as a Cart is pressed with Sheaves Amos 2.13 Nothing is more opposite to God than Sin or is more loathsome to him 3. Because it wounds bruises and lays the Soul it self a bleeding 4. Because it brings the Soul under the dreadful Wrath of an angry God yea binds down under everlasting Wrath causing a final Separation from God and Christ for ever Inferences WHat insensible Creatures are unconverted Sinners 2. Moreover what a sore and grievous thing it is to have this Burden laid upon the Soul 3. It may stir up such who feel this Weight to cast it off by Repentance and Faith remember Christ hath born it for thee that thou mightest go free Isa 53. The Lord hath laid on him the Iniquities of us all 4. It shews us what a wonderful Mercy it is to be freed from this Burden Saints are delivered from the Power and Dominion Guilt and Condemnation of it Rom. 6.14 through the Lord Jesus Christ Sin a Sting 1 Cor. 15.56 The Sting of Death is Sin Parallels DEath is like a venemous Serpent that hath a cruel and tormenting Sting and this Sting is Sin II. The Sting of some Serpents in the Flesh is very painful it makes such to cry out exceedingly So such who feel themselves stung with Sin cry out like as those did in Acts 2.36 The pain and torment of a wounded Conscience is intolerable as many can experience and the History of Francis Spira abundantly shews III. The Venom or Sting of some Serpents is mortal it killeth the Body so Sin that Venom of Death and the Devil killeth both Body and Soul IV. If a Serpent biteth or stingeth any one part the Venom and Contagion spreadeth over all the Body and destroyeth the whole Man so the Sting and Poyson of Sin which entered by one Man's Offence Rom. 5 15 18. hath infected and killed all the Lump of Mankind moreover he that harboureth but one Sin in his Bosom it will destroy his whole Soul if this Sting be but in his Tongue 't is like the Poyson of Asps his Life must go for it without speedy help V. No Salve or Medicine could heal the Bodies of those who were stung with those fiery Serpents in the Wilderness till they look'd up to the Brazen Serpent no Physician on Earth could cure them Dioscor l 6. c. 30. so no work of Man can cure the biting of Death and the Devil or Sting of Sin but the Venom thereof rageth and raigneth tormenting the Conscience untill the Soul looks up by a true and lively Faith to Jesus Christ VI. As the Sting of a Serpent must be pulled out before the Person stung can be cured so Sin must be lifted pulled or worked out of the Heart and Life of a Sinner by the Spirit before he can be either healed or saved VII As some Serpents cannot hurt when they have lost their Sting so Death cannot hurt a Soul whose Sin is taken away by Jesus Christ Sin a Wound Psal 38.5 My Wounds stinck and are corrupt c. Prov. 18.14 But a wounded Spirit who can bear Luke 10.34 And bound up his Wounds c. SIN wounds the Soul of a Sinner a Church or Nation When Ephraim saw his Sickness and Judah saw his Wounds c. Hos 5.13 The Word translated Wound in this place is from a Word that signifieth colligavit he hath bound up either because of the corruption of the Body that is gathered together or because of the binding of it up with Cloaths Parallels WOunds are either new which we commonly call green Wounds or else old Wounds Now Sinners have an old Wound upon them which is like a stinking Ulcer which they received above five thousand years ago in the Garden of Eden when Adam was wounded by his Sin in eating of the forbidden Fruit all his Posterity were wounded in him also every Sinner hath many fresh Wounds upon him Rom. 5.12 II. Some Wounds are venemous as the biting or cruel sting of some poysonous Serpent c. Sin is a venemous Wound it is the sting of a Serpent the old Serpent See Sting III. Some Persons have been full of Wounds wounded from the Crown of the Head to the Soles of the Feet they are as it were nothing but Wounds so Sinners are full of Wounds every Sin is like a Wound or makes a Wound in the Soul so many Sins a Man is guilty of so many Wounds he hath in his inward Man Every Faculty of their Soul is wounded 1. Their Judgment is corrupt 2. Their Understanding darkned full of Vanity Blindness Incredulity Enmity and Unteachableness 3. The Will that noble Faculty is wounded and fearfully depraved the Mind of a Man being corrupt the Will must needs be corrupt As to a Man that hath his Pallate possest with a vicious Humour every thing seems bitter according to the Humour so the Understanding reckoning the ways of God both Enmity and Folly the Will acts accordingly The Will of wicked Men acts cross and contrary to God and his Holy Will in all things they resist and fight against him and are not subject to his Law neither indeed can be there is much Pride Inconstancy Rom. 8 7. Stubbornness and Disobedience in the Will Our Tongues are our own and who is Lord over us Psal 12.4 4. Their Affections are wounded and very filthy Men naturally love the Creature more than God nay they love their Lusts horrid Sins and Uncleanness above the Majesty of Heaven The Apostle giving a Character of some Men saith they are Lovers of Pleasures more than Lovers of God 5. The Memory is wounded 1 Tim. 3.4 being forgetful of that which is good and like a leaking Vessel Men are ready to remember what God bids them forget but forget that which he commands them to remember they are too apt to think upon Injuries nay may be one Injury will be thought on more than many Kindnesses and Years of good Service they are subject enough to remember Trifles and vain Stories whenas a profitable Sermon or wholesome Counsel is forgot c. 6. The Conscience of a Sinner is wounded with Sin tho not for it or in a deep and real Sense of the evil of it Vnto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure Tit. 1.15 but their Minds and Consciences are corrupt the Conscience which should like Job's last Messenger bring us Word that all the rest of the Faculties are dead i. e. wounded Preston and corrupted alas is maimed dumb or misguided or grievously distempered that when it should accuse it excuseth it should act the part of a faithful Register to set all our Sins down exactly but it falsifies in this and as saith Dr. Preston when it should set down Hundreds it sets down Fifties when it should restrain from Evil it is almost asleep and lets the Sinner alone whom it should condemn for want of Light it acquits And as a Man is
Flock to rest at Noon c. Luke 12.32 Fear not little Flock it is your Father's good Pleasure to give you the Kingdom THe Church or Saints of God are compared unto a Flock of Sheep Metaphor Parallel SHeep are clean Beasts tame and gentle not wild as Tigers Lions Foxes or Wolves nor unclean as Dogs Swine c. SO the Saints of God are a People tamed as it were by God's Spirit from that natural Wildness and Perverseness made gentle willing to come into Christ's Fold cleansed from Impurity of Heart and Life II. Sheep are simple a harmless Sort of Creatures not crafty ravenous and devouring as those Sort of Beasts above-mentioned II. So the Saints of God are holy they are taught to be simple concerning Evil Mat. 10.16 Be ye saith Christ as innocent as Doves They seek the Hurt of no Man not like Romish Wolves who delight in nothing more than in Blood and Rapine shedding the Blood of those who do not wrong or injure them but desire to live peaceably in the Land III. Sheep are meek and patient under Sufferings Hence our Saviour is said to be led as a Lamb to the Slaughter Isa 53.7 and as a Sheep is dumb before the Shearer so opened he not his Mouth See Lamb. III. So the Saints and People of God are meek and patient under God's hand both when they suffer for their Sins or for the Trial of their Graces as appeareth in Job David Stephen c. Psal 39 9. I held my Peace I opened not my Mouth because Lord thou diddest it IV. Sheep as they are patient so they are profitable both in their Lives and by their Death There is scarcely any Creature that brings its Owner greater Incomes than Sheep they are good both for Food and Cloathing IV. The Saints are very profitable many ways the Benefit the World receives by them or for their Sakes is very great they are called the Light of the World and the Salt of the Earth now the Profit the World receives in both these respects is not little Had there been ten of those Sheep in Sodom God had not destroyed it besides the Angel told Lot he could do nothing till he was out of the City What a Blessing was Joseph to his Master whilst he abode in his House and Jacob to Laban They yield the World much Profit by the Doctrine they preach by the fervent Prayers they daily put up to Almighty God and their holy and good Examples Mat. 5.16 Let your Light so shine before Men that they may see your good Works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven V. Sheep are obedient and ready to follow their Shepherd whithersoever he goeth It is the Custom in some Countries for the Shepherd to go before the Sheep c To which our Saviour alludes John 10.27 V. So Believers and the Church of Christ are obedient to him Joh. 10.4 5. My Sheep saith he hear my Voice and they follow me and the Voice of a Stranger they will not follow Psal 73.24 Thou shalt guide me by thy Counsel saith the Psalmist Christ's Precepts are the Saints Directory and his Practice their Pattern for Imitation Hence Paul exhorteth the Corinthians to follow him as he followed Christ 1 Cor. 11.1 VI. Sheep are incident to many Diseases many of them are weak and feeble which a good Shepherd taketh pity of and endeavours to heal and strengthen them VI. So the Saints of God are subject to manifold Weaknesses Temptations and Afflictions which moved the Almighty to great Compassion and sorely to rebuke the Shepherds of Israel for their Cruelty and great Remisness towards his Flock The Diseased have ye not strengthned neither have ye healed that which was sick c. And therefore saith He would himself take the Work into his own hands I will bind up that which was broken and will strengthen that which was sick c VII A Flock of Sheep must not be over-driven lest they tire Jacob who was a skilful Shepherd knew this and therefore told Esau his Brother Gen. 33.13 that if the Flock were over-driven they would die VII So the Saints or Flock of Christ must not be over-driven they must be led gently along and God taketh care to lay no more upon them than they can bear No Temptation hath taken you 1 Cor. 10.13 but such as is common to Men but God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able and will with the Temptation also make way to escape that ye may be able to bear it He will not lay upon us more than is right VIII Sheep are subject to go astray and to be lost in a Wilderness and upon that account need the Shepherd's Care to seek them and fetch them home to the Fold VIII So the Saints are subject to go astray from God and to wander from his Precepts viz. decline in their Zeal Faith and Affection to him and his Ways and to get wandering Thoughts after the World and sometimes they wander through the Neglect and Carelesness of the Under-Shepherds My Sheep Ezek. 34.6 Psal 119.176 saith the Lord wandered through all the Mountains and none did search or seek after them I have gone astray like a lost Sheep seek thy Servant c. IX Sheep must be led forth into green Pastures to be fed and a good Shepherd will take heed he puts them not into Fields or Meadows that are not proper for them for some Grounds will soon rot and spoil them IX So Christ's Flock must be fed in good Pastures viz. with sound and wholesom Truth good Doctrine Food that is fit and proper for them they must not have Chaff of Mens Traditions nor the corrupt Glosses of cloudy Doctors that lived in the dark Time of the Church It behoves Christ's Ministers to take heed they suffer not the Sheep under their Charge to suck in the Poyson of Error and Heresy for nothing rots and spoils Christians more than that The Spouse from hence enquireth of Christ Cant. 1.7 Where he feedeth his Flock that is Where his blessed Gospel was truly and constantly preached and his holy Ordinances duly administred lest she should turn aside by the Flocks of his Companions that is such as call themselves so Christ directs her to go forth by the Footsteps of the Flock and feed their Kids besides the Shepherds Tents That is to follow the Doctrine and Footsteps of the Primitive Church for that alone is our Rule in all God's holy Worship The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want Psal 23.1 2 He maketh me to lie down in green Pastures he leadeth me besides the still Waters X. Sheep have a shadowy Place to rest in when the Sun shines hot at Noon which is a great Refreshment to them where they chew their Cud and being saved from the Vehemency of the scorching Sun they with the greater Alacrity return to
by it or by force of Argument to maintain it Paul upon this account saith 1 Cor. 15.32 he fought with Beasts at Ephesus i. e. Men like Beasts who acted like Beasts in opposing the Truth 4. In their visible professing and publick owning of the Truth They are not afraid nor ashamed to confess Christ and his Ways before Men. Some for fear of the Jews did not publickly own Jesus Christ in the Days of his Flesh but such who are sincere will go forth bearing his Reproach Tho Men forbid them Heb. 13.13 nay threaten them c. yet they will preach Jesus Christ and profess his Name and maintain his Ordinances and blessed Institutions The Apostles cried out Acts 4 20. 5.29 We cannot but speak the Things which we have seen and heard c. 5. They shew their Courage in suffering for the Truth when called so to do 1. They will suffer Reproach for the Truth 2. They will suffer Blows for the Truth 3. Imprisonment for the Truth 4. Loss of their Goods 5. Banishment 6. Yea Death it self when called to it rather than deny Christ and the Truth 6. They will stand by the Truth when others turn their Backs upon it Thus did Paul 7. They will maintain every Truth but more especially that Truth which is most opposed in the Day in which they live It may be no demonstration of Courage to stand up for or maintain a Truth in one Age which was a great Proof of Valour in another when it was chiefly opposed Would it be any Sign of spiritual Courage now to affirm God is God and Baal is not yet that was in Elijah's Days 1 Kings 18 Or would it be any Demonstration of Courage now to affirm Jesus of Nazareth to be the true Saviour yet it was in the Apostle's Time because it was the great Truth then opposed Christian Courage is now shewed by owning and maintaining those Truths of Christ now opposed and which in standing by do expose the Professors thereof Now that which doth animate and embolden the Saints in the Day of Trial in standing up for Christ and his Ways is 1. The Satisfaction they have touching the Truth of that which they profess 'T is God's Truth 2. The Consideration of the Excellency of God's Truth Psal 119. The Word of God is pure c. 3. The Consideration of the Goodness and Justness of their Call to suffer in behalf of Truth for that is one thing which must always be considered 4. The Goodness of their Consciences or the Evidences of their own Sincerity A Hypocrite may suffer some things but at last his Courage will fail him I have heard of a Captain that principally would make choice of two Sorts of Men for his Souldiers viz. either sincere and godly Christians or downright Atheists because neither of them he concluded would be afraid to die The true Christian would not be afraid of Death because he knew he should go to Christ and the Atheist would not be afraid of Death because he thought or rather hoped he should die as a Beast and there would be an end of him 5. The Consideration of his having so good a Second A couragious and undaunted Second oftentimes puts much Courage into a Person that is singled out to fight a Duel Now a Christian has the Almighty and Terrible God to take his part c. Fear not Worm Jacob I will help thee c. I will never leave thee nor forsake thee Isa 41.14 Heb. 13.5 6. So that we may boldly say The Lord is my Helper I will not fear what Man can do unto me 6. The Certainty of getting the Victory or overcoming at last As it is said of Gad it may be said of a Christian tho a Troop may overcome him yet he shall overcome at last Hence Saints are said to be more than Conquerors Rom. 8.37 for no Conqueror is certain whilst he is in the Conflict that he shall at last obtain the Conquest 7. The Consideration of that exceeding great Reward which they shall receive when they have overcome wonderfully adds Courage and Boldness unto them Be thou faithful unto Death and I will give thee a Crown of Life Rev. 2.10 II. Lions are great Conquerors Many other Beasts tho they are much bigger than they yet they are not able to stand before them II. Saints are great Conquerors through Christ they conquer Sin Satan the World Death and Hell they are said to be more than Conquerors Rom. 8. III. A Lion is a Creature that other Beasts are afraid of III. So the Saints are Men that the Wicked oft times fear they dread the Effects of their Prayers 'T is said that Mary Queen of Scots was more afraid of the Prayer of John Knox than of an Army of Twenty Thousand Men. Herod was afraid of John Baptist It hath been observed that some wicked Persons have been afraid to swear or carry it unseemly in the presence of a godly Man IV. A Lion is a very strong Creature IV. The Saints are so strong in the Lord and the Power of his Might that none either in Earth or Hell are a Match for them V. A Lion treadeth down and maketh a Prey of his Enemies V. So the Godly shall in the latter Days make a Prey of all their Adversaries be as terrible as an Army with Banners when God brings them forth against Babylon God will raise up the Sons of Zion against the Sons of Greece and make them as the Sword of a mighty Man Cant. 6.10 Zech. 9.13 Mich. 5.8 The Remnant of Jacob shall be amongst the Gentiles in the midst of many People as a Lion amongst the Beasts of the Forrest amongst a Flock of Sheep who if he go through both treadeth down and teareth in pieces and none can deliver Disparity IN many things the Righteous are not like to a Lion A Lion hath many evil devouring and hurtful Qualities and it is upon that account wicked Men and the Devils are compared to Lions Inferences IN vain are the Saints by Men and Devils assaulted he that prevails against them must also prevail against and overcome the mighty God and who is a Match for Him 2. This reproves and may tend to shame the timorous Christian What! afraid to own Christ to stand up for and stand by the Truth when thou hast God to stand up for thee and stand by thee c. 3. Let Saints shew themselves bold and couragious in the Cause and Interest of God and their Souls A fearful timerous Spirit becomes not a Christian Have you a good Cause have you a good Call have you a good Conscience have you a good Captain What then do you fear In the Strength of the Lord be as bold as a Lion and in order thereunto get the Truth into your Affections see that you have received the Truth in the Love of it And be sure you approve your selves to be sincere for
to abide for many Years and then to be put to the greatest Tortures that Mortals can devise where he should suffer a long Time together always dying and yet cannot die and that on a sudden one should come to him with the joyful News of a full and perfect Deliverance would not this be the welcomest News that ever he heard Sinners may not the Tidings you hear cause your Hearts to leap in you for Joy Tho you have undone your selves by your wicked Works yet God hath devised a way to deliver and save you for ever Quest How by what means and by whom may some poor ignorant Soul say is Deliverance brought about Answ Deliverance out of this Bondage-State is by Jesus Christ only by him neither is there Salvation by any other If the Son therefore make you free Acts 4.12 Joh 8.36 ye shall be free indeed But further to answer the Question I say the Liberty is 1. By a great Ransom 2. By a Conquest 1. There was no other Way found out to bring Sinners out of this their miserable Condition but a great Sum must be laid down Ye are bought with a Price 1 Cor. 6.20 1 Pet. 1.18 But know this We are not redeemed with corruptible things as Silver and Gold c. All the Gold and Silver in the World and all the Riches thereof were there Ten Thousand Worlds more could not redeem one Soul out of this State of Bondage and Slavery to Sin and Satan The Redemption of the Soul is precious Psal 49.8 Mic. 6.7 and ceaseth for ever Nay if a Man should offer up his Son or Daughter the Fruit of his Body for the Sin of his Soul it would be utterly rejected Nothing could redeem us but the Price of Blood and that too the precious Blood of Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 1.19 as a Lamb without spot See Surety Vol. 1. 2. Deliverance out of this Bondage is by Conquest Unless the Saviour of Mankind conquer those cruel Enemies of the Soul not one Sinner can be set at Liberty For 't is not the baâ—e Ransom or Price of Christ's most precious Blood I mean the laying down of his Life that could work a perfect Freedom for us for tho that made a full Compensation to the Justice of God yet Sinners being under the Power of Sin Satan and Death these Enemies take no notice at all of that Price for our Saviour did not capitulate with them neither will they give up their Prisoner till they are overcome and as I may say are forced to do it For as Christ saith When a strong Man armed keepeth his Palace Luk 1â— â—1 his Goods are in Peace But when a stronger than he shall come and overcome him he taketh from him all his Armor c. Satan is this strong Man armed and Jesus Christ the Person that is stronger than he and 't is our Mercy God sent us such a strong and mighty Saviour one able to subdue Sin conquer Satan overcome Death that so he might deliver us who were taken captive by them at their Will 1 J h. 3 8. To this end was the Son of God manifest that he might destroy the Works of the Devil He through Death and rising again from the Dead hath destroyed Death and him that had the Power of Death that is the Devil and delivered them who through Fear of Death were all their Life time subject to Bondage Heb. 2.14 15. Joh. 16 33 He bids us also Be of good cheer for he hath overcome the World This Conquest by the Lord Jesus is twofold 1. For us without us When he ascended on high he led Captivity captive He took him captive Eph. 4.8 Col. 2.15 that had taken Mankind captive Having spoiled Principalities and Powers he made a Shew of them openly the Work is already done triumphing over them in it 2. This Conquest is wrought by Christ also in the Soul for palpable it is that every unconverted Person is under the Power of these cruel Enemies as hath been already shewn and have they a sufficient Power of their own to encounter with them Is sinful weak and depraved Man a Match for Satan Is he able to subdue and overcome him Or can he by any inherent Power of his own destroy the Power of Sin and change his own Heart Can the Aethiopian change his Skin or the Leopard his Spots Isa 13.23 Is Man able to raise himself from the Power of the Grave Any of these things are too hard for Sinners to do and therefore it follows Christ must conquer these Enemies in us he must break our Bonds and burst our Chains in pieces c. Pray remember Christ is a perfect and compleat Saviour he alone doth the Work Isa 63.5 he doth it for us and also in us His own Arm brought Salvation He hath no Partner nor Competitor Secondly As this may serve to humble Mankind so also it may lift up their Hearts who are redeemed Job 7.17 in Praises to the Almighty O what is Man that God should be mindful of him What! regard such a deplorable Rebel Slave and Captive of Sin and the Devil And the rather considering the Nature of that glorious Freedom procured by Jesus Christ which is 1. A Freedom from the Guilt of Sin 2. A Freedom from the Filth of Sin 3. A Freedom from the Power of Sin Sin shall not have Dominion over you Rom. 6.14 4. A Freedom from the eternal Punishment of Sin a Freedom from Sin from Satan from the Law from Death and from Wrath and by this means made the Sons and Daughters of God making them nigh to him enjoying Union and Communion both with the Father and the Son having Peace and good Assurance of eternal Life Thirdly It may cause the redeemed Ones of God to pity Sinners pity their unconverted Relations what a deplorable Condition are they in How exceedingly are Persons concerned for their Relations who are in Slavery tho it extend but to the Body and what Ways and Means do they with all diligence make use of to procure their Liberty and Freedom And by how much the Bondage of Sin and Satan exceeds all the Slavery that Man can possibly be exposed unto by so much the more ought that Means to be improved that may effectually accomplish their Redemption Wicked Men Sluggards Prov. 6.9 How long wilt thou sleep O Sluggard when wilt thou arise out of thy Sleep HOw long wilt thou sleep Sleep is taken variously in the holy Scripture 1. For the binding or closing up the Senses to give the Body Rest The same Night Peter was sleeping between two Souldiers Acts 12.26 This is a natural Sleep 2. 'T is taken Metaphorically 1. For Death Hence 't is said David after he had served his Generation according to the Will of God he fell asleep For now shall I sleep in the Dust and thou shalt seek me in the Morning c. Job 7.21 This is
