blind halt and lame Mal. 1.8 Wil 't please Man before God that 's shame What 's a form of Godliness without the Power Yet tell of Mens formalities how they lower 2 Tim. 3 5. Oh the Church of England they still cry Tit. 1.16 Oh the Church of England they still cry Yet the same still nay the same still they dy Enemies to godliness still workers of Iniquity Sure there can't be a greater derogation Isa 65.2.3 verses To God and the Gospel in our Station Than to live still a wicked Conversation By Prayer profess God 't is very plain Yet not live according I say it again Mat. 15.8 9. Without practice is taking Gods Name in vain As we profess so let us do Gods Will And not be found workers of Iniquity still God looks not so much at parts in Prayer Psal 145.18.19 verses As at the humble and sincere hearts desire A pair of Pidgeons or if but a Turtle-Dove Find kind Construction from the God of Love If tendred in Faith then a Widows mite From willing minds find favour in Gods sight Psal 51.17 Who from a sence of need and duty bring Their lowly Homage to their Heavenly King Their blemishes to vail their spots to hide A costly Covering Christ God did provide And to encourage us by a spiritual supply The Spirits Operation helps our Infirmity Rom. 8.26 Oh be holy in Life and also in Devotion Live according to the Holy Spirits motion 1 Thes 5.19 Calling on God and not depart from evil May be said to be worse than the Devil The Devil han't mercy offer'd Jam. 2.19 yet doth tremble Man hath Mercy tender'd yet he will dissemble With God and his Soul Psal 9 17. till God him sever In pieces like a Vessel Psal 2.9 then none can deliver Consider it you Formalists mind your Souls Can you dwell in everlasting burning Coals Isa 33.14 Consider it without holiness no Salvation Mind the necessity of your Souls Renovation Heb. 12.14 SECT IV. CArnal Worship pleases 2 Cor. 6.14 to the 17 verse carnal Apprehensions Are for outward show tho Mens Inventions Come out from among them Rom. 12.2 saith the Lord Don't conform to the World saith the Word Obj. Some may say we mast obey that an hour To dissent we must obey the higher Power Sol. To obey is active or passive to do or suffer To your consideration a word or two I offer Jer. 7.23 If what 's commanded be according to God's Word Luke 20.25 Contain'd in Scripture Isa 8.20 then Obedience afford Actively obey the higher Power Scripture saith If Commands are not against the Rule of Faith. Obedience from Inferiors to Superiors in Station Is due to the King as Supream in the Nation 1. Tim. 2.2 And to others but with this limitation That Obedience be in or for the Lord According to Gods Command in his Word For Conscience-sake we are to obey the King Rom. 13.5 Or other Magistrates in any lawful thing As Subjects and Inferiours under their hand In subordination according to Gods Command verse 7. If the higher Powers Command Obedience see If command according to Scripture 1 Sam. 12.24 or we Not bound to obey Psal 95.3 in Scripture that I can see If Men command Obedience in high degree Command to worship Jer. 10.6 or believe implicitly Because said Rom. 6.16 not Scripture from obeying free Which to obey Acts 5.29 God or Man is best judge ye Gods absolute Soveraignty over us in chief Psal 10.16 Is foundation of our Religion and belief None hath any absolute Power or Propriety Deut. 27.10 Over Conscience that 's Prerogative of the Deity Exod. 19.5 No power but from God grounded on his Law 1 Pet. 5.3 God ordain'd no power against himself know Humane Laws are but by-laws subordinate 2 Chron. 10.15 To Gods Law tho some would other wile ha 't He that ruleth over Men should be just Ruling in Gods fear not in his lust 2 Sam. 23.3 Are not Powers ordain'd of God absolute No unless for God this Reason will confute I can't believe God ordain'd Power on condition Against himself no it is by permission Sometimes God suffers People a King to take As a Judgment when they the Lord forsake 1 Sam. 12.27.25 vers See your great wickedness in this thing Take heed least consum'd you and your King. Thus it was with the People of Israel When would have a King among them dwell Only fear the Lord Scriptures plain tell Then you and your King may do well verse 24. Consider then Gods permission as we go God did not ordain Nimrod Julian Nero Gen. 10.8 God's Interest to overthrow cause his Peoples wo. God suffers them Power to take in high degree Yet stops their Inventions many times see Isa 10.7 For if Kings take power beyond the degree Of Christs Rule Ye have reigned not by me That is not according to the Scripture Command 1 Cor. 4.8 Or for Christs Interest as I the Word understand If Reign not for Christ Kings have no Power Over our Consciences tho the Body devour In way of suffering Passive-obedience yield 1 Pet. 5.3 In all submission but take heed of sins field In obeying the higher Powers don't be so odd In thy Obedience to sin against God Jer. 17.13 Fear and dread the Lords eternal Rod. SECT V. Obj. SOme say we must comply and obey If not we shall be in trouble every day Tho at present have the Kings Toleration It may be chang'd by Death in the Nation Or other ways there may be an alteration Sol. Mat. 16.26 Is this Obedience to God bodily preservation Saving of Goods Isa 51.12 and hazard Souls Salvation This is that Rock that devouring Wolf Hath destroy'd many in the eternal gulf 2 Tim. 4.10 Many to save their Goods and Estates comply With Superstition Col. 2.18 Will-worship