him to pieces The German History relates of a Youth who was given to Swearing and did use to invent new Oaths the Lord sent a Canker into his Mouth which did eat out his Tongue whereupon he died 2. Blasphemy He who did Blaspheme God the Lord caused him to be stoned to death Lev. 24.11 23. The Israelitish womans Son blasphemed the name of the Lord and cursed And Moses spake to the People of Israel that they should bring forth him that had cursed and stone him with stones Olympias an Arian Bishop Reproached and Blasphemed the Sacred Trinity whereupon he was suddenly stricken with three Flashes of Lightning which burned him to Death Felix an Officer of Iulian seeing the Holy Vessels which were used in the Sacrament said in Scorn of Christ See what precious Vessels the Son of Mary is served withall Soon after he was taken with a Vomiting of Blood out of his Blasphemous Mouth whereof he died 2. Or if God should not execute Judgment on the Profaners of his Name in this Life yet their Doom is to come God will not remit their Guilt but deliver them to Satan the Goaler to torment them for ever If God justifie a Man who shall condemn him but if God condemn him who shall justifie him If God lay a Man in Prison where shall he get Bail or Main-prize God will take his full blow at the Sinner in Hell Heb. 10.31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God EXOD. XX. 8 Remember the Sabbath-Day to keep it Holy Six Days shalt thou labour and do all thy Work But the Seventh Day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any Work thou nor thy Son nor thy Daughter thy Man-Servant nor thy Maid-servant nor thy Cattel nor thy Stranger that is within thy Gates For in Six Days the Lord made Heaven and Earth the Sea and all that in them is and rested the Seventh Day Wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-Day and hallowed it This Commandment was engraven in Stone by God's own Finger and it will be our Comfort to have it engraven in our Hearts The Sabbath-Day is set apart for God's Solemn Worship it is God's Enclosure and it must not be alienated to common Uses The Lord hath set a Preface before this Commandment he hath put a Memento to it Remember to keep the Sabbath-Day holy This Word Remember shows that we are apt to forget Sabbath-Holiness therefore we need a Memorandum to put us in mind of sanctifying this Day I shall explain the Words I. Here is a Solemn Command Remember the Sabbath-Day to keep it holy II. Many Cogent Arguments to induce us to observe the Command I. In the Command 1. The Matter of it viz. The sanctifying of the Sabbath which Sabbath-Sanctification consists in two things First In resting from our own Works Secondly In a Conscientious Discharge of our Religious Duties 2. The Persons to whom the Command of sanctifying the Sabbath is given 1. Either Superiours and they are 1 st More Private as Parents and Masters Or 2 ly More Publique as Magistrates Or 2. Inferiours First Natives as Children and Servants Thy Son and thy Daughter thy Man-Servant and thy Maid Servant Secondly Foreigners The Stranger that is within thy Gates II. The Cogent Arguments to obey this Command of keeping Holy the Sabbath 1. From the Rationality of it Six Days shalt thou labour and do all thy Work As if God had said I am not an hard Master I do not grutch thee time to look after thy Calling and to get an Estate I have given thee Six Days Six to do all thy Work in and have taken but one Day for my self I might have reserved Six Days for my self and allowed thee but one but I have given thee Six Days for the Works of thy Calling and have taken but One Day for my own Service therefore it is equal and rational that thou shouldst set this Day in a special manner apart for my Worship 2. The Second Argument is taken from 2 ly The Iustice of it The Seventh Day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God As if God had said The Sabbath-Day is my Due I challenge a special Right in it and none hath any thing to do to lay claim to it He who robs me of THIS DAY and puts it to common Uses is a Sacrilegious Person he steals from the Crown of Heaven and I will in no wise hold him guiltless 3. The Third Argument for sanctifying the Sabbath is taken from God's own Pattern he rested the Seventh Day As if the Lord should say Will not you follow my Pattern Having finished all my Works of Creation I rested the Seventh Day So you having done all your Secular Work on the Six Days you should now cease from the Labour of your Calling and Dedicate the Seventh Day to the Lord as a Day of Holy Rest. 4. The Fourth Argument for Sabbath-Sanctification is taken ab Vtili from the Benefit which redounds from a Religious Observation of the Sabbath The Lord blessed the Seventh-Day and hallowed it It is not only a Day of God's Benediction God did not only appoint the Seventh-Day but he blessed the Seventh Day The Sabbath-Day is not only a Day of Honour to God but a Day of Blessing to us it is not only a Day wherein we give God Worship but a Day wherein he gives us Grace on this Day a Blessing drops down from Heaven This is a great Argument for the keeping the Sabbath-Day Holy God is not benefited by it we cannot add one Cubit to his Essential Glory but we our selves are advantaged The Sabbath-Day religiously observed entails a Blessing upon our Souls our Estate our Posterity As the not keeping this Day Holy brings a Curse Ier. 17.27 God curseth a Man's Blessings Mal. 2.2 The Bread which he eats is poysoned with a Curse So the Conscientious Observation of the Sabbath brings all manner of Blessings with it These are the Arguments to induce Sabbath-Sanctification And so I have divided the Commandment into its several Parts and explained the Sence of it The thing I would have you observe is That this Commandment about keeping the Sabbath was not abrogated with the Ceremonial Law but it is purely Moral and the Observation of the Sabbath is to be continued to the end of the World Where can we show that God hath given us a Discharge from keeping one Day in seven So that I say this fourth Commandment is Moral and obligeth Christians to the perpetual Commemoration and Sanctification of the Sabbath Quest. Why God hath appointed a Sabbath Ans. 1. In respect of Himself it is requisite that God should reserve one Day in Seven for his own immediate Service that hereby he might be acknowledged to be the great Plenipotentiary or Sovereign Lord who hath Power over us both to command Worship and appoint the Time when he will be worshipped 2. In respect of Vs. The Sabbath-day
such Secrets that they must not be spoken of again Or as if it were a shame to speak of that which will save us VI. Shut up the Sabbath-Evening with Repetition Singing of Psalms and Prayer Beg that God would bless the Word you have heard but I hope your Practice herein will prevent my farther speaking Could we but thus spend a Sabbath we might be in the Spirit on the Lord's Day Rev. 1.10 our Souls might be nourished and comforted And this Sabbath which we now keep would be an earnest of that everlasting Sabbath which we shall Celebrate in Heaven EXOD. XX. 8 Remember to keep the sabbath-Sabbath-day Holy Vse I. See here a Christians Duty To keep the Sabbath-Day Holy 1. The whole Sabbath is to be Dedicated to God It is not said Keep a part of the Sabbath holy but the whole day must be religiously observed If God hath given us Six Days and taken but One to himself shall we grudge him any part of that Day It were Sacriledge The Jews kept a whole Day to the Lord and we are not to abridge or curtail the Sabbath saith St. Austin more than the Jews did The very Heathens by the Light of Nature did set apart a whole Day in the Honour of their False Gods And Scaevola their High Priest did affirm That the wilful Transgression of that Day could have no Expiation or Pardon Whoever do rob any part of the Sabbath for servile Work or Recreation Scaevola the High Priest of the Heathenish Gods shall rise up in Judgment against such Christians and condemn them And they who say that to keep a whole Sabbath is too Iudaical let them show where God hath made any Abatement of the Time of Worship where he hath said You shall keep but a Part of the Sabbath And if they cannot show that it argues much Boldness to go to rob God of his Due That a whole Day be design'd and set apart for God's special Worship is a perpetual Statute while the Church remains upon the Earth saith Pet. Martyr Of this Opinion also were Theodoret Austin Iraeneus and the Chief of the Fathers 2. As the whole Sabbath is to be Dedicated to God so it must be kept Holy You see the manner of sanctifying the Lord's Day by Reading Meditation Prayer hearing of the Word and by Singing of Psalms to make Melody to the Lord. Now besides what I have said for the keeping this Day holy let me make a short Comment or Paraphrase on that Scripture Isa. 58.13 If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath from doing thy pleasure on my holy day and call the Sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord honourable and shalt honour him not doing thy own ways nor finding thy own pleasure nor speaking thy own words Here is a Description of the right sanctifying a Sabbath 1. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath That may be understood either Literally or Principally First Literally If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath that is If thou withdrawest thy Foot from taking long Walks or Journeys on the Sabbath-day So the Jewish Doctors expound it Or Secondly Spiritually If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath that is If thou turn away thy Affections the Feet of thy Soul from enclining to any worldly Business 2. From doing thy Pleasure on my holy Day That is Thou must not do that which may please the Carnal Part as Sports and Pastimes This is to do the Devil's Work on God's Day 3. And call the Sabbath a Delight Call it a Delight that is esteem it so Tho the Sabbath be not a Day for Carnal Pleasure yet holy Pleasure is not forbidden The Soul must take pleasure in the Duties of a Sabbath The Saints of old counted the Sabbath a Delight The Jews called the Sabbath Dies Lucis A Day of Light The Lord's Day on which the Sun of Righteousness shines is both a Day of Light and Delight This is the Day of sweet Intercourse between God and the Soul On this Day a Christian makes his Sallies out to Heaven his Soul is lifted above the Earth and can this be without Delight The higher the Bird flies the sweeter it sings On a Sabbath the Soul acts its Love to God and where the Love is there is the Delight On this Day a Believers Heart is melted q. d. quickned enlarged in Holy Duties and how can all this be and not a secret Delight go along with it On a Sabbath a gracious Soul can say as Cant. 2.3 I sat under his shadow with great delight and his Fruit was sweet to my taste How can a Spiritual Heart chuse but call the Sabbath a Delight Is it not delightful to a Queen to be putting on her Wedding Robes in which she shall meet the King her Bridegroom When we are about Sabbath-Exercises we are dressing our selves and putting on our Wedding-Robes in which we are to meet our Heavenly Bridegroom the Lord Jesus And is not this delightful On the Sabbath God makes a Feast of fat things he Feasts the Ear with his Word and the Heart with his Grace Well then may we call the Sabbath a Delight and to find this holy Delight is to be in the Spirit on the Lord's Day 4. The Holy of the Lord honourable In the Hebrew it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Glorious To call the Sabbath Honourable is not to be understood so much of an outward Honour given to it by wearing richer Apparel or having better Diet on this Day as the Jewish Doctors corruptly gloss This is the chief Honour some give to this Day But thou shalt call the Sabbath Honourable that is meant of the Honour of the Heart that we give to this Day reverencing it and esteeming it the Queen of Days We are to count the Sabbath Honourable because God hath honoured it All the Persons in the Trinity have honoured it God the Father blessed it God the Son rose upon it God the Holy Ghost descended on this Day Acts 2.1 And indeed this Day is to be honoured of all good Christians and had in high Veneration It is a Day of Renown On this Day a Golden Scepter of Mercy is held forth The Christian Sabbath is the very Crepusculum and Dawning of the Heavenly Sabbath It is honourable because this Day God comes down to us and visits us To have the King of Heaven present in a special manner in our Assemblies makes the Sabbath-day honourable Besides the Work that is done on this Day makes it honourable The Six Days are fill'd up with-servile Work which makes them lose much of their Glory but on this Day Sacred Work is done The Soul is employed wholly about the Worship of God it is Praying Hearing Meditating it is doing Angels Work Praising and Blessing of God Again The Day is Honourable by vertue of a Divine Institution Silver is of it self valuable but when the Royal Stamp is put upon it it is honourable
