perpetual remembrance it must be by that way and manner himself hath prescribed As Parchment and Wax are little worth of themselves but yet useful and significative of conveying Land one to another So our Lord may Minister unto us his grace and benefits by the outward signes of Bread and Wine and when they are received in this Ordinance they are more to be esteemed in respect of the thing signified then in our common eating and drinking The Bread broken sets forth how the body of our Lord was torn upon the Cross the Wine poured out puts in mind of his side being pierced and the shedding of his blood As often as ye eat this Bread and drink this Cup ye do shew the Lords death till he come 1 Cor. 11. 26. The like Figure whereunto even Baptism doth also now save us not the putting away the filth of the Flesh but the answer of a good Conscience towards God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 3. 21. That is not so much the sprinkling or dipping in Water as the thing signified The Apostle doth not speak to exclude it for himself used it and so did the other Apostles who had the Spirit of God and all the Church down ever since Now there is the same prejudice as to that What doth the meer Water signifie They might have put the same question to the Apostles themselves had they been in their time or to our Lord in the institution of his Supper There is not so much only in the outward sign but there is in the thing signified Many remain still in Ignorance and Sin but if they would be saved let them come out from among their Sheep and Oxen and lift up their eyes to Heaven considering who inhabits there They must not always be confined in a Barn or with Saul hide themselves among the Rushes or be wholly taken up with the little things of this short life for they are called out and invited to receive a Kingdom This is spoken in good earnest Your only end of coming into this World is to serve God and to know the things pertaining unto him and hence to be translated up to receive it If they do that for a while they will at length perceive there is something more in the Ordinances then what they at present imagine through the darkness and blindness that is in them None can think slightly but who do not understand If they do really believe on Christ it would seem no strange thing to come unto his Supper The Man is to raise up the highest Love for God and his Christ Remember the holy Covenant that hath passed between them with a continued firm stedfastness and sincere purpose to perform the same He may refresh and strengthen his Faith especially on the Death of our Lord and the Truth of his whole Gospel he is to lift up his Soâ—l in the most hearty Praises and lively Devotionâ— where is a constant â—ear and obedience to Almighty God if he comes unexpectedly where the Sacrament is Administred upon a little examination and reverence of mind he may receive But where he hath notice before hand and he may lay aside some of his Worldly Business as this may be done thrice in the Year at least there let him not approach to this Holy Mystery without Solemn preparation before for it is altogether of as high a nature and deserves as great reverence as the Passover of Old. We are always to have Oyl ready in our Lamps but then we should trim and make them ready at the meeting of the Bridegroom It is not an humbling or carefulness for a day nor a fit of holiness for a Season only for this is the practice of them Who are Foolish Disobedient Deceived serving divers Lusts and Pleasures Tit. 3. 3. who fondly think to make atonement by this Ordinance not considering that some will be rejected who have eaten and drunk in Christs presence Luke 13. 26. But a due preparation consists in a constant course of keeping the Commandments of God There is a building up in our most holy Faith and a progress in the Christian Life so that whosoever is sincere and willing as to that may partake of this Supper to his comfort and benefit Give not that which is holy unto Dogs is the express command of the Master of this Feast Since the Church hath been remiss to this thing and promiscuously admitted all the Sacrament is become common and disesteemed When she kept to the rules of our Lord people were earnest and desirous to come and sorrowful to be kept away If the Government of God over the World were not in a manner made precarious by those who take upon them the Office and Administration thereof Men would be more willing and obedient under it Neither would themselves be so contemptible and base among the People if they had kept up that authority in word and power which the Lord had given When a thing stoops or becomes easie the consequent is to trample upon and not care for it they are to answer before him who in their several Generations have thus managed the cause of God. They have not done according to their direction in his Word for that is with Authority and would if truly Preached command the most Rebellious and Proud hearts of the sons of Men. God is greater then Men and as those who exercise Authority would not suffer it to be brought low neither should his Kingdom and rule over them diminish Truth was once stablished in the Earth the Kingdom of God was once set up with Power but now through the treacherous yielding of the supporters it hath been long falling away and loses strength God is not the least beholden to his Creatures for serving him as Gen. 4. 7. So afterwards his Commandments are given in a Majestick and Authoritative manner Exod. 20. And though the stubborn Sinner saith in his heart which he Manifests in practise I will do this and that just contrary yet he shall be answered again in Plagues and Punishment In like manner did the Lord Jesus give out his Commission of Teaching Go ye into all the World and Preach the Gospel to every Creature He that believeth and is Baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned Mark 16. 15 16. If People do their duty it is accepted if not they are to expect the danger There hath been a wonderful deal of begging yea moreover civil Authority must be called in for aid to bring Mankind over to the ordinances of their God and all will not do When their fear towards him is taught by the precept of Men they may come to perform such a Worship as is described in the foregoing part of the verse of drawing near with their Mouth and honouring with their lips but have removed their heart far from me Isa 29. 13. and that cannot be hindred by all legal constitutions What Glory is it unto him to have a