and Popery The Primitive Christians were not so Thô in Mountains they were forc'd to go Heb. 10.24 At spoiling their Goods they did rejoyce Now a little trouble and a murmuring noise Like the Children of Israel Exod. 16.3 when try'd Murmure against God wish they had dy'd We have but the badge of Christianity If we enjoy not content all is vanity Many Men care not for the smile of God If they may enjoy the World so odd In their lives are most Men and herein They count it wisdom to sleep in whole Skin Time-servers if the World they inherit Contented Judg. 19. sensual having not the Spirit If they enjoy the mercy of a Brute Fat pasture and peace they will turn to 't They are for a part in Paris Phil. 3.19 Sin and Vice In the World care not for Paradise This will prove sad when come to dy Therefore unto Christ by Repentance fly And Faith in
Unto one another Eph. 4.25 both Age and Youth For sin of lying let great and small Dread Gods Judgments Rich and Poor all Josh 7.25 Take heed of dissembling and equivocating Cast off vain words Act. 5.10 and Idle prating Though many reproach Gods holy ways His people 1 Thes 4.6 7 8. v. his worship in our days By despising and wicked dissembling plays Because Job 21.14 care not for knowledge of Gods ways They can Lye Curse Damn and Swear Reproach others and also false witness bear He that inventeth any false report Doth wickedness yet to many 't is sport Little consider they work for the Devil Exod. 23.1 2. Should not follow a multitude to do evil Or join with any to overthrow truth Take heed of false swearing age or youth As before 't is against Gods Command Though too much practis'd in England Oh let 's all desire Gods will to understand Psal 143.10 And prize the mercies we injoy in the Land All are from Gods Free Soveraign hand Let us cast off all sin and among All take heed of the evil of the tongue Many Count words nothing Mat. 12 36 37. yet when tried By them shall be Condemn'd or Justified Death and life are in power of the tongue Pro. 18.21 Saith Scripture consider then among All thy words to tell you my lines mount For every Idle word must give account Saith Christ therefore it is no story 'T is Scripture truth which directs to glory Let words be few such may minister grace Unto others in our Station or earthly race Eph. 4.29 Be circumspect don't God's Image deface By Idle words see what Scriptures tell The tongue is set on the fire of Hell Jam. 3.6 8. Full of deadly poison an unruly evil Many times an instrument for the Devil And defiles all the whole body see Then what a multitude there be Eccl. 5.2 Of men and women of all degrees Who little consider Idle words fees Most spend their time in Idle talking How many are still this way walking Pro. 10.19 How wicked are most in our days For Idle words in work and plays He that 's most wicked the most wise and 23. v. So good Company as one can be in Yet all the while nothing but sin A jesting lye or a lye in jest Eph. 5.4 6. I still cry May cause one in Hell in earnest to lye Consider Idle words may make Laughter But thou must dye Heb. 9.27 and Judgment comes after To conclude this head consider once again Words will cause Joy 2 Tim. 2.7 or eternal pain Therefore Idle words do you refrain Sect. 54. ALL this while Mat. 7.3 methinks I see and spy How prone to see a mote in anothers eye Can't see the beam that 's in our own 'T is too common now as I have known Is Christ in you the hope of glory Col. 1.27 Look to thy heart not after anothers story Cry not so much against others sin alone As against sin and Corruptions of thy own See sin in another Luk. 18.13 common in our days So put off our own repentance with delays How common in England now is this sin That hundreds of years in the world been Adam was so bold Gen. 3.12 13. told God to his face The woman thou gavest brought this disgrace The woman having pluck'd of forbidden tree Would her self free The Serpent beguil'd me Esau sold his birth-right Gen. 27.36 was such another He 's rightly call'd Jacob a supplanter by 's brother He don't say fool I should live such Dotage To sell my birth-right for a mess of Pottage Also Ahab Kin. 18.17 18. assoon as he did Elisha see Ahab said The troubler of Israel thou art he Elisha turns about throws back the ball The troubler of Israel he doth Ahab call The Pharisee in 's self no sin could see I do so and so Luk. 18.11 what 's this publican to me That this is an old sin you plainly see Most in their own Conceits Pro. 30.12 from sin free As this sin Isa 65.5 long in the world hath been So in England now 't is plain to be seen For some Prov. 21.2 cry on this man Thou art he That hast undone us and 24.2 thou hast troubled me When Judgments fall we can't withstand Some cry Monmouth hath undone the Land Here I must be mute but I could enlarge But that the Oar may over-top my barge Some again cry out on the other side Say they are the cause so in sin abide Thus they bandy but who reforms in sin run Jer. 8.6 Few men or Women say What have I done Jonah said For my Sake this evil Jon. 1.12 here 's one Owns sin few say sin hath us undone Cry not of Monmouths coming in the land 2 Sam. 24.10 As against sin sin the cause if's understand Neither say the Kings the cause some so bold 'T is our iniquities do good things with-hold This to us the Scriptures do unfold Isa 59.1.3 When any people grow by sin so odd Jer. 5.25 Who ever is the instrument is Gods rod Isa 10.5 6. In punishing the wicked yet some counting All the defect is in or from the fountain Obj. Say some if the fountain corruptly appear How can the Streams then run clear Sol. A corrupted fountain Jam. 3.11 can't have water sweet Yet when many Streams do together meet As a flood rebound on the fountain Spring Make it more filthy consider this thing Pro. 17.14 15. When any people grow wicked under a King The cause is not so much by reflects 1 Sam. 12.14 15. In the King or Prince as in his Subjects For the King acts by Counsel in 's Station And not always as his own Inclination 2 Chro. 10.6.14 v. 