Thomas Watson sometimes Minister of St. Stephens Walbrooke LONDON A Body of Practical Divinity Consisting of above One Hundred Seventy Six SERMONS ON THE Lesser CATECHISM Composed by The Reverend Assembly OF Divines at Westminster WITH A SUPPLEMENT OF SOME SERMONS on several Texts of SCRIPTURE By THOMAS WATSON Formerly Minister at St. Stephen's Walbrook London Printed from his own Hand-Writing Recommended by several Ministers to Masters of Families and others Heb. XI iv He being dead yet speaketh LONDON Printed for Thomas Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside near Mercers-Chappel 1692. To the READER THESE Catechetical Lectures of the late Reverend Mr. Tho. Watson all but one written with his own hand I have read over together with some Sermons annexed to them and since my Testimony is desired concerning them I do hereby declare That tho' I will not undertake to justifie every Expression or Sentence in them or in any Humane Writing yet I find them in the main agreeable unto the Doctrinal Articles of the Church of England and unto the Westminster Assembly's Confession of Faith and Catechisms And I believe that through the Blessing of God they may be profitable unto the Edification of all that read them with an honest desire to know and do the Will of God for certainly there are many excellent things in them which if they meet with a well-disposed serious Mind are very apt to have a good Effect upon it and if it prove otherwise with any that happen to read this Book it will be their own Fault more than the Books Most Writers have different Stiles and it is well known that Mr. Watson had one peculiar to himself which yet has found good Acceptance with and has been useful unto serious People and I hope this by reason of the great Variety of excellent Matter may be more generally Vseful than any other thing that ever he wrote I little doubt but every sober Christian will be of this mind after he hath read his Lectures on God's Attributes the Ten Commandments Lord's Prayer c. I sincerely profess I have no other End in giving this Testimony of this Book but thereby to serve the Common Good of Christ's Church and not the Private Interest of any Person or Party in the World if my Conscience did not bear me witness that this Book may be Vseful to that excellent End no Man should ever have prevailed with me thus to prefix my Testimony and Name to it Moreover I do not doubt but every Intelligent and Candid Reader will consider that this is a Posthumous Work and on that account will make some Allowance for any small Fault that may be in it as also for the Errours of the Press That it may answer the main End for which it was first written by the Author whom I always took to be a grave serious modest good Man and for which I hope it is now published to wit The Edification of the Church of Christ in Faith Holiness and Comfort is the hearty Desire of one of the meanest Servants of our most Blessed LORD IESVS WILL. LORIMER WE whose Names are subscribed having seen the Testimony of our Worthy Brother Mr. William Lorimer after his Perusal of this Book doubt not but it may be of use to many as the former Writings of Mr. Thomas Watson have been and with that Desire and Hope we Recommend it to Masters of Families and others William Bates Matth. Barker Iohn Howe Matth. Mead Edw. Lawrance Samuel Slater Richard Mayo Richard Adams Richard Steel Samuel Stancliff Iohn Raynolds Nath. Vincent Iohn Hughes Matth. Sylvester Ioseph Read Dan. Burges Abraham Hume Ioseph Cawthorne Rich. Stretton Daniel Williams Richard Wavel Iohn Shower Timothy Cruso Francis Glascock Timothy Rogers Nath. Oldfield ADVERTISEMENT THere are many single Sermons on Variety of Occasions as at Fasts Thanksgivings Sacrament Discourses besides several Subjects handled in many Sermons on each Text of Scripture left under Mr. Thomas Watson's one Hand-writing if these find Acceptance in due time after their being perused by some Learned Divine may be published Tho. Parkhurst Aug. 28th 1692. A Catalogue of what Books Mr. Thomas Watson published THree Treatises 1. The Christian's Charter shewing the Priviledges of a Believer 2. The Art of Divine Contentment 3. A Discourse of Meditation To which is added several Sermons preached Occasionally Quarto The Beatitudes or a Discourse upon part of Christ's famous Sermon on the Mount Whereunto is added Christ's various Fulness The Preciousness of the Soul The Soul's Malady and Cure The Beauty of Grace The Spiritual Watch The Heavenly Race The Sacred Anchor The Trees of Righteousness The Perfume of Love The good Practitioner The Godly Man's Character A Word of Comfort to the Church of God in a Sermon Quarto The Crown of Righteousness at the Funeral of Mr. Hoges Merchant Quarto A Sermon preached July 2 at the Funeral of Mr. John Wells late Pastor of Olave-Jury London By Thomas Watson Quarto The Fight of Faith Crowned or a Sermon preached at the Funeral of the eminently Holy Man Mr. Henry Stubs By Thomas Watson The Doctrine of Repentance Useful for these Times Religion our true Interest or Practical Notes upon the third Chapter of Malachy the sixteen seventeen and eighteen Verses The Mischief of Sin it brings a Person Low A Divine Cordial or the Transcendent Priviledge of Those that Love God and are savingly Called The Holy Eucharist or the Mystery of the Lord's Supper briefly explained A Plea for the Godly Wherein is shown the Excellency of a Righteous Person The Duty of Self-denial briefly Opened and Urged Heaven taken by Storm A Preliminary Discourse TO CATECHISING COL I. xxiii If ye continue in the faith grounded and setled INtending the next Lord's Day to enter upon the Work of Catechising it will not be amiss to give you this Preliminary Discourse as preparative to it shewing you how needful it is for Christians to be well instructed in the Grounds of Religion If ye continue in the faith grounded and setled Two Propositions First It is the Duty of Christians to be setled in the Doctrine of Faith Second The best way for Christians to be setled is to be well grounded Doct. 1. That it is the Duty of Christians to be setled in the Doctrine of Faith It is the Apostle's Prayer 1 Pet. 5.10 The God of all grace stablish strengthen settle you That they might not be Meteors in the Air but fixed Stars The Apostle Iude speaks of wandring Stars Verse 13. They are called wandring Stars because as Aristotle saith they do saltare leap up and down and wander into several parts of the Heaven and being but dry Exhalations not made of that pure Coelestial Matter as the fixed Stars are they often fall to the Earth Now such as are not setled in Religion will at one time or other prove wandring Stars they will lose their former Strictness and wander from one Opinion to another Such as are
they cast their Crowns before the Throne they lay all their Honour at his Feet Thus they shew humble Adoration to the Eteral Essence Study God's Eternity it will make us adore where we cannot Fathom 2. Think of the Soul's Eternity As God is Eternal so he hath made us Eternal We are never-dying Creatures we are shortly entring upon an Eternal State either of Happiness or Misery Have serious thoughts of this Say O my Soul which of these two Eternities is like to be thy Portion I must shortly depart hence and whither then shall I go to which of these Eternities either of Glory or Misery The serious Meditation of the Eternal State we are to pass into would work strongly with us 1. Thoughts of Eternal Torment a good Antidote against Sin Sin tempts with its Pleasure but when we think of Eternity it may cool the intemperate Heat of Lust Shall I for the Pleasure of Sin for a Season endure eternal Pain Sin like those Locusts Rev. 9.7 seems to have on its Head a Crown like Gold but it hath in it a Tail like a Scorpion Verse 10. And a Sting in its Tail and this Sting can never be plucked out Shall I venture eternal Wrath is Sin committed so sweet as lying in Hell for ever is bitter This would make us flye from Sin as Moses from the Serpent 2. The serious Thoughts of Eternal Happiness would very much take us off from these Worldly Things we should not esteem much of them What are these Sublunary Things to Eternity they are quickly gone they salute us and take their Farewel But I am to enter upon an Everlasting Estate I hope to live with Him who is Eternal what is the World to me They who stand upon the top of the Alps the great Cities of Campania seem as small things in their eyes so he who hath his Thoughts fixed on his Eternal Estate after this Life all these things seem as nothing in his eye What is the Glory of this World how poor and contemptible compar'd with an Eternal Weight of Glory Aeternis inhianti in fastidio suns transito Bern. 3. To conclude The serious Thoughts of an Eternal Estate either of Happiness or Misery would have a powerful Influence upon whatsoever we take in hand Every Work we do promotes either a blessed or cursed Eternity every good Action sets us a step nearer to an Eternity of Happiness every bad Action sets us a step nearer to an Eternity of Misery O what Influence would the Thoughts of Eternity have upon our Religious Duties it would make us do them with all our Might A Duty well performed lifts a Christian higher towards Heaven and sets a Christian a step nearer to a blessed Eternity GOD's Vnchangeableness THE next Attribute is God's Unchangeableness Mal. 3.6 I am Iehovah I change not 1. God is unchangeable in his Nature 2. In his Decree 1st Unchangeable in his Nature 1. There is no Eclipse of his Brightness 2. No Period put to his Being 1. No Eclipse of his Brightness His Essence shines with a fixed Lustre Iam. 1.17 With whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning Psal. 102.27 Thou art the same All created Things are full of Vicissitude 1. Princes and Emperours are subject to Mutation Sehostris an Aegyptian Prince having subdued divers Kings in War made them draw like Horses in his Chariot as if he intended to turn them to Grass as God did King Nebuchadnezzar The Crown hath many Successors 2. Kingdoms have their Ecclipses and Convulsions What is become of the Glory of Athens the Pomp of Troy Iam seges est ubi Troja fuit Kingdoms tho' they have a Head of Gold yet Feet of Clay 3. The Heavens change Psal. 102.25 26. As a vesture shalt thou change them and they shall be changed The Matter of the Elements as it is more pure so more firm and sollid the Heavens are the most ancient Records where God hath written his Glory with a Sun-beam yet these shall change though I do not think they shall be destroyed as to their substance yet they shall be changed as to their qualities They shall meâ—t with fervent heat 2 Pet. 3.12 and so be more refin'd and purifi'd Thus the Heavens shall be changed but not He who dwells in Heaven With him is no Variableness or Shadow of Turning 4. The best Saints have their Eclipses and Changes look upon a Christian in his Spiritual Estate and he is full of Variation though the Seed of Grace doth not dye yet the Beauty and Activity of it doth often wither A Christian hath his Aguish Fits in Religion sometimes his Faith is at an high Tide sometimeâ— low Ebâ— somtimes his Love flames and at another time like Fire hid in the Embers and he hath lost his first Love How strong was David's Grace at one time 2 Sam. 22.3 The God of my rock in him will I trust At another time I shall one day perish by the hand of Saul What Christian can say he doth not find a Change in his Graces that the Bow of his Faith doth never unbend the Strings of his Viol do never slacken Sure we shall never meet with such Christians till we meet them in Heaven But God is without any Shadow of Turning 5. The Angels were subject to Change they were created Holy but Mutable Jud. 6. The angels which kept not their first estate Those Morning-stars of Heaven were falling Stars But God's Glory shines with a fixed Brightness In God there is nothing looks like a Change no better or worse no better in him because then he were not perfect nor worse in him for then he should cease to be perfect He is immutably Holy immutably Good There is no Shadow of Change in him Object Christ who is God assumed the Humane Nature here was a Change Resp. If indeed the Divine Nature had been converted into the Humane or the Humane into the Divine here had been a Change but not so The Humane Nature was distinct from the Divine therefore there was no Change As suppose a Cloud cover the Sun this makes no Change in the Body of the Sun so though the Divine Nature be covered with the Humane this makes no Change in the Divine Nature 2d There is no Period put to his Being 1 Tim. 1.16 Who only hath immortality The Godhead cannot die 1. An Infinite Essence cannot be changed into a Finite but God is Infinite 2. He is Eternal Ergo he is not Mortal to be Eternal and Mortal is a Contradiction Use 1. See here the Excellency of the Divine Nature in its Immutability this is the Glory of Godhead Mutableness denotes Weakness it is not so in God he is the same Yesterday and to Day and for ever Heb. 13.8 Men are fickle and mutable like Ruében Unstable as water Gen. 49.4 They go in changeable Colours 1. They are changeable in their Principles sometimes Protestant sometimes Papist if their Faces altered as fast as their Opinions