judgment surely the wrath of man shall praise thee the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain Psal 76. 10. The Condemnation thou inflictest on the wicked shall tend to thy Glory and yet thou shalt curb them that they shall do no more so wickedly Thou hadst rather O God that Man were Righteous but if not thou art not the less glorified Whether he be so or not redounds upon himself If he will be Happy nothing is wanting on Gods part to make him so if he will go in the prescribed way but if not he perishes of himself only I have no Pleasure in the Death of him that dieth saith the Lord God Ezek. 18. 2. and therefore doth not in any wise contribute towards it Whatever be his final Condition through his own doings in the beginning he was made to praise and serve God in this Life be contented in so doing and at last enjoy him that is Blessed for ever this may be the Reason why in all Men who are equally born to this great end there is such an earnest and natural desire after Happiness That this might be the more effectually obtained God hath shewed out of his written Grace and Revelation to all Sorts and Conditions of Men. A plain intimation that as he hath made known his ways unto Isa 2. 3. men so he would have them walk therein As they have Power given them to know so to do As God would the means so Mich. 4. 2. the end all are put in a possibility of the Crown and Reward All the ends of the World shall remember and turn unto the Lord and all the kindreds of the Nations shall worship before thee Psal 22. 27. CHAP. III. OF KINGS The necessity of Government in Order to Preservation and outward Peace Of the Person of Kings wherein it is shewed particularly that all their enjoyments cannot make them Happy but their Happiness is to be had in God only with an Exhortation and Direction thereto I Have said ye are Gods But ye shall die like Men Psal 82. 6 7. You are Partakers of the same Flesh and Blood subject to the same weakness and frailty with the meanest but that Divine stamp of Sovereignty makes the difference There is no Power but of God the Powers that be are ordained of God. He is the Minister of God to thee for good he beareth not the Sword in vain for he is the Minister of God a Revenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil Rom. 13. 1 3 4. Should the King immortal eternal Exercise the Authority by himself we are not now able to endure his glorious Presence We cannot see him and live When he revealed himself upon Mount Sinah and all the People saw the Thunderings and Lightnings and the noise of a Trumpet and the Mountain smoaking and when the People saw it they removed and stood afar off and they said unto Moses speak with us and we will hear but let not God speak with us least we die Exod. 20. 18 19. We walk by Faith and not by Sight 2 Cor. 5. 7. it would be no Tryal of our obedience if he should appear visible upon Earth at whose sight all Nations must tremble God hath ordered it as it is Heaven is â—y Throne and the Earth my Fooâ—stool He commandeth over all And still the Most High ruleth in the Kingdom of Men and giveth it to whomsoever he will Dan. 4. 32. He hath sent his Deputies among us Spiritual and Civil whom though he hath been pleased to Honour with his own Title of Gods and Lords yet they are in the likeness of Men. The World cannot subsist without Government for since there are in us the Seeds of all manner of Evil and especially those which are prejudicial to Society Pride Revenge Envy Hatred Malice Oppression Theft Covetousness and such like if these were not restrained by present Punishments for who do not regard God fear these there would be no living amongst Men. We must lurk in Dens and Caves of the Earth to hide and preserve our selves from wrong and injury We are worse then Bears and Wolves Tygers and Serpents for they do not biâ—e and devour those of their own kind whereas Man is ready to do all kind of hurt to his Fellow if none would fall upon himself If there was no Law to bind him then his Strength would be the only Law of Justice The good things of the Earth would not be distributed according to right or deserving but fall a prey to the Sons of Violence There would be no Trade or Commerce for then People would not barter for Commodities but take them by force When the mighty Man hath got them there comes a stronger then he and spoileth him also and a third trys to Master him A gap would be opened to all Rapine and Injustice and none could say that any thing he did possâ—ss was his own Men are as the Fishes of the Sea if they have no Ruler over them Upon the least Provocation or without any for a malicious Hab. 1. 14. mind with seek occasion which may be easily found they would destroy and hurt one another Our lives would be in continual jeopardy of merciless Men. Something we have spoken or done miâ—-construed surmised or falsly accused would render us liable to anothers Strife and Cruelty We are by Nature Children of Wrath of him whose Name in the Hebrew Toâ—gue is Abaddon but in the Greek Tongue hath his Name Apoâ—â—yon Rev. 9. 11. We are rather descendants from Cain then the Cadâ—ean Seed Even now wilful Murther is punished by an acâ—â—â—sed Death yet still it is too often practised among us but if it were reserved only to the future Judgment of God that being at a distance and not believed by reprobate Minds or thinking to come off there by a slight and superficial Repentance in the mean while too many moved by a revengeful or covetous Appetite would no more stick to shed Blood then refuse meat when hungry In Wars where all Laws Justice Reason and Humanity are banished what Bâ—â—chering of one another there is What strange Instruments of Death they have invented being Witty to mutual Destruction They spoil Countreys send the devouring flames into Vaâ—â—eys of Corn that before did Laugh and Sing plunder poor People of their Cattel and Livelihood rush violently into Houses and â—ob of all They kill and slay have used unheard Cruelties towards Women and innocent Children who should have been Objects of Compassion and not of fury The finest Cities are turned into ruinous heaps and laid in Ashes all things are converted into Desolation They insult over poor Captives binding them with Misery and Iron feeding them with Bread and Water of aâ—â—liction What Pity it is that Man who is endued with such rational and excellent Principles and thereby exalted above the rank of Beasts yet should Act such mad things As if they were not otherwise subject to â—iseries enough but they bring
