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
put before the means for the Apostle speaks of Gods principal intention and here mentions the way how they may accomplish it by knowledge of the Truth which whosoever doth sincerely and universally as any one may do this will quicken and stir him to arise and be saved It is the same as if in ordinary Conversation one would have his Servant go to such a place and then shews him the way Truth is distinct from Man for it is the very Nature of things without the Connexion between themselves and how they pertain Of Reason to us whether Divine or Common for so they are distinguished to us when properly all things are Gods. There is a Power implanted in us to know them many of them are hidden which we discern by searching and inferring one thing from another which is the proper Office of our understanding and commonly called Reason Some have been offended at this word because it is so little mentioned in Scripture Whereas it is 1 Sam. 12. 7. Isa 1. 18. Acts 17. 23. Acts 24. 25. and in innumerable places by other words to the same purpose as Knowledge Wisdom and Understanding and the great necessity of them is pressed throughout the whole Book of God. He appeals to us Ezek. 18. Whether his ways are not equal Implying we have some Capacity to think thereof I speak as to Wise men judge ye of what I say 1 Cor. 10. 15. And then what he saith concerning the Gentiles That which may be known of God is manifest in them for God hâ—th shewed iâ— unto them for the invisible things of him from the Creation of the World are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made even his Eternal Power and God-head so that they are without excuse Because that when they knâ—w God they glorified him not as God Rom. 1. 19 20 21. Their way of knowing him was by inferring it was some one who made this Beautiful House of the World and he that Built all things is God. They had but a dim knowledge of him just believed he was but for want of Grace and Revelation knew not how to come unto him nor seek him aright This is our advantage above theirs we have now blessed be his Divine Majesty the Old and New Testament compleated the sum whereof is a rational way of pleasing God see Mat. 23. 16 17. Isa 44. 19. All our duty to him is a reasonable service Rom. 12. 1. Here is to be seen his law for the Government of the World which at first was given in short as well becomes Sovereign and infinite power as the ten Commandment which contain great equity The Writings of the Prophets are as so many Expositions on them who did exhort to the observance and reprove for the Transgression of them all which may be observed to be reasonable inference and conclusion from them applicable to those particular acts as even the heart of Man might judge Who is among you that feareth the Lord that obeyeth the voice of his Servant Isa 50. 10. God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past unto the Fathers by the Prophets hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son Heb. 1. 1. In whose Gospel the things to be done are most agreeable unto the Sons of Men the precepts given us are worthy of the Son of God and came from above for the Wisdom of Ages could not contrive so excellent He whom the Jews did stile a Carpenter hath outdone all who were ever before him his worst and implacable Adversaries could not say any thing against what he Taught and those sent to apprehend him did confess never Man spake like this Man John 7. 46. The malicious world could not find fault with his Doctrine Of all those Antichrists and Hereticks who have done so much mischief to the Church of God none have either wrote or spoken against the rules of Life unless some mad prophane Persons in a scurrilous Language which prevailed nothing upon Wise and considering Men and never made any Proselites but such as were before led that way by their corrupâ— Lusts and Affections Nothing can be said against them â—oâ— they aâ—â— pâ—re 〈◊〉 and even the perfection of reason All do approve of their Excellency that do admit them into full and due consideration If reason were stretched out to the utmost and suffered to have its perfect work to look out every way and â—ow far this would dictate This Star being now assisted by the Son of Righteousness would direct to the right Path though it be a small Light in comparison to the other yet it will lead to the greater by direction of both we may go on securely Religion without reason is Superstition and Folly God is not pleased with the Sacrifice of Fools and reason without Religion doth argue Man more ungrateful to his Maker so liable to a greater Condemnation Well is it where they meet together and each assist the other remembring still which is subject and must keep close to the other The natural understanding prompts to do nothing prejudicial to our Happiness and to follow after what conduces thereto if it be further unable that hinders not seeing it is offered help from above Gods Grace is sufficient and that is never wanting to any who desire and seek after it which every one may do And therefore let none say if he becomes Miserable that it is through God he is so for I have no pleasure in the Death of him Deut. 8. 20. that dieth saith the Lord God wherefore turn your selves and live ye Ezek. 18. 22. That we may know how to do this we are shewed and also required to follow after Him who is the Way the Truth and the Life God hath given us Knowledge and Power to be Happy and hath done all things that can be well conceived seeing he hath been pleased to make us as we are to put us to a free Choice and Obedience We are not Gods but the Work of his Hands he may do what he will with his own if God should force us to do our Duty that would be like the Sacrifice of a Beast against his Will. We ought to praise our God that he hath made us capable of serving him who hath provided so much for our Good that we may live for ever if we will he doth press us forward to the things which are for our Peace he Neh. 9. 29. doth testifie against us that he might bring us again unto his Law this is done by the Spirit he hath given us Conscience is called the first Spirit of Man 1 Cor. 2. 11. Prov. Of Conscience 20. 27. It is the most excellent part of the reasonable Soul which being assisted from above make Application of the Mans actions to himself He that is wise is wise unto himself and this bringing all things home is most useful for accomplishment of the great end of Happiness
4. 7. Have an honourable esteem and good will towards him and his kindness will be discovered to you Whatever hard thoughts arise or are subministred by the Tempter they all proceed from our ignorance and sin some remainders whereof are in good Men though they should labour all they can to have the same done away If any Man love God the same is known of him Many make a shew of much love but if true and sincere it will be manifested by the very nature thereof for if we love God we must be careful to please him above all things as Profit or Pleasure Favour or Good-will of Men. We must be zealous for his Glory contented to suffer Shame Reproach or any Inconvenience for him We are to side with him against the World and the corruption therein a sence of his favour and assurance of his See Exod. 32. 26. reward will make amends for all the seeming disadvantages the other may bring on us All Acts and Offices of Religion are Pleasant and this keeps in all Obedience Love is a constant Principle always abiding on the Soul for it hath a Complacency therein and Dictates at all times to do all things well-pleasing in his sight whom we Love. Take good heed therefore unto your selves that ye Love the Lord your God Else if ye do in any wise go back Josh 23. 11 12. Implying that if this be not in their Minds they would do so This suggests that they can never do too much for God makes them do every thing Willingly and Cheerfully carries them through all the Varieties of this Life sweetens their Enjoyments and for Sickness Pain Loss Affliction this gives that Patience and Resignation that they are as none adversity for they can apply Rom. 8. 28. 1 Cor. 2. 9. Prov. 3. 11 12. The apprehension of a good God above makes every thing Happy unto them As the Father hath loved me so have I loved you continue in my Love John 15. 9. and he that loveth the Son loveth the Father also Glory to God in the highest and on Earth Peace Good-will towards Men was sung at the Birth of Christ our Lord who Of Love to ones Neighbour fulfilled it by that excellent and improved Law he gave unto us Ye have heard that it hath been said thou shalt love thy Neighbour and hate thine Enemy But I say unto you love your Enemies Mat 5. 43. 44. This seems an unreasonable Command to Flesh and Blood but only as it is corrupt and unbelieving for otherwise it may be justified If thine Enemy be hungry give him bread to Eat and if he be thirsty give him water to drink for thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head and the Lord shall reward thee Prov. 25. 