will he guide in Judgment and the meek will he teach his way And while Christians are using the Word of God if they cry to the Father of Lights that gives wisdom liberally without upbraiding they shall have a Heart to know him that he is the Lord Jer. 24. 7. and they shall return to him with the whole Heart 9. Hence I inferr That we should be such lovers of Mankind as to wish the whole World did enjoy the Word of God the great means of Conversion It should be a sadning thought to our Hearts that though all mankind have sinned and are in a lost estate the Word of God that informs concerning the only Saviour is known to so very few The Jewish Church of old for hundreds of years did put up that Prayer and at length it was answered in the Vocation and calling of the Gentiles Psal 67. 〈◊〉 That thy way may be known upon the Earth and thy saving health among all Nations Christians should Pray in the same strain that this Petition may be heard further Christians should be compassionate Intercessours for the poor World that lyes in darkness and wickedness that the Light of the Gospel may come wherever the Sun in the Firmament shines that so whole Kingdoms and Nations by thousands and by millions may not thus throng the way to Hell for want of Saving Knowledge and Converting Grace And as we should pity and pray for the Infidel VVorld so we should pity and pray for poor Posterity that they when they come to be born into England may find this a Land of Light for if we should leave them without the glorious Gospel of the blessed God we should leave them under Sathans Power and in the Conâ—lâ—es of Hell O let us put on Bowels and pray hard that those that shall be born twenty forty a hundred years hence and more may find England the Land of Immanuel and may be priviledged with the Word of God that may be a means of their being regenerate and born again 10. Lastly Hence I inferr How inexcusable those are that turn the VVord of God the great means of Conversion and Salvation into a deadly savour to themselves O the evil Nature of that Sin of unbelief the evil Heart of unbelief doth make the greatest Blessings to become Curses To grow more blind under the Light to grow more deaf and disobedient the louder God calls to grow more barren and unfruitful notwithstanding all advantages to make you thrive in Grace and Goodness what excuse can be brought for this To receive the Grace of God in vain is a very great folly but to turn the Grace of God into wantonness to Sin because Grace doth abound this is to turn the very Remedy and Antidote into Poyson and to perish the more certainly the more fearfully The Apostle Paul 2 Cor. 2. 16. telleth us that his Ministry was a savour of death unto death to some they grew more dead more estranged from God and Holiness even while they heard the Gospel that is a Doctrine according to Godliness preached to them and growing more dead 〈◊〉 a spiritual sence eternal Death did prove the sorer to them That man that under the Word of God grows worse and worse comes daily to hear but goes away more vain more filthy more wedded to his will and to his hateful and hurtful lusts this Man is indeed desparately wicked this man doth fix himself under the Laws Curse he pulls down upon his own Head the Mediators Vengeance and after his hardness and impenitent Heart treasures up unto himself wrath against the day of wrath and the Revelation of the righteous Judgment of God. The second Use is by way of Reproof If the Word be the great means of Conversion several sorts of Persons are sharply to be reprehended 1. Those that dislike and hate the VVord of God these are Fools in the worst and most dangerous sence that hate Instruction and cast the Laws of God behind their backs Psal 50. 17. These are bruitish that can't endure to be reproved for doing harm to themselves they are certainly bewitched that will not obey the Truth Gal. 3. 1. As Christ says For which of my good works do ye stone me so say I For which of the good Effects of the VVord of God do you hate it It is Light in darkness a means of conveying Life to the dead Food to the hungry a Cordial to the fainting a Sword to secure you against and to conquer your spiritual Enemies And therefore if you dislike this Word of God you are even unto sottishness without understanding It is a Scripture phrase Jer. 4. 22. My people are foolish they have not known me they are sottish Children and without understanding they are wise to do evil but to do good they have no knowledge 2. Those are sharply to be reproved who endeavour to hinder the Efficacy of the VVord of God upon others this they do by ill Counsel and by worse Example This they do by being Contentious against the Truth and by pleading for unrighteousness This they do by promoting prejudices against the Word of God as if the embracing of it were the way to Melancholick sadness sorrow and scorn which is indeed the way to the truest Gain and the surest Peace They that are troubled to see others minding Heaven are strangely degenerate and are become Factors for Hell and discover a most diabolical Disposition But whatsoever Persons speak against Grace and Holiness whatever they say for the continuance in a wicked way all their words are but vain words and every eaâ— should be deaf to them Eph. 5. 6. Let no man deceive you with vain words for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the Children of disobedience 3. Loose Professours of Religion are to be reproved who are indeed a discredit to the Word of God they come and hear the Word of God but what are they in their Families what are they in their Closets what are they in the whole course of their Lives Filthiness greediness after Gain excessive Drinking Impurity Covetousness these things indeed they can shew but too much of But any thing of true Holiness of Humility of Strictness of Contempt of this World of Delight in minding another World they are utter Strangers to Will you remember one Truth The Conversion of the prophane is very much hindred by the licentiousness of the Hypocrites the former won't be prevailed with to turn into the way of Truth because the latter by their evil Courses do make this way of Truth to be evil spoken of 2 Pet. 2. 2. I shall conclude with a Vse of Direction How may the Word of God be heard so as that it may be effectual to the Conversion of the hearers 1. Consent that all the Impediments of the Words efficacy should be removed Be unwilling that your hearts should be like the high-way ground utterly careless grossly Ignorant of the Truths you hear My
Cause Sin is the only way that leads to Hell shun that way and you are safe Depart from evil and though possibly you may become a Prey in this World ye Satan shall not make a Prey of you If Sin had never entred into the World none in the World would have been turned into Hell if neither Men nor Angels had sinn'd against God there would have been no such thing as Hell in being Oh! View the Flames that are so furious and that will last for ever and then consider Sin was that which kindled them and the demerit of Sin is so infinitely great that it hinders them from being ever quenched Does thy Pride expose thee to Damnation never be Proud more Will thy Earthly-mindedness bring thee to Hell Oh cease thy loving the World and the things that are in the World 1 Joh. 2. 15. Will any Sin that rules in thee and that thou art willingly subject to reign unto Death and ruine thee for ever Oh be unwilling that any Sin should reign any longer and if Sin be out of thy Will 't is out of the Throne Cry with David Psal 119. 133. Order my steps in thy Word and let no Iniquity have the dominion over me Weary you must be of Sins dominion as well as fear Hells Damnation You must not think to go to Heaven and carry your beloved Lusts along with you thither if you are resolved to hold fast these you and they will go to Hell together 2. If you would escape Hell take notice how the door of Hope is open to the very worst of you Those that are gone far in Hells road and are within a step of the burning Lake t is possible for them to be catched as firebrands out of the burning The door is open to day I advise you to enter presently I cannot assure you 't will stand open 'till to morrow While it is called to day harden not your hearts Heb. 3. 8. Though you are fallen by your Iniquities yet if you will Now return to the Lord there is hope for the very worst of you past Sins shall all be buried if there be a present Conversion Redemption is plenteous and that should abundantly encourage all to Hope and Turn Psal 130. 7 8. Let Israel hope in the Lord for with the Lord there is mercy and with him there is plenteous redemption and he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities 3. If you would escape Hell you must be sure to look unto Jesus Lord Jesus Turn every Eye to thee and cause every Heart to open and receive thee Those that were stung with the fiery Serpents liv'd notwithstanding if they lookt unto the brazen Serpent Those that are in danger of Hell and have very well deserved it shall be delivered from it if by Faith they look to Christ Isa 45. 22. Look unto me and be ye saved all ye ends of the Earth Look unto him for Pardon look unto him for Converting Cleansing and Renewing Grace look unto him to be the Author of true Faith in you and having been the Author to be the Finisher of your Faith also Heb. 12. 2. Christ was forsaken that you might graciously be received by the Lord He was Condemn'd to dye and suffer'd Death upon the Cross that you might be deliver'd from eternal Death and Condemnation that this was his design is plain Joh. 3. 