the fruite it shall be knowne These are of two sorts 1. Speciall or respecting our owne particular 2. Generall or respecting others Those that are speciall respect our selues are of fiue seuerall sortes 1. For corruption of nature 2. For speciall sinnes after calling 3. For hardnesse of heart 4. For the absence of Christ 5. For want of the meanes Generall or respecting others 1. For the dishonour of God in publique abominations 2. For the miseries of the Church 3. For Gods anger threatning 1. Point For the corruptioÌ„ of nature thus Paul cryeth out a Rom. 7.24 O wretched man that I am who shall deliuer me from this body of death And Dauid b Ps 51.5 I was conceiued in sinne and warmed in iniquity this like a loathsome leprosy gangrene harh spread it selfe ouer the whole man howsoeuer not in the substance yet in all the faculties of soule and body and made vs as a tainted seede poysoning and contaminating euery thought word and action and is the bell-damme of all the euils that proceede from vs as our Sauiour sayth c Mark 7.20 21.22.23 from the heart proceedes adulteries murthers thefts euill thoughts c and these defile a man yea it so defiles vs that vntill we be washed effectually in the bloud of Christ al our thoughts speeches actions naturall ciuill are sin our best actions are as the fathers speake but beautiful sins after our regeneration and effectuall calling it puts a stainâ— vpon our best seruices euen ouâ— prayers hearings readings c that we had need to returne anâ— aske forgiuenesse pardon foâ— the defects of them and these robes must be tinct and washed c Apâ—â— 7.14 white in the bloud of the Lambeâ— that they may appeare amiably in the eyes of God withouâ— which there is pollution enough vpon them to cause the Lord to abhorre and detest them this wee doe and must carry abouâ— with vs so long as the soule inhabits these earthly tabernacle Oh where are these mourners that lament and bewayle this spawning and mischieuous sin if a man should poyson the fountaines and springs of waters all men would cry out against such a monster but this is infinitely more vile yet who complaines of it is sorrowfull vnder the sence feeling thereof or cryes for the crucifying power of the Lord Iesus to subdue it Yet this depraued condition is the estate of euery mothers childe as well hee that sitteth vpon the Throne as hee or shee that grindeth at the mill d Iob 15.15 what is man that he should bee cleane or hee that is borne of a woman that he should be iust beholde he found no stedfastnes in the Angels and the beauens are vncleane in his sight how much more abominable is man c. This Paul proues out of the Psalme e Rom. 3.10.11 Ps 14.1.3 There is none that doth good All are gone astray c. Oh that men would throughly consider this how would it cause all the jovall Laddes of this world to turne their tunes from songs drinkings merry-meetings and healthings into howlings lamentations and sorrowes and it would change our sorrowes that bee Ministers into rejoycings and thankes-giuings to see them with humbled hearts cheeks bedewed with brinish teares inquiring after wholesome Physicke for the quieting of their crasie wounded consciences and saluation of their soules Oh that God would open the eyes of this blinde foolish world that they might know feele this wofull misery and Oh that it would please his Highnesse to giue his poore Messengers occasion of labour and rejoycing this way 2. Point For speciall sins after effectuall calling for which there is in the childe of God a large measure of sorrow and griefe for diuerse causes 1. Because God hath vouchsafed more mercies then to the world or to themselues before their calling to common ordinary blessings hee hath added supernaturall spirituall and celestiall fauours and therefore lookes for better fruits Å¿ Mat. 25 29 for to whom much is giuen of them much is required 2. Because hee hath giuen his Spirit and all the graces thereof so that as the Apostle sayth f 1 Cor. 1.7 they are not destitute of any grace and therefore of more abilitie to resist tentations then formerly the sinners of Sion are the most offensiue to his blessed Majestie the sinnes of the world euen their grossest abominations as drunkennesse whooredomes oathes blasphemies are not so vile as the sinnes of his owne people they haue more knowledge of his righteous wil of the stratagems of Sathan deceitfulnesse of their owne heart and the danger of sin Oh that therefore we would be admonished to beware of theÌ„ for time to come and to bewaile such as are already passed vs in the superabundant patience of God 3. g Ephes 4.30 They grieue the Spirit of God by which they are sealed vp to the day of redemption that blessed Guest hauing taken vp their hearts to bee his habitation h Ephes 3.17 by faith when they open the doores to let in rogues and villaines his enemies to robbe and spoyle his habitation to defile and like swine to lay-staule it is there not great cause of griefe to that sacred and blessed Spirit who could indure this indignitie If any man should offer it to a Kings Pallace would it bee tollerable and shal the Eternall God suffer it without speciall correction and chastisement thereof especially considering the good motions daily of this sweet Guest and his combating and resisting against them is it any wonder if hee visite them with terrors of conscience want of the sence of his presence and joy of his saluation such like buffetings 4. These awaken the conscience who hath admonished them against those sinnes being sanctified by the holy Spirit now set on fire with clamours and out cryes against the offendors that wheresoeuer they ride or come they carry this tormentor about them a wofull condition and it will neuer bee quiet to rest or bee silent except it bring them vpon the knees of soule and body to seeke reconciliation or else bee husht stilled with buffetings and ill vsage to benumme it a medicine worse then the disease 5. These cause the Enemies of God to blaspheme the way of righteousnes euery base Varlet will exclaime against such a man yea the floud-gates of blasphemy wil bee opened against not only him but against all that professe the same truth and against the profession the roaring Laddes and society of drunkards and the riffe-raffe will make songs of him as they did of Dauid as himself speaks i Psal 69.12 the drunkards and abiect slaues made their songs of me and all the country will be on a hurry that the people of GOD hang the head with griefe and sorrow to behold heare these things and in all these respects is there not great cause thinke you that a good heart should
