into the Highest Place of Rule and Trust Joseph was seen to be Discreet and Wise and therefore Pharaoh set him over all his House Gen. 41. 39 40. Fools have been uppermost but shall be Servants to the wise Prov. 11. 29. because the King's Favour is towards a wise Servant Prov. 14. 35. and he shall Rule over a Foolish Son Prov. 17. 2. Grace hath the Promise of this Life also 1 Tim. 4. 8. which shall be performed in due time when wickedness shall be de-throned Ezek. 21. 25 26. And Saints shall have the Kingdom Dan. 7. 27. Judging the World and Angels 1 Cor. 6. 2 3. The Beast hath Crown d his Horns Rev. 17. 12. But David will cut them off and then the Saints Horn shall be exalted Psal 75. 10. 3. A wise Man knoweth hidden Mysteries or the Interpretation of a thing Eccl. 8. 1. which is a great Advantage Such Men shall see the Name or Mind of God when he is crying to the City by some signal Judgment Mic. 6. 9. The Godly wise shall understand God's Loving kindness in all his dealings with them Psal 107. 43. which sweetneth Mercies and makes the Cross more easie Such Men shall understand the Reason of a Publick Scourge Jer. 9. 12. The Truth and Application of the Promises Hos 14. 9. together with the time of their Accomplishment Dan. 12. 10. As we would be most knowing men so let us Labour to be most Holy since these have that Revealed to them which is not known to others Eph. 3. 5. 4. Wisdom is better than strength Eccl. 9. 16. or Weapons of War v. 18. both in a Defensive and Offensive way Eccl. 7. 12. 19. and 9. 15. Justice will be too many for the most United force of sinners Prov. 11. 21. but cannot hurt the weakest Saint for ever Satan knew Christ and Paul who were too hard for him but he could overcome those wicked Jews when offering to adjure him though in the Name of Jesus Acts 19. 13 14 15 16. The words of the Wise are heard in quiet more than the Cry or utmost endeavours of him that Ruleth among Fools Eccl. 9. 17. Some put their trust in Moral Vertues or Natural Tempers and Resolutions but Satan's fiery Darts will not be quenched with such Scarfs and Feathers Saints are the onely Conquerours Rom. 8. 37. because they keep themselves from being touch'd by him 1 John 5. 18. Who leadeth others Captive 1 Tim. 2. 26. 5. Mony may in some cases be a Defence as well as Wisdom but the Excellency of Knowledge is that wisdom giveth Life to them that have it Eccl. 7. 12. A Foolish Man is dead as to his better part viz. his Understanding and Graceless Persons are called Idols Zech. 11. 17. in whom there is no Breath or sign of Life at all Hab. 2. 19. Yea sin is the saddest kind of Death that is because it is both Spiritual and likely to be Eternal and yet consistent with the quickest sense of highest Misery And if such were not Dead indeed this consideration would make them take fast hold of Grace or Heavenly wisdom and not to let it go but keep it because it is their Life Prov. 4. 13. 6. Wisdom is of most use to others also because it makes most willing and most successful Prov. 15. 7. Men of a Lower Spirit are sparing in their Communications lest others should be as knowing as themselves But Grace is free to light a Greater Candle though its own lesser Lamp should thereby be Eclipsed Such also are likely to be most Successful because they are most careful and have the promise of Christ's Presence with them The words of the wise are Goads and such are careful to fasten their Nails for fear of dropping out Eccl. 12. 11. And though a wicked man may possibly Convert another yet is there no Promise for it save unto those who do themselves stand in God's Counsel Jer. 23. 22. and winning Souls or turning Men unto Righteousness is chiefly Attributed to the Godly wise Prov. 11. 30. Dan. 12. 3. 7. Wisdom is that which sets out other things and without which there 's nothing that doth become Wisdom is good with an Inheritance Eccl. 7. 11. not but that wisdom it self is good without it onely an Inheritance is not else seemly whereas the wise man's Riches are his Crown because of that Conjunction Prov. 14. 24. Wherever the Branch or Christ doth grow the Fruit of the Earth will there be Excellent and comely Isa 4. 2. as Earthen Vessels are when Tipt with Silver wether we take that Earthly Fruit for outward Blessings or Moral Vertues and Common Actions or for a mean Descent relating to a Gracious Soul whom every thing becometh as Ordinary Garments do an handsom Body 8. Folly doth Incapacitate a Man for that which he is apt to be ambitious of and which nought else can fit him for save onely wisdom All would have Joy but yet delight doth not become a Fool Prov. 19. 10. No more than Laughter doth a Malefactor when going to Execution Saul was desirous of being Honoured 1 Sam. 15. 30. but Honour doth not become a Fool no more than Snow doth Summer Prov. 26. 1. Men would be prosperous but the Prosperity of Fools is their Destruction for then they turn away Prov. 1. 