'T is a delusion for any to say I 'll declare Such and Such are the cause Satans art Of Judgments when from sin don't depart Themselves but retain sin still in heart If the Subjects did repent as Scriptures tell 1 Sam. 12.14 24. Then King and Subjects might do well God sometimes raiseth a King in his Station To punish the sins of the former generation We cry Popery Popery but continue in sin Yet sin â—sa 1.4 the cause doth this Judgment bring And all other Judgments Gen. 15.16 but when sin's full Nothing but Judgments yea a dreadful pull Which in little time on us will break out If we repent not Jam. 1.15 and turn from sin about Sin a forerunner of Judgments an antecedent of desolation Num. 32.23 if repentance it not prevent Judgments an effect of sin and of Gods wrath Sin Ezek. 8.17 18. the provoking cause decreed God hath To power out 's wrath on us can any say The effect will cease cause not taken away If Popery were out the land Amos 5.26 27. v. if sin retain
It would provoke God to bring 't again Oh Cursed nature of sin makes us so odd To cause wrath Psa 78.21 22. v. in a most merciful God All have sin'd let 's tremble before's rod Let no professor think because he Is a professor Rom. 3.23 from repentance is free Yet some lay Gal 3.22 can attain that degree I question if from sin they cleans'd be Yet no mans person I do not despise I hate such a maxim Pro. 30.12 pure in my own eyes Consider Scripture you of all Nations known Yet you I 'll punish Amos 3.2 don't think sin hast none I will punish thy iniquities as thy own Exempt thy self I 'le not let thee alone If weighed Teâ—el Dan. 5.27 would be too light You have sinned 1 Kin. 8.46 and that in Gods sight Wo to the holiest man alive if God him try According to his Justice and holy equity Let 's smite our thighs therefore I cry Like Ephraim Jer. 31.19 let 's repent every one If God lets fall's stroke we are all undone There needs Isa 1.7 a personal national reformation Before Gods wrath fall for desolation Let 's fear and tremble Joh. 5.14 sweep our own door Let 's turn to God and sin no more Let there be Change in heart and mind Joel 2.13 14. Let 's turn to God that we may mercy find Obj. Some may say who are disputable If God in his Decrees is immutable If his Justice against a nation is bent To what end is it for them to repent Num. 23.19 God is not as man that he should relent Nor as Son of man in all his intent Sol. God is infinitely wise in his determination At what instant God speaks against a Nation Jer. 18.7 8. If they repent God turns their desolation Not his decree this to some seems strange God don't change his will but wills a Change. God sometimes 1 Kin. 21.28 29. v. changeth a sentence with speed He hath pronounc'd against sinners deed But never changeth the Council hath decreed God said Yet in forty days Jona 3.4 10. v. shall Nineveh Be destroy'd yet by repentance were not see In Scripture but had longer liberty Observe is God like one of us can he When he hath said it alter his decree Denounced Judgment God doth oft prevent But neither changeth Counsel nor intent The noise of heaven don't threat perdition But with express or an impli'd Condition So that if a Nation return from ill God turns his hand not turn his will Pro. 29.1 and 15.10 Then repent England forthwith begin Turn at Gods reproof break off thy sin And thou mayst be yet a happy England Yet God changeth nots will but turns his hand From what 's said such a meditation borrow Live to day as if should dye to morrow Jam. 4.14 Knows not what a day or night may I cry Bring forth by death maist go to eternity Psa 74.19 20 21. v. I fear and tremble of a bloody massacry Therefore to God in Christ by faith apply Thy self and then fear not mans Cruelty Psa 29.13 Get interest in Christ whiles hast breath Prize life pray for Conversion before death Don't live in sin Mat. 18.3 consider what 's said Let thoughts of wrath make thee afraid Live in sin Psa 81.11 is a Judgment of sad degree From a reprobate life Lord deliver me To live in sin a greater Judgment can't be 2 Pet. 1.10 Therefore mind thy eternal state I cry Prepare for death and also for eternity Knows not how soon by bloody hands may die Therefore Deut. 32.29 have eternity ever in thy eye Sect. 55. Obj. SAY some Methinks God should's people free From all those Judgments and Calamitie Sol. Consider man what thou saies herein I must tell thee Josh 24.19 20. v. knows not the evil of sin God delights in 's peoples prosperity herein Observe afflictions are the fruit of sin God never makes his people feel his rod Till provok'd by their sinning against God Lam. 3.33 God doth not afflict willingly but when Provok'd then grieves the Children of men Cursed evil of sin Psa 78.21 22. v. makes us so odd To cause wrath in a most merciful God Cursed nature of sin makes us so vile Were it not for sin God would on us smile God doth his