16. God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should scape Hell and be brought safe to Heaven should not perish but have everlasting life HEB. 12. Part of v. 1. And the Sin that does so easily beset us IN the foregoing Chapter the Apostle discourses concerning Faith which is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen He declares at large the wonderful and glorious effects that this Faith produced in the Saints under the Old Testament By Faith these Believers denyed themselves by Faith they Conquered the whole World not fearing its fiercest Persecutions despising all its Wealth all its Pleasures all its Glory and confessed they were strangers and sojourners on the Earth By Faith they saw Him that is invisible and looked for a City that that hath foundations whose builder and maker is God. Now in this Verse where my Text lies the Apostle applyes unto those believing Hebrews to whom he writes what he had spoken concerning their faithful Fore-fathers These are called a Cloud of Witnesses Witnesses they were concerning what truly concerning the Vanity of all things that are seen that are but temporal Witnesses concerning the excellency of those things that are not seen which are eternal They are styled a Cloud because of the greatness of their Number and perhaps there may be some allusion to the Cloud in the Wilderness that guided Israel into Canaan For though our Lord Jesus was typified by that Cloud and he is the unerring Pattern and Example whom we are bound to follow yet in Scripture we are advised also to follow the foot-stepts of the Flock and in this very Epistle to be followers of them who through Faith and Patience inherit the Promises The Course of a Christian in this World is compared to a Race this Race must be run that the Prize at the end of it may be obtained and that we may run it the better we are removere prohibens to remove Impediments to lay aside every Weight and the Sin that does so easily beset us In the Words I have read there are three things observable 1. Here is an Intimation of a Danger and that is from Sin Sin and Danger are inseparable how can it chuse but be prejudicial to him that 's guilty of it you may as well imagine Hell to be without Pain as Sin to be without Peril 2. The greatest danger is from the Sin that does most easily beset us 't is called by the Holy Ghost 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Sin that hangs fastest about us Some by this understand Original Sin the depravation and Corruption of Nature some understand the carnal and ensnaring Fear of Man The Apostle arms the Hebrew Saints against this and would have them couragious and if called to it resist even to blood striving against sin But by the Sin that does most easily beset us we may understand any sin that does so Yet when we take notice of the Master-sin which is most apt to prevail we should by all means trace it to its Original and take notice of the corrupt Fountain from which this strong and filthy Stream proceeds 3. Here is the way how to be secured from Danger by laying aside every weight and especially the greatest and the heaviest Clogg of all the Sin that does most easily beset us Cast away every transgression so iniquity shall not be your ruine but especially that which naturally you love best and more than all because this this is most of all pernicious and destructive Doct. The Doctrine which I raise from
R. White desinâ— et sculp The true Effigies of Mr. Nathanael Vincent Minister of the Gospel THE Conversion OF THE SOUL OR A DISCOURSE EXPLAINING The Nature of that CONVERSION which is Sincere and Directing and Perswading all to cease their loving Sin and Death and to Turn to God and Live. By NATHANAEL VINCENT M. A. Minister of the Gospel Jer. 3. 12. Go and proclaim these words towards the North and say Return thou backsliding Israel saith the Lord and I will not cause my anger to fall upon you for I am merciful saith the Lord and I will not keep anger for ever Dixit Deus Fiat Lux facta est Lux Dicit Convertimini filii hominum Conversi sunt Ita plane Conversio animarum opus divinae vocis est non humanae â—ernard de Conversione ad Clericos cap. 1. pag. mihi 843. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrysost in Epist ad Colos LONDON Printed by J. Astwood for Tho. Parkhurst at the Bible and three Crowns at the lower end of Cheap-side near Mercers-Chappel 1688. LICENSED March 5. 1687 / 8 TO The Right Honourable Sir JOHN SHORTER Lord MAIOR OF THE CITY of LONDON My Lord THis is a time in which by the Gracious Providence of God and by the Unexpected and therefore more Obliging Favour of his Majesty I enjoy a Liberty more publickly to Preach the Gospel I now also take the Boldness to Present some Sermons which lately sounded from my Mouth in the Pulpit unto your Lordship the Supream Magistrate in the City I am glad that the Gospel of Peace may now be Preached without Disturbance and that those hands that without reason were once so Violent are now tied up so that they cannot inflict those severe Penalties which never were indeed deserved I cordially Desire and Pray for the Prosperity and Welfare of London And were it but a City all of Converts it would be the Joy and Glory of the whole Earth and resemble that Heavenly Jerusalem above where there is neither Sin nor Trouble Conversion is not to be Pressed only upon Heathens and Infidels How many that are called Christians go beyond Them in Wickedness and consequently need it as much nay more than they The Jews of old did make their Boast of God and of his Temple yet the Prophets call them to Turn and tell them that Death was no other way avoidable The Way to Heaven and a Glorious Immortality is but One and truly 't is a very narrow one You that are high as well as they that are low must tread in the same Path of Holiness or else your hopes of Everlasting Life will end in a dreadful Disappointment My Lord 'T is my Prayer for you that you may be preserved from Temptations that you may exercise your Authority so as to Reform the City over which you Preside from that Debauchery and Prophaneness which has so much Impoverished it which is its Shame and Disgrace and which cries so loud to Heaven for Vengeance to be inflicted upon it A great Trust is reposed in you I wish you Wisdom and holy Resolution from above to Improve the Price put into your Hands You must be called to an Account at last What singular thing you have done for God and for his Truth and Interest in this Year of your Maioralty The greater Enemy you shew your self to all sorts of Vices and the more Exemplary you are in fearing God and keeping his Commandments the greater Blessing you will be to London and the more truly you will Consult your own Honour and Blessedness I am Your LORDSHIPS Most Humble Servant Nathanael Vincent THE Epistle to the READER Reader IF this Book by the Providence of God shall come into thy Hand and thou wilt bestow the Pains to peruse it I would have thee read it as he who has the Benefit of the Clergy reads that Verse with Care the reading of which well does save his Life Agitur de Magnis Things of the greatest Importance are here treated of The subject matter of this Discourse is its Commendation Mans Conversion to God is explain'd and press'd The Authour can truly say He earnestly desired the Conversion of those that heard these Sermons and Hope that some may be turned to God by the reading of them is the reason of their being Printed Melchior Adamus reports of that famous German Preacher Bucholstzer That he troubled not the Church with Polemical Divinity his great Design was to draw Men to a Saviour to turn them to the living God that their Hearts and Lives might be pure and their End peace and that after Death they might enter into Everlasting Rest The Pruritus Disputandi the Itch of Disputing has taken away the Beauty of the Churches Face and Hands Certainly it would be more for the Churches Health and Strength and Glory if the great Truths of the Gospel were more insisted on namely Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and Conversion which is the same with Repentance towards God. How many strange Doctrines are vented how many quaint Notions that please the Fancy rather than Edisie the Soul will be found Wood Hay Stubble at last and be Lost and Consumed as not being able to endure the Fire a strict Tryal Discourses which out of the Scriptures of Truth have plainly declared the Mystery of God and of the Father and of Christ the Mystery of Conversion and of Godliness will be found to be Gold Silver Precious Stones and will turn to best Account to those who have built on the right Foundation Reader Art thou Unconverted does thy stupidness under the Guilt of Sin and thy contentedness to be still its Slave prove thee to be so I pray thee have not less Faith than the very Devils for they Believe and tremble Thy state is truly doleful but not desperate but quickly it may be so if thou still refusest to be a Convert The Door of Hope may soon be shut that now stands open Death may suddenly seize thee and send thee with all thy Sins unto the Bar of God who judges righteously Awake O Conscience before it be too late O Heart harden thy self no longer Wrath in the day of Wrath will be very terrible But if thou art indeed a Convert and thy submission to God and chusing him above all things is the evidence of it this Book brings thee happy Tidings and as true as happy Converting Grace is the greatest benefit bestowed on Earth and when that Grace has finished its work Eternal Glory will assuredly follow That all the Hearers of these Sermons may be such hearers as that their Souls may live that all the Readers of them may read with advantage to their Souls with an advantage that may last unto Eternity is and shall be the Prayer of Nathanael Vincent PSAL. XIX 7. former part The Law of the Lord is perfect Converting the Soul. THE Works of God though in himself invisible shew forth the Workers Wisdom Power and Goodness a