Pet. 1.5 Who are kept by the power of God through Faith unto Salvation Use 1. SEE the Excellency of Grace it perseveres Other things are but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for a Season Health and Riches are sweet but they are but for a Season but Grace is a Blossom of Eternity The Seed of God remains 1 Iohn 3.9 Grace may suffer an Eclipse not a Dissolution It is called Substance for its Solidity Prov. 8.21 and durable Riches for its Permanency Prov. 8.18 It lasts as long as the Soul as Heaven lasts Grace is not like a Lease which soon expires but it runs parallel with Eternity 2. See here that which may provoke in the Saints everlasting Love and Gratitude to God What can make us love God more than the fixedness of his love to us he is not only the Author of Grace but finisher his love is perpetuated and carried on to our Salvation Iohn 10.27 My Sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me And I give unto them eternal Life My Sheep there is Election hear my voice there is Vocation and I know them there is Justification and I give unto them eternal Life there is glorification How may this make us love God and set up the Monuments and Trophies of his Praise How much have we done to cause God to withdraw his Spirit and suffer us to fall Finally yet that he should keep us let his name be Blessed and his Memorials eternized who keepeth the Feet of his Saints 1 Sam. 3.9 3. See whence it is that the Saints do persevere in Holiness it is solely to be ascribed to the power of God we are kept by his power 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 kept as in a Garison It is a Wonder any Christian perseveres if you consider 1. Corruption within The Tares are mingled with the Wheat there is more Sin than Grace yet Grace is habitually predominant Grace is like a Spark in the Sea a wonder it is not quenched a wonder Sin doth not destroy Grace that it doth not do as sometimes the Nurse to the Infant overlay it and it dies so that this Infant of Grace is not smothered by Corruption 2. Temptations without Satan envies us Happiness and he raiseth his Militia stirs up Persecution he shoots his fiery Darts of Temptation they are called Darts for their Swiftness Fiery for their Terribleness we are every day beset with Devils As it was a wonder Daniel was kept alive in the midst of the Roaring Lions so that there are so many Roaring Devils about us and yet we are not torn in pieces Now whence is it we stand against these powerful Temptations We are kept by power of God 3. The Worlds Golden Snares Riches and Pleasure Luke 18.24 How hardly shall they that have Riches enter into the Kingdom of God How many have been cast away upon these golden Sands 2 Tim. 4.10 as Demas What a wonder any Soul perseveres in Religion that the Earth doth not choak the Fire of all good Affections Whence is this but from the power of God We are kept by his power Use 2. Consolation This Doctrin of Perseverance is as Bezar stone 't is a Sovereign Cordial to keep up the Spirits of the Godly from Fainting There is nothing doth more trouble a Child of God than this he fears he shall never hold out these weak Legs of mine will never carry me to Heaven But Perseverance is an inseparable Fruit of Sanctification Once in Christ and for ever in Christ. A Believer may fall from some degrees of Grace but not from the State of Grace An Israelite could never wholly fell or alienate his Land of Inheritance Lev. 25.23 A Type of our Heavenly Inheritance which cannot be wholly alienated from us How despairing is the Arminian Doctrin of falling from Grace To day a Saint to morrow a Reprobate to day a Peter to morrow a Iudas This must needs cut the Sinews of a Christians endeavour and be as the boaring an hole in the Vessel to make all the Wine of his Joy run out Were the Arminian Doctrin true how could the Apostle say The Seed of God remains in him 1 Iohn 3.9 and the anointing of God abides 1 Iohn 2.27 What comfort were it to have ones name written in the Book of Life if it might be blotted out again But be assured for your Comfort Grace if true though never so weak shall persevere Though a Christian hath but little Grace to Trade with yet he need not fear breaking because God doth not only give him a Stock of Grace but will keep his Stock for him Gratia concutitur non excutitur Aug. Grace may be shaken with Fears and Doubts but it cannot be pluck'd up by the Roots Fear not falling away if any thing should hinder the Saints Perseverance then it must be either Sin or Temptation but neither of these 1. Not the Sins of Believers That which humbles them shall not Damn them but their Sins are a means to humble them they gather Grapes of Thorns from the Thorn of Sin they gather the Grape of Humility 2. Not Temptation The Devil lays the Train of his Temptation to blow up the Fort of a Saints Grace but this cannot do it Temptation is a Medicine for Security the more Satan tempts the more the Saints Pray When Paul had the Messenger of Satan to buffet him 2 Cor. 12.8 For this besought I the Lord thrice that it might depart from me Thus nothing can break off a Believer from Christ or hinder his Perseverance let this Wine be given to such as are of an heavy Heart This Perseverance is Comfort 1. In the loss of worldly Comforts When our Goods may be taken away our Grace cannot Luke 10.42 Mary hath chosen the better part which cannot be taken from her 2. In the Hour of Death When all things fail Friends take their farewel of us yet still Grace remains Death may separate all things else from us but Grace A Christian may say on his Death-bed as Olevian once Sight is gone Speech and Hearing are departing but the loving kindness of God will never depart Quest. 1. What Motives and Incentives are there to make Christians persevere Resp. 1. It is the Crown and Glory of a Christian to persevere In Christianis non initia sed fines laudantur Prov. 16.31 The hoary head is a Crown of Glory if found in the way of Righteousness When gray Hairs shine with golden Virtues this is a Crown of Glory The Church of Ihyatira was best at last Rev. 2.19 I know thy patience and thy works and the last to be more than the first The Excellency of a Building is not in having the first stone laid but when it is finished The Glory and Excellency of a Christian is when he hath finished the work of Faith 2. You are within a few Days march of Heaven Salvation is near to you Rom. 13.11 Now is our Salvation nearer than when we believed
Grave and the Holy Ghosts descending upon the Earth This Day is perfum'd with the sweet Odour of Prayer which goes up to Heaven as Incense This Day the Manna falls that Angels Food this is the Soul's Festival Day on this Day all the Graces act their Part The other Days of the Week are most employed about Earth this Day about Heaven Then you gather Straw now Pearl Now Christ takes the Soul up into the Mount and gives it transfiguring Sights of Glory Now Christ leads his Spouse into the Wine-Cellar and displays the Banner of his Love now he gives her his Spiced Wine and the Iuice of the Pomegranate Cant. 8.2 The Lord doth usually reveal himself more to the Soul on this Day The Apostle Iohn was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day Revel 1.10 He was carried up in Divine Raptures towards Heaven This Day a Christian is in the Altitudes he walks with God and takes as it were a turn with him in Heaven 1 Ioh. 1.3 On this Day holy Affections are quickened The Stock of Grace is improved Corruptions are weakened On this Day Satan falls like Lightning before the Majesty of the Word Christ wrought most of his Miracles upon the Sabbath So he doth now The dead Soul is raised the Heart of Stone is made Flesh. How should this Day be highly esteemed and had in Reverence This Day is more precious than Rubies God hath anoynted this Day with the Oyl of Gladness above its Fellows On the Sabbath we are doing Angels Work our Tongues are tuned to God's Praises This Sabbath on Earth is a Shadow and Type of that Glorious Rest and Eternal Sabbath we hope for in Heaven when God shall be the Temple and the Lamb shall be the Light of it Rev. 21.22 23. EXOD. XX. 9 10. Six Days shalt thou labour and do all thy Work but the Seventh Day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt do no manner of Work c. Six Days shalt thou labour God would not have any live out of a Calling Religion seals no Warrant for Idleness 'T is as well a Duty to labour Six Days as to keep Holy Rest on the Seventh Day Six Days shalt thou labour 2 Thess. 3.11 We hear there are some among you walking Disorderly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 working not at all Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Iesus that with Quietness they work and eat their own Bread A Christian must not only mind Heaven but his Calling While the Pilot hath his Eye to the Star he hath his Hand to the Stern Without labour the Pillars of a Common-wealth will dissolve and the Earth will be like the Sluggards Field over-run with Briars Prov. 24.31 Adam in Innocency tho he was the Monarch of the World yet God would not have him idle but he must dress and till the Ground Gen. 2.15 Piety doth not exclude Industry Six Days shalt thou labour Standing Water putrifies The Inanimate Creatures are in Motion The Sun goes its Circuit the Fountain runs the Fire sparkles And Animate Creatures Solomon sends us to the Ant and Pismire to learn Labour Prov. 6.6 Chap. 30.35 The Bee is the Emblem of Industry some of the Bees trim the Honey others work the Wax others frame the Comb others lie Sentinel at the Door of the Hive to keep out the Drone And shall not Man much more inure himself to labour That Law in Paradise was never yet repealed In the Sweat of thy Brows shalt thou eat Bread Gen. 3.19 Such Professors are to to be disliked who talk of living by Faith but live out of a Calling They are like the Lillies which toil not neither do they spin Mat. 6.28 'T is a Speech of Holy and Learned Mr. Perkins Let a Man be endued with excellent Gifts and hear the Word with Reverence and receive the Sacrament yet if he practise not the Duties of his Calling all is but Hypocrisie What is an idle Person good for What benefit is there of a Ship that lies always on the shore Or of Armour that hangs up and rusts To live out of a Calling exposeth a Person to Temptation Melancton calls Idleness Balneum Diaboli the Devil's Bath because he bathes himself with delight in an idle Soul We do not use to sow Seed in ground when it lies fallow but Satan sows most of his Seed of Temptation in such Persons as lie fallow and are out of a Calling Idleness is the Nurse of Vice Seneca an Heathen could say Nullus mihi per Otium Dies exit No Day passeth me without some labour An idle Person stands for a Cypher in the World and God writes down no Cyphers in the Book of Life We read in Scripture of eating the Bread of Idleness Prov. 31.27 and drinking the Wine of Violence Prov. 4.17 It is as well a sin to eat the Bread of Idleness as to drink the Wine of Violence An idle Person can give no account of his Time Time is a Talent to trade with both in our Particular and General Calling The slothful Person hides his Talent in the Earth he doth no good his Time is not lived but lost An idle Person lives unprofitably he cumbers the ground God calls the slothful Servant wicked Mat. 25.26 Thou wicked and slothful Servant Draco whose Laws were written in Blood deprived them of their Life who would not work for their Living In Hetruria they caused such Persons to be banished Idle Persons live in the Breach of this Commandment Six Days shalt thou labour Let them take heed they be not banished Heaven A Man may as well go to Hell for not working in his Calling as for not Believing So I pass to the next But The Seventh Day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt do no manner of work Having spoken already of the Reasons of sanctifying the Sabbath I come now to that Question Quest. In what manner we are to sanctifie the Sabbath Resp. 1. Negatively we must do no Work in it that is expressed in the Commandment In it thou shalt do no manner of Work God hath enclosed this Day for himself therefore we are not to lay it common by doing any Civil Work As Abraham when he went to sacrifice left his Servant and the Ass at the bottom of the Hill Gen. 22.5 So when we are to Worship God this Day we must leave all worldly business behind leave the Ass at the Bottom of the Hill And as Ioseph when he would speak with his Brethren thrust out the Egyptians so when we would converse with God this Day we must thrust out all earthly Employments The Lord's Day is a Day of Holy Rest all secular Works must be forborn and suspended it is a prophaning the Day Nâ—hem 13.15 In these days saw I in Iudah some treading Wine-presses on the Sabbath and bringing in Sheaves as also Wine-Grapes and Figs and all manner of Burdens which they brought into Ierusalem on
will make thee keep it joyfully I will give thee those Enlargements in Duty and that inward Comfort as shall abundantly satisfie thee thy Soul shall overflow with such a stream of Joy that thou shalt say Lord in keeping thy Sabbath there is great Reward And I will cause thee to ride upon the High Places of the Earth That is I will advance thee to Honour ascendere faciam so Munster interprets it Some by the High Places of the Earth understand Iudaea So Grotius I will bring thee into the Land of Iudaea which is higher situated than the other Countries adjacent And I will feed thee with the Heritage of Iacob That is I will feed thee with all the delicious things of Canaan and afterwards I 'll translate thee to Heaven whereof Canaan was but a Type And another Promise Isa. 56.2 Blessed is the Man that doth this that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it Blessed is the Man in the Hebrew it is in the Plural Ashre Blessedness To him that keeps the Sabbath holy here is Blessedness upon Blessedness belongs to him he shall be blessed with the Vpper and Nether Springs he shall be blessed in his Name Estate Soul Progeny Who would not keep the Sabbath from polluting it that shall have so many Blessings entail'd upon him and his Posterity after him 2. A Conscientious keeping the Sabbath seasons the Heart for God's Service all the Week after Christian the more holy thou art on a Sabbath the more holy thou wilt be on the Week following EXOD. XX. 12 Honour thy Father and thy Mother that thy Days may be long upon the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Having done with the First Table I am next to speak of the Duties of the Second Table The Commandments may be likened to Iacob's Ladder The First Table as the Top of the Ladder reacheth to Heaven it respects God The Second Table as the Foot of the Ladder rests on the Earth it respects Superiors and Inferiors By the First Table we walk Religiously towards God by the Second we walk Righteously towards Man He cannot be good in the First Table that is bad in the Second Honour thy Father and thy Mother In this 1. A Command Honour thy Father and thy Mother 2. A Reason annexed to it That thy Days may be long in the Land 1. The Command Honour thy Father Quest. Who is meant