32. Men would take in the Creature but when a Fool is fill'd the Earth is then Disquieted Prov. 30. 21 22. Some would be sometimes speaking of good things but Excellent speech doth not become a Fool Prov. 17 7. because it is too High for him Prov. 24. 7. 9. There be many that say Who will shew us any good Psal 4. 6. Yea all would be glad of Earthly Riches the very fancying whereof is unto some poor Creatures an over-pleasing Vanity Now Riches are entailed upon wisdom as Solomon did Experience 1 Kings 3. 11. 13. And as Christ promiseth when Grace or the Kingdom of God is first sought after Mat. 6. 33. This hath been alway vertuâ—lly made good unto the Saints because Contentment is the Fruit of Godliness which answereth unto Gain 1 Tim. 6. 6. But as such have the Promises of this Life also 1 Tim. 4. 8. So we are now hastning unto the Time of their Accomplishment when Meek ones shall Inherit the Earth Psal 37. 11. Flowing together for Wheat and Wine and Oyl Jer. 31. 12. And when their Brass and Iron shall be turned into Gold and Silver Isa 60. 17. And in a way of Reparation for all their former Losses receiving double for their shame Isa 61. 7. Yea in this Life an hundred fold for that which they have sometimes lent to Christ Mat. 19. 29. Then shall their Riches also be their Crown Prov. 14. 24. because they will be taught to Consecrate their Gain unto the Lord Mic. 4. 13. and to the Duties of his Worship Isa 61. 5 6. 10. Wisdom or Understanding doth make the words of Christ to be exceeding plain Prov. 8 9. and
as to the same Degree for that which in respect of Kind is Equally communicated unto all Thus are the Saints betrusted with peculiar Priviledges yea every Sinner with some kind of Talent though Gradually Differing both of them each from other and suitable whereunto must be their Reckoning Men must be accountable for their sweet Illapses Crosses Opportunities for Duty Helps therein and Outward Mercies what they have Gained thereby whose Duty it therefore is to Trade therewith and to wards the End especially 3. Let us be much in Prayer that we may not Enter into Temptation Mark 14. 38. but be accounted VVorthy to Escape and stand before the Son of Man Luke 21. 36. Now one may be said to Enter into Temptation when something is that way done although not to the Height thereof when sinfull Motions are Parlyed with or Satan is heard in a plain Case When foiled Temptations are not pursued but suffered to Rise again When Opposite Duty is not duely prized and when we are not Deeply Humbled for a former Fall In which regard Prayer is of special securing use as it doth bring the Soul into God's Over-awing Presence as it enlivens other helps and as it is the likelyest way to be Instructed and Assisted from the Lord. Onely we must therein be Upright Earnest Persevering and not Idle Beggars but free to Work 4. What manner of Persons ought we to be as to All Godliness and Holy Conversation 2 Pet. 3. 11 so as to be found of Christ in Peace and without Spot or Blame v. 14 Christ will Then come and his Reward with him Isa 40. 10 therefore let us now ply our Work apace and let us not make light of Idle words which then must be Accounted for Mat. 12. 36. Each Talent well Improved will gain a City in that Day Luke 19. 17 and little do many think how small a matter will be sufficient to Burn This World as was to Drown the Other How forcible to make us Accurate would be the constant Expectation of a Dying Hour and the last Trumpets sounding unto Judgement And with what Chearfulness doth a Tenant hear his Landlord Knock whose Rent is Ready and not to Borrow at such a time 5. Say not A Confederacy with Threatning Ashur Isa 8. 12 whose Fall Isa 31. 8. immediately ushereth in Christ's Dispensation Isa 32. 1. Some will Confederate with him for Mischief to God's Hidden Ones Psal 83. 4 5 8. and others in Jerusalem through slavish Fear directly cross to a Divine Command And therefore Hezekiah would not give him Pledges Isa 36. 8 although he was not for Provoking Answers v. 21. and thereupon was fortified from the Lord Isa 37. 6 7. What Shame and Horrour will then surprize those unrepenting Israelites who have gone down for help to Egypt Isa 31. 1. or to this King with Presents Isa 57. 9 'T is very Probable that Shebna was of this Confederacy who sometimes had the Key of David's House but therefore forfeited his Place unto Eliakim Isa 22. 21 before that Siege was raised 2 Kings 18. 18. 6. Come out of Babylon as all Gods People are bid to doe Rev. 18. 4. and more especially at such a Time Now Babylon is to be Known Partly by her being very Tender and unacquainted with others Hardships Isa 47. 1 2. Partly by her abounding with worldly Great ones 2 Kings 25. 28 and men of greatest Note for Wisdom Dan. 2. 12 Partly by making a God of Succoth-benoth or Tents of Daughters 2 King 17. 