people good by afflictions fairly In afflictions Hos 5.15 they will seek God early In the day of their affliction mind it well Then they look unto the holy one of Israel Isa 17 7. In prosperity we are like to Noahs dove If find a twig to rest on will not move Towards the Ark till God out of love By affliction all our props command From us all earthly things on which we stand Then Psa 142.4 5. v. when we look on every hand Know not what to do then the rod Of affliction drives us then unto God When in affliction as in a great deluge Then we say the Lord is our refuge Now Lord when afflictions of great degree What wait I for my hope is in thee Afflictions to Gods People when sanctified Are for their good said one that tried Psa 119.67.71 and 76.10 Therefore Man or Woman thou tells a story God suffers this for 's peoples good and his glory What ever troubles come on the people of God Whoever be the instruments as his Rod God hath his way in it ordering it mind 1 Thes 3.3 As to its Measure Season and also Kind As to its continuance without dispute Amos 3.6 And as to the ends also to its fruit Troubles issue from the same love mind well With redemption of our Souls from Hell Isa 14.27 God doth all in pursuance of his decree And purpose of his love from Eternitie Jer. 51 29. God hath now a special design in hand Therefore just so far as God will understand Carry on that design now in the Land Towards his people's good he will command Or permit how far the Enemy shall go Isa 10.7 Tho' the wicked in Heart mean not so They count to destroy many as they run But God over-rules them as clear's the Son Psa 82.1 There 's no evil in the City but what 's done By God that is still by Gods permission Amos 3.6 And not any otherways on no condition Tho' all things come to pass or brought be According to Gods purpose or eternal decree Yet is his decree the cause of no sin Jer. 9.14 The decree inferring no necessity herein Of constraint but of immutability The decree of God Eze. 18.31 32. takes away neither Liberty From the reasonable Creatures nor contingency From second causes man is not herein Condemn'd because man can't chuse but sin In regard of Gods eternal determination But sins in regard of his own inclination Tho' wicked men do act nothing Act. 4 37 see But
will put in the rear Because little of real love doth appear And 't is that our Saviour hath foretold Mat. 24.12 In the latter days love should wax cold Yet Christ commands love may see it true In Scripture Joh. 15.17 love as I have loved you Who writes after this Copy age or youth That love is real 1 Joh. 3.23 in deed and in truth In time of prosperity many pretend love Then what they will do self-ends move He never lacks shall never lack a friend If rich Prov. 14.20 then friendship enough pretend But if in trouble Micah 7.5 their Love is at an end Whosoever in his need a feigned friend try Instead of friendship Zech. 13.6 finds him an enemy But as none look on a Dial when the Sun Is under a cloud Prov. 19.7 so if try their love 's done 'T is true Reader as clear's the Sun. When Paul before Nero for 's Life was try'd All men forsook him 2 Tim. 4.16 their love to hide Before Paul came to his Answer they cry'd They would stand by him as is imply'd Such love in our days hath been descry'd Many pretend love but when need it deny'd A friend loves at all times Prov. 17.17 and a brother 's born For adversity this love out the world 's worn For the least difference doth passion move Into anger then farewel all pretended love Love without dissimulation not for self-ends Rom. 12.9 18. Love is now for self ends or farewel friends 'T is not according to Christ's Rule shall I move You to press after this virtue God is love 1 John 4.20 21. Can you love God and not love one another 'T is not love of God can't hold together He that saith loves God and hates his brother Is a Lyer Oh then love and from malice sever Follow peace and love Heb. 12.14 Oh that I could hurl This ball love and peace thorow the world 'T is not a love to sin I press don't mistake That I am against for my Saviour's sake Pray for their Conversion don't carry hate To their persons in their sins be separate Eph. 5.11 12. Keep universal love and peace unto all As occasion offers do good to great or small Rom. 12.18 27. Don't live in envy that pleaseth the Devil Then love one another times are evil Days we live in call for love together Eph. 5.16 Our Cause dangerous from love don't sever Hold in love together now love or never Do good to all especally the houshold of Faith Gal. 6.10 Love your Enemies as the Scripture saith Much more Christ's Image where you it see Mat. 5.44 By the fruit holiness may know the Tree Mat. 7.16 Without partiality high or low degree Heb. 13.1 If Christ's Image let love impartial be 1 John 5.1 Love Christ's Image but don't be so Apish To love a Picture and hate Christ like a Papish They pretend love to Christ's Picture so free Yet malign Christ in his Members in high degree Luke 6.35 36. The difference between God's Children see And Satans I will briefly lay before thee As God and 's Children are known to be one Jam. 3.17 In love mercy pity in their lives doth run Patience long-suffering love wishing the health Life and welfare of all as himself So Satan and his Children are known one Prov. 12.10 In envy cruelty oppression is by them done Malignancy revenge murder tyranny Improverishing Psal 74.20 and undoing many a family See how God's