21 22. Thou shalt by this means stop his further Violence and Malice In point of prudence it is better to bear a little Evil then by resisting receive greater and trust to the recompence of God for having obeyed his Command We are obliged to do more then is common to Men to manifest our Faith and Dependance on him as may be seen by what is required Mat. 5. 44 45 46. The Reason is added That ye may be Children of your Father which is in Heaven for he maketh his Sun to rise on the evil and good and sendeth rain on the iust and unjust God is provoked every day yet he is strong and patient He loadeth Men with Benefits which they make occasion to sin yet more which he suffers to try if his Goodness will lead them to Repentance but if they offend yet worse their Malice doth only hurt themselves but he is highly exalted and looses nothing if all the World were as Stubborn and Rebellious against him as is possible for such small and limited Creatures to be His Glory and Goodness and Happiness is still the same for all the ungodly Deeds and hard Speeches which ungodly Sinners commit and speak against Jud. 15. him His obedient Servant who is but Dust and Ashes a Worm and nothing in Comparison of the Great Lord of Heaven and Earth Who hath and shall receive every thing from him is here in Duty bound to imitate his Maker and all through his Gracious ordering cannot receive the least disadvantage by it By loving Enemies they become reconciled unto him or not Iâ— the first then it is granted by all to be better then revenge But suppose the worst They are still malicious and resolved to do him all the mischief in their Power the whole in the end will fall on themselves and not on him Will they say all manner of Evil of him â—alsly for Christ's sake his Religion and Good Conscience They cannot torment him in this for he applys the Blessing Mat. 5. 11 12. and the Promise Psal 31. 20. He may be just sensible but doth not lie under Vexation and Discomposure The light breath which sends forth evil Words can never make any Wound in his Soul who hath on the Breast-plate of Righteousness Sayings of one another signifie nothing We are all to stand at Gods Judgment Seat and who have assured Evidence of being approved Detraction there doth no harm but increases our reward that we can heartily forgive the Authors thereof Will they do their utmost and persecute him to the Death As they did to the Prophets the Lord Jesus and his Saints yet after they have done that they have no more that they can do They intitle him to a Crown which the Lord hath promised to such so when he comes to suffer he may well say with him Who suffered for us leaving us an Example that we should follow his steps Father forgive them for they know not what they do When by the Eye of Faith he seeth the Heaven opened he may with real Charity and sincere Affection cry out Lord lay not this Sin to their Charge If it be reasonable to love Enemies so it is to love Friends this we do as Men that as Christians A new stone is laid and both are raised above the common pitch A new Commandment I give unto you that ye love one another as I have loved you that ye also love one another John 13 34. from whence the Disciple that leaned on Jesus Bosome makes this necessary inference Hereby perceive we the love of God because he laid down his Life for us and we ought to lay down our Lives for the Brethren 1 John 3. 16. To do the highest Act thereof that can be expressed There is nothing more enjoyned in the Gospel then Love. The Primitive Christians who did live exactly according to the Rule given them were remarkable for this See how they love one another was observed by the Heathens concerning them who herein fulfilled that Saying of their Lord and Master By this shall all men know that ye are my Disciples if ye have love one to another John 3. 35. But we that are reserved to the dregs of time are
it will be somewhat longer and to more disadvantage then of whom it is written Psal 16. 9. All we have sinned but the holy one did not But now blessed be the Father and the Lamb for it Our flesh shall alsorest in Hope for it shall rise again and be as highly exalted as ever it was abased John 12. 24. 1 Cor. 15. 42. 44. Phil. 3. 21. What need he to fear whose body is committed unto the ground in sure and certain hopes of Resurrection unto Eternal life and his Spirit commended into the hands of thee O God For so an entrance shall be ministred unto you abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 1. 11. Sweet arises unto them out of that which to others is nothing but bitterness it is the messenger of God to bring them to himself and that is true which the Son of his love hath said The righteous shall go into Life Eternal Mat. 25. 46. and therefore they willingly submit unto what comes upon this errand All the promises are theirs in all time of Tribulation in time of Wealth and further in the hour of Death they are happy Wherefore grid up the loins of your mind be sober and Hope unto the end 1 Pet. 1. 13. The tranquillity of the mind was what the Wisdom of Ages did A summary of the preceeding Discourses labour after but they for want of the Grace of Jesus Christ knew not what hindered which should be first taken away A gross and Stupid Understanding a guilty Conscience a crooked and perverse Will strong and irregular Affections but Almighty God hath sent him who was the Wisdom of the Father and hath published peace Isa 52. 7. If our Souls be framed according to the directions given they must be composed and quiet Every one who doth not only call Jesus Lord but doth the things which he saith Who being in Christ is a new Creature old things are passed away behold all things are become new 2 Cor. 5. 7. hath his Passions so as above described out of his Revelation He is free from those miseries which do arise from inordinate affections and they being in him conversant about holy things afford more satisfaction then when pressed down only to the things of this life It is more delightful to love God with all his Heart and all his Soul then to them who are lovers of Pleasure Riches and Honour He loving his Neighbour as himself doth exceed them who are outwardly kind and civil but within dissembling and malicious It is better to serve God with reverence and godly fear and not to be slavishly afraid of any thing Psal 118. 6. Psal 112. 7 8. Isa 41. 10. Then to others who dread him with the Spirit of Bondage who stand in continual fear of evils to come Death Judgment and Hell. There is more contentment in rejoycing in the Lord then worldly delgihts loud laughter and hearing all manner of Musick Godly sorrow and contrition hath been shewed to be less grievous then cares trouble and discontent for the things of this World. Who is zealous for God and true Religion hath more rest in his Soul then those who are so for their own honour and reputation and are tormented with the least disgrace or evil surmising And lastly the assured hope of glory brings more comfort then all vain false and foolish confidences The right use of the Affections grows up to immortality and reward but the abuse is only for this present and short time the act perishes and the punishment is to come besides the present irregularity and torment of disordered Passions Whereas he that is born again hath in a great measure escaped the original corruption of his Nature he is not tossed to and fro with contrary desires and passions within him is a great calm this was done by the everlasting Gospel The Word of him whom even the Wind and Sea obey It is to be understood that none have an uninterrupted peace Of Temptations for there is a Law in the Members warring against the Law of the mina Rom. 7. 23. There are some lees remaining of corruption and then are the several kinds of temptation from the World the Flesh and the Devil Thou art too delicate O Christian if thou expectest to come to Heaven without some trouble What Worldly good is to be had without it Thou must withstand and go through all these Enemies for if thou yieldest or art overcome thou art undone for ever This is the good fight Here is the Faith and Patience of the Saints they cannot now enjoy perfect and absolute happiness but this they are to contend for here being reserved for them who shall be found worthy in another state Take the Apostles Exhortation Be strong in the Lord and the power of his might Eph. 6. 10. He â—here furnisheth with habiliments of War from the crown of the head to the â—ole of of the foot see 1 Cor. 10. 31. James 1 2 3 12. 1 Pet. 1. 6 7. The Lord your God proveth you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your Soul Deut. 13. 3. Thus he did tempt Abraham Gen. 22. 