4 The which call of God I do presume was justifiable in Luther and Calvin and other Protestants who for the abominable Innovations of the Roman Church did dissent and separate from her which although she was once a true Church of the Gospel-Constitution and Order as the Apostle Paul in his Epistle giveth Testimony of them calling them Beloved of God and giveth thanks to God that their Faith was spoken of through-out the whole world as in chap. 1.7 8. And I my self saith Paul also am perswaded of you my Brethren that ye also are full of goodness filled with all knowledge able also to admonish one another chap. 15. 14.
with the Laver of brinish tears and lamenting sorrow yet had not infinite Mercy come in to his help how had he been foyled under the same wherefore admire God's Mercy but presume not upon the same for any allowance to sin for he hath said Rom. 9.15 I will have mercy upon whom I will have mercy Esau found no place of Repentance although he sought it carefully with tears Heb. 12. Therefore of Sin in time beware If you 'd prevent an after care But Secondly All ye that have begun in the spirit and set your faces Sion-wards O be very cautious and take great heed and be very watchful against sin because as it is of a defiling nature so is it also of a depriving nature Sin in God's people many times deprives them of many comfortable enjoyments which otherwise they might happily enjoy Sin depriveth Angels of their Heaven Man of his Paradice Israel of his Canaan and many a poor soul of the manifestation of God's favour both in temporal and spiritual enjoyments as is evidenced by the word of the Lord in many Testimonies whereof let us consider one testimony Jer. 2.2 Thus saith the Lord concerning Israel I remember thee the kindness of thy Youth the love of thine Espousals when thou wentest after me in the Wilderness in a Land that was not sown Israel was Holiness to the Lord and the first-fruits of his increase all that devour him shall offend evil shall come upon them saith the Lord. In which words the Lord puts them in mind of their former kindness and love unto him and their walking with him in that their former state then Israel was holiness unto the Lord and yet in the next verses the Lord is taking up this complaint against them What Iniquity have your Fathers found in me that they are gone far from me and have walked after Vanity and become vain and in chap. 5. he saith Your sins have with-holden good things from you From which words we may note four particulars First That God's people are very apt to decline from their first degree of holiness obtained in their first Illuminations and Experiences of God They were holiness to the Lord in their first Espousals but now become vain and gone from God the Church of Ephesus was eminent for God but now fallen from her first love Rev. 2. Secondly Note that the people of God are usually most holy and walk most close with God when they have but little of these outward things to depend upon When thou wentest after me in the Wilderness in a Land that was not sown then Israel was Holiness to the Lord. Thirdly Note that the more close God's people keep to him in the way of Holiness the sooner shall their Adversaries in their enterprises be defeated All that devour him shall offend evil shall come upon them saith the Lord. Fourthly Note that God's people declining the way of Holiness deprive themselves of comforts very great and not their Enemies but themselves do oft thereby defeat Hos 8.3 Israel hath cast off the thing that is good the Enemy shall pursue him But Thirdly by way of Caution As God's people are greatly concerned to take heed and be very cautious of medling with sin because it is of a defiling nature and also of a depriving nature so is it also of a destroying nature Sin suffered in the Creature and not washed out by true Repentance and rich Mercy as aforesaid and especially when entertained with delight O how will it not only stain our Ornaments of Grace and Holiness but also eat up and destroy by degrees like the Moth in the Garment and the Worm in the Nut the very life marrow and quintescence of Christianity or power of Godliness even that love zeal reality and sincerity of heart with all those gifts and spiritual endowments and enjoyments formerly attained until there be nothing left but an out-side form of Godliness if that so that the Creature becometh as to spiritual performances and acts of grace in the life and power thereof but like unto a man whose soul is departing or departed little left but an out-side Carkass and if a little yet but weak in motion as the Holy Ghost doth seem to testify concerning the Estate of the Church of Sardis Rev. 3.1 2. I know thy works saith the Lord Thou hast a name that thou livest but art dead be watchful and strengthen the things that remain and are ready to dye Whence observe here was only a name that is to say an out-side form or shew of Godliness but as for the power of Godliness the very marrow and quintescence of Christianity that was as it were even at the last gasp in a dead or a dying condition and this seemeth to be the state of most in that Church excepting a few names saith the Lord that have not defiled their Garments from whence we are given to understand that the main ground and reason that the life and power of Godliness were thus destroyed in them was their want of watchfulness against sin but suffering it to grow and increase in them either by omision of duties required or committing sins forbidden or both they being allowed and continued without a true Repentance to a Reformation To this doth the Estate of the Churches of Ephesus and Laodicea witness as also many other presidents in holy Scripture the which to run over so large a field my present time and occasions will not permit wherefore let us be very cautious how we meddle with it but watch against it take heed and be ware of it and the occasions thereof whether they be sins of Omission or Commission all sins are of a destructive nature and especially sins against Knowledge and Grace received being allowed and approved of or winked and connived at How plentifully doth the Scripture set forth the destructive nature of sin and particularly those Grandees Infidelity Hypocrisy Heresy Drunkenness and Gluttony prophane Swearing and Blasphemy Whoredom and Adultery Coveteousness and Idolatry Pride Presumption and Oppression and the like The which sins are with many other not only destructive to soul and body gifts and graces but also unto Families and Church-fellowships Cityes and Countrys Kings and Kingdoms as the Scriptures do plentifully evince as saith the Lord by Samuel chap. 12.25 But if ye shall still do wickedly ye shall be consumed both you and your King in which words are intimated as to Israel so to us that if a people do live in such a wicked vicious life as highly to provoke God's Justice against them that then God would consume them with such Judgments as they nor their King should be able to withstand Whence note by the way that men of a wicked vicious Conversation thereby endeavour ruine to their King Nation concerned therefore is the Kings Authority for to suppress such wickedness and grand impiety Secondly Note by the way that men in whom is civil honesty and Godly sincerity are the best Subjects
not only command us to be holy because he is holy but attends upon us with all holy means appertaining to the attainment of an holy state that we in a good improvement of the means according to his Counsel against Sin and Satan and our own Corruptions for the attainment of a holy life we might both Plow in hope and Sow in the hope of Reaping a sure and certain Estate of holiness in its perfection to the great joy and consolation of the Soul in the sweet enjoyments of Communion with the Lord But Thirdly As we may be encouraged in this design by the warrantableness of it God highly approving of it and secondly from the promise of God to assist us in the management of the design So thirdly we may be much encouraged upon the consideration of the faithfulness of him that hath promised assistance to us Know therefore saith Moses that the Lord thy God is God the Faithful God which keepeth Covenant and Mercy with them that love him and keep his Commandements to a thousand Generations Deut. 7.9 This is an excellent encourageing argument and attribute of God to strengthen the courage and confidence of a Christian in his design for the perfecting holiness in the fear of God if a Christian in the management of this design do meet with temptations and oppositions by the Lusts of the flesh the Devil or Wicked men here is a special ground of courage and confidence God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that ye may be able to bear it 1 Cor. 10.13 Should a Christian in his management of this designe be possessed with some fear or jealousie of its own Imperfections and Weaknesses that by reason of the same it shall not attaine unto an estate of Holiness to stand acceptable without blame in the sight of God Here in this Case-consider that God is faithful who hath Called you unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord 1 Cor. 1.8 9. who will also confirme you unto the End that ye may be blameless in the Day of our Lord Jesus Christ Wherefore thou Christian Soul pressing after the attainment of Holiness consider Gods faithfulness as a remedy against any fears doubts or jealousies that may arise upon the sight or sense of thy own weakness and imperfections hath God also called thee unto the fellowship of his Son to walk with him in his holy Laws and Council contained in his Word striving against Sin for to attain unto an Holy state God hath also called thee unto the fellowship of his Son in the participation of his Righteousness and true Holiness in which Robes he will accept thee as unblameable in his sight Faithful is he that calleth you who also will do it 1 Thes 5.24 Therefore press after Holiness but against the defilements of sin depending on Christ for perfection therein who Crowns Saints endeavours and adds to their store his own perfect purity to acceptance evermore Thou hast a few names saith the Lord to the Church of Sardis That have not defiled their Garments It seemeth these few persons did carefully endeavour in the use of the means to keep up and nourish the life and power of Godliness in them so as not to allow themselves in that deadness and sloathfulness that others were found in nor in those false doctrins and opinions that were on foot among others neither in those loose and lacivious practices and abominations of the times but their hearts being real to the Lord and their careful endeavours was to keep themselves undefiled from the sins of the times So the Lord Jesus Christ doth record them here according to their careful endeavours and integrity of their hearts although they might have failings and imperfections without which there is no man on this side the grave yet they being not allowed but endeavoured against the Lord seems to take not any notice thereof nor layeth any thing to their charge on that account for as much as such souls thus consciencious of sin do in the sence of their own imperfections the more humble themselves before the Lord admiring his mercy and judge themselves unworthy of the same Well but what of these few They saith the Lord shall walk with me in white for they are worthy Note here for encouragement in this design for holy attainments two things especially laid down in promise to such First Union with Christ in his white robes of Innocency Righteousness and Holiness in the perfection thereof Christ will cover the failings and imperfections of such souls with his own perfections Secondly Here is Communion with Christ Christ accepts them in Communion with himself They shall walk with me in white Christ puts his perfections upon them as aforesaid and makes them meet-Companions for himself They shall walk with me O what rich grace is this what an encouragement is here to press after such attainments when Christ hath engaged himself to make up our wants with his own fulness our imperfections with his own perfections and thereby make us meet for fellowship with himself They shall walk with me in white for they are worthy Note Here Christ seems to attribute a worthiness in them of these priviledges although in all that they have done is but their duty and not deserving at the hand of Christ so great priviledges but such is the gracious goodness of the Lord that he will not let the gift of a cup of cold water Math. 10.42 that is given to one of his Disciples for his sake go unrewarded how much more respects will he freely show towards those that for his sake in love to him do improve his Counsel unto a denial of themselves in all ungodliness and worldly Tit. 2.11 12. Lusts and Vanities to walk with Christ in his Counsel confessing his Name and professing his truth in opposition to Sin the World and the Devil to the management of this design of perfecting holiness in the fear of God to the glory of his Name Yea so doth Christ respect such souls that he confirms his former words with a second Confirmation He that overcometh the same shall be Cloathed with white Rayment and I will not blot his name out of the book of Life but I will confess his name before my Father and before his Angels Rev. 3.5 O what great encouragements hath the Lord laid before us if we are upon the management of this design for holiness in the way of Christ's Counsel He will Cloath us with his own Robes and keep our names clear in the book of Life and confess our names and bear his Testimony for us before his Father and before his Angels as he also testifyeth Math. 10.32 O behold the faithfulness of God that as he hath commanded us to be holy so hath he graciously promised his assistance to us in our endeavours by his Divine Counsel in his Word
to inform us by his Spirit to enable us his Angels to secure us and by his Son to Crown our weak performances with his own perfections to his gracious acceptation He hath made us accepted in the beloved Eph. 1.6 Thus having briefly presented three general grounds comprehending many particulars for encouragement to the Christian soul that in love and loyalty to the Lord entereth a design for holy attainments As first The warrantableness of the design God manifesting his approbation of it by his command thereunto Seconddly God's promise of assistance Thirdly His faithfulness in performing of his Promise I shall only present a fourth ground of encouragement which is as followeth A fourth ground of encouragement in this design is The sure reward that is annexed by promise unto those souls that in the way of God do manage a design for the attainment of a holy state unto such souls there is a sure reward as saith the Spirit of God by Solomon The Wicked worketh a deceitful work but to him that soweth Righteousness is a sure reward Prov. 11.18 This Reward is sometimes in Scripture called the Reward of Inheritance as in Col. 3.24 Whatsoever ye do do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the Reward of Inheritance for ye serve the Lord Christ also this Inheritance is said to be an Eternal Inheritance Heb. 9.15 and an Inheritance incorruptible 1 Pet. 1.4 Sometimes it is called a Kingdom as in Matth. 25.34 and in Luk. 12.32 Fear not little Flock it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the Kingdom a Kingdom that cannot be moved Heb. 12.28 Sometimes in Scripture this Inheritance or Kingdom is called Eternal Life as in Joh. 10.28 My Sheep hear my Voyce and they follow me and I give unto them Eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand See further Matth. 25.46 Rom. 6.23 Quest But where is this Inheritance or Kingdom saith the enquiring soul that I may behold it Answ The Apostle Peter tells us It is reserved in the Heavens for you that are kept by the power of God through faith unto Salvation 1 Pet. 1.4 5. Note it s by the power of God that ye are kept thereunto the power of God in the operation of his Word and efficacy of his Spirit working in and by the Word therefore love the Word delight therein hold it fast it s the power of God unto Salvation unto every one that believeth Rom. 1.16 Note also it s through faith therefore look well to your faith make not shiprack of faith but keep up faith in its due exercise for ye are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation The Servants of God of old did behold the promised Inheritance by faith to their great comfort and encouragement as saith the Authour to the Hebrews chap. 11. These all dyed in faith not having received the Promises but having seen them afar off and were perswaded of them and embraced them and confessed that they were Strangers and Pilgrims on the Earth Moses by faith beheld this recompence of reward and in respect thereunto he chose rather to suffer afflictions with the people of God then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season for he had respect to the Recompence of Reward Quest But when will it be that this promised Inheritance and Reward shall be possessed by the Believer pressing after holiness many have been in the expectation of such a thing indeed but since the Fathers fell asleep all things continue as they were from the beginning of the Creation 2 Pet. 3.4 Answ The Apostle Peter affirmeth That the Lord is not slack as some men count slackness but is long suffering to usâ— ward not willing that any should perish but that all should come to Repentance 2 Pet. 3.9 It may be that God hath some people yet to Convert and to add unto his Church that his coming is prolonged But the day of the Lord will come as a Thief in the Night in the which the Heavens shall pass away with a great noyse and the Elements shall melt with fervent heat the Earth also and the works that are therein shall be burnt up Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy Conversation and Godliness Nevertheless we according to his promise look for new Heavens and a new Earth wherein dwelleth Righteousness It is enough for us that we have the word of promise made out and confirmed to us by the Eternal and Infinite God to exercise our faith and hope upon and it is our duty to wait upon him in faith and patience for the performance of the same unto us in his time It is his own free gift not our deserts and that he will at last accomplish it to any soul it is infinite mercy to be admired The spirit of God hath signified unto us that it will be performed at the second coming of Christ personally as in Col. 3.4 When Christ who is our life shall appear then shall we also appear with him in Glory whereunto agreeth the words of Paul to the Thessalonians chap. 4.16 17 18. which words are these For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout with the voyce of the Arch-angel and with the Trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the Clouds to meet the Lord in the Ayr and so shall we ever be with the Lord wherefore comfort one another with these words and in chap. 5. Comfort your selves together and edifie one another even as also ye do vers 11. Whence Note by the way that it is the duty of Christians and the property of souls espoused to Christ so to apply and improve the promise of Christ's second personal coming as to make it a ground of comfort and encouragement one to another of edification in and the observation of all his holy appointments perseveringly Our Saviour Jesus Christ a little before his sufferings being conversant with his Disciples and fore-seeing the sorrow and trouble that would attend them after his departure he for their better support encouragement and comfort under the same leaveth them this Cordial to feed upon Let not your hearts be troubled saith he ye believe in God believe also in me in my Fathers House are many Mansions if it were not so I would have told you I go to prepare a place for you and if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you to my self that where I am ye may be also Joh. 14.1 2 3. The Lord hath furnished the holy Scriptures with plenty of provision of this nature as if his faithful Servants were likely to have great need of encouragements support and comfort after his departure by reason of the many