all Flesh may see the Salvation of God Luk. 3. 5 6. And that Conversion to him is required of all that will partake of his Salvation In the last place I come to the Application VSE I. If Conversion be thus necessary and the great thing which God requires learn from hence the great danger that there is in being mistaken about Conversion To mistake counterfeit Coyn for good and lawful Money to purchase an Estate upon a false Title instead of a sound and true one to place Confidence in one that seems a Friend but is really faithless and an Enemy all such mistakes are accounted dangerous and hurtful But no mistakes in Point of Prejudice and Mischievousness are comparable to this when that which is not Grace is taken to be the Grace of God in Truth It is an Observation that Fraus oritur ex similitudine Deceit arises from likeness There are many things that have some kind of likeness to Conversion that indeed are not Conversion these I am with all faithfulness to discover to you and you with all care are to heed the discovery for if you should deceive your own selves and mistake about Converting Grace you would be for ever frustrated in your hopes of Glory And can there be a greater disappointment than confidently to expect Heaven and find your selves not only excluded but Sentenc'd and sent to that place of Woe where there is the greatest loss and that loss irreparable where there is the greatest Pain and Torment without any hope of ease or end The things that are mistaken for Conversion are these 1. The turning to a Party and Opinion there may be this where there is no turning unto God. An Orthodox Judgment there may be where there is an unrenewed Heart and Truth may have many to side with it upon the account of secular Interest What Multitudes followed Christ for the Loaves whose Hearts relished not his Doctrine nor himself though he is the Bread of God that came down from Heaven to give Life unto the World Joh. 6. 26 27 33. 'T is good indeed to profess what is indeed the Truth and to be of that party which is most sober and Godly But the Girdle of Truth will signifie little without the Breast-plate of Righteousness the form of Godliness will not avail if the Heart be a stranger to and inwardly dislike the Power of Godliness Judas was turned to the Doctrine of Christ as to an Opinion and he associated himself with the most eminent of the Disciples being one of the twelve Apostles but he valued the Bagg more than the Faith he talkt like a Follower of Christ but his Heart went after his Covetousness and at last for thirty pieces of Silver he sold his Lord and lost himself Oh! Take heed of such an imagination that if you are of such a way or party or Congregation you are certainly Converts In the Church at Jerusalem there was a false and dissembling Ananias and Sapphira Act. 5. 1 -4. In the Church of Corinth there were some that had not the Knowledge of God who were asleep in Sin and whom the Apostle endeavours to awake to Righteousness 1 Cor. 15. 34. There may be turning to a party without inward Purity and this is but turning the Church into a Stage and acting a part there And as turning to a party is not Conversion so ceasing to be fierce for a party is not Apostacy but 't is a Moderate healing temper which would do a mighty kindness at this day and have a great tendency to the Churches Peace and Edification 2. Zeal about Circumstantials in Religion is mistaken for Conversion This sort of Zeal is sometimes joyn'd with gross ignorance and then 't is Ignis fatuus a foolish fire and sometimes 't is joyn'd with great impatience and fury against every thing that stands in it's way and then 't is perfect Wild-fire In the Apostles dayes some were exceeding hot for Circumcision Others did as loudly cry up Vncircumcision But the Apostle decryes the Ardour and heat both of the one and the other party and plainly tells them that Neither Circumcision availeth any thing nor Vncircumcision neither of these things by themselves can prove a man a Convert and in a State of Salvation but a new Creature but Faith which worketh by Love Gal. 5. 6. Chap. 6. 15. Those that place all Religion in bare Conformity and are eager for Ceremonies but neglect the substance of Christianity and remain without Faith Truth Love Humility and serious Holiness they will find these Ceremonies insignificant to secure them at Death and Judgment And on the other side they who place all their Religion in Non-conformity but yet are greatly consormed to a vain and sinful World are as proud envious and revengeful as sensual and covetous as intemperate unjust and unclean as others in the World are though these seem to go in a different path yet 't is a path in the same broad way that leads to Destruction 3. Turning to Errour and forwardness to promote errours that are very dangerous is also mistaken for Conversion Many that are unlearned and unstable do wrest the Scriptures to their own Destruction 2 Pet. 3. 16. and yet vainly suppose they are contending for the Faith and are in the right way to Salvation this is not Conversion but Delusion and the greater the Confidence is the Delusion is the stronger When Satan transforms himself into an Angel of Light and his Ministers appear as the Ministers of Righteousness and Errour is dress't up as if it were most certain and Sacred Truth how many are led away and believe lies and are industrious to perswade others also to believe them And so much is placed in the embracing of these falshoods as if it were damnable to reject them But I Counsel you to remember that of the Apostle Jam. 5. 20. that turning from an Errour and not to it is the way to save a Soul from Death Observe concerning these deluded ones whether some spiritual Pride or carnal Affection or notorious Omissions were not the fore-runners of their being perverted whether they don't allow themselves in the neglect of plainly commanded Duties bearing some fruits or other which discover them And whatever Joyes and Comforts they bragg of they had better be without them since they serve only as confirming Seals of their Delusions 4. Another thing mistaken for Conversion is forsaking of One sin though there be a running into the contrary at least an allowance of some Iniquity or other still He that has been exceedingly addicted to Prodigality ceases perhaps his Profuseness and Luxury but runs into the other Extream and becomes excessively greedy after gain this Man has not turned from sin to God but from one sin to another To reform in one thing nay in many things is insufficient if the Reformation be not universal one sin loved and liv'd in is enough to prove one Unconverted and will be sufficient to destroy A Man
cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God and whensoever the Word is effectual to change a Sinner and turn him into a Believer 't is made effectual by no less a Power than His who is Omnipotent Who hath believed our report There 's preaching And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed there 's the Power of God graciously and gloriously manifested that causes Preaching to be successful In the handling of this Doctrine I shall First Shew you what it is in the Word of God that is made use of as a Means of Conversion Secondly Demonstrate the aptitude and fitness of the Word to be such a Means Thirdly I shall tell you what kind of Means it is Fourthly Whence this Means comes to be effectual Lastly Apply I begin with the first of these What it is in the Word that is made use of as the Means of Conversion 1. The Word layes before Sinners eyes the just the strict the holy Law of God. It leads them to Mount Sinai burning with Fire and to the blackness and darkness and Tempest there Where all the Congregation heard a Voice that put them into a deadly consternation and trembling and so terrible was the sight that Moses said I exceedingly fear and quake Heb. 12. 18 19 20 21. This Law is the Law of the onely living and true God the King eternal Immortal the blessed and onely Potentate the King of Kings and Lord of Lords Who has the highest Authority and full power to impose what commands he pleases upon the Sons of Men and they in all duty and reason are obliged to yield Obedience to them This Law of God is so large so Spiritual and so pure that every evil action every idle word nay every sinful intent desire and thought breaks it Add also that not only the doing speaking and thinking evil but the not doing speaking and thinking what is good causes this 〈◊〉 to be transgressed What fallen Man can reach this Laws exactness Since it curses every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the Law to do them Gal. 3. 10. 'T is a certain and one of the great Oracles of God That by the deeds of the Law shall no flesh be justified in his sight Rom. 3. 20. and the reason is added because by the Law is the knowledge of Sin. The Laws Authority and Purity makes Mans guilt and defilement the more apparent and the true sight of these goes before Conversion 2. The Word of God shews how all that have sinned have by the Law the Sentence of Condemnation really past upon them The Sinner that is Unconverted and Unbelieving is said to be condemn'd already Joh. 3. 18. How cold does it strike to the Malefactors Heart when the Judge pronounces the Sentence of Death upon him Bidding him go from the Bar to the Gaol and from the Gaol to the Gallows and there shamefully end his days The Law of God Sentences every Transgressor unto Death not Temporal only but Eternal And though the Execution of this 〈◊〉 is for a while deferr'd yet the 〈…〉 of being thus sentenced should be exceedingly affrighting and amazing The Sentence of Condemnation past by the Law is very big with evils it fills Time with them nay it comprehends evils enough to fill Eternity The Sinners Life is miserable his Death more miserable and after Death he is most miserable because his misery will never have an end The case of a Man is judged very ill and sad who is condemned to be broken upon the Wheel or to be flead alive or to be roasted to death before the Fire But what 's all this if compared with being Sentenced to endure the pains of Hell to dwell with devouring Flames which the angry breath of the Lord as a stream of brimstone doth kindle to inhabit everlasting burnings The hearing of such a terrible Sentence has a mighty tendency to startle and make the sinners in Sion afraid and to cause fearfulness to surprize the hypocrites Isa 33. 14. that they may be no longer secure while unconverted 3. The Word of God warns Sinners to flee from the wrath to come and the very Warning intimates a possibility of escaping it The Word from Heaven reveals the wrath of God against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men Rom. 1. 18. It tells them that the Lord has an Armoury which he can open at his pleasure and bring forth the weapons of his indignation Jer. 50. 15. and there is no Shield for the Obstinate no standing before these weapons Deut. 32. 40 41. For I lift up my hand to Heaven and say I live for ever If I whet my glittering Sword and my hand take hold on Judgment I will render vengeance to my enemies and will reward them that hate me The Lord not only says but swears and that by his own Life which is for ever that Death and Destruction will be the Portion and Reward of them that will not turn but impenitently persist in their rebellion against him Sinners are in time warned by the Word of this Sword that 's coming Ezek. 33. 7. Son of Man I have set thee a Watchman unto the House of Israel therefore thou shalt hear the Word at my Mouth and waâ—n them from me They are warned of the Vials that are filling with wrath as they are filling up the Measure of their iniquities they are warned of the righteous Purpose and Decree that is pregnant before it actually bring forth vengeance Zeph. 2. 1. 2. Gather your selves together yea gather together O Nation not desired before the Decree bring forth before the day pass as the chaffe before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you before the day of the Lords anger come upon you And in thus admonishing them to flee from the wrath that is without repentance so certainly and justly coming there is much of pity and mercy shew'd them 4. The Word of God encourages Conversion by representing him in Christ as ready to be reconciled to and receive all that turn The elect Angels when they saw God manifested in the flesh admired his good will towards Men and proclaimed Peace on Earth Luk. 2. 14. Mercy is not extorted from God for sinners sensible of their sin and misery but he delights in shewing it Pardon is not hardly gotten at his hand and against his Nature but he is ready to forgive He is not almost inexorable when distressed Souls fear his Power and Wrath and cry for Peace but as they intreat Him so He intreats them to be reconciled 2 Cor. 5. 20. Now then we are Ambassadours for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled to God. The Word speaks of a Jubilee of an accepted time of a day of Salvation in which the Lord seriously calls Sinners and the very worst of them to turn and whosoever he be that turns in truth shall graciously be received