me not liue if this impietie be done away till you die for it By which the Lord expresseth his vnapeasable wrath against this detestable iniquitie after the manner of an Oath that no sacrifice shall purge that sinne So the Lord sweareth of Elies house for the intollerable wickednesse of his sonnes That hee hath sworne concerning Elies house that the impietie thereof Å¿ 1. Sam. 3.14 shall not be expiated with sacrifice nor offering for euer And to his former threatning addeth sayth the Lord The Lord of bostes doubling the speech for the greater certainetie and that no power shall deliuer or free them from the vengeance for he is the Lord of hostes But alas a man may take a Torch and seeke through Ierusalem yea through Sion vntill his strength fayleth and his spirits agitated yea wasted before hee shall finde a man mourning the tears trickling downe his cheekes for the abominations of these times Wee had neede call for all t Ierem. 9.17 mourning men and women that they may come and weepe for the abominations of these dayes wherein wee liue for the whole world are set vpon mad mirth and as Iob speaketh u Iob. 21.13 goe suddainely dauncing and ioually to hell Notwithstanding the Almighty cals them from this and pronunceth seuerall woes against such u Is 5.11.14 Woe be to those that rise earely in the morning to follow strong drinke and sit by it till night vntill the wine haue inflamed them That haue the Harpe and the Viole the Taber and Pipe with wine in their feastes but they regard not the act of God nor consider his handy worke Therefore is my people led captiue because they haue no knowledge of these things and their honourable men are famished and their common people destroyed with thirst Yea therefore hath hell inlarged himselfe and vvidened her mouth beyond measure and their glory and their multitude euen all those that make merry among them Let their condition be what it will aswell hee that sitteth vpon the Throne as he that worketh at the Anuill shall goe thither downe together Consider yee jovall and roaring laddes of this age that delight in nothing but feasting drinking and merryment and thinke the whole world madde or foolish that follow not your guise that your destinie is already read your doome pronounced by no lesse then the eternall Sonne of God himselfe w Luke 6.25 Woe be to you that now laugh for you shall wayle and weepe Yee haue your ioy and melody here but your woe and misery shall as assuredly follow as if it were already effected When you shall see Abraham x Math. 8.11.12 Isaac and Iacob with all the Patriarkes Prophets Apostles yea all the faithfull in the kingdome of heauen and your selues shut out of doores You haue your heauen and light here but your torment followes as the Lord sayth by the Prophet Isai y Isa 65.13 14.15 Behold my seruants shall eate and yee shall bee hungry c. My seruants shall reioyce and yee shall be ashamed My seruants shall sing for ioy of heart and yee shall cry for sorrow of heart and bowle for vexation of spirit and yee shall leaue your name as a curse c. O miserable men that yee are euen in mirth and the chiefe of your jollitie z Pro. 14.13 Your hearts are heauie you haue your flings and tortures of conscience and the end is worse for it ends in heauinesse This the Lord threatens to all and sweares by the excellencie of Iacob a Amos 8.7 10. surely I vvill neuer forget any of their vvorkes And vers 10. I vvill turne your feastes into mourning and all your songs into lameneation and I vvill bring sackcloth vpon all loynes and baldnesse vpon euery head and I vvill make it as the mourning of an onely soune and the end thereof as a bitter day But are these mourners the onely beloued ones of the highest charactered and stamped with the speciall marke of Adoptions Alas then how few shall be saued from the stroke and plague of the destroying a Ezech. 9.4 Psalm 6.6 Angell wheâ— Gods wrath is let lose Assuredly they are like blacke Svvaâ—â—â— or the Phoenix almost Where are those that vvater their coucheâ— vvith teares euery night vvith David That set some times aparâ— to bewayle the abominations oâ— this sinnefull age Iland especially that sequester times for fasting and prayer that stand iâ— the gap b Ezec. 22.30 to auert the iudgements of God that iustly hanâ— ouer our heads for our sinnes yâ—â— some I know there are to whoâ— I say with the Prophet c Isa 62.6.7 Yâ—â— that are the Lorals remembranteâ—â— giue him no rest vntill he set vp Siâ—â— the prayse of the vvorld I dare not say with Ieremie d Iere. 12.11 There is 〈◊〉 man that layeth it to â—â—cart or with Isaiah e Isai 64.7 There is no man that calleth vpon Gods name or that stirreth vp himselfe to lay hold on him Or with Ezechiel 22.30 There is no man that standeth vp in the gappe Some there are which I know if I should say none my heart would rebuke my penne The Lord increase them as Ioah said to Dauid a thousand times so many more But I feare there are but a few yea very rare scarce one of a Family or tenne of a Tribe and the bestand forwardest of vs the Lord helpe and pardon it are I feare defectiue this way and come short of that which should be in vs. Thus of the first 2. This godly sorrow affecteth the heart to bewayle the calamities and miseries of the Churches of God in generall and the afflictious of the particular members of Christ I will handle these two distinctly 1. That the miseries and distresses of the Churches of God should affect the heart of each true member of the Church is manifest to bee not contingent onely but necessary First from examples It is recorded of famous Nehemiah that though he liued in Persia in the Court of Artaxerxes f Neh 1.1.11 2.1 being his Cup-bearer i Neh. 1.4 and in high estimation and honour with him yet when he heard of the calamitie of the Iewes then the onely people of God hee was so affected with their oppression and miserie that as a man oppressed with griefe he sate downe i Neh. 1.4 wept fasted prayed and mourned sundriâ— dayes together Yea so great waâ— his griefe that his spirits weâ— dejected it appeared so in hiâ— countenance that the king could not but take notice of it k Neh. 2 2 that it was not bodily sicknes but griefe of minde The like is said of Daniel though for his owne particular condition in respect of outward preferment hee had cause of ioy being chiefe President vnder the great Monarches succeeding each other l Daâ—â—r 48. Nabachadnezar m Dan. 5.29 and 6.2 Balshazar and Darius yet considering the