commiserate the condition of the same that he must leave his King and his Office in the Court with all the honours profits and pleasures thereof to visit his Brethren and to repair the decays and make up the breaches with endeavours to set Jerusalem in her former state or primitive beauty unto which work he thought not much to set his hand his heart his all for to compleat the same And canst not thou O Unregenerate heart be wrought upon to a sensibility of thy own Estate by all the tydings brought home unto thine ears by the infallible word of Truth and Ministry thereof informing thee of the sad decays and breaches made upon thy precious Soul by sin and Satan the grand Enemies of man-kind Hast thou not heard that thy Walls of Security and Ornaments of Beauty are much decayed and many breaches made therein that is to say thy beautiful state of Righteousness and true Holiness in which man was at first Created in which man did God's Image bare and unto which Estate God did vouchsafe his Presence for security of thy self thy Peace thy Comfort and Consolation And hast thou not heard how by the Enemy all the faculties of thy Soul and members of thy Body are Captivated under the dominion of Sin and Satan A sad servitude unto thy Eternal desolation except a supernatural means timely applyed and carefully improved to effect a Restoration to thy primitive Estate And hast thou not heard that a Supernatural King hath granted and given forth a supernatural means compounded with Divine Love and Pitty to thy poor distressed Soul and Captivated state together with an order sealed with his own Signet for liberty to improve the means unto the aforesaid end with directions in the same and calls thereto And canst thou with those by the Holy Ghost Recorded Amos 6. Chant to the sound of the Viol and invent to thy self Instruments of Musick drink Wine in Bowls and solace thy self in worldly Vanities and not lay to heart the sad condition of Joseph of Jerusalem of thy poor Soul and Body in their Captivated state plundred of all their chiefest good O that thou wouldst act Nehemiahs part which is thy great concernment to lay to heart thy Condition so as to become sensible of thy Estate wherein thou standest and in the sence thereof to go unto God and humble thy self before him with Chastisements by Fasting and Tears of Mourning and lay thy Cause before the Lord with supplications in the name of Christ on thy Jerusalems thy precious Souls behalf and in order to thy sensibility hereunto and the quickening of thy motion herein Consider the words of Christ to the unprofitable Servant thou oughtest to have put my money to the Exchangers As if he should have said thou oughtest to exercise those noble faculties of Rationality and Memory that God hath bestowed on thee by a due Consideration and serious Meditation in the Word So now may I say to thee as God hath bestowed upon thee those noble faculties of Rationality and Memory wouldest thou exercise them in the Word of God by a due Consideration and serious Meditation and in those Ballances weigh the Adorning Ornaments of Righteousness and Holiness and the benefits and priviledges thereunto appertaining against the deformed habit of Ungodliness and the sad slavery thraldom and wrath that attends thereon and weigh well the value of thy precious Soul by the price laid down for its Redemption against the value of those sinful Vanities that procure thy Souls Condemnation and Christs Love and Faithfulness against Sin and Satans Deceitfulness then happily thou mightest obtain a sence of thy condition as thou standest in thy Unregenerate and Barren state and see that it is time for thee to seek the Lord and to break up thy fallow ground and to Sow in Righteousness in hope to Reap in Mercy see Hos 10.12 and to wait upon God in the use of God's appointed means until he rain the dews of Grace and Righteousness upon thee When Nehemiah came to Jerusalem Neh. 4.10 to view the decays and breaches therein made he found there much Rabbish the which must in wisdom first be removed and cleansed away otherwise the Rubbish would obstruct the work and cause it soon for to decay and fall again And although this obstructive Rubbish was so very much that it required many hands and heavy burthens with much difficulty and industry to remove and clear away yet this Obstruction must first be done away otherwise it would deceive their work and cause their labour to be in vain Now wouldest thou in the sence of thy decayed and falne state act Nehemiahs part in the use of the means appointed thereunto to be a Renewer or Repairer of those decays and breaches in thee made by the Enemy of thy Prosperity Peace and Happiness then thou must with Nehemiah wisely seek God's assistance and set thy self with all diligence to remove the Rubbish those corrupt Lusts and Sins that lye as grand obstructions in the way to our Attainments in the work of our Reparations and Restoration of our first Estate in Holiness and Righteousness true Peace and Happiness Wherefore in order to our better discovery and sensibility of those grand obstructions prejudicial to the work and for our better inducement to improve our utmost abilities with all diligence to a removal thereof that our atchievements may be the more prosperous and effectual Consider with me the ensuing discourse raised upon these following words written Prov. 30.15 The Horseleach hath two Daughters crying Give Give Prov. 30.15 AS all Scripture was given by Inspiration and is profitable and whatsoever was written aforetime was written for our Learning so doubtless this small part or portion of holy Scripture afore-mentioned hath something in it of profit and use to the Sons of men in the right Application of it Should we consider the words by way of division we may therein observe three parts First A subject bearing the denomination of a Horseleach Secondly A second part relating to the Horseleach as conceived and brought forth by her demonstrated by the denomination of her Daughters Thirdly A third particular observable is their qualifications or natural properties demonstrated in these words Crying Give Give Should we consider the words by way of Explication it will not be unnecessary in the first place to consider that it is often-times the method of the Holy Ghost in Scripture-Record by way of similitude or parable to illustrate the natural properties of one thing by the name of another thing of the same nature as for instance The Spirit of God by the Prophet Zephaniah illustrateth or setteth forth the natural properties and dispositions of Jerusalems Rulers in respect of their Oppressions and Cruelties imposed upon the people under their jurisdiction by the names of Lyons and Wolves Her Princes within her saith he are roaring Lyons her Judges are Evening Woolves they gnaw not the bones till the morrow Zeph. 3.3 So
believeth not the Record that God gave of his Son Joh. 5.10 O what an obstruction is here to the Creatures attainments unto Holiness and Heavens Happiness O what a sad consequence doth follow hereupon He that believeth not is Condemned already because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God Joh. 3.18 O what a heart-worm is here that eateth out the very life of the Creature to Gods great dishonour and the Creatures ruine except such obstructions to be timely removed Another of this brood is Sloath in God's Service This greedy Heart-worm is a great obstruction to the use and efficasy of God's word and to the efficacy of the Creatures performances in God's Service This greedy Worm by its influence and operation in the heart devours all the Creatures Zeal for God and fervency in any performances in order to the worship and service of God This worm doth much hinder the Creature and obstruct its improvement of Gods Word and Ordinances to Gods Glory and its own benefit by application and meditation and action as it ought to do and hence or hereunto are those words of Solomon The sloathful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting Prov. 12.27 that is he doth not improve the means afforded as aforesaid What need saith Sloath so much strictness and preciseness in spending so much time in reading hearing preaching prayer meditation and assembling so often it is time enough for these things hereafter and the like the which 〈◊〉 of sad consequence for hereby God wants that honour that is due from the Creature unto his Name and the poor soul wants that spiritual nourishment to refresh comfort strengthen and support it in the way to its eternal rest whereby the poor soul is impoverished and destitute or at least much weakened in its knowledg faith hope love zeal and comfortable assurance in the Lord which in a good improvement of the means through Gods blessing hereupon happily it might have enjoyed Consider the foolish Virgins and the sloathful Servant that improved not his Talent Another of this Generation is Voluptiousness whose nature is most delightful in excessive feasting and drunkenness with other carnal delights and pleasures This Brat once getting residence in the heart and suffered doth much obstruct and destroy those vertues of moderation temperance sobriety and charity c. This is likewise an insatiable greedy Worm and doth much enslave the Creature for by its influence and operation it doth strongly work upon the Creature to yeald both Person and Purse Lands Livings and Lordships Time and Opportunity though never so precious all must be dedicated to the use and service of this greedy-guts this unsatiable heart-worm by whose influence those persons seem to be steered that Paul to the Philippians speaketh of chap. 3.19 Whose end is destruction whose God is their belly whose glory is their shame who mind earthly things but as Solomon saith A word to the Wife is sufficient So I do but give a hint of these things to put you in mind of the sad effects of sin and of that conjunction wherein the Creatures affections and the world and self are united I have heard an Astrological story that when two malignant Planets as Mars and Saturn happen in Conjunction together in one Aspect House or Sign that that altogether operate to the prejudice of man by producing the sad effects of losses crosses sicknesses wars contentions death and the like But whether this be so or not sure I am that this is truth that when there is a Conjunction between the Creatures affections and self and the world that the operations and effects thereof is sad indeed for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it for thereby the understanding is darkened and the clear light of the Son of Righteousness eclipsed from the Soul the apprehensions be-nummed the judgment mis-informed the will obstinate and averse to the things of God the bowels of compassion shut up the hand of pitty clinched fast so that God may call in his word his spirit may strive Christ may weep and Lazarus may beg and Christs Ministers may like a Candle spend themselves to give light to others and yet all will do but little and why Corruption hath wrought a Conjunction between the Creatures affections and self and the world and therefore self-denyal and the loss of the worlds favour to follow Christ in his ways is become a hard saying who can bare it Many of the Rulers believed on Christ saith the Scriptures but they did not confess him for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God and many could follow Christ for the Loaves for self and worldly interests but when it cometh to pass that this conjunction must be broken and self and the world must be denyed to follow Christ in all his precepts and examples of sanctity and true holiness of life then the young man and the old also goes away sorrowful Demas must rather forsake Christ and his ways and all those of Asia forsake Paul and the true profession of the Gospel rather than self and the world must be parted with Oh saith Corruption that Horseleach and unsanctified Love and carnal desire her Daughters favour thy self let not these things be Yea so prevailing are these Blood-worms even in many Gospel-professors that it was the sad complaint of the Apostle Paul in his days that he had no man like-minded to Timothy whose special care was for the promoting of Christs interest in his truth and people for saith he all seek their own and not the things of Jesus Christ And therefore it is that God doth so often give unto his own people even his chosen ones and dear Children the bitter cup of the wormseed of Afflictions on purpose to break the bed of these Heart-worms and subdue them and the oftner because his people do often through carelesness and negligence of improving the means afforded suffer these greedy worms to breed and multiply in their hearts whereby the stomack groweth weak as to a spiritual digestion of the Heavenly Manna of Gods word and the conjunction between the affections and self and the world the more strengthened It is Gods usual way in such cases ever and anon to give his people a cup of that wormseed-bitter-afflictions yet mixt with Divine love and saving ends as to break the aforesaid conjunction and to cleanse the heart of corruption and to bring the affections home unto himself and to quicken the appetite unto a good digestion of the administrations of his grace in all his dispensations In their affections they will seek me early But is it so that corruption hath brought forth such a separation of the Creatures affections from God unto a conjunction with self and the world to the conception of many evils which cannot be cured but by a supernatural means it may put us into an admiration upon a two-fold account as first we may stand and wonder with
is evidenced six fold Fourthly The Spirit and the Brides invitation to and commendation of the freeness of these waters of Life in Christ Fifthly The excellent operation of these living springs to the clarifying of the heart from corruption and to qualifie the heart with grace Sixthly The sad slavery and bondage of souls enslaved to the Horseleach and her Brood Seaventhly The woful misery that this slavery to our selves will bring upon us if the means be not improved for a remedy Eighthly The little time we have for our improvement the which once over our opportunities cease Ninethly The greatness of our loss if we obtain not a cure while the time and season serveth Tenthly They are Gods Enemies as much as in them lyeth opposing God and Christ and the Spirit in their effecting of mans salvation in the way of Gods determinations and for appointments from Eternity Eleaventhly The consideration of Gods requirement and choyce that God hath made of the heart to be as a Treasury for himself to place his word his spirit his gifts graces his laws and statutes there according to his Covenant Twelfthly They are the grand Enemies to true Reformation in Church and State and therefore are not to be suffered to live in the heart Thirteenth They will Monopolize all thy Religious actions of Piety and Charity to themselves all must be done for self-ends and worldly interests Fourteenth The Recommendations and Testimonies of the faithful which from their own experiences commend unto us the excellent use and efficacy of these streams of free grace in Christ as a soveraign remedy to our distempers as an encouragement to us Fifteenth and lastly One Use of comfort to the faithful improver of the aforesaid means to the aforesaid ends and unto that soul that is truly sensible of its disease its slavery and danger thereby and world with longing desires be relieved released and delivered from the bondage of sin and condemnation due for the same Behold O behold your priviledges your help your remedy you have a a God free of his dispensations of grace to you in Christ a full Fountain set open with the waters of Life to cure all your distempers by sin 't is to cleanse the heart of sin and of uncleanness a Rock that cannot be drawn dry a River with streams seasoned and sweetened with Divine Love Christ Jesus full of grace truth for the refreshing comforting and satisfying of every soul that in the sence of its own deficiency cometh to Christ believingly in real desire of remedy where you may drink and refresh your selves and welcome you have Christ ready to entertain you with friendly entertainment Eat O friends drink yea drink abundantly O Beloved Cant. 5.1 The more souls come to Christ the more free is Christ unto them the more joyfully doth he entertain them the more his delight is in them and the more he communicates of his fulness to them your presence with him and partaking of his fulness is his joy your absence from him and refusal of his benefits is his sorrow He wept over Jerusalem upon their refusal of him in the day of his free Communications The springs are open the Fountains full the streams run clear and pure and free for cure for all your wounds though ne're so sore here may you find support and comfort in the worst of times and greatest troubles as saith the Psalmist Although the Earth be removed and though the Mountains be carryed into the midst of the Sea we will not fear Psal 46.2 And why There is a River the streams whereof shall make glad the City of God verse 4. and agreeable here unto are those words of the Prophet Isaiah ver 23. The Glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad Rivers with streams God will be yours and Christ and Grace and Glory and what enjoyments is communicable in them shall be for your Consolation and Salvation Wherefore as ye tender the glory of God the honour of Christ and your participation of the benefits and priviledges in Christ the life of holiness and the health of your souls in Heavens attainments use all diligence at the said Well-springs for to compleat a cure to your diseased hearts and to obtain your freedom from the servitude of carnal Lusts the Enemies to our Reformation and Salvation Certain Articles included and drawn from the foregogoing Discourse as the Judgment of the Authour in brief First THere is one God Creator of all things whose being is of himself Glorious in Essence Almighty in Power Infinite in Wisdom Wonderful in Providence Perfect in Purity Rich in his Mercies Great in loving Kindness Faithful in his Covenants Free in his dispensation oâ— Grace Tender of Compassion Long-suffering in Patience Abounding in Goodness and Truth Righteous in his Laws Just in his Judgments Jealous of his Truths a Hater of Sin a Revenger of Iniquity upon the Impenitent incomprehensible in himself yet comprehending all things within his All-seeing Eye his Understanding Knowledge and Almighty Power having Dominion over all things to order all things and dispose of all according to the good pleasure of his divine will unto whom all Worship Service and Obedience is due and is to be performed in his own way by the Sons of men and what he is in himself his Being and Attributes he is Incorruptible Immortal Eternally so God blessed for ever the hope the help the support the consolation and salvation of all that put their trust in him to whom be Glory Honour and Praise everlastingly Amen Secondly The glorious God hath made forth himself unto the Sons of men by three denominations or distinction of names as Father Son and Holy Spirit The Father is of himself not made created nor begotten The Son is of the Father Begotten not made as he is God yet made of a Woman as he is Man Gal. 4.4 The perfection of both Natures centred in him that he was perfect God and perfect Man The holy Spirit is neither made created nor begotten but is equally one from Eternity in the God-head with the Father and the Son proceeding from both mans heart to invade to repair the great loss the power of sin therein made Thirdly The Father from Eternity before the world was did determine decree and purpose in himself in time to Create man to be to the glory of his Name to enjoy him in a glorious state and thereunto did fore-appoint or predestinate him Fourthly The Father fore-seeing the Fall of Man by sin and Mans Captivity under Satans dominion thereby and Mans corrupt and miserable state under the same and Mans inability to recover himself there-from that the determined Counsel decree purpose and predestination or fore-appointment of the Father might stand sure and yet he be just He also determines a free Redemption for Man-kind by his Son and electeth or chuseth his Heirs of Glory in his Son under justification of Life and Glory through believing in his Son
CHVRCHES GLORY OR THE Becoming Ornament BEING A seasonable Word tending to the Provoking Encouraging and Perfecting of Holiness in Believers Wherein is discovered the Nature Necessity and Excellency thereof Also many grand Obstructions or Impediments removed which hinder the Saints growth and increase therein Whereunto is added A Glass for the Vnconverted shewing the woful state of Fallen Man and the only way of his Recovery As also several Articles of Faith briefly laid down for the further establishment and confirming of the Faithful By Josias Bonham sen of Byfield in Northamptonshire Follow peace with all men and Holiness without which no man shall see the Lord Heb. 12.14 London Printed for the Author 1674. To the Church of JESUS CHRIST Congregated In the order of the Gospel by Confession of Faith and Baptisme meeting at Priers Marson in the County of Warwick wishing the abounding of all Grace Mercy Peace and Unity in and through Our Lord Jesus Christ and one with another as the Truth is in Jesus Beloved in the Lord HAving for some Years been a Companion with you in the felâ—owship of the Gospel and by the hand of God upon me and your requirement have been â—nstrumental among you as â—pportunities have been offered to impart unto your Edification what I through grace received Now considering that Mortality is approaching near towards me and having those words of the Apostle Peter upon my spirit which saith Moreover I wilâ— endeavour that after my Decease you may be able to havâ— these things always in Remembrance 2 Pet. 1.15 And likewise considering the abounding of Iniquity Errors botâ— in Opinion Practice in thesâ— latter days all which do witness the truth of that in a greaâ— part which our Saviour Chrisâ— and his Apostles in holy wâ—â— have fore-told the which â—â— much manifested in Papisâ— Rantisme Quakerisme and superstitious Ceremonalism as also the abounding of self-love self-endedness and prophane and vicious Atheisme I thought it my care and duty to present unto you this small Treatise wherein is comprised most of the chief heads and principle grounds of doctrine that by me hath been delivered unto you hoping that you will make these lines herein contained your Companions sometimes when you sit at your Table or Window or by the Fire-side that they may be your Remembrancers how you have heard and received and that you may hold fast unto all stability perseverance in judgment and practice thâ— truths therein contained thaâ— are agreeable to the revealed will of God that when I have put off this Tabernacle and am Deceased these few gleanings out of Gods Vintage may be of some use unto you the better to enable you to stand fast in the Truth in unity of the Spirit striving together for the faith of the Gospel So with my Prayers to God for you hoping to see your faces in Heavenly Mansion places I remain your Servant in what I may for Jesus sake both Night and Day John Bonham TO THE CHRISTIAN READER Christian Reader CAsting mine eye and considerations upon the holy and pure Word of God and exercising my mind and meditations therein I beheld through Grace the habit of Holiness to be of high acceptation with God and of great concernment to the Christian Soul Also I harkned and heard as it were the Lord in his word calling unto and commanding the Sons and Daughters of men to put on the said habit in the use of the means thereunto appointed and many argumental grounds and reasons he produceth to move and draw the Creatures love thereto and to cause him to delight therein But casting mine eye and considerations on the other hand I beheld the present state of the Sons and Daughters of men in this Generation to see what acceptation this habit of Holiness found among them And loe its interest seemed very small and mean as to true holiness in its proper nature scarce here and there a man that affectionately seeketh after it in comparison of the contrary Wherefore I receiving some glimpse of the excellent properties of Holiness and the necessity and benefit thereof did think it my duty to promote its interest in the best manner I could according to what I have received and to that end I here present unto thee these ensuing considerations humbly requesting thee that in thy perusal of the same thou wilt view them with an impartial eye And seriously consider the doctrin therein affirmed and weigh it in the Ballance of the Sanctuary and what thou findest to hold weight therewith for the God of truths sake accept the same as the work of God that worketh all in all according to the operations and manifestations of his holy Spirit Let not the meanness of the Instrument nor any Imperfection in the method cause thee to despise the work but rather with Aquilla and Priscilla expound to me the way of God more perfectly Act. 18.26 I have not penned these insuing considerations as any new light or administration that hath not been of old but rather as a witness to that antient Apostolical Doctrin of Faith and Holiness which was once delivered to the Saints the which through grace in the operative power of the spirit hath wrought in me to bear this Testimony according as I have received That Servant that improved his two Talents into four was aceepted as well as he that had improved his five into ten whiles he that had made no improvement was rejected with the fruitless Fig-tree If the Heavens declare the glory of God and the Firmament sheweth his handy work If day unto day uttereth speech and night unto night sheweth knowledge Psal 19.1 2. how much more should man whom God hath endowed with the faculties of Reason and Vnderstanding above other Creatures that so he might be apprehensive of divine demonstrations and especially that soul whose understanding God hath in a good measure enlightened to understand his mind and will contained in his Word and hath given him a state of grace here and an assurance in Christ of glory hereafter Our Saviour having held forth some Divine Truths to his Desciples asketh this question Have ye understood these things they say unto him Yea Lord then saith he unto them Therefore every Scribe that is instructed unto the Kingdom of God is like unto a man that is an Housholder which bringeth forth out of his Treasury things New and Old The term therefore is a relative to the enlightened understanding and stands as a Reason why the understanding soul should be as this Housholder bringing forth as if he should have said Because ye understood these things therefore ye ought to bring them forth like this Housholder and the good man mentioned Mat. 12.35 Which out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things Whence I Note what Divine Truths being received into the understanding ought not to be there concealed but to be brought forth to the glory of God who hath discovered them and to