2. To know his obedience or to try but as to deceive or to perswade unto sin Let no Man say when he is tempted I am tempted of God for God cannot be tempted with evil neither tempteth he any Man but every Man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed James 1. 1 3 14. And there is one called the Tempter Mark 4. 3. Who finds something in him whereon to ground the Temptation as Pride Lust or such like God doth suffer all this to try our Obedience the whole order and establishment of things may be referred to this See Deut. 8. 2. none can compel and by the assistance of his Grace which is made known unto Men they may be all resisted The excellency of Mans faith and service unto God appears when he holds fast to that notwithstanding Sollicitations and Discouragement to the contrary Who would not fear God I had almost said even those who sin against him if thereby he was assured to have a â—edge round about but if a gap were opened and Satan might come in and trouble him a little this would manifest for what reason we did and whether we would keep constantly to obedience Job 1. 10. Innumerable are his devices which all may be known out of Scripture In general they are either to commit sin or hinder good By the first he doth delude the wicked World and with the latter assail Gods faithful people more especially though the one and the other are tempted both ways He would first keep them from doing the thing that good is but if it is done for all then he will endeavour some way to spoil or defeat of the reward When they have heard the word Satan cometh immediately and
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
against he would not be after their liking Then they would not have this Man reign over them they will outwardly conclude him to be an Enemy to Jesus and pronounce it as lawful to destroy him as Bears and Wolves Whether he is so or not an uncharitable Opinion or false Accusation is sufficient ground with them to kill the Lords Anointed against whom none could lift up his hand and be guiltless This hath been the Divinity of some and mischievous in its effects but let it be examined by that word which is to try the Doctrines whether they be of Men or no. Christ delivered that command of Obedience to Magistrates at that very time when an Heathen Emperor was in the Throne when Herod and Pontius Pilate were subordinate Governours when he was Sentenced to Death by unjust judgment Peter would have hindred the execution but was commanded to put up his Sword in the Sheaf His Apostles Preached the same Doctrine after the Kings of the Earth stood up and the Rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against his Christ which doth manifest that some have interpreted the Gospel contrary to what the first Founders of it intended and have put that restriction which they never designed O ye perveâ—ters of the meaning of the Holy Ghost What authority have ye to do these things By your expositions and glosses you have diminished from the universal obligation of the commands Wherefore do you make distinctions where the Law maketh none To come to the Old Testament wherein ye so much trust what do ye think of Saul from whom God had rent the Kingdom and gave it to one better then he and though Saul did seek after his life yet Davids faithfulness and duty to him may be seen 1 Sam. 24. 5 6. 2 Sam. 1. There were many wicked Kings in Israel yet to none did the people hence take occasion to rebel or refuse their lawful injunctions neither is the least intimation from Gods Word so to do It was not because they were Jews and so the anointed of the Lord but even Cyrus a Gentile is thus called Isa 45. 1. And unto Nebuchadnezzar God gave the Kingdom Dan. 2. 37. So they are indefinitely called Gods Ministers Rom. 13. 6. It is not said of that single one but all in general The Kings rule several Countrys but over them all is the Great King or the whole Earth the Lord and Governour of the World. Thou shalt not speak evil of the Ruler of thy People Acts 23. 5. Upon no account although he doth what he should not In the original place Exod. 22. 28. It is doubtly forbid to lay on greater enforcement How can Men over-look such plain places when they are quick enough to spie out any thing that may be wrested to serve their wrong designs When they meet with such they have set their brains on work for a pâ—â—â—sible interpretation to delude the hearts of the simple They neglected to put them in mind to be subject to Principalities and Powers to obey Magistrates Tit. 3. 1. Whereas if they could bring any thing out of the Old Testament of zeal for the Lord of Hosts and â—ighting his Battles this was managed with all their skill and dexteritâ— to stir up Sedition and Rebellion but for those against them they did either omit or fasten their own sence quite turning that of the Holy Spirit To apply Maâ— 2. 7 8. The Priests lips should keep knowledge and they should seek the Law at his Mouth for hâ— is the Messenger of the Lord of Hosts But thâ—se departed out of the way they have caused many to stumble at the Gospel by Preaching contrary thereunto they have corrupted the covenant of race and been partial in the Law otherwise they could not turn Religion into Rebellion for this doth not allow the least Wickedness so neither that which is the greatest sin that is ordinarily committed against Man. It is against the immediate Oâ—dinance of God which he doth commonly punish and defeat in this life One would think Men might have taken warning by them that perished at the gain-saying Jude 11. of Core how the Earth opened and swallowed them up as if not â—it to live above ground who would have disturbed that order and government there Though this was set forth for an Example for all that hereafter should act rebelliously yet the Spirit of disobedience hath so worked in the minds of Men that they have not refrained from doing the same things Every Age since hath produced instances of those who â—ave not dâ—ed a death common to Men It would be endless to Number all the Traytors that have been in our own Nation I am unwilling to accuse mine own Country Men but I am afraid we are a reproach to Ezza 4. 15. our Neighbours that we are a rebellious Country and Enemies to Kings as by our Records and Histories it doth appear If we consult them we find that several have came to a miserable and untimely end If the business of Dathan and Abiram was afar of and long since these are later and come home What if in our our Memory some have been destroyed in a rebellious War others dyed like Dogs and had their Carcases hanged up for a Spectacle The Apostle 1 Cor. 10. mentioneth the punishment which fell upon the Jews to dehort others from those sins which were the occasion thereof so that may be here represented according to Truth which fell upon them that we may not commit Rebellion as some of them committed and fell and became as the dung of the Earth All these things happened for ensamples and are written for the admonition of those that come hereafter One must be moved with indignation to hear the Enemies of the Lord Blâ—spheme and the way of Truth evil spoken of to which nothing hath given greater occasion then the carriage of the pretended Religious especially in two things Disloyalty to the State and knavery between Man and Man. Then which nothing is more forbidden in Scripture which if rightly understood and obeyed would make the best Men and the best Subjects in the World he who lives accordingly is an Enemy to none much less to him whom God hath placed over his people Government is as necessary to the well being of the body politick as health to the Natural The ligatures and strings do hold together the several parts so that doth joyn the Members of the Common-wealth dependant and subordinate one to the other and prevents that confusion which would otherwise ensue Every Man enjoys his own his Person Fame and Estate are preserved from wrong and injury he hath all the outward good which can be desired in this World. God hath in a wonderful manner from time to time been pouring forth his benefits upon the undeserving Sons of Men he hath given all his Law to make us happy and excellently contrived that part which relaâ—es to keepâ—ng up that order which he did first