themselues and shall wee looke for any better from them heere Let me intreat you Right Honourable Reuerend and graue Senators now to be assembled this Parliament to take this into your serious consideration and that you may the better see what these monsters amongst men are at your leisure take but a view of their owne Writers cited in the i Acosta de Proc. Ind. sal l. 4 c. 3. Io Metell seq presat in Osor Arnauld in Iesuis Plasina in hist. Pontis margent For my Brethren the Ministers I am vnwilling to lay open their nakednes to publish it in Gath or in the streetes of Askelon lest the vncircumcised rejoyce and laugh at it 2 Sam 1.20 yet I neuer consider of it but I see cause of complaint with the Prophet k Ier. 4.10 O my belly my belly I am pained at the very heart I cannot say our dayes and times are so euill as sometimes the Prophet spake of the age wherin he liued There is not one Prophet left to tell vs when these things shall end For blessed be the Highest Gods Word soundes or might sound in the cares of many for God hath vouchsafed some Prophets scattered heere and there who haue receiued both Vrim and Thummim light of doctrine and light of holy conversation whose preaching as Aarons bells ring sweetly amōgst the people and that not without some speciall fruitt Yet liuer here still swarmes of mightie oppressing Nimrods proud Pharaohs that say n Exod. 5.2 who is the Lord that I should serue him wicked and vngodly Ahabs o 1. King 21 25. that haue solde themselues to doe wickedly in the sight of the Lord Abominable Ieroboams that not onely sinne themselues but cause others to sinne yea p Rom. 1.31 fauour delight in them that commit iniquity And alas on the contrary how small is the Flocke of the Lord IESVS among vs faithfull as Abraham righteous as Lot religious as Dauid true-hearted as Ionathan and Nathaniel zealous as Iosuah and burning in spirit as Paul devout as Cornelius these are almost as rare as blacke swannes and as the q Micha 7.1 summer fruite r Mat. 7.14 this gate is streight narrow and few finde it God hath sent amongst vs his Prophets but those are despised they hate him that reproues in the Gate each bigamist cavallier and bankrupt whō the Church and his natiue Countrey for his wickednesse hath spewed out can reproach them he hath tendred his spirit as ſ Acts 7.52 Steuen speakes to the Iewes but that they resist hee hath sent vs his mercies as peace prosperity plenty with a largesse of the Gospel but these are abused warned vs by his judgments as warres pestilence and cleannesse of teeth but these we haue neglected t Apoc. 2.12 The Deuill neuer busier for his time is but short Antichrist neuer more furious fraudulent and subtill eagerly set to enlarge his kingdome u Apoc. 16.33.16 by those frogs which come out of his mouth his Euphrates drying vp by the Angels powring out of the sixt viall that they might excite the Kings of the earth to that Armagedon which oh our Lord hasten and I verily beleeue is at hand Sinne neuer more common and though the Lord pronounce a woe vpon them yet w Is 5.18 they draw it with cordes of vanity and as with cart-ropes and x Iob 16.16 drinke it in like water as Iob sayth men sleepe and continue in sinne and it is safer to commit it then to reproue it Oh that abominable and accursed Idol the Masse for which there is no shaddow of warrant in all the sacred Scripture nor any of the ancient Fathers Let any man shew me if euer any Nation continued long that forsook the truth and fell to Idolatrie search all Histories Chronicles and Records in all Ages of the Church îf ruine and desolation were not the guerdon and recompence of this villanous and cursed Idolatrie and shall wee thinke to escape Obserue the sacred Histories of the Iudges Kings and Chronicles if GOD plagued not the Israelites his owne people by speciall covenant I confesse the Lord hath shewed long patience towardes the Heathen who neuer had the liuely oracles but neuer such as hee had betrusted with his statutes and testimonies as he hath done vs my flesh trembleth at the consideration hereof I feare some heauy and speedy vengeance from God vpon this prophane and idolatrous kingdome if we prevent it not y Amos 4.12 by meeting the Lord with speedy vnfeigned repentance the Lord open our eyes to see consider it Shall wee now be silent and cease to speake at all or with the false Prophets speake false things and z Ezech. 3.18 sow pillowes vnder mens arme-holes that the woe of GOD should come vpon vs No verily that is neither good for vs nor for you 1. It is not good for vs to bee silent for then the Apostles a 1. Cor. 9.16 woe bee to mee if I preach not the Gospell will fall heauily vpon vs. 2. Not to speake pleasing for then the Prophets woe will follow vs at the heeles Ezechiel 13.16 3. Not for you for we shall but flatter and deceiue you as the Lord sayth by the Prophet b Ier. 6.14 They haue healed the hurt of the daughcer of my people saying peace peace when there is no peace c Is 57.21 for there is no peace to the wicked It is not the fairest and calmest Halcyon day that purifieth the ayre but thunderings lightnings and blustering stormie windes Sweet potions seldome purge especially tough humors but bitter healing playsters cure not fistulaes and olde sores except corasiues precede Therefore the wise Lord inioynes the Prophet d Isoy 58.1 to crie aloud to lift vp his voyce like a Trumpet c. And elsewhere e Ierem. 1.17 Trusse vp thy loynes like a man speake all that I commaund thee be not affraid of their faces least I consume thee before them Wee must therefore purge corrasiue and apply the knife of the law cut and launce stirre in your sicke soules though you murmure against vs as Israel against Moses Num 16.41 Amos 5.10 King 22.24 Ierem. 37.15 Matt. 14.10 hate vs that reproue you as the people did Amos smite vs on the face as Zidkiiah did Michaiah imprison vs as the Princes did Ieremiah and behead vs as Herod did Iohn Baptist for it is better to incurre the anger of a mortall man then the ire and indignation of the eternall God whatsoeuer this silly sottish world thinke I thanke God I hate no mans person but loue all from the heart-roote in Iesus Christ but I feare no mans face This subiect cals mee to transforme my selfe into all shapes sometimes to bee as Iames and Iohn f Mar. 3.17 Boanerges a sonne of thunder and sometimes Barnabas g Act. 4.36 a sonne of consolation for should not my wordes bee