experience will be an evidence that thou hast attained unto a good degree in the ornament of holiness and hast an interest in the promises thereunto belonging But on the contrary if thy mind will affection desire delight and meditation is chiefly exercised on carnal and wordly objects with expectation of content therein but as to the things of of God which concern his glory and the eternal welfare of thy Soul thou hast but little affection thereto thy mind and meditation but little exercised therein thy love desire and delights but cold to the exercise thereof it is an evident sign thou art but in the Old Man and in thy corrupt Estate in the carnal mind earthly affections obstinate will worldly desires and vain delights thou hast not yet put on the New Man which after God is Created in Righteousness and true Holiness for look how far a man hath proceeded in the work of Mortification of the Old Man with his deeds and in putting on the New Man with the ftuits and effects thereof so far hath he attained towards the Ornament of Holiness Wherefore first Let us examine our selves and consider what sins we have cast off what Lusts we have subdued what Corruptions we have conquered through the holy means and Heavenly calling and divine assistance which we have Received They that are Christs have Crucified the Flesh with the affections and Lusts Gal. 5.24 Secondly Let us examine our selves and consider how far we have proceeded in putting on the New Man what Works of Faith what Labour of Love 1 Thes 1.3 what Patience of Hope we have been exercised into the glory of his name that gives the means and commands obedience It may be some Soul may say within it self I have spent much time in hearing God's Word Preached I have been often in Prayer and Fasting and in receiving the Sacraments yea and have preached in Christs Name to others and many Alms have I given and many good deeds to my Neighbours and Brethren have I done as need required also many Sins and Vices which formerly I delighted in I have now cast off therefore I hope I have attained to a good degree in the Ornament of Holiness These Exercises of Preaching and Hearing Gods Word Prayer and Fasting Alms and good Deeds done to Neighbours and Brethren are all Duties belonging to a Christian which he ought to do according to the measure of the Gift given But let us examine our End in the performance of such Undertakings it is the End that crowns the Action if we perform these or the like Christian Duties to by and base Ends as to be seen of men to obtain the favour and applause of some persons with whom such Duties are in estimation or because it is the Fashion or Custom of the Countrey wherein we live at least of the better sort or for lucre of some temporal Benefit or that thereby we might deserve Gods Love or purchase Heaven These and the like Ends will be unto our performances but like unto the dead Flies in the Apothecaries Ointment it will destroy the sweet Savour thereof in the Nostrils of God and we shall be forced at last to lie down in sorrow with that doleful Sentence I never knew you depart from me ye that work iniquity Matth. 7.22 23. But when Christian Performances do flow from an inward work of Grace received from a renewed Mind and sincere Love to God to the end we may thereby glorifie him in faithful Obedience to his Commands and obtain strength against corruptions and temptations that do so frequently assault us and that we may be instrumental to edifie and build up others also in the Knowledg of God and in obedience to his Will that they may set their hope in God and glorifie his Name by becoming obedient to his Commandments then the more active we are in those Christian Duties the more is our Comliness in the fruits of Holiness the more is our power and strength against our Corruptions the more increase of Grace the more communion with God the more we glorifie his Name the more peace of Conscience the more comfortable enjoyments of Gods Favour and the more rejoycing in his Promise of our eternal Happiness through Jesus Christ Wherefore let us examine our selves first whether we are moved or acted by a right Principle viz. an inward work of the Spirit of Grace quickening sanctifying and renewing the inward man Secondly whether we perform our Christian Duties in a right manner according to the Direction of Christ in his Word Thirdly whether we perform them to a right end viz. that God may have the Glory in all our Obedience through Jesus Christ and if we can experience these particulars we may have the comfortable assurance of Gods favourable acceptation of us upon the account of Christ as an holy people comely in his sight Objection arising through doubts fears But happily some Soul may say I have a long time pressed after the attainment of Holiness and I have thought it hath been from a right Principle in a right manner and to a right end and yet me thinks I cannot attain to the perfection of Holiness so as to be without many spots and stains of Sin by reason of which I am afraid my best and holiest Duties will not find acceptance with God Answer to the Objejecting or doubting Soul In answer whereunto we may consider that spots and stains of Sin may be and are in the best of Gods Servants by reason of our present state composed of Flesh and Spirit two contraries the Flesh lusting against the Spirit and the Spirit against the Flesh which occasioneth much weakness and frailty in the best of Gods Servants by reason of which weakness and the strong temptations many times that do assault them for want of a careful watchfulness the poor Servant of God is overtaken with Sin although he approveth not of it nor delighteth in it but beholdeth it with sorrow and grief of heart And in this condition God sometimes suffereth his dearest Servants for good Reasons as first because they should not be exalted above measure with high thoughts and conceits of themselves but beholding their own Imperfections they might be the more humbled in the sense of their own weaknesses Secondly that they may be provoked to depend upon God and to seek unto him for his Grace and holy Spirit to comfort support and strengthen them upon all occasions Thirdly that seeing their own imperfect state they might be moved to prize Jesus Christ and that atonement made by him with the higher estimation The whole have no need of a Physitian Mar. 2.17 but they that are sick Christ came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance This is not spoken to encourage any to continue in sin that Grace may abound Rom. 6.1 but by way of support to that Soul that seeth it his duty to be holy in all manner of conversation and therefore
and from the Wrath of the Lamb Rom. 6.15 16. for nothing in that day shall be found to be a shelter vers 17. but an Interest in Christ by Faith which in this day of Grace bringeth forth the fruits of Obedience to the Supremacy of Christ We usually say a man forewarn'd of a danger is fore-arm'd he will seek to secure himself in time and take him for a Friend that gives him the warning O! how many friendly warnings hath the Lord by his Spirit in his Word given unto poor sinful mortal man of the great and eminent dangers approaching as the fruits and effects of Sin O what friendly Counsel and advice hath he laid before us for security did we improve the same accordingly as if his very bowels yerned towards us for our eternal preservation O how are his Warnings and Counsels made out in his Word to all sorts of men of what Degree Rank or Quality soever high and low rich and poor free and bond as if he was no Respecter of persons in his Warnings Advice and Counsels as he is no Respecter of persons in Judgment The Lord having made known by his Spirit in his Servants the certainty of his accomplishing his Decree and fore-Determinations in exalting his Son Jesus Christ into the Throne of Kingship and Seat of Justice The Lords Advice to Majest a es gives this Counsel and Advice unto Kings and other inferiour Magistrates saying Be wise now therefore O ye Kings be instructed ye Judges of the Earth serve the Lord with Fear and Trembling kiss the Son lest he be angry and ye perish from the way while his Wrath is kindled but a little Blessed are are all they that put their trust in him Psal 2.10 11 12. As if he should have said O ye Kings and Judges of the Earth in whose hands the Sword or Power of Magistracy is entrusted herein doth the principle part of your Wisdom consist let the Salutations of your Love and chief Respects be manifested towards Christ Jesus the Son of God whom the Father hath exalted into the Throne of Government Seat of Justice King of Kings and Lord of Lords Let the Salutations of your Love and chiefest Respects be manifested towards him The Wisdom of the majestrate chiefly consists in making Christ chief in his Counsel in his Laws and Government for thereunto is the Blessing promised by embracing his Counsel for your Counsel his Laws for your Laws his Government for your Government his Subjects that desire to obey him in his Laws and righteous Government the people of your chiefest protection and objects of your Praise that you may be as nursing Fathers unto them but a terror to those that do evil as it is written Isai 49.23 Rom. 13.3 The Lord hath signed this with the Promise of his Blessing as before expressed The Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul asserting the Soveraignty of Christ into which God the Father hath exalted him Phil. 2.9 10 11. doth lay down this Exhortation vers 12. as drawn from the aforesaid consideration of his Soveraignty Phil. 1.12 Wherefore my Beloved as ye have always obeyed not only in my presence but much more in my absence work out you own Salvation with fear and trembling As if he had said wherefore as ye have hitherto subjected your selves to the Soveraignty oâ— Jesus Christ by Obedience to his Laws and Form of Government so that noâ— only in my presence but also in my absence you have been growing and increasing in the same so let your careful endeavours be in a holy awful reverential fear spirit of Humility to be still growing increasing with all perseverance in the Faith and Practice of all the Will of God in as much as true Faith in Christ doth demonstrate and shew forth it self by the fruits of sincere Obedience to Christ and perseverence therein hath the promise of Salvation thereunto annexed as Christ himself did intimate unto those Jews that believed on him Joh. 8.31 If ye continue in my Word then are ye my Disciples indeed and ye shall know the Truth and the Truth shall make you free O did we with David set the Lord Jesus Christ always before us Psal 16.8 having an Eye of Faith fixed on him as in his Priestly Office so also in his Kingly Office executed in his giving forth Laws Statutes Ordinances and Order of Government with Rules of Observation and Commands and Examples for our better Obedience thereunto see Genes 49.10 Isai 9.6 did we behold him and seriously consider him the anointed and appointed King and Lawgiver by the Father ordained Head over all things to his Church in the great concerns of Gods Worship and our Salvation the alone exalted King of Sion and Judg of the World with a due consideration Isai 33.22 Psal 2.2 Act. 5.31 32. Jam. 4.12 doubtless we might thereby the more be induced and the better behold the great concernment that lieth upon us to quicken our motion in the use of the means appointed by God the Father for our better attainment unto Holiness without which no man shall see the Lord to his eternal Consolation The Man Christ Jesus Judg of the World by the Fathers Ordination whereof his Resurrection is a sure testimony the which inviteth all persons to live to Christ in his way of Holiness that their Account may be comfortable in that day for God hath appointed a day in which he will judg the World in Righteousness by that Man whom he hath ordained whereof he hath given assurance unto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead Act. 17.31 CHAP. VII Wherein is contained some considerations concerning the Propheticall Office of Christ necessary to our better attainment of a Degree in the Ornament of Holiness OF all Wisdom demonstrated in or among the Sons and Daughters of Men the Divine Wisdom of God in Christ is the most excellent and wonderful most to be admired and desired Christ the Wisdom of God and the Power of God 1 Cor. 1.24 in whom are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledg Col. 2.3 in comparison whereof all the Wisdom of this world is but Foolishness in Gods esteem 1 Cor. 1.20 Of all cases that we are concerned to seek for Counsel in the Case of our Souls for the Salvation thereof is our great concernment and of all Counsellors for Advice in this case we are most concerned to advise with Christ and seek to him for Counsel herein Lord saith Peter to whom else should we go thou hast the Words of Eternal Life Joh. 6.68 neither is there Salvation in any other Act. 4.12 It was commendable Prudence in Mary that she was careful in this case of great concernment she sits at Jesus's Feet to hear his Words and makes all other Concernments for to give place hereto Luk. 10.39 40 41 42. And what was the reason think ye that Mary was taken up in so high esteem with the Words
of Christ Doubtless this was one among the rest the Vertue and Tendency of his Words was unto the Aâ—tainments of Holiness and Heavens Happiness to her Soul the words of Eternal Life This is that Lyon of the Tribe of Juda and Root of David that hath prevailed to open the Sealed Book Revel 5.5 even the Mysteries of the Kingdom and way of Holiness which from the beginning was hid in God but now made manifest for the Obedience of Faith This is that great Prophet of whom Moses spake saying A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you like unto me him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you and it shall come to pass that every Soul that will not hear that Prophet shall be cut off from his people or I saith the Lord will require it of him Deuter. 18.18 Act. 3.22 23. Whence note by the way First That God the Father according to his fore-determination and ancient Promise hath raised up Jesus Christ and orâ—ained him chief Prophet to his People Secondly Christ the Mediator between God and Man Jesus Christ is here said to be a Prophet like unto Mosâ—s that is as Moses in that day did stand as a Mediator between God and his People to receive the holy and lively Oracles of the Mind and Will of God from the Mouth of God and dispence the same unto the People in that Dispensation so Christ is the Mediator between God and Man now under the New Covenant to receive of the Father the lively Oracles of the Mind and will of the Father and to communicate them unto the Sons and Daughters of Men in this Dispensation of the New Covenant Thirdly An Advertisement to all persons to observe the Voice of Christ in the Ministry of his Word a third thing to be noted here is the Injunction or Command of the Father Him shall you hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you Fourthly the Danger that will ensue to that Soul that doth not hearken to this Prophet I will require it of him saith the Lord Deut. 18.19 Fifthly One thing more is considerable in vers An Advertisement to all Preachers to take heel they preach not any thing that the Voice of Christ in his Word doth not own 20. that if any Prophet shall presume to speak a Word in my Name saith the Lord that I have not commanded him or that shall speak in the Name of other Gods that Prophet shall die Would a poor Soul attain to Holiness so as to have an Interest in that comely Ornament then consider Jesus Christ in the Execution of his Prophetical Office which standeth in a revealing or discovering the Mind and Will of God the Father unto the Sons and Daughters of men with Advertisements and Perswasions to a Reception of the same and a walking answerable thereunto The Prosecution of which Office he did perform doctrinally in his own person in the days of his Humiliation and in the days of his Exaltation by his Spirit in his Apostles by immediate Inspiration whose Doctrine and Practice for Church-Constitution Order of Worship and Discipline he confirmed to all succeeding Generations with Signs and Wonders and Gifts of the Holy Ghost Heb. 2.4 and since more ordinarily by the Ministry of the word confirmed as aforesaid I say more ordinarily by the Offices and Officers as Pastors and Teachers gifted for the work of the Ministry to teach those confirmed Truths of Jesus Christ contained in his Gospel unto the Sons and Daughters of Men for their Conversion Edification Comfort and Confirmation of them in the Faith and Practice of all his holy Laws Ordinances and Order of Government and Discipline according to his own Institution Pattern and Appointment together with all those Promises and Priviledges in his Word of Truth given out to them that in Love and Loyalty unto him and his Soveraignty subject unto him and walk with him in the same Hereunto doth the Holy Ghost by the Apostle Paul witness Eph. 4.8 When he ascended up on high he led Captivity captive and gave Gifts unto men and vers 11. he gave some Apostles some Prophets some Evangelists some Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministery for the edifying of the Body of Christ till we all come in the unity of the Faith and of the Knowledg of the Son of God unto a perfect Man unto the measure of the stature of the Fulness of Christ that we henceforth be no more Children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of Doctrine by the sleight of men and cunning Craftiness whereby they lie in wait to deceive but speaking the truth in love may grow up into him in all things which is the Head even Christ Ephes 4.11 12 13 14 15. Some few things I would here note by the way The Gospel Verities are Gods Oracles by him confirm'd to us for standing truths to be highly prized and faithfully embraced the Fountain from whence they flow being considered First that the Gospel-Dispensation is the lively and holy Oracles or Word of God the Father which Christ by his Prophetical Office hath received of the Father and made known to us the Sons and Daughters of Men and confirmed to us by the witness of the Father not only by the Resurrection of his Son but also by signs and wonders and Gifts of the Holy Ghost for the Glory of his Name and the Salvation of those that so embrace it as the Oracles of God so confirmed Secondly those Pastors and Teachers that in Love and Obedience to the Lord do make the Apostolical confirmed-Doctrine and Practice their Rule and Ground of Doctrine and Practice for Conversion of Souls to Christ An Advâ—rtisement to Gods people both Preachers and Hearers to keep close to the Gospel-Rule Constitution of Churches Admittance of Members Order of Government and Discipline accordingly are such as Christ hath given and gifted as Ministers in his hand Revel 1.20 whereby he doth prosecute perseveringly from age to age his Prophetical Office in order to Mans Salvation Thirdly the natural Use The Gospel is of great excellency and concernment to poor sinners the use tendency of is being coâ—sidered Vertue and proper Tendency of the Gospel Apostolically taught observed and confirmed as aforesaid is the ordinary means by the Father put into the Heart and Hand of Christ for Mans Edification in the Knowledg of Christ Unity in the Faith of Christ a Participation of the Fulness of Christ unto an attainment of Perfection in Christ together with Stability in Christ unto Salvation by Christ through believing in Christ and conforming to Christ in the Teachings and Administrations thereof wherefore as I am upon an Use of Direction to the enquiring Soul after the way to Holiness Attainments or the Attainment to Holiness so I have set before thee Jesus Christ in his Offices as an Object whom