Children by love are known From Satan's James 3.14 15 16. they for malice every one Oh! then love one another don't be so evil To live in malice the mark of the Devil Oh! Rev. 12.13 17. love one another 't is my earnest suit Herein's God glorified John 15.8 if you bring love's fruit Sect. 2. INstead of love Mat. 18.15 backbiters our times afford If a brother sin who according to the word Of Christ go tell him his fault Scripture record In love tell him his sin 'twixt him and thee If canst gain thy brother verse 16. if not try see What canst do then take more with thee Take heed let not backbiting in thee lurch Perswade in love before tell it the Church verse 17. How few observe this Rule in our Nation No their love is now for information Scripture saith Psal 15.3 who shall dwell in salvation He that backbiteth not with his tongue And Paul also reckons a backbiter among 2 Cor. 12.20 Worst of sinners Rom. 1.29.30 and shall have damnation Without repentance and real reformation The evil of backbiting is it hurteth love And doth antipathy and hatred move Prov. 15.1 Brings in dissention and at long run By this evil 26.28 backbiting many undone Sin of backbiting hath this peculiar evil It hurts a man absent Prov. 11.9 as bad's the Devil Doth covertly undo men before aware Therefore of backbiters had need take care For many times it dissevers friends asunder Gives such a wound as makes some wonder and 18.8 Therefore Scripture saith Better an open enemy Than a secret friend a backbiter undoes secretly What greater prejudice can be than Infame A man in 's credit reputation and good name To rail and backbite common in woman Prov. 9.13 But Scripture saith Speak evil of no man Tit. 3.2 3. Yet common in our days men are so base Jam. 4.11 Their love is for one anothers disgrace Like Jeremiah's familiars he doth them call Pretend love that watch one anothers fall Jer. 20.10 I heard defaming of many on every side This comes from Satan and dissembling Pride Jam. 3.15 For the Hypocrite and Backbiter are twins Mat. 24.51 Shall have Hypocrites portion for their sins Oh! give off backbiting and for mercy call Judge not thy brother Rom. 14.4 12. Unto God who will judge thee and all Cast off backbiting whiles hast breath Set love to work save a Soul from death Jam. 5.20 Consider worth of Souls let love move In thy generation this way employ love Mat. 16.26 Not in backbiting cast it off don't delay Do it in love to Christ 't is thy best way The wages of backbiters is very bad pay Take heed of false hope and presumptuous play Rom. 6.23 Sect. 3. IN Scripture I read Luke 13.26 27. many in the last day Will presume on their familiarity and say They had eat and drank in Christ's presence Some expostulating with Christ from hence Have prophesied cast out Devils in thy name Mat. 7.22 23. Done wonderful works shall we have blame Can this be without love to Christ true Had we such ground should say so too Yea confident if such evidence of union With Christ think us safe of communion With God hereafter could we say as they verse 23. Consider of it Reader and mind I pray Yet
Creator Col. 3.2 5. and herein Be estrang'd from God in heart no greater sin Don't think Prov. 20.9 and 30.12 because no drunkard swearer or any Notorious sin in life appears art free This conceit been the ruine of many If rested in Luke 18.11 will also of me and thee To conclude I 'll sum up all so short I can Leave consideration of all to any honest man Prevalency predominancy of sin in heart Will cause God and Soul at last to part Mark 8.34 We must deny our selves life and all That 's near and dear Luke 9.23 if Christ for it call Here 's the parting point take heed and see Nothing stand between Christ and thee Mat. 19.22 Be not overcome of evil tho' withstood But overcome evil by Faith in Christ's blood Rom. 12.21 Thus friends my Lines have so far extended In love 1 Tim. 4.15 and 2.13 11. much more than what I intended If any on what I have done is offended Cast it from him the matter is ended To conclude with love's peace I wish all well Live in love Gal. 6.16 grace be to all God's Israel Sect. 13. NOw Readers Prov. 4.13 you see my Book 's concluded To sum up all what in it is included Very briefly and plainly without delay At the last there will come a terrible day Acts 17.31 When all Mankind shall be summon'd away Rich and Poor without difference of degrees Before Christ to receive their Eternal Fees. When Crowns of Kings now so highly deem'd Acts 10.34 35. And Rags of Beggars all one then esteem'd The Peasants Russet and the Gallants bravery The Courtiers Luxury and Polititians knavery The Schollars curiosity and all mens pride And all vain fancy shall be laid aside Rev. 20.13 And without respect of Persons will be try'd According to their works Christ sentence divide Rom. 2.16 Then Mass Superstition and all Formalities Us'd in Episcopacy and also Poperies Fopperies In worship Complements which men Idolise Which are now the darling sins of our days Rom. 10.3 The self-justiciary in way of legality And also them of an Antinomian quality Tit. 1.16 Will then prove but sinful acted vanities 2 Thes 2.11 12. From a delusion of the Father of Lies The luxurious Riot and swaggerings of Pride The nice and quaint lasciviousness descry'd Isa 28.1 3. Interlar'd and complemental Oaths beside New invented Courtings and Beauties Adoration Out of Gods mouth have pronunciation To be but a meer glittering abomination 2 Thes 2.12 