near to the Holy and Righteous Jehovah without a Mediator And if he be considered in this Mediator there is all possible Encouragement to turn to him 5. The Spirit as by the Word he works Faith in Christ so by the same Word he causes the Sinner to yield himself to God He that was before stout-hearted and far from Righteousness now throws down his Weapons of Rebellion and submitting cries for Mercy he dares not still rush on in Sin as the Horse into the Battel he is made sensible that there is no contending with the Almighty that none ever hardned themselves against him and prosper'd Job 9. 4. Therefore he bows and yields least he be broke and ruin'd And as the Power of Gods anger makes the Sinner afraid of remaining Unconverted so he is most strongly induced to turn by the Spirits effectual discovery of Gods Alsufficiency Mercy Loving-kindness He sees plainly it can never be well with him while at a distance from God and that in Him and in his Favour is really his Life and Happiness Thus the poor Prodigal was afraid of continuing in the far Country least he should there perish for hunger and he came homâ— to his Fathers house because there was bread enough and to spare Luke 15. 17. I come in the last place to the Application I begin with some Inferences that may be drawn from this Doctrine 1. If the Word of God be the great means of Conversion hence I infer that this Word is a great Priviledge The giving us the Light and Influence of the Sun and Moon and Stars is acknowleged to be the needful Bounty of the God of Heaven but the vouchsafing of the Word speaks a more peculiar favour and is a means to convey a far greater benefit In this Word of God there is a general Proclamation a Proclamation of a general pardon of all offenders against the highest Majesty and that upon the most equal terms that they prize this favour make use of his Sons mediation to obtain it and consent by Sin willingly to wrong their own Souls no more This Word carries in it a Proclamation to open the prison-doors to unloose the bonds and fetters to grant liberty unto all those that are weary of the bondage of corruption and that are willing to become the Lords Free men this Word is an Invitation to all sensible Souls that perceive they have spent their labour for that which is not bread to come for the bread of God which comes down from Heaven and which giveth life unto the World Joh. 6. 33. O the tender mercy of God in vouchsafing his Word to any When the Light of this Word shines it finds Sinners in Darkness imployed in the works of darkness hastning towards the blackness of darkness for ever and it doth give them the knowledge of Salvation by the remission of Sin and guide their feet into the way of peace Luke 1. 77 78 79. Those are glorious times indeed that is indeed a Golden age when the Word of God is heard by every ear when Labourers are many and Faithful and are hard at work for God for Christ for Souls when saving Knowledge doth fill all the corners of a Land Happy happy is that People that is in such a case if they do but rightly improve their priviledge for this Word doth direct them to walk in the Light of Gods Countenance 2. Hence I inferr how inexcusable they are that remain Vnconverted still under the Word of God which is the great Means of Conversion The Light of Nature leaves those that glorisie not God as God without excuse Rom. 1. 21. But the Light of the Word doth much more take away all Apology from them that neglect it They that are not Converted to God when they hear this Word neglect to trade with one of the choicest Talents that any of the Children of Men can be entrusted with To pass over the whole Volume and Book of Nature to take no notice of God in it though every Creature be designed as a Remembrancer of Him to pass by the works of Providence and not hereby to be brought to the Fear of and Faith in God who exerciseth loving kindness and Judgment in the Earth Nothing can be said to defend it But for a Sinner a lost Sinner a miserable Sinner that is ready every Moment to fall into Hell for this Man to hear the Gospel of Christ to have Pardon so fully and freely offered to him and yet to be deaf to the offer to refuse to turn to the Lord though hereby he will live for ever this doth argue a far more exceeding and excessive madness What can the Unconverted Sinner plead for himself that he doth not turn Can he say that he hath not been warned to flee from the wrath to come Alas the Almightys anger and indignation hath often been pealed in his ear How often hath he heard Wo to the wicked it shall be ill with him for the reward of his hands shall be given to him Isa 3 11. Can he say that he hath not been called to turn No such matter Wisdom hath cried aloud cryed vehemently How long ye simple ones will ye love simplicity and the scorners delight in their scorning and fools hate knowledge turn ye at my reproof Prov. 1. 22 23. Again can the Sinner plead that he hath not had encouragement to turn to God No no the God of Heaven the God of Truth hath solemnly protested by his own Life that he hath no pleasure in the Sinners death but had rather that he should turn and live Hear O Heaven Hearken O Earth and judge whether the Sinner that is called to turn to God and won't does not deserve to dy in his iniquities 3. If the Word of God is the great means of Conversion hence I inferr that the Removal of the VVord is a very sore Judgment How sore I wish that England may never feel by sad experience A Famine of Bread is affirmed to be worse than the Plague of Pestilence worse than the Sword of VVar though Plague and Sword are very terrible but a Famine of the VVord of God is the worst sort of Famine and it is threatned as a punishment which is an indication of far greater wrath Amos 8. 11. It shall come to pass in those days saith the Lord God that I will send a Famine in the land not a Famine of Bread nor a thirst for water but a Famine of hearing the VVord of the Lord. The Antithesis here between these two Famines doth heighten the severity of the punishment A Famine of the VVord is a punishment that is Spiritual so much the more hurtful because it reaches the Spirits of Men so much the more hurtful by how much the Soul is more precious than the Body Ay but may some one say what great harm is there if there should come such a Famine I will tell you To have the VVord of God removed it is to have
of Redemption by Price of Gods purchasing his Church with his own Blood Act. 20. 28. The Light of Nature is insufficient to shew the way to Heaven How God will deal with these Heathens 't is hard to determine Zuinglius indeed asserts That when we come to Heaven we shall see utrumque Adamum Redemptum Redemptorem both the Adams the Redeemer and him that was redeemed the Prophets the Apostles And then he adds That Aristides the Cato's and the Scipio's and such vertuous Men among the Heathen will be found in Heaven also Calvin calls this prâ—â—posterum misericordiam a preposterous Mercy because the Apostle tells us those who have sinn'd without Law shall also perish without Law Rom. 2. 12. What is to be said in this case To affirm that any of them are saved who never heard of a Saviour is to affirm what is hard to prove to say that they are all damned will be a bold Sentence The Apostle tells us that those who are without God judges 1 Cor. 5. 13. and to Gods Judgment we must leave them 2. The Perfection of the Word is mentioned in the work of Conversion to shew that the Works of God do need his Words exposition upon them 'T is the Word which rightly discovers God in the Works of Creation Heb. 11. 3. Through Faith we understand that the Worlds were framed by the Word of God so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear The Scripture shews how the Lord is the Alpha and the Omega The whole Volume of Nature would signifie little to Man were it not for the Scriptures commentary upon it the Beginning and the End of all things that per scalaâ—â— creaturarum by the Ladder of the Creatures we may ascend unto the Gracions and Alsufficient Creator The Word expoundâ— the Works of Providence it puts such a Language into Mercies that these Demonstrations of divine goodness lead unto Repentance And the Word makes the Rod to utter such a voice that the Vncircumcised heart is humbled the Sinner accepts of the punishment of his Iniquity Lev. 26. 41. and turns unto that God that smites him 3. The Perfection of the Word is mentioned in the Work of Conversion that Sinners may use and value the Word as a Means sufficient He that is sick of the Plague how willingly does he use a Remedy that is sufficient for the cure of the Pestilence and which has cured thousands and that never failed to heal any that would but take it Never was there a Plague in the World so universal so contagious so deadly as Sin is O all ye sinful diseased and lost Souls hear and with all seriousness apply the Word of God that ye may be healed and that being healed ye may live and not dye for ever The remedy is perfect it certainly works for life if it be but received he that believes and yields subjection to the Gospel shall be saved Mar. 16. 16. I confess the refusing of the remedy will highten the disease and make the death more dreadful He that believes not shall receive the greater damnation 4. The Perfection of the Word is mentioned in the work of Conversion that the Preachers of the Word may be encouraged Were this Word a weak imperfect thing the Dispencers of it would have the less heart to labour but they have no reason to be ashamed or discouraged but to glory in the Gospel of Christ since 't is the Power of God to Salvation And let him be Jew or Gentile high or low a less Sinner or the greatest if he receives the Word with Faith the Preachers pains will be to good purpose The Apostle insults over all the VVisdom of this VVorld as that which is poor and foolish and helpless as to a better World 1 Cor. 1. 