2.1 And you hath he quickened who were dead in Trespasses and Sins c. UNconverted Men are dead spiritually dead they are as dead Men. Life is opposed to Death which is either the Privation of natural Life because of the Separation of the Soul from the Body or the Privation of spiritual and heavenly Life because of the Separation of the Soul from God through Sin And this is really true in both respects in a proper Sence yet we shall open the State of Men dead in Sin by comparing this Death with natural Death between which in some things there is a good Parallel and to which in the Judgment of divers worthy Men the Spirit of God doth allude c. Parallels A Dead Man one that is really dead is under a total Privation of Life there is no Life in him So Man by Sin is totally under the Privation of the spiritual Life of God Now the Life of God consisteth in a Principle of Grace which is called a Seed The Seed speaking of a Man quickned remains in him This Seed 1 Joh 3.9 or divine Principle is unto the Soul as the Soul is to the Body but there is no Soul or Seed of Grace no Principle of spiritual Life in an unregenerate Man and therefore really and truly dead in a spiritual Sence as the Body is dead when the Soul is separated from it If there be any true and real spiritual Life in an unconverted Man how can he be said to be dead for where there is not a total Privation of natural Life a Man cannot be said to be dead naturally II. Dead the Dead shall hear c. This imports Man was once alive spiritually alive considering the Subject of whom our Saviour speaks Man before his Fall or the Entrance of Sin was alive Death was threatned upon Adam's eating of the forbidden Fruit In the Day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die The Deprivation of the spiritual Life of the Soul as well as the Life of the Body was in the Sanction of that Law Thou shalt die the Death What Life soever Adam had before he fell he lost it by his Transgression and in that very Day he eat he suffered a Deprivation of the Light of God's Countenance and spiritual Life of God in his Soul He lost that supernatural Power of acting towards God spiritually or Image of God that was in him so that it was impossible for him to live any more to God until quickned by a new Principle of spiritual Life And hence unregenerate Men are said to be dead c. III. A Man that is dead cannot move act or speak all natural Motions utterly cease that is the Effect of Death So unconverted Men have lost all spiritual vital Acts that is all Acts and Duties of holy Obedience acceptable unto God There is in them a total Defect and Want of Power for any such Acts whatsoever or else they are not dead cannot be said to be dead for when the Soul departs it leaves the Body uncapable of any kind of Activity All the natural Power the Body had by means of the Soul's Union with it is gone upon the Separation of the one from the other So Death falling upon the Soul or suffering a Privation of the Image of God or spiritual Life it had all its internal Power to act or live to God is gone the the carnal Mind being expresly said to be Enmity against God Rom. 8 7. An evil Tree cannot bring forth good Fruit. In short there is in all wicked Men a Disability or Impotency unto all spiritual Things to be performed in a spiritual manner and that it is impossible for them to act and do in a way acceptable to God till quickned by the Holy-Ghost IV. A dead Man is an unlovely Object to look on for it is Life that puts a Beauty and Glory upon the Body So an unregenerate Man is an unlovely Object 'T is Grace only or that supernatural Principle of spiritual Life that confers Beauty upon the inward Man or renders the Soul amiable in God's sight V. A dead Man is void of all Sense he sees not feels not hears not If you cast Fire in his Face 't is all one to him or if you run a Sword into his Heart he will not complain lay Mountains of Lead upon him he feels them not c. So those who are dead in Sin are sensless Souls Tho the Anger of God is kindled against them and his Wrath burns never so hot they regard it not nay tho you throw as it were Hell-Fire into their very Faces yet they fear it not Tho there are upon them great Mountains of Sin and horrid Guilt yet they feel them not c. VI. A dead Man cannot be raised to Life again without the mighty Power of God So the Dead in Sin cannot be raised to Life without the mighty Power of God's Spirit Christ who raised dead Lazarus out of the Grave must quicken such who are dead in Sins and Trespasses The Ephesians are said to believe according to the Working of God's mighty Power Eph. 1 19 20. which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the Dead VII A dead Man is loathsom and fit for nothing but to be put under Ground or buried out of sight So the Wicked are loathsom in God's sight and unless the sooner quickned they will be good for nothing but to be cast into Hell some wicked Men are fit to be buried or thrown into that Grave Object It is by some objected That there is a wide Difference between Death natural and spiritual In Death natural the Soul it self is utterly removed and taken away from the Body but in Death spiritual it continues a Man is still notwithstanding this spiritual Death endowed with an Understanding Will and Affections by which these Men are enabled to perform their Duties to God Answ 1. In Life spiritual the Soul is unto the Principle of it as the Body is unto the Soul in Life natural Dr. Owen For in Life natural the Soul is the quickning Principle and the Body is the Principle quickned when the Soul departs it leaves the Body with all its own natural Properties but utterly deprived of them which it had by virtue of its Union with the Soul So in Life spiritual the Soul is not in and by its essential Properties the quickning Principle of it but it is the Principle that is quickned and when the quickning Principle of spiritual Life departs it leaves the Soul with all its natural Properties entire as to their Essence tho mortally corrupted which is equivalent with Death natural but of all the Power and Abilities which it had by virtue of its Union with a quickning Principle of spiritual Life it is deprived And to deny there is such a quickning Principle of Life spiritual superadded unto us by the Grace of God distinct and separate from the natural Faculties of the Soul is upon
the matter to renounce the whole Gospel it is all one as to deny that Adam was created in the Image of God which he lost or that Sinners are spiritually dead in Sins and Trespasses and that we are renewed into the Image of God by Jesus Christ 2. Whatsoever the Soul acts in spiritual Things by its Understanding Will Affections c. as deprived of or not quickned by this Principle of spiritual Life it doth it naturally not spiritually c. Disparity A Man naturally dead is altogether uncapable to make any opposition against the supernatural Power of God put forth in order to quicken him or raise him to Life he can no way directly or indirectly oppose it But a Man who is dead spiritually dead in Sin when God in a gracious way comes to use Means to quicken him or raise him to a State of Life he makes opposition nay and doth greatly resist and strive against the good Motions of the Spirit and Workings of God in order to his Vivification So that the Power of God is more manifestly seen in the quickning of one spiritually dead than in quickning one dead naturally Inferences FRom hence we may perceive the evil and destructive Nature of Sin It is spiritually the Death and Ruine of the Soul and will without the infinite Mercy of God destroy it for ever II. It shews also particularly what the Nature of Adam's Sin was and what it did incur upon his Posterity viz. not only natural Death but spiritual Death likewise III. It sets forth the Riches of God's Grace in the second Adam that quickning Spirit in raising poor dead Souls to Life again IV. Here is much Comfort for all sincere Christians who are raised from Death to Life by Christ in that there is so great a difference between the State of Adam in Innocency and our standing in Christ viz. The Principle of Life in Adam was wholly and entirely in himself It was the Effect of God's good Will and Power 't is true but it was left to grow on no other Root but what was in Man himself it was wholly implanted in his Nature and therein did its Spring lie But in the Life whereinto we are renewed by Christ Jesus the Fountain and Principle of it is not in our selves but in him as a common Root of Head He is our Life Because I live ye shall live also He is the Spring and Fountain of it He by Covenant also hath undertook to maintain Life in us he doth renew and encrease this Life in us so that it is impossible that we should spiritually die for ever V. A Man also from hence may easily perceive whether he be made alive or quickned by the Spirit or no. 1. A Man that hath Life in him breaths So he that is spiritually alive breaths forth his Soul in fervent Desires to God Prayer as some have observed being the Breath of the new Creature Hence God when he would convince Ananias that Saul was regenerated said Behold he prayeth 2. There is in him Heat spiritual Heat and Zeal God-ward 3. He hath his spiritual Senses he can see feel hear c. 4. 'T is a full Evidence a Man is alive when he rises up and walks So a spiritual Man rises up and walks in neweness of Life 5. A Man quickned hath his Beauty restored again So a Man spiritually quickned hath the Image of God restored he is holy heavenly c. Wicked Men blind Luk. 6.39 Can the Blind lead the Blind c. Mat. 23.26 Thou blind Pharisee c Rev. 3.17 Miserable poor and blind c. An unconverted Man or Man in his natural State is blind Parallels SOme Men are born blind All Mankind spiritually may be said to be born blind for as they are under a Privation of Life it follows they are blind that is their Understanding is darkned II. Some Men are blind casually either by Age or some Accident Adam before his Fall could see originally Man's Eye-sight was good but Sin hath put his Eyes out III. Blind Men have not the comfortable Benefit of the Sun So wicked Men receive not the heavenly and sweet Benefit of the Sun of Righteousness Tho the Sun shines never so bright a blind Man is never the better for it unless his Eyes were opened So tho the Gospel be preached never so powerfully yet wicked Men see not nor can they till the Eyes of their Understanding are enlightned IV. Blind Men stumble and know not many times at what they stumble they also are in great Danger without a sure Guide So wicked Men know not what they stumble at they stumble at God himself and at Christ when they stumble at his Truth and his People They know not whither they go nor the dreadful Danger they are in they think they are in the right Way to Heaven and yet are in the broad Way to Hell they are led oft-times by those who are as blind as themselves And if the Blind lead the Blind they will both fall into the Ditch V. Some Mens natural Blindness hath been by the just Judgment of God upon them for their Sin So God in a way of Judgment blinds the Eyes of some Men after common Illuminations Job 12.40 Isa 44.18 Rom. 11.8 He is said to blind their Eyes and harden their Hearts that is he denies them his Grace and withdraws those common Influences of it from them suffering Satan to take full Power of them leaving them to their own Hearts Lusts and so consequently to final Impenitency Disparity MEn who are naturally blind would gladly see they lament nothing more than the Loss of their Eye-sight But wicked Men are willingly blind they love Darkness rather than Light and refuse the Means God is pleased to afford them in order to the opening their Eyes II. Men who are naturally blind do gladly accept of a faithful and sure Guide But wicked Men who are spiritually blind refuse that Guide God directs them to viz. his holy Word they are neither thankful to God nor good Men for any Help afforded them nay they vilify such as would take them by the hand to save them out of the Pit of eternal Misery There is no Blindness like spiritual Blindness Call upon wicked Men and entreat them never so often and earnestly Pray do not go that Way take heed Man O take heed there is a Pit before you alas you are going into the Lion's Den nay worse into everlasting Fire to Death and Hell Yet these blind Wretches will go on live or die sink or swim all is one no Advice or Warning will be received Wicked Men compared to Mad Men. Eccles 9.3 Yea also the Heart of the Sons of Men is full of Evil and and Madness is in their Hearts whilst they live c. Luke 15.17 When he came to himself he said How many hired Servants of my Father have Bread enough and to spare c. WIcked Men are set forth in the
the Knife into the very Throat Sin is compos'd of nought but subtile Wiles It fawns and flatters and betrays by Smiles 'T is like the Panther or the Crocodil It seems to love and Promises no Ill. It hides it Sting seems harmless as the Dove It hugs the Soul it hates when 't vows tru'st love It plays the Tyrant most by gilded Pills It secretly ensnares the Soul it kills Sins Promises they all deceitful be Does promise Wealth but pay us Poverty Does promise Honour but doth pay us Shame And quite bereaves a Man of his Good-Name Does promise Pleasure but doth pay us Sorrow Does promise Life to day pays Death to Morrow No Thief so vile nor treacherous as Sin Whom Fools do hug and take much Pleasure in 5. That Sin is a crafty Thief and Robber doth appear further if we consider what Fools and meer Babes it makes of worldly-wise-Men 1. It deceives them of Treasure of an eâ—imable Value for meer Toys and Trifles it cheats them of most blessed Pearls for sorry Pebbles they like Idiots take Brass Counters before Guinies and yellow Gold 2. It makes them believe strange things contrary to reason As first that tho they sow Tares yet they shall reap Wheat nay tho they sow not at all yet they shall have a great Crop at Harvest furthermore that that work may be done when they are Old and ready to drop into the Grave which is so hard and difficult that all the Days of their Life and the greatest of their Strength is too little to accomplish and that 't is time enough to sow their Seed when they should with others be a gathering in their Harvest Lastly it makes such Fools of Men as to consent to set the Knife to their own Breast and be willing to let out their own Hearts Blood IV. Bloody Thieves and Murderers are a great Terrour to honest Men and they will avoid them if possible and provide themselves with suitable Weapons to withstand and vanquish them IV. Sin is such a bloody Thief and Murderer that all Godly Men dread it and endeavour to avoid it as much as possibly they can and not only so but also take unto themselves the whole Armour of God Eph. 6 that so they may be able to subdue and overcome it Inferences IF Sin be a Thief a bloody and treacherous Thief and Robber what Folly are these Men and Women guilty of who are so ready and willing at every turn to entertain it as a Guest in their Houses nay and shall lie in the chiefest Room of their Hearts 2. It shews the Folly of these Men also who hide their Sin and desire nothing more than to have their beloved Lusts spared Who would hide and plead for a cursed Murderer or suffer a bloody and venemous Serpent to lie in their Bosomes 3. It shews the Folly of such that play and make a sport at Sin Fools make a mock at Sin 4. Take heed you are not beguiled and robbed by it 5. When you are hard put to it call for help Cry out Thieves Thieves Pray for the help of the Spirit 6. Be sure watch against it you are ready to have a watchful Eye over a Thief nay over one who is buâ— suspected so to be 7. Keep the Door shut against Sin And Lastly Be not so foolish as to believe Sin and Satans Promises Sin a Debt Mat. 6.12 Forgive us our Debts SIn is called a Debt 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Debita in these Words Sins and Debts are used promiscuously as Luk. 11.4 compared with this in Mat. 6.10 Luk. 13.4 Luke was learned in the Greek and wrote 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sins whereas Matthew hath 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Debts Canin in loc N. T. Page 86 87. Now when Sins are called Debts or said to be forgiven it 's a Metaphor from pecuniary Debts as the Debtor was said luere when he paid his Money and it is generally used of any that are obnoxious to Punishment so the Grecians say 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Latines poenas debere so the Hebrew Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is used both for Debts and Guilt Dan. 1.10 Ezek. 18.7 as also for Sin Exod. 32. and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is applyed to a Sinner James 2.20 is also frequently used of Punishment as Mat. 5.21 22. In Sin there is the obliquity and dissonancy from the Law of God and this is not called a Debt for we do not owe this to God but the contrary Obedience and Holiness in Sin there is Guilt and Obligation unto Eternal Punishment and this is called a Debt c. Metaphor Parallel DEbts are variously taken and may be contracted divers manner of ways 1. A Man may rob his Neighbour of his Good-Name defame and wickedly wrong him that way and thereby make himself guilty and become a Sinner against him and is as much bound to make him satisfaction as if he had been his Debtor by getting away much of his Goods c. SO Man by Sin hath taken away or robbed God Almighty of his Glory Adam gave more credit and rather hearkened to the Devil than to God and what a reproach was this as I may so say to his Maker Satan shall be believed when God shall not when a Man will not believe trust nor give credit to what his Neighbour faith tho never so just and upright what a Reproach and Contempt doth he cast upon him So what greater wrong could Man do to God the most just and holy One of Heaven and Earth as not to regard his Word believe nor give credit to him but rather side with and yield to his cruel Enemy that studied Revenge and to bring him into Reproach And thus Man became a Sinner and made himself guilty being a Debtor to God and bound to make satisfaction or suffer for Sin if this wrong cannot be made up or the Debt paid II. Man brake a Holy and Righteous Law and thereby made himself notoriously guilty and obnoxious to the Penalty annexed and Guilt that lies upon him is commonly called a Debt he is a Debtor to the Law as well as a Criminal II. Sinners have broke the holy and righteous Law of God and by this means are become miserably guilty and palpable Debtors both to the Law and Justice the Law is broke and Justice requireth Satisfaction the Penalty is Death A heavy Debt such a Debt is Sin he hath violated a just Law and how will he make a Compensation III. Some Debts in a common acceptation are a great Sum many Pounds thousands of Pounds III. Sin is a very great Debt every ungodly Man may be said to owe many thousands tho never so Rich and Mighty in the account of Men. So Mat. 18.24 where our Sins are not only compared to a Debt but to a Debt of a vast Sum ten thousand Talents which according to computation amounts to 1500000 l. and according to others 1875000 l. IV. Some Debts are
so great in value and the Debtors so poor that they are not able to pay them IV. Sin is so great a Debt that a Man of himself is not able to make satisfaction to the Law and Justice of God for it he owes ten thousand Talents Mat. 18.24 and hath nothing to pay so our Saviour himself plainly intimates V. A Debt exposeth a Man oft-times to an Arrest and fills his Mind full of Trouble especially if it be an Action upon Execution that admits of no Bail V. Sin exposeth a Man to an Arrest by Death a Serjeant that will when he hath received his Warrant take no Bail and this fills wicked Men especially full of Fears Heb. 2. Who through fear of Death are said to be all their Life time subject to Bondage VI. A Debt doth not only expose a Man to the danger of an Arrest but in case he cannot pay the Debt or procure Bail to a Prison also VI. So Sin exposeth a Man not only to an Arrest by Death but also to the Prison of Eternal Darkness out of which there is no Redemption Verily Verily Mat. 5.26 I say unto you he shall not come out from thence until he hath paid the utmost Farthing VII Some Mens Debts have been paid by the Hands of others who out of meer Compassion have undertaken to satisfy for all they have owed and thereby have kept the poor Debtors from perishing VII So this great Debt viz. Jesus Christ the Sinners Friend out of Infinite Bowels by one single Payment on the Cross or by his Active and Passive Obedience hath satisfied for or made a full Compensation to the Law and Justice of God in the behalf of Sinners that so he might thereby deliver them from Eternal Ruine See Surety Metaphor Disparity A Debt among Men only exposeth the Body or Bodies of Men to External Danger Sufferings or Sorrow BUT Sin this Spiritual Debt exposeth not the Body only but the Soul it brings not the Soul by Guilt to Sorrow and Misery here but both the Soul and Body to Sufferings Eternally hereafter II. Debts among Men are oftentimes forgiven without Payment or Satisfaction made for them either by the Debtor or his Surety II. God doth not forgive Sin this spiritual Debt without a fuâ—l Payment or plenary Satisfaction made for it by our Surety it consisteth not with his Justice Honour nor with the Nature and Purity of his Law considering the Nature of Sin it self so to do And therefore what Man is not able to do upon this account Jesus Christ his blessed Surety hath done for him First To make this appear or further to manifest the Truth of it it will not be amiss to consider the Nature of God's Threatnings I mean Legal Threatnings which several Divines have well distinguished from Evangelical Gospel or Evangelical Threatnings are those Fatherly Chastisements which God denounceth to keep us within the Bounds of Child-like Obedience and therefore God hath not only signified but the Nature of the Affair requireth that they should be executed only in case of Need 1 Pet. 1.6 But Legal Threatnings denounce unmixed and unallayed Curse and Wrath. These two widely differ not only in their Nature but End In the first suppose that the Business of the Threatnings be done to God's Hand without the Execution of them it clearly follows that the Obligation of the Believer to them as they have respect to such an End dissolves and ceaseth that which is God's Intent by them being obtained without them the execution of the Threatnings without the least derogation from the Truth of God or Impeachment of his other Properties may be suspended But Legal Threatnings being of another Nature and having another End namely the Vindication of God's Holiness and Justice upon Prisoners and Rebels they are no wise dissolvible but must of necessity be inflicted that the Perfections and Government of God may be vindicated and Sin may be revenged All Sin is a Contempt of God's Authority and Government and casts Dirt upon his Glory and Punishment is the vindicating of God's Honour in revenge of Evil committed Let this be noted that in case of such a proportionable Satisfaction by which the Honour and Equity of his Law is vindicated his Justice Holiness and Hatred of Sin demonstrated the ends of Government attained he may relax and dispense with the Threatning as to the Party offending which is the case here for by executing the Threatnings upon Christ and receiving a valuable consideration of Satisfaction from him he hath given as eminent demonstration of his Righteousness Purity and Hatred of Sin and as fully vindicated his Law from Contempt as if the Offenders themselves had suffered and therefore by an admirable mixture of Grace with Justice hath released us These things being premised I reassume saith he the Argument Fergussâ—n namely That the Truth of God's Threatnings would not allow him to pardon Sin and save Sinners but upon the consideration of a Satisfaction First God having denounced Death and the Curse against Sin Gen. 2.17 Deut. 27.26 The Veracity and Faithfulness of his Nature obliged him to see it inflicted Never any entertained a Notion of God but they included in it that he spake Truth Could ever any Threatning of God be of awe upon the Conscience of a Sinner should the first and great Threatning be made so easily void Should it be granted that notwithstanding God's solemn Denunciation of Wrath in case of Sin that yet he hath taken the Offender into Favour and pardoned the Offence without any Satisfaction or Consideration at all what would Creatures imagine but that God either intended his Threatnings for meer Scare-Crows or that he were subject to Mutabiliâ—y which Apprehension being once received what boldness would Men assume in Sin believing that the Comminations of the Gospel would be no more executed than those of the Law but let God be true and every Man a Lyar. Secondly To suppose that God hath abrogated his Threatning is at once to overthrow the whole Scripture for that expresly tells us that not one jot of the Law was to perish Mat. 5.18 That every Disobedience received a just Recompence of Reward Heb. 2.2 See Heb. 8.28 9.22 23. That without Blood there was to be no Remission Thirdly If the Threatning annexed to the Law be released it is either by virtue of the Law it self or by virtue of the Gospel It is not by virtue of the Law for that was wholly inexorable requiring either perfect and constant Obedience or denouncing unmixed and unallayed Wrath. Gal. 3.10 Nor is it released by the Gospel this the Holy-Ghost clearly informs us Rom. 3.31 Do we then make void the Law through Faith God forbid yea we establish the Law Beza's Paraphrase here is very good Christi satisfactio quid aliud quà m Legis minas ostendit minimè irritas esse quà m illas luere Christum oportuerit O Christi Justitia quid aliud est quam
wounded in every Faculty of his Soul or rational part so likewise he is in his sensitive part his Eyes are full of Adultery his Lips are unclean Râ—m 3. â—3 his Throat is like an open Sepulchre the Poyson of Asps is under his Tongue his Ears are deaf and dull of hearing that which is good IV. As some Wounds a Man receives are very deep and reach to the Heart so Sin makes a deep Wound Man is not only wounded in every part but very deeply wounded Jeâ— 4.18 Gen. 6 5. This is thy Wickedness because it is bitter because it reacheth to thine Heart Their Heart deviseth Wickedness c. Every Imagination of the Thoughts of his Heart is only evil continually Jer. 4.14 Hence saith God Wash thine Heart from Wickedness c. V. Some Wounds are corrupt filthy and very loathsome the Wounds Sin makes in the Soul Isa 1.6 are very filthy and abominable From the sole of the Foot even to the Head there is no soundness in it but Wounds and Bruises and putrifying Sores they have not been bound up neither molified with Ointment My Wounds stink and are corrupt VI. Some Wounds smart and are very painful causing the Patient to cry out in great anguish Sin makes such a Wound in the Soul that it causeth such who have their Spiritual Feeling to cry out the pain is so great that a Christian cannot without Divine Help Psal 38.8 9. bear up under the smart and torture of it I have roared saith the Psalmist by reason of the disquietness of my Heart Lord all my desire is before thee and my groaning is not hid from thee Lev. 13.2 3 4 5 6. VII Some Sores or Wounds are infectious like Plague-Sores or the Leprosy they infect the Cloaths and Garments of the wounded and diseased Person and not only so but the very House where he dwells and the People also that come near him or converse with him Sin is of an infectious Nature no Plague more catching and infectious than the Sore or Plague of Sin it defiles all a Man's best Actions and makes all our Righteousness like filthy Rags If ye daily converse with or are frequently in the Company of some wicked Men 't is a thousand to one if you are not the worse for it Who can touch Pitch and not be defiled therewith We are commanded to keep our selves unspotted from the World 't is a hard matter to keep clear of these Spots and Pollutions wicked Men are defiled with Sin is of such an infectious Nature that it hath corrupâ—â—d the Earth Isa 24.5 The Earth is defiled under the Inhabitants thereof c. Nay some conceive the Sin of Man hath darkned in some respect the glorious Heavens Job 25.5 with the Sun Moon and Stars that they shine not so splendidly as they did at the first VIII Some Wounds are of a festering and spreading Nature whilst the Patient is under Cure they grow worse and worse The Wounds or Sins of some Men tho they are under Cure i. e. sit under a powerful and Soul-searching Ministry fester as it were 2 Tim 3.13 they instead of growing better grow worse and worse like as the Apostle speaks of Deceivers IX Some Sores Wounds and Scabs bring Shame upon such who have them Sin is such a Sore and so hateful a Scab that it causes Shame and Confusion of Face Sin is the shame of any People Phil. 3 19. and yet how do some glory in it They glory in their Shame Sin is the soul Disease the Hurt nay all the Hurt Sorrow and Shame Sinners meet with came in originally by Sin by yielding to the Devil and by adulterating from God no running Sore no Scab no breaking out in the Flesh like Sin in the Heart and Life of a Sinner Ezek 18. Joh. 8.22 Rom. 8.13 X. Some Wounds are Mortal Sin makes a mortal Wound The Soul that Sins shall die and unless ye believe that I am he ye shall die in your Sins If ye live after the Flesh ye shall die c. I do not say there is no Help nor Cure for these Spiritual Sores and Wounds yet I must say they are incurable as to Man no Man can find by all his Skill and Art any healing Medicine And upon this account the Lord said of Judah and Israel their Wound was incurable they had brought themselves into such a Condition that none could help them nor bring them out O Israel thy destruction is of thy self but in me is thy help Indeed some Men are so desperately and dangerously wounded that there is little hope of them they have all the signs of Ruine and Eternal Death upon them imaginable Quest It may be you will say When may the state of a Person be said to be desperate and almost if not altogether past hope or wounded even unto Death Answ 1. If a Man sins and is sorely wounded and yet continues in his Sinful Course the Sting is not pulled as it were out of his Flesh I mean out of his Heart nor is he willing it should there is little hopes at present of this Man Can a Wound be healed and yet the venemous Sting stick fast in him A continual course or custom in Sin tho they be small Sins comparatively may prove deadly 2. When â—in is in the Affection 't is dangerous You know when the Heart is wounded and corrupt there is no hopes of Life if in times of Infection you can keep it from the Heart you are well enough Physicians tho they have Medicines to keep Infection from the Heart yet they have no Medicine to cure the Heart if once the Distemper gets into it When a Man closes in with his Sin likes it loves it and makes Provision to fulfil the Lusts of it 't is a dangerous sign 3. When the Wound spreads and increaseth or a Person grows more vain carnal and filthy 't is a sad sign Some Men have been for a time cautions and somewhat tender their Consciences have restrained them from yielding unto Sin but afterwards they came to grow more hard and bold and have adventured on this and the other Evil and so by degrees from little Sins make no Conscience of greater till they are notorious in Wickedness and this after common Illuminations this is a sign they are near Hell 4. When a Person is sorely and grievously wounded and yet is unsensible does not cry out nor feel any pain 't is a sad sign Come to some wounded Persons and ask them how they do they will answer you Very well I ail nothing then Relations begin to weep so some Sinners through a custom of Sin grow insensible they are past feeling they are not only without pain themselves but laugh at such who complain of their Sores upon the Head and mourn for their Sin of this Man you may write in Red Letters Lord have Mercy upon him 5. When a Man is dangerously wounded