establish among us The whole course of nature is a Lecture on this Subject of Government so those which would have none must turn the World up-side down Who dâ—â—es such a strange attempt But as there have been unusual and prodigious Comets which have blazed for a while and threatned destruction so there have not been wanting incendiaries here below who endeavoured to set the Earth on a Combustion but themselves at last were consumed in flame they kindled There have been some Enemies to all Government but very few All Mankind of every Country Nation and Language who have not extinguished their reason nor been transformed into the Satyrs of the Wilderness have alwaâ—s had among them some kind or other when they have pulled down one Form they have set up another There is no living amongst Men without any But this sort of alteration is commonly long before accomplished and there are in the mean while violent contentions among the people some crying for this and another for that and perhaps none know wherefore Then the word is drawn against our own Country Men One is dashed against another even the Jer. 13. 14. Fathers and the Sons together Neighbours and Kinsfoâ—ks pursuing one another to death for every battle of the Warriour is with confused noise and garments rolled in blood We may see goodly personages wallowing in their own gore trodden under foot and no Isa 9. 5. Man to regard them we may hear the cruel instruments of death bellowing forth wo and destruction the skreeks and groans of dying Men. There is a multitude of slain and a great number of carcases they stumble upon their coâ—psâ—s a real landskip of misery occaâ—oned by their own sin and folly They thought it at first a Nahum 3. 3. fine and gainful thing to be disturbers of a quiet state and it is to be feared further on for seditions exclude Men out of the Kingdom of God Gal. 5. 20 21. So they hinder future happiness and also the present both as to others and themselves such have an inward â—ret and are tormented at as they think the ill administration of publick affairs Like sick stomachs which turn sweet into bitter so their fancy doth misrepresent even the good and just actions of those in Authority They have a strange art of interpretâ—â—â— all things to the worse so when they come to consider and chew the cud they relish nothing but biâ—terness they spend their days in Sorrow which is wholly their own fault and their life becomes uneasie to them If they have some natural courage which in proper acceptation is not for they cannot bear the present evil and run blindly into the other they conclude death is rather to be chosen When this principle is once taken up then through instigation of the Devil who is never wanting when he hath opportunity of suggesting mischief they form desperate designs not caring for their own they will attempt anothers life and him they lay in wait for whom they vainly and falsly think the Author of all their misery reasoning within themselves If their wicked imaginations should take effect then they shall be eased of all their grief but if they should miscarry they would be freed from a wretched life which before was so grievous that they can as willingly endure it to be taken away by the hands of an Executioner as their own And indeed if it was not for the succeeding Eternity these Sons of Belial these accursed Traytors were wise in their undertaking but they are blinded or holden up by Wine and Pride as not to consider of this or otherwise they would never by such steps ascend up to this high crime The Law is good if a Man use it lawfully knowing this that the 1 Tim. 8. 9 10 11. Law is not made for a righteous Man but for the lawless and disobedient for those that despise dominion speak evil of dignities and do those things which are contrary to sound Doctrine the peace of their Country and themselves Who will be neither convinced by Scripture nor Reason nor Self-love must be concluded under the number of those obstinate Souls with whom nothing prevails The Spirit that lusts to Rebellion is too far ingrafted in them but surely none is come to such a degree of evil Principles for then it would be as vain to say any thing more to such as to wash the Ethiopian White And it would be equally absurd to compare these with the Loyal and Obedient who are more happy in this life as to confer bitter with sweet for these have that acquiescence of mind which was once in the Israelites who were so for a Novelty which they were always obliged to be in duty Whatsoever the King did pleased all the People 2 Sam. 3. 36. But it may be surmised What if our Rights and Liberties should be invaded and those in Authority should take too much upon them as to become Arbitrary Unjust and Tyrannical This is the reasoning of flesh and blood against the Commandments of the Gospel and in like manner against forgiving Injuries We are not to go according to the dictates of Fleshly Wisdom or of natural and present preservation to inherit the Kingdom of God To submit to a light inconvenience for that is very consistent with true prudence But this is an Argument from an abuse which may happen and if that were sufficient to condemn or surcease a thing we might do so as to all for nothing is so excellent in its own Nature but may be corrupted Not one obligation or duty to God or Man but a seeming mischief may ensue upon it He hath been pleased to try our obedience in such kinds of relation if we do our parts we may expect the good and recompence thereof others are to perform theirs at their peril or encouragement Against a King there is no rising up Prov. 30. 31. Where the Word of a King is there is Power and who may say unto him what dost thou Eccles 8. 4. Against thee thee only have I sinned Psal 51. 4. Said David in his confession to God for the Murther of Vriah which shews he was accountable to him only for that wicked Action In the New Testament is a positive command of Christ Mat. 5. 39. But I say unto you that ye resist not evil which extends to what is done by those who have dominion over us and an injury offered by a private person Yet I will not be afraid to speak out if either should take advantage over Passive Obedience or the forgiving temper as to domineer or affront the more it is baseness in the mean while and it will be determined who acts best they who go according to the dictates of corrupted nature which is Proud and Cruel or who have it corrected by the Wisdom from above which makes it pure peaceable gentle and easy to be intreated Jam. 3. 17. Let them be never so great in their own Opinion