thou art concerned to behold by an eye of Faith and seriously to consider him with due consideration as in his Humiliation so also in his Exaltation in the Execution of his Offices as in his Priestly and Kingly Offices so also in his Prophetical Office consider his Wisdom his Love and Faithfulness made out to poor Sinners in the Execution of his Offices consider his Ability and Sincerity herein his Wisdom is infinite it 's the Wisdom of God his Counsel is holy Counsel 't is heavenly Counsel the VVords of eternal Life his Love is great Love pure Love 't is such a Love that drew him forth to deny himself unto Death for Sinners consider him in his Ability he is Almighty All-sufficient full of Grace and Truth able to save to the uttermost them that come unto God by him consider him in his Sincerity he is sincere and real-hearted in his words and actions in all his Undertakings and Dispensations unto poor Sinners that look unto him and advise with him for Counsel in their concerns for Holiness and Heavens Attainments Man's Rejection of his Counsel is his Sorrow he wept over Jerusalem Mans Embracing of him is his Joy there is Joy in Heaven over one Sinner that repenteth that turneth to the Lord to walk with him in his holy ways he is real-hearted and sincere in his Word and Actions therefore wouldst attain to Holiness that comely Ornament look unto Jesus behold him in his Offices as thy Prophet to teach thee by his Counsels the King to govern thee by his Laws and thy Priest to make an Atonement for thee by his Sacrifice His Sacrifice is holy his Laws are holy Laws every Ordinance of Christ is holy his Word and Counsel therein is holy yea all his ways are ways of Holiness and all persons walking in the same with a due observation are by the Holy Ghost owned for a holy People holy and beloved O wouldst thou look unto Jesus so as to make him the Object in thine Eye and the Subiect of thy Meditations doubtless it would be a means to direct thee in the way to holy Attainments and quicken thy motion thereunto The Prophet David hath laid us down an example of his own Practice of this nature I saith David have set the Lord always before me Psal 16.8 as if he had said I have beheld the Lord through Grace an Object of great Excellency to my Soul therefore have I chosen him to be the only Object upon whom I desire always to exercise the Eyes of my Understanding and Faith with Considerations and Meditations of his VVord his Laws Statutes Testimonies his Counsels loving Kindness and Faithfulness in the same as he further expresseth Psal 119. I have chosen the way of truth thy Judgments have I laid before me I have stuck unto thy Testimonies O Lord put me not to shame vers 30 31. I have rejoyced in the way of thy Testimonies as much as in all Riches I will meditate on thy precepts and have respect unto thy ways I will delight my self in thy Statutes I will not forget thy Word vers 14 15 16. thy Testimonies also are my delight and my Counsellers vers 24. Thus did David set the Lord always before him and behold the Priviledges David reaped hereby unto himself He is at my right Hand saith David I shall not be moved Psal 16.8 Two general Priviledges is here noted in which is comprehended many particulars First here is the Lords presence with David in his aforesaid Exercise Secondly here is Davids Stability of Faith Hope Assurance and Confidence of attaining to the full enjoyment of the Lord in the state of Glory through the presence of the Lord with him Thou wilt shew me the path of Life in thy presence is fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore Psal 16.11 the sense and sight hereof fills Davids heart with joy Therefore my heart is glad saith David and my Glory rejoyceth my Flesh also shall rest in hope vers 9. So Psal 34.5 They looked to him and were enlightened and their Faces were not ashamed that is they were not failed of their Expectations Wherefore wouldst thou attain to Holiness and Heavens Happiness look unto Jesus advise with his Counsel in his Teachings in his Word exercise thine eyes of thy Understanding and Faith thereupon it is thy great concernment in order to thy Attainments in the Ornament Holiness yea so look unto him as to consider him as aforesaid Consideration and Meditation are of great use in the way of Holiness Samuel speaking a word of Exhortation unto Israel to fear the Lord and serve him with all their heart the more to engage them and make his Exhortation prevailing with them he puts them upon the act of Consideration upon the great things that God had done for them For consider saith he what great things God hath done for you 1 Sam. 12.24 as if a due consideration of Gods Mercies were of great concernment to produce an awful Reverence of God in the heart of a people and of great use to beget motion in his Service And doubtless did we exercise our considerations seriously upon the Lord Jesus Christ in his Offices consider how great things the Lord hath done and doth do for us thereby did we consider Gods End therein with the use and Benefits thereof unto poor fallen enslaved sinful man through believing it would through the Blessing of God prove to be of an engaging nature to engage us to press after the Attainment of Holiness and of a directing nature to direct us in the way also of an incouraging nature to incourage against all difficulties lying in the way and of a quickening nature to quicken our motion towards the perfecting of Holiness in the Fear of God Israels Ingratitude in not exercising their Considerations upon the gratious Dealings of God towards them but upon their carnal Vanities It was the great complaint of the Lord against Israel even their want of Consideration Isa 1.3 The Oxe knoweth his Owner and the Ass his Masters Crib but Israel doth not know my people doth not consider So in chapt 5.12 the Lord by the Prophet complaineth saying The Harp and the Viol the Tabret and the Pipe and Wine are in their Feasts but they regard not the work of the Lord neither consider the Operation of his hands And may it not be the great complaint of the Lord against the men of this Generation as to the generality of them that although the Lord is the owner of them not only by Creation but also by Purchase and Price paid and although the Lord hath created Man with that noble Faculty of Rationality above others of his Creatures to the end they might be considerate of his Word and works of Divine concernment to the glory of his Name and although he hath furnished the Masters Crib even Jesus Christ and his Word with the excellent Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledg Gifts and Graces for
Soul-nourishment in holy and heav nly Attainments for the Glory of his Name and the eternal Consolation of the Soul yea although the Lord doth many times work and operate by his Word in the Ministery thereof upon the Mind Affections and understanding Faculties both to will and to do according to his good pleasure and that by his loving Invitations and perswading Arguments Exhortations and Promises yet notwithstanding what Ignorance of God and Fruitlesness in the things of God what little strength of Grace remains in the greatest part of the men of this Generarion And what 's the reason thereof Suâ—ely saith the Lord Wine and Musick is in their Feasts i. e. they give themselves up to the Vanities of this world in the Profits and Pleasures thereof to fulfil the fleshly lustings of a carnal Heart but they regard not the Works of the Lord neither consider the Operation of his Hands Surely would we seriously consider the great Work of God in Jesus Christ and the Operation of his Word and Works manifested in this our day how useful would it be unto us for Direction unto Holiness and to quicken our motion thereunto CHAP. VIII Containing some Directions tending to our better Attainment of that comely Ornament Holiness by putting on of Jesus Christ and abiding in him GReat Care and Cost is exercised by many for the putting on upon the Body not only such Raiment necessary for the Preservation of its Health and Modesty but also for such Attire that they think may most beautifie and adorn it to an esteem in the Eyes of Men mean while that Attire that is of greatest concernment for the adorning of both Body and Soul to make them comely and delightful in the sight of God is laid by disregarded as Ornaments out of fashion Holiness is the comely Ornament well becoming Gods House Gods People As I am upon a Use of Direction to the inquiring Soul for its Attainment to Holiness and in the foregoing Chapters have laid some Directions before you in order to that Attainment by an Act or Exercise of the Eyes of the understanding Faculties upon Jesus Christ in his Offices as King Priest and Prophet anointed and appointed thereunto by the Father Also an Act of Consideration to consider him in the prosecution of the said Offices with the Use End and Tendency thereof towards the Sons of Men as the Eye-Salve for the clearing the Eyes of the Understanding to behold the way of Holiness and the Excellency of its Attainments Now in further prosecution of this Use of Direction I shall propose a further Action in order to our perfecting Holiness in the fear and way of God The which is to put on the Lord Jesus Christ Would we attain to an Estate in the Ornament of Holiness then our great concernment is to put on the Lord Jesus Christ It is a piece of Divine Counsel not mine but the Lords given by his Spirit whose Office it is to lead Souls into all truth But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ Rom. 13.14 Three things are here liable to be proposed in way of Inquisition by the enquiring Soul as first wherein persons are concerned to put on the Lord Jesus Christ Secondly how persons are concerned to put on the Lord Jesus Christ Thirdly why persons are concerned to put on the Lord Jesus Christ in order to that Attainment of Holiness To the first Proposal wherein Christ is to be put on and that is in a threefold respect in order to that Attainment First in respect to his Offices Secondly in respect to his Qualifications Thirdly in respect to his VValkings To the second Proposal how Christ is to be put on in respect to his Offices Qualifications and VValkings And First to his Offices And that is by an Act of Faith adheringly and dependingly as when a Soul beholding God the Father tendering his Son in all his Offices as King Priest and Prophet to the Soul the Soul is hereby moved to accept and take by Faith Jesus Christ with all his Offices so as wholly to confide in him and depend on him and on him alone for a free pardon and a full Remission of its sins and for its acceptation with the Father through his Atonement and Satisfaction made by Vertue of his Priestly Office Secondly to confide in him and depend upon him in order to his Kingly Office as the only Lawgiver unto whose Laws the Subjection and Obedience of the Creature is due and ought to be performed and as its great Protector to eternal Bliss Thirdly adheringly by applying and relying by confiding in him and depending upon him in his Doctrine teaching Advice and Counsel contained in his VVord as the only Rule and Guidance of a Soul into the paths of Holiness and way of Salvation by Vertue of his Office Prophetical Thus to put on Christ doth put a Soul into possession of most excellent Priviledges as First Christs Merits obtained by vertue of his Priestly Office doth become the Souls Righteousness and Justification unto the Fathers Acceptation Secondly Obedience to the Laws of Christ as King is attended with many Blessings from the Father who accepts it as Honour done as unto his Son so also unto himself Thirdly by a Souls putting on of Christ as its Prophet the Soul is put into possession of a sure word of Prophecy an infallible Counsel for Direction how to stear its Course both in Word and Action so as to please God and to possess his favour in whose favour is Life saith the Psalmist Psal 30.5 Secondly the second thing proposed wherein persons are concerned to put on Jesus Christ is in his Qualifications of Grace It is not enough for persons to hear the Word of Christ nor to act in the visible Ordinances of Christ but also to endeavour so to improve the Word and Ordinances of Christ by an Application of Christ in the same to the Heart through believing that by the Power of the Word of Christ in our Hearts we may attain to the Qualifications of Christ in their proper nature ruling in our Hearts by the Dominion and Power thereof to the enabling of us to subdue the Qualifications of Corruption and to bring our Thoughts Words and Actions our Minds our Wills and our Affections into a conformity unto Christ And for Testimony hereunto that persons are concerned to put on Christ in his Qualifications and wherein these Qualifications do consist I shall call in two or three Scripture Evidences among many which that infallible Spirit of Truth proceeding from the Father and the Son hath recorded Phil. 2.1 If there be therefore any Consolation in Christ if any Comfort of Love if any Fellowship of the Spirit if any Bowels and Mercies fulfil ye my Joy that ye be like minded having the same Love being of one accord of one Mind let nothing be done through Strife or Vain-glory but in lowliness of Mind let each esteem others better than themselves let this Mind be in you
we were reconciled by the Death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his Life that is to say by his Life whereunto he is risen again will he much more carry on the Management of every Branch of the Covenant which on his part is to be performed to the crowning of all his reconciled ones with eternal Salvation even as the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is an evidence of assurance unto all men that God will by the Man Christ Jesus judg the World Act. 17.31 so is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ a sure evidence of Confirmation that Jesus Christ ever liveth to perform every Branch of the Covenant unto Believers as aforesaid by vertue of his Offices Now as it is the Counsel ond Requirement of God that persons should through the Gospel-Ministration believe on Christ and conform to Christ as aforesaid so also is it the Counsel and Requirement of God that persons so embracing of Christ by Faith with purpose of heart to conform to him should visibly confess their Faith in Christ and visibly put on the Profession of Jesus Christ by Baptism in the way of Christ confirmed unto us in the Gospel Gal. 3.27 the which Baptism although with Water administred doth unto the Eye of Faith comprehend figuratively the Ark of Safety with the Mercy Seat also i. e. Christ Jesus with the Covenant of Grace in him which carrieth the Soul through Faith above the deluge of Sin and Condemnation for the same wherein the ungodly world do sink and perish while the Believer remaining in the Ark doth dwell in safety Would you know the Reason why the Eunuch when baptized went away rejoycing Act. 8.39.16.34 Surely he was by Faith gotten into the Ark wherein he did behold his security from the aforesaid deluge of Sin and Condemnation and set into a state of peace with God unto his consolation we joy in God saith the Apostle through our Lord Jesus Christ by whom we have received the Atonement Rom. 5.11 Noah in believing Gods Word and improving the Means by God appointed according to his Advice and Counsel doth therein answer a good Conscience towards God and answered his Conscience with peace and security to his great joy and consolation so a Believer in embracing Gods Word and improving it according to his Advice and Counsel doth therein answer a good Conscience towards God and God doth in the said Improvement answer the Conscience with peace and the Soul with preservation to its great joy and consolation A Believer by being baptized doth thereby visibly justifie God in the truth of his Word and God does by Baptism visibly signifie his justifying of the Believer unto a participation of all his Church-priviledges according to his Covenant The Publicans saith Christ justified God being baptized with the Baptism of John but the Pharisees and Lawyers rejected the Counsel of God against themselves being not baptized of him Luk 7.29 30. The Publicans it seemeth did apply the Word of God believingly the Pharisees and Lawyers gave not so much credit thereunto Where the Word of a King is saith Solomon there is Power But the Administration of the Gospel of Christ is not only the Word of a King but it is the Word of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords in whose Word Baptism standeth both by Command and Promise Matth. 28.19 to Believers by Command for their Observation and by Promise to their Consolation and Salvation He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved Mark 16.16 the Word of this King is a Word of Power it is the Power of God unto Salvation to every one that believeth Rom. 1.16 yea it is a Word of Power also to the Unbeliever for to judg him unto Condemnation for rejecting the same as saith Jesus Christ He that rejecteth me and receiveth not my Words hath one that judgeth him the Word that I have spoken the same shall judg him at the last day his Reason is for I have not spoken of my self but my Father which sent me he gave me a Commandment what I should say and what I should speak And I know that his Commandment is Life everlasting whatsoever I speak therefore even as the Father said unto me so I speak Joh. 12 48 49 50. Here behold a faithful Mediator between God and Man the Man Christ Jesus he brings nothing to the Sons of Men but what is the Mind and Will of God the Father for them to believe observe and do accordingly and as Baptism is equally confirmed to us with the rest of Gospel-Doctrine for to be believed and observed in its place so it doth greatly concern all persons exercising Faith in Christ to observe it so as to answer the Will of God and a good Conscience in the Administration and improvement of the same in order to its End and Uses and withal consider that if it doth become a Shell without a Kernel to any persons it is for want of Faith in the Subject upon whom it is administred to behold the Kernel and to feed thereon and indeed it is the Wisdom and good Pleasure of Almighty God to order the preaching of the Word unto all people for to beget Faith in them and those converted to the Faith unto a visible Demonstration of the same to be meet Subjects for Baptism and visible Church-membership by the same And whereas some persons do pretend they are baptized with the Spirit and therefore slight Baptism with Water as too low an Ordinance for them to observe in the administration of it and rather plead the cessation of it than the observation of it In answer whereunto consider that if any persons might have been exempted from Baptism upon that Plea of being baptized with the Spirit then doubtless Christ and also those persons spoken of Act. 10. might have been exempted inasmuch as they were extraordinarily inspired with the Spirit and Gifts thereof yet these must put on the Administration thereof as an act of Righteousness in submission to the Will of God Whence note that the highest Attainments of the Spirit and spiritual Gifts of Grace we can attain unto in this Life doth not exempt or free any person from but rather obligeth the more unto and maketh them the more meet for action in those Ordinances of Baptism and Bread and Wine in their several places ends and uses And indeed it is a question whether those persons pretending the abovesaid Plea for their Omission and Opposition of the afore-recited Ordinances are at all pertakers of that Spirit whereunto they do pretend forasmuch as it is the Office of the Spirit of Truth to lead Souls into the Observation of all Truth and not into the Omission or Opposition of the same In the next place consider that although I have proceeded so far upon this point of Baptism in order to the Vindication of it and Believers in the Observation of the same yet have I not digressed from the Matter of Direction to the
agreeth those words of St. Paul Col. 3.10 The new Man is renewed in Knowledge after the Image of him that Created him in Righteousness and true Holiness Eph. 4.24 Whence note also by the way that in and through a true Knowledge of God in Christ are the Mortifications of the Old Man of Sin and the qualifications of Grace wrought in a Soul O what 's the Reason that there is so little Renewedness in the qualifications and Conversations of many people in our days and so much abusing of the Sacred Name of God by Swearing and Cursing and many prophane speeches as also the abuse of the Creatures by Drunkenness and the like excess Also the many vain carnal loose licentious practices acted and observed with delight therein Is it not the want of this Knowledge of God in Christ Is not Ignorance the Mother of such Prophaneness and Impieties and what 's the Reason that God's dear Children are many times hated and reproached reviled and villified Yea saith Christ the time cometh that whosoever killeth you will think they do God Service Christ gives us this Reason All these things will they do unto you because they have not known the Father nor me Joh. 16.3 O consider all ye that content your selves in an Estate of Ignorance and solace your selves in Carnal and Worldly Vanities and are careless and negligent in applying and improving the means of Knowledge to the end you might glorifie God and thereby be enabled to answer the end of God in your Creation his end in giving his Son to die for your Redemption and his spiritual Word Counsel and Advice therein for your Sanctification that thereby in a good improvement of the same you might be made meet to glorifie his Name and to enjoy his glory O consider the loss and damage that you hereby sustain by slighting or carelesly neglecting such precious means granted forth unto such gracious ends for a little Carnal Vanity Consider how you will answer it in the day of account when for all these things God shall bring thee to Judgment O! how do many Parents in this case not only prejudice their own Souls but also the Souls of their Children and those within their jurisdiction whereas it is the requirement of God that Parents should lay up the words of God in their hearts and teach them to their Children that they might know the Lord and set their hope in God they not only neglect this great concernment but also by their own viscious lives evil example rather teach them the Vices of Swearing Cursing Drunkenness and much Prophaneness to God's dishonour and their own ruine both of Body and Soul not considering that God will require it of them and bring them to Judgment for the same O how many Parents although not so vicious and prophane yet are so earnest in their pursuit after this worldly interest to gain for themselves and enrich their Children with great Portions of this earthly Treasure as wholly to give up themselves thereunto not minding those Treasures that are Divine and of a more greater concernment to the gaining an interest in Christ either for their selves or Children by instructing of them thereunto until death seise upon them and summon them to the Grave and then perhaps send for a Minister to pray for them the which I do not condemn because I know God is merciful yet I know that God is also just and will bring Souls to Judgment and then whither God will accept this last Sacrifice for the whole I shall leave to the only wise God to determine But know and consider that it is the undoubted Will and Requirement of God that Parents should Treasure up the word of God in their hearts by Consideration Meditation and Application believingly and diligently endeavour to plant the same word of God in the hearts of their Children as they come to be capable of the teachings of it to the end that they might know the Lord and reverence his Holy Name observe his Will and place their hope in him To this purpose see and consider Deut. 6.6 7 8. Deut. 11.18 19 20. Deut. 4.9 10. Psal 78.5 6 7. to these Testimonies of the Will of God do those words of the Apostle Paul bear witness Eph. 6.4 Solomon saith by Humility and the Fear of the Lord are Riches and Honour and Life Would we have our Children truly Rich and Honourable and live Everlastingly so then lay up the Word of Grace in our own hearts treasure it up there Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all Wisdom Col. 3.16 Secondly Let your diligent endeavours be to answer God's Will in making forth the same unto your Children to their Edification to the planting of that Immortal Seed of the Word in their hearts that they may set their hope in God and fear before him and humbly walk with him in the way of his Commandements Train up a Child in the way that he should go and when he is Old he will not depart from it Pro. 22.6 Objection If God hath Elected me or my Children unto Salvation he will one time or other bring us to an Estate of Salvation But if God hath not Elected us thereto all my labour in that kind will be to little purpose for if there be a particular Election of persons as there seemeth to be then what I do in that case is but needless or to strive against the stream Answer That there is an Election is certain and that God hath placed this Election in his Son Christ is as certain see Eph. 1.4 and that persons do partake of and witness this Election in themselves as they imbrace Christ believingly and conform to him in holy Sanctity is also true See 1 Thes 1.3 4. 2 Thes 2.13 And therefore so much the rather should you give diligence to make your Calling and Election sure by a growth and increase of Grace unto an attainment of the qualifications of grace wrought in you according to the qualifications of Jesus Christ and as the Apostle teacheth Giving all diligence saith he add to your Faith Vertue and to Vertue Knowledge and to Knowledge Temperance and to Temperance Patience and to Patience Godliness and to Godliness Brotherly-kindness and to Brotherly-kindness Charity 2 Pet. 1.5 6 7. And as there is an Election in Christ unto Salvation through believing in Christ and conforming to him in the way of Holiness attainable through a careful applying and improving the means thereunto appointed so also is there a Reprobation determined and decreed of God from Eternity unto those persons that in love to their Lusts and carnal and worldly Vanities do obstinately persist in opposing or carlesly neglecting do slight the means afforded so as not to imbrace it in the love thereof and carefully improve it to the glory of the Lord that like as they reject God's Counsel and his Love and Mercy in the same to satisfie their Lusts in worldly and sinful Vanities so