speaketh to you as to sons 3. Some true beleeuers are in their soules as many a poore man or woman in their bodies who are alwayes diseased and crasie so haue little ioy in all their riches state life c. So is it with many a soule alwayes diseased with spirituall maladies and that sometimes till death as with pride passion or strange effectes of melancholly and these how euer they pant and breath after the sence of Gods presence yet it is possible for them to liue and die without any euident sence feeling of Gods presence and ioy 4. Some so fall after effectual calling into somegrosse sin for a time that they may so lose the ioy of their saluation and presence of God as they may neuer recouer it to their very end though they mourne for the want of it as Dauid did who sometimes recouered the comfort againe as in Psal 30.7.11 But after his grosse sins of Adulterie and Murther it is doubtfull whether euer hee attained the former sweete sence of Gods presence or at least in the same degree Yet to all these there is cause of comfort when there is a sence of the absence and want thereof it s a true signe of life when there is complayning of weaknesse of the spirits in wearinesse or sicknesse or agitation of them by violent exercise of the internall or vitall partes Now if this godly sorrow be in the heart it will expresse it selfe by mourning for the want of consolation and Christs absence as Dauid in many Psalmes w Psalm 77 7.8.9 Hast thou shut vp thy tender mercies in displeasure And hast thou forgotten to be mercifull wilt thou absent thy selfe for euer x Psal 51.8 Make me to heare ioy and gladnesse that the bones which thou hast broken may reioyce And Verse 11. Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thy holy spirit from me Restore me to the ioy of thy saluation and stablish me with thy free spirit c. O Dauld where is all the state riches strength fortitude the comfort of thy wife children friendes c. that thou art thus off the hinges Where is the glory of a Crowne Diademe or Kingdome that none of all these will comfort thy heart but to bee thus complayning mourning and full of heauinesse and sorrow In this case nothing will consolate the soule but the inioying of his presence wherein is life and his absence worse then death it selfe Yet in some this sence of Gods presence after assurance is habituall and constant expressed with admirable ioy gladnesse of heart and truely not with much interruption but then they are such as obserue these fiue rules 1. They voluntarily seeke godly sorrow for their sinnes for this y Ps 126.2.6 Isa 61.3 Math. 5.5 presence and ioy is promised too and most felt by such as mourne for sinne but for all the rest of the world I say Maisters hands off as Salomon sayth z Pro. 14.10 The heart knoweth the bitternesse of his soule and the stranger shall not meddle with his ioy 2. Lose not Gods presence but keepe him in thine eye still and walke before him in sinceritie for a Psal 16.11 at his right hand is fulnesse of ioy and pleasures for euermore 3. Be fruitefull in well doing euen in all kindes of duties for sterilitie and barrennesse in god-Iynesse is comfortlesse and grieues the Spirit of God but fertility and aboundance of fruitefulnesse b 1. Cor. 15. vlâ—im Col. 1.9.10.11 glads the Spirit and makes our ioy abound 4. Nourish the loue of no sinne for then it is as impossible to keepe the sence of Gods presence and ioy of the spirit as to keepe fire and water in a pot mixed together as the wise man sayth b Prou. 12.13 Prou. 12. â—0 In the transgression of an euill man is his snare but the righteous doth sing amd reioyce And deceite is in the heart of them that imagine euill but to the counsellors of peace shall be ioy 5. Vpon the first feelings of Christs absence complaine betimes if possible let not the Sun goe downe vpon it doe as in the Canticles c Câ—nt 5.6 I opened to my welbeloued and my welbeloued was gone and past I called but he answered me not Delay no time spare no labour nor cost to seek him goe to the watchmen enquire and search with all diligence d Can. 3.1.2 lye not in thy bed of securitie seeke him in the vse of all his Ordinances Ministery Sacraments Prayer examine the cause why hee absents himselfe humble thy soule with godly sorrow confesse thine vnworthinesse renew thy couenants vowes and promises neuer to be so sleepy fruitelesse carelesse vnthankfull for his sweete presence for time to come Search the Records of Gods promises againe and againe giue him no rest day nor night be importunate for that pleaseth him Adde fasting as a wing to thy prayers obserue the least motions of the Spirit and the beginnings of comfort and bee thankefull for it and bee constant neuer to giue ouer thy search till thou finde him whom thy soule loveth and he will at the last be intreated as he was of the Spouse shee found him e Cant. 3.4 tooke hold of him and would not let him goe c. 5. Point 5 Godly sorrow sets the heart on worke to mourne for the want of the meanes especially the ministery of the word and Sacraments O blessed David thou hadst a great degree and measure of this grace intimating it selfe in thy panting and longings after the bread of life euen the heauenly Manna and ministery of the word f Ps 42.2.4 My soule thirsteth for God the liuing God when shall I come and appeare before the presence of God When I remembred these things I powred out my very heart because I had gone with the multitude and led them into the house of God with singing c. The people of God euen when they sate by the pleasant Riuers of Bebell which was an outward comfort to them yet there g Ps 137.2.4 they sate downe and wept when they remembered Sion they hanged their Harpes vpon the Willowes c. and said when the Babilonians in scorne called for a song a song an Hebrew song How shall wee sing a song of the Lord in a strange land Admirable were the affections of the Church to the Ministers in the dayes of the Fathers vnder these Heathenish persecuting Emperours who when their Ministers guides and leaders were taken from them came out as if distracted and crying to them to take all they had so they would leaue them their guides and of Hierome they saide it had beene better the Sunne had beene pull'd out of the firmament then that his mouth should haue beene stopped and Lord vouchsafe this mercy to vs thy poore Ministers that our eyes might but see such happy dayes that the people might haue Dauids spirit who when he was exiled