corrupted the whole Lump of Mankind Adam had no sooner sinned against God but the spiritual Poyson and Venom thereof struck to his Heart corrupting every Faculty of his Soul and not only so but also the Souls of all his Posterity See Wounds IV. 'T is noted by Plutarch that when an Asp stings a Man it doth first tickle him and makes him laugh till the Poyson by little and little gets to the Heart and then it pains and torments him more than ever it delighted him before So doth Sin it may please a little at first Though Wickedness be sweet in his Mouth Job 20 12 tho he hide it under his Tongue though he spare it and forsake it not but keepeth it still within his Mouth Yet his Meat in his Bowels is turned it is the Gall of Asps within him Forbidden Profits and Pleasures are very delightful to carnal Men and many love to be medling with these poysoning Morsels of Sin Many eat that on Earth which they digest in Hell Men must not think to dine and dance with the Devil and then to sup with Abraham Isaac and Jacob in God's Kingdom V. Poyson in a Toad or Serpent suits and agrees well with their Nature but Poyson in a Man's Stomach makes fearful Work it being of a contrary Nature So Sin in a wicked Man one that hath no spark of true Grace in him seems to be suitable and agree well with him his whole Nature being so grievously corrupted and changed into the evil Nature thereof he having used himself so long in sinful Ways that Sin viz. open Prophaneness Superstition and Error is habitual and become natural to him as Poyson to a Toad Naturalists say That if a Man take a little quantity of Poyson at a time and so accustom himself to it ☜ it will at length become so natural to him that he may take it as Food Even so wicked Men by a continual Course and evil Custom in Sin drink it down as pleasant Liquor like as the Fish drinks Water But now Sin to a true Christian is like much Poyson in a Man's Stomach 't is contrary to that new Nature and divine Principle which is wrought in him by the Spirit of God he cannot bear nor endure it he hates every false Way Rom. 7. That which I hate that do I. VI. Poyson is deadly in its own Nature and of a killing and destroying Quality if not timely vomited up by taking some fit and proper Antidote c. So Sin whether fleshly or spiritual viz. sensual Debauchery or Heresy will kill and destroy all where-ever it is both Body and Soul eternally except by true Repentance it be vomited up Tho Men take it down as sweet Wine Prov. 23.31 and are not presently sensible of any harm yet at last it will bite like a Serpent and sting like an Adder VII Oil will expel Poyson and it is often given to Persons who have taken it to cause them to vomit it up So the Oil of Gladness viz. the Spirit of God is the best Antidote in the World to expel and work out the Poyson of Sin in the Soul See Oil of Gladness in the First Volume Book 2. Inferences WHat do Sinners mean will they poyson themselves are they void of Understanding to take down the Poyson of Dragons Will they wilfully murther themselves What Blindness and Folly is in their Hearts II. O how should this stir up the Godly to pity wicked Men and to strive as much as lieth in their Power to prevent their sinning and endeavour to turn away their Wrath III. It may also caution Believers to take heed of Sin and of the Venom of an evil Tongue as also of the Poyson of Heresy and Error IV. Let Sinners also learn from hence timely to look out for Help O get a fit Antidote to save you from this Poyson Ah! what is Sin 't is Poyson in a Cup That 's gilt without and Men do drink it up Most earnestly with joy and much delight Being pleasant to the carnal Appetite Sin 's sweet to him whose Soul is out of taste But long alas its Sweetness will not last Sin 's sweet to th' Flesh that does it dearly love But to the Soul it doth rank Poyson prove Hast thou suck'd this most deadly Venome in And dost not see thy vital Parts begin To swell Art poyson'd Soul Look look about To get an Antidote to work it out Before it be too late the Poyson 's strong Don't stay a Week twelve Hours is too long One drachm of Grace mix'd with repenting Tears The Grace of perfect Love that casts out Fears Mix'd with that Faith which kills all Unbelief Took down with speed will ease thee of thy Grief 'T will purge the Soul and work by Vomit well And all vile Dregs of Venome 't will expell Unless thou vomit up each Dreg be sure No hope of Life one Sin will Death procure Eternal Death Repentance is not right 'Till Sin nay every Sin 's forsaken quite Not only left but as a poysonous Cup Thou must it loath 't is hateful spue it up Sin a Sickness Isa 1.5 The whole Head is sick and the whole Heart faint c. Mat. 9.12 The whole need not a Physician but they that are sick SPiritual Sickness is twofold 1. To be sick with Sin 2. To be sick of Sin as Sin wounds the Soul so it makes sick and this is Man's Misery but to be sick of Sin viz. to be sensible of the Evil and cursed Nature thereof this is a Mercy Parallels THE Causes of Natural Sickness are divers sometimes it arises from some inward and sometimes from some outward Cause to know from whence the Distemper grew or did arise is very necessary whether it be Chronical or Acute i. e. that which hath seized on the Patient on a sudden by Heats Cold or from the Corruption of the Blood by an infectious Air c. which an able Physician is diligent to pry and search into Now as touching the Sickness of the Soul 't is evident the Original Cause thereof was by eating of the forbidden Fruit which surfeited the whole Lump of Mankind or if you please it was occasioned by Poyson by the Poyson of the old Serpent Deadly Poyson makes a Man very sick and corrupts the whole Mass of Blood And as 't is needful to find out if possible the Cause of Sickness so 't is as necessary to find out the Cause of Spiritual Sickness the Cause being discovered the Cure is easy If a Man doth not see what his state is as considered in the first Adam nor the evil and damning Nature of Sin in general nor the particular Plague of his own Heart he is in no hopeful way of help and healing II. Some Sicknesses or Diseases are Epidemical Sin is a Sickness or Disease so universal and a Contagion so catching that none have escaped nor are totally free from it III. Some are so sick that they have
Paul determined to know nothing so much as Christ and him crucified When we know Christ better we shall understand this Mystery better Christ is the Mystery wrapt up in all the Gospel he is the Scope of all the Scripture the Pearl hid in the Field every Line is drawn to him as the proper Center all the Types and Shadows pointed to him and all the Promises run in him Jesus Christ is really and truly God and yet very Man God and Man in one Person and is not this a Mystery 1. Is it not a Wonder that a Woman should compass a Man 2. That he that made the World should be born of a Woman 3. That the Ancient of Days should become a Child of a Day old 4. That Blessedness it self should be brought under a Curse for Sinners Christ was made a Curse for us Gal. 3.13 as it is written Cursed is every one that hangeth on a Tree 5. That he that was the Heir of all things Heir of both Worlds should be laid in a Manger 6. That he who was God over all should have no where to lay his Head 7. That he should become poor who was so rich and by his Poverty make others rich is not this a Mystery 8. He by dying destroyed Death and unless he had died we could not live and by Death he brought us to Life 9. And is it not a Mystery that a Person should be capable to die and yet by his own Power raise himself up again from the Dead 10. Is not this a Mystery that the Physician should die to cure his Patient nay and unless he die the Sin-sick Soul could not live and that his Blood should be the Balsam Is it not a great Mystery that the offended Saviour should suffer to free the offending Sinner 11. Is it not a Mystery that the Nature of Man should be so joined to the Divine Nature of God that both should make but one Christ and that our Nature should be exalted above the Nature of the Angels that Man should sit at God's right hand that Man should be very God and God very Man in one Person O how great is â—he Mystery of Godliness Acts 2.23 chap. 4.28 12. Is it not a Mystery that Christ suffered according to the Decree and determined Counsel of God and yet the Jews did wickedly in putting him to Death Secondly The Mystery of Christianity appears to be great 1. in God's casting off the Jews who followed after Righteousness and in calling the Gentiles who followed not after Righteousness That God should not be found of them that sought him and be found of them that sought him not 2. That God should chuse poor and contemptible Ones into his Service and reject the Wise the Noble and the Learned and that by weak Things he overcame the Mighty and by Folly confounded the Wisdom of this World Thirdly There is a great Mystery in Election in Justification in Sanctification in Renovation c. Nay what Branch or Part of the Doctrine of Godliness is not full of Mystery Fourthly There is a Mystery in every Grace 1. In Faith As 1. That a Sinner should believe i. e. go out of himself and be carried above himself to believe Things impossible to Man's Sense and above his Reason that he should seek for Justification by the Righteousness and Obedience of another for a Man as one would think to have a great deal of Holiness and good Works and yet to throw it as it were all away and be dead to it in point of Trust and Dependence is not this a Mystery 2. To believe when every thing is opposite to it To work for Life and to oppose some Sin a natural Man is ready to do but to believe in Christ for Life and Holiness to relie upon his Doings his Works and Merits this the Heart of Map is averse to nay and Satan opposeth it the World mocks at it and accounts it Foolishness 3. That a Man should believe and not see nay believe as Abraham did in hope against hope 2. There is a Mystery in Love that a Man should love him with an endeared Affection with a superlative Love whom the World can see no beauty in nay thus to love him whom their natural Eyes never beheld nay love him who is able to make great and save from all Misery and yet suffers his People and best beloved Ones to lie amongst the Pots and to be hated and persecuted in the World and to appearance to be of all Men the most miserable A Saint knows the Reason of these Things but 't is a Mystery to others The Love of Christ turns the Affections another way it drives as it were Jordan back it makes the Waters ascend and run up hill Is it not a Mystery to see a Saint who hath a Hundred nay it may be Five Hundred a Year a gracious Wife many sweet and lovely Children enjoying much Health and living in all Prosperity yet if he hath lost the Light of God's Countenance or Christ be withdrawn from him he is cast down and greatly distressed and afflicted in his Spirit and crying out Ah! what is all that I possess sith I want the Love of Christ the Presence of Christ what 's an Estate and no Christ Wife and Children and no sight of Christ Christ saith he is all to me and all is nothing without him This is a Mystery to carnal Hearts they wonder at it Nay to see a Man that hath all the Comforts of the World expose himself to cruel Mockings Loss of Goods to Imprisonment and Death it self for Christ's sake is a strange thing to worldly Men they think the Man is mad 't is a Mystery to them c. Fourthly The Effects and Operations of Grace and Godliness are a Mystery 1. That God should make Men wise by teaching them to become Fools 1 Cor. 3.18 2. That the way to become rich very rich eternally rich is to become poor This is a Mystery yet this Mystery is taught us in the Person of Christ David was a King and very rich yet cries out I am poor he was poor in Spirit This poor Man cried There is that maketh himself rich yet hath nothing there is that maketh himself poor Prov. 13.7 and yet hath great Riches 3. That the way to have all is to lose all and that a Man gains most when he loses most Is not this a Mystery 4. That Men must die to live or that the way to live is to die nay that God kills by making Souls alive and yet by that killing and death brings them to life And is not this a Mystery Sin must die and we must die to Sin Sin revived and I died Rom. 7.11 yet by that Death he revived and lived A Man must die to Self or he can never live himself 5. God makes Men blind by giving Sight and turns that Darkness into Light and is not this a Mystery 6. The way
Page 162 Saints the Salt of the Earth Page 166 Saints Merchants Page 168 Saints Pilgrims Page 170 Saints compared to Palm-Trees Page 175 Saints compared to Wheat Page 178 Saints compared to Light Page 180 Saints compared to Cedars Page 182 Saints compared to Myrtle-Trees Page 184 Saints compared to Willows Page 185 Saints why called Vessels Page 186 Saints why called Lions Page 188 Saints compared to Gold Page 190 Saints compared to Doves Page 192 Some Saints like Lambs in a large Place Page 193 The Heart of a Saint compared to an Heart of Flesh Page 194 Saints Stewards Page 195 Saints why called Jewels Page 196 Saints why called Kings Page 199 Saints called Priests Page 200 Concerning Wicked Men. Wicked Men Captives Page 201 Wicked Men why called Sluggards Page 209 Wicked Men Fools or Idiots Page 211 Some wicked Men like painted Sepulchres Page 215 Wicked Men compared to Swine Page 216 Wicked Men Debtors Page 219 Wicked Men why called the Red of God Page 221 Wicked Men compared to Tares Page 222 Wicked Men compared to Chaff Page 223 Wicked Men compared to Thorns Page 224 Wicked Men compared to Mountains Page 225 Wicked Men dead in Sin what meant thereby Page 227 228 Wicked Men mad or besides themselves Page 231 Wicked Men called Dogs Page 232 Wicked Men called Bulls Page 235 Wicked Men called Lions Page 237 Wicked Men compared to Foxes Page 241 Wicked Men compared to Goats Page 243 Wicked Men compared to Thieves Page 245 Wicked Men naked Page 247 Wicked Men Vipers Page 248 Wicked Men poor and miserable Page 250 The Heart of a Wicked Man like a Rock Page 251 Wicked Men why called Eagles Page 253 Wicked Men why called Devils Page 254 The Ninth HEAD c. concerning True Ministers False Ministers and False Churches TRue Ministers why called Angels Page 256 True Ministers Stars why so called Page 258 Christ's Ministers called Labourers Page 259 Christ's Ministers called Watchmen Page 265 Christ's Ministers why called Trumpeters ibid Ministers Christ's Spokesmen Page 267 Christ's Ministers why called Clouds Page 269 Christ's Ministers why called Fathers Page 271 Christ's Ministers called Planters Page 273 Christ's Ministers called Shepherds Page 281 Christ's Ministers Ambassadors Page 282 Christ's Ministers called Rulers Page 287 Concerning False Teachers False Teachers why compared to Wolves Page 291 False-Teachers called Foxes Page 293 False-Teachers called Wells without Water Page 293 False-Teachers why called Clouds without Rain Page 294 False-Teachers called Deceivers Page 294 False Churches Mystery Babylon or the Great Whore proved to be the present State and Church of Rome Page 297 to 330 The Tenth HEAD of Metaphors concerning Sin and the Devil SIn why called a Thief Page 331 Sin a Debt Page 335 Sin an heavy Burthen Page 343 Sin a Sting Page 344 Sin a Wound Page 345 Sin a Plague Page 349 Sin compared to deadly Poyson Page 350 Sin a Sickness Page 352 Sin compared to an abominable Vomit Page 354 Sin an Vncleanness or nothing so loathsom as Sin Page 355 Sin compared to Gray-Hairs Page 357 Concerning the Devil The Devil why called the God of this World Page 359 The Devil why called a Prince Page 360 The Devil a Hunter Page 361 The Devil a Fowler Page 362 The Devil why called a Lion Page 363 The Devil why called a Dragon Page 364 The Devil a Serpent Page 365 The Eleventh HEAD c. concerning the Means of Grace and Providence THe Day of Grace what Page 367 Means of Grace compared to Summer Page 369 Means of Grace compared to Harvest Page 369 Godliness called a Trade largely opened Page 371 376 Of Providence and Afflictions Afflictions compared to Clouds Page 377 Afflictions compared to Fire Page 378 Afflictions why called a Rod Page 379 Afflictions compared to a Furnace Page 381 Afflictions compared to Winter ibid Afflictions compared to Darkness Page 383 Afflictions compared to Tempests Page 385 Afflictions compared to a Flood Page 386 Afflictions compared to great Heat Page 387 Afflictions compared to Wormwood and Gall Page 388 Afflictions called God's Arrows God hath many sharp Arrows Page 389 The Twelfth and Last HEAD concerning the World the Life of Man and the four last Things THe World compared to a Wilderness Page 391 THe World a Field Page 392 The End of the World why called an Harvest ibid Of the Life of Man The Life of Man compared to a swift Post Page 393 The Life of Man compared to a swift Ship ibid The Life of Man compared to an Eagle hastening to her Prey Page 394 The Life of Man compared To a Weaver's Shuttle Page 394 395 396 To the Wind Page 394 395 396 To a Cloud Page 394 395 396 To a Flower Page 394 395 396 To a Shadow Page 394 395 396 Of Death The Body of Man in the Grave compared to Seed sown Page 398 Death compared to Sleep Page 398 399 Death a Departure Page 400 Death a Rest ibid Of the Resurrection The Resurrection compared to the Morning Page 401 The Resurrection compared to an awaking out of Sleep Page 402 The Resurrection-Day a Man's Reaping-Day Page 403 Resurrection-Day a Saint's Coronation-Day Page 405 Of the Judgment-Day The Day of Judgment called an Assize Page 406 407 Of Heaven Heaven called Paradise Page 407 Heaven the Crown of Life Page 409 Of Hell Hell a Furnace of Fire Page 410 Hell utter Darkness Page 411 Moses's Vail removed OR A Treatise of TYPES ADam wherein a Type of Christ Page 413 Noah how a Type of Christ ibid Melchis deck a Type of Christ Page 414 Abraham a Type of Christ Page 415 Isaac a Type of Christ ibid Jacob how a Type of Christ Page 416 Jacob's Ladder a Tyye of Christ ibid Joseph in what respect a Type of Christ Page 416 417 Moses in how many things a Type of Christ ibid Sampson a Type of Christ Page 418 David in ten things a Type of Christ Page 418 419 Solomon in how many things a Type of Christ Page 420 Elisha a Type of Christ ibid Jonah wherein a Type of Christ ibid Zerubbabel a Type of Christ ibid Aaron a Type of Christ Page 421 The High-Priest a Type of Christ Page 421 422 423 What the Tabernacle was a Type of Page 423 424 The Vail of the Holiest what it was a Type of Page 424 The Ark a Type of Christ Page 425 The Mercy-Seat a Type of Christ ibid The Table of Shewbread what a Type of ibid The Candlestick what a Type of Page 426 The Altar of Perfume a Type of Christ ibid The Altar of Burnt Offering a Type of Christ Page 427 The Brazen Laver what it was a Type of ibid The Sacrifice of Beasts a Type of Christ Page 428 The Burnt-Offering of Fowls a Type of Christ Page 429 The Daily Sacrifice a Type of Christ ibid The Sin-Offering a Type of Christ ibid The Meat-Offering what it was a Type of Page 430 The Peace-Offering and what it was a Type of Page 431 The solemn yearly
Thoughts And do not all these things commend unto us the Justice Wisdom Holiness Omnipotence Omniscience Perfection and absolute Soveraignty of the Law-Maker 'T is a Book that comprehends an Universal History of the World past present and to come Its Contents reach as far as the first Foundations of the Earth and Heavens give us an Account of God's Revelations to Man ever since his first make and the particulars of an Entercourse between God and the World for near upon two thousand and five hundred Years before they were any where extant upon Record What other Book since the World began so much as pretended to do this A Book which as it was sixteen hundred Years a writing for so long it was from the Time of Moses till John closed it with the Revelations so the Matters it treats of are of the most excellent Nature and highest Concernment To give the World a satisfactory Account not only of its Original but of its End too To bring Man acquainted with his true Soveraign Happiness and a most wonderful and astonishing method of Reconciliation with his Maker Its Promises are everlasting Glory and never-fading Crowns Its Precepts perfect †Gal. 3.10 Righteousness and altogether such as tend most to the Honour of God the Happiness of a Man's Self and the Quiet of the World Its Threatnings are of Miseries that are endless It s whole Tendency is to a Prospect beyond the Grave what Heathen ever so much as dream'd of the Resurrection Who but the Lord could be Author of such Laws that only can give eternal Life and inflict eternal Death These things can move the Conscience of none but such who acknowledg the Precepts thereof to be divine In a Word its General Subjects are Mysteries no where else to be heard of and without such a Manifestation unconceivable Now considering the Premises what less than Infinite VVisdom can be the supposed Author of such a Book 2. The Antiquity of the Holy Scriptures II. By its Antiquity The Books of Moses wherein in Promises Prophecies Types and Shadows the Sum and Substance of all the rest of the Bible is comprised were the first Writings in the World next to those by the Finger of God on Mount Sinai This is fully proved by Justin Martyr an ancient Writer that lived within one hundred and thirty Years after Christ in his Paroenetick to the Greeks who comparing the Times of all Human Writers Poets Philosophers Historians and Law-givers esteemed most ancient demonstrates them all to be but Punies to Moses Eusebius also who followed Justin Martyr at about two hundred Years distance in the 2d and 3d Books of his Evangelical Preparation prosecutes the same Argument at large and from abundance of Testimonies and Confessions out of the best and most authentick Heathen Authors themselves undeniably evinces That Moses was the most ancient of all the Writers that were known or named amongst them And Tertullian so confidently upbraids the Gentiles in this matter that we think it not amiss to recite his Words in the 19th Chapter of his Apology Our Religion saith he speaking to the Heathens far out-does all that you can boast of in that kind For the Books of one of our Prophets only viz. Moses wherein it seems God hath enclosed as in a Treasury all the Christian Religion preceding so many Ages together reach beyond the ancientest you have even all your Publick Monuments the Antiquity of your Originals the Establishment of your Estates the Foundations of your Cities all that are most advanced by you in all Ages of History and Memory of Times the Invention even of the Characters which are Interpreters of Sciences and the Guardians of all Things excellent I think I may say more they are elder than your very Gods your Temples Oracles and Sacrifices Have you not heard mention made of that great Prophet Moses He was contemporary with Inachus and preceded Danaus the ancientest of all that have a Name in your Histories 393 Years He lived some Hundreds of Years before the Ruine of Troy And Homer the eldest Writer amongst the Grecians lived as Pliny saith 250 Years after the Subversion of that City Every of the other Prophets succeeded Moses and yet the last of them was of the same Age as your prime Wise-Men Law-givers and Historians were So that 't is a Thing out of dispute that for Antiquity neither the Writings of Orpheus or Homer or Trismegistus or Pythagoras or Berosus nor any other can compare with the Pentateuch These Gray-Hairs shew them to be the Off-spring of the Ancient of Days for Truth is always the First-born And if we consider how low mean and imperfect all humane Inventions were in those Times and what foolish irrational and absurd Conceptions both the Egyptians and Grecians Nations most celebrated for Wisdom had of Things Divine and the Duty and Happiness of Man we cannot but conclude That so clear an Account of the World's Beginning Depravation Destruction by the Flood and Re-peopling such a most excellent Law and Doctrine in reference both to God and Man c. could not be of Humane Extract but must needs be in truth what it pretends it self to be a Divine Revelation Besides who can believe the first Religion should be the worst or the most timely Notions of God the falsest Were this so and the Bible not a Divine Book but composed by Impostors then it follows That the most primitive Account we have of Religion is counterfeit that the Devil set up his Chappel before God built his Church that in the earliest Notices we have of God of the World 's Original Man's Fall and the Way of his Recovery the World is deceived and abused and that God suffered the Devil in the first place and without any Thing publickly extant from him either before or since to contradict it in his Name and under pretence of his Authority to delude and mislead Mankind with a false Account of all those Things which they are most concerned to know and upon the right Knowledg of which their present and future Happiness depends All which as it is unworthy of God so it is no less repugnant to the Dictates of Reason But on the contrary 't is most rational to believe that God's Revelations were as early as Man's Necessities and that the Bible being the most ancient as well as the wisest Book in the World is also the truest and proceeded from the God of Truth III. This Royal Descent or Divinity of the Scriptures further appears 3. The Majesty and Strangeness of the Stile by that Majesty and Authoritativeness of the Spirit of God speaking in them and that extraordinary and inimitable Stile wherein they are written As 't is said of our blessed Lord Mat. 7.28 That he taught as one having Authority and not as the Scribes So the Scriptures teach with an awful Authority †See the Epist to the First Volume The Stile of the Sacred Scripture is