20. Where is the wise where is the Scribe where is the disputer of this world The Jewish Synagogue where Moses was trusted in and Christ rejected the Greek Academy could neither of them shew the way of Salvation hath not God made foolish the VVisdom of this VVorld But then he magnifies the Word of God that reveals Christ Jesus because herein the Power and VVisdom of God were savingly made manifest 1 Cor. 1. 23 24. VVe preach Christ crucified to the Jews a stumbling-block and unto the Greeks foolishness but unto them that are called both Jews and Greeks Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 5. The Perfection of the Word is mentioned in the Work of Conversion that Saints may still be improving it unto a further turning Where 's the Convert in whom and for whom the Word of God has wrought so much that it can work no more You that have most experienced its power and goodness may still feel a further efficacy The Word is perfect and you should be pressing forward to be perfected by it still your Light should grow clearer your Faith stronger your love more abundant and patience should have a more perfect work in you that you may be perfect and entire wanting nothing Jam. 1. 4. Still you should be more low in your own sight the Grace of Christ more glorious in your eyes the World should be more under your feet and Heaven be the matter of your thoughts and hopes and joy You that are weak should resemble David you that are strong as David should be like the Angels of God aspiring unto not only Evangelical but an Angelical and heavenly Perfection I come in the last place to the Application The Uses are these following VSE I. Of Caution The Perfection of the Word of God should make you 1. To take heed of that Enthusiastick Spirit that pretends not to need this VVord That Light within which makes the Light of the VVord to be contemned is certainly Darkness and if the Light within you be darkness how great is that darkness Mat. 6. 23. Solomon tells us plainly that the Commandment is a Lamp and the Law is Light and the reproofs of instruction are the way of Life Prov. 6. 23. You will miss the way of Life unless this Light be followed He is most unreasonably wise in his own eyes who imagines he knows so much that God himself by his Word can teach him no more the truth is he knows nothing as he ought to know his Knowledg is but a delusive dream his ignorance real and destructive Heed not but resist the Spirit that injects undervaluing thoughts of the Word of God for that cannot be the true Spirit which did endite it If once you reject the VVord of the Lord alas what understanding is in you Jer. 1. 9. The grossest and most damnable errours will impose upon you as truths the most carnal licentiousness which is the bondage of corruption will call it self Christian liberty Sins will be made no Sins and Duties no Duties you will allow your selves in the omission of Gods Ordinances as things below Saints of so high a Stature as
change our very Hearts Love to the Word distinguishes the true Church from the Antichristian Society Of these 't is said because they received not the love of the Truth that they might be saved God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lye that they all might be damned who believed not the Truth but had Pleasure in Vnrighteousness 2 Thes 2. 10 11 12. All the excellent properties of the Word and the wonderful effects of it should take your Hearts and still be increasing your affection to it and the stronger your love is the greater will be your care to keep it Psal 119. 167. My Soul hath kept thy Testimonies and I love them exceedingly Love will make you labour hard in the work which the Word commands and yet it will so overcome the difficulty that hard labour shall become easie It was a saying of Bernard Is rectè divinas Scripturas legit qui verba vâ—rtit in opera He rightly reads the Holy Scriptures who turns VVords into VVorks Love will mightily constrain you to this 't will make you doers and blessed in your deed Love the Word of God as a Malefactour would love to read his pardon after the Sentence of Death has been past upon him Love the Word as a Debtour would love to read his general and full discharge which delivers him out of Prison and secures him from the danger of being arrested any more Love the Word as a Sick man would love to read a Receipt prescribing a medicine that would certainly cure his distemper and save his Life Finally love the Word as an Heir would love to read over a Testament in which is left him a rich Estate a most plentiful Inheritance In the VVord of God you find a pardon a discharge from all debts by your great your sufficient Surety here is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Souls universal remedy And the Psalmist says Psal 119. 111. Thy Testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever for they are the rejoycing of my Heart 8. Never be ashamed of this Word of God which is so perfect and worthy to be owned VVith your Hearts believe it unto Righteousness with your Mouths Confess it to Salvation Be not concerned that the VVorld accounts the VVord foolishness fear not either their reviling or their rage their hands are weak considering how strong your helper is and their Judgments weaker Stand fast in the Faith and quit you like men be strong 1 Cor. 16. 13. Your Lord will be much pleased to see you valiant for the Truth and no less than a Crown of Life shall be the reward of Faithfulness unto the Death But if you are ashamed of Christ and of his word before Men he will be ashamed of you before his Father and all his Holy Angels Mar. 8. 38. And how great and everlasting then will your shame and confusion be VSE III. Of Exhortation Since the VVord is perfect let me exhort you all unto Perfection The legal Perfection of Adam in Innocency you cannot reach since the fall keeps all his Posterity short of it hear the Apostle confessing and bewailing Not as though I had already attained either were already perfect Phil. 3. 12. But evangelical Perfection is possible 't is necessary 't is actually found in all true Converts In legal Perfection it may be said 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 there is no Sin. In evangelical Perfection it may be said 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 there is no predominant Hypocrisie In the former there is no sin at all in the latter there is no Sin loved and allowed In the one every command is kept in the other there is grief when any command is broke and a true Desire after Grace to keep every Commandment better When I exhort you to Perfection I mean three things That you would be of a perfect Heart That you would walk in a perfect way That you would stand perfect and compleat in all the will of God. 1. Let your Hearts be perfect The Heart is the very Seat of Sincerity if it be not here 't is no where 't is not in the eye or tongue or hands or feet if the Heart remain as it was by Nature without a change and is still wicked sensual and earthly the VVords and actions though never so good signifie and avail nothing nay the better the VVords and Actions are the greater is the Hypocrisie and Dissimulation There are several excellent ingredients in this Perfection of Heart which I would press upon the Hearts and Consciences of All. 1. Let your Hearts shew themselves perfect by setting God alwaies before them Walk before me says God to Abraham and be perfect Gen. 17. 1. The perfect Heart is sensible that Gods eye looks into it and sees all that is in it therefore its eye is also upon God and as there is an holy awe of God upon it so 't is not satisfied without his approbation Upright David cryes out O Lord thou hast searched me and known me thou understandest my thoughts afar off Psal 139 1 2. Thoughts include all the affections workings and inclinations of the Heart all these were open and naked unto the Eye of Gad. And David looks to his Heart accordingly and he begs that the evil of his Heart might be more plainly discover'd to him that his Heart might be more throughly cleansed 2. Let your Hearts be perfect in being truely willing and very studious to please that God with whom you have to do The perfect Heart sees 't is highly reasonable that Mans Will in all things should be obedient unto Gods since the VVill of God is so righteous good and holy since He cannot be tempted with evil neither tempteth hâ— any man to any thing that is hurtful Jam. 1. 13. to please the Lord should be the Pleasure of your very Souls You should hate every abominable thing which he hates and what he delights in should always be chosen 3. Let your Hearts be perfect in refusing to have a liking respect and regard to any iniquity David manifested his uprightness and as a perfect man he was regarded and his Prayer heard because he did not regard iniquity in his Heart Psal 66. 18 19. Iniquity in the Heart is to be regarded so as to be humbled for it weary of it and bewail it and to endeavour by all means to mortifie and purge it away 't is not to be regarded so as to cover and excuse it so as secretly to delight in it and resolve to spare iâ— Especially let your Hearts set themselves with full bent against that which may be called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Sin that does most easily be set you Heb. 12. 1. from hence is the greatest guilt defilement danger the Sin that by reason of your Constitutions Callings Age and the bad Customs of the Places where you live have been most insinuating into your Affection and aptest to prevail should be abandon'd with a special and peculiar