the Lord hath determined that in their Unrighteousness he will reject them and leave them to Sathans delusions that divine Justice may be satisfied in their Condemnation To this purpose consider well some Testimonies among many given out by God's Spirit in his Servants of old as in 2 Thes 2.10 11 12. the Epistle of Jud. 4. Here observe they are persons turning the grace of God into Laciviousness denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ and withal observe that this denial is not to be confined only to such Atheists that say there is not any God but also those persons are herein comprehended that in words do acknowledge there is a God and Christ but yet although they live under the dispensation of Gods gracious word and word of grace yet refuse to live in God's Counsel therein contained to live in those ways works that their own ungodly Lusts do lead them to and such are those persons that Paul to Titus speaketh of that confess they know God but in works they deny him being abominable and disobedient and unto every good work Reprobate Tit. 1.16 and with these Scriptures consider Wisdoms Voyce Prov. 1. ver 20. to the end of the Chapter Wherefore all ye that lye down securely upon the bed of Ignorance and Prophaneness solacing your selves in Carnal Vanities and the Mammon of this world O look unto the Lord who desires the Knowledge of God rather than burnt Offerings Hos 6.6 and obedience to his Will rather than Sacrifice Look up and behold it is not Ignorance and Prophaneness but Holiness that leads to Happiness It is not the qualifications of the Old Man as Hatred Malice Envy Evil-speaking Back-biting and Devouring nor any Prophane and Carnal Vanities but the qualifications of love to Christ his Truth and Members yea love to Enemies to all men as they are the Creatures of God the workmanship of his hands with Peace towards all men Mercy Pitty and Compassion towards the Oppressed and Distressed Meekness Patience Long-suffering Gentleness Goodness Faith and Temperance with joy and delight in the exercises of Piety and Charity that leads to Holiness without which no man shall see the Lord against such saith the Apostle there is no Law And they that are Christs have Crucified the Old Man or the Flesh with the Affections and Lusts Neither is it Ignorance but a true Knowledge of Christ through which the Old Man is Crucified and these divine graces or qualifications of Christ are begotten conceived nourished and preserved in the Soul and brought forth into action to the perfecting Holiness in the fear of God Neither is it a Mind and Meditations exercised chiefly in temporal things but a diligent and careful exercising the mind and meditations in the divine Precepts and Counsel of God contained in his word with a wrestleing at the Throne of Grace for a sanctified use thereof unto the Soul whereby the true Knowledge of Christ and the truth in him is obtained VVherefore wouldst thou have Heaven for thy Inheritance press after Holiness VVouldst thou be Holy suffer not the Old Man to lye Uncrucified in thee but press hard after the attainments of the divine qualifications of Christ so as to have them ruling in thee and from that principle let all thy actions flow both towards God and men And wouldest thou attain to this degree press after a right knowledge of Jesus Christ and God in him And wouldest thou attain to a right knowledge of God in Christ Take the Testimonies of the Mind and Will of God contained in his Word for thy Counsellors Advise therewith by a diligent exercise of thy mind and meditations therein waiting upon God with supplications for a blessing thereupon Wherewith saith David shall a young man cleanse his way by taking heed thereto according to thy Word Psal 119.9 As if he had said by making the Word of God his chief Counsel and regulating his thoughts words Psal 119 93 104. and actions by that rule Through thy precepts I get understanding therefore I hate every false way I will never forget thy precepts for with them thou hast quickened me O that every Soul in an Estate of Ignorance and Prophaneness would in time consider David's foot-steps and the foot-steps of all the flock of God and consider the experienced Benefit they did attain unto by walking in the Counsel of the Lord contained in his word and by way of imitation turn their feet their affections unto the Testimonies of the Lord and up and be doing while it is called to day before the night cometh when no man can work He that gathereth in Summer is a wise Son saith Solomon but he that sleepeth in Harvest is a Son that causeth shame Prov. 10.5 These words in the spiritual sence of them giveth us this note or observation by the way That it is a point of excellent wisdom in a person or people diligently to improve opportunities and means for Heavens Attainments while the season serveth but shame and contempt are the attendants of a person or people careless and negligent in improving opportunities and means for Heavenly attainments in their season or while they are afforded to them If thou beest wise thou shalt be wise for thy self Prov. 9.12 Thy diligence in season shall redound to thy own advantage and eternal benefit But if thou scornest thou alone shalt bear it for God hath not called us to Vncleanness but unto Holiness 1 Thes 3.7 8. He therefore that despiseth despiseth not man but God at whose Wrath the Earth shall tremble and the Nations shall not be able to abide his Indignation Jer. 10.10 A prudent man foreseeth the evil and hideth himself but the simple pass on and are punished Prov. 22.3 In the fear of the Lord is strong Confidence and his Children shall have a place of refuge Prov. 14.26 Surely he scorneth the scorners but he giveth grace unto the lowly The Wise shall inherit glory but shame shall be the promotion of Fools Prov. 3.34 35. The heart of the Prudent getteth Knowledge and the ear of the Wise seeketh Knowledge Prov. 18.15 The words of the Lord are pure words Psal 12.6 They are the words of Wisdom Knowledge Understanding they proceed from the Fountain of Wisdom Knowledge Understanding God doth give Wisdom Knowledge and Understanding thereby unto such as imbrace his Counsel in the same and improve it accordingly waiting upon him therein in love thereunto as saith David Thy Word is pure therefore thy Servant loveth it Psal 119.140 Thou through thy Commandements hast made me wiser then mine Enemies Psal 119.98 for they are ever with me the entrance of thy words giveth light it giveth understanding to the simple Psal 119.130 David experiencing the truth of the words of God and the vertue use and efficacy of the same unto his Soul doth here set forth the excellency thereof to the praises of God and to the encouragement of others to prove the excellency
Service that is due unto him and our Souls want that nourishment that is of its greatest concernment and our Children want that Soul-Education that is their right and due from us to be performed to them and the poor and needy eyes want that refreshing that of right by God's requirement and the bond of Nature and the bond of Charity we ought to communicate unto them There is that scattereth saith Solomon and yet increaseth and there is that with-holdeth more then is meet but it tendeth to Poverty The liberal Soul shall be made fat and he that watereth shall be watered also himself Prov. 11.24 25. The merciful man doth good to his own Soul but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh Prov. 11.17 The sence of these words is made out and confirmed by the Apostle Paul to Timothy 1 Epist 6.17 18. Charge them that are rich in this world that they be not high-minded nor trust in uncertain riches but in the living God who giveth us richly all things to enjoy that they do good that they be rich in good works ready to distribute willing to communicate laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come that they may lay hold on Eternal life verse 19. O consider ye that have the world chief in your hearts that sins of Omission are condemning sins as well as sins of Commission See Matth. 25. where you have a large description of several under the sentence of Condemnation only charged with Omissions as the foolish Virgins for omitting the time and season for providing themselves of Oyle and the sloathful Servant that improved not his Talent to the advantage of his Lord and the hard-hearted and close-handed that did not visit relieve and shew mercy unto the poor distressed and oppressed Members of Jesus Christ Wherefore consider and Sow to your selves in Righteousness that you may Reap in Mercy break up the fallow ground of your hearts for it is time to seek the Lord till he come and rain Righteousness upon you Hos 10.12 Thirdly A word to the more knowing and seeming Religious yet acting the qualifications of the Old Man Is Holiness of such concernment as before considered and the way of its Attainment is by putting on of Christ in his offices qualifications and example of walking It may administer a word of Reprehension and Admonition unto those of us in particular and also all persons that have attained a great measure of knowledge in the Doctrin of Christ yea in the foundation-principles of Christianity and yet do not persevere to the putting on of Christ in his qualifications of grace and example of walking to the Crucifying of the qualifications of the Old Man O how doth Pride abound in many knowing people whose knowledge should teach them humility how many Professors even men of great knowledge do suffer their desires to run on in an immoderate pursuit after the riches and honours of this world whose knowledge should lead them to covet earnestly the best gifts O how is self-love and self-endedness abounding in this Generation and that among knowing persons whose knowledge should lead them to deny themselves more in worldly things to follow Christ in the way of holiness but as if those words of Paul were made good in our days Phil. 2.21 All seek their own not the things of Jesus Christs O how doth that old deformed qualification of the Old Man even Envy Hatred and Malice shew it self unmortified among many knowing people bearing the denomination of Christians only upon the account of some differing opinions about ceremonial circumstances or it may be some difference in Judgment in the manner of Church-constitution or observation of Ordinances or order of Discipline to the exposing one another unto the devouring jaws of Cruelty by Imprisonment loss of Estate and Life for not conforming the one to the other in an outward conformity although in judgment and conscience there is no union as experience doth manifest in the dealings of the Papists with the Protestants and the Protestants one towards another in the case of non-conforming outwardly in religious worship in those things that in judgment and conscience they cannot act Faith in as to be agreeable to the will of God whereas if Christians in name would be Christians in nature and act one towards another in the qualifications of Christ if difference in judgment should cause a dividing in the matter of assembling in religious worship for conscience-sake yet Ephraim need no more envy Judah nor Judah vex Ephraim but each enjoy his own priviledges and liberty of Conscience in Religious Worship without any more hailing into Captivity or complaining in our streets by reason of the tender Conscience being oppressed Obj. But we are commanded to contend earnestly for the Faith once delivered to the Saints the more because of certain men crept in unawares who were before of old ordained to this Condemnation Vngodly men turning the grace of God into Laciviousness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ Jude 1.4 Ans First We are to consider the persons concerned in the duty of contending to be Christians called into a Church Assembly in the faith and order of the Gospel Secondly For what they should contend and that is said to be for the Faith once delivered to the Saints or the Doctrine of the Gospel and the observation thereof accordingly Thirdly With whom they should contend and those are gain-sayers of corrupt principles and gain-sayers of corrupt practices Fourthly The manner of the mannagement of this contention also is considerable and that is two-fold as 1. Respecting persons without the Church as not being Church-members 2ly Persons within the Church as Church-members As to persons without there is no way of contending with them to bring them into an imbracement of the Gospel and Church-membership thereby but the management of the word of God unto them and the example of a Godly life and if they will not be won thereby there is no other forceable means upon Gospel-record approved that the Church of Christ should by temporal penalties force them into Church-membership before through Faith in Christ they are made willing thereunto for temporal penalties may force the body into a way of worship but they cannot force the spirit and God requireth no such worship for the time is come saith Christ that they that worship the Father must worship him in spirit and in truth for the Father seeketh such to worship him Joh. 4.23 24. And Paul asserteth his remembrance of the believing Romans in his Prayers with this testimony God is my witness saith he whom I serve with my spirit in the Gospel of his Son that without ceasing c. Note here Pauls Spirit and Gospel-truth are joyned together in the worship of the Father such the Father seeks to worship him Now Club-law cannot beat these two together although laid on by human might and power As saith the Lord
for whose sake many times the tranquility of a City or Nation is prolonged wherefore all ye that have any respect unto your Native Country King and Kingdom or unto your own souls and yet are solacing your selves in wicked vicious ways let Daniels Counsel find acceptation with you To break off your Sins by Righteousness and your Iniquities by shewing Mercy to the Poor if it may be a lengthening of your own tranquility and of your Country King and Kingdom Dan. 4.27 And all ye that are Descipled to Christ and by confession of Faith and Baptisme have joyned your selves into a Congregational way of Church-communion to live to Christ and to walk with him in all his holy appointments contained in his word remember Christ's Counsel by way of caution to you Take heed saith he unto your selves that your hearts be not overcharged with Surfeting and Drunkenness and cares of this life and so that day come upon you unawares for as a snare shall it come upon all them that dwell upon the face of the whole Earth Watch ye therefore and pray always that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things and to stand before the Son of man Luk. 21.34 35 36. O consider the Caution is a piece of Divine Counsel take heed therefore And as Surfetting and Drunkenness is become a part of the abounding sins of this Age and Nation and many temptations and opportunities thereunto are presented and many evils thereby doth ensue take heed therefore watch and pray against the temptations occasions and evils thereof and consider that as Drunkenness dismables and makes a man unmeet for divine Contemplations and Religious Services so also the immoderate cares of this life makes persons unfit and unmeet for the same and also unmeet for the enjoyments of glory Therefore take heed and beware watch and pray against the same also consider what dishonour it is to God what reproach to religious profession what grief to the spirit and spiritual persons and wounds to your own Souls attend thereupon Take heed therefore watch and pray always that ye may escape these things once again consider that unto you that are Christians by profession these sins are sins against divine Love Light and Knowledge received sins against rich grace sins of a deep defilement sins against Covenant-mercies and obligations which if after we have escaped such corruptions through divine Illuminations and Experiences of God in Heavenly concernments and shall again therewith be entangled and brought in bondage may not the last state be worse then the first Therefore take heed watch and pray that ye may be able to withstand all temptations and to stand before the Son of man If our first Parents Adam and Eve in their estate of Innocency did by yielding unto one temptation against the known Law of God so corrupt themselves and Posterity as to stain and pollute their Ornaments of Holiness and Righteousness and thereby disable themselves to withstand many other temptations without a divine assistance how do we know but we by yielding unto one temptation to transgress allowingly the Law of God known unto us may thereby disable our selves to withstand Satan in many other of his wiles one sin may give advantage to another and therefore take heed watch and pray for divine assistance that ye fall not in temptation and as we are to take heed of viciousness of life so also of corruptness of judgment in the points of Faith by false Doctrines which are likewise some of Satans baits and subtil wiles wherewith he lyeth in wait to deceive take heed therefore watch and pray against the same try before ye trust and prove them by the word of Christ before ye imbrace If any bring not the Doctrin of Christ receive him not into your house neither bid him Godspeed for he that bideth him God-speed is partaker of his evil deeds As saith Saint John in his second Epistle vers 9 10 11. Take heed saith Christ our Saviour for many shall come in my name and shall deceive many Take heed therefore watch and pray that ye may obtain a firm Faith in Christ and a well-grounded judgment in his Counsel contained in his Word his Testimonies Commands and Promises to the enabling of you to live therein and according thereunto to the perfecting holiness in the fear of God Plentiful is the Scripture of Cautions upon this account whereunto I shall refer you and proceed unto a further prosecution of this Use by way of Caution considering that omission of Duties required is sin of dangerous consequence as well as actual transgression Take heed and beware of neglect of duty and particularly the omission of action in the Word of God and Prayer The Word or Doctrin of Christ is somtimes called the word of Faith because it is the ordinary means in the ministration of it to beget Faith and to nourish Faith and to compleat Faith in a Soul towards Jesus Christ It is somtimes said to be the power of God to Salvation unto every one that believeth because the tendancy use and efficacy of it is to the directing leading and nourishing of Souls up to the attainments of Salvation by Jesus Christ And as it is the requirement of God that the Sons and Daughters of men should harken diligently unto his Word in the ministrations of it and to meditate therein and to apply it and improve it to the glory of his Name and to their attainments unto holiness and happiness so it becomes a duty incumbent upon us to be active therein Therefore take heed and beware of neglect in this great duty and our omission thereof become our great sin and the Word that we have omitted become a witness against us to our Condemnation And let those that through grace have received ministerial gifts and imployed in the work of the Ministery take heed of omitting willingly or carelesly what the Lord requires at their hands in order to their feeding of the Flock of God take heed therefore of omitting but watch and pray for opportunities to the work and for divine assistance in the work that ye stain not your Ornaments of Holiness by the sin of Omission And in the duty of Prayer take heed of Omission lest it become sin unto us God forbid saith Samuel that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you 1 Sam. 12.23 God's People are required to pray for an increase of Labourers in the work of the Ministery and for an increase of gifts and qualifications sutable to the work in those that are already imployed And if Paul did stand in need of and required the Prayers of God's People who was extraordinarily gifted how much more ordinary gifted-Ministers Paul required the Prayers of the Christians in order to his preservation from the hands of wicked and unreasonable men And herein Christians ought to be active at the Throne of grace in behalf of Gospel-Ministers now and especially when the storms of