Pet. 1.12 Gal. 4.1 Prov. 1.17 Eph. 4.14 2 Pet. 3.15 as well as the Apostle often warns us of 3. Because those who are well girt about with Truth are established Ones Deceivers are subtil and false Doctrine is of a bewitching Nature the wary and established Soul nevertheless is not soon overcome In vain is the Net spread in the sight of any Bird. Be no more tossed about with every Wind of Doctrine Children are most in danger of the Poyson 4. And as false Doctrine is of a corrupting nature so likewise is Hypocrisy hence compared to Leaven Luk. 12.1 As Sincerity leaveneth in a good sence so Hypocrisy is compared to Leaven in a bad sence from that sowering infusive and corrupting quality which is in it Directions about putting on the Girdle of Truth 1. Take heed of a counterfeit Girdle see that what you own and practise for Truth have the Stamp of God upon it 2. Take up nothing upon Trust Do not receive this or that because such and such Men believe so and practise so neither Men nor Ministers are your Rule but the Word of God 3. Put not this Girdle of Truth on in Notion only what will the knowledg of Truth signify in thy Head if the Loins of thy Mind are not girt with it 4. Take heed of being prejudiced against the Truth because of the Unworthiness of them who profess it 5. If thou hast not yet gotten the Girdle of Truth buy it now Prov. 23.23 as Solomon adviseth Buy the Truth and sell it not The Price of Truth may quickly rise high 6. Let Falshood go let thy Sins go let thy own Righteousness go in point of reliance or dependence upon it so as to trust in it for Justification and eternal Life 7. Come up to the Price of Truth do not cheapen it only but come up to the Price tho it cost thee a right Hand Lust of Profit or a right Eye Lust of Pleasure Thou must deny thy self Labour to know the Excellency of TRVTH 1. It is pure Psal 119.140 2. It will cleanse and purify thy Heart John 17.17 19. and cover all the Infirmities of thy Life as was hinted before 3. It will make you free Ye shall know the Truth and the Truth shall make you free John 8.32 4. It is strong Truth is too hard and strong for all its Opposers as the young Man said Great is the Strength of Truth There is no breaking of this Girdle 5. Consider what God's People have suffered before they would part with Truth what Torments and Tortures they have endured 7. There is no managing the spiritual War without the Girdle of Truth Marks of Sincerity First Negatively 1. He is not a perfect and sincere Christian whose Heart is not changed who is not renewed or who hath not a Principle of Divine Grace or spiritual Life in him 2. He is not a perfect and sincere Person that wants any essential part of a Christian as he is not a perfect natural Child that wants an Arm an Eye or a Leg. See Mat. 19.20 One thing thou lackest if thou wouldest be perfect or approve thy self sincere go thy way and sell what thou hast c. 3. He is not a sincere Person whose Heart is lifted up in him Hab. 2.4 4. He is not a sincere Man that is not upright in all his Dealings and Converse with Men if he want Moral Uprightness his Religion is good for nothing Secondly In the Affirmative 1. A sincere and upright Christian is known by the Way he goes in Prov. 16.17 Job 1 2 The High-way of the Vpright is to depart from Evil. 1. He escheweth all Evil the smallest as well as the greatest 2. He leaveth it willingly he hates it he doth not part with it as a Man parteth with his Friend but as a Man parteth with his most deadly and mortal Enemy 2. A sincere Person hath a right Faith and a good and well-enlightned Judgment Rotten Principles make rotten Christians 2 Tim. 3.8 There are some Men who are of corrupt Minds reprobate or of no Judgment concerning the Faith 3. He hath an holy and upright End he desires to live to God's Glory and to serve him in Sincerity Paul resolved Christ should be magnified in his Body whether it were by Life or by Death 4. He walks by a true and an exact Rule As many as walk according to this Rule Gal. 6. Peace on them and Mercy and upon the Israel of God 5. He labours to keep all God's Commandments Thus did David Psal 119.9 Luk. 1.6 who was a Man after God's own Heart and thus did Zachary and Elizabeth who walked in all the Commandments of the Lord blameless c. 6. He desires to be sanctified as well as to be saved to be made holy as well as to be made happy 7. He is as willing to do for God as to receive from God for the Work as well as the Wages 8. He strives as much against the Evils of his Heart as he does against the Evils of his Life 9. He is a Man always for God in bad Times as well as in good Times 10. He is the same in private as in publick he is at home what he seems to be abroad 11. He loves and prefers God and Christ above all Thus David Psal 73.25 and Paul Phil. 3.8 9. 12. He can go on in God's Ways and Services with abundance of content without respect to any outward Profit or Applause or being taken notice of by Men. His Satisfaction consisteth not in the approbation of Men but in the approbation and commendation of God His own Conscience gives Testimony and Evidence of the Sincerity of his Heatt Thus Paul 2 Cor. 11.12 This is our rejoycing 2 Cor. 11.12 the Testimony of our Conscience c. The Breast-plate of Righteousness Ephes 6.14 And having on the Breast-plate of Righteousness c. THere is a Moral Legal Evangelical Righteousness Now a Moral or Legal Righteousness will not save or defend the Saint or spiritual Souldier of Jesus Christ from his Enemy Mat. 5.20 Except your Righteousness exceed the Righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees ye can in no wise enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Paul valued not his own Righteousness that was of the Law All our Righteousness viz. that which flows not from Faith or from a renewed Principle of the Spirit is but as filthy Rags Therefore that cannot be the Righteousness here intended 2. Evangelical Righteousness is twofold 1. Imputed 2. Imparted First The Righteousness imputed is that which was wrought by Christ for the Believer in the days of his Flesh by his active and passive Obedience to the Law of God which is put upon the Soul by Faith called the Righteousness of God by Faith Phil 3.9 Secondly The Righteousness imparted is that which is wrought by Christ in the Soul it is a supernatural Work or a new Life planted in the Heart of every Believer
by the powerful Operations of the Holy-Ghost whereby he is made holy and enabled to approve himself to God and Men in all purity of Life and Conversation By the Breastplate of Righteousness in the Text we understand the Righteousness of Sanctification is principall◠intended for otherwise this piece of Christian Armor would interfere with the Shield of Faith which comprehends the Righteousness of Justification See Shield It is we say a Principle of new Life which the Spirit works in the Heart of a Believer hence the several Graces of Holiness are called the Fruits of the Spirit Gal. 5.22 Man by the Fall had a double Loss first the Love of God secondly the Image or Likeness of God Christ restores both to his Children the first by his Righteousness imputed the second by his Spirit imparting the lost Image of God to them which consists in Righteousness and true Holiness Who but a Man can impart his own Nature and beget a Child like himself So who but the Spirit of God can make a Creature like God by causing him to partake of the Divine Nature 1. This is that Principle of new Life viz. an inward Disposition and Divine Quality sweetly powerfully and constantly stirring up and inclining to that which is holy and spiritually good 2. The Work of the Spirit in this respect was not to recover what was dying Garnal but to work Life de novo in a Soul quite dead hence called a creating quickning forming and renewing Work 3. It is a supernatural Principle by which we distinguish it from Adam's Righteousness which was co-natural to him as Sin is to us Holiness was as natural to him as Health was to his Body they both resulted ex Principiis rectè constitutis from Principles pure and rightly disposed Why Righteousness is called a Breast-plate will appear by the following Parallel Metaphor Parallel A Breast-plate is a main and principal Piece of Armor that belongs to a Souldier RIghteousness in like manner is a principal thing belonging to all Christians who are called Souldiers of Christ 2 Tim 3 3. Endure Hardness as a good Souldier c. II. A Breast-plate is a piece of Armor that every Souldier ought to have on when he engages his Enemy he must not come into the Field without it II. Righteousness is so necessary for every Believer that he ought not cannot be without it there is no engaging any Enemy of the Soul without a Principle of Holiness be wrought in him III. A Breast-plate preserves the principal part of the Body viz. the Breast where the very Vitals of a Man are closely couched together and where a Shot or a Stab is more deadly than in other parts that are more remote from the Fountain of Life A Man may out-live many Wounds received in the Arms or Legs but a Stab in the Heart is a certain Messenger of Death III. Righteousness and Holiness preserves the principal part of a Christian viz. his Soul Satan aims to hit him there where he may dispatch him soonest A Wound in a Man's Credit Estate Relations c. hazard not the Life of his Soul but Sin exposes it to imminent Danger This is that Dart Prov. 7 23 that struck the young Man through the Liver as a Bird hasteth to the Snare that knoweth not 't is for his Life And this is that which Satan strives to tempt entice and draw a Saint to yield unto Hence he should be careful to put on his Breastplate of Righteousness which whilst he has on he is safe from the deadly Stab of the Enemy IV. A Breast-plate is made and prepared for a Souldier before he puts it on It is not his own Work but the Work of a skilful Artist IV. Righteousness which is the Saints Breast-plate is wrought in him by the Holy Spirit who is a most wise and skilful Workman Our own Righteousness is good for nothing hence called dead Works because they are Works from one dead in Sin and spring not from a Principle of inward spiritual Life V. A Breast-plate much emboldens a Souldier and makes him fearless that as he cannot be easily killed so hereby he cannot be soon cowed When a Souldier sees himsel unarmed he begins to tremble but when he hath on a good Helmet and a Plate of Proof on his Breast he is not quickly dismay'd but adventures upon the Point of the Sword V. Thus Righteousness defends and animates the Soul and Conscience when a Man in the midst of the greatest Danger can lift up his hands without spot Holiness fills a Soul with Courage so that he can look in the very face of grim Death whereas Guilt which is the Nakedness of the Soul puts the stoutest Sinner into a shaking Fit of Fear The Wicked flee when no Man pursueth Prov. 28.1 but the Righteous are as bold as a Lion No sooner did Adam see his Breast-plate was off and that he was naked but he was afraid and ran away to hide himself from God VI. The Breast-plate and Girdle were both joined or buckled together VI. So Righteousness and Truth must meet and be joined together in every Christian which is held forth by the Copulative And Stand therefore having your Loins girt about with Truth and having on the Breast-plate of Righteousness Which is taken twofold as hath been shewed First for the Truth of Doctrine or a good and Orthodox Judgment all the Principles of true Religion that are essential to Salvation Secondly Grace or Sincerity of Heart In both these respects Truth must be clasped to or joined with Righteousness and a holy Life Solomon saith Two are better than one So may I say here a good Doctrine with a good Conversation is better than a good Doctrine without a good Conversation or a good Conversation without a good Doctrine as a Man must have the one so he must not be without the other Wo to him that is alone for the Spirit will not be his Strength An evil and corrupt Doctrine may be of as dangerous a Nature as an evil and debauched Life See 2 Pet. 2.1 2. Who privily bring in damnable Heresies even denying the Lord that bought them and bring upon themselves swift Destruction c. In vain is a Man's outward Holiness or moral Sincerity if he be tainted with heretical and damnable Principles and as vain is it for a Man to hold the true Doctrine of the Christian Religion if he be not sincere and live a holy Life Inferences THis may inform us what need there is for every Christian to get and keep on the Breast-plate of Righteousness not only to get a renewed Principle of Grace in his Heart but also to maintain the Power of Godliness in his Life and Conversation This he ought strenuously to labour after and that for several Reasons First In regard of God whose main Design in giving Grace and implanting a Divine Principle in his People is to make them holy to this end he hath put
Death Secondly the Grave Thirdly Coals and Flames of Fire Which shew forth the vehement Power and Force of Divine Love to Jesus Christ Which cannot be quenched First Love is compared to Death and the Grave Metaphor Parallel DEath and the Grave overcome the strongest Men it prevails over the most powerful wise and learned in the World neither can the most mighty Monarch encounter Death or stand before it there is no discharge in that War SO Love that is in the Heart of a sincere Christian prevails against all Difficulties and Oppositions Temptations Afflictions and most cruel Sufferings and Torments that can be exercised upon them as appeared by the blessed Martyrs Nothing is too hard for Love it cannot be subdued it overcomes all Sin and Suffering whatsoever II. Death and the Grave seize upon every part of the corporal or mortal Body II. So Love when shed abroad in the Heart seizeth upon all the Faculties of the Soul Hence it is that true Christians are said to love Christ with all their Hearts and with all their Souls Metaphor Disparity DEath and the Grave put an end to natural Life and so cause all Motions or Actions from thence to cease BUt Love hath that Virtue as it is a Grace of the Spirit that it sets all the Faculties of the Soul upon Acts of a spiritual Life None are so lively as those that truly love Jesus Christ II. Death overcomes and destroys that which we would if possible keep viz. our Lives that are most dear to us II. Love only overcomes that which is offensive and contrary to us or that stands in opposition to the Soul's Union with Christ making that which would be injurious to Flesh and Blood to become profitable and advantagious yea tho it be to the Loss of Life yet Love takes away the Fear of Death and makes the Soul willing to part with Life for Christ's sake Love is also compared to Coals and Flames of Fire Metaphor Parallel COals and Flames of Fire are of a burning and consuming Quality THe Grace of Love kindled in the Soul of a Believer burns up and consumes that inordinate Desire which is naturally in the Heart after the Things and Vanities of this World it eats up and consumes all carnal and sensual Lusts whatsoever all fleshly and combustible Stuff or Things that stand in the way are burnt up and destroyed by it II. Coals and Flames of Fire are of a purging and purifying quality II. So the Grace of Love purgeth cleanseth and purifieth the Soul the Dross and Filth of the Heart and Life being wasted away a Christian is made holy sanctified and heavenly thereby III. Coals and Flames of Fire are of a melting and softning Nature they make things tender and pliable meet to receive the Impression of a Seal c. III. So the Grace of Love softens the Heart and melts it making it pliable and very fit and capable to receive the Impression and Divine Image of God IV. Some Fire is so vehement that Water thrown upon it will not quench it but rather cause it to burn more fierce and vehemently IV. The Grace of Love is of such a strong and vehement Nature thâ—t it is impossible utterly to quench or extinguish it in the Soul tho the Devil daily useth all his Strength and Skill to do it Many ways he continually assaults Believers when Temptations of one sort fail he trieth others he offers worldly Pleasures Honours Riches yea all the Goods as I may say of his House but all is in vain nothing will quench this Divine Flame the true Christian utterly contemns him with all he hath The grand Design of Satan's courting a Man with all his Offers All this will I give thee c. is to gain his Love or draw off his Affections from Jesus Christ If this Way will not do he tries another and brings Afflictions and Crosses upon the Soul but over these likewise is a Saint a Conqueror Which makes the Apostle break forth into this holy Triumph Who shall separate us from the Love of Christ Shall Tribulation or Distress Rom. 8.35 36 37 38. or Persecution or Famine or Nakedness or Peril or Sword No none of these things can For I am persuaded that neither Death nor Life nor Angels nor Principalities nor Powers nor Things present nor Things to come nor Height nor Depth nor any other Creature shall be able to separate us from the Love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. V. Fire hath Light with it V. So the Grace of Love is attended with the Knowledg of Christ who is the Object of Love Ignoti enim nulla cupido VI. Coals and Flames of Fire afford Heat they are of a warming and reviving Nature VI. So the Grace of Love heats our cold and frozen Hearts it warms and revives them with sweet and blessed Love and Zeal for God and his Glory VII Flames of Fire ascend or tend continually upwards See more of the Nature and Quality of Fire where the Word of God is compared to it VII So the Grace of Love darts the Desires of the Soul Heavenwards Such have their Affections set on Things above Col. 3.1 2. Metaphor Disparity FIre is from beneath it is earthy and one of the four Elements THe Grace of Love is from above it is a supernatural Grace it grows not in Natures Garden But the Fruit of the Spirit is Love c. II. A violent Fire may be quenched and all natural and elementary Fire shall be put out Mount Aetna shall not burn always II. But the Grace of Love this Divine Fire can never be quenched it shall burn to Eternity Charity never faileth c. Inference BY these Things Works and Operations we may try whether we have true Love to Jesus Christ or no. And for a further Help therein see the following Metaphor Christ's Love compared to Wine Cant. 1.2 For his Love is better than Wine WHereas Christ's Love is preferred to Wine it is to be understood Synecdochically so Ainsworth Wine here is put for the most pleasant joyful refreshing and cordial Things as Bread by the same Figure is frequently put for such things as strengthen c. The Love of Jesus Christ is better than Wine or whatsoever Men esteem to be good or to excell in Nature and Virtue Metaphor Parallel VVIne is the Fruit of a good Tree a choice and precious Plant and 't is the best of natural Liquors THe Love of Christ is the Fruit of the choicest Plant that ever was planted Men and Angels are not to be compared to him See Vine And his Love is the best and choicest of Love Wine is natural but his Love is Divine and supernatural None ever loved as Christ loved II. Wine is pleasant delectable and sweet to the Taste II. There is nothing so pleasant and delectable to a believing Soul as the Manifestation of Christ's Love it excells all things for sweetness III. Wine is to be
are not ignorant Creatures but ipsae Intelligentiae the most understanding Creatures in Heaven and Earth Greenhill The Woman of Tekoah said to David He was wise according to the Wisdom of an Angel of God to know all things that are upon the Earth That is he was very wise 2 Sam. 14.20 as Angels are to search out Understanding and discover things Therefore Jerom thinks they are called Cherubims from their much Knowledg Cherubims as it were Rabbies and Teachers of others And this Office some Angels have done Gabriel make this Man understand the Vision Dan. 8.16 I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy People in the latter Day Angels saith one are good Philosophers they know the Principles Causes Effects Life Motion and Death of natural things they are great Statists and know the Affairs of Kingdoms Dan. 10.13 saith Gabriel I remained with the Kings of Persia c. They are said to be full of Eyes before and behind because they see what is past and what is to come Besides they have much revealed to them by God by Christ nay and understand many things by the Church as concerning the Mysteries of the Gospel so Eph. 3.10 2 Pet. 1.12 Which things the Angels desire saith Peter to look into 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Word notes bowing down to pry heedfully into a thing Cherubims were made looking down towards the Mercy-Seat so here Angels look into the things of Christ as it was there figured forth in whom are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledg Col. 2.3 They have much experimental Knowledg arising from things done daily in the World and in the Church Angels love to be at the Congregation to meet the Saints they understand partly by their Essence and partly by Species communicated to their Understandings as to ours c. II. The Face of a Man hath much Awe and Majesty in it nothing as is observed by some Naturalists carries more Terror in it to sensitive Creatures than the Face of a Man II. Angels are very Majestical Creatures many have been greatly terrified and astonished at the sight of them How was Manoah's Wife Samson's Mother amazed at the sight of the Angel that appeared to her Judg. 13.6 Then the Woman told her Husband saying A Man of God came unto me and his Countenance was like the Countenance of an Angel of God very terrible c. III. The Face of a Man notes human Affections as Mr. Greenhill observes III. Angels are of a loving Countenance and most careful of Men they have most dear Affections to those they are sent to minister unto IV. The Face of a Man denotes Beauty How amiable and lovely are some Faces of mortal Creatures to look upon 'T is the Seat as I may say of human Beauty IV. Angels are very beautiful and lovely to behold tho they have saith Mr. Caryl no visible bodily Beauty yet their Beauty far exceeds the Beauty of Mortals See Morning-Stars II. The Face of a Lion A Lion is a Creature of great Strength Prov. 30.30 the strongest amongst Beasts as was said before he turneth not away for any What is stronger than a Lion Judg. 14.18 said the Interpreters of Samson's Riddle Angels are mighty in Strength Rev. 18 21. An Angel can hinder the blowing of the Wind stop the Mouths of Lions break Iron Chains open Prison Doors and make Bars and Doors of Brass to flie Hence they are called mighty Angels 2 Thess 1.7 Who can stand before the Angels of God! III. The Face of an Ox. I. An Ox accustomed to the Yoke is very tractable not stubborn kicking and flying like as untamed Heifers are Ephraim is an Heifer that is taught and loves to tread out the Corn. An Heifer taught delighting in her Work doth it willingly I. Psal 103.20 Angels do the Work of God willingly with much delight they hearken to the Voice of his Word they set about their Work with much Cheerfulness they are very obsequious to God's Commands If he saith Go smite Herod for his Pride Balaam for his Covetousness David for his vain Glory Senacherib for his Blasphemy and Sodom for its Uncleanness presently they go II. An Ox doth faithful Service Horses often deceive Persons in their Service and throw their Riders but Oxen either in plowing or carrying Burdens fail not nor deceive their Owners II. Angels are faithful in their Ministrations they fail not in the least Particular Rev. 22.8 9. The Angel would not let John worship him The Angel would not suffer Lot to linger in Sodom They never betrayed their Trust as some of the Saints have done III. An Ox is a very patient and laborious Creature They labour hard and carry heavy Burthens and yet tho never such hard Service be put upon them they quietly and with much patience bear it and never seem to complain III. Angels are patient in their Ministration tho they meet with much Opposition Dan. 10.3 The Prince of Persia saith Gabriel withstood me one and twenty days c. In the midst of all Opposition whether from Men or Devils and great Services they are not at all impatient tho their Work never end Rev. 4.8 yet they never complain IV. Oxen are very useful Creatures much Increase was brought in by them No Creature saith my Author is more useful to the Support of a Family Greenhill than the Ox for of old all the Plowing was done by Oxen. See 2 Kings 19.19 Job had Oxen plowing in the Field he had five hundred Yoke of Oxen Job 1.3 no mention being made of Horses There was a severe Law made against those that stole an Ox Exod. 22.1 David makes it one part of the Happiness of a Common-Wealth that the Oxen are strong to labour IV. Angels are very useful Creatures they are useful to God they continually go on his Errands execute his Judgments at the Command of his Mouth They were useful to Christ in the Days of his Flesh Luk. 2.9 10 11. they proclaimed the joyful Tidings of his Nativity had the charge of him in his Humiliation whilst his Conflict remained with the evil Angels they ministred to him in his Temptations and when he was in his bloody Agony they declared and made known his Resurrection He is not here he is risen Mat. 26.6 They witnessed to his Ascension and to his second Coming Ye Men of Galilee Acts 1.10 11. why stand ye gazing up into Heaven The same Jesus which is taken from you into Heaven shall so come as ye have seen him go into Heaven They shall come with him when he comes the second time without Sin unto Salvation He shall come in the Glory of his Father with all his holy Angels They shall attend him on the Throne of Judgment and as Officers execute his righteous Sentence viz. seize all condemned Sinners and cast them into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone c.