Then the adulterating of Wars in the Nation Counterfeiting of lights Mic. 6.10 in their station Double Weights false Measures in mens Generation The courteousness of mens equivocation Prov. 26.25 Greedy of gain which is of men retrograde From godliness acted in almost every Trade Mat. 7.23 Will then be found but actions of iniquity And Soul-deceiving into Eternal misery Col. 2.8 The curious subtilties of wit so choice The knotty questions and vain strife of voice 2 Tim. 2.23 Variety of reading and disputes of reason Of general and secular Learning in this Season Pursu'd with so much eagerness in the Nation By the more ingenious Spirits in their Station Will be found but Cobwebs of falsification Jer. 9.14 And vanishing delicacies of prophanation Whose end and reward is Eternal damnation Mat. 23.33 Then the poor despis'd Profession understand Of the power of godliness on the other hand A trembling at the Word of Gods command Isa 66.2 A scrupulous and conscious forbearation Not only of Oaths Mat. 12.36 but Idle words in Station A tenderness and aptness in our Generation To bleed at any sin in our Conversation A boldness against Idolatry now in England 1 Cor. 10.14 And all corruptions now to withstand A Conscience 1 Thes 5.22 but of the appearance of evil This inrageth wicked men and the Devil To walk humbly before God till dissolution To be strict and circumspect in resolution Walk in an exact Geometrical Station Of holiness Eph. 5.15 16. in our Conversation In the midst of a crooked perverse Generation Phil. 2.15 This the World disesteems and scorns then As peevishness of few silly unpolitick Men Joh. 7 48 49. Shall then from God himself in that day Be declar'd to be the true narrow way Mat. 7 14. Which only leadeth unto Salvation The Enemies thereof must to desolation And cry Acts 26.24 We counted their Life madness And their end to be only meer sadness We never thought of Soul-spiritual gladness But now they injoy glory so weighty 2 Cor. 4.17 Have their portion with the Almighty Then remember now Oh remember truth Thy Creator in the days of thy youth Eccles 12.1 While the evil days come not nigh Remember death will not pass you by There 's no pleasure in sin when come to dye Rom. 6.21 Yet rejoice O young man in thy youth Is but an Ironical expression of the truth Let thy heart cheer thee in sin take part Walk in the ways of thy own heart And in the sight of thy own Eye Eccles 11.9 But to tell truth 't is but plain mockery Then know tho' holiness be thy grudgment 2 Cor. 5.10 For all these things must come to Judgment Oh think then what 't is will thee stand In stead when judg'd by the Almighty's hand When Death and Judgment come on rise Don't after vanity so much be at strife Joh. 6.27 But labour for that indures to Eternal Life Lay up treasures in Heaven Scriptures unfold Luke 12.33 Get our selves Bags which wax not old Oh don't be presumptuous in sin still bold What will Learning or all Riches man hath Prov. 11.4 Profit in the great day of Gods wrath Oh cast off sin and walk holiness path 1 Tim. 6.17 Oh would men consider their latter end For that 's well ends well says a Friend Deut. 32.29 Laugh he that laughs at last behold The end of the upright Scriptures unfold However ill soever tho' troubles increase In the world the end of such is peace Psal 37.37 But as for sinners who still grow worst Isa 65.20 Tho' live an hundred years yet dye accurs'd Tho' have past mans day of approbation Yet in that day meet with Gods reprobation Psal 73.7 Tho' have more than their hearts desire Eyes stand out with fatness they aspire In voluptuousness in their Generation 1 Cor. 6.9 10. Yet without in Christ must to damnation Oh cast off sin now in Conversation Eph. 5.5 Labour by Faith in Christ for renovation Oh how much better as the Scriptures tell To be a Lazarus here and hereafter dwell With Lazarus than to be mind it well Luke 16 20 22 24. A Dives here and to be with Dives in Hell. Oh then labour to be righteous I still cry Whether rich or poor as my lines imply For
according to 's decrees Mat. 20.15 16. Shall not the Soveraign of the world alone According to his pleasure dispose of his own If man have any thing of 's own in Season To dispose it at pleasure is but reason Hath not the Potter power over his Clay Rom. 9.21 Shall not the great God have his way Who made both the Potter and the Clay Say some God will have all to be sav'd Object Therefore Electeth all 1 Tim. 2.4 tho' with sin deprav'd God will have all to be saved Sol. the intent God wills and commands men to repent And believe the Gospel so may be sav'd Man is to do his duty as is crav'd God will have all men sav'd Rom. 10.12 good news To Elected sinners whether Gentiles or Jews Yet we see grace in Life most refuse If God would have all men to be sav'd All sorts all Nations is the question crav'd How is it they are not sav'd that still They live in sin Eph. 4.18 19. and their Lust fulfil Yet who can Rom. 9.19 or hath refisted his will God would and yet not sav'd by reflect Implies in Gods will or power is a defect If men had power according to their will None in the world but would it fulfil To affirm God wills all mens Salvation Mat. 22.14 Without exception in their Generation And the reason is always imply'd still Why God doth not save them or fulfil The work of grace is obstinacy of man's will By which they reject the work of grace Psal 50.21 So hinder God or his work deface 1 Cor. 10.22 This is to make