30 viz. the Numerousness of their Party though onely made up of Women Partly by her most cruel Persecutions Jer. 50. 17. and unnatural Oppressions Isa 14. 20 and Partly by her Incorrigibleness Jer. 51. 9. This Babylon is to be left Jer. 51. 45. and all the Temple-Vessels to be carried thence which have been there Abused as was of Old since Every one found There at such a time will be cut off Isa 13. 15. 7. Forsake not the Assembling of your selves Together and so much the more as this Day seemeth to Approach Heb. 10. 25. Those are no Watchers especially in these latter dayes who are for meeting Asunder through fear of suffering for so clear a Duty Thus let us therefore VVatch in case fresh Persecution should arise as hath oft done in former times and after some Respite given And as men would be kept Awake in that respect so let them take heed of Trusting in their Former Duty much more of pleading for a former Failing or making light thereof which is most likely to betray us into fresh Temptations Yea let us Adde mutual Exhortations unto other Means whereby to counterpoise the Practice or Manner of some Others with reference hereunto as is there further signified Heb. 10. 25. 8. Let us be Moderate in our Affections with reference unto Creature-comforts and more Especially as the Time grows short or as the Fashion of This world is seen to pass Away 1 Cor. 7. 29 30 31. VVhich word translated Fashion doth signifie the Out side Cloathing of a thing or person thus Christ was found in Fashion as a Man Phil. 2. 8. when he was cloathed with our Nature so will the Present VVorld be changed as a Vesture at his Coming Psal 102. 25. And that word short is thought to be a Metaphor taken from a piece of Cloth whose very End is onely left unrolled up Or rather it doth im-import that Time is Now put into its VVinding-sheet and so the same Greek VVord is rendred Acts 5. 6. Therefore 't is Time to take our Affections Off from that which is Now Dead and Ready to be Buried 9. Let us then Flee out of Judea into the Mountains Mat. 24. 16. and much more out of Old Jerusalem at such a time on pain of Death Jer. 21. 9 10 11. 'T is something strange that it should Ever be a Duty to goe into Babylon but 't is True as Babylon denotes Confusion or Going forth out of the City into the Field and There shall Sion be Delivered Mic. 4. 10. Thus are the Lord's Priests or Eminent Saints commanded to VVeep between the Porch and Altar at such a time Joel 2. 17 which necessarily implyeth their being Come out of that former Temple wherein they had been wont to Minister VVhich fleeing to the Mountains doth fitly suit with Meeting Christ in the Air at last 1 Thess 4. 17 as being a Middle-state between the Earth and Heaven or their being Covered in the shadow of his Hand till he shall Plant the Heavens and lay the Foundations of the Earth afresh Isa 51. 16. 10. Remember Lot's wife saith Christ himself with reference unto his Coming Luke 17. 30. 32. whom we are to Remember as to her Sin and Punishment together with the Circumstances which relate unto them both Her Sin was Looking Back to Sodom or Behind her Gen. 19. 26. contrary to God's Express Command v. 17. which Looking Back unfitteth for an Interest in his Kingdom Luke 9. 62.
of being Condemned because the Judge standeth before the Door James 5. 9. and Sufferers are therefore bidden to be Patient v. 8. implying the Prevalency of this Temptation at such a time Thus Faithful Prophets must look for smiting Jer. 20. 2. and others for being Cast out with Hatred by their Brethren Isa 66. 5. and Manifold Defamations upon known false Reports Jer. 20. 10. But let such know that slanderously Reported Paul was in the Greek Blasphemed Rom. 3. 8. and let them mind that Persecuted Prophets Prayer Jer. 11. 20. and smiting Pashur's Portion Jer. 20. 2 4. 4. Sensuality or Eating Drinking Marrying Trading and nothing else Luke 17. 26 27 28 30. Yea Drinking VVine in Bowls Amos 6. 6. and Feasting it in a time of Mourning Isa 22. 12 13. Declining Age is Naturally prone to this Temptation craving the Creature so much the more when it is threatned with its parting Isa 22. 13. And Old Men stoop not more Earthward in the Letter than in the Mystery and in a Moral sence But as this is a Sign of Dotage or being Children a second time who are for nothing else but Eat ng so is it the ready way to be surprized Mat. 24. 49 50. and Abhorred of the Lord Amos 6. 8. without Forgiveness Isa 22. 14. This hath abounded in our Days which is one sign of the Son of Man Luke 17. 30. and of their going Captive with the first Amos 6. 7. who have been at ease in Sion v. 1. as well as in Samaria 5. Falling from Heaven or from an High Profession as Stars will doe at such a time Mat. 24. 29 profaning the Covenant of their Fathers Mal. 2. 10. and dealing Treacherously with the Wife of their Youth v. 14. This have our Eyes beheld and not in a Trivial matter or in some Less Degrees but Many have fallen from Heaven unto the Earth as Rev. 20. 