Iron 1 Tim. 4.2 VII A great and faithful Witness who hath perfect Knowledg of things and will not be bribed who can and will as it is believed and found by experience speak fully to a Cause tho it be to the utter Shame and Ruin of all guilty Persons is many times grievously abused by malicious Men who hate that their abominable Deeds should be brought to Light or laid at their Doors nay not only so but some have been stifled strangled and traiterously murdered as the ever renowned Sir Edmond-Bury Godfrey was by bloody Papists the 12th of October 1678. whom they knew could witness many things against them to detect their cursed and never to be forgotten Hellish Plot. VIII It is a very great Wickedness to lay violent hands or treacherously to abuse and stifle the King 's faithful Witnesses especially when called to give in their Evidence in Matters of great Moment wherein the Honour and Sovereignty of the King is greatly concerned VIII So it is a great and horrible Wickedness for any Soul or Sinner to go about to stop the Mouth of or treacherously to abuse poor Conscience who is the great Witness of the King of Heaven and Earth in this lower Court and that in Matters wherein his Honour and glorious Right and Sovereignty is much concerned nay not only his Witness but Judg to sit upon the Bench to hear and determine all Causes if rightly informed according to the great Law-Book of the Gospel and to pass Sentence of Life and Death or to acquit and discharge IX A Witness is required to speak the Truth when he comes before a Court of Judicature the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth and he that is a true Witness will do it And hereby many times most horrid Evils are brought to light and publickly detected yea secret things are discovered that the guilty Person thought would never have been known which makes him ashamed and confounded for ever IX So Conscience in the Day of Judgment will speak the Truth the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth Tho now oft-times he is blinded and at a great Loss for want of Light or by being mis-guided he gives in false Testimony and quits the guilty and condemns the innocent but in that day it will recover such perfect Light and Knowledg that it will decide the Cause clearly the right way and will by this means bring to light all the hidden things of Darkness 1 Cor. 4 5. even all those cursed Abominations of the Heart all secret things that it and God Almighty were only privy to and will lay open all the horrid Evils that have been done in the dark Then Men shall be forced to confess their secret Adulteries Murthers Treacheries Theft Self-Revenge together with all their bloody and black Combinations ConspiracieS and Hellish Plots carried on in secret Cabals managed by ungodly Papists or others notwithstanding all their Oaths of Secrecy Conscience if it comes not to light before will in that day lay all open before the Eyes of Men and Angels to the Shame and eternal Confusion of all ungodly Ones X. A just and impartial Witness that clearly and very fully giveth in Testimony against a Person in a fair Trial finally stops his own Mouth and the Mouths of all others and leaves the Cause clear for the Judg to pass Sentence against him X. So the Consciences of wicked Men in the great Day will give in such clear and full Evidence against them touching all the Evils they shall then be charged with by the just Judg of Heaven and Earth that all Flesh shall for ever be silenced and God shall be clear when he judgeth Rom. 2.15 16. Which shew the Works of the Law written in their Hearts their Consciences also bearing Witness and their Thoughts in the mean while accusing or else excusing one another in that Day when God shall judg the Secrets of all Men by Jesus Christ according to my Gospel And hereby all the Mouths of Unbelievers will be stopp'd and they all be found guilty before Christ Inferences THese things being considered it may stir up all Persons to take heed how they carry it at home and abroad when they go out and when they come in when they lie down or rise up because Conscience observes all that is said or done nay is privy to all the thoughts of our Hearts and one day will witness for us or against us II. Let Christians whatever they do labour to keep a good Conscience A good Conscience is better than a good Name it is better than a good Trade 't is better than a good Estate And for further Motives to this needful Duty 1 Consider Conscience keeps a Register of all thy Thoughts Words and Actions what you forget and is quite gone out of your Memories is set down in the Book of Conscience 2. Consider Conscience is a Witness an impartial Witness an Accuser of Evil and tho he lies still a great while he will rouse up at last and with his cruel Charges and Accusations accuse the Soul as in the Case of Joseph's Brethren And they said one to another Gen. 42.21 Verily we are guilty concerning our Brother in that we saw the Anguish of his Soul when he besought us and we would not hear therefore is this Distress come upon us 3. Conscience is not only a Witness but a Judg and hath power to condemn the wicked and the guilty Soul it sits upon the Throne as God's Attorney-General to award Life or Death as the States and Conditons of Men are If thy Heart condemn the 1 Joh 3.20 21. God is greater c. 4. Conscience doth often the Work and Office of a Tormentor wo to them that fall into his enraged hands here but much more sad will it be with them whom he shall torment in Hell 'T is he that is the gnawing Worm that never dies Mark 9.44 where the Fire shall never be quenched But 5. There is no bearing in this World the Pain and Torment of an accusing Conscience Tiberius the Emperor was so followed with Grief and Horror by his own Conscience that he confessed in the Senate-House he suffered Death daily and Charles the Ninth of France that Monster of Mortals after the dreadful Massacre could never endure to be awaked in the Night without Musick such was the dreadful Anguish and Horror he found in his own Conscience Francis Spira also may be here recited among the rest whose Conscience terrified him at that rate that the Account of his fearful Case is left to Posterity It was Conscience that put Judas into such an Amaze and forced him to hang himself after he had betrayed our Blessed Saviour And many other Examples both ancient and modern we meet with both of Men and Women that have destroyed themselves as not being able to bear the cruel Torments of an accusing Conscience and others from hence have confessed their Guilt and so
Money and to mind their own private Advantage more than the Credit and Glory of their Sovereign and Honour of their Captain VI. So it is a Reproach to a Christian to aim at Self in all he doth in Religion Many Men care not to do any thing for the Honour of God further then it makes as they conceive directly for their own Interest and Advantage Tell some Men of this or that Ordinance and Command of Christ they presently object May I not be saved without it Is it necessary to Salvation These Men only make Religion as a Bridg to carry them to Heaven meer mercenary Souls Alas a true Christian obeys and serves Christ sincerely that he may glorify and honour his holy Name knowing he deserves more at his hands than he is ever able to perform not doubting his Labour shall ever be in vain in the Lord the very Work is Wages to him Paul was resolved Christ should be magnified in his Body whether it were by Life or by Death Phil. 1.20 VII A Souldier hath his Warfare appointed him and his Enemies discovered to him and Orders to fight VII So a Christian hath his Warfare appointed him his grand Enemies are made known to him and he hath received Commission also to enter the Combat with them whosoever they are whether Foreign or Domestick whether external or internal secret or open First His Foreign or External Enemies are these 1. The Devil called the King of the Bottomless Pit Prince of the Power of the Air the great Dragon the Captain-General of the black Regiment and of the Hellish Militia that makes War against the Lamb and his Followers Every Christian is commanded to enter the List and to fight against these Principalities and Powers Eph. 6.11 12. 2. The World this is another grand potent and subtil Adversary many have been overcome and subdued by it 1. The Things of the World viz. the Pleasures Honours and Profits of the World These as one well observes have their Hooks and Snares hid under their pleasant Baits they usually prevail by Craft their Flatteries and Allurements are very dangerous By this part of the World Satan set upon our blessed Saviour Mat. 4.8 2. The Men of the World who are the Subjects of the Prince of Darkness and his Souldiers the Militia of Hell and the Auxiliaries of Satan the Seed of the Old Serpent who are filled with Enmity against the Woman's Seed Rom. 8.44 He that is born after the Flesh persecuteth him that is born after the Spirit c. Ye are of your Father the Devil and the Lusts of your Father ye will do These continually oppose the Truth and hate Godliness and those who profess it 3. The Worships of the World Saints have been often exposed to great Dangers for opposing the Ways Inventions and Superstitions of Men the Worship of the Beast and cursed Fornications of the great Whore but whilst they are able to stand or have Life in them they must oppose and resist all false Ways and Worshippers such as strive to make void the Doctrine of Christ and the Commands of God by their Traditions 4. There are also the Lusts of the World the Lusts of the Eye and the Pride of Life which Saints are engaged to fight against and oppose 1 John 2.16 Secondly They have their Domestick Enemies 1. Sin which is a wretched and treacherous Inmate and cursed Adversary 2. The Flesh These two made the holy Apostle to cry out Rom. 7. 1 Pet. 2.11 O wretched Man that I am who shall deliver me c. Hence we are exhorted as Strangers and Pilgrims to abstain from fleshly Lusts that war against the Soul VIII A Souldier expects and therefore ought to prepare to meet with his Enemies he knows he is chosen listed and placed under the Command of his Captain on purpose to fight VIII So a Saint expects and therefore ought to make ready to meet with spiritual Opposition from the Enemies of the Soul as soon as ever he is listed and entred into Christ's Service As it fell out with the Captain himself who no sooner was baptized Mat. 4. but presently he was led into the Wilderness to be tempted of the Devil So a Christian must always be prepared and resolved to engage and fight them Whom resist stedfastly in the Faith IX A Souldier goeth not on a Warfare at his own Charge his Prince bears the Expence of the War and furnisheth him with whatsoever is necessary for that Atchievement IX A Believer goeth not out in the Spiritual Warfare at his own Charge Christ furnisheth him with Clothes Armor Weapons and with all Things needful and necessary all is managed by his gracious and blessed Spirit X. A Souldier ought to be expert and well-skill'd in Martial Discipline to know all the Postures of War particularly the Word of Command and to obey presently He must not dispute the Matter nor make the least Pause Those Souldiers that were under the Centurion were very tractable upon this account as himself confessed I say to one Mat. 8.9 Go and he goeth and to another Come and he cometh X. So a Saint ought to be well-skill'd in all things necessary for a Christian Souldier it requires much Wisdom and Experience he must understand the Word of Command and be ready to obey his Captain as soon as ever the Word is given David had learned this part well I made haste Psal 119.60 Acts 26.19 and delayed not to keep thy Commandments And Paul saith He immediately obeyed the heavenly Vision It is a very unbecoming thing in Christians to stand or make a pause about their Obedience to Christ in those Things they are convinced to be their indispensible Duty it argues they have but little regard to the Honour of their Captain the Lord Jesus Christ Shall Souldiers be so careful and ready to obey their earthly Leaders who are but Men and shall not we be as ready and forward to obey the Lord Jesus Christ our heavenly Leader who is the most wâ—se and blessed God XI Souldiers must know their Places how to keep both Rank and File Military Discipline hath appointed every Officer in the Army his proper Place and every private Souldier to abide in the same Rank and File or Place where he is set by his Commander and none may alter their Station or change their Postures upon their own private account they must not break their Order upon their Peril for that is a Dishonour to the Captain and Standers by will laugh and reproach him besides if it be in a Time of Battel he exposeth himself and others to great Danger If an Army or Body of Men are once broken and in Confusion they are soon routed by their Enemies XI So must a Saint know his Place and particular Station where he is set by his Captain the Lord Jesus If he be set as a File-leader or made an Officer to lead a Party it is
their Service couragiously Heb. 10 34 Prov. 28.1 They took joyfully the spoiling of their Goods The Wicked flie when none pursue but the Righteous are as bold as a Lion Shall such a Man as I fly was the Saying of a brave Souldier of this Captain's When Modestus the Emperor's Lieutenant threatned Basil with Confiscation of Goods Banishment and Death how couragiously did he bear it If you have any thing else threaten it for these things are nothing This was somewhat like that of Paul notwithstanding Bonds Imprisonment and Death was threatned against him yet saith he None of these things move me Acts 20.24 Rom. 5.3 neither account I my Life dear unto me c. We glory in Tribulation 4. Saints endure Hardness constantly the whole Life of a Christian is a Time of Warfare till this Life is done his Warfare is not done Job 17.9 The Righteous shall hold on their Way and he that hath clean Hands shall grow stronger and stronger A Saint must never cease being a Souldier Godliness must be his Trade as long as he lives As Satan will never have done tempting so he must never cease from resisting his Temptations 5. And then all this is done sincerely he hath holy Aims and Ends in what he doth XVIII A good Souldier spares none of the Enemy when he hath such a Command given him And Saul for not complying with the Requirement of God in this respect lost his Kingdom viz. in sparing Agag the King and the Fat of the Cattel when the Word of Command was 1 Sam. 15. Go smite Amalek and utterly destroy all that they have and spare them not but slay both Men and Women Infant and Suckling Oxen and Sheep Camels and Asses c. XVIII So a Saint or good Souldier of Jesus Christ spares not one Lust Every Sin like the cursed Amalekites must be put to the Sword He is no sound Christian that suffers any Sin to abide quietly in his Heart or Life unmortified If there be any one Darling-Lust spared it is a palpable Sign of Hypocrisy Some Men are ready to excuse their evil Lusts as Saul did They will cover their covetous Designs under the Pretence of doing good and distributing to the Necessities of the Poor but alas this will not do Obedience is better than Sacrifice A Saint must kill all put all his Sins to the Sword or die to them One Sin spared as Agag was will exclude thee the Kingdom of Heaven Rom. 8.13 If ye live after the Flesh ye shall die but if ye mortify the Deeds of the Body ye shall live XIX A good Souldier will keep with his Colours It is punishable by Martial Law for a Souldier to lie behind his Colours and Death without Mercy to depart quite from them XIX So a good Souldier of Christ will keep and abide with the Banner of Truth The Gospel saith Ainsworth is the Saints Ensign Isa 5.26 And he will lift up an Ensign to the People c. Christ will lash such as lie behind Peter was made to weep bitterly for straying from his Colours And it will be Death without Mercy to those that quite depart from the Truth and embrace Heresy or Idolatry And here let me caution all Christians to take heed lest they are deceived by their Enemies Satan like a cunning Pirate sometimes transforms himself into an Angel of Light he puts out false Colours comes with a seeming Banner or Ensign of Truth he can make use of Scripture when it will make for his purpose to deceive XX. A good Souldier will not turn his Back upon the Enemy to the dishonour of his Captain tho his Life be in danger he will not flie nor cowardly betray his Trust XX. So a good Souldier of Jesus Christ will not turn his Back to flie from the Enemy or utterly depart from the Truth whatsoever befalls him such is his Love to the Lord Jesus and Zeal for his Glory And besides he knows if he doth the great Danger he exposeth his own Soul to thereby for among all the Armor that Christians should take unto them we read of no Back-piece for if they turn their Back they are gone and undone for ever If any Man draw back Heb. 10.38 my Soul shall have no Pleasure in him XXI A Souldier is greatly animated and encouraged in all his Encounters and sharp Conflicts with the Enemy by considering the Reward and Honour he shall receive if he manfully holds out and gets the Victory XXI So a Saint is carried on with much Zeal and Courage by the consideration of the eternal Reward he shall receive in the end This made Moses despise the Glory of Egypt and refuse to be called the Son of Pharaoh's Daughter He saw him who was invisible and had an Eye to the Recompence of Reward Heb. 1â— Christ himself this way animates his Followers and faithful Souldiers I appoint to you a Kingdom Be you faithful unto Death Rev. 2.10 2 Tim. 4.8 9. and I will give you a Crown of Life I have saith Paul fought the good Fight and finished my Course and kept the Faith And henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness which God the Righteous Judg will give me at that Day and not to me only but to all them that love his appearing XXII Some Souldiers of an Army are now and then singled out as Champions to engage an Enemy alone Tho every Champion be a Souldier yet every Souldier is not a Champion A Captain will not chuse any Souldier to this Work but such only as he knows are Men of Courage and Experience c. XXII So Christ sometimes calls forth one of his spiritual Army to engage the Enemy alone and as a Champion of the Truth to sacrifice his Life in the behalf of it What greater Honour can be conferred upon a Christian than this Such a Champion was St. Stephen Antipas c. who were brave Men Acts 7. Rev. 2.13 Saints of undaunted Courage and Resolution who loved not their Lives unto Death Metaphor Disparity NO earthly Souldiers know what the Event or Issue of their Wars will be they cannot tell whether they shall overcome and get the Victory or not tho they be never so valiant and couragious in their Service and faithful and true to their Captain and Leader BUt a true Christian knows and is assured that he shall overcome and obtain the Victory He fights not at an uncertainty the Issue of the War being made known unto him by Christ in his Word And altho a Christian may sometimes doubt of the Truth of his own Sincerity yet being sincere he doth not doubt of obtaining the Conquest II. Earthly Souldiers many times lose their Limbs and precious Lives in Fight and it is not in the Power of the wisest Captain in the World to repair or make up that Loss again II. But Christ's Souldiers never engage their Enemies to the Loss of Limbs
or Life it self in his Cause but he can restore it with great Advantage Joh. 12.25 He that loveth his Life shall lose it but he that hateth his Life in this World shall keep it unto Life eternal III. Souldiers are armed with carnal Weapons and fight with Men like themselves and yet many times are overcome and lose the Victory III. But Saints fight with spiritual Weapons and not only with Men like themselves but with the Devil and his infernal Crew and yet through Christ their Captain they get the Victory For the Weapons of our Warfare are not carnal Eph. 6. but mighty through God c. For we wrestle not against Flesh and Blood but against Principalities and Powers c. Inferences THese things being so let all true Christians take Heart and be valiant and fear not the Face of Enemies 1. Consider the Worth and Dignity of your Captain Christians have the best Captain and Leader in the World 1. He is of a most honourable Extraction of a most high and noble Descent the Heir of all things the Father's First-born the express Image of his Person He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords and he is saith one Generalissimo of all his Majesty's Forces in Heaven and Earth 2. Consider his Strength and Valour He hath an Omnipotent Arm and is of a most valiant undaunted couragious and heroick Spirit What was Sampson Gideon David Alexander Julius Caesar Scanderbeg or any other mighty Warrior to the Lord Jesus This is he who cuts in pieces the Gates of Brass and breaks asunder the Bars of Iron that hath the Keys of Death and Hell that flew Rahab Isa 51.9 and wounded the Dragon who is terrible to the Kings of the Earth and will come upon Princes as upon Mortar This is He that is the Terror of Devils the Dread of Mortals who will make other Captains tremble and cry out to the Rocks and Mountains to hide them in the Day of his Wrath. 3. Consider his Wisdom His Skill and Policy far exceeds the Craft and Subtilty of all the Machiavellian Politicians in the World He knows how to assault and harm his Enemies and to carry on and bring off to preserve and defend his People and faithful Souldiers Let Men and Devils be never so skilful and politick Christ knows how to outwit them and over-reach them all He knows where all their Mines are digged where all their Forces Flankers and Ambuscadoes do lie He knows their Plot and how laid this day against his Interest Gospel and Covenant-People in this and other Nations He knows how to confound them and catch them in their own Craftiness and to bring them to Shame He is wonderful in Counsel and mighty in Working He hath an Omniscient Eye as well as an Omnipotent Hand He makes his Countermines and blows them up or burieth them in the Pit they have digged He outshoots the Devil and the Wicked in their own Bow He will bring down the Beast and Whore and all their Abettors and make them ashamed of their Hope Mark the Issue of this present Dispensation See Captain in the First Volume and God a Man of War 2. Consider the Excellency of your Cause which is just and righteous 3. The Goodness of your Call against which nothing can be objected 4. For your further Encouragement consider the Strength of your Fortifications They are all impregnable and impenetrable of most invincible Strength Your Out-Works your Walls your Bulwarks your Forts and Towers all your Defence is admirable The Name of the Lord is a Strong-Tower Prov. 18.10 Isa 26.1 Salvation will God appoint for Walls and Bulwarks O how formidable and terrible are the Attributes and Threatnings of God to his Enemies 5. Consider Tho your Number be the fewest yet your Side is the strongest God is for us and on our Side With them is the Arm of Flesh but with us the Lord our God to fight for us How many said Antigonor will you reckon me for Poor Mortal How many then may we reckon God Christ the Holy Ghost for The whole Trinity is engaged for us 6. Consider Tho your Service be hard and Conflict sharp yet it will be short It is but a little while and your Enemy shall trouble you no more 2 Cor. 4.17 Our light Afflictions which are but for a moment c. 7. Consider the Devils and all other Enemies tho never so potent cruel and malicious yet they are all conquered and spoiled Col. 2.15 Having spoiled Principalities and Powers he made a Shew of them openly triumphing over them in it The Romans were wont in a triumphant manner to carry those they had conquered about with them and to brandish their Swords and display their Colours and carry their Arms in open View as Trophies and Emblems of Victory So the Lord Jesus having conquered Satan and the Powers of Hell rode as it were in Triumph through their Kingdom the Air and made a Shew of them openly as a glorious Victor 2. Again the World is subdued Be of good cheer saith Christ Joh. 16. Rom 8. I have overcome the World And we through him are hereby made more than Conquerors Come Tribulation Distress Persecution c. with all their Blackness Darkness Threats and Terror what will they do Who shall separate us from the Love of Christ Rom. 8.35 or hinder us of eternal Life 3. Death is subdued Christ hath got the Victory over that What Joy and Comfort is this to Believers to hear that all their Enemies are conquered your Captain-General hath broken them all to pieces 6. The Enemy cannot hurt you Rom. 8.28 the worst you can meet with will work for your Good 9. Consider Tho you meet with hard Things Christ can and will make them easy to you All your Wounds he can heal and all your broken Bones he can set The more you suffer for Christ the greater your Reward will be 10. Consider what great and glorious Pay you shall have in the end Is not a Kingdom a Crown of Glory that fadeth not away worth fighting and striving for 11. Look to Christ remember what he hath done and suffered for you and consider what many Saints have endured for his sake before you that were most precious in God's sight Is it not better to suffer here than to suffer in Hell What is the Pain and Sorrow of the Godly in this Life to the everlasting Pains and Torments of the Damned in the World to come Get much Faith and provide your selves with all your Armor and the right Use of it the Nature of which is opened under the Fifth Head Get your Hearts loose from the World No Man that warreth 2 Tim. 2.4 entangleth himself with the Affairs of this Life Labour for much Love to God It was a notable Saying of Mr. Bland the Martyr when he was at the Stake This Death saith he is more dear to me than Thousands of Gold
had with good Wishes and formal Prayer by crying Lord have mercy upon us and Christ have mercy upon us c. And if he have but Time a little before he breaths out his last on a Death-Bed but to cry unto God after this manner it will be sufficient Tho God's Word saith The Soul that sinneth it shall die And Except a Man be born again Ezek 18. Joh. 3.3 Heb. 12. he cannot see the Kingdom of God And Without Holiness no Man shall see the Lord. It is only a holy Life that is attended with a happy Death 4. The fourth is one worldly-wise a Person much in request in these Days whose Counsel many are ready to follow What! saith he art thou such a Fool to expose thy self to such great Sorrow and Suffering for Heaven when thou mayest have it without half the Ado. Pity thy Wife and Children save thy self out of a Prison and hazard not thy Estate For my part I came into the World raw and I will not go out roasted I will be of that Religion that is in fashion and set up by the Supreme Law of the Nation Are you wiser than every Body You meddle with Things too high for you c. Christ saith Whosoever comes after me Mat. 16.24 25. and doth not deny himself and take up his Cross cannot be my Disciple and that his Saints in the World shall have Tribulation But this Man would fain make the Cross of Christ to cease Come Popery and what will by this Argument he must and will conform to it he will be of that Religion that is uppermost And thus he renders the Apostles and Primitive Christians and all the holy Martyrs Fools and Fanaticks nay worse Rebels because they did not conform to the Religion of their Superiors 5. The fifth Enemy is one Moralist a very honest Man but that Ignorance and Blindness of Mind hath got such Rule in him He saith It is sufficient and no more is required of us but to do as we would be done unto and pay every Man his own and that if a Man can but get out of the deep Ditch of Sensuality and fleshly Debauchery and lead a spotless Life towards Man he need not doubt of Heaven nor trouble himself about Faith in Christ and Regeneration Tho our Saviour expresly saith Except your Righteousness exceed the Righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees Mat. 5.20 ye shall in no wise enter into the Kingdom of God And Paul saith That he accounted his own Righteousness and all other external Privileges and Attainments that he once thought Gain to him but Dung for the Excellency of the Knowledg of Jesus Christ Phil. 3.8 9 10. 1 Cor. 2.1 2. and that he desired nothing more than to know Chtist and him crucified If a Man could be saved by his own Righteousness Christ came into the World and died in vain and the Law which was a perfect Rule of Righteousness had then been sufficient to bring Men to Heaven Besides how do we come to be delivered from the Curse Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things that are written in the Book of the Law to do them 6. The sixth Adversary is Presumption a bold confident Fellow that cries Cast your self upon the Mercy of God in Christ the Lord Jesus died for Sinners trouble your Head no more you shall be saved Tho I am a Sinner and am now and then drunk and let flie an Oath sometimes before I am aware yet I doubt not but it will go well with me my Heart is good and Christ died for such as I am This Man sins because Grace hath abounded and forgets that Christ came to save Men from their Sins and not in their Sins and that that Faith that justifies Acts 15.9 1 Joh. 3.3 is attended with good Fruits and purifieth the Heart and Life of him that obtains it 7. The seventh Enemy is Vain-Glory If Satan cannot ensnare the Soul by any of the other Ways he strives to puff it up with Pride and Self-conceit Now Vain-Glory is a deadly Enemy therefore take heed of him It becomes Christians to be lowly-minded Learn of me saith Christ for I am meek and lowly in Heart Mat. 11.28 29. and ye shall find Rest to your Souls XI A Pilgrim is glad when he comes at last to his desired Place and forgets all his former Trouble and Afflictions which attended him in his Way XI So a Saint when he comes to Heaven or hath obtained the End of his Hope 1 Pet. 1.9 viz. the Salvation of his Soul greatly rejoyceth and forgets all the Sorrow and Trouble he met with in this World They shall return and come to Zion with Songs Isa 35.10 Isa 51.11 everlasting Joy shall be upon their Heads They shall obtain Joy and Gladness and Sorrow and Sighing shall flee away Inferences THis may serve to inform God's People what their State and Condition is and will be whilst they remain in this World This is not your Rest c. Mic. 2.10 Heb. 13.14 Here we have no continuing City but we seek one to come 2. Therefore it sharply reprehends those Christians that settle themselves as Inhabitants and Dwellers here below like other People Alas Sirs ye forget that ye are Strangers and Pilgrims and but Sojourners as it were for a Night Why do ye seek great Things for your selves and seem to be so much taken with the Pleasures and Profits of this Life Ye are not of this World Let such as regard no higher things Joh. 15.19 take their Fill here and delight themselves in their Portion for 't is all the Good they are ever like to have but let them remember those dismal Sayings of our blessed Saviour Wo unto you that are rich for ye have received your Consolation Luk. 6.24 25 26. wo unto you that are full for ye shall hunger wo unto you that laugh now for ye shall mourn and weep wo unto you that all Men speak well of c. Saints compared to Palm-Trees Psal 92.12 The Righteous shall flourish like a Palm-Tree c. Cant. 7.7 This thy Stature is like a Palm-Tree c. Verse 8. I said I will go up to the Palm-Tree c. THe Palm-Tree and Date-Tree is one and the same Tree called in Hebrew Thamar in Greek Phenix Why the Saints and People of God are compared to the Palm-Tree will appear in the following Parallel Metaphor Parallel THe Palm-Tree is an excellent Tree amiable to look upon it is very tall and all its Branches shoot upwards there are none grow out of the Side as in other Trees THe Righteous who are compared to a Palm-Tree are a choice and excellent People their Affections like Branches ascend they are set upon Things above they grow Heavenward Col. 3 1.2 They do not shoot out their Branches as I may say this way and that way to the World they grow high in Grace and in