to the Throne of Grace that has the Judgment-seat also in his Eye How will he hear and practise that remembers he must be called to an account how he has done both He will take care to be ready whensoever his Lord calls and that whensoever his Lord comes he may find him doing the Work he set him about and so doing it as He commands 2. The other word of Counsel is this Be sure in time to prepare for Eternal Judgment Do this seriously do it presently and as your main business That you may prepare indeed 1. Be Accusers and Judges of your selves take notice of your Sins with Grief with Hatred and holy Indignation accuse your selves of them before God with self-loathing and self-abhorrency Look down by Faith into the lowest Hell and see the terrible but righteous Severity that is shewn there against obstinate workers of Iniquity then look up to God and judge your selves in his sight acknowledging that you have deserved one of the hottest places in that Lake of Fire Acknowledge he would be clear in the forest judgment he should pronounce upon you and that He would be justified tho you should be damn'd eternally Psal 51. 4. This judging of your selves is the way to prevent Condemnation with the World 1 Cor. 11. 31 32. 2. If you would be prepared for Judgment believe in Jesus that you may be justified before God at present Receive Christ who is offer'd in the Gospel rely upon his Obedience and Sufferings for justifiâ—ation of life And being justified by Faith you shall â—ave Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ Rom. 15. 1. Being justified by his Bloud you shall â—e Saved from wrath through him Rom. 5. 9. What does ponere obicem put a Bar before Hell Gate and hinder us from falling into that place of Woe The Cross of Christ that 's the Bar you are to place your Confidence in Christ Crucified If justified by him now he will ratifie the justification at the last day and you shall not be condemned then Rom. 8. 33 34. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect It is God that justifieth Who is he that Condemneth It is Christ that dyed yea rather that is risen again who is at the Right Hand of God and maketh Intercession for us 3. Would you be prepared for Judgment Repent and be converted let your minds be changed and turn to God with your whole Heart This is the way indeed to stand before him Acts 3. 19. Repent and be converted that your Sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. The Apostle looks as far as the last day Blotting out of Sins is Christ's absolving and acquitting them from all Trespasses The time of refreshing is that great day of compleat and glorious Redemption when all that are Christs shall lift up their Heads with Joy Repent and be converts in Truth if you would have that a day of refreshing and not of confusion Walk after the Flesh no longer but after the Spirit then you need not be afraid of Condemnation your being guided by his Spirit will shew you are in Christ and safe in Him Rom. 8. 1. There is therefore now no Condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the Flesh but after the Spirit to be carnally minded is Death but to be Spiritually minded is life and peace USE III. Of Terrour to the ungodly the Hypocrite and the Vnbelievers Christ will judge them all and they may tremble to think what kind of judgment they shall have what sharp and piercing words are those which declare before-hand what will be their Doom Mat. 23. 33. Ye Serpents ye Generation of Vipers how can ye escape the Damnation of Hell That I may if it be possible awaken such I would lay before them these terrifying considerations 1. When they appear at Christ's Bar all their secret wickedness will be made known How many will then be found what they were not in the least suspected Thy secret wantonness and Self-pollutions thy secret injustice and defrauding thy secret abominations of all kinds will then be as visible to every Eye as if written in Capital Letters with the brightest Sun-beam And what sname and confusion will cover the wicked Mans Face they that are impudent and cannot blush now how will they be confounded then The truth is as the Prophet Daniel speaks They will rise to shame and everlasting contempt Dan. 12. 2. 2. At the day of Judgment it will be too late and in vain for the wicked to pray and cry for Mercy they will find the Lord eternally removed from the Throne of Grace and to their Terrour behold him on the Judgment Seat. If the Ungodly roar out then Lord pity Lord pardon Lord send us not away into that flaming Furnace that we see before us it will be altogether in vain But 't is not in vain to cry thus now Oh seek the Lord while he may be found and call ye upon him whilst he is near Isa 55. 6. 3. It will add to the Terrour of the Wicked That the Sentence of Condemnation is pronounced by the Only Saviour The merciful and faithful High Priest that now is so forward to make Reconciliation for Siâ— that is so ready to give rest to them that labour 〈◊〉 are heavy laden The Man Christ Jesus will have no pity at all no compassion towards the Reprobate Children of Men but deal with them as with the Apostate Angels whose Nature he never took upon him The only Peace-maker will himself be so incensed and full of Wrath as not to be intreated not to be appeased The Sentence of Eternal Death and enduring everlasting Burnings will be confounding but 't will add to the Confusion that a Redeemer does pronounce it 4. After the Judge has pass'd the Sentence Conscience will pronounce it over again and will be a Judge to the Wicked always condemning them Conscience will be filled with unspeakable remorse it will continually be upbraiding them with their madness and folly in keeping their Sins and losing their Souls and will ever be telling them that the Lords ways towards them are equal but their own ways according to which they are judged have been unequal and full of Iniquity Ezek. 18. 29 30. The Conscience of Sinners will side with their Judge against them It will tell the most wretched among the Damned that they cannot complain of God or of the least injury he has done them all that they suffer they suffer justly and what they suffer they have brought upon themselves The horrible and perpetual remorse of Conscience will prove that the Worm never dies that does torment them 5. When Sinners come to be condemn'd at the last day how many things will rise up in judgment against them pray mind this and minding tremble and trembling turn to God this very instant Thousands of Mercies will come and as it were
or other provide for the Sheep of his Pasture 2. This Church shall have the Spirit along with the Word We may as well suppose a living Body without a Soul as a true Church of Christ without his Spirit The Spirit is promised and given to the Church to abide there for ever Joh. 14. 16 17. I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever even the Spirit of truth whom the World cannot receive because it seeth him not neither knoweth him but ye know him for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you Now where the Spirit of the Lord is how effectual is the Word what Light what Liberty what Power what Peace is there The Spirit makes the Means of Grace to attain their end He fills Ordinances with an Heavenly vertue he quickens the Dead enlarges the straitned Heart causes fruit to be brought forth plentifully he comforts the true Converts and stablishes them in every good word and work 3. It 's matter of Consolation that in this perfect Word of God there is wisest and safest counsel given Prov. 6. 22. When thou goest it shall lead thee when thou sleepest it shall keep thee when thou awakest it shall talk with thee So Prov. 3. 23. Thou shalt walk in thy way safely and thy foot shall not stumble This Word counsels Converts against evil Men evil Women evil Angels an evil World and against every evil work It never gave bad counsel unto any The Counsels of the Word are best with reference to Eternity and with reference to Time also It bids us pass the time of our sojourning here in fear to live as Strangers and Pilgrims on the Earth that we may be less concerned and disturbed and keep more unspotted from the World. It bids us to walk uprightly that we may walk surely It informs us that all carnal Policy which is joyned with a contempt of God and Religion is onely a cunning contrivance to undo our selves but 't is the fear of the Lord that is the beginning of Wisdom and the Knowledge of the Holy is understanding 4. In this Perfect Word of God a compleat Armour is found to secure Converts against the Enemies of their Salvation Eph. 6. 13. Wherefore take unto you the whole Armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand This Armour is to be valued indeed which is Armour of proof which secures us against the worst and most powerful Adversaries which certainly defends and makes us victorious when sighting for Eternal life when those against whom these Enemies prevail will surely dy the everlasting Death The Apostle speaks at large of the pieces of this Armour We are furnished with the Girdle of Truth sound Doctrine must be held fast our Judgments well settled against errour Here is the Breast-plate of Righteousness Sincere Holiness must be in the Heart if the Spirit be not right if the Heart be not clean there can be no safety Here the feet are shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace The Gospel that is the Word of Reconciliation with God and that speaks Peace to the Conscience does prepare and fit us to walk in the way of Holiness and the difficulties of that way are endured with patience Here is the shield of Faith Believing on Jesus resting on the Promises that in in Him are Yea and Amen quenches the Fiery Darts of Satan so that true Converts are not sunk into an Hell of Despair by the remembrance of their past Sins which the Blood of Jesus has made an atonement for neither are they discouraged by fiery Trials by the siercest Persecutions Here is the Helmet of Salvation that is the Hope of Salvation This Hope is lively well grounded will never make ashamed and causes the Convert to lift up his head with courage because Redemption and Glory are aproaching Here is the Sword of the Spiâ—it the Word of God rightly used and applyed And unto these pieces of Armour Preces Lacrymae arma Ecclesiae Prayers and Tears which are the Churches Weapons must be added because we need not onely Armour but skill and strength to use it from above then we shall prevail indeed when we are strong in the Lord and in the power of his might How strong may be the Consolation considering how compleat and strong the Armour is how strong the Helper of a Christian Eph. 6. 10 -18 5. In this Perfect Word of God the Convert finds Promises that may serve to support and encourage him in every condition Is he afflicted 't is in faithfulness and love not in wrath and hatred Prov. 3. 12. Whom the Lord loveth he correcteth even as a Father the Son in whom he delighteth And affliction shall be profitable because it shall be purifying Heb. 12 10. He that is the Father of Spirits chastizeth for our profit that we may be partakers of his Holiness Is the Convert poor and destitute He may cast all his care on God who cares for him 1 Pet. 5. 