he neuer speakes of a point but once or he preacheth nought but the Law and damnation or else he speakes of nothing but the promises and the Gospell or he is too earnest or too soft or in his conversation he is ouer familiar or too austere rigide and strange right like those sullen boyes our Sauiour speakes of that would not be drawne out of their sullennesse neither by g Math. 11.16.17 piping nor mourning and then to hatred envying back-biting and slandering or if his conversation be so apparantly gracious as they thinke it bootes them not to traduce him openly yet they cease not to follow him with secret whisperings in corners where the Deuill hath prepared sit eares to attend that hee may further his own stratagems to keepe their soules vnder his vassalage till the hand of the Ciuill or Ecclesiastical Magistrate drawes foorth the sword of Iustice to dissipate such hypocrites and then they either fall away or get to some other new Preacher if possible a soft spirit that will suffer them or if they be deceiued and meete with a man of courage then beginnes a new broyle after tryal for their spirits cannot keepe in vnlesse they be Lords and Rulers ouer all I speake this by lamentable experience and could point out such as these Againe some when a strange matter neuer heard of before is taught it drawes multitudes to heare because say they we neuer heare but there is somthing which we neuer heard before like the b Act. 17.20 Athenians which would heare Paul and inquire the meaning of his doctrine because say they he brings strange things to our eares it was their delight and life to heart and tell newes but Athenians grow weary both of that matter and man when he ceaseth to be new Like the ingrateful h Numb 1.6.7 Israelites when Manna first comes commend it admire it rejoyce in it feed vpon it grow strong by it wherefore I praye It is a new and strange meat But after they murmure and loathe it because of the stalenes notwithstanding their good GOD gaue it them euery day new But Lord where are these mourners for the want of this spirituall Manna For the most part it may bee saide as those to the Prophet i 2 King 2.19 the Land is pleasant as thou my Lord seest but the waters are bitter so men when they come into this Kingdome choose pleasant situations and fertile soyles but their waters if any are bitter all their care is for a body a body but the immortal soule is neuer regarded but pynes and starues and yet they are sencelesse of it Lord awaken their hearts to consider their miserie and bewaile it that it may appeare to their soules that this grace hath possessed their hearts to their eternal consolation Thus of the fiue first that concerne a mans owne particular The second such as generally respect others 1. This godly sorrow affecteth the heart to mourne for the dishonour of God in publique abominations so was Dauid affected with the sinnes of his time k Psal 119. ver 136.139 158. Mine eyes gush out with riuers of water because men keep not thy law And Ieremiah wisheth Iereâ—â— 9.1 Oh that mine head were a fountaine of teares and mine eyes riuers of water that I might weep day and night for the slaine of the daughter of my people c. Thus the good seruants of God called vp their hearts to the performance of this duty it is necessary for true Christians so to doe 1. Because it is an indelible marke of a childe of the Highest and by which the destroying Angel knowes to reserue them 〈◊〉 the vengeance and l Deut. 4.24 32.22 wrath of God which burnes like a consuming fire to the bottome of hell and cannot be quenched and shall consume the earth with her increase c. but hauing this marke and character vpon their fore-heads that mourne and cry for all the abominatious that be done in the middest of Ierusalem when these were thus marked m Ezech. 9.4.5.6 the other Angels had charge to goe after him through the citty let your eye spare none nor haue pitty Destroy vtterly the old the yong the maides the children and the women but touch no man vpon whom is the marke and beginne at my Sanctuary c. If this be so how few then are rhere which in this Iland may not feare the direfull vengeance and wrath of the Almightie euery day how few I say are there which take things to heart as they ought or as the occasion requires what cause hath each particular person giuen him of griefe by our owne sinnes and the sinnes of the land we liue in by Gods judgements abroad and at home And yet how little griefe any-where except carnal and worldly sorrow of which the land is full such as that of the n Ho. 7.14 Israelites when they howled vpon their beddes for corne and wine because they are abridged and disappointed of their wonted profites and pleasures if onely these are stamped with the character of the Spirit of Adoption that mourne for the abominations of these times O Lord where are any almost of the visible Church professing thy truth whose case is not wofull and mâ—serable 2. It is a grieuous sinne not to mourne yea not to be sicke with sorrow for the sins of the times we siue in Paul sayth o 〈◊〉 5.1 It is heard certainely that there is fornication amongst you and such fornication as is not once named amongst the Gentiles that one should haue his Fathers wife And yee are puffed vp and haue not rather sorrowed c. as if he should haue said it is your sinne that you haue not applyed it to your hearts to mourne that God is so dishonored amongst you It is then a wofull sinful world which we now liue in where is there a man of a thousand that mournes for the abomination of this sinnefull Iland and those which doe are as signes and wonders in Israel the Lord giue vs the grace of repentance for this hardnesse of our hearts 3. It is certaine in these sinnefull dayes the Lord calls vpon vs to practise this duty and pronounceth a woe vpon vs if wee doe it not and threatneth vengeance to all such as in these times sit vpon their merry pinnes giuing themselues to feasting drinking and jollityâ— cleane contrary to Gods Commaundement and charge which he expresseth by the prophet Isay p Is 22.12.14 In that day did the Lord of Hosts call to weeping and mourning cutting of bayre and guirding with sackcloth But beholde slaying of Oxen killing of sheepe eating of flesh and drinking of wine Let vs eate and drinke say they to day for to morrow the Prophets say we shall die q Hebrals reuelabitur in auribus meis Domini exercitunm Montanus And it was reuealed by the Lord of hostes in my hearing r Iunlus Let