burning by a meer perswasion only then also men might escape the damnation of Hell by only thinking there is no such thing To argue there is no God because the Foâ—l hath said so in his heart Psal 14. 1. is as ridiculous as it would be for one to pretend to extinguish the light of the Sun by shutting his eyes Let them think he is not or he sleepeth doth not concern himself with the affairs of Mankind yet himself hath said I AM THAT I AM Exod. 3. 14. and declares himself in that Magnificent manner Deut. 32. 40 41 42 43. So let all the world say to the contrary it signifieth not The word he hath spoken shall stand and he will do according to it let all mankind dispute or think what they will. If they will not believe they must perish in their unbelief if they do that but will not give heed to obey the truth thereof they also shall be punished from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power Both these are follies so great that there wants a name to express them yet this last seems to be greatest for there are in Scripture such forcible arguments to obedience that who believes must be as absolute a fool or madman if they do not work upon him as he who refuses a great Estate when offered or run himself into a fire when he may pass by and avoid it 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. said our Lord to his Disciples Which may prevent the Whispering of Court-Chaplains that Christ gave no command to Kings if they are not Creatures they have an immunity from Gods Law otherwise not When only in Judah God was known he expected Obedience from the King thereof all one as from the People yea rather more for the spirit of God takes particular notice who served him and who did not with account of those Mercies and Judgments they received accordingly as every one knows who doth read the Old Testament But now the fulness of time is come to which belongs that â—rophesie Kings shall be her nursing Fathers and Queens her nuâ—sing Mothers It was some considerable time after Christ and his Apostles were upon the Earth before any King or Emperour was converted to the Faith and even now it is only so of one part of the World defaced with much Corruption Wickedness and Ignorance So we are to expect a further and universal fulfilling of Isa 60 3. 11. Psal 72 11. Psal 102. 15 22. Rev. 11. 15. and chap. 21. vers 24 26. Themselves are subject to the only Potentate the King immortal invisible and only Wise God if they are so â—reely he accepts thereof but if they will reign wholly themselves and not let him reign over them if they do not glorify the God in whâ—sâ— hand their breath is Dan. 5. 23. he will account with them when that is taken away and manifest that he is stronger They are Potsherds of the Earth though of the largest size yet between them and their Maker is but alike difference being infinite in both as between the High and Lofty one and the meanest Man. They came here to the same end and purpose as others they also were designed to set forth the glory of God though in a more eminent manner they are made to act according to his Laws both as they relate to their private capacity as Men and to the publick of Kings as they must answer for themselves to the Lord who is high above all the Earth who is exalted far above all Gods Psal 97. 9. Happy is he who doth comply with this will of the Almighty That hath learnt to fear the Lord his God to keep all the words of his Law and his Statutes to do them whose heart is not lifted up above his Brethren and doth not turn aside from the Commandment to the right hand or to left to the end he may prolong his days in his Kingdom he and his Children in the midst of Israel Deut. 17. 19 20. In his own Country and Dominion that ended he may be received up into Gods Kingdom above for this promise is come in under the Gospel Neither is the other taken away but rather obscured that is not so much mentioned under the Manifestation of the Greater the like promise remains still annexed to the first Commandment Ephes 6. 2 3. And here is the alike reason The observation of the conditions of the promise do according to Gods establishment of things tend towards the obtaining of it and so on the contrary it is of the threatnings which come on by sin and ignorance But further Gods special providence is over his own People and more particularly over his Anointed It is he that giveth Salvation unto Kings Psal 144. 10. Not that all good Kings have always temporal deliverances for there is the example of Josiah who had that excellent Character 2 Kings 23. 25. The reason of whose untimely Death seems to be given in the verse following If God doth sometimes let the Righteous fall his wayes are justice and goodness it is not for ever for it will be abundantly made up in the day of recompence But Jehosaphat sought to the Lord God of his Father and walked in his Commandments and not after the doings of Israel therefore the Lord established the Kingdom in his hand and all Judah brought to Jehosaphat presents and he had riches and honour in abundance 2 Chron. 17. 4 5. Something may be hence gathered for God is the same still No accepter of Persons but in every Nation he that feareth him and worketh Righteousness is accepted with him Acts 10. 34 35. Let the King be assured that if he cleaves unto God with his whole heart and puts away Idolatry and false Worship he shall have Temporal or Eternal Salvation that most commonly this most certainly but rather both It is so well pleasing unto God when those obey him whom he hath placed in the highest Room on Earth that he rewards them here and hereafter To rule according to Gods Commandments is the most safe way to preserve them in the Royal Seat of their Ancestors In mercy shall the Throne be established and he shall sit upon it in Truth in the Tabernacle of David judging and seeking judgment and hasting Righteousness Isa 16. 5. Did not thy Father Eat and Drink and do Judgment and Justice and then it was well with him be judged the cause of the Poor and Needy then it was well with him was not this to know me saith the Lord Jer. 22. 16. Every one that hath but the common sence of humanity must love honour and obey him and these will be such a safe-guard to his person that those his implacable Enemies whom no goodness can overcome will be forced to lick the dust for a Good
of all Hearts are to be judged by the Gospel of Jesus Who will put his own Interpretation on his own Laws and we are to receive from his month the Sentence of Life or Condemnation Let none therefore be the more Confident or presume to go on in his Course because one whom he hath chosen for a guide tells him he is right enough and he is willing to believe him for such can know no otherwise then by the Gospel and it is agreed on all hands that those Texts which are given to make wise unto Salvation are so plain and easie to be understood that they need no Interpretation at all and it cannot be that any who come in sincerity to be informed should be deceived in them But thus it is Men are strangely given to their own Lusts they cannot endure to resist the Allurement of sensual Pleasures and are not willing to bring down their haughty minds and yet would partake of the Promises of the Gospel and avoid its Threatnings so there must be an expedient found out to do all this How ready are they to hearken unto and embrace every proposal made to this end Either by their own deceitful Hearts or by him who works with all deceivableness in them that Perish Or some others have been found who instead of shewing People Mic. 3. 5 8. their Transgression and the House of Jacob their sins have soothed them up and concealed Who have strengthened the hands of the wicked that he should not return from his wicked way by promising him Life Ezek. 13. 22. Who being willing to please their great Benefactors do according as they would have Speak smooth things and Prophesie deceits Isa 30. 10. Who know no sooner way to oblige them then by dictating Doctrines sutable to their ungodly Lusts and Inclinations that they may live the Life of the wicked and die the Death of the righteous follow all iniquity here and receive the Crown for Well-doing hereafter And this is done by divulging some pleasing but wrong and mis-applyed Notions of Gods wonderful Mercy of Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and relying wholly on him for Salvation of a formal daily Repentance which is well enough if more sincere and perfect on the Death-bed the Doctrine of partial Obedience of Desires and Resolutions which are for the most part Mockery or Non-sense the mistakes of Sins of infirmity for the works of the Flesh and unrighteousness come under these of distinguishing between the Counsels and Precepts of the Gospel stretching it further then they have Warrant from 1 Cor. 7. 25. What they have a mind to follow those are the Commands and what they have not is of the other sort and then they sin not in neglecting it And such like Out of which may be patched up a fine sort of Divinity to please the Great Ones here by giving them Encouragement that after they have gratified to the utmost all their wicked Lusts and bid defiance to the Almighty in their Life-time yet they can appease him again slightly and when they will But certainly this is quite to leave the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ to go on to imperfection not laying again but utterly over-throwing the Foundation of Repentance from dead Works and of Faith towards God which if such as pleases him must consist in Obedience as well as to believe that he is But one would think some did not so much or what is worse Think that the God-head was like unto Gold or Silver or stone graven by Art and Mans device Acts 17. 