must out of his own experience and knowledge assent to what the Apostle saith The whole World lieth in Wickedness 1 John. 5. 19. If thou hast no mind to be condemned with the World 1 Cor. 11. 31. Do not comply with the sinful customs thereof Remember what thou didst promise unto God in thy Baptism that thou wouldst renounce the vain Pomp and Glory of the World with all covetous desires of the same and the carnal desires of the flesh so that thou wouldst not follow or be led by them This thou didst then promise by thy Sureties which promise when thou camest to Age thy self wert bound to perform and thou didst take it immediately upon thy self either at Confirmation receiving the Sacrament or full purpose of mind or if thoâ— hast not how canst thou expect the benefits thereof How art thou in the Christian Church If thou hast not taken it upon thee yet God will judge thee and if thou hast it is a fearful thing to be a Lyar unto God. If thou thinkest this a thing of Form the custom of the Country then thou art a Christian only in Name and for all that to have thy Portion with Hypocrites and Unbelievers But thou hast a distinction to elude this and all which hath been hitherto spoken viz. The Pomp and Glory of the World there meant and those places in the New Testament afore-cited refer only to the Idolatrous customs of the Gentiles at that time and signifie nothing to those of the present Age. This is apparently false for in the generality of those Texts there is no mention made of Idolatrous Customs but of Lust excess of Wine excess of Riot Revellings Vanity of Mind they are somewhat intended but not only A full Answer is given to all this from Acts 2. 39. The promise is unto you and your Children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call And seeing Christ is to have a Church for all Generations to come even to the end of the World undoubtedly he designed the New Testament which is Sealed with his own Blood and become of force by his Death as a means for those to believe on him and as a Law to govern their Manners not only for those which saw and heard him in the Flesh but for their Children and Childrens Children even to all posterity for evermore It is further decreed that he shall judge the World by the Gospel Now if he should as most certainly he will understand them according to the plain and common sence of the same Words What then will become of those who trust unto this Objection Which if admitted true would strike at the Root of all Religion and by further degrees banish it quite out of the World. But if here Men should shake the fear of God from their minds by cunning Evasions excuse themselves from the Obligation of his Commandments yet they shall never escape that vengeance which now dogs them at the heels and will be sure to seize on them when out of this life all their Sophistry will signifie nothing at all when they come to appear before his Judgment-Seat Though at present they are so pleased if by a nice distinction they can save themselves from the obedience of such precepts yet when he discovers the deceit they intended to put on him and maketh them of none effect How must they be confounded before Angels and Men at the last and terrible day Indeed if we were to be judged by those of like infirmities with our selves who know nothing of our thoughts then there might be some hopes by crafty excuses and subterfuges to palliate our case before them but Seeing God hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the World in Righteousness by that Man whom he hath ordained Acts 17. 31. Who is the Power of God and Wisdom of God 1 Cor. 1 24. Who will have all the Churches know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts Rev. 2. 23. How then can they expect by some foolish fancie to out-wit him or that their close intents shall not be made known in that day when Christ Jesus shall judge the secrets of Men according to the Gospel And before him shall be gathered all Nations and he shall separate them one from another as a Shepherd divideth his Sheep from the Goats Mat. 25. 32. And then several who think themselves sure enough at present will be deceived in their Expectation Many will say unto me in that day Lord Lord have we not prophesied in thy Name and in thy Name cast out Devils And in thy Name done many wonderful Works and then will I profess unto them I never knew you depart from me ye that work iniquity Mat. 7. 22 23. Every one is sensible there is no little Torment in a Worldly disappointment but in a thing of so great Moment it must be inexpressible anguish The indignation will be so great that they would utterly destroy themselves if possible rather then see themselves rejected by God and that happiness with him and to go along with the accursed crew into everlasting Misery No words can throughly set forth that discontent and raging those wretched Souls must groan under and therefore least any one who casts his eye upon these lines should come amongst their number to prevent this danger let him look upon the verse foregoing Not every one that saith unto me Lord Lord shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven but he that doth the Will of my Father which is in Heaven Mat. 7. 21. This place which is easy to be understood should take away their confidence who rest only in a formal course of Devotion for here we are told it is not that but doing his Will which is revealed in Scripture that must bring us to Heaven What can be more plain and which if throughly confidered of would take away all those destructive mistakes we have been labouring all this while to remove Hath any one a mind to go to Heaven or escape Hell He need not ascend up thither in curious Speculations or study whither it be possible to climb up and wrack his brains which way to accomplish it so neither need he descend into the lower most parts of the Earth to search where the place of Torment is that he may avoid it But the Word is nigh thee which shews the way to the one or the other They are both set before thee Choose whether you will have Never mind what others do Every one is to bear his own burthen and to give account of himself before God What they do what is that to thee Look thou to thy self thou art more sensible of thine own Happiness or Misery then all the World besides it were better for thee that thou wert Happy and all Mankind besides Miserable then that thou wert Miserable and all the rest Happy Whosoever shall come to dwell with everlasting Burnings it will be but