and lament and the world shall reioyce but your sorrow shall be turned into ioy Woe be to that ioy that hath not humiliation anteceding it it is hypocriticall and vnsound 2. This true ioy is knowne by the degree for it carrieth a man into an extasie for as the obiect therof excels all terrene earthly things as the obiect of true ioy being God himselfe Christ Iesus the assurance of the graces of the Spirit the word increase and spirituall growth in grace c. so doth the Christians joy in them exceed all other ioyes Thy Law is better to me then thousands of siluer and gold Ps 119 7â— Ps 137.6 Againe If I preferre not Ierusalem to my chiefe ioy The hypocrites ioy neuer exceedes the ioy in the world the profites and pleasures of this world doe more affect their hearts then the ioy of these supernaturall superexcellent heauenly things The truely wise marchant sels all for the blessed Pearle of the Gospel Mâ—â— 13.46 and goeth away reioycing also And if this be so how few found beleeuers doth this world afford that for the measure degree of their ioy can free themselues froÌ„ being hypocrites and who if this be a truth shal be saued 3. It may bee discerned and knowne by the blessed effects thereof 1 This ioy stands by a man when all other ioyes fade relinquish forsake him euen in adversity as wel as prosperity and this the Prophâ— Hab. 3.17 â—â— Habakack liuely expresseth For the sigge tree shall not flourish neither shal fruit be on the vines the labour of the oliue shall faile and the fields shall yeeld no meate the sheepe shall be cut off from the fold and there shall be no bullocke in the staules What more miserable condition can befall the sonnes of men yet behold this sweet ioy comforts them But I will reioyce in the Lord I will ioy in the God of my saluation So that no condition of the true childe of God can bee so miscrable in this world but that the ioy of God will comfort and sustaine them The same doth Paul testifie we reioyce in tribulation Rom. 5 3. Phil. 2.17 and of himselfe and the rest of the Apostles he saith And though I be offered vpon the sacrifice and seruice of your faith I am glad and reioyce with you all 2. This ioy marres distastes all carnal ioyes whatsoeuer it makes a man sind little or no relish or taste in earthly delights they will be to him as the white of an egge wherein saith Salomon what sauour is there If men had receiued this true ioy once wee should soon see a change in their conuersation there would not be such wide gaping and laughter in vaine and foolish jestes apparel and a thousand things of this sort as now there is 3. Iaâ—â—â— It will keep a man from masterlines and censoriousnes of others as also to be compassionate and tender hearted to sympaâ—hize in the wants and sorrowes of others especially such as are vnder spiritual afflictions 4. And last effect of true ioy is as it springs from true humilitie and godly sorrow so it ends in it and destroyes not but preserues that blessed grace it keepes the soule in a preparednesse and apeâ—esse to acknowledge his owne vilenesse vuworthinesse of so great a portion and mercy from God as this ioy is Thus haue I according to my vnderstanding and gift receiued from God expressed my thoghts and meditations touching this sacred point and the true tryall thereof whereas the joyes which are temporarie or from the illusisions or methods of Sathan comfort no man in adversity finde sweetnes in carnal ioyes are masterly and censorious and make men proud and aduaunce themselues and are in all things contrary vnto the holy true ioyes which the Spirit of GOD doth exhibite and giue vnto those which seek true ioy in vnfeigned and godly sorrow 1. Quest. But may some humbled beleeuer say I can finde little comfort or ioy what aduite will you giue me or what shall I doe to get this sweete grace of happy ioy into my heart Answ 1. Take heede of such things as grieue the fountaine of true ioy which is the blessed spirit of God as the Apostle sayth And grieue not the holy spirit of God by which yee are sealed vp to the day of redemption of which I will giue you a taste 1. Beware thou neglect not the renewing of thy holy faith dayly nor the duties of mortification as examination of thy slippes and faylings which will bring thee to vnfeigned confession and acknowledgement of thy sin to God that prouokes the soule to godly sorrow and so to prayer opens a doore to consolation for the heart gathers soyle euery day and if it be not washed and kept cleane by these mundifying waters the vncleanenesse of the soule will grieue the blessed guest the spirit and so keepe out these blessed ioyes 2. Beware of a barren and vnfruitefull heart for vnprofitablenesse is the cause of much disrest to the soule 3. Beware of neglecting the meanes by which the spirit exhibites this true consolation which are both publike and prinate a Christian must not looke for miracles but if he would haue it he must diligently attend the meanes which are the ministrie of the word Sacraments and prayer and for the priuate especially neglect not priuate prayer from whence the spirit of God doth most frequently administer this ioy 4. Take heede thou bee not oner borne and ouer ruled by euill affections as passion enuie pride immoderate cares and the loue of the world all which and many more doe exceedingly quench and dead the consolations of the spirit of God 5. Lastly beware of the loue of any one sinne though neuer so secret for it betraies the euidence of thine vprightnesse and how eanst thou expect any other then blasted ioy and comfort when thou hast lost or forfeyted the euidence of thy assurance 2. Be exceedingly carefull to do such duties as bring true comfort as 1. Be diligent to know the difference betwixt counterfe it graces and true sauing graces for the Deuill mans corruption hath framed a counterfeit shaddow of euery vertue so that if thou be ignorant of the methodes deceites bee not able to get good cuidences and signes of the truth and soundnesse of them the heart will be distracted with feares and doubts and be a meanes of vnrest and vnquietnesse Is 55.15 and so depriue thee of this ioy to bee Gods seruant which otherwise thou mightest inioy be sure 2. Voluntarily seeke godly sorrow and try it according to the former rules be importunate with God by prayer and the vse of all the rest of Gods ordinances and neuer giue ouer drinking euery day a draught of humiliation vntill thou feele in thy selfe some good degree of softnesse of heart that it may oft bleed inwardly in the sence and feeling especially of thy beloued sins committed not