29. for they would stamp their own Impressions and more derogate from his Glory and despise him in their own imaginations then they did Rom. 1. 23. for these would make God such an one as they would have him render him a Lyar alter and change his very Nature beseech him to determine his everlasting Gospel rather then he shall not save them Or else how can they ever dream of thrusting themselves into his Holy City above any other way then by which God hath appointed nay going contrary to what he hath Chalkt out Our Saviour Jesus Christ gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and puriâ—ie unto himself a peculiar People zealous of good Works Tit. 2. 14. Now these defeat the very end of his Coming for according to their supposal Men may still live in all iniquity and instead of being zealous for good Works they need do none at all but cast themselves intirely on Christs satisfaction and Merits The foregoing Verse is The grace of God that bringeth Salvation hath appeared unto all Men Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly Lusts we should live soberly and righteously and Godly in this present World but according to the daubing of some if we do the contrary all our Life-long and we do that is impossible but say or wish as much before the last Gasp of Breath is gone we may lay hold of it But hold there Salvation is not Mens to give they cannot so much as redeem their own Souls much less barter with Almighty God for others We are to have the Reward from his hands only and he hath said already on what terms he will give it Christ became the Author of eternal Salvation unto all that obey him Heb. 5. 9. and to none else The Priests may not prescribe unto him who is a God of infinite Sovereignty and Power Laws of their own Head nor parcel out the Objects of his Bounty they may never partake of it themselves much less be so impudent as to set it out for others Themselve◠〈…〉 e to stand among the number of the Criminals for since they have corrupted the Word of God 2 Cor. 2. 17. Instead of warning the Wicked from his way such have been occasion why he sinned yet more they shall receive greater Condemnation Nevertheless those shall not escape who being led away with their own lusts and enticed do gladly receive their plausible Opinions and Sayings but shall perish for all Mat. 15. 14. Ezek. 33. 8. Isa 9. 16. Though the Serpent Gen. 3. beguiled the Woman and the Woman beguiled the Man yet the curse was pronunced on all And it will be no excuse in the last day Lord the Teachers who came in thy name told us we might do such things and live for Christ had foretold that false ones should arise and commanded to take heed least any Man deceive you He left his Word behind to try the Doctrines whether they be of Men or no by which he will judge the World and not by this or that Doctors Opinion Let others now put what meaning they will upon the commands of Christ yet if he should interpret them otherwise every one knoweth whose must be taken and by which we are to abide His judgment and exposition will be according to Righteousness and Truth whatever others make now If they turn the Word up Isa 24. 5. and down to make
Lord Jer. 17. 5. He gives even unto them all that they have and can do thy self more good then all the Men of the World. Though this is as it were hidden for Tryal whether they will draw off from him and others would run unto them Indeed the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink Rom. 14. 17. but things as will better satisfie then they do now For you eat and drink and hunger and thirst again But if you would seek after that in the mean time you would be quieted with the hopes and Faith thereof till you come actually to sit down at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. A Supper to which all the Dainties of the World are as stinking Carrion It doth infinitely exceed both in Delight and Continuance all the most pleasant things here What would you not do at present if you could get such an Estate as some of thy rich Neighbours have you would think nothing too hard many a Sleepless Night and laborious Day you would suffer with all your Heart if you might attain it But thou seest no way or possibility if thou wouldst never so much desire to do it Well be contented nevertheless and assure thy self that if thou art not slothful but come unto him who will meet thee in the way of Righteousness and then follow hard after him thou shalt undoubtedly come to Heaven when the Great Ones if wicked and disobedient shall be thrust down with Shame and Confusion Or if they fear God do thou endeavour to exceed them in Graces and Well-doing and so be more had in Honour by him who rewards every Man according to his work not so Luke 16. 10. much for what Rank and Degree he was in the World. If thou dost obey the Lord thou wouldst with Patience and Quietness of Spirit endure whatever low Condition thou art in and be rather the more thankful because thereby quickned and stirred up to a Godly Life Sometimes to hunger Prompts to strive the more earnestly to come to that place where you shall be filled You have the less Temptation to take up a Rest here but should more seek after that which is to come It is an hard Case indeed never to do any thing but to take Pains to be like the Ox or Ass to live to no other end but that of Labour but it is not so with you for God hath provided better things if you would accept them He hath ordained a Rest and a Promise is left us of entring Heb. 2. 8. 3. into it And we are Commanded to fear least any of us should come short of it Some we read of Who could not enter in because of unbelief And this same is an hindrance to Men now adays for what makes them who do nothing but toil and yet are unmindful of this true Rest unless it is because they do not believe any such thing But if Men are unbelievers whilst they live they shall not be so when they die for there will succeed a certain fearful Expectation of Judgment and Condemnation The unbelievers shall have their part in the Lake which burneth with Fire and Brimstone Rev. 21. 8. Saith the same Divine Witness I heard a voice from Heaven Saying unto me Write Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their Labours and their Works do follow them Rev. 14. 13. All do not so but only those who die in the Lord. That Saying so common in the mouth of Country People When such an one is dead he is happy because freed from the Pains and Miseries of Life is false when applyed to all indifferently good and bad for this Blessing belongs only to those who have led a Godly Life By Death we fall into the hands of the living God and then he may deal with us as seemeth good in his sight however being a God of Truth he will do so with all of us as is declared in his Word which is Truth And therefore it will be so with us according as we order our Conversation in this present World by the words written in that Book Seeing the Case is thus it must be the more excellent way to fit our selves accordingly We often provide for those things which never happen and if they should are but of small moment Shall we not much more prepare against that which will certainly come and is of greater Concern to every one of us then any thing now in the World is All our Care now is to keep Life for the present and shall no Care be had to live for ever We can never do too much to preserve Health and keep of sullen Death as long as we can And shall not we do the same to escape the second Death that wretched Condition in which Men shall seek for Death and it shall flee from them With all our Pains we cannot hold of temporal Death and yet we would we may by the Grace of God preserve our selves from eternal Death and there we will not Oh strange madness O unspeakable Folly O ye Sons of Men who hath bewitched you to Act so Preposterously Death in it self is not more grievous then Pain or Sickness now is nay not so much for as in Health we fall asleep when we do not perceive it so then those violent Pangs destroy the Sence and Feeling but that which comes to the wicked after renders it exceeding terrible and that should be most dreaded which would not be in vain because it would make us flee from the wrath to come Would we take as great heed least we die after Death as now we do to save our selves from Death then Death should have no Dominion over us it shall not bring Evil but Good unto us The sting of Death is sin but Command is given to pluck that out Cast away from you all your Transgressions whereby ye have Transgressed and make you a new Heart and a new Spirit for why will ye die O house of Israel for I have no Pleasure in the Death of him that dieth saith the Lord God. Wherefore turn your selves and live ye Ezek. 18. 31 32. Here you are taught and also enjoyned how though you die you may live again Look a little further then this present Life It is of few days and full of trouble Who would place his Confidence in that which is uneasie and must an end Time hasteneth away Death is coming on Every Man must at length close with it He must either lye down in Peace which is the Portion of the righteous or dye as the wicked do in Horrour and Anguish of mind or in a stupid Condition as is the Case of most However some admire this sort of Death for they say he dies liâ—â— a Lamb yet there is no Peace saith my God to the wicked Isa 57. 21. Such a Death is like a drunken Mans falling down a steep Rock his Sottishness hath cast him