all which doth seem to shew that great happiness doth arise from this sin notwithstanding it is here endeavoured to be lessened To the first instance let it be considered The greatest Torment and pain after it is over is the very same as if it had not been at all The anguish is forgotten and nothing remains but a saint Memory which is rather pleasant and therefore when this is laid in the Ballance it will not weigh down the seeming pleasure of a present Temptation which herein hath the advantage and thus prevails over Men The inviting good is at hand whereas the evil and inconveniencies are either past and then they are as nothing Or else to come and that is not already or may not be so it stands upon the same yea more unequal ground then the other did Hence what is present is preferred before what may be hereafter It is a thing only possible or contingent and so may not happen And therefore it is said the lustâ—ul person will venture again for if he knew the like event would come upon him he would as certainly refrain The burnt Child dreads the Fire himself also is more cautious and circumspective ever after If he doth greatly suspect he will decline so that the evil in his own judgment is greater then the good for he will lose the certain enjoyment of a present Object for fear only oâ— the uncertain consequence of the other This is his Opinion in time of ease and delivery from former pain but when he was smarting under it then might be heard his true judgment of this matter That cursing and indignation those real and then hearty resolutions of never committing the like again do sufficiently evidence the pain exceeds all the pleasure If he doth follow it again it is because that is vanished and gone but the other stands before him and solicites for entertainment It is difficult for flesh to resist the charms of what seems amiable especially if it look only upon the first outward appearance as the sensual Man looks no further it doth asâ—ent The delusion and mistake is he casts half and a partial Eye There being in this and every Sin A mixture of seeming Good and real Evil The first Being open and visible the last somewhat more within not discovered but by a discerning sight he just sees what is lovely and will mind no more but how to attain that yea having a desire after it he is afraid to peep further least he should find out something to discourage from the other Poor foolish Creature Thou art afraid of losing a Lust which is a very little Good consequently missing thereof must be no great unhappiness and yet blindly darest upon a great Evil which will make miserable Thou choosest Sin for that little and present advantage but knowest not or dost not consider the sad end thereof And thus thou actest like ignorant Boys who in Play and Sport pull down the Prop of Building which falls and crusheth them to Death It is not prudent Choice but haâ—ty inconsiderate doing for if when tempted to this Sin thou wouldst stand still and pause upon the manifold Evil consequeâ—ts thereof in this Life and that to come thou wouldst no more yield to it then make a mortal Wound in thy Body to drink thine own Blood which is said to be sweet but the other will bring Pain and Death Let none judge from the foolish Actings of Men but from the reason of things And though some which should have more understanding because of length of days and experience yet have a mighty esteem of these sins who are so far from coming to repentance that they more harden themselves and boast in Iniquity They should forsake when they cannot sin longer but we see by them this is not such repentance as God will accept for in Truth it is none at all A change of Mind doth not follow from Disability to Sin nay there is only a ceasing from the outward Act for the heart and tongue which were filthy are filthy still By such a long and continued course they are hardened through the deceitfulness of Sin The Author to the Hebrews applies the Word to all indifferently Heb. 3. but this in a more especial manner may be said to be deceitful above all sins There is a strange bewitching Nature in it a Man is led from one sinful Act to another the next time he is promised more sweetness from a different Object if he is sometimes struck with the fear of Gods Vengeance and he thinks of his sin in order to Repent then the Devil is not wanting to raise thoughts of former delight and instead of recollecting them with horrour and detestation he is well pleased with what he hath done and cannot seriously repent of them if he would Thence he concludes it impossible and so goes on with hope to be excused seeing he hath tryed to repent though he is neither heartily Sorry for what he hath done nor leaves it of When formerly he might have refrained from the several Acts and so by degrees have came to perfect Abhorrency and true Contrition And now he might keep his Tongue from every filthy and idle Word confess in the bitterness of his Soul instead of Glorying in his Shame endeavour all ways to disswade others rather then allure them on But commonly they are still held Captive and few do recover out of an habit of Lust And I find more bitter then death the Woman whose heart is snares and nets and her hands as bands whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her but the sinner shall be taken by her Eccles 7. 26. They cling and hamper so fast and the Man likes them that there is seldom any escaping when he hath been long holden under them As at beginning of this Iniquity they climb up from step to another till they come to the height so they will continue there as long as they can And when they must let go one or two rounds they will hold fast to the rest When Strength decays and Age comes on they still commit as much of the Sin as ever they can Through these Mens Obduration and foolishness others conceive abundance of Happiness must flow from this muddy and stinking Fountain But shall they be Judges who are given over to vile Affections Who can no more know the true happiness of Man then Brute Beasts if these dumb Creatures could speak with Mans Voice they might as well be called to give their Opinion and then no question the Hart or Goat would give a large commendation thereof Who know nothing better and whose capacities once exalted and honourable are sunk into low and base lusts have a mighty Valuation for them this being the utmost and greatest excellency they can attain unto They likewise who are now fallen into the midst of these sins know of the things here spoken of let them make all speed to Repent of the Vncleanness and Fornication and