here by Father Ans. Father Verbum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is taken several ways the Political Ancient Spiritual Oeconomical Natural First The Political Father the Magistrate He is the Father of his Countrey he is to be an Encourager of Vertue a Punisher of Vice a Father to the Widdow and Orphan Such a Father was Iob Chap. 29.16 I was a Father to the Poor and the Cause which I knew not I searched out And as Magistrates are Fathers so especially the King who is the Head of Magistrates is a Political Father He is placed as the Sun among the lesser Stars The Scripture calls Kings Fathers Isa. 49.23 Kings shall be thy Nursing Fathers They are to nurse up their Subjects in Piety by their good Edicts and Examples and to nurse them up in Peace and Plenty Such nourishing Fathers were David Hezekiah Iosiah Constantine Theodosius It is happy for a People who have such nursing Fathers whose Breasts milk Comfort to their Children These Fathers are to be Honour'd For 1. Their Place deserves Honour God hath set these Political Fathers to preserve Order and Harmony in a Nation and to prevent those State-Convulsions which otherwise might ensue Iudg. 17.6 When there was no King in Israel every man did that which was right in his own Eyes A Wonder Prov. 30.27 2. God hath promoted Kings that they may promote Iustice. As they have a Sword in their Hand to signifie their Power so a Scepter an Emblem of Justice It is said of Marcus Aurelius Emperor That he allotted one Hour of the Day to hear the Complaints of such as were oppressed Kings place Judges as Cherubims about the Throne for distribution of Justice These Political Fathers are to be honoured Honour the King 1 Pet. 2.17 And this Honour is to be shown by a Civil Respect to their Persons and a chearful Submission to their Laws so far as they agree and run parallel with God's Law Kings are to be Pray'd for which is a part of that Honour we give them 1 Tim. 2.1 I exhort that Supplications Prayers Intercessions be made for Kings that we may lead a quiet peaceable Life under them in all Godliness and Honesty We are to pray for Kings that God would honour them to be Blessings that under them we may enjoy the Gospel of Peace and the Peace of the Gospel How happy was the Reign of Numa Pompilius when the Swords were beaten into Plough-shares and the Bees made their Hives of the Soldiers Helmets Secondly There is the grave ancient Father who is Venerable for old Age whose Grey Hairs are resembled to the White Flowers of the Almond-tree Eccles. 12.5 These are Fathers for Seniority on whose wrinkled Brows and in the Furrows of whose Cheeks is pictur'd the Map of Old Age. These Fathers are to be honoured Levit. 19.32 Thou shalt rise up before the hoary Head and honour the Face of the Old Man Especially those are to honoured who are Fathers not only for their Seniority but their Piety whose Souls are flourishing when their Bodies are a decaying 'T is a blessed sight to see the Spring of Grace in the Autumn of Old Age To see Men stooping towards the Grave yet going up the Hill of God To see them lose their Colour yet keep their Savour Such whose silver Hairs are crowned with Righteousness are worthy of double Honour They are to be honoured not only as Pieces of Antiquity but as Patterns of Vertue If you see an Old Man fearing God whose Grace shines brightest when the Sun of his Life is setting O honour him as a Father by reverencing and imitating him Thirdly There are Spiritual Fathers as Pastors and Ministers These are the Instruments of the New-Birth 1 Cor. 4.15 Tho you have Ten Thousand Instructors yet have ye not many Fathers for in Christ Iesus I have begotten you through the Gospel The Spiritual Fathers are to be honoured 1. In respect of their Office What-ever their Persons are their Office is honourable They are the Messengers of the Lord of Hosts Mal. 2.7 They represent no less than God himself 2 Cor. 5.20 Now then we are Ambassadors for Christ. Jesus Christ was of this Calling he had his Mission and Sanction from Heaven Ioh. 8.18 And this Crowns the Ministerial Calling with Honour 2. Ministers these Spiritual Fathers are to be honoured for their Work sake they come like the Dove with an Olive-branch in their Mouth they preach glad Tidings of Peace Their Work is to save Souls Other Callings have only to do with Mens Bodies or Estates but the Ministers
a Debtor cannot pay his Creditor how can he merit at his hands 3. That the Scripture is not a perfect Rule of Faith and Man errs therefore they eek it out with their Traditions which they hold to be of equal Authority 4. They teach that an implicite Faith is saving though one may have an implicite Faith yet be ignorant of all the Articles of Religion 5. They say that the inward act of the Mind is not required in Gods Worship Diversion of Mind in Duty though one prayes and never thinks of God is no Sin saith Angelus and Sylvester and other Papists 6. The Papists make Habitual Love to God unnecessary It is not needful saith Bellarmine to perform any acts of Religion out of love to God Stapleton and Cajetan affirm that the Precept of loving God with all our heart is not binding by which they cut asunder the Sinews and Soul of all Religion Thus instead of honouring Gods name the Papists dishonour it Let us pray heartily that this Romish Religion may never get footing again in this Nation God grant that this poysonful weed of Popery may never be watered here But that it being a Plant which our Heavenly Father hath not planted it may be rooted up 5. Gods Name is dishonoured by Carnal Protestants How is Gods name this day dishonoured in England His name is like the Sun in an eclipse Christians instead of hallowing Gods name reproach and dishonour it 1. By their Tongues 2. By their Lives 1. By their Tongues 1. They speak irreverently of Gods name Gods name is sacred Deut. 28.58 That thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name The Lord thy God The names of Kings are not mentioned without giving them their Titles of Honour High and Mighty but Men speak irreverently of God as if he were like one of them Psal. 50.21 this is a taking Gods name in vain 2. They swear by his name Many seldom name Gods name but in Oaths How is God dishonoured when Men rend and tear his name by Oaths and Imprecations Ier. 23.10 Because of swearing the land mourns If God will reckon with Men for idle Words shall not idle Oaths be put in the Account-Book O but saith one I cannot help it it is a custom of swearing I have got and I hope God will forgive me Answ. Is this a good Plea a custom of swearing This is no excuse but an aggravation of Sin As if one that had been accused for killing a Man should plead with the Judge to spare him because it was his custom to murder This were an aggravation of the offence Will not the Judge say thou shalt the rather dye So it is here 2. As Men dishonour God by their Tongues so by their Lives What is it to say Hallowed be thy Name when in their Lives they profane his name they dishonour God by their Atheism Sabbath-breaking Uncleanness Perjury Intemperance Injustice Men hang out a Flag of Defiance against Heaven As the Thracians when it thunders shoot their Arrowes against Heaven so Men shoot their Sins as bearded Arrowes against Heaven Sinners are hardened in Sin they despise Counsel they laugh at Reproof they have cast off the vail of Modesty Satan hath taken such full possession of them that when they sin they glory in their shame Phil. 3.19 they brag how many new Oaths they have invented how oft they have been drunk how many they have defiled they declare their sin as Sodom Such horrid impieties are committed that a modest Heathen would blush at Men in this Age sin at that rate as if either they did not believe there were an Hell or as if they feared Hell would be full ere they could get thither Was Gods name ever so openly dishonoured All our Preaching will not make them leave their Sins What a black vail is drawn over the face of Religion at this day Vivimus in temporum faecibus Sen. We live in the dregs of time wherein the common shore of wickedness runs Physitians call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 when there is no part of the Body free from Distemper England hath a Kakexy it is all over disease The whole head is sick the whole heart is faint Isa. 1.6 As black Vapours rising out of the earth cloud and darken the Sun so the Sins of People in our Age like Hellish Vapours cast a cloud upon Gods glorious name O that our Eyes were like Limbecks dropping the water of holy tears to consider how Gods name instead of being hallowed is polluted and profaned And may not we justly fear some heavy Judgments Can God put up our affronts any longer Can he endure to have his name reproached Will a King suffer his Crown-Jewels to be trampled in the dust Do not we see the symptoms of Gods Anger do we not see his Judgments hovering over us Sure God is whetting his Sword he hath bent his Bow and is preparing his Arrowes to shoot Qualis per arva Leo fulvam minaci fronte concutiens jubam Sen. Trag. The Body Politick is in a Paroxism or burning Fit and may not the Lord cause a sad Phlebotomy Seeing we will not leave our Sins he may make us lose our Blood May not we fear that the Ark should remove the Vision cease the Stars in Gods Church be removed and we should follow the Gospel to the grave When Gods name which should be hallowed is profaned among a People it is just with God to write that dismal Epitaph upon a Nations Tomb The Glory is departed And that I may speak to the Consciences of all and deal impartially it were well if only the profane party were guilty but may not many Professors be called to the Bar and indited of this that they have dishonoured Gods name 2 Chron. 28.10 Are there not with you even with you sins against the Lord your God Are there not the spots of Gods Children Deut. 3◠5 If you are Diamonds have you no flawes Have not you your vanities If your Discourse be not profane is it not vain Have not you your self-seekings rash censures indecent dresses If the wicked of the Land swear do not you sometimes slander If they are drunk with wine are not you sometimes drunk with passion If their sin be blaspheming is not your sin murmuring Are there not with you even with you sins against the Lord The sins of Gods Children go nearer to his heart than the sins of others Deut. 32.19 When the Lord saw it he abhorred them because of the provoking of his sons and daughters The sins of the wicked anger God the sins of his own people grieve him he will be sure to punish them Amos 3.2 You only have I known of all the families of the earth therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities O that our head were waters that we could make this place a Bochim a place of weepers that Gods Children might mix blushing with tears that they have so little hallowed and so
Heaven If the Prayers of the Saints have so much power with God then what hath Christs Prayer how can the Children of such Prayers miscarry how can they fall short of the Kingdom who have him praying for them who is not only a Priest but a Son and besides what he prays for as he is Man that he hath power to give as he is God thus you see how a Christian comes to Persevere till he comes to the Kingdom Object But methinks I hear some Christians say if only perseverance obtains the Kingdom they fear they shall not come thither they fear they shall faint by the way and the weak legs of their Grace will never carry them to the Kingdom of Heaven Answ. Wert thou indeed to stand in thy own strength thou mightest fall away that Branch withers and dies which hath no Root to grow upon thou growest upon the Root Christ who will be daily sending forth vital influence to strengthen thee thou art imbecil and weak in Grace yet fear not falling short of Heaven For 1. God hath made a promise to weak Believers what is a bruised Reed but the Emblem of a weak Faith yet it hath a Promise made to it Mat. 12.20 A bruised Reed he will not break God hath promised to supply the weak Christian with so much Grace as he shall need till he comes to Heaven Beside the two Pence which the good Samaritan left to pay for the Cure of the poor wounded Man he passed his Word for all that he should need beside Luke 10.35 So Christ doth not only give a little Grace in hand but his Bond for more that he will give as much Grace as a Saint shall need till he comes to Heaven Psal. 84.11 The Lord will give Grace and Glory that is a fresh supply of Grace till it be perfected in Glory 2. God hath most care of his weak Saints who fear they shall never hold out till they come to the Kingdom doth not the Mother tend the weak Child most Isa. 40.11 He will gather the Lambs in his Arms and carry them in his Bosom If thou thinkest thou art so weak that thou shalt never hold out till thou comest to Heaven thou shalt be carried in the Arms of the Almighty he gathers the Lambs in his Arms Christ the Lyon of the Tribe of Iudah marched before hi◠People and his Power is their Rear-ward so that none of them faint or dye in their March to Heaven 3. Quest. What are the Encouragements to make Christians hold on till they come to the Kingdom of Heaven Answ. 1. It is a great Credit to a Christian not only to hold forth the Truth but to hold fast the Truth till he comes to Heaven when Grace doth flourish into perseverance and with the Church of Thyatira our last works are more then our first Rev. 2.19 This is insigne honoris a Star of Honour 'T is matter of renown to see gray hairs shine with golden vertues the Excellency of a thing lies in the finishing of it What is the excellency of a Building not when the first stone is laid but when it is finished so the beauty and excellency of a Christian is when he hath finished his Faith having done his work is landed safe in