4 yea some to Hell Isa 57. 9 and some of Understanding also as Dan. 11. 35. Fallen Man is subject to â—â—s Falling-Sickness and more especially toward the Fall or in these Latter dayes since Christ is set for the Fall of Many in Israel Luke 2. 34. But if one falling from a Window three Stories high was taken up Dead Act. 20. 9 what hopes of Life can be conceived of him who is seen failing down from Heaven uâ— to the Earth 6. Aptness to be Deceived by false Christs and Prophets Mat. 24. 24. Prophets are noted for their Predictions as Christ was for the Newness of his Doctrine Mark 1 27. both which will Then â—e so far Counterfeited by shewing great Signs and Wonders as to Deceive many Mark 13. 6 and if it were possible the very Elect Mat. 24. 24. which argueth that Deceiving to be Fundamental How grossely Erroneous were the Sadduces in Christ's time Mat. 22. 23 and yet Co-ordinate with the Priests and Pharisees or One of those Three principal Shepherds Zech. 11. 8 and as there Never was a Spring without its Frogs and Vermin so have all greater Revolutions had Old Errours first on purpose to make New following Light Offensive But as those Locusts did not Hurt the Sealed Number Rev. 9. 4 so neither shall the Elect be Now seduced Mark 13. 22. 7. Oppression of the Poor and Needy whereof Declining Israel is accused Deeply Thus Ephraim loved to Oppress Hos 12. 7 which Ashdod and Egypt are bid Behold Am. 3. 9 Yea Judah also did Oppress the Stranger wrongfully Ezr. 22. 20. and her Poor Servants Jer. 34. 16. a little before her Ruine v. 21. Which Poorer sort are Mean as to the World and small in Number in which sence Gideon's Family is called Poor Judg. 6. 15. and These are most apt to be Opprest by sordid Worldlings whilest Others of an Higher Rank are let alone Thus solitary Christ Mat. 26. 56. was Hated to the Death v. 59. by Those who durst not give the Baptist an ill word his Party was so Numerous Mat. 21. 26. But as these Poor are chiefly Fed by Christ at such a time Zech. 11. 7. and know his VVord v. 11. so will he Arise or Come for their Oppression and their Sighing Psal 12. 5. 8. Formality in Religion or Form of Godliness without its Power is that by which the last Times are to be known 2 Tim. 3. 1. 5. Thus typical Sardis had at such a time a Name to live and nothing else Rev. 3. 1 and others are Taxed for their putting God off with a Corrupted thing Mal. 1. 14. and snuffing at it too v. 13. It is observed that Aged persons are nothing so Zealous in their Religion as when Youths which holdeth true with reference unto Old Jerusalem's Professors But such are therefore to be Turned from 2 Tim. 3. 5 nor will the Lord Accept their worthless Sacrifice Mal. 1. 14. but will turn to the Gentiles v. 11 yea if such do not lay this Sin to Heart their very Blessings shall be Cursed Mal. 2. 2 and their whole Sacrifice counted Dung together with their Persons v. 3. 9. A very great want of Moral Honesty Some will be Traytors then 2 Tim. 3. 4 and false Accusers v 3 Others will Dally with their Light 2 Pet. 3. 5 and be abominably Partial in the Law Mal. 2. 9 turning the Scriptures into a Nose of VVax to serve their carnal Interest Thus will God lead Backsliders forth with workers of Iniquity Psal 125. 5. on purpose to abate their Pride and Insolency Gentiles and Jews will little Differ at such a time Rom. 3. 9. that none might quarrel with their being taken in upon a New Account v. 23. VVhy should not Gentiles be admitted if Repenting when Old professing Jews are thus Degenerated Yea Christ will then unmask those wicked Hypocrites who Lie and Rail and will not understand and yet Pretend unto their being Gods Temple Jerem. 7. 9. 14 15. 10. Impudent self-justifying Thus were those typical Pharisees They by way of Eminency and Distinction who Justified Themselves before Men Luke 16. 15 not by the real Acquisition of a Righteous Quality as Rev. 22. 11. in the Greek but by a bold Pronouncing of that Sentence upon themselves And thus it is fore-told with reference unto the Latter dayes if Malachy's Prophecy be not To us a naked History that Priests and People Then will plead Wherein have we despised thee Mal. 1. 6 Wherein have we polluted thee v. 7 Wherein have we wearied him Mal. 2. 17 Wherein have we robbed thee Mal. 3. 8 Wherein shall we return v. 7 As if the Lord himself had falsly charged them Thus in the Last dayes 2 Tim. 3. 1. men will be Boasters Proud Blasphemers v. 3 or apt to Justifie themselves though in a way of Blaspheming God Age in Profession and Darkness of the Time plausible Pretences and Multitude of Companions together with their High Esteem produce this Impudence but He will then be their Judge who Knows their Hearts Luke 16. 15. Rev. 2. 23. 11. Disregarding the Work