practice of the contrary duty will be more excellent and have a proportionable reward All Gods Precepts Jam. 2. 10 11. 1 Cor. 12. 8. are linked together But as in the Gifts of God a Man hath the common measure of all yet one is more eminent for this So in Obedience and Christian Graces one is obliged to all but then a single one shall shine forth more then the reâ—t and to such besides the common reward a more especial blessing is promised This is not a needless digression for the Doctrine and Practice of Universal Obedience is necessary against the Fear and Danger of Death as we learn from Ezek. 18. 31. 1 Cor. 15. 56. That gives title to all the promises who complies therewith is sure and none besides Righteousness delivereth from Evil Prov. 11. 4. From the Fear whilst he lives and the Danger when it approaches â—igh The body will a little tremble at its dissolution for that is natural But Christ came to deliver them who through Fear of Death were all their life time subject to bondage Heb. 2. 15. And this beâ—â—fit he hath procured to his Servants for they believe the Scriptures to be true which are fulfilled in them so they are assured no evil can happen unto them after Death and therefore are not â—â—â—mented with the apprehensions of it They do not 〈◊〉 or drive it out of mind for there is much advantage from the Meditation thereof It is a great help to right and good actions What will this signifie and avail when I come to die It quickens to do whatever his hand finds to do with all his might for there is no Labour nor Work in the Grave There is but one of Tryal the days pass away are accountable for and do not return this puts upon doing every thing to the utmost to have the favour and acceptance of Almighty God. The World judging by themselves look upon those as Melancholy who are so wise to consider their latter end But is there no difference between the Righteous and Wicked There is much in their manner of Conversation all the life long and so is at their death There is difference in Prisoners between the innocent and guilty as to their looking for the day of Assizes and shall the last Judge of the comfortable expectation of the other by his own Fears and Dread Because some are afraid to appear before Christ are they also who have the certain promise of Being with him The one doth not live like the other they are contrary in their Thoughts Words and Actions before their manner of Dissolution that vast and endless parting they must make one from another It is the greatest Happiness to the one and misery to the other and therefore it may be well supposed to administer different thoughts to them It is impossible to obviate all the sayings of Men for they are endless and most are so trivial that they do not deserve any answer but yet may be judged of by this one Observation viz. There is nothing so good and true but something may be said against it Nothing so evil and false but something may be said for it But in every proposition let it seem never so true or strange at first sight examine the Arguments of both sides without prejudice or partiality and then that side which hath most reason and probability may determine our assent This doth make for the honour and reality of Truth that the reasons whereby inferring one thing from another we come to know it are clear deep and convincing Truth must prevail where it can be manifested Which is of such a Divine and excellent Nature that the whole doth not come forth on a sudden but hath been strugling in the Womb some thousands of Years There is great opposition to it by the powers of Darkness and their Sophistry as may be seen for the Objections against it are Dark Perplex Contradictory Slight and deceiving It is reciprocally so with falshood though it hath passed current and been a long time received This may be applied to innumerable instances But to our purpose The noble Martyrs of Old did not decline Death in its most terrible shape when they might glorifie God and avoid sin they were called Melancholly Sullen Obstinate Foolish haters of Mankind and such like When they were in the very prime of Age of excellent natural disposition of a vain conversation before and that changed by Christianity into a more happy manner of living when they were wise and understood what they did as well as ever Men did and did shew themselves as sincere and affectionate to one another The Devil is never wanting to set himself against the doings of God to whisper into the hearts of Men to hinder their Faith and returning unto him but then they run away with that and will not consider what can be said on the other side this is one cause of unbelief the many objections and prejudices they have against the truth They are resolved to take up therewith and not hear from themselves or others a full satisfactory answer Is the least thing muttered against God Their ears are open immediately it is forthwith unanswerable But if spoken out for him then like the deaf Adder they stop their Ears and refuse to hear the voice of the Charmer charm he never so wisely They think it can never be wise that makes for Religion as all things are which make against it Whilst they are willing Satan should hold them at this catch it may be here applied Because they received not the love of the Truth that they might be saved for this cause 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 unrighteousness 2 Thes 2. 10 11 12. They might consider which was most safe as well as most reasonable to believe In the likeliest probability when such multitudes of Men Women more fearful by nature and young Men who may rush upon Death in a heat of passion or out of Gallantry and Honour not with a deliberate advised mind When it was esteemed infamous and foolish by the World yet still to embrace it rather then sin against God and deny the Faith this must be the power of his Grace which did arm their mind against all Fear of Death both in its natural dreadfulness and also heigthened by the malice and cruelty of Men. That was an extraordinary Case but what is it to the Fear of Death now a days Very much for though Men do not continue in the World by reason of Death yet that still continues It reigned as an evil from Adam unto Christ But now he hath taken away the sting and frightful nature from it When he made his Soul an offering for sin and took upon him the person of the Wicked he drunk of the Cup of Gods Wrath Was there any such love that he by the