onely against a God of infinite Maiestie Psaim 126.23.5.6 Isay 61.3 Maith 5. â— power c. but especially of infinite sweetnesse goodnesse mercie graciousnesse bounty and loue who hath giuen thee so much and forgiuen thee so great a debt and against CHRIST pierced him through with so infinite sorrowes for these blessed ioyes are promised to most felt of those that mourne most for their sinnes 3. If yet thou findest not comfort these spirituall ioyes adde fasting to put wing and feruency to thy prayers performe with through humiliation of thy soule seeke in all the records of God if euer any Church in generall or any particular and priuate man euer went away without some speciall sweet answere from God in his greatest disrest vnquietnesse thinke thy case shall not be singular but the Lord will be the same to thee that hee hath beene to other of his seruants in former times 4. If yet thou findest not answere to thy desires vnfolde thy griefe to some mercifull experienced Christian who may administer true consolation and especially some faithfull experienced man of God who though as Elihu speakes hee bee but one of a thousand to declare vnto man his righteousnesse Iob. 33.23.26 yet he will haue mercy vpon him and will say deliuer him that he goe not downe into the pit for I haue receiued a reconciliation Then shall his flesh be as fresh us a childes and shall returne as in the dayes of his youth He shall pray vnto God and he will be fauourable to him he shall see his face with ioy c. Thus did the Spouse find her welbeloued Cant. 3. she went and inquired of the watchmen and vvhen shee was a little past shee found him whom her soule loued Many a poore soule is kept in heauinesse a long time by Sathans policie labouring with them to keepe secret his subtilties their own wants which by wholesome counsell might easily and speedily be relieued and comforted 5. If yet thou getest not comfort trauaile with thine owne heart to delight in the Lord and then the promise is hee will giue thee thine hearts desire thou shalt neuer get these sweet refreshings and spirituall ioyes except thou loue to be Gods seruant delighting in him and all his holy ordinances obserue how liuely and plainly the Lord expresseth this Also the strangers that cleaue vnto the Lord to serue him and to loue the 〈◊〉 of the Lord Isay 56.6.7 and to be his seruants euery one that keepeth my sabaoth and polluteth it not and imbraceth my Couenant Them will I bring also to mine holy mountaine make them ioyfull in my house of prayer Quest Sometimes I feele spirituall ioyes bue soone loose the sence of them againe what may I doe to preserue both the grace the sence thereof in my soule that it may be habituall in me Answ Trade seriously and oft in all the holy duties of mortification to which the promises are frequently made I instance in three particulars 1. Confession of sinnes vpon which God hath pledged his fidelity to forgiue and to cleanse vs from all vnrighteousnesse 1 Ioh. 1.9 confession if true hath assurance of remission of sinnes iustification out of which springs true and solide ioy 2. Godly sorrow which as you haue seene already ends in ioy 3. Prayer as our Sauiour adviseth Aske and yee shall receiue that your ioy may be ful these sweeten the soule Psal 126.5.6 Mat. 5.5 Iohn 16.23 are the ordinarie conduites of coÌ„solation the heart gathering soyle and corruption daily must of necessitie be cleansed by these or else the spirit will be grieued neyther take away the vnquietnesse or administer those sweete refreshings which otherwise it might inioy 4. Beware of much carnal ioy or external reioycing for the immoderate delighting in outward things is like Opium to the bodie which stupifies the braine and makes it senselesse so doe these earthly ioyes stupifie the soule make it insensible of the consolations of the spirit of God bringing therevpon hardnesse of heart in the things of God and most people hereby are gulled by Sathans stratagemes hindering theÌ„selues from this blessed comfort neuer discerne the cause thereof when they giue to these earthly ioyes eyther prioritie or superioritie 5. Be plentifull in well doing labour that the heart may be like the Tree of life which brought forth fruite not only some kind but all manner of fruite and at al times euery Moneth take vp all oportunitie to doe good for a man can neuer haue assurance of the sinceritie truth of his obedience Psalm 119. vnlesse it be vniuersall to all Gods commaundements as Dauid saith then shall I not bee confounded when I haue respect to all thy commandements This the Lord wisheth in his people when they gaue Moses those faire speeches All that thou commaundest vs from the Lord we will doe Deut. 5.29 and 6.2 The Lord answers Oh that there were such an heart in this people that they might feare me and keepe all my commaundements alwayes that it might goe well with them and with their children for euer Doe any thinke it shall goe well with them or that they can possibly preserue the ioyes of God in the heart that are eyther partiall in their obedience or that performe it but by sits and starts there must therefore care be vsed to preserue vprightnesse for such shall haue an haruest of ioy but if a man nourish but the loue of one sinne its impossible to retaine the ioyes of God Prou. 29.6 In the transgression of an euill man is a snare but the righteous doth sing reioyce especially be carefull to preserue vnitie and peace and procure it in others Pâ—ou 12.20 for to the counsellers of peace shall be ioy 4. Get an humble and meeke spirit for as passion doth disrest and vnquiet the heart so doth pride wonderfully quench and hinder the refreshings of God Isay 29.19 The meeke also shall increase their ioy in the Lord and the poore among men shall reioyce in the holy one of Israel 5. Haue an eye as to the Law which is the rule of life so to the promises which are the legacies of thy father wherein is bequeathed that to thee which wil continually refocilate refresh thy soule hang vpon these as the brests of thy consolation as the Prophet sayth Isay 66.1 That yee may sucke and be satisfied with the brests of her â—onsolation that yee may milke out be delighted with the abundance of her glory And in this two things are to be heeded 1. A faithfull remembrance of the promises for that which is not remeÌ„bred is as if not known the memory therefore must bee carefull to keepe in this office and open the records and rowles of God to the soule to put it in minde of the priuiledges to beâ— reioyced in or else looke to finde little or none of these