Tempter at a Distance and quickly clear themselves of that Pollution which resteth upon Others till they wake And though Sleep in the Letter is Refreshing yet in a Spiritual sence those are most Cheary who are most Awake Yea such are also in the best Capacity of being helpfull unto Others 3. Such will be Forwardest to See and Know and Open unto Christ when he shall be revealed Those had the first Tydings of Christs Birth who were then keeping Watch over their Flock by Night Luke 2. 8 9. as if Christ had been onely born for them v. 11. The VVatchmen upon Mount Ephraim are First heard to crie Arise and let us goe up to Sion Jer. 31. 6 and Sion's Watchmen shall lift up the Voice with Singing for they shall see Eye to Eye Isa 52. 8. If Mary had not been up before Day-break Luke 24. 1. she had not seen her Lord so soon Joh. 20. 1. 8 and Early Sights of such a Nature will countervail the want of Sleep sufficiently Such also will Immediately Open to him Luke 12. 36. since Readiness consists in Watching and if it be a Priviledge to be In Christ First Rom. 16. 7. by way of Trusting Eph. 1. 13. then to be First with him which is reserved for the watchfull Ones 4. Such will be less Affrighted as in the Letter with that Noyse wherewith the Old Heavens must pass away when Christ doth come 2 Pet. 3. 10. How did that Jaylour Tremble when he was Frighted out of his Sleep with that tremendous Earthquake and its Consequents Act. 16. 26 27 29 who else would not have been so much Amazed nor Others Now at such a like Earthquake in the Mystery but for their having been Asleep Sleep makes secure Security preventeth Expectation and unexpected Troubles are Transporting thence are the Sinners in Sion so Afraid at such a time because surprized Isa 33. 14 and that surprizal is the Fruit of slumbring Whereas Awakened ones are in the constant Exercise both of their Sense and Reason or like on Army Training in the Field who therefore are not so Affrightingly alarmed as when Asleep in their respective Quarters The Holiest ones in former times have been least Terrified with those Revolutions which have betrayed Others into Ensnaring Fears by reason of their unwatchfulness 5. Such are most likely to Escape since Watchers are counted worthy in that regard Luke 21. 36. The Cenâ—inâ—l with Men is in the Front of Danger from an Enemy but Christ bids save the Watchman as having delivered his own soul at least Ezek. 33. 9. Yea Christ will not Come as an Adversary upon Watchers who onely threatens his Coming as a Thief in case men do not watch Rev. 3. 3 nor could the Devil much infest us if we did Fire at him when he first appeareth Jam. 4. 7. However watchers are best able to defend themselves whilest sleeping Crocodiles are apt to be destroyed by an Egyptian Rat. Next unto Death Sleep is the greatest Leteller or that which maketh All to be Alike Yea waking Infants are more self relieving than a slumbring Giant If some had not been fast Asleep the Enemy had not sown his Tares Mat. 13. 25 nor had she lost her Living Child 1 King 3. 20. nor Sisera his Life Judg. 4. 21 nor Sampson both his Hair and Eyes Judg. 16. 19. 21 nor would the good man's House be Broken through if he had watched Luke 12. 39. 6. Such will be in the best Capacity to entertain whatever may befall in way of Tryal Sleep maketh Tender but Watchers are more Hardy and Holiest ones have alway been the bravest sufferers A waiting servant well Employ'd cares not how soon his Master cometh but Ecchoeth presently unto his Knock. Such are Aware of what is coming and being Provided for Tribulations that sort of Guests are not so troublesome as if they had been unexpected Christ dreaded not the Devils coming because he could find Nothing in him for he had been Obedient Joh. 14. 30 31 and he whose Course is finished in such a way need not be frighted with the News of his Depaiture 2 Tim. 4. 6 7. None know's how soon that Day may come Zech. 14. 2. and Then wo be to spiritual sleepers who possibly may be Awakened with a Sword or Pistoll and be run through before they can Repent However we daily hear of some or other struck with suddain Death whose Case may be our Own and Blessed then is he that watcheth and is Ready I shall conclude this Exhortation to be Watchfull with some few Helps which are as followeth Helps 1. Let us be throughly Wakened out of a Present Sleep 't is but a folly else to talk of future Watching Sleep in a Moral sence is called Death Eph. 5. 14. and Watching is an Act of one Alive till Men be therefore Quickned by Awaking they cannot mind this work of Watching Such also must be throughly wakened else will they quickly sleep again when once the startling Rouzer is withdrawn Mat. 26. 