that God had brought upon them was the Cure But why saith God should I afflict or chastise you any more or use Means for your Help and Healing when under the Use or Exercise of that Sovereign Means I have used you grow worse and worse 'T is said of the Man that went from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among Thieves Luk. 10.30 that he was not only stript of his Raiment but wounded also My Wounds stink and are corrupt saith David and in another place he cries out Lord Psal 88.51 have mercy upon me and heal my Soul for I have sinned against thee From whence it appears Psal 41.4 that a godly Man may be wounded by his Sin and that sorely too Every Sin makes a Wound in the Soul what a fearful Case are unconverted Souls then in O that Sinners would but consider this See Sin a Wound and Sickness X. Some Persons that have been taken captive and brought into Prison and Bondage besides other sad Circumstances they have been under they have been brought under the Sentence of Death nay and for their horrid Rebellions Treasons c. under a fearful and painful Death as to be torn in pieces or burned alive X. The Ungodly who remain Captives to Satan being under the power of their Lusts or abiding in the State of Unregeneracy are not only under all the sad Circumstances you have heard but to render them every way miserable as in truth their present State is they are under the Sentence of Death Perhaps some would conclude that Death to such Persons I have given the Character of is better than Life and with Job they had better chuse it Alas it would be so indeed were it to die the common Death of all Men. Death puts an end to all the external Miseries of Mortals but the Death of Sin 's Captives is quite another thing They are condemned to be burned to be burned alive too but this is not all to lie burning in the Fire of God's eternal Wrath for ever where they shall be always dying but cannot die Where the Worm dieth not and the Fire is not quenched Captive Disparity CAptives that are so only to Men are but externally enslaved BUt wicked Men that are Slaves to Sin and Satan are captivated in their Souls notwithstanding as to the Body they may be at Liberty as to outward Thraldom II. Some Persons may be free and at Liberty in their Souls at the same time when they may be Captives as to their Bodies and so their Captivity may seem less grievous to them II. But it cannot be so said of a wicked Man for whatever Misery befalls his Body 't is abundantly aggravated by and from the Captivity and Slavery of his Soul nay in the enjoyment of his greatest outward Liberty he is in dreadful Thraldom by Sin and Satan III. Captives that are so only to Men may and have been redeemed with Money III. But spiritual Captives such as are in Bondage to Sin and Satan cannot be redeemed with Money It is not Silver or Gold that can purchase the Redemption of one of Satan's Slaves for the Redemption of the Soul is so precious that nothing can make a Compensation for it but the precious Blood of Christ 1 Pet. 1. IV. If no other Means can procure the Liberty of Captives that are so only as to their Bodies yet Death sets them free and those to whom they are in Bondage have no more to do with them IV. But wicked Men living and dying in Bondage to Satan and their own Lusts cannot be free by Death but are thereby put into an irrecoverable State of eternal Misery from which there can be no Redemption being delivered up to Satan V. Some that are Captives only in their Bodies are so sensible of their Misery and Thraldom that they seek and desire to improve all Means imaginable for their Deliverance V. But some wicked Men are not only insensible of their Bondage to the Devil and their own Lusts but are lifeless as to any ways or means of Deliverance Tho Means be used daily to convince them of the dreadful Danger of their Bondage-State and of the Way and Means of their Redemption yet through the Blindness and Hardness of their Hearts they rest at quiet in the Devil's Prison where they are shut up as Captives And that which declares their greatest Thraldom and Misery is they refuse all the Tenders of Grace in order to their Redemption nay set light by Jesus Christ who came to proclaim Liberty c. VI. Captives to Men only may may be redeemed and set at Liberty and yet so captivated by them again as that they may die in Slavery VI. But wicked Men tho the saddest Captives imaginable in respect of Misery and Thraldom yet if set free by Jesus Christ they shall be no more the Slaves of Satan Joh. 8.36 For those whom the Son makes free are free indeed free from the Dominion and Power of Sin and Satan here and free from the Wages of Sin which is eternal Death hereafter Inferences Quest SOme may say If this be the State of unconverted Men and Women they are miserable Objects indeed But is there no Relief nor Help for these poor Captives must they perish inevitably and be damned for ever Answ God forbid There is good News for these Slaves and Captives of Sin and the Devil a Gospel to be preached to them God is full of Bowels were there no Deliverance to relieve it would be sad beyond what any are able to conceive But to prove that there is Salvation and Relief for the vilest Sinners consider these three things following 1. The Lord Jesus hath purchased Deliverance for them he hath laid down a satisfactory Price or Ransom for those Captives who through Faith in him shall obtain Deliverance 2. Christ is ordained and anointed to preach glad Tidings to them Luk. 4.18 Isa 61.1 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the Poor He hath sent me to heal the Broken-hearted to preach Deliverance to the Captives and recovering Sight to the Blind and to set at Liberty them that were bound 3. Many who have been in the like State of Captivity and Bondage have been set at Liberty Thousands that have been Slaves of Sin and Satan through the infinite Mercy of God are now in a perfect State of Freedom Such were some of you 1 Cor. 6.11 saith the Apostle but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God Sirs what blessed News is this for poor Sinners Suppose a Man who is a Slave or Captive and suffereth justly for his Sin were stript naked and put into a Dungeon bound with cruel and heavy Chains wounded in a most fearful manner from Head to Foot and only fed with Ashes and Gravel-stones and in this Condition were condemned
down the Cudgels they set their Wisdom against God's Wisdom and try if they can counter-work him in the Ways of his Providences Now what a folly is this God is as a consuming Fire and Man is as Stubble fully dry See what Jehovah himself saith upon this account Who would set the Bryars and Thorns against me in Battel I would go through them Isa 27.4 I would burn them together Now is not he that takes up Arms against such an Enemy that commands Heaven and Earth a Fool He whom all the Forces of Earth and Hell are not able to withstand who at a Word of his Mouth makes Frogs invade Pharaoh and Stars to fight against Sisera who makes the Hills and Mountains quake and tremble before him c. He is wise in Heart and mighty in Strength Job 9.4 who ever hardned their Heart against him and prospered V. Is not he a Fool that hath not Wisdom enough to direct himself But then what will you say of him that will not follow the Counsel and Direction of the Wise Tho he is told the Way that he is in will bring him into a Lion's Den or if he step one Step further he will fall into a Furnace of Fire yet resolveth to go on notwithstanding he confesseth he hath no ground to question the Truth of that which is in Faithfulness told him V. Wicked Men have not Wisdom enough to direct themselves but that which adds to their Folly is this They will not take the Counsel of the wise God nor the Direction of his faithful Ministers Tho they are told day by day that if they proceed and go on in the Ways they are in viz. swear lie whore be drunk c. they must perish and be damned for ever and that they know not but the next time they commit any of those Sins they may fall into the Lake that burneth with Fire and Brimstone yet they will go on and continue in their Sins contemning all Advice and Counsel tho they have not the least ground to question the Truth of what is declared to them since the Word of God saith positively Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish And that the Vnrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God neither Fornicators nor Idolaters nor Adulterers nor Effeminate c. nor Thieves nor Covetous nor Drunkards nor Revilers nor Extortioners And now tho they know they are guilty of some of these or the like Sins yet they resolve to live in them and therefore are Fools VI. Is not he a Fool that is not able to judg of the Nature of Things or of Times or Occasions and from hence is angry with every thing that sutes not with his Nature or foolish Humor He will be angry with the Sun if it shine hotter than he would have it and with the Winds if they blow harder than he would have them he likes not the Winter nor would have it ever rain VI. Wicked Men are such Fools that they know not the Nature of Things Times nor Occasions He is offended with those Ways of God that cross his sinful Appetite he would fain have God yield to him and order Things that suit his filthy Lusts If the Word forbid all Sin and would if it might kindle upon his Heart and Conscience burn up and destroy all his Lusts presently he cries out 'T is too hot and therefore strives to put it out In a word he would be saved in a way of Sin i. e. have his Wounds healed and yet the Sting let alone in the Flesh he would be well but take no Physick would go to Heaven but never walk in the way to it he would not be naked and yet will put on no Clothes c. and therefore a Fool. To vex and be angry at the Troubles that fall upon us or at the Hand of God which sends them is a high Point of Folly VII A Fool will take Brass Counters for Gold and be pleased with Bugles more than with Diamonds When an Heir saith Mr. Caryl is impleaded for an Ideot Caryl on Job c. 5. p. 182. the Judg commands an Apple or a Counter with a Piece of Gold to be set before him to try which he will take and if he take the Apple or the Counter and leave the Gold he is then cast for a Fool and unable to manage his Estate for he knows not the Value of Things or how to make a true Election VI. Wicked Men are thus foolish and more for when Bugles and Diamonds Counters and Gold are set before them they leave the Diamonds and the Gold and please themselves with those Toyes and Baubles when which is infinitely more sottish Heaven and Hell Life and Death are set before them they chuse Hell rather than Heaven and Death rather than Life they take the mean transitory trifling Things of this World before the Favour of God the Pardon of Sin a Part in Jesus Christ and an Inheritance amongst the Saints in Light they prefer a Moment's time of sinful Ease and Pleasure before an Eternity of Joy and Glory in Heaven they prefer the Creature above the Creator they labour more for the present Good of their Bodies than for the eternal Good of their Souls which are ten thousand times of greater Worth And do not these things demonstrate fully that they are Fools VIII Is not he a Fool that feeds on Husks Gravel and Ashes and yet thinks he feeds on the best Food he lives among Swine and feeds as they feed and yet is contented VIII Wicked Men are said in the holy Scriptures to feed on Husks Gravel Isa 45.20 and Ashes by which is meant the Pleasures Profits and Honours of this World for what is it that they feed upon or take delight in but these Things Take away their outward Enjoyments or the Comforts of this World and their Hearts like Nabal's will die within them or like a Man that pines away for want of Food for alas they have nothing else to support their Spirits And whilst they feed upon these things they conclude they feed upon the best Food and enjoy the chiefest Good yet they never have a real Taste of the Love of God in Christ nor do they know how good the Lord is nor will they make Trial tho they are invited to come and buy and eat that which is good and let their Souls delight themselves in Fatness The Prodigal would fain have filled his Belly with Husks that the Swine eat Luk. 15.16 wicked Men being intended by the Swine in that Place but no Man gave to him IX Is not he a Fool that thinks 't is time enough to sow when he should reap When he should gather in his Harvest he begins to sow his Seed or when he sows Tares thinks to reap Wheat That Work that would take up the whole Time of his Life he thinks may be done on a Death-Bed or in an Hour or two at the end of
of some who for the Shame and Distress thereof have made away with themselves Burges fearing more Opproprium Vitae than Mortis Periculum the Reproach of Life than the Punishment of Death III. Sinners are such vile Debtors that they are attended with great Shame and therefore Adam-like hide their Sins do not love nay they are ashamed any should know how black and notorious in Wickedness they are they have got many Ways to cover their Iniquity IV. Some great and ill Debtors have many Shifts and Delays to put off their Creditors 't is a common custom amongst Men far in Debt to contrive ways to excuse themselves and make vain Apologies and all to shift and put off further Trouble IV. So Sinners have many ways to excuse themselves have you not heard some speaking to this purpose I was drawn in before I was aware I had not done such nor such a thing had it not been for such or such an one but all are guilty of human Infirmities I shall do better when God gives me more Grace I intend to reform and thus they put off God and Conscience by trifling Delays and Excuses and repent not of their evil Deeds nor go to God through the mediation of Jesus Christ for Pardon and Forgiveness V. Some Debtors hate their Creditors Leve aes alienum debitore facit grave inimicum saith Burges a little Money borrowed makes a Man a Debtor but a great deal an Enemy so the more they owe the more they hate Nay Aristotle saith Debtors wish their Creditors to have no Being wish they were dead so that they might but thereby be freed from their Debts V. Wicked Men hate God they are often set out in Scripture as Haters of him because they fear him as an angry Judg who will severely demand satisfaction to the last Farthing they care not whether there were any God or no to call them to an account for all their Wickedness which they daily commit against him hence the Apostle saith Rom. 8.7 the carnal Mind is Enmity against God nay and the Lord positively saith of the Wicked Zech. 11.8 that their Soul abhorred him VI. Some Debtors are so far in Debt that they owe much more than they are worth or are able to pay or make a compensation for VI. Sinners are so far in Debt to God that they are not able to make him satisfaction they owe ten thousand Talents and have not one Farthing to pay The aggravation of Sin lyeth in this viz. that it is against God therefore that Offence that is against Man is compared to an hundred Pence but that which is against God to ten thousand Talents And when he had begun to reckon Mat. 18.28 ver 24. ver 25. one was brought unto him which owed him ten thousand Talents ver 24. And because he had nothing to pay his Lord commanded him to be sold and his Wife and Children and all that he had and the Debt to be payed ver 25. The Servant therefore fell down and worshipped him saying Lord refrain thine Anger towards me and I will pay thee all ver 26. ver 26. Then the Lord of that Servant had Compassion and loosed him and forgave him the Debt ver 27. ver 27. But the same Servant went out and found one of his Fellow-Servants which ought him an hundred Pence and he laid his Hands on him and took him by the Throat saying Pay me what thou owest ver 28. c. VII An ill Debtor that is very far in Debt does not love to see nor meet his Creditor he will go some by-way or go much about rather than come near him or meet with him VII So Sinners who are notoriously Guilty before God love not to meet with him nor hear of him if God comes near them by the reproofs of his Word or by the checks of Conscience or by the rebukes of the Rod how are they startled As in the case of Felix who when he found that God had met with him by Paul's Preaching who reasoned of Righteousness Act. 24.25 Temperance and Judgment to come 't is said he trembled but mark his answer to the Apostle Was he pleased with that Doctrine Alas no he could not bear it therefore crys out Go thy way for this time when I have a convenient season I will call for thee VIII A Debtor that is far in Debt is often-times afraid of an Arrest and much perplexed and troubled in his Mind the thoughts of a Prison being grievous to him VIII So guilty Sinners are afraid of the Serjeant Death if they perceive Death is approaching how troubled are they for fear of the Prison of utter Darkness provided their Consciences be awake See Sin a Debt Metaphor Disparity I. A Debtor among Men upon the non-payment of his Debts is exposed but to external Punishment suppose it should be the highest Punishment that we read of in Scripture or History we read under the Law they were bound to sell their Children Exod. 21.7 22.2 2 King 4.1 yea themselves to become Slaves or Bond-men it was a sore Punishment to have Children sold for Parents Debts I have read that Valentinian the Emperour would have such put to Death that were not able to pay their Debts but especially that Law mentioned by Mr. Burges Burges on Justification p. 1â—0 was the severest of all that provided that he who was in Debt and could not pay it the Creditors might take him and cause him to be cut into as many pieces as they pleased I. BUt the ungodly and guilty Sinner is exposed to eternal Punishment such who obtain no forgiveness or pardon of Sin through the atonement of the Cross or satisfaction made by Jesus Christ shall be cast into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone 't is not Wife nor Children Father or Brother can make a compensation or keep them from the place of Punishment Rev. 14.10 They shall be tormented day and night they shall drink of the Wrath of God which is poured out without mixture into the Cup of his Indignation and they shall be tormented with Fire and Brimstone in the presence of the holy Angels and in the presence of the Lamb. ver 10. And the smoak of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever they have no rest day nor night c. Mat. 13.50 They shall be cast into a Furnace of Fire there shall be weeping and gnashing of Teeth II. A Debtor among Men may escape an Arrest or fly from the Hand of Justice or if he be taken Death will free him from all Miseries nay if he dies in Prison his Debt is paid II. But it is impossible for Sinners to escape the Wrath of God who live and dye in their Sins Death will come there is no escaping the Hands of this grim Serjeant and when they are thrown into Hell that strong and fearful Prison they shall by no means come out thence till they
Church of God and help them by their Counsel and Prayers at all times and not to weaken but strengthen their Hands and protect them from the Scorn Reproach and Oppression of the Enemy as much as lieth in them c. XIII When a Prince finds his Ambassadors cannot succeed in their Business but that all Terms of Peace are rejected he calls them home and then bloody Wars commonly follow XIII So when God sees that the Messenger and Message he sends by his faithful Ministers is slighted and that Sinners remain obstinate after long patience he calls home his Ministers perhaps takes them away by Death and resolves to treat with that People or State no more but contrary-wise to let out his Wrath upon them And thus it fared with Israel of old The Lord God of their Fathers sent to them by his Messengers rising early and sending them c. 2 Chron. 36.15 16. But they mocked the Messengers of God and despised his Word and misused his Prophets until the Wrath of the Lord arose against his People till there was no Remedy Inferences THis shews what great Dignity God hath conferred upon his faithful Ministers and this Title should procure an honourable Esteem of them in the Hearts of all Persons to whom they are sent And this is more necessary to the good Success of their Message than is generally thought tho 't is evident what Ministers speak upon this Subject is misconstrued as if they herein rather sought themselves than to befriend the Gospel or advance the Honour of their Master Men are ready to interpret it as a Fruit of their Pride and an Affectation they have of some outward Grandure and worldly Pomp which they design to gain by such a magnificent Title The Apostle himself was sensible of this and yet would not desist to magnify his Office 1 Cor. 4.5 and therefore saith he Let Men so account of us as Ministers of Christ and Stewards of the Mysteries of God and that they should judg nothing before the Time Object But some may say If God will use Ambassadors to treat with Sinners why doth be not use Angels c. 2 Cor. 4.7 Answ 1. The Apostle answers this We have this Treasure in earthen Vessels that the Excellency of the Power may be of God and not of us 2. Ministers being Men have the Advantage many ways above Angels for this Work 1. They are more concerned themselves in the Message they bring than Angels are What greater Argument for a Man's Care than his own Interest 2. They have a more deep Sense arising in their Hearts upon the account of the Temptations they are subject to c. 3. The Sufferings which Ministers meet with for the Gospel's sake are of great advantage to their Brethren had Angels been the Ambassadors they could not have sealed to the Truth of their Doctrine with their Blood they cannot die c. 4. Besides the Presence of Angels might terrify and afrighten us their Glory is so great c. II. This shews that Ministers have a special Commission How shall they preach except they are sent Rom. 10. They must have a lawful Call to this Office as Ambassadors have III. Let poor Sinners from hence be persuaded to hearken to them and carefully receive the Message Ministers bring from the great God and accept of Terms of Peace and close in with Jesus Christ IV. It shews the wonderful Love of God and the great Care he hath of Men's Souls V. It shews what an intolerable Affront is offered to the Majesty of Heaven by those that abuse or deride the Ministers of the Gospel and much greater by them that persecute and imprison them for delivering their Message Paul was an Ambassador in Bonds c. VI. It shews the Weight and Importance of the Preachers Message it is not a slight or sleeveless Errand they come about Deut. 30.15 Joh. 3.36 Mark 16.15 16. I set before you this day Life and Death Hear and your Souls shall live He that believeth not the Wrath of God abideth on him Go 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 Ministers compared to Rulers Heb. 13.7 Remember them which have the Rule over you who have spoken unto you the Word of God c. MInisters of the Gospel are Rulers or Governors c. Rulers Parallel RUlers are Men in high Place endued with Power and Authority over others 't is a Name of Dignity SO Ministers are the chief of God's People such as have great Power committed to them as the Deputies and Ambassadors of Christ II. Rulers or Governors have a Law by which they ought to rule and govern in all things II. So Ministers are to rule the House and Church of God by the Rule of God's Word III. 'T is an evil thing and justly reprovable in Rulers to exceed the Limits and Bounds of the Law by which they are to rule and govern or to carry things according to their own Wills and Lusts not regarding the fundamental Laws of the Land where they live III. So 't is an abominable Evil in Ministers to rule according to their own Wills violating the Law of God Ministers may exceed their due Bounds and be arbitrary and tyrannize over the People in things spiritual as well as Civil Rulers or Magistrates in things temporal IV. Rulers in some places are chosen by the People whom they govern 't is the People's Privilege to chuse their Magistrates IV. So Ministers ought to be chosen by the Church 't is the Privilege of the People to chuse their own Pastors and other Officers according to the Qualifications laid down by the Spirit of God 1 Tim. 3.1 2 3. Acts 6.3 Wherefore Brethren look ye out among your selves c. V. Rulers ought to be wise Men Men fearing God See Jethro's Counsel to Moses Exod. 18.21 Thou shalt provide out of all the People able Men such as fear God Men of Truth hating Covetousness 2 Sam. 23.4 c. The God of Israel said the Rock of Israel spake unto me He that ruleth over Men must be just ruling in the Fear of God What a sore Rebuke doth God give covetous Rulers by the Prophet Ezek. 22.27 Her Princes in the midst thereof are like Wolves ravening the Prey to shed Blood and to destroy to get dishonest Gain V. So Ministers ought to be Men wise holy and of a blameless Conversation such as are given to Hospitality 1 Tim. 3.2 3. and not greedy of filthy Lucre. 'T is an odious thing to see a Minister covetous who is required to open the Nature of and preach against that Sin as well as all others and ought to live accordingly How can he preach against that Sin he is guilty of himself or if he doth what good effect can he think it will have upon other Mens Hearts when
Proper and Metaphorical Notations thereof 2. Such things as necessarily contribute to it are 1. Great and vehement Thirst 2. Plenty of the thing thirsted after 3. The greedy taking their fill of it 3. The Signs of Drunkenness are 1. When the Faculties are so disordered that they will not submit to the best Reason that can be given them 2. When they will abuse those whom they are most obliged to love and respect 3. When they have cast off all consideration of their own and others Good and forbear no Mischief but what they are restrained from by force 4. That these things are evident in the Church of Rome and cannot be so fairly fixed upon her Opposites or supposed Hereticks appears 1. Because she hath shed a Mass a very great Mass of Blood upon the account of Religion all which was unlawfully shed of this the whole Christian World is a Witness 2. To clear her supposed Hereticks from this red and bloody Crime 1. It is against their Principle to kill Men for Religion and this they do avowedly profess pleading for Liberty of Conscience in Matters purely Religious in all places 2. They have wanted Power to do it in case they had been for it in Principle all Power being in the Hands of Papists before the Reformation 3. Where there hath since been a Protestant Seate or Kingdom governed by Laws different from that of the Popish Countries yet they have not made use of their Power and Laws to take away the Lives of Papists meerly for Religion and if it hath happened at any time that some Ecclesiastical Persons have been put to Death by Protestants it has been but very rare and seldom and the Cause not for their Religion but for Sedition Rebellion and Treason otherwise they have lived peaceably under Protestant Governours enjoying their Civil Right in Common with other Men. And for the confirming of this we make a Challenge to all Christendom to come forth and make it appear Where England Scotland and Ireland the Vnited Provinces c. since the Reformation have by Massacres Murders or Martyrdom put one thousand nay one hundred to Death of Men Women and Children only because they professed the Romish Religion or any Religion different from theirs so far have they been from making themselves Drunk with the Blood of Saints and Religious Men. And if this cannot be done then having brought our Character within the Confines of the Christian World we must necessarily charge this Drunkenness by Blood upon the Church of Rome This Head we will conclude with the following Argument If no Sect of People in the Christian World be guilty of so much Blood drunk with Blood innocent Blood Blood of Saints as the Church of Rome is Then the Church of Rome is this Woman that St. John saw to his great astonishment Drunk with the Blood of the Saints and the Martyrs of Jesus But there is no Sect of People c. guilty of so much Blood or Drunk with the Blood of Saints c. Ergo The Church of Rome is this Woman c. XIV Babylon is a Church or Body of People that sits upon a Beast that had seven Heads or seven sorts of Soveraign Governments 1. Kings of whom Romulus was the first Rev. 17.9 10 11. 2. Consuls See Mede Peter du Moulin c. 3. Military Tribunes 4. Decemvirs 5. Dictators 6. Heathen Emperors 7. Christian Emperors Rev. 17.9 10 11. And here is the Mind that hath Wisdom the seven Heads are seven Mountains on which the Woman sitteth And there are sâ—ven Kings five are fallen one is and the other is not yet come but when he cometh he must continue a short space And the Beast that was and is not even he is the eighth and of the seven and goeth into Perdition XIV Besides all that hath been said we hope to very good Purpose if we find not Rome here we will let her go for ever For 1. This is the place which hath had seven Soveraign Governments five of which were gone off the Stage and the sixth viz. the Heathen Empire was in Being in St. John's time 2. The seventh was to appear and to continue but a short space viz. the Christian Empire for it cannot be the Papal Power because that was not up in St. John's time so not the sixth Head and as the Papal Power for that Reason could not be the sixth Head so for a very good Reason it could not be the seventh Head because that whensoever that did appear it was to continue but a short space which respects not the Papal Power but answers the Christian Empire for the Papal Power has continued longer than any of the other Soveraignties that went before and if the Papal Power be neither the Sixth nor seventh Head then it must needs be the eighth which is of the seventh and goes into Perdition or else it must be no Head or Power at all But a Head and a Power it is a great Head and Power it hath been therefore it is the eighth Head which carries the Whore according to the express Leâ—ter of the Text and shall go into Perdition And that by the Woman City or Whore that sitteth upon the seven Mountains is meant Rome we have no cause to doubt because the great Sons of Rome themselves as Baronius Bellarmine and many others do confess it but would defend their Mother from being a Whore by putting it off to the Power of Rome in its Heathen State to which we have fully answered already And do say that Rome Papal is neither the sixth Head nor the seventh but the very last Beast or eighth Head in which there is a Secular and an Ecclesiastical Power joined together which makes up a Beast a most Blasphemous Beast and a Whore a most Devilish Drunken and Bloody Whore which hath her Seat upon seven Mountains on which this City of Rome was built as before This Paragraph we shall shut up with this Argument Arg. If Rome Papal or Church of Rome be born up by a Secular Power which had seven sovereign Governments seated upon seven Hills Then Rome Papal or Church of Rome is the very Mystery Babylon that the Apostle John saw in his Apocalyptical Vision But Rome Papal or Church of Rome is born up by a Secular Power which had seven Soveraign Governments and seated upon seven Hills Ergo Rome Papal or Church of Rome is the very Mystical Babylon c. This Argument shines so clear that unless our Adversaries can assign any Protestant State by them called Heretical that these Characters do better and more fully agree to it must pass for current Coin and which we shall be ready to receive from them So we proceed XV. Mystery Babylon is not only a Beastly Woman that has made her self Drunk with the Blood of the Saints and Martyrs of Jesus that sits upon a Beast that had seven Heads or seven sorts of Soveraign Governments and was seated upon