Heaven 2. You that have made a progress in Religion have not many Miles to go before you come at the Kingdom of Heaven Rom. 13.11 Now is our Salvation neerer then when we believed You who have hoary hairs your green Tree is turned into an Almond-tree you are near to Heaven it is but going a little further and you will set your Feet within Heaven Gates Oh therefore now be encouraged to hold out your Salvation is nearer then when you first began to believe Our diligence should be greater when our Salvation is nearer When a Man is almost at the end of the Race will he now tire and faint will he not put forth all his strength and strain every Limb that he may lay hold upon the Prize Our Salvation is now nearer the Kingdom is as it were within sight how should we now put forth all our strength that we may lay hold upon the Garland of Glory Doctor Taylour when he was going to his Martyrdom I have saith he but two Stiles to go over and I shall be at my Fathers House Though the way to Heaven be up hill you must climb the steepy Rock of Mortification and though there be Thorns in the way viz. Sufferings yet you have gone the greatest part of your way you are within a few days march of the Kingdom and will not you persevere Christian pluck up thy Courage fight the good fight of Faith pursue Holiness 't is but a while and you shall put off your Armour and end all your weary Marches and receive a Victorious Crown your Salvation is nearer you are within a little of the Kingdom therefore now presevere you are ready to commence and take your Degree of Glory 3. The blessed promise annexed to Perseverance the promise is a Crown of Life Rev 2.10 Death is a Worm that feeds in the Crowns of Princes but behold here a living Crown and a never-fading Crown 1 Pet. 5.4 and Rev. 2.28 He that overcometh and keepeth my works to the end I will give him Stellam matutinam the Morning Star The Morning Star is brighter then the rest this Morning Star is meant of Christ as if Christ had said I will give to him that perseveres some of my Beauty I will put some of my illustrious Rays upon him he shall have the next degree of Glory to me as the Morning Star is next the Sun will not this animate and make us hold out we shall have a Kingdom and that which is better then the Kingdom a bright Morning Star 4 Quest. What are the means conducing to perseverance or what shall we do that we may hold out to the Kingdom Resp. 1. Take up Religion upon good Grounds not in a Fit or Humour or out of worldly design but be deliberate weigh things well in the Ballance Luke 14.28 Which of you intending to build a Tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cost Think with your selves what Religion must cost you it must cost you the parting with your sins and what is may cost you it may cost you the parting with your Lives consider if a Kingdom will not countervail your Sufferings weigh things well and then make your choice Psal. 119.30 I have chosen the way of thy Truth Why do many Apostatize and fall away but because they did never sit down and count the cost 2. If we would hold out to the Kingdom let us cherish the Grace of Faith 1 Cor. 1.24 By Faith ye stand Faith like Hercules Club it beats down all Oppositions before it 't is a conquering Grace Quest. How comes Faith to be so strong Resp. Faith fetcheth Christs strength into the Soul Phil. 4.13 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A Captain
motion was reckoned among the unclean Lev. 11.30 A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom Prov. 19.24 he is loath to pull it out though it be to lay hold on a Crown Non capit porta illa Caelestis torpore languidos Brugens The Devil himself cannot be charged with idleness 1 Pet. 5.8 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He walketh about An idle Soul stands in the World for a cypher and God writes down no cyphers in the Book of Life Heaven is no hive for Drones an idle person is fit for a temptation When the Bird sits still upon the bough then it is in danger of the gun one sits still in sloath then the Devil shoots him with a temptation standing water putrifies Heathens will rise up in Judgment against supine Christians What pains did they take in the Olympick Games they ran but for a Garland of Flowers or Olive 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith Chrysâ—stom and do we sit still who run for a Kingdom How can he expect a Reward that never works or a Crown that never fights Inertia animae somnus sloath is the Souls sleep Adam when he was asleep lost his Rib and when a person is in the deep sleep of sloath he loseth Salvation 16. Holy activity and industry doth enoble a Christian Labor splendore decoratur Cicero The more excellent any thing is the more active The Sun is a glorious Creature it is ever in motion going its circuit Fire is the purest Element and the most active 't is ever sparkling and flaming The Angels are the most Noble Creatures they are represented by the Cherubims with Wings displayed The more active for Heaven the more illustrious and the more do we resemble the Angels The Phenix flyes with a Coronet on its head the industrious Soul hath his Coronet his labour is his ensign of honour 17. It is Mercy that there is a possibility of Happiness and that upon our pains taking we may have a Kingdom by our Fall in Adam we forfeited Heaven why might not God have dealt with us as with the lapsed Angels they had no sooner sinned but were expell'd Heaven never to come thither more we may say as the Apostle Rom. 11.22 Behold the Goodness and severity of God To the Apostate Angels behold the severity of God that he should throw them down to Hell for ever to us behold the goodness of God that he hath put us into a possibility of Mercy and if we do but take pains there is a Kingdom stands ready for us how may this whet and sharpen our Industry that we are in a Capacity of Salvation and if we do but what we are able we shall receive an eternal weight of Glory 18. Our labour for the Kingdom of Heaven is minute and transient it is not to last long our labour expires with our life 't is but a while and we shall leave off working for a little labour an eternal Rest Who would think much to wade through a little water that were sure to be crowned as soon as he came at shore Christians let this encourage you you have but a little more pains to take a few Tears more shed a few more Sabbaths kept and behold an Eternal Recompence of Reward what are a few Tears to a Crown a few Minutes of time to an Eternity of Glory 19. What striving is there for earthly Kingdoms which are corruptible and subject to change With what Vigour and Alacrity did Hannibal's Soldiers continue their March over the Alps and craggy Rocks and Caesars Soldiers fight with Hunger and Cold. Men will break through Laws and Oaths they will swim to the Crown in Blood will they venture thus for earthly Promotions and shall not we strive more for an Heavenly Kingdom 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrysost. This is a Kingdom which cannot be shaken Heb. 12.28 A Kingdom where there is unparallel'd Beauty unstained Honour unmixed joy a Kingdom where there shall be nothing present which we could wish were removed nor nothing absent which we could wish were enjoyed Sure if there be any Spark of Grace or true Generosity in our Breasts we will not suffer our selves to be out-striven by others we will not let them take more pains for earthly Honours then we do for that excellent Glory which will crown all our desires 20. How much pains do some Men take to go to Hell and shall not we take more pains to go to Heaven Ier. 9.5 They weary themselves to commit Iniquity Sinners hackny themselves out in the Devils Service What Pains do some Men take to satisfy their unclean Lusts they wast their Estates wear the shameful marks of their sin about them they will visit the Harlots house though it stands the next door to hell Prov. 7.27 Her house is the way to Hell What pains do others take in persecuting Holiness is the white they shoot at 'T is said of Antiochus Epiphanes he undertook more tedious Journies and went upon greater hazards to vex and oppose the Iews then any of his Predecessors had done in getting of Victories The Devil blows the horn and Men ride Posâ— to hell as if they feared hell would be full ere they could get thither When Satan had entred into Iudas how active was Iudas he goes to the High Priests from them to the Band of Soldiers and with them back again to the Garden and never left till he had betrayed Christ How industrious were the idolatrous Iews so fiercely were they bent upon their sin that they would sacrifice their Sons and Daughters to their Idol Gods Ier. 32.35 Do Men take all this Pains for hell and shall not we take pains for the Kingdom of Heaven The wicked have nothing to encourage them in their Sins they have all the threatenings of God as a flaming Sword against them O let it never be said that the Devils Servants are more active then Christs that they serve him better who rewards them only with Fire and Brimstone then we do God who rewards us with a Kingdom 21. The labour we take for Heaven is a labour full of pleasure Prov. 3.17 A Man sweats at his Recreation tires himself with hunting but there is a delight he takes in it which sweetens it Rom. 7.22 I delight in the Law of God in the inner Man Gr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I take pleasure Not only is the Kingdom of Heaven delightful but the way thither What delight hath a gracious Soul in Prayer Isa. 56.7 I will make them joyful in my house of Prayer While a Christian weeps there is joy drops with Tears while he is musing on God he hath such illapses of the Spirit and as it were such Transfigurations of Soul that he thinks himself half in Heaven Psal. 63.5 6. My Soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness and my Mouth shall praise thee with joyful Lips when I remember thee upon my Bed c. A Christians work for Heaven is like a Bridegrooms work
on the Morning of the Marriage day he puts on his Vesture and wedding Robes in which he shall be married to his Bride so in all the Duties of Religion we are putting on those wedding Robes in which we shall be married to Christ in Glory O what solace and inward Peace is there in close walking with God Isa. 32.17 The Work of Righteousness shall be Peace Serving of God is like gathering of Spices or Flowers wherein there is some labour but the labour is recompenced with delight Working for Heaven is like digging in a Gold Mine the digging is labour but getting the Gold is pleasure O then let us bestir our selves for the Kingdom of Heaven it is a labour full of Pleasure a Christian would not part with his Joy for the most delicious Musick he would not exchange his Anchor of Hope for a Crown of Gold Well might David say in keeping thy Precepts there is great Reward Psal. 19.11 not only after keeping thy Precepts but in keeping them a Christian hath both the Spring Flowers and the Crop inward delight in serving God there is the Spring Flowers and the Kingdom of Glory at last there is the full Crop 22. How industrious have the Saints in former Ages been they thought they could never do enough for Heaven they could never serve God enough love him enough minus te amavi Domine Austin Lord I have loved thee too little What Pains did Saint Paul take for the Heavenly Kingdom Phil. 3.13 Reaching forth unto those things which are before 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Greek Word to reach forth signifies to stretch out the neck a Metaphor from Racers who strain every Limb and reach forward to lay hold on the Prize Anna the Prophetess Luke 2.37 departed not from the Temple but served God with Fastings and Prayers night and day Basil the Great by much labour and watching exhausted his bodily strength Let Racks Pullies and all torments come upon me said Ignatius so I may win Christ. The Industry and Courage of former Saints who are now crowned with Glory should provoke our diligence that so at last we may sit down with them in the Kingdom of Heaven 23. The more pains we take for Heaven the more welcome will Death be to us What is it makes Men so loath to dye they are like a Tenant that will not out of the House till the Sergeant pull him out they love not to hear of Death why so because their Conscience accuseth them that they have taken little or no pains for Heaven they have been sleeping when they should have been working and now they are afraid least Death should carry them Prisoners to Hell Whereas he who hath spent his time in serving of God he can look Death in the Face with comfort he was wholly taken up about Heaven and now he shall be taken up to Heaven he traded before in Heaven and now he shall go to live there Phil. 1.23 Cupio dissolvi I desire to be dissolved and be with Christ Paul had wholly laid out himself for God 1 Cor. 15.10 and now he knew there was a Crown laid up for him and he longed to take Possession Thus I have given you twenty three Perswasives or Arguments to exert and put forth your utmost diligence for the obtaining the Kingdom of Heaven O that these Arguments were written in all your Hearts as with the Point of a Diamond and because delaies in these Cases are dangerous let me desire you to set upon this Work for Heaven presently Psal. 119.60 I made hast and delayed not to keep thy Commandments Many People are convinced of the necessity of looking after the Kingdom of Glory but they say as those Hagg. 1.2 The time is not yet come They adjourn and put off till their time is slip'd away and so they lose the Kingdom of Heaven beware of this fallacy delay strengthens sin hardens the heart and gives the Devil fuller possession of a Man 1 Sam. 21.8 The Kings business requires hast so the business of Salvation requires hast do not put off an