13. Now all will readily confess their having been Asleep of Later Times But if they be more sleightily Awakened they will soon Nod again Overly Convictions and Gentle self-reprovingâ— are wont to end in sad Relapses nor is he to be Trusted for the Future who is not deeply sensible of former Failings Men un-convinced cannot watch because they are Asleep And Men not duly Humbled for their sin will sleep again because They are not Throughly wakened Make your awakening sure one way or other as you would not be over-taken with a Second Sleep 2. Take heed of being Alone in way of sinful Choice which is a wosul Disadvantage Eccl. 4. 10. but get into some kind of Body and which is Competible unto scattered ones Dispersed ones cannot be in an Instituted Body strictly taken but such may be Together as those Disciples were before the Spirits pouring out Luke 24. 33. and which is an Awakening Help Such may Pray each with other as They did Acts 1. 14. if Prayer be not some way hindred 1 Pet. 3. 7. and Prayer is an Awakening Exercise which therefore is oft joyned with VVatching 1 Pet. 4. 7. Luke 21. 36. Col. 4. 2. Eph. 6. 18. Such also may speak oft one to another as Mal. 3. 16. and by that means may keep each other waking Yea where that Body is there will the Eagles be in way of Feeding Luke 17. 37. and seldom do Men sleep whilst they are Eating Nay Fellow-Captives may watch over one another as Ezekiel did though in a Larger sence Ezek. 33. 7. and Exercise some kind of Common Censures which needs must be Awakening 3. Make Choice of your Companions though else had one better be Alone since sleep is as Infectious as the Plague and in a Spiritual sence more Dangerous In case Two lie Together they have Heat Eccl. 4. 11. supposing them both to be Alive but else a dead Log in Bed is not so Cold as a Dead Body is I am perswaded some
Mat. 13. 30. or till the Bride be Ready Rev. 19. 7. whose Readiness consisteth Mainly in the Readiness of her Companions And if for our Expediency he Tarrieth Now as he did sometime therefore Go away John 16. 7. shall we then Trifle VVould not that be as to His Grief so to Our shame if not the Aggravating and Occasioning of our Exclusion 9. Thus shall we hasten what in us lieth the Coming of this day of God which is a Duty 2 Pet. 3. 12. and that which All in words Desire Mal. 3. 1. And as we are to Hasten it by our Prayer Isa 62. 7. so more especially by our getting Ready 1 Pet. 1. 13. else shall we not Compleatly Hasten it As Christ is therefore slack to Evidence his willingness that none should Perish 2 Pet. 3. 9. so is he purposed to Wait untill his Precious ones be Ready as he could not Destroy the Sodomites till Lot was come to Zoar Gen. 19. 22. so will he now do for his Servants sake Isa 65. 8. But if his Jewels were all made up such would not then be faulted for his staying Till when Christ's Spirit in them whilst they are Praying for his Coming cannot but Tax them as being the Cause why he yet cannot Come And it will be exceeding sad if we shall be thus Accessary to our own and others Misery 10. Thus will his Coming be more Comfortable to us than otherwise can be expected Christ in his People is the Hope of Glory as to the Groundedness of such an Hope Col. 1. 27. and is its sweetness also since all Delight ariseth from the Union or Conjunction of things suitable each to other They who are fully Ready will have the clearest sight of all that Glory the finest Taste of that Provision and deepest share in all the other Priviledgâ—â— of that Dispensation Such in whom Love or Grace is Perfected will then have Boldness in that Day of Judgment because as He now is so They are in this World 1 John 4. 17. Whereas that Day will be Confounding unto others Amos 5. 18. who then will be afraid Isa 33. 14. as Naked Adam was Gen. 3. 10. and therefore call upon the Hills to Cover them Luke 23. 30. at least-wise much ashamed because thâ—y have not kept their Garments Rev. 16. 15. 11. Else will it be at least unto our Loss so far as Christ will then be fain to Dress us or to make up by his last Instantaneous Change wherein our selves were carelesly Defective 'T is true indeed Christ will have all his People Ready then because Himself will Cloath them with His Change of Raiment Zech. 3. 4. yet doth it concern them to be Doing what they can since their Reward will then be suited to their own Labour 1 Cor. 3. 8. Saints will then Differ each from other in point of Glory Luke 12. 44. as at Christ's Personal Coming 1 Cor. 15. 41 42. which Difference will arise from hence because some will have Laboured more in getting Ready whilst others have been sleeping Luke 12. 40. 43 44. The Fuller our self-cloathing is at present the more Gold Lace shall we Then have from him whose Recompence will be according unto works Rev. 2. 23. although such works will then be Changed by Himself but least unto their Loss who are Most Ready Now. 12. Thus shall we at Present have the Comfort of our being Ready as it is in it self considered and with Respect unto our selves It is with Spiritual Garments as with Bodily VVhich are not satisfying unto Curious Virgins till All be on nor Easie untill the whole be closely Girt upon us with that Girdle of Truth Eph. 6. 