was denied him save the eating of the Tree of Knowledg of Good and Evil but by Sin and the Devil he was robbed and deceived of all and brought to utter Beggary and since God hath been pleased in a gracious manner through the Lord Jesus Christ to invest Believers with much Spiritual Riches and Righteousness again these Enemies strive to rob and deceive them of all the second time but to speak more particularly the things which they endeavour to deprive the Sons and Daughters off are these First Of their precious Time by telling them that 't is too soon too early to mind the Concernments of their Souls like as those in Haggai strove to deceive the People The time is not come c. 1. Sin and Satan perswade Men that time is not so swift nor uncertain but that they shall have Time and Days enough hereafter whereas on a sudden Times Hour-Glass is out and they are cut down in a moment 2. By stifling the Senses of poor Sinners insomuch that they cannot judg of their Time they are so taken with other Things Sensual Things that they know not what time of the Day it is they think 't is a long while to Night when alas their Sun is almost set 3. By hiding from Men the great Perils and Dangers of the Times they live in they are so blinded by these Thieves that they see not into what a Pit they are a falling 4. By persuading them that a great deal of work may be done in a very short time that the work of Repentance may be done upon a Sick-Bed or when old Age comes 5. And then at another while when they have spent much of their Days in Pleasure and Vanity this Enemy persuades them 't is now too late and the time of their Visitation is past c. Secondly These Thieves strive to rob Men of the Opportunity of time I mean those precious Sermons Seasons of Grace and Holy Sabbaths God is pleased to afford them by secret Craft these Enemies blind the Eyes of Men after such a manner that they prefer their Worldly Advantages and Profit in their Shops and Callings above the Riches and glorious Blessings of the Word and Ordinances of God they prefer Earth before Heaven Gold above Grace the good of the Body above the good of the Soul if the Enemy cannot keep Men from attending upon the Word then he endeavours to fill their Minds with other Things causing them to be so negligent in hearing of the Word preached that it profits them nothing or if they should hear with Attention yet this Adversary causes them to rest satisfyed with a bear hearing and thereby deceive their Souls Thirdly Sin and Satan rob or deprive Men of Union and Communion with God and of the true Grace of God by which this Union and Communion with God and Christ is attained persuading them common Grace is saving Grace and legal Conversion is Evangelical Conversion and outward Reformation true Regeneration c. Fourthly Sin and Satan rob Men of Peace not only of Peace with God but also of the true Peace of Conscience Fifthly They strive to rob Men of their precious and Immortal Souls Sixthly They rob and endeavour to rob and deceive Men of the Crown of Life Lastly In a Word these Enemies strive to rob and cheat Men and Women of all the saving benefit of Christ crucified endeavouring to make his blessed Death wholly ineffectual to their Souls II. Thieves many times take and lead poor Travellers out of the King's High-Way into some by-Place and then bind them Hand and Foot as well as take away their Treasure II. So Sin and Satan lead Sinners out of the true way of God into by and untroden Paths of Sin and Idolatry Isa 61.1 and in a barbarous manner bind them with cruel Bonds hence Christ is said to deliver them that were bound Acts 8.23 The Apostle Paul speaking to Simon the Sorcerer said I perceive thou art in the Gall of Bitterness and in the Bond of Iniquity There are three Bonds that these Spiritual Thieves bind Sinners with 1. The Bond of Ignorance 2. The Bond of Unbelief 3. The Bond of a hard Heart III. Thieves do not only bind such that they rob but many times murther them they do not only steal but kill also and that in a barbarous manner There are and have been some great and notorious Thieves Would you not look upon him to be a grand Thief that robs and craftily deceives a whole City a whole County nay a whole Kingdom III. So Sin and Satan do not only rob Men of all their Heavenly Treasure but also kill and murther their Souls Sin kills Spiritually and Sin kills Eternally Sin Rom. 7.11 taking occasion by the Commandment deceived me and by it slew me Sin has deceived and robbed the whole World at once What a Deceiver Sin is When our first Parents were beguiled all Mankind were beguiled and what Man that ever lived hath not actually been robbed by this Thief The best of Men have more or less been deceived by him 1. Sin is a great Thief if we consider the eminency of those it hath robbed 1. Sin deceived the Angels that fell who were most glorious Creatures in their first Estate 2. Sin robbed and deceived Adam who was so higly honoured and dignified by the Almighty c. 2. Sin is a bold Thief which appears in that it will adventure to steal and deceive at that very time when it is arraigned and its abominable Cheats laid open by the Ministers of the Gospel 3. Sin is an old Thief no sooner was the World created but presently we read of this Robber and how he cheated our first Parents O how many Ages how long a Time hath this Thief reigned in his Wickedness 4. Sin is a subtile Thief he robs and steals in the Day-time as well as in the Night and yet 't is hard to find him out he has many secret Corners to hide and lurk in nay he hath got the Art to change his Name when he is taken and charged with this or that Abomination 1. If you search for him by the Name of Pride he calls himself by the Name of Comliness and Decency 2. If you search for him under the Name of Covetousness he calls his Name Industry Thriftiness and Good-husbandry nay he is grown so crafty that some think 't is impossible to find him out under the last Appellation he doth not only change his Name but also prevails cunningly upon Men according as he finds their natural Inclination and Disposition some he deceives by the Pleasures of the World some by the Profits and Riches of the World and some he puffs up with Vain-Glory and the Honours of the World 3. Sin deceives by pretending Kindness and Friendship to the Children of Men Sin and Satan promise a future time and Days to repent they promise Heaven to the vilest Sinner promise Life whilst they thrust
God waits upon them and strives with them to bring them over to the Knowledg of the Truth is the Time of Light and when God takes away the Means of Grace and the Gospel from a Kingdom Nation or particular Soul that is a Time of Darkness and then it may be said the Day is gone and Night is come upon them III. 'T is Day when the Sun rises and Night when the Sun sets So 't is the Sinner's Day whilst the Gospel-Sun shines and the Means of Grace are continued to them but Night then when the Ministration of the Gospel is taken away and no more Means of Grace afforded to them IV. The Day is Man's working Time Labourers in the Field when the Day is ended go home they can work no longer So whilst God affords the Gospel and Means of Grace Sinners should like faithful Labourers work hard work out their own Salvation labour for the Meat that perisheth not for when that is gone no Man can work then the Things of their Peace will be hid from their Eyes like as it fell out with Jerusalem V. The Day brings great Light with it which makes great Discoveries of Persons and Things whilst the Night lasts Men cannot see what is near them neither the Good they may receive nor the Evil they should refuse and escape from but the Day discovers all and makes every thing manifest So the Gospel-Day brings Light and the Light thereof discovers the Evil that is in the Hearts Works and Lives of Men by this Light they see their Sins and the Danger they are in thereby and also the Way to be delivered from them Christ is the Way which the Day-Light makes manifest In the Night of Popery Men lost the blessed Path to Peace and Way of Life and ran to the Merits of their own Ways and to Popish Pardons and what not but the Day of the Gospel in England hath discovered their Mistake and shewed them the plain Way to Heaven c. Ecclâ—s 11.7 VI. The Day is comfortable 't is a pleasant thing for the Eyes to see the Sun So are the Means of Grace and the Day of Gospel-Light O how sweet and pleasant a thing it is to see this Day wherein the Word of God is powerfully and plainly preached amongst us VII The Day sometimes is over-cast and the Light darkned So the Gospel-Day is sometimes as a Judgment upon a People or particular Soul darkned and Clouds seem to cover the glorious Heavens even as at this Time O what thick and black Clouds seem to arise VIII Some Days prove stormy and high Winds arise So sometimes the Day of Gospel-Grace proves stormy and high Winds of Persecution arise upon a People nay not only Winds of Persecution but also strange Whirl-winds of Delusions abound in it which make it very perilous IX A Day hath its Morning its Noon and its Evening So hath the Day of Gospel-Grace in a Nation and to a particular Soul who improves it not God threatned his People of old Mich. 3.6 That the Sun should go down over the Prophets and the Day should he dark over them X. The Day suits not with some Men they are for the Night they are said to rebel against the Light they hate the Light the Night is for them such are the Thief and Adulterer Pov. 7.9 The Whorish Woman waits for the Twilight even for the black and dark Night So many Sinners love not the Day of Gospel-Light they are for the Night of Ignorance and Error They had rather have Popery come or any Thing come than to have the Gospel or the powerful Preaching thereof it suits best with their carnal Hearts they love that Religion that indulges them in their brutish Lusts XI There are many ways to know when the Day draws towards an end and Night approaches As 1. When the Heat of the Sun abates 2. When the Shadows grow long or are stretched forth 3. When the Harvest-Men begin to go home apace 4. When the Evening-Wolves begin to lurk out of their Holes Now when these Signs are upon a People in a spiritual sence their State is bad they may fear Night approaches upon them 1. When the Gospel in its powerful Preaching abates in its Heat and blessed Influences upon Mens Hearts so that but a few are warmed and effectually wrought upon by it 2. When Religion is more in Shew than in Substance when the Shadow is long and the Substance little Men being more zealous for the Form than concerned for the Power of it 3. When many powerful or painful Ministers and Labourers are called home 4. When the Romish Wolves who have lain long in their Holes and dark Caverns or lurking Places begin to come boldly abroad and impudently shew themselves 't is a Sign of Evening-Tide and that the Day is near expiring Is not this thy State O England The Means of Grace compared to the Summer Jer. 8.20 The Summer is ended c. By Summer is doubtless meant that Time that God allows Men to gather in and lay up spiritual Good for their precious Souls The Time of Gospel-Light or Means of Grace is compared to the Summer Parallels THe Summer is the chief Time of the Year that Season which generally all Men prize long for and rejoyce in So the Time of Gospel-Grace and Gospel-Light is the chiefest and choicest Season in the World The Time of the Gospel the Dispensation of the Gospel was the Time which the Prophets and many good and righteous Men of old longed for and which all sincere godly Persons do prize and rejoyce in II. Summer is the Season that ripens the Fruits of the Earth were it not for the Heat and Influence of Summer what would become of the Husband-man's Labour So the Means of Grace or Ministration of the Gospel ripens the good Seed which is sown in the godly Man's Heart nay it maketh all fit and ready for the Harvest and for cutting down It ripens the godly Man for Heaven and the ungodly Man for Hell The Word is either a Savour of Life unto Life or else the Savour of Death unto Death it either softens or hardens It hath the same Effects upon Mens Hearts that the Sun hath in the hottest Time of Summer upon that which it sends forth its Influence upon III. The Summer is the poor Man's working Time 't is the Season in which he is to provide himself for Winter with such things he wants The Day of Gospel-Grace is the Saints Summer 't is the Time in which he works hard gathers in and lays up for his immortal Soul He learns of the Ant who provides her Meat in Summer c. Prov. 6. IV. In Summer every thing looks green the Herbs Grass Plants Trees and all the Fruits of the Earth are in their Beauty and greatest Glory So in the Day of Gospel-Grace whilst God affords Means of much Light and Knowledg when Seasons Sabbaths Sermons and Ordinances in a
Gentleness Goodness Meekness Temperance Pardon of Sin Communion with God Joy in the Holy-Ghost c. Now he ought to know all these Things the true from the counterfeit And next unto the Graces of the Spirit and the other excellent and rare Things he deals in there are the Ordinances of the Gospel the Nature and Usefulness of which he ought also to understand and not to be deceived about them lest he take the Traditions of Men for Christ's Institutions IV. A Man who sets up a Trade ought also to know who he is to deal or trade with So ought every Christian and that is God through the Mediator Jesus Christ for without him there is no trading to Heaven 'T is by him we believe in God by him we come to the Father Christ is a Saint's only Correspondent he receives all our Prayers and Duties and makes Returns of Mercies V. A Man who begins a Trade ought to be well instructed and to know every particular Art and Mystery in it Some Trades or Professions are hard to learn they are full of Mystery and very intricate and if they understand them not or are not Crafts-masters therein they will never live comfortably of them as Experience commonly sheweth So every Christian ought to learn the Mystery of Godliness this heavenly Calling is not easily learned there is no Trade that is more mysterious than the Trade or Art of Godliness as we shall fully evince and make appear 1. By plain Texts of Scripture 2. By Arguments and Demonstrations drawn there-from As to the First see these Scriptures 1 Cor. 2.7 But we speak the Wisdom of God in a Mystery even the hidden Wisdom c. Compared with Rom. 16.25 Eph. 1.9 3.3 4. Col. 1.26 1 Tim. 3.16 Without Controversy great is the Mystery of Godliness God manifest in the Flesh c. Godliness is twofold 1. The Doctrinal Part. 2. The Practical Part. A Mystery is a Thing hidden hard to find out that which few understand Godliness a Mystery which lies not open to the Sight and Apprehension of Men. Many Arts used amongst Men are full of Mystery If a Man go into a Chymist's Shop possibly he may see there several Extractions of Minerals but he may not know how he extracted those Spirits nor doth he understand the Nature and Operation of them that is a Mystery There are divers other curious Arts and Devices very hard to learn they are so mysterious but all come short of these heavenly Mysteries The Mysteries of Godliness are exceeding great 1. These Things are hidden Things from the Eyes of Men. See Mat. 11.25 The Gospel is read daily every Man hath the History of it in his House but alas very few understand it 't is a Mystery 't is not known but by such only who feel its Power and blessed Effects and Operations of it upon their Hearts 2. The Gospel and great Things of Christianity and Godliness are the rare Contrivance of God's eternal Wisdom 1 Cor. 8.1 and therefore full of Mystery If any Man thinks he knows any thing he knoweth nothing as he ought to know These things are not easily found out 3. The History of the Gospel and Principles of Christianity and Godliness could not be known without Revelation had not God afforded us the written Word what should we John 20.31 Rom. 16.25 26. or could we have known of these Mysteries What do the Heathen know of them that have not the Holy Scripture Doth the Light within discover the Incarnation Birth Life Death Resurrection Ascension and Intercession of Jesus Christ Doth that teach the Mystery of Faith and Regeneration 'T is true some have affirmed that they should have known all Things the Gospel reveals if they had never had the written Word But how false that is appears to all and they themselves have been silenced by putting one Question to them John 20 30. which is this 'T is said in John 20. Many other Signs did Jesus in the presence of his Disciples which are not written c. Now let them shew us what those other Signs were But alas they can tell us nothing but what the Scripture relates neither had we or they known them but by the Record thereof That which we have the History of and yet cannot understand or make our own unless the Spirit of God opens and explains it to us is a great Mystery But we cannot understand the Mystery of Religion and Godliness without the Spirit 's Teaching and Explanation Ergo c. As the History must be revealed by the written Word so the Mystery must be revealed by the Spirit For what Man knoweth the Things of a Man save the Spirit of a Man 1 Cor. 2.11 which is in him even so the Things of God knoweth no Man but the Spirit of God 4. That which needs or requires several Gradations and Mediums to open and explain it from time to time is a great Mystery But the Gospel or Mystery of Godliness requires such several Gradations and Mediums to open it unto the Children of Men. 1. God under the Law revealed these Things by divers Sacrifices Washings and other Rites whilst Persons remained in their Non-age 2. It requires the Use of divers earthly Similitudes to open and explain it to the Understanding of Men. God is compared to a Father to an Husband-man to a Judg to a Creditor to a Portion to an Housholder c. Christ to a Lamb to Light to an Husband to a Vine to a Shepherd c. The Spirit is compared to the Wind to Oil to Water and Grace to Seed to Gold tried in the Fire c. The Mysteries of Religion and Godliness are so hard to understand in their own Nature that God condescends to open them to us by earthly Things In this God shews what Children we are and how difficult 't is for us to understand these Things And tho they are thus explained yet how little is it that we are able to understand of them Now that which the Children of Men are not able fully to take in or comprehend tho God makes use of the best Mediums he in his Wisdom sees good to make use of is a great Mystery But the Children of Men are able to take in but little of the Mysteries of the Gospel notwithstanding these gracious Mediums God is pleased to make use of Ergo c. 5. That which the Children of Men are not able to take in or receive the knowledg of at once but when God fees necessary to discover by degrees by little and little notwithstanding all those proper and fit Mediums he condescends to make use of is a great Mystery But the Mysteries of the Gospel and Godliness God sees the Children of Men notwithstanding all those Mediums he is pleased to make use of cannot take in or receive at once but that there is need for him to open and discover them by degrees by little and little Ergo 't is
in the Body but he could not tell whether the Soul acted with his bodily Organs or without them He had mighty Operations in his Soul his Spirit wrought strangely and then took in such Revelations of God and from God as his bodily Organs could never fashion into Words or represent by Speech He heard quae fando explicari à quoquam homine non possunt unspeakable Words Beza which it is not lawful or possible for a Man to utter The Soul hath an Ear to hear such Words that the Body cannot find a Tongue to express So John in his divine Ravishment saith I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day as for his Body that was as to that Business laid aside and suspended as useless in that Day and his Spirit called up to that angelical Work viz. the receiving of Visions and Revelations from on high c. Now as the Souls of good Men whilest they are in this World in Sleep and in Trances or Ecstasies are capable of such glorious Ravishments c. So when their Bodies dy or fall asleep their Souls are with Christ in Heaven and the Souls of the Wicked they go into Chains of Darkness Torment Luk. 16.22 2◠and Misery The rich Man died and was buried and in Hell he lift up his Eyes being in Torment III. Sleep is not perpetual we sleep and wake again So tho the Body lie in the Grave yet Death is but a Sleep as it were the Man will awake and rise again IV. The going to sleep and sleeping of some Men greatly differs from others So the Death of the Saints greatly differs from the Death of the Wicked 1. In the Preparation the one makes to go to rest over what the other doth Some go to sleep before their Work is done So some die before their Work is done As no Saint dies before his Work is done So there is no wicked Person that dies but he dies or goes to sleep before his Work is done This is our Working-day when the Sun of our Life is set no more Work can be done The Time comes saith Christ when no Man can work All a Godly Man's Care is to be ready when Night comes to go to rest But the Wicked take little Thought about it 2. Some Men fall asleep in an hurry of Business and in great Distraction when others in a sweet Manner lay their Heads down upon their Pillows So some wicked Men die in great Distraction and under sad Horrour of Conscience when many a Godly Man dies in a sweet and heavenly Manner declaring to all he hath nothing to do but to die 3. Some Men dread the Thoughts of going to sleep for that it is dangerous in some Cases for some Persons to sleep So some wicked Men dread the Thoughts of Death like him who cryed out I am so sick I cannot live and so sinful that I am afraid to die But most Godly Men are delivered from the Fear of Death they go willingly to Bed Luk. 2.29 Now lettest thou thy Servant depart in Peace c. Saints are many times willing to go to rest because they are quite wearied out 1. Sin wearies them and even wares them out and makes them groan 2. The World wearies them and makes them willing to go to Bed Eccl. 5.12 3. The Devil the God of this World wearies them with his Temptations 4. Their bodily Weaknesses and disquieting Pains wearie them 5. The Absence of Christ also makes them willing to go home 4. Some Men fall asleep in a dangerous Place nay and sometimes in the midst of their Enemies So wicked Men die in a dangerous Place being far from God and out of the Covenant of Grace and besides are surrounded about with evil Angels who stand ready to devour their Souls But a godly Man falls asleep in Jesus O that 's a sweet Place to sleep in 1. He sleeps in the view of Jesus Christ knows his Grave and will preserve his Dust 2. He falls asleep in the Love of Jesus 3. He falls asleep in the Covenant of Jesus I am the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob. 5. Some Mens Sleep is much more sweet and comfortable than others as we shewed before some Mens Sleep is very troublesom their Spirits are troubled So the Death of the Godly is sweet they have Peace and heavenly Joy being with Christ but the Death of the Wicked is troublesom their Spirits being in Torment whilst the Body lies in the Grave I might also shew you the great Difference there shall be in the awaking of the one and the other but that I will leave to its proper place V. A Man that is asleep taking his natural Rest may be easily awakened and called up by the Power of Man So the Body when it is dead can with infinitely more ease be raised up by the Power of God 't is but a Call from Heaven and we are awakened out of the Dust The Day is coming when all that are in the Grave shall hear his Voice and come forth c. John 5.28 Inferences WHat a blessed Condition are Believers in They are not only happy whilst they live but shall be blessed when they die their Bodies have not only quiet Rest but their Souls also rest in Peace and Quiet 2. It may stir up all Christless Souls to labour after an Interest in the Lord Jesus for if they are not in Christ whilst they live they are not like to fall asleep in Christ when they die 3. We may learn also from hence what little ground there is for a godly Man to be unwilling to die when his Work is done Are any unwilling to go to sleep at Night that have laboured hard all Day 4. Let us labour hard whilst the Day lasts whilst we have Health and Life that we may have done our Work and be ready to go to sleep Death a Departure Phil. 1.23 Having a desire to depart c. WE at Death leave one Place to go to another If godly we depart from our Place here on Earth and go to Heaven we depart from our Friends on Earth and go to our Friends in Heaven we depart from the Valley of Tears and go to the Mount of Joy we depart from an howling Wilderness to go to an heavenly Paradise Who would be unwilling to exchange a Sodom for a Sion an Egypt for a Canaan Misery for Glory Death a Rest Rev. 14.13 And 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 Parallels REst is a desirable Thing to a labouring Man Paul desired to die Death or to depart was greatly desirable in his Sight II. Rest is sweet and therefore desirable to a weary Man So will Death be to a poor weary Saint one that is weary of Sin weary of the World weary of the Temptations