troubles and oppositions the world would raise against them in their faithful obedience unto him so that as the reward of Inheritance is sure and certain to the faithful so the more full accomplishment thereof will at the second coming and glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be performed But of the day and hour knoweth no man saith our Saviour no not the Angels in Heaven but the Father only Matth. 24.36 But as a Thief in the Night will it come suddenly upon all that dwell upon the Earth the which doth invite every soul to a diligent watchfulness in the way of God and a patient waiting in the expectation thereof Matth. 24.42 The Husband-man saith Saint James waiteth with long patience for the precious fruits of the Earth until he receive the former and latter Rain Be ye also Patient stablish your hearts for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh Jam. 5.7 Cast not away therefore your cenfidence which hath great recompence of reward for ye had need of Patience that after ye have done the will of God ye might receive the promise for he that shall come will come and will not tarry now the Just shall live by Faith c. Heb. 10.35 36 37. Saint John saith he saw under the Alter the Souls of them that were slain for the Word of God and the Testimony that they held crying how long Lord wilt thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the Earth and white Robes were given to every one of them and it was said unto them that they should rest for a little season until their fellow Servants also and their Brethren that should be killed as they were should be fulfilled Rev. 6.9 10. It may be the Lord hath some of his Servants yet to suffer for his sake that his comeing is yet prolonged And white Robes were given them and it was said that they must rest for a little season c. whence Note first That Innocent blood cryeth for the hastening of Christ's coming to judge and revenge its cause against its Persecutors and the Lord will assuredly in due time answer the cryes thereof Secondly Note That Christ's Perfection with the Reward of Salvation being sealed and assured to a Soul by the influences and opperations of the spirit of Christ as a pledge of the Fathers love and special favour should be unto every such soul of an inducing nature to move and draw forth the soul to exercise faith and patience to wait upon the Lord with a dependency upon him to plead its cause and to revenge its wrongs and to perform the accomplishment of all his promises in his own time he that believeth maketh not hast he waiteth God's time as the best time Wherefore considering that the management of a design for holy attainments is attended with such encouragements as God's Approbation and Command and his promise of assistance in the way of attainment and his crowning our endeavours with perfection in his Son and with a Reward of an Eternal Inheritance to be fully possessed by the holy people the Saints of the most high God at the second coming of Christ personally bringing his reward with him therefore Beloved Building up your selves on your most holy faith praying in the Holy Ghost keep your selves in the love of God looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto Eternal Life Jude v. 20. CHAP. XII Containing a Use of Comfort and Consolation unto those persons that are industrious in the management of a design for holy attainments in the way of God's Counsel CHristian Friends having related something in the former Chapter concerning a Reward of Inheritance or Kingdom to be possessed by the holy people at the second comeing of Jesus Christ personally as a matter or ground of encouragement unto Holiness so for a ground of Consolation I would put into consideration something of the priviledges the heirs of this Inheritance shall possess in the possession thereof But I must confess that my capacity is too narrow to comprehend and tongues of Men and Angels too short to declare the excellencies of those priviledges in the latitude thereof But when we shall come to experience the priviledges of that Inheritance by a full possession thereof in the glorious presence of the Majesty of the Eternal Deity in the Heavenly Mansions we may with admiration say as the Queen of Sheba concerning Solomons Wisdom and Magnificence that the one half had not been declared to us And as the Queen of Sheba was by the report she had heard drawn forth to make an experiment of Solomons Magnificence by putting her self upon a Journey to his Court So hoping that some souls may be provoked to put forth it self upon a journey towards the Heavenly Court in the paths of Holiness upon the report of the excellent priviledges thereof to an experiencing of the Magnificence of the same although not the one half be declared Consider with me these few particulars as privilegdes appertaining to the heirs of the aforesaid Inheritance or Kingdom to be experienced by a perfect possession at the second coming of Christ personally The first general priviledge including many particulars we shall consider to consist in that excellent and glorious change of the body which at that day shall be effected in the Resurrection thereof with a uniting of body and spirit in which glorious change the body will be Immortal no more subject unto death a spiritual body no more subject to hunher thurst cold sickness nor any putrifaction whatsoever an Incorruptible body no more subject to sin temptations sorrow fears tears nor terrors neither from the apprehensions of any oppression by man nor any displeasure of Almighty God but a glorious body altogether capable of beholding the glorious Essence beautifical presence of the glorious Majesty of the Lord which excelleth the beholding with a mortal eye for evidences hereunto see 1 Cor. 15. Rev. 7.16 Rev. 21.4 Our Conversation is in Heaven saith the Apostle from whence we look for the Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ who shall change our vile bodies that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious Body according to the working whereby he is able to subdue all things to himself Phil. 3.20 21. We know saith Saint John that when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is 1 Joh. 3.2 Now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face now we know in part but then shall we know as we are known 1 Cor 13.12 He that hath this hope purifieth himself even as he is pure O thou that art in the management of a design for Holy Attainments here is a ground of comfort encouragement and consolation to thy soul although men may kill this vile body and cut thee off in the way they cannot deprive thee of thy end thou shalt be raised again a glorious body like unto him who is able to subdue all things unto
moved It is an Eternal Everlasting Inheritance founded upon the Basis of Eternal love even the infinite love of the Eternal God and confirmed unto the Heirs thereof by the Eternal decree of the incorruptible unchangable God upholden maintained by the Omnipotency Omnisciency Omnipresence Immortality Incomprehensibility of the same Eternal Infinite and Everlasting God Everlasting in his love to those Souls in possession of this Inheritance Everlasting in his peace which passeth all understanding Everlasting in his glorious presence that filleth all in all And there shall be no Night there and they need no Candle neither light of the Sun for the Lord God giveth them light and they shall raign for ever and ever Rev. 22.5 Therefore we receiving a Kingdom which cannot be moved let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and Godly fear Heb. 12.28 For as much as the Kingdom is Unmovable and Everlasting so also is the joy and consolation of the Inhabitants thereof an Everlasting Joy and Consolation which neither Men nor Devils can deprive the soul of Death cannot do it there shall be no more death no more sorrow no more pain no more hailing into Captivity nor complaining in the Streets by reason of Oppression but all Violence shall be done away and Everlasting Joy Peace Comfort and Consolation shall be as a Crown upon the heads and hearts of these Inhabitants God shall be all in these souls and these souls shall be all in God by a Union of qualifications Divine and the sweet enjoyments of his glorious benefits the height the length breadth depth whereof eye hath not seen nor ear heard neither hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive Too narrow is the capacity of mortal man to comprehend and the tongue of Men and Angels to express the Latitude thereof Wherefore gird up the loyns of your minds be sober and hope to the end for the Grace that is to be brought unto you at the Revelation of Jesus Christ as obedient Children not fashioning your selves according to the former lusts in your Ignorance but as he that hath called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of Conversation because it is written be ye holy for I am holy 1 Pet. 1.13 14 15 16. But sixthly A sixth priviledge appertaining to the Heirs of this Kingdom to be by them enjoyed at Christ's personal appearing at his second coming may be considered herein for to consist that he that is their Head and Husband with whom there is a unity of Affection and Covenant-Contract and is the Recorder for his Espoused Souls that puts their tears in his Bottel and Records their sufferings in his book of Remembrance and by whom and for what even for their love to him and loyalty to his Supremacy in the observation of his Laws and for rejecting the contrary This is a great ground of consolation that he that is their Recorder their Head and Husband is the only potentate King of Kings and Judge of all the World who will bring his Records with him and make his personal appearance in the glory of his Majesty and seat of Justice attended with his glorious Angels and glorified Saints to Judge the World in Righteousness who will not respect persons in Judgment nor pervert Judgment for gifts nor reward but in Righteousness will he Judge the cause of the Poor and with Equity will he plead for the Meek of the Earth who will then plead the cause of his people with a witness against those that in this time of their Pilgrimage have oppressed and persecuted them A poor man being oppressed by one that is too potent for him and being not able to relieve himself he maketh his address unto the King laying open his cause before him resolving to wait with patience for his relief at length the King ariseth and taketh this poor mans cause into his hand and pleadeth it with his Adversary and rights him in his wrongs and avengeth him of his Oppressor O how doth this administer comfort to this poor man O how doth this oblige and endear the affections of this Poor man unto his Prince and fill his heart with joy and gladness and thanksgiving for such a benefit and shall not God avenge his own Elect which cry day and night unto him though he bear long with them they having committed their cause unto Him and cast their burthen upon him yea saith our Saviour I tell you he will avenge them speedily O what Consolation doth this bring unto oppressed Souls in the cause of God and especially when the Lord shall plead their cause with their Adversaries what praises will it bring forth unto his Name I heard saith Saint John a great voyce of much people in Heaven saying Alleluja Salvation and Glory and Honour and Power unto the Lord our God for he hath Judged the great Whore which did corrupt the Earth with her Fornications True and Righteous are his Judgments for he hath avenged the blood of his Servants at her hand and again they said Alleluja and her smoak-rose up for ever and ever in her was found the blood of Prophets and of Saints and all that were slain upon the Earth Rev. 18.24.19.1 2 3. Note the Heavenly Host rejoyceth when God pleadeth the cause of his people with their Adversaries Rev 19.5 And a Voyce came out of the Throne saying praise our God all ye his Servants and ye that fear him both small and great Babylon rejoyced in the day of Sions troubles and helped forwards her Afflictions and Sion must rejoyce in the Lords hand of Justice upon Babylon in the day of her Desolation Wherefore all ye that in this day of your Pilgrimage are in God's way pressing after holy Attainments in order to the adorning of your souls for further Communion with your holy God your Head and Husband although many troubles may attend you and many difficulties oppositions and temptations compass you about Yet cast not away your Confidence which hath great Recompence of Reward Heb. 10.35 But raise up your hearts and labour to strengthen your Confidence in the Lord by a serious Meditation and Application of the Testimonies and Promises of God contained in his Word unto all long-suffering and patience For yet a little while and he that shall come will come and will not tarry Heb. 10.37 For as sure as he was once offered to bear the sins of many so surely to them that look for him will he appear a second time without Sin unto Salvation Heb. 9.28 And then assuredly will the Lord own a people that now in this day of Grace press after Holy Attainments in the way of God for his People peculiarly as Taught by him Redeemed by him Sanctified by him and Justified by him the effects of the Fathers Election in himself and the fruits of the Travels of his Soul in the sufferings of himself his Beloved Espoused to himself his Inheritance
likewise David setteth forth the property and disposition of his Enemies by the Denomination of Lyons My Soul saith he is among Lyons I lye even among them that are set on fire even the Sons of men whose teeth are Spears and Arrows and their tongue a sharp sword they prepare a net for my steps Psal 57.1 6. So our Saviour Christ demonstrates the natural properties and dispositions of his Desciples or Believers as they are Regenerate by the denomination of Sheep and Lambs as in John 21.15 16. and John 10. and that in respect of their harmless nature and peaceable deportment which they bare or ought to bare towards all men even towards their Persecutors and in this sence Christ himself is sometimes called a Lamb and compared to a Sheep yea many Testimonies of like nature may we find in holy Scripture to evidence this that it is the method of the holy Ghost many times to illustrate the nature of one thing by the name of another of the like nature So now in the explication of this Text of Scripture I shall observe the same method according to what I have received now by this Horseleach my judgment is that the Holy Ghost doth mind to illustrate some other thing of the like nature yet more mysterious Now we know that the Horseleach is a certain Worm whose appetite doth much delight in blood and after it they naturally are very greedy and insatiable therefore Physitians make use of the Horseleach to draw blood from their Patients as they see occasion yea so insatiable and greedy is her appetite after blood that if she once fasten upon a man she would suck and drain all the blood out of every Vein and part of the body to the destruction of the life if possible she could contain it and suffered thereunto such is her natural properties Now that which this Horseleach doth in its natural properties to us resemble and simily forth is that mysterious Horseleach-Corruption that ceased upon mans heart and did take up its Residence there by the first transgression The which Corruption is Horseleach-like in her natural properties so insatiable and greedy that by her operation and powerful influence she will search into every Vein Member and faculty of Body and Soul and suck and draw out of the same all that spiritual blood and life of God and power of Godliness which man was invested with in his Creation until she hath wholly made the Creature like a dead man without life and motion as to the things of God but so enslaved under the dominion of her Laws that in conformity thereunto the poor Creature must run and go at every beck improve all Opportunities embrace all Companions and use all means tending to the promoting of Corruptions-Interest the law of Sin to the great decay and detriment of mans holy and happy State But Secondly The Text saith The Horseleach hath two Daughters crying Give Give It seemeth these Daughters of the Horseleach are for nature and quality like her self greedy insatiable Worms their cry is always Give Give they are all for themselves but nothing part from These two Daughters of the Horseleach do much resemble the Creatures affections as they stand in their Unregenerate state that is to say Unsanctified love and Carnal desire sometimes in Scripture called Lust and that they are the Daughters of this Horseleach-Corruption it may appear by these Reasons First They bare her name they are Corrupt Affections Secondly They bare her nature they are Inordinate Affections Col 3 5. And as they are Inordinate in respect of their being out of that order wherein God at first placed them which was upon himself to be unto him and to him only so are they Inordinate in their Insatiable Covetousness greedy dispositions after other objects as if they could never have enough always their cry is Give Give Thirdly That they are the Daughters of that Horseleach Corruption doth further appear by their subjection to the law of Corruption they are as obedient to the Law of Corruption as a Daughter can be to the Law of her Mother insomuch that they and the whole man steered by their course are by the Holy Ghost demonstrated to be the Servants of Corruption Yea as the Law of Corruption doth require these Daughters to Renounce God and break Covenant with him and joyn themselves in a conjunction of affinity with self and the world they readily submit and yield thereto and make the interest of Self and the World the only object of their delight And in order to the promoting of this Interest of Self and the World they unto every faculty of Soul and member of Body are always moving and crying Give Give Give your strength your abilities your motion and action your time and opportunities in our Service to Self and the World and to our satisfaction in the delights and pleasures thereof whereby the whole man is brought into Captivity and Slavery to these Horseleach Daughters these greedy insatiable Worms these Lusts to Self-advancement to worldly Vanities until the poor Soul be left as desolate as ever Nehemiah found Jerusalem plundred and ransacked of all its life of God and power of Godliness true peace and happiness and all its gates and doors of faith and hope and assurance in God burnt up and destroyed and its beautiful Ornaments of Righteousness and Holiness much defaced and all its Walls of Fortification broken down and the whole man laid open to the mercy of a merciless Enemy to its eternal ruine except a supernatural means be timely applyed and improved for a remedy to the breaking off the Creatures affections from this affinity and to the reducing them to their first Estate Now that there is such a conjunction of affinity as aforesaid is farther evinced by the name that the Holy Ghost hath put upon those persons in that contract as those persons that are joyned in a spiritual Conjunction or Contract with Christ are called Christians and as a Woman Espoused to a Man is called by his name So hath the holy Spirit of God put the name of the world upon those persons whose affections are joyned to the world as Christ said to those in a conjunction of affection with him Marvel not if the world hate you ye know that it hated me before it hated you Whence note that by world he meaneth persons Espoused in affection to the world So the Spirit of God by Saint John saith the whole world lyeth in wickedness meaning all persons in their Unregenerate state whom Corruption hath drawn off their affections from God and situated them upon Self and the World So that in this discourse here is briefly and plainly set forth First That by the Horseleach is imply'd Corruption that ceazed upon the heart of man by sin in the first Transgression so considered from their natural properties and the two Daughters to be the Creatures of affections Unsanctified love and Carnal desire as they
stand in their Unregenerate state demonstrated by these four Reasons First They bare her Name Secondly They bare her nature Thirdly By their subjection to her Law Fourthly by their Conjunction with the world and self-renouncing God and his Covenant as not having any true love or desire thereunto and that by the influence of Corruption whereby they are brought forth into that Estate The Inference drawn from the words thus considered is briefly thus That Corruption hath brought forth a separation of the Creatures affections from God and joyned them in a Conjunction with Self and the World in which Estate the Creatures affections are very insatiable and greedy after Self and the Worlds interest by which conjunction God is dishonoured and every faculty and member of soul and body enslaved in such servil motions and actions as may promote the said interest in order to the satisfying of these greedy Worms until by their continual instigations of Give Give they have drained out of the poor soul all its spiritual blood or life of God and power of Godliness to its eternal ruine except a supernatural means be timely applyed and effectually improved for the reducing the said affections unto their first Estate Now for proof of this inference here asserted I think there needeth no further Testimony then what is contained in the explication of the words especially if Doctor Woful experience his evidence may be heard and credited by you yet for order-sake and lest I should be thought wanting in the case of evidence I would produce some further evidences that will give in their Testimonies to the separation and conjunction aforesaid as first Those many Testimonies of God in Scripture whereby God calls to the Sons of men to return unto him O Israel return to the Lord thy God for thou hast fallen by thy Iniquity Hos 14.1 Secondly Gods Expostulation with man about his Apostacy thus saith the Lord What Iniquity have your Fathers found in me that they are gone far from me and have walked after Vanity Jer. 2.5 See Ezek. 18.23 32. Thirdly Those many Exhortations the Lord hath laid before us in his word Set your affections on things that are above not on things on Earth Col. 3.2 Love not the World if any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him 1 Joh. 2.15 Yea the Lord calls for self-denyal and crucifying of the world to mortifie every member of the body of sin and to set our love and delight in him and that with all our hearts and soul and strength all which do imply and hold forth their evidences in witness of the aforesaid Conjunction Fourthly I would add one Testimony more among many that might be produced and that is the multiplication of that Succession or natural Generation that is conceived and brought forth by vertue of the aforesaid Conjunction of those Horse-leach Daughters corrupt affections in affinity with Self and the World as the off-springs thereof And for brevity sake I shall only name some few of this off-spring and leave the rest to Doctor Woful's experience his evidence to evince one part of the generation conceiv'd and brought forth by the said Conjunction is Pride Envy Mallice Hypocrisie Infidelity and Sloth in God's Service and Voluptuousness These as a part of that Brood and Generation of the Horseleach and her Daughters in affinity with Self and the World are by their influence conceived and nourished up in the heart of Unregenerate man where the said conjunction hath dominion These do evidently demonstrate themselves to be of that race by their natural qualities and language insatiable greedy Worms alaways crying Give Give as for Pride that is an insatiable greedy Worm of an aspiring nature insatiable and greedy after self-honour and the worlds applause It looks high and lofty as if it was one by whose influence that generation was steered by which Agur speaketh of Prov. 30.13 There is a generation saith Agur O how lofty are their Eyes and their eye-lids are lifted up Agur here seemeth as not able to express the Latitude of the aspiring nature of Pride and those whose course is steered thereby but stands in admiration at it as if by the influence of Pride those Creatures in whose heart it is predominant were carryed up into that airy Region with that Prince spoken of Ephes 2.2 as Retainers to his Court. But into the third Heavens where Christ sitteth at the Right Hand of God they have no inspection for saith the Spirit of God by the Prophet David The Wicked through the Pride of his Countenance will not seek after God God is not in all his thoughts Psal 10.4 Whence Note that Pride by its influence doth work the thoughts of God and his ways out of the minds of those in whose hearts it is predominant Yea This Brat bred and nourished in the heart of Unregenerate man by those Horseleach Daughters Unsanctified love and Carnal desire through their affinity with Self and the World doth not only plunder a soul of its thoughts of God but also of the qualifications of Humility Penitency Charity and all the peaceable habits of true Humanity as considered in its first estate Yea like a greedy heart-Worm it devours and eateth up the very bowels of tender Pitty and Compassion and Commiseration and yet like one of Pharoahs lean Kine is never the better This Brat is still crying Give Give always moving the Creature to satisfie its greedy Appetite in order whereunto the Creature must improve its Time and Opportunities Pains Labours and Meditations Considerations Moneys Lands Livings Lordships yea all must be improved and dedicated to the satisfying of this Brat in beautifying the Face powdering the Hair new fashions in Apparel sumptious Buildings delicious Fair places of Honour and worldly Preferments and honourable Greetings and to be called Rabbi Rabbi Mean while God and the power of Godliness and the souls happiness is little considered Yea where Pride is predominant in the heart and unsanctified love and carnal desire joyning therewith produceth very sad and dangerous effects to the Creature for it maketh Angels to become Devils and Men to become Slaves to their Lusts Enemies to God Persecutors of the Godly and themselves Subjects of Perdition The Wicked in his Pride doth Persecute the Poor Psal 10.2 It seems this greedy heart-Worm of the Horseleach brood is a great mover to and stirrer up of Contention so saith Solomon Only by Pride cometh Contention Prov. 13.10 Another greedy heart-Worm of the Horseleach-race and her Daughters is called Envy this is a bloody Brat as greedy after blood as the Horseleach and her Daughters by whose influence it is in mans heart conceived This Envy seems to be of a nature cruel and blood-thirsty of Countenance fierce and grim yea this Brat looks as if it would devour all the interest of God and Godliness with the Profession and Professors thereof Those persons whose course is steered by the influence of Envy through