14. If that meer Moralist could say What lack I yet Mat. 19. 20. much more is Paul forgetful of that Behind till that Before is also added Phil. 3. 13. Yea Graces also are Odoriferous Cant. 4. 14. and every of a Christian's Garments smell like Lebanon v. 11. whose sweet Peâ—â—ume doth therefore Multiply together with them And since this getting Ready is our Main work we cannot be too soon a◠〈◊〉 when we shall have nothing else to do but either to Depart in Peace or to Go â—â— with Christ unto the Marriage 13. Thus will Christ's present Tarrying be less Burdensome by far Or we shall be thus better able to wait for his Appearing and therefore is waiting joyned with Compleat Adorning 1 Cor 1. 7. This VVedding-Garment will supply the Bridegroom's place as being the Quintessence of that Comforter which Christ hath sent for such a Purpose John 14. 16. The want of Priviledge is least Oppressing unto these who are most Busied about their Duty Grace is a sweet Companion in Christ's Absence as are that VVoman's Children unto her whose Husband is from home Since as the Father was to be seen in Christ John 14. 9. so Grace is Christ's Refreshing Image Col. 3. 10. as Children Represent their Earthly Father unto the Comfort of their solitary Mother Yea Grace will therefore satisfie iâ—â—uch a case because it is the Creature 's VVill resign'd to God 14. Thus shall we also keep Awake whilst others slumber Undressing and Nodding oft-times go Together but never was Virgin known I think to Nod whilst getting Ready Infants indeed will oft-times sleep while they are Dressed by another which Active self-adorners are not seen to do Such are kept waking for fear of being prickt with Pins if carelesly put in more than if heedlesly plucked out Yea self-adorning Virgins are so apt to be in Love with their Attire Jer. 2. 32. as not to slumber at such a Time because of self-beholding and self-pleasing Fancies then at work Such also are convinced of the Near approaching Dâ—y as Putting on this Armour of Light evinceth Rom. 13. 12. who therefore cannot sleep And as Activity in any case will keep one waking so more especially in this for fear of Ruffling that by sleeping which is now putting on with care 15. Else shall we not Go with Christ unto the Marriage as is here plainly signified As all Things will be Ready then Mat. 22. 4. so must all sorts of Persons be v. 12. and if unsanctified Israel might not eat those Quails Numb 11. 18. much less thiâ— Marriage Supper If Spots ought not to be in Ordinary Feasts of Charity among Professors Jude 12. much less will such a Glorious Bride and Bridegroom be Reproached with Unready Guests Can we then be too forward at such a work Persons invited to some Curious Feast need not be bid to Dress themselves apace especially when a second Messenger brings word that All is Ready This is our present case Mat. 22. 4. Remember what lies at sâ—ake and if we have any Appetite to those fore-named Dishes which he that Eats not of will Dye for ever so let uâ— call for Helâ—â—â—nd stand no longer Prating but on with one thing after another for fear of being shut out with Foolish or unready Virgins 16. This being Ready is
of Necessary Use with reference unâ—â— our Change by Death which may be sudden although this Coming of the Bridegroom should not prove so near as some may hope it is Were this a Duty meerly relating to an uncertain time which Possibly may not be this Hundred Years we might be Tempted to Dospise an Exhortation thereunto But if we Judge that Personal Death may be at Hand this Holy Readiness will then bestead us and without which our Dissolution will be sad But when our Course is finished then shall we be as Paul was Ready to Depart from hence with Joy 2 Tim. 4. 6 7. And though we should not Live to see this Second Marriage upon Earth yet if we Dye in such a Ready posture we shall be at a better Feast in Abraham's Bosom and with the Lord himself Phil. 1. 23. â—â—ill called from thence unto his far more Glorious Personal Marriage I shall Conclude with some few Spiritual Helps and suitable Directions stiâ—l holding to this Metaphor of getting Ready in a Bodily Respect which are as Followeth 1. Let us Eye the Beauty of our being thus Adorned This Garment doth consist of Finest Linnen Rev. 19. 8. and Cloth of Gold Psal 45. 13. beset with Jewels Isa 61. 10. and all bran New Isa 48. 7. which Virgins are Ambitious of Thus will our Nakedness and shame be covered Rev. 16. 15. this Robe being white and Long Rev. 7. 13. which also is exceeding Grave and therefore was Affected by the Pharisees Mark 12. 38. Thence is it that Saints do Love them most who are most Neat And if a sinner doth not Love yet doth he therefore Envy such because out-shining him Yea such are therefore Tempted most by Satan to become his Harlots because of their Excelling Beauty However as Christ will thus be most Enamoured with us Cant. 7. 