7. The young Lions lack and suffer hunger but those that seek the Lord have him to be their Shepheard and shall not want any good thing Psal 34. 10. Is the Convert tempted His merciful and faithful High-Priest was tempted before him and knowes how to succour him Heb. 2. ult When the Apostle was sorely buffered by Satan and cries for help what answer has he See be encouraged when you see 2 Cor. 12. 9. And the Lord said unto me My Grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weakness Is the Convert deserted and troubled because God hides his face He has the Name of God and his everlasting Covenant to trust in and the Face that is now hidden will be shewn again and dry up the Tears of the deserted Isa 54. 7 8. For a small moment have I forsaken thee but with great mercies will I gather thee in a little wrath hid I my Face from thee for a Moment but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy upon thee saith the Lord thy Redeemer 6. 'T is matter of Comfort unto Converts that this Perfect word endures for ever 1 Pet. 1. 24 25. All Flesh is grass and all the glory of Man as the Flower of the field the Grass withereth and the Flower thereof falleth away but the Word of the Lord endureth for ever and this is the Word which by the Gospel is preached unto you The Word is an everlasting truth never did any never shall any find it false 'T is a means to Convert the Soul to make the Heart new and 't is written in the new heart in Characters that are indelible and abiding 't is a Sustentation to the New Creature and cherishes it unto that Life which is Eternal The New nature is Immortal true Grace never dies but at Death is perfected in Glory that fadeth not away The CONCLUSION THus have
I done with all the Doctrines but yet I have not done with you Words of instruction Solomon compares to Nayls Eccles 12. 11. I shall add a few strokes more to drive them home How can I with patience see any of you secure in Sin still fast asleep Under Satans power and upon the bottomless pits brink And every moment in danger of tumbling down into it Though some of you make light of Hell and more light of Sin that does deserve it yet I foresee how you will change your minds when once you feel what 't is to be there and I would fain prevent your going thither What shall I say how shall I do to prevail with you to become willing to a sincere Conversion and so escape eternal Misery and Confusion Once more I cry as loud and earnestly as I am able Tâ—rn ye Turn ye O ye youngest that are here turn to God Your whole time is short enough to provide for Eternity begin early to redeem it Can you be too soon safe and happy safe in being under the Wing of Christ happy in having the Lord to be your God and Father Oh ye Children become Converts Christ is ready to embrace you in his Arms and bless you I should not at all fear the Gospels going if I could behold much of the Work of Regeneration among the young generation O ye oldest Sinâ—rs Turn to God the door of Mercy is not quite shut though you have lived so long in Sin 'till you have one foot in the Grave Admirable Mystery and Miracle of Grace when those are in a spiritual sense New Born who were old both in Years and Wickedness Turn ye O you that have most Righteousness of your own for your Righteousness is filthy raggs and you have Sin enough to ruine you Turn ye O you that have been guilty of the greatest Transgressions for in the Lord is superabâ—ndant Grace enough and enough to save you If you will not Turn you gratifie the evil One the Enemy of your Salvation you Consent to be his Slavis and Prey and chuse rather to dwell with him in Torment than with the Lord in Glory If you will not turn you are Sâ—lâ—-haters not Accessariâ—s only but Principals in the Murthering of your own Souls It was a true saying of Salvian Nemo nobis Crâ—â—â—â—ior nobis none more Cruel none so cruel to sinful Man as he is to himself The very Prince of the Devils has not so great an hand in his Destruction If you will not turn immediately this very day hour moment it may quickly be too late Abused Mercy may go away for ever and God may now at last foreit who has long waited to be gracious The Axe before another Sabbath may be laid to the root of the Tree which bears nothing but the Grapes of Sodom and the Clustâ—s of Gomorrah A Sentence may be pronounced from Heaven Hâ—w down such a strange and degenerate Plant and cast it into fiâ—e unquenchable But if at last you see with with your Eyes and hear with your eaâ—s and understand with your hearts and turn to the Lord the Father will receive you with open arms of love and kindness his tenderest Bowels will be troubled for you and sure Mercies shall be yours Tâ— Lord Jesus will see of the travel of his Soul to his Satisfaction rejoycing that Children of Regeneration are born into his Church whâ— shall be Heirs of Glory The Comforter who was grieved and vexed at your resistance will be much pleased to see you yield and will delight to dwell in you and to fill you both with Grace and Peace Converting Grace whenever wrought on Earth causes a Neâ— Triumph above in Glory The Thrones Dominions the Cherubim the Seraphim that are there will sing a New Song of Praiâ— they will give glory to God in the Highest when more Sinners are begotten again to a lively Hope they will ascribe Blessing and Honour to the Lamb when more Souls are redeemed by his Blood. Have I been speaking unto Stocks and Stones or unto those who have Senses Souls and Reason If you will not turn that you may be saved I must confess 't were well if you had no Souls to lose for ever It was a Custom among the Ancient Romans to keep dead Bodies above ground several dayes and often to cry in their ears with a loud Voice to see if they were dead indeed And these were called Corpora conclamata Bodies that had been cryed unto in vain and then they were carried to their Burial May not your Souls O unconverted Sinners be called Animae conclamatae Souls that have been often cryed unto to turn and live But if you still refuse 't is a sign you are very dead indeed and you may quickly be buried in the fiery Tophet out of which you shall never rise more But alas all Pleadings Intreaties Arguments will be to little purpose unless there come a convincing Light a converting Power from above Cachedram habet in coelo qui corda docet in terrâ He has his Chair in Heaven who teaches hearts on Earth Oh that the glorious Spirit would come and breath upon the dead dry bones and inspire a Life that may never end That he would cause All even the most hardned and dead in sin to become Alive to God and have their fruit unto holiness that the end may be everlasting Life Let God arise and let his enemies be scatter'd Let Sin Satan and Mammon be forced to flee before Him that all Hearts possest by them may now submit to Him When the tongues of Men and Angels cannot prevail one powerful word from God can convert a multitude of Souls though they have been never so disobedient and gainsaying If the Lord will fill his Sanctuary with his Glory it will be to all unconverted Ones that are here the place of their new Birth and the very Gate of Heaven FINIS A WARNING GIVEN TO Secure Sinners TO Prepare for Judgment TO Flee from Wrath to Come AND Turn from All Sin BUT Especially the Sin which does most easily beset them By NATHANAEL VINCENT M. A. Minister of the Gospel Ezek. 33. 7. O Son of Man I have set thee a Watchman unto the house of Israel therefore thou shalt hear the Word at my Mouth and warn them from Me. LICENSED March 17th 1688. LONDON Printed by J. Astwood for Tho. Parkhurst at the Bible and three Crowns at the lower end of Cheap-side near Mercers-Chappel 1688. THE Epistle to the READER Reader WHen I Preached these following Sermons I had not the least thought of Publishing them They were taken from my Mouth by a dexterous and nimble hand that wrote almost every Word I utter'd I was very much sollicited to Print them and the Notes being written out fair and brought to me I have look'd them over and now they are presented to thee with a sincere Design that they may be beneficial to thee and not without Hope they will be so
to the Wicked to the good to the clean and to the unclean to him that Sacrificeth and him that Sacrificeth not as is the good so is the sinner and he that Sweareth as he that feareth an Oath Eccles 9. 1 2. Nay often times the worst of men have in this present Life the best on 't We read Luke 16. of a wicked Rich Man receiving his good things cloathed in Purple and fine Linnen and faring Sumptuously every day A poor Man ready to starve for Hunger was laid at this Rich Man's Gate his Body was full of sores and yet this Mans Soul was sanctified with Grace a good Man he was though here he received evil things since thus it is now there is a day coming when 't will be otherwise Job having spoken of the Prosperity of the Wicked in this World strongly argues that in the next World there will be a dreadful after-reckoning Job 21. 30. The Wicked is reserved to the day of Destruction they shall be brought forth to the day of Wrath This is the day I am speaking of a day of the revelation of the righteous Judgment of God Rom. 2. 5. Who then will render to every man according to his works to them that by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality eternal life but to them that are contentious and do not obey the truth but obey unrighteousness indignation and wrath tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doth evil of the Jew first and also of the Gentile v. 6 7 8 9. 3. Christ hath Promised his Church that he will come again to Judgment and hath raised her hopes and expectations of his coming Rev. 3. 11. Behold I come quickly hold that fast which thou hast that no man take thy Crown Heb. 10. 36. For yet a little while and he that shall come will come and will not tarry He thus speaks to his Disciples Let not your hearts be troubled ye believe in God believe also in me I am indeed about to leave you but I go to prepare a place for you and assure your selves I will come again and receive you to my self that where I am there ye may be also Joh. 14. 1 5. Christ is the Amen the true and faithful Witness he will certainly be the Judge The Church will assuredly see him at last upon the great White Throne and her self safe and triumphant at his right hand When he comes how will he be glorified in his Saints and how will he be admired by all Believers in that Day 2 Thes 1. 10. 