its predominancy in the heart may seem to be of that generation that Agur speaks of Prov. 30.14 There is a Generation saith Agur whose Teeth are as Swords and their jaw-Teeth as Knives to devour the Poor from off the Earth and the Needy from among men so saith David My Soul is among Lyons Psal 57.4 6. I lye even among them that are set on fire even the Sons of men whose teeth are spears and arrows and their tongue a sharp sword they prepared a Net for my steps Wrath is cruel and Anger is outragious but who can stand before Envy saith Solomon Prov. 27.4 It is a sad thing and of dangerous consequence to the Creature for to be carried on by the influence and instigations of this Blood-worm bred in the heart and nourished by corrupt affections in affinity with Self and the World when every member of body and faculty of the soul must be active in their places to contrive and wait for opportunities and improve all means to accomplish a satisfaction to this blood-thirsty-worm although in the blood of the Innocent as Cain to Murther his Brother Abel Jospephs Brethren to sell him King Herod to kill the Children in Bethlehem to satisfie these greedy Blood-worms in the death of Christ and saith the Scriptures the Priests moved with Envy cryed Crucifie him Crucifie him They must not spare their Breath nor Counsel nor Pains nor Money to move and stir up the people both Magistrates Officers Souldiers and all the rude multitude to satisfie Envy in the blood of the Innocent Another greedy Worm of the race and off-spring of the Horseleach and her Daughters bred in the heart of Unregenerate man is Malice this Brat by its influence and operation is a great obstructor of Peace Unity Charity and all good humane Society Yea this heart-worm is so insatiable that its cry is always Revenge Revenge and by the instigations and movings thereof together with unsanctified love and carnal desire in affinity with Self and the World through their crying Give Give doth enslave every faculty of the soul and member of the body to ride and go contrive and studdy spare no cost nor pains to improve all opportunities ways and means and counsels for an accomplishment of a design for Revenge to satisfie this Brat no different satisfaction nor composure by Friends in moderation will serve Malice crys Revenge Revenge And what strifes and variances contentions sad consequences doth ensue both Scripture-evidences and the sad experiences of our times do sadly manifest Another of this Horseleach-brood is Hypocrisie This is of a more smoother deportment outwardly than the former this Brat by its influences and opperations will get into all the performances of that Creature in whose heart it is predominant and like a worm in the Nut destroys the kernel the very marrow and quintessence of the said performances leaving only a fair smooth out-side shell Hypocrisie will permit the Creature to do civil curtesies to a Neighbour and Religious performances to God provided always that the interest of Self and the World with whom the affections are united be not thereby prejudiced for this Brat Hypocrisie hath always a respect to self-interest A poor Creature that is over-run with this distemper if he Pray or Preach or give Almes all must be dedicated to Self self-honour self-applause and estimation profit and worldly advantage But this end that God may be glorified his truth promoted and his people edified and comforted and encouraged in the truths of God this as the very kernel marrow and quintessence of Religion is by this heart-worm Hypocrisie devoured and nothing left but a meer out-side a form of Godliness without the power Our Saviour Christ like a skilful Physitian could discover this distemper in the Scribes and Pharisees of old and their works they do saith he they do to be seen of men and many of the chief Rulers believed but did not confess him for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God Christ compareth the Scribes and Pharisees unto painted Sepulchres and such as make clean the out-side of the cup and platter but leave the in-side filthy Those persons whose course is steered by the influence of this heart-worm seems like unto that Generation that Agur speaketh of Prov. 30.12 There is a Generation saith Agur that are pure in their own eyes but are not washed from their filthiness Self and the World is still retained in affinity with the affections whereby many evils is produced Yea the residence of Hypocrisie in the heart unsubdued is of dangerous consequence for as it shuts out the glory of God in the end of our actions of Piety and Charity so it shuteth the Creature with all its performances out of God's acceptance to glory When poor Creatures shall say Lord Lord open unto us have we not Prophesied in thy Name and in thy Name done these and the other works And the Lord shall Answer I know you not depart from me ye workers of Iniquity go to your Lusts whom ye have served as ye have dedicated all your works to the interest of Self and the World now see if Self and the World can save you and herein will these words of Job be found true What is the hope of the Hypocrite though he hath gained when God taketh away his soul Job 27.8 The hope of the Hypocrite shall perish Job 8.13 Whose hope shall be cut off and their trust as a Spiders Web ver 14. Another of this Horseleach race is Infidelity whose proper nature is to oppose God in his dispensations That Creature in whose heart this greedy worm is predominate it will give no rest until by its instigations and continual crying Give Give it hath brought every part member and faculty of the whole man to a conformity to its self This Brat hardens the heart blinds the mind darkens the understanding stops the ears against the voyce of God clincheth the hands against actions of Mercies and Charity and makes the will averse and stubborn against the will of God Yea it doth by its influences and operations work up the Creature into its own proper nature to oppose God in his dispensations If God say I have given my Son to Redeem thee from thine Iniquities and to be unto thee both King Priest and Prophet whose Counsel thou must observe whose Righteous Laws thou must obey unto a Conformity unto him and upon whose Attonement and Intercession thou must depend for justification unto life and for his sake thou must break that bond of affinity between thy affections and Self and the World thou must deny Self crucifie the world and set thy affections on things that are above Infidelity with the Creature subjected thereunto presently replies it s no such thing we will not have this man to raign over us thus Infidelity would make God a Lyar as Saint John saith He that believeth not God hath made him a Lyar because he
admiration to behold what a mistery of Iniquity what a Babel of Confusion is wrought in the heart of man in his unregenerate and carnal state what Conceptions Transgression hath wrought in the nature and heart of man here is a Horseleach-Corruption and unsanctified Love and carnal desire in affinity with Self and the World whereby is conceived in the heart the wicked fruits of Envy Pride Malice sloth in Gods service Hatred S. Gal. 5.19 20 21. Hipocrisy Strife Contentions prophan-Swearing Blasphemies Drunkenness Gluttony Whoredomes Adulteries Idolatries yea all manner of prophaness and ungodliness that beareth so much sway in the world as the Apostle James saith from whence cometh wars and fightings contentions amongst you come they not even of your Lusts James 4.1 VVe are ready to lay all the fault up on the Devil and so as the first moveing cause he was But man was the Effectual cause in yeilding to the serpentine motion Our Saviour Christ was as strongly tempted as man could be yet he in not yeilding thereto could triumphingly say The Prince of this world cometh and hath nothing in me John 14.30 That is none of his Evil principles nor wicked qualifications found in me The Devil is here said to be the Prince of this world as he by policy with subtil Temptation did prevail with man to transgress the will of God revealed by which transgression man came to contract unto himself the natural principles and evill qualifications of the Devil And by the vertue and opperation of the said natural principles and Evil qualifications the Creature in its unregenerate corrupted state is subject naturally unto his will in opposition to the will of God and the true power of Godliness Hence our Saviour telleth the unbelieving Jews 1 Joh. 8.44 1. Joh. 5.19 Ye are of our Father the Devil and his works ye will do And hence it is that John considereth the whole world to lye in wickedness only a small remnant that by the power of grace are wrought up to a conformity to Christ of whom Christ saith John 15.19 Ye are not of the world as I am not of the world but I have called you out of the world and therefore the world hateth you First note So that Godliness and the true professors thereof are the objects of the worlds hatred Secondly note That those called out of the world were once of the world as saith Paul Eph. 2.3 4 5. It is only Gods call by grace that makes the difference Thus man by action according to the Devils motion did corrupt himself and corruption brought forth a separation of the affections from God to self and the world and hence ariseth those many evils and great abominations that are committed the which may lead us to a second use of admiration To admire Gods Patience 4 Reasons why God destroyed not the World long agoe for the wickedness thereof First for his Covenant sake long-suffering and forbearance towards man in that he did not in Justice utterly destroy all his Creation and bring it to a nothing again the which he might in Justice have done As he shewed some sad examples of his Power and Justice in Noahs time by Water and in Lots time by Fire but only for some reasons As first For the sake of his covenant of Election made in Christ before the world was the which Reason may give us to understand that all the enjoyments of honour riches pleasures and treasures that ungodly men possess in this life is for the sake of the Elect or Believers in Christ whom the ungodly so much despise and persecute To manifest his power and faithfulness to his Secondly That he might manifest his Power Wisdom and Faithfulness to the glory of his Name in making good his Covenant and fore-determinations against all oppositions which may give us to understand the great priviledge Believers have in Christ as to have God the faithful God to be their God Thirdly That he might manifest his mercy and goodness by his long-suffering and patience Rom. 2.4 with administrations of means and pledges of his Love by him made forth for mans recovery 2 Pet. 3 9. as evidences of his unwillingness to mans destruction and as inducements to lead men to Repentance and conformity unto him The which may give us to consider that those persons that obstinately persist in wickedness and conform not to his will revealed Joh. 3 19. do sin against the Divine Love Light Mercy Goodness Long-suffering and Patience of Almighty God to the furthering of their own Condemnation Fourthly That he might honour his Son according to his fore-determinations Joh 5 22 23. Jude 15. 2 Thes 1.7 8 9. with the supremacy of government to his Church and with the seat of Justice for the Execution of Judgment upon all that turn the grace of God into Laciviousness that in love to their Lusts reject the Lord Christ in his gratious Raign and righteous Government to follow their own pernitious ways The which may give us to consider that God hath an attribute of Justice as well as Mercy and in his justice he will surely chuse to deal with those that do his grace abuse For information three-fold First These considerations fore-mentioned may inform us of the generality of this Disease mans nature being corrupted Eph. 2.3 and hath this Horse-leach-corruption in it so through corruption do these worms in the heart naturally breed and so by nature a general disease Secondly It may inform us of the dangerousness of the Disease which eateth and sucketh out of all the vital parts of the Soul all the life and power of Godliness to the impoverishing the poor soul of all its evidences for Heaven and to the producing eternal wrath thereunto except there be a speedy and effectual means applyed for a remedy against the same Thirdly The Use hereof may inform us of the great concernment that lyeth upon us to look out for an eternal means and with all carefulness to improve the same for a remedy as we tender the life and eternal well-being of our souls And that we may be the more sensible of this disease and the better gain some experience of our condition in order thereunto and lest we should deceive our selves and think all is well with us when it is not so like unto that Generation that Agur speaketh of Pro. 30.12 There is a Generation saith Agur that are pure in their own eyes and yet is not washed from their filthiness therefore the better to be acquainted with our own weakness and inward distempers of the heart by these insatiable heart-worms Let us fall upon a use of tryal every one to examine his own heart and try what Conceptions we can therein discover Vse for Examination In order whereunto let us take the Glass of Gods Word and therein cast our Heart-conceptions for the better finding out or discovering of the aforesaid disease As for example The glass
of Gods Word discovereth that a sharp appetite unto the way of Righteousness and a good digesture of the truths of God in his word contained is an approved sign of a good condition Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after Righteousness theirs is the Promise They shall be filled Mat. 5.6 But when the appetite of the soul or the affections are but weak to Righteousness and the stomack slow of digesture as to things of God so that the Heavenly Manna is thereof loathed and the way of Righteousness is become as a burthen thereunto it is an evident sign that heart is almost overcome of the aforesaid disease and hath great need of a portion effectually applyed to it Again Secondly The glass of Gods word sheweth that if the conceptions of the heart have in them the stamp of Divine Humility Sincerity Love Joy Peace and Unity and the like qualifications ruling in the heart there is a discovery of a healthful condition But on the contrary If the Conceptions are Wrath Malice Envy Pride Contentions Strifes Variance Hypocrisie and the like fruits of corruption It is an evident sign that heart is diseased and hath great need of a potion effectually applyed thereunto For Jam. 3.14 15 16. If ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts glory not and lye not against the Truth this Wisdom descendeth not from above but is earthly sensual and divellish for where envying and strife is there is confusion and every evil work But they that are Christs Gal. 5 24. 2 Cor. 5.14 have Crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new Creature old things are past away behold all things are become new A new mind new affections new apprehensions a new understanding a new will new conversation new ends new grounds of hope new objects of joy ye all things are become new and Christ is become all to and all in the new man Col. 3.10 11. Thirdly The glass of Gods word discovers that except a man deny himself and take up his Cross and follow Christ he cannot be his Disciple and if any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him So when self and the world are the Conceptions in the heart and the objects in our eye as to hinder us in following of Christ in his Righteous Commands so as not to give him the preheminence of our obedience it is an evident sign the heart is diseased with the aforesaid distempers and hath need of a potion effectually applyed thereunto But saith the Apostle Who so looketh into the perfect law of Liberty or glass of Gods word and continueth therein he being not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work this man shall be blessed in his deed Jam. 1.25 Thus trying our Heart-conceptions in the glass of Gods word and by due examination discovered our distempers let us accept a word of exhortation to be active for a cure and direction therein A word of Exhortation and Direction Let us in the sence of our disease and our weakness and distempers thereby put on the Ornaments of sincere humility and real desire of remedy and go every day unto the Well-springs of Gods free grace in Christ flowing from the fountain of his eternal love streaming forth unto us in his word of promise and drink every day a good hearty draught or two of that holy water in the cup of serious Meditation compounded with the ingredience of Faith Then let us take the odours of Thanksgiving for such grace mixt with Supplications for a sanctified use thereof to the heart And go unto the Throne of Grace and present the said Odours in the sensor of of Faith upon the Altar Christ Jesus with the Insence of Christs Merits and the fire of fervent Zeal unto the God of all grace and through Christs blessing this means may prove effectual to the hearts enlargement I will run the way of thy Commandements when thou shalt enlarge my heart Psal 119.52 Secondly Let us have recourse to the streams of Christs self-denyal for our sakes and his meakness and humility in the same and ever and anon take a good hearty draught or two thereof in a cup of due Consideration and serious Meditation upon the manner nature and ends thereof and this through Gods blessing may prove very effectual against the aforesaid distempers and much strengthen support and comfort the heart against the same Faith being one ingredience in the said Cup. Consider him that endureth such contradictions of sinners lest ye be weary and faint in your minds Heb. 12.3 Thirdly Let us have recourse unto the School of Christs Supremacy where Christs Commands is the only rule of action and the testimonies of his will the ground of observation and by Faith lay to heart the said supremacy and by a due consideration and serious meditation thereof learn our duty to Christ and accordingly observe his Precepts and Testimonies of his will as the only rule of our observations and withal present thy supplications at the Throne of grace as aforesaid for Divine assistance in the work and through Gods blessing it may prove effectual to purge the heart of the aforesaid distempers produce in us obedience to the dignity of Christ and to the joy and comfort of the Soul Through thy Precepts I get understanding Davids Experience therefore I hate every false way Psal 119.104 I will never forget thy Precepts for with them thou hast quickened me Psal 119.93 But for the better perswading of our selves to a faithfull improvement of the means aforesaid let us consider some motives to move us to a careful use of the said means Motive the First Let us consider God the Fathers free Invitations to his Son and to the springs of his free grace in him as by the Prophet is made forth Isa 55.1 O every one that thirsteth come to the waters and ye that have no Money come neither merit nor desert in which Chapter we have a free tender of Christ and free grace in him with a free invitation thereunto of every soul that in the sence of its loss and dammage by the Horselease-Corruption and her Daughters desire a remedy as also a Remonstrance of Christs Supremacy Behold I have given him for a Witness to the people a Leader and Commander to the people ver 4. Motive the Second Secondly Consider Christs fulness he is a full Fountain full of grace truth for in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily he is the Fountain set open for Sinners a Fountain fed with all the springs of God that will never fail A River whose streams shall make glad the City of God in the worst of times and in the greatest Revolutions that can come upon the world Motive the Third Thirdly Consider him as in his fulness so also in his freeness to impart of his fulness to poor Sinners that are enslaved by this