hour longer volat ambiguis mobilis alis hora what assurance have you that you shall live another day have you any lease of life granted why then do you not presently arise out of the Bed of Sloath and put forth all your strength and Spirits that you may be possessed of the Kingdom of Glory should not things of the highest importance be done first setling a Mans Estate and clearing the Title to his Land is not delayed but done in the first place what is there of such grand importance as this the saving of your Souls and the gaining of a Kingdom therefore to day hear Gods Voice now mind Eternity now get your Title to Heaven cleared before the Decree of Death bring forth what imprudence is it to lay the heaviest Load upon the weakest Horse so to lay the heavy Load of Repentance on thy self when thou art infeebled by sickness the Hands shake the Lips quiver the Heart faints O be wise in time now prepare for the Kingdom He who never begins his Voyage to Heaven but in the storm of Death it is a thousand to one if he doth not suffer an Eternal Shipwrack VSE VI. Of Exhortation 1. Branch If there be such a glorious Kingdom a coming then you who have any good hope through Grace that you are the Heirs of this Kingdom let me exhort you to six things 1. Often take a Prospect of this heavenly Kingdom climb up the Caelestial Mount take a turn as it were in Heaven every day by holy Meditation Psal. 48.12 13. Walk about Sion tell the Towers thereof mark well her Bulwarks See what a glorious Kingdom Heaven is go-tell the Towers view the Palaces of the Heavenly Ierusalem Christian show thy Heart the Gates of Pearl the Bed of Spices the Clusters of Grapes which grow in the Paradise of God say O my Soul all this Glory is thine it is thy Fathers good pleasure to give thee this Kingdom The Thoughts of Heaven are very delightful and ravishing can Men of the World so delight in viewing their Bags of Gold and Fields of Corn and shall not the Heirs of Promise take more delight in contemplating the Caelestial Kingdom The serious Meditation of the Kingdom of Glory would work these three effects 1. It would put a damp and slur upon all worldly Glory Those who stand upon the top of the Alps the great Cities of Campania seem but small in their eye Could we look through the Perspective Glass of Faith and take a view of Heavens Glory how small and minute would all other things appear Moses slighted the Honours of Pharaohs Court having an eye to the Recompence of Reward Heb. 11.26 St. Paul who had a Vision of Glory and Saint Iohn who was carried away in the Spirit and saw the holy Ierusalem descending out of Heaven having the Glory of God in it Rev. 21.11 how did the world
a Son of Sorrow it cost her her Life in bringing forth Gen. 35.18 We must pray for outward things with submission to Gods Will else they come in anger 2. When we pray for things pertaining to this Life we must desire Temporal things for Spiritual ends we must desire these things to be as helps in our journey to Heaven If we pray for Health it must be that we may improve this talent of Health for Gods Glory and may be fitter for his Service If we pray for a competency of Estate it must be for an holy end that we may be kept from the temptations which Poverty usually exposeth to and that we may be in a better capacity to sow the golden seeds of Charity and relieve such as are in want Temporal things must be prayed for for Spiritual ends Hannah prayed for a Child but it was for this end that her Child might be devoted to God 1 Sam. 1.11 O Lord if thou wilt remember me and wilt give unto thine hand-maid a man child then I will give him unto the Lord all the dayes of his life Many pray for outward things only to gratifie their sensual appetite The ravens cry for food Psal. 147.9 To pray for outward things only to satisfie Nature is to cry rather like Ravens than Christians We must have an higher end in our Prayers we must aim at Heaven while we are praying for Earth And must we pray for Temporal things for Spiritual ends that we may be fitter to serve God then how wicked are they who beg Temporal Mercies that they may be more inabled to sin against God Iam. 4.3 Ye ask that ye may consume it upon your lusts One Man is sick and he prays for Health that he may be among his Cups and Harlots another prays for an Estate he would not only have his Belly filled but his Barns and why would he be rich that he may raise his Name or that having more power in his hand he may now take a fuller revenge on his enemies This is impiety joyned with impudence to pray to God to give us Temporal things that we may be the better inabled to serve the Devil VSE If we are to pray for Temporal good things then how much more for Spiritual if we are to pray for Bread then how much more for the Bread of Life if for Oyl then how much more for the Oyl of gladness if we pray to have our hunger satisfied much more should we pray to have our Souls saved Alas what if God should hear our Prayers and grant us these Temporal things and no more what were we the better What is it to have Food and want Grace what is it to have the back clothed and the Soul naked to have a South land and want the living springs in Christs Blood what comfort could that be O therefore let us be earnest for Spiritual Mercies Lord do not only feed me but sanctifie me rather an Heart full of Grace than an House full of Gold If we are to pray for daily Bread the things of this Life much more for the things of the Life that is to come 3. From this word give I note That they who God hath given a large measure of outward things to yet we must pray Give us daily Bread And this may answer a Question Quest. Some may say we have an Estate already and what need we pray Give us daily Bread Answ. Supposing we have a plentiful Estate yet we need make this Petition Give us Bread And that upon a double account 1. That we may have a Blessing upon our Food and all that we enjoy Psalm 132.5 I will bless her provision Man lives not by bread alone but by every word which proceedeth out of Gods mouth Matth. 4.4 what is that but a word of Blessing Though the Bread is in our hand yet the Blessing is in Gods hand and it must be fetch'd out of his hand by Prayer Well therefore may rich Men pray Give us our Bread let it be seasoned with a Blessing If God should with-hold a Blessing nothing we have would do us good our Cloths would not warm us our Food would not nourish us Psal. 106.15 He gave them their request but sent leanness into their soul that is they pined away and their Meat did not nourish them If God should with-hold a Blessing what we eat would turn to bad humours and hasten Death If God doth not bless our Riches they will do us more hurt than good Eccl. 5.13 Riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt So that granting we have plentiful Estates yet we had need pray Give us our Bread let us have a Blessing with what we have 2. Though we have Estates yet we had need pray give that we may hereby engage God to continue these Comforts to us How many Casualties may fall out How many have had Corn in their Barn and a fire hath come on a sudden and consumed all How many have had losses at Sea and great Estates boyled away to nothing Ruth 1.21 I went out full and the Lord hath brought me home again empty Therefore tho' we have Estates yet we had need pray Give us Lord give a continuance of these Comforts that they may not before we are aware take wings and fly from us So much for this first word in the Petition Give Secondly Vs. Give us Quest. Why do we pray here in the plural Why give us Why is it not said Give me Answ. To show that we are to have publick Spirits in Prayer we must not only pray for our selves but others both the Law of God and the Law of Love bind us to this We must love our Neighbours as our selves therefore we must pray for them as well as for our selves Every good Christian hath a fellow-feeling of the wants and miseries of others and he prays that God would extend his bounty to them especially he prays for the Saints Eph. 6.18 Praying alwayes for all Saints These are Children of the Family VSE I. Should we have publick Spirits in Prayer Give us it reproves such narrow-spirited Men as move only within their own sphere they look only at themselves but mind not the case of others they leave others out of their Prayers if they have daily Bread they care not though others starve if they are cloathed they care not though others go naked Christ hath taught us to pray for others Give us but selfish persons are shut up within themselves as the Snail in the shell and never speak a word in Prayer for others These have no commiseration or pity they are like Iudas whose Bowels fell out VSE II. Let us pray for others as well as for our selves Give us Vir bonus aliis prodest aeque ac sibi Spiders work only for themselves but Bees work for the good of others the more excellent any thing is the more it operates for the good of others The Springs refresh others with
the Serpent And Dan. 6.4 The Presidents and Princes â—ought to find occasion against Daniel but they could find no occasion or fault Behold here the innocency of the Dove Look on St. Paul Acts 23.6 When Paul perceived that the one part were Sadduces and the other Pharisees he cried out I am a Pharisee By which Speech Paul got all the Pharisees on his side Here was the Wisdom of the Serpent And ver 1. I have lived in all good Conscience before God until this day Here was the innocency of the Dove How amiable is this the Vnion of the Dove and the Serpent The Scripture joins these two together Meekness of Wisdom Jam. 3.13 Wisdom there is the Serpent Meekness there is the Dove This beautifies a Christian when he hath the Serpenâ—'s Eye in the Dove's Head We must have Innocency with our Wisdom else our Wisdom is but Craftiness and we must have Wisdom with our Innocency else our Innocency is but Weakness We must have the Innocency of the Dove that we may not circumvent others and we must have the Wisdom of the Serpent that others may not circumvent us We must have the Innocency of the Dove that we may not betray the Truth and the Wisdom of the Serpent that we may not betray our selves In short Religion without Policy is too weak to be safe Policy without Religion is too subtil to be good When Wisdom and Innocency like Castor and Pollux appear together they presage the Soul's Happiness Doct. 3. That Christians must be both wise and innocent I begin with the first Wise Be ye wise as Serpents 1. I shall speak concerning Wisdom in general Solomon saith Wisdom is the principal thing Prov. 4.7 'T is better than Riches Prov. 31.14 Happy is the Man that findeth Wisdom for the Merchandise of it is better than the Merchandise of Silver If the Mountains were Pearl if every sand of the Sea were a Diamond it were not comparable to Wisdom Without Wisdom a person is like a Ship without a Pilot in danger to split upon Rocks Iob sets forth the Encomium and Praise of Wisdom Iob. 28.13 18. The Price of Wisdom is above Rubies The Ruby is a precious Stone transparent of a red fiery colour It is reported of one of the Kings of India that he wore a Ruby of that bigness and splendor that he might be seen by it in the dark But Wisdom castâ— a more sparkling colour than the Ruby it makes us shine as Angels No Chain of Pearl you wear doth so adorn you as Wisdom Wisdom consists chiefly in three things 1. Knowlâ—dge to discern 2. Skill to judge 3. Activity to prosecute 1. Knowledge to discern wherein Happiness lies 2. Skill to judge what will be the fittest Means to conduce to it 3. Activity to prosecute those things which will certainly accomplish that End So much for Wisdom in general More particularly Wisdom is variously distinguished 'T is either Natural or Moral or Theological 1. A Natural Wisdom Which is seen in finding out the Arcana Naturae the Secrets of Nature Aristotle was by some of the Ancients called an Eagle fallen from the Clouds because he was of such raised Intellectuals and had so profound an insight into the Causes of Things This Natural Wisdom is adorning but it is not sufficient to Salvation St. Hierom brings in Aristotle with his Syllogisms and Tully with his Rhetorick crying out in Hell 2. A Moral Wisdom Which consists in two Things Malum respuendo Bonum elegendo Moral Wisdom lies in the rejection of those things which are prejudicial and the election of those things which are beneficial This is called PRVDENCE Knowledge without Prudence may do hurt Many a man's Wit hath undone him for want of Wisdom 3. A Theological or Sacred Wisdom which is our knowing of God who is the supream and sovereign Good Greece was counted the Eye of the World for Wisdom and Athens the Eye of Greece but neither of them knew God Acts 17.23 I found an Altar with this Inscription 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 To the unknown God To know God in whom is both Verum Bonum Truth and Goodness is the Master-piece of Wisdom 1 Chron. 28.9 And thou Solomon my Son know thou the God of thy Father And this knowledge of God is through Christ. Christ is the Glass in which the Face of God is seen Col. 1.15 And then we know God aright when we know him not only with a knowledge of Speculation but Appropriation Psal. 48.14 This God is OVR God This knowledge of God is the most sublime Wisdom therefore 't is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Wisdom from above Jam. 3.17 But to come nearer to the Text and speak of the Wisdom of the Serpent Be ye wise as Serpents Quest. But must we in every thing be like the Serpent Answ. No. Our Saviour meant not that in every thing we should imitate the Serpent I shall shew you 1. Wherein we should not be like the Serpent 2. Wherein we should be like the Serpent I. Wherein we should not be like the Serpent 1. The Serpent eats Dust. Isa. 65.25 Dust shall be the Serpent's Meat It was a Curse upoâ— the Serpent Thus we should not be like the Serpent to feed immoderately on earthly Things It is absurd for him that hath an heaven-born Soul capable of Communion with God and Angels to eat greedily the Serpent's Meat A Christian hath better Food to feed on the heavenly Manna the precious Promises the Body and Blood of Christ. 'T is counted a Miracle to find a Diamond in a Gold-Mine and it is as great a Miracle to find Christ the Pearl of Price in an earthly heart The Lapwing wears a little Coronet on its head yet feeds on dung To have a Crown of Profession on the head yet feed inordinately on these dunghil-Comforts is unworthy of a Christian. What a poor contemptible thing is the World It cannot fill the Heart If Satan should take a Christian up to the top of the Pinacle and shew him all the Kingdoms and Glory of the World what could he shew him but a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Shew a pleasant Delusion There is a lawful Vse God allows of these outward things but the Sin is in the Excess The Bee may suck a little Honey from the Leaf but put it in a Barrel of Honey and it is drown'd The wicked are thus characterized Ephes. 3.19 They mind earthly things They are like Saul hid among the Stuff We should be as Eagles flying aloft towards Heaven not as Serpents creeping on the Earth and licking the Dust. 2. The Serpent is deceitful The Serpent useth many Shifts and glides so cunningly that we cannot trace him This was one of those four things which wise Agur could not find out the way of a Serpent upon a Rock Prov. 30.19 'T is a deceitful Creature We should not in this sence be like the Serpent for deceitfulness Naturally we too much resemble