calamitie that the Church was and had beene in a long time he mourned three vvhole vveeks together o Dan. 10.2.3 in in which space he eate no pleasant meate neyther came flesh or vvine in his mouth nor any oyntment which was vsuall amongst the lewes in times of reioycing vpon his body 2. It is an Apostolicall Canon which Paul giues to all the members of the Church to bee affected with the afflictions of their brethren to sympatize with them in their welfare p Rom. 12.15.16 Reioyce vvith those that reioyce and vveepe vvith them that vveepe and be like affectioned one tovvards another And those that feast and are frolicke in the miscries of Sion the Lord threatens with a most heauie woe c. q Amos 6.5.6.7 They lye and siretch themselues vpon beds of Ivory and eate the Lambes of the flocke and the calues out of the stall they sing to the sound of the viole they inuent to themselues instruments of musicke like Dauid They drinke vvine in bovvels and anoynt themselues vvith svveete oyntments but they are not grieued for the affliction of Ioseph Therefore non shall they goe captiue with the first that goe captiue and the sorrovv of theÌ„ that stretched themselues is at hand Oh that all such as sit at ease and sleepe snugge in the miseries of the Church would but consider and lay to heart this dreadfull threatning of the immortall God and wee of these Ilands of Great Britaine and Ireland that stand and gaze onely vpon the ruines of other Churches and like Athenians loue to heare and tell newes but make no vse to returne into our owne bowels to cause them lament and turne within vs and to expresse our inward affections to Sion by our sorrowes and earnest supplications prayers teares with fasting without ceasing vntill the Lord returne and haue mercie vpon his poore desolate Spouse Little consider wee that our turne may be next 3. The eternall Sonne of God euen our Head Christ is afflicted with the calamities of his Church As saith the Prophet r Ps 63.5 In all their troubles he was troubled and the Angel of his presence went before them He sympathizeth in all the welfare and woe of his Church obserue his speech to Saul Å¿ Act. 9.15 Saul Saul why persecutest thou me and I am Iesus whoÌ„ thou persecutest Our Sauiour hee suffers in his members t Mat. 25 2â— I was hungry thirstie naked sicke harborlesse and in prison that is hee hath his share in all the wants necessities streights miseries that all his members in all parts of the world sustaine and endure for he is not in want saith August t August in Ps 75. in regard of any misery yet he wanteth in regard of mercy hee suffers not in his deitie of himself and yet he suffers out of commiseration to his the Apostle Paul saith he fulfilled u Col. 1.24 the rest of the afflictions of Christ in his flesh for his bedies sake which is the Church I am not ignorant that there is great adoe amongst Diuines about those words The Iesuites Rhemists in their marginall notes vpon this place affirme that Christ did not suffer all that was necessarie for mans freedome for sinne but left much to be suffered by his members especially men of principall note and hence grew their Diabelicall Supererogation Satisfactory paines and Indulgences kept in the Churches Treasures a Cow that giues as good and store of milke as any in the Popes deiery except Confession and Purgatorie which are his mints But that this glosse corrupts the text and cannot be the intention of the Apostle is apparent 1. Because that doctrine of Popery is contrary to the analogie of faith and opposeth these expresse texts of Scripture w Is 53.4.6.10.12 Surely he hath home our infirmities and carried our sorrowes he was wouÌ„ded for our transgressions he was broken for our iniquities and the chastisement of iâ— peace was layde vpon him and by 〈◊〉 stripes we are healed c. And thâ— Evangelist sayth that when oâ—â— blessed Sauiour x Ioh. 19.30 had tasted the vineger he said It is finished what better testimony then of the Son of God himselfe and if finished y Heb. 10.1 to 15. â— 14.2.26 2 Cor. 15.14 1 Iohn 2.1 Ps 49.7.8 Ezech. 18.20 Gal. 6.5 what need any more propitiatorie sacrifices Many other texts of Scripture might be alleadged some whereof I annexe in the margent for brevities sake to be read at mens leasures 2. Augustine is flat against this sense wheÌ„ he saith z August tract 44. in Iohau Leâ— when brethren dye for brethren yet no bloud of Martyrs is shed for remission of sins this Christ onely hath done Doctor Fulke in his answer to the Rhemists alleadgeth Chrysostome vpon this text homil 4. Ambrose and Theodoret yea their owne Writers are against them a Pope could say The iust receiue not giue crownes And their owne Schoole Diuines are flat against them the Glosse hath it for you for the confirmation of you in the doctrine of the Gospell others affirme that to say Aquinat Caietan that the passions of the Saints are added to make vp or fulfill the passion of Christ is hereticall 3. The next verse declares this for he did thus suffer according to the dispensation giuen him of God and it is euident hee was giuen to edifie not to redeeme the Church 4. This Rhemistical sence brings in a strange and grosse absurdity for if the words be vnderstood of the sufferings of Christ left to his people to indure for propitiation for sinne then the consequent must of necessitie bee that Paul suffered all that was wanting so there should remaine nothing to suffer For he saith he suffered the rest of the sufferings of Christ therefore this text is nothing to their purpose Now they may bee saide to be the sufferings of Christ either as Christ is taken for the whole mysticall body as Paul a 1 Cor. 12.12 by Christ there meaneth the body of Christ or as he is the Head of the Church and so the afflictions of his people may bee said 〈◊〉 be his sufferings or else because they were imposed vpon him by Christ for the Churches good or because they were for Christ and the profession of his doctrine or because of the vnion and sympathie betwixt Christ and the Christian who accounts them as his sufferings and this is principally intended by the Apostle for it is questionlesse that Christ doth so feele the calamities of his people that he esteems them in that respect to bee his owne miseries as hath been proued by variety of Scriptures before 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and vndoubtedly from hence came that witty distinction of Christs sufferings into the sufferings he endured in his own Person and the sufferings he felt in his members Thus of the necessity of sorrow for the Churches afflictions in generall 2.