God for man too weak Which is Blasphemy for any to speak Object Say some again in their Generation If God Elect not all men to Salvation Eph. 3.3 He 's partial since all were in sins station Alike in their natural State or Creation Sol. This is not matter of debt in this case Or matter of Justice but matter of grace 2 Tim. 1.9 Suppose God chuse a few must he fall To be bound to save or chuse all Rom. 3.24 Tho' God do freely chuse and save many John 3.16 Yet not bound to chuse or save any If a King as before of Malefactors save one Of many must he therefore hereupon Save all no no reason it should be done Object But if God a few only chuse and cherish And leave the greatest number to perish In Hell for Eternal flames to be fuel 1 Joh. 5.19 If God be not partial yet seems cruel Sol. I answer Gods bounds of mercy are spacious Eph. 2.4 God is infinite and unutterably gracious To chuse any man or woman and herein Observe out of the corrupted Mass of sin Ezek. 16.6 When polluted in our Blood God should say Live and from the world come away And leave the rest in their sin to stay In that forlorn undone condition by sin Man brought himself in this cause herein God no way bound as before you see To redeem any man or any one to free So then this conclusion I draw must God is righteous not cruel he is but just Isa 45.20 21 Justice doth but condemn in its station As man is in sin so passeth condemnation Rev. 15.3 God is gracious that any enjoy Salvation And but righteous if all in their Generation Had been appointed unto utter desolation There 's cause in man Rom. 3.23 Justice should pass ye But there 's no cause at all of mercy When God rejecteth men his determination Is to condemn them for sin to desolation But when God Electeth any in their station He determines not to bring to Salvation For their obedience in their Generation Tit. 3.5 But for his free Eph. 1.4 eternal dispensation There 's somewhat moveth God to damnation Isa 48.9 11. But nothing without God moveth to Salvation If any be appointed unto consolation If all be not appointed unto damnation Gods mercy upon his Justice hath the hand Rom. 3.23 For all have transgressed Gods command Ephes 2.5 'T is by free grace any is sav'd understand Sect. 6. This universal and conditional Election Doth in some respect set man by reflection Above God and overthrows Gods end And aim Rom. 9.23 in all 's counsel and decrees intend The glory of 's free grace in his dispensation This God design'd when Elected any to Salvation This is plain in the holy Gospel story To make known the riches of 's own glory On those whom God prepares for his auditory By free grace Gol. 1.12 makes meet for Heavens glory How shall God attain this in 's dispensation Not by chusing all men unto Salvation If they will themselves in their Generation How is the glory of his free grace magnify'd If sufficient power in the Creature did reside If grace to one more than to another be deny'd If God doth alike for all by free will imply'd Electeth all alike to glory and salvation If God prepareth Heaven no more by implication Mat. 25.34 For one man than another in his station Doth not the Spirit work our renovation The will of God John 14.2 by this opinion you see Is order'd and dispos'd by mans will free God Electeth all on condition in their station But Gods final and absolute determination Is suspended by mans will in operation As if man could of himself attain salvation Man at liberty to make it good at leisure Or to make it void at his pleasure If he will be sav'd he may in 's Generation If not then man must have damnation Acts 13.48 If God have ordain'd him unto salvation All is as men act in their station What is this but to make God by reflect An underling unto man in some respect For to make the will of God I say still Subservient unto that of mans will Which is a most blasphemous derogation To God for by this opinion by reflection God doth not do so much in Election Isa 43.13 And glory as man doth in his Station Phil. 2.13 God chooseth man on condition to Salvation If he do thus and thus in his generation As if heaven depended on his Conversation But man strikes the stroke here still Makes salvation sure by his own will So that man elects himself in 's generation Much more than God doth for salvation Consider my Friends this point observe see Ephes 1.11 What greater derogation to God can be Than is given to mans will in such a degree Christ said to his disciples in Scripture see John 15.16 You have not chosen me but I you free Not they Christ by their deserts I say still Nor by the good use of their free will If all chosen be on condition to salvation If they will accept it in their Generation Or act for it which doth imply still Rom. 11.7 That they may have it if they will Damn'd