is it to do well a while and then by Apostasie to unravel all As if a Limner should with his Pencil draw a fair Picture and then come with his Spunge and wipe it out again 6. Consider the Examples of such as have continued their Progress unweariably in a Christian course The Apostle sets before our Eyes a Cloud of Witnesses Heb. 12.1 Being compassed about with so great a Cloud of Witnesses let us run the Race that is set before us let us run it with celerity and constancy How many Noble Martyrs and Confessors of old have walked in the ways of God though they have been strew'd with Thorns they scorned Preferments laughed at imprisonments and their love to Christ burned hotter than the Fire Polycarp when he came before the Proconsul and he bad him deny Christ he replyed Octoginta fexannos illi inservii c. I have served Christ these 86 years and he hath not once hurt me and shall I deny him now Tertullian saith such was the constancy of the Primitive Saints that the Persecutors cryed out Quae miseria est haec What a Misery is this that we are more weary in tormenting than they are in enduring Torment Let us tread in their steps who through Faith and Patience inherit the Promises 7. It will be our Comfort on our Death-bed to review a well-spent Life It was Augustus's wish that he might have an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a quiet easie Death If any thing make our Pillow easie at Death it will be this that we have been unweariable in God's Work This will be a Death-bed Cordial Did you ever know any repent at Death that they have been too Holy Many have repented that they have followed the World too much not that they have prayed too much that they have repented too much What hath made Death sweet but that they have finished their Course and kept the Faith 8. Think of the Great Reward we shall have if we do not give over or grow weary and that is Glory and Immortality 1. This Glory is ponderous 't is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Weight of Glory 2 Cor. 4.17 The Weight adds to the Worth the weightier a Crown of Gold is the more it is worth 2. It is satisfying Psal. 17.15 I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness This Glory will abundantly recompense all our Labours and Sufferings The Joy of Harvest makes amends for all the Labour in sowing O what an Harvest shall the Saints reap It will be always reaping time in Heaven and this reaping will be in the due season So the Apostle saith in the Text we shall reap 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in due Season The Husband-man doth not desire to reap till the Season he will not reap his Corn while it is green but when it is ripe So we shall reap the Reward of Glory in due Season When our Work is done when our Sins are purged out when our Graces are come to their full growth then is the Season of reaping Therefore let us not be weary of well-doing but hold on in Prayer Reading and all the Exercises of Religion we shall reap in due season if we faint not To keep us from fainting know that the Reward promised is very near Rom. 13.11 Our Salvation is nearer than when we believed We are but within a few Days March of the Heavenly Canaan It is but a few more Prayers and Tears shed and we shall be perfected in Glory as that Martyr Dr. Taylor said I have but one Style more to go over and I shall be at my Father's House Stay but a while Christians and your Troubles will be over and your Coronation-Day shall come Christ who is the Oracle of Truth hath said Behold I come quickly Rev. 22.20 And yet Death 's coming is sooner than Christ's Personal coming and then begins the Saints Blessed Iubile Quest. What Means shall we use that we may not wax weary in a Christian course Answ. 1. Let us otium excutere shake off Spiritual Sloath. Sloath saith there is a Lyon in the way He who is sloathful will soon grow weary he is fitter to lie on his Couch than to run a Race It is a strange Sight to see a busie Devil and an idle Christian. Answ. 2. If we would not grow weary let us pray for persevering Grace It was David's Prayer Psal. 119.117 Hold thou me up and I shall be safe And it was Beza's Prayer Domine quod Coepisti perfice c. Lord perfect what thou hast begun in me that I may not suffer Shipwrack within sight of the Haven That we may hold on a Christian Course let us labour for Three persevering Graces 1. Faith Faith keeps from Fainting Faith gives a Substance to Things not seen and makes them to be as it were present Heb. 11.1 As a Perspective-Glass makes those things which are at a distance near to the Eye so to Faith Heaven and Glory seem near A Christian will not be weary of Service that hath the Crown in his Eye 2. The Second persevering Grace is Hope Credula vitam spes fovet Hope animates the Spirits it is to the Soul as the Cork to the Net which keeps it from sinking Hope breeds Patience and Patience breeds Perseverance Hope is compared to an Anchor Heb. 6.19 The Christian never sinks but when he casts away his Anchor 3. Persevering Grace is Love Love makes a Man that he is never weary Love may be compared to the Rod of Mirtle in the Traveller's Hand which refresheth him and keeps him from being weary in his Journey He who loves the World is never weary of following the World he who loves God will not be weary of serving him That is the Reason why the Saints and Angels in Heaven are never weary of Praising and Worshiping God because their Love to God is perfect and Love turns Service into Delight Get the Love of God in your Hearts and you will run in his Ways and not be weary Of knowing to do Good and not to do it James 4.17 To him that knoweth to do good and doth it not to him it is Sin THE Apostle in the former Verses had met with a Sin common in those days a sinful Boasting among Men. Ver. 13. Go to now ye that say to day or to morrow we will go into such a City and buy and sell and get gain whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow you may be in your Graves before to morrow for what is your Life it is even a Vapour A Vapour being an Exhalation it cannot continue long as it is raised by the Sun so it is dispersed by the Wind Such is your Life a Vapour a short Breath a flying Shadow it appears 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for a little time and then vanisheth Well might they say what need we be taught such a plain Lesson who knows not all this that Life is a Vapour and that we ought not to
Christians it is but a while and you shall have done Weeping and Praying and be triumphing You shall put off your Mourning and put on white Robes you shall put off your Armour and put on a Victorious Crown You who have made a good Progress in Religion you are now almost ready to Commence and take your Degree of Glory now is your Salvation nearer than when you began to believe When a Man is almost at the end of a Race will he now tire or faint away O labour to persevere your Salvation is now nearer you have but a little way to go and you will set your Foot in Heaven Though the way be up-Hill and full of Thorns viz. Sufferings yet you have gone the greatest part of your way and shortly you shall rest from your Labours 3. How sad it is not to persevere in Holiness you expose your selves to the Reproaches of Men and the Rebukes of God First To the Reproaches of Men. They will divide both you and your Profession Luke 14.28 This Man began to Build and was not able to finish Such is he who begins in Religion and doth not persevere He is the Ludibrium and Derision of all Secondly To the Rebukes of God God is most severe against such as fall off because they bring an Evil Report upon Religion Apostacy breeds a bitter Worm in Conscience What a Worm did Spira feel and it brings swift Damnation It is a drawing back 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to Perdition Heb. 10.38 God will make his Sword drunk with the Blood of Apostates 4. The Promises of Mercy are annexed only to Perseverance Rev. 3.5 He that overcometh shall be cloathed in white Raiment and I will not blot out his Name out of the Book of Life Non pugnanti sed vincenti dabitur corona Aug. The Promise is not to him that Fights but that overcomes Luke 22.28 Ye are they which have continued with me and I appoint unto you a Kingdom The Promise of a Kingdom saith Chrysostom is not made to them that heard Christ or followed him but that continued with him Perseverance carries away the Garland No Man hath the Crown set upon his Head but he who holds out to the end of the Race O therefore by all this be perswaded to Persevere God makes no account of such as do not persevere Who esteems of Corn that sheds before Harvest or Fruit that falls from the Tree before it be Ripe Quest. 2. What expedients or means may be used for a Christians Perseverance Resp. 1. Take heed of those things which will make you desist and fall away First Take heed of Presumption Do not presume upon your own strength Exercise an Holy Fear and Jealousie over your own Hearts Rom. 11.20 Be not high minded but fear 1 Cor. 10.12 Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lâ—st he fall It was Peter's Sin he lean'd more upon his Grace than upon Christ and then he fell A Christian hath cause to fear lest the Lusts and Deceits of his Heart betray him Take heed of Presuming Fear begets Prayer Prayer begets Strength and Strength begets Stedfastness Secondly Take heed of Hypocrisie Iudas was first a Sly Hypocrite and then a Traitor Psal. 78.37 Their Heart was not right with God neither were they stedfast in his Covenant If there be any Venom or Malignity in the Blood it will break forth into a Plague-sore The Venom of Hypocrisie is in danger of breaking forth into the Plague-sore of Scandal Thirdly Beware of a Vile Heart of Unbelief Heb. 3.12 Take heed lest there be in any of you an evil Heart of Unbelief departing from the Living God Whence is Apostacy but from Incredulity Men do not believe the Truth and then they fall from the Truth Unbelieving and Unstable go together Psal. 78.22 They believed not in God ver 41. They turned back 2. If you would be Pillars in the Temple of God and persevere in Sanctity First Look that you enter into Religion upon a right ground be well grounded in the distinct knowledg of God you must know the Love of the Father the Merit of the Son the Efficacy of the Holy Ghost Such as know not God aright will by degrees fall off The Samaritans sometimes sided with the Jews when they were in favour afterwards disclaimed all Kindred with them when Antiochus persecuted the Jews And no wonder the Samaritans were no more fixed in Religion if you consider what Christ saith of the Samaritans Iohn 4.22 Ye worship ye know not what They were ignorant of the True God let your Knowledge of God be clear and serve him purely out of Choice and then you will persevere Psal. 119.30 I have chosen the way of Truth I have stuck unto thy Testimonies Secondly Get a real work of Grace in your Heart Heb. 13.9 It is a good thing that the Heart he established with Grace Nothing will hold out but Grace 't is only this Anointing abides Paint will fall off Get an Heart-changing-work 1 Cor. 6.11 But ye are Washed but ye are Sanctified Be not content with Baptism of Water without Baptism of the Spirit The reason Men persevere not in Religion is for want of a Vital Principle A Branch must needs wither that hath no root to grow upon Thirdly If you would Persevere be very Sincere Perseverance grows only upon the Root of Sincerity Psal. 25.21 Let Integrity and Uprightness preserve me The Breast-Plate of Sincerity can never be shot thorough How many Storms was Iob in The Devil sets against him his Wife tempted him to Curse God his Friends accused him for an Hypocrite here was enough one would think to have made him desist from Religion Yet for all this he perseveres What preserved him it was his Sincerity Iob 27.6 My Righteousness I hold fast and will not let it go my Heart shall not Reproach me so long as I live Fourthly If Persevere be Humble St. Chrysostom calls it the Mother of all the Graces God lets a poor Humble Christian stand when others of Higher Parts and who have higher Thoughts of themselves fall off by Apostacy They are likest to Persevere who God will give most Grace to But he gives Grace to the Humble 1 Pet. 5.5 They are likest to persevere who have God dwelling in them But God dwells in the Humble Soul Isa. 57.15 Non requiescit Spiritus Sanctus nisi super Humilem Bern. The lower the Tree roots in the Earth the firmer it is the more the Soul is rooted in Humility the more stablished it is and in less danger of falling away Fifthly If Persevere cherish the Grace of Faith Faith doth stabilire Animum 2 Cor. 1.24 By Faith ye stand 1. Faith knits us to Christ as the Members are knit to the Head by Nerves and Sinews 2. Faith fills us with Love to God It works by Love Gal. 5.6 And he who loves God will rather dye than desert him The Soldier who loves his General will die in