aggravate the Abomination of Envy Then that it caused the Death of our Lord. What Storms and Persecutions hath it since raised against his Members Hath kindled a fire and shed the Blood of thousands of his Servants because they did receive his Doctrine and were more Righteous then theâ—â— Tormenters If they have persecuted 1 John 3. 12. me they will persecute you also John 15. 20. Said their forerunner and it hath been fulfilled to a Witness look upon that vast Army of Martyrs Who have washed their Robes in Blood and came out from great Tribulation unto whom it was said in the days of John That they should rest yet for a little Season until their fellow Servants also and their Brethren that should be killed as they were should be fuâ—â—illed Rev. 6. 11. Which since his time hath been done in great measure and the end is not yet Who slew all these An Enemy hath done it through whose Envy Death came first into the World and he hath employed his Instruments ever since for accomplishing all the mischief that was ever done It hath inflicted cruel Mockings and Scourgings Bonds and Imprisonments and found out all ways to torture and make miserable if that were possible the elect of God. When his only Son the first born among many Brethren was slain he prayed for his Murderers Father forgive them for they know not what they do Luke 21. 34. But one would think by this time they have been so long used to this accursed Employment they should know what they do and who sets them on Even the Dragon who hath so long made war with them which keep the Commandments of God and have the Testimony of Jesus Christ Rev. 12. 17. When People hear their good Confessions with what Faith and Constancy they suffer for the Name and Truth of the Lord Jesus When they neither suffer as Traytors Murderers Thieves or Evil doers When they are neither Blasphemers nor Hereticks for an Heretick is condemned of himself Tit. 3. 11. Convinced to the contrary in his own judgment and such are they though their Adversaries would cloath them in the skin of such but it is so thin that themselves and all the World maâ— see their innocencâ— through it but Wickedness wants a pretence and some they would make use of to hide their own Malice and Envy Can they hide their Counsel from the Lord Isa 29. 15 Or conceal from him before whom all things are naked and opened Heb. 4. 13. The wicked plotteth against the just and gnasheth upon him with his Teeth here is the beginning but a little further The wicked have drawn out the Sword Psal 37. 12 14. And when they have had Powâ—r aâ—â— Authority they have executed it O ye Sons of Mâ—n wherefore should you do such things Why will ye bâ— Tools to do his Work who hath great Wrath and but 〈…〉 le time Saâ—an is not divided against Satan We do not Râ—ad that the Devils â—oâ—ment those of their own kind Why should on carry your selves cruelâ—y and despiteâ—ully against the saâ—e Fâ—â—â—h and Blood They are the Servants of God of whom it is said He that â—oâ—cheth you tâ—ucheth the Apple of his Eye Zech. 2. 8. The Lord Christ takes it immediately upon himself when any of his Memâ—ers suffer I am Jesus whâ—m thou persâ—cutest It is hard for thee to kick agaâ—â—st the Pricks Acts 9. 5. And therefore you had best have a Care what you do to these Men. Your Breath is in your Nostils which will one day go forth and then God will suffer your evil Deeds no longer You can only lift up your hand and heart against Heaven and manifest a little spite against your Fellow-Creatures but will you contend with him who liveth for ever Who can cast both Body and Soul in Hell Fire it will be manifested who is stronger and who will have the worst oâ— it at last Conâ—â—der of this before hand Life is lent to aâ—l Men to work out their own Salvation and escape the Wrath to come And what madness is it to bereave others a little before to send them into the place of Rest and Doom your selves unto Torment You think evil against them but God will turn it into Good the more mischief you do he will change it into a greater Benefit There are no such Fools in the World as Persecutors for they miss of the thing they aim at it falls out contrary to what they would have And hast feared every day because of the fury of the Opprâ—ssour as if he were ready to destroy and where is the fury of the Oppressour Isa 51. 13. What is now become of all those stirs they have made in the World The Dust is cast over them and they are quiet their â—ands are tyed up and fettered in the Grave from doing any more violence the wickedness of those wicked Men is come to an end but where do their Souls abide In what Condition are they How vext and enraged are they at their past Rage With what Fear and Trembling do they look for the Resurrection of their Bodies when they must come â—orth to Judgment And those who did â—eretofore ruffle and bluster in humane Courts and Judicatories will be forced to behave themselves in another manner at the Judgment Seat of Christ Those mighty Emperours and Tyrants will find one higher then they the inferiour Officers and Magistrates will meet with one whom they were as much bound to obey as their respective Masters The great swelling Words will be changed into doleful Crys and Lamentations Instead of Domineering and insulting over those they had once Prisoners before them will succeed trembling at their Presence and will be strangely abaâ—hed to see them become their Judges God will arise and maintain his own Cause and â—â—e boldest Persecutors shall at length find It is hard to kick against the Pricks the fiercer they do it the deeper they wound themsâ—lves Their Sword shall enter into their own Heart and their Bows shall be broken Psal 37. 15. If you are Men and not savage Wolves Be reasoned with a little Wherefore should you deal so cruelly against those who believe on God and obey him They must acknowledge He is greater then Man and should be served by us Is their hatred against the mighty One because They would not have him Râ—ign over them Luke 14 14. And because they cannot hurt him will they hurt his Servants He sets himself on their side It is impossible to resist him It is mâ—dness but to attempt it If it be of God ye cannot overthrow it lest haply ye be found even to fight against God Acts 5. 39. He searcheth the very Secrets of all Hearts and if their Rage is against him Isa 37. 28. he knoweth it There is a Root of bitterness growing within the Bosom of Persecutors an Enmity against God. Either it must be this or hatred against the Persons of good Men in whom shines forth his
that lived under the Old Testament which doth not so clearly manifest immortality as the Gospel doth Luke 16. 22 23. Luke 23. 43. Phil. 1. 21 23. Heb. 9. 27. Rev. 6. 9. Besides are innumerable places to prove Resurrection eternal Judgment and Life everlasting Things are fixed and not according to Mens Fancies one way or another those Decrees and Ordinances remain still the same in Heaven Of which we could know no more unless they had been â—old unto us by the Son of God who came down from Heaven and the Spirit from above then one now lying in the lowest Dungeon doth know of what is done in this World. And they do not vary change or alter with our several apprehensions of them whether of assurance or doubt no more then the Sun ceases from shining when only a Cloud comes between Let the sick Person use continual Ejaculations Lord increase my Faith And God will not leave him But he shall receive the end of his Faith the Salvation of his Soul. There cannot be too much Strength or Comfort laid up against this Day it should be the business of a Christians whole Life before for it is the entrance into an endless Life It is the fulfilling and Manifestation of whatever he hath heard Read or done in Truth pertaining to God and Religion And indeed it is worth while to do all things to go off safely He will have Peace in his Life and strong Consolation in his Death Let him observe all parts of Duty to God his Neighbour and himself throughout the Course of his Days Let him do what he can in Sincerity and Truth Whoso doth these things shall never be moved He that hath an Ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second Death Rev. 2. 