so doth Heaven like Paradise with Divine and Sacred Pleasures IV. Adam in Paradise knew no Sorrow he had Joy without Sadness Strength without Weakness Health without Sickness Light without Darkness Life without Death for Death had nothing to do with him whilst he stood in his Innocency So in Heaven the Godly are delivered from every mixture of Evil Rev. 21 4. God shall wipe away all Tears from their Eyes and there shall be no more Death neither Sorrow nor Crying neither shall there be any more pain for the former things are past away Here is Joy without Sadness Strength without Weakness Health without Sickness Light without Darkness Life without Death V. Adam in Paradise before tempted by the Devil knew no Sin he was free absolutely free from the least stain he had not so much as an evil Thought he was created in the Image of God being perfectly Righteous So in Heaven the Saints shall be free from Sin perfectly free not only free from the Guilt Filth Power and Punishment of it but also from the Act of it they shall not be troubled with one evil Thought more they are without Fault before the Throne of God and the Lamb. VI. Adam in Paradise enjoyed the sweet and blessed Presence of God he convers'd and had glorious Acquaintance and Communion with him God and Man lived then in perfect Peace and Friendship there was no Breach because no Sin and so God's Face was not hid from him So in Heaven all the Godly enjoy the sweet and Soul-ravishing Presence of God and of Jesus Christ Joh. 12.26 Joh. 14.3 1 Thess 4.17 1 Joh. 3.2 Where I am there shall my Servant be And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you to my self that where I am ye may be also so shall we ever be with the Lord. Saints there have the Fruition of God and of Christ for we shall see him as he is and this is the highest glory Man can be raised to we shall not only see God and the Lamb but be filled with the Joy and Delight of God and Jesus Christ Heaven from hence is called the Joy of the Lord if the perfect enjoyment and participation of the glorious Trinity or fulness of it so far as it is capable of Communication can delight and fill the Soul with Joy and Happiness the Godly in Heaven shall have it God's Face will never be hid from his Children any more there will be no more a Breach between the Soul and its Saviour VII Adam in Paradise had the Tree of Life and Liberty before he sinned to eat of the Tree of Life So in this Paradise of God we read of the Tree of Life which as some understand Rev. 2.7 is Jesus Christ And to him that overcometh will I give to eat of the Tree of Life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God which doubtless signifies the glorious participation of the Life Fulness and transcendent Sweetness of the Lord Jesus and of the continuance of the Life of the Saints in its full Strength Vigour and Glory to Eternity VIII Adam in Paradise had great knowledg both of God and the Nature of all Creatures God brought all the Creatures to Adam to see what he would call them and whatsoever Adam called each living Soul Gen. 2.19 that was the Name thereof the naming of the Creatures saith Ainsworth was a sign of Soveraignty it also manifested Adam's Wisdom in naming things presently according to their Natures as the Hebrew Names by which he called them do declare So the Saints in Heaven shall be perfect in Knowledg they shall know as they are known they shall know all the Patriarchs Prophets Apostles and all the Saints that ever lived by Name which we may gather by that Knowledg Peter James and John had of Moses and Elias in the transfiguration of Christ in the Mount which was a Figure of Heaven Disparity ADam's Pleasure and Delight in Paradise was much of it Earthly But the Saints Pleasure and Delight in the Celestial Paradise will be Heavenly II. Adam in Paradise was troubled with a tempting Devil But the Saints in the Celestial Paradise shall not be troubled any more with a tempting Devil for he shall be shut up in Chains of Eternal Darkness to be tormented for ever III. Adam soon lost his earthly Paradise by Sin and was turned out of all But those who are accounted worthy to obtain this Heavenly Paradise shall never lose it nor be turned out of it but continue in it for ever and ever even to the days of Eternity Heaven a Crown of Life 2 Tim. 4.8 Henceforth is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness Rev. 2.10 And I will give thee a Crown of Life James 1.12 He shall receive the Crown of Life which the Lord hath promised to them that love him THE Reward of the Godly in Heaven is called a Crown a Crown of Life a Crown of Righteousness c. Parallels A Crown denotes any beautiful pleasing Ornament or profitable thing hence a Crown is put for to adorn and bless with good Things and so to make joyful Prov. 4.9 17.6 Psal 8.5 103.4 The Saints in Heaven shall be beautiful and very glorious they shall sparkle and shine forth like the Sun in the Kingdom of their Father plentifully enjoy and possess true Blessedness II. A Crown is a sign of a Kingdom and Dominion saith Ainsworth The glorified Saints in Heaven shall possess a Kingdom and shall be as Kings and Princes for ever and ever Hearken my beloved Brethren hath not God chosen the poor of this World rich in Faith Jam. 2.5 and Heirs of the or that Kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him III. A Crown denotes also Victory Christ warring against his Enemies and overcoming them hath on his Head many Crowns or Diadems So the Saints being Crowned signifieth that perfect Conquest they have through Christ obtained over Sin Satan Death and Hell c. IV. A Crown signifieth Glory Honour and external Grandure The glorified Saints shall be honoured and appear in eternal Grandure as Kings who have their Crowns on their Heads V. As there is nothing more rich glorious desireable nor esteemed among Men above a Crown or Kingdom So the Holy Spirit in setting forth the Reward and everlasting Glory of the Saints in Heaven compares it to these things But alas there is no earthly thing how splendant and glorious soever can sufficiently set out the state of the Saints after Death or the Glory of Heaven For Pleasure 't is called Paradise for Riches and Honour 't is called a Crown and a Kingdom A Crown of Life denoting that Saints in laying down their Lives for Christ shall not be at all losers thereby but only exchange it for a better a short momentary Life for an everlasting Life a Life of Joy for a Life of Sorrow a Life of perfect
Frâ—edom for a Life attended with manifold Temptations Disparity OTher Crowns I mean earthly Crowns are corruptible This Crown is incorruptible II. Other Crowns are attended with many Sorrows Troubles and Perplexities c. But this Crown is attended with no such thing for the condiâ—ion of the Heirs of this never-fading Crown will be so joyful that look outwardly there is Joy in the Society Heb. 12.22 if inwardly there is Joy in their own Felicity 1 Cor 2.9 Look forward there is Joy in the Eternity of it 1 Pet. 5.10 So that on every side they shall be even swallowed up of Joy Isa 35.10 Oh! the transcendency of that Paradise of Pleasure where is Joy without Heaviness or Interruption Peace without Perturbation Blessedness without Misery Light without Darkness Health without Sickness Beauty without Blemish Abundance without Want Ease without Labour Satiety without Loathing Liberty without Restraint Security without Fear Glory without Ignominy Knowledg withâ—ut Ignorance Eyes without Tears Hearts without Sorrow Souls without Sin Where shall be no Evil heard of to affright them nor Good wanting to chear and comfort them they shall have what Good they desire and desire nothing but what is good their Promises shall end in Performances Faith in Sight and clear Vision Hope in Fruition and Possession Yea Time it self shall be swallowed up in Eternity To sum up all in a few Words there is no Joy here comparable to that in Heaven all our Mirth here to that is but Pensiveness all our Pleasures here to that is but Heaviness all our Sweetness here to that is but Bitterness Even Solomon in all his Glory and Royalty to that was but as a Spark in the Chimny to the Sun in the Firmament yea how little how nothing are the poor and temporary enjoyments of this Life to those that the Heirs of Promise shall enjoy in the Life that is to come III. Other Crowns fade away the Prince is in a moment gone from that or that is gone from him But this Crown abideth It is incorruptible and undefiled and fadeth not away reserved in Heaven for you c. 1 Pet. 1.4 IV. Other Crowns are gotten many times by Usurpation But the Saints shall have the Crown in a just and righteous way 't is a Crown of Righteousness of which Saints are true and lawful Heirs this Crown is purchased for them by Christ and given to them by the free Donation of the Father besides they are born Heirs to it by the Spirit If Children then Heirs Heirs of God and Joint-Heirs with Christ c. Rom. 8.17 Inferences WE may infer from hence that God's Children are not such Fools as they are accounted by the Ungodly World they have made a good Choice in preferring Heaven above Earth What 's the Glory of this World to the World to come Yea Paradise or the Garden of Eden was but a Wilderness compared with this Paradise And indeed if the Gates of the City be of Pearl and the Streets of Gold what then are the Inner Rooms and Lodging Chambers of the Great Monarch of Heaven and Earth at whose right Hand are Pleasures for evermore II. Let not the Saints grow weary nor faint in their Minds when Heirs of a Crown of Glory that fadeth not away methinks they may be contented to undergo some Troubles in this Life since by suffering these things for Christ's sake they shall be crowned with Glory Honour and Everlasting Life They shall receive the Crown of Life c. Jam. 1.12 Of Hell Hell a Furnace of Fire the Place of the Damned Mat. 13.42 And shall cast them into a Furnace of Fire there shall be wailing and gnashing of Teeth WE are now drawing towards a Conclusion it remains only that we speak something concerning Hell which is the Place prepared for the Damned the Torment of whom is set forth by Fire by a Furnace of Fire and by utter Darkness It hath been a long and ancient Controversy whether Fire here is to be taken Properly or Figuratively I shall not undertake to determine whether it be real Fire or not Doubtless the Torment of the Wicked will be worse than 't is to be cast into any Furnace of Elementary Fire The Schoolmen affirm that the least Torture in Hell exceeds the greatest that can be devised by all the Men on Earth even as the least Joy of Heaven surpasseth the greatest Comforts of this World c. There is scarce any Pain here on Earth but there is some hope of Ease Mitigation or Intermission but in Hell their Torments are easeless endless remediless and they themselves left hopeless helpless and pittyless However we will run a Parallel between a Furnace of Fire and the Place of the Damned for in some things there is a fit Resemblance Parallels A Furnace of Fire hath been prepared as a place of Torment the King of Babylon caused a Furnace to be heat exceeding hot and that whosoever would not bow down to his Golden Image should be cast unto it Hell is a place of Torment prepared for all Wicked and Ungodly Men Rev 21.8 who live and dye in their Sins II. A Furnace of Fire that is heated exceeding hot is very terrible and amazing to him who for his wicked Deeds is told he must be cast therein So Hell is a very terrible and an amazing thing to think upon how lamentable is the Thoughts of it to a guilty Sinner that is awakened that sees no Remedy but thither he must go III. What Torment can be greater than to be cast into a burning fiery Furnace So what Torments can be greater than the Torments of Hell Disparity A Fiery Furnace tho terrible and painful yet it puts an end to the Lives of those that that are thrown into it and the hotter it is the sooner it dispatcheth them out of their pain But the Torments of Hell put no end to the tortured neither can the Damned die but have an ever-dying Life and an everlasting Death it is a Death which hath no Death The Worm dyeth not II. The Torment of a Fiery Furnace can reach but the outward Man it cannot destroy the Soul But the Torments of Hell reach to the very Soul called the Perdition or Destruction of Ungodly Men both of Soul and Body III. The hottest Furnace in the World may abate its heat for want of Fuel and at length be wholly extinguished however its Terrors and Pains are but short and momentary But the tormenting Fire of Hell never abates its heat nor ever goeth out therefore called everlasting Fire now to add Eternity to Extremity and then you will perceive Hell to be Hell indeed IV. Other Fire may be quenched But the Fire of God's Wrath or Hell Fire shall nevâ—r be quenched Vt supra Inference THat as there is no greater cause of magnifying Christ than for Redemption-Mercy and so of Joy unspeakable and full of Glory So there is no greater cause of Sorrow and intolerable Misery than
Fields there were very many Altars dedicated to unknown Gods hinted at by the Evangelist Luke Acts 17. as also by Pausanias in his Atticks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Altars of unknown Gods which Altars were the Invention of Epimenides the Cretan For when that Country was visited with a sore Plague they consulted the Delphian Oracle whose Answer is reported to be That they must offer Sacrifices but named not that God to which they should be offered Epimenides who was then at Athens commands that they should send Beasts intended for the Sacrifice through the Fields and that the Sacrificers should follow with this Direction that wherever they should stand there they must be sacrificed to the unknown God in order to pacify his Wrath. From that time therefore to the time of Diogenes Laertius these Altars were visited More of this may be seen in Sixtus Senensis lib. 2. Biblioth Tit. Arae Atheniensis Inscriptio See also Wolfius Tom. 1. Lectionum Memorabilium p. 4. v. 20 c. So much of Schemes or Figures Schema hujus Mundi citius prolabitur Vndis In Jesu Coelo solo spes rata firma quies 1 Cor. 7.31 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Praeterit hujus Mundi Figura FINIS A TREATISE Of all the TYPES PARABLES and ALLEGORIES of the Old and New-Testament with the Expositions of the Learned upon such as are obscure c. IN treating of a Type we are to remark 1. It s Definition and that 1. With respect to its Name 2. With respect to the Thing it self 2. It s Division 3. Its Canons or Rules of which in order Article I. Of the Definition of a Type IN the Definition 1. We are to respect its Etymology 2. It s Homonymy or various Acceptations The Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Typos which generally is used in this Affair is derived of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies to beat or strike and is formed of its mean Praeter-Tense has various Significations As 1. In a general Signification 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Type is called the Print or Mark which is made by beating as John 20.25 what we call the print of the Nails is in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Type of the Nails that is the Impression or Holes left by the Nails beaten or driven through his Hands 2. More particularly It denotes an Example or Exemplar which in certain Actions we imitate this goes before and is to be imitated see Phil. 3.17 1 Thess 1.7 2 Thess 3.9 1 Tim. 4.12 Tit. 2.7 1 Pet. 5.3 1 Pet. 2.21 Acts 23.25 Rom. 6.17 What we translate Form of Doctrine in the Greek is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that Type of Doctrine that is in which God has prescribed the Rule Form and Example of Obedience and Life to us viz. to believe the Gospel and live acordingly Phil. 1.27 Arist â—th 1. c. 3. l. 2. c. 7. 3. In another Signification 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Type is called a Description not very exact viz. that which is made summarily briefly and less compleatly 4. It has also another Signification with Physicians who call that Form and Order observed or noted in the Increase or Abatement of Diseases 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Type denoting the Symptoms of the Disease and what it is Hence Galen writ a Book entitled 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Types As to other Senses wherein Lawyers and Politicians take it consult Stephanus in Thesaur Graecae Linguae Tom. 3. Col. 1691. 5. But to approach nearer to our Scope and Business 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Type denotes a Figure Image Effigie or Representation of any thing and that either painted feigned or engraven or expressed by any other way of Imitation Acts 7.43 So Isocrates in Evag. encom calls 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Images of Bodies 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 6. Divines understand nothing else by Types but the Images or Figures of things present or to come especially the Actions and Histories of the Old-Testament respecting such as prefigured Christ our Saviour in his Actions Life Passion Death and the Glory that followed In which Sense some judg this Appellation to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 written or inscribed and refer Rom. 5.14 to it where Adam the first Man is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Figura futuri the Figure of him that was to come viz. the last Adam 1 Cor. 15.45 and 1 Cor. 10.6 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 now these things were our Types and ver 11. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 now all these things happened to them for Types These two Texts we translate Examples or Ensamples But in the former place Rom. 5.14 a Type seems not properly to denote what we here intend for there is a certain Comparison made between Adam and Christ which carries rather a Disparity than a Similitude in it The Protasis or Proposition is in v. 12. As Adam conveyed Death together with Sin to all that were born of him ut Adamus omnibus ex se natis cum peccato mortem communicat The Apodosis Rendition or Return is not expresly set down but insinuated in the foregoing words as if he had said So Christ conveys or communicates Life to all those that by Faith are given to and implanted in him A Type therefore in the said place denotes a Similitude generically and relates to the fifth particular In the latter Example 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Type signifies an Example Shadow or Umbrage of things to come as the words annexed make out yet not properly relating to the Types in hand To this some refer Heb. 8.5 Acts 7.44 where 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Type is taken for the Pattern and Image shewn to Moses in the Mount Exod. 25.40 in the Hebrew 'tis called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an Exemplar Pattern Figure or Form denoting that the Structure of that Levitical Tabernacle was a Type or Prefiguration of the Truth which was to be expected under the Gospel-Dispensation So Gregory Nazianzen says * Orat. 42. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 p. 683. That the Universal Law was a shadow of things to come as the Apostle declared and as God commanded Moses to do all things 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 according to the Example shewed him in the Mount viz. of things obvious to sense which afterwards were to be discovered by Faith Piscator says that by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Type Heb. 8.5 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Arch-Type is to be understood that is the principal or primitive Exemplar or Pattern of those heavenly and spiritual things which were prefigured by the Tabernacle and the Ceremonies relating to it as Anti-Types viz. the Death of Christ upon the Altar of the Cross and his Entrance into the heavenly Sanctuary which things were spiritually revealed to Moses But we may be satisfied that by Type or Example in the aforesaid place we are to understand the Disposition and Form of the future building of God's House under the Evangelical
have a Typical Description of the Temple and City The Antitype of which is not the City and Temple rebuilt by Zerubbabel and Nehemiah after the Captivity as the Hebrew Rabbies and others have dreamed but the Mystical Temple of God his true Church and the heavenly and spiritual City as the Learned Doctor Haffenrefferus most learnedly expounds it Lastly the Revelations of John in which the future State of the Church by divers Visions both symbolical and typical is represented the Explication or fulfilling of which the Event must shew is properly reduced under this Head So much for Prophetical Types Article V. Of an Historical Type and its first Division AN Historical Type is the mystical Sense of Scripture whereby things acted or done in the Old Testament especially what respected the Priesthood and Worship of the Jews prefigured and adumbrated things acted in the New Testament-times with respect especially to Christ the Antitype who is as it were the Kernel inclosed in all those Shells of Old-Testament-Ceremonies Types or Actions c. This may be thus distinguished 1. that like an Allegory it is either innate or natural or inferr'd The Innate is that which is expresly delivered in the Scriptures or when the Scripture it self shews or intimates that some Ceremony or thing transacted does adumbrate the things related or done in the New-Testament especially Christ in a mystical sense This is done either expresly and implicitely or tacitely and implicitely or which is all one the Scripture either shews it expresly or tacitely insinuates the thing transacted to be a Type of Christ Of the first kind we have many Examples Examples of Types The Prophet Jonas was swallowed into the Whales Belly and vomited out after three days as Jonah 1.17 and 2.10 this is a Type of Christ who lay three days in the Grave and of his glorious Resurrection as Christ himself expresly says Matth. 12.40 16.4 Luke 11.29 30. The Brazen Serpent which Moses by Divine Command lifted up in the Desart against the bitings of Serpents as Numb 21.8 9. is expresly said to be a Type of Christ who was lifted up upon the Cross and healing Believers of the biting of the Infernal Serpent John 3.14 15. The Constiution and Sacrifice-Offerings of the Levitical Priesthood in the Old Testament did typically prefigure Christ the High-Priest as Heb. 5. and the following More Examples may be found upon a diligent search and Meditation of the Scripture Examples of the latter sort are these The Mercy-Seat Mercy-Seat or the Covering of the Ark of the Covenant Exod. 25.17 which typified Christ Rom. 3.25 so you may compare Josh 1 c. with Heb. 4.8 that the Manna Manna was a Type of Christ is told us John 6.32.33 c. The Paschal Lamb Pascal Lamb. Exod. 12.3 c. was a Type of Christ as 1 Cor. 5.7 John 19.36 The Scape-Goat Lev. 16.10 21. was a Type of Christ as John 1.29 1 Pet. 2.24 So was Isaac Gen. 22.2 12. with Rom. 8.32 and Heb. 11.19 So Sampson Judg. 13 c. compared with Matth. 2.23 where that which is spoken of Sampson Judg. 13.5 is accommodated to Christ the Antitype Yet the Phrase 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he shall be called a Nazarene not used as some say respecting the words concerning Sampson but to other Sayings of the Prophets Isa 60.21 c. * Isa 11.1 Zech. 6.12 in which the Messias is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Netzer Surculus a Branch whence Narareth is derived hence the Syriack has it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Natzerath or Notrath †See Piscator upon the place and Junius in Parallellis Solomon First-born Son Matth. 2.23 and the Reason they give is that it is said it was written 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by the Prophets in the plural Number c. That King Solomon the Son of David was a Type of Christ appears Heb. 1.5 Acts 2.30 13.12 where the Promise made to David spoken in a literal sense of Solomon 2 Sam. 7.12 1 Chron. 17.11 is referred to Christ The first-born Son of the Lord as the People of Israel are called Exod. 4.23 when they were to go out of Egypt is a Type of Christ the only begotten Son of God Mat. 3.17 who is said to be called from his Exile in that Nation Mat. 2.15 where that which is literally said of the Israelites Hos 11.1 is accommodated to Christ the Antitype c. An illated or inferr'd Type is that which is conseqentially gathered to be such by Interpreters this is either by fair Probabilities agreeable to the Analogy of Faith or extorted and without any Foundation in or shadow of Sense from the literal Sense of the Text. Judg. 13.14 15 16 Chapters Of the first sort the Homily-writers and Expositors produce a great many As the doings of Sampson in marrying a strange Wife and destroying his Enemies by his Death altho no where in Scripture applied to Christ yet it is expounded as a Type of Christ who was spiritually as it were married to the Gentiles and conquered his Enemies by Dying More Examples are Gen. 37 c. respecting Joseph Numb 16.47 respecting Aaron See Isa 59.2 Gen. 2.22 23. Dan. 6.22 Judg. 16.2 3. 1 Sam. 17.49 1 Sam. 22.2 with Luke 15 1 c. Of the latter sort are the wild fantastical Conceits of Papists and some others who make Types where there are none For Instance * Lib. 1. summae cap. 90. Turrecremata makes the Son of David yea Christ himself a Type of the Pope of Rome For he expounds the words 2 Kings 7.13 thus I will establish the Throne of his Kingdom for ever that is says he I will cause the Supremacy or Kingdom of the Pope always to endure with several other things of the same ridiculous Tenor which we omit as useless to our undertaking Article VI. Other Divisions of an Historical Type ANother Division of an Historical Type is this some immediately respect Christ and some the Things that belong to Christ Of the first Sort are such Things as prefigure and lively set forth his most holy Life his most bitter Death his most glorious Resurrection and Exaltation as in the Examples before recited Of the latter Sort are the universal Flood in which by the peculiar Blessing of God Noah Noah and his Family were saved which is called a Figure or Type of Baptism 1 Pet. 3.21 to which Psal 29.10 may be applied which by the Power and Efficacy of the most precious Blood of Christ saves Men and is to them the Laver of Regeneration and Renovation of the Holy Spirit The Parallel of this Type with the Antitype may be read in the learned Gerhard Tom. 4. loc de Bapt. Sect. 8. The Bodily Circumcision Circumcision is a Type of Heart Circumcision the former is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Circumcision made without Hands the latter 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Circumcision of Christ Col. 2.11 So
a Crown of Life Page 409 Hell Hell why called a Furnace of Fire Page 410 Heat Affliction compared to great Heat in 8 Things Page 387 Horn. The little Horn Dan. 7. proved to be the Pope Page 361 Hunter Satan why called a Hunter and what kind of Hunter he is opened in eight Partic. Page 361 Hope Hope a Helmet why so called Page 22 23 A Definition of Hope Page 22 I. Jewels SAints why called God's Jewels together with the Nature of Jewels opened in seven Things Page 198 Imitate Saints imitate God in five Things Page 144 Judgment-Day Judgment-Day compared to an Assize in eight Particulars Page 406 L. Lambs WHat meant by Lambs in a large Place Page 192 193 Labourers Ministers why called Labourers in 6 things Page 259 Christ's Labourers ought to be sufficiently provided for largely proved Page 260 261 Lilly The excellent Nature of the Lilly and why the Church is compared to it in 8 things Page 115 116 Light Light sown for the Righteous in five respects Page 384 Life Life of Man compared to a swift Post Page 393 To a swift Ship ibid To a Weavers Shuttle and to the Wind Page 394 To a Cloud and to a Flower Page 395 How we may know a Man who hath a Principle of spiritual Life in him Page 229 Lions Why Saints are compared to Lions shewed in five Things Page 188 189 Why wicked Men are compared to Lions Page 237 Locusts What meant by the Locusts out of the Bottomless Pit Page 137 Love Why Love is compared to Death and the Grave Page 30 Why to Coals and Flames of Fire Page 31 Christ's Love why compared to Wine opened in eight Things Page 34 M. Man WHy Man is compared to Earth opened in seven Things Page 133 134 Man why called a Worm and how fitly he may be compared thereto opened in ten Par. Page 136 Man like a Flower of the Field Page 138 139 Wicked Men mad or besides themselves opened in six Things Page 234 Marriage-Day The Resurrection-Day the Saints Marriage-Day and Coronation-Day Page 404 405 Merchants Saints spiritual Merchants in ten things Page 168 169 Ministers Ministers why called Angels Page 258 Work of a Minister hard in five Things Page 289 Who is a true Minister and how to be chosen and ordained Page 289 The Necessity of a Gospel Ministry Page 290 Mother Why the Church of God is called a Mother Page 110 The Church compared to the Moon Page 86 Morning The Resurrection compared to the Morning in nine Particulars Page 402 Mountains Why wicked Men are called Mountains Page 225 226 Myrtle-Trees The Nature of the Myrtle-Tree and what Fruit it bears and why the Godly are compared to it in seven Things Page 184 N. WIcked Men naked Page 247 O. Olive-Tree THe Nature of the Olive-Tree and why the Church is compared thereto Page 91 P. Palm-Tree WHat the Nature of it is and why the Godly are compared to it opened in nine Particulars Page 175 176 The Godly like the Palm-Tree flourish under heavy Pressures Page 177 Papists Papists confuted about Transubstantiation Page 38 39 Papists spiritual Thieves Page 246 Pilgrims Saints compared to Pilgrims opened Page 175 Priests Why the Saints are called Priests Page 200 Prince The Devil why called Prince of Darkness Page 360 Planters Ministers Planters why so called opened in fourteen Particulars Page 275 276 Plague Sin a Plague Page 349 The Plague of the Leprosy a Figure of Sin shewed in seven Things Page 344 Poyson Sin compared to Poyson in seven things Page 350 351 Poor Wicked Men poor and miserable shewed in seven Things Page 250 Providence Providence of God wonderful in preserving of his People in these Days Page 108 Providence of God compared to Clouds and Darkness Page 377 383 Prayer Saints must pray always what meant thereby Page 160 Special Seasons for extraordinary Prayer Page 160 Prayer a great Ordinance in six Things Page 160 161 What hinders the Saints Prayer Page 161 R. Race WHat a Man must do who would run the spiritual Race opened Page 162 to 165 Rod. Wicked Men the Rod of God in five Things Page 201 Afflictions called a Rod Page 379 What Voice is in the Rod Page 380 Rock The Heart of a Sinner compared to a Rock in seven Things Page 251 How to know a hard and rockie Heart shewed in five Things Page 252 Rulers Good Rulers their Qualifications and how chosen and govern Page 287 Ministers of the Gospel why called Rulers Page 287 S. Salt GRace compared to Salt in seven things Page 1 2 Saints compared to Salt Page 166 Satan Satan's Subtilty in warring against the Soul Page 153 Saints Saints Joynt-heirs and yet every one shall have Possession of the whole Inheritance Page 145 Sepulchre Hypocrites why compared to a Sepulchre in four Things Page 115 116 Sickness Sin a Sickness Page 352 What a Sickness Sin is opened Page 352 353 Sin The evil and abominable Nature of Sin largely opened by divers Metaphors Page 331 to 350 Singing Singing of Psalms an Ordinance of God Page 107 Spirit The Spirit of a Man why called the Candle of the Lord shewed in four Things Page 68 Ship Why the Church is compared to a Ship Page 118 Shepherds Ministers compared to Shepherds in 8 things Page 280 Sluggards Wicked Men called Sluggards Page 207 to 210 Stewards Every Saint a Steward why so called Page 195 Why Ministers are called Stewards Page 272 273 Souldiers Saints Souldiers of Jesus Christ largely opened in twenty two Particulars Page 149 to 157 Spokesmen Ministers Christ's Spokesmen opened in six Things Page 268 269 Swine The Nature of Swine and why wicked Men are compared to them in many Partic. Page 216 217 Sleep Death why called a Sleep Page 394 The Difference between the Sleep of the Godly and the Vngodly Page 394 Summer Day of Grace called Summer in 5 things Page 369 T. Tares WIcked Men compared to Tares Page 222 223 Thieves Thief Wicked Men called Thieves Page 245 Sin why called a Thief Page 331 Thorns Wicked Men why compared to Thorns Page 124 Trade Godliness a Trade opened in thirteen Particulars Page 371 to 376 The excellent Trade of the City of God Page 84 85 Truth The Excellency of Truth Page 7 8 Truth taken variously Page 3 Trumpeters Ministers why called Trumpeters Page 263 to 267 Types A Treatise of Types Page 413 to the End V. Vessels SAints compared to Vessels Page 186 187 Vipers The Nature of Vipers and why wicked Men are so called Page 248 Vineyard The Church compared to a Vineyard Page 99 100 Virgin The Church compared to a Virgin Page 103 104 Vomit What meant by turning to the old Vomit Page 354 Uncleanness Sin an unclean Thing nothing so unclean as Sin opened in five Things Page 355 The woful Uncleanness of Man by Nature Page 356 W. Watchmen MInisters why called Watchmen Page 263 264 Wells Why False-Teachers are called Wells with-Water Page 293 Willow-Trees Why Saints are compared to Willow-Trees Page 183 Winter Afflictions compared to Winter in 8 things Page 382 Wilderness This World a Wilderness in eight respects Page 341 Wheat Saints compared to Wheat Page 178 179 A Trial of Wheat from Tares Page 177 Wormwood Afflictions compared to Worm in 3 things Page 388 Wounds What a kind of Wound Sin is opened in ten Particulars Page 346 When a Wound may be said to be deadly or incurable Page 345 346 World The End of the World why called Harvest Page 392 FINIS