Reprobates in Hell by this leaven Have as much reason as a Saint in Heaven To be thankful unto God he may say But not I am sure in a Scripture way God did as much for me a foolish Elf As him Gal. 2.16 but did not so much for my self Consider on the other side mind it well May not a Saint in Heaven say and tell God hath done so much for those in Hell As ever he hath done for me by reflection For they and I had all one Election Yea God assisted them as much as me Which implies there 's nothing in Gods decree Eph. 2.9 10. For he is to all alike which implies still They have not us'd their own free will As well as I have done 't is so crav'd The only cause are damn'd and I sav'd Therefore I will thank my own free will And not God Isa 65.5 at least I have imply'd still No greater cause to thank God than Those in Hell of all the damned men If any difference be between them and me 'T is not God made it 1 Cor. 4.7 nor yet his decree But my self see how free will doth strike For God did for them and me alike Tho' they not sav'd with me the reason Did not for our selves a like in season Rom. 11.6 Therefore they are all every way I cry As much oblig'd to thank God as I. Consider this Reader and understand see Here 's free will Psal 115.1 exalted in a high degree But from such a conceit Lord Dan. 9.8 9. deliver me And let me admire thy gracious love still free Sect. 7. If any man be sav'd by free will story Rom. 8.29 30. He may thank himself in 's self glory And not in God how do men deface Gods glory or the glory of 's free grace By exalting mans corrupted will so base God hath predestinated us in our race Eph. 1.5 6. By Christ to the praise of his free grace How so not by man's own inclination still But according to the pleasure of God's will To shew God works freely in our salvation Without any impulsion or any provocation Ezek. 16.6 From External causes in his dispensation In saving us freely in his salvation We must be sav'd according to God's will And pleasure not according to our own still God must have the first and great stroke 1 Cor. 10.22 In this mercy let 's not the Lord provoke Or despise the riches of his free grace still By advancing corrupted man's free will 2 Thes 1.10 Let us all rather God's free grace admire Not free will in us or any natral desire Why God hath chosen me and neglecting Others oh this should be heart-affecting That God should take me into his Decree Luke 1.6 Whence is it what did God see in me More than in others whom God passeth by Psal 8.4 Why God did chuse me is free grace I cry What 's man that God should mindful be Of such a brute a beast by nature is he Admire the goodness of the Lord of Lords That such free grace unto man affords Man that 's corrupted Clay yea worse by sin Isa 43.15 Oh! then admire the goodness of our King We were all alike to God by reflection In the act of his free eternal Election 1 Cor. 6.11 Lay together in the same corrupted mass Of sin how came it then so to pass That God should pitch on me for alas Ezek. 16.6 I was in my blood in the same gore Of sin admired be free grace for evermore When God came to chuse a little number 1 John 5.19 In comparison of those he left to slumber In sin and corruption oh what a mercy That God should pitch on thee and me Which if free grace had not so run We had been lost Ezek. 16.5 6. and for ever undone Had God ordain'd all to salvation compleat His mercy had been out of measure great But that God ordains any to salvation When on the contrary in men's generation He hath ordain'd millions unto desolation Mat. 7.13 Whose state by nature was no way worse Than ours and strength in a natural course Was as great as ours in their generation Ephes 2 3. Yet to exempt them from eternal salvation Whose care great as ours for reconciliation In any natural way or natural creation Till God was pleas'd in mercy to prevent Us Col. 1.12 13. should not this our thanks augment To God and raise our hearts in admiration Of God's free grace in chusing us to salvation Blessed be God's grace who hath chosen us Who deserv'd as others his eternal Curse Gal. 3.13 Were no better for 's choice than other But by nature were all as Brother Eph. 2 1 2 3. Yet us when many others are rejected Free grace and love hath us respected 'T is clear for of two grinding at the Mill One taken Mat. 24.40 41. the other left implies grace still And not in the acting of their own will God's will and pleasure is the only reason Why two men equally miserable in season Are made to differ the one from the other For by nature were both as Brother Therefore not the foresight of our will Or natural inclination in us Rom. 8.7 I say still In receiving or rejecting grace propos'd Altho' free grace be by some still oppos'd Zech. 12.10 Yet free grace free grace for ever I cry And blessed be God for his rich mercy Ephes 2.4 Nothing made a difference 1 Cor. 4.7 but say I Free grace 2 Thes 1.10 which Saints will admire to eternity SECT VIII Some say if God in his eternal Decree Object Hath appointed some unto eternal Misery Mal 3.14 'T is in vain for such to hear and pray And to use the means of Salvation's way Were as good do nothing in their Station If they be Reprobated ordain'd to Damnation There is no Man knows his Reprobation Sol. Tho' sev'ral marks of it in his Conversation 'T is God's secret and to us 't is very obscure Let 's follow the Scripture a rule more sure Secret things belong to God Deut. 29.29 let 's not flatter Our selves let 's do duty and pass this matter And know this whatever any pretend God appoints the means as well as the end For as God hath appointed Men to Glory Eph. 1.4 Consider it well don't think 't is a story So God hath appointed them to Sanctification And to the use of all in their Generation 2 Thes 2.13 14. Holy means to attain the end Salvation And accordingly live in their Conversation And for ought I know one reason may be Why God from Man conceals his Decree Of Reprobation for the Lord is independant Therefore Man should be still Attendant On the use of means Isa 40.29 30 31. as a Creature-dependant On God for though Man be weak in 's station Yet from God Man