11. Being confident of this very thing that he which hath begun a good Work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ Pâ—â—l 1. 6. We may be certain of using the means of perseverance for God hath put them into our Power and as long as we rightly use those means we shall infallibly persevere So that in the mean while we may be assured and at last have true and cercertain hopes of Resurrection unto eternal Life And there cannot be such Fright and Amazement concerning that which is to make the everlasting Decision either when it is far off or near at hand If any one hath let him search and examine his Conscience impartially either he doth something which he ought not to do or he leaves something undone which he ought to do this makes him horribly afraid and must be amended before he can be freed from the Danger which the Fear gives warning of A true Christian can contentedly look for the blessed Hope even in the midst of Life he can find Comfort and sweet in the thoughts of Death as that which will free from the disturbances of Flesh and Blood the Molestations of an unthankful unbelieving ignorant World from the Miseries and Labours of Life and send him over unto eternal Rest and Rejoycing To come to the Enjoyment of our Lord Jesus Christ to be admitted into Fellowship with Abraham Isaac and Jacob Prophets Apostles Martyrs all the Good and Wise Men since the World began to be gathered unto his Fathers to see his Godly Friends and Acquaintance of the same Generation with himself just gone before all this must be a desirable thing The dead may be supposed to be about five hundred to one more then the living now are those whom thou leavest behind shall in a little time follow thee and the People which shall be born shall die in like manner and shortly God will accomplish his whole Elect. None hath advantage who goes before or after And seeing the River must be gone over it is small difference who hath a longer or shorter Passage so we avoid the Rocks and Dangers in the way The pious Soul will be in a Strait willing to stay and yet have a mind to go and there is some Irksomeness to leave the World as now it is to change the place where we have long dwelt Our Nature is something made up of Contraries willing and yet unwilling but if God doth really send as we know not his Pleasure until after the use of all prudent Remedies the Sickness proves unto Death Fear not to go for he calls thee Remember that Petition thou hast often made Thy Kingdom come and when it is wilt thou then shrink back One end of Sickness is to make us the more willing to leave the World. Whatever is sudden doth surprize for the time but then it is soon over whereas that which comes on by Degrees and expected is longer but then more easily born Good Men have been divided in Opinion about this thing those who have been for a sudden departure have rightly thought the only Preparation is by an holy Life for the Gospel speaks of no other It Commands to Watch to have our Loyns girt and our Lamps burning and this is to be done in the midst of Health Life and Vigour There is much Talk in the World about providing for ones latter End but unless to settle temporal Affairs from the example of Hezekiah there is not so much said thereof throughout the whole Word of God. It is the beginning of Error and Deceit when People depart from that It is Non sense and Contradiction to the saying of our Saviour John. 9. 4. to put off the working while it is day till the night cometh when no Man can Work. Who purposely put off the working out their Salvation till that time had best have a great Care what they do for besides the hazard of being taken away by sudden Death yet if they should have considerable time of Sickness or Old decrepit Age they have no such Warrant of being accepted Hear what God saith Mal. 1. 8. of offering the Blind the Lame the Sick for Sacrifice But if some are against Death by the ordinary way of Sickness because that is tiresome and may be an occasion of murmuring Distrust Unbelief blasphemous Speeches which proceed from violent Distempers yet we should not refuse to suffer whatever God thinks fit to lay upon us He knows our Condition and will not enter into Judgment for the meer Sin of the Disease no more then he imputes the Follies of Childhood We are to receive for the things done in the Body 2 Cor. 5. 10. to be judged according to the general Tenour and Bent of our Life Neither will our most merciful God take advantage of any infirmity or slip at the last He will not suffer us for any Pains of Death to fall from him The Church prays so for more abundant security and also to deliver from sudden Death O Lord thou knowest what is best for every one of us Thy Will be done Whether this first coming of the Son of Man finds in the
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
which is seldom But he would do much more both ways if he had lesser or greater degrees thereof And therefore a through Knowledge as it comprehends Instruction and Exhortation is a necessary help for so averse and froward is our nature that we should never come unto God unless for both as again there being those principles of Wisdom self-Love desire of Good that when we are fully taught and stirred up we can hardly do otherwise It is not without Reason that the duty of Knowledge is so very much inculcated in Scripture which was given to make us wise unto Salvation see Deut. 4. 5 6. Deut 32. 29. 1 King 3 9. Psal 119. 66 73. Pro. 1. throughout Hab. 2. 14. Hos 14 9. Luke 11. 52. 1 Cor. 15. 34 2 Cor. 10. 5. 2 Pet. 1. 5. 3. 18. Ephe. 5. 17 1 Cor. 12. 8. The increase thereof is promised as a Blessing Jer. 31. 34. Dan. 12. 4. The neglect hereof is threatned and condemned Isa 1. 3. 5. 12. 27. 11. Jer. 10. 14. Psal 3â— 9. Jud. 10 Prov. 27. 12. Jer. 8. 9. Psâ—l 14. 4. Ephe. 4. 8. Psal 82. 5. Psa 92. 6. 2 Pet. 3. 5. As for that common Deceit Men raise to themselves from Luke 12. 48. They do not consider that was spoken of those before the Light of the Gospel came into the World but saith he whose found is gone out into the ends of the Earth If I had not come and spoken unto them they had not bad Sin but now they have no cloke for their Sin John 15. 22. All mankind where-ever the Gospel is Published are obliged to take notice of the truths of it at their peril Every one doth or may know if he will and that is the same thing So he is bound to prepare himself under the penalty Luke 12. 47 48. The wise Man saith Knowledge is easie to him that understandeth So Obedience is easie to him that knoweth for he doth more willingly and cheerfully perform the same Knowledge as hath been observed of all Good hath a shew of Disquietude and trouble as Ignorance seemâ— to give Security and Peace They cry out of many things it is better not to know them such are the Evils and Miseries of Life and what may be hereafter they vex enough when they come to pass we need not anticipate them before their time This is the sence of the World Who will shew us any good is the question of everyone But the Contemplation of evil is a Melancholy subject they have not so much Courage as to admit of that But can they consider of thus much Whether it is not better to think of evil then to suffer it nay if by so doing they may avoid it then by not thinking at all to let it come upon them Is it not better to walk in the Light so see the danger and pass by it Or else to go on in Darkness not to be sensible of any evil but to drop irrecoverably into it If there was no redress nor help to be found for the preventing thereof before it comes then not to consider before-hand was the happy way If there was no hope nor provision to be made concerning Death that the Sting might be taken away if it was irrespectively determined how it should be afterwards for my part I do sincerely wish and would have people continue as ignorant as possible they can that they should not plague themselves before-hand with the fearful Expectation The more they did know or consider it would give a more deep resentment of Misery Let them whilst here enjoy all the good they can and be wholly unmindful of what is to succeed Comfort themselves for the days wherein they shall suffer Adversity Riot and Sport themselves before the time of Darkness draws on But I cannot tell Whether I should recommend this or no unless those Pleasures which now die in the enjoyment would be utterly forgotten for otherwise the remembrance of them would heighten the Misery and make it worse If things were so we men were of all Creatures most miserable But Blessed and ever Blessed be our God it is not so with us He hath been pleased to order and establish that every one may be happy that will and none is miserable but by his own fault All things are contrived in his Word for the Salvation of all in every single Soul there are powers implanted to work it out and means are afforded Mine Eyes have seen thy Salvation which thou hast prepared before the Face of all people Luke 2. 