1. 6. so we shall have most Comfort in our selves when thus Adorned since Man as Man would fain be Fine though Naturally Ignorant of truest Comeliness Rom. 10. 3. 2. Let us consider how Fine the Bridegroom and the Bride will be at such a time which may provoke our Labouring to be accordingly Christ will appear in Glory then Psal 102. 16. who will be ashamed of Unready Virgins Mark 8. 38. but will confess their Name before his Father Rev. 3. 5. whose Garments Now are undefiled v. 4. The Bride then also will be Ready Rev. 19. 7. who Now is bid awake in Order thereunto Isa 52. 1. and if the Mistress be up what shame it is that Maids should be Asleep That Dispensation will abound with Priviledges the having of which Precious Promises should cause self-cleansing from all kind of Filthiness 2 Cor. 7. 1. Could we but Eye that Recompence of Reward Heb. 11. 26. how would it make us to abound in Duty 1 Cor. 15. 58. and we may blush to think of not being inwardly Cloathed on so as to suit that Outward Glory which all the Saints will then have put upon them 3. Did we but seriously enquire what of the Night or what a Clock it is Isa 21. 11. the Watch-man would inform us how far the Night is spent and therefore Hasten our Putting on this Armour of Light Rom. 13. 12. Satan would fain perswade us as did that Levites Father-in-Law that either it is too soon Judg. 19. 8. or else too late v. 9. but as the Door is not yet shut so no Man knows how soon it may be which should provoke our making speed The Virgins have had already their first sleep out of Doubt and such as have been Throughly wakened can sleep no more but are self-dressing and Sluggards never were more heavy than at present through Multiplicity of Benign Vapours inviting them to sleep All which are Probable Signs of Day being not far off And if the Nearness of our Salvation much more the shortness of that Time which may be Now behind wherein to get us Ready before Day break 4. Let us Observe what Haste poor sinners make to Get them Ready for that Dispensation whose being fitted to Destruction Rom. 9. 22. or filling up the Measure of their Sin Mat. 23. 32. is that for which Christ partly Tarrieth as Gen. 15. 16. That Prince immediately preceding Christ is therefore eminently called Wicked and Prophane Ezek. 21. 25 26 27. that Interest succeeding the Fourth Beast's Destruction in the little Horn is therefore Represented by the other Beasts which were more Grossely wicked Dan. 7. 11 12. And the Assyrian Party which is the same are therefore said to be Consumed Soul and Body Isa 10. 18. That Vintage Ripens most as in the Letter towards the Fall and is it not a shame that Wheat should come Behind Yea Real Saints shall Purifie at such a time as Others then will signally be Wicked Dan. 12. 10. 5. The finest Ornaments are soonest had with-Christ and at the Cheapest rate yea other things for Nought together with them Trades men will make him stay who onely comes for Thread to serve Another with Gold or Silver-lace and 't is not Christ's fault but ours in Case the Spirit be not had for Asking Luke 11. 9. 13 since he made Jairus wait for an Outward Mercy till that Believing Woman's Faith was first relieved though she came last Mark 5. 22 23 25. Yea Heaven Embraceth as it were us Dwellers upon Earth or offereth it self unto us freely whilest Lower good things require Digging Job 3. 21. which should encourage us to covet earnestly that which is Best And if we help Christ off with choycer Graces he will Throw in what is of Lesser value therefore most spiritual Saints have alway been most universally endued with other vertues and carefull Practisers of Time-Dâ—ties are not Defective otherwayes 6. Let us Use or Look our selves in the Glass by which the Scriptures are resembled in order unto our being Compleatly-Drest 2 Cor. 3. 18. Mens Words and Actions are some kind of Looking-glass but mostly false the minding whereof too much occasions Groundless Self Conceit 2 Cor. 10. 12. But taking heed unto the Word of God is that by which a Young man's Way is to be Cleansed Psal 119. 9. We Now must see by That 1 Cor. 13. 12. which though but Dark compared with one's seeing face to face yet is it True Psal 19. 9. and that by which all other Glasses must be tryed Isa 8. 20. Did we compare our selves more with the Rule how should we Blush to see our Shame Reflected through want of what is requisite unto our being Comely Buâ— let us not goe away till that be Rectified which is Amiss else shall we soon forget what manner of men we were whilest self-beholding in that Glass Jam. 1. 23. 7. Let us not choose to be Alone which in the state of Innocency was not Good Gen. 2. 18 but is Now Wofull Eccl. 4. 10. The time is coming when Saints shall Equalize the Angels Luke 20. 36 who are Alluded unto in that Description of those four