Horseleach and her Daughters and their brood unto the obedience of Satans will to the enslaved sinners condemnation The which freeness of Christ to impart of his fulness to poor Sinners as aforesaid is evidenced six-fold First By that order he taketh by the doctrine of his truth to inform the Creatures of their enslaved state and of their remedy to be in him attainable by converting to him Secondly By his invitations given out for Sinners to come unto him Come unto Me all ye that Labour and are heavy Laden all ye that through the influence of my Doctrine are drawn forth to consider and become sensible of your estate by sin and in the sence thereof desire a remedy Come unto me submit to my supremacy and ye shall find rest for your souls Mat. 11.28 29. Thirdly By his promise of acceptance to those that come unto him Those that come unto me I will in no wise cast out saith Christ Joh. 6.37 He will not turn back the bruised reed with the sence of its own unworthiness and the least desires of the soul towards him he will not quench Fourthly By his complaints of the backwardness of Sinners in comeing to him Ye will not come to me that ye might have life wherefore do ye lay out your money for that which is not Bread and your labour for that which profiteth not Fifthly Christs freeness to Sinners in their coming to him to partake of the streams of his fulness for a remedy against the aforesaid distempers is further signified by his commending the excellent vertue and duration of those streams as inducements to draw poor Sinners unto an esteem thereof Whosoever shall drink of the water that I shall give him saith Christ shall never thirst but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a Well of water springing up into everlasting life Whence observe that a full satisfaction unto an eternal duration is the natural vertue and effects of free grace unto every soul that partakes thereof by a union with Christ Sixthly A sixth evidence of Christs freeness to Sinners and of his desire of their coming to him to partake of the streams of his fulness is the testifications of his great displeasure he takes against such that obstinately refuse And those mine Enemies that would not that I should raign over them bring them hither and slay them before me Luk. 19.27 Expressions testifying great displeasure Because I have called and ye refused I have stretched out my hand and ye have not regarded therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own doings and be filled with their own devices Prov. 1.24 32. Thus you have Christs free desire of sinners coming to him and to partake of his fulness of Grace and Truth demonstrated First By the means he useth to inform sinners of their need of him Secondly By his Invitations to sinners to come unto him Thirdly By his Promise of acceptance of those that come unto him Fourthly By his Complaints or Reproofs upon their not coming Fifthly By his commending the excellency of the vertue and duration of his streams of free grace as an inducement to sinners to come Sixthly By his testifying displeasure against those that refuse and withstand all means thereunto afforded Thus much concerning the third Motive which is Christs freeness towards poor sinners for their coming to him and partaking of his benefits which is a strong inducement thereunto Motive the Fourth As the Father hath placed his springs of water of life in his Son and invites us to his Son to participate thereof and as the Son gives testimony of the excellent vertue of the water of life in him with invitations thereunto so the Spirit and the Saints Espoused to Christ that experience the vertue of these living springs by their union with him through Faith beholding the freeness thereof and the fulness of satisfaction therein do also give forth invitations thereunto The Spirit and the Bride say come and let him that is a thirst come and let him that heareth say come and whosoever will let him come and take of the water of life freely Rev. 22.17 Motive the Fifth A fifth Motive for encouragement to the said means for the aforesaid cure may be the priviledges attainable thereby This water of free grace which we are so called and invited to by the Father Son and holy Spirit and sanctified persons that have tasted thereof and from their experience commend it to us is not only effectual to clarifie the heart of the aforesaid Horseleach and her brood but also to qualifie the heart with the Divine qualifications of grace for nature and quality like the Fountain whence they flow to the evidencing of our Election in Christ our Adoption by Christ our Justification through Christ and our Glorification with Christ Yea hereby the poor soul cometh to be enriched with the Heavenly treasures of divine contentment in all conditions whether Prosperity or Adversity Plenty or Poverty Peace or Persecution I have learned saith Paul In whatsoever state I am in therewith to be content And why so Doubtless he had drank of these living springs these waters of life in Christ Jesus whereby he had the evidences of an eternal Inheritance sealed unto him to enjoy when this life shall cease and be no more Therefore Paul valueth not self nor the world nor any of his Birth-priviledges nor any outward external knowledge or interest in comparison to the knowledge of Christ and the priviledges and dignities attainable in and by Jesus Christ and him Crucified I determined saith Paul not to know any thing among you save Jesus Christ and him Crucified 1 Cor. 2.2 But what things were gain to me those I counted loss for Christ yea doubtless and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and do count them but dung that I may win Christ and be found in him Phil. 3.7 8. And what is the Reason that Paul is thus taken up in estimation of Christ Doubtless he had drank of those living springs of free grace in Christ and tasted the sweetness and savour thereof then all his self-righteousness and self-justification and self-wisdom and self-ends and worldly interests must all be laid aside as dung when once he beholdeth Christs perfect Righteousness streaming towards him for the adorning of his soul to the Fathers gratious acceptation And Justification in Christ streaming towards him to free him from the gift of sin and condemnation the just desert of sin and the sanctifying Spirit of Christ streaming into his soul to cleanse the heart of corruption and to replenish it with grace And wisdom in Christ streaming into his understanding to instruct him in the paths of Salvation and every stream hereof compounded and sweetened with Divine love from Eternity and with that peace that passeth all understanding and with assurance of that glory which is
blood to justifie us his precious word to direct us his precious promises to comfort us and many precious calls for to invite us with precious arguments to perswade us and precious cords of love in all to draw poor Sinners to himself and now a precious door of hope is opened to us but so it will not always be thy present time is a precious time the present means of the Gospel is a precious means given for precious ends as to reduce poor Sinners to their primitive state in Righteousness and true Holiness in true peace and happiness with God in glory in order thereunto we in time shall find that time 's best spended that 's spent in that kind Then let not this thy precious time be spent I' th Horseleach-Daughters their Broods content But by improvement of the precious means Endeavour thou thy heart of them to cleanse By often drinking of those livings springs That flows from him who is the King of Kings 'T is water of life with love compounded sure 'T will heal thy wounds and thy distempers cure But thy work is great thy time is but small Time's best improved in time of Gods call FOR When our time is over and opportunities cease We may lye in sorrow hopeless of release See then that ye walk circumspectly not as Fools but as Wise redeeming the time because the days are evil Motive the Nineth A nineth Motive to move us to improve the said means against the aforesaid distempers may be the consideration of that loss we shall sustain unto our selves if our hearts be not cured of the said distempers as the loss of our Union and Communion with God the Father and Christ and the Spirit and the Holy Angels and Saints in the Kingdom of glory with all the felicities thereof to all Eternity O what a sad loss will it be unto us how shall we befool our selves for yealding our selves and services unto the supremacy of these Task-masters these insatiable greedy worms always crying give give When we shall see Abraham Isaac and Jacob and all those that have been faithful to Christs supremacy accepted into the Kingdom and we our selves thrust out with that dreadful Sentence Go ye Cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels where the Worm never dyeth and the fire is never quenched O sad Estate with sorrows intollerable and miseries endless Motive the Tenth or a Use of encouragement To go oft to the aforesaid springs and by an act of Faith improve the means thereof to the destroying of these lusts of Corruption out of our hearts is the consideration that they are not only our Enemies but they are also Gods Enemies as much as in them lyeth opposing him in the effecting of his eternal purpose and determined Counsel in bringing man to glorifie his name and to enjoy his glory and they are Antichristian against Christ and his supremacy and against the holy Spirit in its work of Illumination and Sanctification And therefore God gives special commands unto us to improve the Means and Counsel that he affords us in order to the destruction of them all and not to suffer one of them to live in our hearts unsubdued Therefore God in giving to us both Means and Counsel thereunto doth call upon us for to mortifie your inordinate affections crucifie the world deny self put off the old man with his deeds cleanse your selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God circumcising the fore-skin of your hearts the Lord lays many special injunctions upon us wherefore we may not let one live for they are Gods Enemies The Amalakites being Enemies to God God giveth command to King Saul utterly to destroy them old and young sparing none But Saul in sparing Agag the King lost both Gods favour and his Kingdom for his disobedience therein God hath given us the Commands and Testimonies of his Mind and Will that we should destroy these Amalakitish Lusts his Enemies and subdue them out of our hearts and not to let one of them to live and he hath given us means thereunto And may he not nay will he not deal as severely with us if we willingly spare any although never so dear unto us the dangerous consequence thereof considered David by suffering one Lust to live in his heart to Vriahs Wife it brought him to the guilt of Murder and Adultery to the great dishonour of God and the wounding of his soul with the sence of sin and Gods displeasure for the same to the loss of his strength of assurance and weakening his evidences of Salvation the which caused him to drink many a bitter cup of affliction with many a deep sigh and sob and sad complaint with tears and fears of being cut off in the want of his assurance which made him cry out in the bitterness of his soul in the sence of his loss O spare me that I may recover strength before I go hence and be no more Psal 39.13 One Dalilah having gained the heart of strong Sampson through her continual crying Give Give did soon surprise him and bring down his strength so as not to be able to resist his Enemies So one Lust suffered alive in the heart through its continual crying give give may soon surprise us and weaken our strength of faith and hope and comfortable evidences and assurances in Gods favour so as we may become weak as another man as not to be able to resist the assaults of many other Lusts in the temptations thereof Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own Lusts and enticed Jam. 1.14 Motive the Eleaventh Or A Use of encouragement to move us to a diligent use and improvement of the said means to the cleansing of our hearts of these greedy worms may be the consideration of that choyce and requirement that God hath made of the heart God requireth the heart as a Treasury to himself to be for himself as his Treasury or Store-house to lay in the Divine Treasures of his holy word his graces and gifts of grace and divine qualifications for his own pleasure and delight and for to enable his Creature to bring forth fruits to the praise and glory of his name and to edifie and comfort others as faith the Lord These words which I Command thee this day shall be in thy heart and thou shalt teach them thy Children and talk of them in thy house Deut. 6.6 And saith the Lord Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your hearts and in your souls c. Deut. 11.18 The heart is a Treasury for Gods Love Rom. 5.5 and for the peace of God Col. 3.15 and for the spirit of Christ Gal. 4.6 Yea all the Laws of God and graces and gifts of grace comprehended in the new Evangelical Covenant in Christ God the Father hath chosen the heart to wright them in and as his Treasury to place them there Jer. 31.33
to suffer affliction with the People of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season for he had respect to the Recompence of reward and what 's the reason of this Surely he drank of the Brook in the way and therefore he lift up his head Psal 110.7 above all the treasures and pleasures of this world Esteeming the reproaches of Christ greater Riches than the Treasures of Aegypt Yea Heb. 11.25 26. such is the Virtue and Efficacy of these living spings Gods free grace in Christ that it both cures the heart of the raigning power of sin and furnisheth it with courage and boldness in the ways of God against all reproaches and persecutions for the sake of Christ As we read of many that underwent Mockings and Scourgings Bonds and Imprisonments some ston'd some sawn asunder and some slain with the sword some wandring about in Sheep-skins and Goat-skins being destitute afflicted tormented of whom the world was not worthy and these not accepting of deliverance i. e. upon their Adversaries terms And what was the reason that they thus slighted self and the world to follow the Lord in his ways to the loss of all their outward enjoyments Surely they drank of the brook in the way the streams of Gods free grace in the promised Messiah were the waters of life whereunto they had recourse upon all occasions and by a supernatural hand of faith applyed the same unto the heart in the cup of serious meditation and by the vertue of the said streams they received such spiritual nourishment comfort support and assurance of better and more satisfying enjoyments the which drew up their affections to the Lord so as to renounce self and the world with all the fading vanities thereof as saith the Apostle Paul Whether we are besides our selves it is to God or whether we be sober it is for your cause for the love of Christ constraineth us because we thus judge that if Christ died for all then were all dead and he dyed for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him that dyed for them 2 Cor. 5.13 14 15. Thus divine love with the excellent benefits thereof hath a constraining opperation in it to convert a soul from self and the world unto God and to the glorifying of his name with qualifications of grace wrought in the heart through the souls participation of the powerful influences and refreshing streams thereof For as the true sight and sence of our own Corruptions and our vileness thereby and our just deserts for the same laid to heart by a divine hand is sufficient for the converting of our proud hearts and haughty spirits into humiliation so also the true sight and sensible experience of the glory of the Lord in the dispensations of his free grace in Christ and the glory that it leads unto being laid to heart by due consideration and serious meditation through the operation and power of the divine spirit of the Lord is a sufficient means for to change the property and alter the dispositions of the heart from what it was by corrupted nature and to qualifie it with the qualifications of the Divine Nature into the same Image or likeness unto Jesus Christ in his natural properties inclinations and qualifications of grace as evidences of future glory As saith the Apostle We all beholding as in a Glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same Image from Glory to Glory even as by the spirit of the Lord 2 Cor. 3.18 An Exhortation to a Unity with Christ in qual fication and self-denyal after Christs example as an emblem of true Christianity If there be therefore any Consolation in Christ if any comfort of Love if any fellowship of the spirit if any bowels and mercies Fulfil ye my joy saith the Apostle that ye be like-minded having the same love being of one accord of one mind Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves Phil. 2.1 2 3. so forward Thus have we the Counsel and Example of Christ with the experimental testimonies of the faithful in former ages recommending unto us upon Scripture Record Gods free grace in Christ as a soveraign remedy to cure our souls of this disease of Corruption that Horseleach and all those greedy worms bred in the heart by the influence thereof which lye as obstructive Rubbish in our way to Holy and Heavenly attainments suitable to our Head Jesus Christ Wherefore we having such excellent means afforded us and being compassed about with such a cloud of Witnesses giving testimony to us of the excellent vertue and powerful efficacy thereof let us carefully and with all diligence improve the said means to the laying aside every weight and the sin that doth so easily be set us and let us run with perseverance unto the divine springs and streams of the waters of life flowing unto us in and through Jesus Christ from the Fountain of the Eternal Love of his Father and manifested by his Spirit in the word of truth the Gospel of Jesus Christ and our Salvation looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith who for the joy that was set before him denyed himself contemned the world endured the Cross and despised the shame to do his Fathers Will in opening the springs of the waters of life unto us and is set down at the right hand of the Majesty on high there to appear in the presence of God as an Interceder for us as we by faith unite to him and participate of his fulness Thus have we before us a discovery of a most sad and dangerous disease of the Heart-worms the Horseleach and her Daughters in conjunction with self and the world and a brood of ungodly Lusts conceived in the heart of unregenerate man by the influence thereof as insatiable as the Grave the barren Womb the Earth and the Fire which never saith it is enough the which disease is not only dangerous but also very general thousands are sick thereof and thousands are dead thereby whilst they live as being unsensible of the disease or danger thereof and thousands of thousands have perished by the same we are also informed of a way how we may try our hearts whether this disease be prevalent in us or no and also what means is like to be most effectual against the same with some motives for encouragements to a careful improvement of the said means As First God the Fathers free invitation of Sinners unto his Son in whom the springs of the water of life is placed to be communicated to those that by faith imbrace him Secondly Christs invitation of Sinners to come unto him and partake of his fulness as he is a full Fountain set open for Sinners a Fountain fed with all the springs of God Thirdly Christs freeness to impart of his fulness to poor Sinners enslaved the which freeness
thereof by an imbracement adhearingly Every word of God is pure saith Agur He is a Sheild unto them that put their trust in him Prov. 30.5 Every word of God is pure his Testimonies his Commands his Promises his Invitations Exhortations Admonitions and Reproofs yea all his whole Counsel is pure flowing from a pure God given out to pure ends to bring defiled Sinners to a state of purity every word of God is pure in it self and pure in the esteem of every true Child of God the sanctified heart I esteem all thy precepts in all things to be right saith David Psal 119.128 Wisdom is justified by her Children saith Christ Math. 11.19 Poor Publicans justify God Luk. 7.29 by esteeming and embraceing of his Counsel but have any of the Rulers or of the Pharises believed on him Joh. 7.48 The Pharises and Lawyers rejected the Counsel of God against themselves See Luk. 14.16 to the 24. Luke 7.30 They would not justify God by esteeming and embraceing of his Counsel as held forth by his Authority although God witnessed to the same by his mighty hand The Poor the Lame and Maimed come in at the invitation and partake of the benefits while the worldly interested persons slight the invitation and the loving kindness of the Inviter for their worldly interest sake to the procuring to themselves the displeasure of the Inviter the Lord and to their loss of a participation of the benefits And so by observing lying Vanities Jonah 2.8 they forsake their own mercy that they happily might have had upon their imbraceing and improving what they were invited to Wherefore A Word to the inordinate and open Prophane consider all ye that act the Prodigals part in Ryoting and Drunkenness and other prophane and vicious Vanities to the wasting of your precious time and opportunities your temporal Estates and Wits and all in the service of sin to the impoverishing of your poor souls and the souls of your Children for want of Education in the knowledge of God unto the Condemnation of your own souls and the souls of your Children by your evil Example as much as in you lyeth O consider that by reason hereof not only your Children but also your Wives and other Relations yea the whole land of your Nativity is forced into mourning and especially when God shall visit for these things as saith the Lord by his Servants the Prophets see one Testimony among many Hos 4. where it is said that the Lord had a controversy with the Inhabitants of the Land the cause seemeth two-fold first They lay aside truth and the knowledge of God by the same and acts of mercy which the knowledge of God and truth leadeth to as things out of request and estimation with them Secondly as effects ensuing and demonstrations thereof they fall into those great and gross abominations of Swearing Lying Killing Stealing and committing Adultery and all excess even unto blood and therefore shall the Land mourn c. O that every such Soul would consider and act the Prodigals part in his return and that timely while the Fathers armes of mercy are open to embrace them O saith the Lord that there were such an heart in them that they would fear me and keep my Commandements always that it might be well with them and with their Children for ever Deut. 5.29 Thus saith the Lord thy Redeemer the holy one of Israel I am the Lord thy God that teacheth thee to profit that leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go O that thou hadst hearkened to my Commandements then had thy peace been as a River and thy Righteousness as the Waves of the Sea Isa 48.17 18. Note Gods desire is that Sinners should return and live to him Note Those that hearken to God's Commands so as to walk therein are those that live to God and are blessed of him Blessed are all they that do his Commandements that they may have right to the Tree of life and may enter in thorow the Gates into the City for without are Dogs and Sorcerers and Whoremongers and Murtherers and Idolaters and whosoever loveth and maketh a lye Rev. 22.14 15. I but what Estate shall these without possess and where the same Authour tells us chap. 21.8 But the Fearful and Vnbelieving and the Abominable and Murtherers and Woremongers and Sorcerers and Idolaters and all Lyars shall have their part in the Lake which burneth with Fire and Brimstone which is the second death Rev. 21.8 I Jesus have sent mine Angel to testify these things unto the Churches I am the root and the off-spring of David the bright and morning Star Rev. 22.16 Secondly A word to the industrious Worldling O consider ye in whose hearts the world hath full possession that cannot spare one corner to give entertainment to the word of God by way of meditation and contemplation thereupon although God requires the whole heart unto himself Consider ye that are in an immoderate pursuit after this earthly treasure Take heed saith our Saviour Christ and beware of Covetousness for a mans life consisteth not in the abundance of the things that he possesseth Here me-thinks I should hear some say that as to matter of Covetousness I think I am clear for although I am industrious in my pursuit after the things of this world yet I have not taken any thing from any man but what I pay for neither do I wrong any man but pay every man his own and therefore I think I am not guilty of Covetousness But then the question is whether we can say as much in the case between our selves and God and between us and our Souls and between us and our Relations and first Let us consider a little as in the matters of God have we not in our earnest pursuit after our worldly interest spent the most part of that time that God hath required for his Service upon our worldly interest have not our minds and affections been exercised upon our worldly and carnal interests when they should be exercised by meditations and contemplations with love and delight in God his word and works and celebrating praises unto his name do we not by our earnest pursuit after this worlds interest make our bodies and spirits so dull drowsy and unfit for God's Service that if we appear but one hour in a week therein we spend the most part thereof in sleep Do we not by our earnest pursuit after this worlds interest deprive our Children of that Soul-Education that is due unto them from us by God's requirement Do we not by our earnest pursuit after this worlds interest with-hold more then is meet from the Poor and Needy as in acts of Mercy Charity Pitty and Compassion by Gods commanded And if so is it not Coveteousness yea is it not Covetousness which is Idolatry when that our time our strength meditations considerations our wills and affections are so dedicated to the world whereby God wants that Honour and