30 31. It is laid before them And all things are ready Mat. 22. 4. It is only left to Men whether they will come So they are warned to escape the evil There is no way of keeping off all evil whatsoever but there is of avoiding the great and dreadful one and turning all the lesser into good There is no safety by not knowing it for then it will certainly come and prevail over the Man but by seeing thereof he may hide himself And this can never be done unless by the Knowledge thereof so it is equally necessary to our Happiness and Safety as of Good. This is that excellent Wisdom fully to perceive and know all humane affairs both good and bad to think such a thing may happen even before it doth and prepare accordingly in some things it may prevent or get shelter against the Storm Not to be careless and neglectful so that he may afterwards repent when past remedy to be sure against fruitless Wishes or the Fools saying to fore-see what doth nearly concern him that nothing shall fall out unthought of or unexpected The Way of Life is above to the Wise that he may depart from Hell beneath Pro. 15. 24. Men are affrightened with slender appearances for this horrible thing the meditation of evil to him that approacheth nigh and is acquainted there-with is not so irksome as at first imagined It is the policy of Satan to keep off from all Knowledge that may do Good or hinder Evil but when the Soul comes to be throughly sensible thereof she will pursue after it and resolutely pass through that little harshness and difficulty which it makes a shew of at first It is not such an unpleasant work to avoid a trouble or inconveniency and to do this it is necessary to consider of it throughly In like manner it is to those evils which would be worse and more intolerable if not prevented The most terrible things are Death Judgment and Hell But there is a way found out for every one that will live unto him to die in the Lord and so he is blessed By loving and imitating of him now He may have boldness in the day of Judgment 1 John 4. 17. for the last and most dreadful of all he shall never come near it As he may be thus secured when future things shall be present so even now he may think of and provide as to them
a clod of Clay All those great fancies as to his Esteem and Advantages in the World do utterly vanish and come to nothing as soon as his Spirit is gone out and flies into that place where no regard is had to what is highly valued here The utmost of Pride is contained in this Life and the things had therein which we see with our Eyes do certainly perish and stand the owners in no stead We are further told by God who sent us here for tâ—yal who knows all things and how it shall be hereafter that this way leads to Contempt and Falling when what is spoken of as past according to the Prophetick Stile which is as true as if already fulfilled He hath put down the Mighty from their Seats and exalted them of low Degree Luke 1. 52. Those who are Great in this World shall be little in the World to come and the little great which will be so as to Wicked and Ungodly persons and those of mean Condition who continue in all Obedience Even those of high Degree who live in good Conscience and Duty yet the more Acts of Humility and Condescention they use it will be much better for them Wherefore Humble your selves O ye Mighty for this is the way to preserve what you have and attain greater Advancement A mean person cannot bow down he cannot stoop beneath what he is already his way of Exaltation is by continuing where he is having Thoughts only sutable and not above his Condition You are by God placed higher that you may voluntarily come down still keep the difference you have in the World do as the rest of your Brethren and hereafter be put into a Seat among the Blessed when all shall be Perfect Disdain and Envy shall cease It is manifest worldly Pride cannot do any good nor that which creeps into Religion also I mean of those who would save their Souls in a gentile way who are for the modish manner of Worship and Devotion performing it in a stiff careless and indifferent way who put a difference in Congregations freqâ—enting those where people of Quality do resort and for having Pastors accordingly who love the uppermost Seats in the Synagogue You would be Great and Honoured still then consider seriously whether indeed this is the way to be so Did our Fathers please God after this manner Is there any intimation in his Word that it is acceptable in his sight Is it not an Abomination as the effect of Pride Prov. 16. 5. Who say to the Poor stand by your selves come not near us for we are more Rich and Honourable then you If such Thoughts are in the breast of any God knoweth them and putteth these things in his Book of Remembrance and they shall be brought forth one day when he shall make a right difference among his People You had better take this Counsel which you will not disapprove of in a day of Humiliation Sickness Death Bed or as soon as ever you are stept forth into the other World but only to be observed in your life time As our Lord dwelt among us in the Habit of a poor ordinary Person yet had his Grave with the Rich so you who have your Habitation and Living with them may follow him in the Generation and serve him in the same manner as poor people do To whom he saith the Gospel is Preached Come over to the Plainness and Simplicity thereof follow the Fashion only in lawful things but let it have nothing to do with Religion for God doth not so well like the Course of this World that being either opposite unto or would corrupt the things pertaining to him If you take heed to all this you will be no loser in the end but greater then those who are resolved to hold fast in their wonted way whatever may be said to the contrary It is Vain to offer any thing to persons that are under the Dominion of â—ride for this makes them despise Exhortation and â—nstruction to set themselves above to cast off and not mind it This is one cunning Stratagem of the Devil for thus he prevails with them not to receive the Truth that they might be saved He represents such as mean persons and busie Bodies in other Mens matters whom God hath raised up as Instruments to convey it unto them Their despising is against him for we do not speak out of our own Humour Fancy or any prejudice but from his Word only We know and are assured that it is true and every tittle shall be fulfilled And then it must be reasonable to put all in mind to take heed and order their Actions accordingly When it is suggested in a common matter such a thing cannot possibly profit but is likely to do more harm then good there is no Frown or secret Indignation but Thanks for the Admonition Why should it not be so likewise in Spiritual things Because there is a subtle Adversary who would have such things done and consented unto and stirs up a close Antipathy and Hatred against them who would disswade from False and Deceitful appearances You would fain be Great Who hinders but let it be only in that way God hath shewed Be contented for a little while and wait what he will do for you We bâ—leech you to forego those things which are only shadows of Greatness which evidently decline and vanish and hinder from obtaining the â—bstance thereof which you are most earnestly desired to make sure of above all things He that is least in the Kingâ—omoâ— Heaven is greater then he who hath the Pomp and â—lory of this World the one doth as much exceed the other in Degree and Continuance as the Sun doth the light of a Spark which ascends up a little height expires and is nothing so whatever is Speâ—ious and Beautiful here if for some Years it is not so much in comparison to the Glories of Heaven and Eternity What a fool must he be who doth lose the greater for the less Is he not mistaken and deceived who whâ—lst he seeks to be Exalted becomes low who is desirous to be Great but is â—ound little Shall we call up the careless Nobility and Gentry of former days who lived and died in their Imaginations let these Gods ascend out of the Earth even all those of several Generations and Countries heretofore Hell hath eâ—largâ—aher self and opened her Mâ—uâ—h without measure and their Glory and their Multitude and thâ—â— Pomâ— and he that Rejoyceth shall descâ—nd into it Isa 5. 14. Their Souls even now are sensible what their Earthly Grandure amounts unto just nothing at all but when the day of God's Judgment and their own Reâ—â—rrection is come they shall further know what it is they lose and are to suffer for the same This stands for a warning to all those who are now Living and shall be Born not to fill up the Measure of their Fathers but so to use their Greatness as not to abuse it
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