Grace of God should taste Death for every Man Heb. 2. 9. Taking away that exceeding bitterness in it for all those who will comply with the ends of his death Who can withstand such goodness The full Cup was taken off it matters not if a drop or two is left behind that we may just relish how exceeding bitter it was to him Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the VVorld John 1. 29. Even Jesus which delivered us from the wrath to come 1 Thes 1. 10. Saith David of Old Yea though I walk through the valley of the Shadow of Death I will Fear no Evil Psal 23. 4. He speaks a little doubtfully as may be observed by the Particle â—ea though Heb. 12. 27. He is apt to believe he should not he hopes so As one to whom Immortality Resurrection and Eternal Life was not clearly revealed see Psal 6. 5. Psal 88. 10. Isa 38 18. They lived under that dispensation which gendred Bondage but now we know what is written Heb. 2. 14 15. Rev. 14. 13. It is said from henceforth which hath been accordingly fulfilled Immediately after Christ had suffered how did the Saints grapple with Death Notwithstanding that fury and rage of his Enemies we find not Stephen in the least surprized nothing that betrayed any Fear He prays for his Murderers and when he had said this he fell asleep Acts 7. 60. Observe the phrase of the Holy Ghost it was no more trouble or concern to him then an ordinary taking rest by night Paul triumphs over it in behalf of all Christians 1 Cor. 15. 54 55 56. 2 Cor. 5. 4 8. and for himself declares Phil. 1. 21 22. Tertullian describing the Happiness of Christians in his time after he had reckoned up many parts thereof brings up as the most considerable of all That they have no Fear of Death He speaks generally of all not limiting it only to the Martyrs Tert. de spect though indeed it did appear more in them Our Fathers have told us what great things God did in this Nation in those who suffered for his Truth and the Testimony of a good Conscience in the time of Queen Mary The Promise is certain and applicable to all God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble Psal 46. 1. Amongst all the Extremities which befal poor Mortals that seems the sharpest which denominates them such The last Enemy is Death and all other Evils are the more feared because they may bring on that So we may be bold to say God is obliged by Promise to succour his Servants at that time and may humbly intreat him to make good his Word which he doth accordingly The continuance of his Spirit that it hath been now is and ever shall be is plainly asserted Hag. 2. 5. Isa 59. 21. John 14. 16. Whatever is requisite now adays to turn the Hearts of the Fathers unto the Children and the disobedient to the Wisdom of the Just to make ready a People prepared for the Lord Luke 1. 17. there is the same Reason it should and it doth still abide among us as our Fore-fathers God will have a Church in the World to the end of time so all along his Promises do extend and he doth provide things Convenient for the building up Stablishment and Comfort thereof The Spirit is called the Comforter not that he doth deliver from Evils but support under them And it cannot be thoâ—ght whose business is to this very end that this should not assist in the last of all In the time of common Sickness and Death many good People go out of the World at this day with Peace and as it were rejoycing Nay when the Horror of Death approacheth we may see the shew of a Smile in their Countenance how they do insult over this Enemy for do its worst it can do them no harm It is not thus always for several things may stop the exerting forth of this Cheerfulness yet what the Apostle saith is Peremptory and true If any Man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his Rom 8. 9. And that will yield some Comfort it doth shine in the Heart though it may be darkned and over clouded I would in no wise discourage any one who hath sincerity and the true Fear of God who are willing to please him in all things though their beginnings may be imperfect For who hath despised the day of small things Zech. 4. 10. and yet are taken away God will Judge according to the real Intentions for this is accepted if it would indeed come forth into Act as may be learned by comparing Heb. 11. 17. with Gen. 22. 10 12. And so if they should not live to perfect the good Work He who knows the very secrets of the Heart accepts of the Will for the Deed and will deal with them as he knows their Obedience would be if they should live longer these may be in doubt and uncertainty yet go off safely But there is a vast number of Hypocrites and almost Christians who hinder from discerning the Truth for it is more judged of by these Examples then the written Word of God. Whereas they do confirm it the more There is a difference between seeming and reality those who make goodly appearances may be full of Rottenness within and again those who boast they keep all the Commandments may yet want one thing which is necessary to give them Title to Heaven They live in some reserved Sin not discovered to the World or Omâ—ssion of Duty which makes them horribly afraid There is a way shewed that the Scriptures may be fulfilled in Mens Persons Let them do what is therein required and the Promise of good things doth belong unto them None can with just reason conceive the least unfaithfulness in God or Falshood in his Word if himself doth not wholly conform to it Whether Men will or not that remains the same The Scripture cannot be broken John 10. 35. If it is not fulfilled by their obâ—dience unto Happiness it will be notwithstanding in their wickedness by acquainting them what they shall experimentally find Destruction and Misery are in their ways and the way of Peace they have not known Rom. 3 16 17. As the Salvation of the righteous and Condemnation of the wicked will at last tend to Gods Glory so even at this present time they do set forth and manifest his Truth If one finds no Comfort or benefit by the Word it is a sad Sign that it is taken from him and he is yet in his Sins It is because he doth not order his Stâ—ps in Gods VVord but some iniquity hath Dominion over him Psal 119. 133. for we must Sincerely endeavonr the things we pray for Mark the perfect Man and behold the upright for the end of that Man is Peace Psal 37. 37. Not Stupidity or Senselessness for he that hath truly served God in his Life-time doth not go away after