in Splendour above the brightest Cherub 2. Christ will come as a Friend Indeed if the Saints Judge were their Enemy they might fear Condemning But he who Loves them and Pray'd for them is their Judge he who is their Husband is their Judge therefore they need not fear but all things shall go well on their side Thirdly The Trial it self which hath a Dark and a Light Side 1. A Dark Side It will fall heavy on the Wicked The Judge being set the Books are opened Rev. 20.12 The Book of Conscience and the Book of God's Remembrance and now the Sinners Charge being Read and all their Sins laid open their Murder Drunkenness Uncleanness Christ will say Sinner what can you plead for your selves that the Sentence of Death should not pass The Wicked being Convicted will be Speechless Then follows that Dismal Sentence Mat. 25.41 Ite Maledicti Depart from me ye Cursed into Everlasting-Fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels He that said to God Depart from me Job 21.14 and to Religion Depart from me must now hear that Word pronounced from his Judge Depart from me a dreadful Sentence but Righteous Psal. 51.4 The Sinner himself shall cry Guilty Though the Wicked have a Sea of Wrath yet not one Drop of Injustice And when once the Sentence is past it is irreversible there is no appealing to an Higher Court 2. The Trial hath a Light side It will be for the encreasing the Joy and Happiness of the Righteous The Day of Judgment will be a Day of Iubile to them I. At that Day Christ their Judge will own them by Name Those whom the World scorn'd and look'd upon as Precisians and Fools Christ will take by the Hand and openly acknowledge them to be his Favourites What is Christ's Confessing of Men Luke 12.8 but his open acknowledging them to be precious in his Eyes II. Christ as Judge will plead for them It is not usual to be both Judge and Advocate to sit on the Bench and to Plead but it shall be so at the Day of Judgment First Christ will plead his own Blood for the Saints These Persons I have paid a Price for they are the Travail of my Soul they have sinned but my Soul was made an Offering for their Sin Secondly Christ will vindicate them from all unjust Censures Here they were strangely mis-represented to the World as Proud Hypocritical Factious Paul was called a Seditious Man the Head of a Faction Acts 24.5 But at the Day of Judgment Christ will clear the Saints Innocency then he will bring forth their Righteousness as the Light Psal. 37.6 As he will wipe off Tears from their Eyes so Dust from their Name Moses when he was charg'd with Ambition that he took too much upon him comforted himself with this To Morrow will the Lord shew who are his Numb 16.5 So may the Saints when reproached comfort themselves with the Day of Judgment then will Christ say who are his Then the Saints shall come forth as the Wings of a Dove covered with Silver Thirdly Christ as Judge will Absolve them before Men and Angels As Pilate said of Christ I find no Fault in this Man John 18.38 So will Christ say of the Elect I find no Fault in them I pronounce them Righteous Then follows Come ye Blessed of my Father Inherit the Kingdom Mat. 25.34 As if Christ should say O ye happy ones the delight of my Soul the Fruit of my Sufferings stand no longer at the Bar ye are Heirs apparent of the Crown of Heaven enter and take possession At the Hearing of this Sentence with what ravishing Joy will the Saints be fill'd This Word Come ye Blessed will be Musick to their Ear and a Cordial to their Heart Fourthly Christ will mention before Men and Angels all the Good Deeds the Saints have done Mat. 25.35 I was an Hungred and ye gave me Meat I was Thirsty and you gave me Drink you that have wept in Secret for Sin that have shewn any Love to Christ's Name that have been rich in Good Works Christ will take notice of it at the last Day and say Well done Good and Faithful Servants He himself will be the Herauld to proclaim your Praises Thus shall it be done to the Man whom Christ delights to Honour Fifthly Christ will call his Saints from the Bar to sit upon the Bench with him to Judge the World Iude 14. Behold the Lord cometh with Ten Thousands of his Saints to execute Iudgment upon all 1 Cor. 6.2 Know ye not that the Saints shall Iudge the World The Saints shall sit with Christ in Judicature as Justices of Peace with the Judge they shall applaud Christs Righteous Sentence on the Wicked and as it were Vote with Christ. This as it is a great Honour to the Saints so it must needs add to the Sorrows of the Wicked to see those whom they once hated and derided to sit as Judges upon them Sixthly The Saints shall be fully Crowned with the Enjoyment of God for ever They shall be in his sweet Presence in whose Presence is fullness of Ioy Psal. 16.11 And this shall be for ever The Banner of God's Love shall be eternally Display'd the Joys of Heaven are without intermission and expiration 1 Thes. 4.17 And so shall we be ever with the Lord. Use. As it is sad News to the Wicked they shall not stand in Iudgment Psal. 1.5 They shall come to Judgment but they shall not stand in Judgment viz. they shall not stand acquitted they shall not stand with Boldness but sneak and hang down their Head and not be able to look their Judge in the Face so it is great Consolation to the Godly When the Apostle had said The Lord shall descend from Heaven with a Shout with the Voice of the Arch-Angel and the Trump of God he presently adds Wherefore comfort one another with these Words 1 Thes. 4.16.18 1. The Day of Judgment is comfort in respect of Weakness of Grace A Christian is ready to be troubled to see his Grace so minute and imperfect but at the last Day if Christ find but a Dram of True Grace it shall be accepted If thine be true Gold though it be many Grains too light Christ will put his Merits into the Scales and make it pass current 2. It is a comfort to such of the Saints who have met with Unrighteous Iudgment in the World who have been wrong'd of their Estates in Law-Suits or had their Lives taken away by an Unrighteous Sentence Christ will judge over things again and will give a Righteous Sentence if your Estates have been taken away wrongfully you shall be restored a Thousand fold at the Day of Judgment If you have lost your Lives for Christ yet you shall not lose your Crown You shall wear a Garland made of the Flowers of Paradise which fadeth not away Bran. I. Meditate much upon the Day of Judgment Feathers swim upon the Water but Gold sinks into
it Light Feathery Christians flote in Vanity they mind not the Day of Judgment but Serious Spirits sink deep into the Thoughts of it 1. The Meditation of this Last Day would make us very sincere We would then labour to approve our Hearts to God the great Judge and Umpire of the World 'T is easie to carry it fair before Men but there is no Dissembling or Prevaricating with God he sees what the Heart is and will accordingly pass his Verdict 2. The Meditation of Christ's coming to judge us would keep us from Iudging our Brethren We are apt to judge others as to their Final State which is for Men to step into Christ's Place and take his Work out of his Hand Iam. 4.12 Who art thou that judgest another Thou that passest a rash Sentence upon another thou must come thy self shortly to be judged and then perhaps he may be Acquitted and thou Condemned Bran. So demean and carry your selves that at the Day of Judgment you may be sure to be acquitted and have those glorious Privileges the Saints shall be Crowned with Quest. How is that Resp. 1. If you would stand acquitted at the Day of Judgment then First labour to get into Christ Phil. 3.9 That I may be found in him Faith implants us into Christ it in garrisons us in him and then there 's no Condemnation Rom. 8.1 There 's no standing before Christ but by being in Christ. Secondly Labour for Humility 'T is a kind of Self-Annihilation 2 Cor. 12.11 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Though I be nothing Christian hast thou Parts and Abilities and dost thou cover them with the Vail of Humility As Moses when his Face shined put a Vail over it If thou art Humble thou shalt be acquitted at the Day of Judgment Iob 22.29 He shall save the Humble Person An Humble Man judgeth himself for his Sins and Christ will acquit them who judge themselves 2. If you would stand acquitted at the last Day then keep a clear Conscience Do not load your selves with Guilt and furnish your Judge with matter against you The Lord saith Paul hath appointed a Day in which he would judge the World Acts 17.21 And how would Paul fit himself for that Day Acts 24.16 Herein I exercise my Self to have always a Conscience void of Offence towards God and towards Man Be careful of the First and Second Table be Holy and Just. Have Hearts without false Aims and Hands without false Weights keep Conscience as clear as your Eye that no Dust of Sin fall into it They that sin against Conscience will be shy of their Judge Such as take in Prohibited Goods cannot endure to see the Searchers that are appointed to open their Packs Christian thy Pack will be opened at the last Day I mean thy Conscience and Christ is Searcher to see what Sins what Prohibited Goods thou hast taken in and then he proceeds to Judgment Oh be sure to keep a good Conscience this is the best way to stand with boldness at the Day of Judgment The Voice of Conscience is the Voice of God if Conscience doth upon just Grounds acquit us God will acquit us 1 Iohn 3.21 If our heart condemn us not then have we confidence towards God 3. If you would stand acquitted at the last Day then trade your Talents for God's Glory Lay out your selves for God Honour him with your Substance Relieve Christ's Members This is the way to be acquitted He that had Five Talents Traded them and made them Five Talents more His Lord said unto him Well done Good and Faithful Servant Matt. 25.21 4. If you would stand acquitted at the Day of Judgment get an intire Love to the Saints 1 Iohn 3.14 We know we are passed from Death to Life c. Love is the truest Touch-stone of Sincerity To love Grace for Grace shews the Spirit of God to be in a Man Doth Conscience witness for you Are you perfum'd with this sweet Spice of Love Do you delight most in those whom the Image of God shines Do you reverence their Graces Do you bear with their Infirmities A Blessed Evidence that you shall be acquitted in the Day of Judgment We know that we have passed from Death to Life because we love the Brethren Of Obedience to God's Revealed Will. Deut. 27.9 10. Take heed and hearken O Israel This Day thou art become the People of the Lord thy God thou shalt therefore obey the Voice of the Lord thy God and do his Commandments Quest. WHat is the Duty that God requireth of Man Resp. Obedience to his Revealed Will. It is not enough to Hear God's Voice but we must Obey Obedience is a part of that Honour we owe to God Mal. 1.6 If I am a Father where is my Honour Obedience carries in it the Life-Blood of Religion Obey the Voice of the Lord thy God and do his Commandments Obedience without Knowledge is Blind and Knowledge without Obedience is Lame Rachel was fair to look upon but being barren said Give me Children or I die So if Knowledge doth not bring forth the Child of Obedience it will Dye 1 Sam. 15.22 To obey is better than Sacrifice Saul thought 't was enough for him to offer Sacrifice though he disobeyed God's Command No to obey is better than Sacrifice God disclaims Sacrifice if Obedience be wanting Ier. 7.22 I spake not to your Fathers concerning Burnt-Offerings but this thing commanded I them saying Obey my Voice Not but that God did enjoyn those Religious Rights of Worship but the meaning is God looked chiefly at Obedience without which Sacrifice was but Devout Folly The end why God hath given us his Law is Obedience Levit. 18.4 Ye shall do my Iudgments and keep my Ordinances Why doth a King publish an Edict but that it may be observed Quest. 1. What is the Rule of Obedience Resp. The Written Word That is proper Ocedience which the Word requires our Obedience must correspond with the Word as the Copy with the Original To seem to be zealous if it be not according to the Word is not Obedience but Will-worship Popish Traditions which have no Footing in the Word are abominable and God will say quis quaesivint haec Who hath required this at your Hand Isa. 1.12 The Apostle condemns the Worshipping of Angels which had a shew of Humility Col. 2.18 The Jews might say they were loath to be so bold as to go to God in their own Persons they would be more Humble and prostrate themselves before the Angels and desire them to present their Petitions to God This shew of Humility was hateful to God because there was no Word to warrant it Quest. 2. What are the Right Ingredients into our Obedience to make it acceptable Or how must it be qualified Resp. 1. Obedience must be cum animi prolubio Free and Chearful else it is Pennance not Sacrifice Isa. 1.19 If ye be Willing and Obedient though we serve God with Weakness let it be with