4. There are several things that are hastening Christs coming to Judgment The World grows old in Wickedness and all the Sins of the World have tongues to cry for the appearing of a Judge to pay their deserved Wages the World grows riper and riper for Vengeance dryer and dryer for that Fire that is to burn it The Church of Christ is also hastning Christs Appearing with their incessant Cryes Come Lord Jesus Come quickly Rev. 22. 20. The Spirit and the Bride say Come not only unto Sinners to come to Christ but unto Christ himself to appear that he may put an end both to Sin and Suffering That 's the longing and language of the Spouse Cant. 8. 14. Make haste my Beloved and be like a Roe or a young Hart upon the mountains of spices And this is not the Voice only of the Church on Earth but they in Heaven wish for and intreat the same thing How long Lord holy and true is heard from the Souls under the Altar Rev. 6. 10. In the last Place I come to the Application I begin with Inferences from the Doctrine 1. If there will be a Day of Judgment hence I inferr that there is a present Providence Will the Lord judge all at last surely he observes all now The Lord Jesus would have all the Churches to know as well that he searches the Reins and Heart as that he will render to every man according to his Works Rev. 2. 23. Whether thy Eye be upon God or no his Eye is never off from thee 't is indeed in every place beholding the evil and the good What a foolish Creature hast thou reason to call thy self who considerest not in thy heart that God remembers all thy Wickedness Hos 7. 2. and Gods remembrance at last will rub up thine and what thou now forgettest will sadly be recalled to thy Mind 2. Shall all be Judged hence I inserr the Love of God to the Righteous and his hatred of Iniquity Not one righteous Man but shall be acquitted and received by the Judge not a righteous action or sincere intention but shall be rewarded It will be found at the last day that a Widdows Mite given with a Charitable spirit and according to the ability was a great deal in Gods Treasury and that a Cup of cold Water given to a Disciple in the Name of a Disciple was well taken and shall not go unrewarded Mat. 10. 42. And there has not been there is not a Wicked Man on Earth but his Sin that has been hunting and pursuing to overthrow him will then find him out Psal 11. 5 6. because the Lords Soul hates the workers of Iniquity therefore upon the wicked he will rain snares fire and brimstone and an horrible tempest this shall be the portion of their Cup By fire and brimstone and tempest understand a suddain grievous surprizing and intolerable Punishment and by snares understand that they in Hell shall never be able to extricate themselves out of that Misery into which their Wickedness has brought them 3. If all shall be Judged hence I inserr the truth of the Doctrine of the Resurrection The whole Man has sinn'd the whole Man shall be judg'd and punished for sin Believers are sanctified both in Soul and Body therefore in Body and Soul they shall be gloryfied The Dead shall rise again all that are in the Graves shall hear the Voice of Christ and shall come forth they that have done good to the resurrection of Life they that have done evil to the resurrection of Damnation Joh. 5. 28 29. The Grave is only a Prison for a time not a Body that is there that shall lye there always the same Body that was employed in the unfruitful works of darkness shall be raised by the Power of the righteous Judge to share in the demerited Punishment And the same Body of the Saints the Members of which were used as Instruments of Righteousness unto Holiness by Vertue of its Union with Christ shall rise again and be made like unto Christs glorious body according to the working whereby he is able to subdue all things to himself Phil. 3. 21. It is not another Body I grant that qualities are alter'd but the substance is the same therefore the Apostle does not stick to say 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 This corruptible shall put on incorruption this mortal shall put on immortality so
when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption and this mortal shall have put on immortality then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written Death is swallowed up in Victory 1 Cor. 15. 53 54. 4. Will there be a Judgment 't is wonderful there should be so much security in them that hear of it 〈◊〉 Really the very mentioning of Christs Tribunal before which all must stand should make all Criminals to tremble If a Man were seized for a Crime that 's capital deserving Death by the Law of God and Man and being in Bolts and Fetters in Newgate he should be secure and unconcerned though the Sessious were at hand you would conclude him to be very stupid and inconsiderate What Sinner secure and shortly to be Judged O Drunkard Whoremonger Swearer Sabbath-breaker Covetous Worldling what secure and speedily to appear at the Judgment-seat of Christ who has said That they that do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God! Sin is folly security in Sin is the folly of that folly Take heed of Security 't is not I only but Christ himself also that gives you this necessary caution Luk. 21. 34 35 36. And take heed to your selves lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness and the cares of this life and so that day come upon you unawares for as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth Watch ye therefore and Pray always that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all those things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of Man. VSE II. By way of Counsel Two words of Counsel I would give this Congregation The one is more firmly to believe a Judgment and more frequently to think of it The other is Be sure in time to prepare for eternal Judgment 1. More firmly believe more frequently think of Judgment You have reason to believe it for the Judge is ordained and though neither Men nor Angels know the day yet the day is appointed Act. 17. 30 31. The time of this ignorance God winked at but now commands all men every where to repent because he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the World in righteousness by that Man whom he hath ordained whereof he hath given assurance unto all in that he hath raised him from the dead The stronger your assent is unto this the more serious and often will be your Consideration of it To think of Judgment is proper for a Saint that he may be encouraged to fight the good fight of Faith and persevere in well doing to the end To think of Judgment is proper for a Wicked Man to awaken him and to make him with fear and trembling to work out his Salvation It 's proper for an Hypocrite to think of Judgment because then all Masks and Vizours will be pull'd off all shews will be at an end and naked Truth will appear at that day The Graves will be open'd and do ye think the whited painted Sepulchers will remain shut Oh! then all the concealed Pride and Filthiness and Selfishness and Sensuality and Injustice and earthliness of Professors will with all their aggravations be brought to light before Men and Angels Oh how many demure and serious Countenances that have been a covering to naughty Hearts will then be filled with Confusion 'T is proper for the Old to think of Judgment they have one foot in the Grave already and quickly the whole body must drop into it and the Spirit must return to God who gave it You also that are Young should think of Judgment have the youngest of you any assurance of your Lives Infants Children Youths do not many of them dye and step into Eternity and as you see them leave the World so certainly they appear before God and one way or other have their Doom Solomon tells you that Childhood and Youth are Vanity Would you that are Young be serious the Meditation of Judgment would conduce much to it Eccles 11. 9. Rejoyce O young Man in thy Youth and let thy heart chear thee in the days of thy Youth and walk in the wayes of thy heart and in the sight of thine eyes He says Rejoyce but speaks Ironically and means the quite contrary thou hast no reason at all to rejoyce whilst taken with things that are seen and whilst thou walkest in those evil ways which thy Heart naturally does like Then the Wise man speaks seriously But know thou that for all these things God will bring thee to Judgment If you ask me What are the Benefits that will accrue by a firm Belief and frequent Meditation of Judgment I thus Answer to this momentous Question 1. This will be a great Preservative against Temptation Look beyond the present advantage and delight that Sin boasts of and see as far as the Judgment-seat this is the way to silence the Tempter and to avoid his snare Would the Lyar dare to speak falsly if he considered that all Lyars shall be adjudged to the lake that burns with fire and brimstone which is the second death Rev. 21. 8. Would the Unclean Person dare to defile himself and run to the Harlots house if he did but believe and consider that Whoremongers and Adulterers God will judge Improve Christs Cross and think of Christs Tribunal and this will cool and kill Corruptions and take away the force of your Temptations 2. The Belief and Meditation of Judgment will cause you to use this World as not abusing it to make a good improvement of it You that have this World in great abundance and have the clearest and largest Estates do you think you are Proprietors of what you have Do you think 't is given or only lent you for a time You are only Stewards intrusted with that which is Gods and not yours and are accountable at the last day for all you have received What sad accounts will most give up of their Stewardship when they must be no longer Stewards Imprimis So much daily for Eating and Drinking to Self and not to the Glory of God. Item So much for brave Apparel that Pride might be maintained and gratified Item So much for making provision for the Flesh to fulfil the Lusts thereof Item So much for costly and vast Past-times a great deal of Wealth and much more precious Time being wasted together But unto good uses to maintain a Godly and laborious Ministry of the Gospel to the poor and needy given very little or nothing With what an Eye do you think that the Judge will look upon such accounts as these Think of Judgment that you may holily improve the unrighteous Mammon and Christ may say you have been Faithful Stewards even of worldly things 3. The Belief and Meditation of Judgment will make you exceeding diligent that you may be found of your Judge in peace without spot and blameless With what Seriousness and Fervency will he come