it is well enough but do not regard with what mind vainly imagining God would have his Work done any way so it be done but doth not regard with what affection they do it And therefore if they practise Righteousness or Temperance though they will speak out to the World that they do it for Health or Reputation and if they have a little respect to God in the heart they refuse to utter that They will declare openly they do such a thing because the King or some Superiour enjoyn them to do it but either through bashfulness or pride on which that is founded will not make it known that they do such things because it is the Commandment and Will of God. They may talk of the fashionable Vertue but not of Grace They will speak in the Words of Seneca but not the Language of Canaan but if they have a serious mind to get the favour of God and be saved let them consider what is Written Joel 2 26. Mark 8. 38. If their actions are not principally because God requires such howsoever specious and upright they may appear before Men he is no more pleased with it then you with the work of your Servant when he doth it of his own head and is ashamed or disdainful to do it upon your commanding him When Courtiers and Servants of Noble Men will own their condition before all and speak of their respective Masters should we not much more do so as to our Master which is in Heaven Is he not greater and better then they Let your light so shine before Men that others may see your good Works and glorifie your Father which is in Heaven Mat. 5. 16. His Servants may praise him for such an ones well doing and glorifie God for your professed subjection unto the Gospel 2 Cor. 9. 13. And strangers may conclude God is in him of a Truth that he hath some real and invisible principle of action which he keeps unto through good report or evil report notwithstanding all profit or inconvenience It tends to the Glory of God here on Earth when things pertaining to him are done openly before all and not in a Corner He that was not heard to cry or to lift up his Voice in the Street who did not love to be taken notice of for his Miracles and doing good neither did for affectation shew â—orth his Extraordinary zeal and service to God yet hath two observable sayings John 3. 21. John 18. 20. If one designs nothing but pure Obedience neither credit nor interest not the least leaven of by-respects the more publickly it is done the better it is If he finds himself ashamed of well doing let him do violence to that sinful humour and make it more visible unto Men if on the other hand he believes he may have praise of Men there let him do it in secret and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly Mat. 6. 4. The reason of things is to be attended unto Our God whom we serve is a Jealous God and his Glory he will not give unto another So is he more pleased with Mens Obedience when it is pure uncorrupt and nothing a sharer with it How doth he resent it VVhen their fear towards me is taught by the precept of Men Isa 29. 13. Which makes directly against compulsion to Religious Duties for that destroys the Nature of true Obedience Doth God want the aid of Man to make others Obedient unto him If it could be done What Glory would it be unto him But they cannot by outward violence they may bring one like a Beast to the Sacrifice but still there is nothing of the subjection of the mind God cares not for Hypocritical Services or a bare outward Submission He may as well be glorified in Beasts the Blood of slain Bullocks of Goats for there is a subjection of those Creatures even unto Death The Brute is knocked down before the Lord but he is better pleased when the Will of a free and reasonable Creature is Obedient unto his Will. When we do not follow our own ways in opposition to the guide of the Lord When self-will is not cringed unto but the Word of God complyed withal He created all things for his own Glory and Man the Principal inhabitant of the Earth cannot shew it forth in a more excellent way Let him offer up every Creature for a Sacrifice do more then Solomon did to set forth the Magnificence of his Temple yet he adds nothing to what God had before for the VVorld is mine and the fulness thereof Psal 50. 12. The merciful God delights not in the blood of dumb Creatures he received them only as some atonement for Mans transgression and as a type of that great Sacrifice which was once offered for all Herein he shewed Mercy that he would accept of the life of a Beast for a more noble offender Sacrifice and burnt Offerings thou wouldst not but the doing of thy will. He is subject to no necessities imperfection or low desires and therefore thousands of Gold and Silver are nothing to him they are his own already He did first create and now disposeth of them but there is something still which I do in no wise say he hath put out of his own power yet he is pleased not to accept of it unless freely bestowed My Son give me thine heart Prov. 23. 26. O that there was such an heart in them that they would fear me and keep all my Commandments that it might be well with them and their Children forever Deut. 5. 29. He seems to long for it and that for their good for he who hath so much already and will be likewise glorified on them if they refuse cannot receive any addition by so small a Mite It is only that another should do all things to obey him Yet wretched and froward Man who knows not nor will be perswaded what is for his good who would fain be reconciled unto God a Being so much above and mightier then he though it be more out of fear and selfishness then love for that he is willing to give any thing rather then the right one with what anguish and earnestness but upon mistaken Grounds doth he expostulate Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of Rams or ten thousand Rivers of Oyl Shall I give my first born for my Transgression or the fruit of my body for the sin of my Soul He hath shewed thee O Man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do Justice and to love Mercy and to walk humbly with thy God Mic. 6. 7 8. Then thou must submit thy Will unto his Will. Many do offer up the Sacrifice of Praise use much Devotion will bestow liberally Alms to the poor frankly part with their Money but not their Lusts make a shew of Subjection unto God yet keep their own Humours and will not cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self